The evergreens are coming!

For weeks now I have been telling Michelle that I want my own blog.  She has been holding out on me because I think it frightened her a bit.  Her standard answer to my request was, “What are you going to write about?”  

I know that I am the quiet sister–kind of like it that way–gosh knows that Michelle does enough talking for the both of us!  Yet, I have become quite the blog reader and have become addicted to a few.  One of my favorite parts of my day is when I check in with these wonderful bloggers and see what they are up to.  Most of the ones I check in with daily I have never met before, yet in a really weird kind of way, I feel like I have struck up quite a friendship with them.  I hope that I am able to do the same with you. 

Today, we are anxiously awaiting the arrivals of the evergreens-it’s as if Santa is driving his sleigh here because we are so excited.  Those two large trucks signal the official beginning of the holiday season.  Fred  and Kyle (yes, even he has come home?!) have been waiting in the driveway for hours on the lookout for any sign of them. 

One truck will be filled with trees, wreaths, and roping.  The other with be filled with boughs.  And, oh boy, it smells so fantastic!

I don’t know about you but I LOVE the holidays.  I cannot wait until I am able to string the lights up and add a glow outside my house to these long dark days.  I cannot wait until I can read the morning newspaper by the glow of lights on my Christmas tree.  I cannot wait until my kids are giddy with excitement over their stockings (yes, even as teenagers they still get giddy–I am so lucky).  I cannot wait until the first day of December when we rush to the kitchen each morning to do the advent calendar. 

There is so much to look forward to–aren’t we lucky?

Come and see the evergreens this weekend–

Kris

Cookie ideas!

For the first time in about 15 years we’re hosting Christmas Eve at our house.  I’ve learned that between work and all of the things I’ve volunteered for the key to success this holiday season is ORGANIZATION!

Much to Scott’s disbelief I’ve already started mapping out a cleaning and decorating schedule so it won’t have to all be done in one weekend.

Our meal that evening is a tradition of heavy appetizers, French onion soup, tossed salad, and dessert.

Dessert is where I need your help!!  Each hostess has always created a cookie tray of holiday favorites. They’re always as beautiful as they are delicious. I’d like to create a cookie tray that equals theirs (or even betters the others!).  I have a wonderful cut-out cookie recipe, and have been online, poring through magazines, and have found pretty cookies, but worry, do they taste as good as they look?

I am hoping you’ll share with me your or your family’s favorite holiday cookie recipe. On my “schedule” cookie baking will be Sunday, November 29th. Don’t worry I have a freezer waiting  for them!

So, what’s your favorite cookie recipe?

Meet Limerick

Last night our friend, and Discover Sycamore director, Megan Yockey, brought her new puppy, Limerick over for a visit.  Limerick is 5 months old and is part Yorkie, part Dachshund.  Limerick is incredibly sweet, but also incredibly shy, which is the total opposite of Megan.  Megan’s one of those people who never meets a stranger, and has this incredible way of always making you feel welcome. 

The editing feature on my computer has a bit of the flu today, but this is Miss Limerick.  Isn’t she adorable?

I’m trying to become Limerick’s friend, but she isn’t sure she wants to be friends…yet!

Limerick did like our dog, Santo. Santo loved that Megan had little bits of treats in her pocket for positive reinforcement. He’d love if I filled my pockets with treats!

Limerick had finally had enough of our trying to be her friend, and decidied the safest place was to crawl up on Megan and hope that the visit would soon be over!

Thanksgiving Do-You-Knows–

Thursday, November 26th is Thanksgiving.  I’m sure you’re planning and preparing, just like we are so I thought it might be helpful to know some of the ways Kar-Fre could make your Thanksgiving a little more….kar-fre!

I’m not sure about you, but mailbox hasn’t been filled with much fun lately! Our Thanksgiving greeting cards are a nice mix of pretty, fun, charming, and down right sweet.  Think how deeply you could affect someone’s day with one of these in their mailbox! They also are fun to add a floral arrangement, planter, or blooming plant!

 The number one question we get asked: Do you have taper candles?  Yes we do!!  Candles always make any meal extra-special–even pizza!  I  lit candles Sunday morning and you would have thought we were having the President for breakfast!!

We still have a beautiful selection of gourds, Indian corn, and some fresh pumpkins–we are pilgrims at heart!

 

Wouldn’t this guy be a cute addition to a floral arrangements, planter, or just set on the counter to keep you company as you prepare for Turkey Day!

Smile! It’s FLYPAPER