White Elephant

So lets clarify here, how do you play white elephant? Like real white elephant of funny gifts you find around the house or go out a buy a gift?

PARTY

I hope everyone is receiving their invitations to the party on Monday.
TO clarify, this is not JUST for the cousins, the parents of us kids are also invited, aunts, uncles, and grandparents.
I had an idea to string popcorn or something for the kids, yes? no?
Any other idea for the kids, maybe a movie in the other room or something?
I am thinking about a prize for the best dressed in our "ugly christmas clothing" contest.
Remember a white elephant for each person who wants to play *for adults*.

Looking forward to seeing everyone.

Super Yummy, Super Easy Sugar Cookies (cutouts)

Natalie's Famous Sugar Cookies(that's no really the name, just giving credit to my friend)
1 1/2 c butter(softened)
2 c Sugar
4 eggs
1 tsp Vanilla
1 tsp Almond
5 C Flour
2 tsp Baking Powder
1 tsp Salt

Mix it all together and bake at 350 for 7-9 min. No need to chill, just plop it on the counter and roll away. *I halved the recipe and it's a perfect size for a little family, with even some to share.

Icing
4 c Powdered Sugar
1/2 c Shortening
5Tbs Milk
1/2 tsp Almond
1/2 tsp Vanilla

Mix Together

Easiest Fudge Ever!

So I know we always do the Velveeta fudge this time of year, but I like this one too

1 can sweetened condensed milk
12 oz chocolate chips

Nuke it for three minutes in the microwave. Then stir is fast and hard until smooth and creamy (move fast because it sets fast) and then pour it into a foil or parchment paper lined 9x9 pan and smooth it out and let it set.

Voila! You have fudge!

I made a batch for my mom with nuts too. Immediately after pulling it out of the microwave I dumped a pile of chopped nuts in and it was great too.

A GREAT IDEA

I had a thought the other day while commenting on some of my cuzzinz blogs that I won't see them this Christmas (most likely). I haven't seen Amy's baby yet. That is my fault and plain SAD!
So I am proposing a Passey Cousins Christmas Party. It can be at my house. Everyone bring an appetizer. I will supply desserts and drinks. Maybe have a white elephant game, or just visit, exchange Christmas stories, what have you.
Oooh, maybe even if we got serious we could make something. The men can do something else, and yes I say they come too, they need to get to know each other. I have also seen a cute idea where they exchanged ornaments, you make 10 of the same, and everyone goes home with a bunch of new ones. We could even have theme, all of them RED or whatnot.
It doesn't have to be more than 2 hrs of your time. I just don't want to plan it unless ALL WILL attend.
I would love to see mandy and macey (missed her wedding), of course Amy and Aunt Janet, Lindsay,Kels. I am not trying to leave anyone out, still want to see Ash and Hanna, Mal and even the cousins wives. Mattie will not be here again until her baby is here. The parents of us siblings are also invited.
If I forgot something or you have a great idea to add, let me know.
Also, just let me know if you are IN.

*thinking around the 18th-20th, just need an idea when all can do it.
*of course we can do it earlier, mattie comes on the 13th.

**15th, 16th or 22nd. Everyone choose a day that works and we'll stick with it.
Can someone email mandy and macey who might not have seen this? Jill too.

Pictures

I would love a copy of that picture of grandma and grandpa (the one with grandma holding the pitchfork) If someone has a copy could they e-mail it to me? Thanks!  Our house is missing a wonderful picture that like. amycherie@gmail.com