Merry Christmas

Last post before I go crazy finishing the final touches before tonight. I still have wrapping to do and some re wrapping (thanks crumb snatchers), Christmas mouse prep, and the mountain of food to get ready. Everything is complete except the Ham, green bean casserole, rolls, and mom is working on the potato salad as we speak. Sometime today I have to take a tray to my dads who is under the weather and not up to joining us tonight. I still need to mop and do a fly by dusting. 

I am in such a joyous mood. This has been one of the best Christmas seasons here at my house. So many memories made, laughter and smiles...we are truly blessed. 

I also want to extend a thanks to my friend Heather over at Home Ec 101. She helped me out of a fast pinch this morning when I found I was completely out of sweetened condensed milk that I so very desperately needed for the Chocolate cream pie. You rock mama...Thanks a million. 

Also above is a little chocolate porn for my friend Stephanie over at A close Knit Family and my other girls both Summer, August, ASD/PDNOS/GDD and October. I have enjoyed you being apart of my life this past year. You've been there for advice, humor, encouragement and support. Next, to one of my best friends online and IRL, Rachel over at Sweet Angel Memories. Thanks for being you...enough said. And to my new twin Leslie. I swear we were separated at birth (other than religious beliefs) which we so smartly detour from.You've not only helped validate my views but given me some great new recipes. To Kim...thanks for helping me find my way to being a better wife and mother and the knowledge of my roles in the home.  Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas..I love you ladies. 

Magic Reindeer Food

Who says Santa is the only one who gets treats Christmas Eve? What about the reindeer...they are the ones having to haul all the loot roof to roof. That's a hard job. I only haul three kids and I struggle with that myself. 

Magic Reindeer food is a very cheap and easy project you can do at home with the kids or for a class project. I have done this project with my kids classes since preschool and its always a big hit. You can also teach measurements and counting while having fun. Easy way to get your little ones learning in the kitchen!

All it contains is raw rolled oats, sprinkles, and marshmallows. Some recipes call for glitter, but we prefer not to give indigestion to birds and rabbits who will most likely eat the leftovers....so we stick with sprinkles. I think they can handle a sugar high better than the bloat (or death)...there really is no ratios to do this...it all depends on how much food you want to leave the reindeer. We feel a small handful does the job...no one wants Blizten so fat he can't fly and I hear Comet has a bad case of flatulence. 

1/2 cup rolled oats

1 tablespoon sprinkles of your choice

9 marshmallows or M&M's (one for each reindeer)

ziplock bags

*For a classroom, you can print the graphic above to place on the bags. 

Angel Ornaments

Each year a group of friends get together and exchange Christmas ornaments. It can be any type as long as its handmade. This year I went to our local Fabrics and Craft store. They do a workshop each season and supply all the crafts. You just bring your creative caps and the fee of course :) This year I made an angel. I am sort of proud of her. So much so, I went back and bought more supplies. I'll use these little sweet cherubs on top of Christmas packages.

Christmas here, Christmas there, Christmas everywhere!

The Christmas season is officially at my house. Our trees are decorated and beautiful. Snowmen, Santa's, and angels are placed throughout the house. Christmas music softly in the background setting the mood. The wonderful smell of spice cake in the air, (thanks to my lovely tart warmer LOL). To kick off the season we always make a ginger bread house. The kids had a blast decorating and frosting it. Looks good enough to eat, and if I know my Ryan, some of the candy will be missing by morning.

So many ways to help

With the unsteady economy this year, times are tough for everyone. As a family we try to focus on our blessings, not stressing over trying to afford the latest game system, blue ray, or other gadgets. There is so much to be thankful for and simple ways you are truly blessed. If you have food and shelter, you are blessed. If you are employed, you are blessed. If you are up on your mortgage, you are blessed. If you can pay your bills on time, you are blessed. If you look around and find yourself surrounded by the love and support of family and friends, you are blessed.

Look around.... I bet you can find SOMETHING to be grateful for, even in difficult times. And as we count our blessings, there is no better way to show our gratitude than giving or helping others. I challenge each of you to do something for someone else. As you pass the Salvation Army kettles, throw in your pocket change. Or clean your closets and take a bag of clothes to one of their stores. They're a great organization that does a lot of good in the community. All the food banks (like Second Harvest or Helping Ministries) and homeless shelters desperately need canned and dry goods. Even if it's just a couple of cans, it will be greatly appreciated. The Salvation Army and malls (among others) have angel trees where you can pick a child's name and give them a Merry Christmas!

Another idea is "Santa For Seniors". There are many seniors in nursing homes and hospitals that are forgotten during the holidays. All they ask for are basic necessities like lotion, word puzzles, throws, slippers, toiletries and large print books. Nothing extravagant. Also, don't forget your veteran. Find a local VAMC (veterans medical hospital) near you. Another suggestion, every time you go to the store, buy a toy for the Toys For Tots bin! It could be a simple $1 item. Also as an animal lover, I'm a big supporter of the Humane Society. If you can't give a pet a home, you can still donate bagged or canned food, towels, and treats!

It's my goal to do as many of these things as possible, and I hope you join me.

For those that really do find it hard to see yourself as blessed or one of the less fortunate. Give a smile, hug or warm greeting and remember to include others in your prayers. That itself is a wonderful gift.