Update and Baking Frenzy Pictures

I had a most wonderful time at our Women's Officer's Retreat earlier this week. I took Mary and Paul cared for the other children.  I am hearing story after story of all the fun they had together and the evenings full of adventure- sleepovers, Wii battles, spaghetti-o's, and more.  I was a  little disappointed to miss David's big speech and demonstrations at school, but he filled me in. 

 It is always a good thing for me to be gathered with like-minded women.  I just plain need that!  I also celebrated my 34th birthday there, by just happening to go have High Tea at the Historic Heathman Hotel in downtown Portland, joined by three other fabulous women salvation army officers. 

Now, after only being gone 2 1/2 days, I am trying to play catch-up at the Corps and at home. 

I went through some pics and forgot that I never did share much about our Christmas

.... it was a wonderful couple of days, no sickies and much rest and relaxation. 

Except for my Christmas Eve Baking Frenzy!  I think I was trying to make up for lost time!

I love my kitchen aide mixer. 

Rachel + KitchenAide= True love forever and always

Making the famous MIL fudge, also her mother's.

She gave me the fudge-pot, spoon, and recipe years ago.

THIS is one area of which Paul always compares me to his mother.

I don't mind though, he's right- her fudge is always better anyway.

 I come in a close second though ;)

I ended up freezing a lot of our goodies. 

I just went way overboard, like I do so well.