Let the cookie making begin

I don't know what these cookies are called, except

simple and delicious. They have the sweet and

salty thing going on. You simply just spread a

dab of peanut butter between two Ritz crackers,

and then dip in melted chocolate bark.

(I tried using real chocolate once, but they

just didn't turn out as good..., so

why mess with a good thing) Then top

with white sprinkles.

M

We are a bit behind with our cookie

making this year. I started on these today,

Monday Mom and I will continue with several

other batches including, peanut butter kisses,

jam thumbprints and crescent cookies.

*

*
I thought I would have so much to post about

prior to Christmas, but the days are

just slipping by...

These are a few of my favorite things...

*Special delivery from Paris!

Amazing x-mas gift from Kim & Alex.

Bread from Poilane Bakery in Paris - how

awesome is that?! Wine from VJB Winery

in Sonoma, CA, and gourmet cheese

from Cowgirl Creamery.

*

** Since the bread came fresh, we had to enjoy

it right away - no? Mike, Mom and I had a little

wine & cheese happy hour last night. Great way

to end a busy day. Thanks Kim & Alex!

Tres bon!!

Great weekend

It was a really fun weekend. Kim & Alex flew

in from Denver to celebrate brother Mike's

50'th birthday. Dinner at Donovan's Steakhouse,

then cocktails at The Montalucia hotel - beautiful

new hotel in Scottsdale were Kim & Alex stayed.

Darryl, me & Mom

Mike, me, Kim & Mom

Saturday we enjoyed a hike up

South Mountain and then a late lunch at

The Farm at South Mountain.

I look a bit tired no? But Chloe

looks cute as always.

Saturday night was dinner at Pizzeria Bianco,

(my favorite place) and then a special treat,

an intimate, acoustic guitar show by

Eddie Elliot - awesome! Really great

weekend, now I must rest & recover!

Messy, messy, messy

(before)

(after)

Ahhhh, so much better.

Little Cuties

Is there anything as sweet and delicious

as these little Cutie Clementines?

We have been eating them up.

They are simply delicious!

Home

o

Like many people, this year has been very

difficult financially for our business.

So this year, we are focusing on

the simple pleasures of Christmas, and

what is really most important.

We are especially thankful that we are all

healthy & happy and that we have a home

and each other. Here are a few of my

favorite holiday activities which

we plan to enjoy.

1. bake Christmas cookies with Mom - tradition.
2. watch Christmas movies.
3. read holiday stories.
4. send Christmas cards with family photo.
5. play Christmas tree game.
6. go see Christmas lights in our neighborhood.
7. drink hot cocoa and egg nog w/rum - yum.
8. enjoy listening to Christmas music.
9. snuggle on the couch - always a good thing.
10. go see luminaries at Desert Botanical Garden.
11. decorate a gingerbread house with kids.
12. enjoy spending time with friends and family.

Oh, Christmas tree

We headed up north of Payson to cut

down our Christmas tree. We had to do

quite a bit of hunting and hiking to find

it. Logan got a bit tired. But, we fueled

up with hot cocoa and chili and finally

found our tree.

The finished tree with all her trimmings.
It looked so small in the forest, but we had
to cut off quite a bit from the bottom to make
it fit, and to get the angel on top.
I think it looks beautiful. A little
Charlie Brown-ish, but that's what
we like about it.