Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones

Rejoice! A King is born!

Merry Christmas from our family to yours.

Christmas Card Carousel

Faith at "Walk with me by Faith" hosts this carnival each year and I love it. It gives me the opportunity to 'send' you a Christmas card through my blog and wish you the most blessed, and beautiful Christmas. 

I love what my friend put on her Christmas card. It reads, "May Christ's love be at the top of your list." And that is my hope for each one of you.

If it wasn't for Jesus, there would be no Christmas.

Merry Christmas from our home to yours. 

Abundant Blessings,

Winter Scenes In My Backyard

I might not like driving in it, ....

but I sure like looking at it! i

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Joyce over at "From This Side of the Pond" hosts this weekly meme of Wednesday Hodgepodge. She puts the questions out there some time on Tuesday so that we can link up on Wednesday. Hop on board and join her. If you've never checked out her blog, you are missing out! 

1. What does it mean to have the 'holiday spirit'?
   For me it's the whole package ...  The Christmas tree is up with Christmas decorations throughout the house. I'm in the middle of shopping, I'm working on getting my Christmas cards out, going to cookie exchanges, the Christmas music is playing in the background and I am generally in a really good mood anticipating all that Christmas is. And in the midst of the busyness I am remembering that it's all about Jesus.

2. What sits atop your tree (s)? Why?

   A sweet, little, white angel that my hubby and I purchased before we were married in anticipation of all the Christmases she would adorn our tree. She has a plain face, no eyes, nose, or mouth. She is made with white paper that has been curled at the ends and has a cute little head of brown hair with a bow made for wings. She brings us back to our very first Christmas together as a newly engaged couple. We both LOVE Christmas and the promise and hope that it brings.

3. When was the last time you gave yourself a pat on the back?

   I think in the past few days. I am working at starting my own chiropractic practice here at our new home and God has been bringing people my way that are interested in coming to see me. I haven't really been talking about it and they are inquiring. That makes me feel good. 

4. Which of your senses is most sensitive this time of year?

  I love all of the smells of Christmas. The smell of pine is amazing and cooking with lots of cinnamon makes me happy. I love mulled cider because of the cinnamon and cloves that go in it that fill the air of our home with its aroma.

5. What do you have too much of in your kitchen?

   Sugar! and ceramics. I have a sweet tooth and pottery makes me go weak in the knees. 

I think my house is getting cluttered with pottery!

See? I told ya.

6. What do you do for meals on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day? Big meal? Breakfast tradition? Open the cookie tins and have at it?

   Christmas happens to be the birthdate of our twins, Grant and Cooper. They'll be turning 9 in 9 days! We usually make whatever it is they request for breakfast and dinner. After about half the day, we switch gears to Christmas Eve and go to church. We take the kids for a drive to see all of the Christmas lights and decorations people have put up. When we get home, we open up one present which is new pajamas. If there's time, we'll watch a Christmas movie.

   On Christmas morning, I make a ham and cheese strada for breakfast. We sing happy birthday to Jesus and have a cinnamon roll.

7. What is the best thing about winter?
   Putting on cozy pajamas, slippers, and snuggling up by the fire.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

   These days I'm feeling a bit better about blogging again. I'm trying to be more consistent in posting, but can do better still at reading blogs and commenting. 

Abundant Blessings!

Cherry Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

Cherry Chocolate Shortbread Cookies:
Prep Time: 20 minutes ~~ Bake Time: 20 - 30 min ~~ Yield: 3 1/2 Dozen Cookies

1 cup butter, softened (no substitute)
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. almond extract (I used orange extract)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup finely chopped dried cherries
1/4 cup chocolate chip morsels
1 T. sugar


Drizzle:
1/4 cup chocolate chip morsels
1 tsp shortening


Mix butter, sugar and almond extract thoroughly using an electric mixer. Gradually blend in flour and corn starch. Add cherries and chocolate..


Form into 1-inch balls and place on ungreased baking sheets. Pour sugar on a small plate; dip bottom of drinking glass in sugar and gently press down on each cookie to flatten. (You have to use the sugar or it will stick).


Bake in a preheated 300 degree oven for 20 to 30 minutes, or until bottoms begin to brown.


Cool 5 minutes; remove to a wire rack to cook completely.


Drizzle: Place 1/4 cup morsels and shortening in a small resealable freezer bag. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, until chocolate is melted. Snip off tiny piece of corner and drizzle over cookies.

Enjoy!