Christmas Gifts

We really did have a wonderful Christmas!

I still get so excited and cant sleep on Christmas Eve!

I told you about my tickets I got from my hubs... here are a few more things I got this year....

I got a new stainless steel Calphalon pot from my Aunt, which I picked out and cant wait to try. We have been using non-stick and I need some stainless steel pieces.

My parents gave us money for a new vacuum cleaner... we REALLY need one. Any suggestions on which one to buy?

LOVE this pillow!

LOVE this pillow too... its burlapy!

A very dear friend gave me such a nice gift and the funny thing is, it all went together...

The gold pair of pearl earrings, LOVE them!

This wonderful movie, PLUS an apron with my inital on it, a cook book and tissues with my initial on it!

And another big gift we got....

All 10 of us on my husbands side of the family are going on a cruise to the Bahamas... bring on the warm sunny weather!

What a wonderful and blessed Christmas we had!

Where Are you Christmas?

You weren't here long. I can't believe you have already gone away!
 However, I did get some great deals today and I am already planning our tree for next year. I was out shopping today from 10-8, I had a blast!

Before I go there, lets talk Christmas....

On Christmas Eve, my sister and I wrapped all the gifts at my parents house (its tradition) and then went to the candle light service at our Church, which I LOVE. We always end with all the candles lit and sing "Silent Night". And last, we headed Calebs Granmommies house with the WHOLE family... it is always so much fun!

This is her tree with all the gifts.

Everyone getting yummy food.

Some of the grand kids

All of the adults.

Some of the group opening gifts..... what fun!

waiting patiently on our turn...Isn't her house gorgeous? (I love her front door behind us..)

Christmas morning we woke up... TOGETHER in our own house (this was the first year for us getting to do that since he had to work last Christmas)

I was thrilled, as always, to wake up and get Christmas started. He surprised me with Lady Antebellum tickets! YAY!

Then we headed to my parents house....

HAHA! My Dads "glasses" and his gifts from us...

The boys waiting...

My brothers lovely t-shirt (ha, another gag gift)

US!

We ate lunch (steak and shrimp) and headed to see the other family.

Wow... everyone looks so happy! HA!

More gag gifts... too funny!

Guess who got a new puppy???......

These 2 (NOT ME!!!) HA... meet Murphy! Is he not the cutest thing though?

Dancing game on the Wi... ha.

We ate lasagna and played games... the good news is we are going on a cruise for Christmas in a few weeks..bring on the sun!

What a great day with family, we are so blessed!

And just to recap... This was Christmas morning at our house last year.... BEYOND exciting!

I asked Santa for a white Christmas this year but it didn't happen... maybe next year?

Only 363 days!



Merry Christmas!

Luke 2

 ¹ In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. ² (This was the first census that took place while^[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) ³ And everyone went to their own town to register.  ⁴ So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. ⁵ He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. ⁶ While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, ⁷ and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

 ¹³ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

 ¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
   and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.

And one of my favorite Christmas scences....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKk9rv2hUfA&feature=player_detailpage

"And thats what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown"

A Little More Christmas Cheer

I love this tree in the tin in our guest bath. So simple.

We turned on the fireplace while wrapping presents. Ah... feels so wonderful and looks so festive.

I used polka dot wrapping paper this year.

The gifts are all wrapped...

Here are the lanterns with red ball ornaments in them below the fireplace.

Merry Christmas Eve everyone!

 Time for: Celebrating Jesus' birth, spending time with the family, opening gifts, eating and 24 hours of "A Christmas Story"

Christmas Thrifting

The Mr. and I went to the Thrift Store yesterday to get some gag gifts-the best kind of Christmas presents! We got the best gag gifts, I can not wait to hand them out! HA. But I did find a few things for me.

All of their Christmas stuff was 50% off. I got 50 ft. of red velvet ribbon for $.50.

(I did not take this picture... ha) I got another small blue mason jar for $.99

I also got a few more things shopping around.

I also got 2 bags of cinnamon pine cones for $2.30 a bag, 70% off at Hancock Fabric. I will use these on my tree and garland next year for a more "natural theme", I better stock up now because this year I had trouble finding things and not enough time to make the burlap and music sheet ornaments I wanted.

I also got these ornaments for the tree for next year from Micahels, they were 60% off, about $1.30 a piece and I really liked them, I never saw these when I was in Michaels before, HA. Oh well.... next year!

I also made this for another Christmas gift. I got a glass votive candle, tied some ribbon and put an initial sticker on it. So easy and so cute!

Can you believe it is Christmas Eve, eve? WOW. I am not ready for it to be over. I am enjoying this time of year way too much!

Christmas Baking

Monday, my Mother and I went to Nashville to see some wonderful friends. I was thrilled! We had a day of Mimosas, eating and baking. It was such a fun day!

Stephanie, Jill and me...

Me and Steph

Me and my Mom

Our yummy breakfast. They spoiled us for sure!

Ritz Cracker Thin Mint Cookies

12 ounces of chocolate almond bark (about 6 squares)
1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract
1-1/2 sleeves of Ritz crackers
Finely crushed peppermints, sanding sugars, sprinkles
   or other cookie decorations, optional

Line cookie sheets with wax paper. Melt chocolate and add peppermint extract. Dip the crackers in and place on the wax paper, sprinkle the crushed peppermints and let the chocolate harden in the refrigerator. YUM.

Oh and neat tip- to thin out the chocolate a little bit, you can add shortening. Works wonders!

Mom making oreo bark

Oreo Bark

2 Tbsp. Creamy Peanut Butter

1 pkg.  (6 squares) Bakers White Chocolate, melted

10 Oreo Cookies, coarsely crushed, divided

1 pkg.  (8 squares) Bakers Semi-Sweet Chocolate, melted

 

 Add peanut butter to white chocolate; mix well. Stir half the crushed cookies into each bowl of melted chocolate. Drop spoonfuls of the chocolate mixtures onto waxed paper-covered baking sheet, alternating colors of chocolates. Swirl with knife. Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm. Break into pieces. Store in airtight container in refrigerator. Super easy

We also made and decorated sugar cookies and dipped pretzel sticks into carmel or chocolate, then dipped in sprinkles or nuts and then drizzled with white chocolate. Those were my favorite! Yummo!

Yummy dipped pretzels.

Laying out the cookies out to decorate.

aren't they cute?

baking away... these 2 are quite a pair.

Missed a spot... HA

All decorated and ready to eat.

We also had some yummy chicken salad, salad and tomato basil with goat cheese and bread. OMG so good! I think this is going to have to a yearly tradition. We had a blast!

  Plus I got to see the little girls I used to watch, unfortunately I didn't get a picture of them... they have grown so much! I love them and miss them terribly. It was such a great day, I loved every second of it!