2012

Here it is...2012.

Celebrate it with Class, Style, and Grace.

May it bring you dreams and promises.

Prosperity too.

May the Lord Bless you, Keep you, and shine His favor upon you.

Happy New Year!

Sugar, flour, and Sprinkles!

Its that time of year for parties. I am such a huge fan of baking. I would rather bake than cook! Its such a pleasure to see the smile on friends and families face as they nibble...then inhale...the 'sweet" you have made. I had to laugh the other day. I asked my husband if I should make extra of something I was taking to a church party. His reply was..."babe, whatever you make is always loved and hardly anything left when its time to go." Yes, that made me feel good....OK REALLY good! LOL

So here are a few of the baking goods I have done over the last couple of weeks. Your opinions are valued!

I attended a Ladies Christmas tea. I used my StepGrandmothers recipe for Victorian Sponge Cake. She had taught me, a couple of years ago, how to turn the cake into cupcakes. Delicious! I tweaked it a little bit and well.....people now want the recipe LOL Not sure how often I will share it though!

I was privileged to be involved with the Christmas Children's skit this year. They were such Angels....Literally LOL It was all girls dressed as Angels and my little Mr. dressed as a lamb. I really wanted to make something special for them. They all worked so hard and did such a great job! I found a picture of these cute reindeer cupcakes. They looked so easy....and so I tweaked again. The kids loved them!

I always add a little more to my store bought cake mixes. So with this one I put about 2 teaspoons of Coco, a cap full of vanilla, and a couple of dashes of cinnamon.

Here are the toppings I needed. Again I always add, so this time I added about 3 teaspoons of hazelnut spread to my chocolate icing. Delsih!

and the finished product....

Lastly, I am showing the cookies I made with my Little Mr. two nights ago. It was his first baking experience. We had a blast! Yes, it was a huge mess in my tiny kitchen. But SO worth it! Even my stepson (the teenager who is too cool to do just about anything) joined in. So there I was, with two boys, decorating and laughing. Now that is what makes this the most wonderful time of the year!

If I don't get to say it later...

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND GOD BLESS!!

Christmas through my Son's eyes....

Christmas has always been a season of excitement, beauty, and fun. I have so many wonderful childhood memories. I am realizing, now that I have my own little family, how much fun my parents would have celebrating with my brother and I.

My little "mister" is 2 1/2 and this year he is truly enjoying all the lights and decor of the season.  It really makes it so much more fun! Every where we go he is looking for "Christmas". Which usually compasses of Christmas trees and Lights decorating homes. He has learned a few songs....all by himself I might add (very proud momma). So very often when we are out shopping he will burst into "Zingle bells, zingle bells, all the way" or call out "Happy Holidays". I love it!

I decorated our little home. I have come to realize I am very much a traditionalist. I love reds and golds. So that is the base of my colors. As always, I have enjoyed decorating and creating as I go. I just wish Christmas celebrating was two months instead of one!!

Our tree. I love white and twinkling lights. The glow in the living room at night is so peaceful and festive.

Once again my fireplace is the main focal point. I love it!

Stockings hung by the chimney with care.

 

I reused this picture frame from my Fall/Harvest decor. I carefully laid red tissue paper as the background. Then I bought an adorable gift bag as the picture. It turned out great! Plus I didn't have to print out anything.  I considered cutting off the front of the bag so it would lay flatter in the frame. However I was being a bit lazy and didn't. It still looks great but if you want a more polished look, take time to cut the front of the bag off.

Did you see my little nativity set? That is only actually apart of a much bigger and magnificent decorated set that belonged to my mom. She gave it to me for my first "married" Christmas. I  have always loved it and spending the time to put it out with her. I wish I had more space for all the pieces but at least I can put the most important part out! So Thankful for the birth of Jesus Christ! He is the reason not just for the season but for every day and moment of my life.

He is here!!

Noah James Turley made his debut on Dec. 1st!!

I wish I could say I was there to have already held him and smothered him in kisses...(that's what we Aunties are supposed to do right?)....but unfortunately I live to far away to just be able to "pop" over. Thank God for Skype...text messages...and multimedia! I was able to see him and talk to him. My little Master of Destruction has been waiting anxiously to finally "meet" his first baby cousin. We have prayed for him often and he adorably calls him "his baby cousin Noah.' LOL (maybe it also helps that his two Favorite people in the world have given him his baby cousin Noah!)

I truly am happy for my brother and Sis-n-love. I remember many childhood "chats" with my brother about when we would one day have our kids. Well here it is! Its amazing and such a blessing. I am one very lucky Auntie!!