Have you ever heard the saying "everything in moderation" or "a little goes a long way" or how about "even good things can be overdone?"  All of this applies to me!  As you can see I have not been online hardly at all lately and it's all for a good reason.  I have been busier than a one-legged man in a butt kicking contest!  I have baked more over the past few days than I think I have ever baked in my life.  I've always been a pretty good cook and baker, but I do believe that I have mastered these arts & might be able to apply for some kind of degree or something, hahaha. 

This year I made large elaborate goodie baskets for everyone in my family as Christmas gifts.  My side of the family had their Christmas party at my parents' farm on Sunday afternoon.  So Saturday night, I baked like a freak.  My kitchen looks like the pillsbury dough boy exploded in there!   See, I am a good cook but a terrible organizer and I certainly do not keep up with my messes as I make them.  I come bringing destruction in my path for culinary perfection.

For anyone who hasn't tried it, you must use www.allrecipes.com  I have flat worn out their website this past week.  I love this website because you can find a recipe for just about anything, people rate them and leave comments as well.  I always pick out the recipes that rated highest & had the most positive feedback.  Let me share with you what I made for the goodie baskets...all of it was amazing! 

Mincemeat Cookies

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Banana Nut Muffins (not online)

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge (w/out nuts)

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge (w/nuts)

Applesauce Cake

Y'all ought to try some of these recipes!  They were all so good.  The chocolate chip cookies looked like they were from a bakery...which is amazing for me.  Another thing I did which I think made a difference is that I used parchment paper to bake the cookies on.  This helped them not stick or get overdone. 

Jared had his little Christmas program tonight at his school.  It was hot, crowded, loud, but very very cute.  I was very happy to see that the kids sang songs such as "Oh Holy Night,"  "Silent Night," and other songs they weren't "supposed" to be singing.  No one cared.  Probably because our community is like 100% Christian based.  So who cares?  There is no one to be offended and it was refreshing and good. 

I have not sent out any of my Christmas cards!  I have all of them here and all the pictures to put in them, but never have done them.  If I don't get them out by tomorrow I shouldn't even bother.  *Sigh* I just ran out of time, I guess.  I'm at least going to try to reciprocate to all who sent them to me. 

I got to have my baby nephew, Ethan, over for a little visit yesterday afternoon while Stacie was in some training for her new job.  He was none too impressed with his Auntie Alice.  He is really mommyfied, which is great!  Babies should be mommyfied, you know?  All of mine were at that age.  But, he settled down and we chilled out in the recliner for a little siesta while the others were napping.  It was nice to get a little baby snuggle time in with him.  When Stacie came back with Isiah (older nephew) we had chicken and dumplings for dinner and a little impromptu birthday party for Isiah.  He is ten years old today so HAPPY BIRTHDAY ISIAH! 

Anyway, I just wanted to check in so that y'all didn't think that I ran away and joined the circus or something.  I'll write more when I get time.  If I don't write before this weekend, MERRY CHRISTMAS to everyone!