Jan 15

 

Snowballs

 

1 cup Butter
1/4 cup Sugar
 2 cups Ground Pecans
2 cups Flour
powdered sugar

 

In a mixing bowl, cream the butter until softened. Add the sugar, precans and flour and mix well. Shape mixture into balls. Use about 1 Tablespoon for each ball. Bake at 300°F on an ungreased cookie sheet for 45 minutes. Roll in powdered sugar after removing from oven and once again when cooled.

 

 

Things to do with kids for Christmas, Make/Put out food for birds and squirrels

 

 

Onion Soup Mix

 

2/3 cups dehydrated chopped onion
1/2 cup beef
bouillon
1/2 cup dehydrated butter
2 Tbsp cornstarch
2 tsp onion
powder
2 tsp parsley flakes

 

Combine & store in airtight
container.....

 

*for soup - combine 2 tsp mix with 1 cup water -
simmer.....
*for dip - combine 2 tsp mix with 1 cup sour cream....
*for
steamed rice - combine 1 cup rice, 3 cups water, & 2 tsp mix
-
simmer....
*for french creamed beans - mix 1 cup dehydrated green
beans, 2 Tbsp mix, &
2 cups water; let sit for 15 minutes, then simmer
for 30 minutes until
tender....

 

It Came Upon The Midnight Clear    James Pierpont. publ.1857     It came upon the midnight clear,  That glorious song of old,  From angels bending near the earth  To touch their harps of gold!  "Peace on the earth, good will to men,  From heaven's all gracious King!  The world in solemn stillness lay  To hear the angels sing.      Still through the cloven skies they come  With peaceful wings unfurled  And still their heavenly music floats  O'er all the weary world;  Above its sad and lowly plains  They bend on hovering wing.  And ever o'er its Babel sounds  The blessed angels sing.      Yet with te woes of sin and strife  The world hath suffered long;  Beneath the angel-strain have rolled  Two thousand years of wrong;  And man, at war with man, hears not  The love song which they bring:  O hush the noise, ye men of strife,  And hear the angels sing.      For lo! the days are hastening on,  By prophet bards foretold,  When, with the ever-circling years,  Shall come the Age of Gold;  When peace shall over all the earth  Its ancient splendors fling,  And all the world give back the song  Which now the angels sing.  

 

 

 

Talk as a family about fire safety in your
home. Make sure everyone knows what to do and where to go
in case of fire. Install a ladder that can be dropped from
second story windows. Thank your local fire department for
the past years' service and protection.

 

 

http://www.favecrafts.com/Ornaments/Christmas-Carol-Ornament

 

Use Christmas carol sheet music to create a lovely ball ornament perfect for music lovers. These ornaments will encourage friends and family to burst into song!

Materials:

• STYROFOAM™ Brand Foam:
  • Ball, 4"
• Christmas carol sheet music or photocopy
• Artificial berry or holly pick
• Decoupage medium
• White/iridescent glitter
• Silver jingle bells, 1", two
• Sheer white/iridescent ribbon, 1/2" x 1/3 yd.
• Silver cording
• Pencil
• Ruler
• Wooden skewer
• Wide, soft paintbrush
• Water basin
• Paper towels
• Scissors
• Low-temp glue gun and glue sticks
• Thick, white craft glue

Steps:

1. Cut title from sheet music and cut rest of page into 1-1/2" squares. Insert wooden skewer into bottom of foam ball to use as handle.
   
2. Follow manufacturer's instructions to apply decoupage medium to small area of ball and to back of one paper square. Smooth paper onto ball; if paper won't lay flat, cut tiny slits into paper edges and press to ball. Cover entire ball in same way, overlapping paper edges.
   
3. Trim music title as desired and glue to ball in visible location; place skewer in heavy glass or jar to dry. Apply generous coat of decoupage medium to entire ball; while wet, sprinkle with glitter. Let dry. Remove skewer.
   
4. Cut 8" length from cording; knot ends for hanging loop. Use skewer tip to make small hole in center top of ornament. Apply glue to cording knot and use skewer to push knot into hole. Tie ribbon bow and glue to base of hanger.
   
5. Cut two 6" lengths from cording and tie a jingle bell to one end of each length. Place dot of glue into hole at bottom of ornament and use skewer to push cord ends into hole. Glue small bit of greenery to ornament to cover hole.

®™ Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company ("Dow") or an affiliated company of Dow. For more project ideas, please see styrofoamstyle.com

 

 

Things to do at Christmas time, Sing Christmas songs

 

 

 

 

http://christmas.lovetoknow.com/about-christmas/fun-ways-celebrate-christmas-all-December-long

 

Fun Ways to Celebrate Christmas All December Long

 

 

Christmas is such a special holiday full of religious meaning, kindness to others, and exciting celebrations. Many people feel it's a shame that a celebration this exciting and meaningful only lasts for one day. For those who think that this is the most important and exciting time of the year, there are ways to prolong the holiday so it lasts all month

 

 

Billie C

One Pan Banana Bread

One Pan Banana Bread

 

"From Our Home to Yours"
Ozark First Church of the Nazarene"
2004

 

1/3 cup Vegetable Oil
1 1/2 cups Mashed Bananas (about 3 large)
1/2 teaspoon Vanilla
3 Eggs
2 1/3 cups Bisquick
1 cup Sugar
1/2 cup Chopped Nuts (optional)

 

Heat oven to 350F. Gnerously grease bottom of loaf pan (9 x 5 x 3)
Stir all ingredients in a bowl until moistened, about 1 minute. Bake until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. 55 to 65 minutes. Cool 5 minutes. Run knife around sides of loafpan to loosen, Remove from pan.

 

Billie C
<

Jan 11

Hello.  I'm sorry I haven't kept up with this blog as I wanted to.  I'll be trying harder to remember to post every day.

 

Today is foggy out or rather misty. Not sure just what the difference is on that.  The dogs had a blast running amok outside for a few minutes. That is, until they got their leads caught up around a tree.  I had to untangle them at least twice before it was time to go back into the camper.  Even now, they are still playing, mussing up the blankets on my bed. 

 

I fed the cats inside today. I do that when outside isn't very pleasent. Barney and Rocky are good about bringing me the empty cat food cans out of the kennel when the cats are done, for that, they all three get a dog treat.

 

I have most of the camper cleaned up (again) from the back to getting the dishes done and I still have some time  to work on the rest of the camper before Hubby gets home tonight. Payday.. we will eat out. Good thing since I need to make a quick stop at a store for bread and sausage for his breakfast tomorrow morning.

 

 

 

Shortbread Cookies

 

1 cup butter ~ softened

 

1/2 cup powdered sugar

 

1/2 teaspoon salt

 

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

 

1 egg yolk

 

2 cups flour

 

1 small jar red decorator sugar

 

1 (10 ounce) jar maraschino cherries drained

 

Preheat oven 350º

 

Cream butter, sugar, salt, nutmeg and egg yolk. Add the flour a little at a time until mixture is stiff

 

Place onto floured surface and knead lightly until the dough begins to crack. Roll out 1/4 inch thickness and cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters.

 

Place on ungreased cookie sheet , decorate with colored sugar crystals and maraschino cherries

 

Bake for 10 minutes of until golden brown.

 

Things to do with kids for Christmas, Have a Random Acts of Kindness Day(s)

http://tsjphotography.com/blog/random-acts-of-christmas-kindness-summary/

Oatmeal Raisin Spice Cookies Mix in a jar

 

3/4 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar

 

1/2 cup sugar

 

3/4 cup raisins

 

2 cups old fashioned oats

 

1 cup flour mixed with

 

1 teaspoon Cinnamon

 

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

 

1 teaspoon baking soda and

 

1/2 teaspoon salt

 

 

Layer ingredients in order given in a 1 quart ''wide mouth'' canning jar. It will be a tight fit, make sure you firmly pack down each layer in place before adding the flour mixture. Store in a cool dry place away from a heat source so condensation and clumping does not occur.

 

 

 

Instructions to attach to jar:

 

 

 

1. Empty jar of cookie mix into large mixing bowl. Use your hands to thoroughly blend mix.

 

2. Add: 1 1/2 sticks butter or margarine softened at room temp. DO NOT USE DIET MARGARINE 1 egg, slightly beaten 1 tsp. vanilla

 

3. Mix until completely blended. You will need to finish mixing with your hands.

 

4. Shape into balls the size of walnuts. Place on a parchment lined cookie sheets 2'' inches apart DO NOT USE WAXED PAPER.

 

5. Bake at 350 degrees for 11 to 13 minutes until edges are lightly browned. Cool 5 minutes on baking sheet. remove cookies to baking racks to finish cooling. Makes 3 dozen cookies.

I Saw Three Ships

I saw three ships come sailing in,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day.
I saw three ships come sailing in,
On Christmas Day in the morning.

And what was in those ships all three,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day.
And what was in those ships all three,
On Christmas Day in the morning?

The Virgin Mary and Christ were there,
on Christmas Day, on Christmas Day.
The virgin Mary and Christ were there,
On Christmas Day in the morning.

Then let us all rejoice amain,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day.
Then let us all rejoice amain,
On Christmas Day in the morning.

 

Organize a location where the daily mail is sorted. The items needed are a trash can, shredder, recycle bins and holding files separating bills, papers for filing or action needed. Daily sorting of mail makes the paper entering the home more manageable.

 

 

http://www.bhg.com/christmas/cards/christmas-card-candleholders/

Christmas Card Candleholders

Add a holiday touch to everyday decor with candleholders crafted from Christmas cards.

Jessica Anderson

Materials

• Two old Christmas greeting cards with a large motif (such as an ornament, a snowflake, or a wreath)
• 1-1/2-inch wide ribbon: metallic silver
• Four sheets of cardstock or patterned paper: in coordinating colors or prints
• Plastic candleholders in two sizes
• Double-sided adhesive tap
• Fabric glue
• Decoupage medium (such as Mod Podge)
• Self-adhesive gemstones: clear (optional)
• Two candles

Make the Small Candleholder

1. Cut motif from one greeting card. From cardstock or patterned paper, cut a strip wide enough to accommodate the motif and long enough to wrap around candleholder plus 1/2-inch. Cut a slightly wider strip of coordinating cardstock or patterned paper and a piece of 1-1/2-inch-wide silver ribbon in the same length as the first cardstock strip.

2. Tightly wrap the wider strip around the candleholder and adhere at overlap with double-sided adhesive tape. Center and wrap narrower strip around wider strip and secure in the same manner. Wrap ribbon around center of narrower strip and glue in place. Using decoupage medium, adhere motif to front of candleholder. If desired, trim candleholder with rows of clear gemstones. Place candle in candleholder.

Make the Large Candleholder

To trim the large candleholder, use the front of the remaining greeting card. Cut the cardstock, patterned paper, and ribbon, and assemble the candleholder as directed for the small candleholder.

Things to do at Christmas time, Make Christmas angels.

 

 

 

 

 

Better Homes and Gardens - Decorate-A-Cake

it's a game.

 

 

 

 

 

Billie C

Check out Growing A Jeweled Rose: Winter Activities to Keep Kids Active

Growing A Jeweled Rose: Winter Activities to Keep Kids Active

 

Billie C

<Goals for 2013
Lose a pound a week. Y
Walk around the drive circle twice each day.(M XX,T ,W ,T ,F )
Complete at least one craft a week
Read at least one book a week. X

Jan 4

Santa's Whisker's cookies

Makes 60
From the kitchen of Meagan



3/4 cup Margarine
2 cups Flour
3/4 cup Sugar
1 tablespoon Milk
1 teaspoon Vanilla
3/4 cup finely chopped candied red or green cherries
1/3 cup finely chopped pecans
3/4 cup coconut


Beat margirine with an elictric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add about half the flour, the sugar, milk, and vanilla. Beat till thourouly combined. Stir in remaining flour. Stir in cherries and pecans. Shape into 8-inch rolls. Roll in cocunut. Wrap in wax paper; chill 2- 24 hours. Cut into 1/4-inch slices. Place on an un-greased cookie sheet. Bake in a 375 degree oven 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden. Cool cookieson a wire rack. Makes about 60.

Things to do with kids for Christmas, Make an Ice Wreath

Oatmeal Raisin Spice Cookies in a Jar

Makes about 36
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
3/4 cup raisins
2 cups rolled oats
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Mix together flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, baking soda and salt.
Set aside. Layer ingredients in order given in a 1 quart "wide mouth"
canning jar. It will be a tight fit, make sure you firmly pack down each layer
in place before adding the flour mixture.

Instructions to attach to jar:

Oatmeal Raisin Spice Cookies

1. Empty jar of cookie mix into large mixing
bowl. Use your hands to thoroughly blend
mix.

2. Add: 3/4 cup butter or margarine softened at room temp. Stir in one
egg, slightly beaten. Add in 1 teaspoon of vanilla.

3. Mix until completely blended. You may need to finish mixing with your
hands.

4. Shape into balls the size of walnuts. Place on a parchment-lined cookie
sheet 2 inches apart. DO NOT USE WAXED PAPER.

5. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 11 to 13 minutes until edges
are lightly browned. Cool 5 minutes on baking sheet. Remove cookies to
baking racks to finish cooling.

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus
Underneath the mistletoe last night
She didn't see me creep
down the stairs to have a peep;
She thought that I was tucked
up in my bedroom fast asleep

Then I saw Mommy tickle Santa Claus
Underneath his beard so snowy white;
Oh what a laugh it would have been
If Daddy had only seen
Mommy kissing Santa Claus last night

Organizing Checklist,
Organize and stock your baking supplies. Keep
baking ingredients together for easier use. If possible
keep baking utensils, measuring tools, and baking pans
within easy reach. Home baking is more fun and easy when
everything is available and easy to find

http://icraftdaily.com/christmas-ornament-craft-winter-wonderland/

Christmas Ornament Craft Winter Wonderland

Perfect for elementary school class party!

This ornament lets kids assemble miniature figurines and novelty items into magical "through the looking glass" scenes.

Materials

• 9-ounce clear plastic cup
• Silver poster board
• Pinking shears or decorative craft scissors
• Polyester batting
• Miniature trees (sold in craft stores; try the dollhouse or model railroad section)
• Miniature animals or people (sold in craft stores or online at BJCRAFTSUPPLIES.COM)

• 1-inch-wide mirror
• Tacky glue
• Fine glitter
• Pushpin
• Monofilament
• Several craft beads

Instructions

1. Trace the rim of the cup onto the underside of the poster board. Cut out the circle, but stay at least 1/8 inch outside the trace line so the base will be slightly larger than the cup.
2. Cut out a circle of batting snow that's the same diameter as the cup and set it atop the shiny side of the poster board circle.
3. Separate or snip the batting where you'd like to position the trees, figurines, and mirror pond. Glue the base of each item to the poster board, then smooth or fluff the snow around them as needed. Sprinkle the scene with fine glitter.
4. Use the pushpin to poke a hole in the center of the cup bottom. Thread a craft bead onto a 12-inch length of monofilament. Gather the ends together, letting the bead fall to the center of the line, and thread them up through the hole from inside the cup. String a few more beads onto the doubled line (outside the cup) and then knot the ends to form a loop.
5. Apply a line of glue along the edge of the poster board circle. Press the cup, upside down, atop the glue and hold it in place for 20 seconds or so. During the first 10 minutes of drying time, occasionally check the seal and press down gently on the cup, if required. Let the glue cure for a full day before hanging the ornament.

http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/winter-wonderland-671482/

http://bigcatfun.com/games/printable_treat_cup/christmas/christmas-tiger-china.html

Here are some FREE Big Cat Kids Christmas Craft Treat Cups to print, cut out, glue or tape together, fill with Christmas goodies and give as gifts.

 

Billie C

<Goals for 2013
Lose a pound a week.
Walk around the drive circle once each day. XX
Complete at least one craft a week
Read at least one book a week.

Jan 3

(mountainrose57.christmas@blogger.com
billieschristmascorner@yahoogroups.com)

 

 

http://community.tasteofhome.com/community_forums/f/30/t/874461.aspx

 

 

Santa Bread

 

 

Learn how to make this cute Santa bread with easy step-by-step instructions. He's sure to make your Christmas merry!
 
From Vicki Melies, the colorful Golden Santa Bread is sure to be the talk of your Christmas table. "A friend of mine shared this fun idea," Vicki relates from Glenwood, Iowa. "She made it with purchased frozen dough, and I use a family recipe." (To use frozen dough, see the tip below.)
After shaping the dough into a cute Kris Kringle, Vicki brushes on a tinted egg wash for the red coloring and adds raisin eyes. "The finished loaf looks complicated, but it's actually simple to create," she assures.
Tender and golden, the Golden Santa Bread is also entirely edible. But it's so adorable, you'll want to display it a while first!
For dough recipe and baking instructions:
Golden Santa Bread Recipe»

 

Shaping Santa Step-by-Step

 

On a lightly floured surface, shape the larger portion of bread dough into an elongated triangle with rounded corners for Santa's head and hat.
 
Shape and flatten half of the smaller portion of dough into a beard. Using a scissors or pizza cutter, cut the beard into strips to within 1 in. of the top of the beard.
 
Carefully pick up the cut beard piece with both hands and position the beard on the bottom of Santa's face.
 
If desired, twist the cut strips in the beard and slightly curl up the ends of the strips to shape the beard.
 
Add red food coloring to one beaten egg yolk and carefully brush the tinted red yolk over the hat, nose and cheeks.

 

 

 

Make Santa Even Speedier
Want to save time when making the Golden Santa Bread? Instead of stirring up homemade dough, start with 2 loaves of purchased frozen bread dough and turn them onto a lightly floured surface. Take a small portion of one loaf and add it to the other loaf, making it slightly larger. Then begin shaping the Santa with the dough following the instructions above.

 

Things to do with kids for Christmas, Make special cards to send to cousins, Aunts, Uncles and other Family Members.

 

No Salt Herb Season Blend

 

1 T dried thyme
1 T dried oregano
2 t rubbed sage
1 t dried rosemary
1 t dried marjoram
1 t dried basil
1 t dried
parsley flakes

 

Combine all ingredients; store in an airtight container. Use in any type side dish or main dish recipe.

 

I Need A Silent Night

 

Verse 1
I made this same mistake before
Too many malls, too many stores
December traffic
Christmas rush
It breaks me till I push and shove
Children are crying
While mother's are trying
To photograph Santa and sleigh
The shopping and buying and standing forever in line
Well what can i say

Chorus
I need a silent night
A holy night
To hear an angel voice
through the chaos and the noise
I need a midnight clear
A little peace right here
To end this crazy day
With a Silent Night

Verse 2
December comes, then disappears
Faster and faster every year
Did my own mother keep this pace
Or was the world a diffferent place?
When people stay home wishin' for snow
Watching 3 channels on their tv
Look at us now rushin' around
Tryin' to buy Christmas peace

Chorus
I need a silent night
A holy night
To hear an angel voice
through the chaos and the noise
I need a midnight clear
A little peace right here
To end this crazy day
With a Silent Night

Bridge:
What was it like back there in Bethlehem
With peace on earth, good will toward men?

Speaking part:
There were shepherds out in the field
keepin watch over their flock by night
And the glory of the Lord shown around them
and they were sore afraid
And the angel said "Fear not
for behold I bring you good news of great joy
That shall be for all people
for unto you
is Born this day a Savior
who is Christ the Lord
And His name shall called
Wonderful Counselor
Prince of Peace"

Chorus:
I need a silent night
A holy night
To hear an angel voice
Through the chaos and the noise
I need a midnight clear
A little peace right here
To end this crazy day
With a Silent Night

Ending:
To end this crazy day
With a Silent Night

 

Organizing Checklist
Take time today to be sure that your yearly
calendar has events such as birthdays and anniversaries,
appointments, visits, etc. entered for each month.

 

 

http://crafts.kaboose.com/shining-star-christmas-card.html

Shining Star Christmas Card Craft

By: Claudine Casault

Difficulty: Medium

Age: 3 and up

Parental supervision is recommended

 

Star light, star bright. Make a wish for the best Christmas ever with this charming card.

Make sure to visit our Christmas index for even more fun including Christmas crafts, holiday printables, recipes and more.

What you'll need:

• 2 types of design cardstock (We used a pattern and a holigraphic gold paper.)
• White cardstock
• Solid colored cardstock
• 1/4" ribbon
• 12 gold brads
• Large gold bracelet or ring
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Hot glue gun
• Double-sided padded tape
• Pattern 1
• Pattern 2 (Note: For both the small and large star patterns, trace the half star onto the paper, then flip the pattern over at the star points and trace the other half to get the complete star.)
  

How to make it:

Step 1: Star Templates

1. Trace and cut out one large star pattern on design cardstock.
2. Trace and cut out one large star pattern on solid colored cardstock.
3. Trace and cut out one large star pattern on white cardstock.
4. Trace and cut out one small star pattern on design cardstock.

Step 2: Ribbon and Gold Ring

1. Cut a 4" long piece of 1/4" ribbon
2. Fold ribbon in half and glue one end of ribbon near the top of the inside of the large star made of design cardstock.
3. Slide ring through ribbon.
4. Glue other ribbon end near the top of the inside of the large white star made of cardstock.
5. Glue the design cardstock and white cardstock together to hide the ribbon glued on the inside. The white side will be the back of the card.
6. Tie a bow around base of folded ribbon below gold ring.

Step 3: Star

1. Place six gold brads on tips of large design star.
2. Place six gold brads on tips of medium sized design star.
3. Place double-sided tape on back of large solid colored star.
4. Place solid color star kitty-cornered on top of large design star.
5. Place double-sided tape on back of medium sized design star
6. Place medium sized design star directly on top of large solid-colored star so the solid-colored star acts as a border around the designed star.
7. Write your message on the back of the card.
   

Tips:

• Cut out more stars on top of the star card.

Claudine Casault is a craft developer living in Ontario, Canada.

 

 

 

Things to do at Christmas time, Make gingerbread cake.

 

 

 

http://www.craftideas.info/html/finnish_star.html

How to... make different stars.

 

 

 

Billie C