The main ingredients....

"Life is unsure, always eat your dessert first"

~my kitchen in the after math~ ~oatmeal chocolate drops~

~tracey's brownie/cookie dough muffin recipe~

~this is definitely a baking record for me...whew~

~the sweetest dessert of all...my little helper kisses me after the baking is complete...yes, i am wearing a tank top with my apron...this kitchen was HOT!!!!~

Just a little note....

I want to thank my Mom and my Mama Jane for all their help with my first annual cookie/ornament swap. Their perfect gestures of kindness smoothed the entire planning process.

Jane made the gorgeous fruit tree centerpiece that adorned my dining room table. (SEE PICS FROM THE POST BELOW) She also made the yummy sausage balls AND the chocolate bark bars. (which, by the way, we need the recipe). She always has a way of being exactly what i need, thank you for that. Unfortunately she couldn't attend due to a Christmas performance that my nephew William was in. Keeping my fingers crossed that she will make it next year, though!

Also, my mom, my best friend in the world, was my right hand girl during the whole party. From the delicious wassail, the chocolaty brownies and the games and prizes that she provided for our entertainment. She is always the fun, game girl. I love this about her!! She always breaks the ice and makes the party fun! Thank you so much mom. You are the perfect hostess assistant.

One last but not least thank you to my over worked friends and family that slaved over their hot ovens in their aprons to manage 4 dozen cookies to bring! You guys are some really good sports! Maybe next year we will dwindle it to 3 dozen....we'll see. :)

Every detail of help that all of you provided will never be forgotten or overlooked. I am truly blessed to call you my friends and my family....my main ingredients. ;)

Until next year!

still sweeping up flour,

Me