A New Cookbook

Sky got me Deceptively Delicious for Christmas and it's just that! It's really the way I've been cooking for years but have never had actual recipes to make appetizers, desserts and the like. Soups and casseroles - no problemo... the other stuff, help!

What I'm talking about people is sneaking veggies into your everyday cooking to get your family eating better, healthier! YES!

Tonight, I am adapting her Meatball Soup. I already have meatballs on hand so I just added the sweet potato puree to the liquid. I'm using my canned goods from when I was canning so that pleases me greatly!

So, we'll have a delicious soup that everyone will love and get our veggies, too!

While I'm in here cooking, DH is outside with Melynda, Paco and Javier sledding. I'm going to have sneak some shots of them!!! Oh, Zorro, too!

The Rock

How fitting for a Nativity to be carved in stone. This is from my mother-in-law. It's on my shelf and I love having a verse to read when I stand in front of it.

Yes, I walk around and stand in front of my Nativity Scenes. I'm drawn to them.

Are you?

Merry Christmas! By the way, baby Jesus is now resting in his manger. It's perfect.

Happy Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is here at last - a time for family, tradition and celebration! I can't wait for our candlelight service tonight. It's beautiful. Meaningful. Simple.

And long last, here is my main nativity. This was a gift from our dear friends, Larry and Dee, for our wedding. It's really something. In a simple way. It's a Fontanini, and has the whole village capability. What's also so awesome is each piece is handmade of wood so they don't break! And, each figurine comes with a fictional stroy card to create a story line of what might have been happening in the Bethlehem that day. We have the stable and village people. Here, take a look:

The Stable Scene:
I can't wait for baby Jesus to be born tonight!!!

Larry & Dee got us this little lady the year I was pregnant with Javier.

And a "ho ho ho" from Javi:

And now, something I read this morning and cried.

Twenty-five Questions for Mary

by Max Lucada, "God Came Near"

1. What was it like watching him pray?
2. How did he respond when he saw other kids giggling during the service at synagogue?
3. When he saw a rainbow, did he ever mention a flood?
4. Did you ever feel awkward teaching him how he created the world?
5. When he saw a lamb being led to slaughter, did he act differently?
6. Did you ever see him with a distant look on his face as if he were listening to someone you couldn't hear?
7. How did he act at funerals?
8. Did the thought ever occur to you that the God to whom you were praying was asleep under your own roof?
9. Did you ever try to count the stars with him...and succeed?
10. Did he ever come home with a black eye?
11. How did he act when he got his first haircut?
12. Did he have any friends by the name of Judas?
13. Did he do well in school?
14. Did you ever scold him?
15. Did he ever have to ask a question about Scripture?
16. What do you think he thought when he saw a prostitute offering to the highest bidder the body he made?
17. Did he ever get angry when someone was dishonest with him?
18. Did you ever catch him pensively looking at the flesh on his own arm while holding a clod of dirt?
19. Did he ever wake up afraid?
20. Who was his best friend?
21. When someone referred to Satan, how did he act?
22. Did you ever accidently call him Father?
23. What did he and cousin John talk about as kids?
24. Did his other brothers and sisters understand what was happening?
25. Did you ever think, That's God eating my soup?

Blessings, my friends, family and readers. Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve Eve

Our present opening time starts tonight! We have DH's family over tonight and I have pozole cooking on the stove. Nothing like a good soup bubbling on the stove all day to keep one hungry!

Are you ready? Are you ready to celebrate our Lord's birth? I'm really trying but man oh man, I'm so overwhelmed right now! I think I have it all together and am ready and each day brings something new and challenging; which is good, I guess, but it's hard at the same time.

This is my favorite time of year - so why I am walking around barking orders and feeling angry??? What attitude adjustment do I need to make on my part? What can I let go of? What doesn't matter?

I'm ready for your birthday, Jesus, really I am! I just wish it was here already! But I want to enjoy the moment now, too, and I'm not. :( I'm sorry, I'll try harder.

I got our powerpoint done for our Candlelight Service tomorrow night. I'm ready to worship you in both English and Spanish! It's going to be AWESOME!

I want to rest in you, Jesus. Please help me. It's all about You! You're all that matters! Help me remember that each moment.

The Three

My Mom gave me this statue some time ago and I really like it. It's almost a paper mache but a little heavier.

I love the simplicity of just Joseph, Mary and Jesus. Always makes me stop. Makes me remember Who I'm doing this all for, anyway. In the hustle and bustle of baking, cleaning and going - there is ONE who desires my attention. ONE who desires time with me. ONE who died for me. I pray you know Him. He's my best friend.

Now, I'm off to make granola and do some baking - 'cause I want to! :)

Let There Be Peace On Earth

Roy and I are singing our first duet ever tomorrow! We're singing "Let There Be Peace on Earth" in English and Spanish!

Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be.
With God as our Father, brothers all are we.
Let me walk with my brother in perfect harmony.
Let peace begin with me.
Let this be the moment now.
With ev'ry step I take, let this be my solemn vow:
To take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KI_ihzSc_IE

Does the plea get any more real than this? I can't change the world but I sure can work on me! Peace - it begins with me and will be made complete through Christ Jesus, my LORD and SAVIOUR!

Green Gift Bags - aka CHEAP TOTES!

Have you ever wondered about all the pretty glossy wrapping paper and where it goes after your loved one has unwrapped it? Well, it goes to the landfill. The percentage of people who actually re-use wrapping paper is VERY small! It's too much work at Christmas and the amount of wrap we're talking about it HUGE!

And the gift bags? Aren't they easy? YES! But again, unless you re-use them (like I do) they go to the landfill. Gift bags are easier to re-use than wrapping paper to be sure and it is more accepted to re-gift a gift bag than crinkeled up torn wrapping paper. The biggest bummer for me and wrapping paper is, it's glossy so it can't be burned or easily recycled!

What's the answer? Well, the Sunday Comics are an answer if you want to wrap. Also, I've seen advertisements used as wrapping.

But what about this? Re-usable bags/totes!

These grocery totes (above) sell for .99!

This canvas tote (above) is .99, too while the colored canvas ones are $1.49.

These Gusett Non-Woven Poly Propylene Totes are .99!
These smaller gift totes are a a mere .69 but they are sold out until January 1st.

This is a promo tote so buy while it's a cheap at .69!

For the guys in my life, I found these awesome Boise State Brocos bags on sale for a buck and will enjoy wrapping presents in these! Go BSU!

There are many places you can find re-usable bags or totes for a dollar or less. Here's what I'm going to do this year:

1) Not buy any new gift bags - not just talking Christmas but for everything.

2) Keep an eye out for re-usable bags and use them instead

3) Use the newspaper we have on hand as tissue paper

4) Wrap in comics, when needed

Now, I have some wrapping paper on hand from years past so it may take me a few times to actually run out of the wrap. What I'm changing is NOT buying any more!

I'm so excited!!! Are you?

From a Friend

Okay, I've shown you my nativity from Israel, Roy's nativity, my Grandma's nativity plate and a toothless little girl, my Mexican set, and my very first nativity when I was poor and alone. We are not to my main nativity yet; which is just awesome (see my banner...) but I want to share this set with you:

This is the first year I have had this Nativity to set up! It's HUGE and very very pretty. This picture isn't doing it justice.... the figurines are very large and take up the entire top of my piano, as shown.


Ignore the blue binder - I was practicing for Youth Group.


Back to the Nativity - it's detailed and large. A long-time family friend gave it to DH and I. I'm so thankful for good friends. This friend gave us many things when he moved here from Oregon and downsized. I'll show you more another time.


What do you have that's new-to-you this year for a decoration?

Comin' up.... How to wrap gifts GREEN!

Candy Cane Brownie Lollipops

What's Cookin' in my kitchen today???

Candy Cane Brownie Lollipops

Ingredients
1 pkg (18-21 oz) fudge brownie mix (plus ingredients to make brownies)
24 candy canes
10 oz chocolate-flavored almond bark
Additional decorations such as red jimmies (optional)

1. Line Medium Sheet Pan (or 9-in. by 13-in. metal pan) with a 13-in. piece of Parchment Paper; lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray and set aside. Prepare brownie mix according to package directions; pour batter into pan. Bake 30 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Remove from oven to Stackable Cooling Rack; cool 20 minutes or until still slightly warm.

2. Meanwhile, cut straight ends of candy canes off to form 4½-in. sticks using Utility Knife. Place candy cane tops into resealable plastic bag and crush using flat side of Meat Tenderizer; set aside.

3. Using Medium Scoop, scoop brownie into 24 rounded scoops, packing brownie into scoop using hands. (Entire brownie will be used.) Roll brownie scoops into smooth balls. Insert candy cane sticks into centers of balls, mounding brownie around each stick to secure. Pinch each brownie ball where candy cane and top of ball meet.

4. Place almond bark into Small Batter Bowl; microwave according to package directions until smooth. Spoon melted bark evenly over each brownie ball, turning to coat completely. Be sure to coat where candy cane stick meets brownie ball. Allow excess bark to drip off. Dip into reserved crushed candy canes or jimmies and stand upright on a piece of Parchment Paper. Repeat with remaining almond bark, lollipops and crushed candy. Let stand until set. Place into miniature cupcake liners.

Yield: 24 servings

Cook’s Tips: Although the edges of the brownies are crusty, they don’t need to be discarded. Simply scoop the edges along with the center, and they’ll soften as they stand. If desired, lollipop sticks or stick candies can be substituted for the candy canes. Wrap lollipops in cellophane, tie with ribbon and use as table décor, place cards or take-home goodies for a special
Christmas touch.

From The Pampered Chef® Festive Holiday Desserts Recipe Collection.

If you'd like more information on The Pampered Chef, e-mail me!

I was DONE Shopping!!!

So how is that I go to Boise and still spend a hundred bucks at the Christian Bookstore on stocking stuffers?!?!?!

Egads!

Granted I got some GREAT deals and most of my items were $5 or less so I stocked up on things I like to have on hand for those "Uh, Mom.... I forgot I need to bring a gift to school tomorrow...." or "Uh, Mom.... I have a birthday party tomorrow and forgot to tell you." So, some of my finds will go into my slush fund. I love my slush fund. It's so nice to have things on hand for those gifts that will be just perfect for _______. You can't beat a $5 CD or DVD when it's regularly $15!

And I got a couple bigger items, like a really cool Bible for Melynda! Shhh! Don't tell! And a little something something for my hubby. And a little something for my mommy. But don't tell her either. And a little somethin' for my kids... but it all added up!

The good news? I got 25% off my total price, saving me a total of $150 after sale, clearance and 25% off! How rockin' is that?

And, keeping with my vow, I did NOT charge anything today. YEAH!

Cabelas, REI, Sears, Williams-Sonoma, Christian Bookstore and


Starbucks! Thanks, Mom!

Is this picture of Roy reading to Javier not the sweetest?!?!

Now, we're off to a play called "Bethlehem Inn." What a fun-filled day, I've had!

P.S. Would you call me crazy if I told you I already have some gifts bought for next year?!?!?! What can I say, it's how I roll. ;)

K.I.D.S. Season of Giving

Since 1985: K.I.D.S. has fulfilled its promise of bringing smiles to children in need by distributing over a half-billion dollars worth of new merchandise while keeping overhead costs under three percent. In 2007, nearly $62 million worth of new products was distributed for the benefit of almost five million children who live in poverty and suffer from distressed conditions.

K.I.D.S. operates six key programs that focus on meeting the needs of:

Victims of Natural Disasters and Political Unrest: Building on over 20 years of relationships with donors and local agencies, K.I.D.S. delivers product immediately and directly to families affected by natural disasters. K.I.D.S. brought needed essentials to approximately 500,000 children affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, more than 300,000 young victims of the Asian Tsunami, and over 60,000 children affected by the Lebanon-Israel War.

Homeless Children: When Houston’s Coalition for the Homeless, a partner agency of K.I.D.S., asked homeless individuals and families what their greatest need was, 83 percent of both young people and adults said clothing. K.I.D.S. works to take clothing off the list of essential services for homeless children and families, helping to restore their dignity and self-worth.

Domestic Abuse Victims: Hundreds of thousands of children in family shelters for domestic abuse victims receive toys from K.I.D.S., bringing joy into their lives at a difficult time. In the serious work that must occur to restore a child's sense of safety and routine, new belongings can be a touching affirmation that life is again returning to a brighter state of affairs.

Children with Low Literacy Levels: K.I.D.S. provides new, brand-name, age- appropriate books to children on Native American reservations and in after-school programs who have low literacy levels and need encouragement in the love of reading.

Children of Incarcerated Parents/Juvenile Offenders: K.I.D.S. gives books to children of incarcerated parents for parent/child reading during visitations to prison. Books and apparel are also provided to programs helping young inmates regain their sense of purpose and self-confidence.

Military Families/Wounded Soldiers: K.I.D.S. provides infant and juvenile items to children and parents on military bases who are left behind while their loved ones fight for our freedom. Together with its partner charity, Fashion Delivers, K.I.D.S. also directs clothing, books and other necessities to Germany to help make life better for U.S. soldiers wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I am always amazed when a company is willing to donate to a non-profit and how much they are willing to give. Often times, I buy the Kohl's Kids items for $5 because the whole $5 goes to their non-profit.

I was really excited to come across Robeez and see what they are doing! They are donating up to $250,000 in Robeez footwear to K.I.D.S!!! For each electronic card sent and received they will donate $5 and for each blog post, $25! So far, I have sent 5 cards and this post = $50 donated for K.I.D.S.

I love Robeez. I got hooked on them when my friend Heather had them on her son when he was a babe. Paco wore them and now Javier is in them! In fact, I splurged got my two great-nieces a pair last year for Christmas! (That was a one time thing, I can tell you!) Now, I pass them on to Karris, my great-niece as Javi outgrows them.

We just outgrew these

and are loving the warmth these provide when we're home all day!

The purpose of this post is tri-fold:
1. To get an easy $25 donated for my time to do this post.
2. To share with you a product I feel surpasses any other shoe we have worn. They stay on, they are comfortable and I can testify, they LAST! Some of these Robeez are on their third kid now and let me tell ya, they're just as darling on little Karris as they were on my boys!
3. I want to give the opportunity to participate in this Season of Giving! Together, we CAN make a difference!

Update! I found out if I linked from facebook and myspace they count as blogs so that's $75 for my posts donated; plus I sent 10 cards for $50 so my total difference tonight is $125! It's so EASY! Just go to robeez.com and click away!

The Christmas Pledge

Believing in the true sprit of Christmas, I commit myself to:

*
Remember those people who truly need my gifts.

*
Express my love in more direct ways than gifts.

*
Examine my holiday activites in light of my deepest values.

*

Be a peacemaker within my circle of friends and family.

*
Rededicate myself to my spiritual growth.

From "Unplug the Christmas Machine"

I also pledge to:

~ Have a debt-free Christmas. If I can't afford it - I won't buy it!

~ Change 2009 by:

Spend more time in my home.

Hug the kids more.

Kiss the Hubby

Read more

Play with the dog

Work outside

Stay on our budget

Speaking of the dog...

I'm posting these down because I feel like if I am willing to make a lifestyle change at Christmas; which I am and have, shouldn't I live that way year around? If this is the life I desire, it can't just be at Christmas that I "don't spend so much." It needs to be daily!

Now, I'm off-line to make more yummy goodies - in my home, my warm, fireplace heated home. Ahhhh. I do love Christmas time!

The Mini Nativity

It was my first Christmas on my own. In a small dingy gross apartment in Ontario, Oregon that my Mom presented me with this, my first nativity.

It's small. It's a mini-nativity. Everything fits on this tiny wood plate.

It was perfect. I didn't have room. I didn't have much. But I had this. And it's all I needed.

It also served as my nativity while I worked at then Albertson College. I had it set up in the "waiting area" at Christmas time. It has served me well.

Today, it greets you in my foyer. It's one of the first Nativity sets you see when you come in our front doors.

It's still perfect.

Thanks, Mom.

Christmas Music

We all have favorite Christmas music, right? I grew up listening to RECORDS and really wish I could get those on CD or digital format. (Honey, if you're reading, that's a great HINT of a gift idea for me, just get them from my Mom! They're in the closet.) I listened to an album that has a little girl singing, "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" and believed it! Then there's this one about the Christmas tree burning - and the snowman melting, I think I've cried listening to that one - it's so well done! And then a odd little "I'm a little Christmas tree. But a confused little Christmas tree..."


And the REAL White Christmas album. I have to watch the movie each year just to hear them sing!


But every now and then, I come across a new Christmas album that I like. At least for this year. Here are some that are in my stereo now:

I bought this one at the checkout in Hallmark.
I like Sheryl Crow and thought I might like the CD - I do!

This CD of Kathy Troccoli has been one of my favorites for a LONG time!
It has some great big band songs which just fill the room with Christmas cheer.

I bought this one at Kohl's for $5 for the Kohl's Kids Program.
I figured if it wasn't good I wouldn't be out much...
It's wonderful! And the kids love it! It starts out with
Michael Buble; whom we really like!

It wouldn't be Christmas without Charlie.

I mix up my CD changer with these CD's and then some that are instrumental only. I have a beautiful piano one and a Kenny G playing soprano sax that I love. Add in a disk with 20 Christian Classics (hymns - not Jingle Bells, etc.) and we're good to go!

If you could only have one CD at Christmas; which would you pick? Why?

Mexican Nativity

DH and I received this Nativity Scene as a wedding gift. It was made in Mexico and is just gorgeous! The hand painting is so detailed and I love that you can feel the texture of the clay and glaze.


Baby Jesus won't appear til Christmas morn. That's something I do that I wasn't raised with. All the baby Jesus' that aren't "stuck" in the manger stay in a safe place and then I make sure He is born come Christmas morn and we run to each scene to see Baby Jesus! I love how it takes the attention off our stockings and places it back where it belongs - on Him.


What do you do that you were't raised doing? Or perhaps what don't you do that you were raised with?

Today I'm "Fasting for Friends." Our youth group is fasting for 24 hours in order to raise funds for people who are starving for Jesus. We've started a new hispanic ministry at our church, Tierra de Regocijo (Land of Joy) and we're helping raise funds! It was the youth's idea; which is just awesome! Tomorrow is our kick off service and we'll end our fast just in time for potluck!

So, I'm on a juice/water diet; which is killing me since I'm also cooking beans and other food for potluck tomorrow!!!

Enjoy your weekend!

I'm Not the Only One...

who colors hair like this, right? My mother was mortified to realize I was serious when I put on the headlamp 'cause "I needed more light." If you know my mom at all can imagine how upset she is at me right now, telling the whole world wide web that this isn't her natural hair color... how she could die a thousand deaths right now. How she could "skin me alive the next time she sees me..."

After seeing these pictures, here's what came to mind.

"You might be a redneck if... you use a headlamp to color your mom's hair."

"You might be a redneck if... you let your daughter use a headlamp to color your hair."

"You might be a redneck if... you let someone take a picture of you wearing a headlamp to color someone's hair."

But then when you get a finished shot and your mother is this pretty, you realize you aren't a redneck, you are smart and capable of coloring, including low lights, hair, with the help of extra lighting, no matter how you get it!

A girl has got to do what a girl has got to do. She might fire her new hair coloring gal, but I gotta tell ya, the price was right and this new gal she has even makes house calls and offers her hot tea and company at no extra charge!!! This new gal she has coloring her hair even helps her wash out the color in, get this... her kitchen sink! Now, if that ain't service.... tell me what is.

Here's a nice close shot of the gorgeous, wonderfully priced color job my mother got Wednesday night. Who knows, I might even make it so you can see the low lights next time. Practice makes perfect they say. Whoever they are. They never went to beauty school, I bet!

Nativity Plate and Christmas Cheer

This Nativity Plate came to me after my Grandma Gladys died. I remember when my Mom got it for her and grew up seeing one (my Mom's) in our home. It was a memorable Christmas when I put this up in my home for the first time. Now, it has a special place on my buffet and for sure a special place in my heart.

I used what I call the "rose petal technique" which brings the plate lighter and blurs the background a bit. Can you tell?

Do you have ornaments that each year when you see them you just have to laugh? Here's one of mine. I remember making it at church one year in Sunday School. I want to say I was 8, in 2nd grade but am just guessing.

Dated feathered bangs. Darling little blue jumper with red collared shirt. My mother obviously dressed me that day 'cause I would have been in jeans and a t-shirt. Hmmmm, somethings haven't changed much, have they?!

Today, I am baking sugar cookies for my Lia Sophia party. I'm also making a delicious brie recipe that I could eat the whole thing of, but won't. Unless no one shows then I might. That would NOT be a good thing - me eating the whole thing. I think it weighs 5 pounds by itself!

Did you know I have a Pampered Chef website now? You can order directly from it, pay online and it will ship directly to you! How cool is that??? Just e-mail me for the addy. There's also a great clearance section with discounted retired products you can only access from the web!

I'm listening to Kenny G and Javier play. This is what I want more of my days to be like - baking, playing and having friends over!

Oh, I could NOT for the life of me figure out how to post a video from youtube here. I have an account, did everything April told me to and splat - nada. I did get a blurb on the sideline for you to see. PLEASE, either watch the video at April's or see it in my sidebar.

Now, I'm off to finish my cookies and spruce the house a bit. Hip Hip Hooray - Christmas Cheer is here!!!

DH's Nativity

This is Roy's Nativity. You see, our first Christmas, we weren't married. And he thought my mother had WAAYY to many Nativity scenes in her house. That's when she found out he didn't have one. Not one!

If you know my mother at all, that's all she needed to know. It didn't matter why he didn't have one - just that he didn't. She got this Nativity for him and it is his - just ask him! So, each year, I put it up in a special place. The past few years I have displayed it in our church next to the Christmas tree. This year, it is in our foyer, one of the first sets you see as you enter our home.

There's just something special about a Nativity that prohibits leaving it stored in a box or tote. At least there is for me. Have you noticed that no matter how old a Nativity is, it just doesn't matter? Broken lamb leg? No worries. Chipped donkey ear? Just adds character. Of all the Christmas decorations and traditions, I like the Nativity Scene the best. After all, that is where it began. In a dirty stable with smelly animals. Doesn't get more humble and lowly than that.

Trimming the Tree!

Not always have we gotten the tree up so quickly but this year I was faced with either doing it early or not having the big boys here when we decorated... so early won. And I'm so glad!

Saturday I spent the whole day either getting ready to put up Christmas decorations, actually putting them up or cleaning up the empty boxes! It was a grand day with my Christmas CD's blaring from the stereo.

Little boys playing in the tree box. It's HUGE - over 6' tall!

Little boys helping Daddy set up the tree. They were big helpers!

It's so fun to decorate the tree. I hand each ornament out. Some I save for a specific person to hang, mostly we just hang. If one has a special meaning, and most do, one of us says what it is. Each year, the kids get a new ornament of their own. These go on our tree and the first Christmas after they are married, they will get all their own oranments as a gift for their home. I haven't had to do that yet but remember how special it was when my Mom gave me my ornaments for our home.

Javier Don, our first Christmas with him walking!

Finished Family Foto


Tradition of ending with a hot drink. Sometimes we have steamers...
This year we had home-made ORGANIC hot chocolate!!!

Nativity

This is one the many posts I'll do this month featuring my Nativity Scenes. My parents brought me this one back from Israel and it holds a special place in my heart since it was made in THE Holy Land and it's hand carved; thus unique.

I love December. I love all things Christmas. I love not stressing on what to buy but rather what to bake or make. What CD to listen to, what candle to light.

I pray you have a blessed Christmas season. Remember,
Jesus is the Reason for the Season!