It's Leann's Day to Shine

 

Congratulations to my great-niece, Leann, who is graduating from Resurrection College Prep High School, the home of the Bandits.

After two years of commuting 11 miles southeast to Jones college prep, she switched her route and traveled just 4 miles northwest for her final 2 years of school.  An easier commute for her and much more convenient for her fans to follow her athletic pursuits!    

Soccer has been her sport of choice from a young age, but at Res she added swimming to the mix.  It was fun to watch her compete on the field and in the pool.

In addition to adding a swimming cap to her wardrobe, Leann also participated in a special welding program offered by Chicago Public Schools and now owns her own welding hood.

Between the soccer field and the pool, Leann found the time to participate in a variety of school and church activities, while pursing a rigorous academic schedule.

 Since Leann is my cookie puzzle lover her collection included a few bandits for her guests and a puzzle version just for her!  A simple puzzle for sure, but it's tradition. 

 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.

As Leann travels the miles from Chicago to Iowa, I hope she will always remember the loving family that will be supporting her every step of the way.

Behind you, high school memories. 

Before you, all your dreams.

Around you, all who love you.

Within you, all you need.

 

Love, hugs and cookies to an amazing young woman! 

 

 

6 7 Easter and More

Avery's 7th birthday coincides with Easter this year so 6 7 cookies for her.

A repeat from 10 years ago.  The kids like creating different designs with the mini cookies and candies.

 Some simple minis to add to the dessert table.

Finally, Leann joined me this year to decorate the lamb cake. She added some new touches and chose to name this creation Hillary.

 

                                                                  Happy Easter!
 

Merry Christmas!

 

Santa and Grinches for friends. . .

Happy Birthday and first Christmas to our Christmas baby, great-great nephew,  Kolten. . .

 and traditional minis for the family.

 Love, Hugs, Cookies and Merry Christmas to all!

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving

 

Our Thanksgiving celebration was also a birthday party, acknowledging the numerous milestones reached in November.  Brother-in-law, Marty celebrated 80 years . . . 

Niece Wendy reached her 50th milestone, and great niece Chiann celebrated her 30th.  

Finally, a turkey with a party hat for my Irish twin.  It may not be a milestone for Rita this year, but she is the one family member with a birthday that was actually on Thanksgiving Day!

 

 

 

Spooky Season

 A variety of mini cookies and a wreath in cute bags for family and friends.  

What's your Halloween name?  Mine is Evil Pumpkin, I like it. 

 

                    HAPPY HALLOWEEN! 

Happy 75th Birthday!

 

A few cookies + a cute card  

 to wish my pickleball loving brother-in-law a happy birthday.

  

          Dinking of you on your birthday! Hope it's a great one!

 

 

 

Happy Easter

 

Many, many years ago, I purchased these teeny-tiny crystal bunnies in St. Thomas for 1.00 each.  Buyer's remorse, I should have purchased dozens for gifts.  Of all the things in my home, those bunnies are what people commented on the most.  Over the years countless nieces and nephews played with them, loved making them kiss and they survived it all.  They now happily reside at great-niece Jody's house and have become a family "heirloom."

So, although I keep telling myself to stop buying cookie cutters, when I saw this set from Mike at Semi Sweet Designs, I couldn't resist.

This cute little pair were added to the family cookie platter and boxed as gifts for friends. 

I also finally got around to making this guy that has been on my "to do" list since 2016 when Montreal Confections first posted the design on YouTube.  I couldn't decide if I wanted a fuzzy bunny or not, so he is sporting a beard of sorts. 

In addition to cookies, the lamb cake tradition continues.  Great-nieces Leann and Mary Grace are representing the 4th generation to decorate the cakes.  I baked, they decorated!

                        

 

Christmas 2024

Hundreds and hundreds of cookie cutters can be found at my house and I always say I don't need to buy more, but it never works.  When I saw these designs I knew I wanted to include them in my holiday collection this year.  Dozens and dozens of tree cutters, but not one with a star on top, so another cutter has been added to the cutter closet.  It was worth it, these designs make me smile.

As I was decorating them, I remembered some other non-traditional trees in the past, so here is a look back at some previous designs.

 

In addition, great-niece Avery, received a special collection of cookies reminiscent of paper dolls.

 

Love, hugs, cookies and Merry Christmas to all!

Reference:   Tutorial for the tree designs can be found at Little Cookie Co.

 

Cookies or Toys?

Once upon a time great-niece, Mary Grace, challenged me to make cookies that were "real" toys.

Her sister, Leann, always requested puzzle cookies. 

  

 

Their cousin, Elliot, told me he likes looking at the cookie designs and enjoys the stories I've written about their special cookies.

 

Now that they are getting older, I took inspiration from the three of them to create some special cookies for their younger cousin, Avery, to enjoy on Christmas Eve.

Hopefully, the cousins will read the story together and play with the puzzle pieces (covered in plastic wrap!), but the big kids don't get to eat them because they are Avery's special cookies.

                                           *****************************************

'Twas the day before Christmas and all through the house, the creatures were stirring, even the mouse!

 

Santa woke up very early, took his shower and strolled into the kitchen in his underwear to drink a cup of coffee and eat the breakfast Mrs. Claus had prepared for him before she went to the barn to feed the reindeer.

After breakfast, Santa got dressed and went to the workshop to help the elves put the final touches on the toys.

Santa worked all day and skipped lunch and dinner because he knew children would leave him lots of treats to eat during his journey.  At last, it was time for Santa to dress up in his special suit, gather the reindeer and start his long trip delivering presents to children all over the world.

Once Santa finished his long journey, he arrived back at the North Pole and donned his special pajamas and slippers, drank a cup of hot chocolate and told Mrs. Claus all about his long trip.

 

So, what does Santa do on Christmas day while all the children are enjoying the surprises he delivered to them?  Well, if you look very closely, you might find him on vacation, enjoying the beach at Riviera Maya in Mexico.  Unfortunately, he won't be there in February when Avery makes her annual trip.  He will be back at the North Pole busy working on toys to deliver next Christmas.

    Merry Christmas to all and a special thank you to Santa!

 

Fall Cookies

 

After baking a large quantity of cookies for a baby shower just a few weeks ago, I opted to keep it simple for Thanksgiving and the annual bake sale this year.  The scarecrow and the acorn turkey have always been a couple of my favorite designs, they make me smile.