Melinda's Cookie Swap

My friend Melinda at "Bloggin' It From The 'Burbs" had the great idea of a Christmas Cookie Swap. I too have a weakness for cookies, and would have a hard time picking a favorite. The plain old chocolate chip cookie ranks pretty high on my list, but I'm sure everyone already has their favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe. I'm posting a recipe for chocolate crinkles at my husband's request. These are his favorite cookies, and he isn't really into food, so they must be good. So, if you want an array of new cookie recipes, check out Melinda's blog tomorrow and you will be linked to all of the recipes that were posted. (Melinda, I am not technologically inclined enough to post the adorable star invite, I am not sure I properly linked to your site, and I'm posting a day early because I would forget if I waited until tomorrow, but I hope you count me anyway!) So, here is my (my meaning my Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook) recipe for.................

Chocolate Crinkles

3 eggs

1 1/2 cups sugar

4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted

1/2 cup cooking oil

2 teaspoons baking powder

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 cups all-purpose flour

sifted powdered sugar

1. In a mixing bowl beat eggs, granulated sugar, chocolate, oil, baking powder and vanilla with an electric mixer till combined. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Stir in remaining flour. Cover and chill 1 to 2 hours or till easy to handle.

2. Shape dough inot 1-inch balls. Roll balls in powdered sugar to coat generously. Place balls 1 inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 8 to 10 minutes or till edges are set and tops are crackled. Transfer cookies to a wire reack and let cool. If desired, sprinkle with additional powdered sugar. Makes about 48 cookies.

The Whole Family

When we all get together, we occasionally attempt a family picture, most of the time quite unsuccesfully. However, we decided to give it another go. Most of my family gets extrememly annoyed with my obsessive picture taking, but I know one day they'll be happy that I've documented every moment of our time together, right? This first picture is of the guys making fun of my idea that they all sit on the bench. They obviously didn't fit, but seem to be quite happy about it.

Just a random picutre of my little family.

And finally, the first picture of my whole immediate family with all the grandkids. Almost everyone was looking, had their eyes open and all but two were smiling. (Thanks a lot Trent and Dad) So, mom here you go. I hope this one works for you. We may have to give it another go at Christmas. I'm sure everyone is excited about that idea. Maybe we could even coordinate our outfits:)

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

My sister surprised the girls with some adorable Christmas pajamas, and I couldn't resist the adorable Christmas outfit for Anastyn, so I had to take a few picturs of the the girls sporting their new Christmas attire under Grammy Tammy's Christmas tree. I do apologize, I took about a zillion pictures while we were at my parent's house, so there will be more to come:) Londyn busted her lip not long before this picture so you may notice the purple puffy lip in the pictures.

The girls just can't keep their hands off this baby girl. Anastyn was so ready for bed, but Skylar didn't want to take any pictures without her.

Seriously, is that not the cutest little Christmas outfit? I just couldn't help myself. She looks like the perfect little elf.

She's quite the photogenic five month old if I may say so. I'm biased I'm sure, but that's ok, that's what aunts are for, right?

Santa Baby!

We actually decorated last weekend for Christmas, but I was trying to refrain posting about Christmas until after Thanksgiving. We put on Christmas music and the girls were very excited to decorate. When Skylar heard the song "Santa Baby" come on she went in to grab her scarf, and took a break from decorating to dance a little. It was so funny to see the excitement run through her when she heard the familiar tune of her favorite Christmas song. I am so excited about the upcoming holiday season, the girls get more fun every year!

I've added several posts today, so scroll on down. I'm sure you won't want to miss a single minute of my exciting life:) Actually, there is a cute post of the girls playing in the leaves, and then it's pretty much me posing with each member of my family on Thanksgiving, so you can skip those unless you are a member of my family and you are curious what picture I posted of you!

Playing in the Leaves

As fall comes to an end and winter is just around the corner, we had to jump on the opportunity to play in the leaves. The girls had an absolute blast! I love coming to my parents house in Missouri because I know my girls come home with so many memories of things they can't do at home. We've had a great time with family and have enjoyed the beautiful weather during our Thanksgiving getaway.

Thanksgiving with the Family

Uncle Jim before he fell asleep on the floor

Londyn excited about her sliver of pumpkin pie

Papa entertaining Anastyn

Me and Kevin Me and Erin

Me, Mom, and Erin

Mom and Dad

Anastyn having a hard time resisting the apple pie

Londyn, Anastyn, Skylar and Great Grandma Del

Skylar and Londyn helping Grammy Tammy make the dressing

Happy Thanksgiving!

Just wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! What a wonderful day to think and reflect on the many blessings in our life. I will be spending the next few days enjoying the time spent with my wonderful family in MO. I have a few updates, but it may be a while before I get to them, one of those would be a fabulous blog award that I get to pass on. Anyway, have a blessed holiday and savor the time you spend today with your friends and family.

Oh Sweet Child of Mine

This is my dear Londyn being her goofy self. She apparently found a more practical use for our stockings.

Holiday Shoppe Preview

Just a few of the items that my friends made for the Holiday Shoppe tomorrow night!

No Sewing Required

I've come to the realization that I am not a person who is gifted with craftiness. I like things that are somewhat crafty, I always think I want to try to do something crafty, but it's just not for me. I don't like spending time and money on a project that 9 times out of 10 doesn't turn out the way I want it to. I'd just rather pay someone else to do it. I also decided today that it's ok that I'm not good at crafty things. I'm sure I have other talents, and some day I will discover what those are. My mom came up this weekend to sew and work on things for this Holiday Shoppe Monday night. I was completely useless at helping her. I really thought I'd be able to do something, but I'm too impatient and get easily sidetracked. I did however complete one project. I made these tutus for the girls. They were super easy and no sewing was required. The girls can wear them to dance and just to play dress up around the house. They loved them! It's not necessary that they know how incompetent I am, not yet anyway:)

Jack Frost

Skylar picked out the movie Jack Frost when she went to Garden Ridge with my grandma. When she came down to tell us she was ready to watch the movie, she was all decked out in a scarf, gloves and hat. (None of which were matching or her size of course!) Anyway, I just thought it was cute that she was setting the mood for the movie, so I snapped her picture.

Redbud Designs

If you are looking for a creative, unique holiday card to share with your friends and family that won't break the bank, you should visit Redbud Designs. I just had Sharon design a card for me, and I loved it! I'll be posting it closer to Christmas I'm sure. I love sending Christmas cards, but always struggle to find the perfect one. Thanks Sharon for the beautiful card!

Dancing Feet

It was Parent Observation Week at dance this week, and we got to observe the shuffles and plies. It is amazing how a few little kicks, hops and shuffles can make a parent so proud. It makes your heart melt and you can't help but smile and laugh a little. They both tried really hard and have come along way. At least now, they both actually attempt completing most of the steps. The first year we observed each of them, neither of them moved much at all. I can't believe how quickly they are growing up.

As I was putting Skylar to bed, I was telling her what a great job she did dancing, because that's what good parents do, right? She tries so hard, and watches every move the teacher makes. She is totally focused on trying to get every step. However, I think she has to try so hard because she probably has the ability, or lack thereof of her mother. Anyway, as I was telling her how proud I was, and what a good job she did, she just looks up and says "I know". She apparently felt very good about her performance.

The Holiday Shoppe

If you are or will be in the Tulsa Area Monday, November 24th, you won't want to miss the Holiday Shoppe. If you are interested, email me at devin_l_lawrence@yahoo.com or leave a comment with your email, and I will give you the address. It would be a great way to kick off your holiday shopping with unique and creative gift ideas.

Join us for a night of holiday shopping, featuring ByKy children's clothing, Tees for the Soul, aprons, florals, wall hangings, Faith Designz, Princess Charming soldered charms, Scentsy, custom jewelry, personalized gifts & more!

Come and go from 5:30-9:00pm

Pumpkin Cookies

I'm posting another recipe that I love for Fall. These pumpkin cookies are easy, delicious, and Weight Watcher friendly. I got the recipe from my friend Shannon, but I didn't think she' d mind if I shared.

Pumpkin Spice Cookies with cream cheese frosting
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 serving spice cake mix, one package
3 oz light cream cheese
1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract8 Tbsp light butter, divided in half

Combine cake mix, pumpkin, and 1/4 cup light butter. Blend well. Drop generous TBS. of dough for each cookie on greased sheet. Bake at375 for 11-13 nimutes until golden brown on edges. Cool completely.While cookies are baking, mix light cream cheese, 4 T light butter,powdered sugar and vanilla. using mixer. After cookies are cooled, ice with cream cheese frosting.

Helping Hands

What does one do on a day free of obligation? Why chores of course! Some of you probably consider housework to be an obligation, but around this house, it takes a back seat to pretty much anything we can do to get out of it. As I was trying to get things caught up around the house this morning, the girl insisted on helping. I told them they could help, but they had to do exactly what I asked. I have to admit, they did a pretty good job, and were actuallly helpful. What are the chances that the desire to do work around the house will continue through their growing up years? Anyway, they....... Put away dishes,

Folded laundry,

Put away all of their clothes, and

washed down the kitchen chairs for me.

Thanks for all your hard work girls, and no, you will not be receiving a special treat, allowance or payment in any form. You will merely get to enjoy a cleaner house, a happier mother, and the pride that comes with knowing that you put your best foot forward and got the job done.

Kevin's Family

This picture is two years old, so the kids have grown, and Ryan and Tracy have had baby Lilly, but it was the only photo I had of everyone together. We are thankful for Kevin's family, and are looking forward to their upcoming visit at Christmas. We don't get to see them very often, but are thankful that they are a part of our lives and that we will all be able to get together soon.

Fridays and Free Weekends

Today, I am thankful for Fridays and commitment free weekends, hence the title. I love Fridays, it's a pretty laid back day for me at work, and the anticipation of the weekend is almost more excitement than I can handle. For once, we have absolutely zero items on our weekend agenda, so we can spend it however we please. This freedom is quite rejuvenating as I look forward to relaxing and spending quality time with my family. This picture has nothing to do with the post, besides the fact that it was taken this morning. I just hadn't posted a picture of the girls in a while, and I know that's really the only reason that my family checks the blog. It was picture day at school today so I thought I'd try to capture a few shots before they left. Not much success, I hope the photographer at school had better luck. By the time I got them dressed and ready, they were no longer interested in humoring me.