Monday, December 28, 2009

Christmas Memories (and a RAK!)



I hope you had a wonderfully merry Christmas with your loved ones. This year, it seemed like I had much less time to prepare and it was down to the wire, but it all worked out okay!

I was quite a busy bee. First, I baked some goodies for the folks at work. Thank goodness for this yummy Gingerbread Hug Cookie recipe from Ronda. It was a huge hit!



Richard and I made a little gingerbread tree on Christmas Eve... He helped me decorate it because I was making a mess!



We celebrated with Richard's family...



We enjoyed our holiday traditions... My family always gets together on Christmas morning for a delicious breakfast.




We opened gifts... I received some wonderful presents from family and friends. My favorite gift was a sentimental one from my Mami who passed away last year. She had saved a gold butterfly charm holder to give to me and my aunt wrapped it up for me and put it under the tree... I couldn't hold back my tears! I miss my Mami so much.




We visited my sister-in-law, Roxana, at the convent...



We attended a wedding the day after Christmas...



And we hung out at Jungle Island with our BFF's on Sunday...



Today I woke up with a sore throat! Still, I took down the Christmas decorations and straightened up the house. Now, if I could just get my scrap room in order, I'll be happy. That way, I can start scrapping and finishing up my December Daily :)

Ready for a giveaway!?

To celebrate 2009, I'm giving away an album! This is a 6x6 mini album inspired by one of Jenny Bowlin's project kits this year. It would make a great "2009 Year in Review" album. All you have to do is add your photos and some embellies and journaling. The rest is already done for you! To be entered to win, please leave a comment telling me what your favorite (or most cherished) present was this year. Be sure to sign up to be a follower on my blog if you haven't already done so. I'll pick a winner on New Year's Day (January 1).



Each month of the year has its own spread. Here's a peek at some of the inside pages.





Merry wishes and joyful dreams,
Vanessa

12 comments:

balou said...

Okay, that first picture... is AWESOME! Love it! =)

Ay, what a sweet gift from your Mami. I know I would have broken down, too, if I was you.

Maritza said...

Great post. Sounds like you had a festive holiday. I love your gingerbread tree; so cute. Looks from a Dr. Seuss book. Last but not least gift from Mami. WOW. Your sister-i-law looks good.

My most cherished gift this year besides my grandson, was the album my daughter made for me.

Ady said...

My most cherished gift this year is my Pandora bracelet. I love it soooo much...

Ivy said...

I love the mini album. Creating my first mini album this end of the year as a gift for my titi. My most cherished gift...my brother, who I had not spoken to in six months. Family is always the greatest gift.

Unknown said...

Scrappy!! It sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas.
Yes - the gingerbread cookies that you brought in to work were wonderful!!
What a special gift from your Mami, I know you miss her a lot - but just think of all the wonderful years that you had with her.
You are are special friend...
Hugs.

Anonymous said...

Looks and sounds like you have a wonderful holiday with friends and family - which is what it is all about. The necklace is proof that your Mami is still with you every day (xoxo)
My most precious gift is (always) watching my kids open their gifts! I'm so blessed with my kids - they are really GOOD kids and I am so very proud of them!

Miss you - hope we can get together one of these days....

Happy & Healthy 2010
Rena

Ana, Miami said...

LOOKS LIKE YOU HAD A GREAT CHRISTMAS WITH ALL YOUR LOVED ONES!!
MY GREATEST GIST WAS TO STILL HAVE MY MOM AROUND SINCE SHE IS SO ILL!!
I AM GRATEFUL!
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!!!!

Patti said...

What a sweet giveaway!
I'd have to say my sweetest gift this year was a little rubber stamp my 7 year old Abbi "bought" for me at the school merit store. She saved up all her merits (earned over 9 weeks) to buy me something for Christmas:)

Sharon said...

So glad you had a great Christmas. Those cookies you made looked delicious, and the tree looked so cute!
That necklace from your mami must have been your favorite gift this year, How special!
Hope you have a Happy New year!

Anonymous said...

Hi, would love to win this little beauty of an album! :D thanks for the giveaway! My favorite gift was the digital photo frame! LOVE it so much!
Happy New Year!

Esther said...

What a blessing to receive a gift from your Mami in such a special day!

My most precious gift this year was to be able to be with my grandaughter on Christmas Day as she came downstairs to open her presents. Her expressions and comments is something I will never forget. Love, Esther

gleestormont said...

it is still new year's day here in hawaii, but i'm probably too late for ya'll. but, my fave gift is believe it or not, the composter that my sweet hubby made for me! he knows how much my garden means to me, and i really love his gift.