Gingerbread Men & Houses at Oma’s

Finally, after 41 years of marriage, children, and grandchildren, I had a blowout cookie decorating day. Now it is not that I don’t bake cookies. We bake them pretty much every few days starting in October, but the problem is they end up eaten before we can save them for a grand event.

Then one day, while scrolling on Facebook (don’t judge me), I happened upon a post from my friend’s daughter about her neighbor’s side business. Or, as I understand, it is being called side hustle. I was hooked as soon as I clicked on her website.

She makes pre-made gingerbread house kits that you just need to decorate. All the things you need are included. I bought 3 kits. A few days later, I decided we really needed some Gingerbread Men, so I added 8 to my order, which led me to her cute sugar cookie kits that the kids can paint. We agreed on a date, and my invites to my little circle of grandchildren went out.

I really am fortunate that they live close (2 next door!) This past Sunday, my 3 Grands with their parents showed up! So much fun and laughter. So much sugar! I even managed to have a Crock-Pot dinner of Chicken and Gravy everyone loved. Best of all, I sent everyone home with ALL their goodies so my husband and I would not be tempted to eat everything. I will say, I had a few bites of the sugar cookie and the Gingerbread, and they were delicious.

I think I will be ordering more from this fabulous baker in the future. I love her business name. Muss Have Cookies! Isn’t that the truth? For what are the holidays without cookies? I will still bake cookies, but I will be getting her gingerbread houses again next year. New traditions are popping up all the time, and I could not be happier.

Check out Ashley at Muss Have Cookies if you are looking for something different and fun for your next event. She even did unique Harry Potter Cookies for my friend’s granddaughters’ 5th Birthday last week! Even without the big parties of the past, we can all figure out some way to make those sorts of days extraordinary. You can reach Ashley by email at musshavecookies@gmail.com

I share this with you knowing that some can not have something like this in their home with their family, and my heart goes out to each and everyone one of you. This virus can’t go away soon enough. Our souls need our family, friends, and hugs. I know mine sure does.

Stephanie Fleming: Beyond Behnke’s