Merry Christmas Dear Friends!

Okay, I think I did it! I think I've proven to myself that I've not lost the Christmas spirit completely like I thought I did! And I do believe that it was because of you, my friends...my bloggin' buds...you inspired me to get up and go and I thank you for that!

I wanted to share my past two weeks with you...in photos of course but before I do, I wanted to share something else. I was sad when I wrote my last post and here's why. It seems this was the year that some of my beautiful pets were "called away" from us. Last month, we unfortunately lost one of our dear ferrets, Allie.

For those of you who don't know, ferrets are susceptible to all kinds of infections and illnesses at certain ages (please...if you decide you'd like to adopt a ferret, do your reseach and make sure there is a qualified vet in your area to deal with these sorts of issues and it's not cheap) and Miss Allie was at the perfect age...middle age, I suppose where she just couldn't fight something that was attacking her. My poor girl passed away in my arms even though we had taken her to a vet the day before and started her on a course of meds.



We miss her so much and so does "Bandit", her best friend. Ferrets are very sociable animals...they love to be close to each other, to play, sleep, groom. Our little Bandit was clearly grieving after she died and it was hard to watch him search all over the house for her. He became ill himself, quit eating and slept a lot.



But, I'm happy to say that it's been nearly a month now and he's back to being the silly ferret he's always been but I must say, he's changed...he's more "grown-up", more "serious", "manly" if you will. But he's still here and that's what's most important to me.

Two days before Miss Allie died and even though she was seriously ill, her ferret ways didn't change...here she is after she found a doll. She decided it would be one of her many treasured items which we found hidden all over the house after she was gone...one she felt was important enough to drag down the hallway and under the couch. I only wish I could have snapped a shot of her running down the hall with the doll dragging alongside her!



She was a sweet girl.

Okay, all seriousness aside...my house is decorated for the holidays...the treats are done and ready for packaging and the cards have been mailed out! Here are just a few photos of what I've managed to get done so far!






Just three of the 7 trees we decorated this year!


Love, love, love this idea...I used a delicate tea cup as a base for my tiny pink tree...I filled it with glass sand...so sweet!








My beautiful bears made by some of my artist friends!




My favorite holiday treats..."Peanut Butter Cracker Fudge" "Easy Milk Chocolate Fudge" and "Smooth Vanilla Fudge"...I'm going to share these easy recipes on my Facebook Fan Page...soooo yummy!


My friend Chris shared the wonderful caramel popcorn recipe...we're hooked!

AND HOW ABOUT THIS!!! My millwright husband, Darren even got into the Christmas spirit...here he is hard at work making a teddy bear for the holidays! HANDS OFF LADIES....HE'S ALL MINE!!!





The holidays are all about sharing the love. I'm grateful for the love of my family and for the love of my very close friends. I consider you, my online friends, to be some of my closest friends! I look forward to chatting with you, to sharing with you my ups and downs and I love to watch for your stories and all that you achieve in the beautiful world of blogging and creativity.

The best thing about being a blogger, a Facebooker, an Artist and a Etsy seller, is that I have the priviledge of meeting some of the nicest people I've ever known in my life! Who would have thought that just a few short years ago, we relied on meeting people at a gathering or on the street! I encourage you to make many new friends in the New Year! It fills my heart with joy just knowing there are so many more of you out there to meet!



I'm over the moon excited about meeting a very special little person early next year! My new grandchild! My daughter, Brandi, is expected to bring this wee life into the world mid March!



I'll keep you posted!

Dear friends...my best to you for the Merriest Christmas and the Happiest New Year! Until next year...stay safe, warm and joyous!
Hugs,
Michelle, Darren and Family