Christmas baking

I haven't done a ton of baking recently, but something came over me tonight and I had the strongest urge to get busy in the kitchen.  I lit a pine candle, opened my door for fresh air (I'm in Tucson, remember...), played some great music (a little Amy Grant, Amos Lee, Norah Jones), and baked to my hearts content.  I love my little kitchen and the happy meals I plan, prepare, and invent here.  I make myself delicious smoothies, strong coffee, and hot tea.  Tonight I made myself an omelet with peppers and Swiss cheese.  I love grating fresh cheese over things.  It's truly one of those rewarding pleasures of being a human. 

Yesterday I worked my gardening/errands job and I will confess I was a bit disappointed.  I feel like I work pretty hard for this lady, taking out her trash, picking up her branches, digging into the earth, and watering her plants among other things.  I bike three miles to her home, sweaty in the summer, and my hands are always dry and my body often aches after all the chores. 

When I expect something, I'm almost always disappointed, and I was thinking she would show me some appreciation... a note, a little bonus, something! I feel silly to acknowledge that it bummed me out, but maybe because my other jobs have been so unappreciative, I was hoping someone would give me a line.  
I'm sitting at my desk, later that evening, and my neighbor walks over with something in her hands.  I screamed, unfortunately.  I've always been easily startled and since the attempted break in a couple months ago, I might be a little more.  Still I'm so hot blooded that I leave my door open as much as I can with three fans blowing.  A.C. will return in March.  My neighbor thanked me for the Christmas card I taped to her door, and she handed me a brand new Pampered Chef brownie square pan with a cake tester.  I hugged her with gratitude and rejoicing.  She told me that her Grandma had given it to her but she didn't think she'd use it.  I started researching Pampered Chef brownie square recipes immediately. 

All this to say, this is what I love about Christmas.  The unexpected, and that's what we receive from Christ.  He gave Himself, an unexpected gift of love, redemption, hope, peace, and life born in a manger where there was no room for Him. 

Tomorrow I'm going to hand out some cookies, sprinkle some cheer, and hopefully give someone an expected blessing. 

Pumpkin chocolate chip muffins.  Delicious! I will be making some more tomorrow. 
Also, Judy Collins autobiography is very juicy- loved learning how so many songs have shaped, influenced, and reflected history.

This is my favorite Christmas cookie to make.  I got the recipe from my dear friend, Joyce Pack, in Berea, Kentucky.  It is a M and M Oatmeal cookie.  :) Also, delicious.. and festive.