Virtual Christmas Cookie Exchange 2025

 The first Virtual Christmas Cookie Exchange was in 2013 and there was only one year that 

was missed since then. Thanks to all of you who participated and visited those years!

I've been seriously working through my stash to finish projects. 

I attacked the quilt kits first and have really put a dent in them.

This one was really cute with a vintage look. 

Easy and quick to finish!

It's quilted, bound, and ready to be gifted!

Baking cookies doesn't happen around here since the grandkids moved away.

Though I'd love to eat three dozen cookies on my own, it's not a good idea.

I hope my neighbors are ready for some yummy treats.

Of course, the older I get, nothing is easy when it comes to baking. 

I sometimes forget an ingredient or two. Whoops!

I decided to make a recipe by my niece that my sister shared on her blog.

Yes, they have sugar in them.

Yes, they are not diet friendly.

Yes, they are really, really rich.

Yes, they are incredibly good!

CARAMEL OATMEAL CARMELITA BARS

Recipe can be found HERE

These chocolate chip cookies got a kiss in the middle of them.

I did leave a few unkissed ones for my husband who doesn't love that extra chocolate.

My grandson is serving a mission in Brazil. I love all his email letters!

He told us about his attempt to make cookies in different conditions than he was

used to. The oven and Brazil-type ingredients made some "horrible" cookies.

Monkey Boy #2:

"Yesterday, after making 11 batches of cookies over the course of 5 weeks, we finally made 

cookies that we were proud of and that were actually good enough to call cookies."

As a missionary, he related the cookie fiasco into a spiritual thought:

"Our cookies got a little bit better every time we made another batch, sometimes they even 

got worse,  and just like in life we're living in a constant effort to improve ourselves little by little.

It's hard, but if we rely on the Lord he will continue to give us strength and guidance along the way.

 

Our cookies still have room to improve too. They were good, but they can be better. 

We will also always have room to improve and things to work on, but God will provide a way. 

So don't worry about being perfect right now, and focus on the little things that you can control 

because God will carry you the rest of the way."

I appreciate his sweet thoughts as he serves this mission. 

It's hard to believe Monkey Boy #2 is grown up and living in Brazil!

Have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!