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Monday, December 29, 2014

December's Joy and Glad Tidings!


This has been the busiest December we've experienced in quite awhile.  Usually, the Trunk Shows take over along with decorating, cooking, and baking....but not this year.

On Advent's First Friday, we stepped out to experience the snow at La Encantada along with dinner at Blanco.




Next up was a luxurious weekend at Casino del Sol Resort ~ a gift for being a Remarkable Mom.




Spa time for facials and couples massage....


Dinner at PY Steakhouse made even more special as 
the girls joined the celebration ~




Time was escaping and there are traditions to which we are joyfully tied ~ Decorating ~ 











~ Baking ~

Making the dough one day
Baking the cookies another day
Hosting a Cocoa, Cookies, and Chat for some dear friends....


Peppered in between all this activity was a trip to the historic Rialto Theater to see Dave Fitzsimmons' " An Arroyo Cafe Christmas," with apologies to Garrison Keillor and Prairie Home Companion.


Lunch at a new Tucson Original ~ Diablo Burger ~

Celebrating my man on his 66th Birthday....
A paver brick on the patio of the new Alumni Cafe
Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, PA
"Go Rockets!"

Participating in our very first "Flash Mob" event at Park Place Mall...


Christmas was ever nearing and with it the Feast of the 7 Fishes on Christmas Eve...
Baccala

Hot Crab Dip

Caesar Salad (anchovies on the side)

Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail
Not pictured, and to round out tradition, were Calamari ~ Lobster Crostini ~ Salmon Puffs.

Sadly, Christmas Day found me on the couch and remaining there for the next 2 days with a bronchial condition.  I can't remember the last time I missed Christmas Mass...and it broke my heart to do so.

But, I was back in the saddle on Sunday and experienced the joys of Christmas at STS. Peter and Paul ~ the many lit trees, wreaths, poinsettia plants, and magnificent creche.



I think attending daily Mass (my New Year's resolution) throughout the month with the somber purples of Advent, made this transformation even more glorious.

We experienced Zoo Lights and Winterhaven last night, as well....









With only two days left to 2014, I'm reflecting on the blessings of this year....especially the love that's poured out to me from my family and friends....

Wishing you a glorious and safe finale to 2014 and everything good and blessed in 2015!
via http://www.pinterest.com/pin/69524387974115958/






2 comments:

Fran. said...

Your December sounds as whirl wind as ours!! Good but busy!! My baby girl was home for a week but is leavin in the morning back for Connecticut! She's at her Dads tonight cuz her flight is early in the morn. I miss her already. Your pictures look like a magazine shoot!! Glad you are feelin better. Happy New Year my friend!! XOXO Love ya Fran.

Unknown said...

Girl! That is a great month indeed! So happy to see you enjoying life to the fullest! looking absolutely awesome, you and hubs, all of you so happy <3 I'd just like to add that I LOVE your green lamp! lol Your house looks stunning for all the festivities! :D Dear Karen, to you and your lovely family, A Most Happy New Year!!!!! I hope that that beautiful smile never leaves you!