“Life with kids is unpredictable. Their propensity to live “in the moment” clashes easily with our “perfect plans.” — Jill Savage

Tuesday, December 16, 2025

DECEMBER 16 MY SON AND HIS FAMILY ARE COMING FOR CHRISTMAS . . .

 . . . They are coming on the 20th and leaving Christmas Day.  My son has to work on the 26th, so we will celebrate on Christmas Eve, at my grandson's house...  Christmas Day my grandson and his wife will go to her parents for Christmas...    We will be the Three Musketeers here for Christmas Day...

Grandma Kelly and Mackenzie.  She loves her grandma.
Twelve weeks old! 


We were invited to a cookie contest.
We brought a cheese tray to share.

These were my cookies -- cranberry and white chocolate chip.

No, I did not win, I was fine with that - it was for the spirit of playing.
The problem with my cookies they tasted great - presentation was so so 
The recipe said I could use frozen fresh cranberries.
So, I did - but they literally froze the dough.
Then I had trouble getting the cranberries spread into the dough evenly.

They took it very seriously.

There were 14 contestants.


To continue my Christmas baking.

I made fudge for my Ohio grandson.


Made a pumpkin load for the grandson here.
I will make icing Christmas Eve, and they can put a dallop on top of the cake.

I made pumpkin chocolate chip cookies for my son and daughter.
They have loved these for years.


Real cranberries for a Christmas party this week.

Peppermint dip for a church party.
It was delicious.

Cherrie Chocolate chip cookies for Edna's party.
I am not good at presentation - but things all tasted pretty good.
These spread too wide.

My grandson - the girl baby daddy.  He loves her so much.



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31 comments:

acorn hollow said...

It sound like you are having a very festive Christmas!
Cathy

Shug said...

I can not believe that you all have a 12 week old already!! time passes so fast. You have been very busy in the kitchen and I would gladly choose your cookies as the winner. Excited for you to have family coming in and even though it is a short time, I know there will be plenty of hugs and much laughter. Our military grandson and his family will be here on the 29th. This is exciting because we were not expecting them to be able to come home. Tyler really wants to see his pops (Sam) and spend some time with him. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas... Enjoy every moment...

Mari said...

You've been so busy! Taste trumps presentation anyway. :)
I can't believe she's 12 weeks already. It's going to be a fun Christmas for you all.

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

So glad your son and his family get to come for Chistmas! Looks like you will have a lot of good food for them to enjoy! Yes your family is growing and it's just beginning.Who knows how many you may end up with! Have a Merry Christmas!

jack69 said...

BEAUTIFUL, great post and enjoyed the visit and shots. Not a cookie person but all those do look good. BUT I am sure this family time will be the best. We do not get to do that much anymore, we B too scattered. I know you will be thrilled to have so many there. Love you girl, stay warm...

🌲 Debby said...

All your baked goods look good to me. My guys, plus me, are not big on too sweets but the "daughters" and my husband can't get enough. I'll do some baking later this week. Like that cheese tree!
How fun to have your son and family home for Christmas! I'm sure you will have a blessed time being together. Wow, G-granddaughter is 12 weeks so soon? My they grow fast - you blink and poof, they're all grown!

Martha Jane Orlando said...

Wow, Sandie, you've been baking up a storm! I think everything looks tasty. Thanks for the photos of Mackenzie, too. Loved seeing her precious face when we got together for lunch. Have a blessed Christmas!

Linda said...

It alll looks delicious! I have not started my baking yet!!! I'm slower this year than ever before!

Linda's Relaxing Lair said...

Dear Sandie, your baked items look scrumptious, dear friend! I am so happy for you, it looks like your Christmas will be a splendid one. Beautiful photos!

Red Rose Alley said...

You've been baking a lot lately! Oh, everything looks so Yummy. And I like the cranberry cookie tin, it's delightful. Fudge is one of my favorites, and haven't had it in a couple years. My sister-in-law makes it at Christmastime. Your grandson will love it. I'm happy to hear you will be spending Christmas Eve with your son. Sons are the best. The Christmas tree tray is such a creative idea. Your homemade cranberries look really good, and I hear that people add orange to it also. Love that last picture of Andy and little Mackenzie. And what a dear picture of grandma with the baby.

Have a merry and bright Christmas week, Sandie.

~Sheri

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Enjoy your Christmas with them. Your Christmas tray looks yummy. Your cookies look good. I haven't done much baking in awhile. I feel bad about that. I used to bake like six different cookies. Yum on the fudge. The pumpkin bread looks great too. Sweet picture of your grandson.

Ginny Hartzler said...

Wow, you have been busy. It makes my back hurt just thinking about all of this. I know you will have a great time. The frozen dough is kind of funny. And maybe it will be a baking adventure to laugh at in the future. I am horrible at presentation myself. But your Christmas tree plate, wow!! I have been looking for something like this to make for Christmas day, and I have copied this and will make it!!

DeniseinVA said...

Amazing and impressive making all those delights! They look great to me. I also think your Christmas plate is beautiful! I like your Christmas tree charcuterie.

photowannabe said...

Love everything about this post. Yumm on all of your cookies and I vote them #1 winner !!
Sue

Prims By The Water said...

All of your baked goods look so wonderful. Too bad you did not win. Merry Christmas to you and your family. Janice

Mevely317 said...

Your cheese tray/tree looks wonderful, Sandie. I've not tasted a good homemade cookie in ages. Actually, who cares what they look like once that goodness touches your tongue?

Gemel said...

You've done so much baking! Loved the way you presented the cheese platter. I haven't made cookies in decades...I just might get back to baking after seeing your baked delights.

Terri D said...

Now I feel bad that I'm not baking anything this year. Gosh... all of your amazing goodies had to be delicious! Loved the babies. I am catching up here! xo

Ann said...

That's awesome that your son will be there for Christmas. Your cookies may not have won but they sound and look delicious. You've been baking up a storm. I wish I had the ambition to do it

CheerfulMonk said...

I hope you have a wonderful time!

Victor S E Moubarak said...

Your cookies look great. I would have voted for them.

Enjoy a great Christmas with your family and friends. God bless you all.

Catherine said...

You are very busy. Hope you’ll have a nice time with your family. A Merry Christmas to you!

Catherine said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
photowannabe said...

To answer your question ... an iPhone Mini is a small iPhone and doesn't have so many bells and whistles. A bit less expensive than the regular iPhone. Measures aprox. 5" long x 2 1/2" wide x 1/2" deep. Not so heavy but harder to text and type on it because of the size. We got ours through our son and think the camera is pretty good too.
Sue

Lowcarb team member said...

Goodness! You have been busy.
Looks aren't everything, it's the taste that counts.
Have a lovely time with your family.

All the best Jan

Great-Granny Grandma said...

You have baked up a storm.
I bet your cranberry cookies tasted delicious, and they don't look bad to me.
The cheese tray looks really nice and Christmassy.
Enjoy your visit with your son and family. (Mine is coming on the 26th.)

Donna said...

Have a wonderful time, sweet lady!
Merry Christmas!!
hugs
Donna

handmade by amalia said...

I enjoyed your festive post, everything looks so fun and delicious. Happy holidays,
Amalia
xo

Lara Kaye said...

It all sure looks tasty. I'm inspired to go do some baking now. Have a lovely festive season.

Debbie Nolan said...

Dear Sandie - your baking...cookies look wonderful. Sorry you didn't win but I am convinced you should have :)! So glad to read your son is coming and that you will be celebrating with all your family. It really doesn't matter what day you celebrate...just that you will see everyone over the Christmas season. Take care and enjoy your loved ones. What a blessing you have been to me this year. Sending you Christmas Hugs across the miles!

DeniseinVA said...

Just stopped by to wish you all A Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year! It’s going to be sweet celebrating with a little one on the 20th. Adorable photo of her with Grandma Kelly. I neglected to mention before :)