Stained Glass Window Cookies

We made stained glass window cookies today.
I made sugar cookies, using a simple recipe.
I first learned how to make this in 1972,
during a FHE group in college.
We used Life Savers.
Ben couldn't find those yesterday.
These are Jolly Ranchers.
Rock candy works well, too.It's important to bake them on a lightly greased pan,
and take them out of the oven as soon as the edges begin to brown.

They can't be removed from the pan until the candy is cool,
but if you wait too long, you will break the cookie.

In some cookies we put chunks of the candy.
Use a knife to break the candy.
I think these are really pretty.

Use a hammer, not your nice rolling pin,
if you want to use small pieces of candy.

The window in the cookie on the lower right
is from tiny pieces.

Nathan liked the cookies!

Yesterday we made gingerbread houses.
Melanie was quite creative and made a garage and car.

We also made Christmas stockings.
I made this for Chris.

Sweet Potato

Bradley brought his parents for a visit.

Everyone loves this baby.It appears that Bradley loves everyone, too.

Sam had fun telling tongue twisters to Dave's kids.
One starts with,
"There's one smart feller who really felt smart."
Matt loved these.
I'm not sure I did, though.

We made syrup.
It's fun to make and even better to eat.
We put the syrup on sweet potato pancakes.
Yes, that's Sam in the background telling jokes with the kids.

Jacob likes my favorite mug.
He asked Chris to sit by him at breakfast and added,
"I'll be the one with the penguin mug."

Yesterday we went tubing at Soldier Hollow in Heber.
Lots of snow, lots of trail to slide on,
and NO lines. Even Nathan liked tubing.

Afterwards Will and I made a cheese log.
Yum.

I'm Never Going Home!

We went sledding in Rock Canyon Park.
First we had to get everyone's boots on.
We all had a fun time.
Chris helped Melanie gain some courage.

And guess who taught Will to go head first.
I had a blast!
But I am a little sore.

We had a quiet afternoon.
Melanie and Matt helped me make Peppermint Bark.
We probably should deliver some to the neighbors...

My sister-in-law Joani taught me about crafts with grandkids.
Jacob had so much fun he said,
"This is so great! I'm never going home!"

Ho Ho Snow!

Dave's family arrived late last night from Houston.

Well, technically, it was early this morning.
Jacob was beat.

The kids couldn't wait to go outside this morning.
Even Dave and Nathan joined the fun.
I bought boots. Please notice Nate's.
(Lands End, half price, free shipping.)

Nature provided the fun.
Chris did a good job keeping Jacob off the ice.

The last time Carolyn wore this coat

was on Mary's beach.
Will found a big ice chunk.
Matt carved his own chunk.
We really had a lot of fun.
We came inside for blueberry pancakes
made by Papa Ben.

After breakfast, Matt and Will found Crossfire.
Their dad and uncles used to play with this.

Peppermint Bark

Last year I made peppermint bark with visiting grandchildren.
It was so much fun that I have saved these pictures to
share so you can make it.

Here's the recipe:
Peppermint Bark

Put 7 candy canes in a zip lock bag and smash them with a hammer on a wooden breadboard. Set aside.

Sprinkle 4 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips into a large jelly roll pan. Bake in a 200 degree oven for 10 minutes. Using a plastic spatula, smear the melted chocolate to the edges of the pan. Place the pan in the refrigerator, or in the snow, for 20 minutes.

Place 2 cups of white chocolate chips in a bowl and microwave for 60 seconds until melted. Stir in 1 teaspoon peppermint extract. Pour this on top of the chocolate chips and spread evenly.

Working quickly, sprinkle the crushed candy on top of the chocolate and gently press it in. Chill completely, until the chocolate is brittle, at least 30 minutes. Drop the pan onto a hard surface, breaking the chocolate into irregular pieces.

Thanks!

Sally invited us for Thanksgiving dinner.

We agreed to go even though we knew Tom would be there.
I felt very welcome.
Sally put Ben right to work.
Joani was there.
James and Becky came, too.
Becky taught Mike how to send a text message.
I was the recipient.
Chris had a great time.
We told Grandpa stories. Sally would have passed.

Savannah and Sydney are fun girls.
Want to know how Savannah got her own bedroom?
She begged.

Zach, of course, is always great.

Mo, Summer and Sam are loads of fun.

Papa Ben's Grandson

Little Brad spent some time with Papa Ben watching football yesterday.
Ben thinks he's a natural.