cookie party – Jenn Delle Fave

Our (third with my kiddos!) annual cookie party!! I never know if *this* will be the last party at this house but I tried to capture more memories of it this year!

We all wore red!

Silly picture.

Gotta get Bailey in it.

And Holly too…

A lab and her girl.

Christmas angel.

My yearly 7 layer magic bar— always a hit!

Snacking away on all the yummy goodies!

Mom friends!

I just love a Charcuterie board.

We even had some introverts, who mingled sparingly but still enjoyed themselves!

Alison and I have been friends since we danced together back in what, 1997? We were then college roommates and still remain friends today! She probably makes my favorite cookies–I don’t even want the recipe, she makes them perfectly every time. Molasses ginger or something with a white dripping all over….yeah I want one now!

One of my newer mommy friends is my neighbor down the street Katie! Her kiddos love playing with my kiddos and we have had many laughs, tears, and WTH moments together. It’s an amazing feeling to know you’ve got someone on your street who will care for your kids if you can’t (like getting them on/off the bus!)

More mommy friends!! In all stages of life, it’s so important to have some mama time! Being able to share ideas, hear each others’ frustrations and realize you really aren’t alone, is so comforting. We just need to be better about making more time for this.

As for the kids?? They’ve gotten old enough to realize how awesome the cookie party is and they’re even a little sneaky! They had so much fun running around all together, everyone got along and played great.

Of course I could not get a still shot of these two. All hyped up over having friends and sugar!

Grateful that my step-mom could come as well! She’s been an OG since the first cookie party and she brought some delicious Chai cookies with Eggnog Frosting that are Taylor Swift’s favorite. I think this may be the recipe here!

It’s funny how the kids really gravitated to playing upstairs and on the stairs. Our little basement room was not the hotspot this year!

Cookies upon cookies!!

Joe gave me some fancy champagne flutes for my birthday and I haven’t gotten to use them…I was originally going to just use red solo cups but then realized THIS was a special occasion and time to break them out!!

I served Mango & Peach Mimosas. It’s nice to have a glass and relax with the girls!

I love my outdoor fridge. Super classy.

I told the girls I may re-name the cookie party, “HOT MESS MOMS COOKIE PARTY” because I legit feel like one!! My driveway and walkway were covered in snow and ice and I had no salt. My cookies weren’t the greatest and those that were, my husband ate most of them. He even told me it was cute how nervous I get the night before–thanks babe. I just want everything to go smoothly!!

All in all it was so much fun and still so crazy how much it’s evolved since 2009. I had no kids and we used to bake all of the cookies at my house. I don’t even have a double oven! We then tried to just frost the cookies and it still was a bit much. Now that I have two of my own, I love that we just exchange what we can (I encourage store bought if that’s all you have time for!) and just stop by for a hello. During such a crazy busy season, I hope it sealed some beautiful memories in the hearts of moms and kids alike!

Happy December 10th!!

Holy smokes, was last week insane or was it just my crazy calendar?? We literally had something going on every day of the week and my husband worked like a crazy man, which is not that unusual.

I’m happy to report that we are all doing awesome and enjoying this hectic and magical season!

We got our tree (on a 60 degree day no less!) and had so much fun decorating it.

This little ham helped mama make cookies for his preschool class.

Mama is working hard on staying present, taking time each day to breathe, offer love & light and enjoy all of the Christmas joy. (Tea with me on instastory lives btw!)

‘Tis better to give than receive day at preschool is always one of my favorites! It’s hard for little 3 year olds to understand that giving is better than receiving; heck sometimes it’s hard as an adult!! But we had fun decorating our sugar cookies.

We crafted a snowman ornament too!

It’s a full time job keeping the dog fur and real pine needles cleaned up, but when it is spotless, oh it looks so nice!!

Brookie had an adorable Christmas party with her dance class friends. One of the moms hosted and it was so nice to talk with them while the girls played.

I think she enjoyed herself!

My cookie party was another success!! I didn’t snap a lot of photos, I was too busy being in the moment! We had 9 adults and about 14 kids I believe?! It was crazy, but so much fun. I always say I miss the moments when these two were babies, but I adore the memories we are making each year! I loved our little coordinating outfits, of course.

I did not professionally style the cookies for a good photo op, but there were TONS!

I helped her craft this headband and she then went up and picked an outfit to match! She cracks me up. Bailey loves posing for photos…

I’m staying focused on gratitude. Not sweating the small things: see above photo–pine needles, foot prints, dog hair…

I hope if you are reading this, you are enjoying this month of merry as much as we are!! I think this week is a little less crazy, but it is December, so I won’t hold my breath for too much peace and quiet! I do plan on making it to the gym more this week, because CHRISTMAS COOKIES! Moderation, balance, whatever. I know sugar is the devil, but you just can’t say no to Christmas cookies.

Have a fabulous week!