Christmas Day

Sad looking tree but that's what happens when you are so busy and don't have a chance to put it up until a week and half before Christmas.

Believe it or not, I had to wake Joshua up because at 9 a.m. he was still sleeping.  LOL

P-nut was not about to wait and decided he was taking his Christmas presents! 

Snowman Poop

I had the day off today and this is what I did with a few hours of my time.  The kids had a youth Christmas party tonight so I decided to make a small gift for all of the kids in attendance.

Here are all of the supplies I had, bought or printed for the gifts (well, not the coffee cup LOL).

Made a little progress.....the poem is glued on the inside of what will be the cover.

This is the poem.

All of the packages of tic-tacs have been glued on the inside covers.

All of the stickers have been added to the front cover and the ribbon glued to the back.

Making progress tying all the ribbon to close the covers.

All of the ribbons have been tied......all 56 of them!  

My daughter sent me a text a little while ago and said everyone thought they were cute and funny!

Another Pinterest success! Woo hoo!!!

Holiday Season

Now that the holiday season is officially upon us, I hope we all do our part to make a difference in the lives of others.  Not with the "gimme this", "gimme that", I want this", I want that" mentality.  We need to decrease the materialism in our kids and reinforce the real reason for the season.  Don't get me wrong; I spoil my kids at Christmas and anyone who knows me or has been to my house during the holidays can attest to that.  However, my kids have also been taught from the day they were born the true meaning of Christmas.  It's not the actual gift that matters but what's behind it that's important..........the spirit of giving. 

The holidays are a special time and we should appreciate what we are given because a lot of love and thought is put into it.  Give from your heart; a smile or a hug can be someone's greatest gift.  There are so many ways to spread happiness; just follow your heart and I bet it will be the best holiday ever.

A lot of times we focus on the negatives in our lives.  I've been there myself.  Christmas is the best reason to think positive and not allow the small things to get us down.  It should be a time to enjoy those around us and to take a step back and be thankful for what we do have. 

My wish is that all of you have a happy, healthy and safe holiday season!

Gumdrop Cookies

Gumdrops are something you either love or you hate.  If you love them, try this recipe.  

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups fruit flavored or spiced gumdrops
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups quick-cooking oats

1/2 cup crushed walnuts (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cut gumdrops into small pieces; set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugars at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla.
4. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda; gradually add to butter mixture, beating until combined. Stir in oats, gumdrops and walnuts (if desired).
5. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place 2-inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake 9-11 minutes, or until lightly browned. Let cool on pan for 2 minutes, then remove to wire racks for complete cooling.

Makes about 4 dozen cookies.