Merry Christmas, Baby!!

Blogging Friends.... I have posted some {Hopefully!!} fun Christmas-themed Blog posts throughout this month. But I saved the best for the last. A meditation of Christ's Birth in poetry!! Love you later.

Written by Raelyn!!

An angel came to Mary;
Said you're having a baby!
And she was shocked by his news;
But God's found favor in you.
Joseph had lots of doubts;
Now their plans won't work out;
Then an angel came in his sleep;
This wonderful wife you should keep!
Soon they had to move away;
Since the couple couldn't stay;
They left their old town;
For Bethlehem renown.
Suddenly, a feeling;
Our Baby is coming;
But every room was full;
Except for this stable!
Some poor shepherds watched sheep nearby;
When an angel flew from the skies;
While scaring them badly;
He told of the Baby!
And a host came, announcing;
Glory to God, Newborn King!!

Gingerbread Men/Women Treats

Blogging Friends.... Well, now this just feels strange. I have yet to post the Halloween and Thanksgiving dog treat recipes that I baked for Rosey on Beautifully Unique.... And yet, here we are {Five days until Christmas!! Gasp!!} and I am posting the dog treat recipe that I'm planning on giving Rosey for Christmas?! Ugh. Love you later.

I own a dog treat cookbook which features four different Christmas-themed recipes. Cool, right? However. The recipe that I initially planned to bake, we lacked the ingredients for!! So.... I logged Online the other night and did a lengthy Google-search which lasted until about 11:30!! The winner? Gingerbread Dog Biscuits!! We have all the ingredients in our kitchen. Check!! I happen to be a sucker for gingerbread men this time of year. Check!! And perhaps the best reason of all? They taste like Christmas!! Why, yes. I did taste-test one!! To give credit to whom credit is due? I found this recipe on http://dukesandduchesses.com .

Rosey would rate this recipe four 'paws' way, way up!! {Yes, she got a pre-Christmas Day sample!!}

Gingerbread Dog Biscuits

3 cups whole wheat flour {I am a rebel.... So I used 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour and 2 1/2 cups white flour!! This way--in my experience--the dough is not crumbly!! But I did need to add a little more water off and on!!} 

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1/2 cup molasses

1/2 cup water {She put this little much needed ingredient down below, so I neglected to even see it.... At first. So I am putting it up here!!}

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Lightly grease a cookie sheet. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, ginger and cinnamon. {I repeat.... I am a rebel!! So I just poured those ingredients into my bowl!! Who needs a sifter?!} Mix in the oil, molasses, and let rest for 15 minutes. {If memory serves me right--and it seldom ever does!!--I hip swayed to Elvis Presley's version of "Here Comes Santa Claus" as it played on our radio while waiting!! My body will most likely hate me tomorrow!!}

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough 1/4-inch thick. {You know what? I do not care about measuring dough thickness!! I just roll it out and hope for the best!! Anyhoo....} Cut out the cookies with bone-shaped cookie cutters [I also used a dog house cookie cutter]. {Wait. What?! These are gingerbread dog cookies!! Oh for Heaven's sake!! I used my gingerbread man and woman cutter!!} Transfer to the prepared sheet. Bake until firm, about 20 minutes. {Um.... I baked them for 25 minutes!! I made 15 gingerbread men and women treats!!

Did you know that I introduced my nearly three-year old niece, "Amethyst" to Bruce Springsteen's rockin' live performance of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town"? {Which, by the way, occurred in 1975!! That was before I was ever even born!! Cool!!} She--who calls Bruce Springsteen "Buce"--will stop playing and dance to "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" alongside me!! {Yes, as though nobody is watching!!} I love how Bruce Springsteen feels like a longtime family friend somehow--his singing, performances and music--expanding generations.... My parents.... Me.... "Amethyst".... And did you know that Bruce Springsteen makes an awesome dog treat baking partner? {Or more like a blessed distraction!!} Because after several failed vibes sent toward our local "Christmas" radio station to play Bruce Springsteen, they finally did!! Honestly? As I sang and danced around the house, I haven't a clue how much work I got done!! Aw, Bruce....      

The Beagle Ornament

Blogging Friends.... This post is "an oldie but a goodie", as that phrase goes, for I first "published" it in 2011!! Wow.... That was three years ago!! I have made changes to it, as per usual!! Love you later.

Grief. It is an interesting concept. Complex, even. Depending on the individual walking that path, grief is as unique as a Zebra's stripe pattern. Or the human fingerprint. Or a Giraffe's markings. Or a snowflake. Some people are seemingly so very emotional that their loss and grief overcomes them. Which is absolutely okay. Others are seemingly mentally strong, with few tears streaming down their faces. Which is absolutely okay, as well. There's no right or wrong way to grieve. In my experience, once you think grief has passed, {No pun intended!!} every single thought/feeling/emotion resurfaces itself like some fish bobbing his head in water. Because once you consider grief "dealt with", and progress is made, your complicated thoughts/feelings/emotions take command. Then? It feels like zero progress was ever been made, and as though you have "relapsed". Yes, I know this experience far too well. I always think about and miss Shadow Sunshine, my Beautifully Unique "blond"-furred German Shepherd/Golden Retriever cross at Christmastime. She was euthanized on June 15th, 2010. I have an entire decade's worth of Christmas memories spent with Shadow. Of filling her soft velvet-like red and white stocking. Of purchasing treats, plus dog toys. Of celebrating December 25th with my mutt. I recall as though it was yesterday mine and Shadow's final Christmas together. Shadow had been showing inevitable signs of aging. Deafness, stiff joints, senile behavior. I somehow knew deep, deep, deep down within my heart that this would be our last Christmas together. Was it Mama's Intuition? I do not know. I could just feel that December 25th, 2009 would be our last Christmas together. So I made it count. Every single second. And boy, did I create an amazing last Christmas memory!! For it is one that will remain within my psych forever. Forever. Shadow no longer played.... Thus spending money on tennis balls seemed irrelevant this year. Instead, I filled her Christmas stocking with treats, treats, treats and more treats. Nothing else. Because, although Shadow was never a "food-lovin'" girl like Rose, throughout her final years on Earth, she loved treats. If memory serves me--and it seldom ever does!!--I purchased pizza-flavored Canine Carry Outs, Snawsomes twists, and salmon Yummy Chummies. Nothing healthy, I'm afraid!! But to quote Tony Stark from Iron Man 3? "Screw it, it's Christmas!" Well!! It turned out that my Mama's Intuition was absolutely correct. Because less than six months later? Shadow died. And we would never enjoy another December 25th together again. Fast forward. During Christmas 2010, three months after adopting Rose--surprise, surprise!!--I was still struggling with grief. It came upon me suddenly, like some explosive ambush. See, 2010 was a Christmas of firsts. Cosmic firsts. In more ways than one!! 2010 was my first Christmas with Rose. And.... It was also my first December 25th sans Shadow. I bought Rose a matching soft velvet-like red and white Christmas stocking. I purchased her gifts. Yet somehow, the memory of Shadow's last Christmas on Earth seemingly haunted me that year. Like some ghost or demon. I just missed Shadow so much!! Complicated, twisted thoughts/feelings/emotions seared through me. It felt selfish and wrong to be experiencing such a palpable longing for Shadow.... When I have Rose!! But, nonetheless, there were tears, sorrow, and heartache. All expressed privately, as I am known for keeping thoughts/feelings/emotions from those who I'm in close proximity to. Which, I will admit, is a fault of mine. One Saturday, we drove downtown to do some Christmas shopping. And I was feeling really emotional. I wept in an antique shop while halfheartedly looking at merchandise. Yes, wept. And, although I tried to hold those tears within me, they flowed anyway like some mighty waterfall. For lunch, we ate fast-food at Jack-In-The-Box. I ordered my usual favorite. The Ultimate Cheeseburger. {Minus ketchup and mustard.} Which, they have since ruined--in my opinion--by adding spices. Yuck!! Why couldn't Jack-In-The-Box just leave well enough alone?! While awaiting our meal, my tears forced me toward their ladies room to compose myself. I then stared in their mirror and attempted bravery. I'll be okay. I'll be okay. I'll be okay, I chanted to myself, as though it were a mantra. Then later, we discovered this quaint little store. It was decorated for Christmas!! Everything looked so lovely!! On display, there was this small artificial tree. It looked so very festive!! Hanging on its branches were various glass dog breed ornaments. Naturally, I felt drawn to the Golden Retriever, which is "half" of Shadow. No, I coached myself, Move on. Time to move on.... Be in the "now". Walk away from that tree!! And walk away I did. Then suddenly, I felt God softly whisper something to my heart and soul. He said this. Go back. Go back. Look for the Beagle. So, I walked over to that artificial Christmas tree once more. And.... There it was!! A glass, glittery brown, black and white Beagle!! Oh, it was absolutely flawless!! And the ornament may as well have been custom-made!! Black on its back, a white chest, this adorable brown-colored furrowed forehead.... Just like Rose!! So, I purchased the ornament. Because how could I possibly resist?! Its tag read this. Beagle: Dogs selflessly give humans their unconditional love and loyalty. Beagles are one of the most popular scent hounds because of their energy, willingness to work and sweet dispositions. They make great family pets and truly enjoy their status as "man's best friend." Wow. Minus the "energy {and} willingness to work" part, that describes Rose spot-on!! Loyal. A sweet disposition. Loving. I will treasure forever that sparkly glass Beagle ornament!! Because one glance at it reminds me of so much. That first Christmas sans Shadow. My tearful mood swing-infused pity party. Healing. Not to mention. Everything that Rose blesses me with!! She is an incredible one-of-a-kind friend!! My four-legged "kindred spirit". Because, as a mutt, Rose was born different, like me. She's amiable, submissive, and easy to train. Rose is sneaky, strong-willed, plus sometimes naughty. And I love it all!! Rose truly is a Beautifully Unique creature!!

Flyin' My Christmas Freak Flag!!

Blogging Friends.... Fun games. I rather enjoy them!! Bridal shower games. Baby shower games. Ellen DeGeneres' talk show games. Especially when such games are Christmas-y!! Well, on her Blog today, Kelle Hampton partook in something festive and fun!! "The best of the best for December". So I thought I'd play along!! We were supposed to leave our answers in the comment box. However. I am a rebel!! Besides. My answers are far too long for a little comment box!! I also made several changes, as per usual!! Enjoy!! Love you later.

  

Favorite Christmas film. Prancer. I grew up with this film because its main character, Jessica, reminds everybody of little girl me!! And as soon as the Christmas season begins? I quote lines from Prancer in my crazy never-shuts-down head!!

Runners up. The Santa Clause trilogy. {With Tim Allen!! Love him!!} Miracle on 34th Street {Both the old and new versions!!} It's a Wonderful Life. The Nativity Story. .... There are so many good holiday films out there!!

Favorite Christmas song. Bruce Springsteen's rockin' live version of "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town"!! Because.... Bruce!! Hello? Need I say more?! I do not think so!! For me, it just is not Christmas until I hear this song!! Because when Bruce Springsteen calls out "You guys know what time it is? What time, huh? What? What? Oh, Christmas time!" he not only catches my attention. He awakens my Christmas Spirit like nobody--and I mean nobody--can!! "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer". Why? Because we are Kindred Spirits, Rudolph and I. I was born different. My birth defects were craniosynostosis. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia. And Wolff-Parkinson White syndrome. Rudolph? He was born with a bright red nose!! I have been made fun of, called nasty names and--yes--left out of "reindeer games". As has he!! I am a misfit in this world. As is he!! Simply put? Rudolph and I "get" each other!! {I don't have a specific favorite version of that song.... Although I do love it whenever the radio plays Harry Connick Jr.'s!! Martina MacBride's version of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas". Because that song has been there for me on more than one occasion!! "Little Saint Nick" by The Beach Boys. I call it "Run, Run Reindeer", because I love renaming songs!! During Christmas 2005, I was afflicted with pneumonia. An illness which I would never wish upon anybody!! Whenever the radio played "Little Saint Nick", it made my entire Christmas!! I love it!! And to keep Christ in Christmas? "Hark! The Herald Angel Sing". Because of its timeless, beautiful doctrinally sound lyrics!! Oh, I could go on and on and on....

Favorite Christmas tradition. Well.... Now that I am an adult, many of my fondest Christmas traditions have sadly stopped. So I will be nostalgic!! One. We enjoyed annual cookie exchanges at my Aunt and Uncle's house. Yum!! I always sat at the table where my Grandmother's "old" friends--who are now mostly all gone--were. We ate cookies while I charmed them!! For some reason they loved little pain-in-the-ass me!! Two. My oldest brother played his acoustic guitar as we sang various Christmas songs at my grandparents' house every Christmas Eve!! I especially loved it when he played "We Three Kings"!! Because at the "O, star of wonder, star of bright, star of royal beauty bright" my oldest brother got silly and really strummed that guitar!! Ah, memories!! Every year, we drove to a tree farm with my Grandparents, Aunt, Uncle and cousins. Once there? My Dad chopped down our "perfect" tree as we all yelled "Timber!!" Later, my Grandparents handed out various Hallmark Christmas ornaments. We have collected so many over the years!!

Dear Blogging Friends.... You may play along too!! Your turn!! 

Christmas Magic

Blogging Friends..... So I am planning on posting Christmas-themed posts twice a week this month. Well!! I guess when you possess a poor concept of time, are indecisive on what, exactly, to post, and watching your beautiful nieces three days a week? It does not happen!! Anyhoo. This was a Christmas-themed journal entry!! Some changes were made, as per usual!! Love you later.

Look for my Christmas-themed fictional story to be posted on Minuscule is good! { http://writing--projects.blogspot.com/ } today!! {Lord willing!!} 

Do not listen to Christmas music until after Thanksgiving. This has always been a "law" in our house. Which was established by my Dad!! Because he is the "Christmas Police". Listening to our ever-growing collection of holiday C.D.s before Thanksgiving is simply "prohibited" around here. If Dad the "Christmas Police" {Yes, he has been called Mr. Grinch!! And, as soon as Thanksgiving is over, Dad the "Christmas Police" truly loves this time of year!! I'm just sayin'!!} ever finds out, then Dad the "Christmas Police" will "arrest" and throw us all in "prison"!! Just kidding!! However. Nobody follows that "law" in this house!! Not my Mom. Or Michael. Not my sister. Or me. We begin listening to Christmas music as early as November 1st!! Happily, thank-you very much!! Because while Dad the "Christmas Police" is away at work all day? That is when we push play on our pre-Thanksgiving holiday music!! Dad's gone!! Bring it!! He will never know!! This is a cosmic secret--because it's "illegal", remember?!--and we are hush-hush about our behind Dad the "Christmas Police's" back pre-Thanksgiving holiday music!! Comically so!! However, Dad the "Christmas Police" does always eventually find our cosmic secret out, as small piles of holiday C.D.'s lying around--I'm afraid--gives us away!! Whoops. Do we look like we care?! Dad the "Christmas Police" hasn't "arrested" us!! Not yet!! On November 10th, my Mom, Michael and I drove to the mall for some Christmas shopping. Target was also one of our stops!! It turned out to be a good day {For me!!} to score some Christmas presents!! Well. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.... Everywhere we go!! While Michael and I were walking the mall, we saw a bright flash of light from its lower floor level. Santa Claus' photographer was downstairs snapping pictures of children!! Yes, Santa Claus!! Before Thanksgiving!! Michael and I immediately weaved through throngs of shoppers to look down. We missed the children.... But.... Santa looked up and waved his white-gloved hand at us!! It. Was. Magical!! I do not know what occurred next. Suddenly, I was transformed into a little girl!! Santa Claus has an amazing way of doing that!! How....? I haven't a clue!! "Hi Santa!!" I shamelessly called out for all the world to hear. Michael was no worse than me. He, too, transformed into a little boy!! "Merry Christmas!!" Michael said. And then, to make this experience all the more magical? Santa let out a hearty, jolly "Ho, ho, ho!!" Wow.... This man was born to be Santa Claus!! Or perhaps....? He really is Santa!! It felt so very magical--as though I was in Miracle on 34th Street--and I'm Susan Walker!! Shortly thereafter? Michael and I stepped into Hallmark. Before I even purchased a Christmas present? I heard an all-too-familiar voice call out: "You guys know what time it is? What time, huh? What? What? Oh, Christmas time!" And I knew. It was Bruce Springsteen's rockin' version of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town"!! On the radio. Before Thanksgiving!! The moment I heard Bruce Springsteen's voice, he instantaneously called me into a Christmas spirit!! And I became very, very, very excited!! "It's Bruce!!" I called to Michael. In a tiny Hallmark store. Where the clerks know me by name. At the mall. Because during one fleeting second? I forgot that I was in public!! It is Bruce Springsteen's fault!! What? It is!! A woman purchasing something at Hallmark's checkout desk looked at me quizzically as if wondering, Who is Bruce? "Sorry," I sheepishly said, "Not really!!" I break for Bruce Springsteen's "Santa Claus is Coming to Town"!! So I stopped my potential Christmas shopping!! I danced as though nobody was watching. Because Bruce Springsteen has far better moves than I do!! Trust me on that one!! I lip synched the lyrics. And it was official. Christmas had arrived!! Because when Santa Claus and Clarence Clemons both "ho, ho, ho" me in one day? I fly my Christmas freak flag high!! And I fly it openly!! "Law"? What "law"?! Dad the "Christmas Police" cannot "arrest" and throw me into "jail" now!! Why? Because The Boss said so!!

Rose's "Fourth" Christmas

Blogging Friends.... I hope everyone enjoyed themselves a very Merry Christmas!! Ours was.... Interesting. Which is actually an understatement!! Was it happy? Merry? Yes and yes!! I received several nice gifts.... Some surprises, others asked for!! Christmas 2013 was quite different from previous holiday memories. Allow me to elaborate. The dreaded, nasty, no fun at all stomach flu has been working its way through our family. Which began with my youngest brother--Uncle Michael to Rose--at an ungodly hour. On Christmas Eve. That's right. But, rest assured, he was better and recovered come Christmas Day!! So, "the show must go on", as they say. Everybody else was seemingly "healthy". Thus, my oldest brother, sister-in-law, and twain nieces came over for Christmas gifts, dinner, plus fellowship!! Well. We "got through Christmas" sans anybody vomiting!! Then. The moment I., F., E. and H. drove away, my sister vomited. Next in line was Mom. Then Dad.... I am the only one left. This stomach flu has felt like some raging wildfire, and everybody in its reach are vulnerable trees!! Hunger pangs never felt more comforting....

Then one foggy Christmas Eve
Santa came to say
"Rudolph with your nose so bright
Won't you guide my sleigh tonight?"

A blanket of freezing cold wet snow on Christmas is magical. To which I can't but agree. And, truth be told? I hoped for a "white Christmas". Which is very, very, very rare around here. Our last "white Christmas" was back in 2008 during a cosmic seemingly never-ending snowstorm!! 2008!! Every time I sang the lyrics to Irving Berlin's classic seasonal song? I hoped for a "white Christmas". Every time different versions of that song repeatedly played on our radio? I hoped for a "white Christmas". Secretly, I think I even prayed for snow!! But a foggy Christmas Eve? That, in its own uniquely mystical way, is equally magical!! Why? Because Santa "Claws" would--like in the song lyrics--truly need Rudolph's bright, shiny red nose to find people's homes!! And on Christmas Eve? God may have never granted us any snowfall. However!! Our outside world was engulfed in a mystical, magical, deep, thick, eerie fog!! And, as lyrics to "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer" flew through my crazy, never-shuts-down head, I could not help but smile. I love, love, love fog!! Because I am an oddball!! Well, Santa "Claws" definitely had no trouble none whatsoever finding our address!! On Christmas Eve, we open our stockings, a new tradition as of last year. While everybody was digging through them, one by one, Rose acted "needy". She gets that way sometimes. I sorted through mental checklists within my groggy head of what I'd done for Rose. Did I forget something? I fed her. She had been outside. I provided her with attention. Then it suddenly occurred to me. We were all receiving gifts. Rose, in an almost human-like manner, was thinking this. Where's mine? She was seemingly feeling left out!! Thankfully, Santa "Claws" had already thought ahead!! He left Rose some crunchy duck biscuits.... Since the big jolly old dude knows that being a Beagle mix makes her part birddog!! Brilliant, Santa "Claws"!! The duck biscuits were well-received!! Come Christmas morning, Rose's red/white velvet-like stocking was literally bulging with toys and treats!! Rose received three different colored plush Lamb Chops from the old television show, "Lamb Chop's Play-Along", her most very favorite dog toy. Fuchsia. Neon Green. And the classic white. As treats, Rose received some crunchy chicken liver biscuits. Which was awfully thoughtful of Santa "Claws"!! Why? Because, despite my dog treat cookbook containing several chicken liver recipes, I will never, ever, ever bake any of them!! I am not brave enough to stink our kitchen up!! Rose received her home-baked pink/green "marble" treats. And, of course, those duck biscuits!! By the way? Rose likes her chicken liver biscuits. But she loves the duck!! On December 26th, I let Rose choose. Chicken liver? Or duck? Her ebony nose sniffed the un-open package of chicken liver biscuits. Very calmly. But the un-open package of duck biscuits? Rose's front legs jumped up, and she did a little "happy dance"!! Score on those, Santa "Claws"!! Rose has "chosen" duck over chicken liver as her favorite!! Now. As for Lamb Chop? I had wondered whether or not Rose would have a favorite one. First she chewed on Fuchsia Lamb Chop. Then Neon Green. And lastly? White. Like each one were her "babies", and as their "mother", she loves them all equally!! Rose is not playing "favorites"!! However. Although Rose has never been destructive with toys, Neon Green Lamb Chop sustained a badly ripped up back earlier this morning!! Oh well, these things occur. Dr. Mama will stitch her up shortly!!

          

Marble Christmas Treats

Blogging Friends.... Well, Santa "Claws" finished ordering around his elves {I am one of them!!} to bake Rose her treats today!! For Christmas is nearly here!! Treats needed baked!! Now. Santa "Claws" understands that I lack impulse control during Christmastime, and struggle with keeping holiday secrets. He also knows all about my dear Blogging Friends. How they love, love, love dog treat recipes. So!! Santa "Claws" has given me permission to reveal one of his elves' recipes!! Thanks, Big Dude!!

First things first. I have lost count of how many times I've heard Bruce Springsteen's rockin' version of "Santa Claus {Insert his attractive New Jersey accent!!} is Coming to Town" this Christmas!! Quite happily!! When Christmas is over, I'm afraid that I will suffer from some serious Boss withdrawals!! And chocolate....

You know how, as a rebel, I always break at least one rule while baking dog treat recipes? Well.... With this recipe? I broke every freakin' rule!! Oh well!! They turned out, anyway....?

 Rose would rate this recipe: Four 'paws' way, way up!! {Yes, she got a sample!! Two, actually!!}

Red {Pink, really!!} and Green Christmas Cookies

These biscuits are slightly more complicated {I kept quoting The Mandarin's line from "Iron Man 3". "It's complicated. It's complicated. Hey. It's complicated.". Because I am an oddball!!} to make than most other recipes in this book, but they're very pretty and make a great gift at holiday time! Hint: To save time, buy pre-washed spinach.

3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup tomato juice {I gave Rose a taste. And she snubbed it!!}

2 tablespoons safflower oil {I used what we had. Which was vegetable oil!!}

1 1/2 cup loosely packed spinach leaves {I already know from previous experience that Rose will snub that vegetable!! Nothing pleases me more than to hide ingredients which she refuses in treats!!}

1/4 cup water

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Blend the flour and cheese in a large bowl. {I just stirred it!!} Put 2 1/2 cups of the flour-cheese mixture into {a} food processor. Add tomato juice and 1 tablespoon of the oil. Mix together until a ball of red {Pink!!} dough forms. {It was quite crumbly, so I added several small spoonfuls of tomato juice!!} Remove the dough from the food processor and set aside. {Okay. We have a cheap, crappy food processor, so I just stirred everything in!! Note to self. Buy a good food processor!!} Rinse out the food processor bowl. Return it to the base and add spinach. Process to chop the spinach. {Uh.... Sans a well-working food processor, I chopped it by hand!!} Add water while the blade is going and continue to process until the spinach is finely chopped. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and remaining 2 cups of the flour mixture. Process to form green dough. {I just stirred and mashed it together!!} On a lightly floured surface, roll red {Pink!!} and green dough out, separately, into 1/4-inch-thick ovals. Try to make the ovals the same size and shape. {Okay. I did not fret over such a petty detail of rolling out ovals. I just tried my very best at making twain doughs with differing consistencies equal sizes!! Warning. It was much easier said than done!!} Stack the green oval atop the red oval and roll again. {I ran into a little issue regarding leftover dough. Ready? Once I was finished pressing my cookie cutters into the dough, its colors were completely inseparable. Completely inseparable. How on earth was I supposed to use the rest of my dough for treats? Answer? Mix the colors together like some small child with Play-Doh!! My result? Pink and green marble Christmas treats!! Cool!! Use cookie cutters to roll into Christmas shapes. {I have a stocking. One gingerbread man. A candy cane. One gingerbread woman. A Christmas tree. One snowman. A bell. And one holly leaf.} Place on a baking sheet covered with greased or non-stick foil. {Whoops, I forgot that little rule!! Oh well!!} Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until just starting to brown on top. {Ovens vary. But I did 30. However. If you are actually following the recipe's rules {Unlike me!!} I recommend the treats be flipped mid-baking for equal browning!!} Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

I baked 20 treats!!          

 

 

 

             

 

 

 

             

Dear Rose Elizabeth

Blogging Friends.... Thank-you for your sweet and encouraging comments on Wednesday's post!! As a writer, I spend lots of time describing people, places, things, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. I have one word for your Friendship. "Wow". I treasure dearly every single word!! I wrote this in my private journal/diary. Some changes were made, as per usual!! I may not easily make friends. Perhaps my sister is seemingly more popular than I. Maybe people come and go, eventually "outgrowing" me. Perhaps S is my most loyal, longest-lasting friend. To which I am grateful!! Maybe I do not possess a "net" like Kelle Hampton does. But my Blogging Friends? They love me. My Blogging Friends have accepted my crazy, weird, oddball self. They encourage me when I need it most.... With words. My Blogging Friends. I love, love, love them!! They are "Family" to me!!

 

It is Friday the 13th!! This year's last one. I love, love, love Friday the 13th!! I am so oddly fascinated by superstitious subjects!! I haven't a clue why. I do not believe in any of it....

 

 Dear Rose Elizabeth....

 

Another Christmastime spent together has nearly come and gone. Can you believe it?! This is our fourth Christmas together, and I hope for many, many, many more!! I cannot wait to see your excitable anticipation on December 25th when I unveil the gifts which Santa "Claws" hid within that red/white velvet-like stocking which, right now, hangs vacant on our yellow bedroom wall. Now. I am in close proximity to that short, big-bellied, white-bearded, ruddy-faced jolly old elf. How so? See, I may be turning thirty next month, but I never stopped believing in Santa "Claws". He appreciates that!! Adult believers. And Santa "Claws" shared with me everything which you will receive!! For he knows that I am great at keeping secrets!! But. This time of year, I lack impulse control really badly!! I just become very, very, very excited about Christmas gifts from Santa "Claws"!! I really have to watch my mouth, or else I'll spill some clues!! Well. Santa "Claws" also knows this about me!! So. Santa "Claws" granted me permission to give away twain clues. One. You will receive three well-loved plush squeak dog toys. And two. Santa "Claws" has little elves who are prolific dog treat bakers!! Dearest Rose. I understand that you have a Mama who writes. I know I spend way too much time sitting on this flat-screened desktop computer. I write Blog posts for Beautifully Unique. I create fictional children's stories, and "publish" them on "Minuscule is good!". I wrote my Life Story. I leave comments on everyone's Blogs. I understand that you become quite jealous of this here computer, and are not bashful in letting me know!! I feel your wet tongue nudges. I hear every pig-like snorting sounds. I see your big round eyes glance toward me, then away, looking as though you have just been neglected. My Drama Queen!! I guess it takes one to know one? While I am sorry about all of the time I spend sitting at this computer, I still give out lots of lovin'!! And you know it!! Because. I love, love, love my different-like-me Beautifully Unique little girl!!

 

Merry Christmas, and happy 2014, Rose!!

 

--Mama