Christmas Catch Up and Happy New Year

I am really sorry for my lack of posting, things have just been crazy around here.  We are packing up to move this Friday, and for some reason I thought it would be a great idea to have family over both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!!  Packing went to the wayside, as I cleaned and organized for family.  I am really glad we had everyone over, because we had an awesome time together. 

Christmas Eve we had my dad and stepmom, my brother Doug, his girl friend Melissa and her daughter, Tori, and my brother Aron.  I cooked a 24 pound turkey that my hubby brined the night before and it came out so juicy and tender, it was amazing, slap yo momma good!!!  My kids opened the billions of presents brought over by the grandparents, and then we all sat around and enjoyed each other's company.

Christmas Day my hubby got up at 5 am to put in the brisket in the oven, that he had marinating in a dry rub and injected with apple juice from the night before.  The brisket was amazing!!  The secret truly is the apple juice to making tender and juicy meat!!  We saw that on a grilling cook off show, and it really makes all the difference (that you cannot taste, in case you were wondering).  Christmas Day my mom and grandpa came by and my brother Aron came back over. 

With all the grandparents and uncles that came by, some how we still managed to have a visit from Santa and we even opened up gifts from each other.  It was a long 2 days, with an abundance of presents, but we had such a great time.

I am not sure with the move this weekend when I will be able to get back on the computer to update, so I want to wish each one of you a very Happy New Year!!!  Make sure to eat your black eyed peas and cabbage!!!  I know we will!!