Monday, September 19, 2011

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

17 comments:

  1. Oh, what a beautiful family you have...nieces, nephew and daughter! And how nice to have a fun cookie decorating party...I need you to help me master this art. It looks like you did a fabulous job teaching your brother :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh this made me cry. How precious!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Gina,
    What a good idea to have cookie decorating party with your family. I'm sure that they loved it. You even made the cookies:) So cute. Your daughter is a cutie and family means everything.

    ReplyDelete
  4. You are a loving person Miss Gina and you throw one fantastic cookie party, so good seeing you in your element;-)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Gina I'm glad you didn't really retire. I haven't even looked at my blog or anyone else's for almost two months. I'm feeling a little lost as well since retiring from my job. But I'm busier than I was before! Hopefully, we'll both find a new direction soon.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Gina what a great party! The icing and cookies are so cute. I don’t think only kids would like them, we would as well!
    I love the pictures of you family! You truly are a blessed woman.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Brilliant party :) Such a wonderful way to spend an afternoon with the people you love and the food you love to eat! Buzzed

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a beautiful post. I understand what you're saying about feeling better after spending some time with family. I'm the same way. So glad you were able to spend time with yours.

    ReplyDelete
  9. You are such a good person Gina; that is why I love to come and visit you. Wish I could have been there to be part of your cookie party; love this idea...right up my alley.
    Hugs,
    Rita

    ReplyDelete
  10. Just beautiful Gina, beautiful family, and looks like fun, fun party!!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. How wonderful!!! Sounds like a fabulous party. I loved seeing photos of the crew :-) Kate @kateiscooking

    ReplyDelete
  12. Oh Gina, I want to be 7 again so I can be invited to your party! Okay, I know I'm not family and know no shame, but God, those animal cookies need my creative touch...

    Your family looks so lovely and it's good that you've taken the initiative to touch base with the younger ones in this way. You're right, the people closest to you really do center you in ways that other people can't. Hope your ship is starting to see some land :-).

    ReplyDelete
  13. You are such an amazing host! What a great party and I love the cookies and crafts theme. It's like a Better Home and Garden magazine... lol. Can't wait for the next post!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hi Gina, What a beautiful post. I hope calming waters are soon ahead of you. This is such a great idea to not only be with your loved ones but a fun time for everyone, adults included. Your boundless love always shines through and how lucky for all these people to have you in their lives.
    Sending you a big big hug:)

    ReplyDelete
  15. What a great party Gina! I've never had a cookie party to myself even when I was a kid. This is sure something. I will keep this idea in mind when my niece is slightly older. I'm sure it will be fun having the adults and kids come toghether. Hugs, Jo

    ReplyDelete
  16. What a heart warming view of your loved ones...a party I would be most happy to attend :)

    ReplyDelete