santa goes to my church

we took a break today from our crazy christmas baking extravaganza (which has now lasted several more days than initially anticipated) to remember the real meaning of christmas.

we put in our christmas finest,

ignored the blizzard warnings and the substantial layer of sleet that already covered the ground

climbed into the 4 wheel drive and headed to church. all went well until dad tried to adjust his parking.... and adventures were had...wheels were spinning, finally the car slid sideways so we could back back up the hill. the kids waiting for church in the car next to us had perhaps the best church ever. this of course gave us time to plot our next move. pictures with the manger.

nick got excited about cheese, wallace and grommet style.

I prayed with mary over the baby Jesus

did the church thing, bad homely, and then....SANTA. Im not sure what to make of this. church is supposed to be the reminder that jesus is the reason for the season. and then there's santa. at least he prayed over the baby jesus before going on his rounds for the night.

baking extravaganza day 1

the baking list grew longer this year...and some christmas shopping still needed to be done. so extravaganza will be lasting two days this year. here are the moments of day one.

all the happy helpers

even the cookies are smiling

sugar cookies

dad tries to eat a cookie

and he cleans up the mess afterwards so he can eat more

baked today:

mexican wedding cakes/russian tea cakes

sugar cookies

ginger bread boys and girls

molasses cookies

peppermint chocolate meringues

chocolate fudge

triple chocolate chip cookies

oatmeal raisin walnut cookies

spritz

still awaiting tomorrow:

more fudge

chex mix

raspberry pinwheels

buckeyes

chocolate covered pretzels

that is if my minions don't start a revolt.

day 2 and all the finished products tomorrow!

16 signs christmas is coming

other people have been b-logging about christmas for days. I will provide you with a condensed version of my christmas cheer with 16 signs that christmas is coming. why 16? you ask. because that's how many pictures I have of christmas that doesnt ruin any christmas surprises.

1. we run around in the cold looking at lights and taking fantastic pictures incorporating ourselves into the shot. I piiiinch!!

2. when you participate in (or just cheer at) various athletic events they give your reindeer antlers! go rudolph rumble!

3. there are wreaths just asking for your picture to be taken with all over the city.

4. snowmen moon you at lighting parades

5. nick turns into a burly mountain man

6. we get up early in the morning so that little bear has time to write her letter to santa before we go to work.

7. I make a penguin cake

8. I steal music from church that is needed for flute wars. thank you camera and chruch hymnal

9. stocking extravaganza for my homeroom and advisory

10. I create assignments that require my students to bake cookies and bring them in for my enjoyment.

11. I eat, drink, and sleep with matching penguin attire thanks to my penguin fleece pants, pillow, mug and plate.

12. our Christmas tree gets turned into a homage to disney characters despite our best efforts. this is what happens when you have received at least one mickey mouse for the past 25 years and your sister at least one winnie the poor for the last 20 (and just about every other disney ornament for a period of several years

13. I make christmas baking extravaganza list. game faces and aprons on. (this is also the time of year when family and friends unfortunate enough to stumble upon my house become indentured servants)

14. the soldering iron comes out to fix broken light strands.

15. all the clothing I pack to come home is red or green. (and I have been wearing christmas socks for WEEKS)

16. I actually have time to write this blog