Memories of Home

A peaceful Christmas...

Christmas this year was peaceful....we had a warm day, by the fire, enjoying the new gifts Santa brought! For dinner...Ham, scalloped potatoes with cream, and gruyere cheese, green beans...and later pomegrant martini's:)
Zach crafting a gingerbread house:) This year he was more interested in eating icing! and, Mama was not allowed to help!!:( Growing up!



From Sofia..she picked it all by herself!!! She remembers how we love to watch the birds together:)
From my sweet Zachary:)
By the end of the day...we were ALL tired out!!! I hope that Christmas this year was full of warmth, family, and fun for all my sweet friends:)

Almost ready for Santa...

I have been so busy these past days....Days are blending into each other! We are thoroughly enjoying the season! Spending time with friends, crafting, baking, Christmas concerts! 2 days left until the BIG day!


SOME of the baking! I hope all these little treats are being enjoyed by family and friends!!!!
The Christmas Concert! I could NOT get a good shot! This makes me laugh! He IS singing:) Even though he looks like he is half asleep!

We finally got our tree up and decorated!!!! and...what do ya know..My amaryllis may just bloom for Christmas! Wishing everyone who visits here a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In the kitchen.....

This year we made peppermint bark for the first time...Inspired once again by Amanda....after all..She ALWAYS has the best ideas! This was another great one, and we will definitely be making this every year..a new tradition:) It was quite quick and easy to make..the only downfall to this, is that the chocolate is a bit pricey, but..the yield is good! We made 2 9x13 inch pans, and from that, we had 11 half pint jars! A nice little gift for friends, neighbors, and teachers! We used this recipe...This one uses the heavy cream mixed with the dark chocolate, which makes the chocolate a ganache..SOOO GOOD!!!

Zach made the cute gift tags using this book...LOTS of cute...and easy ideas!! Even the littlest of kids could easily make these:) and last...but not least...Thank you to sweet Jacey, over here.....she MOST generously sent me the lovely peppermint fabric...which was her Grandma's, along with the cutest little Owly scraps that I admired in her pictures!! Thank you again!!! It was the perfect topping to our jars!!!!!

 

 

Into the woods!

Yesterday, we bundled up and headed into the woods!! I wanted to get a few nice pictures of Zach for our Chriistmas cards! I have been SO busy all week, I have not taken ONE picture in 7 days!!! I know...I can't believe it either:) My camera is pretty much attached to me at all times!
My fearless leader...Note to self..Next time, I LEAD the way...we ended up kind of stuck in a thicket of tall grasses..marshy wetlands, and picker bushes! I had to carry a muddly little pup, while trying to protect my precious camera! I may have muttered a few choice words when some branches smacked me across the face..just a couple! But..we made our way out..a little muddier than when we headed in..but I DID get a great picture for the Christmas card!!!:) Lol! Anything for a picture:)


A sample of a few that did NOT make it onto our card this  year:)


Some shots along the way....mind you, I was being pulled along by an excited pug, and don't forget..the fearless leader....*sigh*.....
These TWO...They do keep life interesting! I got a beautiful shot of Zach:) He is a patient little model! When we got home, we got right to work on some homemade treats for friends and family..a good day!

Decking the halls!

All of the decorations are up....EXCEPT the tree! and all of our handmade traditions that will carry on through the month! The house feels festive, and warm.....I am tired, but happy! If only there were a few more hours in a day!


Loving the Santa picture I picked up CHEAP in a thrift store last week!:) Making me smile! That is also MY little elf..I have had him since childhood..He visits Zach once a day, starting Dec. 1st...usually he leaves a little treat..but, sometimes, a tiny note with a reminder NOT to end up on the NAUGHTY list this close to Christmas!! The little house is from Scandinavian Stitches!!! First one I made! They stitched up quick and easy, and I hope to make a few more to tuck in with gifts!!!
Found this...and the crocheted doily at the SAME shop! Lucky day...I was supposed to be shopping for OTHER people...umm....whoops! Not saying I didn't find ANY treasures for friends and family!!! but, the elf lamp..I HAD to keep it!!! See the little picture in the background..yes, Zach..that is YOU on Santa's lap..SCREAMING! You STILL avoid him like the plague at the malls:) Nothing wrong with a little healthy fear! lol:)
and these tiny figures in the front...made in Japan..early 20's I am guessing. They were originally place card holders..the first four cards...written in old fashioned writing...Nana..(Zach was the only one who ever called my Mom Nana..the first Great Grandchild..) next card was Rita..My Mom's name..then a Jack (my husband)..and a Mike (me:) How strange is that! It gave me chills..I HAD to have them! I like decorations that have a memory attached..and, after all...that is what all this is trying to accomplish. I want Zach..to have REALLY good memories..of home, and family..and holidays..I guess that is why I love this time of year!
Every year the village has additions..playmobile people...legos, and little petshop have visited:)
Its good to be HOME!!! Hoping years from now...Zach will remember this special time of year...

Snow:)

This morning looked like a winter wonderland...Just a little bit of snow has fallen, but it looked SO beautiful! I was up early...having a cup of coffee..and watching the sunrise. The house was quiet, and still..It is going to be a good day!



It seems the elves have started to their Holiday decorating too:) Enjoy the day!

Putting Christmas....In his corner:)

Holiday book basket filled with seasonal favorites...sitting on Holly's beautiful rug:) Go see her beautiful Christmas Corner to be super inspired to do some decorating!!!
A new Christmas Pillow case stitched up using this wonderful tutorial...I have used it MANY times..A quick and easy gift for your favorite kids:)
A Christmassy banner using my beautiful Michael Miller Scraps!!! And...A little quilt I made a couple years ago:) Zach was SO surprised when he saw his room! Now...Onto the rest of the house!!!