Words to Live By......

A long time ago, I saw plates like these hanging in a restaurant, and I thought to myself, "what a cute idea." Well, I decided that I would try my hand at making some of my own.

Let it Snow!

We just returned from taking our boys on the Polar Express train ride in Northern Arizona. Just like in the book, my children stood amazed in front of this huge black train, arriving at the station. Mouths hanging open, eyes wide and giddy with glee, they jumped up and down, the anticipation getting the best of them. Once we boarded, my husband and I were barraged with questions, "how much longer?" "when do we leave?" "is the train moving yet?"

We took off from the station after what seemed forever for them, and glided through the night air, arriving at the "North Pole," to see Santa and Bernard checking the sleigh over, checking the list, and stuffing the MASSIVE bag of toys on the back of the sleigh. The boys jumped up to see Santa outside of the train. We slowed to a stop at the end of the rail, and started moving in the opposite direction - to get a glimpse of Santa again - but he wasn't there. Chef Jon announced that he would check in with the conductor, and then told the children, "Santa has boarded the train." Before I knew it, my youngest was shouting out, "Mom, mom, Santa - look!" And there he was, arriving in the train car, greeting children and handing out a bell to each child. He says to my oldest son, "Remember, as long as you believe, you will hear the bell." I nearly cried. It was awesome! 

My children are now "officially" ready for the merriest time of year. We have a few more days of school, and then we are going to enjoy family time together, remembering the reason for the season, opening our hearts to receive the love and peace of Christmas. 

I have been inspired by this adventure, to create some "snow" in my home. Keep checking in to see where the white flurries turn up next.

Potato Chip Cookies

So I have to admit, there's no way on earth I can eat just one of these. I remember sitting in my grandmother's kitchen, helping her crush potato chips, thinking to myself, "How is that ever going to taste good?" But lo and behold, here we are, many moons later, and I've passed on my desire to nibble away at this tin of cookies to my little boys. Their faces, dusted in powdered sugar bring a smile to my face every time! Enjoy.....

1 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
2 cups flour
1 teasponn vanilla
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1/2 cup crushed potato chips

Mix all your ingredients together and roll into small balls. Flatten them with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar. Bake at 350 degrees for about 11 minutes.