Christmas 2007

It is always so unbelievable to me, how fast Christmas comes and goes! We had wonderful family get togethers. I only took a few pictures, too busy doing other things, I guess......

Love this picture of my 3 favorite people!

The traditional "all cousins" in front of Grandma's Christmas tree photo.

Christmas morning, waiting so patiently for mommy to take pictures before we dive in!
Daphne's one request from Santa. A pink kitchen!

Merry Christmas!!!!

Sending you a warm wish for a very Merry Christmas! I hope your day is jolly, magical, memorable, and fun!

For this is the birthday of Jesus our King who brought us salvation - His praises we'll sing!

- "A Gallery Carol"

Christmas Cones...

Tomorrow is the last day of preschool until the New Year. I'm so excited! I love Christmas vacation!!!! Sydney loves school so much and will miss it for the next couple of weeks. She doesn't really understand what's so great about getting a break. Ahh to be 5 again!

I made a couple tussie mussie's today. Thought they would make a fun gift for Sydney's teachers filled with Christmas goodies. I created these with a remnant from my all time favorite vintage tablecloth. I just love the candy canes! They're a nice size - 9" long and the top diameter is 5" - plenty of room for treats!

I added lots of glitter too. You can never have enough sparkle, right?

Everyone Gets Their Favorites

There are so many things I love about Christmas time. Cooking and baking are definitely high on the list! I enjoy making family favorites. A beautiful array of cookies that includes "must haves". One of my brothers loves Toasted Almond Butter Crunch and the other loves Krumkake (more on that tomorrow), and I can't forget about my brother-in-law who really likes Swedish Cream Wafers.

Thought I'd share the recipe for Toasted Almond Butter Crunch.

You'll need: 1 1/3 C toasted chopped almonds spread out on a large foil lined baking sheet.

*Save out some chopped almonds to use later.

Butter sides of a heavy duty large saucepan. Add 1 pound melted butter, 2 C sugar, 2 TBSP light corn syrup and 6 TBSP water. Cook and stir over medium heat until boiling.

Clip candy thermometer to pan. Cook stirring constantly until temp reaches 290 degrees (usually about 15 minutes).

Watch carefully! Keep stirring cuz you don't want it to scorch.

Pour into prepared pan, let stand while you melt 2 - 12 0z packages of semi-sweet chocolate.

Spread the chocolate over toffee mixture.

Sprinkle with remaining chopped almonds.

Let cool until chocolate hardens, then break up into bite size pieces.

Enjoy!

Merry Christmas Post lady...

that's what we call her anyways... I know, I know, it's terrible not knowing her name especially since we see her almost on a daily basis....

Today, my last order for the holidays will be picked up, so to thank the post lady for her many trips up our driveway we'll be leaving a special treat.

Thanks to Heather at Present Past Collection for the wonderful idea, and recipe for peppermint bark, it's wonderful!

I made some yesterday. Changed it up a bit by adding a layer of semi-sweet chocolate - so delicious! Hubby couldn't get enough, so today I'm making more!

Ho Ho Ho

Last Sunday after church, we tried to visit Santa. I think everyone else had the same idea too! So instead of waiting over an hour with hungry girls we decided to come back another day. I'm happy that we did. I really like this years picture. Less formal then when the girls are in their Sunday best. First year that both girls are smiling!

Not Everything is Pink around here....

I've had so much fun visiting homes of all those who participated in Karla's Cottage "What you love about your Holiday Home" blog party. I've so appreciated all the nice comments I've received too. Thanks!

Here are a few peeks at some of the traditional colors I decorate with in our downstairs family room. It's OK for your home to have different styles, right????

Our multi-color lighted tree (never thought I'd have anything but white lights) is really charming. I tried to stick with a vintage toy theme, but each year I've been adding to it with anything we find we love.

The tree in all it's glory surrounded with coordinating pillows. :o)

Gotta love '32 Ford hiboys and old ornaments in a crystal compote. What a combo! :o)

Here is the railing leading up the stairs.

My mom gave me this snowman, I just love him!

I found this old school desk for 5 bucks and painted it black. It is much loved by our 5 year old budding artist.

I just love these old ornaments. Hard to see, but there is a fabulous very old Santa in the front jar, he is spectacular!