Cookie Day!

Well....we are officially done with school for 2008. To help launch our 2 weeks of Christmas vacation, we had cookie day today! Some might think I am nuts, but I thought it would be fun to let the girls do their own cookies this year. I have already made a double batch of cookies for the cookie exchange and they were eager to get in on the action.

So, today was the day! I made a big batch of buttermilk Christmas cookies and split it three ways. They rolled, cut, baked (with some assistance from me for this step only), frosted and decorated a TON of cookies all on their own! I let them know their cookies are THEIR cookies. They can keep them, share them or give them....whatever they would like to do!

I cannot tell you how excited they were for today and how proud they were with their little works of art! I like to consider days like today my Christmas gifts to them. They will remember them because I remember the same kind of days with my family!

Enjoy the next couple of days before Christmas!

Old Schoolhouse Magazine Archives Page

This is a great link to keep handy. The Old Schoolhouse Magazine archives page has something for everyone! Check it out if you want a little refresher in the midst of winter.

http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs093/1101381905269/archive/1101916894812.html

Christmas is coming...

I always feel better after the first measurable snow of the year. I love the snow. So, now that we have had some snow, I have made some cookies and we are nearly done with our schoolwork.....Christmas is coming!

One of my favorite Christmas memories is pulling into the driveway of my Grandma and Grandpa's home in Casper, WY. They had a big picture window and we would just watch all the big snow flakes come down! They are now both in heaven and I miss them terribly, but this time of year always reminds me of all the Christmas celebrations at their home!

Moms Night Out Christmas Cookie Exchange

This is pretty adventurous for our group, but I think it will be fun and festive!! Please give it a try. We are a forgiving group and will love YOU and YOUR COOKIES TOO!

Come spend a fun and festive night out with other homeschool Moms! Sample delicious home-baked treats and end the party with a large batch of assorted holiday cookies to take home!

What: Mom’s Night Out
What will we be doing: Christmas Cookie Exchange
Where: Mary Hughes Home (Northwest of 180th and Center)
When: Friday, Dec. 12th 6:30pm
What to bring: 4-6 dozen of one type of cookie (we will eat some there and each person will be able to take home a nice selection to their family). See guidelines for a cookie exchange listed below.

RSVP by Tuesday, Dec. 9th...so you can get to baking!

Guidelines for a cookie exchange
All cookies must be homemade
Please bring 4-6 dozen cookies (the variation is due to the fact that some cookies are more time intensive. You are more than welcome to bring MORE than 4 dozen…please!)
Theme is Christmas cookies – no chocolate chip unless they are really different
Avoid no bake cookies
Arrange your cookies in a basket or platter…be creative (I know….but you can do it!)
Bring a large container to carry away your cookies…remember, you’ll be able to take a bunch home to your family!
Bring a copy of your recipe
If you don’t have time to bake, feel free to buy some from a real bakery!

*IMPORTANT TIP*
Bake your cookies at least 2-3 days in advance. The biggest reason for not coming is you don’t have time to bake them. This means don’t bake them on FRIDAY!!! Another reason to do it early is that it gives them time to “dry out” a bit. A freshly baked cookie is not a good cookie to take somewhere.

This Mom’s night out will take a little bit of effort and it will be worthwhile!

Ideas for cookies:
http://www.christmas-cookies.com/
http://allrecipes.com/Recipes/Desserts/Cookies/Christmas-Cookies/Main.aspx
http://family.go.com/food/recipe-599640-christmas-cookie-recipes-t/?CMP=KNC_fam_google_christmas_twelve_cookies

Monthly Meeting Reminder

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving holiday weekend! We enjoyed Thanksgiving Day in Auburn with over 100 people from the Darling Family (Jason's side). Then on Friday we cooked a 20+ pound turkey for dinner here as well as watched the AWESOME Husker game!

We have a monthly meeting THIS Friday. Hope you can make it!

Friday, December 5th
KNIGHTS Monthly Meeting – 2:30 to 4:00pm Gretna Community Church. We are having a Lego robotic demonstration, large group PE activity and free gym time. We will practice push ups and shuttle runs for the presidential fitness test.
*Please bring: water bottles for the kids! Bring one curriculum item you have been wanting to share with the group. We should have time to do it this month!

Some things to keep in mind for December:
· Friday, Dec. 5th – 4-H Science (for those who are enrolled)
· Friday, Dec. 12th – Presidential Fitness Training Session (for those who are participating)
· No Field Trip Scheduled for December
· Mom’s Night Out is a Cookie Exchange - Friday, Dec. 12th looks like it will work for most.