I was just thinking about some fun stuff that we do and use and there is so much more where this list came from.

I wonder, if while raising six kids I might have a few things I could pass along, you know, to the folks just starting out. this list isn’t it, but it got me thinking. The problem is of course, that the longer you are on this earth, the more clearly you realize that you really don’t know as much as you think you know. And you understand that everyone needs to make their own way. So there you have it. But in the meantime, all of the above are Johnson fun things. We are currently playing Star Wars monopoly at least three times a week. hahaha. mostly because our youngest loves it and he runs this house. (I use affiliate links to share these ideas)

Fun shopping ideas:

Mint Hot Chocolate. The only brand I LOVE: https://amzn.to/3oiUE2C

His Lady in Hiding. SUPER fun story.https://amzn.to/36wXniJ

Infinity cube stocking stuffershttps://amzn.to/37wDgk9

Star Wars Monopoly (way simpler game)https://amzn.to/2I0Cseo

Citiblocks (super fun way to build stuff)https://amzn.to/39G7X9f

For the best book swag ever, cute little mini books etc. https://fromnewleaf.myshopify.com

old fashioned ribbon candy https://www.worldmarket.com/product/old+fashioned+baby+ribbon+christmas+candy+mix.do?sortby=ourPicks

Wreath Cookies Recipe

Found here

Ingredients:

Ingredients

1 cup butter

2 oz cream cheese

1 cup sugar

1 large egg

1 large egg yolk

1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp almond extract

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

Frosting

1 1/2 cup butter, room temperature

3 cups powdered sugar

1 tbsp cream

green food coloring

Equipment

nonpareils sprinkles

French star piping tip, small

3-inch biscuit cutter

1-inch cookie cutter

Directions

For the cookies:

1. In a standing mixer, cream room temperature butter, cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract and almond extract together until creamed.

2. Add in the egg and egg yolk and mix just until combined. Sprinkle in the flour, baking powder and salt and turn mixer on low.

3. Combine batter until it comes together, cover in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for one hour.

4. Preheat the oven to 350°F

5. On a clean, well-floured surface, roll out to 1/4″ thick.

6. ut cookies out with a 3-inch biscuit cutter and then cut out the center with a 1-inch cookie cutter.

7. Bake in the oven for 9-12 minutes.

For the frosting:

1. Mix the butter, powdered sugar and vanilla extract on low until well combined.

2. Add in the cream until the batter turns smooth.

3. Separate into 4 small bowls and add in desired food coloring.

4. Decorate cookies as desired with piping tips and sprinkles.