SHARING ...

Happy Monday Everyone ... the Holiday Open House Party was a wonderful success!! It was so wonderful visiting with neighbors and just catching up on this past years events. Everyone is always so busy ... Mark & I were thrilled that everyone took the time to come and sit a spell ... enjoy the friendship of other neighbors as well as good food.

Before our guests arrived, I snapped a few photos to share with you. I made Monogrammed Note Card sets for all the families and had M&M candycanes for each of the kids. Although I knew most of the kids wouldn't be coming, I still wanted a little something for their parents to take home to them ... just to let them know we were thinking of them too!! Most of the neighbor kids are now "tweens or early teens" and would rather stay home playing video games, reading a book or as in the case of Bethany ... doing her homework ... rather than sitting at an Adult party where they'd be bored stiff!! And that's okay ... since they were close by ... it probably worked out for the best!

I also wanted to share my livingroom with you. This is where we have the "big" tree and although there's not much in the way of window dressings, etc. in this room, I enjoy the coziness it has when it's decorated for the holidays. Our tree goes right to the ceiling and there's a lot of lights & decorations and it just makes me HAPPY! The fact that a lot of the ornaments are from family & friends ... makes it all the more special.

Now, on to the party pictures!! You can click on most of the photos for a CLOSER VIEW! I wish you could have come to the party too ... we had plenty of food ... as you will see!!!

Oh my goodness the food!!! We always prepare way too much but Mark & I enjoy working on these gatherings together and although I already know what I want to serve, he always comes up with a few extra goodies to put on the table. Not only did we provide a menu of Swedish Meatballs, Shrimp Coctail, Crab dip, Chicken dip, Beef dip, Cheese & Meat tray w/crackers, Cheesecake, nuts & candy ... but neighbors Christy & Travis brought Sweet & Sour Kielbasa, cookies & candy and neighbors Sheri & Tim brought a nut roll. If you didn't find something here you eat ... you had a problem!!! There was certainly enough to feed another 20 people! There wasn't a whole lot left but what there is we'll be having for dinner tonight!!

Our neighbors have a variety of professions and they are all so unique and interesting to talk to. All are very good in their jobs and are wonderful neighbors ... ready to lend a helping hand where ever they can!! This was so much fun I just might have to make it an annual thing!!!

The young couple across the street (Travis & Christy) where the first to come and the last to leave!! They too are from "back home in PA" and we truly enjoy their company. All of their family is back in PA so I'm glad Mark & I have become their friends and they felt comfortable sticking around and chit-chatting after everyone else was gone.

Our beautiful little neighbor girls Olivia & Emily came by with Mom & Dad for a visit and they are always intriqued by Mark's train under the tree. It's a special Christmas Train and it plays Christmas carols, whistles and sounds like a real train. I wished I hadn't been so hurried in taking my photo ... it's a bit blurry and these young ladies are so adorable and dressed so pretty!! They were on their way to church where their mom would be performing with others in a string orchestra production ... Mom (Christine) plays chello ... isn't that awesome!!


Here is little Emily with her Mom as they were getting ready to leave and go to church! They are both such beautiful little girls and they have a wonderful, God loving family! They are wonderful friends and neighbors!! If they see me outside, they always take the time to say hello and talk to awhile! The girls always enjoy telling me what they are doing that day ... whether it is just riding their bikes ... going swimming ... or going to help grandma plant the garden. They love to share and I always enjoy hearing about their adventures.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. I know everyone is so busy this time of the year, it's difficult to get around to let everyone know how much you care and appreciate who they are. So with that being said ... before I run out of time, let me say that I feel truly BLESSED by the friendship of all of you! I draw wonderful warm feeling from all your loving comments and you all inspire me so much! God Bless you and thanks for being my friend!!

Take care ... be careful out there among all the CRAZY shoppers and try to enjoy each and every day & experience ... we never know when it may be our last! And I for one want to be sure it ends on a GOOD note!!