To Ring in the New Year

Things you need...

a little family
a few friends
a sweet puppy
a couple of snacks
a selection of games
a kiss

and...

a grateful heart for the blessings of the past year
a thoughtful remembrance for loved ones
a reflective mind for lessons learned
a hopeful spirit for the year to come
a peace that passes understanding

The Things of Christmas

The decorations get put back in the attic...

But, the spirit, stays in your heart. :-)

"Why not learn to enjoy the little things -

there are so many of them."

~Author Unknown

illustration courtesy of www.allposters.com

"Books in Winter" by Jessie Wilcox-Smith

Supper Menus
December 29th-January 3rd

Monday
kung pao chicken, white rice, passion fruit jasmine iced tea, chocolate raspberry lava cake ~ and yes, I'm trying to create PF Changs at home ;-)
Tuesday
beef stew, lettuce and tomato salad, dinner rolls
Wednesday
take out pizza
Thursday
hoppin' john, jalapeno cheese corn bread
Friday
cheese tortellini, garlic bread sticks, caesar salad

"To poke a wood fire is more solid enjoyment

than almost anything else in the world."

~Charles Dudley Warner

illustration courtesy of www.allposters.com

"American Homestead - Winter" by Currier and Ives

A Surprise from Mr. H.! :-)

I LOVE this thing!!!

Thank you Mr. H.!!! :-)

Christmas Breakfast Casserole

Christmas Breakfast Casserole 

12 servings

4 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
1 pound bulk pork sausage, cooked and drained
1/2 pound sliced bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 medium green pepper, chopped
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 green onion, chopped
1 cup baking mix
1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 eggs
3 cups milk

Combine hash browns, sausage, bacon, green pepper, 1 cup cheese and onion. Transfer to a greased 13 x 9 inch baking dish. Whisk biscuit mix, salt, eggs and milk; pour over the top. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting. Enjoy!

What is December 26th?

a little bit of sleeping in
a little bite of Christmas breakfast leftovers
a little lingering over a cup of coffee
a little playing
a little crafting
a little tidying
a little Christmas candy
a little knitting
a little laundry
a little game playing
a little movie watching

Not really much of anything, but very nice! :-)

A Merry Christmas

to all!

One of My Most Favorite Christmas Traditions

Kissing Mr. H. under the mistletoe ;-)

It's a Wonderful Life

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

and all through the house...

Just in Time!

Completed poncho ~ finished with only hours to spare!

It is a Christmas gift for a friend that is often cold. :-)

White Christmas

Busy Hands

While Mommy's hands have been busy knitting,

some other little hands were busy making...

...the cutest little puppets I've ever seen! :-)

Love them!

A Charlie Brown Christmas

What do I want for Christmas,

And what does my heart most desire?

The warmth and worth of true friendship,

A neighborly chat by the fire;

The wealth of a small child's laughter

And his trusting fingers round mine...

Just give me these blessings for Christmas

And the presents may all be thine.

What do I want for Christmas

And what does my heart ask for me?

The privilege of living for others,

Like the Christ child, unselfishly.

The wealth of seeing a morning

All golden with warm sunshine...

Just give me these blessings for Christmas

And the presents may all be thine.

What do I want for Christmas?

Gifts of deeper worth

Than those adorned with tinsel

And singed with wit or mirth;

Gifts, like dew in the mornings,

To fall into this life of mine...

Just give me these daily blessings

And the presents may all be thine.

~Mrs. Paul E. King

Christmas Ideals

illustration courtesy of www.allposters.com

"Season of Peace" by Bill Breedon

Scenes from a Christmas Kitchen

Linked to - Christmas House Tours 2012

Knitting against the clock...

Will she make it???

A Christmas Story