The festivities have begun!

We had a very nice Thanksgiving weekend at my parent's home in 

central Oregon; lots of eating, playing games, a day of skiing in fresh

powder, a little shopping at the local shops and lots of relaxing!

My kind of holiday!

Probably the best memory made was going to cut down our Christmas

tree in the forest!  Although we lived almost 9 years

in Oregon we had never gotten a $5 tree cutting permit and 

hiked through 'nature's tree lot' to find the perfect natural tree.

We all agreed that this new tradition is a 'keeper'! It was

so much fun and the warm temperatures and little snow at this

elevation made the experience all the more enjoyable!

The girls enjoyed the hot cocoa at the coffee shop afterwards.

Despite my attempts to slow down the coming frenzy, I guess it's here.  

I have a feeling that this year it will be enjoyed more by our family; we

are happy at home in the place we love, we have employment,

good health, family and friends near {which means no holiday travel} and the

joyful anticipation as our girls wait to celebrate Jesus' birth!

Bring it on.......I guess....

thanks....

Happy Thanksgiving from my Forever*Cottage to yours!

We are heading 'over the river mountain and through the woods

to grandmother's house'..........

I'll be back to the blog by Monday.

Wishing you many blessings and peace this holiday weekend.

In my kitchen today.....

I feel like I am in house 'fluffing' mode....

preparing for the holiday decorations that will

soon come out {ugh!}.....

Call me a grinch but I will admit that decorating for

Christmas is not my favorite thing.....all the rearranging

then knowing that in 30 short days it will have to all

be undone....

I added this bulletin board to my kitchen counter ..... 

I like having a place in my kitchen for inspiration

and my open kitchen has no wall space.

The bulletin board also hides the ugly granite tile backsplash

that is just waiting to be replaced by some shiny white 

subway tiles.....but I digress......

Notice the jar of cookies in front of my new inspirational bulletin board?

They are my girls' favorite oatmeal cookies.....

Lucky you, I got my act together enough to share the recipe!

Best Oatmeal Cookies -evah!

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup sugar

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

1 1/2 cup flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

3 cups rolled oats

chocolate chips or in combination with raisins

to your taste!

Bake at 350 degrees and enjoy!

Happy Sunday!

The best home decor bargain out there.....

I needed wanted a new pillow for the ticking stripe settee that

I purchased from the Barn House boys - I originally had the

settee in our bedroom but recently moved it to the great room.

I purchased this monogrammed 15x30 pillow, with insert from Ballard Designs

for $19.99!  I really think it's the best bargain in home decor!

Have a fabulous weekend!