Those who cannot edit .... sulk.

The kids are still home for their Christmas break at school.  Yeah, they actually call it that, at this school.  Color me shocked.  I don't mind either way, really.  They do a play with Santa too.  They also color pictures of menorahs and learn about Hanukkah, so it's not exclusive by any means.  But anyway, regardless of the reason, they are still home.  Still making noise.  Still being distracting.

I have this lovely first draft I'd really like to work on.  I can't concentrate long enough to think clearly with them home.  Sigh.  So I sit here with my cup of coffee, pretend the boy's room really is picked up enough for the visiting grandparents to stay in there tomorrow (it isn't, I guarantee it)...  and try and ignore the noises.

But I don't really even try to edit, because I'll just get more frustrated if I do.  Because I won't be able to.  This is the time of day I usually get work done.  The hubby who works late is still sleeping, and the kids are usually in school.  Sigh sigh sigh.

I really need to find a way to work while kids are home.  >.<

Just a Sunday...

I hang out here listening to Christmas music and my kids downstairs, who should be cleaning rooms but probably are not, drinking my coffee and gearing up to play around in Scrivener a bit.

It's hard to believe Christmas is only a week away!  How did that happen!?  I really hope my packages I sent off to family get where they're going in time.  I should make phone calls and let people know things are on their way, even if they don't arrive in time.  :)

I made fudge and monster cookies to share, and sent cousin gifts off.  I was a little slow making the cookies, because I got sick, and a little slow getting them in the mail as a result...  but they're on their way.  So if you're one of my brothers or their wives, boxes are on their way!

I don't usually send cookies to all three of them... but my mother's got it in her head that Fair Trade chocolate is the only way to go.  And that's fine and good and all most of the time...  but it kinda ruins the cookies that are supposed to have M&Ms in them.  I know she made Monster Cookies too, but trust me. They're not the same without the candy coated goodness.

Anyway, I'll share the recipe with you all, because I love these cookies.  We make them every Christmas.  They're amazing and perfect cookies.  Assuming you don't have a peanut allergy.  The original recipe called for things by the POUND, and I fixed it up so this is a much more normal sized cookie recipe.  Should make 2-4 dozen.  Depends how small you make them.

Monster Cookies

Cream:

1 cup brown sugar
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 & 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter

Add & mix in:

3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
3 large eggs

Add and mix in gently:

3.5 cups rolled oats (longer cooking oats, not quick oats)
1 cup all purpose flour

Fold in:

4-8 oz M&Ms (christmas colors are my favorite!)
4-8 oz Semisweet Chocolate Chips

Preheat oven to 350*F, ball up 2 tablespoons batter per cookie (eyeball is fine, but don't make them too big!).  Cook 8-12 minutes.  They will not look cooked but they will finish cooking outside the oven.  Let cool on the cookie sheet 5 minutes, then move to wax paper to cool fully.