Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, & Happy Kwanzaa

Good Mornign Stampers,

I am so sorry that I have been missing from my blog for so long.  It has been a sad Fall for me.  I lost 2 beloved Aunts.  I grew up close to both of them – they lived in the same town.  One lived next door my whole life – up to this day.  My husband and I were fortunate enough to have purchased my grandparents farm home as our own so I live surrounded by my dads side of the family.  We all grew up on the same street in our town – 35 cousins!  It was wonderful.  My moms side also lived in town but not on the same street.  We are a close knit family and we were able to have our children enjoy that by living here too. 

I just can't belive today is Christmas Eve.  2011 was so full for us.  I am working on a My Digital Studio project – kind of a year in review.  As soon as it is done I will post it for you to see.

Today I wanted to take a minute to thank you all for all your support this past year – personally and professionally.  You all have touch my life in some way and I am so thankful for that.

I have a few pictures to show you of some of the things we have been doing around here to

catch you up ~

Our annual tradition to cut down our Christmas Tree on Thanksgiving weekend – The tree directly behind Matt and Samantha is our Christmas Tree before we cut her down.  Yes, she is a female tree!

I participate in a couple cookie swaps every year.  This cookie swap we bring our cookies already packaged up all pretty!  I created the ornament on top using the big shot and some Stampin' Up! punches.  It made the trays looks so festive!  This year 11 of us were able to attend and we had a blast.  I think 8 of us grew up together and graduated from the same high school – (not all in the same year).  One of the perks of living where you grew up!

My cookie this year was the spritz – I made green trees and red flowers!

I love the glitter heart cheeks!  On the back I dated it – Cookie Swap 2011

Next my mom and I  (that is her at the sink) turned my kitchen into a bakery and bake our annual cookies – about 20 different kinds this year.  We package them up and give them to family and friends each year.

This is one of my sons favorite cookies – Angel Kiss cookies!

My parents have carried on our traditional fish dinner and we just love it.  This is a shot of as many of my parents grandchildren and great grandchildren that could make it this year.  We had a wonderful time and really missed those that were unable to make it. 

The night has a few traditions – one of which is Santa comes to bring a little gift for all the good little girls and boys!

OH WHAT FUN!

Another tradition I have in my home is the Gingerbread Houses!  Each year Matt and Samantha create Gingerbread houses – take a look at this years version ~

Love them!

Well other things have gone on but I need to start my day.  We are off to Long Island today to spend Christmas Eve with my husbands family. 

I look forward to sharing more with you.  Please some back and check in to see what's happening!

Wishing you all a wonderful day.  Please stay safe and enjoy your friends and families during this most Joyous time of Year! 

Blessings ~

Annette