AND WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN, MAY I ASK ?

It's been nine days since I've posted anything. I can't believe I didn't even put up a generic Merry Christmas post to all of you.  That's how busy I was. Everyday I spent hours and hours on our Christmas decorations, shopping, wrapping, baking, etc, etc, etc.......

If you follow me on Facebook you know what I have been up to since I posted pictures as I accomplished each item. I want to give a big thank you to my husband Mark who wrapped all the presents on Christmas Eve which took me three hours to get into boxes the day before. 

He went to church with me which is a rare occasion and also watched White Christmas with me after he wrapped the gifts. He helped out on Christmas Day with vacuuming and helping in the kitchen too. Can I get a Hallelujah !

I wanted to get pictures up on Christmas Day but I didn't have one moment free let alone time to write a post.  I was literally decorating my mini tree Christmas morning just a few hours before the kids arrived! 

I also need to say that Adam and Tristen decided that they will come over tonight (Friday) to spend the night before they take off for the Grand Canyon tomorrow as they drive to Pittsburgh this week while sightseeing along the way. That means I didn't have to say goodbye last night. I get to love them some more tonight. Can I get another Hallelujah ! 

We had a very Merry Christmas!

Picture Overload About To Happen.....

 Dining room buffet above and table below....

 My Christmas Jim Shore pieces....

 Added my Christmas S&P's....

 Mark's Nana's Santa Claus and the mini me I found

a few years ago and just had to buy from Fenton....

 I only put out about 60% of my decorations.....

 S'mores tree with s'mores nativity....

 Snow village resort and cabins on my grandmother's

wooden ironing board....

 My snow globe collection....

 My new little snowman tree, mantel and fireplace....

 Living room tree....

 Family room tree....

 Our tree of miniatures.....

 Santa was very generous.....

 Skye in awe and wonder....

 I baked only two cookies this year....

 and the Bohemian Hoska!

 The appetizer's...

 Adam and Tristen....

 Amber and Dylan....(don't ask)

 

 My dad insisted I get the sweaters for Pittsburgh.....

Hope your holiday was Merry and Bright! 

Skye and I want to send our love to our dear

friend Ann who lost her precious Boston Terrier Sadie 

to a tragic accident on Christmas Day. My heart aches

for her and her family. Keep them in your prayers. 

Penny Pines Plantation Program

Being EARTH DAY I feel that this is the perfect day to share this information with you. When my friends son had passed away I wanted to do something meaningful for the family. They use to love camping and hiking so here is what I did. I heard about this program from a dear friend who lost a child and was given a donation of trees planted in remembrance of her son. So I did some research and came across the Penny Pines Plantation Program. I am sure you can find one on your computer. You make a donation in the name of the person you want to remember and they also put a plaque up at the forest with their name on it. They send you paperwork to send to the family. I actually had trees planted up in Mammoth Lakes, California. We have visited the forest a few times and have taken pictures of the plaque for the family to see. (They live in Chicago)