After Christmas Goodies

Did you have a nice Christmas?  Mine was wonderful.  I don't mind saying that I love when my children spoil me at Christmas.  So many creative and special gifts I received.  Here are a few of them.

Jess always seems to give me a nostalgic gift or two, and a dear feeling came over me when I opened this box of Aplets and Cotlets.  My dad used to love these, and it made me think about him for a moment or so.

She also got her brother some apple butter, which my parents used to love too.  My son made some toast Christmas morning with apple butter and it was so good, tasted like home made.

One of my favorite gifts was from Brian - a box of See's, and it was even more special this year, as it came with a little story about celebrating their 100 years.  In 1921, Mary See and her son Charles opened a small shop in Los Angeles, and people have been loving her delicious candy ever since.

I have been wanting the Mary Engelbreit calendars for a couple years now, but they were all out when I went to the book stores, but Jess managed to find one this year for me, yaaaay.  Her calendars make me happy when I flip through the colorful weekly pages.

My children know I love plaids, and Nel got me some jeans with a plaid flannel shirt from Jess, and my son bought me this lovely plaid throw that's so warm and comfy.  The colors look like Fall.  I can't wait to snuggle in it.

Nel always seems to find pretty frames when she gives me photos of Mia, and Jess made this cute sled photo ornament of Francesca.

I saw this red rose jewelry box that I thought was beautiful, and Nel surprised me with it on Christmas.

My kids have always loved the Harry Potter books and movies growing up.  I'd like you to meet Felix Felicis, Mia's new furry friend strait from the North Pole!  He's named after the Harry Potter potion for good luck.

And speaking of Harry Potter, I wanted to show you this cool and creative Harry Potter nook that Jess made under the stairs in her home.  It is a perfect place for children to read, and just spend time here with their imagination.

Have a magical week leading up to the new year.

~Sheri

Shall I Play For You, Pa Rum Pum Pum Pum

Long post today.

I just got back from So Cal to visit my family for Christmas.  I wasn't sure if I'd make it to the airport because it was snowing and the roads were icy and slushy.  But my driver got me there, and my plane flight was on time.  While I was waiting to depart, I looked outside the airport window, and it was a cloudy day.

Jess said that I would surely get my fill of the grandkids, as I was there for a week!  And I did.  I spent the first part of the week at Nel's house.  She was such a good hostess, and made her mama feel so comfortable.

My mom made these fabric ornaments many years ago, and Nel still has one of them.

I watched lots of Hallmark shows during the week, and animated shows with the kids.

Nel always wraps her presents so pretty using festive bows and ribbons and tags.  I've been wondering what's inside this one.

The other part of the week I spent at Jess' house.  She was also a good hostess, and went out of her way to make my time there memorable.

Jess always puts these lovely red poinsettias all around her tree.   It looks elegant and very nice.

Francesca's room.

This is the cup I used every day while I stayed at her house.

It's been a long time since I braided a child's hair.

We went to the mall and did some shopping and went to Olive Garden and also a really cool New Orleans restaurant.

We had some wine and chocolate while we watched my favorite Christmas show, White Christmas.

This is Jess' favorite nutcracker.  I bought it for her years ago.

We went to see the production of The Nutcracker one night at the theatre in Jess' town.  It was magical, and it was the first time the kids saw a live show.  Their dresses were so cute and Christmassy.

When I was by myself at one part of the day, I sat down to watch a Christmas show, and The Little Drummer Boy came on.  It's always been a favorite of mine, and I get emotional every time I watch it.   While I sat there still, the real meaning of Christmas filled my heart with peace.

My week was over, and it was time to fly back home.  My brother-in-law picked me up at the airport, and while it was in the 60's in So Cal, I came home to this.  He went a different route, and we drove through Mt. Lassen, which is a well-known mountain with the elevation of 10,457 feet.

I wish all of my dear blog friends a Merry Christmas.  May joy fill your hearts on this very special day.

~Sheri