Happy, Merry Randomness

This post is what happens when a mama gets way, way behind on blog updates and - months later - ends up throwing pictures from several events into one concise little post. 

Kindgarten has presented lots of exciting new experiences for Brayden.  He has learned lots of new and important things...(a few things we would prefer he not have learned thanks to some interesting friends), taken a new interest in art and science and made some great new friends. 

In November the kindergarten classes presented a fall muscial called "The Frog and the Toad".  It was really great with some stand-out talent.  Brayden was proud and we were proud of him.

Brayden and his buddy Cooper before the show.

In early December, Mom, Ashley and I had a fun baking day.  We estimated using about 10 pounds of chocolate, 4 pounds of sugar and candy and other delectable ingredients.  We each made 3-4 different items and then we all shared.  The treats lasted for weeks until they settled nicely around our thighs.  One of my contributions was Or*o Truffles.  They are beyond delicious. 

I'll go on and post the recipe for future reference sake and because I like to think that someday my boys and their families will reference these little blog posts in book form as a treasure of memories we made together.
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OREO TRUFFLES

1 package Double Stuffed Oreos
4 oz. cream cheese, softened (you can use up to 8 oz., I just like this consistency better)
Dipping chocolate

Chop Oreos up finely in a food processor. Save some of the finely crushed Oreos for garnish later and set it aside. You don't need too much. With hands (or a spoon, I just think hands are faster), mash softened cream cheese and crushed Oreos until well combined. Roll into 1" balls and place on a wax covered cookie sheet. Put in freezer for 15 minutes.  While balls are in freezer, melt chocolate according to directions. 

Pull the Oreo Truffles out of freezer, and dip into chocolate. Garnish with reserved Oreo crumbs before the chocolate sets up.  I also like to sprinkle with crushed candy canes for a colorful, festive treat.  Let chocolate set, refrigerate and enjoy!

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Once all the baking was done it was time to celebrate.  Grayson's preschool class sang Christmas carols and shook little jingle bells until their hearts were content.  They made ornaments, shared snacks, stories, gifts and sang more songs.  The parties are always fun and the kids are a riot.  

Brayden's Christmas party at school was fun, too.  We made snowmen necklaces, played games, danced like dinosaurs (if dinosaurs danced) and had a grand time.  After the party, Brayden and I took donation items to a local teen shelter.  He helped me carry and drop off the stuff.  He even wanted to give most of the candy he got at his class party to them.  He is starting to appreciate our blessings and to understand that God wants us to share our gifts with others. 

And all that was just the beginning of the celebrations.