Lasting Memories

Our Christmas celebration is a large, informal, multi-generation celebration.  Since this year will be the first Christmas without my Mom and Dad (beloved Grandma and Papa O), I knew that I wanted to honor their memory.  As a result the cookie platter this year will be a departure from the traditional Christmas designs.

For the past five years, star cookies have become a significant part of my cookie world as I have shared simple cookies with this message for people who have lost a loved one:

Perhaps they are not stars in the sky

but rather openings in the heavens

where loved ones look down

to let us know they are happy.

I knew that I wanted to include stars in my cookie designs and that thought eventually evolved into a winter scene to reflect the many fun times that our extended family has shared in the north woods. 

 -our childhood family vacations were spent in the north woods of Wisconsin

-our parents chose to retire in the north woods

-my sister, Rita, and her husband built a home right next to Mom and Dad

and earlier this year,

-my sister, Carol, and her husband purchased Mom and Dad's home

Stars to represent the colorful sunsets .  .  .

Simple circles to represent the frozen lake that is perfect for snowmobiling.  .  .

Birch trees with Dad's beloved birds.  .  .

Pretty pine trees. . .

Bill's Tree Farm.  .  .

                                      
Rita and Bill's house.  .  .

The cottage that my nephew, Kevin, is renovating.  .  .

Mom and Dad's home, Never Would, because Mom always said she "never would" live there full time.  Now Carol and Marty's home, "Never Would 2."

It looks like family members will be making memories in the north woods for many 
more years.  .  .

 . . .and Mom and Dad would be very happy.

Forever in our hearts and in the stars.