A Christmas Meme...

Several of my blogger friends have been posting their answers to this Christmas Meme, so I thought I'd jump on the same bandwagon --- after all we're friends, right?

1. Egg nog or hot chocolate?
I like Egg Nog occasionally, with rum, please! Although, hot chocolate is a winter staple for me. Don on the other hand, loves chocolate and milk; just don't mix the two together, LOL!


2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
Dfinitely wrapped! I love shopping for gift wrap just as much as love wrapping gifts! The simplest I do is a gift surrounded within tissue paper tucked lovingly inside a gift bag.

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?
We placed no lights on the house this year {remember I was going to measure our porch for winter greenery galand? LOL! That didn't happen.} Both of our trees feature white lights, although I loved colored lights as well.

4. Do you hang mistletoe?
No, however, Don and I make a game of discovering where it is hung year after year!

5. When do you put your decorations up?
I begin my Christmas decorating often the day after Thanksgiving. I may take me up until Christmas Eve to get everything I desire to use set up and in place.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?
Oh no, NOT a favorite question... I love so many things that these are the always the hardest for me. I hesitate, think of something, then think of something entirely different, LOL! However, Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without at least on dinner consisting of candied ham!

7. Favorite holiday memory as a child:
My favorite childhool memory is related to Christmas.. My brother, who is a carpenter now, attempted to build me a coveted log home playhouse by cutting down a neighbor's cherry tree. He drew sketches of what the log home would look like, right down to the gerainiums in the window boxes. Years later, I painted an old saw, purchased at a flea market, with a log home with red geraniums in the window sills. My brother cried when he opened it; surprised that I had remember that from our childhood.


8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
I honestly don't remember but I do remember discussing all the possibilities of Santa with my brothers and younger sister. I don't remember feeling any disappointment with the knowledge however, I gained an entirely new level of respect for my parents!

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
I don't personally open a gift now that I'm "grown-up". However, when my daughter was little we had a tradition of allowing her to open one gift on Christmas Eve. Usually new pj's; perfect for Christmas morning pics!


10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?
Our big tree in our living room is decorated in a Victorian theme... burgandy, hunter green, navy blue, and gold finished ornaments. There are some special ornaments that we try to add a few more to every year. I use a gold beaded garland that I swap over the branches, and a burgandy with gold embossed ribbon, tied with bows completes the tree.

Our smaller tree in our kitchen is decorated in silver and blue. A white and blue garland with silver icicles complete the look!


11. Snow! Love it or dread it?
Both! I love having a White Christmas! I love watching it fall silently and softly, feeling all giddy with excitement. I love to wake up and see it laying across our backyard, untouched and glistening as the sun begins to rise. I also love seeing it in the twilight hours, as the day turns quietly to night, there's something magical in that moment when the white become a beautiful blue.

On a day to day basis, I don't like the cold, the wetness, the tracking it in on our wood floors. I don't like to drive in it and I hate the yuck it makes when dirty from car exhausts.

12. Can you ice skate?
Are you kidding? I have never tried!!! I do not believe that I am going to start at my age, LOL!


13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
No. I cannot say that I have recieved a favorite Christmas gift. Gift giving is such a small part of what I love about Christmas.


14. What’s the most important thing about the holidays for you?
The "W" in Christmas Love. The "M" turned upside down, "Christ Was Love" It reminds be to forgive others, to be kind, to be grateful, caring, and giving. To meet the needs of another without waiting to be asked. It is about celebrating the birth of Christ, his life, his love, and sharing that love with family and friends.


15. What is your favorite holiday dessert?
Without a doubt, the Cookies. Not one in particular, I love them all equally!

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Visiting Medina's Candlelight Walk, the Saturday before Thanksgiving. We seldom miss it... another is driving around looking at the Christmas lights!

17. What tops your tree?
A burgandy and gold bow graces our living room tree. It is too tall for the glass topper! A small blue angel is on the kitchen tree.

18. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving?
Definately giving. I love shopping for gifts that I know others will enjoy. Although, the receiving isn't bad either, LOL!

19. What is your favorite Christmas song?
Silent Night.

20. Candy canes: Beautiful to display in glass jars and wonderful to make milkshakes with!!!! I love Smith's Peppermint Ice cream!!!!

21. Favorite Christmas movie?
The original Miracle on 34th Street with Natalie Wood. Although, I enjoy them all!

22. What do you leave for Santa? Decorated Sugar Cookies and a small glass of milk.

Christmas was wonderful!

Don and I had a wonderful Christmas holiday season! The time, money, and effort that was put in weeks before the main event, turned out to be worth all the hustle and bustle, and more than we could have ever dreamed of.

Dinner and time with my family, watching them opening the gifts we had purchased, laughing and playing with Alexxis and her toys made our day spectacular! It was wonderful not receiving anything in return except their time and company on Christmas Eve. There were no disappointments and no expectations... just sharing in the merriment of memories that we were creating together.

Later in the evening and upon returning home, we were blessed with the presence of good friends. A short visit from Jim and Rosella, but a delightful one, full of laughter, genuine caring and well wishes, and promises of getting together in the new year.

Unfortunately, Sheila and Dennis came by but didn't stop. I had sent Don out to get some soda to drink and when they came by they didn't see the truck so thought maybe we weren't at home. I was here and the lights were on... but in there tiredness of the day they'd spent with their families... a telephone call from them confirmed this and we all had a good laugh over it.

Christmas morning was spent browsing online and lounging for a bit before preparing to make the trek to Don's mom's. Having time to spend by ourselves going to and from created just the right balance for the day. At Don's mom's we visited with family and friends, had a light lunch, and enjoyed more well wishes for the new year. In the mid-afternoon, we said our "Thank you's" for the wonderful lunch, the company, and gifts we received, and set out for traveling to Dennis and Sheila's.

We arrived there safely, without any mishaps. It rained and even gift wrapped in white garbage bags, tied with red closures, and adorned with boxs appeared feasitive in the bed of the pick up truck, LOL! But, everything arrived in one piece and dry!!!
Shortly after arriving, setting up some of our contribution to the Christmas dinner, Sheila's son BJ and his family arrived. It was a blessing to see her 3 yr. old grandson, Zachary, open and delight in opening his Christmas presents. We enjoyed a wonderful meal and one another's company for hours... even while cleaning up afterwards. We talked more about our plans to spend New Year's Eve together. Don and I will be spending the night there and Sheila and I will be preparing a Sausage Gravy and Buscuit breakfast in the morning. A little after 8 we set out for home, warm, dry, and with that warm, fuzzy feeling that only time spent with family and friends can bring!

Once home again, we got things situated in the house, put on our pj's and snuggled ourselves in with a glass of wine. A perfect way to say farewell to the last several days!

Wrapping the Magic!

After a quick stop at WalMart, simply for me to run in an purchase a smoked ham bone for occupying Chaos with while entertaining Dennis and Sheila this evening, we set out for home.

Arriving home after our gift giving shopping adventure and a wonderful dinner, I set out to putting Amber, Chris, and Alexxis's stockings items in gift bags before moving on to my parents stocking. I added a few small items my sister, Mary had recently sent for Alexxis {a pink hat and socks} and set out to wrapping the two blanket sleepers she had included for Alexxis. Before I knew it, another box was filled to be taken to my parents this early afternoon!

While I was gift wrapping Sheila and Dennis's gift, Don took Alexxis's Elmo TMX out of the box and installed the batteries. Of course, we had to play with him a few times before returning him to the box, wrapping him up, and placing him with the other items going to my Mom's today.

It was a perfect opportunity for me to slow down and relax! I found myself smiling, knowing the MAGIC will be coming unwrapped today. I hope everyone enjoys opening and receiving their gifts... I certainly had a fun time choosing them. Well, I'm off once again, as I need to shower, do my hair and make up, make a telephone call, and head to my parents.

Merry Christmas everyone! I'm excited about spending the next several days with family and friends!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas..

I finished my two containers of potatoe salad in the early evening yesterday and filled up a box of food to be taken over to my parents. Another couple of boxes filled with gifts for my parents, Amber, Chris, and Alexxis were also taken over. Shortly after situating the food in the frig and the gifts around their tree, I realized I had forgotten the stockings so I made a mental note of items yet to be taken over in the a.m.

During the day, I decided having dinner out would certainly save me some time and energy, not to mention yet another kitchen clean up, so after leaving my parent's home, Don and I headed down to Delaware. I thought I'd find my last minute gifts for Sheila and Dennis at Oakland Nursery and we could travel down St. Rt. 36/37 to have dinner at the Cracker Barrel restaurant. Arriving at Oakland Nursery, I became scared that they may closed as there wasn't a car in the lot! It turned out we had the place to ourselves to enjoy the fresh smell of evergreens, scented candles, fresh flowers, and Christmas ornaments and decorations galore! Anyone who knows me, knows I love shopping at Oakland! Within their gift shop, you can find just about anything in seasonal garden decor that works well inside and out, candles, candle holders, signs, potpourri, journals, furniture... you name it! and it is always good quality items.

I browsed through the gift department before finally choicing my selection, making note of a variety of items that would fit into our budget. You see, I had gifted Sheila with a Christmas Tinnie and one of the beautiful matchboxes, card, and gift tag sets that I had previously created. When she received it, she loved it so much, she went out and purchased a gift for Don and I so I desired to get her something else to go with what I had already given. Finally, I decided upon a bag of Christmas potpourri, a 5" Christmas tree green candle, and a small metal sign with a spiral rusty hanger that reads, "Unwrap the Magic". Normally, I like to choose gift items with things that I myself might like to receive, yet keeping my friends interests in mind, so I knew this would make a wonderful gift. Don and I browsed some more, and he purchased me a beautiful red fringed scarf with gold embroidery that says, "'Tis the Season to be Freezin'" and I love it! We also picked up a 3 pots of poinsettas!
Nothing says, "Christmas" more to me than poinsettas and christmas pine! I love the deep red, velvety leaves and the small golden blooms. Two will grace my small tree in the kitchen; while the other will be a hostess gift to my mom. Happy with our purchases, we headed to get us some dinner!

Arriving at the Cracker Barrel, we quickly browsed their gift shop. A lot of Christmas themed items were 50% off and some kitchen items were 40% off. I instantly feel in love with a 5" 3 pc. lighted Christmas Village and then, turned to see a beautiful oil bottle with an apple theme. I pointed them out to Don and asked if I could purchase one for Sheila. Her kitchen decor is all apples! Don loved it as well, so he turns to me and asks how I'd like to have the previously purchased items and we'd pick her up the apple decorated oil bottle and a matching cookie jar! I couldn't believe my ears!!! So, Merry Christmas to me and to Sheila! Of course, I'd love the gifts I had so heartfelt choosen previously for her and I know she is going to FLIP! when she opens these!!!

All the hustle and bustle...

of the last several days is catching up with me. I thought I was making some major improvement with the shoulder, back, and neck injury to quickly realize late last night and this early morning that I am trying to accomplish too much; possibly a little too soon. I'll be calling my chiropractor to see if I can be worked in this morning and hopefully, finding some time this evening to slip into the jacuzzi. My muscles would greatly appreciate the warm swirling water and hopefully will relax them some.

The good news is that things will be beginning to slow down! I've only a few last minute items to purchase and wrap up. Isn't it funny how that works? You think you have all your shopping for gift-giving completed to quickly realize you desire to get something for someone else? LOL! Thankfully, I know what the items are that I will be purchasing and won't have to browse around the stores to find something! Just a quick "jog" {and I say that lightly!} in and out... the hardest part will be finding a parking space.

All that is left to be made is the potatoe salad which I will be making this afternoon while Don is working. Of course, mom and I will be baking the ham for sandwiches on Sunday... however, that will be all that we will have to do. I will be picking up fresh buns this a.m. from the bakery.

Our home is warm and all aglow --- well for the most part. I still need to hunt down and determine why the lights on my living room tree aren't working. I'm thinking I've blown a fuse in the strands of light... hopefully, it won't be too much of a problem find and fixing it. I so enjoy the lights in the evening as I sit and relax in the warmth of their glow, comfy in my pj's covered with a throw, and a fresh cup of hot cocoa warming up my hands. Pure heaven!

Yesterday, I worked more in the kitchen; rearranging some items in our top cabinets, wiping them out, cleaning countertops, appliances before sweeping and mopping the hardwood floors. While I worked on that, Don pitched in and put laundry away and washed and dried yet another load and vacuamed our home for me. I tell you, I love a man who pitches in and works right along beside me!!!

I had my hair cutting and highlighting appointment yesterday afternoon. Rita was able to just highlight my hair as my roots from the all over cover are just beginning to show, so having it done wasn't too bad. We cut it into layers once again, which added the body and fullness it was beginning to lack. What really impressed me is the colors in my hair now! We decided on a cool blonde highlight and with the previous color and highlights, and the natural reds in my hair that seem to come out whenever we color it, so I have about 4 colors in it! It isn't an extreme, in your face type of color, more soft and subtle. It ranges from a medium/light brown to a a warm, soft blonde... and not too chunky and streaky and I am so loving it!

After returning home, I set out to bake sugar cookies. Unfortunately, my sugar cookie dough didn't turn out like I desired so I'll need to add more flour to it. With the recent rain, I wonder if it isn't the humidity that affected it. Not feeling like messing with it too much last night, I opted to return it to the refrigerator and set to putting a vegetable tray together instead. A bit more healthier and better for all of us, LOL!

After Don returned home from work, we took a short drive, to look at Christmas lights. This seems to have become one of our yearly traditions, LOL! Something we both enjoy. Upon returning home, I reached for the Advil and my pj's; it wasn't long there after, I was asleep in my bed, with visions of sugar cookies in my head. LOL!

Today's agenda doesn't look to be too busy... at least I am hoping not anyways!

* A morning trip to the chiropractor,
* a stop at the bakery for buns,
* and back home to relax for a bit.

I'll make up the potatoe salad while Don works this afternoon; possibly find time for a short nap??? we may run out early this evening to purchase the two remaining gifts... just one item and a gift certificate... Who knows, I may just decide to create a money envelope and include cash instead, elimating yet another trip across town. That is sounding good...Then I can pack up the gifts and the food that will be going to my Mom and Dad's and get that over there for tomorrow. Sounds like a great plan to me.......

Whatever your plans are for the day, I hope you find some time to simply relax, too. Have a sugar cookie, a cup of cocoa, and enjoy the lights tonight! {smiles}

Thank You and Merry Christmas!

I been meaning to create a post that has weighed heavy on my heart the last several days. That is to take a moment to say, "Thank You and Merrry Christmas!" to all of the men and women who are stationed overseas during this holiday season.

Regardless of my views regarding the war in Iraq, I appreciate the sacrifices and the compromises that so many are making to keep our country safe. I personally do not know what it is like to have a son or a daughter serve in the military, but as a mother of an only child, I can relate to the pride that they must feel, the beating of their heart at each and every knock upon their door, and the anticipation of bringing each and every one of our sons and daughters home safely. I pray for each and every one of you, I pray for a peaceful resolution, and I pray for Iraq.

As Christmas and the New Year swiftly approaches, my heart weighs heavy for those who a sacrificing for our country by standing their ground although their hearts are back in in the U.S. with their families. To those with mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, and neices, as well as all the significant others in each and every one of their lives with whom they will be giving the greatest gift of all to... Love of our country and Freedom! I say, "Thank You!" and "Thank You" to the families that support you.

As a woman, I am thankful and very grateful to have been born in the United States. To have the freedom and liberties that I know I often take for granted, mainly because I know of no different way of life. I could not imagine my life with not having the opportunities that I have available to me --- although I suppose had I been born somewhere else, I may not be so aware of them. Maybe these thoughts and ideas would sound like a dream, a hope or a prayer silently whispered, I don't really know but I do know my heart doesn't forget about the sisterhood that I share with so many around the world. To them, I say, "Thank You!"

May God be with each and every one of you this Christmas season, may you discover love, and I hope your holidays are calm and bright. May you find love, faith, and hope this Merry Christmas and into the Happy New Year!

A Gift from a wonderful friend...

I belong to several online groups but there is one that is special to me because of the friends that I participate in online art swaps with, the caring and compassion that we have for one another, the quality of artwork that we swap, RAK, and gift one another with. I was extremely surprised when I suggested a Handmade Christmas Mingle on rather short notice and six of us decided to participate! We each made something handmade for one another and I have to tell you the gifts that I seen to date are extremely amazing!

The photograph above was my Handmade Christmas Mingle gift created by Deborah March. Deborah is one amazingly talented paper/mixed media artist who inspires me with everything she puts her lovely hands upon! Of course, this gift to me was no different!!!! Deborah's gift arrived in a cd-style holder to which she had attached a mailing label to the front side. I used scissors to slice through the tape to discover that she had created me a beautiful heart- shaped ornament with gold embossing and glitz! tucked carefully inside the cd-style interior.

Tied to the top of each arch of the heart is a beautiful gold ribbon for hanging. Dangling musical note charms, that are actually a beautiful pair of pierced earrings, are slipped over the left side of the hanger and dangle down and over the heart embellishing it further. At the bottom point of the heart and attached using a jump ring is a beautiful jewelry finding medallion with additional dangling matching beads and musical note charms. This could easily be removed and added to a necklace chain and worn as a necklace with the matching earrings! My attempt at describing this in no way reflects the beauty of this artwork!

Many, many Thank you's, Deborah for creating this for me. I will always cherish it as a token of our friendship and wear these proudly knowing these were created by such a warm and wonderful person! Merry Christmas, my friend.

Christmas Tinnies ....

I needed something to hold these candies and had originally intended to use some ziplock baggies and create a cardstock style bag topper. However, when I ventured out to the studio to grab the baggies, I literally stumbled over a box of tin vegetable cans that I had cleaned, thrown into a box, and toted out to the studio. That is when it hit me to create Christmas Tinnies! I used my xyron to adhere red cardstock and an evergreen pinking sheared banner upon which I matted some vintage Christmas Card images. To protect the recipients, I decided to tuck in some white tissue paper prior to filling them with some Christmas goodies: Hersey Kisses, Peanut Butter Bells, and a couple Candy Canes. I believe next year, I'll recreate them ahead of time so that I will be able to use my rubberstamps and do some gold and silver heat embossing to embellish them further. For now, I'm simply pleased that I stumbled upon the idea when I needed it!

A "stolen" moment...

and not just one, a few... long enough for a cup of coffee and a quick update... {smiles}. Yesterday was a hectic day with a visit to the chiropractor, a trip to the library for copies to be made, grocery shopping, a short visit with my parents to drop of mom's copies she needed, before we finally headed home. Arriving home, I hit the kitchen to begin my holiday baking. A loaf of banana nut bread, banana nut muffins, peanut butter chocolate thumbprint cookies, and a batch of sugar cookie dough to refrigerator for use today. of course, I cleaned up often between tasks, washing dishes, baking pans, whiping up countertops. After my last batch of cookie dough making, I thought about whipping up some fantasy fudge, however, room to chill it in the side by side refrigerator became an obstacle, so I opted to wait to make that today after I'm finished baking sugar cookies. {That is IF I'm still standing, LOL!} So, instead of making fudge, I chose to make some Yule Logs. Not having a double boiler to melt chocolate in, I got resourceful by using my 5 qt. pot and a 2 1/2 qt. pot to melt my chocolate into and instead of making a bigger mess, I broke my pretzel rods in half so I could dip them into the 2 1/2 qt. pot of chocolate. After dipping them, placing them on wax paper, and sliding them onto a cookie sheet, they were slipped into the freezer to assist with the hardening of the chocolate; while I cleaned the 2 qt. pot so I could melt the white chocolate to drizzle over top. A lid kept the water boiling and a pot holder kept me from getting a steam burn. Once the white chocolate was melted, I scooped it into a quart sized freezer bag, zipped it closed and cut a small corner snip with scissor to use as a decorating bag. That worked wonderfully!!! and the fact that I could just toss it after use, made clean up a breeze!

I also managed to set up a hair cutting and highlighting appointment for today at 3:30 p.m. so I'm working on housework this a.m. and currently taking a well-deserved break for a minute or two. There is still a lot to do.... sugar cookies will be baked and decorated later today when I return home, and tomorrow I'll be making potatoe salad! 2 large bowls, on for my parents and our family luncheon on Sunday; the other for taking to Dennis and Sheila's for Christmas dinner.

I don't know if anyone of you will remember that I had an extra TMX Elmo; as there were a limit of 2 when we purchased it for on of Alexxis' gifts; we purchased an additional one. We have been wondering what to do with it..... thought about ebay.. thought about donating it to an angel tree child... then, I thought I'd like to donate to our hospital's pediatrics department. Well, I heard word yesterday that they are unable to accept it due to it being a plush toy and not easily sanitized, so Sheila is purchasing it from us to gift to her grandsons. She couldn't believe that I had one and although like me a bit disappointed the hospital couldn't accept it; she is excited that their loss is her gain. Dennis and Sheila will be stopping by on Christmas Eve to visit, pick it up, and take the potatoe salad home for our dinner there on Monday. This will work out beautifully, since we have lunch at my parent's with Amber, Chris, and Alexxis scheduled for 1 p.m. Sunday. On Monday, we will have a luncheon with Don's mom and family at her house; and in the mid-afternoon we will be heading over to Sheila's for Christmas dinner.

I had to laugh while talking with an internet friend, she asked, "When will you be starting a diet?" I chuckled and replied, "I'm on one now!" LOL! Thankfully, the majority of my recent cookie and candy making spree is going to be given away... neither Don or I can afford for it to hang around here too long!

Well, there is still a lot to do in preparation of Christmas which is now only 3 short days away, so I'm off of here...... it 'tis the season and time to hit the ground running, once again. I do have some items that I am desiring to capture photographs of to share.... I'll try to fit them in real soon. I hope your day is going good, your spirits are high, and you are celebrating the season in a holly jolly style!!!! {smile}

So little time....

I completed our Christmas gift-giving shopping early this year in hopes that life wouldn't be so hectic the last several days before Christmas. However, all my good intentions are quickly falling by the wayside as I have a chiropractor appointment this a.m.; gotta tackle the crowd at the grocery store today or tomorrow so I can get started baking cookies; squeeze in a haircut and highlight appointment sometime within the next 3 days' and make a potatoe salad for a Christmas Eve get together on Sunday with my family, and wrap up a few last minute gifts.

Thankfully, my mom decided a simple lunch will work best so on the menu for Christmas Eve day is a cheese ball for an appetizer, ham sandwiches, potatoes salad, a waldorf salad, with dutch apple pies for dessert!

On Christmas day, Don and I have a lunch with his family and an out of town dinner with friends in the early evening! So, I can relate to hectic, LOL! However, I did find some time to slow down and enjoy life yesterday as I made us a homemade pizza for lunch. While the pizza was baking, I tossed up a meatloaf to put in the oven for our dinner.

Between taking frequent breaks, I managed to keep the kitchen cleaned up, and even made a trip out to the studio for some supplies for a quick little project! I don't have time to photograph them just yet, but I promise that I will and upload them later. Until then, tootles..........

An Update...

I am so sorry that I've been missing and not posting as often! The truth is I've been limiting my computer time only checking my emails, replying only to what needs to be replied to, and checking into a few small groups periodically.

I haven't been accomplishing much of anything... except the day to day housework that is required with little effort on my part. There are some things that "need" done, however,I'm still desiring to take it easy until the stiffness and soreness lets up a bit more. Then I'll ease my way in... hopefully. That is the "game plan" anyways.

Don has been a god-send, assisting and helping out with the day to day chores. Between the two of us, we're managing quite well, all things considered; mainly focusing our attention on eating, cleaning up afterwards, and the laundry.

Friday and Saturday, I over did it a little bit by keeping Alexxis overnight. I haven't quite figured out how to say, "No." to that, LOL! She is such a character and a delightful child, it is a pleasure to have her around. She is crawling now, although she isn't venturing too far, prefering to only go far enough that she can see someone. That certainly made it easier on me although I was lifting her, picking her up, holding her, and cuddling with her plenty. At almost 6 months old now, she also holds her independence in high regard, so there was plenty of playing on the floor and couch with her toys; and naps!!! God, I love a good nap! I can wish her naps were a little less frequent and longer in duration, LOL!

My dad and two older brothers towed our Jeep Cherokee over to my dad's garage on Saturday. Since Dad's eye is healing up nicely after his cataract and lens replacement surgery, I'm certain he'll be digging in under the hood before too much longer. In the meantime, we're trying to remain optimistic that the head gasket, heads, and cylinders are fine... time will tell, I suppose. We spent the evening last night visiting with my parents and discussing our Christmas get together.

We will getting together with Amber, Chris, and Alexxis at my parents home on Christmas Eve day. Mom and I decided having a big dinner there and one the following day is just to much, so we're having a light lunch consisting of cheeseball and crackers, ham sandwiches, potatoe salad, waldorf salad, and a dessert. Then, we will spend some time opening gifts.

In the early evening on Christmas Eve, Don and I will be going to the Pediatric Department of the local hospital to donate a TMX Elmo to the Children's Playroom. We have discussed a variety of ways to donate this toy but quickly decided we'd love this idea the best. Hopefully, it will bring a smile to the faces of more than one child.

Well, I need to get up and move, walk around a bit, and soon head off to bed. I promise to post more later... probably sometime tomorrow. Until then, *tootles*

Yummm!!!!

A platter of sugar cookies... I've baked several platters of these so far this year and will be making yet another batch for a friend. I'll be making the dough today, and cutting, baking, and decorating them tomorrow so they will be fresh!!!!

The room wouldn't be complete without at least one....

Of my previous craft projects! I created this centerpiece a few years ago using a white florist foam wreath ring, a large circular mirror, a winter wreath, dried twigs with lots of sparkle, a strand of white christmas lights, and a majestic acylic reindeer! The silk flowers are added using floral picks and not actually adhered to the piece, like the reindeer, so that I can change them out whenever I'd desire.

Now, all I need is a home-cooked meal, the smell of some freshly baked Christmas goodies, and the company of family and friends. Would you like to come to dinner? {wink}

Touches of Christmas....

are scattered about the room without being too overbearing. They are both functional and easily enough to replace after the holidays. The basket is usually filled with potatoes and offers a cute dry goods storage solution.

Some other various touches....

My four foot Christmas tree adds light and warmth to the breakfast bar area of the room, while I love the stark white of my Avon Navity scene on the shelf high above the everyday dining area.

What a treasure!!!

I wasn't certain when I took this one just how it would turn out, however, I desired to try it. I did manage to capture Alexxis' reflection within the ornament. {Love this! *smile*}

Reaching....

Of course, Grandma had to consider safety first before placing a shatterproof ornament at the end of a branch for Alexxis to reach and play with. As you can see, she had a blast!

So Precious...

Alexxis spent the night with Grandma and Papa last night. She is growing up so fast! I was surprised when I put her in her duckie pj's to discover that she won't be wearing them for much longer. She loved our Christmas tree, staring at the lights, while attempting to dance to Christmas Music. She laughed hysterically when Grandma sung along to Mariah Carey's All I Want for Christmas Is You! song...

More Christmas Goodies...

These Ornaments are wooden tags and I've created a co-ordinating "Notes & Quotes" Japanese Stab Bound little book.

For a Great Cause....

Visit http://www.popularfront.com/snowdays


Help make snowflakes to increase donations to the Salvation Army! There is also a link to donate, if you feel generous to the Angel Tree!