Christmas Memories: Homemade Sugar Cookies

I was so blessed to have my mom come up for Christmas. I love seeing her interact with G. I hate that our time together is so short and that the distance between us is so far...I have dreams for it to change some day. So until that day, we soak up every second and make as many memories as we can.

One of my favorite memories from childhood was making Christmas sugar cookies with my mom. She has used the same recipe forever and it always tastes the same. It is the essence of my childhood Christmases. To my delight, my mom chose to keep the tradition going with her granddaughter.

She even brought matching aprons! Isn't that the cutest thing?!

She and G enjoyed themselves thoroughly. Granna taught G how to roll out the dough and use the cookie cutters.

We opted out of the frosting this year and just decorated the cookies prior to baking. What fun!

Homemade Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:

2/3 c shortening

1 1/2 c sugar

2/3 c butter (10tbsp)

2 tsp vanilla

2 eggs

8 tsp milk

4 c flour

1 tbsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

Directions:

Cream together shortening, butter and sugar. Add the vanilla and eggs, add flour, baking powder and salt. Add the milk. Mix well and chill for several hours (or overnight).

Preheat the oven to 350. Lightly spray a cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.

Flour your work surface. Roll out the dough and cut with cookie cutters. Bake until the cookies are very lightly browned (10-12 minutes). Cool, frost and decorate.

Linking up with Green Fashionista

Christmas Pajamas!

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I love pajamas and there always seems to be something extra special about Christmas pajamas.  Growing up, until high school...maybe college...mom gifted us new pajamas on Christmas Eve.

My best friend has taken on this tradition for our daughter.  She is after all an awesome honorary aunt. While I have no pictures of this year's Christmas pajamas from Aunt Lala (still waiting for Christmas Eve), I do have a few pictures of our darling in Christmas pajamas at a recent Christmas pajama party. So fun!

An Act of Kindness

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December 19th will be marked as one of our most difficult days to date.  I'm not at a point of sharing the "why" yet and with the joy I have in my heart from some of the events of today, I can't focus on those other things right now anyway. (I know you're curious and one day I'm sure I'll share...)

As for those good things...my hubby and I got to spend some much needed quality time together. After a long morning we opted to grab lunch at IHOP. Who doesn't love pancakes?! Side note: The Caramel Bon Bon pancakes are amazing! And no, I was not compensated to say that.

We enjoyed a yummy lunch and then gathered our things to leave. While waiting in line to pay, I stepped to the side, leaving more room for other customers since my hubby was going to pay. I saw a lady begin talking to him. I heard her ask if he worked for the fire department (he had on one of his firefighter hats.) He shared with her his career and volunteer firefighter positions. I saw her hug him and then thank him for what he does. I then saw my husband shaking his head, telling the lady no about something and then he eventually walked over to me...she insisted on paying for our meal! This precious,  blessed soul paid for our meal without any hesitation.  She told him that at one point this deed had been done for her and she wanted to pass the kindness along and that she wanted to do something to thank him for his service.

I cried.

I wanted to run and hug her and thank her for her act of unexpected kindness. This might have freaked her out so...

Instead I prayed prayers of blessings over this sweet woman and her family. My hubby and I are still humbled and can't wait to pass this bit of joy along.

How can you spread a little more kindness in the days to come?

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Five on Friday: Memories Made

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Since backing off of social media I have found myself happier, my time spent with my family more meaningful and the memories more precious and full. I haven't participated in a Friday Five link up in quite a while, and like my time, I want my posts to hold a little more meaning and value. Here are a few of my favorite things from the last week or so...

Just a side note: our precious gem turned 20 months old today! How did that happen?!

[Chasing Moonbeams]

Our little one has been infatuated with the moon as of late. I'm not sure what has spurred it but she looks for it every evening we're outside. The other night I got her out of the car and stood her in the driveway. She immediately began searching the sky. She found the moon and pointed at the beautiful round orb hanging in the starlit sky. Suddenly she began running towards it yelling "moon" down the driveway. I snatched her up and we both just stood there and stared at one of God's most spectacular views. She stayed focused on it until the opening of the front door broke her concentration.

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[Christmas Traditions]

We have several family traditions that I hope to share soon. One of my favorites is the 12 Books of Christmas that we began with G last year for her first Christmas. While you'll find tons of ideas regarding 25 books, we decided to scale it down a bit. We start on December 13th and she gets to open a new book each evening. We read it together and add it to her "library". She'll open the last one on Christmas Eve and then we'll read the scripture of Jesus' birth on Christmas morning. She really enjoys opening the books this year. Christmas will be so fun!

[Pajamas and Gingerbread]

Our dear friends (although I'd say they are more like family) hosted a Pajamas and Gingerbread House party. They did an amazing job! They invested so much heart and soul, not to mention time, into the evening. Each child had their own (homemade) gingerbread house. The rest of us brought items to decorate the houses with. G really enjoyed herself...even more so when she realized that what she was making was edible. I now know what my child is like on a sugar high!

Courtesy of Ashley

[Diapers]

Lately G has become aware of when her diaper is wet/dirty and informs us of when she needs changed. While she's not interested in potty training, she does like a clean bottom. She also feels her "babies" should have the same experience. We've caught her several times trying to diaper her moose and giraffe with one of her diapers. While we get a good giggle out of it, she gets frustrated, especially considering that the diapers are bigger than her toys. I decided to make her some felt diapers for her babies. She loved them and is gradually becoming more independent at putting them on Bella and Mo-Mo herself.

[Just Say "No" to Santa]

While we're not brining up G to believe that Santa Clause is "real" (please don't boo and hiss, we have our reasons) we do share him with her as a fun storybook character. She has seen Santa in various places and media and had her picture taken with him several times last year. This year however, thanks to her age appropriate stranger anxiety, she was having none of that. She kept her distance at first but then was enticed by his offering of a candy cane. That's where the interest ended. We could barely get her to stand next to him, let alone sit in his lap. No good pictures have been gotten this year. We have one more chance to try this weekend and I'm hoping it goes smoother...but will not be surprised if things go South quickly.

Linking up with Darci from the good life blog and Amy from The Farmer's Wife

12 Books of Christmas...How It Happens in Our Home

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Last year we began the 12 Books of Christmas with our daughter. Beginning on December 13th she opens one book, we read it together, and add it to her book collection. I've had a few people ask me about the logistics and also for a list of the books we've purchased for this tradition.

I begin buying books in January. I purchase one book each month, with my final book bought sometime in December. It works well. I've purchased books online, from Scholastic, thrift stores and consignment sales. All of the books I choose are in new or "like new" condition. I wrap them all and have them set out in the living room.

On the 12th we begin by sitting down as a family and have her open her 1st book of the season. She eagerly sits in anticipation as she waits for us to read the story. These moments are so precious and will hopefully continue to cultivate a love of reading.

As for the books I choose? Honestly it tends to be what strikes me. As a teacher I get the opportunity to look at a lot of books through our library, the collections of other teachers and the annual Book Fair. I make note of books I like and keep an eye out for them as the year goes on. I think back to books I enjoyed as a child and try to include those as well.

Here is a list of books from 2013.

1. Pout-Pout Fish and the Big-Big Dark
2. Curious George
3. Madeline's Christmas
4. Henry's Pirate Surprise
5. Have Fun Molly Lou Mellon (seriously one of my favorites...ever)
6. The Very Busy Spider
7. Who's Peeking at Me?
8. Christmas in the Barn
9. A Charlie Brown Christmas
10. My Little Red Fire Truck
11. God Bless You & Good Night
12. The Family Christmas Treasury (we just read stories from this book from time to time)

On Christmas Day we read the scripture of Jesus' birth. We then open presents and enjoy our time together. I hope you'll find some special ways to make memories with your family this Christmas season.

(I'll do my best to get up our 2014 list soon after Christmas...because I honestly can't remember all of the books that I chose...)

Linking up with Annie for Thoughts for Thursday

Inside Out German Chocolate Cake

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Oh how I love holiday baking. The kitchen gains a whole new scent from Thanksgiving to Christmas. The house is always filled with some type of sweet or savory smell this time of year. We had a short notice family gathering this past weekend and with some other fantastic activities we had planned, I didn't have time to do a lot of additional baking for the family event. That's when this semi-homemade dessert came to mind.

I have to give credit to one of my fellow teachers who first introduced me to the basic concept. Her recipe calls for a Butter Pecan cake base (A.MAZ.ING!) which was the only cake mix that was not available at our local Wal-Mart. What are the chances?

Time to improvise. What else goes well with coconut and pecans? Well chocolate of course! I call this cake simple (almost embarrassingly so) and you'll soon see why...

Inside Out German Chocolate Cake

Ingredients:

1 box of German Chocolate cake mix

1 can of coconut pecan frosting

Eggs

Oil

Water

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350.

Generously spray a bunt pan (I could not find my "pretty pan" so my angel food cake pan had to suffice) with cooking spray.

Prepare the cake mix according to directions on the box. Before pouring the batter into the pan, remove the foil seal from the frosting and microwave it for about 35 seconds. Scoop the frosting into the cake batter and mix well.

Pour the batter evenly into pan. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.

Cool for 10 minutes and then remove from the pan by flipping it out onto a plate or platter.

 This cake is heavenly served warm but is also perfect the next day with a cup of coffee. You can't go wrong! I hope you'll find this recipe just as tasty and easy as I have. I continue to receive compliments on the taste and I never come home with leftovers (which could be a good or bad thing, depending how you look at it.)

Happy Baking!

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My New Love: eShakti

I was thoroughly excited when eShakti contacted me about reviewing one of their clothing items. How could I say no?! I've been eyeing several items on their site and I could not wait to pick something of my very own.

I adore so many of the dresses on this site. There was no way I could just pick one...so I opted for a jacket. I have not bought a good jacket in a few years, so this was a much needed item. I loved many of the designs and colors but opted for a beautiful, blue floral trench coat. I put in my height and custom length...placed my sample order and waited. However, my wait was not long.

I was impressed with how quickly  my coat arrived. I was even more impressed with the overall beauty and quality of the piece. The lining is threaded tightly and every part of the coat is stitched together flawlessly. At first I was a little intimidated by the weight, but once I put it on, I realized it was comparable to my other coats. I probably could have gone with a size slightly smaller (after all, they can customize all of their products based solely on your measurements), but it still fits well.

I love the pattern and I could not believe how many compliments I received upon wearing it out. While I am no fashion blogger and my sweet hubby is no photographer (and this picture was taken first thing in the morning...as in before the dawn), I hope you'll get an idea of just how great this piece really is. However, do keep in mind that this picture does not do it justice.

I can't express enough thanks to eShakti for giving me this opportunity. I see more purchases in my future...Especially since I'm currently swooning over their holiday items. Check out this amazing company. You will not be disappointed. Their quality, customer service and customization are impeccable.

Linking up with Annie for Thoughts for Thursday

Peanut Blossoms

I think one of the reasons I love the Christmas season so much is that it reminds me of the good times from my childhood. I love looking back on days filled with snow, Christmas lights, the gathering of family and of course the cooking. There are many Christmas favorites but this one takes me back to my mom every time...

Peanut Blossom Cookies

Ingredients:

48 Hershey Kisses, unwrapped
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup  Creamy Peanut Butter
1/3 cup white sugar
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
1 egg
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
Dash of salt
Additional granulated sugar

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Cream butter and peanut butter in until well blended. Add white sugar and brown sugar; beat until fluffy.

Add the egg, milk and vanilla; beat well. In a medium sized bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to the peanut butter mixture.

Ok, here comes the fun part!

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. I use a melon baller scoop to give me the perfect amount of dough. Pour a 1/4c of sugar into a shallow bowl. Roll the dough balls in the sugar and place on an ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from the oven. Immediately press a Kiss into center of each cookie. The cookie will crack around the edges. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Let cool.

Now honestly I can rarely wait for them to cool...simply because the combination of slightly melted chocolate and warm peanut butter cookie is perfection.

You could use peanut butter cups or other flavors of Kisses. No matter how you do it, I'm sure you'll enjoy.

Linking up with Green Fashionista

Savoring the Season

I know my blog has been kind of quiet lately, but like many bloggers I follow, it's been an intentional slow down. It seems like once Thanksgiving hits, this precious holiday season goes by at warp speed.

Last year we were caught up in all of G's firsts for this time of year.

2013

She's much more aware and interested this year. While I know she may or not remember what we've done with her in these early years, I want to be very present now and always. This has required less computer/phone time and more playing, singing and memory making.

It's so easy to miss the wonder and beauty of this time of year. We have to be intentional in what we do. I'll soon be sharing some our favorite traditions and hopefully some new ones.

I ran across this fabulous free printable and just had to share before heading out to church this morning. It's a fun reminder to not get so caught up in everything. May you steady your pace and savor all that is this season.

Tasty Tuesday: Apple Crumble

I'm alive! I know I've been out of the blogging world for a bit but life has been crazy...a good crazy, but crazy nonetheless. We enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with friends and family. The food was good. The fellowship was great. The time with my sweet little family was priceless.

I've been savoring every moment. Before I get too sappy, I wanted to be sure to share a new go-to recipe. I opted to stray from the typical pumpkin desserts for Thanksgiving this year. I had some delicious apples that I had made and frozen a few weeks ago. (You can find the recipe here.)

I chose to make an Apple Crumble. Oh. My. Word. I could literally just eat it out of the skillet. Now that I've peaked your interest, here is the recipe. (The original recipe can be found here.)

Apple Crumble

Ingredients:

6 c. of Freezer Apple Pie Filling, thawed

1 c. wheat flour
1 c. old-fashioned oats
2/3 c. brown sugar
1/2 c, white sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
12 tbsp. cold unsalted butter, diced

Directions:

-Preheat the oven to 350.

-Coat a cast iron skillet with cooking spray.

-Spread the apples evenly in the skillet.

-In a large bowl combine the remaining ingredients. Using your hands (seriously the best method), mix the butter into the dry ingredients until a crumble has formed.

-Sprinkle the mixture over the apples evenly.

-Bake for about 40 minutes or until the topping is browned and bubbly.

-Enjoy alone or with a scoop of ice cream.

Linking up with Green Fashionista



Simple Cinnamon Rolls

I've been a little MIA lately with a sick toddler, home projects and work consuming my days. I finally opted to take a little break and share a recipe I recently tried.

I'm a sucker for cinnamon rolls and I have a great homemade recipe...but it is pretty time consuming (although well worth the effort.) When I stumbled upon this no yeast recipe, which means no rise time, I had to give it a shot. I had everything for the rolls on hand but not for the icing. We opted for pre-made cream cheese icing and that worked just fine.

No Yeast Cinnamon Rolls

For the Cinnamon Filling:
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 Tablespoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 Tablespoons butter, melted

For the Cinnamon Roll Dough:
2-1/2 cups all purpose flour, plus more for rolling out dough
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
5 Tablespoons butter, melted and divided

Directions:


Preheat oven to 425. 

Combine filling ingredients in a small bowl, and mix well. In a larger bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. 

Whisk together buttermilk and 4 Tablespoons melted butter in a separate bowl, then pour into the dry ingredients. Stir together until dough just comes together (do not over mix.) Kneed slightly with your hands until the dough forms into a ball, then slice it in half.

On a lightly floured surface, roll each half into a rectangle that is a little larger than a piece of paper. Press half the filling mixture into the center, leaving 1/4″ of the dough clear on all 4 sides, then roll, starting with one of the short ends. Pinch together the seam, trim the ends and cut into 8-10 slices. 

Repeat with the other dough half, then place rolls in a non-stick sprayed 9×13 pan. Brush the rolls with remaining melted butter and bake for 15 minutes, or until tops are golden brown.

Top with icing and enjoy! 

Linking up with Green Fashionista

19 and Counting

Weight: 29lbs 11oz 

Height: 2’ 8”

Shoe size: 4-5

Clothing 24months/2T

Our precious babe is becoming such a big girl. It’s hard to believe that she is 19 months old! I blinked and my little blonde haired newborn has since become a fiery redheaded toddler. She has grown in so many ways. 

Our doctors continue to be impressed with her vocabulary at this point. She’s been moving into short sentences. The ones we hear most often are:

“Let it go” (every time we see or hear anything Frozen related.)

“Where’s ____________” (the blank is usually filled with Bella, Daddy, Mo-Mo…)

“Love you” (which of course melts my heart every time.)

We’ve also noticed that “please” is no longer “ease” but “pease” so, we’re making progress. Maybe it’s the teacher in me but as of late I’ve noticed that she pronounces “k” as “t” at the end of words. For example, “book” is “boot” and “duck” is “dut”. Adorable!

She’s quite opinionated these days and she definitely knows what she wants. We’ve had several battles of the will, and while I could go all day (because I am not a quitter), she tends to bounce out of her fits and frustrations quite quickly.

She is typically a good eater and not too picky at this point. Bananas, peas and applesauce are definitely some of her favorite things. When she's hungry she'll let us know by saying "bite" or "eat" while standing at her highchair.

She recently went through a major bout of fever. She held a high fever (between 101-103) for almost a week. She was such a trooper and still remained pretty happy and content throughout that time.

She attempts to put her socks and pants on, and while unsuccessful, she puts forth a great effort. She can step into her shoes well enough to walk in them and more often than not she has them on the correct feet. Luck is on her side. 

She adores books and music. Jagger’s moves have nothing on her. She is becoming quite the little dancing queen. I’ve also noticed her starting to increase her types of play. She will have her moose and giraffe interact, she attempts to feed her moose with a bottle or her cup, and she loves to push most things around in her baby stroller. She is interested in puzzles but gets easily frustrated when the pieces don’t fit right away (I don’t know where she could possibly get that from.) She really enjoys putting dirty clothes in the hamper and throwing things away (which is dangerous…we’ve found many things that are not trash in the garbage…)

Her stranger anxiety has really increased. She is quite the Mommy’s girl and is often considered my shadow. She interacts well with the children at her sitter’s house and at church and I’ve been told she is quite the helper.

We fall more in love with her every day. Not one moment goes by that I do not thank God for blessing us with our miracle. 

Linking up with Annie