Nibbles and Nickles

There is nothing quite like the language of a child.  Even those that have the most expansive vocabulary occasionally get a word backwards or scrambled up or just plain make up their own word for something.

When my youngest child was little he just could NOT say caterpillar.  We tried over and over, and to be honest with you I don't remember how old he was before he stopped saying cal a petter!  He is thirty now, and I'll bet I could still get him confused over that word!

It is almost a shame to correct those "cute" little endearing words that they spout on occasion.  My youngest granddaughter is now and forevermore labeled "smoochiebutt" because on a trip to Florida when I commented about her going down the hall in front of me with her switchy little butt, she turned around indignantly and said "I no smoochiebutt!."  Liv also insisted for quite some time that an elephant was an F-a-lent! 

The other day my daughter and I were talking about both of the girls and how they both came up with a word of their own for nipples.  Ashlyn was convinced they were "nickles" and now Liv calls them "nibbles."  I am not sure how they arrived at these names, but you have to admit both are more fun than the original!

I guess the words I have heard most frequently butchered have been spaghetti, bananas, umbrellas and ambulance.  All of those have multiple syllables and could easily be mis-heard by a young child.  But it is funny that even though you may correct the mis-spoken word many times, the child will frequently keep saying it the same way.  I think they are probably hearing the word correctly, and I think they might even be able to say it correctly if pushed, but I feel like because we frequently find these words cute and appealing, we really would rather not.  It is part of what makes you feel like they are still "little," and kids just seem to grow up altogether too fast these days anyway.

So, if you have a cute saying or word you would like to share that one of your children or grandchildren has shared with you, please feel free to comment and share it with all of us..you can never have enough giggles! 

Christmas Children and Puppies!

This is what Christmas is about...the children.  Sharing Christ, sharing Joy and making Memories!  We went to see the Nutcracker last night at the Opera House. It was beautiful.  Liv, who is five was just ecstatic about the dancers and costumes!  She had a running commentary going.  It wasn't Ashlyn's first time, but she really enjoyed it too! We had such a nice time, but the girls were so tired by the time it was over (9:42 PM).  I was glad to see the Opera House filled to capacity last night.  It is such a lovely, old historic building and everyone seemed to be having such a wonderful time.  Last night was the first performance and it was absolutely wonderful.

This is my "Buddy Dog" toy .. a gift from Ashlyn which sings Jingle Bells!

This is the REAL Buddy dressed as Santa!  I am not sure whether he will forgive me for this one!  But, the little jacket is actually quite warm, and he doesn't like to be cold!  He is such a sweet little guy that he let me put this on and he didn't try to take it off.  I just love this puppy.  He makes life just a little more joyful.

I did a little more Christmas shopping today.  I was looking for a specific thing which Liv had requested. They are called Fidgits. I found the Newbie Fidgits, but I didn't find the original larger one...everyone is sold out.  Seems this is one of the hottest toys out there this Christmas.  It normally sells for $39, but people are actually e-baying them for $70...Oh My!  Seems like every year there is at least one of those kind of things.  Remember the Tickle Me Elmo thing? And I remember when that happened with Cabbage Patch Dolls!  Like I said, every year it seems like there is at least one of these items.

Wish I were smart enough to come up with the next big toy craze.  I don't know what the economy is like where you are , but things here must be getting better, because EVERYONE is out there shopping and not just looking, but buying.  It is kind of nice to see.  It really seems like people are hoping for an upswing in the economy and they are trying to help it along!

Well, I am taking Lucille tonight to the annual Christmas Program at Ingleside.  I have heard the music is fabulous and I am really looking forward to it.  I hope she will stay alert enough to enjoy it, but I never can be sure how things will go with her these days.  She does seem to be enjoying all the Christmas lights and decorations.

Well, no recipe today, but I have some great cookie recipes coming up this week.  Talk to you later! Merry Christmas!

Baking For Fun

By the time your son or daughter is nine years old, they are old enough to begin learning the basics of cooking.

One way to do this is cookie baking. What kid doesn't love cookies? Pick a simple recipe that they can easily follow. Oatmeal cookies are a good choice because they can be either dropped or rolled into balls and placed on the cookie sheet. This can be time for a math lesson in factions as well. They can also learn that each stick is 1/2 cup of butter and two sticks is one cup of butter. All of these little lessons will be useful later on.

Baking cookies is also a good memory maker. It doesn't have to be a holiday for this to be a special time. It is important to explain safety in the kitchen, and closely supervise the child around the oven. Then there is the responsibility of cleaning up after the "fun" of baking and before eating the cookies!

Make it fun..keep it simple and enjoy!

OATMEAL COOKIES

Just a note...a "silpat" or other silicone mat makes cookie baking even simpler...clean up is easier too!



Ingredients:

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 cups quick cooking oats
raisins or nuts (optional)

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, cream together white sugar, butter, and brown sugar. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.

2. Combine flour, cinnamon, baking soda,and salt. Stir into the creamed mixture. Mix in oats. If you are using nuts or raisins, mix into dough, combining well. Cover, and chill dough for at least one hour.

3. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets. Roll the dough into balls, and place 2 inches apart on cookie sheets.

4. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Let the child pick a fancy plate to put the cookies on and encourage them to share. My little one wanted to take some to the neighbors....spread a little love!

Makes approx. 36-60 cookies, depending on how large or small you make them.