Snow, Fellowship and Cookies

Well the predictions from the National Weather center were true.  Snow is here in Georgia! (again)

As I tucked two little giggly girls (4 & 2) dressed in cute pink jammies and surrounded by stuffed animals and blankets of all kinds, into their sweet little beds in their cozy room of white and pink with books and dolls scattered about, I looked at them and smiled thinking of how happy they would be to wake up to a world of white.  I really don't remember it snowing so much when I was younger.  I have a vague memory of Momma putting ziploc bags over my shoes and securing them with a rubber band so I could play in the snow ... but I don't remember multiple snow days.  Now, I can't remember the last year in our girls didn't have snow to play in.  I love to see it fall and I love how beautiful it is.  But the girls, the girls ... it is so magical to them.  Everything about it is magical to them.  Everything.
Seeing them tonight so giddy with anticipation just made me want to stop and take it all in.  Every giggle.  The way their hair smelled after being cleaned.  The way their clean jammies smelled and how cute they looked with all of their "things" for bed. The big smiles on their faces ...

so many days I wish I could give them so much more ... so much more opportunities ... so much more time with me and their Daddy ... more "beautiful" clothes, as Kate calls them ... perfect little rooms ... etc. ... but tonight I look at them and I am reminded that God has provided all that they need and I am reminded by the excitement in the anticipation of a gift that only He can give.  I am reminded and I am comforted and filled with thankfulness.


We had a great time of fellowship yesterday in the mountains of Blue Ridge, Georgia with the wonderful Pilcher family.  I think Katie and I must go waaaaaaaaaaaaay back, but we've never met until yesterday.  We are all thankful for that sweet time of fellowship and praying God provides more opportunities for our paths to cross in the future!  (and of course I remembered my camera, but forgot my battery.  what???!!) Katie owns a wonderful children's shop in Dothan, AL.  If you're ever in the area, be sure and stop by!  There's much to fall in love with.  If you're not in the area, check out her blog for great updates on new things in her shop, as well as weekly coupons that you can use even if you are not in town.

For now it is late and I am tired.  Tomorrow Richard will stay home as a result of the snow and ice (there'll be no going up and down the hills in our neighborhood ... unless it is on a sled:)!).  We'll have school, and we'll play in the snow, but we'll also spend some time doing this

and eating these

(Hanson Ellis made these tonight.  So yummy and the cinnamon is an interesting addition that I'd never thought of!)

In case you're interested, here's the recipe.

Chunky Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies

1 1/4 cups all purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

3/4 cup butter softened

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup granulate sugar

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

1 large egg

1 tsp vanilla

2 cups (12 ounce) semi sweet chocolate chips

*1/2 cup coarsely chopped peanuts ** we did not use these, as the girls do not care for peanuts in cookies:)

Preheat oven to 375

Combine dry ingredients in a small bowl.

Beat butter, sugar and peanut butter in large mixer bowl until creamy.  Beat in egg and vanilla.  

Gradually add dry ingredients to peanut butter mixture.

Drop dough by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.  Press down slightly to flatten into 2 inch circles (we did not do this and they were just fine).

Bake for 7-10 minutes or until edges are set but centers are still soft.  Cool on baking sheets for 4 minutes;  remove to wire racks to cool completely. 

**recipe from Nestle Holiday Recipe book**

Goodnight, sleep tight and a happy Monday to you all!!