Big Bear Ski Trip!!

Hi everyone! Here are a few photos

from the ski trip last week!

It was a memorable trip right

from the start... flying into a

huge storm that left 3 feet of

snow in the mountains. Scary!!

Once we arrived after a rocky

flight, we drove up the mountains

from Palm Springs, CA. We

arrived at the Northwoods Resort

at Big Bear Mountain after

about a two hour drive.

What a fun time had by all!

Spencer, Gannon and Nick

went to ski school, and Andrew

was already a "pro"... so he

and Dad headed up the double

black diamond runs! YIKES!

I on the other hand, knowing

I had an upcoming surgery...

opted to stay at the bottom

of the hill and watch the ski school!

Have a warm and toasty Holiday

everyone! We are expecting a

huge Christmas blizzard! The

boys are thrilled with that news!!

Winter Blessings to you all!!

~Kim

Doing Well! Thanks for asking!!

The surgery went well! Thank you soooo much for all your calls, e-mails and gifts of love, meals and flowers!! I am so very blessed to have such a wonderful family and friends!

I am still on a ton of meds, so not quite up to par, but I know it will be a great Christmas despite this set-back and that I will be healthier because of the surgery!

I wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and will post again soon with pics from our ski trip just as soon as I'm feelin a little better.

Hugs,
Kim

Check This Out!!

Hi everyone! I just had to show you my little project today. I found this idea on a link from Today's Creative Blog for ribbon trees. It turned out really cute I think! I added an antique tea cup base to make it more like a little sweet topiary! Now.... who to give it to for Christmas?? I think I may have to make a couple more!

Have a great weekend!! Wish me luck on the ski hill! I am a serious klutz!!

~Kim

The Elves Have Been Busy Around Here...wink,wink!

T.G.I.F !!

How are you all doing today? I am, uh, I mean
the Elves have been busy decorating,
wrapping and making gifts at
my house!! I posted more photos
of the holly jolly-ness around
our home due to lots of requests
to do so! Thanks for caring
everyone!

AND It's Recipe Swap Day!!!
I have a great Cinnamon Latte
mix in a jar recipe posted after the photos
for you guys to make for all your
teachers, neighbors and anyone
else who likes warm rich coffee!
Who wouldn't right? Simply
Scroll down past the pics and it's there!
I put the mix in a cute vintage jar
and tied some sparkle ribbon on it.
They really take all of about
five minutes to make, so it's
a great snappy little gift to whip
up for someone!

Enjoy the photos and have a wonderful
weekend! My family and I are heading
off for a much needed vacation with our
family in California! We are going skiing
at Big Bear Lake. The boys are sure
excited!!! Can't wait to see my sis and my
two adorable nephews!

I'll be back next week! Take care
all!!!

~Kim

CINNAMON LATTE MIX IN A JAR

2 small jars cinnamon flavor coffee mate powder

1 small jar french vanilla coffee mate powder

3/4 powdered coffee creamer

1 c. powdered sugar

1 c.powdered dry milk

1/2 C. dry instant coffee granules

* simple: just dump all into a huge bowl and give it a good mix. This makes a lot. About 6 cups worth. I then used a kitchen funnel to put into my jars.

Note: Don't forget to add a little tag to your gift jar telling them how to make their yummy

coffee: * Add 3 heaping tsp. to a mug of steaming hot water and stir!!

Merry December!

Merry December everyone!! I bet everyone is starting to get their jingle on and their homes ready for the holidays... aren't you? Well, I've been gradually adding Christmas decor daily. I keep finding little "spots" that need to be decorated. Here is my mantle (for now anyways) I have a new garland that I made this year. I followed Colleens Rag Tied Garland Tutorial on her blog "And Baby Makes Five".....here is the result... Ta Da!!!! What do ya think? I made one for my BFF too and she really loves it. She has tons of great ideas on there!! Thanks Colleen!! I just whipped these up in no time for gifts too! My youngest son Nicholas wants one with Spiderman fabric for above his window in his room. :)

Here's a closer look.

Do you still believe?? My oldest is fourteen and I told him that if he even so much as "breathes" that Santa isn't real, the consequences are grand!!!

More Christmas decor from around the house. Have you all finished your "be-decking" yet? As my friend Colleen put it... "It's hard to get anything decorated with kids and the hubs underfoot!!" I soooo agree Colleen!

Here is my "sheep" which I have out year round. The "joy" swag is always a favorite of mine. Given to me by a great friend.:)

Well, today is going to be short and sweet, but I hope to get a good recipe up on here for the Homemade Holiday Swap on Friday and some more photos. I have THE CUTEST set of winter blocks that my friend Kindra made for me. They are in my dining room. That's next to be photographed. I'm just waiting to get the tree trimmed in there before I show ya! If you haven't checked out Kindra's Blog.. you must!!!! Visit her at "3 guys, a girl and a prim place.blogspot" You will leave inspired!!!I have a fun wine tasting party to go to on Saturday, and I really need a good recipe for dip to bring. Any suggestions ladies??? I'm tired of making hot artichoke dip! I need something creative!!!

~Kim