Bloggy Tour of Christmas Homes!

It's time once again for a fun tour of homes as sponsored by BooMama! So, make yourself at home and let me show you around. There's a yummy treat at the end!

Our outdoor decorations are usually quite tasteful - just simple white icecicles and candles and wreaths. (Though this year our icecicles aren't working for whatever reason and two of our candles are out.)



But this year, for some reason, we went a little nuts. Perhaps we have crossed the line into tacky, I can't quite decide, but it makes me grin when I see my house, so it can't be all that bad, right?


Why yes, that's a blow-up Nativity scene...why do you ask?

Inside is always a little more sedate, though upon entry you are greeted with my favorite decoration of all - the chile lights. (What? I grew up in the South West - chiles are like breathing.)


The nutcrackers are new this year, mom was cleaning out her collection so she gave me half. One day I will have a nutcracker for every stairstep. (Insert evil laughter here - it's really funny to watch the dogs try to avoid them as they race downstairs.)

In the music room we just have one nativity scene - set out on the piano. (Also new to me from mom going through her Christmas decorations and downsizing.)

And a closeup...


Then in the family room we have the tree in all its splendor. (Yes, I know there's not actually a ton of splendor - I was going for a "classy" tree this year so it's just a few colored shape ornaments and all my White House ornaments. I should just give up and stick with the hodgepodge tree, but I keep hoping I can finegle elegant - does it need bows or something?) (And the chaise? That's part of the Thanksgiving Couch.) Then we have the stockings, hung by the fireplace with care cause, well, it's gas...so there's no chimney. We figure Santa will figure it out. And below is Cassi wondering why I'm using that "stay" word she hates so much just to get a picture. Meg has cannily run off.


Also in the family room is our Precious Moments nativity set, which I happen to adore. I know many people find them cheesy but, well, in this case? Bring on the cheese! (How can you not love the patchwork animals? They remind me of Raggedy Ann and Andy and their wrinkly kneed camel.) Meg thought she had escaped but, alas, she was captured in this shot, notice how she's already eyeing her exit possibilities.


That concludes our tour - can I interest you in a slice of Mom's Apple Walnut Cake?

Mom's Apple Walnut Cake

1 can apple pie filling
2 c. flour
1 c. sugar
1 1/2 t. soda
1 t. salt
2 eggs beaten
1 t. vanilla
2/3 c. oil
3/4 c. chopped nuts

Butter and flour 9 x 13 pan. (optional)
Spread apples in bottom of pan.
Combine dry ingredients and sprinkle over apples.
Mix eggs, vanilla, oil and nuts.
Pour over ingredients in pan and stir together until combined.
Bake 350 for 40 to 45 minutes.

Put fork holes all over the top of cake after it comes our of the oven if you are using the glaze. (I often leave it off as it is a sweet, moist cake.)

Glaze - make while cake is baking.
3/4 c. sugar
1/4 c. milk
1/4 c. butter
1/2 t. vanilla
Cook until it boils for 2 minutes. Pour over cake while it is hot.

Yummy yummy and soooo good in the winter. (And your house will smell deeee-lightful.)