Wednesday, December 28, 2011

December to Remember

Hello dear friends! I hope you all had a most joyous Holiday Season! In the week or two leading up to Christmas, it was a rather busy time here in our household {as I'm sure it was in yours}, so I apologize if I haven't posted or if I haven't had the chance to reply and/or visit your lovely blogs just yet. I recently arrived back into town late Tuesday night, after spending the holidays with my parents and family in Central California, so I look forward to catching up on what everyone has been up for the holidays! :)


Today I'd like to share with you some images of a few memorable events throughout the month of December. This year was our first Christmas in our new {old} home, so it was a very special time for all of us. Although we kept it fairly simple this year, we all had so much fun {especially my boys} decorating our cozy little cottage home.


On the "Eve" of Christmas Eve {aka December 23rd}, we turned on the twinkle lights in our living room and let our little one leave some milk and a small plateful of sweets for good ole Saint Nick! :) This was done a day early because we had planned to travel on Christmas Eve.


So 'Twas two nights before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse...


The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there...


Speaking of stockings, I would like to thank Susan from Evelyn & Rose for the lovely hopsack linen stocking with the raw-edged cuff that you see hanging above. I won some lovely items in her Christmas giveaway, including the stocking, a white burlap bag, and a pillow made out of cotton red toile that you see in the table below {thank you Susan!}. :)


As you can see, Santa decided to stop by for a snack and a drink, before he dropped off a few simple gifts underneath the Christmas tree. :)


The next morning we drove up to see the rest of my family in Central California. I was so happy to be able to spend some quality time with my dear mom & dad, as well with my sister and her family. It was just my sister and I as siblings growing up - so we are very close! :)


Here we are at my parents' home, passing out the gifts. I'm the one in stripes, and my sister is the one wearing purple. :) She was so sweet to gift me with some charming vintage items, including these 100 year old holiday post cards! ;)


I felt so blessed to be able to see my entire family again - especially my wonderful dad. Although I wish he was in better health, he is improving and I cherish each moment that I get to spend with him!


Other memorable moments in the month of December, included celebrating my dear husband's birthday on December 22nd. This year I made him a Peppermint Candyland Swirl Cake. This was White and Red Velvet Cake swirled together, frosted with Peppermint Cream Cheese Frosting & filling! A little decadent, but it was just so much fun to make! :)


His gift was then dressed up with Brown Paper Packaging, and then tied up with string. {The wrapping is just a Trader Joe's grocery bag}. My hubby loves to play the guitar, so inside the package is a vintage guitar magazine! :)


Other exciting events this month included my little one performing in his first Christmas program at his preschool, and my older one attending his new school's football banquet held at a local hotel ballroom.


Oh, and at my little one's preschool Christmas party, he did manage to bump into Santa as well! :)


Well my dear friends, that is all for today! I hope you are all enjoying and celebrating this blessed season with your loved ones and friends. May the upcoming New Year bring you peace, love and extra happiness!!!


XO's,
Jessie




Sharing with: How Sweet the Sound, Fingerprints on the Fridge, Home Sweet Home, My Romantic Home, Feathered Nest Friday, Free Pretty Things For You, Faded Charm, What's It Wednesday,

35 comments:

awal.ny said...

How wonderful that you were able to spend Christmas with your family. I am glad you had a great time too. Happy New Year.

The Cottage Market {Andrea} ♥ said...

looks like you had a fabulous Christmas! here's wishing you and yours a wonderful! happy! healthy! compassionate New Year!

okcamp said...

Jessie,
I'm glad your father is improving and that you had such a nice holiday visit with your family.

It's hard to believe that in a couple of days it will be 2012. Happy New Year!
Diane

High Street Cottage said...

You've been busy! Thank you for the kind comment on my photos, I have a favorite one on your blog too, the side bar wedding photo, it's lovely!
Have a wonderful day today, looking forward to a year full of inspiration, hugs, tami

Lynne said...

Jessie,
Your Christmas was lovely. I am so happy to hear that your dad's health has improved. Bless your mom for taking such good care of him.

I did pop in for some quick visits during the hustle and bustle of the days before Christmas. The snowman cake was a work of art! I bet it was hard to cut in to it!
~Lynne
[w/L]

Blondie's Journal said...

You had a busy but wonderful December. I'm happy you were able to visit your family. It sounds like you had a great time and I am happy to hear your father is feeling better...what a blessing!

Have a wonderful new Year, Jessie!

XO,
Jane

Anonymous said...

Nice pictures. The cake with candy canes looks so tasty.

Hugs
Elna

Fresh Vanilla For C said...

Hi Jessie~ Looks like you had a great time. I love that cake. Wow!!! If I only could bake.......;( Looking forward to all your great posts in 2012. Happy New Year to you and your family.

xo,
Cheryl

jessica said...

Looks like you had a fabulous time!!

Wishing you an awesome New Year!!

~*J

Linda M. said...

Hi Jessie, Thanks for sharing your Christmas fun in photos. That cake looks yummy! Happy New Year! Linda

A Cozy Cottage in the City said...

Thank you all for stopping by! Your sweet comments always make my day!!! Happy New Year everyone!!!


Hugs,
Jessie

Roser og Patina said...

Dear jessie. Such lovely reading! Its good to hear that you spend such good times with your family, especially your father and sister:) The cake for your husband looks tempting! Your a very talented baker ass well:) Your pictures is pure joy! The love for your family is really coming out in your pictures!

I now have google translator on my blog. And it was really fun to translate into English, haha​​! Many words were misspelled and phrases Become funny! But it will certainly give you a better understanding;) Wish you a nice week. Hugs Ellen.

Roser og Patina said...

I almost forgot! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Shanon at Vintage Sparkle Chic said...

It looks like you had a wonderful holiday with your family. It was fun to look at all of your photos. I'm glad your dad is doing better. I love it when my sister presents me with vintage goodies! My husband did this year, too! I will have to post on that soon.

Happy New Year!

~Shanon

Anonymous said...

Hi Jessie,
I'm so glad you had such a wonderful Christmas with your family back home!
I'm also so glad that your dad is doing better!!
I love your pretty vintage cards that your sister got you. I'm always surprised how long the beautiful cards from over a hundred years ago last. I love reading what the sender wrote and when it was postmarked.

I hope you have a wonderful week Jessie and Happy New Year to you and your family!
Sincerely,
Melinda

Town and Country Gals said...

Jessie,
Looks like you had a wonderful Holiday season! So glad your dad's doing better! It's so fun to be able to be with our families on Christmas! I got to skype with mine in Yorba Linda Ca, fun but not the same as being together! Enjoyed the photo story of your December!
Happy New Years
Rebecca

Town and Country Gals said...

Jessie,
Looks like you had a wonderful Holiday season! So glad your dad's doing better! It's so fun to be able to be with our families on Christmas! I got to skype with mine in Yorba Linda Ca, fun but not the same as being together! Enjoyed the photo story of your December!
Happy New Years
Rebecca

Tricia said...

It sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas. How nice that you spent it with your family and that your dad is doing better too. Hope you have a very Happy New Year!

June said...

Hi Jessie! I was thrilled to get your comment and so I could then find your blog! Thank you for taking the time to leave one for me (it made my whole morning this morning!!!)
It looks and sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas! It is always great to spend it with the ones we cherish and love.
I am so looking forward to getting to know you better through your blog.
Have a wonderful New Year with your family!
hugs from here...

Jodi@ underthegeorgiasun.com said...

Sounds like a great Christmas!!! Family, food and fun! Just perfect. :o)

I love the way you wrapped your husband's present. So very cool!

Olivia said...

love the baubles on the bottles, so clever and pretty! x

SLR said...

I'm so glad you had a wonderful family Christmas! That cake looks YUM! Looking forward to all of your pretty pictures and posts in 2012...I know you will have tons to share in your cozy cottage!!

Susan EvelynAndRose said...

Such beautiful Christmas memories you will cherish I'm sure! Glad to hear you enjoyed spending time with your family and attending such fun school events. It sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas, and I'm so glad my giveaway items added to your cozy and lovely home!
Happy New Year to you Jessie!
- Susan

Special 'K' said...

I was just dropping by to wish you a Happy New Year and thank you for visiting my place and your special comments. I look forward to engaging more with you in 2012. Cheers SpecialK XoXo

Jennelise said...

It looks like you had a wonderful Christmas! Thankyou for your comments on my blog - you are very sweet! I hope that your New Year is lovely! Take care!
Jennelise

Laura @ 52 FLEA said...

It looks as if you had a delightful holiday season. Wonderful photos! Wishing you a Happy New Year!
Laura :)

Red Rose Alley said...

Jessie,
You have had a busy month of December. I love all the red decorations that you had out this holiday season. That red velvet cake with the candy canes looks so yummy. And do I remember those football banquets when my son played football. Thank you for being a dear friend this year, and I hope the New Year brings you much joy.
~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Hi Jessie, Looks like you had a wonderful Christmas with your family. Glad to hear your dad is doing better. Happy New year!
Hugs,
Sherry

Lorraine said...

Oh, what a lovely CHristmas!! Love the pictures! Happy PS and Happy New Year!

Lorraine said...

Oh, what a lovely CHristmas!! Love the pictures! Happy PS and Happy New Year!

J.Rylie.C said...

Soo pretty!

My PINK, please come and see. Have a happy new year!

Blooming Rose Musings said...

Oh Jessie, how I envy you being able to spend time with your family. That's wonderful.
I hope the New Year brings you many blessing and dreams come true.
Happy New Year!

Town and Country Gals said...

Jessie,
Just dropping by to wish you a Happy New Year, am looking forward to visiting lots in the up coming year! It's been fun!
Rebecca
PS. have added you to my favs on my sidebar.

Chubskulit Rose said...

Gorgeous. Came to wish you a happy new year. Drop by to see my PINK when you get a chance. Thanks!

Mel_Cole said...

wow, i love that white cake :) Hope to see you in my Pink Saturday entries one and two. Happy New Year!

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