Our Cookies and Crafts Party

I must confess to feeling like a ship lost at sea these days.  My navigational beacon seems to have lost course.  I've been slowly recharting and finding my way back to where I want to be.  When the waters seem the roughest that is when I most need to drop anchor.

For some maybe it means being alone and quiet or sweating it out at the gym, for me it's bringing those that I love even closer to me.  I invited over a few of my favorite people for a Cookies and Crafts Party.  I was ready when they arrived with a tray of cookies and lots of colorful icing and sugar sprinkles.  I made the cookies and icing, but you could just as easily buy some.  A huge basket of craft items from the dollar bin at the craft store and smiles abound.

I didn't want my little guests to go hungry so I set out a few things they might enjoy such as these baby carrots and spicy hummus, store bought I wanted to have plenty of time to spend with my guests.

I did take a few minutes and whip up some bruschetta for them.  Slice a baguette 1/2" thick and lay the slices on a cookie sheet, drizzle with olive oil and bake in a 325 degree F oven for 15 minutes.  While those are cooking, chop two tomatoes (good ones of course), mince two cloves of garlic and toss the whole thing with a dash of salt, a sprinkle of pepper and a little balsamic vinegar and olive oil.  All you have to do is wait for them to take the bait. 

I was afraid they might have needed a bit more, so I made a pan of macaroni and cheese and a green salad, just in case.

My god children, they make my heart smile.  That little guy has boundless energy; I wish I could have just a smidge of it.  His sister she has always been the apple of my eye, yesterday she was just a baby I was cradling now she is in middle school.

A little bit shy at times yet sweeter than any sugar cookie.  Just watching her makes my heart swell.

I know my brother has many gifts, who knew cookie decorating was one of them?  They now share a love that will carry them through time.

She blows me away with her verbal and reasoning skills; this little lady is one to watch out for.  My brother and sister-in-law are so blessed and so am I to have them in my life.

When she is smiling, so am I.  Gifted, determined and strong willed, I can see infinite possibilities for my girl.

I don't want to blink and watch her grow up before my eyes.  I'm going to drop my anchor more often and make sure that doesn't happen.

I'm always in calmer waters when I'm with the ones I love.  I hope you find your way to calm seas; perhaps a fun afternoon like this can do it for you.

I've been in my kitchen whipping up some other goodies I will share soon; hope you have a wonderful week.

Gina