Reindeer Cookies

Have I told you just how much I love the 2-3 age? I love the pretend play, the sentences, how Olivia can play for hours on her own, her interest in books, the questions, and just about everything else that comes along with being a two-year-old. Don't get me wrong...we have our bad days, but everyone does.
It's been a delight being home with Olivia these past couple of days. One of things I love is that she understands Christmas this year. We bought her a Nativity set and we talk about baby Jesus every night. I was so excited the first night we talked about baby Jesus and his birth. Right after this discussion Olivia started playing with the set. She said, "Hey Jesus..do you want some mac and cheese?" Then she had Mary say, "No, baby Jesus doesn't want mac and cheese. He wants chicken nuggets and fries." Okay..so we still have a long way to go.:) The point is that she knows who Jesus is and that it is his birthday. I want her to grow up knowing why we celebrate Christmas. Sure, I think it's okay to talk about the reindeer and Santa. I think it's okay to talk about giving to others and doing acts of service during the holiday season (and all year)....but the real focus should be Jesus. So, even if baby Jesus is ordering mac and cheese, I know that Olivia understands that Christmas is about Jesus' birthday. It's a time to celebrate because of Jesus...not because of Santa or presents.
Today Olivia and I decided to make a bunch of cookies. She was just precious helping me push the dough of the sugar cookies down onto the tray. We were trying to make reindeer cookies and she actually wanted to pinch the sides of the dough in to make the shape of the reindeer faces. Here are two pictures from our baking adventure...just disregard the messy kitchen.:)