Well, I had hoped to post a few projects I have been busy working on this last week, but I don't have any real good pictures of any of them. So, I will try to post them tomorrow. Below is just a little something I wrote about a tradition that my Grandma started and one I hope to pass on to my family. My chocolates are still waiting to be dipped....but I did make them this year.
The story is told that one winter my grandma was very sick and bed ridden. Those who know her well, know that this was a very unlikely situation. It is very hard for my grandma to be “doing nothing”. Subsequently, she was reading through the newspaper and found a recipe for chocolate candies. She later tried the recipe and ever since made them every Christmas. As a child I especially looked forward to Christmas at Grandmas. They were few and far between since we lived in Brazil. I remember exactly how the evening would go. After a scrumptious meal, the dishes were cleaned up. My grandpa would read the Christmas story and we would exchange gifts. Finally, the desserts were served. Usually, homemade peppermint ice cream and a crown loaf. Don’t get me wrong, all of this was very delicious, but I believe almost all of us saved a special spot in our stomach’s with those chocolates in mind. We would all wait in anticipation to hear Grandma descend the stairs to the freezer where a sturdy, square, green box was kept with such care. She would then let them get to room temperature, (because this is how they tasted the best) before opening the box for us to savor them with delight. My mouth waters as I think of all the creamy, rich flavors...cherry, (with real cherries inside) mint, orange, raspberry, and walnut. I would not know how much love and care were poured into these special treats until one Christmas when I received “the Recipe” as a gift. It was not a card, but a detailed little book with pictures, and all the techniques my grandma had learned over the many years. Since then I have made these same chocolates every Christmas. I have learned a few secrets myself along the way, the kind of things you learn only by doing. They are truly an art I hope to master some day...but I will always treasure and appreciate my Grandma’s chocolates because they are by far the best I have ever tasted.
I finally got Jocelynne's cupcake cake decorated that same week of her birthday and so of course we had to have a few friends over to help us eat it. :)
The squealing of childlike delight....over a piece of cake(and frosting)
"Want a piece of this cup cake, Jesse?"
Blow out the candle!
January...already! Another year has come and gone and our little girl is growing into a little lady. To celebrate her 2nd birthday she had 2 little girlfriends over for a cupcake party! (and their mommies) What fun! 
We had brunch in Leavenworth one day and of course toured the shops. It was snowing and that made everything so beautiful.
We also went to Mission Ridge for a day. Jocelynne loved playing the "copy me" game in the lodge with Tia Andrea.
Meanwhile the professionals where out snowboarding. Jay & his brother Scott. :)
Some skiers in the mix had a little fun too. Jodi (Brett's sister), Andrea & Brett
Later we warmed ourselves by the fire back at the condo we all stayed at.
We had a little fun with the gingerbread house making!
The beautiful and creative finished products.
5. Jocelynne having some fun with Tia Andrea.
4. My brother (in law, well almost), Brett sporting a new Carhart coat. I am pretty excited to have a brother and he is great. So fun and easy going and perfect for Andrea!
3. My sister, Andrea came for a visit with her fiance and family. I love this picture of her because it shows her smile. This the first thing I think of when I think of her. She is always laughing about something and bringing joy to others.
2. I had so much fun making out Christmas cards this year. Our Christmas picture was taken by the lovely and talented Sharon at Erlenmeyer Photography. You can see more of her work at: http://www.erlenmeyerphotography.blogspot.com/
1. This little girl keeps me on my toes. 
Jocelynne was fascinated by the candles at the Christmas Eve service at our church. This is a little dark, but I like the way the candle lit up her face.
We were invited to make gingerbread houses at Erlenmeyers. What fun the kids had...eating candy that is. :) Cramers were there as well. Mark is such a smiley little boy.