KISS for Christmas!

Kept it simple. . .

Since my sister, Rita has carried on Mom's tradition of making thousands of Christmas cookies to share with family and friends, I do not need to make many cookies at this time of the year.  I am happy to add my sugar cookies to her platters of family favorites. 

 

This year, great-niece Avery helped pack the cookie trays for the family Christmas Eve 

gathering. . .

 

and proudly displayed them after donning her new Mira, Royal Detective costume.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Book Club 2023

 

 

When I moved to Park Ridge in 2018, it was a pleasant surprise to learn that there was a book club in our community.  The Uptown Girls Book Club has brought me new friends, interesting book titles and lively discussions every month.  It has become a tradition that I create cookies related to my book choices when it is my turn to host.

For my January book club meeting, I selected a book because I loved the story. . .or was it because of all the options for cookie designs?  I imagined creating pretty pink roses, blue puzzle pieces and so many more.  However, a broken wrist prohibited me from baking.

Although, we have a large membership in our club and I didn't need to host another meeting for at least 18 months, I decided to partner with a friend and host the Christmas party this year.  We chose a snowflake theme and I boxed cookies for party favors with a simple bow and  a tag that said:

Books are like snowflakes, no two are the same.

It's Turkey Time

 

The cookie collection for our large family gathering includes the acorn turkey that is one of my favorite designs, a turkey from a seashell cutter and two "flips" from cutters that I have owned for years and have never used.

A turkey from a flower cutter inspired by the very creative, Jill FCS .  .  .

and a scarecrow from a manger.  This is the first "flip" that I designed on my own.  It won't be one of my favorite scarecrow designs, but it was fun to try something new.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Carol's Class Reunion

 I was asked to make cookies for my sister's 60th grade school reunion so I duplicated the cookies I made for my 50th reunion in 2016.  Simple caps and diplomas with a tag in our school colors.

160 cookies are bagged, tagged and ready for the party.  I hope Carol enjoys reconnecting with old friends as much as I did. 

Fall Brings Another Bake Sale

Cookies are bagged and tagged for the annual CCW bake sale.  Designs include traditional pumpkins, a gnome and several "flips."  

An ice cream cone = a turkey 

and turned upside down: 

A hamburger cookie cutter = a scarecrow

An acorn = a turkey

A tulip = corn

 

My Favorite Little Monsters

Halloween offers so many different options for imaginative cookie designs and bright colors, but I just love these little monsters.  I haven't made Halloween cookies since 2019 due to Covid and changes in the annual bake sale date. In addition, do the kids need cookies when they have so much candy?

 However, since great niece Mary Grace has been away at college for 3 months, I decided it was time to send her a taste of home. She might be on sugar overload because Grandma is sending her cookies, too! 

Summer Bake Sale

 

210 cookies. . .

15 designs. . .

10 colors . . .

 

70 bags tied with ribbon. . . 

 

for Leann's youth group bake sale. 

Celebrating Mary Grace's Graduation

 

At a young age, Mary Grace realized that Chicago schools offer a wide variety of programs throughout the district and transferred multiple times before her 8th grade graduation in an effort to participate in various experiences.  However, for her high school years she wanted to stay in one school and chose to attend Lane Tech College Prep.

Little did she know that she would become part of the "Class of Covid."  A recent article in the Chicago Tribune stated:  . . .freshmen when the pandemic hit and, as it happened, seniors on the verge of earning their diplomas when the public health emergency formally ended in May .  .  . for many graduating seniors, it dominated and defined their high school experience.

In March of 2020 when students were forced to switch to online learning, Mary Grace made the best of the experience.  She embraced online learning in the classroom her Mom and Dad created in their home and enjoyed learning in her pajamas.

Throughout the months glued to a computer screen, Mary Grace remained committed to her exercise routine and was outdoors running whenever possible.  When athletics were allowed to resume she was ready for cross country, shot put and even added a weight lifting routine senior year.

Mary Grace's high school years included challenging classes, volunteering in several activities at church and a part time job as a waitress.
 

Congratulations to my sweet niece as she leaves her high school experience behind . . .

 

.  .  . and looks forward to the years ahead at the University of Iowa College of Nursing.  I'm not sure that Herky would be pleased with my cookie version of his likeness, but Mary Grace will appreciate my effort.

Love, hugs and cookies for a very special young woman.

Behind you, high school memories. 

Before you, all your dreams.

Around you, all who love you.

Within you, all you need.

 

 

References: 

https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/education/ct-class-of-2023-covid-graduation-20230601-nbyx4mrqjne6fajqwnhe2427ty-story.html 

 

 

 

 

 

Pam's Retirement . . . Or Not!

 After 28 years in the classroom Pam decided it was time to hang up her hat and she has worn many over the years.

Pam planned well in advance for her retirement and knew that she would be leaving the many duties of a classroom teacher behind.  

 

 

She looked forward to a future of relaxation.

 

However, her plan changed when a new opportunity came along with just one phone call.  "Pam, would you consider teaching part time next year?" 

 

 

As a result, Pam will be leaving the beloved Elk Grove High School Grenadier behind to become a Husky at John Hersey High School.  New adventures await in "semi-retirement."

Happy Easter!

 

 

After a five month hiatus from baking cookies due to a broken wrist, surgery 

and therapy, I'm back to making cookies.  Physically I'm capable, mentally it was hard to get motivated.  I opted for simple minis, the preferred size in my family, with one large cookie for a centerpiece. 

Happy Easter, Happy Spring!

 

Adorable Avery is Four

 

One . . . two. . . three. . . four. . . it's been so much fun watching this special girl grow! 

When Avery was a baby her Mom always dressed her with headbands, but once she learned how to take them off, there was no way she would wear them.  Therefore, she made Mom very happy this year when she embraced braids, barrettes and bows.

 

Avery continues to be a fashionista showing her own unique style!  She can be very strong-willed when it comes to choosing her everyday fashion and costume choices.  It seems to be a tradition on Halloween for Avery to select the costumes for the family, but then she decides not to wear one.

The kitchen continues to be one of Avery's favorite places, she's a lovable, little "foodie."

Doc McStuffins is still her favorite character, but she's become enchanted with Disney princesses, as well as Mira, royal detective.  The countdown to a trip to Disney World later this year has already begun.

 

 

Preschool became part of her routine this year.  She cries when she is dropped off and she says, ""I don't like school," but the pictures the teachers share show her actively engaged in all the activities.

As we move past the pandemic, Avery has also been able to travel, explore and participate in new activities.  She shows no fear on her scooter or skis!

 

 

She enjoys her lake house in Wisconsin. . .

 

.  .  .  and the urban environment in Chicago as long as her best pals:  Mom, Dad and Lincoln are at her side.

Love, hugs and cookies for the birthday girl!