Cookie Craziness

Do I love drinks with friends?.... YES

Do I love yummy appetizers?..... YES

Do I love cookies?.....YES

Than I should have known right away that a Holiday Cookie Exchange Party would be right up my alley!

Last Friday I was invited to attend a Holiday Cookie Exchange at the Baker house. You may ask what is a cookie exchange???

A cookie exchange gives you the chance to enjoy the treats of the holiday season without the hassle of baking them all. You invite your close friends over and ask them to each bring a half dozen cookies for each guest. The evening is spent enjoying beverages, appitizers, and some great company.
The goal: Everyone takes home an array of delicious desserts for a fraction of the effort. Now that's a sweet deal!

I spent much of last week preparing for the BIG event! The "cookie" I chose to bring were my delicious cake balls! I decided to make 3 different flavors... lemon dipped in white chocolate, red velvet dipped in white chocolate, and chocolate mint dipped in milk chocolate.

It took forever to roll and dip each cake ball... but in the end I was very happy with the result!

As we bagan to pick up our cookie containers I was in shock! There were SO many cookies and each container was adorable. I felt as if I was on a shopping spree. I walked by each area and grabbed each yummy treat. It was so FUN!!

Joe's eyes lit up as I arrived home! There were so many new treats to try. Many them are now on a try waiting to be shared with my family on Christmas Day!

It was so nice to see all the girls! I love "girl" time and the evening with filled with wonderful women. I spent much of the night smiling and laughing!

I cannot wait until next year. Thank you to Katie for being such a wonderful host and thank you to all the ladies for a fun holiday celebration!!

 

Checking In

WOW!!!! I have not had the chance to blog in quite awhile!
Life has been very busy. I have been trying to get ready for Christmas… Shopping, shopping, more shopping, and a little baking.

Things in the Suarez House are great!

Joe just received another promotion within Wells Fargo. I am so very proud of him! He went up one more step as a manager and I know he is going to do great. In Joe's words, "I am really doing the same job, so it's not that big of a deal." I would have to disagree! I think anytime your good work is recognized... you should CELEBRATE. He is now the second in command at the branch and I think that is a pretty big deal!

I am very proud of my husband!!!

In other news... I went on a field trip today with my 4th graders!

We spent the day at the Arizona Science Center and had tons of fun! It was so nice to see my students outside of the classroom. They were so excited and their exuberance could be felt by everyone around them.

We were able to spend the morning exploring all the wonderful science exhibits. The best part of the day was the IMAX 3-D movie about the Hubble telescope up in space. I was so impressed with the movie and I just LOVED the glasses!

Can you tell.....??

I am very happy to report that LIFE IS GOOD! I am looking forward to Christmas and my 2 week break from school. Joe and I cannot wait to celebrate another holiday season together.... :)