Letters to Santa

Santa
Originally uploaded by pwinn.

My children know that Santa Clause isn't real, but they still like to pretend and have fun. We make food (oats and cookie sprinkles) for the reindeer and sprinkle it along our front walkway. We put out oreos (Phillip's favorite cookie!) and milk every Christmas Eve. We pretend that he fills the stockings. He doesn't leave presents though, I want credit for those. ;0)

This morning, the girls and Benjamin decided to write letters to him. Here they are....

Grace says,

Dear Santa Clause,
I have been very good this year. For Christmas I would like a stuffed horse and the American Girl Molly movie. What are the reindeer doing right now? I am making them some food for Christmas Eve. And one more thing, I would like some red slippers.
Love, Grace

Emily says,

Dear Santa Clause,
I have been very good this year. How are you doing? I would like a teddy bear for Christmas and a Cinderella polly pocket set. I also want a *real* puppy but my mom says no.
Love,
Emily

Benjamin says,

Dear Santa,
How are you doing? I have been *really* good this year. I would like some airport legos for Christmas, please.
We are going to put out some oreos and milk for you on Christmas Eve. I hope you like them. I would also like a teddy bear for Christmas.
Love, Benjamin

It looks like my shopping list is nice and short this year. ;0) Have you had any interesting requests for gifts this year?

I've Been Tagged!

Snowman
Originally uploaded by pwinn.

Anita, over at My Country Cottage Garden has tagged me to share some of my favorite Christmas songs. Here are a few of them...

1. O Holy Night ~ Mariah Carey
2. Walking in a Winter Wonderland ~ Anne Murray
3. Last Christmas ~WHAM
4. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus ~Jackson 5
5. I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas ~Gayla Peevey

A Christmas song list just isn't complete without....

I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
Only a hippopotamus will do
Don't want a doll, no dinky Tinker Toy
I want a hippopotamus to play with and enjoy!

You can listen to the whole thing here, it's adorable!

I have lots of other favorites but I'll stop at 5. If you would like to do this Meme, consider yourself tagged! Let me know in the comments so I can come visit you.

Photo from Art.com

Christmas Goodies

This past Friday night, I got together with 2 friends and we made truffles. We each made a batch ~ Plain chocolate, peppermint and rum.

Treats
Originally uploaded by pwinn.

They are very easy to make!

Chocolate Truffles

3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 (14 ounce) can EAGLE BRAND® Sweetened Condensed Milk (NOT evaporated milk)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS
In heavy saucepan, over low heat, melt chocolate chips with condensed milk. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla (or one of the variations). Chill 2-3 hours or until firm.

This is the perfect time to watch my new favorite movie, The Lakehouse. :0) We all loved it!

Shape into 1-inch balls; roll in any of the listed coatings.

Chill 1 hour or until firm. Store tightly covered at room temperature.

Coatings (optional):
Finely chopped toasted nuts, flaked coconut, chocolate sprinkles, colored sprinkles, unsweetened cocoa powder, confectioners' sugar or colored sugars, mini chocolate chips.

Variations:
-Amaretto: Omit vanilla. Add 3 tablespoons amaretto or other almond- flavored liqueur and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract. Roll in finely chopped toasted almonds.
-Orange: Omit vanilla. Add 3 tablespoons orange-flavored liqueur. Roll in finely chopped toasted almonds mixed with finely grated orange rind.
-Rum: Omit vanilla. Add 1/4 cup dark rum.
-Peppermint: Omit vanilla. Add 1 teaspoon peppermint extract.
-Bourbon: Omit vanilla. Add 3 tablespoons bourbon. Roll in finely chopped toasted nuts.

Chocolate
Originally uploaded by pwinn.

Nuts
Originally uploaded by pwinn.

I also made another easy recipe this weekend. These coconut macaroons are nice and crunchy on the outside and moist on the inside.

Coconut
Originally uploaded by pwinn.

Coconut Macaroons

Makes 30

3 large egg whites
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoons salt
1 package (14 ounces) sweetened flaked coconut (5 1/3 cups)

1. Preheat oven to 350F Line baking sheet with parchment paper (or coat generously with nonstick cooking spray).

2. In a large bowl, whisk together egg whites, sugar and salt until frothy. With a fork, stir in coconut until moistened.

3. Drop mixture by packed level tablespoons (I use a metal cookie scoop) onto prepared sheet. Bake until lightly golden, 25 to 30 minutes.

Recipe from Martha Stewart

Enjoy!!

Christmas Photos

Phillip took the official photo for our Christmas cards this year.

It started out with the giggles....

Giggles
Originally uploaded by pwinn.

...then went straight to fits of laughter!!

Laughing
Originally uploaded by pwinn.

Whew...finally! That's a keeper!

Smiles
Originally uploaded by pwinn.

Grace (8), Emily (7) and Benjamin (5). Christmas 2006.

Time for Tea

This afternoon, we are having some friends over for afternoon tea. My friend and I will sit in the livingroom with our tea, but I thought I would set a more fancy table for the girls and their friend. And Benjamin, of course! :0) Paper doilies make anything fancy!! They will be drinking hot chocolate and munching on Gingersnaps, Coconut Macaroons and Red Pear slices.

Table
Originally uploaded by pwinn.

Once they are all full of sugar they will be making the Scrappy Fabric Ornaments that I shared last week. :0)

Centerpiece
Originally uploaded by pwinn.

Tonight I am going to a "Truffle Making Party." I will be sure to share pictures and recipes!

Plate
Originally uploaded by pwinn.

Have a wonderful Friday!