The new year is here; the hectic pace of the last two months has slowed; it’s time to reflect, finish up the started-yet-unfinished projects, plan and initiate the new goals for this year.
My list to start off the year:
A great big THANK YOU to all those who read my blog. I thank those who have just stopped by while passing through in their search for their intended subject and those who follow me faithfully, sometimes waiting days and even weeks for a new post. You have lifted my spirit this past year!
Star-gazing! The Quadrantid Meteor Shower is here! Click on the purple words to get the full article and the how-tos for viewing your first meteor shower of the year. Start the year out with something different, a spectacular, free sky show! Forfeit a night’s sleep to get in on this awesome, powerful, delightful event.
Sugar Cookie Recipe from Christmas with the Cuties:
sugar cookie recipe
Sorry about the quality but I’m in a bit of a hurry. As usual. (sigh) This is an excellent recipe, by the way. Great taste!
Gingerbread House:
Decorating the house
We bought a kit but had to wait till after Christmas to decorate. The month was fraught with “stuff” that wasn’t conducive to making a gingerbread house. That didn’t matter to us. It’s all about the making and eating while you make it.
My little artiste
The girls had a big, big fun time. Kate was specific about which side was hers. As you can see, Ava’s and my side needs a little, um, something.
Kate's side!
The girls each had their picture made with the side they decorated. Kate, of course, made sure I didn’t confuse her side with Ava’s. I don’t think she thought Ava’s was all that great.
Cheesing Ava's side!
Ava is just so funny right now in the picture-taking department. In all her poses, it’s obvious that she is saying “cheeeeeese!” I have laughed so hard at her cheesy pics. If you didn’t get a chance to look at Christmas with the Cuties, go there now. Ava cheesing for her pig is just too funny.
Our final posing session:
Ava spies Kate posing...
my budding models
We haven’t gotten around to making the gingerbread pocket for the red aprons… but that will get done this week.
So I’m a little behind schedule. I’ve decided that’s okay. I’m getting ‘er done… at my pace.
My final year-starter activity:
apronsandappetites first contest is here. You will get the details tomorrow, but in the meantime be making your 2012 goals.
apronsandappetites 
Your recipe is similar to the one I use. I found it years ago in a blue ribbon cookbook I have. I like to make reindeer and trees and decorate for Christmas. Also make oversized hearts for valentine’s day. I used to make the hearts and put my associate’s name on a heart and give them at work. I like one for breakfast. I always made them when Buff was little. And I would invite Debbie Cox over because her mom didnt’ bake. Debbie told me , when she was in her 30’s , that she appreciated so much being included in baking/decorating because she would have missed out on that. aaahhhh so sweet to tell me that. We never know how we might make a difference in a child’s life! Sometime add a tsp. of nutmeg to your cookie dough, Brenda. YUMMMMMM I LOVE your blog and I miss it when you don’t write!!
LikeLike
what is different in the recipe? I may like yours better. 🙂
LikeLike
All those cheesey pics will be good memories in the years to come. Keep up the writing. I look forward to reading all your little stories with the girls….
LikeLike
thank you, sweet friend.
LikeLike