Sparklies From the Week Past

Boy howdy are the days busy right now. I know y'all have no clue what I'm talking about. :oP

Because I missed posting a couple of days last week, here's a photographic romp through what we did.

First up, I finally got a Christmas wreath made for the front door. :o)

Wednesday I was classroom helper at Co-op.

They decorated "gingerbread men". I think they look like Homer Simpson cookies, quite frankly. :oP

The sunset was stunning that night. :o)

We have the Jesse tree up and at work and I'm so pleased with how it turned out. I'm still beyond chuffed with the ornaments.

I began wrapping gifts and Georgie helped. My boys don't play in paper bags, but they sure do love a good box. :o)

Thursday, Bean and I took a trip to Michael's in search of birthday and Christmas presents for Bitty from her. We came home and she sat and worked puzzles for over an hour.

I also picked up a new ornament for Hannah's tree at Michael's.

Friday, the third graders at Lil's school went to see "The Nutcracker" and Lil got all dolled up.

And after Jori commented upon how big my boys are, I had to snap another photo of my big boys. They're HUGE.

While Bean was at school, four of us got together at church to work on plating up goodies for our food pantry recipients.

It was decided we would have a special "Christmas Market" for our recipients and C lobbied for them to include baked goods, because, what says "love" at Christmas more than homemade goodies? They were afraid they wouldn't get enough donations but C persisted and I know I contributed seven dozen cookies alone. We were overwhelmed with donations, and the four of us set about plating up a dozen nummies on each plate, bagging them, and making them festive. I believe we had 95 plates...? However many it was, the love was evident in the number of donations we received. :o)

Yesterday Dani arrived and we made two rolls of fondant, a batch of mounds candy and trash. We also dipped all candies that needed it.

And, Beanie helped.

See?

So did Georgie. He's been a busy boy lately. ;o)

Jori made this for me and I've been wearing it nonstop. Isn't it fun?

And, I'll end with CW holiday photos.

I would like to finish making cards and get them in the mail, and I need to starch and block snowflakes to give as gifts. We're going to try to go to Lewis Ginter tonight and There are a few chores I need to get done. I'm thoroughly enjoying the season, but wouldn't mind a nap...

*****ELF WATCH 2014*****

Racing on the slot cars.

Trying to repair a broken wing.

Pulverizing some m&ms. Before I even had a chance to use the mortar and pestle. Hmpf.


****ETA****
For you, Sarah!

By request, here's the Java Shortbread recipe, courtesy Southern Living:

1 cup butter, softened 2 t instant coffee 1/2 cup sifted powdered sugar 2 cups flour
Beat butter and coffee grounds at medium speed until creamy; gradually add sugar, beating well. Stir in flour.
Shape dough into 3" logs, place on ungreased beaking sheet.
Bake at 350 for 8 minutes or until lightly browned. Transfer to wire racks to cool.
**Rachael's notes
1. I don't stir in the flour, I just let the Kitchen Aid do all the work, mixing until it forms a ball of dough. 2. I don't form "logs". Instead, I press it to about 1/2" thick and cut it. I've made rectangles and cut using cookie cutters--whatever floats your boat. 3. It takes about 12 minutes in my oven. So, if it takes MUCH longer than the recommended 8 minutes, all's well.
4. This is SUCH a quick, easy, and tasty recipe. :o)
That's it! Enjoy! :o)