Decorating cookies

This year I didn't make royal icing for the cookies, figuring we could extend the decorating by only fancying up a couple cookies at a time (only enough to eat that day).  The trays get stacked up with the tub of sprinkles, tools, and plain baked sugar cookies when not in use.

This is ok, I guess.  Not sure if it was less mess than using lots of bagged icing with not so coordinated hands, but it worked.  We have had days of fun at least.

Names have been changed....

and faces have been hidden to protect the ghetto-fabulous.

Who do you know who has to put their tree up in the enclosed (not insulated) porch 

to protect it from toddlers and new kittens?

Not to mention, I have no idea where we they would put it in our little house/school.

  

PS.  It is Coooooold out there! (so I've heard.)

School is still in session here

Well, not so much with our book work, but we are catching up on some experiments and learning games.  Usually these things are sprinkled in our normal day, but with Christmas prep (mostly baking cookies and my need to stalk online gift deals) I've slacked a little.

I found this cute bug game when we were in PA over Thanksgiving. 

George and Ginnie use it well.  

It buys Liv and I a little time to go over her work. 

Like Ginnie's hat?  I have no idea why she is wearing it.

I just teach these wackos.

George finishes patterns and learns about color mixing. 

 Ginnie matches bug types and colors to the pictures.

I'm mostly happy that if one goes astray, I won't freak if I accidentally stumble on a bright blue (obviously fake) spider..... I hope.

Thanksgiving

I'm doing a little catch up since my camera issues.  

Going way back.... THREE WEEKS!  :O

Not like it has felt like three weeks. 

It was a Pennsylvania Thanksgiving this year.  There were ONLY 15 of us, plus a baby.  From what my"puts-Martha-Stewart-to-shame" Mother in Law is used to for holiday festivities, this was a walk in the park.  Or like a walk in the Stouffer Bed and Breakfast, as we so fondly refer to our stays there. 

She makes it all look so easy.

Every once in a while she will let someone else help.

No idea what little Ginnie is doing here.

Maybe she is wondering how many pounds she is packing on from the holidays.

As if she could ever stay still long enough for calories to stick!

For the grandkids who love to veg out and watch movies (hint- Not a certain 2 year old), 

they get prime seating with Nana.

Ginnie would rather love on torment poor Gidget.

Poor Gidge!

It never fails.

They are worn out after each day.

Except for one little night owl.

She takes after her Nana.

Hidden Cam

Oh this is funny.  I was facing away at my desk, sat the camera on the corner and pressed record.  The empty toilet paper tube is helping to create the voice of God I think.  Please forgive Liv's bossiness leadership skills.  George does.  :/

Come on now!

If you were 2, 4, or 6 years old, wouldn't you find this lunch fun????  

My brats must be spoiled.  I supplied them with a plate full of imaginative, prehistoric, please-play-with-your-food, awesomeness.  See those beans?  They are perfect rocks! 

Do you think they cared?  I ended up throwing away half of it from all 3 plates.  

THEY DIDN'T EVEN PLAY WITH IT!

Ingrates.

I'm never feeding them again.

Ever.

For real.

At least until dinner.

I'm embarassed

I was not posting for a little while because of that broken camera I've been complaining about.  Dad subscribes and sweetly gave me his camera (he said he was already looking to replace it, but I never know if he was just looking for a reason to help me out.  AW, I know right.). 

So, now there is something funky with macs and Kodak?  I need to do more research (more like- ask Troy to fix it) to get the pics to upload.  I need to get on that asap because I'm about out of space on the camera and Christmas is coming! 

That said- the pressure is on.  I'll get those pics up, posts written, and shake off this slacker feeling.  (I also want to say how much I appreciate the messages about where I've been.  You are too kind!)

BTW- Where I've been is in the kitchen.  Making meals for people, cookies, dishes for random parties.... Tis the Season!