Was Santa Good to You?

Was Santa good to you yesterday? Our day started very early by opening gifts at my house with my immediate family, then we went to Mama's and opened gifts and had dinner. Jim's Dad came with us and we stayed ALL day...saw tons of relatives and enjoyed some good food. I got all kinds of goodies including giftcards from Coldwater Creek (one of my favorite stores). In case you're interested, the larger Santa is from the 40s and one I found in an old shed located on the property of a house I lived in back in the 80s...I didn't do much decorating in the formal LR this year as we still have some painting (notice the woodwork) to complete and I was trying to simplify where I could...Take  a moment and tell us whether you got coal or some goodies this year...Notice how Santa is winking!

Christmas wishes for all from Australia!!!!

I am feeling so blessed to have my family and friends around me at this time of year!

I feel my 'kids' know the real meaning of Christmas (but still enjoy the excitement of Christmas morning and discovering their surprises)

No matter HOW old they are, they will always be kids......... and , you know, that is FINE with me!!!

I have enjoyed watching Erin (my 22 year old) shop for everyone and wrap her treasures. But what has really enthralled me are the cards. They speak VOLUMES to me! She has really put thought into what she has written. She is a treasure!!!!

Andrew (my almost 20 year old) is gorgeous, too. He thinks of others. And , in turn, is rewarded for his thoughtfulness. His father took him shopping this morning !!!!!

Patrick, my gorgeous 21 year old, is having money troubles. Don't they always????

And Lauren, my lovely 23 year old, is engrossed in new work adventures/decisions.

I am so lucky to have four such wonderful 'children'.

And I REALLY mean it!!!

Christmas Day will be busy in our home.

Our extended family will join us for a fun filled day.

I am stressing, a little, about the food.

But it will be fine.

Stressful, but fine.

Boxing Day is our 'friends day'.

We are having our close friends over for a LONG lunch.

So, for the next two days, I will be cooking.

And cleaning.

And planning.

..........and attending church with ALL my family.

As I said, I am truly blessed.

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas full of love.

Tummy Warming Recipe

Snowy days like this are perfect for a delicious, tummy-warming soup and I thought I would share a quick and easy recipe with you. One of my favorite restaurants in my area, The Yancey House sends out a monthly newsletter; and the owner/chef Lucindy sent this Chicken Tortilla Soup for the month of December. To read more click here, YanceyHouse. Hope you enjoy the recipe!

Chicken Tortilla Soup

This is my favorite snow-time soup. Not only is it easy and just wonderful . . . add extra garlic and no one will get a cold! Enjoy!

Saute 1-2 large onions, chopped, in a little olive oil. along with a chopped jalapeno pepper (seeded), a carrot or two sliced, 6 ribs of sliced celery, and as many minced garlic cloves as you can handle (let's say 6), and 1 - 2 lb. boned, diced, raw chicken thighs or breasts. After a couple of minutes (don't burn garlic), add 2 tsp. ground cumin, 1 TB. chili powder, Tsp. salt, and 2 tsp. black pepper. Throw in a few shakes of hot pepper sauce, if you like, and 2 14-oz cans diced tomatoes and 40plus oz. of chicken broth. Bring to boil, then simmer for 1 hour. Taste and adjust seasonings.

Cut soft corn tortillas into strips and fry them. (I buy my chips instead of making my own) Once the soup is ready, top with tortilla chips, sour cream, cilantro, and grated sharp cheddar cheese. YUM!.

My newest Santa!!!!!

A few of my favourite things....Santas, gingerbread houses and plates

What's on Top of your Fridge?

Do you decorate the top of your refrigerator? Most people enter my house by the back door...and enter my kitchen so during the holidays I always decorate the top of the fridge...over the years I've done a variety of things and really was running out of ideas...this year Jim (my husband) suggested doing a tribute to the 50s kinda thing, the decade we both were born and my house was built in 1954 as well. I went hunting through my decorations and found my celluloid Santa that lights up (doesn't show up that well in the pics but looks really festive when the lights are at at night) and then my bubblegum tree....then found the red metal  pickup truck that normally sits on a shelf in the den... and the Jim said " put one of those village trees in the bed of the truck"...and then I placed a replica Coke drink machine bank that just screamed 50s to me among the other goodies...I think it turned out pretty cute and I used things I had for years...Tell us what you have on top of your fridge...we would love to hear.

Noel - such an tradition - let's not forget

Love the word "Noel" - it speaks to each of us - as we recall the words to the wonderful song "The First Noel". I hope the present generation of young people never forget the song, nor the words. Noel - even the word brings back such memories of Christmas long ago. As we are almost full swing into the Christmas season, let's each take a moment to reflect on traditional values and the true meaning of Christmas. Using a piece of discarded wood and printing out from the computer large fonts, I cut out Noel and placed it on the board with small finishing nails to hold the letters in place. Then I twisted red pepper berries on the nails to write out the word. Hanging it in a good spot will welcome your guests. Enjoy - and most of all project was made without spending a cent.