Merry (Belated) Christmas!



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No this is not my house- but doesn’t it look cozy! Beautiful tree, fireplace, probably snow outside….

Merry Christmas! It is a few days late….Christmas was really great here. I really enjoyed the 4 day weekend.  

I spent the day with Nick- woke up early and opened our gifts. He got me one of the best gifts ever! Trail riding certificate for the LA equestrian center! I have been saying all year how I wish I could go riding again- so very sweet -I was so surprised! ^o^ Also some lotion and sugar scrub so I am extra soft now : P

Later in the day we enjoyed Christmas dinner- roast with mashed potatoes, biscuit and cornbread stuffing. Very yummy the roast was done perfect. : ) Then he made a yummy pear and ice cream dessert…yes, he is the best ever!

I was so proud- I got out all my Christmas cards before Christmas and just sent out my family’s Christmas gift package….so they get their gifts a few days late- but hey they are getting them : )

Here is a photo that we took when I was back for my visit in November.

You can see more at my sisters photo blog here

Major of course was not left out- he got some yummy Christmas treats. Although I am sure he would have settled for a piece of roast: P

It is back to work for me- but I have a three and a half day weekend! And I get to spend my New Years with Nick so I am excited!

Happy New Years everyone!

80 degrees winter?!



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I really like this photo- it makes me admit that I am missing some of the winter snow. At the same time I am enjoying the 80 degree weather we have been having the last three days in Los Angeles.

We spent the weekend with Nick’s father and his wife out in Laguna.  We enjoyed watching the sunset over the ocean while eating dinner, lying in bed extra long watching morning football, and walking Major around the quite neighborhood.

Major really enjoyed prancing around and kicking up the grass. He doesn’t get a lot of that here in downtown.

It has also been brought to my attention again that I could use a new camera. Right now it just leaves me wishing I could somehow download my mental snapshots ^o^

It was really a fun weekend. Like taking a mini vacation- it was so much fun we might have to make it a regular occurrence!

Until later…..

Happy (Belated) Thanksgiving

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I have been meaning to post since my Thanksgiving holiday break. But time it seems just got away from me.

My Thanksgiving was wonderful- lots of cuddling and lots of food. Nick made his delicious Cornish game hens- stuffed and everything. It is like having your own personal turkey ^o^ So yummy! My cherry crisp turned out well too- if I do say so myself.

I didn’t get to make Major any “Thanksgiving” treats. But I think he enjoyed his raw beef bone just as much : )

I am so thankful for my family- both my family in Michigan and my little family here.

The weekend before Thanksgiving I got to go visit my family in Michigan. That was a lot of fun despite the red eye flight (that I never sleep on) and 2 hours of sleep over 24+ hours. At least it was “ warm” for a Michigan fall. I mean look how warm I am ^o^

All kidding aside it was great to see my family again. Makes me wish I could see them more often but also makes me thankful for all the time we get to spend together. If only California and Michigan where closer- or there was a transporter machine…..

I am already back to the work “grind” and missing my little “Vacation extravaganza” (5 work says off over 2 weeks). Already looking forward to the two three days weekends the end of December.

I have also come to the realization that the year is almost over! Where did the time go? It feels like I just made out my year to do list (which I think I have barely dented….) But I have been crossing a lot of my regular to do list- so at least I am getting something done! This year I really wanted to accomplish a lot- and I can’t say I have completed a lot…but I have been preparing and taking the steps to complete goals- so I am on my way!

Now I am just gearing up for the holiday season! I love the holidays!

I have almost completed the decorating- all I need are some command strips- which for some reason don’t seem to be sold as a refill pack- only if you want to buy more hooks….so more searching on that front.

Then this weekend I am hoping me and Nick can find our tree. We have not had a tree the last two years due to money or space issues. So I am really excited that this year (as long as we can find a small one) that we will be able to have it twinkling in the apartment.

Christmas cards are also almost completed. I really enjoy making handmade cards for Christmas- someday I am sure I will have a little craft station in the house to release all my craftiness ^o^

Also despite my usual last minute Christmas shopping- I have almost completed it for this year. I am one or two amazon.com orders away!

I think I am going to go have some hot chocolate- listen to Christmas music- and complete my Christmas cards…..

All I want for Christmas......

I am sure there is more that I haven't thought of- but if you know me just call and ask :)

Holiday Season

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I LOVE this time of year! Right when October (Halloween) is winding down and Thanksgiving and Christmas are on the way. 

A fairly new tradition (well 3 years now) Nick and I have for Thanksgiving is Nick cooking up some Cornish game hens with all the trimmings (it is great- like your own personal turkey) - and I am in charge of the dessert. This year I am going to make a spiced cherry crisp ^o^ My tummy is already rumbling...
Of course one of my new favorite things is EGG NOG! (With a little brandy sometimes) I never had even plain egg nog as a kid, but now I overindulge in it every Thanksgiving/Christmas. But hey it is only 1-2 moths of the year :P 
Right after Thanksgiving I like to decorate for Christmas- and that is when I start up the Christmas music and movies too. Not to mention that is when the goodies start to come out- or when I start thinking of making 'em. I am especially eager to make sugar cookies and a small gingerbread house this year. 
For Major I usually make a Thanksgiving or Christmas theme treat. Which he just loves!
For me when I think of Christmas I think of being curled up on a nice soft couch or bed with my love, covered in a fuzzy blanket, sipping hot chocolate, watching a Christmas movie, with the snow falling outside and the lights twinkling on the tree.....cozy...of course I am usually missing the snow- living in this warmer climate :) 
But I am happy just to be with the one I love!