Another day towards Christmas! And what an awesome week it's going to be...I can tell! I'm gonna put on some pounds and I'm going to try not to think too much about it! Speaking of which, today is 'Chocolate Dipped Orange Shortbread' day (recipe to follow!)

Yesterday, we went to church and witnessed an adorable pageant called 'Operation Baby King' which was followed by a Christmas lunch and fellowship and then Dave, Landon and I went over to our friends Kandace and Cam's for a visit so we could all go together to the Live Nativity.  The Live Nativity is pretty cool! It was held at a farm and as you drive in, Roman soldiers direct you to your parking space and then a horse-drawn sleigh takes you to Bethlehem.  From there, shepherds lead you to the Baby Jesus (with real donkeys and cows!).  A flute is playing softly and as verses are read, the wisemen and shepherds lay gifts for the baby and angels sing! Next, you go through a door and you're in the marketplace at Bethlehem where you are given shekels (pennies) that you can spend on homemade Christmas ornaments, hot cider, buns, etc.  From there, you leave Bethlehem and go to a nice heated garage for coffee and food and fellowship....so much fun! And, the best part of the week thus far is that Mom will be here tomorrow! So much to do but having a blast!

'Chocolate Dipped Orange Shortbread'

1 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup sugar

2 tsp orange rind

1/4 tsp salt

2 cups flour

3 tbsp corn starch

Coating:

2 bars bittersweet chocolate, chopped

In large bowl, beat together butter, sugar, orange rind and salt until fluffy; stir in flour and cornstarch to make a smooth dough.  Divide dough in half.  Form each into 10" log; wrap and refrigerate for one hour.  Slice logs into 1/4 inch rounds and place one inch apart on greased cookie sheets.  Bake at 325F for 15 minutes and let cool completely.  In heatproof bowl over hot water, melt chocolate and let melt to room temperature.  Dip half of cookie into chocolate, shaking off excess.  Refrigerate on waxed paper for thirty minutes.