What does it take?

What does it take to get ready for Christmas? Well first you have to make cookies. My mom and I stayed up late trying to get some tree shaped sugar lumps made. The dough was not playing nice with the cookie press but as you can see they look wonderful. They especially tasted great the next morning with coffee.

Secondly you have to feed the children. It seems that there is a constant desire for food with children in the house. This is especially true when they are running wild with their cousins. Ryan and Kate loved getting to play with Maddie and Leann. Look closely -- can you believe it, they are all eating and no one is talking.

The other thing you need is help. Kate was not shy about wanting to get her hands dirty. She is always willing to pitch in to help Grandma out even if she doesn't need it. Fast forward 10 years and there will be clothes all over her floor and she will never be available to wash dishes. I guess we should be happy to get the help when we can.

Lastly you need a good pose. How could it be Christmas without the adorable and sweet? Isn't that what Christmas memories are made of? I love how snuggly this photo looks.