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

On the Sixth Day of Christmas

Spending the day in the kitchen

Happy cooking

and

Merry Christmas,

Sharon

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

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

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!

I hope you have a nice quiet, relaxing day!

Have some hot chocolate ;0)

Merry Christmas,

Sharon

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

Christmas 2011

Wishing you & yours

a warm and wonderful Christmas!

XOXO

Sharon

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

Christmas Countdown ~ 2

Step away from those presents!

Merry Christmas,

Sharon

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!!

Christmas Countdown ~ 4

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

Now let the baking commence!

Happy baking

and

Merry Christmas,

Sharon

Christmas Countdown ~ 5

I hope you are having a wonderful Tuesday!

Merry Christmas!

Sharon

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

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

Christmas Countdown ~ 8

Who said pretty cookies were hard to make?

Happy Pink Saturday

and

Merry Christmas!

Sharon

instructions can be found here

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

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

Christmas Countdown ~ 11

Enjoying the day wrapping gifts

for my beautiful family and friends.

Merry Christmas!

Sharon

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