I'll be home for Christmas...Be back in 2 weeks!

Southern Living

I'll be home for Christmas.  You can count on me...   

My parents' home will not look quite this elaborate outside, however, I'm convinced the love and warmth found inside can't be matched anywhere else in this world. 

(my son and my dad)

Since we only go home twice a year, I want to make every moment count. The plan is no internet, no phones (Wait. Who am I kidding? We have teenagers. They'll probably text between opening gifts.) For the most part, we'll just be chillaxin' with the fam.  Lots of eating, laughing and gift unwrapping. 

I'm going to miss each of you! I'll try not to think about all the lovely posts during my absence!  

Country Living

 May you each find your little red shoes clicking all the way home.  Wherever you are, home is where the heart is.

Coastal Living

Country Living

There's no place like home for the holidays!

Happy Birthday Beatrice

I did not intend to post this today but... had a little bad news last night so I was up early this morning trying to figure things out.  Well, let's be honest, blogging is a great escape. While surfing through your lovely blogs, I was cheered by all of the Christmas posts.  It's such a beautiful time of the year for families.  Then I glanced at the date. Dec 18th.  Today is my grandmother Beatrice's birthday.  She's celebrating in heaven.  I thought about my little troubles compared to the hardships she endured.  I'm so blessed. Furthermore, she knew who to give her troubles to.  There will be no complaining from me this Christmas.  I'm going to let Him handle this one.
Happy Birthday Beatrice!

  

Country Living

Joy.

We are posting our favorite Christmas song for Pink Saturday.  I love all of Mariah's Christmas songs but chose this one for its upbeat tempo.  Seems we joyfully celebrate over gifts, decor and parties but tone it down a bit when it comes to Jesus.  He came to earth for one purpose- to give us eternal life.  Now that's real JOY! 

I love to turn on Christmas music while I'm baking. It puts me in the mood. Here's a time saving recipe for peanut butter cookies.
1 cup sugar
1 cup peanut  butter
1 egg
Mix in order. Bake at 350 for 7 minutes.
So far I've managed to bake these and traditional choc chip.  We're making a little progress.  More baking to go!

Don't forget the milk.

Santa will thank you!

 And it wouldn't be Pink Saturday without a Pink Christmas...

Better Home and Gardens

I just want the chandy.



Joy to the world!
Posting to:
Pink Saturday at How Sweet the Sound
Then Sings My Soul Saturdays
Spiritual Sundays

A Little More Christmas Cheer

Snippets from last year...

 

 Love seeing the tree through two arch ways.

Relfections.

Tree topper- pine cone wreath with feathers, berries and curly sticks bunched inside.

Softer touches.

peek-a-boo

Various trimmings.

This little towel was plain so I added a bit of bling.

Speaking of which, how about a blinged out dog biscuit?  O brought this home from school today.

 I was dreading work today but ended up having the best time.  Christmas+Kids+Crafts+Parties=Magic. 



My sweet friend's adorable daughter-

Meeting Santa

If you feel overwhelmed with the busyness of the season, take a moment to see it through the eyes of a child.
Posting to:
Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home
Finger Prints on the Fridge
Feathered Nest Holiday @French Country Cottage

Candy Christmas

Christmas decorations almost good enough to eat.

Posting to:
Share the Decor at No Minimalist Here
Holly Bloggy Christmas Home Tour at The Shabby Chic Cottage

Merry Sweet Christmas!

Hot Cocoa.

Harvest Lane Candy Co.

What can bring more comfort and cheer than hot cocoa? 

When I think of the warm stuff...

Skinny Kithcen.com

I think of sipping it

-after a cold night of caroling
 -around the fireplace

 -watching a Christmas movie

 -at a Christmas brunch

-around a campfire

-while gazing at the Christmas tree 
-at a Christmas party

What is your favorite time for hot cocoa?

We had a hot cocoa bar at our Christmas party last year.  Huge hit.  Someone just mentioned it again the other day.  Whenever your guests can remember the food/drink at your party a year later, call it a success.

A variety of toppings made it fun.

The secret to the best cocoa  is to top it with fresh whipped cream.

basic whipped cream recipe

Last Christmas, my family had brunch instead of lunch.  We loved it!  It's probably our new tradition. I repeated the hot cocoa bar.  We like our cocoa creamy so I kept a crock pot of milk set on low.  You could easily use water instead.

And no, this is not our brunch.  It's a wanna be a.k.a. inspiration.

theheritagecook.com

Hot Cocoa even makes a great gift.
Who wouldn't like receiving this treat?

Best Hot Coca Mix Recipe

If you were here, I'd pour you a cup. 

delish.com

 And you know, one thing calls for another.

May you have warm and delicious memories this Christmas season!