Looking Forward

Yes, I am looking forward. Today, however, has to be a day of rest and mentally catching up before my body can move forward, for we have had a whirlwind of excitement.



After all of the cookie baking, I baked pies. The mosaic shows the pumpkin pie and pecan pie from start to finish. I use Martha Stewart's pie dough recipe, which has been no fail for me. Yes, I know, it is easier to buy frozen pie crusts, but there is something challenging about rolling out crust, as I remember my mother making pies and then watching my husband's grandmother roll out her crust. She could literally roll a perfect circle with the dough actually spinning around in a circle beneath the rolling pin as she rolled it out.

Traditionally, here, Santa pays a special visit to the Garden Spot's children. So his chair is in place ready for his visit. The house is quiet now, but soon it will be filled with excited, exuberant (mildly stating) children ranging in ages from 9 months to 13.

Inspired by all of the toy trucks decorated up for Christmas on Pinterest, I dug out my husband's old toys. Usually I make the decorations all girly with old dolls of Christmases past. This year the dolls has to remain put away most especially because of Boone. Then after an entire fall of searching the thrift stores for a glass apothecary  jar, I finally found one last minute, filling  it with fake snow and my Chevey truck I found at ARC.

Of all of the Christmas photos, this is my favorite this year of little Lily looking over her list wondering "How'd he know all of that stuff?"

He brings a bag full of pre-Christmas gifts.

After he hands out the gifts, he dazzles the children with a bit of magic. They are always in awe of his greatness. Joining the party this year was Susie, one of my first Christmas dolls that I have managed to keep safe all of these years. While she does not have her original body, she still smiles and makes me happy. I didn't leave her out for long, though.

Soon, Santa is off with a kindly wave and a hearty "HO HO HO! MERRY CHRISTMAS."

Lily finds her spot after Santa's visit.

December here is the month of birthdays followed by January with 3 more birthdays. Jennifer's birthday is December 24. She was born in the wee hours of the 24th, and, yes, we were home for Christmas. Isn't modern technology grand? 

One sweet Santa party guest brought this really cool wreath (?) that she made herself. Being a horse person, too, she knew we would appreciate this special horse. 

And now the dismantling and putting away begins. I am not all up to it today. Maybe tomorrow. Right now I just need some peace and serenity. 

I will have plenty to occupy my time after the first of the year, which might make for a decent blog post. Until then, I hope you have some peace and serenity after the busy holiday season. I'll be back in a few days to wish you Happy New Year.

Thanks so much for keeping me company all year. I have enjoyed your visits so much. I welcome my new friends and appreciate everyone's sweet comments. Be sure to joint Be sure to join Judith @ Lavender Cottage for Mosaic Monday.