Melting Dreams

I've had several people on facebook ask for recipes that I'm using this Christmas, so I thought I would post them here for everyone.

These shortbread cookies are one of my favorites.  I think my mom found this recipe in the local newspaper several decades ago and it has become one of our Christmas food traditions.  They really do melt in your mouth, hence the name, "Melting Dreams".  One recipe only makes about 2 dozen cookies, so I always make at least a triple batch.

Melting Dreams (Shortbreads)

1 1/4 c. flour

1/4 c. corn starch

1/2 c. powdered sugar

3/4 c. butter (you must use salted butter for the right taste)

Mix dry ingredients together.

Cut in butter w/ pastry blender and then use your hands (The warmth of your hands helps blend the butter thoroughly, though if the butter is soft enough, I've discovered that my kitchen aid mixer does just as well.)

Shape dough into a large ball.

Use 1 Tbsp. of dough and roll into a ball.

Place on ungreased cookie sheet.  Make a crisscross pattern on top of each cookie with a fork.

Bake at 300 degrees for 20 minutes or until bottoms are light brown.  Do not  let the tops brown, or the cookies will be too done.

Enjoy!

Daddy's Christmas Present

Nathan has been wanting some sort of backyard fire pit type thing for quite some time.  He went on a call this week for work and the person at the call was selling her chiminea.  So, Nathan bought his own Christmas present.  It's not all he's getting, but I could get used to him doing the shopping!  And, this way I know he's getting something he really wants!

Christmas Outfits

Nathan's Mom bought the kids' Christmas outfits this year.  I wasn't too keen on the pink color of the girls' dresses at first, because it isn't the traditional Christmas red or green.  They grew on me though because the girls' love their fancy dresses and they look absolutely adorable.  Jacob is getting to be pretty handsome, as well...when did my baby boy get so big?

Gabrielle 

 Sisters

 Emmaline

 Jacob

Love them so much!

2011 Christmas Ornaments

Our Family Ornament

 Ellie loves wearing her robe and slippers around the house.

 Jacob got his first skateboard this year.

 Emmaline has been working really hard on potty training.

The Best Christmas Present Ever

All 3 of the kids participated in the Christmas program at church tonight.  Emmaline sang with the preschoolers and did a great job.  She can't sing most of the words, but she know the motions that go with the songs better than most of the kids.  She really stole the show and made everyone clap after each song they sang.

Jacob and Ellie both had parts in the older kids' program.  Ellie sang a solo and was an angel in the nativity scene at the end of the show.  Jacob played a Wise guy, sang a solo, and was a wise man in the nativity scene.  Everyone did so well and we were really proud of them.  

These shows bring back so many great memories from when I was growing up in the same church and singing in programs on the same stage.  My friend, Emily, and I had solos and various speaking parts in every program from kindergarten through junior high.  I'm hoping the kids will have as many fond memories of these programs as I do!

 Love them so much! 

 Emmaline clapping after one of their songs

 Ellie singing her solo

 Jacob during his solo

 Time for cookies

 Ellie and Emma

Nathan and Jacob

Co-op Craft Day

Instead of the regular homeschool co-op schedule, the kids had a craft day.  They colored pictures, made ornaments, and had a great time with their friends.  After crafts, we enjoyed a carry-in lunch with the other families.  Lots of yummy food and lots of laughs equals a perfect day!

 Emmaline made an ornament with Mommy's help

 Jacob made one too

 And so did Ellie

 Coloring a picture

 Lunch time

Silly faces

Friends:  Elijah, Elliot, Ellie & Emma

Jacob's Thank You Notes

5x7 Folded Card

View the entire collection of cards.