Merry Christmas Day! 2006

It's Christmas morning and "The Judge boys" are laying around in the living room, drinking coffee and talking cook shows, and I think from the computer room I am hearing a bit of "reminiscing" -- - Ralph/Grandpa/G.G Papa - is in the kitchen close by, making Grandma Jamiesons Americanized version of "Trifle" - - YUM! he has already made the newly introduced Gingerbread trifle, the Scottish shortbread - and his mothers (grandma Judge ,the other one) - cut out Christmas cookies with colored sugar frosting! Plates of those tied with pretty bows, have been given to neighbors - and two more platters will be taken to the family gathering this afternoon at 3!
Here in Arizona, there is no snow - but the temperature this a.m. IS down in the low 50's - although it is to rise to 65o by mid-day. The sun is shining - and I love it! I don't miss "A White Christmas" at all! Besides - last I heard, it was raining in Buffalo - so there!:)
It's time to go and join in, in the kitchen living room - just thought I'd check in for Christmas morning!
Grandma, Mom, G.G Joni

It's Friday the 22nd day of December - - and feeling about as wintery as it gets here in Arizona. The day began in sunshine - but suddenly the clouds moved in and an unexpected and unannounced rain began!!! We need it! and it feels very cozy to be in the house with candles lit - and lights twinkling. We had a yummy, hot fish stew for supper (shrimp and scallops) Grandpa Ralph is in a cooking mood - for sure! And even I worked alongside him doing a little thing of my own.
Ran to Sprouts for several things and was so happy that I wasn't running around all frantic as so many around me were!!! Nothing I needed was earthshaking , (well maybe a little - but baking things aren't usually what the stores are out of.) and it was comforting to go only 1/2 mile away - no traffic jams!
All is well here - and we hope it is with all of our loved ones too!

One more for today !

The hint on this one is: He's a daddy !

The guessing of the ornament makers :)

OK Kathy Lynn guessed hers! Yes! it is an icecream cone - made , I believe - when she was in Kindergarten. The other "card" in the tree, was made by Sarah Biederbeck Martin -- also MANY years ago (that seem like yesterday)

So! five days before Christmas - here is yet another -- The creator of this little lamb, is waiting for her own little lamb, to arrive in March!

Mid December ! baking aroma's waft throughout the house! lights sparkle and candles glow --and neighbors dropping in want to "put in their orders" :) But we tell them "sorry, these cookies and candies are to share with family " --(and of course we don't tell them that some will come to them :)

The days go quickly -- as we try to have some "alone" time with some of our little Great-grandchildren -- and keep up with Grandpa's rehearsals and concerts - -plus attend the Christmas programs at various churches of our friends!

We hope that all of our family are staying stress free and enjoying this special time of year.

Does anyone know who made this ornament that has been on our tree for about 24 years? :)(It has weathered storage in hot garages and possibly a mouse bite or two! :)

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Who recognizes this one? Hint - - She now has children of her own ! (that narrows it a tiny bit - ha!)
Well - - here it is - the 13th day of December! The aroma of Grandma Judge's cut-out Christmas cookies is wafting around me -not THIS Grandma Judge , you can be sure - :) Grandpa has been baking all day - and tonight he is decorating them. Friends came by to pick up Candle melts ordered from Debbie , and they just about swooned from the Aroma! I think I have finished my Christmas cards. Even with sending many in the 21st century way - I end up writing out over 50 envelopes and signatures with short notes! Crazy!
Have had quite a week of seeing and being with several of the little ones. Man! would I ever like to just post pictures of them all over the place. :) I will try to restrain myself - somewhat.
Upon entering McDonalds and seeing a beautiful , sparkly, all white decorated Christmas tree, six year old Jonathan began singing - "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas" -- That surprised us - and made us smile! I"m guessing that they have been singing that song at his learning center this month :)
As for everyone - this is a busy - music filled month!
Just thought I'd check in - -
Not too much action I see - - but a few interesting "recipes" :)
So happy for you Connie - - that a break in school has begun!!!! and FOUR A's ! wow! Congratulations!

It's Friday - and I'm trying to "blog" and not doing well - tried to post a picture of an ornament on our tree - where did it go? grrr - I can't remember how I got the picture of our tree on here the other day. :)

December !

Another Almost "frosty" day -- albeit the sun is shining brightly! I spent the day dusting, vacuuming and decorating the kitchen -- (the Santa Room) - -
Aunt Carols handmade Christmas "runner" is on the table - and the matching napkins are ready to go for our first Christmas company on Sunday evening - the 3rd.
More memories! Found a few more angels, nativity ornaments and such - - to be put around and about the greens in the living room - -

I'm wondering if I'll get any cards sent this year -- or will I just do an e-mail except for those few who don't have computers. The Christmas greetings have begun to roll in - making me feel guilty :)
Last evening I took closeup pictures of the ornaments on the tree - concentrating on those that were gifts or have other particular meaning for us. Such fun! I think I will make a SNAPFISH album of them :) - - but that will have to wait until I finish titling the 65 or so Thanksgiving picture album :)
Oh my! So many things to do - -and so little time!
How does one EVER get "bored"???