These are a few of my favorite things . . . to do during the Christmas Holidays!

"Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things . . .'

1) Sipping egg nog and watching "Christmas Vacation".

"Don't throw me down Clark!"
"I won't Aunt Bethany!"

"Is the house on fire Clark?"
"No Aunt Bethany!"

"Oh Aunt Bethany, you really shouldn't have!"
"Oh dear, did I break wind?"
"Gees Bethany, did the room clear out? Heck no! She meant the presents!"

"Aunt Bethany will you say grace?"
(Aunt Bethany shakes her head no)
"GRACE - they want you to say Grace."
"Grace? She died 30 years ago."
"THE BB-LL-EEE-SSS-II-NN-GG!"

Boy, that Aunt Bethany is sure good for some laughs!

2) Decorating the Christmas Tree





3) Stringing the lights outside . . .

With my little helper . . .


who decided that chasing the neighbor's cat would be more interesting!

4) Wrapping presents . . .
Ooopps - no picture for that -- haven't actually started doing that. Ahem! Anywhoo . . .

5) Kissing under the mistletoe

Ok - let me clarify -- first of all, there will be no pictures (you're welcome!) Secondly, hubby, I'm only referring to kissing YOU under the mistletoe. I mean ladies, just look at him!




6) Sipping on a warm cup of cider cozied up by a fire (is "cozied" even a real word? Um, well spell check says no. Well I say it is now -- this is my blog and I can do that if I want!)



6) Listening to this . . .




"When the dog bites
When the bee stings
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad!"

He knows if you've been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake!

You better watch out
You better not cry
Better not pout
I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is coming to town
He's making a list
And checking it twice;
Gonna find out Who's naughty and nice
Santa Claus is coming to town
He sees you when you're sleeping
He knows when you're awake
He knows if you've been bad or good So be good for goodness sake!
O! You better watch out! You better not cry Better not pout I'm telling you why

Santa Claus is coming to town!

Politically incorrect!

An Advent Carnival

My sister-in-law is hosting an Advent Carnival over here. She asked her reader's to participate by sharing inspiration, information, activity ideas, craft ideas, music and more. The main focus is "Anglican Advent Traditions", however, all are welcome to join in. If you didn't get a submission in prior to her post, feel free to leave your tradition in the comments.

Being a traditional gal and now, having a little family of my own, I'd love to start some family traditions also. So, I'm excited to hear about every one's ideas.

Head on over and see what traditions our fellow bloggers observe this time of the year.

Merry Christmas to me early . . .'er rather late, I guess!

Guess what showed up in the arms of my Hubby at my door yesterday? Nope . . . not these, but . . . these!



That's right my bloggy friends and family. It's Cuisinart 10 Piece Chef's Classic Cookware in all Stainless Steel. Guaranteed to to help me cook like a real chef or I get my money back. Ok, well not really. But . . . how can I not cook better with new pots and pans. You know -- they're all level and stuff on the bottom. No uneven heating here. Nope! Here's what they do promise:

* Chef's Choice Stainless:18/10 mirror finish. Classic looks, professional performance.

* Unsurpassed Heat Distribution:Aluminum encapsulated base heats quickly and spreads heat evenly. Eliminates hot spots.

* Stainless Steel for Professional Results:18/10 stainless steel cooking surface does not discolor, react with food or alter flavors. Great for classic cooking techniques like slow simmers, rolling boils and reduction of liquids.

* Cool Grip Handle:Solid stainless steel riveted handle stays cool on the stovetop. A helper handle provides extra support and balance when lifting and pouring.

* Drip-Free Pouring:Rim is tapered for drip-free pouring.

* Flavor Lock Lid:Tightfitting cover seals in moisture and nutrients for healthier, more flavorful results, every time you cook.

* Dishwasher Safe:Premium 18/10 stainless steel easily cleans to original brilliant finish.

*Constructed to Last:Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Let me tell you the story behind these gems. Last year (yes, I said last year -- Christmas to be exact) my hubby and I started looking at cookware. We both knew we were in need of some new pots and pans. Our pots and pans were almost 10 years old. You know --- we're the people whose pots and pans had the non-stick coating peeling off and the warped bottom that won't allow the pan to sit level on the smooth top range (this just drove Hubby crazy!).

We shopped, we looked, we fretted over price . . . and we procrastinated. WE.COULD.NOT.MAKE.A.DECISION. We scoured the internet, talked to our friends, got sound advice AND.STILL.DID.NOT.MAKE.A.DECISION. We went to the store this past weekend where said pots and pans were "on Sale" and walked out of the store EMPTY.HANDED. I had all but given up hope on them there pots and pans until Monday afternoon, hubby pulled into the garage after a long day of work and low and behold, there he was with my brand new set of pots and pans. Yes, my friends -- only the best for his little lady. I.WAS.SHOCKED. Happy, but shocked!

So, how 'bout dinner at my house -- next week? I'll need a week to break them in. I hear cooking with stainless steel (as opposed to the non-stick) is a little different. So, I'll need just a little bit of time to adjust. Not to worry, though. I have the utmost faith in my culinary skills (snort!snort!)

Thanks Hubby! I can't wait to give 'em a try!

Gotta run, my biscuits are burning!