December 2nd - That Batch of Cookies

I remember, back when I was a pre teen. I had decided i wanted to decorate sugar cookies for Christmas. I pulled out my moms famous big batch recipe (which is now lost, *sad sigh*) and proceeded to mix it up. My mom didnt have a full measuring spoon set, just a large Tablespoon, but i felt confident that i could "figure it out". I did fairly fine... got it all mixed, and baked. They baked perfectly in our oven.

As they were cooling, i called my friend to come over and help me decorate while i made some icings. I thought i was the coolest person to bake my own cookies. We had sat down, decorated a couple and decided to try our masterpieces.

PfHHHHhhhgaht! *spit spit*

The cookies, even with their super sweet icing were horrible!!! They were so salty, you could barely get the taste out of your mouth. As i reviewed the recipe, i noticed it said 1 tsp for the salt, and i had put in 1 Tbsp!

Moral of the story is to not think so highly of yourself that you lose focus on the task at hand!

Merry Christmas

now.. i need some cookies....

Here is a cookie recipe, i made in 2007, that you cant mess up!!!
~............Merry Christmas..............~



















**This is NOT gluten free.

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December 1st - Holiday Values (day late)

Family Values is defined as: values especially of a traditional or conservative kind which are held to promote the sound functioning of the family and to strengthen the fabric of society.

Goodness, thats what i am doing? yes! yup, thats what i am doing for my girls! :)

Values that we try to instill during christmastime:

• Compassion and Empathy for others. Whether others surcumstaances are bad or good, that everyone is disserving of our love.
• Spiritualality. That we choose to love God and the baby that was born for us.
  
• Respect. We show everyone respect, including each other. We also show respect for others holiday beliefs.
• Fun and Joy. To take joy in all the things we do, all the things we see, and the things shared with us.
  
• Gratitude. That while we do not experiance a Santa visit full of toys, we are truely grateful for all that we have, and that we recieve.

A few years back my husband and i changed the way we celebrate christmas. Rather than focusing on Santa, being good and all the gifts. We spend the month of December celebrating Jesus and all the things he came here to teach us. We do activites as a family such as going to see lights, or a parade. But we also do things as a family to give back to our community, and our direct neighbors.

Last year i created a fun set of advent cards .... counting down the 12 days of christmas. It was a huge success and the kids loved them.

Each card is different and varies. One card has a scripture, the next an activity, then back again to scripture. Slowly it tells the story of Jesus birth, with a fun activity to go along.

Products used from ScrapGirls.com. Click on the picture for more details and products used.

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