MERRY CHRISTMAS......THIS AND THAT

SWEET GRANDDAUGHTER ENJOYING
CHRISTMAS
MY WHITE ROCKERS DECKED OUT IN RED
MY FRONT PORCH RED................
A BIRDHOUSE TO WELCOMES.............
WELCOME MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!
I LOVE RED BERRIES..................
I TOOK A COUPLE OF SWAGS AND GATHERED
THEM WITH MY GREENERY............


This is a busy time of year around here.......... My husband called me early yesterday morning and said" Honey, I kind of.......well........" "What?" I said thinking did the car swerve into something on the ice that morning?......" No he said. " I invited a couple of people over for supper
tonight if that's ok. I told them you were making " ham and beans" ( that's his favorite). He said these particular people needed some encouragement and cheer.

I told him " that was fine with me". "Ok that's great around 5 o'clock"......I thought to myself
"ham and beans" ; that's not very special for guests but then he loves it so its ok by me. I
then decided to add "fried potatoes"; green bean casserole; and corn bread souffle. I could add
my little cookies I had been making for a dessert.

I busied myself with other things for the day and then set the dining room table with a nice plate and bowl; and several pretty dishes to serve the other items in. Why not give your best?
I made the plan for everything to be done by 5 when I heard my husband come in around 3:45
as he was talking on the phone to someone. "Yes 4 o'clock will be fine" What I thought?" I soon
found out they had to eat by 4 pm. Now.......many years ago I would have toddled on over to my
husband and gleaned him on why he changed this and that and how am I suppose to do everything at the last minute BUT now 31 years later.........God has shown His mercy and grace
to me so many times that I in turn learned to keep quiet about such things and "go with the flow" and make his special guests feel special and welcome no matter what time.

When they arrived early I offered a soda while they sat in my living room chatting with my husband. It was only a few more minutes and the meal was ready. As we sat down I put myself
into their lives and making this simple meal show His love. Everything went well and they left thanking us over and over. Later..........as I was walking past him in the recliner he called me
over and kissed my hand and thanked me for being so good to him and making his guests feel
special.

Each day of our holiday season may bring something different or special. Our best made
plans may fall aside. It may be finances; illness; someone who has offended you; loneliness;
or other days of life. BUT.........by His Grace and Mercy may we "flow" His love through others.

CHRISTMAS BAKING....THIS AND THAT

I STARTED OUT MAKING PEPPERMINT CANDY
IT TURNS OUT SO PRETTY AND GOOD TOO!
I USE WHITE CHOCOLATE; CANDY CANES AND RED
FOOD COLORING.............
I MADE DELICIOUS VANILLA CARMEL BISCOTTI
FROM THE "LADIES OF GRACE SITE" ..
I DECIDED TO CUT MINE AND DIP IN CHOCOLATE
THEY SMELLED SO GOOD IN THE HOUSE
MY FAVORITE CHRISTMAS COOKIES
SIMPLY CALLED "MOMS FOLD OVER COOKIES
I SPRINKLE WITH POWDERED SUGAR
I PLACE THE FILLING INSIDE AND THEN
FOLD OVER AND CLOSE WITH A FORK
IT SURE MAKES ALOT OF COOKIES
OUR FAVORITE FILLING IS ALMOND
I USE ONE OF MY VINTAGE GLASSES TO
CUT OUT A CIRCLE...........
I FOUND ONE OF MY FAVORITE BOOKS
AT THE THRIFT STORE THE OTHER
DAY .... THAT HOLDS "ANNIE HALLS"
BUTTER COOKIES IN WHICH I USE FOR
MY FOLD OVERS........

THE END TO A WONDERFUL DAY!!!!


It would be wonderful to say I spent the whole day baking away with Christmas lights
twinkling in the background but alas I did plan for baking! I did make a plan on which cookies I would like to bake today. I wanted to get some done and sent to my son and daughter-in-law
before Christmas far away.....

But sometimes you just have to work things in and so I did. It took me most of the day; preparing; baking and cleaning up. There was the normal sheets that needed changed. The Monday household things to tend to. There was an errand that needed run and dinner that needed to be made; eaten; and cleaned up. But............as the day drew near to the end I sensed
a day of satisfaction in the work that paid off.

Christmas holidays can be a busy time. They may take a little more effort on our part but don't we always seem to find time for the things that are important to us?

I hope you are enjoying these days as the sun seems to go down earlier; and the air a crisp blue cold and the twinkle of the lights fill the air!

THOUGHTS.......THANKFUL AND HUMBLE HEART

THOUGHTS......A THANKFUL AND HUMBLE HEART..........
This weekend had my "heart" thinking........
I am so humbled by the grace of God and His goodness towards me. I am thankful that I live in a free country where I have liberty and abundance. I can go to the grocery store and pick out what I want to eat! I am thankful that I have a warm home in which to live with the very icy cold winds blowing right outside my door. I am thankful for running water that I can turn on in a moments time and have a icy cold glass of water or hot water in order to wash my dishes.
I am thankful for a family that I have to love and that loves me....
But......I am humbled that sometimes I can go for days and take it for granted. I was driving down the road yesterday singing Christmas songs and I looked up and saw the hospital my husband that my husband had spent a month in two years ago. Quickly; my memory went back to the days of waiting; walking the long lonely halls not knowing the outcome of our days......

I was humbled and thankful for all the goodness He has given since then. Sometimes we can all get caught up in the holiday rush of things ; the lights; the music; the presents. Then.......we STOP once again and remember who's birthday we are celebrating and who loves us JESUS!

We remember when our spirits grumble and groan about never enough time to do this or that. We remember when we fuss at those we love about how they upset our perfect plans. We remember when we pout and nag about not having enough money for the holiday.
As I was walking towards church Sunday morning a long train pulled its way in front of my path stopping right in front of the church. Many of those that had parked on that side were now stranded waiting for the train to move once again. My mind .......went back to that morning. The road had been icy; I needed air for my tire and the place I stopped had a broken air machine so I had to go somewhere else; I had been stopped by another train and NOW THIS!
THANKFULNESS.........no AND now stuck again. I looked up in the crowd and there on a bench in this crowded little room sat a little girl sitting so patience and quiet. She was dressed simply.
No tights to warm her little legs. A simple coat and no hat or gloves. Her daddy sat by her with
a baseball cap and jacket. I asked him " May she have a candy cane?" Oh yes he said! She had
some dangling earrings hanging from her ears. "Those earrings you have are beautiful " . She beamed. I handed her the candy cane. She grinned from ear to ear! Thank you she replied.

Humbled of my hurried morning by a sweet little girl. Grateful for a simple gift! Thank you Lord in this holiday season for your gift of life!

CHRISTMAS RECIPES....AUNT CAROLS CRANBERRY SALAD

RECIPES..AUNT CAROLS CRANBERRY SALAD


I LOVE THIS SALAD AT CHRISTMASTIME AND ITS SO BEAUTIFUL INSIDE A
CRYSTAL BOWL!!

CRANBERRY SALAD


MIX TOGETHER

1 BAG CRANBERRIES CRUSHED ( FOOD PROCESSOR OR BLENDER)
1 C SUGAR

LET SET OVERNIGHT: NEXT AM ADD:
1-12 OZ COOL WHIP
1 CAN CRUSHED PINEAPPLE
1 C CHOPPED PECANS
1 C SHREDDED COCONUT
2 C MARSHMALLOWS

STIR AND CHILL THOROUGHLY.

ENJOY!!!

WINTER SCHEDULE..........CHRISTMAS AND HOME

I HAVE BEEN SPENDING A FEW DAYS
PUTTING TOGETHER MY THOUGHTS
AND PLANS FOR THE HOLIDAY
I HAVE PLANS TO MAKE SOME FOOD GIFTS
FOR OTHERS AND GIFTS FOR FAMILY

THIS WEEK .............
I DECIDED TO TRY AND MAKE CHICKEN
AND DUMPLINGS FROM SCRATCH.
I COOKED CHICKEN BREAST AND SEASONING UNTIL DONE THEN...
I MADE A FLOUR PASTE INTO A NICE DOUGH.
I ROLLED OUT THE DOUGH AND THEN CUT
INTO LITTLE 1/2 " SQUARES.........
AS THE BROTH SIMMERED I ADDED THOSE
LITTLE SQUARES AND MADE INTO A NICE
CREAM LIKE GRAVY...........
I SERVED WITH A SIMPLE SALAD AND MY
HUSBAND LOVED IT..............


As you know I am about writing things down in my 8 x 10 notebooks! I can have the best made plans but they can soon slip away and not to be found again.........SO I make a plan and write them down. This way I can also look back and have a sense of satisfaction that many things I had planned for where done.

Here are some of my ideas:

. Cookies or Fun treats I want to bake for others.- ingredients I will need and recipes.

. Small boxes or bags in which to give away. Tissue paper; ribbon; etc...

. A table to set the boxes and put together.

. The names of the people I plan on giving to.........

. Items to bought and wrapped for a nursing home ministry at my church

. My ladies missions group ( baskets to me made with the help of others) A date; items; baskets

. My hubby's Birthday ( That's important!!) My husband and I date times!

. Home - meals that are cozy; healthy and easy

. Stores - and items needed ; receipts stapled to the tag or kept in an envelope

. Candy canes - to carry in my purse and give away

. Plans for January............2009

. Plan healthy meals

. work on ---------------

Of course, there are many things of everyday life that go on around us with family and friends
but this helps me to remember .........others!
I start a plan for January also. My pastor always encouraged us to make plans for January. What wonderful wisdom . Sometimes we can be let down from all the holiday glitter and cheer! So.......
plan for it and get started right!

Happy Holidays!!

OUR SWEETEST GIRL GRANDDAUGHTER
ENJOYING SOME OF THE PRETTIES.
LOOKING AT A ORNAMENT IN AWE!
THE TREE LIGHTS IN THE EVENING SEEM
SO PEACEFUL. REMEMBER GRANDPA
DURING THESE DAYS...........
A BASKET FILLED WITH GREEN GLASS
ADORNS A SIDE TABLE..............
CHRISTMAS ALL AROUND .....I FOUND THE
TINY WHITE TREE THIS SUMMER. IT
JUST LOOKED LIKE IT NEEDED A PLACE
TO SHINE......
LET IT SNOW LET IT SNOW LET IT SNOW
AS THE SNOW HAS BEGAN IT FLURRY
AROUND OUR TOWN.........


Little touches of Christmas all around........ Snow has begun to fall; gloves; scarves; boots now come out of the closets. Home made soups; hot chocolate; peppermint teas with a candy cane stirrer warm the day.

Garland; pine cones; little white lights; Christmas music; stars; candy canes; jingle bells on a doorknob; red blankets; candles; a crackling fire; snow all bring the season together.

Visits to the nursing home; prayers for those in need; My Bible and its daily lesson; gifts wrapped for others; cookies made to give; baskets to fill for Christmas; church services ; the Christmas cantata....................

This is Christmas!

DAILEY............THIS AND THAT

HERE ARE A FEW OF MY CHRISTMAS THINGS
AROUND THE HOUSE...I LOVE TO LOOK AT
THIS SIGN IN MY FOYER TO REMIND ME
"JESUS IS THE REASON FOR CHRISTMAS"
MY SISTER GAVE ME THIS LITTLE SNOWMAN
DURING THE HOLIDAY TO SIT ON MY STAIRS.
A SPARKLING WREATH IN MY BATH GIVEN
BY MY DAUGHTER IN LAW.........I LOVE IT
A TOUCH OF GREEN CHRISTMAS IN THE BATH
CANDLES ARE NICE. A LITTLE GLASS BOX
GIVEN TO ME BY MY HUSBAND 30 YEARS AGO
THAT SAYS..FA LA LA LA LA....
PEPPERMINT STICKS SPREAD JOY IN THE BATH

THESE ARE JUST A FEW THINGS TO SAY "HAPPY HOLIDAY" TO YOU....

I hope you are enjoying this month of holiday.....I made a list of all the cookies I needed
to bake yesterday. What are some of your favorite cookies?