It's the thought that counts?

In some ways, I actually have it together today when it comes to blogging. But in the most important way I've completely lost it.

I can't figure out what I did with my camera.

Yeah, I know! What good is a blog post without photos to share?

So even though I have our advent calendar nearly done (well, I'm behind on that, but Big Sis is only 2 so I'm sure I can sneak it in without anyone noticing my shortcomings), a quilt I've been putting together for Little Sister, some holiday ornaments and a special package I got in the mail that I want to tell you about—I can't.

So I'll leave you with this little gem that I learned last week:



Apparently, you can't wash pull-ups in the washing machine. Or at all, probably. There went my money saving strategy!!!

OK, but seriously, no idea how that ended up in the washer. Surprised that it wasn't an explosion of goo when I found it though. And if I even have a spill and no towel, I think a diaper should clean it up pretty efficiently.

xoxo—Lori

Contents of my pocket

The other day at work we were discussing how to make a giant book for a skit at our Christmas party. I suggested using screw posts—But no one knew what those were. So I pulled one out of my pocket.

They were so shocked that I had one in there that they made me empty my pockets to see what else might be in there (and take a picture of it).



That's not so random, is it? Still not sure how I didn't notice I had a nail in my pocket though.

What random things do you have in your pockets??

xoxo—Lori

Our house looks like Christmas!

I'm late—but you're getting used to that by now, aren't you? Last weekend, after we wrapped up the Thanksgiving festivities, we pulled the boxes out of the basement and started decorating for Christmas.





I love that special magic feeling of Christmas and it is so much fun to see the wonder on the girls faces as we unwrapped all our decorations which for me, are so full of memories.



My family is a family of traditions I suppose. Every year, my Grandma gets each of us grandkids a special figurine. I always got angels, my brother Santas and so on. In addition, she would purchase an ornament for her own tree for each of us, which she just divided between all of us 2 Christmases ago. Just looking through those two collections put a huge smile on my face.

To carry on the tradition, my husband and I are doing the same for the Sisters: Big Sis gets snow men & Little gets Santas. It's so much fun searching for the "right" one which will be a cherished part of their Christmases for years to come



Hope you all are getting into the spirit of the holidays!!

xoxo—Lori

Christmas can begin—I've made peppernuts.

Traditions are a funny thing. Sometimes you don't realize how unique a family tradition is until you get away from your family.

So it is with peppernuts and me.



Every year, RIGHT after Thanksgiving, my Grandma would start baking batches and batches of peppernuts. Growing up, I didn't even really like them, but couldn't resist popping one after another in my mouth. Peppernuts taste like Christmas to me. Simple as that.

So, imagine my surprise when I moved to Tennessee and discovered that NO ONE knows what peppernuts are! (My Kansas readers may be shocked at this news, but it's true.) Since moving here, every year, I get a package in the mail right after Thanksgiving from my Grandma full of peppernuts. (I guess some traditions can't be contained by distance) Even though I wasn't home I felt a little bit closer just by tasting those yummy little irresistible cookies.



Once I got married, I too began to make peppernuts right after Thanksgiving—sharing an old family tradition with my new husband and my new family. I even started bringing them to work to spread the joy of peppernuts!



This year was especially fun because the sisters were able to "help." They at least thought it was fun to stand on the stool and help pour ingredients into the bowl and watch the mixer's paddle go around. Big sister even helped make snakes—although I am somewhat confident that she ate all hers before they ever got to the oven.



So for those of you who are new to peppernuts, here's my family's recipe. I know my Grandma has been making it for the almost 30 years of my lifetime and who knows how long before that. I hope you enjoy! And if you give it a try, I'm willing to bet that you'll be hooked. :)

Melt in Your Mouth Peppernuts

1 cup butter
1 and 1/2 C. sugar
1 beaten egg
2 T. dark syrup
3 and 3/4 C. flour
2 t. baking soda
2 t. cloves
1 t. ginger
2 t. cinnamon
1 t. nutmeg
1 t. anise oil

Cream butter, sugar, syrup and egg. Add dry ingredients and anise oil. Chill dough. Roll out into long rolls the size of you little finger. Keep chilled. Slice into small pieces and bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes or until lightly browned. (my gas oven only takes 7 minutes)

Let me know how you like them!

xoxo—Lori