Goodbye 2010......Welcome 2011!

My final post of 2010..... It has been a very good year. So many wonderful things have happened in my family and in my cookie world. :)

This year drew a close to my homeschooling "career". I've been homeschooling my five children for 18 years! It has been quite a ride. But my youngest two graduated high school in May......and suddenly I had more free time than I was ever accustomed to. This has allowed me to experiment and "play" with my cookie decorating more than I had before. I'm excited about how to use this time for 2011.

For Cookies With a Mission.............I've made a few thousand cookies and raised over $3700 to go towards Ukraine missions in 2010. I had the privilege to take two mission trips to the country this year......and it was wonderful to be with the people and minister in a multitude of ways. I've had lots and lots of loyal supporters in this journey.....and if any of them are reading this, THANK YOU so much for your contribution to Ukraine missions and CWAM! It has been a joy and pleasure to make cookies for you and support a good cause.

As promised, here is my final set of favorite cookies in 2010.

Just looking at all these photos gets me excited about 2011.....and all the new cookies waiting to be made! Yep.....that's me......totally CRAZIE about cookies. lol

I have lots of ideas rolling through my head to make this blog more fun and informative.......so be ready for more give-aways, more guest posts, and maybe even some how-tos in 2011!

I'm super thankful to God for allowing me to have such a fun hobby that raises money for His purposes and brings joy to others. He is the reason that I do what I do. 

I wish you all a very joy-filled new year with tons and tons of blessings. :)

2010 in Review (Part 2)

Today I'm going to start taking down the Christmas decorations in my house. Let me just say that it is a lot more fun to put them up than to take them down. I dread it.....but at the same time, I'm ready for my house to get back to normal.....and to get a thorough cleaning. Boy, I had forgotten how messy things get when all seven of us are here! :o)

To continue on with my cookie year in review.......

I tried a lot a of new ways to package cookies this year. First there was the white stationary boxes with the clear lids. These make such a nice presentation. However, I had a few problems. I bought 10" x 7" x 2" boxes....and it is hard to fill a 2" box underneath the cookie. I didn't want to waste the expensive shred......so I started putting tissue paper in the bottom half. My other issue was that I ordered from US Box and they charged me $35 for shipping (that was 1/3 of my order!). Needless to say, I'll never order from them again. : /

But the boxes work so well for special gifts like Mothers Day & Fathers Day.......

After the stationary boxes, I tried some all clear thinner boxes from ClearBags.com and I liked them very much. If your interested, here's a link to the larger size boxes I ordered The only drawback to these boxes are that you have to load the cookies and shred through the side of the box instead of on top. It's a little tricky.....but doable.

These flower boxes were gifts I gave to some of the ladies in Ukraine. :)

Platters are not a new presentation for most cookiers.....but for me, I'd never done them until this year.

And finally, my favorite of all ways to package......presenting mini cookies in a jar. Sadly, I've never gotten an order for these.....but then, I've have to charge a bunch since some jars hold a LOT of cookies....and there are some special challenges and expenses to putting them together.

I couldn't pick favorites.....so I'm showing you all the jars I've done. ;o)

And here's some more favorite cookies from 2010.

Lots of BOY baby cookies, lol.....

For my beloved Army boy......

And my biggest collection of "quilt cookies" yet.....

Stay tuned for one last installment of 2010 cookies in review tomorrow. :)