Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts

new review of Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts

2011-08-10T22:04:00.000-05:00

Susanne Lakin posted this insightful review of our book on Amazon, and I want to share it with you here. Susanne writes Christian fairy tales / fantasy under the name C.S. Lakin.
Here is the review of "Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts" she wrote and published on Amazon today.

"This delightful, creative gift book is chock full of personal memories, thoughts about Christmas, recipes, anecdotes, traditions, and Scripture. Some of the simple stories and verses brought tears to my eyes and warmed my heart. I read this book in August--as far from the Christmas holiday as could be, yet I found it worked a wonderful magic in my heart, centering me in reminder that the spirit of Christ is something we need to consider and let live in us each day of the year.

This is a terrific book to give as a gift to just about anyone. The scrapbook theme and layout makes it perfect for picking up and reading just a few pages at a time. Every home should have a copy sitting out on their coffee table year-round!"

A Little Perspective

2010-12-30T19:41:00.000-06:00

As we teased and argued during a lively game of Apples 2 Apples on Christmas night, my son periodically grabbed his abdomen and complained that his stomach hurt.

"So does everyone else's, Charlie," I told him, slightly irritated that he thought his pain from overeating was any more special than anyone else's.

He woke my husband, Bret, and me at 8 the next morning to tell us he had vomited several times during the night. I grabbed my copy of the Boston Children’s Hospital’s All New Child Health Encyclopedia while my husband pulled up WebMD. In less than a minute, we'd both reached the same conclusion: appendicitis.

The ER agreed with us, and Charlie had surgery a few hours later.

I'm thankful his appendix hadn't ruptured. I'm thankful he wasn't five hours away at college. I'm thankful he has three weeks to recuperate before he returns from school. I'm thankful we live five minutes from a terrific hospital.

This crisis, though relatively small, was enough to give us a little perspective on the holiday. Christmas is about Jesus's birth and giving gifts to commemorate that. But I never mind when a little extra thanksgiving gets thrown in.

I hope you have gained perspective as well--perhaps even without the crisis. What has God shown you this Christmas season?

New Year's Wishes - By Trish Berg

2010-12-28T05:00:00.002-06:00

I like fresh starts. Like a second chance all wrapped up in forgiveness and love, New Year’s Day is fast approaching and we are all getting a do-over.

When I was a little girl, my older sister and I would play basketball in the driveway of our childhood home with our dad. We would play games like Around the World and Horse. Being the youngest on the basketball court, I was not the best shot. When it was my turn to shoot the basketball, I would muster up all the courage and strength I could, and let her fly.

A lot of the times, my shot did not even hit the rim of the hoop, and ended in an air ball that hit the garage door. That’s when my dad would say “Do-over,” as he tossed me the basketball and let me shoot again, sometimes from a closer distance, sometimes he would even lift me up so I could make it.

There was nothing like getting a second chance. As an eight-year-old girl, I understood that. I cherished those do-overs, and took every advantage of them. Eventually, I grew stronger and older, and learned to make the baskets on my own. But I never forgot the blessing of my do-overs.

New Year’s Day is sort of like a do-over. We set new goals for the year, forgive ourselves for the mistakes we made in the past year, and take another shot at getting it right. It’s as if God is whispering in our ear, “Go ahead, take another shot. You can do it!”

God has blessed me in 2010 beyond my wildest expectations (as always). I have drawn closer to Christ as I try to walk where He leads me. My husband, Mike, myself, and our four children are all healthy and well. We are surrounded with family and friends, have been blessed with more than we need, and certainly more than we deserve.

I have girlfriends that I trust with my life, women who know me better than I know myself, and they love me in spite of all of my flaws.

I am blessed to be able to write this column and share my life with all of you every week. The fact that you enjoy reading it is like cake icing in my mouth, all sweet and yummy.

I have been able to teach at Malone University this year, and have become friends with so many amazing students, faculty and staff there. I get to go to chapel every week at work and worship the Lord. I love that!

I also have made many mistakes in 2010, too. I let anger rule my heart, lost patience with my children, and did not always reach out to those in need around me.

And so, I like fresh starts. New Year’s Day is a do-over like no other. It’s like a second chance all wrapped up in forgiveness and love.

This New Year’s Day, what would you like to do-over?

God is tossing you the ball, moving you closer to the hoop, lifting you up on His shoulders and whispering in your ear, “Go ahead, take another shot. You can do it!”

So, muster up your courage and strength and let her fly!

Happy New Year to you all!

Pick up your copy of Trish’s book A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts-Stories to Warm Your Heart and Tips to Simplify Your Holiday online or at a bookstore near you. www.TrishBerg.com

Christmas Wishes For You

2010-12-25T07:30:00.000-06:00

Wishing you and your family a blessed Christmas!

JOY TO THE WORLD!

Last minute gift ideas

2010-12-24T11:00:00.000-06:00

There can be pressure going on to buy some last minute gifts, and I know I have experienced that moment of panic. I am a big fan of flowers and that is how I sometimes solve the last minute gift problem. Poinsettias glow with color and are available now for only 6 to 8 dollars and up. You probably see displays of them at drug stores and grocery stores and in garden centers. Last year I bought one and gave it the new neighbors at Christmas, when I went over to meet them. Other favorites are red and white plant bouquets and flower arrangements. See how easy that is?

Remember that the book we wrote, "Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts" is available at many stores and on Amazon and Christianbook.com, and when I looked today I see Amazon promises delivery by Monday! Our book has many upbeat stories in it that will be fun to read in the days after Christmas.
Some favorite stories in our book are about celebrating Christmas with two adopted children (this one involves a purple stocking), camping in the Florida Everglades with a pet chihuahua, a child selling cards for needed money, and seeing a prodigal son again.
Merry Christmas One and All, as we celebrate the birth of the Holy Babe tomorrow.

A Simple Story - By Trish Berg

2010-12-22T05:00:00.002-06:00

It is a simple story. A story told for many years, from generation to generation. A story you may know but hardly take the time to ponder. A story that begins and ends with love.

It began when God spoke love into this world, into the lives of a young girl and her betrothed. Into our lives as well. It began with Mary and Joseph.

I can hardly imagine what Mary and Joseph went through, the trust and faith they lived through their journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. A journey from being who they were to who God wanted them to become.

A journey they did not choose. A journey that chose them.

And so they walked by faith into their marriage. And they journeyed by faith to Bethlehem on the promises from God delivered by an angel.

After they had traveled farther than any of us have ever traveled by foot, they must have been exhausted. Many believe it was about a four day journey totaling eighty miles. And after taking on such a journey, they were not welcomed with open arms. They were rejected. There was no room for them at the inn. There was no home for Jesus.

Since it was time for Mary to deliver her Baby, they made their temporary home in the stable -the cold, dark stable. Their family became the cattle, oxen and sheep. And when baby Jesus was born, he was laid in the stone manger kept warm by the sweet hay.

And so it goes.

If the story ended there, we would be left wondering. Wondering who Jesus was and why Mary and Joseph made the trip to Bethlehem Wondering why the world rejected Him before He was even born. Wondering He would become. Wondering what all of it meant for us.

But the story does not end there.

God placed a star in the sky to mark the place where Jesus was born. His sent His angels to shepherds who were watching their flocks by night to tell them of Jesus’ birth, to share with them who Jesus was.

The star shone in the sky. The angels sang of God’s glory. The shepherds went to find the Baby in the manger. The kings came bearing gifts. God’s love became real.

It is a simple story. A story told for many years, from generation to generation. A story you may know but hardly take the time to ponder.

It began when God spoke love into this world in the form of a Baby in a manger. It continued through Jesus’ life as He shared God’s love with us, through the love he exemplified on the cross for us. And it continues today in the lives of all who believe.

We may not be traveling from Nazareth to Bethlehem, but we are each on a journey from who we are and who God wants us to be.

A journey we may not choose. It is a journey that chooses us.

It is a simple story that begins and ends with love.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah. 9:6) Merry Christmas!

www.TrishBerg.com

Very Last Minute Doable Gift--even the 25th

2010-12-20T10:45:00.003-06:00

Each year I try to do for or gift something to someone who hadn't ever received a gift from us. It might be a customer that we especially connected to that year or it might be someone in need of help financially. I've already done that this year, but who knows if someone comes to mind--even on Christmas Day--I could still honor them with this very last minute gift.

Some online companies are offering E-Mail gift certificates that you can order on Christmas Day and those will be sent to the receiver via email.

One such company is http://www.christianbook.com/ I sometimes buy books for people, but it's really nice to let them choose a book they've longed for or download a book to an electronic reader.

Gift certificates to bookstores do quadruple good and much more: Besides the nice gift, they support writers and authors who, for the most part, make less than a dollar for every book sold. They also get people reading, and a book increases knowledge or entertains--they expand our minds, and, after all who wants a small mind.

Here's a direct link to purchase a gift card by email. I'm not being compensated to tell you this, just sharing friend to friend.
Thank you for all your comments as the Word Quilters posted Christmas hints since July of this year.

Warmest Christmas wishes to you and yours.

Makeup Bags To Go

2010-12-18T07:02:00.002-06:00

My husband and I have stepped foot on all seven continents and almost completely circumnavigated the globe over the 20 years or so that we have been avid travelers. When it comes to packing, we have learned that less is. . .less to carry.

When it comes to toiletries especially, you need to decide just exactly what is essential. To save weight and space, check out the samples aisle of your local drugstore (CVS, Walgreen's, etc.). You will find smaller items that will make do for your trip even if you can't find just exactly the same brand that you normally use. It is also the place to find those liquid carry-on items that are no bigger than 3 ounces to get through security at the airport.

Now since this is Crafty Saturday, here is a link to a site that has more than 18 different kinds of makeup bags you can sew. One in particular would be great to roll up and tuck in your suitcase and would make a great gift item for someone who travels.

[Posted by Karen Robbins]

Surfer Statue with Santa Hat

2010-12-17T04:59:00.015-06:00

This week we are offering holiday travel tips, and my only tip for this is to take only a carry on bag.
I've done this for years, not checking in luggage, and A. They don't lose it or damage it, B. No waiting in the baggage area to pick up your luggage and C. Check in is faster.
Since my tip is rather tiny I share here 2 photos I took last week, of a surfer statue. Someone put a Santa hat and leis on him, and he is looking out over the ocean toward Hawaii.

Travel Tips for Around Your Neighborhood

2010-12-15T10:45:00.000-06:00

Did you hear the one about the blond who heard that the majority of car accidents happen within two miles of your home? ..........She moved.

Many people travel long distances over the holidays by car, train, and air, but most traveling is done locally and not just the few days around Christmas, but daily. Truly, this time of year is a little hazardous to your car fenders and you. With planning you can make the roads a safer and friendlier place during the holidays with these tips to help you from now until Christmas.

At the beginning of your day, start a list of the local stops you need to make. Route yourself so you travel the fewest miles or the least congested miles. Make plenty of lists, essential to avoid a quick run to the stores or malls. God bless you if you have to go to the malls after the 15th.
Be a friendly driver. If someone lets you merge into waiting traffic, wave a thank you. Allow those having a difficult time merging into traffic to go in front of you. Even this small gesture of kindness brings its own rewards.
Plan your meals from now until Christmas. Buy early. Bake and relax at home while others scurry about for last minute ingredients.
Play Christmas music when traveling. Cheeriness will invade your heart.
Have you put off mammograms, dentist visits, or yearly checkups? Often those offices are slow this time of year. Make an appointment now to take care of your preventive care.
Moms, the kiddos will be out of school soon. It's easier to push a grocery cart single-handed than with three children in tow. If you can afford to, shop early for those everyday needs.
Keep a bottle of water and a healthy snack on hand in your vehicle, to avoid fat-laden burgers and drive-thru lines. Or pack a brown bag lunch, and sit in your vehicle and have lunch. That down time just might relax you enough that a forgotten errand comes to mind and you save an extra local trip to stores.

Safe travel to you and yours. HONK IF YOU LOVE CHRISTMAS.

Creative De-Stressing

2010-12-11T06:42:00.000-06:00

When I was a florist, the holidays were truly a time of stress. Not only did I have all the usual Christmas preparations, I also had tons of orders to fill for flowers and fruit baskets in the shop. Whenever I was beginning to show signs of stress my friend, Chris, who worked with me always suggested I go home and bake to de-stress. That was what she did and we could always tell when she was over stressed. Plates of goodies would show up on our workbenches.

Now baking would be more stressful for me than many other things I could think of. Crocheting is probably my best way to deal with stress. I can whip up an afghan in no time if I'm working off nervous energy or anger or stress.

If baking or crocheting are not on your list of de-stressers, here are some other suggestions (crafty, of course):

Painting- Acrylics are easy to use or even watercolors. If you don't feel creative, get a paint by number. Some of them are really easy and a good distraction.

Embroidery- Pick a really simple kit and make an ornament, a card, or a runner for your table.

Put together a jigsaw puzzle. There is something calming in this and to make it crafty, get some clear coating made especially for jigsaw puzzles and coat the puzzle so you can frame it.

Grab your camera and take a long walk. Take some pictures of landscapes, then zero in on things a little closer and capture something unique or unusual. Try photographing textures or patterns. Or pick a theme and take pictures to fit the theme.

If all else fails, buy yourself a roll of bubble wrap or a pack of bubble gum and pop it!

[posted by Karen Robbins]

Holiday Bingo--Copying with Closeness at Christmas

2010-12-09T08:07:00.000-06:00

I’ve eagerly anticipated this blog post for some time. Unlike my multi-talented co-authors, I didn’t receive as much craft or artistic talent. I know my limitations as a decorator, cook, and home-entertainment guru.

Though I’d love nothing more than to be able to fashion napkin rings out of fresh holly boughs or whip up a gourmet dessert out of pantry staples like chocolate chips, powdered sugar and Ranch Style beans, I probably couldn’t teach you anything new in the holiday entertaining department. However, I do have a helpful holiday hint for you this year.

My terrific tip is crafty, as in clever and innovative—no hot glue or grapevine wreaths required. It’s relational, not hospitable.

Though I’ve searched I’ve been unable to find the original magazine article containing this idea. Suffice it to say I read about it in a Christmas issue of one of the popular women’s magazines.

The helpful article contained instructions for making and playing Holiday Bingo. Thie grid is similar to regular Bingo except you fill each spaces with something relatives say or do that drive you crazy.

Intended as a coping mechanism, I suggested it to a friend who has—to put it mildly—a challenging relationship with her mother. My friend, whom I’ll call Anne, had to think of 24 annoying things that she predicted her mother would say or do during the holiday visit.

“Only 24?” Anne joked.

“Yeah. Sorry to limit you.” I was beginning to feel her pain—which, I suppose, was the whole point of the exercise.

If her mom said or did something my friend had noted on the Bingo grid, Anne could mark off that area. I did the same. Naturally, the idea was to see which of us could get Bingo first.

This simple game accomplished several things.

First, it completely changed Anne’s outlook on her mother’s behavior. Anne found herself laughing at her mother’s previously annoying or hurtful behavior, instead of dissolving in tears when her mother criticized her parenting abilities. Instead of being irritated when her mother belittled her for talking about the incarnation of Jesus, Anne laughed sneaking off to mark that section of her grid. Though Anne’s circumstances, resolving to be kind to a critical, overbearing mother, had not changed a bit, her perspective certainly had.

Second, her mother’s visit was pleasant, not just bearable. Anne smiled constantly and listened more intently, chuckling to herself about mother’s predictability, shallowness and critical spirit. What a change from previous visits!

Third, it gave Anne something to look forward to. Instead of dreading Christmas shopping, cooking, and sitting down to meals—all of which meant conversation with her mother—Anne eagerly anticipated them. After all, each gave her more opportunities to win.

Now you must know that I have great relationships with both my parents and my in-laws. However, being nothing if not a helpful friend, I agreed to help Anne, who so desperately needed to be lifted above the mire of depression, anger and bitterness that typically enveloped her during the holidays.

At first it was a challenge to come up with enough fodder for my grid. (Wink, wink.) I had to enlist the help of my husband, Bret. Once we got started, the items—comments and behaviors—seemed to come easier. Here’s a sampling:

My dad encourages a healthy—as in big, not health conscious—appetite. Without asking, he’ll plop anything from pancakes to biscuits to the last piece of Jimmy Dean sausage onto your plate. (Unfortunately this behavior isn’t limited to holidays.)

My mom seems to lose presents every year. She likes to buy The Perfect Gift, and then hide it so well she can’t find it when it’s time to wrap presents.

My father-in-law can hardly carry on a conversation without mentioning C.S. Lewis, Oswald Chambers or what he himself is teaching in his Bible class at church—sometimes all three.

My mother-in-law, an extremely accomplished shopper, claims she can’t think of anything to get my sons. What she really means is, she can’t buy them clothes from her favorite little boutique.

These items and more graced our Bingo grid.

How did the game turn out? Well, Anne beat me. In fact, she finished in a matter of hours, not days. But she continued to play, adding “Xs” every time her mom exhibited one of the predictable, hurtful behaviors—each one giving her a smile instead of another dagger to the heart.

And my husband and I never had such a fun Christmas!

We plan to make this a generational tradition. I have no doubts that someday my three children will develop their own game about Bret and me to make spending the holidays with Dear Ol’ Mom and Dad bearable.
I could suggest a few behaviors to get them started.

Now it’s your turn to share: What would you put on your Bingo grid?

Christmas Traditions in 20 Countries

2010-12-08T04:57:00.013-06:00

Florine Church contacted us to share this post about Christmas traditions in 20 countries, including Ethiopia, Brazil, Mexico, Germany, Japan and more.
Here is part of the article:
China
Although few in number, the Christians in China celebrate Christmas with a variety of traditions. The holidays kick off with fireworks, festivals and feasting. Many fill their homes with evergreens, posters, bright paper chains and cut-out red pagodas to put on the windows. Paper lanterns are hung and Christmas trees, or "trees of light," are decorated with flowers, lanterns and red paper chains. People often throw parties on Christmas Eve and celebrate Christmas Day with a big meal at a restaurant. Even Santa Claus or Dun Che Lao Ren, meaning "Christmas Old Man," is said to fill children's muslin stockings with treats on Christmas Eve.

To read the article about Christmas traditions in 20 countries you can visit:

http://www.collegecrunch.org/feature/20-different-christmas-traditions-from-around-the-world/

Tips to Simplify Christmas

2010-12-07T11:12:00.000-06:00

5 LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS TIPS

1. STORY TIME - One of our favorite traditions is to read 2 Christmas stories. On Christmas Eve, we all gather around the tree and read Twas the Night Before Christmas. The kids love eating a Christmas cookie and listening to the words flow. Then, on Christmas morning, before a single present is unwrapped, we gather around the breakfast table and read the TRUE story of Christmas, of the birth of Jesus. You can start with Luke 2:1-20 or Matthew 1:18-2:20. This truly helps your family focus on the fun side of Christmas, and yet cherish the real gift of Jesus.

2. MAKE AHEAD BREAKFAST - Take the time on Dec 23rd or 24th to make your Christmas morning breakfast ahead of time. That way Christmas morning, you can simply enjoy eating and not have anything to do. 2 fantastic ideas are Sausage and Egg Casserole, or Sunday French Toast. For those and more great breakfast recipes click here.

3. SLOW DOWN - We tend to be in such a rush to "get done" with opening gifts and celebrating Christmas. I enjoy slowing the day down. Maybe open a few gifts in the morning. Let your kids play with those gifts, have lunch, and then open some more in the afternoon. Spread it out, take your time and enjoy the time together. Don't rush out the door to grandma's house, instead, stay home as long as you can and relax and enjoy watching your children play with their gifts.

4. CUT IN HALF - If you are a to-do list kinda person like I am, write down everything you think you need to do between now and Christmas Day and then...CUT YOUR LIST IN HALF. Christmas is Christmas not because of anything you do, it is Christmas because God gave us the gift of Jesus. Celebrate that, and don't worry about getting it all right..or all done. Celebrate what you have, thank God for all in your life, and let the rest go.

5. GIVE TO SOMEONE - Nothing will make you feel more joy than giving to someone else. Take hot cocoa to the Salvation army bell ringer at Walmart. Bring cookies to your gas station attendant or a tin of Chex Mix to the local fire or police station. Give to someone who does not expect you to give to them, and you will feel the true joy of Christmas.

Personal Loss or Stresses at Christmas

2010-12-06T05:31:00.000-06:00

This week, we will discuss ways in which you can downsize worry at Christmas or be more sensitive to those who have had a tumultuous year. Here are my tips:

Prepare early. Use small increments of time to stay ahead of your schedule. Make a list of what you expect to do. Trim it down and stick to it. Your family would rather have you in a good mood than to have an additional activity or one more doo-dad sitting on a table. Doo-dad, wonder how that became a word? Is it a word?
Not everyone is in a celebratory mood this time of year. Due to illness, death, or finances, they may be in more of a blue mood. Be sensitive to their personal pain. If you don't know what is going on in someone's life, a question like this might help them share and help you give an appropriate response: "How has this year been for you?"
Your regular workload continues through the holidays, so keep up with it, but you might consider lowering your standard just a bit. Your kitchen floor doesn't have to be clean enough to eat off of it -- that's what the table is for. A few crumbs under the cabinets can be your charity to the critters that scurry at night. You can starve them out in January.
Consider doing less celebrating and less gift buying and less eating. You'll go into the new year a step ahead of those who over-killed Christmas.

Do you have a favorite tip you can share with us? Or tell us about foods you prepare ahead of time and freeze. Like you, we need to slow down and enjoy the season, too. May this week be blessed for you and yours....Cathy

Hats Off to a Themed Christmas Tree!

2010-12-04T07:00:00.000-06:00

Themed Christmas trees are fun to do once in a while. When we lived in a home with a family room and a living room (and I had lots more energy) I did a themed tree each year in the living room. Years ago, I also recycled styrofoam cups by melting them and shaping them into little ladies' hats as favors for a ladies banquet. These would make a great themed tree as well. With some tulle and beads for garland and a few silk flowers and baby's breath placed around the branches, you will end up with a beautiful Victorian-looking Christmas tree.

For the hats you will need:

Styrofoam cups (if used be sure to wash and dry thoroughly)

dark coated cookie sheet (will not melt properly on plain aluminum or stainless)
small silk flowers
small beads
small/thin ribbons
hot glue gun

Preheat oven to 250 degrees.

Place a test cup upside down on the cookie sheet and set in oven. It will take about a minute before you see a change and about 1-2 minutes more before you have something that looks like a mini-hat. The test cup should give you a good idea of timing but don't put any in the oven and walk away. Also, be careful of the fumes that may build up in the oven. Don't continually inhale them directly. Remove test cup from oven and let cool on the cookie sheet. The cup will stick to the surface until it is completely cooled.

Now you're ready for a batch of hats. Place the cups upside down about 1-2" apart on the cookie sheet. Remember not to walk away from the oven! Watch them melt and pull out the sheet of cups at the appropriate time. Let them cool completely on the cookie sheet and then remove them and do another batch. Some of the cups will be a bit distorted but most should come out looking like little hats. All will be a little different.

When you are done melting your cups and they've cooled, begin the fun. Decorate each with the beads, ribbons, flowers, etc. and be sure to add a ribbon, string, or wire for hanging on the tree.

If you like, you could also use acrylic paints to add more color to your hats.

Hats off to you crafters! Karen Robbins

Christmas Tree trivia

2010-12-03T04:27:00.034-06:00

Here are three questions about Christmas tree history.
Which American President began the ceremony of adding electric lights to the outdoor White House Christmas tree and having a ceremony when lighting the tree?
Herbert Hoover?
Calvin Coolidge?
Theodore Roosevelt?
The answer is President Coolidge in 1923.

When and where was tinsel invented?
Tinsel was invented in Germany around 1610 and was originally made from silver by machines which stretched the silver into paper thin strips.

It is fun to visit Christmas tree farms. How many states in the United States have these farms?
40?
50?
48?
The answer is 50 since there are Christmas tree farms in all 50 states.

Twas the Week Before Christmas by Trish Berg

2010-11-30T21:56:00.000-06:00

'Twas the week before Christmas, when all through my life,

whispered my Christmas to do list, giving me strife.

The gifts that were bought from Santa himself,

Were not yet sitting up high on a shelf.

The children were fighting over this and that

And I could hardly imagine what had caused their spat.

Another day of parenting, another quest for peace,

As Papa and I tried to make the chaos cease.

When down in the basement arose such a noise

I tripped over my feet and recovered with poise.

Away to the dishwasher I flew like a flash,

tore open the door, and was hit with a splash.

The dishes were wet, and hot water spilled

I knew that this faithful old machine had been killed.

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

but miniature marshmallows stuck in here and there.

With forty little fingers so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment who had made them stick.

More rapid than eagles, my temper it came,

and I whistled and shouted and called them by name:

"Now Hannah! Now Sydney!

Now, Colin and Riley!

Come into the kitchen

And don’t you be smiling!

To the top of the stairs!

Come big kids and small

Now come in here, come in here

Come one and come all! “

As food crumbs and bits that cover my floor

Stuck to the bottom of my feet and followed me out the door.

I searched for my children, and shouted again,

Then I saw their faces and the guilt set in.

And then, in a twinkling, my anger began to fade

As I saw them prancing in with joy that God made.

As I swallowed my words and was turning around,

Down the stairs they all came with a child like bound.

They were dressed all in PJ’s from their heads to their feet,

and their clothes were all covered with peppermints sweet.

They looked so innocent, so young, and so merry

That the anger in my heart was soon light as a fairy.

Their eyes--how they twinkled! Their dimples, how merry!

Their cheeks were like roses, their noses like a cherry!

They were cute and sweet, and had the joy of an elf,

and I laughed when I saw them, in spite of myself.

A wink of my eye and a twist of my head

Soon gave them to know they had nothing to dread.

I spoke not a word but went straight to my work.

And grabbed them and hugged them, then turned with a jerk.

And pointing to the kitchen and nodding my head,

Inviting them all in for cocoa and bread.

I sprang to the cupboards, to my kids sang a song,

And in they all came all singing along.

The dishwasher was not as big a deal,

As the way my temper would have made them feel.

So I learned a big lesson that cold December day,

And am trying very hard to put screaming away.

And each night this week when the chaos abounds

I’ll try to remember how true joy is found.

In the tiny little moments, in the cocoa and cake,

In the smiles they give and the pictures I take.

For they are just kids, and though the mess is real,

So is the time that each day seems to steal.

So when I tuck them in their beds so softly tonight,

I’ll whisper in their ears, "Mommy loves you, forever, sleep tight.”

Be sure to visit http://www.trishberg.com/

5 Money Saving Tips for this Year and Next

2010-11-29T18:16:00.000-06:00

1. Invite your friends to a Christmas Décor trading party in your home. Set the date for early December. Have each guest bring 1-5 decorations that they’ve outgrown or that no longer suits their taste. Serve light refreshments. Each guest gets to exchange their decorations for an equal number of items.

2. Explain that each child in your household will receive three gifts, the same number that the baby Jesus received.

3. Trish Berg, my co-author, submitted this one to our collection of ideas, and it can create family fun and strengthening of relationships with little expense: Several weeks before Christmas collect your children’s favorite books or maybe those which rarely get read. Check out a few library books and buy one or two inexpensive new books. Wrap them and place them in a basket under the tree. Let your children choose one from the stack each evening for you to read as a family.

These next two hints are things that will help you next year.

4. This season, watch for Nativities that are on sale, buy up a few and gift those for wedding gifts this next year. Hint: you could add a copy of A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts for the newlyweds’ first Christmas. m

5. The final tip is to buy supplies to make Christmas tree ornaments, three different ones, on sale of course, after the holidays. This next summer when you see your children growing weary of summer activities, bring out one of the ornament projects. Next season, you’ll have a collection of handmade ornaments that they can gift to Bible class teachers, friends, or other people they want to give a gift to. Be sure and save a set for each child and you, too.

Presentation, As Important As Taste

2010-11-27T06:39:00.000-06:00

If you have followed my posts, you'll find that I am not the cook/baker among the Word Quilters. My best recipe for chocolate chip cookies comes from the refrigerated section of the grocery store and has a little dough boy on the label. I do make a mean cake at Christmas and Easter though. I have a daughter-in-law who likes a white cake with fresh strawberries as the filling between layers. Of course my cake is from a mix, my icing from a can, and the coconut topping from a bag. I slice up the strawberries and place them between the layers as I'm icing the cake. If it will be consumed quickly--which is usually the case, I place fresh strawberries on top as well.

In trying to be crafty (it is Crafty Saturday) I came up with this alternative that I think I'll try out myself this year--sugar frosted fruit. After all, presentation is as important as taste. Most of you are probably ahead of me on this but if not, here's how it goes:

You'll need a beaten egg white in a small bowl, extra fine sugar in another small bowl, a paint brush used only for food, and your fresh fruit--strawberries or grapes or raspberries or blackberries. Wash and dry the fruit on a paper towel. Set out another paper towel for the finished project to dry on. Now take the paint brush and coat the piece of fruit with the egg white. Then either dip it in the sugar or use a teaspoon to shake sugar over the top of the fruit. I would think the later would work best to keep the sugar dry.

Use as a garnish on your cake top or other desserts for Christmas dinner.

Now, if you get to this before I do, let me know how it went and if you have any other helpful hints I can use, pass them along.

Happy delicious crafting! Karen Robbins

Sour Cream Cheesecake

2010-11-26T17:52:00.000-06:00

Sour cream cheesecake is delicious, I promise. To save time you can buy a graham cracker crust, preferably a nine inch crust that is two inches deep, or any size crust.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
With an electric beater mix 2 eggs, 12 ounces cream cheese, one half cup sugar, one tsp. lemon juice and one half tsp. salt
Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle with cinnamon and let it cool to room temperature.
Heat oven to 425 degrees.
Mix one and one half cups sour cream, 2 tablespoons sugar, one half teaspoon vanilla and a pinch of salt. Pour this over the first layer and bake for 5 minutes, then refrigerate it for 6 or more hours before serving.
The layers with different tastes make it very tasty.
What is your family's favorite dessert at holiday time?

Chocolate Cream Pie Made Easy -Trish Berg

2010-11-23T17:23:00.000-06:00

CHOCOLATE VELVET PUDDING PIE

Ingredients
1 Keebler graham cracker ready crust pie crust

1 (4 serving size) pkg. Jello chocolate instant pudding and pie filling

1 c. cold milk

2 sqs. Baker's semi-sweet chocolate, melted

3 c. thawed Cool Whip whipped topping

Directions:

Prepare pudding with 1 cup milk as directed on package with electric mixer. Gradually blend in chocolate at low speed until smooth. Then fold in whipped topping. Spoon into pie crust. Freeze until, firm about 4 hours. Garnish with additional whipped topping and chocolate curls, if desired.

Crafty Idea for the Charity Gift Tree

2010-11-20T06:59:00.000-06:00

Many shopping malls, stores, and churches at this time of year put up Christmas trees with paper ornaments that have a name or description of a child on it for you to take, buy a gift for, and return for distribution to the child. Since it's Crafty Saturday, let's consider a gift of creativity. What child, young or old, doesn't like markers, colored pencils, watercolors, paper, fancy templates, fun hole-punches, stickers, etc.? Why not consider putting together a crafty box of supplies?

Or if you want to shortcut the process, check out your local craft store for craftkits. There are tons of choices from making jewelry to paint by number to wood projects. Just remember that the child may not have an adult to help them with the project so you want to make it something easy and age-appropriate.

While you are at it, mention that you are looking for a gift for a charity tree and perhaps the store would be willing to give a discount or add something of their own for you to add to the tree gift.

If this is something that you do on an annual basis, remember to shop the sales after Christmas!

Happy crafting! Karen Robbins

Love in a shoe box, Samaritan's Purse

2010-11-19T05:50:00.026-06:00

My favorite holiday charity focuses on children in need, and is called Samaritan's Purse or Operation Christmas Child.
samaritanspurse.org
Every year my church participates in this shoe box project and we fill more boxes each year.
You fill a shoe box with suggested gift items, first choosing if for a boy or girl and then selecting the age group, zero to five, six to nine or ten to fourteen.
The boxes are delivered to very remote areas of the world or to American children, with a small booklet in the appropriate language about the birth of Jesus. I think the deadline for filling a shoe box is November 22, which makes sense since many boxes go to remote areas. At the website you can type in your zip code to find the closest place for you to take a filled box.
How much love could I squeeze in to a shoe box? It turns out A LOT :)
I picked a boy, age 6 to 9 and put in the box: new brown striped tee shirt, monkey Beanie baby, 2 metal cars, toothbrush, toothpaste, a comb, pens and note book, and a bag of bubble gum. This is a fun family project which puts us all in the spirit of giving.

Angel Tree--Giving to Families of Prisoners

2010-11-18T09:44:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite things about Christmas has to be the spark it ignites in people’s hearts toward charitable giving. Young and old alike agree on this point: It’s a greater blessing to give than to receive. And Christmas allows us to do that in a variety of ways.

When my kids were small, they wanted to put money in the Salvation Army bucket—not just once, but every time we passed by one. I decided that if I didn’t want to go broke, I’d better get a roll of quarters at the bank. That way, instead of getting stuck having to relinquish my last $20 bill, I could be a hero each time: going in the store, exiting with a cart full of groceries, running in to grab that elusive gallon of milk. They loved dropping in their respective quarters and being rewarded when the attendant rang the bell.

Fast forward a few years—now those tots have morphed into teens. Instead of quarters in the Salvation Army bucket, they’re involved in feeding the homeless, rebuilding homes devastated by Hurricane Katrina, serving at a VBS in Mexico or sitting by the bedside of young AIDS patients in South Africa. But there’s still much to be done at home. In our affluent community, we still see many who struggle financially. To that end, I love Angel Tree. Angel Tree is a faith-based organization that seeks to give children, whose parent(s) are incarcerated, an opportunity to enjoy Christmas. The national organization partners with local churches to make needs known to individual members. These folks then shop or provide parties for the underprivileged children.

This amazing ministry allows us to share the love of Christ by ministering to an often-overlooked demographic, families of prisoners. Imagine the fear, uncertainty and loneliness inherent in such a situation. Then compound that by the glitz and glitter of the holiday season. But it doesn’t have to be that way. We can bring joy and a momentary excitement to children who, through no fault of their own, find themselves without a parent. By purchasing gifts or having parties for needy kids, we offer them a little hope during the Christmas season. Plus, it teaches our own children the importance of giving.

Check with your church. If it's not already involved, maybe you could step up to lead. Visit www.AngelTree.org for more information.

Gift a pair of goats, chickens, or buy a mosquito net

2010-11-15T15:06:00.000-06:00

My husband and I have donated to Christian Relief Fund for years because we know the founders and in this past financial report they only used 7% of their donations for advertising and administrative work.

Do you have an older member of family or anyone you could honor by donating in their name? Through CRF, you can give Christmas gifts to a child for $10.00, or sponsor a child per month for $35.00, or give farm animals (chickens $15.00, a goat $65.00 [pair$130.00], dairy cow $500.000, emergency food for $35.00, life-saving medicines for $50.00, clothe an orphan for $30.00, save a life with a mosquito net for $10.00, build a home in Haiti for $4,000 or share the cost of homebuilding, or help the helpers (CRF needs to upgrade their technology to expand efforts to help more children). You could send a child to elementary and High School or Univeristy (from 275.00-1,200 per year), or change a life through vocational training at $250.00 or share the costs. Or share the good news with a gift of $5.00 to bring Bibles through the hands of missionaries.

Click Christian Relief Fund.org to check out their organization. They are members in good standing with the ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability).

Holiday Inn - Crooning with Bing

2010-11-13T06:24:00.000-06:00

Here's a golden oldie that many people forget about when they are lining up their Christmas movies. Back in 1942 (before my time!) Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire got together to make the movie Holiday Inn and gave us one of our most beloved Christmas songs, "White Christmas," which Crosby later used as the title to his remake of the movie in 1954 (during my lifetime).

With that in mind, I thought you might enjoy some ideas for making snowflakes should the real ones fail to show for Christmas.

Stick-on snowflakes for windows:

Using a pencil, draw simple snowflake designs onto a piece of wax paper. Trace over each design with glitter glue. Make nice, thick lines so the snowflake will be sturdy. Let dry completely overnight. Gently peel the snowflakes from the paper. If the glue is still wet, turn the flakes over and allow to dry more.

Use as window clings or add to gift packages.

Pasta snowflakes:

Save up those leftover uncooked pasta shapes for this project. On a piece of waxed paper, arrange the shapes to make a snowflake shape. Glue the pieces together. Let dry completely and finish by spraying with glue and sprinkling with glitter.

Snowflakes to munch:

Using flour tortillas and a pair of clean sharp scissors, fold the tortilla in fourths and cut as you would to make a snowflake from paper. You may need to warm the tortillas a bit in the oven to make them more pliable.

In a fry pan, add a very little oil and fry the tortilla until crisp. Top tortilla with powdered sugar or cinnamon and sugar.

[posted by Karen Robbins]

A Christmas Story, our family's favorite movie

2010-11-12T05:00:00.025-06:00

Oh my, this is a funny and touching movie, with many scenes in it that are seared into my memory. Some years it is on tv constantly, and we bought a copy for backup. The setting is a town in Indiana in the 1940s, during the Christmas season. This is a story from the point of view of Ralphie, a nine year boy.

You may have your favorite movie moments from A Christmas Story. The scene of the boy whose tongue freezes to the flagpole, and Ralphie with the bar of soap in his mouth are not possible to forget. For funny scenes the younger brother was so swaddled in his snowsuit that when he falls down he can not get up on his own. To keep him warm his mom put so many layers of clothes on him that he cannot put his arms down at his side.

Amazing scenes, and add to this Ralphie's desperate craving, nay need, to own a Red Ryder carbine action BB gun, and Ralphie hearing "you'll shoot your eye out" so often from every responsible adult. He poured out his heart in an essay he wrote for school about how he should have the rifle, hoping his teacher will concur.

The dad is called The Old Man and he has a whacky pride in the bizarre lamp that he won. I have seen replicas of the lamp for sale in catalogs.

Sit back and enjoy.

Silent NIght, a 2002 Hallmark Hall of Fame Movie

2010-11-10T13:51:00.000-06:00

I bought "Silent Night" in one of those DVDs that has four movies in it. Here's a few comments from Amazon viewers:

5.0 out of 5 stars Courageous mother

Strong story line: A mother who would not allow circumstances to control her life! Love this story! I have watched it numerous times since purchasing it from Amazon.com. Read more

Published 8 months ago by David Mikolajczyk

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Good Movie

This movie hit a lot of bases. It showed how people could come together even when they're normally of opisition of one another. Read more

Published 9 months ago by Grizzly Adams "Rick"

5.0 out of 5 stars Must See Family Movie

Silent Night, is a movie for the whole family. It so impressed me that I ordered a copy for each of our six grown children. Read more

Published 9 months ago by Kaye Salverda

4.0 out of 5 stars Touching and well done

This is a touching and well done film that shows that hatred is never the answer. It takes place during WWII and American soldiers and German soldiers must share a home for the... Read more

Published 10 months ago by Penny Zeller, Christian Author...

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT Movie

Never hearing of this movie I came across it in a four movie DVD christmas collection. I must say of the four movies included on the DVD this one was "TOP NOTCH". Read more

Blog readers, let me know if you've seen this movie? Would love your comments.

Favorite Christmas Movie - Trish Berg

2010-11-09T09:38:00.001-06:00

Well, this is difficult for me as I am an avid Christmas movie fanatic. So ere is my top 5 list:

1. It's a Wonderful Life - Nothing beats this classic black and white tear jerker. I watch it 5 times every December. If you have not seen it, you MUST! It is inspirational, and even my kiddos love it!

2. Miracle on 34th Street - Both the old black and white version and the new re-make version. Both are inspirational and will bring back the excitement of Santa.

3. Arthur's Perfect Christmas - Yes, you may think this is lame, but I LOVE THIS PBS CARTOON movie. It is just so, well...PERFECT!!!

4. A Christmas Carol- Any version (Except the Muppet one...) Very inspirational.

5. Home Movies - Spend some time watching all of your own home movies from Christmases past. My kiddos love reliving the memories.

Whatever you watch, pop some popcorn, make some hot cocoa, snuggle up with the ones you love and enjoy the time together.

Gingerbread Cookies For The Tree

2010-11-06T06:55:00.000-05:00

Gingerbread cookies make wonderful tree decorations. Not only do they look decorative but they add a wonderful aroma to your Christmas celebration. You can make them in the traditional gingerbread man shape or use a different shape for a themed tree.

6 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup shortening, melted and cooled slightly
1 cup molasses
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup water
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1.Sift together the flour, baking powder, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon; set aside.

2.In a medium bowl, mix together the shortening, molasses, brown sugar, water, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients, until they are completely absorbed. Divide dough into 3 pieces, pat down to 1 1/2 inch thickness, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.

3.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters. Place cookies 1 inch apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet.

4. Use raisins for eyes and a piece of red licorice for a mouth. Buttons down the front can be either raisins or cinnamon candy.

5.Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven. When the cookies are done, use a plastic straw to make a hole at the top for a ribbon or string hanger. Cool cookies on parchment paper or clean newspaper.

If cookies will be consumed after hanging on the tree, you might want to wrap them in clear cellophane wrap or thin plastic bag. Gather the wrap at the top and tie with ribbon that can be used as hanger as well. If you don't wrap cookies, they will definitely need a dusting unless consumed quickly.

If you will not be eating the cookies, you can add a little extra spice for that little more wonderful ginger smell.

[posted by Karen Robbins]

Nanaimo Bars, Rich Chocolate and Butter Cream

2010-11-05T04:46:00.022-05:00

A friend at work introduced me to the sinfully delicious chocolate Nanaimo bars. She brought them in to work to share at Christmas and we all went into transports of joy as we tasted them.
There is chocolate and butter and sugar galore in these treats, which originated in the city of Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada.
The recommended size for the pan is 8 inches by 8 inches, sprayed with vegetable oil or covered with parchment paper. The recommended custard powder is Bird's, which you can find online or in specialty shops, or you can substitute vanilla pudding powder. I bring the butter to room temperature before beginning. I don't have a double boiler, so instead I use a larger saucepan with water in it, and a smaller saucepan which sets on top, leaning in to the larger pan.
Ingredients for bottom layer:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1/4 cup white sugar, 5 TB cocoa powder, 1 egg beaten, 1 and 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup chopped almonds, walnuts or pecans, 1 cup shredded or flaked coconut.
Melt first three ingredients in double boiler, gently whisk in egg, stir in rest of ingredients, and press in to greased pan. Refrigerate for about an hour.
Ingredients for second layer:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, 2 TB cream or milk, 2 TB vanilla custard powder, 2 cups confectioners sugar.
Cream together 1st three ingredients, then add sugar and when mixture is smooth spread over bottom layer.
Top layer:
4 squares semi-sweet chocolate (one ounce each), 2 TB unsalted butter.
Melt these slowly and when a bit cooled pour on top of middle layer and chill in refrigerator.
To prevent the top layer of chocolate from cracking when cutting, use a sharp knife and bring to room temperature before cutting.
This recipe gives about 16 servings and I read that they are about 300 calories, but I don't know for sure about the calories.
Prepare to be very popular when you share these Nanaimo Bars.

Nutmeg Logs - Trish Berg

2010-11-02T07:45:00.000-05:00

This is my mother-in-law's recipe, and we love the sweet, run flavor.

Nutmeg Logs

1 cup butter, softened
2 teaspoon vanilla
2 teaspoon rum flavoring
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg
3 cup sifted flour
1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 350 F. Cream softened butter with the flavorings. Beat in the sugar, then mix in the egg. In a separate bowl, stir the flour, nutmeg, and salt. Mix with the butter/sugar mixture. Shape the resulting dough into snakes about 1/2 inch in diameter, and cut the pieces to 3 inches in length. Bake on a greased cookie sheet for 12-15 minutes. Remove to a wire rack to cool. Frost with rum frosting. Make grooves in the frosting with a fork, and sprinkle ground nutmeg on the logs while the frosting is still moist.

Rum Frosting
1/3 cup soft butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 teaspoon rum flavoring
2 cup confectioner's sugar
2 tablespoons milk

yummmmeeeee!

2010-11-01T10:00:00.003-05:00

Orange Cocoa Sandies. If you like the flavor combination of chocolate and orange, these will more than please your taste buds.

Years ago, a segment on a local news show included "Mr. Food." This fellow in a chef's cap would share simple recipes. One morning he told the audience the following recipe, and I've used it ever since. It's a chocolate variation of the almond flavored cookie known by these two names: Wedding Crescents or Pecan Sandies.

Let me know if you try them and how you like them. You may roll them in cocoa powder or confectioner's sugar.

Orange Cocoa Sandies

1 cup (2 sticks butter, softened)
1 3/4 all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups confectioner's sugar, divided
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 cup finely chopped pecans
1 teaspoon orange extract

Preheat over to 400 degrees F. In a large bowl, beat the butter, flour, 1 cup confectioner's sugar, the cocoa, pecans and extract for 2-3 minutes, or until well blended. Drop by teaspooonfuls about 1 inch apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until set. Allow to cool slightly, then dust with the remaining 1/4 cup confectioner's sugar. Serve, or store in an air-tight container until ready to serve.

Make A Small Gift Box

2010-10-30T06:34:00.000-05:00

Here is a great idea for making a pretty gift box.

Take an empty tea bag box or similar small box, carefully pull it apart at the seams and flatten it out.
On scrapbooking paper or card stock or other decorative paper that is stiff, use a pencil to trace the outline of the flattened box on the backside of the paper.
Cut along the traced outline.
Make folds that correspond to the folds on the original box.
Use double sided tape or glue to assemble the box.
Place gift inside and finish with a pretty ribbon.

[posted by Karen Robbins]

Gift Tower

2010-10-28T04:23:00.001-05:00

My kids are big fans of specially wrapped gifts. In fact, my youngest son, Reese, once lamented that “whoever invented gift bags took half the fun out of Christmas.” With that in mind, I continue to challenge myself to wrap creatively.

Gift towers always go over well. Wrap related items, such as a dollhouse, doll, accessories and clothes, from largest to smallest—stacking them one on top of the other. Tape of hot glue them together so they won’t topple over. An added bonus: the shape is reminiscent of the Christmas tree.

Now, please share any creative ideas you have. I can’t wait to read them.

Blessings,
Leslie Porter Wilson

Inexpensive, unique gift wrap ideas

2010-10-27T08:22:00.001-05:00

Holiday Gift Wrapping can be Fun and Inexpensive:

1) Buy a large roll of plain brown paper. Write messages on outside: "Open me first." "What's inside?" "Don't Shake."
Write clues to content: "What's furry and squeaks?" Or cover package with huge question marks. Or let children in your family make hand prints, draw Christmas scenes, or silhouette cutouts after Thanksgiving meal, and then use paper to wrap Christmas gifts.

2) Use items you would normally throw away as gift containers. Drop a set of fancy measuring spoons into a plastic lidded empty baking powder can. Use leftover spray paint on the outside of coffee cans, and then tuck gifts inside. Use the newspaper plastic sleeves for oblong gifts. My newspaper comes in pretty blue wrappers. Use several tucked inside each other to hide gift.

3) Last week I mentioned this one, buy those store logo reusable shopping bag and gift those and your gift.

Got any good gift wrapping ideas? Share them with us this week. It's two months until Christmas...just a heads up...Cathy

Eco-Friendly Gifts to Make

2010-10-23T06:47:00.002-05:00

One of the best gifts I ever got was a pretty fabric bag to store all the plastic bags I seemed to collect from grocery shopping. Plastic bags come in handy for all sorts of things from transporting wet bathing suits to packing shoes in a suitcase to keep them from soiling the clean clothes. Here's an easy way to make one:

You will need a piece of cotton fabric-about a half yard, 6"-8" of 1/8-1/4" wide elastic, cording about 18"-24" long, sewing machine, thread, scissors, safety pin. The "about" measurements allow for you to use up scraps or hit the remnant bin at the fabric store.

Put two sides of material right sides together and sew a seam so that you make a long cylinder leaving the seam open two inches at top and bottom. At the top sew a hem or casing for the cording to pass through. Tuck the raw edges in to finish off the opening where you will pass the cording through using a large safety pin. Tie the two ends of the cording together (if you want to get fancy, you can add a large wooden bead here as well.

At the bottom, make another hem or casing and pass the elastic through. Either tie the ends together tightly or sew them. This should close the bottom enough to keep the bags inside but yet allow you to pull one at a time out of the bottom. If you give it as a gift, be sure to put some bags in it to demonstrate its use.

Another gift idea is to make reusable grocery bags either from scratch, or buy some inexpensive ones at the grocery store and personalize them with your own appliqued designs either sewn on or by using iron on appliques.

[posted by Karen Robbins]

No-Sew Fleece Pillow

2010-10-16T07:04:00.001-05:00

Not only am I a Word Quilter, I'm also a Quilt Quilter. Hmmm. That sounds funny. One of the best places to find fabric for quilting or crafting is in the remnant bin. I love finding treasures. It is there that I suggest you look for some fleece for this no-sew pillow project which is a great gift for just about any age. You will need two pieces of fleece-3/4 yard each. Or two pieces of fleece that measure 25" X 25" for a 14" pillow. (Pictured here are several fleece patterns from JoAnn Fabrics online.)

Here's the list of supplies:

Two pieces of fleece 25"X25" (be sure you don't include the selvage in that measurement)
One 14" pillow form
Ruler
Sharp scissors

Instructions:

Place the two 25" squares (no selvage) "wrong" sides together if you can figure that out. Some fleece looks the same on both sides. Secure with a few pins.
Cut a 5"X5" square out of each corner.
Now cut 5" long fringe that is 3/4" wide on all four sides. It might be easiest to measure the five inches in from the edge and place a strip of masking tape there to use as a cutting guide.
Tie a piece of back fringe to a piece of front fringe all around three sides. Make the knot right at the 5" mark. Some fleece tends to stretch more one direction than another so you might want to turn one of your layers so that a stretchy side is matched to a less stretchy side.
Insert your pillow form and finish tying the fourth side. It may be easier to tie every other one and then go back and finish the inbetween knots.
Voila! A beautiful pillow ready to be wrapped and given to a beautiful person on your gift list. And if you can find remnants and/or sales, your pillow should easily be less than $25!

[Posted by Karen Robbins]

Handsome Santa Claus

2010-10-15T06:00:00.012-05:00

My friend is a very talented Tole Art and Folk Art painter, and this is the Santa that I have, that she painted. I share here a small version and a medium version photo of her beautiful painting work.
I received this Santa this week, which is why he is available for this photo, and not packed away in the attic.
What new decorative touches are you adding for this years Christmas decor?

A Fave Child's Book and a Gift under $25.00

2010-10-11T08:59:00.001-05:00

Elbert's Bad Word is not a Christmas genre book, but it's a perfect gift for a child age 4 and up. My 12 year old grandson recently saw the book in our home and said, "I remember this book. You used to read it to us all the time." I read it to them all the time because they requested it all the time. One day at a grown up party, Elbert heard a bad word, and it was about the size of a gnat so he stuffed it in his pocket. But the bad word grew. When Elbert had a croquet mallet land on his big toe, the bad word sprang out big, ugly and hairy. The pictures are really attention getters for children. The story teaches children how to use other strong words when they need them, but not bad words. Wonderful! Wish adults could rid themselves of bad words too. Look for Elbert's Bad Word here.

A gift that I will purchase this fall for my husband and son who travel often is compact binoculars, specifically the Bushnell Powerview 13-2514 8x21 Binocular. I searched and found suitable ones here with comparative pricing. These compact binoculars, about the size of a small digital camera, may also be used to bird watch or can be taken to concerts when you're in the "cheaper" seats (no cheap seats at concerts it seems). They are just under $25.00 even with tax included.

Craft Books for Kids

2010-10-09T07:35:00.001-05:00

While our theme for the week is children's books for the holidays, for Crafty Saturday, I'd like to suggest a book that might help get you and the kids started on making some gifts. Gifts Kids Can Make, by Sheila McGraw has some easy gifts to make and even instructions for home made wraps.

Looking for some good ideas for gift giving for the youngsters? How about come craft books? I ran across a series of books called, Look What You Can Make With. . . The series uses paper plates, household items, paper bags, etc. This might be a great gift idea for a teacher as well. (Search at Amazon and you'll easily find the series.)

Another idea--cookbooks for kids. Again if you search Amazon or Barnes and Noble, you'll come up with quite a variety from Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, and other sources. When I was a kid, I had a kid's cookbook that I used well into the first years of my marriage. Some of the recipes were so easy and so good, I made them often.

All of these kind of books teach kids to follow instructions that can be a great help to them in the future--like when they are in their chemistry lab in high school or college.

[Posted by Karen Robbins ]

Children's book Cup of Christmas Tea

2010-10-08T04:11:00.015-05:00

This week we are chatting here about favorite children's Christmas books.
One of my favorites is "A Cup of Christmas Tea", written by Tom Hegg and illustrated by Warren Hanson.
This charming story written as a poem covers the visit of a young man to his ailing great aunt, and how his reluctant arrival turns into a joyful time together.
One verse goes "A week before, I got a letter from my old Great Aunt. It read: Of course, I'll understand completely if you can't ... But if you have some time, how wonderful if we ... could have a little chat and a cup of Christmas tea."

I bought a hardcover copy for a very reasonable price of ten dollars and this book is providing my family with many years of reading around the Christmas tree. There are audio versions available too.

Treats For Our Special Friends

2010-10-02T07:54:00.001-05:00

Because we are on the road so much, we no longer have furry or feathered pets at home that need a great deal of care while we are gone. We do however have finned friends. Our salt water aquarium contains a yellow tang, a pair of clown fish, and a blue tang as well as a brittle starfish, a sea cucumber, a pair of cleaner shrimp and lots of crabs and snails to help keep the tank clean of alga. They do pretty well on their own with an automatic feeder and timed lights.

While our fish do exhibit some notice of us, they are not the tail-wagging or purring receptions other pets offer. For those who would like to reward those tail-waggers, here is a recipe for dog bone treats.

Dog Bones
Ingredients
•2 cups whole wheat flour
•2 cups soya flour
•1 cup wheat germ
•1 cup corn meal
•1 cup dry nutritional yeast flakes (from Health Food Store)
•1/2 cup cooking oil
•1 egg
•1 3/4 cup water or broth
Directions
Place dry ingredients in large bowl. Blend. Mix together egg, oil, and water. Add these ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until all ingredients are well blended.

Divide dough in thirds. On floured surface, roll out to 1/4" thick. Cut out dog bone shapes. (Optional -- prick tops three times with toothpick.) Place on well oiled baking sheet.

Bake at 325 degrees F for 25-30 min. Biscuits should be well browned on the bottom. Don't store in an air tight container. Makes approx. 4 doz.

And for those purring friends, here's a treat for the holidays.

Cheese Ball Treats
•2 tablespoons of margarine
•1/2 cup grated cheddar or cheddar jack cheese
•1 egg white from a large egg
•1/2 cup whole wheat flour
•1 teaspoon of fresh chopped catnip or 1/2 teaspoon of dried catnip

Combine the first three ingredients until well blended. In a separate bowl, combine flour and catnip. Add the flour mixture slowly to the first three ingredients, mixing until a soft dough ball is formed. Separate into 1/2-inch pieces and roll by hand into small balls. Place the balls on an ungreased cookie sheet, and bake at 300 degrees F for approximately 25 minutes. Yield: Approximately 12 balls. Cool completely before serving.

Cats and Christmas

2010-10-01T10:45:00.020-05:00

This week we are chatting about pets and the holidays here. Our family has always had cats, or maybe the cats have us and allow us to pamper them.
For Christmas all that our cats request is tuna. Tuna that people eat, like Bumble Bee or Chicken of the Sea, no canned catfood for them.
Of course I created a Christmas stocking for them, by buying a plain red felt stocking with wide white trim at the top, in the same size as the rest of our family stockings.
At the top in the white area, I wrote "CATS" in Elmer's white glue and then sprinkled on lots of glitter. This stocking hangs from our fireplace mantle with the "people" stockings.
The Cats stocking looks pretty and sparkly and our kitties are happy with it.

Call Now to Reserve Your Pet’s Spot

2010-09-30T05:55:00.001-05:00

If you’ve ever been caught scrambling to locate a place to keep your pet while you travel over the holidays, you probably don’t need to read today’s post—unless you just want a friendly reminder. The point is, if that’s ever happened to you, you’ve probably already made arrangements for your dog or cat or hedgehog by now.

We endured this painful—yet-oh-so-rewarding—learning experience a few years back when my husband and I got our wires crossed. I thought he was taking care of boarding arrangements. I thought he was. You see the problem. So, please learn from our mistake. Look up the number for your pet’s bed and breakfast or and dial them today or ask your trusted neighbor. You can always cancel later if your plans change, but it’s much more difficult to add a reservation as the holidays draw near.

You want to make sure Scout or Sadie has excellent care, right?

Blessings,
Leslie Porter Wilson

All Creatures Great and Small

2010-09-27T19:33:00.000-05:00

This week's theme: pets at Christmastime: do you do anything special for yours?

Over the years, our household has had four farm dogs--one at a time--Benji a beagle, Honeybun an Irish Setter mix, Cyrus a purebred hound (loved to hear him bay), and finally Dugout (found abandoned in a baseball dugout), a mix but definitely some pit bull. Dugout loved children and he loved my husband. My husband uses a John Deere front end loader tractor to load his dump truck, and Dugout got in the habit of sleeping in the loader, and he wouldn't let anyone near the tractor except David or me.

All of those farm dogs are gone and we decided that we'd not get anymore. But what special friends they were. We liked to treat them to those packets of Moist and Meaty, especially on holidays. Also, we always try to give our farm cattle a little extra alfalfa on Christmas morn. And we see many critters who travel from one wooded area to another across our yard. We continually see a rabbit, probably not always the same one. Hawks, owls, coyotes, deer--we see or hear some of these nearly every day.

We keep bird seed and water out for our winged friends year round. The dirt dobbers even like to get a sip out of the bird bath and go make their mud homes in the summer. I plant Zinnias and the Monarch butterflies are winging their way to Mexico and visiting every day now. In general we have a friendly place for domestic and wild thangs throughout the seasons.

Do you give a special treat to your pets on Christmas day?

With Every Christmas Card. . .

2010-09-25T08:28:00.000-05:00

Christmas carols and hymns are an integral part of our Christmas celebration. The sounds of the season fill my husband's car from Thanksgiving to New Years. When the kids were really little, they would join in with us as we sang to the songs on the radio. Later they would just sit and sigh and put up with us. But it was another way for them to learn the story of Christmas--to see that it was more than just a gift-giving/receiving holiday. That it was a celebration of the birth of Hope.

Back when I was twenty-something and had more time and energy to expend, I handmade my Christmas cards. Often I used a hymn or carol as the theme to my card. Today, it is so much easier to make those cards with all of the nifty scrapbooking supplies, stencils, and card stock available in craft stores. Or my favorite now, easy-to-use computer programs like Word and/or PhotoShop that allow you to create your own card in a jiffy.

Here's a quick idea for Christmas cards from your computer.

You will need:

Letter-sized parchment paper with matching envelopes

Your computer and printer (color optional)

1. Open a Word document and change the page layout to landscape. Make the margins .5 all the way around. (You may get a warning notice when you go to print that the margins aren't big enough but run a test page to see how it prints.)

2. In page layout, choose three columns. Your envelopes are most likely business sized so we will make a tri-fold card.

3. Choose an old favorite hymn. You can find lyrics on the web if you search for the hymn. You can copy and paste either directly to your card or in another doc to copy the words from.

4. When you look at your page layout, remember that the column on the right will be the cover of your card. Move your cursor to that area, click to center the text and enter your hymn. You may have to play with font size and type of font to get it to fit. If you want it to fit horizontally, use a text box and the tool that allows you to change the direction of the text.

5. The left side of your page will be the second page of your card. You can either continue the hymn on here or say something like "Wishing you and yours. . ." (We'll finish the message inside.)

6. Now make a second page. You can do this easily by going to the bottom of the first page and inserting a page break. This way you get a second page with the same layout. The center column of this page will be the inside of your card. Here is where you will finish your message, "A Blessed Christmas!"

7. Run a test page and do the tri-fold to be sure you have everything placed well. And don't forget to Spellcheck!

The rest is up to you. If you have a color printer, you may want to add some clip art or even a picture of you and/or your family. It's another way to share your favorite hymn or carol without having to sing a solo. Let's face it, you really don't want to hear me sing "Oh, Holy Night."

I Admit It, I’m Shallow

2010-09-23T05:48:00.000-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, we shared our favorite popular Christmas song, and today we expand this to our favorite hymn or carol. I wish I could tell you my favorite had some deep, hidden or spiritual meaning. I wish I could tell you that hearing it changed me from the inside out in a positive way.

But nooooooooooo, I love “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing.” And I enjoy it less for its lyrics or tune and more because it brings back fond memories of the end of A Charlie Brown Christmas. Remember? The kids begin arguing over the Christmas play—who gets to do what and when. In the middle of the ruckus, Linus dons his blanket like a shepherd’s head scarf, picks up the staff and shares the story of Jesus’s birth from Luke 2. The kids quiet themselves and listen to Linus as he shares the real meaning of Christmas. After, the whole gang lifts their voices to the heavens as they belt out none other than “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing.”

Call me crazy, but I get chills just thinking about it.

Blessings,
Leslie Porter Wilson

Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer Tra-la-la-la-la La-la-la-laaaaaaa

2010-09-20T10:35:00.001-05:00

I goofed. Two weeks ago, when we posted about Christmas songs, I was supposed to share my favorite "popular" song. One not related to the birth of Christ, but the jolliness of the season. So, while my other dear co-authors remain on the right track (8 track, surely not), I'll tell you my favorite popular song. Mine is a dark Christmas song: "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer."

Three of my grandchildren live on the farm near us in their own home, but we're about a quarter of a mile apart. At a very young age they heard this song and their parents started making up stories about additional things that happened to me walking to their house. I'm a good sport, and I've feigned tears and a loveless life when they start singing the song or their versions. But our outrageous sessions always end in laughter and hugs and kisses. If that's what results from singing that dark Christmas jingle, then bring on the reindeer!

Tradition!

2010-09-18T08:01:00.000-05:00

Tevye struggles to keep to tradition in Fiddler On The Roof. I can relate to his struggle. Life changes. Kids grow up and choose their own way to go--their own traditions. It always seemed that just about the time something became tradition at our house for Christmas, it changed.

Decorating the tree is one example. When the kids were little we put the tree up on Christmas Eve making it appear that Santa had brought it and his elves decorated it. As time went on and it became more difficult to hide the tree, we put it up and let Santa's elves decorate. Then when the boys started getting older and knew about those elves, we let them stay up a bit to help decorate. As they got to be teens, we put the tree up early and then everyone got to decorate. When I gave in and we turned to an artificial tree, we put it up even earlier. Now it goes up Thanksgiving weekend when everyone is home and the grandkids are here. Hmmm. There's never been a take-down-the-tree tradition though.

One tradition that was started by my aunt and was truly appreciated was her gift of a Christmas ornament each year for each of us. When our boys got married, there were enough ornaments collected over the years for them to have a good start on their own tree decorations.

Now my aunt's ornaments were purchased but this being Crafty Saturday, you might want to consider a handmade ornament. One of the best places to make a really nice ornament is at a ceramics store. There are lots of them in malls and shopping centers where you can pick out some greenware or unpainted ceramic ornaments and with the paints they supply you can create a keepsake. Some of them have paints that dry with a glossy finish and others will fire them in a kiln for you. Take a friend along and enjoy an afternoon of creativity!

Here are several links to help you locate a store:

Paint Your Own Pottery

The Painted Penguin

Color Me Mine

Our tradition of opening presents

2010-09-17T04:20:00.018-05:00

Opening gifts at Christmas is part of most families' traditions, and often there are two distinct times to do this.
Many families open gifts around the tree on Christmas eve. This photo shows our Christmas tree and cat, Bigboy, on Christmas eve, 2008.
My family opens the presents on Christmas morning.
Which camp is your family in?
My husband grew up in Ohio and I grew up in Wisconsin and custom there in our families meant waiting for Santa Claus to come in the night, come in through the chimney and bring gifts. This meant we waited for Santa and opened gifts on December 25.
Many families choose the other option and open gifts Christmas eve.
It was SO hard to sleep Dec. 24, listening for sleigh bells in the night. One night a neighbor ran around our house ringing sleigh bells, which was very thrilling for my sister and I to hear. Since we did not have a fireplace, Santa came in through the front door, which we left unlocked for him.

Enjoying Tex-Mex on Christmas Eve

2010-09-16T05:47:00.001-05:00

Christmas involves some amazing traditions—birthday cake for Jesus, day after Christmas shopping, watching A Christmas Story in our PJs, reading the story of Jesus’ birth, and many more. One of my family’s favorites is eating Tex-Mex on Christmas Eve. Perhaps our minds and bodies realize we’re shifting to turkey and dressing, etc. the next day and several more following, and we desire something completely different the night before.

My family buys homemade tamales. We’ve made our own, but it’s time-consuming and complicated and the end result is never as good as authentic ones made by people who really know what they’re doing. We have seven-layer dip and thin, crispy tortilla chips. Sometimes we make a taco salad or tostadas, but the highlight of the meal are the spicy pork tamales.

I think of them as opening act—sort of warming up my tummy for the feast to come the next day. Yum—I’m hungry. How about you?

Blessings,
Leslie Porter Wilson

Opossum for Christmas Dinner

2010-09-13T09:55:00.009-05:00

I ran across a recipe for Baked Opossum with Sweet Potatoes, and I thought why not share the recipe....just in case you lost your grannies' recipe.

This week we're sharing traditions that we keep at our house, so far, we've not tried the Southern O'Possom, preferring the Southern Ham or a Turkey with a drawl. After the possum recipe I'll share what we really eat on Christmas morning.

1 opossum
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
6 red peppers chopped
4 large sweet potatoes

Clean and skin opossum, removing small sacs from small of back and under forelegs. Place opossum in 4 cups of water in saucepan; add salt, pepper, and red peppers. Simmer until pan liquid is reduced by half. Pare and slice potatoes. Combine opossum with pan liquid and potatoes in a baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about one hour or until opossum is tender, basting occasionally.

OK. I see numerous problems with having opossum for Christmas dinner at our house. 1. Who will catch opossum? 2. Who will help it meet its creator? 3. Who will skin it? 4. Who will remove those little sacs? and 5. Who will taste to see if it's tender?
Let me know if any of you have ever tasted baked possum? What meat does it resemble?

I guess we'd best stick with our tradition of Christmas brunch at the Messecar's house. Somehow we got into the habit of making our big feast at Thanksgiving and then having a fancy or unfancy brunch at Christmas. Here's one dish I always make:

Eggs in a Muffin Tin.

Spray a muffin tin with Pam
Wind around inside each muffin well one thick slice of smoked bacon
Crack one egg into each muffin well.
Puncture the yolk
Sprinkle with paprika

Bake at 350 degrees for about one hour or until yolks are set.

Enjoy! Hey, tell us about one of your family's traditions.

Or if you prefer you can get these weird Marsoupials

I Want A Hippopotamus!

2010-09-11T08:16:00.000-05:00

Remember "All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth"? How about "Santa Baby" where Ertha Kitt belts out a list that would make retailers' little hearts beat faster? Those and other I-want Christmas songs have been replaced on my favorites list by "I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas." Perhaps it's the grandma in me but every time I hear that song I think of my grandkids--especially a couple who would probably see no problem in asking Santa for a real hippo.

Now, how to turn the topic of the week into a Crafty Saturday? Easy. Get those kids to make a recording or a video of them singing some of those clever kid songs. There are lots of ways to do it. Use one of the computer cameras and mics to record directly to a file on your computer. Digital cameras also include a video mode for making short videos. These can be downloaded to your computer and then linked together by using Windows Live Movie Maker or similar free software that often comes with your computer.

What grandparent wouldn't love getting a CD or DVD of her grandkids performing Christmas songs? It would certainly beat getting a hippopotamus for Christmas. I'll bet they eat as much as the kids did when they were teenagers.

Here's the recording if you'd like to listen:

Remembering My Grandmother’s Favorite Christmas Song

2010-09-09T05:15:00.000-05:00

Perhaps I’m not very original, but I often latch onto others’ favorites. I would never have tried fish tacos had my husband not raved about them. The same with Clark shoes—mom suggested those and actually bought me a pair to get me started.

The same is true with my favorite Christmas song. But first, a little background. I grew up in a musical family. Though my siblings and I didn’t carry on the tradition (Sorry Dad!), we loved listening to and singing along with my dad, uncles, great-aunts and cousins as they strummed guitar and banjo, played piano and harmonica, or pounded out the base. My dad’s mom, Grandmother—then G.G. when her grandkids started popping out children of their own—placed herself center stage for their many “concerts” at family reunions, birthday parties, Thanksgiving and Christmas. No one cared how anyone sounded; we just belted out favorites from country to rock-n-roll. G.G.’s favorite song was Jimmie Rodgers’ “Waiting for a Train,” it became one of my favorites. Occasionally, I still sing it—when I’m alone—as a tribute to my wonderful grandmother, who, by the way, made THE best homemade cinnamon rolls on the planet. Similarly, I adopted her Christmas favorite as my own: “Silver Bells.” Whenever I hear it, I remember fondly my wonderful grandmother.

I’m also a big fan of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” When I was a kid, I could sing it at breakneck speed.

Blessings,
Leslie Porter Wilson

The Sounds of Christmas

2010-09-06T12:43:00.000-05:00

Imagine with me for a moment, that all Christmas music will be banned in the 2010 season.

How disappointed would you be if all Christmas music were shelved this year? What song/s would you miss the most? What music inspires you--breathes new life into your soul, adds a spring to your step, and puts a smile on your faces despite a Bah-humbug day?

Rick Larsen said "Music is the backdoor to the soul." I think he meant that music can ably reach a part of us that words, example, and demands cannot. Music stirs us to loftier goals, energies, and dreams. Anne Lamott says she finally believed in the Christ because the music of a church she walked past beckoned to her. The music bypassed her hardened exterior built up by drugs, alcohol, and promiscuity. The hymns aimed directly at a softer nucleus.

So which songs of Christmas stir your soul, tickle your jolly bone, or makes you merrier than your circumstances?

Several are my favorites: "What Child is This?" "Mary did You Know?" and a couple of traditional English carols from the Renaissance era are "Down in Yon Forrest" with a refrain, "I love my Lord Jesus above everything," and I suppose a second runner up from that era for its spirited tune would be "Three Ships Sailing."

Do you have a favorite carol or song about the Christ Child or about the season such as "White Christmas" or "Jingle Bells." Leave a comment about favorite titles or personal stories connected to them.

It's a little early, but can you hear me now...."Deck the halls with boughs of holly. Tra la la la la laaaa...la la la laaaa.?

(Clip art from Surfdoggie.com)

Light Bulb Snowman

2010-09-04T08:56:00.002-05:00

Before you throw away that burned out incadescent light bulb consider two things. One, it could become a collector's item soon once all of these energy-saving-new-fangled-break-them-and-call-HazMat-for-disposal bulbs are in place everywhere. And two, it could become a clever tree decoration. If you like idea number two, here is how to put it together.

You'll need:

Light bulb
Craft paints - white, black, optional: red, yellow, brown
Paintbrushes - 1 small, 1 large
Craft or floral wire about 12" long
Baby sock
Quick-drying glue
Scissors
Needle and thread

1. Paint the glass part with two coasts of white paint.

2. Paint eyes, nose, mouth, and tree-limb type arms, leaving space at the top of the glass for the hat rim. If you want a little more control, it might be easier to use a black fine tipped marker for the details.

3. Cut the top off the sock, the part that goes over the ankle, but be sure it is long enough to cover the metal part of the bulb.

4. Place the sock top inside-out, down over the metal top of the bulb. Wrap one end of the wire around the sock and at the metal base then make a loop and wrap the other end around the metal and sock in the opposite directioin. This will be the hanger. Anchor the wire and sock with a little glue if necessary.

5. Pull the sock up over the metal and, allowing the wire loop to be exposed, stitch the sock closed. This makes the hat for your snowman.

6. Use the rest of the sock to make a little scarf and glue in place.

Now don't you feel better? You recycled an old light bulb and didn't have to call HazMat!

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

2010-09-03T17:17:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite holiday songs is "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas", sung by Bing Crosby with its first public performance on his radio show on Christmas Day 1941. This song is very nostalgic for me since I grew up in "White Christmas" snow country in Wisconsin, and we built snowmen and rode sleds as we waited for Christmas to arrive.
This photo was taken by my husband one fall recently in the mountains of California near Strawberry. We live in California now and if we want to enjoy snow we have to travel.
What is your favorite popular Christmas tune?

Homemade Gift Bags

2010-09-02T04:23:00.001-05:00

My uber-creative sister brought new meaning to recycle last Christmas when she announced—several month before Christmas, so we’d all have some warning—that she intended to give only recycled gifts. She cleaned out items in her home before a move, and unearthed treasures she didn’t use any longer. She cleverly decided to re-gift them to family and friends who might be able to use them. She gave me several pairs of earrings she thought I’d like—and I did! She gave our family a Go Phone in case one of us were to lose a cell phone. I love having that back-up!

I don’t consider myself quite that creative, but I do recycle store paper bags and use them for Christmas gift bags. Here’s how you can do the same.

• Collect them through the year as you make purchases.
• Store them vertically—behind a bookcase or cabinet works well.
• Cut out portions of Christmas cards to cover the store’s logo.
• Use another smaller portion of the same card for a tag.

Presto—totally free, unique and very cute!

Blessings,
Leslie Porter Wilson

2010-08-29T00:01:00.001-05:00

Is this the most beautiful wreath for the holidays? It can be ordered from Cactus Jungle in Berkeley, CA during August. I think you probably have to live in that area to pick it up and transport it safely.

This is just an added extra Sunday notice since I found this over the weekend. Blessings...all...Cathy

Make Your Own Book

2010-08-28T07:35:00.000-05:00

For Christmas one year we gave a really fun gift to my mother-in-law. Yes, this is the same lady who makes angels in the snow (see the story in our book). She was a member of the Robbins' Antarctic Adventure in 2006 which was undoubtly one of the best trips we have ever taken. I don't know that she ever got her pictures organized into anything other than the envelopes they came in from the drugstore developer. So I set about making her a photobook.

There are several websites to choose from for making photobooks. The one I started out with was Shutterfly.com. They have an easy online program which allows you to follow one of their templates or get creative and design your own pages. They supply all the backgrounds to choose from and the page layouts and fonts and colors, etc. All you do is upload your digital photos and click and drag them to the pages. Or you can just let the program fill them in for you. The books come out looking very professional. Prices are not bad. Most of the books I've made have ranged between $15.99 and $30.00. They run specials every so often.

Since I started, I've also found Lulu.com with a similar program. I made a book for our grandkids about our visit to their house this past summer. Lulu had some very colorful backgrounds suited for a kid's book. I put together the pictures of things we'd done while Mommy took care of the new baby and added a storyline so that it read like a simple children's book. Prices here were similar to the other sites I found.

If you don't mind downloading and installing a program from the net, Picaboo.com has a terrific design program that is easy to follow and allows for lots of creativity. You can even put a picture as a background on a page. It's very flexible in what it allows you to change on the page layouts. I had a terrific time putting together a nice book of some of my travel stories with my own pictures.

My mother-in-law was delighted with her photobook of Antarctica and has it displayed on her coffee table. Think of all the ways you could make someone smile with their very own book.

Rudy Day

2010-08-27T05:02:00.014-05:00

I recently learned that some folks have designated the 25th of each month as Rudolph Day, affectionately called Rudy Day. Since I post on Fridays, I didn't post this on the 25th. Today, August 27, is my dear husband's birthday, also an important day!

The idea is that on the 25th each month you pause and think about organizing for Christmas. Here on our blog, every day is Rudy Day, since we give Christmas celebrating tips from July to January. So enjoy your own Rudy Days in the months to come, as you prepare to celebrate the day Jesus was born.
Do any of you use Rudolph Day to help organize for the holidays?

Reindeer Ornament

2010-08-21T06:54:00.000-05:00

Several years ago my grandkids made me some reindeer ornaments that have adorned our tree ever since. They are among my favorite decorations. They aren't difficult to make and would be a fun project for little ones.

You'll need some brown construction paper, scissors, crayons, string and glue. If you want to get fancy, you can get the movable plastic eyes and a little red pom pom for the nose.

Trace the child's foot on a piece of the brown construction paper. Cut it out and set aside. This will be the reindeer's face.

Next trace each of the child's hands on more brown paper and cut out. These will be the antlers.

You may want to glue these to some poster board or stiffer paper to make them sturdier.

Then glue the hand cutouts to the top of the "foot" on the back to make the antlers. Use the crayons to make the eyes and nose or glue on the plastic eyes and red pom pom nose.

Add a string to the back with some glue and you have a cute little reindeer made by your cute little dears.

Home made flour dough ornaments

2010-08-20T06:23:00.046-05:00

Many years ago, when we were first married and before we had children, my husband and I made ornaments from flour and salt for our Christmas tree. The ornaments are still gorgeous years later.
We experimented with the mix of flour, salt and water to use and the ingredients are approximately: 4 cups flour, 1 cup salt and enough water to make a very stiff dough, about 1 1/2 cups water. Form it into a ball and place in the refrigerator for a day.
Press or roll the dough and then cut out shapes with it, using a butter knife. We made churches, apples, Mr. and Mrs. Santa, gingerbread men, and angels.
Make a hole at the top of each ornament big enough to put an ornament holder or thin ribbon through. We used a pencil to make a wide hole.
Let the ornaments dry by putting them on a cookie sheet in an oven on the low setting for an hour and watch them because it could take more or less time for them to dry. After you remove them from the oven you will probably need to let them set and dry further for a few days and even as long as a week, turning them over occasionally.
Buy hobby paints in the colors you want, and I recommend glossy red and white and green, among others.
Testors brand model paints in bottles of gloss enamel work well. Some people decorate with permanent markers which I haven't tried, since we like the glossy paint look.
I painted the year we made them on the back of each ornament.
When Christmas arrives this year, and we get out our heirloom flour ornaments, I will take photos and post them here.
No matter what kind of ornaments you make, your family will enjoy working or playing together while making them, and I'm guessing that for years to come they will be a cherished feature on your trees.

My Favorite Ornament is Homemade and Personal

2010-08-19T13:50:00.000-05:00

When this book first launched in September 2008, I received a package in the mail not long after. I glanced at the return address, and upon seeing Karen Robbins' name, I quickly tore into the package.

Karen had made and sent each of the Word Quilters a homemade Christmas ornament that was a miniature cover of A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts. She used a note card provided by Leafwood Publishers, our publishing company, and craftily added Mod Podge and glitter. The result? An astounding treasure commemorating a major milestone in my life--a true Christmas first.

Thank you, Karen, for that special ornament. I loved it then, and continue to enjoy hanging it every year.

Leslie Porter Wilson

Little hands can help make fabric covered lollipop decorations

2010-08-16T17:20:00.000-05:00

We made many of these fabric covered lollipops for our Christmas tree one year when my son and daughter were small. A word of advice, if you assemble all the needed items and have your squares of fabric already cut, then you'll have plenty of time to assist your children with the tying of yarn.

If you want to make extras, keep them in a basket and when friends drop in, let your children give them a lollipop for their tree...you'll not only teach them giving but the joy of giving and doing for others.

We only have a few of these left after all the years, but each year, they go on my tree. As I hang them on the branches, I reminisce about the blondies who help make them. Or, if the grands help decorate, I re-tell about the rainy day, and cupcakes and Kool-Aid. And each year, this storyteller, adds to the story a few raindrops and a little more bluster to the wind.

Find step-by-step instructions at e-How: (picture borrowed from there)

http://www.ehow.com/how_5706460_make-lollipop-christmas-ornament-_kids_.html

Spell It Out

2010-08-14T07:07:00.000-05:00

Now while the weather is still good enough to open windows or work outdoors, do some preparation for some new Christmas decorations. One idea I ran across uses large wooden letters that can be purchased in a craft store to spell out Joy or Peace or Love or all three if you have enough space on your mantel to set them up.

Decide on what you want to spell out, purchase the letters and some spray paint in the color scheme you've chosen for your decorating. Use a dab of wood glue to attach the letters to each other in a pleasing way. Don't just set them out in a straight line. When the glue is dry, give the wooden letters a couple of light coats of paint. If you spray too much at one time, you'll end up with runs. I would paint them front and back.

When it's time to decorate, set your word(s) up on the mantel and tuck some greens and or ribbons around the base of them.

Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly

2010-08-13T05:26:00.023-05:00

Each Christmas I bring out 2 nativity sets, my 15 wooden nutcrackers, set up our big sparkly freshly cut tree, and set out Christmas theme towels. What next? I love holly. If you have a few holly bushes, or a friend does, you can make a gorgeous bouquet with holly branches, and sometimes plant stores sell the branches.
Last year I learned a new use for holly, to make a mistletoe holder.
Wrap wire around a large potato, and leave wire on the top for hanging it, and at the bottom where you can tie mistletoe. Cut many holly tips, poke holes in the potato with something sharp like an ice pick, and press in the holly twigs to cover the potato with holly tips. Tie on the mistletoe, hang it up, and people will be sure to kiss under it.
Holly are handsome shrubs, and are one of the few plants that grow in all 50 states. If you do some searching, you will find a holly suited to a garden in Maine, or Alabama or any other climate conditions. Since the berries are their glory, you will want to plant a female holly which has the berries, and it is best to plant a male holly nearby. While most hollies have red berries, some holly species have yellow berries, so check first on the berry color before you buy bushes to plant.

Holiday Houseplants

2010-08-12T21:04:00.000-05:00

Since I have a collector’s heart, I possess far more Christmas ornaments than I could ever hope to decorate trees. But I don’t want to keep favorite, meaningful ornaments encased in their plastic storage boxes! What to do?

Decorate other things.

My family (my mom) started with houseplants—specifically a Norfolk pine that sat at the end of our sofa in the log home in Colorado, where I grew up. The space between branches allowed room for larger ornaments. One year we used crocheted (Or was it macramé?) snowflakes, the white against green providing a striking contrast.

From there I moved on door knobs, cabinet pulls, wall hooks. Just about any horizontal protuberance (Gotta love the thesaurus!) works. Now I can have my ornaments and eat them too. Or something like that. (Hmmm . . . kinda makes me hungry for gingerbread.)

Blessings,
Leslie Porter Wilson

A Christmas Ice Wreath for Northerners

2010-08-09T22:08:00.000-05:00

This week we share our favorite decorating tips. One that I'll most likely not get to try is a frozen ice ring to hang on an outdoor gate or any door of your home, but they are so pretty. A round tubular mold, such as a bundt pan or Jell-O mold may be used. You may want to fill it about a third full, then layer some small fruits or pine needles, do another layer and freeze and then a final layer. These can be made ahead of time, and when below freezing days stretch out for a week, pull out your ice wreath for a quick decorative wreath.

For more detailed instructions go to http://www.ehow.com/how_2198475_outdoor-ice-wreath.html

For those of us who rarely get a hard freeze, you might want to try a Hershey Kiss (red and green) wreath. For those instructions visit this link http://www.ehow.com/how_4913677_make-christmas-wreaths-hershey-kisses.html

For an after dinner and presents activity, let kids and adults make Christmas wreaths from left over paper, store carefully for use the next year. Link at Instructables

http://www.instructables.com/id/Reused-Wrapping-Paper-Wreath/

Tell us about your favorite wreath.

(Photo borrowed from last link at Instructables, where you'll find instructions to do many things around your home and elsewhere)

The Legend of the Robin

2010-08-07T06:31:00.002-05:00

This was one of I'm sure many legends that I've never heard of but with the last name of Robbins, how could I resist not retelling a story about a robin?

While Mary was lying beside her son on a bed of straw, the night became chilly. She was too tired and weak to get up and stoke the fire to keep her son warm. Mary asked the oxen in the stable to help her and blow the embers with their breath. But they didn't stir from their place. Then, the poor mother pleaded with the ass to breathe upon the flame to make it brighter and warmer but the animal was fast asleep.

At last, a brave small Robin heard Mary's pleas and saw her and her son's discomfort. He took pity on them and come through the window to help them. He flapped his wings till the flames rekindled and started burning brighter. Some of the sparks even leapt up and seared the creature's breast but the Robin continued on bravely till the stable grew warmer and the Child slept softly. The thankful Mary blessed the Robin for his bravery and kindness and said that from that point of time, every Robin would have a breast of red as a reminder of the great charity it had done unselfishly for Baby Jesus.

What a perfect excuse now to find a feathered robin in your craft store, attach a ribbon to it, and hang it on your tree!

The Legend of the Christmas Spider Ornament

2010-08-06T05:26:00.000-05:00

Do you have a spider ornament for your Christmas tree?
The ornaments themselves can be quite cute and not at all scary. I have always liked Daddy Long Legs spiders and usually rescue them when I find them in our shower area, but I know some of you may think ick when you see a spider. I have one handmade spider ornament made of clear and gold faceted beads and another made of a shell with glitter on it.
The legend of the Christmas spider explains why a spider ornament is welcome on many Christmas trees.
A humble spider, according to the legend, watched a family decorate a tree one Christmas eve. He was fascinated by this activity and when the people went to bed, he crawled all over the branches looking with wonder at each shiny ornament. He wished he had a way to help decorate the tree as his gift to the Holy Child. As the spider examined the ornaments he left a trail of spider webs which covered the tree.
When Santa Claus arrived he turned the web into gold and silver strands that shimmered brightly.
So when you decorate your tree with angels, fish, reindeer, Hallmark ornaments, Santas and more, consider adding a reverent spider to the tree too and share this story with your children.

The Legend of the Stocking - by Trish Berg

2010-08-03T07:15:00.000-05:00

As a family we hang stockings on our staircase banister because we do not have a fireplace. Ours are filled with small, wrapped gifts, candy and (now that we have teenage girls) makeup and perfume. Our children look forward to opening their stocking gifts later in the day on Christmas Day, almost a second round of gifts. I always try to tuck a little surprise or two in there just to keep them guessing.

So why do we hang stockings up? Well, it started a long time ago. Here is the Legend of the Christmas Stocking:

***************************************
"Yet another version of the story of Saint Nicholas lies the origin of the tradition of washing the stockings on the night before Christmas and hanging them up on the window sill or near the hearth, in readiness to receive gifts from Santa. It is said to happen 17 centuries ago in Turkey. Here the Bishop of Myra, Nicholas was known all over for his benevolence and love for children. He used to distribute gifts secretly to children on Christmas Eve as a surprise for them. While he was passing a house he heard a father and his daughters lamenting their poverty and how they were unable to be married because they could not provide dowry that was prevalent in those days.

Overcome with pity and sympathy, Nicholas observed the woolen stockings of the girls that they had put on the windowsill to dry and secretly placed enough gold pieces in each to provide dowry for the girls. Another variations of the custom of hanging out stockings for Santa Claus (popular name for Saint Nicholas) are putting hay and carrots in their shoes by Dutch children for the horse of their dear Sinterklass who is their patron saint and brings them presents. Swedish children wait for a kindly gnome called the Tomte instead of Santa on Christmas. This gnome is believed to live under the floorboards. In some parts of France, Mexico and Spain, children wait for the Three Kings to fill their shoes with presents.

However, children of north French pray that Pere Fouettard or Father Spanker would not visit them as he is reputed to punish and spank children, if they are naughty and bad. La Befana is another version of Santa that visits the Italian children and gives them gifts albeit on Epiphany or 6th of January. Agios Vasilis, the Saint of Letters visit the Greek children living in plains but those living in the mountains are taken care of by the tiny elves who bring the desired gifts to the good little children. The tradition of giving gifts reminds us that Jesus himself was a gift to the world and the gifts that he received when he was born."

Source: World of Christmas

Flying Reindeer, Really?

2010-08-02T09:15:00.001-05:00

Someone who thinks they know about reindeer at the North Pole started the rumor that Santa's reindeer were all female because they still had antlers in December. It's time we set the record straight.

I've done a little fact checking and have found that reindeer at or near the North Pole, both male and female, have antlers. If those girls wanted to chip a bit of ice for a cold lemonade, they need the equipment to butt heads with a block of ice.

Most males lose their antlers in late November or early December, but the females don't shed theirs until spring. However the young bucks often hang onto their a bit longer. I tried to reach Santa to ask him in person, but his answering machine said to leave a message and he will call back. I've waited a few days, and haven't heard from him. I know a large shipment of red paint went north, so I imagine he's busy painting toy fire engines and nutcrackers for December.

Here's my two peppermints worth: I personally think that Santa needed the younger teenage male deer to pull his sleigh. Why? They have to get a really good running start to launch that thing into the air. When you don't have the assistance of wings to help you fly, your feet surely has to do a lot of sky-dog-paddling to keep Santa and all those toys airborne.

Can you name all of those flying reindeer? That's another reason I think they are male. Santa picked out all boy names, and he just doesn't make mistakes. He gets all those trucks to the boys and dolls to the girls every year. Silly people. Don't they think Santa knows boy reindeer when he sees them.

If you want to calculate how old you are in reindeer years, just follow the link below.

http://www.meilistudios.com/webapps/rudolph-reindeer/index.php

Garage Sale Treasures

2010-07-31T08:42:00.001-05:00

Summer and Fall are all a part of the Garage Sale Season around Ohio and perhaps in your area as well. Someone else’s trash might just be your treasure. Besides some good buys for the collectors in the family—baseball cards, teacups, thimbles, etc., there are also the gems that just might get a crafter’s pulse beating faster.

A few years back, I found an old lamp discarded literally on a trash heap. On a dare from my son and daughter-in-law, I picked it up took it home and fixed it up. It took a little doing but when I couldn’t clean up what I thought was bronze, I got some gold paint and gave it a couple of coats. We found a lampshade that fit into the glass bowl top that held the light bulb and replaced the cord. It didn’t look half bad if I say so myself.

There are lots of things that can be made into lamps with a lamp kit from the do-it-yourself stores or hardware stores. A stack of books, an old cowboy boot, a piece of pottery. Use a little imagination and for a few dollars, you can put together a very original and clever lamp to give as a gift this Christmas—as long as you don’t fall in love with it yourself.

Here’s a couple of links to help you get started:

Lamp making kits.

How to make a lamp.

Chocolate Gift Basket

2010-07-30T03:46:00.004-05:00

Now is a great time of year to keep alert to sales of potential Christmas gifts. We all love to find bargains and they exist all around us.

I like to package gifts in baskets and woven boxes, which are part of the gift. I often find baskets and other containers in thrift stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army with the original price tags still on.

Buy them early when you find them so you will have them when you need them. Kitchen tools are appreciated by your favorite chef. Last year at World Market I found a set of 5 nice black spatulas on sale for $3 and created a “Kitchen Gift Basket”. I also found some tiny white bowls for 99 cents each and 2 pretty red Christmas theme cloth napkins for the basket. There is no limit to what you can add, from a box of bread sticks to a small bottle of olive oil.

In December I find chocolate bars on sale and buy an assortment, put them in a basket and give the “Chocolate Gift Basket” to chocolate loving friends. I line the baskets with Christmas theme cloth napkins.

What tips do you have for frugal gift giving?

Frugal Is and Frugal Does

2010-07-29T03:42:00.002-05:00

I should have changed my middle name to Tightwad a long time ago. I not only come from a long line of penny-pinchers (Can you say rinsing out store brand plastic zipper bags?), but the reality of a more challenging economy has boosted my resolve.

That being said, my frugality extends to Christmas gift as well. My family has adopted several creative themes throughout the years to relieve the financial burden:
• Exchanging gifts bought at a garage sale or flea market—nothing new allowed!
• Shopping resale stores and Goodwill for designer clothing. Find out what days they stock their shelves and be there when the store opens.
• Recycling gifts (We’ve all been given a great gift that just wasn’t us. Pass it along to a family member who could really give that item a good home.)
• Shopping at the dollar store (We did this a lot when our kids were small. I’d give each of them $10 and let them go crazy. The cool thing was, they worked hard to find gifts that fit the recipient. For example, duct tape for my husband who loves to do projects around the house.)

If I absolutely, can’t-possibly-get-out-of-it, must shop retail, I peruse flyers and slick inserts and clip coupons. Some places (even besides Wal-Mart) will accept other stores coupons on identical items. I’m excited that my kids (19, 16, and 15) have come on board with our family’s frugality. (Earning their own income and saving for cars and college might have spurred them on a little!) An added bonus? Good stewardship never goes out of style.

Now it’s your turn to brag. What great deals have you found? Where do you shop for bargains?

Blessings,
Leslie Porter Wilson

Top 10 Frugal Christmas Gifts - by Trish Berg

2010-07-27T06:58:00.000-05:00

I was driving home from a weekend at my parent's lake cottage last weekend, and suddenly was taken back by a radio station playing all CHRISTMAS MUSIC. They called it Christmas in July, and since it was July 25th, I guess it fit.

So I have had Christams on the brain.

WIth so many loved ones, family and friends to buy Christmas gifts for, it can be difficult to stay within your family budget. So here are 10 tips for frugal Christmas gifts under $10 each.

TIPS FOR CHRISTMAS GIFTS UNDER $10

1. A bag of flavored coffee and a mug (You can get the coffee for around $9 and the mug at the dollar store for a buck)

2. For grandparents, frame one of your child's BEST artwork pieces. They will treasure it always.

3. For the tea lovers, flavored tea and a good book to read

4. Poorman;s Mocha Mix in a Jar:

Poorman's Mocha Mix

2 cups powdered milk

8 tablespoon cocoa powder

1 cup sugar

1 cup instant coffee

*Mix all of the powders together and put in mason jar.

5. Home baked bread and sweet jam in a jar

6. Cookie Mix in a Jar (Simple Recipes here)

7. Gardening gloves with a plant or flower seeds

8. $10 Starbucks (or Tim Horton's) Gift Card (MY FAVE!!!)

9. Muffinb mixes and a new muffin pan.

10. Manicure Pedicure basket filled with files, polish and lotions

Frugal Gifts--Shop for Bargains Now!

2010-07-26T10:38:00.020-05:00

Each year our family has scaled back on gift giving, so we search for items that suit a person's passion. A savvy shopper can make a list of general ideas and then keep that list handy year round to save, save, save on holiday purchases. And if you know your grands love swim toys, you're not going to find them in December in Minnesota....you'll need to remember to search for those at end of season sales in August.

And remember the best gift of the season is free. Simply sit and read the Christmas Story from Luke 2 for a free blessing.

Five hints for finding bargains:

Get on the email list of stores that have good bargains, stores that are close to you. You're more likely to pop into one of their sales than one 30 miles away. One of my favorites: Tuesday Morning
Shop your local flea markets and festivals to find one of a kind, homemade items, not found in stores. (I discovered a local woman who makes delightful inexpensive jewelry.)
Make a habit of asking your friends, "Where do you find the best bargains for ????????? You may be surprised to hear about an outlet you didn't know about. A local woman in our neighborhood has a shop. She gets the new unsold items from Sears. I found a beautiful stylish white blouse, ticketed at $35.00 for for $4.00. I told my dad (about her store), who is on limited income about her. He found khaki trousers for $7.00 a pair (If you live near Conroe, TX, email me, and I'll give you her name and location.)
Always walk to the sale racks in a store first. Recently in JC Pennys, I found on their 80% off rack four gorgeous items for 3.97 each. All things my family could use. Be careful about overbuying, though. On the same racks, they had pant suits (reg. $70.00) for $15.97. I tried on three. Only one fit properly, but it was in a style and duller color than I liked. I asked myself, "When you are getting ready to speak before an audience, would you choose to wear this? I answered myself. "No. Because I already have nicer, pant suits in my closet that I like better." It's not a bargain if you don't need it or won't wear it.
This fifth tip is not a shopping one, but a frugal one nonetheless. In the summer get one of those bread starters from a friend, experiment with adding different ingredients to create your own variety of home-baked goodness. After baking, wrap loaves tightly and store to give away as impromptu gifts to the sick or sad. Or if a friend drops in, you can thaw within minutes in a microwave, and slice a bit of yummy bread to serve with iced tea or coffee. I keep an Amish Friendship starter going and I have added the following to different loaves: apricots, pecans, coconut, Craisens and or pecans. Or our favorite is about a 1/3 cup of chocolate chips. Oh my, that bread is tasty with black coffee.

Have fun with the tips and let me know of any online sites where you find bargains. We can all use those. Merry Shopping and a Happy Week to All!

Cherished Memory Ornaments

2010-07-24T06:19:00.000-05:00

Here’s an idea to keep your kids and/or grandkids interested in your Christmas tree decorating this year. At your local craft store, buy some thin flat wooden pieces, either squares, circles, or shapes. This time of year the stores might even be putting out some holiday shapes.

Then pick up some Mod Podge. I was delighted to see they still make this and you can even get it with a sparkly finish. In the same aisle, they will probably have those brushes that are actually a brush-shaped sponge. You’ll need one or two of those.

Now mosey over to the aisle that has some small bags of decorations like snowflakes, or sparkly shapes and find something that suits your fancy.

A little ribbon to make a hanger and you’re ready for the check out counter.

When you get home, find some great digital pictures of your kids or grandkids either portrait style or doing some fun things from the year just passed. You decide the theme. Reduce them to a size that will fit on the wooden shapes you’ve purchased and color print as many on a page of paper as will fit. (You can group them on a page by using Microsoft Word and inserting the pictures. Click on the picture properties or format picture and adjust the layout so that you can fit several pictures on a page.) Print them out.

Now you’re ready to cut and paste and Podge. Put a picture on one side or both of a wooden shape and use the Mod Podge to adhere it. You can add your sparkly snowflakes or other decorations and then layer on the Mod Podge with that spongy brush to create a smooth surface. This will take some time for drying in between coats (rinse your sponge and wrap in plastic wrap to keep it soft).

Use some glue to attach a small ribbon to the top as a hanger and you have some clever ornaments that are captured memories. The kids will hunt all over the tree for them or be eager to help you decorate and the conversation will be cherished memories as they look at the pictures.

A Fun Christmas Pickle Ornament

2010-07-23T05:03:00.010-05:00

The Christmas Pickle ornament is mostly unknown to people so I want to share about it here. The custom of hanging a pickle ornament in the Christmas tree is most widely known in the United States, and especially people with a German background.
I was surprised to read that the custom is not widespread in Germany, but is practiced in a small area of that country.
The idea is that someone in the family hides the pickle ornament in the tree, and calls all the children in to see who can find it. The first to find it is considered to be "lucky" for the next year. Some families give a small gift to that child.
The pickle ornament will add a smile to your holiday, since it is so odd and unexpected among all the angels, Santas and stars.

Cool Recycled Christmas Ornament

2010-07-22T05:12:00.001-05:00

Lots of great ideas abound for creative ornaments, but one of our family’s favorites also involves recycling. I always keep our old amusement park passes (from Six Flags or Winter Park, CO—our favorite ski area). We now have quite a collection, and my teenagers enjoy seeing themselves at four, five, six-years-of age and reminiscing about the fun times they had.

I intend to keep their school IDs and drivers’ permits as well—if I the kids don’t lose them!

Leslie Porter Wilson

Becoming a 2 Tree Family - By Trish Berg

2010-07-20T09:26:00.000-05:00

I tend to be a perfectionist when it comes to decorating our Christmas tree. When my kiddos were little, I used to let them put the ornament son, and then I woudl stay up well past midnight re-decorating the tree. I just could not live with the ornaments placed on in clumps and groups. I wanted it to look perfect.

I am not justifying my perfectionism, I may have scarre dmy kids for life. But now that they are tweens and teens, they do decorate the tree themselves and I no longer stay up well past my bedtime to re-decorate it.

I think they have just adapted to my way of decorating the tree.

But kids also need freedom, and so we began a new tradition about ten years ago.

We put an artificial tree in our family room, and that is the one we decorate well. Little white lights, even garland and perfectly placed ornaments. The one that satisfies the perfectionist in me.

Then we get a 2nd tree, a live tree, and put that one in our kitchen. We cal it our "kitchen tree." That tree has colored lights on it, strung popcorn, and only homemade ornaments hung wherever the kdis want to hang them. It is a "keep your hands off mom" tree, and it is just beautiful.

All December long, the kids add strung popcorn, beads, cut out paper ornaments. Whatever they make they hang on our kitchen tree.

So relax, mom. Let go of your standards, and let your kids have some fun. Get a 2nd tree, and make it theirs.

Quick and Inexpensive Gift for Year Round Giving

2010-07-19T10:07:00.002-05:00

Good Morning Followers,

This week, we'll give you ideas for Homemade Gifts. Mine comes from the home but is made up of buy-ahead store ingredients. It's simple as store bought pie crust. If you keep these makings on hand, you can have a gift to carry out your door to your holiday hostess or summertime picnic host home.

Fiesta Basket

When you're at the a dollar store, buy a few of those over sized bowls with lids and curly ribbon in primary colors. At the grocery store buy several boxes of FAT FREE saltine crackers (must be fat free for this recipe) and several jars of crushed red pepper, and a box of the four pack dry Hidden Valley Ranch mix.

Print the cracker recipe onto several index cards and keep with supplies.

I place the recipe, 4 sleeves of crackers, bottle of pepper flakes and 1 packet of ranch mix in bowl. I then roll off several yards of different colored curly ribbon and place loosely in bowl. Inside, the bowl just looks like a party! These crackers are delicious and spicy, but you can adjust tongue-warmth by placing fewer or more pepper flakes. At the end of today's post, I'll share a chicken and cream cheese spread that I like to serve with these crackers. Or we use the spread for party or summer sandwiches.

Fiesta Crackers

1 box fat free saltines (must be fat free)

1 cup Canola oil

1 package, dry, Hidden Valley Ranch Salad Dress.

red pepper flakes (I use 2 teaspoons)

Use one box of crackers, and open all four sleeves place in large plastic bag or bowl with lid. Mix coating products and pour over crackers. Continue coating process by turning bag or bowl every few hours. After 24 hours, remove and store in quart bags. Crackers can be kept in freezer. Crackers will stay very crisp either way.

Good with mild soups, green salads, chicken or pasta salads. Enjoy!

Bonus Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken Sandwich Spread

1 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature

1 large can chicken

1 Tablespoon Mayonnaise

1 teaspoon chives

1teaspoon or more of soy sauce

Mix all ingredients. Makes nice party sandwiches or serve on crackers.

(Photo: Find Party items and Lanterns at http://www.lunabazaar.com/ )

A Williamsburg Christmas

2010-07-17T07:28:00.000-05:00

Back in the 1980s, before digital cameras, my Christmas gift from my husband was a trip to Williamsburg to enjoy their holiday festivities and decorations. I fell in love with the concept of decorating with natural materials especially after taking a workshop with Libby Hodges Oliver who was in charge of the designs for Christmas decorating at Williamsburg for many years. Around that same time, she published a book, Colonial Williamsburg Decorates for Christmas, which became a favorite part of my permanent library of books.

For years I used that book as my guide in creating wreaths, centerpieces, and even an apple fan that hung over our door with a pineapple in the middle. As the years went on though and we aquired two more kids, I began to cheat a bit with artificial greens and fruit. Life changes and sometimes we need to make tradition a bit easier to handle.

Two quick funny stories about my Williamsburg decorations. The first year we had our adopted kids (they were 5 and 6 years old) in the house, I set out the fresh fruit arrangement on the dining room table and later, when we were entertaining, I noticed that someone had taken a bite out of each piece of fruit and replaced it carefully upside down so the bite would not be noticed.

Then another year during one of our weird winters where it froze one day and warmed up nicely the next, I didn't realize that the pineapple had ripened even more in the sunny weather and when it wasn't frozen, it dripped on our guests as they came in the front door.

If after all that, you are still interested, check out Oliver's book in the library or try to pick one up at Amazon. The original was published in 1981. Some copies are available from used book dealers. Meanwhile, here's a link to Christmas Decorations from Williamsburg. There's a page that has directions for making a wreath of greens and fruit.

Ideals Christmas books

2010-07-16T04:37:00.027-05:00

I bought a copy of this book, Ideals Christmas, last year. The copyright date is 2005, and they publish a new book each year. I am sure that each is charming with old fashioned stories and full color photos and paintings through out.
The Ideals Christmas that I bought and enjoy has many pictures of poinsettias, snow, happy children and upbeat stories including "A Merry Christmas from Little Women", excerpted from the novel by Louisa May Alcott. There is also Scripture verses illustrated with classical paintings, like The Flight Into Egypt, Matthew 2:13-15, painting by Jacob Jordeans (1593-1678).
In case you want to buy this edition, the ISBN is 0824913051.
Do you have a favorite Christmas book? I would love to hear about it, in a comment here.

An Oldie but a Goodie

2010-07-15T22:20:00.002-05:00

I have numerous holiday books I enjoy, ranging from The Best Christmas Pageant Ever to Christmas on Jane Street. Still, none compare to my husband’s reading of the birth of Christ from Luke, chapter 2. Even better than Linus quieting the masses on A Charlie Brown Christmas, Bret has captured the attention of our three children for nearly two decades now. Perhaps the reminder (read: threat) of “No opening presents until we read The Christmas Story” has something to do with that.

Actually, we all love the simplicity of our Lord humbly putting on skin. How can you improve on the greatest story of all time?

Favorite Christmas Book - Trish Berg

2010-07-13T09:19:00.000-05:00

We have a few traditions that surround our Christmas celebrations, and one of my favorites is reading Christams books all month long.

We gather all of our Christmas books, and winter books, and get some more from the library. We put them all in a basket near the Christmas tree, and all December long, we read several each day.

When all my childrne were young, it was their bedtime stories. Now that I have two teens a tween and a second grader, they have become the readers, and as a family we listen to them.

One of our family favorites is The Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado.

It is the story of a lamb that didn;t fit in because he was crippled in one leg. He has to stay at the barn instead of going on a trip with the shepherds and the other lambs.

But God has a surprise for him. For in that very barn, Jesus is born, and Joshua is the first to see the miracle. In fact, he lays next to baby Jesus to keep Him warm.

I have to admit that I tear up when I read that book. What a life lesson on God's will and our will. On trusting His guidance and knowing He is leading us where He wants us to be.

A life lesson I need daily. One I cling to. One I cherish.

Favorite Books with Christmas Theme or Setting

2010-07-12T13:51:00.000-05:00

Are you looking for a light read over the holidays? Do you know someone who likes to read a novel with a Christmas setting? If you’re like me, I choose a light Christmas novel to read during the holidays or at least immediately after when I like to vegetate for a few days.

Try David Baldacci’s The Christmas Train. It contains no foul language, no overt sex, and no violence. True, it is a departure from his other genres, but it was the perfect book to read over the holidays. The hero journalist was banned from flying for a year because he had an “air rage” incident, so he decided to ride the rails, reporting on rail travel, and his adventure began. You’ll find a bit of mystery, romance, humor, holiday cheer, intrigue and a surprise ending.

Baldacci fans may not enjoy his foray into this lighter genre; however I found it to be the perfect lite fare for my holidays and even read it aloud to my husband on a long driving trip. Audio Tapes bah humbug!

If you are a Baldacci fan, The Christmas Train derails from his usual stories. It could be compared to John Grisham’s The Painted House—where some critics at least wanted the appearance of an attorney, even if he only dropped by and helped paint the house for a few minutes.

Do you have a favorite book that has a Christmas setting or theme? Share it with us, won’t you? I haven’t bought my holiday book for 2010, yet. I’m waiting for your suggestions.

The Christmas Cruise

2010-07-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone. July already! If my mother were still with us, she'd already be knitting Christmas stockings. In keeping with this week's theme and my challenge to give you a Crafty Saturday post each week, I'm fondly remembering our first Christmas away from home and family.

We booked a cruise on the Paul Gauguin which travels around the islands of French Polynesia. I wasn't sure how I would feel being away from home for the holidays but it was hard to be down when we spent a warm sunny Christmas day on an island in the South Pacific with Santa in shorts. Christmas Eve was special as well. The crew gathered together and sang songs from their various homelands that celebrated Christmas.

Bob and I had decided not to exchange gifts--the cruise was gift enough. But gifts are a part of Christmas that I didn't want to give up entirely. At the dollar store, I found small six inch stockings and lots of Christmas candy. I bought all hard candies since I didn't want to worry about anything melting in my suitcase. On Christmas morning, I fixed a stocking for our cabin stewardess and an extra one for her to give to a friend. She was so excited when she received it, she went squealing down the hall to find her friend and give the extra to her. I don't remember anyone ever being so thrilled with just a tiny gift.

The dollar store is a good source for tiny stockings but if you have some leftover Christmas material in your fabric stash, now would be a good time to make a template of a stocking from an old file folder, trace the pattern, sew the seams, trim the top with a little left over bric brac or ribbon and be prepared for Christmas fun. Fill them with Christmas candies and you will always have something ready for unexpected holiday visitors or someone who needs a little stocking full of good wishes.

Christmas in July and Camping with Anhingas

2010-07-09T04:58:00.001-05:00

Hi and welcome to our new Christmas in July posts, where we authors of Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts post tips and traditions here that celebrate Christmas. We post on everything from recipes to money saving tips to making the holidays meaningful.

For a fun July post, I share here a photo from a unique Christmas I spent camping with my mom, dad and sister in the Florida Everglades. Here in this photo you can see my mom, me and my sister in civilization visiting the beautiful gardens of the Vizcaya Estate, outside of Miami. This was a huge adventure for us, starting with driving from Wisconsin to Florida at Christmas, in a car packed with our tent and other gear. In the wild Everglades we encountered anhingas, crocodiles, roseate spoonbills, flamingos, egrets, a rattlesnake, gathered seashells on Sanibel Island and so much more. This was a very different and memory making Christmas for us.
Has your family had a specially memorable Christmas you can share with us here?

Sharing our spiritual testimonies made for a wonderful Christmas gift

2010-07-08T04:54:00.003-05:00

About three years ago, my mom asked for an unusual Christmas gift. She told us that instead of buying her a present, she wanted every member of the family to take turns sharing their testimonies--how they came to know the Lord.

On Christmas Eve, when we traditionally open gifts with my side of the family, we gathered around the fireplace in my aunt and uncle's log cabin in Evergreen, Colorado. The setting could not have been more idyllic--a light snow fell; we sipped hot cider with cinnamon sticks; the fire warmed us all.

Mom shared why she wanted to hear us "say so," primarily because she wasn't certain of another family member's salvation. She simply wanted to hear her children and grandchildren testify to the fact that Jesus was their Savior and Lord.

I'll admit that it felt a tad awkward at the beginning. I think my oldest son shared first; he's not shy! Then, one by one, we opened up about our journeys of faith, highlighting our salvation as well as any high points of growth thereafter. We cried, laughed and hugged one another--sharing a level of intimacy I've never known before.

Though this was without a doubt my mother's favorite Christmas gift of all time, I imagine it greatly pleased the Lord as well. I'm sure he smiled as his children testified to one another about his wonderful, sacrificial love for them.

I encourage you to try this with your own families. Then, let us know how it goes!
Blessings,
Leslie Porter Wilson

Who Would Have Guessed?

2010-07-06T05:00:00.010-05:00

By Trish Berg

Who would have guessed that my most favorite Christmas gift was the gift that was free.

Mike and I had just gotten married. It was Christmas 1992, and we were as poor as dirt. Mike was working at a furniture store delivering furniture, and I was in graduate school earning next to nothing as a grad assistant. We were living in a tiny duplex, and we knew we would have no money to buy each other something for Christmas.

So we agreed to not get each other a gift.

But Mike, as he usually did, surprised me with a gift.

He built me a hand made creche, a manger box where I could put figurines depicting the story of Jesus' birth. Of course, at that point, we had nothing to put in it. But it was beautiful nonetheless.

He made it out of old barn siding, nailed it into a box shape, and glued old hay on the bottom.

Now, eighteen Christmases have passed since that year, and that is still my most treasured gift. And it has been filled over the years with the most beautiful figurines reminding us of the true gift of Christmas - the gift of Jesus.

I guess the lesson there is not to worry about spending money on the perfect gift this Christmas. The perfect gift usually has no financial cost at all, rather emotional blessings. Memories, things shared, moments you have lived.

As you start to think about Christmas shopping, start think about blessings. What can you share with the ones you love that don't cost a thing?

I guarantee those will become the most treasured gifts of all.

Tis the Season to Sneeze

2010-07-05T05:51:00.000-05:00

WE'RE BACK! The Word Quilters--Karen, Brenda, Cathy, Terra, Trish and Leslie--are ready to give you hints for the holidays all the way through to December 25th. This week's theme: Memorable Holidays. In this blog you'll receive new tips for this season and you have the advantage of searching our archives for over 300 posts on a variety of Christmas related topics.

Want to have a smoother, happier holiday? Become one of our followers and you'll receive great ideas for the upcoming holidays

Sneezing Season:

As I looked through some old photos, I came across one taken on a Christmas morning. My husband and children are seated on the floor unwrapping gifts. I'm snuggled into a blanket on the sofa, with a mighty red nose. Yep. I got sick the night before. Chills. Fever. Aches. Sneezing. It happens.

One Christmas much later, every grandchild was sick with colds. Our family, we're big fans of Vicks Vapor Rub on the neck, with a bandanna tied loosely around the neck to help hold in the nose-opening vapors. So that year, they padded around in their PJs with their red and blue handkerchiefs tied around their necks. We cancelled our planned brunch and Pop and I went to their home and watched them open their presents, and then we Germ Xed right outside their back door as we left.

Granted. Those aren't the Christmas memories you want to make. So, here's a few tips to avoid the common colds and flu around the holidays. Make hand washing a priority with kids. Make sure the first thing they do when they get out of school each day is to wash their hands thoroughly. During this last F1N1 season, my daughter kept a pump bottle of hand sanitizer at her entry door at home. Visitors and family alike used it before entering. No one got sick either.

Most grocery stores supply wipes as you enter, so the handles of their shopping carts can be wiped down. Use them. Keep a small bottle of sanitizer in your vehicle. Wipe hands and steering wheel down after going into stores.

Before the flu season, stock up on cold remedies and sundries. Keep on hand plenty of over-the-counter medical supplies that you prefer for colds. Who wants to run to the pharmacy for supplies when you already feel ill? And you also run the risk of spreading your germs. I read that a sneeze leaves your body traveling over 100 miles per hour, now that's some serious germ spreading, neighbor.

Suggested items for your medical cabinet, box or drawer at home: a thermometer (now available--the shake down kind without mercury, a nurse said they're more accurate than the home digitals and they don't require a battery), cough drops, cough expectorants, Mucinex, Kleenexes, Vicks Vapor Rub, Thera Flu, daytime and nighttime capsules, Tylenol--depending on the age of your household members, you'll want the appropriate medicine for every age. The variety will vary according to your preferences, but those are some things I generally have on hand to help combat illnesses during the flu and holiday season.

Shop early, prepare early, and if an illness overtakes you, then you are ready whether you get to ahchooing or not.

Hey, did I hear you sneeze? Bless you. I'm headed after the Vicks and the bandanna. I know. I know. It'll look a little weird if you drive anywhere, but just don't go inside the bank with that bandanna tied around your neck. And don't put your hand in your pocket!

3 Tips for Packing Away - by Trish Berg

2010-01-19T05:00:00.001-06:00

Well, we have taken down the Christmas tree and packed away all the ornaments. The house seems a little bare, but life after Christmas goes on.

I have learned a few tips to keep the joy and decor of Christmas alive and well.

#1 Leave snowmen out - I have quite a few snowmen I decorate with over Christmas, and always leave them out through February. That way, the house is still decorated.

#2 Leave small trees out- I have 2 smaller pencil trees I leave out through February, and decorate with valentine's lights and ornaments. Keeps the lights going a little while longer.

#3 Keep giving - We tend to give so much at Christmas, and then we forget about giving to others and get on with our own busy lives. Take time to find several ways to give back as a family, to a soup kitchen, Goodwill or your church. Giving will make the spirit of Christmas decorate your life with love.

Everything I Need To Know I Learned On Christmas Break - By Trish Berg

2010-01-05T09:07:00.002-06:00

It has been a long time since I have been in Kindergarten, but I have been schooled by my family over Christmas break this year. Life is a journey of learning and loving, forgiving and forging ahead in spite of challenges. So, here are 5 things I learned over Christmas break in 2010.

#5 TWO WEEKS FLY BY - Time flies. We looked forward to Christmas break all month long, and the time just flew by. So enjoy what you have while you have it.

#4 BEST LAID PLANS SOMETIMES FAIL - No matter what you plan, it might fail. Santa brought our kids sleds and snow tubes this year, and at Christmas, we had no snow. Like washing your car causing it to rain, plans schmlans.

#3 TRADITIONS MEAN A LOT - We have had several family traditions, and its funny how our children hold on tightly to those familiar things every year. Our family traditions mean a lot to our children, even the small ones. They bring consistency to your life and bond you together.

#4 THE BEST GIFT IS TIME - All the presents that were under our tree were great, but what our children wanted most from us over Christmas break was our time. So spending time with your family will mean more than anything you can wrap up.

#5 JESUS ROCKS - I asked the kids what their goals were for 2010, and my teenager told me this morning that she wanted to not be as influenced by her friends, and make better decisions in 2010; making decisions Jesus would be proud of. Your faith matters to your kids. Know that the gift of Jesus, the love He gives, is the real joy of Christmas, and that lasts all year long.

And All Through The House

2009-12-26T19:28:00.002-06:00

It's the day after Christmas. The kids have come and gone and the house is suddenly very quiet. The tree lights still twinkle but the gifts no longer grace the tree skirt with anticipation. What lingers is the warmth of hugs, the echo of giggles, and the joy of knowing that we shared in celebrating the most glorious event ever--the birth of Jesus.

I pray yours was a Christmas of reflection--the reflection of His love. May the new year to follow fill you with the peace of His spirit.

Karen

Merry Christmas Everyone

2009-12-25T01:15:00.002-06:00

Merry Christmas To Everyone from My House to Yours

May this holiday season and the new year be joyful for you and your families

This is my last post of 2009, and 2010 will be here very soon, and I hope to see you here, and on your blogs when I visit them. This photo gives you a glimpse of our tree, stockings and nutcrackers.

"This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life." John 3:16 The Message

Welcome and Farewell by Brenda Nixon

2009-12-23T03:10:00.004-06:00

Thanks for visiting our blog! Each of us, co-authors, appreciates your interest and support for our blog and our book.

Here's my final post for 2009. This week leading into Christmas, we're asked to share our Christmas day plans. Now that my daughters are young adults, we have the luxury of a slow, leisurely morning. We awake, discuss the news, brew coffee, open packages, and savor my homemade cinnamon rolls. Later, we clean up the crumpled wrapping paper, bows, and boxes to ready ourselves for company.

Of course, things were different and disastrous when the kids were toddlers. The cameras were always flashing, the dogs barking, paper flying around the room, toy parts and pieces scattered on the rug, squeals and spills were a routine part of Christmas morning. But those days hold great memories, too.

What are your plans for Christmas day? Please leave us your thoughts. And who knows, maybe we'll run into each other at the after-Christmas sales.

Brenda Nixon, http://www.brendanixon.com/
Co-author, A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts