Cookies for Santa are a necessity at our house on Christmas Eve. We usually have lots of different kinds from our own baking and from gifts we have been given during the holiday.Santa has a good assortment to choose from. Here are a few cookie ideas that you may want to try to make for your family, friends and Santa. He is sure to need a new red suit after this year's trip!
Rudolph’s Red-Nosed Cookies
•1 c. butter, softened
•1/4 c. powdered sugar
•1 t. almond extract (or 2 t. vanilla)
•2 c. flour
•1 c. coarsely crushed pecans
•1 small jar maraschino cherry halves
1. Beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, extract and flour. Mix until combined and dough comes together.
2. Roll teaspoons of dough into balls then roll in crushed pecans to coat. Place balls on a baking sheet and make a finger-sized indentation in each ball. Place one cherry half in each cookie.
3. Bake at 325 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Cool on wire racks.
Santa’s Whiskers Cookies
•1 c. butter
•1 c. sugar
•1 t. vanilla
•1 1/2 T. milk
•2 1/2 c. flour
•3/4 c. maraschino cherries, diced, plus 1 t. juice from the jar
•1 c. coconut
1. Beat the butter and sugar together until fluffy. Add vanilla and milk and beat until combined.
2. Add flour, mixing just until incorporated. By hand or with the mixer, work the cherries and the teaspoon of juice into the dough.
3. Separate dough in half and form each half into a 8 or 9 inch log. Roll each half in coconut to cover. Wrap in freezer paper or plastic wrap and freeze for about 30 minutes, until firm.
4. Slice the logs of dough into cookies, about 1/4 inch wide. Place on baking sheets and bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Cool on wire racks.
Candy Cane Snowballs
•3 c. powdered sugar, divided
•1 1/4 c butter, softened
•2 t. vanilla (or if you’d prefer a stronger peppermint flavor, you can replace 1 t. of vanilla with a teaspoon of peppermint extract)
•1 egg
•3 c. flour
•1 T. baking powder
•1/2 t. salt
•3/4 c. finely crushed candy canes, divided
•1/2 c. granulated sugar
•2-3 T. milk
1. In a mixing bowl, beat 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar and butter until fluffy. Add vanilla and egg and beat until combined.
2. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Stir to combine. Slowly add to mixing bowl, beating until combined, about 1 minute. Stir 1/2 cup finely crushed candy canes in by hand.
3. Roll dough into small balls using just under a teaspoon of dough. Rolls balls through granulated sugar to coat and place on baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Cool.
4. While cookies bake, stir together remaining 1 1/2 c. powdered sugar with 2-3 T. of milk. Add just enough milk to form a thick glaze. Drizzle over cooled cookies and top with remaining crushed candy canes immediately.
Brown Sugar Oatmeal Jumbles
•1 c. butter
•1 1/2 c. brown sugar
•2 t. vanilla
•1/4 c. milk
•2 eggs
•2 c. flour
•1 t. baking soda
•1 t. baking powder
•1/2 t. salt
•1/2 t. cinnamon
•3 c. oats
•1 c. chocolate chips
•1 1/2 c. peanut or plain M & M’s
1. Beat butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add vanilla, milk and eggs and beat until combined.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Slowly add to mixing bowl and beat just until incorporated. By hand, stir in oats, chocolate chips and M & M’s.
3. Drop dough by heaping tablespoons onto baking sheets. Bake at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes, until lightly golden brown.
4. Cool on wire racks and store in airtight containers. Cookies can also be frozen.
Set out a plate of these cookies and watch them disappear before your eyes. Little hands can’t stay away!
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Magic Reindeer Food
Every year, my kids love preparing cookies,milk or cocoa for Santa. But they especially love preparing a snack for the reindeer! We put out carrots because that is what Mommy always did as a little girl and she can't totally change the menu. The littles have added one more special treat to the menu, Magic Reindeer Food. Before we go to bed, we go outside to look at the stars and sprinkle the magic treat in the yard. Then we go in and quickly put out Santa's plate and mug along with the carrots.
Here's what you do:
Add 2 to 3 scoops of dry oats to a small bag and sprinkle in some festive sugar sprinkles.
Attach the following poem:
Take this magic reindeer food and sprinkle it on the lawn,
On Christmas, Santa's reindeer travel miles before the dawn.
The smell of oats and sugar path will guide them on their way
And you'll wake up to Santa's gifts next morn on Christmas Day!
Here's what you do:
Add 2 to 3 scoops of dry oats to a small bag and sprinkle in some festive sugar sprinkles.
Attach the following poem:
Take this magic reindeer food and sprinkle it on the lawn,
On Christmas, Santa's reindeer travel miles before the dawn.
The smell of oats and sugar path will guide them on their way
And you'll wake up to Santa's gifts next morn on Christmas Day!
Christmas Family Devotional Time
"The Shoe Maker"
Wrap an empty box (with a removable lid).
Ask: Who was born on Christmas? (Jesus)
What do you receive on your birthday? (Gifts)
How could we give Jesus a gift for His birthday?
Read the story of "The Shoemaker" (based on a story by Leo Tolstoy)
There once lived in the city of Marseilles an old shoemaker, loved and honored by his neighbors, who affectionately called him “Father Martin.”
One Christmas Eve, as he sat alone in his little shop reading of the visit of the Wise Men to the infant Jesus, and of the gifts they brought, he said to himself. “If tomorrow were the first Christmas, and if Jesus were to be born in Marseilles this night, I know what I would give Him!” He rose from his stool and took from a shelf overhead two tiny shoes of softest snow-white leather, with bright silver buckles. “I would give Him these, my finest work.”
Replacing the shoes, he blew out the candle and retired to rest. Hardly had he closed his eyes, it seemed, when he heard a voice call his name . . . ”Martin! Martin!”
Intuitively he felt a presence. Then the voice spoke again . . . ”Martin, you have wished to see Me. Tomorrow I shall pass by your window. If you see Me, and bid Me enter, I shall be your guest at your table.”
Father Martin did not sleep that night for joy. And before it was yet dawn he rose and swept and tidied up his little shop. He spread fresh sand upon the floor, and wreathed green boughs of fir along the rafters. On the spotless linen-covered table he placed a loaf of white bread, a jar of honey, and a pitcher of milk, and over the fire he hung a pot of tea. Then, he took up his patient vigil at the window.
Presently he saw an old street-sweeper pass by, blowing upon his thin, gnarled hands to warm them. “Poor fellow, he must be half frozen,” thought Martin. Opening the door he called out to him, “Come in, my friend, and warm, and drink a cup of hot tea.” And the man gratefully accepted the invitation.
An hour passed, and Martin saw a young, miserably clothed woman carrying a baby. She paused wearily to rest in the shelter of his doorway. The heart of the old cobbler was touched. Quickly he flung open the door.
“Come in and warm while you rest,” he said to her. “You do not look well,” he remarked.
“I am going to the hospital. I hope they will take me in, and my baby boy,” she explained. “My husband is at sea, and I am ill, without a soul.”
“Poor child!” cried Father Martin. “You must eat something while you are getting warm. No? Then let me give a cup of milk to the little one. Ah! What a bright, pretty fellow he is! Why, you have put no shoes on him!”
“I have no shoes for him,” sighed the mother sadly. “Then he shall have this lovely pair I finished yesterday.” And Father Martin took down from the shelf the soft little snow-white shoes he had admired the evening before. He slipped them on the child’s feet . . . they fit perfectly. Shortly the poor young mother left, two shoes in her hand and tearful with gratitude.
Father Martin resumed his post at the window. Hour after hour went by, and although many people passed his window, and many needy souls shared his hospitality, the expected Guest did not appear.
“It was only a dream,” he sighed, with a heavy heart. “I did believe; but he has not come.”
Suddenly, so it seemed to his weary eyes, the room was flooded with a strange light. And to the cobbler’s astonished vision there appeared before him, one by one, the poor street-sweeper, the sick mother and her child, and all the people he had helped during the day. And each smiled at him and said. “Have you not seen me? Did I not sit at your table?” Then they vanished.
At last, out of the silence, Father Martin heard again the gentle voice repeating the old familiar words. “Whosoever shall receive one such in My name, receiveth Me . . . for I was an hungered, and you gave Me meat; I was athirst, and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger, and you took Me in . . . verily I say unto you, inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these, you have done it unto Me” (Matthew 25:35-40).
Ask your kids to think of something they could give Jesus. Maybe your family could do something together for a needy family. Write what you're going to do on a piece of paper, put it in the box and set it under the tree as a gift for Jesus.
Wrap an empty box (with a removable lid).
Ask: Who was born on Christmas? (Jesus)
What do you receive on your birthday? (Gifts)
How could we give Jesus a gift for His birthday?
Read the story of "The Shoemaker" (based on a story by Leo Tolstoy)
There once lived in the city of Marseilles an old shoemaker, loved and honored by his neighbors, who affectionately called him “Father Martin.”
One Christmas Eve, as he sat alone in his little shop reading of the visit of the Wise Men to the infant Jesus, and of the gifts they brought, he said to himself. “If tomorrow were the first Christmas, and if Jesus were to be born in Marseilles this night, I know what I would give Him!” He rose from his stool and took from a shelf overhead two tiny shoes of softest snow-white leather, with bright silver buckles. “I would give Him these, my finest work.”
Replacing the shoes, he blew out the candle and retired to rest. Hardly had he closed his eyes, it seemed, when he heard a voice call his name . . . ”Martin! Martin!”
Intuitively he felt a presence. Then the voice spoke again . . . ”Martin, you have wished to see Me. Tomorrow I shall pass by your window. If you see Me, and bid Me enter, I shall be your guest at your table.”
Father Martin did not sleep that night for joy. And before it was yet dawn he rose and swept and tidied up his little shop. He spread fresh sand upon the floor, and wreathed green boughs of fir along the rafters. On the spotless linen-covered table he placed a loaf of white bread, a jar of honey, and a pitcher of milk, and over the fire he hung a pot of tea. Then, he took up his patient vigil at the window.
Presently he saw an old street-sweeper pass by, blowing upon his thin, gnarled hands to warm them. “Poor fellow, he must be half frozen,” thought Martin. Opening the door he called out to him, “Come in, my friend, and warm, and drink a cup of hot tea.” And the man gratefully accepted the invitation.
An hour passed, and Martin saw a young, miserably clothed woman carrying a baby. She paused wearily to rest in the shelter of his doorway. The heart of the old cobbler was touched. Quickly he flung open the door.
“Come in and warm while you rest,” he said to her. “You do not look well,” he remarked.
“I am going to the hospital. I hope they will take me in, and my baby boy,” she explained. “My husband is at sea, and I am ill, without a soul.”
“Poor child!” cried Father Martin. “You must eat something while you are getting warm. No? Then let me give a cup of milk to the little one. Ah! What a bright, pretty fellow he is! Why, you have put no shoes on him!”
“I have no shoes for him,” sighed the mother sadly. “Then he shall have this lovely pair I finished yesterday.” And Father Martin took down from the shelf the soft little snow-white shoes he had admired the evening before. He slipped them on the child’s feet . . . they fit perfectly. Shortly the poor young mother left, two shoes in her hand and tearful with gratitude.
Father Martin resumed his post at the window. Hour after hour went by, and although many people passed his window, and many needy souls shared his hospitality, the expected Guest did not appear.
“It was only a dream,” he sighed, with a heavy heart. “I did believe; but he has not come.”
Suddenly, so it seemed to his weary eyes, the room was flooded with a strange light. And to the cobbler’s astonished vision there appeared before him, one by one, the poor street-sweeper, the sick mother and her child, and all the people he had helped during the day. And each smiled at him and said. “Have you not seen me? Did I not sit at your table?” Then they vanished.
At last, out of the silence, Father Martin heard again the gentle voice repeating the old familiar words. “Whosoever shall receive one such in My name, receiveth Me . . . for I was an hungered, and you gave Me meat; I was athirst, and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger, and you took Me in . . . verily I say unto you, inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these, you have done it unto Me” (Matthew 25:35-40).
Ask your kids to think of something they could give Jesus. Maybe your family could do something together for a needy family. Write what you're going to do on a piece of paper, put it in the box and set it under the tree as a gift for Jesus.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Parenting Tips
Don't Forget to Say Thank You
Gratefulness is an important life quality because it helps us to be thankful for what we have instead of complaining about what we don't have. Gratefulness is a lifestyle but it starts by saying "Thank you" to others who bless us.
Begin now to prepare your children for receiving gifts. Talk about the importance of the giver, not just the gift. Teach children to look at the nametag first so they can be thinking of the person who gave the gift while they open it. Encourage children to express thanks to the giver, even if that person is not in the room at the time. A phone call to extended family or a thank you note to a distant friend can mean a lot.
Gift receiving sometimes provides that awkward moment when we want to ask, "What is this?" or discover that we already have one of these. Play a "What if" game with children to help them anticipate how they might say thank you in those times.
Opening gifts can happen fast and then children are off playing with new toys and games. Helping them to take time to express gratefulness can extend the true meaning of Christmas past the few hours of Christmas Day. And don't forget to take time to thank the Lord for his special gift in Jesus Christ for us.
Gratefulness is an important life quality because it helps us to be thankful for what we have instead of complaining about what we don't have. Gratefulness is a lifestyle but it starts by saying "Thank you" to others who bless us.
Begin now to prepare your children for receiving gifts. Talk about the importance of the giver, not just the gift. Teach children to look at the nametag first so they can be thinking of the person who gave the gift while they open it. Encourage children to express thanks to the giver, even if that person is not in the room at the time. A phone call to extended family or a thank you note to a distant friend can mean a lot.
Gift receiving sometimes provides that awkward moment when we want to ask, "What is this?" or discover that we already have one of these. Play a "What if" game with children to help them anticipate how they might say thank you in those times.
Opening gifts can happen fast and then children are off playing with new toys and games. Helping them to take time to express gratefulness can extend the true meaning of Christmas past the few hours of Christmas Day. And don't forget to take time to thank the Lord for his special gift in Jesus Christ for us.
My Gift
My Gift
-Christina Rossetti.
What can I give Him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would give Him a lamb.
If I were a wise man,
I would do my part.
But what can I give Him?
I will give Him my heart.
-Christina Rossetti.
What can I give Him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would give Him a lamb.
If I were a wise man,
I would do my part.
But what can I give Him?
I will give Him my heart.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Let's Play!
This is a great time to help kids understand the importance of giving gifts rather than receiving the gifts. Neighbors, teachers, family members or friends will love to get this sweet and fun gift you and the kids can make and take.
The Mix
1 1/3 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup M&Ms
1 cup regular oats
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp.Kosher salt (or 1/4 tsp table salt)
Add directions to a card and attach to the jar: To make cookies, mix jar contents with 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Drop by 2 tablespoons on cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes at 350°.
(makes about 2 dozen cookies)
Instructions
Layer in a 1 quart jar
1. Mix flour, salt & baking soda, place in bottom of jar
2. Oats
3. M&Ms
4. Brown Sugar (press down firmly)
5. Sugar
Screw lid on tightly, add ribbon and the card and you have a sweet gift!
The Mix
1 1/3 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup M&Ms
1 cup regular oats
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp.Kosher salt (or 1/4 tsp table salt)
Add directions to a card and attach to the jar: To make cookies, mix jar contents with 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Drop by 2 tablespoons on cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes at 350°.
(makes about 2 dozen cookies)
Instructions
Layer in a 1 quart jar
1. Mix flour, salt & baking soda, place in bottom of jar
2. Oats
3. M&Ms
4. Brown Sugar (press down firmly)
5. Sugar
Screw lid on tightly, add ribbon and the card and you have a sweet gift!
What's For Dinner, Mommy?
Sour Cream Enchiladas
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
8 (8 inch) flour tortillas, softened
1 1/2 cups grated monterey jack cheese or Mexican blend cheese, divided
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
1 (15 ounce) can chicken broth
1 cup sour cream
1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chilies
Directions
1. In frypan, cook chicken and onion together in oil over medium-high heat until chicken is just done.
2. Divide cooked chicken evenly between 8 tortillas; add 1 1/2 tablespoons cheese to each tortilla.
3. Roll enchiladas and place seam-side down in 9x13" baking dish that has been lightly sprayed with no-stick cooking spray.
4. Melt butter in a medium saucepan; stir in flour to make a roux; stir and cook until bubbly; gradually whisk in chicken broth then bring to boiling, stirring frequently.
5. Remove from heat; stir in sour cream and green chiles; pour sauce evenly over enchiladas.
6. Top with remaining 3/4 cup cheese (baking dish may be double-wrapped and frozen at this point) and bake at 400° for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and sauce near edges of baking dish is bubbly.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
8 (8 inch) flour tortillas, softened
1 1/2 cups grated monterey jack cheese or Mexican blend cheese, divided
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
1 (15 ounce) can chicken broth
1 cup sour cream
1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chilies
Directions
1. In frypan, cook chicken and onion together in oil over medium-high heat until chicken is just done.
2. Divide cooked chicken evenly between 8 tortillas; add 1 1/2 tablespoons cheese to each tortilla.
3. Roll enchiladas and place seam-side down in 9x13" baking dish that has been lightly sprayed with no-stick cooking spray.
4. Melt butter in a medium saucepan; stir in flour to make a roux; stir and cook until bubbly; gradually whisk in chicken broth then bring to boiling, stirring frequently.
5. Remove from heat; stir in sour cream and green chiles; pour sauce evenly over enchiladas.
6. Top with remaining 3/4 cup cheese (baking dish may be double-wrapped and frozen at this point) and bake at 400° for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and sauce near edges of baking dish is bubbly.
Just Desserts
Honey Nut Crunchies
Joy's Christmas Cookie
1 box honey graham crackers
1 stick margarine and butter, each
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
Preheat oven to 350. Break graham crackers apart and line with sides touching in a jelly roll pan. Melt butter and margarine in sauce pan. Once mixture starts boiling, stir for two minutes. Remove from stove and pour over the graham crackers. Sprinkle the pecans ontop and bake for 10 minutes.
Spritz Cookies
1 cup stick butter, softened
1/2 c. sugar
2 1/4 c. flour (again, a 50/50 blend of Hard White and Soft White freshly milled flour)
1 tsp. almond extract or vanilla (I used vanilla)
1/2 tsp. salt (I did not use this)
1 large egg
food coloring
Cream butter and sugar together. Add in remaining ingredients. Press through cookie press onto cookie sheet. Bake at 400 for 6-9 minutes.
M&M Cookies
1 c. butter, softened
1 c. shortening
2 c. brown sugar
1 1/2 c. sugar
4 eggs
4 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp. baking soda
4 1/2 c. flour
2 tsp. salt
Cream together butter, shortening and sugars. Beat in vanilla and eggs. Stir in remaining dry ingredients. If you are mixing in the M&M's, go ahead and pour in a whole bag now.
Drop on ungreased cookie sheet, if you are doing M&M's on top - do it now! Bake at 375 for 9 minutes. Makes 7-8 dozen. Enjoy!
Pumpkin Bread
2 cups Pumpkin (1 15oz can will do)
1 cup oil
3 cups of sugar
4 eggs
3 1/4 c flour (can substituted freshly ground wheat for white and it works wonderfully)
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp clove powder
1 tsp nutmeg
2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
Stir dry ingredients together. Then, mix pumpkin, oil, sugar, and beaten eggs in another bowl. Add wet to dry and stir. This will make about 2 dozen muffins or 2 loaves. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes for muffins and 45 minutes for loaves.
(I think that it really takes more time than this but this is what I set my timer for before I start sticking the bread with a toothpick checking for doneness. One of these days I'll figure out exactly how long this takes in my oven.)
Joy's Christmas Cookie
1 box honey graham crackers
1 stick margarine and butter, each
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
Preheat oven to 350. Break graham crackers apart and line with sides touching in a jelly roll pan. Melt butter and margarine in sauce pan. Once mixture starts boiling, stir for two minutes. Remove from stove and pour over the graham crackers. Sprinkle the pecans ontop and bake for 10 minutes.
Spritz Cookies
1 cup stick butter, softened
1/2 c. sugar
2 1/4 c. flour (again, a 50/50 blend of Hard White and Soft White freshly milled flour)
1 tsp. almond extract or vanilla (I used vanilla)
1/2 tsp. salt (I did not use this)
1 large egg
food coloring
Cream butter and sugar together. Add in remaining ingredients. Press through cookie press onto cookie sheet. Bake at 400 for 6-9 minutes.
M&M Cookies
1 c. butter, softened
1 c. shortening
2 c. brown sugar
1 1/2 c. sugar
4 eggs
4 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp. baking soda
4 1/2 c. flour
2 tsp. salt
Cream together butter, shortening and sugars. Beat in vanilla and eggs. Stir in remaining dry ingredients. If you are mixing in the M&M's, go ahead and pour in a whole bag now.
Drop on ungreased cookie sheet, if you are doing M&M's on top - do it now! Bake at 375 for 9 minutes. Makes 7-8 dozen. Enjoy!
Pumpkin Bread
2 cups Pumpkin (1 15oz can will do)
1 cup oil
3 cups of sugar
4 eggs
3 1/4 c flour (can substituted freshly ground wheat for white and it works wonderfully)
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp clove powder
1 tsp nutmeg
2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
Stir dry ingredients together. Then, mix pumpkin, oil, sugar, and beaten eggs in another bowl. Add wet to dry and stir. This will make about 2 dozen muffins or 2 loaves. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes for muffins and 45 minutes for loaves.
(I think that it really takes more time than this but this is what I set my timer for before I start sticking the bread with a toothpick checking for doneness. One of these days I'll figure out exactly how long this takes in my oven.)
Parenting Tips
Caring for Others
One of the great ways to help children think of giving instead of just getting at Christmas is to reach out to others you don't even know. This one activity can do a tremendous amount to help kids focus on others, not just themselves. Here are some ideas:
Pray for missionaries in other parts of the world. Create a care package for a family and mail it off in time to arrive by Christmas Day.
Get involved in your church's gift-giving program. Most churches provide ways to give tangible gifts to those in need. Ask around your community for organizations that are providing gifts for others.
Take some homemade food and crafts to a local rest home or senior citizen center. Sing songs and greet people. Tell them Merry Christmas. Before you go and when you're finished, talk to your kids about the people you are visiting. Sometimes caring for people can be a challenge and a blessing. Discussions help children understand it all in practical terms.
Make sure that children understand that Christmas is a time when we can share the love of Jesus with others. After all, that's what God did for us.
For more practical ideas on honoring others consider the book Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes, in You and Your Kids by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.
One of the great ways to help children think of giving instead of just getting at Christmas is to reach out to others you don't even know. This one activity can do a tremendous amount to help kids focus on others, not just themselves. Here are some ideas:
Pray for missionaries in other parts of the world. Create a care package for a family and mail it off in time to arrive by Christmas Day.
Get involved in your church's gift-giving program. Most churches provide ways to give tangible gifts to those in need. Ask around your community for organizations that are providing gifts for others.
Take some homemade food and crafts to a local rest home or senior citizen center. Sing songs and greet people. Tell them Merry Christmas. Before you go and when you're finished, talk to your kids about the people you are visiting. Sometimes caring for people can be a challenge and a blessing. Discussions help children understand it all in practical terms.
Make sure that children understand that Christmas is a time when we can share the love of Jesus with others. After all, that's what God did for us.
For more practical ideas on honoring others consider the book Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes, in You and Your Kids by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Cranberry Slush Drink
This season provides us with some yummy cranberries. This is a wonderful, refreshing drink to enjoy this time of year.
Ingredients
•1 pound fresh or frozen cranberries
•2-1/2 cups cold water, divided
•3-1/2 cups fresh or frozen unsweetened raspberries
•1 envelope unflavored gelatin
•2 cups sugar
•2 cups ginger ale
•1-3/4 cups raspberry ginger ale or additional ginger ale
Directions
•In a large saucepan, cook the cranberries and 1-1/2 cups water over medium heat until the berries pop, about 15 minutes. Stir in raspberries.
•Transfer to a blender; cover and process until smooth. Strain and discard seeds, reserving juice. Pour the juice into a 2-qt. freezer-proof container; set aside.
•In a small saucepan, sprinkle gelatin over remaining water. let stand for 1 minute. Stir in sugar. Cook and stir over medium heat until gelatin and sugar are dissolved. Add to berry juice. Stir in ginger ale; cover and freeze.
•To use frozen slush: Remove from the freezer 1 hour before serving. For each serving, combine 1 cup cranberry slush with 1/4 cup raspberry ginger ale in a glass; stir well. Yield: 7 servings.
Ingredients
•1 pound fresh or frozen cranberries
•2-1/2 cups cold water, divided
•3-1/2 cups fresh or frozen unsweetened raspberries
•1 envelope unflavored gelatin
•2 cups sugar
•2 cups ginger ale
•1-3/4 cups raspberry ginger ale or additional ginger ale
Directions
•In a large saucepan, cook the cranberries and 1-1/2 cups water over medium heat until the berries pop, about 15 minutes. Stir in raspberries.
•Transfer to a blender; cover and process until smooth. Strain and discard seeds, reserving juice. Pour the juice into a 2-qt. freezer-proof container; set aside.
•In a small saucepan, sprinkle gelatin over remaining water. let stand for 1 minute. Stir in sugar. Cook and stir over medium heat until gelatin and sugar are dissolved. Add to berry juice. Stir in ginger ale; cover and freeze.
•To use frozen slush: Remove from the freezer 1 hour before serving. For each serving, combine 1 cup cranberry slush with 1/4 cup raspberry ginger ale in a glass; stir well. Yield: 7 servings.
Let's Play!
Cinnamon Ornaments
1 1/2 c. powdered cinnamon
1 c. applesauce
1/4 c. school glue
bowl
plastic wrap or plate
wax paper
cookie cutters
ribbon
drinking straw
rolling pin
Mix cinnamon, applesauce and glue in a bowl. (You can add water if it is too stiff - I did not need to do this though.) Knead dough until smooth, cover bowl with a plate or plastic wrap and let sit for 30 minutes.
Knead dough again and flatten with rolling pin to about 1/4"-1/8" thickness. Cut out shapes and make hole with drinking straw.
Bake ornaments for an hour in a 150 degree oven (mine doesn't go any lower than 170 and this worked fine) on a cookie sheet. Turn over half way through. Allow to cool and harden before adding ribbon or twine.
1 1/2 c. powdered cinnamon
1 c. applesauce
1/4 c. school glue
bowl
plastic wrap or plate
wax paper
cookie cutters
ribbon
drinking straw
rolling pin
Mix cinnamon, applesauce and glue in a bowl. (You can add water if it is too stiff - I did not need to do this though.) Knead dough until smooth, cover bowl with a plate or plastic wrap and let sit for 30 minutes.
Knead dough again and flatten with rolling pin to about 1/4"-1/8" thickness. Cut out shapes and make hole with drinking straw.
Bake ornaments for an hour in a 150 degree oven (mine doesn't go any lower than 170 and this worked fine) on a cookie sheet. Turn over half way through. Allow to cool and harden before adding ribbon or twine.
Cocoa
One of my favorite things about the fall and winter months is the unlimited excuses to sip hot cocoa. It is one of my ultimate comfort foods. While the cocoa in my favorite cup warms my hands and my body; my heart and spirit can be warmed,too. Here’s one way the word ‘COCOA’ can help us remember some important aspects of Christmas.
●C is for CHRIST. He’s the reason for Christmas!
●O is for ORNAMENTS. As we decorate our tree, let’s remember to decorate our hearts and homes with God’s love.
●C reminds us to CELEBRATE. It’s easy to get focused on giving, but let’s not forget to celebrate all that God has given us!
●O is for OVERJOYED! Instead of getting overwhelmed with our schedules, let’s get overjoyed by remembering why Jesus was born.
●And A is for ABUNDANCE! In the abundance of presents and people, let’s remember that what we really need is the abundant life Jesus promised through a relationship with Him.
Mint Cocoa Drink Mix
Ingredients
•1 package (30 ounces) instant chocolate drink mix
•1 package (25.6 ounces) nonfat dry milk powder
•2-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
•1 cup powdered nondairy creamer
•25 peppermint candies, crushed
ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS (for each servings):
•1 cup milk
Directions
In a large bowl, combine the first five ingredients. Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place for up to 6 months. Yield: 53 servings (17-2/3 cups total).
To prepare hot drink: Warm milk; stir in 1/3 cup mix until dissolved.
Yield: 1 serving.
●C is for CHRIST. He’s the reason for Christmas!
●O is for ORNAMENTS. As we decorate our tree, let’s remember to decorate our hearts and homes with God’s love.
●C reminds us to CELEBRATE. It’s easy to get focused on giving, but let’s not forget to celebrate all that God has given us!
●O is for OVERJOYED! Instead of getting overwhelmed with our schedules, let’s get overjoyed by remembering why Jesus was born.
●And A is for ABUNDANCE! In the abundance of presents and people, let’s remember that what we really need is the abundant life Jesus promised through a relationship with Him.
Mint Cocoa Drink Mix
Ingredients
•1 package (30 ounces) instant chocolate drink mix
•1 package (25.6 ounces) nonfat dry milk powder
•2-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
•1 cup powdered nondairy creamer
•25 peppermint candies, crushed
ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS (for each servings):
•1 cup milk
Directions
In a large bowl, combine the first five ingredients. Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place for up to 6 months. Yield: 53 servings (17-2/3 cups total).
To prepare hot drink: Warm milk; stir in 1/3 cup mix until dissolved.
Yield: 1 serving.
The Shepherd Became a Sheep
By Sharon Jaynes
The angels appeared and called to me
"Be not afraid, dear one.
For you are now a lowly sheep
For your God sent His Son."
"Go to the babe and see him there
We will lead the way.
The shepherd has chosen you - a sheep
To celebrate this day."
We ran and saw the baby there
I'll never be the same.
He raised his eyes, said not a word,
And yet he spoke my name.
Years have passed and now I know
This babe became a man.
He lived and died and rose again
And now I understand.
"Follow me," Jesus said,
"And I will lead the way."
"My sheep listen, know my voice
And with me they will stay."
I was a shepherd, to be sure.
My sheep slept at my feet.
But on that night the babe was born,
And I became a sheep.
The angels appeared and called to me
"Be not afraid, dear one.
For you are now a lowly sheep
For your God sent His Son."
"Go to the babe and see him there
We will lead the way.
The shepherd has chosen you - a sheep
To celebrate this day."
We ran and saw the baby there
I'll never be the same.
He raised his eyes, said not a word,
And yet he spoke my name.
Years have passed and now I know
This babe became a man.
He lived and died and rose again
And now I understand.
"Follow me," Jesus said,
"And I will lead the way."
"My sheep listen, know my voice
And with me they will stay."
I was a shepherd, to be sure.
My sheep slept at my feet.
But on that night the babe was born,
And I became a sheep.
Monday, December 14, 2009
A Mommy's Christmas List
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 daughter's red crayon, on
the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles, and who
knows when I'll find anymore 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 a
radio that only plays adult 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, and three pairs
of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools.
Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is ringing and my youngest
daughter saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think she wants
her crayon back.
Yours always.....
Mommy
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 daughter's red crayon, on
the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles, and who
knows when I'll find anymore 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 a
radio that only plays adult 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, and three pairs
of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools.
Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is ringing and my youngest
daughter saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think she wants
her crayon back.
Yours always.....
Mommy
In the Bleak Mid Winter
The greatest gift was delivered to all mankind one cold and silent night in the most unlikely of places- a smelly, dirty stable. It was probably more like a cave with rock walls, dirt floor strewn with hay and the waste of animals. It was not the place that the King of Kings was ever expected or should have been born. It was a most glorious event though. What a gift was given to me and to my children! It is my prayer that my children will discover the wondrous love and hope that was wrapped in those swaddling clothes laying among the hay that livestock ate and slept. What can I give Him? I can give Him nothing but my life and my heart. I am His! Thank you, God, for the most treasured gift of your Son each of every day of life!
Turn down the music at the bottom of the page to enjoy this wonderful choir. It is a amazing worship song that brings me tears.
Turn down the music at the bottom of the page to enjoy this wonderful choir. It is a amazing worship song that brings me tears.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Cinnamon Muffins
Cinnamon Muffins
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar (you can sub out 1/4 cup honey for this)
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp vanilla (or 1/2 if you like a lot of vanilla flavor)
1 egg - lightly beaten
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup melted butter (you can sub out oil for this or even applesauce)
Topping (if desired):
2 TB Sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup butter
(I usually make this in my mixer)
In large bow, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Combine the egg, milk and butter; mix well. Add to dry ingredients and mix until moistened. Spoon into greased or paper lined muffin cups. Bake at 400 degrees for 12-14 minutes or until muffins test done. For topping, combine sugar and cinnamon. Brush the tops of warm muffins with butter, sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar. Makes 1 dozen.
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar (you can sub out 1/4 cup honey for this)
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp vanilla (or 1/2 if you like a lot of vanilla flavor)
1 egg - lightly beaten
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup melted butter (you can sub out oil for this or even applesauce)
Topping (if desired):
2 TB Sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup butter
(I usually make this in my mixer)
In large bow, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Combine the egg, milk and butter; mix well. Add to dry ingredients and mix until moistened. Spoon into greased or paper lined muffin cups. Bake at 400 degrees for 12-14 minutes or until muffins test done. For topping, combine sugar and cinnamon. Brush the tops of warm muffins with butter, sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar. Makes 1 dozen.
Just Desserts
Mocha Cinnamon Bars
Stir together 2 t. instant coffee crystals, 1/2 t. each of water, vanilla extract in small bowl. Set aside.
Stir together 2 c. flour and 1 t. cinnamon in another bowl. Set aside.
Using an electric mixer, beat together 1 cup butter or margarine (I use one stick of each), 1/2 c. each of brown sugar and granulated sugar on high until fluffy. Add one egg yolk, beat well. Then beat in coffee mixture, then flour mixture. Beat until combined.
Press the dough into a 9 by 13 pan. Bake at 350 for 15 to 18 minutes. When it’s brown and not gooey in the middle, take it out, and sprinkle with 1 cup chocolate chips. I use dark chocolate but you can use whichever kind you like. Optional: sprinkle with chopped walnuts or pecans. I skip those and sprinkle it with Christmas sprinkles. Cut while warm. They are very rich so I cut them in small squares.
Stir together 2 t. instant coffee crystals, 1/2 t. each of water, vanilla extract in small bowl. Set aside.
Stir together 2 c. flour and 1 t. cinnamon in another bowl. Set aside.
Using an electric mixer, beat together 1 cup butter or margarine (I use one stick of each), 1/2 c. each of brown sugar and granulated sugar on high until fluffy. Add one egg yolk, beat well. Then beat in coffee mixture, then flour mixture. Beat until combined.
Press the dough into a 9 by 13 pan. Bake at 350 for 15 to 18 minutes. When it’s brown and not gooey in the middle, take it out, and sprinkle with 1 cup chocolate chips. I use dark chocolate but you can use whichever kind you like. Optional: sprinkle with chopped walnuts or pecans. I skip those and sprinkle it with Christmas sprinkles. Cut while warm. They are very rich so I cut them in small squares.
What's For Dinner, Mommy?
Fajita Seasoning Mix
Ingredients:
•3 Tbsp. cornstarch
•2 Tbsp. chili powder
•1 Tbsp. salt
•1 Tbsp. paprika
•1 Tbsp. sugar
•2-1/2 tsp. crushed chicken bouillon cube
•1-1/2 tsp. onion powder
•1/2 tsp. garlic powder
•1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
•1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
•1/2 tsp. cumin
Preparation:
Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl. Pour into small glass or plastic container, seal tightly and store in a cool, dry place. Makes the equivalent of 3 packets of commercial or purchased Fajita Seasoning Mix.
Chicken Fajitas
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 green bell pepper
2 Tbsp. oil
3 Tbsp. Fajita Seasoning Mix
1/3 cup water
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup salsa
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup grated Cheddar cheese
6 flour tortillas
Prepare the fajitas using the same directions found on the package of purchased seasoning mix:
Cut chicken into thin strips. Cut green pepper into strips. Heat oil in large skillet and add chicken. Cook and stir over medium high heat for 5 minutes. Then add three tablespoons of the Fajita Seasoning Mix, water, green pepper and onion. Reduce heat to medium. Cook and stir over medium heat until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender. Serve with salsa, sour cream, and grated cheese in warmed tortillas.
TO-DIE-FOR MEXICAN CORNBREAD:
2 pkgs Jiffy cornbread mix
1 med onion, chopped
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 can cream-style corn
1 1/2 cups sour cream
4 eggs, beaten
1/2 can of Rotel, drained (include the whole can, drained, if you like it extra spicy)
1/3 cup vegetable oil
Mix that together until it's a big gloppy mess. Pour into a greased 13x9 casserole dish, bake at 350 for 50-55 minutes. Serves 12 or more.
Mexican Lasagna
•1 lb. ground beef
•1 medium onion, chopped
•2 cloves garlic, minced
•1 can refried beans
•1 pkg. taco seasoning
•1 1/2 cups salsa
•1 large (24 oz) carton cottage cheese
•Shredded Cheddar cheese (lots of it!)
•6 corn tortillas
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brown ground beef with onion and garlic. Drain. Add beans, taco seasoning and 1 cup salsa to meat mixture and heat through. Add a little (1/4 cup?) water at this point if necessary.
Line 13 x 9 baking dish with 3 corn tortillas. Spread half of meat/bean mixture over tortillas. Evenly distribute half of cottage cheese over meat. Then add cheddar cheese. Repeat, but before adding last layer of cheese, sprinkle 1/2 cup of remaining salsa on cottage cheese. Then top with cheddar cheese.
Bake for 30-45 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is melted.
Serve with taco toppings, a lettuce salad or roasted vegetables. Enjoy!
For those not in the mood for Mexican food:
Creamy Italian Chicken
Makes 4-6 servings
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
1 envelope dry Italian salad dressing mix
¼ cup water
8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
10-3/4-oz. can cream of chicken soup
4-oz. can mushroom stems and pieces, drained
Lightly grease slow cooker. Place chicken in the bottom. Combine salad dressing with water and pour over chicken. Cover and cook on low 3-4 hours. Combine cream cheese and soup until blended. Stir in mushrooms. Pour over chicken and cook until heated through. Serve over noodles or rice. Add a fresh green salad to complete the meal.
Note: I always add more chicken to the same amount of sauce and find I can stretch it to feed 8.
Ingredients:
•3 Tbsp. cornstarch
•2 Tbsp. chili powder
•1 Tbsp. salt
•1 Tbsp. paprika
•1 Tbsp. sugar
•2-1/2 tsp. crushed chicken bouillon cube
•1-1/2 tsp. onion powder
•1/2 tsp. garlic powder
•1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
•1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
•1/2 tsp. cumin
Preparation:
Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl. Pour into small glass or plastic container, seal tightly and store in a cool, dry place. Makes the equivalent of 3 packets of commercial or purchased Fajita Seasoning Mix.
Chicken Fajitas
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 green bell pepper
2 Tbsp. oil
3 Tbsp. Fajita Seasoning Mix
1/3 cup water
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup salsa
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup grated Cheddar cheese
6 flour tortillas
Prepare the fajitas using the same directions found on the package of purchased seasoning mix:
Cut chicken into thin strips. Cut green pepper into strips. Heat oil in large skillet and add chicken. Cook and stir over medium high heat for 5 minutes. Then add three tablespoons of the Fajita Seasoning Mix, water, green pepper and onion. Reduce heat to medium. Cook and stir over medium heat until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender. Serve with salsa, sour cream, and grated cheese in warmed tortillas.
TO-DIE-FOR MEXICAN CORNBREAD:
2 pkgs Jiffy cornbread mix
1 med onion, chopped
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 can cream-style corn
1 1/2 cups sour cream
4 eggs, beaten
1/2 can of Rotel, drained (include the whole can, drained, if you like it extra spicy)
1/3 cup vegetable oil
Mix that together until it's a big gloppy mess. Pour into a greased 13x9 casserole dish, bake at 350 for 50-55 minutes. Serves 12 or more.
Mexican Lasagna
•1 lb. ground beef
•1 medium onion, chopped
•2 cloves garlic, minced
•1 can refried beans
•1 pkg. taco seasoning
•1 1/2 cups salsa
•1 large (24 oz) carton cottage cheese
•Shredded Cheddar cheese (lots of it!)
•6 corn tortillas
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brown ground beef with onion and garlic. Drain. Add beans, taco seasoning and 1 cup salsa to meat mixture and heat through. Add a little (1/4 cup?) water at this point if necessary.
Line 13 x 9 baking dish with 3 corn tortillas. Spread half of meat/bean mixture over tortillas. Evenly distribute half of cottage cheese over meat. Then add cheddar cheese. Repeat, but before adding last layer of cheese, sprinkle 1/2 cup of remaining salsa on cottage cheese. Then top with cheddar cheese.
Bake for 30-45 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is melted.
Serve with taco toppings, a lettuce salad or roasted vegetables. Enjoy!
For those not in the mood for Mexican food:
Creamy Italian Chicken
Makes 4-6 servings
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
1 envelope dry Italian salad dressing mix
¼ cup water
8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
10-3/4-oz. can cream of chicken soup
4-oz. can mushroom stems and pieces, drained
Lightly grease slow cooker. Place chicken in the bottom. Combine salad dressing with water and pour over chicken. Cover and cook on low 3-4 hours. Combine cream cheese and soup until blended. Stir in mushrooms. Pour over chicken and cook until heated through. Serve over noodles or rice. Add a fresh green salad to complete the meal.
Note: I always add more chicken to the same amount of sauce and find I can stretch it to feed 8.
Parenting Tips
Christmas, A Time to Teach Generosity
Christmas is a highlight in the life of most children, but much of the benefit is focused on what they get. Of course one of the blessings of Christmas is giving, so look for ways to teach children generosity this year. Here are some ideas:
Involves kids in your gift giving strategy or help them develop their own. Planning, shopping, and wrapping can each provide ways for children to think about blessing others.
Anticipate with your children the delight others will experience when the gifts are opened. Help your child enjoy the fun others will have when receiving gifts.
Ask children the question: "What are you doing this year to make Christmas special for others?" This question alone can help teens think of others instead of just themselves. A short discussion can help move kids from selfish tendencies to generosity.
And most importantly, remind children of the generosity of God by sending us a special gift in his Son.
For more ideas on addressing heart issues in your kids, consider the book, Parenting is Heart Work by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.
Christmas is a highlight in the life of most children, but much of the benefit is focused on what they get. Of course one of the blessings of Christmas is giving, so look for ways to teach children generosity this year. Here are some ideas:
Involves kids in your gift giving strategy or help them develop their own. Planning, shopping, and wrapping can each provide ways for children to think about blessing others.
Anticipate with your children the delight others will experience when the gifts are opened. Help your child enjoy the fun others will have when receiving gifts.
Ask children the question: "What are you doing this year to make Christmas special for others?" This question alone can help teens think of others instead of just themselves. A short discussion can help move kids from selfish tendencies to generosity.
And most importantly, remind children of the generosity of God by sending us a special gift in his Son.
For more ideas on addressing heart issues in your kids, consider the book, Parenting is Heart Work by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.
Gratitude
As the season progresses, we spend a lot of time shopping, wrapping, baking and making plans for Christmas. However, the economy has left most of us trying to be creative and frugal gift givers to the point of we are cutting way back on the gifts. It can be frustrating, stressful and overwhelming when we focus on the physical gifts that bring delight for a brief time on one day out of the year. Take a few minutes and watch the video, Gratitude, and refocus on the wealth of blessings we have compared to so many. Focus on the Giver of these blessings and then spend some time in a gratitude conversation with Him. The reason for this season is, afterall, to celebrate the most wonderful gift ever given to mankind- Christ, the Savior's birth! Don't forget to turn down our music at the bottom of the page.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
A Mom's Prayer
I posted this earlier, but it is so powerful and bears repeating.
Choose joy, pray continously, give thanks!
Despite spilt chocolate milk on the carpet, endless squabbles between kids, magic markers on the walls, car repair bills, and sleepless nights, our script needs to be, "If this is the worst thing that happens to me today, it is still a pretty great day!"
Turn down the volume on the playlist and enjoy Lysa's message.
Choose joy, pray continously, give thanks!
Despite spilt chocolate milk on the carpet, endless squabbles between kids, magic markers on the walls, car repair bills, and sleepless nights, our script needs to be, "If this is the worst thing that happens to me today, it is still a pretty great day!"
Turn down the volume on the playlist and enjoy Lysa's message.
Monday, November 30, 2009
A Mom's Prayer
Each morning that greets me is full of hope.
Not because I am successful at what I am doing,
Or because the people near me appreciate me,
Or because circumstances are easy,
But because God is, and He is my Father.
To look at the morning any other way
Is to believe a lie.
To live in hope is to live in truth;
To live in truth is to bring Him glory;
To bring God glory in my daily living
Is the highest form of worship.
- taken from How People Change by Paul Tripp and Tim Lane.
Not because I am successful at what I am doing,
Or because the people near me appreciate me,
Or because circumstances are easy,
But because God is, and He is my Father.
To look at the morning any other way
Is to believe a lie.
To live in hope is to live in truth;
To live in truth is to bring Him glory;
To bring God glory in my daily living
Is the highest form of worship.
- taken from How People Change by Paul Tripp and Tim Lane.
Just Desserts
Five Minutes to Chocolate Bliss
I think every woman needs to be empowered to meet her own chocolate needs when they arise. And, let’s face it, sometimes a bite of Dove or a Kiss from Hershey just won’t do. We need something freshly baked, gooey, warm and chocolaty to calm and inspire us. With little time to bake though, we settle for an Oreo or a handful of chocolate chips. No more.
Get out 2 mugs. One is for your coffee; the other is for your chocolate cake! A friend gave me this recipe you just must try. When I read it I thought, “no way; it can’t be that good if it’s that fast and easy.” Wrong. You have got to try it. It’s amazing, delicious and simple.
I’m just doing my part to spread the chocolate love and help the sisters out! Try it.
Ingredients:
1 large coffee mug (MicroSafe)
4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
A small splash of vanilla extract
Instructions:
Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well.
Add the egg and mix thoroughly.
Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.
Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.
Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts.
The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!
Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.
EAT ! (This can serve 2 if you want to but no one has to know but us-I won’t tell if you won’t!).
I think every woman needs to be empowered to meet her own chocolate needs when they arise. And, let’s face it, sometimes a bite of Dove or a Kiss from Hershey just won’t do. We need something freshly baked, gooey, warm and chocolaty to calm and inspire us. With little time to bake though, we settle for an Oreo or a handful of chocolate chips. No more.
Get out 2 mugs. One is for your coffee; the other is for your chocolate cake! A friend gave me this recipe you just must try. When I read it I thought, “no way; it can’t be that good if it’s that fast and easy.” Wrong. You have got to try it. It’s amazing, delicious and simple.
I’m just doing my part to spread the chocolate love and help the sisters out! Try it.
Ingredients:
1 large coffee mug (MicroSafe)
4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
A small splash of vanilla extract
Instructions:
Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well.
Add the egg and mix thoroughly.
Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.
Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.
Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts.
The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!
Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.
EAT ! (This can serve 2 if you want to but no one has to know but us-I won’t tell if you won’t!).
What's For Dinner, Mommy?
Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti
•1 lb. spaghetti, fully cooked and drained
•1 – 1 1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
•salt & pepper, to taste
•2 c. chicken stock
•8 oz. cream cheese
•1/4 c. hot sauce (more or less, depending on desired intensity. 1/4 c. will be mild to medium in flavor.)
•1 c. Ranch or Bleu cheese dressing
1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste. Place in a skillet with chicken stock, bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 15 – 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked. Remove chicken and reserve 1/2 c. cooking liquid.
2. In a saucepan, combine the cream cheese, hot sauce and reserved cooking liquid. Cook over medium-low heat until the cream cheese is completely melted. While the sauce is cooking, shred or cube the cooked chicken.
3. Add the dressing and chicken to the saucepan, stir to combine, and then toss with the cooked spaghetti.
I tasted this right after I made it and noticed that the heat increased a little after it had been sitting in the refrigerator for a few hours. So if you are making this ahead of time, you might want to keep that in mind.
•1 lb. spaghetti, fully cooked and drained
•1 – 1 1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
•salt & pepper, to taste
•2 c. chicken stock
•8 oz. cream cheese
•1/4 c. hot sauce (more or less, depending on desired intensity. 1/4 c. will be mild to medium in flavor.)
•1 c. Ranch or Bleu cheese dressing
1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste. Place in a skillet with chicken stock, bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 15 – 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked. Remove chicken and reserve 1/2 c. cooking liquid.
2. In a saucepan, combine the cream cheese, hot sauce and reserved cooking liquid. Cook over medium-low heat until the cream cheese is completely melted. While the sauce is cooking, shred or cube the cooked chicken.
3. Add the dressing and chicken to the saucepan, stir to combine, and then toss with the cooked spaghetti.
I tasted this right after I made it and noticed that the heat increased a little after it had been sitting in the refrigerator for a few hours. So if you are making this ahead of time, you might want to keep that in mind.
Coffee and Chat
Looking ahead to the Mommies' Night Out at Starbucks, here are a few recipes to get us through the week until Friday night.
Just Like Starbucks Molasses Cookies
•3/4 c. butter or margarine
•1 c. brown sugar
•1 egg
•1/3 c. blackstrap molasses (or 1/2 c. plain molasses)
•2 1/2 c. flour (You can use any combination white/whole wheat flour)
•2 t. baking soda
•1 t. cinnamon
•1/2 t. salt
•1/2 t. nutmeg
•1/2 t. ginger
•For rolling dough – 1/2 c. white sugar
1. Cream the butter or margarine and brown sugar together until fluffy. Add the egg and molasses and beat for an additional minute.
2. In a small bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Sift or stir with a fork or whisk for 30 seconds.
3. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined. Cover dough and refrigerate for 1 – 2 hours, until firm.
4. Roll heaping tablespoons of dough into a ball, then roll through white sugar. Place on lightly greased cookie sheets and bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes.
This process will result in light, cake-like cookies. If you prefer crispier cookies, flatten the sugar-coated balls of dough slightly with your palm or the bottom of a glass.
Pumpkin Spice Latte
•1/4 c. pumpkin puree
•1/4 c. sugar
•1 t. cinnamon
•1/4 t. nutmeg
•A pinch of both allspice and ginger
•1/2 c. milk or cream
•1 c. strong coffee (I brewed 4 cups of coffee using 7 scoops of ground coffee)
•Whipped cream for garnish, optional
1. In a small bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and ginger.
2. Add 1-2 tablespoons to the bottom of a coffee mug. Add 1/4 c. milk or cream and stir to combine. Top off with about a half cup of coffee, or until mug is filled. Garnish with whipped cream, if desired.
This is enough for two regular coffee-mug sized pumpkin spice lattes.
Just Like Starbucks Molasses Cookies
•3/4 c. butter or margarine
•1 c. brown sugar
•1 egg
•1/3 c. blackstrap molasses (or 1/2 c. plain molasses)
•2 1/2 c. flour (You can use any combination white/whole wheat flour)
•2 t. baking soda
•1 t. cinnamon
•1/2 t. salt
•1/2 t. nutmeg
•1/2 t. ginger
•For rolling dough – 1/2 c. white sugar
1. Cream the butter or margarine and brown sugar together until fluffy. Add the egg and molasses and beat for an additional minute.
2. In a small bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Sift or stir with a fork or whisk for 30 seconds.
3. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined. Cover dough and refrigerate for 1 – 2 hours, until firm.
4. Roll heaping tablespoons of dough into a ball, then roll through white sugar. Place on lightly greased cookie sheets and bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes.
This process will result in light, cake-like cookies. If you prefer crispier cookies, flatten the sugar-coated balls of dough slightly with your palm or the bottom of a glass.
Pumpkin Spice Latte
•1/4 c. pumpkin puree
•1/4 c. sugar
•1 t. cinnamon
•1/4 t. nutmeg
•A pinch of both allspice and ginger
•1/2 c. milk or cream
•1 c. strong coffee (I brewed 4 cups of coffee using 7 scoops of ground coffee)
•Whipped cream for garnish, optional
1. In a small bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and ginger.
2. Add 1-2 tablespoons to the bottom of a coffee mug. Add 1/4 c. milk or cream and stir to combine. Top off with about a half cup of coffee, or until mug is filled. Garnish with whipped cream, if desired.
This is enough for two regular coffee-mug sized pumpkin spice lattes.
Parenting Tips
Be Careful How You Handle Your Child's Pain
When children get hurt they need love and compassion. They need to know that they can come to Mom or Dad for comfort. But sometimes parents, in an attempt to show love to their children, end up compensating for the pain by withholding discipline.
When children experience pain or disappointment, they often become self-focused. That can be normal and healthy so that they seek help. However, some children overdo it and become demanding and even hurtful. Parents sometimes don't know how to respond. On the one hand they would normally discipline for this kind of behavior, but on the other hand, they want to be sensitive to the child and not heap on any more pain.
Jimmy doesn't get picked for a project at school and because he is disappointed, he starts treating his mom unkindly. Charissa sprains her ankle in soccer and becomes demanding, ordering people around to serve her. Children in these kinds of situations need comfort but they also need firm discipline to deal with the way they're relating to others.
This reminds me (Joanne) of what happens in the hospital with children who are seriously ill or who have been sick for a long time. Sometimes parents spoil their kids. They say to themselves, "This child has been through so much, I just can't discipline him." And that parent gives and gives and overlooks and overlooks and the child becomes more and more demanding and unhappy. That's not productive and it contributes to unhappy, unhealthy kids.
Remember that love doesn't just give but it also sets limits so that others can grow. When your child is feeling hurt or disappointed, empathize with and comfort your child. Comfort is important, but don't allow your child to be demanding or manipulative in the process. Point out the unacceptable behaviors and encourage a more helpful response such as gratefulness and peace.
This week's tip is from the CD series called Single Parenting: Bringing hope and practical help to single, blended, and reconstructed families by Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.
When children get hurt they need love and compassion. They need to know that they can come to Mom or Dad for comfort. But sometimes parents, in an attempt to show love to their children, end up compensating for the pain by withholding discipline.
When children experience pain or disappointment, they often become self-focused. That can be normal and healthy so that they seek help. However, some children overdo it and become demanding and even hurtful. Parents sometimes don't know how to respond. On the one hand they would normally discipline for this kind of behavior, but on the other hand, they want to be sensitive to the child and not heap on any more pain.
Jimmy doesn't get picked for a project at school and because he is disappointed, he starts treating his mom unkindly. Charissa sprains her ankle in soccer and becomes demanding, ordering people around to serve her. Children in these kinds of situations need comfort but they also need firm discipline to deal with the way they're relating to others.
This reminds me (Joanne) of what happens in the hospital with children who are seriously ill or who have been sick for a long time. Sometimes parents spoil their kids. They say to themselves, "This child has been through so much, I just can't discipline him." And that parent gives and gives and overlooks and overlooks and the child becomes more and more demanding and unhappy. That's not productive and it contributes to unhappy, unhealthy kids.
Remember that love doesn't just give but it also sets limits so that others can grow. When your child is feeling hurt or disappointed, empathize with and comfort your child. Comfort is important, but don't allow your child to be demanding or manipulative in the process. Point out the unacceptable behaviors and encourage a more helpful response such as gratefulness and peace.
This week's tip is from the CD series called Single Parenting: Bringing hope and practical help to single, blended, and reconstructed families by Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.
A Mom's Prayer
Let the words of my mouth be acceptable to you, O Lord.
A mom's words carry a great deal of power. How many times have our words calmed and soothed a baby's or child's cries? Words of affirmation bring smiles and beams of pride from our little ones. How often an "I love you" or "I am proud of you" feels a home with the warm feeling of acceptance and security. A mom's urgent and firm voice can bring to end misbehavior or stop a child in the middle of a dangerous or inappropriate act. However, words with sarcasm, irritation, and anger can crumple their spirits so quickly. It is important to remember that it isn't just the actual words that can build up and destroy but also the tone in which they are said and the body language that accompanies those words. If we can begin each day with this prayer, we may spare our loved ones from pain and ourselves from the bitter regret. Enjoy Jennifer's prayer- make it your own.
Remember to turn down the playlist below.
A mom's words carry a great deal of power. How many times have our words calmed and soothed a baby's or child's cries? Words of affirmation bring smiles and beams of pride from our little ones. How often an "I love you" or "I am proud of you" feels a home with the warm feeling of acceptance and security. A mom's urgent and firm voice can bring to end misbehavior or stop a child in the middle of a dangerous or inappropriate act. However, words with sarcasm, irritation, and anger can crumple their spirits so quickly. It is important to remember that it isn't just the actual words that can build up and destroy but also the tone in which they are said and the body language that accompanies those words. If we can begin each day with this prayer, we may spare our loved ones from pain and ourselves from the bitter regret. Enjoy Jennifer's prayer- make it your own.
Remember to turn down the playlist below.
Alien or Girl Called MOMMY!! ?
As the holidays swing into high gear and the little ones seemingly lose their minds with the excitement of the fat red-clad man's visit, we are going to need a little mommy up lifting. Jennifer is a sweet inspiration to me. Her story is wonderful- having been blinded in her childhood and now able to see again. She shares this funny story with us moms who count ourselves lucky to just have combed hair for the day. Grab some coffee and turn down the playlist below and enjoy!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Parenting Tips
Be Careful with Triangles
Triangles in relationships happen often in family life. Conflict between two people can become an invitation for another person to join in. If parents aren't careful, and create triangles inappropriately, people get hurt. But if triangles are used properly, they become great opportunities for healing and learning. Here are some examples to watch out for:
• A child who is unhappy with Dad's discipline may go to Mom and try to get her to overrule a decision.
• A dad may criticize the way Mom is handling a situation.
• A child may go to Dad with a proposal to get around Mom's instructions.
• A teen may get angry with Mom for the way she’s treating his brother.
• One child may tattle on another.
Each of these situations represents an opportunity. Some advice suggests that triangles are always wrong and warn not to get involved. We don't believe that's the answer. Rather we suggest you triangle in as a counselor or coach instead of a critic.
When you decide to triangle into a relationship, be careful. You may be right, but being right is not enough. You also need to be wise. Be careful about taking sides and creating more division in the strained relationship. Instead, look for ways to bring healing.
The key is to focus on the issues of the person who comes to you. When Billy tattles on his brother by saying, "Mom, Sam left the light on again," take time to talk to Billy about how he should handle the situation. Maybe the right thing is for Billy to go turn it off. Your role in the situation is important because you work with the problem from the perspective of the person who comes to you. Invariably, that person needs help and guidance to know how to respond to the challenge.
Triangles are opportunities for people to learn and grow. Identify them and take advantage of them, but be careful not to get sucked into the conflict in unhealthy ways.
For more practical ideas on developing honor in your family consider the book Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes, in You and Your Kids by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.
Triangles in relationships happen often in family life. Conflict between two people can become an invitation for another person to join in. If parents aren't careful, and create triangles inappropriately, people get hurt. But if triangles are used properly, they become great opportunities for healing and learning. Here are some examples to watch out for:
• A child who is unhappy with Dad's discipline may go to Mom and try to get her to overrule a decision.
• A dad may criticize the way Mom is handling a situation.
• A child may go to Dad with a proposal to get around Mom's instructions.
• A teen may get angry with Mom for the way she’s treating his brother.
• One child may tattle on another.
Each of these situations represents an opportunity. Some advice suggests that triangles are always wrong and warn not to get involved. We don't believe that's the answer. Rather we suggest you triangle in as a counselor or coach instead of a critic.
When you decide to triangle into a relationship, be careful. You may be right, but being right is not enough. You also need to be wise. Be careful about taking sides and creating more division in the strained relationship. Instead, look for ways to bring healing.
The key is to focus on the issues of the person who comes to you. When Billy tattles on his brother by saying, "Mom, Sam left the light on again," take time to talk to Billy about how he should handle the situation. Maybe the right thing is for Billy to go turn it off. Your role in the situation is important because you work with the problem from the perspective of the person who comes to you. Invariably, that person needs help and guidance to know how to respond to the challenge.
Triangles are opportunities for people to learn and grow. Identify them and take advantage of them, but be careful not to get sucked into the conflict in unhealthy ways.
For more practical ideas on developing honor in your family consider the book Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes, in You and Your Kids by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.
What's For Dinner, Mommy?
Setting the table for a crowd can be daunting. Here are some recipes to carry you from the morning to the evening meal. Enjoy the time with family around the dinner table. What a blessing!
Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients
2 10-oz. packages frozen, chopped Broccoli
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup pure mayonnaise
2 eggs well beaten
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sliced almonds
salt and pepper to taste
2 packages of Ritz crackers
Directions
Defrost/thaw Chopped broccoli
Mix together in large bowl: broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, eggs, cheese, almonds, salt and pepper.
Butter a 9x13 casserole baking dish and pour mixture into dish.
Crush the Ritz crackers in a zip lock bag, then pour over top of broccoli mixture
Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
INGREDIENTS
• 8 medium russet potatoes (about 4 pounds)
• 1 head peeled garlic cloves (about 15)
• Coarse salt
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), cut into small pieces
DIRECTIONS
1.Peel potatoes and quarter lengthwise; cut crosswise 1/2 inch thick. In a 5-quart saucepan, combine potatoes and garlic cloves; cover with water (about 8 cups) by 1 inch. Add 1 tablespoon salt.
2.Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer until potatoes are easily pierced with the tip of a paring knife, 25 to 30 minutes.
3.Drain; return garlic and potatoes to pan. Stir over medium-high heat until dry, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
4.In a small saucepan, bring milk to a boil; pour over potatoes. Add butter and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mash until smooth and creamy.
Green Beans with Almonds
Ingredients
2 bags/pkgs Frozen whole green beans
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/4 cup butter
Season salt to taste
Directions
Place green beans in glass container and de-frost in microwave.
Toss in almonds and melted butter.
Cook at 350 degrees for 30 minutes until hot and tender. (do not over cook)
Fall Harvest Salad
Ingredients
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 bunch watercress, stems removed (about 4 cups loosely packed)
1 bunch arugula
1 pear, thinly sliced
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped toasted hazelenuts
1/2 cup Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
Directions:
1.Preheat oven to 400°. Line jelly-roll pan with aluminum foil, then spray with nonstick cooking spray.
2.Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon shredded Parmesan cheese to form a 3-inch circle on prepared pan. Repeat with remaining cheese to make 7 more circles. Bake 5 minutes or until golden around edges; cool.
3.Arrange watercress and arugula on serving platter. Top with pear, cranberries and hazelnuts. Just before serving, drizzle with Wish-Bone® Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing, then top each salad with two Parmesan crisps.
TIP: Add grilled turkey cutlets by coating 1 lb. turkey cutlets with 2 tablespoons of the Dressing and grilling or broiling until turkey is thoroughly cooked. Serve over salad.
BREAKFAST CASSEROLE
Ingredients:
12-14 eggs
1 1/2 cup milk
8 slices bread
1 lb. sausage, browned and drained
1/2 bag frozen hash browns
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Directions:
1. Spray 9 x 3 glass baking pan and set aside. Tear bread into pieces, and toss in pan. Sprinkle cooked sausage on top and 1/2 of the cheese.
2. Pour hash browns over top of bread mixture in pan.
3. In separate mixing bowl, combine eggs and milk and mix until blended well. Pour over bread mixture in pan evenly. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
4. Either cover and set in fridge overnight, or bake immediately.
5. Bake uncovered at 375 for 30-45 minutes until solid and golden on top.
CHOCOLATE CHIP MUFFINS
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup white sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
1 egg, beaten
3/4 cup milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
Topping:
3 tablespoons white sugar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease 12 muffin cups or line with paper muffin liners.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder, salt and chocolate chips. Add egg, milk and oil; stir just until batter is moistened. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups, filling about 3/4 full.
3. In a small bowl, stir together 3 tablespoons white sugar and 2 tablespoons brown sugar. Sprinkle sugar mixture over muffins.
4. Bake in preheated for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden brown. Remove immediately from pan.
Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients
2 10-oz. packages frozen, chopped Broccoli
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup pure mayonnaise
2 eggs well beaten
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sliced almonds
salt and pepper to taste
2 packages of Ritz crackers
Directions
Defrost/thaw Chopped broccoli
Mix together in large bowl: broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, eggs, cheese, almonds, salt and pepper.
Butter a 9x13 casserole baking dish and pour mixture into dish.
Crush the Ritz crackers in a zip lock bag, then pour over top of broccoli mixture
Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
INGREDIENTS
• 8 medium russet potatoes (about 4 pounds)
• 1 head peeled garlic cloves (about 15)
• Coarse salt
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), cut into small pieces
DIRECTIONS
1.Peel potatoes and quarter lengthwise; cut crosswise 1/2 inch thick. In a 5-quart saucepan, combine potatoes and garlic cloves; cover with water (about 8 cups) by 1 inch. Add 1 tablespoon salt.
2.Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer until potatoes are easily pierced with the tip of a paring knife, 25 to 30 minutes.
3.Drain; return garlic and potatoes to pan. Stir over medium-high heat until dry, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
4.In a small saucepan, bring milk to a boil; pour over potatoes. Add butter and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mash until smooth and creamy.
Green Beans with Almonds
Ingredients
2 bags/pkgs Frozen whole green beans
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/4 cup butter
Season salt to taste
Directions
Place green beans in glass container and de-frost in microwave.
Toss in almonds and melted butter.
Cook at 350 degrees for 30 minutes until hot and tender. (do not over cook)
Fall Harvest Salad
Ingredients
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 bunch watercress, stems removed (about 4 cups loosely packed)
1 bunch arugula
1 pear, thinly sliced
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped toasted hazelenuts
1/2 cup Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
Directions:
1.Preheat oven to 400°. Line jelly-roll pan with aluminum foil, then spray with nonstick cooking spray.
2.Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon shredded Parmesan cheese to form a 3-inch circle on prepared pan. Repeat with remaining cheese to make 7 more circles. Bake 5 minutes or until golden around edges; cool.
3.Arrange watercress and arugula on serving platter. Top with pear, cranberries and hazelnuts. Just before serving, drizzle with Wish-Bone® Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing, then top each salad with two Parmesan crisps.
TIP: Add grilled turkey cutlets by coating 1 lb. turkey cutlets with 2 tablespoons of the Dressing and grilling or broiling until turkey is thoroughly cooked. Serve over salad.
BREAKFAST CASSEROLE
Ingredients:
12-14 eggs
1 1/2 cup milk
8 slices bread
1 lb. sausage, browned and drained
1/2 bag frozen hash browns
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Directions:
1. Spray 9 x 3 glass baking pan and set aside. Tear bread into pieces, and toss in pan. Sprinkle cooked sausage on top and 1/2 of the cheese.
2. Pour hash browns over top of bread mixture in pan.
3. In separate mixing bowl, combine eggs and milk and mix until blended well. Pour over bread mixture in pan evenly. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
4. Either cover and set in fridge overnight, or bake immediately.
5. Bake uncovered at 375 for 30-45 minutes until solid and golden on top.
CHOCOLATE CHIP MUFFINS
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup white sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
1 egg, beaten
3/4 cup milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
Topping:
3 tablespoons white sugar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease 12 muffin cups or line with paper muffin liners.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder, salt and chocolate chips. Add egg, milk and oil; stir just until batter is moistened. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups, filling about 3/4 full.
3. In a small bowl, stir together 3 tablespoons white sugar and 2 tablespoons brown sugar. Sprinkle sugar mixture over muffins.
4. Bake in preheated for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden brown. Remove immediately from pan.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Train Up a Child
What is diligence?
What does diligence mean? Diligence means to be hard-working, staying with a job till it's finished, not quitting. The opposite is to be lazy, negligent, or not caring.
Pick a big task and work together (rake the leaves, organize a closet, clean out the garage, etc.) When the task is finished, go out for a special treat and ask:
How does it feel to finish a big job like that?
There is joy in staying with a job until it is done and seeing the end result!
Chores = Fun?
One good way to teach kids about diligence is a chore chart. Decide on a few chores that are age appropriate and make a weekly chart. When the child completes the chore, a star or sticker can be added. Acknowledge their diligence with praise or a special reward (playing a game, staying up later at bedtime, etc.)
Keep On Keeping On!
For young children, use familiar stories (The Tortoise and the Hare) or songs to teach diligence.
For example: The Itsy Bitsy Spider song
The Itsy Bitsy Spider
Went up the waterspout,
Down came the rain
And washed the spider out.
Out came the sun and dried up all the rain,
And the Itsy Bitsy Spider went up the spout
AGAIN!
The spider didn't give up when the web was washed away. It went up the spout and built another web. Being diligent means you keep at it. Don't give up or quit even if gets hard.
What does diligence mean? Diligence means to be hard-working, staying with a job till it's finished, not quitting. The opposite is to be lazy, negligent, or not caring.
Pick a big task and work together (rake the leaves, organize a closet, clean out the garage, etc.) When the task is finished, go out for a special treat and ask:
How does it feel to finish a big job like that?
There is joy in staying with a job until it is done and seeing the end result!
Chores = Fun?
One good way to teach kids about diligence is a chore chart. Decide on a few chores that are age appropriate and make a weekly chart. When the child completes the chore, a star or sticker can be added. Acknowledge their diligence with praise or a special reward (playing a game, staying up later at bedtime, etc.)
Keep On Keeping On!
For young children, use familiar stories (The Tortoise and the Hare) or songs to teach diligence.
For example: The Itsy Bitsy Spider song
The Itsy Bitsy Spider
Went up the waterspout,
Down came the rain
And washed the spider out.
Out came the sun and dried up all the rain,
And the Itsy Bitsy Spider went up the spout
AGAIN!
The spider didn't give up when the web was washed away. It went up the spout and built another web. Being diligent means you keep at it. Don't give up or quit even if gets hard.
Gratituesday
We are celebrating a season that allows us to focus on and intentionally give thanks for people and things in our lives. It is a great time of year to teach kids to be content and thankful for their material belongings, the people that they love and for thier health and abilities. While this holiday season is focusing on gratitude, gratitude wears well in any season. Here are a few more thoughts to ponder...
"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." --John F. Kennedy
"What we're really talking about is a wonderful day set aside on the fourth Thursday of November when no one diets. I mean, why else would they call it Thanksgiving?" --Erma Bombeck (Sorry, that one just slipped in!)
"Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." --Anonymous
"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." --John F. Kennedy
"What we're really talking about is a wonderful day set aside on the fourth Thursday of November when no one diets. I mean, why else would they call it Thanksgiving?" --Erma Bombeck (Sorry, that one just slipped in!)
"Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." --Anonymous
Parenting Tips
A Lesson in Honor
Honor changes kids, but sometimes it's hard to communicate its importance to children. One way that you can teach honor is by modeling it as you extend hospitality to others.
We live in a compartmentalized society. Many of the entertainment options today decrease interaction between people and leave them feeling lonely. It's an honor to be invited over for dinner or for an evening of games and activities.
Opening your home is an excellent way to extend grace and honor to others and it's good for your kids. Talk with your children about who you're going to invite and why. Plan the evening together and talk about how you'll treat your guests as special. Afterwards, talk about how things went and emphasize the positive things that happened and how you all worked together to show honor to others.
1 Peter 4:9 gives an interesting command to believers. "Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling." Use that verse before, during, and after to help your children understand the benefits of honoring others.
So, who can you invite over this week? Not only will you bless others, but also you'll be blessed yourself. And your kids are always watching and learning.
For more practical ideas on developing honor in your family consider the book Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes, in You and Your Kids by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.
Honor changes kids, but sometimes it's hard to communicate its importance to children. One way that you can teach honor is by modeling it as you extend hospitality to others.
We live in a compartmentalized society. Many of the entertainment options today decrease interaction between people and leave them feeling lonely. It's an honor to be invited over for dinner or for an evening of games and activities.
Opening your home is an excellent way to extend grace and honor to others and it's good for your kids. Talk with your children about who you're going to invite and why. Plan the evening together and talk about how you'll treat your guests as special. Afterwards, talk about how things went and emphasize the positive things that happened and how you all worked together to show honor to others.
1 Peter 4:9 gives an interesting command to believers. "Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling." Use that verse before, during, and after to help your children understand the benefits of honoring others.
So, who can you invite over this week? Not only will you bless others, but also you'll be blessed yourself. And your kids are always watching and learning.
For more practical ideas on developing honor in your family consider the book Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes, in You and Your Kids by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.
A Mom's Prayer
Give Thanks in All Circumstances
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Give thanks in all circumstances! Have you ever struggled with that passage? Here we are in the month of November. Thanksgiving is less than a week away. We've started preparing for our celebrations by planning menus, sending invitations, designing tablescapes, making shopping lists….
It's easier to think about being thankful at this time of the year. It's expected! It's what we do! Or maybe not, maybe your income has been cut or lost in the past year, maybe you or someone you love is fighting a serious illness, maybe depression is a constant companion, maybe you will be alone for the first time this year, or maybe you are grieving the loss of a loved one. The list could go on and on.
Paul wrote to the people of Thessalonica that it is "God's will that they would give thanks in all circumstances." That's a hard passage! Do you think he was telling us that God wants us to thank Him even when we don't feel like it.
I do, but I'll admit that thanksgiving doesn't always come easily? How can we be always joyful, constantly praying, and continuously thankful? Trust in God!
Let's look some passages that encourage us to trust God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. John 14:1
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
When I am afraid, I will trust in you. Psalm 56:3
My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:7-8
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
Trust in our Lord, brings hope, and hope makes thanksgiving in all circumstances possible. Trust and hope that God is able to take our current situations and work them for our good and His glory. May your Thanksgiving celebration be prepared with hope and celebrated with praise!
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Give thanks in all circumstances! Have you ever struggled with that passage? Here we are in the month of November. Thanksgiving is less than a week away. We've started preparing for our celebrations by planning menus, sending invitations, designing tablescapes, making shopping lists….
It's easier to think about being thankful at this time of the year. It's expected! It's what we do! Or maybe not, maybe your income has been cut or lost in the past year, maybe you or someone you love is fighting a serious illness, maybe depression is a constant companion, maybe you will be alone for the first time this year, or maybe you are grieving the loss of a loved one. The list could go on and on.
Paul wrote to the people of Thessalonica that it is "God's will that they would give thanks in all circumstances." That's a hard passage! Do you think he was telling us that God wants us to thank Him even when we don't feel like it.
I do, but I'll admit that thanksgiving doesn't always come easily? How can we be always joyful, constantly praying, and continuously thankful? Trust in God!
Let's look some passages that encourage us to trust God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. John 14:1
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
When I am afraid, I will trust in you. Psalm 56:3
My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:7-8
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
Trust in our Lord, brings hope, and hope makes thanksgiving in all circumstances possible. Trust and hope that God is able to take our current situations and work them for our good and His glory. May your Thanksgiving celebration be prepared with hope and celebrated with praise!
Just Desserts
Mississippi Mud Bars
Sheet cake:
2 1/2 T butter
2 1/2 T. water
1 1/4 C. sugar
1/2 C. Egg Beaters
1 t. vanilla
1 C. unbleached or all-purpose flour
1/3 C. cocoa powder
1/4 t. baking powder
1/4 t. salt
3 1/4 C. mini-marshmallows
1/2 C. coarsely chopped pecans (optional)
GLAZE:
2 C. powdered sugar
1/3 C. cocoa powder
1 t. vanilla
1/4 C. skim milk
2 T. butter
To make sheet cake, melt 2 1/2 T. butter and mix with water, sugar, vanilla and Egg Beaters in a large bowl. In another bowl, combine dry ingredients for sheet cake except marshmallows (and nuts if you are using them). Combine. Pour in a 9 X 13 inch pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Bake at 325 degrees for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle on marshmallows and nuts (if desired). Bake 3 minutes longer. Remove from oven and drizzle with glaze. For glaze: combine sugar and cocoa powder. In a sauce pan, melt butter on low. Remover from heat. Add milk and then add dry sugar/cocoa mixture. Stir in vanilla. Drizzle on top of sheet cake. Cool and cut into 18 squares.
BAR QUEEN CARAMEL DREAMS
Mix the following:
1 1/2 cup flour
1 1/2 cup oatmeal
1 1/4 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp salt
1 1/4 cup melted butter
Mix and press 3/4 of mixture into 9 x 13 pan. Bake this for 12 minutes at 350 degrees. Remove from oven until caramel mixture is ready.
1 bag individually wrapped kraft caramels. (the unwrapping is a pain, but worth it! Good job for the kids!)
3 tablespoons milk or cream
3 tablespoons butter
Microwave 50 seconds at a time until melted and smooth. (Some people just use a jar of caramel sauce, but I have never done that!)
Pour melted caramel mixture over baked mixture. Sprinkle with 6 oz bag of chocolate chips. Drop balance of crumb mixture evenly over the top.
Bake another 12 - 14 minutes at 350 degrees.
Sheet cake:
2 1/2 T butter
2 1/2 T. water
1 1/4 C. sugar
1/2 C. Egg Beaters
1 t. vanilla
1 C. unbleached or all-purpose flour
1/3 C. cocoa powder
1/4 t. baking powder
1/4 t. salt
3 1/4 C. mini-marshmallows
1/2 C. coarsely chopped pecans (optional)
GLAZE:
2 C. powdered sugar
1/3 C. cocoa powder
1 t. vanilla
1/4 C. skim milk
2 T. butter
To make sheet cake, melt 2 1/2 T. butter and mix with water, sugar, vanilla and Egg Beaters in a large bowl. In another bowl, combine dry ingredients for sheet cake except marshmallows (and nuts if you are using them). Combine. Pour in a 9 X 13 inch pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Bake at 325 degrees for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle on marshmallows and nuts (if desired). Bake 3 minutes longer. Remove from oven and drizzle with glaze. For glaze: combine sugar and cocoa powder. In a sauce pan, melt butter on low. Remover from heat. Add milk and then add dry sugar/cocoa mixture. Stir in vanilla. Drizzle on top of sheet cake. Cool and cut into 18 squares.
BAR QUEEN CARAMEL DREAMS
Mix the following:
1 1/2 cup flour
1 1/2 cup oatmeal
1 1/4 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp salt
1 1/4 cup melted butter
Mix and press 3/4 of mixture into 9 x 13 pan. Bake this for 12 minutes at 350 degrees. Remove from oven until caramel mixture is ready.
1 bag individually wrapped kraft caramels. (the unwrapping is a pain, but worth it! Good job for the kids!)
3 tablespoons milk or cream
3 tablespoons butter
Microwave 50 seconds at a time until melted and smooth. (Some people just use a jar of caramel sauce, but I have never done that!)
Pour melted caramel mixture over baked mixture. Sprinkle with 6 oz bag of chocolate chips. Drop balance of crumb mixture evenly over the top.
Bake another 12 - 14 minutes at 350 degrees.
What's For Dinner, Mommy?
The holidays are upon us. After all of the yummy turkey and dressing, we will be ready for something a little different on the table. Here are a few recipes to put on the menu plan for the next few weeks.
Raspberry-Mint Tea
One frozen raspberry-white grape juice concentrate, thawed
6 Herb Mint tea bags (peppermint or spearmint)
1 1/2 C. sugar or more or less to taste (or Splenda or Stevia equivalent)
Boil 6 C. water. Pour over tea bags and sugar and let steep for 15-20 minutes. Remove tea bags. Combine tea mixture with juice concentrate in a glass pitcher. Add ice to top. Garnish with fresh mint springs.
Black Bean Soup
4 Tbsp. butter
1/3 c. onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 c. flour
salt and pepper to taste
1 can chicken broth
1 can corn, drained
1 can black beans, drained
1 c. cooked chicken, cubed
1 c. shredded cheese (I used Mexican Blend)
4 oz. sour cream (about 1/2 c.)
1 c. milk
2 pieces bacon, cooked and crumbled
Melt butter in a sauce pan. Add onion and garlic and saute until onion is tender. Stir in flour until combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Slowly whisk in chicken broth. Stir in corn, beans, chicken and cheese. Add sour cream and milk. Cook until heated through - stir in bacon crumbles and serve! We had ours with grilled cheese on homemade bread - yummy!
Serves 2 adults and 3 children for 2 meals!
Monte Cristo Sandwiches
Ingredients:
1 quart oil for frying, or as needed
2/3 cup water
1 egg
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt 8 slices white bread
4 slices Swiss cheese
4 slices turkey
4 slices ham
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar for dusting
Directions:
1. Heat 5 inches of oil in a deep-fryer to 365 degrees F (180 degrees C). While oil is heating, make the batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Combine the flour, baking powder, salt and pepper; whisk into the egg mixture until smooth. Set aside in the refrigerator.
2. Assemble sandwiches by placing one slice of turkey on one slice of bread, a slice of ham on another, then sandwich them with the Swiss cheese in the middle. Cut sandwiches into quarters, and secure with toothpicks.
3. Dip each sandwich quarter in the batter so that all sides are coated. Deep fry in the hot oil until golden brown on all sides. Remove toothpicks and arrange on a serving tray. Dust with confectioners' sugar just before serving.
Mango Chutney Cheese Ball
INGREDIENTS:
11 ounces cream cheese, at room
temperature
1 cup golden raisins
1 (2.1 ounce) package cooked bacon, diced 1 bunch green onions, chopped
3 tablespoons sour cream
1 (9 ounce) jar mango chutney
DIRECTIONS:
1. In a medium bowl, stir together the cream cheese, raisins, bacon, green onions and sour cream. Form into a ball, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight before serving.
2. To serve, place the cheese ball on a serving tray, and pour the mango chutney over it. Surround with crackers for dipping.
Chili Cheese Snacks
INGREDIENTS:
2 (3 ounce) packages cream cheese,
softened
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped green chilies 1/4 cup chopped ripe olives, drained
2 teaspoons dried minced onion
1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
2 (8 ounce) cans refrigerated crescent rolls
DIRECTIONS:
1. In a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese. Add the cheddar cheese, chilies, olives, onion and hot pepper sauce. Separate each tube of crescent dough into four rectangles; press perforations to seal.
2. Spread cheese mixture over dough. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a long side. Cut each roll into 10 slices; place on greased baking sheets. Bake at 400 degrees F for 8-10 minutes.
Family Style French Toast
INGREDIENTS:
2/3 cup packed brown sugar ½ cup butter, melted
2 tsp. ground cinnamon 6-8 eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups milk 1 loaf Texas toast bread
Jelly-Roll Pan
DIRECTIONS:
Combine brown sugar and cinnamon. Spread evenly over the bottom of a greased jelly roll pan. Drizzle melted butter over top of the sugar mixture. Combine milk and eggs in mixing bowl. Dip each slice of bread in and soak, then lay on top of sugar mixture in single layer of entire pan. Pour any remaining egg mixture over top of slices. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Raspberry-Mint Tea
One frozen raspberry-white grape juice concentrate, thawed
6 Herb Mint tea bags (peppermint or spearmint)
1 1/2 C. sugar or more or less to taste (or Splenda or Stevia equivalent)
Boil 6 C. water. Pour over tea bags and sugar and let steep for 15-20 minutes. Remove tea bags. Combine tea mixture with juice concentrate in a glass pitcher. Add ice to top. Garnish with fresh mint springs.
Black Bean Soup
4 Tbsp. butter
1/3 c. onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 c. flour
salt and pepper to taste
1 can chicken broth
1 can corn, drained
1 can black beans, drained
1 c. cooked chicken, cubed
1 c. shredded cheese (I used Mexican Blend)
4 oz. sour cream (about 1/2 c.)
1 c. milk
2 pieces bacon, cooked and crumbled
Melt butter in a sauce pan. Add onion and garlic and saute until onion is tender. Stir in flour until combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Slowly whisk in chicken broth. Stir in corn, beans, chicken and cheese. Add sour cream and milk. Cook until heated through - stir in bacon crumbles and serve! We had ours with grilled cheese on homemade bread - yummy!
Serves 2 adults and 3 children for 2 meals!
Monte Cristo Sandwiches
Ingredients:
1 quart oil for frying, or as needed
2/3 cup water
1 egg
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt 8 slices white bread
4 slices Swiss cheese
4 slices turkey
4 slices ham
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar for dusting
Directions:
1. Heat 5 inches of oil in a deep-fryer to 365 degrees F (180 degrees C). While oil is heating, make the batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Combine the flour, baking powder, salt and pepper; whisk into the egg mixture until smooth. Set aside in the refrigerator.
2. Assemble sandwiches by placing one slice of turkey on one slice of bread, a slice of ham on another, then sandwich them with the Swiss cheese in the middle. Cut sandwiches into quarters, and secure with toothpicks.
3. Dip each sandwich quarter in the batter so that all sides are coated. Deep fry in the hot oil until golden brown on all sides. Remove toothpicks and arrange on a serving tray. Dust with confectioners' sugar just before serving.
Mango Chutney Cheese Ball
INGREDIENTS:
11 ounces cream cheese, at room
temperature
1 cup golden raisins
1 (2.1 ounce) package cooked bacon, diced 1 bunch green onions, chopped
3 tablespoons sour cream
1 (9 ounce) jar mango chutney
DIRECTIONS:
1. In a medium bowl, stir together the cream cheese, raisins, bacon, green onions and sour cream. Form into a ball, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight before serving.
2. To serve, place the cheese ball on a serving tray, and pour the mango chutney over it. Surround with crackers for dipping.
Chili Cheese Snacks
INGREDIENTS:
2 (3 ounce) packages cream cheese,
softened
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped green chilies 1/4 cup chopped ripe olives, drained
2 teaspoons dried minced onion
1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
2 (8 ounce) cans refrigerated crescent rolls
DIRECTIONS:
1. In a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese. Add the cheddar cheese, chilies, olives, onion and hot pepper sauce. Separate each tube of crescent dough into four rectangles; press perforations to seal.
2. Spread cheese mixture over dough. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a long side. Cut each roll into 10 slices; place on greased baking sheets. Bake at 400 degrees F for 8-10 minutes.
Family Style French Toast
INGREDIENTS:
2/3 cup packed brown sugar ½ cup butter, melted
2 tsp. ground cinnamon 6-8 eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups milk 1 loaf Texas toast bread
Jelly-Roll Pan
DIRECTIONS:
Combine brown sugar and cinnamon. Spread evenly over the bottom of a greased jelly roll pan. Drizzle melted butter over top of the sugar mixture. Combine milk and eggs in mixing bowl. Dip each slice of bread in and soak, then lay on top of sugar mixture in single layer of entire pan. Pour any remaining egg mixture over top of slices. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Tips for Cold Season
As the weather turns cooler and we are more indoors then normal, colds are very likely. Some advice from a speech therapist concerning battling coughs and sore throats might ease the discomfort.
One thing that will likely help is a personal steamer. It's a lot like sitting over a boiling pot on the stove, but you don't have to lean over the stove. They are about $25 at most drug stores.
Next is this gargle:
8 oz hot water
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 Tbsp honey (or corn syrup)
Gargle it as much as you can stand it. It will help clean the infection out of your throat and coat it with a layer of moisture, which is what your throat really needs to beat the cough!
One final thing is a product by Vick's called Shower Soothers.
Of course, be diligent about washing and sanitizing hands and covering mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing followed by more hand washing.
One thing that will likely help is a personal steamer. It's a lot like sitting over a boiling pot on the stove, but you don't have to lean over the stove. They are about $25 at most drug stores.
Next is this gargle:
8 oz hot water
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 Tbsp honey (or corn syrup)
Gargle it as much as you can stand it. It will help clean the infection out of your throat and coat it with a layer of moisture, which is what your throat really needs to beat the cough!
One final thing is a product by Vick's called Shower Soothers.
Of course, be diligent about washing and sanitizing hands and covering mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing followed by more hand washing.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Parenting Tips
Teach Kids to Make Wise Decisions
Look for ways to coach your children to make their own decisions or to think about how decisions should be made. You may even want to encourage cooperative decision-making when a child comes to ask for something.
Cooperative decision-making teaches children valuable skills of negotiation, compromise, communication, and creating alternatives. Mutual honor is demonstrated in the midst of cooperation.
How might you respond to this question: "Mom, will you take me to the store right now?"
Would you say, "No, I'm busy" or "Okay, let's go"? Those might be simple answers to the request but why not turn this into a cooperative learning experience about how we make such decisions.
Try saying, "Why don't you tell me more. I'm working on something right now. Let's work this out together."
Sometimes we make the error of emphasizing parental authority and other times we simply try to please our children. Neither is wrong but we might miss a valuable teaching opportunity.
Problem solving and decision-making become the garden where honor flourishes because children learn that the process is just as important as the end result. You can help children consider the ramifications of a particular decision. You might ask, "How will your brother feel if you do that?" Or, "I'm wondering how your friend feels when you eat a cookie in front of him."
Every problem we solve and decision we make has potential to show honor. Don't just tell kids what to do - ask questions. Sometimes there's nothing actually wrong with our decisions, but can we be more honoring? Great lessons are taught through cooperative decision-making.
For more practical ideas on developing honor in your family consider the book Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes, in You and Your Kids by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.
Look for ways to coach your children to make their own decisions or to think about how decisions should be made. You may even want to encourage cooperative decision-making when a child comes to ask for something.
Cooperative decision-making teaches children valuable skills of negotiation, compromise, communication, and creating alternatives. Mutual honor is demonstrated in the midst of cooperation.
How might you respond to this question: "Mom, will you take me to the store right now?"
Would you say, "No, I'm busy" or "Okay, let's go"? Those might be simple answers to the request but why not turn this into a cooperative learning experience about how we make such decisions.
Try saying, "Why don't you tell me more. I'm working on something right now. Let's work this out together."
Sometimes we make the error of emphasizing parental authority and other times we simply try to please our children. Neither is wrong but we might miss a valuable teaching opportunity.
Problem solving and decision-making become the garden where honor flourishes because children learn that the process is just as important as the end result. You can help children consider the ramifications of a particular decision. You might ask, "How will your brother feel if you do that?" Or, "I'm wondering how your friend feels when you eat a cookie in front of him."
Every problem we solve and decision we make has potential to show honor. Don't just tell kids what to do - ask questions. Sometimes there's nothing actually wrong with our decisions, but can we be more honoring? Great lessons are taught through cooperative decision-making.
For more practical ideas on developing honor in your family consider the book Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes, in You and Your Kids by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.
Mommy Moment Musings
The Mommy Workout
How to get the spiritual bend back in your life.
By Carla Barnhill
I used to be able to do the splits—seriously—all the way to the floor, with a smile on my face. I was on the dance line in high school. While I was never a long, lean, leggy dancer, I was one bendy, high-kicking chubby girl. And now? Well, now I wake up in the morning barely able to touch my knees, much less my toes. Clearly, my dancing muscles have left the building.
Flexibility is one of those use-it-or-lose-it propositions. Once you stop stretching every day, you quickly lose the ability to stretch much at all.
It's certainly true of our muscles, but it's also true of our attitudes. When I was young and single and childless, I was pretty much up for anything.
If friends called on a Friday to see if I could head to the beach in an hour, I was in. If my roommate wanted to go out for ice cream at 11:30 p.m., no problem. If my job was eliminated and I needed to find something else, no big deal. Back then, I was bendy enough to move whichever way life seemed to take me. I didn't stress about it. I didn't worry about it. And I didn't really think about it.
Not anymore. Now I live in a near-constant state of overwhelmed-ness (a word I just coined because I'm too overwhelmed to figure out a real word that means the same thing). My response has been to become rigid, stiff, unyielding in my efforts to gain some kind of control over a life that sometimes seems like it's going to swallow me.
This seems to be one of motherhood's unspoken side effects. We want so much to create a wonderful, beautiful, painless life for our children that we close in on ourselves, pulling away from anything that seems like it might threaten the careful plans we have for our family. Instead of flexing our dreaming muscles, we stop using them because we believe they get in the way of the work we need to do. Instead of reaching toward a more complete version of ourselves, we sit back and watch our children reach and stretch and grow. In short, we stop moving forward and let ourselves atrophy in the name of good parenting.
So often, I talk to moms who poured so much of themselves into their children that they've forgotten what it's like to have plans and dreams and hopes of their own. Believe me, I have a preschooler at home, and I barely have the brain space to remember to make my dentist appointment, much less the time and energy to think big thoughts about what I want out of life. But I also have a 7-year-old and an 11-year-old who are developing busy lives of their own. I know the day is coming—sooner than I care to think—when parenthood will take on a different kind of intensity. I won't be so exhausted all the time, and I'll have the time and the mental space for new ideas. When that day comes, I don't want my dreaming muscles to have withered away.
The beauty of motherhood is that it doesn't have to shrivel my dreams or my growth as God's child. Instead, motherhood actually can be a kind of spiritual Pilates that works my core and whittles away the fat of selfishness that marked the dreams of my childless days.
I'm not the same person I was before I became a mother. My life is much deeper, much richer than it was then.
Not long ago, I talked about this whole dream business with a friend who's in her late 20s. I told her I loved being her age, and I loved having all those great dreams for my life. But I went on to tell her recently I'd been struggling to figure out what my dreams are now. "I used to want to travel the world and have all these great adventures," I told her. "Now I realize those things probably aren't going to happen. I wish I was able to hold on to those dreams." She replied, "I think there'd be something wrong with you if you had all the same dreams now as you did when you were my age."
She was absolutely right. I'm not the same person I was before I became a mother. My life is much deeper, much richer than it was then. That's because God has been working on me through my parenting. I have become far more patient, far more compassionate, far more aware of how vulnerable we all are and therefore how essential it is that we care for one another. My kids aren't the only ones growing because of our relationship—I'm growing, too.
As I've cared for my children, God's cared for me—teaching me, leading me, nurturing me, sustaining me. But the end goal of all that work and growth isn't just that I become more of whom God created me to be, or a better mom. It's to become someone who is better equipped to do God's work in the world.
That patience means I can listen to my 90-year-old neighbor tell me stories—often the same ones—about his days in the Army without thinking about the laundry I should be doing. That compassion means I'm learning to see beyond the surface of a sarcastic, cynical friend to the child hurt by people he trusted. And that awareness motivates me to figure out what I can do to help children orphaned by AIDS or women trapped in the sex trade.
I can't do the splits anymore—which is fine, because, really, who wants to see that? But motherhood has strengthened and stretched me in ways I never expected. While I've definitely "felt the burn" of all that effort, I'm also starting to see that my core is stronger than ever.
Carla Barnhill is the author of The Myth of the Perfect Mother (Baker Books, 2004) and co-founder of The Mommy Revolution (themommyrevolution.com). She and her family live in Minnesota .
How to get the spiritual bend back in your life.
By Carla Barnhill
I used to be able to do the splits—seriously—all the way to the floor, with a smile on my face. I was on the dance line in high school. While I was never a long, lean, leggy dancer, I was one bendy, high-kicking chubby girl. And now? Well, now I wake up in the morning barely able to touch my knees, much less my toes. Clearly, my dancing muscles have left the building.
Flexibility is one of those use-it-or-lose-it propositions. Once you stop stretching every day, you quickly lose the ability to stretch much at all.
It's certainly true of our muscles, but it's also true of our attitudes. When I was young and single and childless, I was pretty much up for anything.
If friends called on a Friday to see if I could head to the beach in an hour, I was in. If my roommate wanted to go out for ice cream at 11:30 p.m., no problem. If my job was eliminated and I needed to find something else, no big deal. Back then, I was bendy enough to move whichever way life seemed to take me. I didn't stress about it. I didn't worry about it. And I didn't really think about it.
Not anymore. Now I live in a near-constant state of overwhelmed-ness (a word I just coined because I'm too overwhelmed to figure out a real word that means the same thing). My response has been to become rigid, stiff, unyielding in my efforts to gain some kind of control over a life that sometimes seems like it's going to swallow me.
This seems to be one of motherhood's unspoken side effects. We want so much to create a wonderful, beautiful, painless life for our children that we close in on ourselves, pulling away from anything that seems like it might threaten the careful plans we have for our family. Instead of flexing our dreaming muscles, we stop using them because we believe they get in the way of the work we need to do. Instead of reaching toward a more complete version of ourselves, we sit back and watch our children reach and stretch and grow. In short, we stop moving forward and let ourselves atrophy in the name of good parenting.
So often, I talk to moms who poured so much of themselves into their children that they've forgotten what it's like to have plans and dreams and hopes of their own. Believe me, I have a preschooler at home, and I barely have the brain space to remember to make my dentist appointment, much less the time and energy to think big thoughts about what I want out of life. But I also have a 7-year-old and an 11-year-old who are developing busy lives of their own. I know the day is coming—sooner than I care to think—when parenthood will take on a different kind of intensity. I won't be so exhausted all the time, and I'll have the time and the mental space for new ideas. When that day comes, I don't want my dreaming muscles to have withered away.
The beauty of motherhood is that it doesn't have to shrivel my dreams or my growth as God's child. Instead, motherhood actually can be a kind of spiritual Pilates that works my core and whittles away the fat of selfishness that marked the dreams of my childless days.
I'm not the same person I was before I became a mother. My life is much deeper, much richer than it was then.
Not long ago, I talked about this whole dream business with a friend who's in her late 20s. I told her I loved being her age, and I loved having all those great dreams for my life. But I went on to tell her recently I'd been struggling to figure out what my dreams are now. "I used to want to travel the world and have all these great adventures," I told her. "Now I realize those things probably aren't going to happen. I wish I was able to hold on to those dreams." She replied, "I think there'd be something wrong with you if you had all the same dreams now as you did when you were my age."
She was absolutely right. I'm not the same person I was before I became a mother. My life is much deeper, much richer than it was then. That's because God has been working on me through my parenting. I have become far more patient, far more compassionate, far more aware of how vulnerable we all are and therefore how essential it is that we care for one another. My kids aren't the only ones growing because of our relationship—I'm growing, too.
As I've cared for my children, God's cared for me—teaching me, leading me, nurturing me, sustaining me. But the end goal of all that work and growth isn't just that I become more of whom God created me to be, or a better mom. It's to become someone who is better equipped to do God's work in the world.
That patience means I can listen to my 90-year-old neighbor tell me stories—often the same ones—about his days in the Army without thinking about the laundry I should be doing. That compassion means I'm learning to see beyond the surface of a sarcastic, cynical friend to the child hurt by people he trusted. And that awareness motivates me to figure out what I can do to help children orphaned by AIDS or women trapped in the sex trade.
I can't do the splits anymore—which is fine, because, really, who wants to see that? But motherhood has strengthened and stretched me in ways I never expected. While I've definitely "felt the burn" of all that effort, I'm also starting to see that my core is stronger than ever.
Carla Barnhill is the author of The Myth of the Perfect Mother (Baker Books, 2004) and co-founder of The Mommy Revolution (themommyrevolution.com). She and her family live in Minnesota .
Just Desserts
Rocky Mountain Cranberry Muffins
This basic muffin recipe from the Rocky Mountain Lodge is one of the best gourmet muffin recipes you will ever try. These cranberry muffins make for the best leftover muffins, assuming there are any leftovers.
Ingredients
•1 cup butter, softened
•8 ounce cream cheese, softened
•4 eggs
•1 1/2 cup sugar
•1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
•2 cup flour
•1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
•1/2 teaspoon salt
•2 cup cranberries, fresh or frozen
•1/2 cup pecans, chopped
Instructions
1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour 24 muffin cups .
2.Beat together butter and cream cheese until smooth and well blended. Add eggs, sugar and vanilla extract and mix only until blended.
3.Add flour, baking powder and salt. Fold in cranberries and pecan. Spoon into greased and floured muffin cups.
4.Bake 25-30 minutes. Remove immediately from muffin cups and allow to cool on wire rack . These are best slightly warm.
This basic muffin recipe from the Rocky Mountain Lodge is one of the best gourmet muffin recipes you will ever try. These cranberry muffins make for the best leftover muffins, assuming there are any leftovers.
Ingredients
•1 cup butter, softened
•8 ounce cream cheese, softened
•4 eggs
•1 1/2 cup sugar
•1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
•2 cup flour
•1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
•1/2 teaspoon salt
•2 cup cranberries, fresh or frozen
•1/2 cup pecans, chopped
Instructions
1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour 24 muffin cups .
2.Beat together butter and cream cheese until smooth and well blended. Add eggs, sugar and vanilla extract and mix only until blended.
3.Add flour, baking powder and salt. Fold in cranberries and pecan. Spoon into greased and floured muffin cups.
4.Bake 25-30 minutes. Remove immediately from muffin cups and allow to cool on wire rack . These are best slightly warm.
What's For Dinner, Mommy?
Diamonds may be a girl's best friend. But a mom's best friend is her crock pot. Oh, yeah, my sweet and darling crock pots have saved my bacon more than once. And yes, I have more than one. How could I not! Each has her own personality and speciality in cooking. One day I will describe the fate of my first crock pot, but we will save it for later. It was a bit dramatic. Anyway, here are some recipes for you moms to use soon. They may be useful as the holidays swing into gear. They are definitely wondeful when it is summer and too hot to have that monstrous oven and stove on for more than 5 minutes. Find something you like and give it a try. If you don't have a crock pot yet or only have one, well, now you know what to tell the in-laws to get you for Christmas, a new best friend in the kitchen.
BBQ Pork
3 pound boneless pork loin roast
garlic salt
1 1/2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules
2 cups hot water
sauce:
3/4 cup barbecue sauce
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons dried minced onion
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
12 to 16 hamburger buns, split and toasted
Cooking Directions
Sprinkle pork roast generously with garlic salt. Place roast in slow cooker. Dissolve bouillon granules in hot water, pour over roast. Cook on low 8-10 hrs. or until you can break the roast apart with a fork. Carefully remove most of the juices from the crock pot, pour through a strainer into a measuring cup to get 1 cup of juice.
For Sauce, combine the reserved 1 cup pan juices, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, honey, dried minced onion and Worcestershire sauce in small saucepan. Heat and stir until bubbly. Use 2 forks to shred pork. Return to crock and pour sauce over pork, stir to coat. Heat in crock until warm again. Serve on hamburger buns or rolls.
Chili
1 pound lean ground meat (I used ground chicken)
5-6 medium tomatoes, chopped, (include seeds and all)
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1 rein bell pepper, chopped
1 (15ounce) can kidney beans (and goop)
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. dried basil
1 tsp. ground turmeric
1-2 tsp. chili powder (starts with 1, add more to taste before serving)
1 tsp. kosher salt
3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
Directions: Use a 6 qt. slow cooker. I used ground chicken and opted not brown the meat. If you use a fattier type of meat, or enjoy browning meat, go ahead and do so. Otherwise, crumble the meat directly into your stoneware, add the tomatoes, garlic, onion, and bell pepper, and add the beans. Stir in all of the herbs and spices, the salt, and the red wine vinegar. Cover and cook on low for 7-9 hrs, Or on high for 4-5 hrs. Season to taste with a bit more salt and chili powder, if desired.
Crock Pot Ravioli
Ingredients
1 (25 ounce) bag cheese ravioli
3-4 cups pasta sauce
1 cup water
1-2 handfuls of shredded mozzarella cheese
Pour about half of the pasta sauce in the bottom of slow cooker. Add frozen ravioli. Pour additional pasta sauce, and water over ravioli. Sprinkle cheese on top. Turn slow cooker on low and cook for four to five hours.
I like to serve this with either Texas Toast of garlic bread sticks.
ABC ROAST
Make dinner an educational experience for kids. With alphabet soup in this crock pot pot roast recipe, children can practice spelling while enjoying a tasty meal. Learn how to cook beef in crock pot with this easy meal idea.
Ingredients
•4 pound beef pot roast
•Salt and pepper to taste
•2 cans condensed alphabet vegetable soup , undiluted
•1/2 cup water, beef broth, or dry red wine
•1/4 teaspoon dried basil
Instructions
1.Sprinkle beef with salt and pepper. Place in crock pot.
2.In small mixing bowl , combine 2 cans soup with liquid and basil. Pour over meat.
3.Cover and cook on low setting for 8 to 10 hours.
Crockpot Snack Mix
This classic combination of cereals, nuts, butter, and seasonings cooks in your slow cooker so you don't have to watch it or stir while it's baking.
Ingredients:
•3 cups thin pretzel sticks
•4 cups wheat chex cereal
•4 cups cheerios cereal
•12 oz. jar salted peanuts
•1/2 tsp. garlic salt
•1/2 tsp. celery salt
•1/2 tsp. seasoned salt
•1/4 cup butter, melted
•1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Preparation:
Combine all ingredients in 4 to 5 quart crockpot and stir gently until well mixed and cereal, pretzels, and peanuts are coated with the butter, cheese, and spices. Cover crockpot and cook on low 3-4 hours, stirring twice during cooking. Remove lid during last half hour of cooking to let the mix dry.
Egg Casserole
Use your imagination when making this recipe. Try Canadian bacon instead of ham. Use Havarti or Swiss cheese instead of Cheddar. Add some minced jalapeno peppers if you like hot foods. Then enjoy!
Ingredients:
•32 oz. bag frozen hash brown potatoes
•1 lb. cooked ham, cubed
•1 onion, chopped
•1 green bell pepper, chopped
•1 Tbsp. olive oil
•1-1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
•12 eggs
•1 cup whole milk
•1/2 tsp. salt
•1/2 tsp. pepper
Preparation:
Spray inside of slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. In small skillet, cook onion and green pepper in olive oil until crisp tender. Let cool about 10 minutes. Place one third of the frozen hash brown potatoes in the slow cooker. Add one third of the ham, onion, green pepper and cheese. Repeat layers, ending with the cheese.
In a large bowl, beat the eggs, milk and seasonings until well mixed. Pour over the ingredients in the slow cooker, cover and turn on low. Cook for 8-10 hours, until casserole is set and eggs are thoroughly cooked. Serves 12
Caramel Apple Spiced Cider
2 qts. Apple Cider
1 tsp. nutmeg
2 tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. pure vanilla
1 orange sliced
Combine all ingredients in crock pot and simmer on low until hot.
Top with caramel ice cream sauce and whipped cream to your heart’s content!
BBQ Pork
3 pound boneless pork loin roast
garlic salt
1 1/2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules
2 cups hot water
sauce:
3/4 cup barbecue sauce
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons dried minced onion
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
12 to 16 hamburger buns, split and toasted
Cooking Directions
Sprinkle pork roast generously with garlic salt. Place roast in slow cooker. Dissolve bouillon granules in hot water, pour over roast. Cook on low 8-10 hrs. or until you can break the roast apart with a fork. Carefully remove most of the juices from the crock pot, pour through a strainer into a measuring cup to get 1 cup of juice.
For Sauce, combine the reserved 1 cup pan juices, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, honey, dried minced onion and Worcestershire sauce in small saucepan. Heat and stir until bubbly. Use 2 forks to shred pork. Return to crock and pour sauce over pork, stir to coat. Heat in crock until warm again. Serve on hamburger buns or rolls.
Chili
1 pound lean ground meat (I used ground chicken)
5-6 medium tomatoes, chopped, (include seeds and all)
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1 rein bell pepper, chopped
1 (15ounce) can kidney beans (and goop)
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. dried basil
1 tsp. ground turmeric
1-2 tsp. chili powder (starts with 1, add more to taste before serving)
1 tsp. kosher salt
3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
Directions: Use a 6 qt. slow cooker. I used ground chicken and opted not brown the meat. If you use a fattier type of meat, or enjoy browning meat, go ahead and do so. Otherwise, crumble the meat directly into your stoneware, add the tomatoes, garlic, onion, and bell pepper, and add the beans. Stir in all of the herbs and spices, the salt, and the red wine vinegar. Cover and cook on low for 7-9 hrs, Or on high for 4-5 hrs. Season to taste with a bit more salt and chili powder, if desired.
Crock Pot Ravioli
Ingredients
1 (25 ounce) bag cheese ravioli
3-4 cups pasta sauce
1 cup water
1-2 handfuls of shredded mozzarella cheese
Pour about half of the pasta sauce in the bottom of slow cooker. Add frozen ravioli. Pour additional pasta sauce, and water over ravioli. Sprinkle cheese on top. Turn slow cooker on low and cook for four to five hours.
I like to serve this with either Texas Toast of garlic bread sticks.
ABC ROAST
Make dinner an educational experience for kids. With alphabet soup in this crock pot pot roast recipe, children can practice spelling while enjoying a tasty meal. Learn how to cook beef in crock pot with this easy meal idea.
Ingredients
•4 pound beef pot roast
•Salt and pepper to taste
•2 cans condensed alphabet vegetable soup , undiluted
•1/2 cup water, beef broth, or dry red wine
•1/4 teaspoon dried basil
Instructions
1.Sprinkle beef with salt and pepper. Place in crock pot.
2.In small mixing bowl , combine 2 cans soup with liquid and basil. Pour over meat.
3.Cover and cook on low setting for 8 to 10 hours.
Crockpot Snack Mix
This classic combination of cereals, nuts, butter, and seasonings cooks in your slow cooker so you don't have to watch it or stir while it's baking.
Ingredients:
•3 cups thin pretzel sticks
•4 cups wheat chex cereal
•4 cups cheerios cereal
•12 oz. jar salted peanuts
•1/2 tsp. garlic salt
•1/2 tsp. celery salt
•1/2 tsp. seasoned salt
•1/4 cup butter, melted
•1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Preparation:
Combine all ingredients in 4 to 5 quart crockpot and stir gently until well mixed and cereal, pretzels, and peanuts are coated with the butter, cheese, and spices. Cover crockpot and cook on low 3-4 hours, stirring twice during cooking. Remove lid during last half hour of cooking to let the mix dry.
Egg Casserole
Use your imagination when making this recipe. Try Canadian bacon instead of ham. Use Havarti or Swiss cheese instead of Cheddar. Add some minced jalapeno peppers if you like hot foods. Then enjoy!
Ingredients:
•32 oz. bag frozen hash brown potatoes
•1 lb. cooked ham, cubed
•1 onion, chopped
•1 green bell pepper, chopped
•1 Tbsp. olive oil
•1-1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
•12 eggs
•1 cup whole milk
•1/2 tsp. salt
•1/2 tsp. pepper
Preparation:
Spray inside of slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. In small skillet, cook onion and green pepper in olive oil until crisp tender. Let cool about 10 minutes. Place one third of the frozen hash brown potatoes in the slow cooker. Add one third of the ham, onion, green pepper and cheese. Repeat layers, ending with the cheese.
In a large bowl, beat the eggs, milk and seasonings until well mixed. Pour over the ingredients in the slow cooker, cover and turn on low. Cook for 8-10 hours, until casserole is set and eggs are thoroughly cooked. Serves 12
Caramel Apple Spiced Cider
2 qts. Apple Cider
1 tsp. nutmeg
2 tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. pure vanilla
1 orange sliced
Combine all ingredients in crock pot and simmer on low until hot.
Top with caramel ice cream sauce and whipped cream to your heart’s content!
Let's Play!
I love finding things that I can do with my kids that fit into either holidays or themed events. It's the teacher in me emerging, okay?! The MOPS Cookbook, Feeding the Flock, has a whole section called Kids' Play with lots of fun activities to do with your kids. This recipe would be a perfect additon to the cookbook. By the way, cookbooks are still available for $6 to a MOPS mom. We are still wanting sell as many as we can for $10 as a part of our fund raising for our expenses.
Pumpkin Pie Play Dough
1 cup flour
1/4 cup salt
2 Tbsp cream of tartar
1 cup water
1 Tbsp vegetable oil
4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
12 drops yellow food color
6 drops red food color
Mix all ingredients in a non-stick saucepan...cook and stir over medium heat. Keep stirring until the mixture pulls away from the sides and sticks together in a big lump when stirred. Dump out onto a cutting board, let cool. When cool enough to touch, knead for 2-3 minutes. If stored in an airtight container this will last for months.
Pumpkin Pie Play Dough
1 cup flour
1/4 cup salt
2 Tbsp cream of tartar
1 cup water
1 Tbsp vegetable oil
4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
12 drops yellow food color
6 drops red food color
Mix all ingredients in a non-stick saucepan...cook and stir over medium heat. Keep stirring until the mixture pulls away from the sides and sticks together in a big lump when stirred. Dump out onto a cutting board, let cool. When cool enough to touch, knead for 2-3 minutes. If stored in an airtight container this will last for months.
A Mom's Prayer
Happy the Home When God Is There
Happy the home when God is there,
And love fills every breast;
When one their wish, and one their prayer,
And one their heavenly rest.
Happy the home where Jesus' name
Is sweet to every ear,
Where children early lisp His fame,
And parents hold Him dear.
Happy the home where prayer is heard,
And praise is wont to rise,
Where parents love the sacred Word,
And all is wisdom prize.
Lord, let us in our homes agree,
This blessed peace to gain;
Unite our hearts in love to Thee,
And love to all will reign. Amen.
-Henry Ware, Jr
(from "When I'm on My Knees Devotional Thoughts on Prayer for Women" by Anita Corrine Donihue)
Happy the home when God is there,
And love fills every breast;
When one their wish, and one their prayer,
And one their heavenly rest.
Happy the home where Jesus' name
Is sweet to every ear,
Where children early lisp His fame,
And parents hold Him dear.
Happy the home where prayer is heard,
And praise is wont to rise,
Where parents love the sacred Word,
And all is wisdom prize.
Lord, let us in our homes agree,
This blessed peace to gain;
Unite our hearts in love to Thee,
And love to all will reign. Amen.
-Henry Ware, Jr
(from "When I'm on My Knees Devotional Thoughts on Prayer for Women" by Anita Corrine Donihue)
Train Up a Child
Thsi week think and talk to your kids about Judgement. Using good judgement is hard, even as an adult. The training to think about how words, actions, decisions affect not only yourself, but others and even the future starts now with young kids. Every action has a consequence - good or bad.
The Tumble Tower
Build a tower or building with blocks. After building the tower, ask one of the kids to pull out one of the lower blocks. (The tower should come tumbling down.) Do it again--build a tower and pull out a supporting block from the bottom.
After doing this several times, ask:
What happened when we pulled out the blocks? (The whole thing fell down.)
One thing caused another. There are results when we do certain things.
What happens when we sin? (Bad things happen--now or later)
Sin (breaking God's laws) is a terrible thing and the payment for sin is death (Romans 6:23). God will judge the world some day. That's why it's important to accept Jesus and His forgiveness for sin.
Not Getting Caught Can be Worse?
Sometimes children don't always see the bad results of sin. Some TV programs picture sin as not being that bad–the person telling a lie can get laughs or is seen as being creative.
Write the following scenarios on slips of paper (or just read them). Ask the kids to tell (or act out) what might happen next.
Evan stole a pack of cards
Jordan talked back to his mom
Sarah was so jealous of the new girl that she made up a lie about her and told it to a group of girls
Jose cheated on a test
Abby talks and write notes during church
Explain to your kids that NOT getting caught is worse than getting caught. If a child doesn't get caught right away, he may continue in that sin which is far worse than being punished.
Don't Get Caught in the Trap!
Item needed: mousetrap
Show kids a mousetrap and let them see you put cheese or whatever you use to catch a mouse on it.
Ask:
How does this work? (The mouse wants the cheese, so he is caught by the trap when he comes to get it.)
Explain that sometimes sin looks good, but it is a trap that will hurt. People who are addicted to alcohol or drugs were trapped by sin. People who love money can be tempted to do wrong things to get it. Sin is a trap that leads you away from God. Sin is wrong and will be judged by God.
The Tumble Tower
Build a tower or building with blocks. After building the tower, ask one of the kids to pull out one of the lower blocks. (The tower should come tumbling down.) Do it again--build a tower and pull out a supporting block from the bottom.
After doing this several times, ask:
What happened when we pulled out the blocks? (The whole thing fell down.)
One thing caused another. There are results when we do certain things.
What happens when we sin? (Bad things happen--now or later)
Sin (breaking God's laws) is a terrible thing and the payment for sin is death (Romans 6:23). God will judge the world some day. That's why it's important to accept Jesus and His forgiveness for sin.
Not Getting Caught Can be Worse?
Sometimes children don't always see the bad results of sin. Some TV programs picture sin as not being that bad–the person telling a lie can get laughs or is seen as being creative.
Write the following scenarios on slips of paper (or just read them). Ask the kids to tell (or act out) what might happen next.
Evan stole a pack of cards
Jordan talked back to his mom
Sarah was so jealous of the new girl that she made up a lie about her and told it to a group of girls
Jose cheated on a test
Abby talks and write notes during church
Explain to your kids that NOT getting caught is worse than getting caught. If a child doesn't get caught right away, he may continue in that sin which is far worse than being punished.
Don't Get Caught in the Trap!
Item needed: mousetrap
Show kids a mousetrap and let them see you put cheese or whatever you use to catch a mouse on it.
Ask:
How does this work? (The mouse wants the cheese, so he is caught by the trap when he comes to get it.)
Explain that sometimes sin looks good, but it is a trap that will hurt. People who are addicted to alcohol or drugs were trapped by sin. People who love money can be tempted to do wrong things to get it. Sin is a trap that leads you away from God. Sin is wrong and will be judged by God.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Glorious Day- Thank You, God!!
"Joy and gladness will be found there. Songs of thanksgiving will fill the air." (Isaiah 51:3)
"The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust Him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with JOY. I BURST OUT IN SONGS OF THANKSGIVING." (Psalm 28:3)
Grab a cup of coffee and Praise God! Oh, What a glorious and happy day we have!
Don't forget to scroll to the bottom of the page and mute the playlist first!
"The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust Him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with JOY. I BURST OUT IN SONGS OF THANKSGIVING." (Psalm 28:3)
Grab a cup of coffee and Praise God! Oh, What a glorious and happy day we have!
Don't forget to scroll to the bottom of the page and mute the playlist first!
What's For Dinner, Mommy?
Caramel Apple Spiced Cider
2 qts. Apple Cider
1 tsp. nutmeg
2 tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. pure vanilla
1 orange sliced
Combine all ingredients in crock pot and simmer on low until hot.
Top with caramel ice cream sauce and whipped cream to your heart’s content!
French Onion Soup 1
Ingredients
•1 quart beef bouillon or stock
•2 to 3 cups sliced onion
•1/4 cup butter
•1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
•2 tablespoons flour
•1/4 cup dry vermouth or white wine (optional)
•1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Instructions
Pour bouillon in crock pot. Cover and set on high. Cook onions slow in large skillet in butter. Cover and let cook 15 minutes. Add remaining ingredients to onions. Stir well and add to stock in crock pot. Cover and cook on low 6 to 8 hours or 3 hours on high.
French Onion Soup 2
Ingredients
•2 pound onions, sliced thin
•1 tablespoon sugar
•1 teaspoon salt
•1/4 cup margarine
•3 tablespoon olive oil
•2 tablespoon flour
•2 cans condensed beef broth
•2 cans condensed beef consumme
•1/2 cup dry white wine
•1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
•3 soup cans water
•1 loaf french bread, sliced
•Olive oil
•Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
•Swiss cheese, freshly grated
Instructions
1.Melt margarine and olive oil together in large skillet. Add sliced onions, sugar and salt to skillet, saute approximately 20 minutes or until golden. Sprinkle onions with flour and cook an additional 2-3 minutes.
2.To crockpot, add the remaining ingredients and the onion mixture. Cook at least 8 hours or follow individual crockpot directions.
3.Brush 1 inch slices of French bread on both sides with olive oil. Sprinkle one side with parmesan cheese and broil. Put broiled side down in got soup, sprinkle top side of bread with parmesan and top with grated swiss cheese. Broil until bubbly.
Caramel Apples
Ingredients
4 very large tart apples, cored
½ cup apple juice
8 Tbsp. brown sugar
12 hot cinnamon candies
4 Tbsp. butter or margarine
8 caramel candies
¼ tsp. ground cinnamon
Whipped cream
Directions
1. Remove ½ inch –wide strip of peel off the top of each apple and place apples in slow cooker.
2. Pour apple juice over apples.
3. Fill the center of each apple with 2 Tbsp. brown sugar, 3 hot cinnamon candies, 1 Tbsp. Butter or margarine, and sprinkle with cinnamon.
4. Cover and cook on Low 4-6 hours, or until tender
5. Serve hot with whipped cream.
Cranberry Pork Roast
3 lbs. lean boneless pork roast
1 can whole berry cranberries (I used Ocean Spray, much better than store brand I feel)
1 bottle Catalina dressing-can use non-fat (I used Kraft)
Place roast in crock pot. Blend together cranberries and dressing. Salt and pepper, if desired. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hrs, until pork is tender and registers 170F on meat thermometer
BBQ Chicken
1 bottle Kraft Honey BBQ sauce
2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast.
Cook on low 8-10 hrs.
Simple Pot Roast
1 2 to 2.5 lb. roast
2 cups chopped carrots
2 cups chopped potatoes
1 cup chopped celery
3 cups beef broth or beef stock
Combine all of this into a crock pot. Add salt and pepper to taste. Turn it on low and walk away for eight hours. Add a quarter of a cup of water for every additional two hours you intend to cook it.
Ham and Potato Casserole
4 red potatoes, sliced
2 red onions, finely chopped
1 1/2 pounds cubed ham
1 can condensed cream of celery soup, diluted according to can directions
2 tablespoons flour
Combine all of this into a crock pot. Add salt and pepper to taste. Turn it on low and walk away for eight hours. Add a quarter of a cup of water for every additional two hours you intend to cook it.
Sugared Crockpot Nuts
You need to preheat the crockpot in this recipe, and cook the nuts uncovered. These step make certain that the nuts are crisp and perfectly glazed.
Ingredients:•1/2 lb. pecan halves
•1/2 lb. shelled walnuts
•1/2 cup butter, melted
•1/2 cup powdered sugar
•1/4 tsp. ground allspice
•1/8 tsp. ground cloves
•1-1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
•1/4 tsp. ground ginger
Directions:
Preheat 3-1/2 to 4 quart slow cooker, uncovered, on high for 15 minutes. In warmed crockpot, combine nuts and butter and stir well. Add the powdered sugar, stirring to coat evenly. Cover crockpot and cook on high for 15 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and slow cook, UNCOVERED, stirring occasionally, until the nuts are coated with a crisp glaze, about 2 hours. Transfer the nuts to a bowl.
In a small bowl, combine the spices and sift them over the nuts, stirring to coat evenly. Let cool and store in airtight container.
Fresh Apple Cake
Ingredients:
2 1/4 cup biscuit mix
2/3 cup applesauce
1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoon butter or margarine, softened or melted
2 apples, peeled cored and diced
2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoon firm butter or margarine
1/4 cup chopped nuts, if desired
Instructions
1. Combine 2 cups biscuit mix, applesauce, milk, sugar, softened butter, apples, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, vanilla and egg. Spread in a lightly greased 3 1/2 quart crock-pot (or spread in a lightly greased baking dish which fits in a larger sized crock-pot).
2. Combine 1/4 cup biscuit mix, brown sugar, firm butter, cinnamon and nuts with a fork or pastry blender to form the streusel; sprinkle over the batter.
3. Cover and cook on high for about 2 1/2 hours, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
2 qts. Apple Cider
1 tsp. nutmeg
2 tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. pure vanilla
1 orange sliced
Combine all ingredients in crock pot and simmer on low until hot.
Top with caramel ice cream sauce and whipped cream to your heart’s content!
French Onion Soup 1
Ingredients
•1 quart beef bouillon or stock
•2 to 3 cups sliced onion
•1/4 cup butter
•1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
•2 tablespoons flour
•1/4 cup dry vermouth or white wine (optional)
•1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Instructions
Pour bouillon in crock pot. Cover and set on high. Cook onions slow in large skillet in butter. Cover and let cook 15 minutes. Add remaining ingredients to onions. Stir well and add to stock in crock pot. Cover and cook on low 6 to 8 hours or 3 hours on high.
French Onion Soup 2
Ingredients
•2 pound onions, sliced thin
•1 tablespoon sugar
•1 teaspoon salt
•1/4 cup margarine
•3 tablespoon olive oil
•2 tablespoon flour
•2 cans condensed beef broth
•2 cans condensed beef consumme
•1/2 cup dry white wine
•1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
•3 soup cans water
•1 loaf french bread, sliced
•Olive oil
•Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
•Swiss cheese, freshly grated
Instructions
1.Melt margarine and olive oil together in large skillet. Add sliced onions, sugar and salt to skillet, saute approximately 20 minutes or until golden. Sprinkle onions with flour and cook an additional 2-3 minutes.
2.To crockpot, add the remaining ingredients and the onion mixture. Cook at least 8 hours or follow individual crockpot directions.
3.Brush 1 inch slices of French bread on both sides with olive oil. Sprinkle one side with parmesan cheese and broil. Put broiled side down in got soup, sprinkle top side of bread with parmesan and top with grated swiss cheese. Broil until bubbly.
Caramel Apples
Ingredients
4 very large tart apples, cored
½ cup apple juice
8 Tbsp. brown sugar
12 hot cinnamon candies
4 Tbsp. butter or margarine
8 caramel candies
¼ tsp. ground cinnamon
Whipped cream
Directions
1. Remove ½ inch –wide strip of peel off the top of each apple and place apples in slow cooker.
2. Pour apple juice over apples.
3. Fill the center of each apple with 2 Tbsp. brown sugar, 3 hot cinnamon candies, 1 Tbsp. Butter or margarine, and sprinkle with cinnamon.
4. Cover and cook on Low 4-6 hours, or until tender
5. Serve hot with whipped cream.
Cranberry Pork Roast
3 lbs. lean boneless pork roast
1 can whole berry cranberries (I used Ocean Spray, much better than store brand I feel)
1 bottle Catalina dressing-can use non-fat (I used Kraft)
Place roast in crock pot. Blend together cranberries and dressing. Salt and pepper, if desired. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hrs, until pork is tender and registers 170F on meat thermometer
BBQ Chicken
1 bottle Kraft Honey BBQ sauce
2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast.
Cook on low 8-10 hrs.
Simple Pot Roast
1 2 to 2.5 lb. roast
2 cups chopped carrots
2 cups chopped potatoes
1 cup chopped celery
3 cups beef broth or beef stock
Combine all of this into a crock pot. Add salt and pepper to taste. Turn it on low and walk away for eight hours. Add a quarter of a cup of water for every additional two hours you intend to cook it.
Ham and Potato Casserole
4 red potatoes, sliced
2 red onions, finely chopped
1 1/2 pounds cubed ham
1 can condensed cream of celery soup, diluted according to can directions
2 tablespoons flour
Combine all of this into a crock pot. Add salt and pepper to taste. Turn it on low and walk away for eight hours. Add a quarter of a cup of water for every additional two hours you intend to cook it.
Sugared Crockpot Nuts
You need to preheat the crockpot in this recipe, and cook the nuts uncovered. These step make certain that the nuts are crisp and perfectly glazed.
Ingredients:•1/2 lb. pecan halves
•1/2 lb. shelled walnuts
•1/2 cup butter, melted
•1/2 cup powdered sugar
•1/4 tsp. ground allspice
•1/8 tsp. ground cloves
•1-1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
•1/4 tsp. ground ginger
Directions:
Preheat 3-1/2 to 4 quart slow cooker, uncovered, on high for 15 minutes. In warmed crockpot, combine nuts and butter and stir well. Add the powdered sugar, stirring to coat evenly. Cover crockpot and cook on high for 15 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and slow cook, UNCOVERED, stirring occasionally, until the nuts are coated with a crisp glaze, about 2 hours. Transfer the nuts to a bowl.
In a small bowl, combine the spices and sift them over the nuts, stirring to coat evenly. Let cool and store in airtight container.
Fresh Apple Cake
Ingredients:
2 1/4 cup biscuit mix
2/3 cup applesauce
1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoon butter or margarine, softened or melted
2 apples, peeled cored and diced
2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoon firm butter or margarine
1/4 cup chopped nuts, if desired
Instructions
1. Combine 2 cups biscuit mix, applesauce, milk, sugar, softened butter, apples, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, vanilla and egg. Spread in a lightly greased 3 1/2 quart crock-pot (or spread in a lightly greased baking dish which fits in a larger sized crock-pot).
2. Combine 1/4 cup biscuit mix, brown sugar, firm butter, cinnamon and nuts with a fork or pastry blender to form the streusel; sprinkle over the batter.
3. Cover and cook on high for about 2 1/2 hours, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Blessing Mix
Blessing Mix
Ingredients:
• 4 cups Bugles Brand Corn Snacks
• 4 cups Pretzels
• 1 cup Candy corn and/or Corn Nuts Brand Snack
• 1 cup Dried or Candy Fruits
• 1 cup Peanuts and/or Sunflower Seeds
• 1 cup M&Ms-brand chocolate candy
• 32 Hershey's-brand chocolate kisses (1 per bag)
• 32 cellophane or snack bags
Instructions:
1.Place all ingredients in a large mixing bowl except the chocolate kisses. Gently mix all ingredients.
2.Scoop 1/2 cup into cellophane bags - adjust this amount to your desired amount.
3.Tie cellophane bag with ribbon and attach a card with the below definition of each item you have place in the Blessing Mix.
4.Create a Card with the below definitions. Add in fun clip art if desired. You can include a personal note on the card, such as,
"I am Thankful you are my friend. From Chip"
Each ingredient in this snack mix symbolizes something associated with the Harvest Season (Thanksgiving)
• Bugles Brand Corn Snacks - represents a cornucopia, a horn of plenty.
• Pretzels - represents arms folded in thanks and prayer.
• Candy Corn Sacrifices of the Pilgrim's first winter. Food was so scarce that the settlers survived on just a few kernels of corn per day.
• Dried or Candy Fruits - Thanksgiving is the celebration of the harvest.
• Peanuts and/or Sunflower Seeds - seeds represent the potential of a bounteous harvest for the next season if they are planted and well tended.
• M&Ms: Memories of those who came before us to guide us to a blessed future.
• Hershey's Kiss: The love of family and friends that sweetens our lives.
Ingredients:
• 4 cups Bugles Brand Corn Snacks
• 4 cups Pretzels
• 1 cup Candy corn and/or Corn Nuts Brand Snack
• 1 cup Dried or Candy Fruits
• 1 cup Peanuts and/or Sunflower Seeds
• 1 cup M&Ms-brand chocolate candy
• 32 Hershey's-brand chocolate kisses (1 per bag)
• 32 cellophane or snack bags
Instructions:
1.Place all ingredients in a large mixing bowl except the chocolate kisses. Gently mix all ingredients.
2.Scoop 1/2 cup into cellophane bags - adjust this amount to your desired amount.
3.Tie cellophane bag with ribbon and attach a card with the below definition of each item you have place in the Blessing Mix.
4.Create a Card with the below definitions. Add in fun clip art if desired. You can include a personal note on the card, such as,
"I am Thankful you are my friend. From Chip"
Each ingredient in this snack mix symbolizes something associated with the Harvest Season (Thanksgiving)
• Bugles Brand Corn Snacks - represents a cornucopia, a horn of plenty.
• Pretzels - represents arms folded in thanks and prayer.
• Candy Corn Sacrifices of the Pilgrim's first winter. Food was so scarce that the settlers survived on just a few kernels of corn per day.
• Dried or Candy Fruits - Thanksgiving is the celebration of the harvest.
• Peanuts and/or Sunflower Seeds - seeds represent the potential of a bounteous harvest for the next season if they are planted and well tended.
• M&Ms: Memories of those who came before us to guide us to a blessed future.
• Hershey's Kiss: The love of family and friends that sweetens our lives.
Thanksgiving Activities for the Family
Being thankful for all things should be something that happens multiple times during each and every day, but in November we have one day that Americans focus on being thankful. Colossians 3:15 says, "And always be thankful.."; 1 Thes. 5:18 says,"Be thankful in all circumstances."; Psalm 107:1says,"Give thanks to the Lord.." There are so many more wonderful words about thanksgiving. This month be intentional about teaching your kids to be thankful not just on Thanksgiving but each and everyday. Also, teach by example. Give thanks each and everyday for your family and your circumstances. The Lord is good and faithful to us all!
First, You need to decide how many days you want to count down with activities. Do you want to take the entire month of November or have 12 Days of Thankfulness
(start 12 days until Thanksgiving with day 12 being Thanksgiving).
It doesn't really matter, just choose the number of days that works for your family.
Next,create a Countdown to Thanksgiving.
Here are some ideas:
* Write daily Thankful activities on slips of papers that you then roll into scrolls and place into a decorated box or jar.
* Draw a tree or turkey on poster board. Then cut out leaves or feathers and write on each one a Thankful activity allowing your children to choose one each day to do.
* Number envelopes and fill with slips of paper that you have written daily activities on allowing your children to open one envelop each day.
* Make a paper chain out of strips of construction paper. Write a thankful activity on each slip of paper. Allow your kids to tear one off each day as they count down.
Finally, create some Thankful activities for you and your family to do each day of your Thanksgiving countdown.
Below you will find a list of activity ideas you can choose from or create your own ideas.
We are Thankful for our Grandparents
Call or send them an email saying how much you are thankful for them.
We are Thankful For our Missionaries
Send them a letter, email or care package to let them know you are praying for them.
We are Thankful for our Teachers
Make a thank you card or bake a treat to give to them
We are Thankful for our Fire fighters. Policemen, Doctors etc.
Deliver a basket of treats to them.
We are Thankful for our toys.
Clean out your toys and donate to a local shelter.
We are thankful for Daddy.
Do something nice or a chore for Daddy - Wash his car, take out the trash.
We are Thankful for Mommy
Do one extra chore today for her.
We are Thankful for our Clothes.
Clean out our clothes and donate clothing to a local shelter.
We are Thankful for our Sister(s).
Write a Thankful note or do a chore or something nice for her.
We are Thankful for our Brothers(s).
Write a Thankful note or do a chore or something nice for him.
We are Thankful for our friends.
Write a note, send an email, bake a special treat for them.
We are Thankful for our family.
Have a family game night.
We are Thankful for our food.
Collect food for your local shelter.
We are Thankful for our Eyes.
Watch a Movie together as a family.
We are Thankful For a Church to go to.
Volunteer to help at church this week or sign-up for a project.
We are Thankful for books.
Start a new book to read together as a family.
We are Thankful for our Neighbors.
Deliver a treat and note of thanks to their porch - play door bell ditch.
We are Thankful we are able to pray.
During dinner time prayer have each person pray one thing they are Thankful to God for.
We are Thankful for our Country.
Decide as a family another way yo will become ECO friendly.
We are Thankful we can write.
Write three things we are thankful for.
We are Thankful helpers.
Draw names of family members and do a secret chore for that person by tomorrow.
We are Thankful for our classmates.
Make blessing mix or another treat and give to your classmates.
We are Thankful for shoes.
Fill empty shoe boxes with items and donate to Operation Christmas Child.
We are Thankful for our pet.
Take them on a walk, clean their cage, play with them.
We are Thankful for our Military.
Make a care package to send to them or write a letter.
We are Thankful to be Thankful.
Make a Thankful box - all year the entire family can write what they are thankful for and then read them next Thanksgiving.
We are Thankful for our Car.
Go for a fall drive, visit a relative or friend.
We are Thankful for family memories.
Start a Thankful journal or scrapbook.
We are Thankful we can spell.
Spell out the word T-H-A-N-K-F-U-L. go around the table and ask each person to say one thing they're thankful for. The first person's answer must begin with "T." The second person's answer must begin with "H," and so on.
We are Thankful for our City.
Volunteer for a city clean-up project or other way you can serve your city.
We are Thankful for Thanksgiving Dinner.
Provide Thanksgiving dinner for a family in need or invite a family to join you.
Again, Give thanks each day yourself. Do it in front of your kids. Your example is the best way to teach them to be thankful and it is the best way to help you appreciate all the wonderful things and people God has given you.
First, You need to decide how many days you want to count down with activities. Do you want to take the entire month of November or have 12 Days of Thankfulness
(start 12 days until Thanksgiving with day 12 being Thanksgiving).
It doesn't really matter, just choose the number of days that works for your family.
Next,create a Countdown to Thanksgiving.
Here are some ideas:
* Write daily Thankful activities on slips of papers that you then roll into scrolls and place into a decorated box or jar.
* Draw a tree or turkey on poster board. Then cut out leaves or feathers and write on each one a Thankful activity allowing your children to choose one each day to do.
* Number envelopes and fill with slips of paper that you have written daily activities on allowing your children to open one envelop each day.
* Make a paper chain out of strips of construction paper. Write a thankful activity on each slip of paper. Allow your kids to tear one off each day as they count down.
Finally, create some Thankful activities for you and your family to do each day of your Thanksgiving countdown.
Below you will find a list of activity ideas you can choose from or create your own ideas.
We are Thankful for our Grandparents
Call or send them an email saying how much you are thankful for them.
We are Thankful For our Missionaries
Send them a letter, email or care package to let them know you are praying for them.
We are Thankful for our Teachers
Make a thank you card or bake a treat to give to them
We are Thankful for our Fire fighters. Policemen, Doctors etc.
Deliver a basket of treats to them.
We are Thankful for our toys.
Clean out your toys and donate to a local shelter.
We are thankful for Daddy.
Do something nice or a chore for Daddy - Wash his car, take out the trash.
We are Thankful for Mommy
Do one extra chore today for her.
We are Thankful for our Clothes.
Clean out our clothes and donate clothing to a local shelter.
We are Thankful for our Sister(s).
Write a Thankful note or do a chore or something nice for her.
We are Thankful for our Brothers(s).
Write a Thankful note or do a chore or something nice for him.
We are Thankful for our friends.
Write a note, send an email, bake a special treat for them.
We are Thankful for our family.
Have a family game night.
We are Thankful for our food.
Collect food for your local shelter.
We are Thankful for our Eyes.
Watch a Movie together as a family.
We are Thankful For a Church to go to.
Volunteer to help at church this week or sign-up for a project.
We are Thankful for books.
Start a new book to read together as a family.
We are Thankful for our Neighbors.
Deliver a treat and note of thanks to their porch - play door bell ditch.
We are Thankful we are able to pray.
During dinner time prayer have each person pray one thing they are Thankful to God for.
We are Thankful for our Country.
Decide as a family another way yo will become ECO friendly.
We are Thankful we can write.
Write three things we are thankful for.
We are Thankful helpers.
Draw names of family members and do a secret chore for that person by tomorrow.
We are Thankful for our classmates.
Make blessing mix or another treat and give to your classmates.
We are Thankful for shoes.
Fill empty shoe boxes with items and donate to Operation Christmas Child.
We are Thankful for our pet.
Take them on a walk, clean their cage, play with them.
We are Thankful for our Military.
Make a care package to send to them or write a letter.
We are Thankful to be Thankful.
Make a Thankful box - all year the entire family can write what they are thankful for and then read them next Thanksgiving.
We are Thankful for our Car.
Go for a fall drive, visit a relative or friend.
We are Thankful for family memories.
Start a Thankful journal or scrapbook.
We are Thankful we can spell.
Spell out the word T-H-A-N-K-F-U-L. go around the table and ask each person to say one thing they're thankful for. The first person's answer must begin with "T." The second person's answer must begin with "H," and so on.
We are Thankful for our City.
Volunteer for a city clean-up project or other way you can serve your city.
We are Thankful for Thanksgiving Dinner.
Provide Thanksgiving dinner for a family in need or invite a family to join you.
Again, Give thanks each day yourself. Do it in front of your kids. Your example is the best way to teach them to be thankful and it is the best way to help you appreciate all the wonderful things and people God has given you.
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About Me
- ml4estsmommy
- I am a very blessed SAHM. I am blessed with an abundant amount of grace from my Creator and Savior. He has blessed me with an amazing man as my life long best friend, husband and father of our two precious gifts of energy and life. My days are full with the activities of homekeeping, and the joys and adventures of two healthy and energetic kiddos. I am basking in His grace daily.
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