So Many Cookies...So Little Time!

Yippee! Today was our annual cookie baking day with Mommom! It is a tradition that the kids have done since they were tiny! (we're actually doing two this year Lord willing, this was #1)

First off, let me introduce the staff...first pic is daughter Briana-she was actually mixing the butter cream filling for the hand-dipped chocolates...then comes Brad (above), he handled the chocolate chip cookies...below, is well, actually, it is Mommom herself. But, alas, she doesn't want/like her picture taken!

And so, undeterred, I made another attempt at it...

Rats! Missed again!

Well, we did get a little sideview shot as we were rolling the filling for the chocolates! :)

(Good work Brad!)

My mom has been making this recipe for at least 40 years! Above are the maraschino cherries all rolled in butter cream and ready to be dipped!

Brad did a superb job with the cookies! YUM!

And, we finally got Mommom to pose for us! And so, all missions were accomplished except one...

THE END!

Chips Makes a New Friend!

Well, I am thankful I got around the corner with that cold in time to enjoy dinner with our dear friends!

Linda and I have been friends for 16 years, and she's a doll. Plus, she has the sweetest family ever!

We had a delightful time of fellowship together...and they even brought me these GORGEOUS flowers!

We also got to eat the chocolate pound cake that my daughter and I made...

But the best part?

Chips made a new friend! :) (Isn't his new friend a living doll!?)

I think they make a precious pair!

I am so thankful to God for friends!

Mixin' It Up!

Well, my friend Gowmatie was gracious enough to invite all of us to come to her lovely home again this year so that the girls could all bake their cookies together...

This family has 3 ovens! They came in handy!
It was, of course, such a fun time of fellowship! But the girls also baked up a storm and made delicious cookies!

Not to mention, I can't think of a better group of girls to spend the day with! I love them all! (even Tam!) LOL

Young Teddy was the only macho man among us--and he survived all the girl talk too! (He's used to it--he has 5 sisters!) Isn't he a doll?

We shared a delicious lunch too! Yum!

Ok, the baking and lunch are done...let the GAMES begin! :)

Aren't they the sweetest?

Below, the Moms enjoy a cup of tea and a chat!

One of these sweet sisters claims to be an angel...but, I think they both are! :)

It was a great day! What a blessing!

A Little Christmas Cheer

The picture above is the fireplace, mantel and nativity in our family room...
Just the fireplace and mantel.

A tree I made years ago, it's in the living room...


Above is the doorway to the dining room.



The dining room table.

One of my fav things--a nativity set my brother-in-law gave us--it was made in Bethlehem. Isn't that the best!? (Thanks Stephen!)

The kitchen window, draped with garland and lights.

Have you started your decorating yet?

Renegades!

Yes, we have renegade squirrels at our house here in the 'burbs. You'd thinking living in the 'burbs would civilize them--but NO! The one above BROKE our birdfeeder. (Last year one of these renegades STOLE our suet feeder--it was never seen again!)

My son thought that if he threw some corn out there, it would deter them from the bird feeders. But NO! One had to HOG the whole thing and run away with it! LOL

And then there is this guy...he has learned to pull the top open on the feeder, and is halfway down into the tube eating the seed!

I think we're losing this battle! LOL

Whatz for supper?

I didn't get a whole lot accomplished today...but I am cooking supper! :)

The kids have been dying to try this recipe, so we did it today...

Chicken Crunchy Dinner

2 c. Tortilla Chips - crushed

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/8 tsp. pepper

1/2 tsp paprika

1/4 tsp red cayenne pepper

2 1/2- 3 lbs chicken pieces

Crush the chips, mix with the spices, coat the chicken then place chicken skin side up in lightly greased baking dish. Bake in 375 degree oven for 60 min. or until tender. Serves 4 (if you used boneless skinless breast pieces--this would work and go farther!)

I am serving this with homemade applesauce and bread, rice, and a salad.

What are you having tonight?

Emmanuel

EMMANUEL means God With Us

I love the ornament we have below with Emmanuel on it....I love the reminder that God is indeed with us!

O come, O come, Emmanuel

And ransom captive Israel

That mourns in lonely exile here

Until the Son of God appear

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free

Thine own from Satan's tyranny

From depths of Hell Thy people save

And give them vict'ry o'er the grave

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer

Our spirits by Thine advent here

Disperse the gloomy clouds of night

And death's dark shadows put to flight.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Key of David, come,

And open wide our heav'nly home;

Make safe the way that leads on high,

And close the path to misery.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, O come, Thou Lord of might,

Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai's height,

In ancient times did'st give the Law,

In cloud, and majesty and awe.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.