Advent Calender Blog Hop

Hi friends! Today is the first day of Advent. The beginning of a wonderful time to prepare our hearts for the miracle of Christmas. The birth of our Lord!

I am the first to kick off the fun Advent Calender Blog Hop. If you are not familiar with it, take a look-see over here, on Jo's blog. You can check in with her, on her blog daily during Advent to see what everyone else has to share!  I pondered what stitch to share with you, and knew it had to be this one this year.

I have stitched this six times now. Never tire of it. It is called 'Bethlehem Scene' by Claudia Riff Finseth. I just love the simplicity of it. What a perfect reminder of the Gift we have been given. “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” Matthew 1:23 

Since any of my followers recognize that stitch, I have stitched it up 6 times now, I thought I would share one more ornament made by me 2 years ago. This was a gift for Brian. It is from the 2011 JCS Christmas Ornament  Preview Issue. It is called 'Frosty Kiss' by SamSarah Design Studio.

Isn't it cute how they both had to take off their carrot noses for a kiss with their sweetie? ;)

Jo also asked for us participants in the Blog Hop to share a little something about Christmas Food. I put out a cookie platter every Christmas Eve, after our dinner of baked ham, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, a vegetable or two, and some hot rolls.

I make sugar cookies every Christmas. I use my Grandma Kehoe's sugar cookie recipe. I always make our dogs. We have had blue Kerry Blue Terriers, pink Lhasa Bichons and pink Poodles. This year I will be baking pink and apricot Poodle cookies. =)
I also make these 'Bear Claws'. yummy!


I do not have pictures of them, but I also make Mint Chocolate Truffles, Gingerbread cookies and Peanut Blossoms.These are the cookies you can count on in this house every Christmas. ;)

Unfortunately, Mary's Sampler has been set to the side for now. Too much  gift stitching to accomplish in the next few weeks. I will return to her as soon as possible. I love it!

Come back tomorrow for a fun visit! We will be celebrating a birthday in this household. Hint: it is one we have never celebrated before. ;) A lot of cuteness guaranteed! I will show you what I sewed as a gift. tee hee! ♥

Stitching and praying,
Vickie