Today begins Christmas season at our house. We'll head out soon to chop down our Christmas tree and then will spend the day listening to Christmas music as we decorate the tree and house. I love this day. And even though we'll be out of town for the rest of the weekend, we just had to fit in our annual tree day today.
In honor of the day, I've answered several questions about the holidays. Happy Christmas season!!
1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Both! Egg Nog on Christmas Day and Christmas Eve. Hot Chocolate every day. And coffee is the favorite. Not just any coffee: Caribou Decaf. Ahh, my body relaxes just thinking about it!
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Santa doesn't come to our house. It's not that we've ever really told the kids he's not real, we just don't talk about him. So, they know that all gifts come from us or other family members. And, all are wrapped! We sort of pretend stockings come from Santa, but the kids know that although Santa is fun to pretend about, he's not real. We really just don't mention him and they are none the worse for it.
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? I have a dream of putting up beautiful white lights outside, but it rarely happens. We often string up one tree, but this year we are even lazier and don't want to go out in the cold to do it. In the house we use color. You just can't get any better than sitting in a dark room with soft Christmas music in the background, and gazing at the beautiful colored lights.
4. Do you hang mistletoe? Umm, yeah. Any reason to kiss my man is a good reason. :)
5. When do you put your decorations up? ALWAYS the day after Thanksgiving. Gotta get the benefit of the whole season!
6. What is your favorite holiday dish? Besides cookies? I'd have to say our traditional meal of standing rib roast and yorkshire pudding. See tomorrow's post for the recipe.
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? Seriously doubt it's possible to pick one. Could be the Big Wheel when I was four, or my first Cabbage Patch Kid, or having family around, or seeing my kids' excitement, or taking communion at the stroke of midnight on Christmas morning. Choose one ... any of those will do.
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? When I saw a price sticker left on a toy in my stocking. Santa has elves. He doesn't need to shop.
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? As a kid I did. And my kids do now. But as an adult I like to save all my gifts for the big day.
10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? With lights, sometimes ribbon, lots of old, cherished ornaments, new ornaments for each child each year, and of course a tree skirt.
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? Mostly love it. Just hate shovelling it. I'll forever be indebted to the person who can convince my husband to buy a snowblower. I think we're the only family in Wisconsin without one.
12. Can you ice skate? You'd think so. But after years of lessons, I'm still about as good as my husband was on his first try.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? I'm not sure that I could choose a favorite.
14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Celebrating and worshiping Jesus Christ.
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Ha! I'd have to say birthday cake since that's the only dessert I've ever had on Christmas. Christmas is my birthday.
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Every single one of them. We have them as traditions because we love them. If I had to pick one ... reading the Christmas story from Luke before opening gifts.
17. What tops your tree? A crown of thorns. To remind us that Christmas is about Jesus - who came as a baby, but didn't stay a baby. He came to die on the cross for our sins. Remembering that needs to be a central part of celebrating Christmas.
18. Which do you prefer giving or Receiving? Absolutely giving. That's why I love having my birthday on Christmas. I get to give gifts, not just receive.
19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? I could never, ever choose. I love just about every single one of them!
20. Candy Canes: Yuck or Yum? Definitely yum. Especially as an after meal mint.
21 Favorite Christmas Show? Cartoon: The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. Oldie: Miracle on 34th Street. Fun: A Christmas Story. Newer: Elf or the Santa Clause.
22. Saddest Christmas Song? Lyrics: Mary Did You Know? Melody: Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming (although I love this song).
These questions were all borrowed from Missy at It's Almost Naptime (http://itsalmostnaptime.blogspot.com ) Check it out. The answers are mine, but feel free to copy the questions and make up your own answers. :)
Friday, November 26, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
A Day of Thanks
Give thanks to the Lord for He is good ...
Giving thanks today for:
- Salvation by grace through faith
- A warm house
- Turkey sandwiches
- Four beautiful, healthy and amazing children
- A husband who encourages me to flourish
- A supportive and loving church family
- Remembrances of God's grace in my life
- Family members sought out by God this year
- Restored relationships
- A healthy marriage
- Joy in the hard times
- The Bible
- Laughter
- Seasons
- The mix of chocolate and peanut butter
- Friends far and near
- Light at the switch of a button
- Sweatshirts
- The ability to homeschool
- Knowledge
- Wisdom
- Discernment
- Rocking chairs
- Children who cuddle
- Indoor Plumbing
- Telephones and computers for keeping in touch
- And again, I come back to grace.
God's abundant blessing has yet again been poured out in my life this year. I don't deserve a bit of it, but through his unmerited favor I am blessed beyond measure. What a gracious and loving God I serve!!
Happy Thanksgiving. Remember to give thanks to the One who made you.
Giving thanks today for:
- Salvation by grace through faith
- A warm house
- Turkey sandwiches
- Four beautiful, healthy and amazing children
- A husband who encourages me to flourish
- A supportive and loving church family
- Remembrances of God's grace in my life
- Family members sought out by God this year
- Restored relationships
- A healthy marriage
- Joy in the hard times
- The Bible
- Laughter
- Seasons
- The mix of chocolate and peanut butter
- Friends far and near
- Light at the switch of a button
- Sweatshirts
- The ability to homeschool
- Knowledge
- Wisdom
- Discernment
- Rocking chairs
- Children who cuddle
- Indoor Plumbing
- Telephones and computers for keeping in touch
- And again, I come back to grace.
God's abundant blessing has yet again been poured out in my life this year. I don't deserve a bit of it, but through his unmerited favor I am blessed beyond measure. What a gracious and loving God I serve!!
Happy Thanksgiving. Remember to give thanks to the One who made you.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Teachable Moments
I love teachable moments with the kids. And I love that I learn so much during those teachable moments. We've had two in the last 12 hours that have especially struck me.
Last night I read the Princess and the Kiss to my kids for the first time. You can find a link to it in this post. Honestly, this book is so contrary to what I grew up thinking and doing, and yet it's so very much what I want for my own kids.
We had a great discussion after reading the book. As we all huddled together on the couch, we talked about how special it is that God has given us the gift of a first kiss and how important it is for us to be choosy about saving it for our mate.
The boys picked up on the part where the young farmer comes and asks permission to talk with the princess. I hope that I planted good seeds in them as we talked about the need to respect not only the princess, but also her parents by asking first before talking with the princess. And especially before asking her to marry.
Abby wondered where her kiss was. In the book it's depicted as a beautiful treasure. As I pointed to her lips, she shyly smiled and said, "Oh. I know about that kiss." And so we talked about her saving that kiss for just one man.
We talked about how easy it is to give your heart away and how important it is to guard it. And we thought about how special it is to give a really treasured gift to someone. But how that gift loses value for the recipeint if it's also been given to many others. I'm excited to continue using this teaching tool with the kids.
This morning, Josh started devotions by telling the kids our newest roof news. We've been saving for quite some time and had enough to get it done and then found out that the quote we were given didn't include labor. So, back to saving.
Josh posed the question to the kids, "Should we be worried that we can't get the roof done before winter?" In unison, the kids answered, "No. God will take care of us!"
Oh, how that warmed my heart! But, such a pat answer was not enough for Josh. He wanted to find out how they knew that God would provide. He asked the kids for evidence from the Bible.
They cited stories such as when Jesus fed the 5,000, Jesus calming the sea during the big storm, Jesus healing the leper. We talked of how God clothes the lillies and provides for the birds and yet loves us even more than these. We discussed Jesus' words about the wise man who builds his house on the rock, and the difference between the wise man and foolish man's houses.
And we talked about how important it is to be faithful with what God gives. How the Bible says we should not be indebted to any man and so instead of borrowing money for the roof, it would be better for us to wait until God provides the funds for us to fix it.
And God has provided. He has provided loving friends from the church who know how to do roofs and are willing to help us out. We have enough saved for the materials, so first thing in the spring, we'll get the roof done. God cares. God provides.
And as my son said, God's big enough that if he wants to, he could even keep the rain and snow from hitting our roof. :) True, very true.
So as for me and my family, we will trust the Lord.
Last night I read the Princess and the Kiss to my kids for the first time. You can find a link to it in this post. Honestly, this book is so contrary to what I grew up thinking and doing, and yet it's so very much what I want for my own kids.
We had a great discussion after reading the book. As we all huddled together on the couch, we talked about how special it is that God has given us the gift of a first kiss and how important it is for us to be choosy about saving it for our mate.
The boys picked up on the part where the young farmer comes and asks permission to talk with the princess. I hope that I planted good seeds in them as we talked about the need to respect not only the princess, but also her parents by asking first before talking with the princess. And especially before asking her to marry.
Abby wondered where her kiss was. In the book it's depicted as a beautiful treasure. As I pointed to her lips, she shyly smiled and said, "Oh. I know about that kiss." And so we talked about her saving that kiss for just one man.
We talked about how easy it is to give your heart away and how important it is to guard it. And we thought about how special it is to give a really treasured gift to someone. But how that gift loses value for the recipeint if it's also been given to many others. I'm excited to continue using this teaching tool with the kids.
This morning, Josh started devotions by telling the kids our newest roof news. We've been saving for quite some time and had enough to get it done and then found out that the quote we were given didn't include labor. So, back to saving.
Josh posed the question to the kids, "Should we be worried that we can't get the roof done before winter?" In unison, the kids answered, "No. God will take care of us!"
Oh, how that warmed my heart! But, such a pat answer was not enough for Josh. He wanted to find out how they knew that God would provide. He asked the kids for evidence from the Bible.
They cited stories such as when Jesus fed the 5,000, Jesus calming the sea during the big storm, Jesus healing the leper. We talked of how God clothes the lillies and provides for the birds and yet loves us even more than these. We discussed Jesus' words about the wise man who builds his house on the rock, and the difference between the wise man and foolish man's houses.
And we talked about how important it is to be faithful with what God gives. How the Bible says we should not be indebted to any man and so instead of borrowing money for the roof, it would be better for us to wait until God provides the funds for us to fix it.
And God has provided. He has provided loving friends from the church who know how to do roofs and are willing to help us out. We have enough saved for the materials, so first thing in the spring, we'll get the roof done. God cares. God provides.
And as my son said, God's big enough that if he wants to, he could even keep the rain and snow from hitting our roof. :) True, very true.
So as for me and my family, we will trust the Lord.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Evening Pick-Me-Up
Tonight I'm reliving some of the funny things my kids have said. These particular quotes never fail to bring smiles to my face and warm fuzzies to my heart. :)
"Hey Mom! It's Mickey Mouse on the Disease Channel!"
After a hamburger was dropped on the floor just before serving dinner, my two year old looked around, decided that Mom was the only family member missing from the room and said, "That's Mom's piece". Shocking!
While learning a verse about bearing with one another in love, we asked my daughter how she could bear with her brothers in love. She answered this way: "Well, I guess I'd go out in the backyard ... and dig a hole ..." She heard "bury" her brothers, not "bear with" her brothers!
After asking my son to try using the potty for what seemed the hundredth time on our first day of training, he looked at me with big, sad eyes and said, "No, Mommy. You break heart!" The poor child was just so tired of the potty that I was breaking his heart. Oh, how that pierced mine!
"Look out below!!!" One of the many things our youngest has shouted while using the potty. It's always an experience for the family when he heads to the toilet!
"The Lord is my Shepherd. He makes me lie down in Green Bay pastures."
"The Lord is my Sheperd. He makes me lie down in green pastures. Hey, Grandpa lives in green pastures!" (Grandpa lives in Green Bay, he's not yet out to pasture!)
One day we mentioned having a vague memory. My son asked what vague meant and I said "fuzzy". He thought about that and then declared, "Oh! I have vague arms!" He does have very hairy (fuzzy) arms. :)
"Ring around the rosie, pocket full of posies. Asses, asses, they all fall down!"
As one child played with his favorite bear, I heard him say, "Bear, let's go ask that old man over there." They left the couch and walked to the table where "Old Man" Dad was sitting. That was a blow to Dad's ego!
Ah, yes. Kid speak has got to be one of my favorite things in the world.
"Hey Mom! It's Mickey Mouse on the Disease Channel!"
After a hamburger was dropped on the floor just before serving dinner, my two year old looked around, decided that Mom was the only family member missing from the room and said, "That's Mom's piece". Shocking!
While learning a verse about bearing with one another in love, we asked my daughter how she could bear with her brothers in love. She answered this way: "Well, I guess I'd go out in the backyard ... and dig a hole ..." She heard "bury" her brothers, not "bear with" her brothers!
After asking my son to try using the potty for what seemed the hundredth time on our first day of training, he looked at me with big, sad eyes and said, "No, Mommy. You break heart!" The poor child was just so tired of the potty that I was breaking his heart. Oh, how that pierced mine!
"Look out below!!!" One of the many things our youngest has shouted while using the potty. It's always an experience for the family when he heads to the toilet!
"The Lord is my Shepherd. He makes me lie down in Green Bay pastures."
"The Lord is my Sheperd. He makes me lie down in green pastures. Hey, Grandpa lives in green pastures!" (Grandpa lives in Green Bay, he's not yet out to pasture!)
One day we mentioned having a vague memory. My son asked what vague meant and I said "fuzzy". He thought about that and then declared, "Oh! I have vague arms!" He does have very hairy (fuzzy) arms. :)
"Ring around the rosie, pocket full of posies. Asses, asses, they all fall down!"
As one child played with his favorite bear, I heard him say, "Bear, let's go ask that old man over there." They left the couch and walked to the table where "Old Man" Dad was sitting. That was a blow to Dad's ego!
Ah, yes. Kid speak has got to be one of my favorite things in the world.
Monday, November 22, 2010
The Best Chicken Noodle Soup. Ever.
I love this Chicken Noodle Soup recipe. I'm going to give unmeasured directions because I think it's so much better when you make it how you want it. And it's the kind of soup where you can dump in whatever you want. Enjoy!
Chicken Noodle Soup
Shredded Chicken (turkey works well too)
A pot full of chicken broth (some water is okay, but the less water the better)
Chopped Carrots
Chopped Celery
Frozen Peas
Egg or Rotini Noodles
(Anything else you want to dump. Frozen corn works really well.)
Italian Spices. If you want to be more precise, use a bay leaf and fish it out at the end.
In the pot combine the noodles, chicken, spices, broth and all but the frozen veggies. Heat to boiling and cook until the noodles are soft. Add in the frozen veggies for the last few minutes of cooking. Salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!!
One tip: If you cook a chicken and shred it, save the drippings from the chicken and use those as your broth. The yumminess factor goes up dramatically! :)
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