Holiday Yummies

Here are all my Christmas Goodies ready to be plated and passed around to family and friends.

Here are the close up shots so if you are not close enough to me to get a plate you will be the lucky ones to not gain weight because of me, but you can imagine how wonderful they taste ;)

Greek Twist Cookies

Pressed Cookies and Zimtsterne (Cinnamon Stars)

Peanut Brittle

Million Dollar Fudge

Caramels

Ohio Buckeyes

Greek Honey Dipped Cookies

Christmas Tree Decorating Fun

We had a wonderful time as a family decorating the tree. Since Gavin is still into destorying everything we will not be putting presents under the tree until Christmas Eve.

Timber!!

I always enjoyed going as a child and cutting down our own tree. We were lucky that a neighbor of ours had a little lot of trees and we always found a great little tree from them.

The prefect Christmas tree to me is one that is about 5 feet tall with short needles and branches far enough apart that when you hang the ornaments you can still see them. I guess the perfect tree to me is what I call a "Charlie Brown" tree. This year James said he wanted his way this year. After getting to the tree farm and hearing him complain about how cold it was and that it was snowing I gave in. We cut down the tree James wanted this year and to be honest with you, I hate it. It doesn't smell, the needles are way to long and they hide the ornaments, the branches are not strong at all and not all the ornaments could be hung because they are to heavy. Have I complained enough? I gave him one year we should be good for another 12 years to have it my way, right?

The important thing is the kids had a great time going and picking out the tree and taking turns cutting it down. All this is about is making memories and hopefully they are happy ones. The reason for the season is to remember the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ and not what kind of tree "I" wanted. But I still have my opinion ;)

St. Nick's Day

I had never heard of St. Nick's Day until I met and married James. It was a family tradition in their home. James said that they would put bowls on the kitchen table and in the morning St. Nick had put candy and a small toy in them. When we started having children we agreed that instead of having St. Nick and a stocking on Christmas day we would hang the stockings for St. Nick to fill and Santa would bring the big presents. It was wonderful to live in Germany where everyone celebrates St. Nick's Day. Our children enjoyed knowing that the other children in our German neighborhood was also getting things for St. Nick's Day. We are back to having other children give our children a weird look when they talk about St. Nick, but it is a fun tradition in our home and the children look forward to it every year.

Military Again

James joined the Ohio Air National Guard part time. This was is first guard weekend. It has been 4 years since he put on this uniform and it seems to be a little snug ;)

It is fun to see him in his Blues since he has always thought he looks like hot stuff in his blues. Reminds me when we were first dating and the only reason why he would go to church with me is because he would dress up in his Blues to impress me. After 13 years he does look different, but he still looks hot :)

I am happy to have base privilages again with the wonderful savings of the commissary. I can actually shop within my budget again.

I've Been Tagged

I have been tagged by my friend Bernie to do a count down to Christmas Post. I love this time of year when everything smells good and we turn our house into joy and thanksgiving for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The time to reflect on the sacrafice that was given and to admire Mother Mary for her role she played in this great plan.



We don't officially set up Christmas until December 5th in preperation for St. Nick's Day on December 6th but the Advent Calendar must go up on the 1st.



Happy Counting down, 24 days to go.

On a side note; I am thinking about making these advent calendars for a craft show next year. The advent calendar is 20 in. x 26 in. with 25 days to count down to Christmas. It would be great if you would give me feedback: Do you like it? Do you think people would buy them? How much do you think I should ask? Thanks!