traditions...

Backtracking, just a touch, we had a little celebration for my birthday a couple weeks ago. I got the day off (I don't believe in going to work on my birthday :)) and we had cake and ice cream, which is a must at our house.

31. Ugh. I almost hate to type that. Last year didn't really phase me, but I'll admit to a breakdown or two this year. I'm over it now. I think.

Jon made this awesome marble cake and we had vanilla ice cream. It was delicious. Well, I should say, Jon, Brooklyn, Mason and I had cake and ice cream. Julianne had frosting and ice cream. She is her father's daughter....

On to Christmas. When I was young, my mom used to bake and bake during the holidays. As Christmas got closer, the baking increased. She would make candied nuts, pumpkin roll, chocolate roll with colored marshmallows, pies, cookies, fry pan cookies, suckers, peanut brittle, caramel popcorn and more that I can't think of at the moment. While I'm not that ambitious, I have been slightly nostalgic lately and made some goodies to have around our house (which I'm not sure is the best idea....).
Caramel popcorn. It's a weakness. Popcorn is a weakness, really. This stuff is gooey and caramelly and yummy. I've been munching on it for days.
Oh look, a pic of my birthday cake. See? Doesn't it look yum?
This recipe is one my sister sent me and we decided to do it for teachers and neighbors. It looks pretty cool in jar, I must say. It's hot cocoa and it's made with powdered milk, cocoa, sugar, chocolate chips and crushed candy canes. How can you go wrong?
This morning was the first day we stayed home during Christmas break (yesterday consisted of errands). The kids have been really good to play together. I've told them I won't be referring any fights. I like to pretend they're getting better at working stuff out...

Today I attempted Ginger bread cookies. We don't have men cookie cutters so we improvised. I don't remember my mom making these, but we have to have Hibshman traditions, too ya know? I think they turned out ok. There's a reason there isn't a pic of them after I 'frosted' them. It didn't go well. They never turn out the way they look in my head. Oh well. It's all about the taste, right?
We sent letters to Santa. We mailed these on the same day. Mason and Julianne got a letter back today. Not Brooklyn's yet. We'll be watching the mail for that one...
Finally, my favorite. The pumpkin roll. I could make these all year. How can you go wrong with pumpkin and cream cheese? I practically eat it myself, though. Which turns into the problem. The kids have discovered the yummy deliciousness of pumpkin now, so hopefully they'll help me a little in the eating department.

There are more traditions to come. We'll be making a feast on Christmas eve and leave some cookies for Santa. Sunday morning we'll work out presents and church and relax all day long. It's going to be great!

Merry Christmas, everyone! I hope you feel the spirit in your hearts and home and find comfort there as well. Merry Christmas!!