More than an Ornament by Melanie D. Snitker

If someone were to walk into our living room today and take a look at our Christmas tree, they might think it's an unorganized mess. There is no obvious theme with ornaments of every color, shape, and type along with candy canes, and multi-colored lights. Not only that, but some of the ornaments are clumped, with more hanging on the middle and lower part of the tree (because that's where the kids can reach).

I have to admit I love it like this because when I look at our tree, I see memories. Each of those ornaments are more than just an ornament, they are like a photograph that reminds me of a moment in time. 

Growing up, my parents let me and my brothers pick out one ornament a year. My mom meticulously wrote down when we got the ornament and how old we were. I remember the anticipation of getting them out each year to hang them up, and how I would play with them on the tree as a kid. With the exception of a couple that have broken (namely due to a cat who once knocked our Christmas tree down), I still have all of those ornaments from my childhood: The pretty frosted Christmas tree from my first Christmas, the pretty little cardinal, and even Miss Bianca that we got from McDonalds the year the "Rescuers Down Under" came out in theaters. 

My husband and I continue to collect an ornament a year as well. Hallmark began releasing the Snowball and Tuxedo ornaments that second Christmas after we were married, and we haven't missed one of them yet. Our first Christmas together as a married couple, my sweet husband gave me an ornament. It was Droopy the dog with mistletoe hanging off his hat and a sign that said, "Pucker Up Baby." I remember laughing and blushing profusely. It's still one of my favorites! 

Now we carry on that tradition with our kids and allow them to pick one favorite ornament to add to the tree each year. Between that and the precious handmade ornaments we make ever season, the tree is an absolutely beautiful conglomeration of memories. 

If you decorate for Christmas, what kind of ornaments do you use on your tree? Is your Christmas tree themed? Do you have a favorite ornament? I'd love to hear from you!

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A marriage of convenience isn't exactly what she had in mind.

After a rocky start, Rachel Peters finally has her life on track. Then a tragic accident takes away her sister and leaves her to raise her niece, Kendra, alone. About to lose custody of her last blood relative, Rachel is desperate to prove she can adequately care for her niece. On the verge of running away to keep Kendra, a new friend offers Rachel an opportunity she can't refuse.

Brandon Barlow has long admired Rachel. When her world begins to fall apart, he feels led to help. A marriage of convenience would enable him to provide Rachel and Kendra with a stable place to live, proper health insurance, and a viable shot at staying together. Once Rachel gained full custody of her niece, the marriage could be annulled.

His plan provides the perfect solution, until Brandon realizes he's fallen in love with Rachel. Through love and patience, can he help Rachel realize that, even when she experiences storms in her life, she's never alone?

Calming the Storm

Available on Amazon

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College Care Packages by Ginny Baird

A new movement is sweeping our nation. If you have children in college, at least it appears to be! With my husband and I having six kids between us (currently ranging in ages from 19 to 31), we’ve had plenty of experience with having kids in college—and sending out those lovingly crafted packages that help far-away students feel at home. The funny thing is, neither my husband nor I remember receiving any care packages when we were at university. Either times have changed, or we had horribly bad parents.

One thing is clear. When I attended college, the institution didn’t subject my parents to a barrage of correspondence urging them to purchase pre-fab packages made by the university itself. These all come at a cost of course and are most especially promoted during exam season. I’ve never purchased one, but can see how they might be a boon to busy parents. For my husband’s and my part, some of the joy in sending a care package comes in creating it.

At times, we’ve sent themed packages, centering on a holiday when the kids wouldn’t be home, like Valentine’s Day or Halloween. The package might include some homemade treats along with a few nifty gifties. The sillier, the better, and the kids always enjoyed receiving the unexpected surprises: ranging from pumpkin straws to blinking light rings, which a few of them wore to parties. It really is the thought that counts, even when your child is left wondering, What were they thinking?

On one occasion our youngest boy asked me this when he discovered an unexplained stack of mini post-it notes in his box. Generally, everything in the package carries a significance. What was the meaning of this? The truth was there was a tiny corner of the box—among the Tupperware containers and little presents—that needed filling. I glanced around my office and…voila! The stack of mini post-its was the perfect fit. Besides, I reasoned, son could use them to bookmark certain pages during his…ah-hem…arduous studies.

Just this week, I sent out another care package to this particular child, who is our baby, hence the caboose in a long train of siblings who’ve gone through schools: all of them out of state! Much to our delight (and after some gentle nudging), Gordon opted to study at the University of Virginia, which thrills us on two counts. One, he is just two hours away, and two, we pay in-state tuition. This also means the United Parcel Service can get a package to him by ground service overnight. What could be more ideal for shipping a box of homemade apple cake, brownies and peanut butter cookies? I mailed it the day before yesterday, and received a happy text from Gordon that he and his roommates were already enjoying the goodies last night!

Here is an easy recipe for one of the treats I included.

Three Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

1 cup of peanut butter (both smooth and crunchy work great)

1 cup of sugar

1 egg

Blend everything together then form small 1 inch balls and press flat with thumb on cookie sheets. Use fork to form cross-hatch pattern in each cookie before baking at 350 degrees in a preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.

Our oven is quirky, so when I’m baking two cookie sheets together, it takes 18 minutes for both batches to be done.

Remove from oven and lightly press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. For serious chocolate lovers, use Hershey’s Special Dark Kisses. Let set on cookie sheet for five minutes then remove to wire rack until completely cooled. Yield 20-24 cookies.

Do you send care packages to your children, or do you remember getting them? Please share what you like to give—or once enjoyed receiving as a student yourself. Gordon has three more years of college left, so we’re looking for ideas!

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New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Ginny Baird writes contemporary romance novels and novellas. Book 3 in her Romantic Ghost Stories series The House at Homecoming Cove releases on October 15^th and is already available for Pre-Order. Find it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo and iBooks. Want to keep up with news from Sweet Romance Reads authors? Sign up for the SRR newsletter today. Like chatting about Sweet Romance? Join the authors of Sweet Romance Reads in our cyber Café. Don’t miss our Café Open House October 17^th from 12 to 5pm ET. Save the date!