Annual Cookie Exchange

7th Annual Christmas Cookie Exchange

This afternoon was my cookie Exchange.

I look forward to this event every year. I tried to take a few photos before everyone arrived and it became too hectic so there aren't many; I apologize

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It wouldn't be a party without a little entertainment!

We decided to invite DDLC ~ why?

We had no hot water or heat!

I discovered this while going through my morning routine.

While I was entertaining upstairs, my husband was entertaining in the basement. The repair gentleman was SO kind. He refused to come up the basement stairs and insisted upon using the cellar door so that he wouldn't interrupt my party.

Long story short ~ after 4 hours and many replacement parts we have hot water and heat ~ yeah!

After a his daunting task, I expressed my thankfulness with a bag full of Cookie Exchange goodies!

Not to mention the impending BLIZZARD baring down on South Eastern Connecticut.

I am so fortunate to have such amazing women in my life.

The are such an asset to my life and I learn so much from them.

There was a toasty fire, good food and, great conversation flowing.

I teach with these two fun ladies ~ Love them more than they know!

Just a quick shot before the table was covered with yummy delicacies!

This is one of my two platters of cookies from my cookie exchange.
Each cookie has a family history with a story behind them ~ absolutely priceless!

I wasn't able to get photos of all my dear friends and the fabulous cookies they created.

My family and I will be enjoying them during the Christmas season.

My sweet husband helped me with the last minute details ~ such a great husband!

I am truly a very blessed lady!

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Boston Pops

It's Christmas!

A few weeks ago, before the craziness began, I told my husband I wanted one evening alone to together to celebrate the Christmas season.

Without missing a beat, my sweet husband surprised me with tickets to the Boston Pops Christmas concert.

It was simply amazing!

We went out to dinner and then to the concert ~ I couldn't ask for a more wonderful Christmas pick me up amidst the holiday frenzy!

My favorite part was the sing a long! ;)

Thank you Kev, you've made my week, my month and my Christmas wish come true!

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~ I'm getting there ~

{Country Living}

It was a busy jam packed weekend around our home

The tree is up {finally} after a few "incidents" and beautifully decorated. Bozely added his personal touch this year. Those of you with 2 year olds will understand why the bottom of our tree is bear. Who knew I'd be going through this AGAIN with our puppy. If you are considering any type of redecorating this year I'd advise you against hiring an English Bulldog!

I wish I could share with you the amazing pictures of the home tour this year. Unfortunately, there was no photography allowed and I was far to busy to think about taking any photos of our home. We actually had lines this year waiting to get inside the homes to view. Our charity did very well and I'm thrilled that the monies raised will benefit such a worthy cause!

This week is our staff luncheon. I am decorating and want to make sure that it is holiday inviting and most enjoyable. After all, when you put your name on something you must live up to a certain level.

Next on the "LIST" is our Christmas party this Friday evening. Everything is set and ready to go ~ whew. Saturday is my annual cookie exchange ~ this too is all set and ready to go.

I've reviewed the menu for both events and doubled checked to make sure that we don't have any duplications as the guest list is revisited.

My students gifts are wrapped and awaiting their surprise. I love the look on their faces when they enter the classroom and see a package on their desks ~ it's SO true that giving is much more rewarding than receiving.

I'm off to enjoy a glass of wine with my husband before heading off to bed.

Enjoy your evening!

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Late arrival

Late Arrival ~ Just what I needed!

I can't tell you how excited I was at 5:45am this morning!

The call came in that we had a late arrival which means I had an extra 90 minutes to myself this morning ~ yea!

The best part ... a late arrival isn't a day that we need to make up in June!

I addressed Christmas cards, started dinner, cleaned a bath and a half, and knocked off a few more "to do" items from my list.

It really was very beautiful and just the boost I needed to get me into the Christmas spirit!

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It's been busy, busy, busy around our home ~ I know you can all relate!

Last Sunday was my Art Show.

It went very well but with all the prep and then attending the event,

I didn't have a weekend to catch up let alone get ahead.

This afternoon I'm have my "natural" hair color touched up {read dye job!}

along with a few inches taken off.

Afterwards I'm dashing off to deliver my holiday tassels to a cute shop in Mystic for the Christmas Stroll this evening. If you live in the area, it's a lovely evening and really puts you the Christmas spirit!

During my free time {ha, ha} I'm putting the finishing touches on our holiday decor. The tree will be arriving this week. My goal is to have everything else decorated beforehand.

This weekend welcomes the Holiday Home Tour on Saturday and on Sunday my annual Cookie Exchange.

Did I mention that my husband decided the holiday season would be a good time to remove the popcorn ceiling in the foyer along with painting the walls, trim and doors?

Not to mention remove the runner from the stairs and paint the risers.

Yes, it's always fun to add a mess to a chaotic time.

He promises to have it all done before the weekend. UGH!

I'm starting my morning off with a Starbucks Peppermint Mocha before I greet the excited children who remind me each morning how many days before Christmas vacation begins! :)

Enjoy your day!

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The List

I'm making my list

and checking it twice!

That’s what I have been doing … over and over!

This is my list of survival.
You see, I have a master list and from that I create sub category lists ~

yes, I’m that neurotic!:)

I have a very busy few weeks ahead of me with little extra time to breathe.

Currently, my life is filled with …

Art show {this weekend} I have been a busy Elf

Making and delivering a dinner to a friend and family
{just out of the hospital}

My annual Cookie Exchange

Christmas Party

Girls Night Out Holiday Dinner

Home Tour

Oh yeah, and I work full time and I’m not finished with my Christmas shopping!

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Thanksgiving Eve

Today is one of my favorite days of the year!

My husband and I have a tradition of meeting for lunch on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving{ This is providing we aren't traveling to see family out of state} Also known as Thanksgiving Eve {not sure when that term began but I've been hearing it a lot lately}.I have to work until 1pm ~ no, my school does not give us the day before the holiday off like many schools do ~ darn!

I look forward to this every year. It's my time to relax and enjoy a little quiet and calmness with my husband before the madness of the Holiday begins. Not to mention I get treated to a fabulous lunch.

This year we are meeting at one of my favorite family owned Italian restaurants. Tonight dinner is pizza from my favorite pizzeria ~ and it's famous! Mystic Pizza.

I'll be a stuffed turkey before the actual turkey day arrives! :)

My market shopping is complete, the house is clean, laundry is washed, dried, folded and put away.

I have to prepare and serve our Thankful Fest at school today then I'm off to enjoy what I'm most thankful for ~ my family!

Have a thankful day!

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