I guess I'll go shopping again today. I have to get gifts for my Mom, sister, nephew and BIL. I hate going shopping on the weekend. I gave Madi another iTouch and told her if she loses this one that's it! Jake picked out a bunch of stuff at the swim meet and I picked up a couple video games for him. I'll probably just give him money and pick up the some of the other things that Madi wants. She gave me a list of a dozen fairly expensive items that she wanted, Jake couldn't think of anything. Boys are so much easier! Kyle got a bunch of toys and I'll pick up some more during the week. DH has his eye on another TV. Whichever he decideds on will be from the kids and I. We need another TV like a hole in the head. I think I've bought him a TV or some type of audio/visual thing every year for the past 6 years, real imaginitive. lol At least the holiday lasts for 8 days so I don't have to have everything ready at once. DH surprised me with a beautiful cashmere coat that I showed him a while back. I'm surprised that he remembered. I have the Kate Spade bag that I bought myself and said it was from the kids. That lets them off the hook.

Lovely greetings! I hope you all had joyous holidays! We spent ours in Mexico with family and had the best time. Some of you may remember we tried to go about four years ago and got snowed in with the big blizzard at DIA. Our little girls adoption will be finalized this February so I'm feeling like this year is going to be a good one. I always feel like the New Year is a big corner turned for us gardeners! Happy New Year and cheers to the best gardens ever this year! Charlene

A very Happy Hanukkah from me too... Ellen, can you eat sweet potatoes(yams) instead of potato? I hear those make great latkes... Maybe I'll make Latkes...never made them or eaten them...but depending on which day I decide to serve Christmas dinner..I need another "dinner" for the other day..LOL

Bpath that menorah is just exquisite. So MCM! For those who are interested in learning more about the Jewish Holidays, there is a great cooking blog that explains the significance of each holiday,ToriAvey.com. Hit the holidays tab once your on the site. She also has a tab called the History Kitchen which has classics. Her recipes are great. So far I have made her Kugel. I am in the process of making Beet Tartare Salad from her site. We are celebrating with family tonight. Here is my Hanukkah Celebration Menu: During cocktails Greek Mezze Platter (modified)-which has many of the elements of typical Middle Eastern/Israeli foods -from Ina's new cookbook, Make It Ahead Dinner Beet Tartare Salad- From Tori Avery Brisket- Ina Garten's (my family loves it, so easy). Kasha and Bowties with zucchini Potato Latkes- these are a PTA to make! Challah Dessert Lemon Yogurt Pound Cake- Ina's. From Scratch Brownies and Vanilla Ice Cream-Food and Wine magazine