CHRISTMAS MEMORIES

CHRISTMAS MEMORIES
By Jan Humphrey

On a starry night long ago
Was born to the world a Savior -
The Beloved Child of God -
On whom God showed His favor.

A new tradition was also born -
To celebrate this Blessed Christ Child,
By sharing the story with everyone
Of the love that made God smile.

Generations have continued the tradition, With friends and family far and
near.
Even random acts of kindness
Can spread a little Christmas cheer.

Amidst the joy and happiness
Might come an urge to shed a tear,
Especially when circumstances
Make for a difficult year.

Experiencing the loss of a loved one -
Whether expected or unforeseen -
Can cast shadows on celebrations -
No matter how joyful the scene.

That's when God sends special angels
To remind us of memories gone by.
Cherish your happy times together,
And know that it's okay to cry.

Christmas is the season of giving
And spreading love all around,
And that Bright Star also sends peace,
While reminding that hope can be found.

So, as 2014 comes to an end,
Hold close to each work of God's art -
And take comfort in each memory -
For they'll always be in your heart.

 

Elf Report for Dec 18

Okay, I admit, I missed a couple of day of reporting on our friendly Elf.  I just plai forgot to check up on her. Well, when I did find her I caught her checking out to see if there is enough room in Hubby's Stocking for Santa to put all the goodies he's picked out for Him.

 

 

 

Billie C.

Elf Report for Dec 17

Elf Report for December 17

 

Our Elf jumped from Hubby's side of the camper bedroom over to mine.Time to check out the shelf over my bed and my Build A Bear who I keep up there out of Barney's reach.

 

Billie C.

Elf Report for Dec 16

Our Elf has been checking out what my Hubby likes to read and the music he enjoys at night.

 

 

 

Billie C.

For Today ... Dec 15

For Today ... Dec 15

 

Howdy.... And Good Afternoon.
Jerry only had to work 8 hours on Saturday and he was hombe just a few minutes before 4 pm. We went to town for dinner, then shopping for the week. Sunday we ate at a new to us Buffet place in Boone and it was good. I think we will end up going back more often.  We had the laundry with us and did it on our way home.  Took it into the camper and let the dogs out for a few minutes.  We talked about going to De Moines and looking for Costco. Jerry looked it up and found out where it's at so we went and got a membership and did some more shopping. Now I really need a larger camper. I forgot just how limited space we have in the kitchen until we brought in the things we bought. Yikes I need more room but the bargins were worth it. So worth it.

 

I woke up extra early this morning (3am) and just could not get back to sleep.  I can't do house work that early or I'll wake Jerry up so I did a few things on my computer. Discovered that our new Connection was not as secure as we thought and when Jerry woke up I told him about it. We are back on the old Belkin until he can get home tonight and set up a password for it. He got a bit behind in getting ready for work and forgot a few things this morning. His watch and his phone are still here at the house. 
It's been a cloudy day and we have had rain off and on as well. Enough so, that when I take the dogs out I need to wear a light jacket just to keep the damp off. They went out then came right back inside. They didn't want to even sniff the air for new scents.
The cats are enjoying sleeping together on Jerry's bed where it's nice and warm. They are curled up around each other.
Dinner is going to be Bread and Parmagane Chicken tenders over noodles with a Salad. It is so quiet here that I have the TV on for the noise almost all day long. I have been playing a few Christmas CD's and still have a few more to play before I start over again from the begining. I am also catching up on shows I've DVR'ed over the past few weeks.
I am wearing... a purple T-shirt and black sweat pants. I've been straightening out my drawers and found few things I still need to go through. I think I'm going to put off folding the laundry until tomorrow afternoon at this rate.
I am reading... Reading Ezra in the Bible, I read a Children's Christmas craft book over the weekend and I'm always reading emails.
I am thankful for... Warmer weather even though the rain makes it very muddy outside and the dogs bring a lot of mud inside on their feet and we bring a lot of it in on our shoes as well. 
I am creating... I made a Fleece scarf the other day for my older Grand daughter and I have one ready to do for her brother, that I will work on soon. I have everything needed for one for me that I need to work on this week, as well.  I have a few half done Christmas ornaments done and there are some I really need to get made this week to give to a friend we have made here. It's for where we eat at each week on Thursdays and Sundays.
I have put a few Christmas ornaments up around the edge of the front room. I still have a long ways to go to make it look like Christmas in here and Christms is next week.
One of my favorite things... Taking care of Jerry and making sure he is happy.
A few plans for today... Besides making dinner, I need to straighten up the kitchen and put away a few things and hope to clean up in the living room again.

 

A few plans for the rest of the week... Straightening up the living room and over my bed to make room for some of the stuff in here.
Work on Menu planning for the beginig of the New Year and take better care of us.
Waiting for a few things to come in the mail over the next few days.

 

Billie C.

Elf Report for Dec 15

Elf Report for Dec 15. 

Our Elf was Mia for a couple of days. I think she may have been up at the North Pole reporting her finding to the Big Man. She did show back up, being nosy again. I'm not sure what's she's looking for since I don't keep anything Christmas up there.

 

 

Billie C.

Dear Santa,

Dear Santa,

I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned, and cuddled my two children on demand, visited the doctor's office more than my doctor, sold sixty-two cases of candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school playground, and figured out how to attach nine patches onto my daughter's girl scout sash with staples and a glue gun.

I was hoping you could spread my list out over several Christmases, since I had to write this letter with my son's red crayon, on the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles, and who knows when I'll find any more free time in the next 18 years.

Here are my Christmas wishes:

I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache after a day of chasing kids (in any color, except purple, which I already have) and arms that don't flap in the breeze, but are strong enough to carry a screaming toddler out of the candy aisle in the grocery store.

I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh month of my last pregnancy.

If you're hauling big ticket items this year, I'd like a car with fingerprint-resistant windows and a radio that plays only big-people music; a television that doesn't broadcast any programs containing talking animals; and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone.

On the practical side, I could use a talking daughter doll that says, "Yes, Mommy" to boost my parental confidence, along with one potty-trained toddler, two kids who don't fight, and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools.

I could also use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting, "Don't eat in the living room" and "Take your hands off your brother," because my voice seems to be just out of my children's hearing range and can be heard only by the dog.

And please don't forget the Playdoh Travel Pack, the hottest stocking stuffer this year for mothers of preschoolers. It comes in three fluorescent colors and is guaranteed to crumble on any carpet, making the in-law's house seem just like mine.

If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury of eating food warmer than room temperature without it being served in a Styrofoam container.

If you don't mind, I could also use a few Christmas miracles to brighten the holiday season. Would it be too much trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable? It would clear my conscience immensely.

It would be helpful if you could coerce my children to help around the house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime family; or if my toddler didn't look so cute sneaking downstairs in his pajamas to eat contraband ice cream at midnight.

Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is ringing and my son saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think he wants his crayon back. Have a safe trip and remember to leave your wet boots by the chimney and come in and dry off by the fire so you don't catch cold. Help yourself to cookies on the table, but don't eat too many or leave crumbs on the carpet.

Yours Always, Mom

P.S. One more thing: You can cancel all my requests if you can keep my children young.

 

Billie C.

Candy Cane and Cookie Sleds

I don't have room to show off any gingerbread houses and I love them. When I saw this, I thought I would share it with my Dhristmas Group and blog in case soneone else had a gingerbread house and needed something to add to it.

http://www.momontimeout.com/2012/12/jingles-christmas-tree-and-cookie-sleds/

 

 

 

 

Billie C.

Elf Report foe Dec 11

On the move again. Now our Elf has decided to visit the bedroom. She is checking out the shelf over Hubby's side of the bed. I think she has a thing for the T.V.

 

 

 

 

Billie C.

10 Uses for an Egg Slicer

10 Uses for an Egg Slicer

1. Mushrooms. Sliced mushrooms can go into almost any savory dish! I like to saute them with onions to top a steak, and we put them in most of our pasta dishes and stir fries. They're also nice for salads and pizza.
2. Strawberries. Slice strawberries for fruit salad and for peanut butter and jelly pie. Top ice cream sundaes, brownies, or make strawberry fans to garnish any dessert. To make the fans, slice a strawberry from the pointed end up to the top, but stop just short of the leaves. Gently push the slices apart in a fan shape.
3. Fresh mozzarella. If your cheese is fresh, a knife (even a really sharp one) will smash it. An egg slicer will give you perfectly even slices of cheese for your pizza or salad.
4. Olives. Both green and black olives will slice evenly in an egg slicer. You need sliced olives for salads, pizza, tacos, pasta, burritos, and a number of other recipes (like torta rustica).
5. Avocado. I love to put slices of avocado on sandwiches, both hot and cold. There's nothing like some creamy avocado on a grilled cheese or even a plain old ham sandwich.
6. Bananas. Sliced bananas make banana splits easier to eat, especially for children. They also make a fun dessert if you top a brownie or large cookie with them. And then, there's my all time favorite dessert from childhood. My mom would slice a banana, top the slices with a small handful of chocolate chips and mini marshmallows. Then she microwaved the whole thing for a minute or so, til the chocolate and marshmallows were melted and the banana slices are cooked. Be careful because it will be very very hot and needs a few minutes to cool before you can eat it.
7. Peaches, plums, and other soft fruits. Even canned fruit like pears or apples will slice evenly and cleanly with an egg slicer. Kiwi and grapes are also quick and easy to slice in an egg slicer.
8. Butter. If you have a child (like mine) who likes to eat butter from a spoon, you might find it useful to slice butter into perfect pats with your egg slicer.
   Not that I would know. I slice butter into pats for fancy dinner parties.
   Ahem.
9. Hot dogs. If you add hot dogs to pork and sauerkraut or to baked beans, you might like to have thin slices. An egg slicer also makes quick work of slicing a hot dog for a small person.
10. Baby and toddler food. Thin slices of soft foods are perfect for self-feeding. Any of the above foods will make an awesome snack for baby, especially if you toss the slices with crushed up graham crackers or crushed up Cheerios to make them less slippery.

Read more: http://www.feelslikehomeblog.com/2010/10/10-uses-for-an-egg-slicer/#ixzz3LbxL3mAk 
Follow us: @TaraZiegmont on Twitter | FeelsLikeHome on Facebook

 

Billie C.

For Today ... Dec 10, 2014

For Today ... Dec 10, 2014

 

Howdy.... And Good Afternoon. 
I got most of the house chores done. Just a few things still left on my to do list, and those are mostly oprional.
It's cool outside but not the Cold of just a couple of weeks ago. Here in a few minutes, I need to take the dogs out, but there isn't any hurry just yet.  The dogs will be able to enjoy some outside time although it's cloudy there isn't any rain or snow falling.
I just caught one of the cats sleeping in a box.
Last night, the dogs all had to sleep in kennels. They are going to sleep in them again tonight and this will continue until they let us sleep through the night and then a few more days beyond that as well. I know I had at least one cat almost all night long, sleeping at my feet. Jerry had one with him and I think the third just could not make up her mind if she wanted to sleep with Jerry or with Me.  I woke up just before the alarm went off, and when I came back out of the bathroom all three were on my bed, stealing my warm spot. When I got back, they all jumped over onto Jerry's bed and started loving on him, trying to wake him up. Strips (Motorboat) was so sure we just wanted to pet him that he would push the other cats ot of his way so he could get to our hands. They, of course, pushed back.
I can sure tell that the days are much shorter right now and can't wait for them to start getting longer again.  I know the weather has warmed up and we have been enjoying some very nice days. And we are not having to run our water over night as much.
Breakfast was Oatmeal and coffee this morning. I like to use juice to make my oatmeal. I add some raisins and frozen fruit to a cup of juice I have heating on the stove, then add in some cinnamon and either clove or cardamon. I miight add some brown sugar if I think about it, usually I forgot that though.
Dinner is going to be Salad, Pinto beans with diced up Ham, and maybe some cornbread.  Tomorrow we will eat out at Nilands again. I want to make them some ornaments to go on their tree, but I need them to look 1950ish. I found several pictures of the place on the internet and I will either slip them into clear glass bulbs or use the plastic cups and do them up more like snow globes but right now, I'm still leaning toward the glass bulbs with some red ribbon around the tops.
I am hearing... The TV. The fan from the heater just went off and from time to time, I can hear a car out on the road out front of the camper.

 

I am wearing... a dark T-shirt with a horse on it and brown sweat pants. yesterday I wore a blue sweat shirt but it's warmer in here today. No wind outside helps to keep it warm in here. It's not sucking out the warm air.
I am reading... Ezra in the bible. A Kids crafts book, And Dragon's Time by Anne and Todd McCaffery
I am thinking... I really need to get up from this chair and take my cards to the mail box and get them sent out. I know the mail has run today so I have until tomorrow morning to deal with it. I also need to find my birthday cards and find a couple to send to Jerry's twin sister.
I am thankful for... Living out in the country. it's so nice and quiet here and yet, neighbors are so close if I need help I can get one to help me.
I am hoping... that the weather stays nice for a few days.  It does look like it is going to be nice through the weekend and even after that isn't not going to get brutally cold, just more Normal for this area of highs in the mid to low 30's.
I am creating... I need a scarf to cover my face with when it gets cold again. I found some fleece in the discount bin and picked up three different pieces of it. I'll make me a scarf and then two more to use as gifts.
One of my favorite things... is playing Christmas music in the afternoons, while working on a craft or two.
A few plans for today... make cornbread for dinner. make a scarf (or two) take care of the pets
A few plans for the rest of the week...  Eating out a couple of days, and if I can, order a new Cricut Expressions 2 over the phone and hope it gets here. The Christmas rush isn't going to help that out much.

 

Billie C.

Elf Report

 Elf Report

I cleaned and straighten up my cupboards at least once a month. You should have seen this one before I cleaned it last week. Our Elf decided to check it out.  So many things to look at and wonder what do you make with each item up here. So many possibilities.

 

 

Billie C.

Berry Scone Mix in a Jar

Berry Scone Mix in a Jar

Submitted by: Brenda Smith from Gooseberry Patch
Originally shared on the web 02/21/2011

2 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 c. vanilla sugar
1/4 c. powdered milk
2 t. baking powder
1 t. lemon zest
1/4 t. salt
1/3 c. shortening
1 c. sweetened, dried blueberries

Stir together flour, sugar, milk, baking powder, lemon zest and salt in a large bowl. Cut in shortening using a pastry cutter or fork, until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in berries. Pour into a one-quart, wide-mouth canning jar; pack down gently. Add additional berries to fill jar if necessary. Secure lid; attach instructions. Store at room temperature for up to 6 weeks, or freeze up to 6 months.

Instructions:
Place scone mix in a large bowl; toss gently to mix. Add one beaten egg and 1/4 cup water; stir just until moistened. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; quickly knead gently for 12 to 15 strokes, or until nearly smooth. Pat to 1/2-inch thick. Cut into desired shapes and place one inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Brush with milk. Bake at 400 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden. Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly; serve warm. Makes 6 to 8 scones.

 

Billie C.


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Elf Report Dec 9

Our elf had lots of fun hangin around in the doorway between the kitchen and the bedroom. But now she has moved and is up side right again. She must be like me and needing a cup of coffee cause she's sitting on my coffee maker this morning.

 

 

Billie C.

Elf Report for Dec 7

I am thinking our Elf needs a name instead of just being referred to as "Elf".

I still think it's a She, as well. A Tomboy She Elf.

She's having fun hanging upside down between the kitchen and the bedroom. Wonder where she's going to end up next.

Elf Report for Dec 5

Our Elf was hanging out in the kitchen yesterday. Not that I use the microwave much, She just liked being close to where I was working.

 

 

 

Billie C.


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Elf Report for Dec 4.

Elf Report for Dec 4.

 

Our Elf is really energetic today. She made the leap from the left side of the camper over to the right, landing just above the T.V. and was just hanging out, watching what ever we were watching as well.

 

 

Billie C.

Dec 3, Elf Report

Ah, time for a little Fun.  Hanging upside down with Chirpy. Chirpy sings a song every time he thinks some one is close enough to hear him.

 

 

 

 

Billie C.

Dec 1, Elf report

I picked up an Elf at Hobby Lobby and have been having some fun with him, and hubby.  The first day of December, she (?) was letting me know, I needed to get some cleaning done by peeking at me around some stuff on the top of one of my crafts drawer sets.

 

 

Billie C.


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Howdy, Dec 3. 2014

 

 

Howdy.... And Good Morning. (10:30)
Ah... I have gotten my shower. I heard a sizzle and pop after I got out of the tub. Not smoke or heat from that area, so I'll have to ask Jerry about it.  I Had a bit of rouble with the shower head and may have gotten a bit of water in a light fixture by the shower.  I took the dogs out before I took my shower. they liked that the sun was shining and they got to play a little bit before they got cold and it was time to come back inside.  We may only get in the upper 20's today, but the sun is making the camper nice and warm. I've turned down the heater and turned off the Sun heater.
I added some more stuff to my Chicken soup I made the other day. More vegetables and some more chicken I cooked for our dinner last night.It will be my lunch today ad most likely for the rest of this week, as well. 
Aw Man.... Mannheim Steamroller is going to be in De Moines the 19 and 20 and we can't afford the tickets to go. I would so so love to go see the show.  I play the CD's very loud.  I just love the Steamroller Christmas music as well as the Trans Siberian Orchestra. This is twice I have been close enough to a town the Mannheim Steemroller is going to be at and can't go either time.  But I'm not going to let that get me down.  I'm sure if we had it, Jerry would make sure we got to go.
The cats are not really happy with me. I didn't give them canned food last night. I gave them dry food several times but didn't give them the canned stuff. 
Dinner tonight is going to be a Pork Roast with Green Beans and Potatoes cooked with it.  I would add Carrot but Jerry is not fond of carrots or Onion added to his roast. 

 

I am hearing... Elvis Christmas.  " I Believe". I love that song, no matter who is singing it. 

 

I am wearing... Black Sweat Pants and a black T-Shirt thatt I put some iron on "Stones" on. a blue heart, the word "Love" in pink and a small green flower. I've just brushed my hair and now need for it to dry so I can put it up in a pony tail. I am so wanting to get my hair cut short again.

 

I am reading... I am now in Ezra in "The Bible".  I am reading a lot of e-mails and don't seem to find much time for books any more.

 

I am thankful for... The weather being warmer. Jerry  has to work and although he's inside a building there isn't much heat in it. He is working on one of the rooms that has to have heat in it (control room) but I know he still hurts when he has to come out of it.

 

I am hoping...  That Jerry hears from a job we want him to get on, soon. We have not give up hope on it.. This job is scheduled to work until April at least, if not longer. I am not fond of winter in the mid-west and a camper is not really made for living in, when there's a lot of ice and snow outside.
I am creating... A Christmas decorated camper. I have done a good clean up in the bathroom and now need to find a few things to put back there to help make it Christmasy. There are a few things I want to make for in the front and to put in the kitchen as well.

 

One of my favorite things... Is getting my house chores done early in the morning so I can don what ever I feel like for the rest of the day... only my list is so long that I never seem to totally get everything done on it.

 

A few plans for today... Start dinner in the crock pot. Bake some Ginger bread, I didn't get to that yesterday.. and then maybe some Banana Walnut cake.

 

A few plans for the rest of the week... Keep the camper taken care of .  Straighen up my crafting area, Clean over my bed and re-arrange it to store more craft stuff up there. Find my Christmas cards or if I can't find them, make more to send out next week.

 

Billie C.


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Good Morning

 

Good Morning.It's another Cold Morning, but tomorrow is to be above Freezing.  We still have running water and the Toilet is working as it should (again) so all is well.  Jerry went in to work. He is on a new Med and it is suppose to be taken an half an hour before eating. So either he has to get up earlier or I can slow down on making his breakfast of a combo of both.  We (I) asked if it could be taken in the evening before dinner and the doctor was a bit hesitant on saying yes to that. After reading the papers from the Pharmacy, it said to take it in the morning. It made Jerry a bit light headed for a few minutes yesterday morning but once that passed he was fine for the rest of the day, until dinner, but that was a different issue.  He's been having some trouble with his stomach over the last few days. That started before he started taking this new med.

 

We have about have the windows covered with plastic and I am going to try to get at least two more done today after I send this off.  I have lots of laundry to fold and pt away as well.  But if I jump up from here and get that done, I can work on a craft this afternoon. So if you don't hear from me for a while, you know I'm either cleaning the camper or folding laundry or making a count down calendar.

 

 

Billie C.


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