We've started getting ready for Christmas around here. Usually my family puts up our tree the weekend after Thanksgiving but this year since we're at my mother in law's house we're kinda doing things a little differently. It's a year of transitions. We've already got next year all planned out...in our imaginations...our new house, the tree, the stockings, the traditions...it shall be fabulous! :) This year will be fabulous too, just a little different. Do you all SEE this crazy little girl?!? She is fearless. I'm fairly certain she'll want to do something ridiculous, like sky dive, for her second birthday. ![]()
When Daddy comes home from work Bug helps him wind down. First the boots and socks come off. Then the lock he carries and the belt come off. Then the safety glasses go on Bug's head. She thinks it's pretty flippin' sweet! ![]()
Daddy makes the best capes! This time they were crafted out of Grandma's dish towels and clothespins. What more could a supergirl want? ![]()
Exhibit A of Christmas preparations. We have a photo from last year that a lady took at Em's care center on Christmas of her with a Santa hat on her head. We'll have to compare the two. :) I really can't explain how amazing it is to have both of our girls home for Christmas this year. Last year we left all of our Christmas decorations up until March so we could have Christmas as a family the day after Em came home. (Of course we had one pretty amazing Christmas with Havyn in December to celebrate her first Christmas) This year we get to have it ALL together on honest to goodness Christmas...pretty awesome! My mom arranged for our family and my little brother's family to take our kids and have breakfast with Santa this Saturday. There will be pictures with Santa. I believe there will probably be tears. We can put it right there next to the picture with the Easter Bunny. I'm hoping if we let Em rock this hat around the hat for the next few days she MIGHT not be quite as concerned with the large bearded man!! ![]()
For Giving Reasons these last few days I have baked almond cream cheese sugar cookies for the teacher's room where my mom works. (Yes I did have to taste test one...or two...and yes they are just as scrumptious as they sound. The recipe will be at the bottom of this post. It's ok...you don't have to thank me. :) I bought some wet cat food for our local animal shelter. Having worked at a humane society, I know how dire a situation it can be when you run out of canned food. Sometimes, especially when cats are sick, canned food is your only shot at getting them to eat. Sometimes it has to be warmed up so they can smell it better. Sometimes getting that one meal down them every day SAVES their life!! I had many fosters kitties who are now in loving homes who are a testament to that. So next time you're out and about, grab a couple cans of canned cat or dog food and drop it off at a shelter. You may just save a life...seriously! I also took a poinsettia to one of our local nursing homes. I asked the woman at the front counter to give it to someone who would enjoy it. I know there are some people that don't have family who visit or who don't have cheeriness in their room. I hope this brightened the day for one of them. (Excuse the grainy phone pictures) Jon came home from work early tonight and we've got a movie date with Sherlock Holmes. I really just love him...a whole big bunch. Happy Wednesday everyone! :)
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CREAM CHEESE SUGAR COOKIES!! 3/4 cup margarine, 1/4 cup cream cheese (4 oz), 1 1/4 cups white sugar, 3 egg yolks, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp almond extract (increase to 1 tsp), 2 1/2 cups flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp cream of tartar, CREAM TOGETHER WET INGREDIENTS, ADD DRY INGREDIENTS, BAKE FOR 12 MINUTES (OR UNTIL GOLDEN BROWN) AT 350. DEVOUR.
