"If the world were merely seductive, that would be easy. If it were merely challenging, that would be no problem. But I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day." — E.B. White

Friday, December 3, 2010

Busy, busy


No matter how early I start, I'm never as far along as I'd hoped by December. Remember here, when I said I'd be lucky to get Halloween stuff up by Nov 1st? That's about right! This year, I even stalled on going to cut our tree. I just couldn't handle cramming more in over Thanksgiving weekend.

My little brother is engaged(!) to an awesome girl and they graciously hosted this year. So I didn't really change up my fall decor for any blogworthy Thanksgiving pics. One vintage turkey and some kiddie crafts were the stars of our mantel. 
Again, last years pic is a favorite!


Thanks to all you energetic and creative bloggers tho, I've been inspired to finally begin Christmas decorating.

I've pulled out some of my kitchen stuff and love the fun yellows n blues mixed in w/red n green.


Isn't this the cutest nativity? My mom gave this to Sarah years ago - it all goes inside n folds up. LOVE IT!

I just barely got all my donations out and cards started. Made these pedestals for Water For Christmas. Please Click!

Started giving baked treats to some neighbors, clients etc., mostly quick breads w/ornaments or custom cake box cookies that can be made fast. One box choc cake mix, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup oil + your additions  (I chose 1 cup mint chips and about 8 candy canes broken up). I  mix most candy bits in but save some "pretty" pieces to press in the top. Easy peasy, mint chocolate AND red n white = PERFECT!

Our holiday spirit's also been boosted by ice skating, crafting, rocking out to Christmas music and finding Santa's Elf spy! (The Elf hides in a new spot each night.) The Elf seemed to have sought out comfort from another small elf already in our candy... See note in boot!
Jack found him first and was absolutely mesmerized. He grabbed the stuffed Santa and conversed w/the Elf for over a half hour! Yes, I know he's wearing the same sweater one year later, and my central vac hose is (permanently) out, and floors need mopping... That's my life!

The Elf left us this note on December 1st and the game is on... *smile*

                                    Have you ever wondered how Santa could know
                                    If you’re naughty or nice each as you grow
                                    For hundreds of years its been a big secret
                                    It now can be shared if you promise to keep it”
                                     

                                    “At holiday time Santa sends me to you
                                    I watch and report on all that you do
                                    My job’s an assignment from Santa himself
                                    I am his helper, a friendly scout elf.”
                                     
                                     
                                    “In the car, at the park, or even at school
                                    The world will get out if you broke a rule.”
                                     
                                     
                                    “I can hide on a plant, a shelf or a frame
                                    Where will I be? Let’s make it a game.”
                                     
                                     
                                    “There’s only one rule that you have to follow
                                    So I will come back and be here tomorrow
                                    Please do not touch me. My magic might go
                                    And Santa won’t hear all I’ve seen and I know.”

             Hope your holidays are FUN!


For more recipes and farm fun click here!

14 comments:

Comeca Jones said...

Love the milk glass bowl on your stove so sweet! Your family is beautiful.

Unknown said...

I just love Santa's Elf! I would have loved for him to visit when our kids were younger. ; )

Candy cane pieces in cookies...that's another great idea I think I'll give it a try!

Thanks and lovely post!

~Andrea~

Alison said...

If it makes you feel any better, we didn't do any Halloween decorating until the trick or treaters were headed down our street! We're hoping to get our tree this weekend; who knows if it'll get decorated??

btw, if you hadn't pointed out the other stuff, the only thing I would have noticed in the background of Jack's photo is that charming dining set and cool brick wall!

Congrats to your baby brother--how exciting!

Tonya said...

What fun! Those choc. cookies with peppermint look GREAT! I'll have to try making some of those!!

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

Looks like you are in full swing...I have boxes out...but things aren't up yet...well not all things!! Love the vacuum cleaner hose...at least it works, mine is shooting things out the back...your kids are precious!
Yea for someone hosting Thanksgiving...I haven't had that in...let me see, only about 1/2 a dozen times in 30 years of marriage...oh, please Lord let my future daughter-in-laws host one year!!!

Looks like you all will be enjoying a wedding...how fun!!!

Nice to stop by and smile...have a wonderful Christmas season...ENJOY!!!!

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

well we were reading each others blogs at the same time...too funny!!! Yes us old moms need to stick together...you want to come go to the parade tomorrow...it is in the 70's here so you don't need a jacket....LOL

Teresa said...

Look at your cute red and white kitchen collection - I love it all! And the cookies look delicious....I just may try that myself. Like you said, mint and chocolate - a perfect combination.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Teresa

Lori O'Brien Photography said...

Honey...you are soooo far ahead of me...sigh
Can I just come over n eat cookies?
xoxo

brooke said...

I love the smiles on those little faces when they had their hats on. They look so proud

Fixing My Thoughts said...

Ooh ... thanks for the yummy-looking easy cookie recipe! Will definitely be trying that. Love your music, too. Bess

Unknown said...

Thanks for finding Real Southern Living! I think I have found a new blog friend...I have farm envy:) We have a horse and now as of today a pregnant pony but, they live at the farm across from our subdivision. Some day we will get our farm until then we make due with walking our horses to our house to hang out with us for awhile and take them back. I would love to know where your located...I'm in North Georgia!

Anonymous said...

these things are fun and very christmassy!

Renée said...

Thanks for finding me so I could find you too! I'm loving your fun post and especially your cake mix cookies. Please share your recipe at Jodi's Christmas Cookie Exchange (button on my post and sidebar). Humming along too!

Niki Jolene said...

Lovin the jars of gum drops!