Resolutions

I actually love the beginning of a new year. It really does present itself with opportunities for renewal. Often the same resolutions are made like eating better, cleaning something out, exercizing more,etc. I don't feel it's stale to make the same resolutions. We are creatures of habit anyway. Our repetetive New Year's resolutions show's us what we know we need to work on continually. Maybe the newness part can be how we tackle these resolutions. My list for 2010 include eating better foods, cooking more, organizing my bedroom closet to make a craft area, creating another piece of art for our house (I've vowed to mostly place things that I've created on the walls of our home), exercizing at least 3 times a week, having my grandkids over individually more often, reducing our debt, taking a class (undecided what type) and of course writing on the blog more often. I'm sure other ideas will come my way. My list would be much longer if I didn't work also. Actually, the list looks like life in general. The New Year brings me new hope that I will be successful in some things and better in others. Happy 2010!

Denton's Poem

Denton recited this poem to me the other day. I loved the way he told it to me and wanted to capture it to remember. It was so cute!!

Peppermint Stick

I took a lick of my peppermint stick
and thought it was yummy.
It used to be on my Christmas tree
but I like it better in my tummy.

Gingerbread Tradition

We had our annual Gingerbread Man Cookie Decorating Party. This is the 2nd year. The grand kids seem to enjoy this event. I finished the aprons they wore last year by sewing the buttons on. Even the adults get involved. The kids still have short attention spans and were totally engrossed in the decorating for about a half of an hour. I feel that traditions are important. Traditions help solidify us together as a group of people. Christmas time gives us an opportunity to enact those traditions. As a Grandmother, I feel it special to be able to offer certain family traditions to bring us all together. I hope this event is something that these kids will always enjoy.

Gingerbread Cookies

½ cup shortening
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
¼ cup dark molasses
1 egg white
½ teaspoon vanilla
11/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon baking powder

1. Beat shortening, brown sugar, molasses, egg white and vanilla in large bowl at high speed of electric mixer until smooth.
2. Combine flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, ginger and baking powder in small bowl. Add to shortening mixture; mix well. Cover; refrigerate about 8 hours or until firm.


Easy White Fudge Frosting

1 cube butter, soft
1/2 c. granulated sugar
1/4 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 3/4 c. confectioners' sugar

Mix butter and granulated sugar. Mix milk and vanilla in. Add powdered sugar slowly. Add more milk or powdered sugar depending on desired consistency.