List #4: My holiday cooking and baking list

Mike is our cook. I like to bake. We do a lot of it for fun in December, when he has a week or two off. I have been cleaning out the cabinets, drawers, and counters, trying to simplify and clean. Due to my RA, I just clean one appliance and one or two drawers a day. Even the first day on Monday, when I did the counters (moving unused things into long term storage, wiping everything down, and shining my pretty fridge) we were inspired to spend much more time in the kitchen.

This was 2 Christmases ago! Squeee!

Here are some of the things I hope to make in the next few weeks:

1. Maple Roasted Almonds Perhaps D and I can make these tomorrow if she has a snow day and then package them for her teachers Christmas baskets.
2. Sea-Salted Almond bark I think I will switch cashews for this, I'll roast them first and then sea salt them as well as sea salt the chocolate and perhaps put them in teachers baskets too.
3. Easiest Baked Mac and Cheese My Kids have eaten every kind of noodle in the world and Mike and I keep looking for homemade version we love that is quick to put together.
4. BUCKEYES Mike and I could eat these all. ALL of them!
5. Ginger Ice Cream This year I started trying flavored ice cream. I use to just have vanilla or cookies and cream, now I want every kind.
6. Cinna-nut Hot Chocolate I will have to try this with some chocolate what has a lower amount or no corn syrup. Corn syrup makes my joints ache. But, but, but, chocolate and peanut butter makes my stomach oh so happy.

List #3: Good excuses of where I have been, but also why I am back.

Good excuses of where I have been...

1. I'd rather be spending time with my kids, family, and friends. Best excuse ever.
   
2. I will always have ongoing health issues. This is how life is for me. No pity needed, it is just my reality. :)
   
3. It is quicker to stay connected through twitter and FaceBook. I originally used this blog to share with family near and far, but now FaceBook does that for me.

I always am more likely to read a post with a picture, so here is my Dad,
serving in the Navy during Vietnam. I originally posted this in honor of Veteran's day on FaceBook.

...but also why I am back.

1. I have been told this blog has been encouraging to others, so I'll keep it going. You can assume I'll be back in a few days or a few months unless I announce that I am done with blogging altogether.
   
2. Going back and rereading posts, I have been so thankful to have it as a way to remember the big and little moments of my life.
   
3. My sitereader system reminded me through email that 7-10 people still check this a day! So somebody is looking for me to write.