Traditions???

 

Whew, Christmas had me in a whirlwind of events!!!  I actually put the tree up on Friday (that's what happens when you do refurbishing right before Christmas!!), presents under the tree on Friday and had the house looking a little festive by the time the girls and family arrived the afternoon of Christmas Eve!!  Talk about a miracle!!!!

Do you have traditional activities you do at Christmas?  We do and it is funny how my girls still expect them to continue each year....it's great!!  Due to all the refurbishing work and just getting the house back in some kind of order, we didn't get to participate in one tradition this year which is the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service.  We did however, have our traditional Christmas Eve dinner together and then Wii bowling until all were ready for bed.  We also still have stockings stuffed by Santa for Christmas morning!!

Christmas Day, we had our Christmas breakfast together...then it's opening presents and stockings.  Bman found the Christmas Pickle on the tree this year and pocketed $10.00!!!  Then we were off to South Carolina for the day to celebrate Christmas at my parent's house with all of our family members and Bubba's family!!  Mom and Dad did a beautiful job preparing the house and the awesome meal.  Then it was time for "Crazy Santa", a tradition we started 4 years ago!!!!!!  It makes Christmas so much fun because we don't have to buy tons of gifts...we each take one $40.00 gift.  Crazy Santa is somewhat like Dirty Santa (I changed the name because I just don't like calling it Dirty Santa)!!  We started playing Christmas games last year and due to my refurbishing I didn't get to organize these for this year but they will return next year....I already have them printed out and ready to go (lesson learned!!).

The best tradition of all....celebrating Christmas with all of our family members!!  Priceless!  Hope you had a wonderful Christmas filled with old and new traditions!!!

For All You Moms!

Several of the blogs I read were talking about a great tradition they've started at their homes over the last few years and even though my girls are grown I thought of all of you and your lovely little ones when I read the blogs.

Since Santa is scheduled to visit tomorrow night, go check out I Caught Santa!!!  You can create a photo of Santa at your house and then show it to your little ones on Christmas morning!! In three simple steps anyone can upload a holiday photo, add Santa Claus and print it as proof… or share it via Facebook and Twitter. Last-minute shoppers can purchase Gift Cards and eGift Certificates for loved ones with children, making iCaughtSanta.com a great gift idea even if you don’t have kids yourself.  One of the blogs even had a coupon code: Coupon Code for Santa Photo : SANTA50 and get your entire order for 1/2 price!

So go check it out today!!  MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Getting Into The Christmas Spirit!

Just a little something to get you in the Christmas Spirit! Enjoy!!

Christmas Means....

Wonderful people inspired to help others during this "Season of Giving".  There is nothing better than slowing down and remembering how blessed I am: a wonderful family, great friends, a warm cozy home(even if it's in total disarray at the moment), food in the cabinets and fridge, cloths for all types of weather, love and laughter and so much more.

Why the slowing down...well, there are so many who don't have these things and I was reminded of this once again as our Harley Group spent part of Saturday at a local Children's Home.  There is no greater gift I could receive than the opportunity to gather with a group of friends all wanting to do a little something to benefit 42 children.  We took gift cards and goody baskets to these children to let them know they are not forgotten.  What a way to spend a Saturday!!

Thank you my Harley friends for also slowing down and participating in this event!  There are 42 children who now know someone cares.

Food Friday-#9



Goodness, it's Friday again!!!!  Time for another easy holiday recipe.  I made this for Thanksgiving but since cranberries are also used at Christmas time, I thought someone might want to make it as a side for their Christmas lunch or dinner.  This recipe is so easy to make and oh, so delicious!!!  Try it...I think you'll like it!!



CRANBERRY RELISH

From The Stocked Pot and Co.

 Ingredients:

1 lb fresh cranberries (rinse them off prior to using)

1 cup sugar
1 seedless orange, cut into eight pieces, skin on
1 apple, seeds and stem removed, cut into eight pieces, skin on

Directions:

Place all the above ingredients into a food processor, pulse till the desired consistency is achieved, do not over process. Store in a container with a tight fitting lid, will keep for 4 weeks in refrigerator, always use a clean spoon when removing relish.

Seriously?! Thursday...Whew!

Seriously???!Why is it you can start off with so much enthusiasm and energy for a project and then get so tired of it after only a few days???  How in the world do those guys paint day in and day out for a living??? Where is that paint fairy??????

 Seriously???!If you've never seen a Trans-Siberian Orchestra Concert you need to get you some tickets and go!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Great music, laser lights, dancing and special effects!!!  Just awesome! Plus for every ticket sold, $1.00 is donated to a local charity.  Last night $12,500.00 was donated to Operation Smile!

Seriously???!Why does December seem to fly by???  I mean...17 days till Christmas???  You've got to be kidding me!!

What made you go Seriously???! this week???