It's beginning to SMELL a lot like Christmas

We’ve had the cold weather, and the decorations, now it’s time for some good old fashioned Christmas baking! I grew up in a house that was always filled with an array of beautiful candies and desserts during the holidays. There were a few staple items that we saw every year. One of the most sought after cadies that she made was divinity! This white candy concoction is fairly temperamental. The weather has to be just right and you have to hold your breathe and stand on one leg while you make it. Well perhaps I’m exaggerating, but the weather part is true. While divinity is quite popular in our family, it’s not my favorite. My favorite candies made by my mother are pralines! Mmm…you can’t go wrong with one of those! It’s just pure sugar and butter with the occasional pecan floating in it! I don’t have much need for the pecans! It’s always a good idea to be near by while my mom is making this so that you can get first dibs on the bowl! Those are a couple of the most memorable candies that my mom made.

Now it’s my turn to create traditions and memories for Mae. Last night I spent many hours in the kitchen cranking out delicious edibles! Some of the items are just recipes that I have become fond of, and others are recipes that Ashton grew up eating. Ashton’s mother also had a menu of items you knew would be around at Christmas. This year I made her haystacks and peanut clusters. I will probably go ahead and make her peanut brittle as well. This year from my own repertoire I am making pinwheel cookies, red velvet cake balls, fudge, cupcakes, Bundt cakes and countless other items. I try and spend a couple of days baking as much as I need to give as gifts and for the family to enjoy. If I don’t put a time limit on the baking, it could go on for days! I think people enjoy receiving delicious gifts that are made with love. Especially those people I know that have no desire to bake or create the wonderful items! There is something about a buffet of treats in the house that makes it feel like Christmas.

In addition to baking over the weekend, we managed to squeeze in a trip to see Santa. This is the first year that Mae actually knows what is going on. We took her to see Santa at Mrs. Bairds. They have a great Santa and the entire setup is great. As a bonus they give you donuts, milk, cocoa and cinnamon toast after you visit Santa! Mae was so excited once we got up to the front of the line. She acted a little nervous which made me think "this isn't going to be good". But then she ran up and hopped in his lap. She told him that she wanted a car, but she has since changed that request to a bike. I'm thinking Santa is more likely to get her a bike. We shall see! Have a mentioned that have a child is the best? It is!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

The Christmas season is in full swing at our house! Having a child during the holidays makes everything better. Mae is just loving all of the lights and ornaments. We even put a little 4 foot tree in her room and she put all of the ornaments on it. She was so proud! Last year we decided that we would forgo the real tree this year and buy an artificial tree. Fast forward to this year and Ashton pretends like that conversation never took place. I gave in and had him go pick out a tree for us. I was pleasantly surprised when he brought home this beautiful tree. I like it for now, but once those needles start hitting the ground...it's all over! In the meantime, I'm going to love it!

I learned a valuable lesson this week. Mae asked to have her cousins over to play on Thursday evening. They came over and during their visit we decided to hang our outdoor lights. We had the blinds open on all the windows so that we could watch them play as we worked outside. At some point, the two youngest made their way to the Christmas tree and opened 4 gifts. My 8 year old niece came out to tell me. Silly little girls are just so excited about the gifts! I'm just happy that the gifts they opened were not theirs!

So far, Mae has asked on a daily basis "When is Santa coming??" When I tell her, this has been followed by "Okay" and also tears on occasion. We are doing the Advent calendar as a countdown, and I also made a countdown craft to help put it in perspective for her. We planned on visiting Santa this weekend, but we didn't get around to it. I've been asking Mae what she wants Santa to bring her. She first says "Toys!" then I ask "What kind of toys" and she replies "Purple ones!" The innocence of children is so refreshing!

We were lucky to get some snow flurries earlier this week. Ashton and Mae enjoyed the snowfall before heading to school! I'm hoping that we get some snow this year. There is nothing more fun in Texas than a snow or ice day. I just love to sled!

This weekend my family had a staycation. We all spent the weekend at our parent's house and enjoyed holiday cheer together. We also ventured out to Holiday in the Park. It was nice and cold out there on Saturday, but we all survived! Nothing beats being with family.