Our Home: Christmas Decorations!

Ohhh How I Love

The Scent of Cinnamon Pinecones

The Feel of a room filled with Garland

The Warmth that Christmas Decorations give to a Home

.. a few hours and some garland/tree scratches on my arms and hands later,

our house is ready for the holidays

All that is left now to do is.. Bake Cookies!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tis the Season: Our New Tree

I love the Christmas season.  A time for family, Gathering Together, being Joyful, and remembering how blessed we are because of God’s Grace.

I have such fond memories of Christmas.  It was never centered on the gifts (although I sure did love opening up a new toy early in the morning).  It was about family activities, decorating, playing games, playing in the snow, singing Christmas carols, eating lasagna, drinking hot cocoa, going to the candle light Christmas eve service, driving around the neighborhoods looking at lights, and of course Christmas dinner at church where we sang "The 12 Days of Christmas" and everyone belted out "FIVE Goooooolden RINGSSSSS". (shout out to Joe Urbanowics and Paul Kastuk on that last one for making that momement every year especially memorable)

Christmas is really my Thanksgiving, when I focus on being Thankful for Family, Friends, Good Memories, Good Food, and all we’re Blessed with.

Growing up a fan of the holiday season I want to make sure I carry that joy into the family that is now Russ and I (..and one day our kids).  It is a joyous season and we are going to make sure to focus on that!  Forget the stress of too much gift buying, of traveling to a million places, of spending too much money and stressing out financially. Christmas is FUN and that’s the way it’s gonna be, a time to Rejoice.

So in the spirit of fun….

 …I made Russ a Gator tree!

I may love to decorate with garland and pine cones, but Russ doesn’t get quite so excited about that.  It is important that in our house everyone has fun and we all enjoy it… and that’s why there is the new addition of Gator items to my Christmas collection.

An update of the rest of the Christmas Décor to follow

No More Turkey!!

Im done with Turkey..

and done with Green Bean Casserole..

and even Sweet Potatoes..

I have officially overdosed on Thanksgiving!

2 weeks ago Brooke and Kendall came to visit.. and we made a full blown Thanksgiving.. and ate the leftovers for days.

THEN

My work had a potluck Thanksgiving

THEN

Russ and I went to Orlando for Thanksgiving at my Aunt's...

and we ate leftovers for days

THEN

We visited friends and their new baby this Saturday.. and they were having their family Thanksgiving feast.  Helloooooo Thanksgiving #4

I got home after Thanksgiving #4 and countless days of leftovers and got rid of all things Thanksgiving that still lingered in the fridge

(except the mac n cheese of course, Russ would kill me if I got rid of that)

On our trip back this Sunday Russ and I needed something new to eat, something NOT Thanksgiving.  And we happend to pass this BBQ joint in the middle of no where, SERIOUSLY in the middle of no where.  Hello Ribs, Smoked Chicken, Baked Beans, Cornbread, Corn on the Cob and a big ol' glass of Sweat Tea

 

 

 

After this meal I went to the grocery store and bought a ton of salad, soup, and then baked some fresh bread... very non Thanksgiving food.  Dont get me wrong, I still love Thanksgiving, but I think we need some time apart from each other.

I did bring home some raspberry jam. Cant wait to slather some on a biscuit!

(Wow how southern did that sound)

Cranberry Deliciousness

Cranberry Date Oatmeal Bars

Mom found this recipe in a magazine one day, and since then these cookie bars have been a staple for the fall season.  The perfect mix of tart cranberry, wholesome oatmeal, and buttery goodness.  So good I need to share it!

Here is the recipe

I recomend keeping them in the fridge, they are so good cold.

(with note on the side for 1/2 cup oil to substitute for the butter if youre feeling paticularly healthy.)

..ENJOY

A Day of Football

Florida Georgia Game

This game is a Big Deal in Jacksonville.  Called “The World’s Biggest Cocktail Party” people come and tailgate/campout  a week ahead of time.   Russ and I headed downtown Jacksonville for the day to be a part of the football craziness.  There is an area to watch the game right outside the stadium with huge screens and lots of food.  You just bring your chair, set up camp, and be a part of the whole crazy atmosphere of that game. 

It really was a fun day to be outside, soak up the sun, and be a part of it all.

…and eat fried oreos!!

…and nachos!

Russ was all decked out!.. and so was the Truck

  The shoes are probably the best part HAHA

 

 I had my gear on too

Thanks to Jewel and Sarah

Off to the Game