Archives for December 2011

A Weightless New Year…

December 31, 2011 · by · 9 Comments

It was just me and the girls tonight -the boys were at wrestling. I had one of those days that led me feeling “I just had to get out of the house”. I packed everyone up- including the dog- and went for a drive (yes-I do that too). It was already dark and the rain was coming down and I was thinking of what to pick up for dinner (It’s Friday). I pulled into KFC and ordered grilled chicken, green beans and a salad…looked back, and everyone was asleep.

Ahhhhh…… “Lord, I will not pass this time up with you”, I said to myself.

I got my order, pulled into a parking spot, turned on my favorite CD and began to pray. It was the most beautiful moment of my day- A day of potty training a puppy… a trip to stat care with my little girl.. children arguing, a day of cleaning, making them mind, this annoying cough, nodding off, trying…really trying -girls, you know the drill-I know you do.

At this moment of my day, I wrapped everything up and presented it to my Father…”Take this burden Lord and make it whatever it is meant to be- for your Glory”.

 

As I was praying this song started to play-with my head back and my eyes shut I felt it was just meant for me to listen to it and be still….

The chorus sang to me~

“Well, I’ve carried this a long time

in a well hidden bundle on my back

but I’ve realized forgiveness is weightless

so I’ll leave my burden on the tracks”

and I thought to myself…what a beautiful thing to hear right before the new year- not only that, but what a beautiful thing to share with others before the new year.

A well-hidden bundle on my back. Isn’t that the truth? Don’t we all have a little bundle that we place on our backs..that bundle that hangs out in the shadows of our smiles, that bundle that keeps us from freedom, and from God’s best in our lives? Even as Christians we tend to get attached to that bundle…we give it to Him-then we put it back on. Why…oh why do we do this? Why do I do this?

Then more of the song…

And then I face the yesterdays that disappointed

misunderstood by a cruel world

and I’m angry…

Ugh. yes…have you ever felt this way? I sure have.

You might suppose

the years would close the curtains on a scene

from such a time

but this was mine

to harbor

Why do we harbor? WHY do we make the choice to live things over again in our lives instead of giving it to God? Haven’t those thoughts toyed with us enough? We learn in Philipians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God”. We know this…but knowing this and doing this are two different matters.

Oh Lord, I am just so sorry that I know this and don’t DO this! 

Girlfriends..my prayer for us this New Years is that we leave our burdens on the tracks.  Whatever we’ve done, whatever has been done to us, whatever we think we can’t do…let’s leave it in 2011 and let God have it…

Lord, let us have a “Weightless New Year”…I know You will if we give it to You.

 

Happy New Year my Friends.

 

 

 

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Filed Under: Devotionals, Seasonal, Uncategorized ·

Feasting in Fellowship Friday/Featured Recipe and Link up!

December 30, 2011 · by · 7 Comments

It’s NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION TIME Ladies! What better time to start eating healthier than the beginning of a new year…here is a recipe to give you a kick start. Come visit me over Roomag for this delicious Raw Veggie Salad….if you love coconut, you are going to love this! Oh..and it is gluten, dairy, and egg free-Yippee! I eat this before my workouts…yum.

Roo Mag

Friday’s Top 3 Picks~

Roll in the New Year with these DELICIOUS  appetizers! What a lovely addition to a New Years Eve gathering! A huge thank you to all who linked up!

Tostada Tartlettes

Made By: Simply This.That.And the other..

 Delicious Appetizer Ideas for New Years! (Bacon Roll Ups Below)

Made By: Inspired By Family

Hot Crab Dip in a Bread Bowl

Made By: What’s Cooking, Love?

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Filed Under: Fellowship Fridays, Uncategorized ·

Merry Christmas!!!

December 25, 2011 · by · 4 Comments

I am like a kid in a candy store when it comes to flash mobs…they make me smile from ear to ear. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did…Merry Christmas everyone! HE is the greatest gift of all- Our Savior, King, Father, Everything that we have and will ever need…He deserves all of our praise and song. Glory be to that baby who came to give us love and life. Happy Birthday Jesus!

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Filed Under: Devotionals, Seasonal, Uncategorized ·

We have a NEW member of the family….”Manny”

December 24, 2011 · by · 13 Comments

I cannot believe it…we have a furry new family member! We have been praying about this for a while. Or, should I say the children have been BEGGING for a dog since I can remember, haha. Each one of them asked for a real…live…puppy for Christmas this year. Last year I got away with that stuffed dog that barks “Go Go the Walking Pup” I do believe. This year I could feel a bit of a void …when we went to get him last night…it just felt right…he is a sweetheart.

Manny…short for Emmanuel “God with us” is the perfect name for a Christmas pup. This will be the little guy “cleaning” up the floor after “Mom” gets “comfy in the kitchen”…hehe.

A mutual love has already begun with Manny and my daughter…they are so sweet together.

My son loves responsibility…he took Manny outside and made sure he got plenty to eat and drink today.

And gave him his first bath…he was such a good boy!

 

Thanks for letting me introduce the newest member of the family! He has already given us a lot of laughs! Anyone else getting a Christmas pup?!

I hope you Ladies are enjoying all the time leading up to Christmas- I know it can be stressful- but please take a deep breath and dare not allow yourself to pass up the joy in today. Us ladies have a lot to do, but God wants us to enjoy the life he has given us…He delights in our happiness much like we delight in our children’s happiness….

 

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Filed Under: Comfy Talk, Uncategorized ·

Sugar Cookie Cut Outs

December 22, 2011 · by · 5 Comments

Sugar cookie cut outs are not always the easiest things to make, are they? They take a lot of time and patience. But, aren’t they are SO worth it?! Those buttery, sugary, adorable looking cookies have a place in the hearts of children and grown-ups alike. I like to try different cut out recipes and this is one that was passed to me from my Dad’s wife from Alton Brown that I made this year and FULLY recommend -they are AWESOME!!!! Powdered sugar is used to roll them instead of flour…

*As you can see in the photos- you can decorate unbaked cookies with colored sugar before placing them in the oven-then you do not have to frost them. If you like frosting  then, bake them as you normally would, make frosting below and decorate as desired. I like them both ways!

Sugar Cookie Cut Outs
Prep time: 2 hours 15 mins
Cook time: 9 mins
Total time: 2 hours 24 mins
Serves: 36
Alton Brown’s Sugar Cookie Cut Outs http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/sugar-cookies-recipe/index.html
Ingredients
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • Powdered sugar, for rolling out dough
  • Frosting:
  • 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 5 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • food coloring
Instructions
  1. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  2. Place butter and sugar in large bowl of electric stand mixer and beat until light in color.
  3. Add egg and milk and beat to combine.
  4. Put mixer on low speed, gradually add flour, and beat until mixture pulls away from the side of the bowl.
  5. Divide the dough in half, wrap in waxed paper, and refrigerate for 2 hours.
  6. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  7. Sprinkle surface where you will roll out dough with powdered sugar.
  8. Remove 1 wrapped pack of dough from refrigerator at a time, sprinkle rolling pin with powdered sugar, and roll out dough to 1/4-inch thick.
  9. Move the dough around and check underneath frequently to make sure it is not sticking.
  10. If dough has warmed during rolling, place cold cookie sheet on top for 10 minutes to chill.
  11. Cut into desired shape, place at least 1-inch apart on parchment paper and bake for 7 to 9 minutes or until cookies are just beginning to turn brown around the edges.
  12. Let sit on baking sheet for 2 minutes after removal from oven and then move to complete cooling on wire rack.
  13. Serve as is or ice as desired. Store in airtight container for up to 1 week.

 

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Filed Under: Dessert, Kiddos, Seasonal, Uncategorized ·

The Cold Within

December 22, 2011 · by · 4 Comments

I have so much to post…so many recipes to share. Yet, God MOST certainly laid it on my heart to post this today…I can’t explain it, but it’s real. Thank you God for helping me be Martha and not Mary in this moment (which is hard for me). Lord, please hear our prayers and convict us when our sinful tendencies rise to the surface. Help us to love one another in YOUR honor. Let us not be an embarrassment to You and Your name…let us remember how You came and how LOVE began. May we love others through your eyes and not our our own…You have no prejudices Lord, we are ALL Your children.

The birth of Christ is the perfect time to birth love into our lives and give grace to one another. Can I get an amen…

Much love to all of you reading…much, MUCH, love.

(This poem is not sugar coated- it is real, and there are still real problems that exist-please know that I am not being insensitive by showing this. We need shown this.We need to be on fire for the Lord-hand raised. )

The Cold Within

Six humans trapped by happenstance   
In black and bitter cold   
Each possessed a stick of wood,   
Or so the story’s told.

Their dying fire in need of logs,   
The first woman held hers back   
For on the faces around the fire   
She noticed one was black. 

The next man looking ‘cross the way   
Saw one not of his church   
And couldn’t bring himself to give   
The fire his stick of birch. 

The third one sat in tattered clothes   
He gave his coat a hitch,   
Why should his log be put to use   
To warm the idle rich? 

The rich man just sat back and thought   
Of the wealth he had in store,   
And how to keep what he had earned   
From the lazy, shiftless poor. 

The black man’s face bespoke revenge   
As the fire passed from his sight,   
For all he saw in his stick of wood   
Was a chance to spite the white. 

And the last man of this forlorn group   
Did naught except for gain,   
Giving only to those who gave   
Was how he played the game. 

The logs held tight in death’s stilled hands   
Was proof of human sin,   
They didn’t die from the cold without,   
They died from the cold within.

~ James Patrick Kinney

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Filed Under: Devotionals ·

Cracker Toffee

December 20, 2011 · by · 28 Comments

Ladies, have you ever had these? They won’t win the award for “most beautiful presentation”, but WOWSA are these EVER GOOD!!!  I made them the other day for a ladies bible study and my son asked “Ma, what on earth are you making!” I told him “Cracker Toffee- want to try some?!” He held a small piece with his hand and with a scrunched up nose and eyes tightly shut he hesitantly opened his mouth and took a bite. He opened his eyes- stared straight at me with the most serious look I have ever seen on an 8 year old and said with a monotone voice “I think that is the most delicious thing I have ever tasted.” We rolled! But, he may be right…sweet, savory, buttery, and salty all in one bite…I don’t know what can top that. Oh -and it’s easy. You know I like easy.

Place parchment paper out on a 15×10 inch cookie sheet. Lay crackers side to side like so.

Melt butter, brown sugar, vanilla and Karo syrup on medium high heat in a medium sized saucepan.

Bring to a boil, stir and cook for 2 mins. Stir in pecans.

Pour sauce over crackers

Spread it as evenly as you can…the mixture will even leak to the bottom.

Bake at 350 for appx 10 -12 mins until the top appears “dry”. Cool until almost completely firm but flexible enough to tear into pieces.

I had to take this photo…don’t you just want to try a bite? Honestly- I could eat the entire pan of this stuff…it is that good. I could cry just typing up this blog post! haha.

Enjoy, sweet friends.

 

Cracker Toffee  
Prep time: 10 mins
Cook time: 12 mins
Total time: 22 mins
Serves: 20
Ingredients
  • 1 box Club Crackers (appx 40)
  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 Tbsp Karo corn syrup
  • 3/4 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
Instructions
  1. Line baking sheet with parchment paper
  2. Place crackers in a single layer on paper and set aside
  3. In a medium sized saucepan boil on med high heat your butter, brown sugar, syrup, and vanilla
  4. Cook and stir for approximately 2 mins
  5. Stir in pecans
  6. Spread evenly over crackers
  7. Bake at 350 for 10-12 mins until top appears “dry”
  8. Cool until able to separate but still flexible so it doesn’t crack.
  9. Separate crackers and store in an airtight container

 

 

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Filed Under: Dessert, Kiddos, Seasonal ·

Classic Gingerbread Cookies

December 19, 2011 · by · 9 Comments

My Dad’s wife, Bonnie makes delicious Christmas cookies…delicious. She puts so much detail into rolling, making homemade icing, and decorating. In the past years she has sent my children these adorable Gingerbread boys and girls and has even attached ribbon to the tops so we could hang them on our tree! This year, I just had to ask her for her recipe and she gladly obliged! She has been using Paula Deen’s, which was no surprise to me (Paula knows her stuff!) So, here we go with a step-by-step tutorial!

If you are a homeschooler or if your children are off school for Christmas -these cookies are a must to make with them…sweet memories.


Cream together brown sugar and butter with a mixer in a medium mixing bowl.

Add eggs and molasses and blend until just combined.

In another bowl combine flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until incorporated. Gather up dough in a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Stick it in the fridge for 3 hours or until well chilled.

Ready to roll! Because I was making 8 different kinds of cookie dough, I had to put labels on them so I wouldn’t get confused. I made all the doughs up one day -wrapped them and let them chill in the refrigerator over night- the next day I rolled and baked them all.

Place plenty of flour on a hard/flat surface. Take a large handful of dough and form it into a ball-the warmth from your hands will cause it to soften. Flour your rolling pin and place some flour on the top of your dough ball. Roll it out until it’s about 1/4 of an inch thick (I like a thicker cookie). Use a cookie cutter of your choice (I used boys and girls). Gather up scraps into a ball and repeat (you won’t hurt the dough a bit).

Line cookie sheets with parchment paper (I LOVE this stuff!-I buy two rolls during December and use every bit). Bake in a 350 oven for 10 mins. These cookies do not spread much, so you can place them a little closer together than most cookies. Cool on wire racks.

To make the icing: Add confectioners sugar with milk -you may color if you wish with food coloring. Place in a small sandwich bag and clip the end. You may use fancy shmancy decorators and/or decorator throwaways that you can purchase in the baking aisle at the grocery store.

Classic Gingerbread Cookies
Prep time: 30 mins
Cook time: 10 mins
Total time: 40 mins
Serves: 18
Paula Deen’s Recipe (adapted)
Ingredients
  • 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1 stick butter or margarine, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting work surface
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Icing:
  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
  • Food coloring, as desired
Instructions
  1. Using an electric mixer at low speed, cream the sugar and butter until thoroughly combined.
  2. Add the eggs and molasses and mix until combined.
  3. Sift together the flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  4. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and combine with a spoon or spatula.
  5. Remove the dough from the bowl and wrap in plastic wrap; place in the refrigerator until firm (I refrigerate over night, but 3 hours would be just fine)
  6. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  7. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
  8. Take about 1/2 cup of dough at a time shape into a ball with your hands-it will soften.
  9. Roll onto a floured board until about 1/4 inch thick.
  10. Cut out with gingerbread boy and girl cookie cutters.
  11. You can re-roll the scraps.
  12. Using a spatula, transfer the cookies from the board to the prepared cookie sheets.
  13. Bake for 10 minutes, until just beginning to brown at the edges. Transfer to wire racks to cool.
  14. To make the icing, combine the confectioners’ sugar and milk
Notes

The recipe above was doubled in photos.

 

 

 

 

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Filed Under: Dessert, Kiddos, Seasonal ·

Gluten Free Treat for Christmas: Fruit Snow

December 16, 2011 · by · 6 Comments
Frozen Fruit Slush Recipe(Photo Credit: Taste of Home)

Today the girls and I were invited to a play date. I woke up early to make quiche for my girlfriends then ran through a drive-thru to pick up a salad for myself (I am a bit of a black sheep at social events, lol!). But low and behold my sweet friend Kimmy made this delicious dessert that I COULD EAT (doing a little jig)!!!! I picked at my salad …then had 3 BOWLS of this heavenly stuff!  I called it “Fruit Snow”and decided right there and then that I would be making this for Christmas so that I don’t feel left out when everyone has dessert…it is deeeelish! Hope this helps anyone else struggling with the urge to purge!

 

Fruit Snow
Author: Recipe from www.Allrecipes.com
Prep time: 15 mins
Cook time: 10 mins
Total time: 25 mins
Serves: 12
Ingredients
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 6 medium bananas sliced
  • 2 (11 oz) cans mandarin oranges
  • 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple undrained
  • 1 (12 fluid oz) can frozen orange concentrate thawed
  • 1 (10 oz) jar maracshino cherries, drained and halved (can substitute seedless grapes)
  • 1/3 cup lemon juice
Instructions
  1. In a saucepan, bring water and sugar to a boil; cook and stir for 5 minutes.
  2. Remove from the heat; cool completely.
  3. In a 4-qt. freezer container, combine the remaining ingredients.
  4. Pour sugar water over the fruit.
  5. Cover and freeze for at least 8 hours, stirring once or twice.
  6. Remove from the freezer 20 minutes before serving.

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Filed Under: Breakfast, Comfy In My Jeans, Dessert, Food Allergy Friendly, Uncategorized ·

Featured Recipe/Top3/Linkup!

December 16, 2011 · by · 14 Comments

Please visit me over at my friend Courtney’s at Women Living Well. Here, I am sharing an EASY, yet so delicious and elegant truffle recipe. If you don’t like baking…this is the recipe for you. These will turn out every time and they are the first things off the cookie tray!

Friday’s Top 3 Holiday Picks!

 

Mini Size Yumminess: Chocolate Peppermint Pancakes

Made By: Inspired by Family

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge

Made By: What’s Cooking, Love? 

*Make sure to scroll down and see all the other fudge recipes on this link! YUM!

Santa’s Snack Mix 

Made By: Peak 313

It’s a Feasting in Fellowship Friday LINK UP! Please link up AS MANY recipes as you like and/or any matter that is Christmas inspired! What a blessing you are to me…it is such a gift looking at all the posts that pop up from my fellow bloggers. All I ask is if you could copy and paste my *button (located on my sidebar) to your post as a courtesy.

Wohoo!!!! Christmas is in 10 DAYS!!!! 

 

*I will not delete your post if you do not do this, however I will not feature a post in the “Top 3” if the Comfy button is not on the linked post (I hope you understand!). Needing grace myself, I will contact you and let you know that I would like to feature you and give you plenty of grace to put the button on the post, lol. Thanks girls 😉

 

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Filed Under: Dessert, Fellowship Fridays ·

Old Fashioned Linzer Cookies (My Favorite!!!)

December 15, 2011 · by · 6 Comments

Ahh…Linzers. Aren’t they beautiful? These are my all time favorite cookies. I simply cannot resist them! Some people shy away from making cut outs, but once you get the hang of making these, they really aren’t as hard as you think! Make sure to have plenty of flour and don’t be afraid to grab up all the dough and start over if they stick to the counter. Trust me- these cookies are worth it. Have I failed you yet? 😉 Love you girls…ok, here we go..

Put almonds in processor…

 Chop until very fine..

In a medium bowl combine flour, almonds and cinnamon.

Mix and set aside.

In a large bowl beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add egg and vanilla

Beat well.

Add flour mixture

Divide dough into quarters and wrap separately in plastic wrap and refrigerate.

Place flour onto a flat surface (about  a generous 1/2 cup)-this dough can be somewhat “sticky”. Do not get discouraged! You can always re roll and start over-it won’t hurt this dough one bit. Add some flour to the top of the dough and roll out until its about 1/8 inch thick. Then use a Linzer cookie cutter (I bought this at Jo-Ann Fabrics) You want the dough to get “stuck” like this (above) so you an push it onto your baking sheet.

Like so…see the little lever on top? It is that easy. There are additional cookie cutter pieces that go in the middle to make the tops of the linzers with the cut out shapes. You will want to cut out an equal amount of tops and bottoms.

Bake on parchment paper lined cookie sheets. These cookies will not spread, so they can be close together during the baking process. Bake 8 mins in a 350 oven.

Sprinkle tops (the ones with windows) with powdered sugar.

Spread a small amount of jam on a bottom cookie (invert it)


Aren’t these beautiful? I LOVE these cookies. I have to say…they are my favorite (Yes…I cheated and ate one and got a big headache, but it was WORTH IT! haha!)

I added these beautiful Linzers into cookie boxes for my husband’s clients.

This is one of the boxes- From Jo-anns, with a doile to look like a snowflake, with toile and a decorative accent. Very inexpensive, but elegant.

The other boxes I used with an ornament for decoration (these I bought for pennies at Marcs)

These cookies were taken to the children’s school for their teachers!

Old Fashioned Linzer Cookies (My Favorite!!!)
Prep time: 30 mins
Cook time: 8 mins
Total time: 38 mins
Serves: 20
A traditional recipe from Wilton- I triple this recipe each time I make it!
Ingredients
  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup finely ground almonds (2 oz)
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 sticks softened butter (not melted!)
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 cup jam (I used strawberry)
  • Confectioners sugar for dusting
  • Parchment paper for lining baking sheet
Instructions
  1. Grind almonds in a food processor
  2. In a medium bowl combine flour, almonds and cinnamon. Set aside
  3. In a large bowl beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add egg and vanilla. Mix well
  5. Add flour mixture
  6. Mix only until incorporated
  7. Divide dough into 2 pieces
  8. Press into small disks about 1 inch thick and wrap each one in plastic wrap
  9. Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight
  10. Preheat oven to 350
  11. On very floured surface roll out one disc of dough at a time to 1/8 inch thick
  12. Cut half of the dough with top press and half with bottom press trying to keep the dough in the press and not on the counter- then push the dough out onto a parchment paper covered baking sheet.
  13. Dough scraps can be formed into a ball again and rolled out again and again…no worries.
  14. Bake for 8 mins or until lightly browned.
  15. Let sit on the cookie sheet for 2 mins and transfer onto a cooling rack
  16. Dust the tops with confectioners sugar
  17. Spread jam on an inverted bottom cookie
  18. Make a sandwich with a top cookie

 

 

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Filed Under: Dessert, Seasonal ·

Misconceptions of Christmas…

December 15, 2011 · by · 17 Comments

Hi Ladies!

Today on Facebook I posted “Celebrating Christmas without Jesus is like having a huge birthday bash and not inviting the person of the hour- it just doesn’t make sense.

Well- I have prayed and prayed about this and have come to the realization that 3 of the most common misconceptions of Christmas are…

  • Christmas is about the “spirit of giving”

  • Christmas is spending time with family and friends

  • Christmas is about helping the needy

The above sound like beautiful things…and they may indeed happen on or around Christmas, but by NO means are they the meaning of Christmas. In fact, some of these misconceptions may cause us to be so overtaken and side tracked that the real meaning of Christmas is stolen from us. So, in a nut shell-if any of these things take us away from God-we need to re-evalutate.

So…what is Christmas?

Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Period. That is more than enough…more than we ever deserved. Thank you Lord for this gift…a Savior. A SAVIOR!

  • We may give on Christmas, but that is not the “spirit of giving”~ it is the Holy spirit within us that jumps at every opportunity to share God’s love with anyone at anytime.

  • We may spend time with friends and family~but Jesus is the only “person” we need. Friends and family are blessing indeed, but to fully love one another Jesus must come first.

  • We may give to the less fortunate during this holiday~but being a Christian means being used as a tool for the Lord whenever he needs his work to be done- come December or July ..day in and day out…. 

Looking back on my life, I realize that there is a dark area once upon a time when I did not understand what I was celebrating when I celebrated Christmas. It is so embarrassing…so hard to think about…but it is SO important that I always remind myself of  this. God is using my life and my experiences without him  to help pull others that are tedder toddering in a “luke warm Christian lifestyle” just like I was.

” Revelations 3:15-16  says “I know your deeds and you are neither hot nor cold. I wish you were either one or the other. So because you are lukewarm-neither hot nor cold-I am about to spit you out of my mouth”

“Spit you out of my mouth” reminds me of luke warm soup…or coffee…or a bubble bath. No one likes luke warm – God is not an exception.

Ladies, I humbly come before you asking you to pray over this. When you are celebrating Christmas are you celebrating the birth of our Savior? Are you hot or cold…or worse, luke warm? I have been there. I have done that. I have been a cheerful giver and have loved my family and friends and have STILL missed out on the true meaning of Christmas many times in my life…”luke warm and loving it” as Francis Chan would have called me.

Merry Christmas and meaning it..Love to all of you, Janelle

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Filed Under: Devotionals, Seasonal, Uncategorized ·

Rolo Rudolph

December 13, 2011 · by · 10 Comments


Oh Ladies!! You are going to LOVE this one! My friend crafty friend Katina is at it again…today she shares with us how to make this adorable (and edible!) Rudolph. I am buying the ingredients over the weekend to take and make at a craft station at my son’s Christmas party at school…the second graders are going to get the biggest kick out of it!

THANK YOU SO MUCH KATINA! Super cute!


Squirt vanilla icing in between two chocolate sugar wafers

Place 4 toothpicks into the sugar wafers for the legs and cut a tootsie roll into four pieces and place on the ends of the toothpicks to serve as “hooves”

Use a toothpick and make two holes on the side of a Rolo for the pretzels to go in

Break apart a pretzel to make the antlers and the tail.

Place the pretzels in the holes for the antlers and use the icing to dab three dots on the bottom of the Rolo for a face.

Use a red cinnamon decor for Rudolph’s nose (hehe..this is so cute!)

Gently squeeze the black gel icing to finish the eyes.

Use the white icing to secure the tail and head.

Heeeeere’s Rudolph!!!!!

Rolo Rudolph
Recipe Type: Kids desserts
Prep time: 20 mins
Total time: 20 mins
Serves: 1
Ingredients
  • Chocolate sugar wafers
  • Vanilla icing
  • Toothpicks
  • Tootsie Rolls
  • Rolos
  • Pretzels
  • Red cinnamon Decors
  • Black gel icing
Instructions
  1. Squirt vanilla icing between two chocolate sugar wafers
  2. Place four toothpicks into the sugar wafers for legs
  3. Cut a tootsie roll into four pieces and place on the ends of the toothpicks for the hooves
  4. Use a toothpick and make two holes on the side of a Rolo for the pretzels to go into
  5. Break apart a pretzel to make the antlers and a tail
  6. Place the pretzels in teh holes for the antlers and use the icing to dab three circles on the bottom of the Rolo
  7. Use a red cinnamon decor for Rudolph’s nose
  8. Gently squeeze the black gel icing into finish the eyes
  9. Use the white icing to secure the tail and the head
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Filed Under: Dessert, Kiddos, Seasonal ·

Santa’s Sugar Cookies and a Cookie Swap!

December 12, 2011 · by · Leave a Comment

I had such a blast at my friend Jen’s Christmas Cookie Swap! If you haven’t already done something like this- I strongly encourage you to try it this season! It is SO convenient!!!

Want some pointers to have a cookie swap of your own? Come visit me over at The Better Mom for the delicious Santa’s Sugar Cookie recipe (pictured below) and a preview of the cookie swap I went to with my friends! See ya there!

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Filed Under: Comfy Talk, Dessert ·

My Christmas Breakfast/Top 3 and Link UP!

December 9, 2011 · by · 14 Comments

Hi Ladies and a very MERRY Friday to YOU!

Anyone making Christmas cookies to freeze for the Holidays? I sure have been!

I just love this time of year. No matter what happens throughout the year -good or bad- December rolls around and reminds us that Jesus was born to tell us the truth and to die for our sins giving us the gift of salvation. That never changes and is the reason why I can’t help but celebrate!!!!

So -I have my arms stretching out to you- yes you- hugging you and reminding you that  we could loose everything we have, there could be illnesses in our lives, loved ones who have passed this year, and money issues beyond control and still be joyful on Christmas because Jesus is the reason of the Season and always will be.

Speaking of this special day…I want to share with you what I have planned Christmas morning! Come see me at Women Living Well what will be placed on this very table for Christmas breakfast!

Friday’s Top 3 Picks!

 I’m Melting Snowman Cookies
Made By: Our Simple Country Life

snowman1

Jumble Berry Jam

Made By: The Nourishing Home

Want more ideas for gifts in a jar? Visit The Nourishing Home over at The Better Mom! 

Caramel Pecan Cookies

Made By: My Little Alberta Family


It’s a Feasting in Fellowship Friday LINK UP! Please link as many posts as you wish. All I ask is that you place my button (located on the sidebar) onto your post! For the month of December I am welcoming ANY Holiday inspired post..not just recipes! Please pass the word along. Thank you SO very much and may God bless your weekend.

 

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Filed Under: Breakfast, Dessert, Fellowship Fridays, Kiddos, Uncategorized ·

Shout out to Udi’s Brand-Cheeseburger and Fries

December 8, 2011 · by · 4 Comments

Udi's Gluten Free Breads

Through my thus small road traveled eating wheat-free, dairy-free, and egg-free I just needed to give one giant shout out to a brand that has made my life “normal”…UDI’S!!

Can I get a witness? 

The two things through this process that have me in “snarl face” mode are breads and pastries. So many of the pre-made’s are like eating a pieces of  thick sandpaper! I would rather pass on the carbs and stick with fruits, meats and veggies.

But…I don’t have to. Thanks to Udi’s!!! I am so grateful to have found this product! YEA!

I am not missing out..see!  Here I made a simple cheeseburger (scroll all the way down for the recipe on this link) and Oven Baked Fries. (I cut them into wedges in this photo)

*This is not a paid advertisement- Remember, I don’t get paid to do these things! My reward is in heaven… 😉

 

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Filed Under: Comfy Talk, Entrees, Food Allergy Friendly, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Kiddos ·

Peppermint Bark

December 6, 2011 · by · 21 Comments


 A very simple, pretty and tasty treat! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do…

3 simple ingredients: white morsels, semi-sweet morsels, 2 boxes of candy canes

Place semi-sweet morsels in a microwave safe dish and microwave for 60 seconds and stir, microwave an additional 60 seconds and stir until smooth.

Spread melted chocolate onto a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper, place in refrigerator and let cool/harden. (appx 20 mins)

Unwrap candy canes and place in a large ziploc bag- crush with a mallet.

Crushed candy canes!

Melt white chocolate using the same method as you did with the semi-sweet chocolate. Stir in 1 cup of the crushed candy canes.

Spread white chocolate with crushed candy canes over the cooled semi-sweet chocolate

My “helper”

Sprinkle remaining crushed candy canes over top of white chocolate, place in refrigerator for 2 hours until well set, cooled and hardened.

Break into pieces (they will be uneven)

Mmmmmmm…..a beautiful and delicious winter treat!

I wrapped 3-4 pieces in baggies to take to my son’s school for the annual cookies trays we make for the staff.

*This recipe was featured on Women Living Well.

Peppermint Bark
Prep time: 30 mins
Cook time: 2 mins
Total time: 32 mins
Serves: 15
Ingredients
  • 24 oz of white chocolate chips
  • 24 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 boxes of candy canes
Instructions
  1. In a microwave safe bowl melt semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave for 60 seconds, stir and repeat for an additional 60 seconds.
  2. Place parchment paper on top of a cookie sheet and spread melted chocolate over top.
  3. Place in refrigerator until set and hardened (appx 20 mins).
  4. Melt white chocolate chips the same way.
  5. Unwrap candy canes and place in a large Ziploc bag and crush with a mallet.
  6. Place 1 cup of crushed candy canes into the melted white chocolate.
  7. Pour white chocolate on top of hardened dark chocolate and sprinkle with the left over crushed candy cane.
  8. Place in refrigerator for 2 hours until well set and hardened.
  9. Take out and break into pieces. Enjoy!

 

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Filed Under: Dessert, Kiddos, Seasonal ·

Eggs in a Nest

December 6, 2011 · by · 14 Comments

My daughter celebrated her 6th birthday this weekend! My children’s birthdays are always SO bittersweet for me because each year brings so much more maturity than the last. Even looking at this photo of her and I makes me teary…she is growing up right before my eyes! When did this happen!

As tradition has it, each of my children is allowed to chose what they want the family to have for breakfast on their birthdays. My little girl (who typically is the last one up) came running down the stairs asking for dippy “Eggs in a Nest” with bacon.

Coming right up, girlie!

Make a hole in the middle of a slice of bread with the top of a glass. Twist and turn until a circular piece of bread forms.

Whala! See that little circle? That is MY personal favorite part of this “dish”. (Yes, my mom made this for me when I was a little girl and my grandpa made it for her when she was a little girl)

Make as many as you need…

Heat butter in a large skillet on medium high heat. Add bread, then break eggs and let fall into the open centers. My children like “dippy” eggs (sunny side up), so I do not break the yolk. I let the eggs simmer until the bottoms are golden brown (check with your spatula). Then I flip and cook for 45 seconds more.

And for the best part…in another skillet, heat butter on medium high heat and grill circular parts of bread. They are SO delicious! Makes me wonder why we use toasters when fried bread tastes so much better…

My daughter dove into her plate before I could even get a picture! Here is the plate of my son’s who was just waking up to “Eggs in a Nest” for breakfast…

Nothing fancy, but it is just a little special…isn’t it? 🙂 It is always these simple pleasures in life that are the most memorable.

 

Eggs in a Nest
Prep time: 5 mins
Cook time: 5 mins
Total time: 10 mins
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 4 slices of bread
  • 4 eggs
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • salt/pepper
Instructions
  1. Lay each slice of bread down flat and cut a circle in the center using the top of a glass.
  2. Heat 2 tbsp butter on medium high heat in a skillet.
  3. Add bread to hot buttered skillet
  4. Crack eggs and let fall into the center of each slice of bread
  5. Season with salt and pepper as desired
  6. Let cook until bottoms are lightly browned.
  7. Flip and let cook 45 seconds more
  8. During this process heat another skillet with 2 tbsp butter and fry bread rounds and serve for dipping.

 

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Filed Under: Breakfast, Kiddos ·

Best Ever Rice Crispy Treats

December 5, 2011 · by · 18 Comments

I am such a kid at heart…I still LOVE Rice Crispy Treats! (anyone with me?) I make them “for the kids” on special occasions. But, I don’t like to make just any rice crispy treats…they have to be the BEST EVER! I love the ones at the coffee houses that are HUGE…the flat ones that fall apart? Not so much (shhh…sorry!!!)

*Wondering if I can eat these anymore? Nope..haha, the butter gets me. So, I have a “gluten and dairy free” option at the bottom that are AWESOME. No biggie…peanut butter is my friend too.

Melt butter in a large pot on medium-low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until melted. Remove from heat.

Add rice crispy cereal and stir until well coated.

Press into a buttered 9×13 pan. My trick? I wet my (washed) hands with water and spread and press…nothing sticks and it is easy peasy. (lol, my hands…they have done a lot of work in these 32 years of living…they aren’t pretty, but they have made lots of meals, held babies, cleaned, high- fived, changed diapers, typed blogs, dialed friends- you name it…so I am blessed)

Check. It. Out. There it is….I am officially a cool mom because I make “The Best Rice Crispy Treats Ever!”

Off to Kindergarten they go for snack!

Best Ever Rice Crispy Treats
Cook time: 15 mins
Total time: 15 mins
Serves: 24
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 8 cups mini marshmallows
  • 10 cups rice crispy cereal
Instructions
  1. Melt butter in a large pot on medium low heat
  2. Add marshmallows and stir until melted
  3. Add cereal and toss well to coat completely
  4. Butter a 9×13 pan
  5. Add cereal mixture to 9×13
  6. Wet hands and press firmly so mixture is even
  7. Cover and let cool for an hour
  8. Cut into squares and enjoy!

The Gluten and Dairy Free Option

(which is still awesome btw…)

Heat sugar and corn syrup to a boil then add peanut butter- stir until melted together.

Add rice crispy cereal

Do the same as above, but prepare your pan with Earth Balance. My children LOVED these ones too!!!

Gluten and Dairy Free

Peanut butter Rice Crispy Treats

1 cup Karo white corn syrup

1 cup white sugar

1 cup peanut butter

6 cups rice crispy cereal

Put corn syrup and sugar into a large saucepan on medium-high heat. Let boil. Add peanut butter and stir until melted. Take off of heat and add rice crispy cereal. Pour into a prepared (with Earth Balance) pan and press down with wet (washed/clean) hands. Let cool then cut.

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Filed Under: Dessert, Food Allergy Friendly, Kiddos ·

Winter Berry Salad Wreath w/ Lemon Poppyseed Dressing

December 3, 2011 · by · 8 Comments

Hi Ladies! Inspired after a festive fruit themed christmas wreath …My decorative and tasty Winter Berry Salad Wreath with Poppyseed Dressing is being featured on Candace Cameron’s NEW blog (Roomag.com) today! You are going to have your Holiday guests ranting and raving over this one…Come check it out!

Roo Mag

Just a little FYI~ The movie “The Heart of Christmas ” with Candace Cameron will be airing TOMORROW (Wohoo!!!) Dec 4th at 7:00 on GMC TV.  This movie is based on a true story featuring original music by Matthew West (love him).

This looks great Candace! I will be curled up with my hubby on the couch with some peppermint tea watching your movie tomorrow night!

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Filed Under: Salads, Uncategorized ·

Featured Recipe and Link up! My Home for the Holidays…

December 2, 2011 · by · 16 Comments

Happy Friday Ladies!

It feels SO great being back on a Friday with you! Today’s featured recipe on Women Living Well are these delicious (and SUPER EASY) “Rolo Turtles” …my children enjoy making these with me every Christmas.

I always get asked for the recipe and I have to snicker (no pun intended, hehe!) because they are just so simple.

I received an e-mail from a sweet reader asking me to post photos of my home decorated for Christmas. For those of you who may know me, you know that I-hands down-have the gift of hospitality. But decorating? Not.So.Much. It is SO frustrating, lol! I wish it came easy to me, but it just doesn’t. I’m just not good at it! However, I do not let this get the best of me…I believe in having a welcoming home, especially for the holidays… even if it doesn’t look as put together as I would like.

I try to add a little Christmas cheer around the entire house-I even string lights in the kids rooms. Oh, and our tree? Well- we leave that for the kids to decorate (I know I am making some of you cringe right now aren’t I?! lol!) But, they have so much fun doing it. The decorations go up only about 4 ft, but that is the beauty of it. I pass the tree and smile every day at how silly it looks, but am reminded that it was made out of my children’s love for this very special holiday.

Here we go..

My 3 blessings -I just added bows to the door knobs.

A candle centerpiece (Marshalls) for the entertainment center…and Christmas photos from the past.

The mantel with more Christmas photos from the past. *tear*

This photo is especially dear to me. Gabrielle, our second child, was born Dec 3, 2005 (Happy Birthday princess!) Named after the angel Gabrielle who brought great news…my winter baby. The hands of Santa are my husbands.

This is where all the action is! It may look clean now- but trust me, I refuse to get worked up over spaghetti sauce on the white linen. It happens. Tide works.

The Christmas pillows and throws are out again!

My new ones (Marshalls again-I don’t enjoy shopping, but I do love this store)

I switched out my every day coffee mugs for my Christmas ones. Would you know that I got these a few years ago at Marcs for $5 for an entire set (plates, bowls, etc) ?! I bought 2! They are Target brand…Oh how I love deals!

My door – I need to do more with this wreath, I know. But, I love the classic look with white lights.

I have little glass jars with ornaments around the house…oh and candles, lots of candles! This is an after school plate I set out for the kids. I am usually making dinner around now and love it when the kids come in and talk to me about their day. Food helps lure them in, lol. Todays topics? The funniest thing that happened today,  the nicest children in their classes, and how many teeth other children have lost (they keep track of other children’s teeth! hilarious!).

Here she is! Our beloved tree….lol. I told you I let my children decorate it!

Is this not precious?

Have your children ever made ornaments like this? I remember her bringing this one home and I thought to myself “That’s just a little big, hu!”  But, it has her hands…those sweet little preschool hands…

Our son was so excited when he made me this for Christmas 4 years ago…”It’s magic Mama! When you hold it up to the light it sparkles!” Yep. It’s a keeper.

I TOTALLY had to show this one off. This is Hallmarks VERY FIRST ornament!!! My mother in law gave this to me from her collection.

Thank you for letting me share with you my home for the holidays. I would LOVE to see yours! Please link up RECIPES AND HOLIDAY related posts for all of us to see!!!! Post as many as you wish…All I ask is that you place my button (located on the sidebar) to your posts. Tweet and FB away for more visitors!

I will begin next Friday featuring my favorite linked up posts of this week!

 

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Filed Under: Fellowship Fridays, Seasonal, Uncategorized ·