Is this the happiest place on earth?

This was the best part of the day when D met a real princess. He was a little scared of the Evil Queen. Snow White was so kind.

As if the boys didn't get spoiled enough for Christmas we decided to surprise them with a visit to Disneyland. This was the 1st time we've gone as a family. It was SO crowded that we didn't go on many rides but we had fun being together.

St. Stephen's Day

What a wonderful Christmas we had! It was filled with loving family & good food. I'm so great full & blessed. I'm not going to rattle off all the lovely gifts I received but I will mention 1 thing because it's a book. I got Soleil Moon Frye's book Happy Chaos. Who didn't love Punky Brewster? I wanted to be Punky SO bad when I was a kid. I can't wait to read it! Did anyone else get good books?

I'm looking forward to the new year & feeling creative today. I've been looking online for a new project. Not sure yet what I'm going to sew.

Tree at The Del

We went to the Hotel Del in Coranado today. Every year they have a huge beautiful tree in the lobby. This year's theme is Silver Bells.
At The Hotel Del Coranado you can ice skate at the beach! So cool. Can you see the Pacific Ocean in the background?

In other busy holiday news I made a batch of chocolate chip cookies for my wonderful hubby and I forgot to add the brown sugar! UGH Such a bummer they taste OK but not soft and chewy chocolate chip like I was hoping to make for him. I need to sloooow down and focus on one project.

Sea World

Shorts in the snow gotta love San Diego.

This Christmas I've been trying very hard to enjoy the season. Not to rush Christmas or obsess about shopping and the perfect gift. I haven't been doing any sewing, now that the elf hats are finished. The other day we took the boys to Sea World. It was fun going together as a family.

Do you hear what I hear...

Rehearsal for the Christmas Pageant.

Here is what I am looking forward to this Chirstmas season. The Cutest Shepard and Donkey ever! I can't wait for Christmas Eve when they perform. I am a little worried they might freak out when they see how many people will be watching them.

Rustic Maple Cookies

Pull from the oven right when the edges are golden
These cookies might not be much to look at but they are delicious and very easy to make.

Glazed Maple Cookies

From Everyday Food 2010

Bake 350

Bake for 12-15 minutes

3 cups All Purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt the original recipe calls for 1 teaspoon salt but I use 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1 cup Butter @ room temperature

1 cup sugar

1 cup 100% pure maple syrup

2 large egg yolks

In a medium bowl whisk flour and salt together and set aside. In a large bowl use mixer and beat butter and sugar together until it is light and fluffy. Beat in 1/2 cup maple and egg yolks. With mixer on low beat in flour mix. Drop batter on a baking sheet. Use your thumb to slightly flatten cookie in the center. Bake at 350 for 12-25 minutes. Pull the cookies from the oven right when the edges get golden brown. Let the cookies cool. If you want to do the glaze simmer 1/2 cup maple syrup till it reduces. spoon over cooled cookies.

Elf Hats

These Elves look thrilled!
I am on the sewing committee at D's school. Another Mom found this cute pattern and did a lot of the work. We made these felt hats for the kids wear while singing Christmas songs at a retirement home.

Family Pictures

sign of the times

2011

Every year we do a big family picture with my side of the family. We used to only do a family picture every 4 years. However after my Dad passed away I think we all realized we didn't have recent pictures of him with the family. I always wish we had taken more pictures that Christmas. Now we do it annually. I dread the process but I feel the outcome is SO worth it. This year our family grew 5 people in one day! Instead of trying to fit 16 people in a photography studio we took it outside. My older sister recommended a friend from church that takes pictures for fun. I think she did a great job.