It's just around the corner.....

Am I the only one feeling like Christmas crept up on us this year? I could have sworn it was just August yesterday and now, here we are, just a mere 5 days away.

I'm happy to announce though that my shopping is done, the gifts are bought, wrapped and placed under the tree, the teacher and friends gifts are taken care of and handed out and all that's left is waiting for the day to arrive.

My in laws arrive next week on the 23rd and we're so excited to see them, there's nothing like spending the holidays with family and when you're military it's not always possible, matter of fact you spend more holidays alone than with anyone so it's extra special when you can sit back and actually enjoy the company of family.

Let me show you some of my favorite decorations on the tree, there's far too many to post them all and you know what? Half of the lights on my pre-lit tree have gone out LOL I should get in there and fix it but you know, that would require removing everything from the tree, redoing the lights and then redecorating and quite frankly, I'm too lazy for that.

Oh before I forget, I'm sure a lot of you already know about this site, but my kids love it during the Christmas season and they get a thrill out of tracking Santa.

In the midst of all these Christmas preparations, we've been blessed with the most stunning sunrises and sunsets.

This is our sunrise this morning:

Now if that beauty doesn't make you stop and take a breather, I don't know what will.

Actually I think that is exactly what I'll do, take my cup of hot coffee with my creme brulee creamer (which btw, is amazing) and I'm going to sit outside in the back yard and enjoy it.

Have a wonderful Saturday everyone :)

Slow Cooking Thursday!

Don't forget to add your name to Mr Linky and a link back to your SCT post so others can come by and see your recipe too.

I'm not sure if it's the holidays or what, but this feature is starting to loose steam and not many are participating anymore, guess it also doesn't help that I've been doing it for years and others just started popping up all over blogland recently. Oh well.

Here's the recipe for today:

CROCKPOT HOLIDAY WASSAIL PUNCH

1 qt. apple juice
1 qt. orange juice
2 c. cranberry juice
2 tsp. lemon juice
1 can pineapple nectar
1 cup sugar
3-4 cinnamon sticks
8 whole allspice
Navel Orange Slices

Combine all ingredients in listed order to your crockpot (4 qt. or larger) and cook on low setting for about 4 hours or until heated to desired temperature. You may also cook it on high initially for an hour and reduce the heat to save time. This reheats well for 3 days.

Nicholas' First Grade Winter Concert!

Last night we went to the First Grade Winter concert.

It was loud and chaotic at times but I just love the school concerts, watching the little ones having fun, some shy and not wanting to sing, while others (like our Nicholas) get really into it and bop their heads to the music LOL

Here are some pictures but be forewarned, I was having the hardest time with my camera, and most of them came out blurry or too dark. UGH!

I absolutely LOVE this one. Just love it....my little boy is the sweetest thing on earth and I just wanna squeeze those cheeks :)

It was fun but I'm glad we're done with the concerts for now *snicker*

I'm looking forward to Friday when it's their last day before the winter break, all the excitement of Christmas just around the corner, sleeping in, wrapping presents, drinking hot cocoa and listening to Christmas music.

Oh I can't wait...I need the break. I have a bit of a cold or whatever going on right now, it's not even really a cold, it started with a sore throat last friday and now it's just congestion and this irritating scratch in my throat and chest. I'll be glad when the cold and flu season are over.

Hope you're all having a wonderful week and that you're as excited for the holidays as we are.

Happy Homemaker Monday!

<a href="http://familycorner.blogspot.com" title="hhm by jasnicmommy, on Flickr"><img width="150" alt="hhm" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3362/3608789834_4d1bac04e0.jpg" height="150" /></a>

The weather in my neck of the woods:
There's been rain and clouds and cool temperatures for the past week, but today we have a beautiful blue sky and warmer temps.


One of my simple pleasures:
Playing with my kids


On my bedside table:
The Complete Novels of Jane Austen
The White Queen by Phillipa Gregory

On my TV:
Stargate SG1 Season 6
Merlin Season 2


On the menu for tonight:
Homemade Pizza and Salad


On my To Do List:
Mop and sweep
Laundry
Menus and grocery list


New Recipe I tried last week:
I made some really good cookies this weekend, I'll have both recipes up on the food blog later.

In the craft basket:
Granny Square blanket
Fleece blankets for the kids


Looking forward to:
Having the kids and my husband home for Christmas break next week.


Homemaking Tip for this week:
Establishing a routine is the best way to get everything you need done and still have time to spare. If you want to read, or craft or sew or crochet or even catch up on a favorite show, make time for it, put that into your schedule and routine, you'll find that if you allot times for everything, you will have enough hours in the day to accomplish all you want.


Favorite Blog Post of the week (mine or other):
Haven't had time to read blogs this past week.


Favorite photo from last week:

Jasmine's first Band Concert

Lesson learned the past few days:
That I'm not ready for the teenage years and the phase where it's not cool to be with mommy. I always knew it would come around but I wasn't prepared for the hurt and the feeling of helplessness even though you know it's perfectly normal and they will get over it. Still sucks LOL


On my Prayer List:
Family and Friends


Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
We love because he first loved us.
1 John 4:19

Jasmine's first Band Concert!

Last night we went to Jasmine's first Band Concert at the school, she was nervous but so excited to be there and get to play and I love seeing that portrayed in her eyes.

We are so proud of her, playing the Clarinet seems to be something she is truly enjoying.

Daddy and son playing a little Rock Paper Scissors while waiting for the concert to being.

Here's our girl, she said she was really nervous but I can't tell at all, can you?

Taking a little breather LOL

This one just cracks me up LOL

And there she goes.....and it was also at this point that I was faced with the dreaded "you're embarrassing me" moment.

I truly didn't think I would be dealing with it for a few more years, but I guess being 10 years old and having your mom there taking pictures and waving is something to frown upon.

I tell you being a mom is tough, actually I'm sure I don't have to tell you mothers out there who have teenagers right now or already went through it, but no matter how much you hear that this is normal and it's just hormones and all kids go through that phase.........when it first hits you, it's heartbreaking and I admit to shedding a tear or two on the way home.

Good thing is that we had a really long talk and I laid down some rules and said some things that she needed to hear as a 10 year old, she didn't like it all BUT that's life.

Oh boy, I'm just not ready for any of this tween/teenager stuff, really not ready for it at all.

Apparently I'm now in the "not cool" club. Being seen with mommy is a big NO NO. *hold me* LOL