Another Christmas!

Christmas Day has come and gone but the spirit remains. We had a very good Christmas with lots of excitement. First, we had our first White Christmas. We got six inches of snow which started around 12pm on Christmas day. It snowed all day into the night. The last time our area had a white Christmas was in 1968.

Second, my oldest son and his wife who live in Washington, DC surprised us by being here on Christmas day. We had traveled to DC to see them before Thanksgiving and they said they couldn't come because of their jobs and that they would probably be able to come down around the New Year. My number 2 son knew they were coming and kept the secret. It was so great to share Christmas dinner and time with all three children and our two DILs.

Under the tree I had saved some packages that arrived in the mail to open on Christmas day. This one is from Stephanie. She sent vanilla bean flavored sugar, chili seasoning, and a little note pad that has a sweet cover she made and a sharpie pen. Stephanie is so creative in so many different areas.

Look at the close up of the counted cross stitch jar topper. So cute.

Thanks Stephanie for the sweet and spicy Christmas gift. I just love it all but especially the jar topper.
With all the snow we got we decided to make some snow cream. After the snow stopped we gathered up a big bowl of fresh snow and used all the vanilla flavored sugar Stephanie made along with some evaporated milk to make the ice cream. My husband's parents showed us how to do this many years ago.
Another gift I got was from Sue. She sent this Crabapple Hill pattern and Cosmo floss. If you enlarge the photo you will see a bird nest in the flower pot. Sue knows me very well. I love birds as many of you know. Look at the lovely colors of floss. I can't wait to get started on it. The original pattern is mounted and framed. I am trying to think of some unique way to finish it besides framing it, making a pillow, or quilt. Sue, such a thoughtful gift. Thank you so much.
Another gift was these great cards made by Karen. Karen is so talented with paper crafting. These cards are great for sharing a note with a family member. I love the message on the front of the card. Her blog is always an interesting read because she just loves sharing nature with her readers. Thank you so much for the awesome cards, Karen.
Here are some photos of the snow we watched fall all afternoon long.
Check out the books I got from Santa hubby. I gave him a list and told him these were some I would like and if he would like to get me one or two it would be very nice. Well, he got them all. Isn't he great?

These books are full of inspiration and some really great projects.
2010 is almost over. It has been such a fun year blogging and getting to know some of you so much better. I have developed some great friendships. I have been inspired by so many of you.
My wish for you all in the New Year is Peace, Joy, Love, Health, Prosperity, and may you reach all your quilting goals in 2011. :D

My husband is taking the rest of the year as vacation so I will be taking a break from blogging until next year. So until then....

Happy New Year!

With Passion,

Carrie P.