Come tour my holiday home. . .

I am participating in Boomama’s holiday tour of homes. 

Please come in and enjoy our small but cozy home. 

Not only is Christmas time special for us as Christians to celebrate the birth and life of Jesus, it is also the time that we celebrate our marriage.  11 years ago we entered the holiday season as individuals but left the season as one.  I was reminded of this as I was searching my decorated house for just the right pictures to share with you.  The majority of our decorations were shower gifts from friends and family.  I have had a sweet time remembering those early years. 

My simple foyer.

                                     

This is my view from the kitchen sink.  Our tree is small and fake but it works.  For now.  I gave up trying to have a theme tree.  I am enjoying this stage of mothering and proudly placing the children’s ornaments on my main tree.  One day I hope to have a fancy tree and a “kid” tree.  That is in my next house of course. 

                                  

 These are a few of the nativity sets we received as Wedding presents.

                              

                             

                             

                            

This is the first year I have put a tree in the children’s rooms.  They have loved having Christmas lights serve as nightlights.  

                   

We had to make the girls’ tree a bit girly.  They were thrilled!

                                  

On Christmas morning I will be making our traditional Christmas Coffee Cake.  We will also fill these for each other. 

                      

What the heck are these thingys?  They are a version of English Crackers.  Some folks call them poppers.  I spent the holiday season in London student teaching years ago and was fascinated with these fun little Christmas items.  Traditionally, we have used the disposable kind that are difficult to stuff items in.  Last year I stumbled upon these for a GREAT price and thought this would be a great option.  Each family member draws a name and buys a small item for that person.  The item is wee but must be accompanied with a note expressing thankfulness for that person.  My kids have really started to love this tradition.  It is fun to see what we all come up with. 

And before you go, let me offer you a bite of our Christmas Coffee Cake.

Very moist – comes out just beautifully.  We serve it warm with an egg caserole.

1 cup flour                                                      1/4 tsp. ground cloves

1 tsp. soda                                                      1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

1/2 tsp. salt                                                    1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 1/2 cored, peeled, chopped apple           1/2 cup chopped walnuts (we usually leave these out)

1 cup chopped fresh cranberries               powdered sugar for dusting

1 stick unsalted butter, melted

1 egg, lightly beaten

1/2 cup light brown sugar brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Sift together flour, soda, and salt – set aside.  Combine all remaining ingredients and mix well. Stir in flour mixture.  Spread in a buttered 8 inch square baking pan.  Bake 40-45 minutes until knife inserted in center comes out clean.  Let sit 10 minutes, cut into squares, sift over powdered sugar, and serve.

Thank you for stopping by! 

Merry Christmas!