December 2

So, I think I will just blog one day behind, so today's entry is yesterday's prompts.

"There is no ideal Christmas; only the one Christmas you decide to make as a reflection of your values, desires, affections, and traditions. " - Bill McKibben

I love that quote. It really speaks to me and goes right along with today's writing prompt - a wonderful article titled "Welcome Home, for the Holidays!" that you can read at http://christmas.organizedhome.com/reality-check/welcome-home-holidays

Sure, it would be wonderful to have a spotless, perfectly decorated home for the holidays, but not if it comes at the expense of being able to make great memories, spending time doing the things you love to do, and enjoying each other. I'm pretty good about not having a long "honey-do" list for the month of December. It isn't the time to start new home renovations, or major projects. (Now the week AFTER Christmas is a different story!!!) We have been in this house since right before Christmas in 2003. It's time to cover the builder white paint, time to add some color and make it truly ours - but not before Christmas. :-)

Today's photograph prompt asked you to take a photo of something warm. That's easy for me - although I love a warm fire, a warm blanket, and cozy wool socks. the first thing I think of when I hear the word warm is COFFEE!!! Ant not just any coffee will do - I want something sweet and yummy. I found a three pack of instant latte mixes at BJ's the other day - Pumpkin Spice, Gingerbread, and Peppermint Mocha and between me and Colin they are nearly gone! (But boy are they YUMMY!) Living in Seattle for a few years, the start of the Christmas season was always when Starbucks started serving their Egg Nog Lattes.

My "DO" for today (yesterday) was to update my blog template for the holidays and start posting the answers to these prompts. I had lunch with a friend I don't get to spend enough time with these days, and sat Dutton down in front of Rudolph (I really should have made time to watch it with him, but I spent some time helping Colin with a project he has been asking for help with for a long time.)

Our "MAKE" ornament for today was a fast one because we didn't have a lot of extra time but we made a cute foam Santa ornament. Colin being 13 had to put his beard on upside down so it looks like he is frowning. I love teenagers. :-)

Today's "REMEMBER" prompt asked you to think about making a specific recipe with an older family member. My mom did a lot of baking all year round, but especially at the holidays. Baking with mom was never fun for me though. I learned a lot watching her, and to this day, I really enjoy making her recipes. I just didn't enjoy baking with her because it just was too stressful. When I think about holiday baking though, there are certain recipes that she always made that I have to make as well - the chocolate covered peanut butter balls, snickerdoodles, church windows, peanut butter cookies with the Hershey kisses in the middle, and Christmas cutouts. I even have her stash of cookie cutters which I have added to over the years. To that list, I have added almond tarts, thumbprint jam cookies, and Bailey's Irish Creme Fudge. (YUM!) Last Christmas my cousin came over to bake with me and we had a blast. Hopefully, we can make that happen again before Christmas.