I have decided to stop apologizing about all the cookie related topics on my blog. For two main reasons.
1. I would be apologizing ALL the time and that gets tiring.
2. What the heck am I apologizing for? I like making cookies and showing you all.
Which reminds me.
"Things That Successful Bloggers Do That I Do Not Do"-Number Two!
2. Don't beat a dead horse.
Ok. Hold. Up.
What the heck does that saying mean??? Now that I think about... its kinda gross!
Beating a dead horse is an action that has no purpose, because no matter how hard or how long you beat a dead horse, it is not going to get up and run. Example: "Let's not talk about it any more. Okay?" Reply: "You're right. We're just beating a dead horse."
Thanks wikipedia. I think I get it now.
So my "dead horse" is cookies. Is everyone on the same page? Good.
In addition to making 16 painstakingly detailed cookies for the fair, I also volunteered to make cookies for the mckpicnic. Why on earth I decided to do so is beyond me.
Well.
Maybe, secretly, deep down, I wanted to impress mckmama. But that's just a wild guess. I mean, it would be silly to try to impress someone I have never met before! Sad, sad girl.
I had no idea how many to make so I planned on around 100.
I have been up to my elbows in sugar cookies and frosting for five days now.
After all the cookies have been rolled out, cut into shapes, baked and cooled.... then I get to start the fun part.
This is all the cookies outlined in frosting so I could go back and fill them.
This is after I had finished 'filling' the cookies with frosting. Forgive the poor lighting... it was late into the night.
Below was the final product.
I do hope everyone enjoyed them... but I am so sick of the word 'picnic' I never ever ever want to write it out in frosting ever again!
On to pictures of cute kids.
Recognize this cutie? The world famous Stellan and my little Audrey. I love how it looks like she is just sitting there twiddling her thumbs.
Their expressions here are too much. I love it!
If I was motivated I would hold a 'Name This Picture' contest, but, yeah. Not gonna happen.
Hey there cutie!
So, just in case you are wondering, yes, I did attend the MckPicnic.
Yes, the location was wonderful. My kids had a blast. Yes, MckMama looks exactly the same in person as she does on her blog. Although I thought she'd be taller... (name that movie...the next line is, Yeah, well you sure can sing for a white boy!)
Yes it was fun! I would do it again... except next year I would have to make some of the homemade turkey salad sandwiches that Camille's folks made... talk about mouth watering picnic food! It had fresh dill and nuts and raisins... on fresh croissants... it looked goooooood.
My kids ate day old deli turkey on white bread and drank water. (I am tired! I had planned on preparing fresh sandwiches on organic stone ground wheat buns with organic cheese and fresh turkey and roast beef and juicy red tomatoes and fresh picked home grown lettuce and onions and a hint of Cajun mayo... but that was before I lost the ability to move my wrist or flex my fingers)
The MckFamily was adorable... the MckKids are every bit as precious in person as in their pictures.
I really enjoyed meeting new people and even some folks that lived in my neck of the woods and MamaBear was awesome!! and as soon I get the big blog list I will try to share more.
I thought MckMama's hubby was completely charming and personable and can see why MckMama is so completely in love with her Prince Charming.
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On Sunday morning I attended the MckBrunch. Will have to do a separate post with pictures on that.
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But afterwords I had to rush off to Sweet Baby Lukes First Birthday Party! Talk about adorable.
Oh yeah.
And I made him some cookies too.
I think he liked his cake.
And this was my favorite shot of the day...
Lukes mommy Leah and sweet Hannah... relaxing and cuddling and winding down after a long fun day.
More on the mckbrunch tomorrow. Along with answers to your Chisago County Fair questions...
I gotta go cuddle with my babies!
Hello! You left a comment on my blog, but I didn't know how to email you - Great blog name, indeed! I totally didn't intend to pinch it off you, but if you'd like me to change it, I will. :-) And I don't mind the cookie photos at all! Yum-o, as they say here!
Posted by: Sarah | July 19, 2009 at 09:15 PM
I loved the Mckcookies and didn't know that you were the culprit! I even took pics of them and they are on my blog! Hehee.
Your Audrey is an absolute sweetie. I'm hoping we can have an opportunity for me to get my hands on her again soon! Were you one of the ones that I discussed camping with at MamaBear's campground? We are camping on Aug 21-23, already made reservations and everything. (That was the only weekend that works with our schedule.) How close are you to her park?
Posted by: Jo | July 19, 2009 at 09:44 PM
Beautiful again! I imagine everyone loved them. The pictures of Stellan and Audrey make me smile! Have a good week.
Posted by: BP | July 19, 2009 at 09:51 PM
wow, thats a lot of cookies! Looks like the picnic was fun!
Posted by: Dea | July 19, 2009 at 10:48 PM
How neat that you got to go to the picnic and brunch. I had no idea. How many people attended? Did any come from out of state?
That was alot of cookies my friend. they turned out fabulous and you got some great pictures. So cute.
Posted by: he & me + 3 | July 19, 2009 at 11:54 PM
Hi Amanda!
Great to meet you in person at the MckBrunch! I am sorry we didn't get more of a chance to talk! Your little is such a doll! I wanted to hold her but wasn't sure I would be able to give her back. It made me so much more excited for the arrival of our little Sophie. (It's so fun to write her name).
The cookies look awesome! I can't imagine what Christmas looks like around your house! I've just recently learned how to make those kinds of cookies. Usually I am just the choc chip girl.
Thank you for your nice comments on my blog. I've been behind on blogging since we've been getting the baby room together. I'll post some pics soon!
So good to meet you. I'll be following! Love your style of writing!
Many Blessings,
Tina
Posted by: Tina Fisher | July 20, 2009 at 08:08 AM
You, my friend, are a little crazy I think. 100 cookies! Wow. I am seriously impressed with that dedication. It sounds like people enjoyed them. :)
Posted by: Bethany | July 20, 2009 at 10:08 AM
Ok. Either A) You need to move to Spokane, WA or B)I need to move closer to you BECAUSE #1 I need to be closer (much much closer) to your fabulous cookies (I have been reading about them for FAR too long now without getting to experience them for myself, do you know the sugar cookie issues that I have... seriously??) and #2 because of your amazing photographic skills. I would sit my kids in front of you and your camera every chance I had. Seriously. Awesome.
In your "free" time (haha) you should open a photography studio/bakery. ;-)
Love ya, love your blog.
Posted by: Gardner Momma | July 20, 2009 at 01:36 PM
OK - NEVER apologise for blogging about COOKIES!
Did you ever start to doubt yourself that picnic was even spelt that way, after the 100th cookie?
Looks amazing, and so glad you were there to represent your irish bloggy buddy - I consider you were my official delegation, so it was like I was ALMOST there!
Posted by: janmary | July 20, 2009 at 09:47 PM
I didn't realize you were from Chisago County?! Where do you live? I grew up in Scandia/Forest Lake. Any who, love your pics and disappointed I didn't get a chance to chat at the brunch.
Posted by: Jolene | July 21, 2009 at 05:25 PM
consider me impressed!! Brunch with MckMama - and you were in the FRONT ROW for the photo :D BTW I am taking all these blogging tips to heart - although I am guilty of beating a dead horse, I do not make cookies. phew!
Posted by: carma | July 21, 2009 at 08:30 PM
I have been a follower of MckMama for over a year now. I have been to the "other" blog and have seen some of the comments they left about you. I can honestly say that those are the cutest cookies. I saw the thread in BF and I don't agree with them speaking about you and making judgements on that other blog. I guess this is kind of all over the place. Bottom line, I didn't know who you were until I read the negative. But I feel that you should be commended for those FABULOUS cookies (you are obviously gifted) and for standing up for yourself. Bravo!
Posted by: Aileigh | August 19, 2009 at 06:33 PM
I really, really like cookies. Really.
Posted by: Margaret | October 17, 2009 at 04:02 PM
lol me too Margaret!! Thanks for stopping by!! Blessings to you today!
Posted by: Amanda Rettke | October 17, 2009 at 04:04 PM