New ornaments, a blog hop, and some thanks ;-)

Ok..I have several things to post on for today so I'd better get started!  First, yesterday I received my ornament from Beth, my ornament swap partner that was hosted by the lovely Brittany from Unexpected Suprises!!  I was blown away by Beth's choice for my tree, it was gorgeous to say the least!!!!  And I had the perfect spot picked out for it, right in the front and center of the tree!  Take a look!!

(Isn't it pretty!)

(Even prettier with the lights turned on to 'illuminate' it!)

Thank you so much for the pretty addition to my tree, Beth!!   You did a fantastic job and I just hope you liked the ornaments I picked out for you as much as I like mine!  :-)



Second on my list for today, is the Holly Jolly Blog Hop that is being hosted by Kristin, Natalie, and Amber!  Today we are going to share our favorite recipes for the holidays!  You know how much I LOVE to bake this time of the year..so of course I have some favorites!!  One of my "must have's" for the holidays are my peanut butter cookies!  They aren't just any regular pb cookies, mind you, but they are filled with pb and cream cheese, drizzled with chocolate!  Need I say more?  I posted about them several days ago, so in case you missed it, here is the recipe again!  :-)

Mel's Peanut Butter Cookies

1/2 cup crisco
1/2 cup softened butter
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 1/2 cups sugar, divided
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
3 cups all purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Filling:
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
4 ounces softened cream cheese
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg yolk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Topping:

2 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
In large bowl, beat crisco, butter, peanut butter, 1 cup sugar and brown sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after adding each one. Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt. Roll into 1 1/2 inch balls; roll in remaining 1/2 cup sugar. Place on a baking sheet. Using the end of a wooden spoon, make an indentation in the center of each ball.
In small mixing bowl, beat peanut butter and cream cheese until smooth. Mix in the sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla. Spoon some of the filling into each indentation in each cookie.
Bake at 350 degrees until done (I usually just keep an eye on them..I'd say about 8 minutes or so..depends on your oven). Remove from pans to cool.
Melt the chocolate chips (I do mine in the microwave..stir often to prevent scorching) and stir until smooth. Drizzle melted chocolate over each cookie.

AND..last but not least..I wanted to send out a HUGE thank you to all my dear blog readers out there.  I know my last couple of posts have been a little on the 'down' side of things as I've been dealing with alot of aggrevation with insurance companies, doctors, and the like.  But I must say, the comments I've received from my readers the past couple of days has truely lifted this girl's spirits!!  Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your kind words of encouragement, your prayers, and just for commenting.  I know sometimes its hard to comment when someone is venting all thru their post for the day, but you guys didn't let that stop you and you gave me a more positive outlook on something the other day just seemed to totally weigh me down.  I appreciate you guys more than you'll ever know and am grateful for the friendships I have made on this 'little blog of mine'!!  Thanks again..and do keep praying for me and the little one growing inside of me..and all the stuff I talked about before!!  :-D

Love and Candy Canes,