Merry Christmas!

Brynn got an American Girl baby from her grandma for Christmas today. She dressed her in her Christmas dress so we could take a picture of them together. Too cute!

Gingerbread Houses

Nick's class made gingerbread houses Friday at school. Mrs. Martin even let Brynn make one. Here's a couple photos of their art work. Yum!

Skyler's basketball season just ended and they did really well. They won 5 and lost 3. Not too bad. I love watching him play. He played point guard this season and has gotten pretty good. I tried to take some pictures, but as you can see I need to take a photography class so I can learn how to take indoor moving shots. They didn't turn out well at all. Sorry :(

Favorite Recipes

Anyone who knows me, knows that I love baking. I especially love baking cookies. A bit too much maybe. Or it could be that it's not about the baking at all, it's about the eating! That's more likely. Anyway, I thought I would start posting some of my favorite recipes on my blog for those of you that may share the same love for sugar as I. So, my first recipe is a holiday one, it's..........

Glazed Pumpkin Cookies











1 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
2 t. vanilla
1 egg
1 c. pumpkin
1 t. baking soda
1 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
2 t. cinnamon
2 c. flour (maybe a little more)

Combine and drop. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes. Cool then glaze.

Glaze
Boil for 2 minutes.
1 c. brown sugar
3 T. butter or margerine
4 T. milk

Cool slightly and add:
1-2 c. powdered sugar
1 t. vanilla
Glaze cookies while they are still warm.

Happy 10th Birthday Nick!

Happy birthday Nick. It's the big 10! You're double digits now, woohoo! I remember being so excited when I turned 10. You're growing up so fast. I just want you to know how much we love you and what a terrific boy you are. You are always so happy and always have a big smile on your face. I am grateful for how kind hearted you are and how helpful you are to everyone around you. You make your parents very proud. Have a wonderful birthday, Nick!

Nick had his 10th birthday party this Saturday. He had some friends over and we took the kids roller skating. I think they would have all been quite happy staying in our backyard playing football all afternoon. We had a hard time getting them in the car to leave. I should have known! Nick has always wanted to have a birthday party outside, but since his birthday is in December we never know what the weather is going to be like. I'm so thankful that the sun was shining! They had fun skating too. I think all the kids have been skating before so they did really well. After skating we came back here and had cake and ice cream and opened presents. Then the boys were outside again. What an easy party!

We had family come stay with us for Thanksgiving this last week. As you can see from the pictures the kids were wild as ever! They had so much fun playing with their cousins. I just love the first picture of George jumping on the trampoline. His face is hysterical! We took other pictures of the rest of the family but I'm not allowed to post them. Someone, I won't name any names, (Grandma Carol) didn't want their picture on my blog. I really think I should post it anyway. ha,ha!