Raggedy Old Annies: Merry Christmas!

I am amazed that it is already Christmas! I swear, the older I get the faster the years go by and by! But even Christopher said Christmas came quick this year...and even this past month...well even week has just flown by! I'm a little worried this year...as my Christmas tree is looking very empty with presents! Normally I do not put anything out until after Christopher goes to sleep on Christmas Eve...but this year he was buggin and buggin me....so I put stuff out..but with no names! He's not stupid though..he knows they are all for him! And I even wrapped everything in similiar boxes! He has no clue! And what he is making guesses on is totally WRONG! And I even tricked him on one! LOLOL Here is a view of what little is there...and there is very little because EVERYTHING a 10 year old wants is VERY EXPENSIVE!!!!!! He's totally into XBox and anything electronic!!!!! I can't afford the boy! And clothes...only Quiksilver, Volcom, Element, etc will do! Is it just me...or do they start this fashion trend alot younger than we did? Don't forget....Santa will leave a little something too....and little probably doesn't mean cheap either!

I received my "WINNING GOODS" from Jen Duncan! OMG!!! Awesome fabric...and look at all the extra stuff she put in!!!

She spoiled me! If you do not frequently visit her blog...than you MUST!!!! She is a great inspiration! I even saw her post of her goodies from Kmart...and what did I do yesterday after seeing them??? Headed right over to Kmart! All the Martha Stewart Christmas stuff was 50% off. But sadly, not much left! There were lots of really cool ribbon and such to decorate your trees with. I LOVED the tree skirts....and they were a really good deal...but I already have one...so I didn't feel the need for another. Here is the little bit that I bought.

Then I spent the rest of last night baking cookies! My favorite M&M cookies that I have been making EVERY year pretty much since I've been married. Phew...that's a long time! I have tried several different M&M recipes, but this one is my favorite...and it's one my mom has shared with me! So I am going to share it with you!

M & M Party Cookies

1 cup Shortening
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 eggs
2 1/4 cups sifted all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups plain M&M's

Blend shortening, brown sugar and granulated sugars in a large bowl. Beat in vanilla and eggs. Sift remaining dry ingredients together; add to sugar-egg mixture, blending well. Stir in 1/2 cup (I add more) M&M's (reserving the rest for the tops of cookies).
Drop from teaspoon on ungreased cookie sheet; decorate tops with remaining candies. Bake in moderate oven (375) for 10 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove cookies with spatula to wire racks (I just lay them on foil); cool completely. After baking, some candies may be slightly cracked. This adds texture and interest (plus all the calories fall out).

Okay..there you have it! I have made so many..they will be my breakfast, lunch and dinner! LOLOL

Merry Christmas EVERYONE!!!!!!