Holiday Happenings

In my mind, Halloween was yesterday, so the fact that Christmas is 10 days away has me a little stressed. I've finished a good portion of my shopping, started meal planning and have wrapped most of what I've purchased, so that is good,but it feels as if the past few weeks have flown by! I've slowed down on my baking orders this year in an effort to focus more on the boys and the actual holiday. Here is a bit of what we've been up to this month.
   My son Sean wanted to see the new Grinch movie,and I happily tagged along. It really was sweet and we definitely enjoyed our evening out together. He insisted we go to IHOP for Grinch pancakes, and I obliged. He ate,I watched him eat..haha. Since that day, we have been on a Grinch pancake kick at home.My favorite buttermilk pancake recipe,a little green food coloring, topped with a cream cheese frosting and some fresh whipped cream. It makes him happy, so why not? If all of that is too much for you, try my apple cinnamon pancakes recipe,topped with just a little whipped cream or simply syrup. You'll love them.

Sean and I also spent a nice afternoon together enjoying a local production of A Charlie Brown Christmas. Special moments with one of my boys.
  

One evening, a local cooking school was hosting a gingerbread decorating party. Timmy and I happily went,and had a great time together decorating our house. He loves all things gingerbread, so this was a perfect night out for him, and he wore his pajamas, so it really doesn't get better than that.
 

We also spent an afternoon visiting Dee's Nursery. It's a great place, filled with plants ,all things Christmas,holiday treats and their own dogs ,which my son Timmy loves. We were greeted by this fine gentleman playing a variety of carols near the entrance.We spent some time wandering around enjoying all of the decor and petting the pups.
 

Speaking of pups, if you follow me on instagram, then you know our dog Gigi has a love affair going on with the dog Doc who lives across the street. It seemed only fitting to buy them matching dog bone ornaments for Christmas this year. Doc's family sent me a picture of theirs...so cute. I purchased them here.
  

I also gave a way one of the signs from our Etsy shop to a great lady!Giveaways are always fun!
  

I've been decorating a few cookies when I have the time. I found this design on the Semi Sweet Mike Design page website and ordered the cookie cutters to make this Santa scene. I love it! I made five sets and sent them out as gifts, along with some other goodies.
 

I also made some of my favorite Chocolate Chip Madeleines to give to one of my husband's co-workers. Trying to spread some holiday cheer!
  

Well, that is it for today. Check back in this week for gift wrapping ideas,ornament collection and more Christmas fun! Enjoy your weekend!