The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Its the most wonderful time of the year! This year was no exception. For the first time since I moved to California, we actually had cold Christmas-y weather! We loved it. The heater kept us warm and wearing coats wasn't just for looks - they actually served a purpose.

The month was busy as usual - with parties, Christmas shopping and Christmas glee! It was truly as special Christmas that we will remember for years to come.

Our "family" Christmas party was especially great with three little munchkins added loads of fun. We exchanged gifts and ate delicious desserts. I am sure the photo next year will hold even more little ones. We are a growing family.

A neighborhood Christmas party was hosted at our home and it was a great time to catch up and eat more good grub! I had fun making Paula Deen delights and adding Christmas touches to our home.

Christmas Eve morning Brian and I started a new family tradition - a morning breakfast at The Filling Station in Old Town Orange. It is becoming our favorite little town, especially since they added a great new vintage boutique that I can't stay away from. The morning was perfectly cold and the breakfast was fabulous, a great start to our day.

Christmas Eve night was at our home and we had the whole Jones and Company crew. I love making this a special evening, choosing a theme for the dinner and sprucing up our little table to make it inviting. This year was Italian themed filled with lots of love and a candy cane cake I created. We all gave a verbal gift to the person sitting on the left of us. Some gifts given were, "the opportunity to be a figure skater", "a pass into the New York Marathon", "the clean gene", "celibacy from women for the next three years".. as you can imagine these were hilarious and filled the evening with laughter.

Christmas morning was spent at Mom and Pops Jones home. We loved breakfast together and opening presents. Brian and I both suprised each other with glee-filled gifts. A rock for my finger and lakers tickets for Brian.

Then it was off to Hilton Head, SC for a Christmas with the Turner clan. Mom Turner went out of the way, even with this crappy economy, and worked her little tail off to spoil us kids. Our Christmas morning together was filled with gifts and fun times together, the day ended with an amazing dinner and a visit to see the movie "Marley and Me". We all loved it and it made Brian and I miss Dudley even more.

After the Turner Christmas we headed up the mountains of North Carolina to celebrate the New Year. It wad ridiculously cold and perfect. The cabin was cozy, a fire roard, and coffee kept us warm.

Walks through the beautiful surroundings were highlights of the trip.

The whole family!