We had our second Christmas party at our home in Kubang Kerian. Last year was done on smaller scale. This year, we had more varieties of food, cooked by Wife.
I cooked a simple yam dessert. The or nee was prepared earlier by Wife. I just added olive oil and cooked it under small fire. Wife prepared beef and chicken Shepperd pies. Then, there were spaghetti with beef sauce. And chicken sauce since some of our guests didn't eat beef.
The star attraction of the night. TURKEY! We were surprised that our nearby supermarket, Mydin was selling frozen turkey. It was a rare buy. We bought one around 3 kilogrammes bird. Wife searched the Net for a good recipe and I helped out by making sure the turkey was cooked nicely in the oven. It was grilled perfectly and I had a juicy bite of it.
We prepared fried chicken wings which I marinated with fermented tofu sauce, vegetable salad, cupcakes and cheese-cherry snack. Wife's friend brought bread pudding.
Wife said she didn't eat the portobello mushroom which she stuffed with minced pork, onion, bit of shredded cheese, bread crumbs and finely-chopped spring onion. I had one and I told her it's really finger licking delicious.
The boys were running around happily.
The children were enjoying themselves.
We invited our church carolling group to come to our house a week earlier. They reached our place as our guests were enjoying themselves. Around 8.30pm and the group leader told us it was their third stop of the night. We were told that there were 34 of them but almost 50 of them turned up. Bless all of them for their lovely voices. Our home was packed to the max.
Everyone was enjoying the atmosphere.
Stay tuned next year to see what Wife will be cooking next Christmas.
Jacob was jumping excitedly when Wife started to pump up the mini portable outdoor swimming pool.
The water was cold but the kids couldn't resist jumping into the water.
Wife made sure the kids washed their feet thoroughly before letting them in the pool. Darrien brought the pink scoop and his few toys with him.
Seeing me taking photos of them, Darrien asked me to take a picture of his scratch marks on his thigh.
Jacob was reluctant to make himself wet at first. After splashes and splashes of water from his brother, he started making big splashes as well.
The kids were really enjoying the cold water.
Hands up, bro!
Here a good splash on you! Yay!
The simple pleasure of life.
I celebrated Christmas in Kota Bharu three times in my lifetime. Once when I was doing my postgraduate study in 2002. Then, with my wife and the two boys last year and this year. It does feel strange yet wonderful what marriage changes my life.
After Mass, the Christmas celebration began at the church closed compound, with the host and hostess tickled our bones every now and then.
Look at how big my Darrien is... as Peter Pan. It was a bit too early to put on Jacob's Reindeer costume. He was pulling it with his hands, probably too hot for him. The host gave him a Santa's hat.
They were getting attention from everyone! The boys were cool while their photos were taken from every angles.
Parish priest, Rev Father Robert Daniel.
Fancy dress competition, for children below 6 years old, started late in the morning. My boys were given a pink card each for the judges to recognize them. They moved around in the designated area happily. Putting on their best behaviour and showing everyone the costumes which Wife had made for many nights with lots of love.
Guess what? Jacob was given first prize and Darrien the second prize. Both were holding the red presents tightly till they reached home. Wife sure had put many smiles on their faces today through her labour of tender love
.
Merry Christmas from me and my family.
With Love in Kota Bharu.
