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Easy Eyeball Cookies

October 27, 2020

I remember when Jude was still in public school. I would sign up to help with the holiday parties because I wanted to be a good mom — specifically that Pinterest perfect mom that tries to do all the cool things all the time. My type-A shoulder person would scream “SIGN UP FOR ALL THE THINGS AND MAKE IT FANTASTIC” while my anxiety-ridden shoulder person would crumble in the background. Of course, party time would come around and I would find myself scrambling to come up with a snack, game, or craft that would be somewhat memorable and not a disaster. Now, I’ve come to realize there are ways to make simple things seem extra special and it doesn’t have to take oodles of time or planning (WHEW) and in the spirit of that, here is a quick hack for easy eyeball cookies!

easy eyeball cookies

Two Simple Ingredients:

One package classic Oreo cookies
One package mini Oreo cookies

How to Make Eyeball Cookies:

Gently separate the classic Oreo cookie halves so that the frosting sticks to one half of the cookie.
Eat the other half immediately
Set the frosted cookie frosting side up on a plate
Separate the mini Oreo halves
Stick the mini Oreo halves onto the frosted side of the classic Oreos in various ways to make different-looking eyeballs

easy eyeball cookies

easy eyeball cookies

halloween party cookies

Find more Halloween-themed snacks here!

Yep — that’s it! It’s easy for us to put a whole lot of pressure on ourselves to be Pinterest-perfect in an effort to connect in a meaningful way with our kids. But I’ve found that there is no such thing as “Pinterest-perfect” – it’s all an illusion and if we’re so busy chasing an illusion we miss the genuine opportunities to create memorable moments with our kids. Making Oreo eyeballs can be one of those moments — snack, laugh, and play together, TOGETHER!

a_charming_mess

Jan 18

•• time to lose yourself with me ••

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a_charming_mess

Jan 16

•• My 10 year old gifted me this cup. What a little gem, eh? Tell me your favorite gift from this holiday season 👇••

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a_charming_mess

Jan 15

A glimpse into our week at Children’s Hospital with Molly. We are home with oxygen as she continues to recover from Flu A and Pneumonia. I spent little time sleeping and a lot of time cuddling, watching monitors, and thinking.

I thought about how grateful I am for my kids and their health (though they’ve been hit hard since November), for Derek and his calming presence, and for family that goes above and beyond to make us feel loved every day we were sick, sad, and tired (my parents deserve a vacation after taking care of the rest of our ill kids, animals, and a new puppy — Jeff & Tina were heroes with pizza — my sis kept a smile on my face — thank you).

I watched and listened to the doctors, nurses, and support staff. There is a certain determination in the way they hold themselves along with a weariness in their eyes that speaks to the gravity of their responsibility. Life-altering and life-saving decisions made day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute.

I heard the whir and throttle of the life-flight helicopter, felt the rumble of its engine through the walls as it took off and landed right above our heads on level 9. I felt anxiety for the children transported by air and a nauseating gut-punch knowing that there are children who will never leave — their families left hollow with the gaping, wretched void that is grief.

I thought about my selfishness at pushing aside my flu/Covid vaccinations this year — always meaning to get it done this week or the next…not realizing that weeks turned into months. Prioritizing convenience over health — decisions that come with consequences. While I can never know if it would have made a difference — I do know that if you have the chance to protect the vulnerable along with yourself, you should do it.

My thoughts circled around our ease of getting the care we needed and how difficult that is for so many — how healthcare should be accessible and affordable to all and that it’s not — how that’s not just a damn shame but a disgrace to the betterment of humanity.

Now, I sit here in a daze — tired. Tired of feeling the heaviness of the world and sitting comfortably without doing much to change it. I have work to do.

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a_charming_mess

Jan 8

•• 2025 vibes ••

Eat. Drink. Breathe. Kick ass. Repeat. .....and....goooooooooo!

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a_charming_mess

Jan 6

•• Would you put an espresso machine in your bathroom? ••

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a_charming_mess

Jan 6

•• "Let me see, what are my other shortcomings. I get in the dumps at times, and don't open my mouth for days on end. You must not think I am sulky when I do that. Just let me alone, and I'll soon be right." -- Sherlock ••

Same. Saaaaame.

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a_charming_mess

Jan 4

•• So. How's your year going so far? ••

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a_charming_mess

Jan 2

•• The four year old is snoring next to me, snuggled into my side. I'm busy dreaming up all the weird, moody, and beautiful things I want to share this year. It's going to be a ride. Hope you're ready. 🖤••

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a_charming_mess

Dec 31

•• Tell me your intentions for the new year. I'll share mine this week. ••

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a_charming_mess

Dec 29

•• All around me are familiar faces
Worn-out places, worn-out faces ••

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a_charming_mess

Dec 28

•• "to the ends of the Earth, would you follow me?" ••
@lordhuron at Red Rocks in May. I'll be there. Thanks @mrcharmingmess

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a_charming_mess

Dec 25

•• If they gave me a choice, if they left it to me, I know just what my present would be.... ••

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a_charming_mess

Dec 24

•• Precious moments ••

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a_charming_mess

Dec 23

•• Photo bomb courtesy of Max Dennison ••

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a_charming_mess

Dec 23

•• Slowly coming out of the fog of bronchitis. Living and breathing slowly. Thanks for checking in on me and the fam. Derek and Jude had pnemonia, Molly enjoys pulling all-nighters, and I am hoping for a health-filled holiday. ••

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a_charming_mess

Dec 18

•• Still sick. Enjoy. ••

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a_charming_mess

Dec 15

•• Down with the sickness, chills, fever, aches -- wanting a pillow that is both hot and cold. ...As well has a human sized, gelatinous orb filled with warm gel that would encase my body. Basically, a womb.

This is not an advertisement for these things. I simply want them to exist and if they do...alert me, please.

This *could* be an advertisement for @harneytea Harney & Sons tea but they don't know me and I don't want to make it awkward. But heeeeeey love your teaaaaa!

That is all. I think. Hot/cold pillow. Gelatinous womb ball. Tea. Oh, yeah. I have to cross my legs and hold my crotch when I cough. Five kids. Yes, I exercise the pelvic floor but there's only so much a dame can do, ya know?

Bye. ••

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a_charming_mess

Dec 15

•• Every gal needs @cyndilauper in their life ••

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a_charming_mess

Dec 12

•• The reality of filming any content with my kiddos in the background. Always having conversations, asking me questions, giggling. This was too sweet to edit out, you know? 🖤 Sound up for the full experience.

And yes, the girls' room is vintage rocker chick themed. Weird? Nahhh. No more strange than hanging Disney princesses on the wall. These are real, badass women artists. May we carry on their creative prowress and energy 🙌✨️

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a_charming_mess

Dec 10

•• Morning, moody souls. How's it going? ••

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