Grandma's Cookies

If I get anything done this Christmas I still have to make sure I make my Grandma's sugar cookies.

Otherwise it just would not be Christmas.

Do you have something you HAVE to make for the Holidays?

I have been making them since I was 4.

It was Christmas 1963

My Maternal Grandparents lived across the street from Eastern IL University.

2 of my paternal cousins were attending college and lived in the dorm across from my Grandparents house.

The day Kennedy was assassinated everyone came to my Grandparents house, the had closed the University and my cousins were waiting to go home.

Knowing everyone needed to get their minds off of things Grandma had my cousins and myself make Christmas cookies. 

I do not remember it but my cousins do.

a simple little recipe from Gold Medal flour

But they were always there on her kitchen table.

My Mom and I made them every year.

I always use my Paternal Grandmother blue crock 

and my Maternal Grandmothers rolling pin.

we always made a mess. I think my Irish Setter Kelly usually ended up with icing on her head!

Many laughs about "oops that one broke, guess I will have to eat it!"

Did you notice I was still using my Pyrex back in 1995?

this was the first year in my house in 1995

After my Mom died I made them with cousin Mary just like I did in 1963.

Except we have been making them at 1515.

Just would not be Christmas!

glad I have my Grandma's cookie cutters at home

Since I am not going to 1515 this year I will be doing them by myself

But that is ok,

I have that wonderful old recipe

And I know Grandma and Mom will be with me in spirit

As long as it is made with love

Cleaning Out Just Means Finding New/Old Treasurers

I told myself I am really decluttering this year.

Hmmm I say that every year, but no really this year I will.

I got a new sewing machine for Christmas so I told myself I am going to do the craft sewing room in the basement.

So as I am shuffling Christmas containers, I opened one heavy box.

Oh it has my David Cassidy stuff in it!

But here is the treasure I found

the sweetest handmade Valentine from my Grandma

I never knew my Grandmother who lived at 1515.

My Grandma taught me to bake, the names of flowers, my love of china, silver and entertaining. It helped I was her only Grandaughter so I had her undivided attention.

Of course I sit there and cry, but they are happy tears of all the memories.

Many memories, notes from my Mom, a photo album from High School.

Oh how can I sort all this? Seems each container is about 1/2 full.

I did part with cards from friends and extended family members.

I even found a 1/2 box with blue fenton ware and a lusterware blue tea set.

Oh my I have my work cut out!

I should take a before and after picture.

But not until AFTER I am done, you would not believe my yucky basement!

It is fun to find new/old treasures here at home.

Have you found a new/old treasure in your house lately?