12.31.2011

On the Seventh Day of Christmas



Spending the day with family and friends

Reminiscing of the year as it comes to an end

Anticipating the new adventures
that lie ahead

Thank you for being a part of my blogging community!

Happy New Year's Eve
and
Merry Christmas!

Sharon

12.30.2011

On the Sixth Day of Christmas


Spending the day in the kitchen




Happy cooking
and
Merry Christmas,

Sharon


12.29.2011

On the Fifth Day of Christmas


Max wake up
we have a lot to do today


Max get up
we have company coming
we must tidy up


MAX I can see you!
no time for second sleeps today buddy
lets get a move on it


Okay, 5 more minutes 
and then you are picking up your toys!


Happy cleaning 
and
Merry Christmas,
Sharon & sleepy head Max


12.28.2011

On the Fourth Day of Christmas



Spending the day expressing my gratitude.

I enjoy Christmas so much.  
All the planning, hustle, bustle and mess that comes along with it.
But most of all 
I am thankful for what the meaning of Christmas is about!

Thank you for being such wonderful blogging friends!
I enjoy your visits and sweet comments!!

Merry Christmas,
Sharon




12.27.2011

On the Third Day of Christmas


I think today I will do a whole lot of nothing

Max and I may curl up on the sofa,
snuggle and watch movies

I may pick up the tissue paper and boxes
and I may not

Right now I need chocolate!

Hot_chocolate : Hot cocoa with shaved chocolate and whipped cream

I hope you have a nice quiet, relaxing day!

Have some hot chocolate ;0)


Merry Christmas,
Sharon


12.26.2011

On the Second Day of Christmas


It's official
Bunny has a new home
with US of course


No calls looking for this sweet, fluffy, ball of love


So she's our gift from Santa.
That's our story and we are sticking to it!


Plus, Max is in love!
He loves to give gentle sniffs,
tender kisses on the forehead
and take long afternoon naps by her cage.

Yep, old owners be forewarned
Bunny has a new body guard
and he's ferocious!!

Thank you Santa.
Life's little blessings come in all shapes and sizes!

Merry Christmas,
Sharon, Max & Bunny

12.25.2011

Christmas 2011





Wishing you & yours
a warm and wonderful Christmas!

XOXO
Sharon

12.24.2011

Christmas Countdown ~ 1


I love Christmas trees
and I love whimsy.

Fun, playful and creative











Yes
I love Christmas trees
and I love whimsy!


Merry Christmas,
Sharon


12.23.2011

Christmas Countdown ~ 2


Step away from those presents!

Merry Christmas,
Sharon

12.22.2011

Christmas Countdown ~ 3


We interrupt this Christmas countdown
for a special bunny bulletin

FOUND

I think someones Christmas present got away.
If not claimed by Sunday
I'm putting a bow on it and calling it
my gift from Santa!

Merry Christmas,
Sharon

Ps:  Max is getting very attached!!

12.21.2011

Christmas Countdown ~ 4


Decorating complete ~  Check mark symbol 
Presents purchased ~  Check mark symbol
Wrap presents ~ still in progress
Deliver staff gifts ~  Check mark symbol
Finalize menu ~  Check mark symbol
Clean house ~ always in progress


Now let the baking commence!


Happy baking
and
Merry Christmas,
Sharon


12.20.2011

Christmas Countdown ~ 5



I hope you are having a wonderful Tuesday!

Merry Christmas!
Sharon


12.19.2011

Christmas Countdown ~ 6


Finishing up some last minute shopping
at one of my favorite local shops.








Parkhill Home is located in a very quaint,
old, 2-story home.

These pictures were taken in the kitchen area.
I'll save the other rooms for 
another field trip,.  Because you know
I will be going back.

Yes, darling hubby always has to pull me out of this place.
Well here and Pottery Barn ;0)

Now off to wrap my new treasures.

Happy shopping
and
Merry Christmas!
Sharon


12.18.2011

Christmas Countdown ~ 7




If you're anything like us our dance card has been a bit full with 
Christmas parties, staff parties, dessert parties, church parties and neighborly socials.  
I love this time of year, and I love to socialize.  
But as with anything, time to spare is at a premium.

I found this wonderful recipe for
Sparkling Cranberry Brie Bites
from 
Yummy Mummy by way of Pinterest.

Don't they look scrumptuous?


Very simple to make

makes about 16 

Sugared Cranberries 

2 cups fresh cranberries 
1 cup good maple syrup
1 cup granulated sugar
Rinse cranberries and place in a medium bowl. Heat syrup in a small sauce pan just until warm. Pour over cranberries when syrup is warm, not hot, or cranberries may pop. Cool, cover, and let soak in the refrigerator overnight. 
Drain cranberries in a colander. Place sugar in a large bowl or baking dish. Add cranberries in 2 batches and roll around until lightly coated in sugar. Place on a baking sheet until dry, about 1 hour. 

16 crackers
 8 oz Brie cheese
 cranberry chutney or cranberry relish
 fresh mint for garnish

 Assemble crackers with one slice of brie, a light layer of cranberry chutney, and 4 or 5 sugared cranberries.    Garnish with fresh mint sprigs. 


Enjoy!

Merry Christmas,
Sharon


participating in Dining with Debbie

12.17.2011

Christmas Countdown ~ 8



Who said pretty cookies were hard to make?

and
Merry Christmas!
Sharon



instructions can be found here

12.16.2011

Christmas Countdown ~ 9


You know Christmas can not be too far off
when your home is full of the delightful
aroma of gingerbread.

That warm savory smell of 
cinnamon, cloves and allspice.

ummmmmm, yes I think 
Christmas is not to far away.

So may the construction begin!









So many options, so little time.

Happy building &
Merry Christmas!

Sharon


12.15.2011

Christmas Countdown ~ 10



No Christmas check list today.

Today I am feeling truly blessed and grateful
to have such a loving God who watches over me.
One that holds my hand and guides me
One that embraces me when I feel weak
One that loves me unconditionally.

Yes I am feeling truly blessed.

Holidays can be difficult when 
you are missing loved ones that are no longer with you.
I find it is adversity that 
brings me and my family closer together.

I am so blessed to have a wonderful husband
who is kind and compassionate
and truly my best friend for life.

A beautiful daughter 
that was truly heaven sent.
She is so thoughtful and caring 
in everything that she does,

Sweet, adorable pups that know
no limits to love.

And a number of wonderful friends
that are so generous and giving of their friendship.

Yes I am feeling truly blessed.

I hope this holiday season you too,
are feeling truly blessed.
That you also feel the warmth and love 
from your God, family and friends.

Merry Christmas!
Sharon



12.14.2011

Christmas Countdown ~ 11



Enjoying the day wrapping gifts
for my beautiful family and friends.

Merry Christmas!
Sharon

12.13.2011

Christmas Countdown ~ 12


Enjoying the final touches 
to the Christmas tree














** sigh **

I just love a tree with fond memories
of Christmas' pasts.

Merry Christmas!
Sharon