It's me ... again!

... time to try again ...

Well... if I start this post by saying I'm going to try my hand at this ... again .... many of you would be shocked! Lots, and I mean LOTS has happened since my last post... we survived a pandemic, and I've changed jobs.... twice! We bought a pizza oven, the husband got a promotion, we've had several deaths in the family ... and lots of Life has happened in between there! I'm not going to back up and document the last few years... but I will start fresh now and fill you guys in on the past - as we move on!

2023 Holiday Season:

Things we have done this Holiday Season:

• watched a lot of Hallmark and Great American Family Christmas movies!
• visited Dollywood - for the Christmas lights and shows
• finished the 2023 Russ Christmas Card
• got ALL of our trees up (there are 3)
• had a great Thanksgiving with family
• got the outdoor decorations up!
• had the annual Ladies Christmas Tea at church - so much fun!

There are still items on the to-do list before the end of the year:

• ride through town to look at Christmas lights/decorations
• send out cards and gifts to family & friends 
• finish up handmade Christmas gifts
• parties with friends and co-workers!
• finish up shopping and wrap those gifts!
• drink way too much hot chocolate!
• ... and watch even more Christmas movies!!

here are a few pictures from the events/projects I've checked off the list so far!!

Dolly really knows how to "do" Christmas:

We had a great time, we had never been in all the years of living here in TN - and Dolly and the staff didn't disappoint! We plan to go back next year!

Home Christmas projects: 

This might be my favorite Christmas Wreath. You guys know I'm a sucker for a snowflake and this one does not disappoint! 

That's the same grapevine wreath I have had for YEARS - I never save my wreaths - so they are a true A Russ original every time!

I thought I had a picture of this year's Christmas Card - but instead, I have a picture of my assistant ... I am amazed I get any work done in the craft room with this little guy in EVERYTHING! 

2023 Ladies Christmas Tea:

This year I finally got my Hot Chocolate-themed table! I thought it turned out GREAT! I made a little hot chocolate pot for the ladies out of Ikea jars - I etched a snowflake on the top of each... Used the Cricut to make tiny tags for the hot chocolate pots... super cute!

I'll leave it here for today... but I have more posts in the drafts folder to cover all kinds of craziness that has been going on with us!