Here Comes Santa Claus

I was feeling proud of myself for getting Christmas cards ordered and (partially) sent out.  That is, until I saw this Christmas video greeting that's been floating around the web.  This family is super creative and must be amazingly patient.  Seriously, check it out.  And while you're there, take a peek at their videos from 2009 and 2008.

While we didn't make a family video greeting, the kids and I did make gingerbread men, snowmen, dinosaurs and trains.  They turned out really yummy; soft and just slightly spicy.
 

Blake's handiwork

 I couldn't get a clear shot of him because he kept running at me saying "cheese!"

After the last gingerbread semi truck was cut-out and baked, we headed out to look at Christmas lights.  The kids were absolutely mesmerized; I think Tyler and I spent far more time staring at them than at the lights.  If you are in Boise, make sure you check out the house on Parapet Court; the light show is set to music and it's amazing!

Here's the gingerbread cookie recipe, from allrecipes.com.  My changes are in parentheses.

Eileen's Spicy Gingerbread Men

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup margarine (butter)
• 1/2 cup sugar (brown sugar)
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (this seemed to be just slightly too much)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions

1. In a large bowl, cream together the margarine and sugar until smooth. Stir in molasses and egg yolk. Combine the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg; blend into the molasses mixture until smooth. Cover, and chill for at least one hour.
2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters. Place cookies 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
3. Bake for 8 (mine took 8.5 minutes)to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, until firm. Remove from cookie sheets to cool on wire racks. Frost or decorate when cool.