What I've Been Doing the Last Two Days

Last night as I was making my fifteenth batch of cookies, I mentioned to Riley how much I love baking. It is so relaxing to me, therapeutic, and just something I really enjoy. I wish I had more time to devote to perfecting some of my recipes and inventing new ones. I love browsing through cook books and looking at pictures of pretty concoctions. My tastes are pretty basic - nothing too fancy. As I scooped cookie dough and wrapped some pretty packages, I imagined I was in a huge cook's kitchen complete with a large granite counter top to really have some elbow room and a sink large enough to hold 12 cooking pots. I'd have a floor to ceiling pantry with one of those rolling ladders to reach the top shelves, and a restaurant style dishwasher big enough for three days worth of dishes. I could while away the hours in complete kitchen nirvana.

Then I heard that record scratching sound in my head that brought me back to reality, and took a good look around me. If I'm keeping it real here, which I try to do, I'll just tell you that my kitchen has been a disaster of sorts for the last week. There was baking supplies, cookie dough, glitter, ribbon scraps, tape, and who knows what else all over the place. I finally got tired of the crunching sound underneath my feet (I know you've all been there) and swept up about a pound of glitter and sprinkles. I got down on my hands and knees and got all of the toys out from under the couches and swept under them. The dust bunnies were brutal. Then I found the horrors of all horrors. A sippy cup with old milk that had been under there for who knows how long. I just had to throw it away before it made me sick! Thank you Mr. Morgster.

I was able to get all of my goodies wrapped up and done today though, so that is a good feeling. Here is a little look:






































So while my kitchen has suffered unspeakable neglect this week, it has been worth it. The fruits of my labors will hopefully bring a smile to the recipients faces and let them know I'm thinking about them this Christmas season and that I am glad for our friendship. As a bonus, our home has been filled with the smell of pumpkin bread, molasses cookies, and chocolate. It brings happiness to my heart.