So Much More Than Cookies...

We made these adorable Rudolph Reindeer cookies today!

Charlie was very excited to get to cook something! I love the way he giggles and says, "I'm so happy!" whenever we make something.

 Wesley enjoyed his buffet of cereal and milk. This is they way to have breakfast if it has to be cereal! you don't have to pick just one kind!

 We consulted the internet for a cookie recipe...

And then we consulted the Ultimate Southern Living Cookbook. Every cook needs this book!

First we sifted the flour, baking soda and baking powder...

Second we creamed the sugar and butter and then added the egg and vanilla.

It was very hard to mix! So Mommy used the mixer to finish it up.

 Then we rolled up the dough to sit in the fridge for an hour. We love dough that refrigerates because we can take a break and play!!

And take a picture or two! ;)

After the hour was up Wesley had a banana snack while we rolled out the dough!

We made little circles and pinched in the middle to make a head and body.

Then Wesley wanted to help! Oh boy!

Pretzel antlers, chocolate chip eyes and a craisen nose! You could use red hots of the nose, but my kids like craisens! All things my kids love rolled into one! And they're sooooo cute!

The finished product! 

All ready for the Christmas party!

Tonight...

Charlie, Wesley and I joined my mom at her work, a nursing home, and they had a Christmas open house there.

My kids got to cry on Santa's lap. 

Finally when it was all over, Charlie told Santa he wanted Play Doh for Christmas. Santa said, "Is that it? What else would you like?" And Charlie said, "An airplane." Santa said, "The kind with a remote control or one that you just throw and it flies?" Charlie said, "Airplane fly in the sky!" I said, "Like Rudolph!"

Santa said, "Have you been a good boy this year?"

Charlie replied, "No..."

Santa said that at least he was honest...

The food was so good, the music was cheerful and made you smile inside. 

The hot chocolate was delightful and the crafts for the kids (and kids at heart) were thoughtful and fun!

But what got to me was the people there.

My mom couldn't walk past a room without saying, "Kelly you gotta meet so and so!" And with a quick knock and a "Hello Mrs Jane" or "Hi Paul!" we got to sit at bed side and chat with some pretty amazing people!

Mrs Jane, a woman who has flown to many countries and Hawaii twice, who has 34 great-grandchildren and pictures of them all plastered throughout her room. Smiling, adorable faces...and here was their mom, grandma, and great-grandma, chatting away about how she adores them all...She will probably win the "best decorated door" since her daughter is an art teacher and totally rocked out her mother's door! With snowman cut outs all with her grandchildren and great grand-children's pictures as the faces of the snowmen!

 There was Paul- an old prosecuting attorney who was kicked back in his La-Z-Boy watching the game on his flat screen. He welcomed us in, fresh faces, and told my son he liked his hat. We enjoyed some fellowship time with him, said Merry Christmas and left for another visitor.

The decorations were beautiful in this place! Everywhere you looked it was Christmas. Poinsettias galore, lights hung from every doorway and chandelier. Pianos played by themselves and Christmas trees lit up every room. We found an empty room by the ice cream parlor and danced to the music of the piano! It was a great memory I am sure to keep in my heart of hearts!

One of the craft tables was in the movie room- these residents get to pick out a movie, pop some popcorn with a vintage machine that I'm sure takes them back to younger days, and sit down and enjoy a nice movie. Or have church in the chapel, that too, was decorated beautifully. Or visit the salon and get their hair fixed pretty, or better yet, the spa!! Yep! The spa!

I just loved seeing these old people with amazing lives and stories to tell.

All they need is an ear to listen...to know they're not forgotten.

I have made some great friends...if only in my own heart.

I am better because of them.

Maybe that's what God meant when He said it's better to give than to receive...

Merry Christmas!