Hello ...

Hello ... (7 am) Good Morning. I'm half expecting Jerry to call and tell me he's on his way back home... He heard a lot of the men were going to not go in even though they didn't put in for the day off.  It does seem sensless to Work Saturday, Take Sunday off, Work Monday, then have Tuesday off, then work the rest of this week and have the weekend off. If He does get the day off, I think he'll end up spending this afternoon in bed, sleeping. He's so very tired.
I've been up since Jerry left, mainly just doing a few things on my computer, then I got my shower, brushed and styled my hair for the day, then made my breakfast.
Outside my door ... (7 am) It's still dark outside.  But we did notic that we still have just a bit of sun at 5 pm, last night. So yes, the days are starting to get a bit longer each day. It was very chilly when I walked the dogs and I could easily see my breath in the air in front of the head lamp I use when I take the dogs out that early

 

The Dogs ... (7 am) Are all asleep right now. They didn't want to go out this morning for very long but they did get done what they needed to do. 
Barney and I have a routine that, once he comes back in from frist morning (in the dark) outside he had a few minutes to get some water and to eat if he wants to, then he has to go back into his kennel until next time to walk.. Well, this morning I was a little slow and he found Jerry's cola bottle.  He started to try to take the lid off but he reailsed it wasn't empty just yet. He left it when I told him to leave it, Then he found a piece of the knuckls from Rocky's bone that all the dogs have been chewing on. It sounded just like a bottle cap in his mouth and he had to give it to me to be sure it wasn't a cap. I gave it back to him then he had to go into the kennel. He's sound asleep now.  Barney's bone is gone and Macon has hardly touched his.
The Cats ... (7 am) I had a hard time getting the cats outside this morning. They didn't want to go. But with no catbox inside right now, they had to go outside. They all came back in when the dogs came back in and now they are asleep on the same bed that Rocky and Macon are sleeping on. One of the reasons the cats were hard to get out was they found Macon's bone and wanted to chew on it now that they could see it. They spent the night in the kennel it's in.  They just didn't want to go outside where it's cold ! 

 

From the kitchen...  (7 am) Not sure but unless Jerry changes his mind, we will have boneless pork chops coated in crushed crackers and dry Ranch Dressing mix, baked in the roasting over along with a large potato each. and a salad.

 

Egg roll filling, I bag Cole Slaw fixings. I sm cal crushed Pineapple, I sm Can Tuna. I pkg Crab or imatation Crab meat, Terikie Sauce Vinegar Ginger, 3 Tablespoons Sugar (or sugared Ginger)
open and drain Pineapple juice into wak. Add a few dashes Teriackie Sauce, heat to a boil then add Slaw mix, allow to cook a few minutes then add pineapple and tuna.  Add a dash of vinegar for tartness.Allow to cook down, Add ginger and or Sugar, cook a few more minutes then add in Crab meat. Allow to boil long enough to be sure Crab meat is cooked. Serve over rice, or cool and roll up in egg roll wrappers and then deep fry one or two at a time until golden. Drain on Paper towels.

 

I am hearing... (7 am) The fan on the heaters, the T.V. (CBS Morning News)

 

I am wearing... (7 am) I'm still in my flannel gown. I'll be changing clothes here in a bit.  Sweat Pants (of course since that's all I have) and a dark colored top. I want to pick up a few new tops that  are not so dark in color over the next few weeks.

 

I am reading... (7 am) I've read a chapter in the Bible (Exodus 16) and emails.

 

I am thinking...  (7 am) about setting my goals for 2013.  I know I want to work more on making crafts and , of course, to eat healthier and walking more.

 

I am thankful for... Jerry working so much. We are caught up on our bills again. Now we can start saving money again.

 

I am hoping... Today is a short day for Jerry so he can get some more sleep. I doubt he'll be staying up with me to watch the new year begine.

 

I am creating... A plan on doing crafts for the year and cleaning out the craft items I may no longer need.

 

One of my favorite things...

 

A few plans for today... Cleaning the camper, getting out the serger again and trying it out on some scraps of material.
I fould the Singer needles finally, at Wal-mart.

 

A few plans for the rest of the week... (7 am) A working plan on crafts for at least the first half of this year. The goal is to complete at least one craft a week, More if possible. Put away all our Christmas Decoratons.
Time to put plastic over all the windows. Our highs for the next few day to only be in the 30's.

 

Traditional New Year's resolutions are for considering areas in your life you want to make better. Give careful thought to what you truly desire in your life. "A life not examined is a life not worth living." -- Socrate

 

Billie C

The sun has rise for the last time in 2012. Here is my last good morning and good night for 2012. In 2013 make the world your ship, Heaven your harbour, the Bible your map, God your guide,Belief your flag, Prayer your compass and you will never run aground on rocky shores! May your footprints leading out of 2012 and into 2013 be perfect with God by your side and leading you.
<

Dec 29

 

 

 

Rudolph Delights

Makes: 24

 

Need:
12 graham crackers (2 inch squares)
1/2 cup peanut butter (use cream cheese with brown food coloring if you have a peanut allergy or a no peanut school.)
1/4 cup raisins
1/2 cup tiny pretzel twists
5 maraschino cherries

 

Directions: (ADULT ONLY) ***Using a serrated edge knife, carefully slice each cracker in half diagonally. This may take a little practice so count on a few extra crackers.

 

Children can spread 1 teaspoon of peanut butter on each cracker triangle. Use 2 raisins for eyes and 1 small piece of cherry for the nose. Break and arrange pretzel twists for antlers.

 

 

 

 

 

Things to do with kids for Christmas.   It's Time to Write Holiday Thank You Notes

Give your children the gift of good manners: instruct them in the art of writing thank-you notes.

A good note is personal, specific and warm. Remind children to address the giver by name, mention the gift, and share how they'll use or enjoy it.

Better still, hold a family thank-you note session. Writing notes together teaches youngsters that gratitude is as much a part of the season as the gifts themselves.

 

 

Italian Seasoning
3 tablespoons dried basil
3 tablespoons dried oregano
3 tablespoons dried parsley
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Directions:
Mix all ingredients in a spice grinder. or put in a small bowl and crush with the back of a spoon. Store in an airtight jar for up to 6 months.

 

 

 

Home For The Holidays

 

Oh, there's no place like
home for the holidays,
'Cause no matter how far away you roam
When you pine for the sunshine
Of a friendly face
For the holidays, you can't beat
Home, sweet home

I met a man who lives in Tennessee
And he was headin' for Pennsylvania
And some home made pumpkin pie
From Pennsylvania folks a travelin' down
To Dixie's sunny shore
From Atlantic to Pacific, gee
The traffic is terrific

Oh there's no place like home
For the holidays, 'cause no matter
How far away you roam
If you want
To be happy in a million ways
For the holidays, you can't beat
Home, sweet home

 

 

If you are entertaining for the New Year holiday, do what you need to ensure adequate ice for beverages. You can fill ice trays now and empty into plastic bags to ensure you have plenty on hand.

 

 

 

http://www.craftown.com/A-Snowball-Fight.html

A Snowball Fight

A Snowball Fight

Create this cute winter pal with your mismatched children's gloves. Much like our Snow Folks, all you will need is gloves, wooden balls, and lots of imagination.
You will need
child's glove
cotton batting11/4" diameter wooden ball
mismatched infant or child's sockgold cord
small white pom pomsscrap material for scarf
silk florals (holiday sprigs, berries, flowers, pine, etc.)tiny black plastic eyes or black acrylic paint

rosey lipstickblack marker

What you do

First, tuck the thumb inside the glove. Fill the glove with cotton batting, be sure to fill remaining four fingers without over stuffing. Cut a scrap piece of material for scarf and gently tie around the glove where the ribbing of the cuff meets the plain material of the glove (end of the cuff). (When tying scarf, point the scarf material toward the thumb area to cover the area where it was tucked inside. Fold down cuff to cover scarf and form a turtle neck. Hot glue on wooden ball to top of turned down cuff.

Glue on tiny plastic eyes or paint on with black acrylic paint. Use black marker for mouth. Gently dot on lipstick for cheeks by applying first to your finger and then dotting onto face. Glue a stem of holiday florals or greenery behind body on the side where thumb is tucked in. This will help to hide the tucked in thumb.

To make the hat, simply fit the cuff of the sock onto head and roll up the edge of the cuff to form the hat brim. Then trim the end of the sock off and fringe with scissors. Add a small amount of cotton batting inside hat and tie off with gold cord.

Using the first and fourth finger of the glove, pull them to the front of the body and glue together with hot glue, hold in place until secure. Add a pile of white pom poms for snowballs, one at a time, gluing each one in place.

 

Things to do at Christmas time, Make a snowman ornament

 

 

http://www.crivoice.org/cy12days.html

 

The Twelve Days of Christmas is probably the most misunderstood part of the church year among Christians who are not part of liturgical church traditions. Contrary to much popular belief, these are not the twelve days before Christmas, but in most of the Western Church are the twelve days from Christmas until the beginning of Epiphany (January 6th; the 12 days count from December 25th until January 5th).

 

 

 

 

 

Billie C
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BilliesChristmasCorner/

Dec 21

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rudolph Cupcakes
Little hands will enjoy transforming these easy-to-make frosted chocolate cupcakes into mini-reindeers.
 
1 package Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® cake mix (any non-swirl flavor)   
 Water, oil and eggs called for on cake mix package   
1 tub Betty Crocker® Rich & Creamy chocolate ready-to-spread frosting   
 Chocolate shot   
24 large pretzel twists   
24 miniature marshmallows   
24 red cinnamon candies   
24 small red gumdrops 
 
1.  Heat oven to 350ºF. Line 24 medium muffin cups, 2 1/2x1 1/4 inches, with paper baking cups. Make cake mix as directed on package, using water, oil and eggs. Fill cups 2/3 full.    
2.  Bake as directed on package or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Immediately remove from pan to wire rack. Cool completely, about 1 hour.     
3.  Frost cupcakes with frosting. Sprinkle chocolate shot over tops of cupcakes.     
4.  For each cupcake, cut pretzel twist in half; arrange on cupcake for reindeer antlers. Cut miniature marshmallow in half; arrange on cupcake for eyes. Center gumdrop below marshmallow halves for nose. Place red cinnamon candy below gumdrop for mouth. Store loosely covered.   

 

 

 

Things  to do with kids for Christmas, Go to the dollar store and pick gifts for family.

 

MINTED HOT COCOA MIX
3 (4 1/2 inch) sticks hard peppermint candy
1 c. powdered non dairy coffee creamer
1 c. sifted powdered sugar
1/4 c. cocoa
Place candy in a heavy duty, zip top plastic bag. (Two wouldn't hurt any if your little one loves to hammer!); crush candy with a mallet. Combine crushed candy and remaining ingredients. Store in an airtight container. To serve, combine 1/4 cup cocoa mix and 3/4 cup boiling water; stir well. Yield: 2 1/4 cup mix.
NOTE: To make Mocha flavored hot cocoa mix, add 1/2 cup instant coffee granules.

 

 

Have A Holly, Jolly Christmas

Have a holly, jolly Christmas;
It's the best time of the year
I don't know if there'll be snow
but have a cup of cheer
Have a holly, jolly Christmas;
And when you walk down the street
Say Hello to friends you know
and everyone you meet.

Oh Ho the mistletoe
hung where you can see;
Somebody waits for you;
Kiss her once for me
Have a holly jolly Christmas
and in case you didn't hear
Oh by golly have a holly jolly Christmas this year

 

 

The stockings are hung by the chimney with care ... so it's time to prepare to fill them! Ease this midnight chore with a bit of pre-holiday organization.

Set aside a plastic supermarket grocery sack for each family member, and sort stuffers into the sacks. Slip handles around a clothes hanger, and hang the sorted stuffers at the back of the closet.

With stuffers sorted and ready, Santa won't be fumbling in the dark, trying to remember what gift belongs where ....

 

 

http://crackofdawncrafts.blogspot.com/2011/12/reindeer-cork-craft.html

Reindeer Cork Craft

Santa dear, never fear. These clever deer will make you cheer!

Materials: straightish sticks for legs and neck, branched sticks for antlers (these are from huckleberries), 2 corks, tacky glue, paint, ribbon, paper ears and tail

Tips: Use an awl or nail to poke holes in the body for the sticks (legs and neck), and shave a bit of cork off the head with a knife to give it a more head-like shape. For the eyes, dot white paint on with a Q-tip (cotton swab). For pupils and nose, use 3D fabric paint (shiny and sticks out a bit).

 

 

 

Things to do at Christmas time, Bake a batch of sugar cookies, decorate, share with friends.

 

 

 

http://www.georgiareindeer.com/Reindeer-Caribou-Facts.htm

Reindeer - Scientific Name: Rangifer tarandus

Reindeer are a species of deer whose natural habitat is the far northern areas of arctic Europe, Asia, and North America extending onto the tundra above the tree-line . The name for these deer found native to North America (including Greenland) is "Caribou", while in Europe it is known as the "Reindeer".

 

 

Billie C
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BilliesChristmasCorner/

Christmas time

I have a list of people
All written in a book -
And every year at Christmas time
I go and take a look.

And that is when I realize
That those names are all a part -
Not of the book they're written in
But of my very heart.



For each name stands for someone
Who has crossed my path some time -
And in that meeting they've become
A treasured friend of mine.



And once you've met some people
the years can not erase -
The mem ory of a pleasant word
Or of a friendly face.

So when I send an email

That is addressed to you -

It's because you're on that 'Special list'

Of folks that I'm indebted to.

And you are one of several folks

In times past that I've met -

And happen to be one of those

I don't want ever to forget.

And whether I have known you

For many years or few -

In some way you have had a part

In shaping things I do.

So this is the Spirit of Christmas

That forever still endures -

May it leave its richest blessing

In the hearts of you and yours.

 

Billie C
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BilliesChristmasCorner/

Dec 20

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rocky Road Bon Bons
1 (6 oz.) pkg. semi-sweet chocolate pieces (1 c.)
30 lg. marshmallows
1/2 c. toasted, chopped nuts

 

Place chocolate pieces in custard cup. Cook in microwave on (7) roast for 1 1/2 minutes or until melted and smooth. Dip half of marshmallow into chocolate, then into nuts. Place on wax paper to cool and set.

 

 

 

 

Things to do with kids for Christmas, Go to a candy store for a holiday treat

 

 

Cookie Mix In A Jar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup raisins
2 cups rolled oats
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
Mix together flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, baking soda, and
salt. Set aside.
Layer ingredients in the following order into a 1 quart, wide mouth
canning jar: Flour mixture, raisins, rolled oats, brown sugar, and
white sugar. It will be a tight fit, make sure you firmly pack down
each layer before adding the next layer.
Decorate jar and attach a tag with the following instructions:
Oatmeal Raisin Spice Cookies
1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
2. Empty jar of cookie mix into large mixing bowl. Use your hands to
thoroughly mix.
3. Mix in 3/4 cup butter or margarine, softened. Stir in one slightly
beaten egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Mix until completely blended.
You will need to finish mixing with your hands. Shape into balls
the size of walnuts. Place on a parchment lined cookie sheets 2
inches apart.
4. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes in preheated oven, or until edges are
lightly browned. Cool 5 minutes on cookie sheet. Transfer cookies
to wire racks to finish cooling.

 

 

 

Here Comes Santa Claus

 

 

Here comes Santa Claus!
Here comes Santa Claus!
Right down Santa Claus Lane!
Vixen and Blitzen and all his reindeer
are pulling on the reins.
Bells are ringing, children singing;
All is merry and bright.
Hang your stockings and say your prayers,
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight.

Here comes Santa Claus!
Here comes Santa Claus!
Right down Santa Claus Lane!
He's got a bag that is filled with toys
for the boys and girls again.
Hear those sleigh bells jingle jangle,
What a beautiful sight.
Jump in bed, cover up your head,
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight.Here Comes Santa Claus

 

 

 

To avoid becoming exhausted in the next few days, make a daily schedule for tasks that need to be done before Christmas day. Try not to procrastinate. It is never too early to clean or prepare most anything.

 

 

http://www.parents.com/holiday/christmas/crafts/christmas-kid-crafts/?page=1

Colorful Christmas Crafts for Kids

A red and green Christmas? Not this year! Deck your halls and walls with candy-colored crafts that are simple enough for kids to make

Jolly Elves

All you need are chenille stems, beads, and felt.

What You'll Need
* One whole chenille stem and half a stem
* Small and large beads
* Wooden face bead
* Small jingle bell
* Felt
* Glue gun and hotmelt adhesive
* Scissors
* Ribbon

Make It
* Hat: Cut a 1-1/2-inch-diameter semicircle from felt. Wrap the semicircle around from point to point to form a cone, leaving a small opening at the tip; hot-glue to secure.
* Scarf: Cut a 1/2-x-4-inch piece of felt; fringe ends with scissors. Cut a small lengthwise slit about 1 3/4 inches from one end for opposite end of scarf to pass through.
* Body: Bend one chenille stem in half and, in the following order, thread materials over the bent point to about halfway down the stem: large bead for body, face bead, felt hat, small jingle bell. Leave about 3/4 inch above the jingle bell and shape the stem into a loop. Then, starting on opposite ends: Thread 4 small beads onto each leg and bend the ends to form feet. Use the half chenille stem to make arms by centering and twisting around the elf's neck area. Thread 4 small beads onto each arm and bend the ends to form hands. Wrap the scarf around the elf's neck, then thread ribbon through the top loop and hang.

Things to do at Christmas time, Visit Santa, at least go past him at the mall, Smile and Wave at him. Give his elf a candy cane.

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.calendar-updates.com/info/holidays/us/christmaseve.aspx

Christmas Eve is December 24^th.

Christmas in most homes begins on the evening of December 24^th, where excited young children are encouraged to go to bed early so as not to miss out on gifts from Santa Claus.

 

 

 

Billie C
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BilliesChristmasCorner/