Christmas

My Christmas...

was...

very sweet...

indeed.
I hope yours was too!!!

My Most Favorite Time of the Day

is the very early morning.  I brew a pot of coffee, stoke the fire, light my candles, turn on the Christmas lights and then I sit down and enjoy the wonderment of it all.

What's your favorite time of the day?

Tis the Season

For Christmas tree hunting...

with family...

searching for the perfect tree...

and turning into the Incredible Hulk once the tree has been found...

He's not really the Incredible Hulk - just in case you were wondering :)

It's the season for snowmen and sleighs...

and white lights...

Christmas wreaths..

plaid throws and pillows...

and friends...

who love to set back and admire...

the Christmas tree.
Enjoy your night.

This and That

I have been extremely busy this past month.  I helped my Mom move into her new apartment.  She loves it by the way :)  Here is a picture of her talking on the horn to my daughter!!!  Looks right at home doesn't she?

Her whole apartment has been furnished (quite lovely I might add) with second hand furniture.  Don't let anybody ever tell you to not buy second hand.  You will save a lot of money and I am always surprised at what people want to get rid of.  Just look at the couch - $150.00.  Can't beat that with a stick now can you?

My Mom loves roosters, so her kitchen has a rooster theme going on.

Her bed is adorned with a quilt I bought her a long time ago.  It's very cheerful.

I actually gave it to her in this star basket all those years ago (before stars became popular).  

And here is her little tabletop Christmas tree just waiting to be decorated.  

A good friend (that I am very blessed to have) gave me the tree skirt.  How adorable is that?
We're all getting excited for Christmas!!!
I've begun to decorate around the house too!!!

My Christmas wreath is up and I placed a thin tree in my bedroom that I have wrapped in ribbon.  It is so pretty.

My woodland Santa is a new addition this year and he greets us as we set at the table and eat.  I love his kind face, his full beard and the fact that a chickadee rests atop his walking stick.  He's my kind of guy!!!

And let's not forget the snowman that my same good friend gave me.  He sets next to my chair and reminds me what Christmas is all about - believing.
To the Christmas season!!!
May the spirit of it reside in all of you.

No After Christmas Blahs Here

While I love Christmas and all that it brings with it...
My grand doggies :)

Jenna

Miley May

 my children...

DJ making Swedish Pancakes

Nana and Jenna

twinkling lights...

Snoop

and an overall sense of serenity...

 

I am always glad to get back to normal...

Violet

Scavenger doggies looking for scraps and/or keeping warm by the fire...

Violet

home cooked meals...

Macaroni and Cheese

Mixed Vegetables

Saturday morning baking...

Peanut Butter Cookies

and longer days...

that mean more sunshine and walks up my road.

Christmas Bites

It's not really about the baking...

It's about being together...

and making memories...

that they will carry with them...

for the rest of their lives...

and hopefully share with their own children someday...

Create some memories of your own.
I hope your night is magical :)

Throughout The House

It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas...
My Christmas cactus is blooming...

A jingle bell wreath adorns my entertainment center...

Sugar cookies have been made (and eaten :)...

Santa's elf is visiting.
He's a happy elf...
He really is :)

DJ put my handmade aluminum foil star on the tree this year :)

and my Christmas tree is ready for presents to be placed under her.

It's just about time!!! 
My daughter will be home tonight.
Tomorrow there will be shopping, baking and most importantly visiting :)
It is snowing here on this first day of winter 2012.
All is good.
Enjoy your night.

God Jul

Last night we enjoyed Christmas Eve the same way we have for the past 20+ years.  We feasted on the traditional Swedish smorgasbord that Dave prepares for us each year.
We enjoyed cheeses, eggs, rye crisps and herring...

Ham and scalloped potatoes for me...

and wine and dessert for all...

Most importantly, however, we spent it with those we love...
(That would be my goofball family :)

Brenda and DJ

Nana and Daniel :O

Mom and Santa (he's tired)

Brenda and Nate

It was a night filled with great food, games and laughter.

I wish the same for you today.
A day filled with great food and laughter.
Merry Christmas!!!