Ga Ga over Baby

Of course Arianna was near the center of all our thoughts this holiday. We all went and got her gifts, but her presence was present enough for us. Everything she does charms us (babies have a way with that don't they?). We are excited when she stands, smiles, passes gas, growls, crawls. We get so concerned when she seems uncomfortable, we all want to take her in our arms certain that we hold the magic soothing powers she needs. No wonder she smiles so much when she sees us. We are, without doubt, under her control . . . and happy to be there too.

We decided to have the cookie party afterall. I love to see the table over run with sweet and savory treats, but as you can imagine it's all too much. We are still eating what me made.
But isn't it nice to have an excuse to pull out my snowflake dishes?

Sweet Projects

My sister made the cute snowman cake stand with a decorative plate and a candle stick. Charming aye?

Our friend Able was over on Christmas Eve so I put him to work making Christmas Mice Cookies. He took the decorating quite seriously, and had a good time creating playful Christmas cookies. Able thought it was funny that we insisted he make some mice with two different colored eyes in honor of Jacob.

The results are a tray of yummy mice cookie that are as fun as gingerbread men to eat. Should I bite the tail, ear, or nose off first?

Cookie Cutter Men

Ho! Ho! I got the gingerbread men cutters out. They are cute and all, but I have a tinge of regret when I see them. I really want to make decorative cookies with them. I just haven't found the time to fit it in. I can see them finished with all their expressions piped on and accented with candies. I have my favorites . . . but I'd hate to say which lest one of their feelings get hurt.

Scenery

A few kids at school helped to make this scenery for the school Holiday program. They did most of the work I did the conceptualizing. I hand out orders and they make it happen.
Aren't the newspaper buildings fun?

Spiritual Eating

One of the most exciting sections in our recipe box is the soup section. The soups resulting from these inspired recipes are nothing short of sublime. Roasted Chestnut Parsnip Soup is no exception. Eating it is a spiritual experience. As I reflect on this humble soup (capable of making the most sophisticated epicurean "mmmmmm") I think perhaps I should create a new section in my recipe box and file this recipe under Soul Food.
Please take note of the groovy pan used to roast chestnuts in. You can't see it, but the name 'Drake" is stamped into it. It was once used to make jelly rolls at my father-in-law's family bakery.
PS I haven't time to type out the recipe, but I can send a scanned copy to anyone daring to try it. No need to fear, it's not difficult to make.

Vintage Charm meets Technology

I have some vintage Christmas labels that were my grandma's. I saved them with the hopes of using them to create gift tags and the like. Well . . . finally technology has provided my ideas with an avenue for expression. I can scan the vintage image and transfer it to a sticky mailing label. Or . . . I can transfer the image to card stock and cut it out with a die-cut stamp. Any method you choose will produce charming results, darling!

Special Touches

I love our new stair treads. They are pretty and make me fell safer.