I wanted to post today to wish you all a very merry Christmas. My heart is full of thankfulness for so many things, and one of those things is you. I feel very thankful for the friendships I have made this year. Your kind words and visits this year have meant more to me than you'll ever know.
Today my husband is off for the next five days, and we're looking forward to soaking in special times with family. This afternoon we get to see some of our close family on my husband's side that we have not gotten to see in months... Jillian is counting the minutes until she gets to play with our niece, her dearest friend.
And then Christmas day will be spent at our house, where I'll be hosting and cooking dinner for my side of the family. I am so excited. This week has held some unanticipated events, so I have not made much progress on planning or grocery shopping, but we've still managed to enjoy a few simple treats this time of year brings.
Gifts have been wrapped...
Fresh berries have been tucked here and there...
Hot cocoa has been made...
And even some homemade marshmallows...
(Which, by the way, was a first for me, and they were ooey, gooey, difficult to make, but absolutely delicious.)
Stories have been read...
And even a gingerbread house decorated with Grammy...
I wish you all wonderful days of love and happiness with your families and friends.
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you, my sweet friend. I pray continued blessings upon your family.
ReplyDeleteI hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas! Your pictures are always so beautiful and truly inspiring!
ReplyDeleteAndrea, what a beautiful post. Enjoy your family time and have a very Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeletexo, Kim
Lovely post, wishing you a Merry Christmas too!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you too!
ReplyDeleteHello my dearest friend...just wanted to let you know how much I have loved getting to know you over these past few months...i am so happy for all the success you've had so far and can't wait to see what is in store for you in the upcoming year. Wishing you a blessed Christmas filled with lots of joy,hope and mostly love. See you soon...xo
ReplyDeleteLucy
Visiting your blog, Andrea, always feels a little like going home. Cozy, warm and inviting. Wishing you and your family a merry, merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you, Andrea!
ReplyDeleteWow, homemade marshmellows! I am impressed to say the least:). I am so grateful for new friendships too, thanks for all of your kind words & support. Wishing you & your family a very Happy Holiday & a blessed New Year!!!!! Jen
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post from such a beautiful soul. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful images, Andrea. I am proud of you for making marshmallows. That is quite a process! Blessings to you- enjoy your hubby's time off- xo Diana
ReplyDeleteDear Andrea, It has truly been a joy to me reading your blog this year. I wish you and your family a wonderful celebration of the most gentle and spirited holiday. Have a magical Christmas!
ReplyDeleteAndrea, you are a doll and I love reading about your family and love following your blog. Have a wonderful and blessed Christmas and enjoy cooking for your family.
ReplyDeleteIf you need a wonderful easy festive punch with no alcohol let me know I have one.
Hee Hee
xoxo
Lisa
Leeshideaway.blogspot.com
Merry Christmas, Andrea ... To you and yours a blessed year to come.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you and your family, Andrea. Thank you for your lovely inspiration and sharing your cozy home with us. Now I'm off to make some yummy cocoa :)
ReplyDeleteYou and Justus have both had such an accomplished year. I so enjoy your shares and your photography. I so love your home and it just speaks "family and comfort". Your blog so many times stirs my young mommy memories, and for that Andrea I say "thank you" with a smile. Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have wonderful times planned with your family!
ReplyDeleteWishing you a very blessed Christmas,
Mary Alice
Merry christmas !!!!
ReplyDeleteA lovely post Andrea.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you and your family!
xo, Vickie
You have done the kind of things that make Christmas such a wonderful time of year! Merry Christmas to you and your family!!!
ReplyDeleteYour pictures show just how inviting and cozy your home is and all of the simple pleasures you have been having with your sweet family! Yes...homemade marshmallows are a test for patience, but so worth it! Enjoy the holidays with family and friends!
ReplyDeleteWishing you a very Merry Christmas!
XO,
Jane
Merry Christmas to you!
ReplyDeleteThank you... Merry Christmas to you and your family as well! May God bless you in 2013!
ReplyDeleteMargaret
Love your beautiful photos, and reminders of the easy ways to bring joy into our homes. I am intrigued by the idea of homemade marshmallows. Can you point me to a recipe?
ReplyDeleteHope you have wonderful days with your family. Christmas with little ones is so fun--I hope you soak it all up. I'm sure you will.
Merry Christmas, Andrea!
ReplyDelete-Angie
A very Merry Christmas to you and your family! I look forward to reading about your new adventures in 2013. (And I'll live vicariously through you while reading about your projects like "homemade marshmallows". I'm afraid if I attempted that, my family would only end up with the "ooey, gooey" part and beg me to just get some at the store! Haha!)
ReplyDeleteTerri in Florida :)
Merry, merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post Andrea!Lovely photos as well!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
xx
Anne
have a wonderful christmas andrea!!
ReplyDeletemerry christmas and you'll have to go into detail in January at some point about those marshmallows ! That's one thing I've never tried or done!
ReplyDeleteAndrea..
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to wish you a very happy and blessed Christmas. These photos are beautiful! You always portray so beautifully the things I love....family home simplicity.
Enjoy all the littleand beautiful things this season...
Sarah
Have the most wonderful Christmas Andrea! I have really enjoyed getting to know you through blogging this year!
ReplyDelete~Julia
Wishing you a wonderful Christmas Andrea - ooey, gooey marshmallows and all!
ReplyDeleteKelly
Merry Merry Christmas to you my wonderful friend!
ReplyDeleteblessings,
karianne
All the pics are great but i just LOVE that last one!!! Happy New Year to you and yours!
ReplyDelete