Yesterday my daughter came running up to me exclaiming, "44 More Days! 44 More Days!"
She's the countdown queen always counting down to the next big event. Skipping, singing...44 more days! As soon as the jubilant words were in earshot, I was overcome with a huge sense of anxiety. My heart began racing. Adrenaline was coursing through my extremities.
Today is my birthday. It's my half-way mark to 90 and my half-way mark to 50. It's also Memorial Day.
As a kid I hated that my birthday always fell on or around Memorial Day. Friends left on weekend get-aways, camping trips or picnics making birthday parties difficult to plan. I grew up thinking it was a pretty sad and lonely time to have a birthday.
We tried another bird's nest idea this Easter. This one is with Chow Mein noodles and Whoppers Robin Eggs. It's a very simple combination of ingredients, yet they are OH SO tasty!
My Girlie made them along with her BFF. I love their friendship! Lots of giggles, and lots of fun!
Despite the many cookie recipes I try, a favorite among the kids, and Hub especially, are Rice Krispies treats. I remember the early days in college when I first met my sweetheart and wanted to impress him with some good home cooking. Sadly, in my tiny dorm room I only had a microwave and a pot for boiling water. Sometimes you have to make due and in this mini-dorm room microwave I would whip up Rice Krispies treats for him and they stole his heart!
Even though I've moved on to the Moosewood Cookbook, I still have Grub on my mind. There was a recipe I wanted to try because it's part of a "New Year's Eve Good Luck Meal." It is Quinoa-Stuffed Cabbage Packages.
I love quinoa (pronounced keen-wah). It's one of those super foods hitting the grocery stores and popping up in more and more recipes everywhere.
Most people think it's a grain because it looks like one, but it's actually a seed grown high in the Andes Mountains in South America. Although many Americans know little of it, it's actually and ancient food enjoyed by the Incas.
One cup of quinoa has about:
220 calories
38-40 grams carbohydrates
8 grams protein
3.5 grams fat
5 grams of fiber
and high in folate, magnesium (great if you have migraines), phosphorus, iron and copper and manganese
Quinoa is stocked with life-sustaining nutrients all across the board, including all eight essential amino acids. There are other highly beneficial compounds, vitamins and minerals in this food that the Incas reverently called "chisaya mama" (mother of all grains).
Vegetarians would do well to incorporate quinoa into their diet often. It’s difficult for vegetarians to get all eight essential amino acids and an adequate source of protein from one food source. Usually, vegetarians and vegans need to combine foods like beans and rice to acquire all the essential amino acids, the building blocks of protein.
Those with gluten sensitivities or wheat allergies can rejoice in eating quinoa as it contains no gluten or wheat. (Spanish conquistadors during the South American conquest suppressed quinoa production, as it was associated with what the Spaniards perceived as non-Christian, indigenous, ceremonial backwardness. Thus, wheat was cultivated in the Andes region.)
With all that goodness in one food, no wonder it is considered a superfood AND included in the New Year's Good Luck Meal!
According to Grub, and tradition, "Each cabbage leaf represents $1,000 that you will see in the New Year, so eat up!" I think I've eaten 2 cabbage rolls, and another 6-7 cabbage leaves for good measure!
Quinoa-Stuffed Cabbage Packages
Ingredients
1 cup quinoa
coarse sea salt
1 large green cabbage head
12 chives
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
4 tablespoons fresh orange juice
4 garlic cloves, minced and sautéed in olive oil for 1-2 minutes until golden
1/4 cup currants
1/4 toasted walnuts, chopped
3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
freshly ground white pepper
Quinoa
If it is not pre-rinsed, rinse the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer under running water and drain. Combine the quinoa, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 2 cups of water in a large saucepan over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 20 minutes, until all the water is absorbed. Let the quinoa steam with the lid on for 15 minutes, then remove the top and cool.
Cooked Quinoa
Cabbage
Meanwhile, bring a large, deep pot of water to a boil and add 2 tablespoons salt. Prepare a large bowl full of ice water.
Cut the core from the cabbage with a small paring knife. Drop the whole cabbage into the water and boil for 5-10 minutes, remove the cabbage head, and removed the softened outer leaves. Shock the leaves in the ice water (ice bath) to set the color and stop the cooking. Return the cabbage head to the boiling water to soften the next few layers of leaves, remove them, ice bath, and then continue with the rest of the cabbage. Drain and pat the cabbage leave dry with paper towels. To save time and paper towels I gently spun the leaves in the salad spinner. Worked great! Set aside.
Ice Bath
Bring water back to boil and add the chives. Blanch for 10 seconds. Remove them and place in ice bath. Drain and set aside with cabbage leaves.
In a large bowl combine the olive oil, lime juice, orange juice, garlic, currants, walnuts and parsley. Mix well. Add the cooled quinoa and toss well. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste. Add white pepper to taste. At this point, this is an EXCELLENT QUINOA SALAD! You could serve this as a side dish if you like. It's GREAT!
Dressing for Quinoa
This would make a GREAT Quinoa Salad/Side Dish
Back to Packages...
With a sharp knife, cut the thick part of the stem from each cabbage leaf. Place heaping 3 tablespoons of the quinoa in the center of each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides toward the center and fold up each end of the leaf into a compact package. Wrap a chive around the narrower side of each package and tie it up into a knot. Serve on a platter with seam side down.
Rolling the cabbage package is like rolling a burrito. Lay out cabbage leaf.
Place quinoa in center. Fold in one side...
Then the other...
Roll up the bottom then bring down the top portion.
A new year brings new beginnings and fresh starts. Each January my hub and I sit down and compile a list of goals. Every year I hope to be thinner, fitter, smarter, and wiser. I strive to be a better wife and mom. I hope for big accomplishments and attain a few.
But the reality is every year I have just about the same body I had the year before. I'm just about as fit as I was the year before. I've read a few more books, seen a few more museums and checked a couple more items of the bucket list of life.
Ultimately, my life goal is to be a Proverbs 31 woman. At the end, I hope it can be said, as in Miss Rumphius, (with God's help and guidance) I've done my part to make the world a little more beautiful.
This year rather than taking the same approach to goal setting, I'm going to proceed a bit differently and go back to basics. Thinking about the new year and setting goals, I was impressed to consider Exodus and the 10 Commandments. A fresh look at these well known Commandments offers guidelines to everyday living in 2012. After each commandment, I'll insert my own personal application.
1) YOU SHALL HAVE NO OTHER GODS BEFORE ME
No other gods before the One True Holy God.
My resolution: Do not bow to the god of materialism, the god of security, the god of comfort, the god of gluttony/food, the god of obsessive behavior, the god of money, the god of health and fitness, the god of busyness, the god of perfectionism, or any other god that would take first place in my life over GOD. I shall be loyal to God.
2) YOU SHALL NOT MAKE ANY GRAVEN IMAGE
Worship shall be directed to God alone.
My resolution: Continuing to develop, know and worship God will be a daily part of life. I will continue to share God's love with our kids.
3) YOU SHALL NOT TAKE THE NAME OF THE LORD YOUR GOD IN VAIN
Speaking God's name shall be done in respect and with honor.
My resolution: When I speak of God, I will honor His goodness and blessings He's placed in our life. One of my favorite sayings will still ring true, "God is Good All the Time!"
4) REMEMBER THE SABBATH DAY AND KEEP IT HOLY
Honoring God by slowing down and resting.
My resolution: This is a hard one for me. Taking time to slow down feels like wasting precious hours. It will be hard to take time to slow down, rest and allow time for God to speak, restore, and rejuvenate, but as a commandment, I realize it must be important. I will rest. When I don't, please remind me of #4! Seeking accountability here!
5) HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER
God has blessed me with great parents, grandparents and in-laws.
My resolution: I will respect and honor my parents, grandparents and in-laws. They were placed in my life by God. I will cherish family history and strive to learn more about our forefathers who were so instrumental in making us who we are today. It is a goal to begin an ancestry study this year.
6) YOU SHALL NOT MURDER
Have reverence for life and respect those around you.
My resolution: I will continue to support organizations who work to support and honor life. I will continue to support organizations like Childcare Worldwide that seek to save the lives of children around the globe. I will be open and consider opportunities God places in our lives in which we can support those who are seeking new beginnings. I want to encourage those around us to succeed. I want to be a dream encourager not a dream killer.
7) YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY
Marriage is sacred. I don't know if there has been a year in all our married life that we've seen more marriages of Christian couples blow up. It's heartbreaking! My hub and I have discussed this and it saddens us. When we married we made a covenant commitment before God until death do us part.
My resolution: We will stay married. I know that sounds strange, but with so many marriages falling apart I think it should be announced we will commit to make this marriage work with a Christ-centered focus, and open communication. We will do this because it's a commandment, and also because we have a history, three beautiful children and there's nothing in this world worth blowing it up.
8) YOU SHALL NOT STEAL
I will not take what doesn't belong to me. I will work diligently.
My resolution: If I didn't work for it, and it wasn't a gift; it's not mine. I think this also applies to time. There are certain hours in the day that are designated to our kids schooling. I will not take their hours for my own.
9) YOU SHALL NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS AGAINST YOUR NEIGHBOR
Be truthful. Reserve judgement until all the facts are known. No gossiping.
My resolution: My words shall be used to build up others and not tear down or wound. Be a source of encouragement.
10) YOU SHALL NOT COVET YOUR NEIGHBOR'S POSSESSIONS
Do not be jealous about what someone else has or what they've earned.
My resolution: It is my desire to be content. This is hard when we live in the land of the O.C. or better known as the OH WOW!
Although I see many around us with more and better, my heart shall be content with what we have.
Although I see those around me lifting more weight and doing more pull-ups, I shall be content.
When I see a gal with beautifully manicured eyebrows or a wonderful Brazilian blowout, I will be content with my home blown hair and self-tweezed brows.
When I see cute, thin yoga-momma in her Lululemon's, I will be grateful for my curvy figure- I hear curves are making a comeback.
I will appreciate and compliment others on the blessings they receive and I will refrain for wishing for more. Contentment. It's a good thing!
And lastly...
Love this year as I've never loved before.
As commanded in Luke 10:27
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Even though I'd like to think I know myself pretty well, it's amazing how God continues to reveal aspects of inner thinking continually. Just when I think I have most things figured out...I realize I don't. One area I've realized He may be working on is the ability to receive graciously.
A few night's ago, as I was driving home from a friend's house, I was thinking on this last year and the generosity of family and friends. I was overcome with overwhelming gratitude, but also a sense of overwhelming indebtedness! Tears streamed down my face as I thought on recent gifts we've received. Christmas may have brought on more emotions than normal, but I realized although I'm so grateful for the gifts, I also have a hard time receiving them.
I spent the last few days since the tearful drive trying to unpack the reservations I have with receiving. Why is it so hard? Why do I feel indebtedness along with gratitude?
Here's some of what I came up with:
1) Receiving is difficult when I feel I didn't earn it. I have a strong work ethic and value earning what is received. If I didn't work for it, I have a hard time accepting it.
2) I love giving. If you're familiar with the 5 Love Languages, giving is one of the ways I show love to others. I love pouring out on others, but having others pour out on me is difficult. I honestly feel bad for those giving. Maybe there's a sense I don't feel worth the gift. There are a number of stories of times I'm sure my parents could share of loser boyfriends taking advantage of an extravagantly giving girlfriend. I think I've tried to justify this over the years, but deep down I think I internalized, I wasn't worth giving to.
3) Keeping it even. Like most people and family members I tend to keep it even. By keeping the giving even, no one feels left out. I spend $25, you spend $25. Even! This type of giving allows all recipients to leave on balanced terms. But, when I give a $25 gift yet receive a $100 gift, I feel awkward, and unbalanced. The $25 gift, although nice, pales in light of the $100 gift. When this happens to me I feel like a loser, baby! Now, if I gave the $100 gift and received the $25 gift, no problem. This practice is okay in my world.
4) Payback. When receiving an extravagant gift I feel like I need to write up an I.O.U. When my hub and I purchased our first home two family members loaned us some money to complete the purchase. We both felt so indebted, within the first year we had paid back both parties. One family member said, in all their years of giving/lending we were the only ones to pay back. I loved that. I never want to take advantage of an extravagant giver.
5) Remember when... Lastly, I think I have a hard time receiving because I never want to have a gift held over my head. In tough times, I never want someone to say, "Remember when I gave you ____?" In a sense I don't want to feel owned by someone's giving. Maybe it's pride? Who knows?
This whole experience has caused me to once again reflect on salvation- the most amazing, free, no strings attached GIFT of all! When I was 8-years old I accepted Christ. My world was full of faith and I wanted to have a relationship with Christ, although I did not understand what this meant. Through my teen years and early 20's I ditched much of my faith for the world. The result was a BIG, tangled mess of a life.
In my mid-twenties my relationship with Christ got back on track. I recommitted my life and began the slow journey back. I strongly believe God allows growth at a rate which you can handle. I had a lot of learning to do and a lot of dealing with my "stuff."
I think the hardest thing I dealt with accepting was grace. I didn't allow myself much grace and could not imagine a Holy God pouring out grace on such a wretch as me.
A memory from about 20 years ago that is etched in my mind was the night I REALLY understood and embraced this salvation Christ was offering with no strings attached; no expectations in return; nothing to be earned; just a free gift! I had just finished an evening class at Bible Study Fellowship. I don't remember what we were studying or what the lecture was even about. All I remember was going to my car; sitting in the driver's seat; and being hit with the enormity of the gift Christ poured out on me.
I had this vision of Him saying, "Bring it; all your heartache; all you sin; all your stuff you don't want the world to see or know about; Bring it! I will take it. I willingly take your sin and shortcomings so you can be clean. I have made the sacrifice. Release it."
Up to this point, I don't think I truly understood the sacrifice Christ made for me. Yet, in my car I sensed Perfect Jesus so lovingly letting me know He died for my sin so I could be free from the heaviness and the burden of it. I couldn't imagine how he voluntarily would take on my yucky sins when he was without sin, but He promises to do so. There was nothing more I could do to earn freedom from this sin. I could not work my way out of it. I just needed to receive it!
Ephesians 2:8-9 reads,"For by grace you have been saved through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; not by works, so that no one can boast."
The Bible tells us salvation is a free gift; not a gift through works.
For a gift giver; who does not receive well; who thinks all gifts must be earned; this is a concept that is really hard to embrace.
Over the years I've accepted God's gift and embraced it with gratitude, but this Christmas I feel like he's wanting me to learn to accept gifts from others. It's a strange thing and really difficult.
A dear friend, who has been so generous, recently said to me something like, "This is your time to receive the gift."
Although difficult, I am trying. Breaking the faulty thought processes attached to receiving is hard.
I'm hoping 2012 brings new lessons to learn, but for today I will be filled with gratitude!
Thank you Mikey, Mom, Dad, Gommer P., Gommer Wally, Grandpa Wallace, Jama, Suzie, Denise, Jennifer and John, and my three amazingly giving children!
We live in a Santa culture. It's the truth. And as much as I don't care for the over-materialized frenzy December brings, it doesn't appear to be falling out of fashion.
Our kids grow up singing, "You better watch out, you better not cry, better not pout, I'm telling you why...Santa Claus is coming to town." They watch shows like The Grinch,The Santa Claus,Rudolph and of course,Santa Claus is Coming to Town. We hang stockings, write wish lists and letters, and set out cookies and milk before bedtime on Christmas Eve. We visit Kris Kringle better known as Santa Claus at local malls, whisper wishes in his ear and have our photos taken with him.
Our kids with Santa
This year I surprised my Grandma and told her she was also having her photo taken with Santa.
She was a little embarrassed, but also seemed a little excited!
It really is a crazy thing if you think about it, but this is what Christmas American tradition looks like and I'm guessing there are similar themes around the globe. Worldwide, Santa may have a different name, but children still await the magical experience and the gifts.
I love the story of the original Santa, St. Nicholas, and share it with our kids. The sacrifice he made to help others is admirable.
So, St. Nicolas, the first true Santa was a gift-giver! Giving the gift, providing for the dowry of three young women so they could marry and not be sold into slavery.
Thinking on the dowry...although we don't have a necessary dowry requirement in our culture any longer, around the world this tradition continues. Years ago, I helped raise money for some friends in Uganda to pay a dowry of cows, goats, fruit etc. A friend of mine is currently helping a young man in Uganda raise his dowry so he may marry. St. Nicholas would be proud!
The couple we helped now have two beautiful girlies!
Back to Santa...
On the night before Christmas, our daughter set out a plate of cookies and cup of milk. After setting out the treats, she proceeded to place an important letter she wrote to Santa next to the treats.
Her letter read:
hi Santa i have a question
was there a hole bunch of santa's or just one
check yes or no
and if yes plese say how many and plese wake me up to see you
yes___ no___
how meny?
The letter was genuine and heartfelt. She anticipated his visit, but even more hoped for a response.
The next morning she rushed downstairs to see if he had responded.
Here's what she found...
Dearest Arabella,
Merry Christmas!
You are such a smart young girl! That’s what I love about you. I heard about your big win with the essay contest. Well Done!
So your question…How many Santa’s are there? Well, my dear, there is just one yet there are many people in your life who show you love, generosity and joy. We all work together to make this life magical, exciting and a much better place to live in.
I love your honest questions, childlike faith and heartfelt curiosity. Hold on to these traits.
I am sorry My Dear, but I can’t visit. I must be off! Hawaii is waiting for me!
Blessings to you!
And always remember who were celebrating this season- Jesus! He is the giver of All Good and Perfect Gifts!
You are Loved!
So there was the response. She was very excited about it and stashed it away in her "box" where all good things are kept.
Parenting can sometimes bring up tough questions. I don't honestly know how to answer every question that comes up. There are instances where I'm not sure if we're doing the right thing or not.
Determining how one chooses to handle and/or answer questions surrounding Santa is up to each particular family. There are absolutes in life and ultimately the truth is the best answer, but I like to preserve wonder and merriment when possible too.
There was a St. Nicholas. He was a gift giver. Additionally, there are people in our lives who work to bring about joy in keeping the magic of the season alive. Christmas is a magical season! We celebrate God coming to earth as a baby born unto a virgin! WOW!
It is all about Jesus, and it's also about gifts, family, celebration and fun!
Some explanations are best left to be dreamed of and wondered about. The joy in our child's eyes, her innocent questions, and the hope she has is a surprisingly wonderful gift to us.
Oh my word! Has this month just flown by or what? My kids have reminded me once again there are only 2 days until Christmas (really just one since all the festivities are tomorrow). Unbelievable! I don't like how quickly the days have passed. This isn't what I had envisioned for our December.
Every year I hope to EXPERIENCE Christmas in some sort of amazing way. My vision is to not procrastinate. In the perfect world I'd have presents wrapped, cookies baked, and cards sent by December 1st. Every week we'd light an advent candle and focus on why we're celebrating: Christ's birth. Then I'd spend the next 24 days laying under the tree, gazing at the lights, playing games with our kids and listening to Christmas music until we fall asleep. It all sounds so beautifully romantic. Love it!
But...
That's not my life at all.
Instead, it's December 23 and I'm behind, or maybe I'm on time (Kim time). I remind myself, every year there is onlyone year to plan and prepare, yet I still can't seem to pull it together. Recently, I read a post about moms who do a whole lot of Crazy Elf on the {Stinkin'} Shelf thing. I do not know even what this is, but there's no way I could squeeze it into the schedule. Here's the link to the funny read, minus the *!@#$%^!! words.
In contrast here's my current "To Do" list update:
I just got the Christmas cards out yesterday. Hopefully friends will receive them by the 24th, but there's no guarantee.
Packages were just mailed in the last couple days. I hope they arrive on time too. Day after delivery just isn't as exciting as before Christmas delivery.
I didn't do much baking. I did make gingerbread cookies twice, and they're cut outs, so I think they count for double points. I really wanted to give baked goods as gifts to neighbors, milkman, postman and garbage man, but it hasn't happened yet and we won't have garbage day until after Christmas. Poor garbage man.
We never got around to the advent thing. Our kids know it's about Jesus. I have to be okay with that.
I had hoped to read a book a day to the kids with a Christmas theme. Well, we only read two Christmas picture books, but they were good ones: The Polar Express and Twas the Night Before Christmas. I realize neither one was about Jesus. I hope our kids get what this celebration is all about; now that I think on it again.
I really wanted to laugh (since I can turn into a stressed-out-grouchy-Christmas-prep mom) and watch Elf as a family. It was on the advent calendar. We received it from Netflix, then we lost it. It's here somewhere, but no one is 'fessin' up to where they stashed it.
And because we can't find Elf to mail back, we aren't able to watch the other Christmas movies in our Queue. Bummer! Guess we'll have to watch them in January and pretend it's still the Christmas season.
Then there's the crafty gift project I started 3 years ago. I was going to complete it this year. It's still in the closet. RATS!
I just sat down to look at the Christmas game/toy catalog. Perhaps I'll make the online order today and place the invoice in a box for the kids. That's pretty lame, I know. Merry Christmas! Your gifts should arrive in 7-10 days.
Since I have so much to do in preparation for Christmas and feel overwhelmed over it, I think I'll procrastinate a bit more and ponder a few of my Top Christmas Songs.
In years past, it seems like there were radio stations dedicated to month-long Christmas music. It doesn't seem like it's the case anymore. We've listened to Pandora Holiday Music channels. It's been nice, but I haven't been playing my fave Christmas tunes, so I thought I'd blog them. By blogging them I feel like they're getting much deserved attention.
These favorites may not be your favorites, but I like them. I was raised listening to these tunes and despite some of the crazy lyrics, I LOVE THEM! Not included are favorites like Michael Buble, Manheim Steamroller, Bing Crosby, etc. The only songs that made it to the list are the ones I've listened to over 1000 times (I'm exaggerating, but you get the idea).
I'll count down from #10-#1. #1 being my current favorite.
10. It's Christmas All Over The World by New Edition
Okay, I know I'll probably get the cheesey award for this one, but I was a big New Edition fan! The video quality here is pretty crummy, since it's a Solid Gold recording. Someone must have had it on VHS. Check out the moves!
9. All I Want For Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey
I had to do it! Mariah & Christmas music from the 90's! But here's an updated {somewhat creepy} of Mariah and Justin Beiber. There's a huge part of me that feels despite how fabulous Mariah looks, looking sexy with the Beib singing All I Want For Christmas Is You is just Mary Kay Latourneau-ish creepy.
8. Christmas Wrap by the Waitresses
This song just may be on the obnoxious Christmas song list for some, but it brings back great 80's memories for me. It reminds me of high school, turtlenecks, crew neck sweaters and wandering the snowy streets of an extremely small mid-western town.
7. Rocky Mountain Christmas by John Denver
I have to give #7 to a whole album. This is one of my all-time favorite albums; probably because I grew up listening to it. My hub hates it! I torture him with the songs of Aspenglow and of course Please, Daddy Don't Get Drunk This Christmas. Not sure how that's a Christmas song and I never had a drunk daddy so this song never bothered me. It was just another track on the album. John Denver was a favorite at our home when I was growing up and I'm still sad he's no longer here.
6. Breath of Heaven by Amy Grant
This song is written in Mary's perspective. I love that! I desperately want to know what she thought and how she felt to be chosen to carry Jesus. This video was recorded at the Crystal Cathedral. I took my Grandma there a couple years ago to see their Christmas program. We had another great experience!
5. The Prayer by Celine Dion with Andrea Boccelli
The lyrics to this beautiful song are amazing! May this always be our prayer!
I pray you'll be our eyes, and watch us where we go
And help ;us to be wise in times when we don't know
Let this be our prayer, when we lose our way
Lead us to the place, guide us with your grace
To a place where we'll be safe
I pray we'll find your light, and hold it in our hearts
When stars go out each night,
remind us where you are
Let this be our prayer, when shadows fill our day
Help us find a place guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe
A world where pain and sorrow will be ended
And every heart that's broken will be mended
And we'll remember we are all God's children
Reaching out to touch you
Reaching to the sky
We ask that life be kind, and watch us from above
We hope each soul will find another soul to love
Let this be our prayer, just like every child
Who needs to find a place, guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe
Needs to find a place, guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe
4. O Holy Night by Celine Dion
"Fall on Your Knees" Brings me to tears. If you have a relationship with Christ and really know him, this song has such a special meaning. I know all heaven and earth celebrated the birth of God's son! "Let all within us praise His name. Christ is the LORD!"
3. Mary Did You Know performed by Greg Otterholt
I think the first time I heard this song Greg was singing it. We were blessed to get to know he and his wife years ago when I was selling real estate. He has an amazing voice!
I love this song because the lyrics ask the questions floating around my mind. I would love to sit down with the heroins of the Bible and soak them up, ask them what it was really like and gain their perspective.
2. Sleigh Ride by Arthur Fiedler's Philharmonic
This song reminds me of being a kid. Listening to the clomping noises thrilled me. AND the best part is the "neigh" at the end!
1. How Many Kings by Downhere
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE this song! I can't get enough of it! When I listen to it, tears run down my cheeks. I'm so honored to have such a King!
Well, back to reality. Wish me luck as I try to conquer the unfinished in my life. AND....as if I didn't have enough to do I scheduled a mammogram for today!
With just a click here or there on the internet, we are introduced to so many fabulous ideas to inspire creativity from sites like Pinterest and other random crafty blogs. This year, with the help of my GREAT 8-year-old, behind-the-scenes motivator, I wanted to make an easy, yet attractive advent calendar we could use for years. My girlie wrote a count-down-to-Christmas list. Just about every day in December had an activity assigned to it. We just needed a great way to display her ideas.
I found the following idea from Simple Mom. We made some changes and created our own variation of the advent calendar.
Begin with an empty frame. We happened to have one just stashed away awaiting a good use. It already matched our decor.
Attach ribbon to the back. At first I tried a glue dot, but it wasn't heavy enough to hold the tags. I then tried tape. Fail. Lastly I pulled out the big guns and used Gorilla Glue. The ribbons are now secure.
Our ribbons were about 2.5" apart
I found K & CompanyBrenda Walton specialty paper at JoAnne's. In the paper pad it had a couple sheets that had numbers 1-25 on it plus some other holiday/Christmas designs.
I purchased paper tags measuring approximately 5.25" X 2.5" and placed a number and the activity on each tag. Next, position the tags. We used two colors; white and manila tags. It wasn't part of the original plan, but as crafts go, the craft store only had one tag pack left of each. Turns out, I like the look. We added a couple more events in between the numbered dates.We then clipped them to the ribbon using red metal binder clips found at Staples.
Positioning the tags
Each year we can adjust the activities as desired. It's a fun project, that was quick to complete and adds Christmas cheer to our living room.
On August 10th we celebrated National S'mores Day. I often wonder who determines national days of celebration as this, but we'll gladly participate!
Rather than just making s'mores we made S'mores Brownies. This is an easy dessert kids can make. They do need help with the oven, but the mixing and topping is a fun activity for the littles.
1 box fudge brownie mix
1/3 cup water
3 eggs
3 tablespoons canola oil
2 cups mini marshmallows
2 whole graham crackers
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9 x 13 pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2.Beat brownie mix, water, eggs and oil together, about 50 strokes.
3.Pour into prepared pan. Bake 20-24 minutes, until a knife inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
4.Sprinkle marshmallows over brownies. Break up graham crackers into bite-sized pieces, and nestle them between the marshmallows, pressing gently into the brownies to make them stick. Raise the oven temperature to broil. Return the brownies to oven (on the middle rack - not too close to the ceiling of the oven), and bake 1-3 more minutes, until the marshmallows brown. Watch carefully, so the marshmallows don't burn. Let the brownies cool 15 minutes before cutting.
We may have added a few extra marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate.
Memorial Day has been recognized in the United States since 1866, when Henry Welles, from Waterloo, New York suggested store owners, like himself, close their shops for one day to honor local soldiers killed in the Civil War.
Retired Major General Jonathan A. Logan had a similar idea in May of 1868. He honored the dead and the soldiers who had survived the war. Leading a procession of veterans through the town, General Logan went to the cemetery where they decorated the graves of fallen Civil War soldiers with flags. This day was known as Decoration Day.
Retired Major General Logan proclaimed,
"The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country and during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit."
Following the Civil War, many cities in the North and South set a day to honor the soldiers and decorate their graves with flags and flowers. Cities such as Waterloo, New York; Columbus, Mississippi; Richmond, Virginia; Carbondale, Illinois; Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, and others initiated these early memorials.
In 1882, Decoration Day was renamed Memorial Day honoring soldiers from previous wars also.
In 1971, Richard Nixon declared Memorial Day, the last Monday in May a federal holiday.
The Thursday before Memorial Day there is a tradition known as "Flags-in." At Arlington National Cemetery, the soldiers of the 3rd U.S. Infantry place flags at more than 250,000 gravestones. The gravestones and flags are patrolled for 24-hours a day to make sure each flag remains standing. At 3:00 pm local time, all Americans are asked to pause in remembrance for a moment.
As part of our homeschooling adventures we were able to field trip to Washington D.C. this past year. I stood in awe, in tears many times as I looked upon the memorials. I am humbled by the service of our military. To them I am forever grateful!
May you honor those who willingly served our country and fought for the cause of freedom.
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Changing of the Guard- an humbling emotional experience
Arlington National Cemetery
While in Washington D.C we were able to view an Honor Flight ceremony at the World War II Memorial. According to statistics, approximately 1,000 World War II veterans are lost daily. These veterans are Heroes! I'm so glad there is an organization that gives them the honor due.
World War II Memorial
Looking into the faces of these heroes was an experience that is hard to describe in words. I'm so grateful.
