FYI

My NEW blog address is
bj-sweetnothings.blogspot.com

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thanks, bj

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

CHRISTMAS EVE...a magical time of love, laughter and joy...

CHRISTMAS EVE....IT'S FINALLY HERE....
OOO, the fun of it all....
*****
WHEN I asked my bunch what they would like for their
CHRISTMAS EVE buffet,
the one requested the most....
CROCK POT CHILI
Jennifer's Crock Pot Chili
it simmered and cooked all night long,
just getting all those spices, tomatoes, onions, seasonings, meat to marry each other
and, oh, it is smelling so so good....
THE candy cane cookies are all nestled in their glass domed waiting place...just waiting until the first little hand raises the dome and.......then.....these cookies are HISTORY !

just the way i want them to be!! *smiling

gum drops and raspberry filled hard candies, peanuts, suckers....
a kids treat table if ever i saw one.... ;>O
hot chocolate, spiced teas and spiced cider ready for the minute everyone comes in, freezing hands and feet...we'll build a roaring fire and have our hot drinks while the COOK is in the kitchen, making GOODNESS....

THIS is the time of year that my loving RED really comes together...
using my white then a RED plates and my RED silverware
makes for such a joyous and festive setting...



oH, I am loving my CHRISTMAS TABLE ...
here's a photo showing off my mom's Christmas tablecloth....

I picked RED berried Holly from my front yard to use on my table...
the other little frilly looking berries in front....not sure just what they are but they
MUST be called a CHRISTMAS BUSH because the berries turn RED
right at Christmas time every year....AWESOME...


I used two of my large, vintage canning jars holding the HOLLY on each side of SNOW SANTA..
he requested...well, really he DEMANDED to be center stage on this
CHRISTMAS TABLE this year and I said, "WHY...SURE!"




Yep, I am just about ready for my MAGNIFICENT family to arrive....
*********



ALWAYS !!


"let it snow..
let it snow..
let it snow........"

my little red kitchen really HAS been a BAKERY all this week....
ummmm, the smells and the taste.....
there's pumpkin pie with REAL whipped creme...
an extra BIG pecan pie with vanilla bean ice creme...
3 batches of Christmas cookies...
2 batches of Christmas candy...
a Carrot Cake with Creme Cheese icing...
possibly taking the place of our JESUS CAKE this year...
all my bunch are so well aware of the REASON FOR THE SEASON,
which is ANOTHER blessing !
There's egg nog, chilling in the fridge, along with bottles of BLACKBERRY WINE...
the egg nog....STORE BOUGHT *gasp........but so so good with a scoop of ice creme and
fresh ground nutmeg sprinkled on top... did someone say WHIPPED CREME, too ?

my dining room mantel didn't get "Christmas dressed" as much as usual...just running out of time....maybe time to add some crystal vases with my beautiful HOLLY with the RED berries later today...before the MAGNIFICENT family arrive for fun, food and........PRESENTS !
OH ! HONEY....the grandkids do love those presents.....


the two little CHRISTMAS angles on this small wreath were once a set of 12...many years ago when I was a child.
These two are all I have left and I guard them dearly.....

isn't this just the cutest little, fuzzy snowman....
my good friend, SHEILA, made it for me last year...
I'll love him forever and ever, Sheila.... just like i'll love YOU forever!

I put some little fairy lights on my headboard last night....
they are so pretty, i couldn't unplug them when i got ready to go to sleep so i just kept them on all night. it was like sleeping outside in the sunlight but i didn't care...
i love 'em....
it is so so important to surround ourselves with things we love...
i just snuggled down in that bed with the soft glow all around me and thought about how blessed i am....oh, yes....I AM BLESSED...
aren't they pretty..
i am pretty sure i will be using these cuties year round...
they just make me feel good !

see this cute, bright CHRISTMAS RED rocker....


i bought it unfinished and Mr. Sweet Nothings painted it in my favorite color and it was
a Christmas gift to our first little grandson, when he was a tiny little boy...
the inscription on the bottom says...
CHRISTMAS 1991...

OH, the sweet memories of DREW'S little bottom, planted firmly in that seat
and rocking back and forth with such a sweet, little grin on his face....

I LOVE THAT LITTLE ROCKER...
yes, SHEILA, you CAN love little RED rockers...

and, of course, he will get it when he is ready for it...probably when he is married and is a daddy and then...bet he will love having HIS son or daughter rock and grin in it, too....
"Sweet, sweet memories are made of this"...
Don't we just adore traditions and heirlooms and family treasures to be handed down from generation to generation.....
Oh, I sure do ! Yes, I surely do.....
*******

A BLESSED CHRISTMAS TO YOU......
and for those that might like to make
a JESUS CAKE....


Make a round chocolate cake (to symbolize our sins).
Cover with white frosting (his purity covers our sins).
Top with a yellow star and angel (bearer of the first glad tidings).
Place 12 (Christ, our light through the 12 months of the year) red candles (red for his blood shed for us) on top.
Encircle the cake with evergreen icing leaves (symbol of everlasting life).
*************
In the bustle of preparing for Christmas, we may forget what we are celebrating. To place the right importance on the Christmas holiday, make this birthday cake for Jesus and explain the symbols to your children or grandchildren....
***

I've made this so special cake for the last two Christmas' for our family and
we all enjoy it so much...not necessarily for the taste..
but for the FOOD FOR OUR SPIRITS...
as mentioned above...CARROT CAKE will take the place of this one, this year...
BUT YOU can bet that we will speak of Jesus and the things He stands for and
wish Him a Happy Birthday....
*********

I WISH YOU ALL THE MOST BLESSED CHRISTMAS SEASON OF ALL TIME....
and a WONDERFUL AND FUN FILLED CHRISTMAS EVE....
All you sweet ladies and gents have made my 2008 such a happy year...
I have so enjoyed getting to know all of you and growing to love all of you very much.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your blessed friendship....
love, bj

38 comments:

Meggie said...

Everything looks so festive and beautiful, BJ. Merry Christmas to you and you family!

Anonymous said...

Great post BJ, You truly know how to celebrate Christmas. It's all the shopping, baking, decorating and getting prepared for, the most important family gathering.It has been a pleasure getting to know you and I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas.

Love Ya,
Chris

P.S. After Xmas maybe you could share the recipe for the carrot cake. :)

SmilingSally said...

Everything looks perfect. Merry Christmas, BJ!

Marcela said...

Merry Christmas to you and yours dear BJ!!!
My best wishes
Blessings
Marcela

Anonymous said...

I wish you a holiday filled with God's blessings, and wonderful times shared with family and friends.

And, I would really like one of those candy cane cookies.

Pink Princess said...

BJ, that CHILI looks SO good, if you have anything left send it over to me, will ya??:)

I love all your decorations etc, so festive!!

Have a wonderful Blessed Christmas.

Marian and Elvis :)

paru's_circle said...

wishing you all the best! its so lovely decked out in red
regards
px

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Merry CHRISTmas from my house to yours BJ...hugs and smiles Gloria

Bo said...

Dear BJ...Your cottage is just full of warmth & love with all of your treasures but mostly because YOU are there! Merry Christmas!
♥ Bo

Connie said...

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas, sweet cherub. Come over and chuckle with me on today's post. I think it'll warm your heart also, honey.
Smooches and Merry CHRISTmas,
Connie

squawmama said...

Good Morning BJ... What a great post... Our Christmas Eve dinner is always Chili too... Loved you post today and was really fond of the Jesus Cake... How nice. We are all ready too and I will be up at my daughter’s house today cooking for tomorrow... and playing with the twins... Have a joyous day and I wish you & your family the most wonderful Christmas ever... I am so thankful I have met you and come to be your friend... Love you

(((HUGS)))
Donna

Anonymous said...

BJ, Merry Christmas from my Cock-a-doodle-doo Cottage here in Tulsa. Your blog is always my first stop each day and I feel blessed to share a little part of your day. Thank you for the time you take to share your warm and cozy life & FAMILY with us all. You are a joy and an inspiration. Great health and happiness to you and yours in 2009. Patty Ann

Becky said...

Morining BJ;

Looks like you are all ready to go....everything looks so fab. I LOVE your red....it's my favorite color too! Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Rue said...

Everything looks wonderful Bj! Rich's mom sends us a Jesus cake every year!

I'm trying so hard to get around to everyone on my blog list and it's getting down to the wire, let me tell you LOL

I want to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year. Thank you so much for always being a friend to me and for welcoming me in Blogland with open arms.

Much love and many hugs,
rue

Jackie said...

BJ, I wish you lots of laughter, joy, and love. Merry Christmas to you and all those you love.

God bless.

Carol said...

Hi BJ!
Looks like you're all ready for the big day! Enjoy!
Christmas blessings,
Carol

niartist said...

Oh Bj! Love everything, that Chili looks absolutely delicious! I'm so hungry now ... ooo, and afterward, those beds look so comfy and cozy for a long nap! I absolutely love your home! Oh, and thanks for stopping by yesterday for my tablescape ... I suppose I'm not too bad for a San Angelo boy! LOL! Merry Christmas to you and yours Bj, hope that Chili fills everyone right up!

Sometimes It's Good said...

Have a wonderful Christmas, BJ. Your home looks so festive and welcoming. I love the Christmas cake about Jesus...great idea.
Hugs, Susan

Rattlebridge Farm said...

The chili and cookies look delicious--but all of your food looks lipsmacking good. I love the Mason jar, and the little snowman just stole my heart. Have a Merry Christmas, my dear!
(Hugs)
Gollum

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Love this, BJ! It all looks delicious, cozy, warm, and bright!

Merry Christmas!

xo,

Sheila

Libby's Library said...

I'm so envious of all your wonderful plates!!!
Merry Christmas!

Theresa @ Take A Sentimental Journey said...

Yum the chili looks so good, pass me a bowl full please LOL.
Hope you have a blessed Christmas BJ.

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

BJ, you home looks so festive and pretty! Red is my favorite color so you know I'm loving all the red everywhere!

Merry Christmas!

Manuela

Kathleen Grace said...

Your home is just bursting with bright Christmas cheer! It is beautiful! Your family is so lucky to have you making all this wonderful Christmas joy. Merry Christmas to you dear friend:>)

Linda said...

Merry Christmas,BJ. Your home looks so lovely and Christmasy..love the holly in the mason jars...have a joyous Christmas...hugs, Linda

Anonymous said...

Oh BJ, your home and your heart are so full of fun and love I feel good just reading your post today. Christmas at your house has to be the most and the best ever. I love all your red and your mother's tablecloth.

Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones with blessings and love...Jeanne

Deanna said...

My dear sweet BJ,
just stopping by to wish you and your dear family a very Merry Christmas Many but many hugs!

Christmas Blessings from Texas,
Deanna :)

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas to you & your family BJ - have a great day tomorrow. Jennifer

Ginger said...

Everything looks beautiful.
Merry Christmas!!!
Ginger

Unknown said...

Hi BJ
All your photos are so pretty! Merry Christmas to you and your family.

Diane

nikkicrumpet said...

Merry Christmas BJ...thanks for sharing yourself and a slice of your life with us here in blogland. You are a radiant beam of sunshine and I'm so glad you're a part of my world! It is an honor to call you friend. Merry Christmas. I hope the lord blesses you and your family with all that you need! I ♥ you!

Carole Burant said...

Everything looks absolutely beautiful and it makes me wish I was going to your house too! hehe Enjoy every minute of the holidays my friend. May Peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through! Merry Christmas to you and yours, dear BJ! xoxo

Anonymous said...

Evening, Dear BJ! Oh, everything looks so wonderful and I love the explanation for Jesus' birthday cake! I want to wish you and your family a very blessed christmas!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Anonymous said...

Oh BJ!!!! I love your Mother's tablecloth! Everything looks so wonderful! Merry Christmas to you and your entire family my Dear Blogging Buddy! I wish you peace and happiness!

xoxoxoxoxo
Donna Marie

Anonymous said...

.... you could give Mrs Claus a run for her money... evrything looks soooo enchanting...... so wonderful...
I am only baking 4 deserts and of course the turkey and ham..... been cooking and cleaning for 2 days.. and lovin it...
Christmas blessing to you and those you love..
Hugs
Linda

Unknown said...

Sweet BJ,
I wish to you and your whole family a very Merry Christmas! And may all your dreams come true in this 2009. Happy New Year.

Love Suzy

Anonymous said...

I'm a little behind on my comments due to the holiday but now that everything is over I'm enjoying a browse through my blogger friends holidays.

There are so many things I love about your post. The red kitchen with the black and white checkered teapot and canisters, the old fashioned candy jars (not to mention the gumdrops), the red dishes, and the basket for your silverware. Plus, I love chili and candy cane cookies. I made Pasta e Fagioli on Christmas Eve but chili would be another winner in our family.

Your home looked so inviting and festive.

Anonymous said...

I am four months new into blogland, I have enjoyed visiting your blog,Thank you for the Jesus cake, it will be in our tradition for years to come.Please visit me and I would appreciate being on your blog list of friends. A Very Happy New Year Blessings, brook