Hooky Cookie

When I first started dating The Husband, he had these three younger sisters that I adored. Even with one in high school, his mom used to keep them all home from school one day in December for cookies and Christmas crafts. I think it started out when they were young and they actually had a legitimate day off for a Catholic Holy Day. Then, the Catholics decided The Holy Day was better spent in school than at home and my mother-in-law (who has always been a closeted until necessary dissenter) decided that this particular Holy Day would stay a day off for the Kings.
I remember vividly the admiration I had for her. Not only because she was confirming my idea that moms always know best for their kids, but also because even when they were in high school and there was a wee bit of eye rolling from my sisters-in-law over the latest craft (hand dipped candles, home-made soap!) it was evident that they actually loved this day. Now that they are adults and can freely admit their admiration for their mom without fear of being uncool, they will all tell you they not only have fond memories of this day but they wish they could still do it once a year or more. Now that I am firmly in place as The Wife and have no fear of being a kiss-up girlfriend, I will tell you I remember thinking, that is the kind of mom I want to be someday.
So today I introduce you to Hooky Cookie Day. That’s right, all three home, in my kitchen covered in flour, sugar and red food coloring for our red velvet whoopee pies. (All health rules out the window on HC Day. Red Dye Rules!) Enjoy the pictures as much as we enjoyed our day (and the fruits of our labor.)

Before. This is my dream-a table full of baking stuff.

After rounds one and two.

Seriously? All this mess and no one can spill a little milk for a brother?

Letting Go and turning over cookie cutting. Not an easy task for mom.

After. Yikes.