Deck the Halls

Sat was the day set aside to drag out all the Christmas decorations. Before getting started Sat morning, I thought I'd take a few minutes to check my favourite blogs and found Libby's wonderful post of trees and quilts. She gave me the enthusiasm I needed to start digging out the boxes from under the basement stairs. We don't have much room anymore for a big tree, so last year I bought this skinny tree and it's pre-lite, save on the chore of stringing the lights.

Bringing out all the hand-made decorations brings back so many memories of Christmas past. A wool star I made a couple of years ago, there is a mitten, stocking and holly wool ornaments that go with this one.

Back in the day when I did cross-stitch I made a few of these. There are four in total, I've always wanted to make more.

Last year I did a swap with Karen and she made this awesome wool framed Santa for me, he will always have a special spot in my decorating.

Another older Santa I bring out every year.

I have a small snowman collection that I put on my quilt rack. The tall snowman I made in the early 90's.

A little closer view of the left side of the rack.

Now a view of the right side of the rack.

The snowman garland was also from early 90's. This is the banister going upstairs.

A closer view.

This one is for Karen the "Queen of Cream Cheese", Karen you gotta try these, I'd send some to you but I think the postman would eat it all before they get to you...LOL. I love everything about Christmas baking, as you can see we've been enjoying a few Pumpkin bars already. I still have more baking but that will be closer to Christmas, my daughter and I will spend the day together making all the favorites.

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Mix dry ingredients together:

• 2 Cups Flour
• 2 Cups Sugar
• 2 tsp. Baking Powder
• 1 tsp. Baking Soda
• 1 tsp. Cinnamon
  

Beat wet ingredients together:

• 4 Eggs Beaten
• 1 Cup Canned Pumpkin

Mix wet and dry ingredients together and add 1 1/2 cups of chopped walnuts (I didn't add the nuts in mine) Pour into ungreased jelly roll pan.

Bake at 325F for 20 to 30 minutes (mine took only 20 min)

Now the best part "The Cream Cheese Frosting"
Beat all ingredients until smooth:

• 8oz Cream Cheese
• 3/4 Cup Butter
• 1 1/2 tsp Vanilla
• 2 1/2 Cups Powdered Icing Sugar

ENJOY