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According to Us

“One Husband, One Wife, Four Children and Everything in Between”

December 29, 2011 New He who delights in the Lord

Some pictures speak louder than words. I snuck these shots during Christmas week of my dad.

Every morning this is how you found him sitting at the breakfast table.

1 Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
2 but whose delight is in the law of the LORD,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers.

Psalm 1:1-3

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December 15, 2011 12 Days of Christmas:: Teacher Gifts

Here it is the eve of the children’s Christmas parties, so I am preparing the gifts for the teachers. It can be a difficult task, because you want to give something to each teacher that is thoughtful and meaningful to them, but at the same time you don’t want to break the bank, especially if you have, like me, multiple teachers to buy for.

This year, I decided to give a more meaningful gift that can really make a difference, and I hope it honors the teachers that invest so much into my 3 girls. This year we decided instead of running around town to find 10 perfect gifts, that we would give the gift of education to 3 children who wouldn’t otherwise receive such a gift. It would be given in honor of the teachers that my children learn under on a daily basis. Let’s be honest, do the teachers really need any more scarves, coffee mugs, chocolate, or gift cards?

We are giving this gift of education through a wonderful organization called World Vision. What I love about the World Vision Gift Catalogue is that you can find a variety of items that meet real tangible needs. The cost ranges greatly, but the reward goes far deeper than we could ever imagine. You can give gifts ranging anywhere from education, to farm animals, clean water, food, seeds to grow food, fruit trees, to mosquito nets, or even loans for widows to start a business. Each gift will make a difference. If you’re interested in knowing more click here to see the catalogue for yourself.

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December 14, 2011 12 Days of Christmas:: Birthdays

You may be thinking, “What do birthdays have any thing to do with Christmas?” In our family, as if December wasn’t busy enough, we also celebrate two birthdays. Alan and the Boy’s. There must be something to do with being a boy from his family line, because his dad also has a December birthday.

Frankly, IT STINKS!

I try to always do special things for them, but it is what it is.

I have some ground rules that I made to make sure to guard their special days and keep them separate from Christmas.

1. NEVER wrap a present with Christmas paper.

2. Never make a cake or decorations with Christmas themes.

3. Never buy one big gift that is both for their birthday and Christmas.

4. Go out of my way to do something special to remember their big day. Either have a party, eat at their favorite restaurant, or do something extra fun all in the name of their birthday.

5. Remember to sing “Happy Birthday” more frequently than Christmas carols, at least for that big day (despite their begging and pleading that I stop singing to them).

To commemorate Alan’s birthday this year, I made cake pops. Birthday Cake- cake pops.

Our family is a big fan of cake pops, and they were pretty easy to make, just be sure to set a couple of hours aside for the finished product. The basic steps are bake a cake, crumble it up and mix with icing, form into ball and freeze for 30 minutes, add sticks and freeze an hour, dip in chocolate, enjoy.

For more exact directions or more creative flavors click here.

I used a clean veggie can to prop these babies up, but I thought I would buy a square foam piece from the floral department and wrap it like a present. Then I would stick the cake pops in the foam to make them stand. For a Christmas display, buy a tree shape and do the same.

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December 13, 2011 12 Days of Christmas:: FUDGE

Not everyone loves fudge, but this is a crowd-pleasing yummy. I guarantee.  I like to tell people what is in it after they have had a taste.  {Otherwise they tend to turn their nose to it.}

It is so super easy, and you can throw your candy thermometer away! No need for that crazy thing.

The fudge is super creamy and never has the bitter or chalky taste that other fudges have.

I shared this recipe last year, so click HERE to check it out.

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December 12, 2011 12 Days of Christmas:: Favorite Music

I love

love

love Christmas music.

I could play it all year-long, but to spare Alan, I limit myself to listen to it only during the month of December. I don’t really have one favorite, but it’s more like I have 10 many number one favorites. Instead of making a top 10 list of my favorite songs, I thought I would share with you ten of my favorites, from cool classics, more traditional hymns, to modern takes of old faces. So. . . without further ado. . .and in no particular order. . .

  • “The First Noel“, David Crowder* Band Oh for Joy. This is my first choice for a couple of reasons. This is the last album of the David Crowder* Band, which is bitter-sweet. I also love this version of the classic hymn. It captures the worshipful experience that the birth of Christ really is.
  • “O Holy Night”, Rebecca St. James Christmas. It is one of those songs that should be on every list of favorite Christmas songs, but I particularly enjoy this version for its electric pop sound. To me, I enjoy the upbeat version, that tends to lead into a celebration of the birth of Jesus, and stirs away for the lullaby sound.
  • “Christmas Time is Here” Vince Guaraldi Trio A Charlie Brown Christmas. What is more classic than Charlie Brown’s Christmas?!
  • “Sleigh Ride” Amy Grant A Christmas Album. Okay this one is tough, because it is really this entire album that speaks Christmas to me. This is my go-to album when I want to be in the Christmas spirit. It’s the album I sing and play when I am decorating the Christmas tree. I. LOVE. IT. {I think it was the first Christmas tape (yes, I said tape) that we ever owned.}
  • “Hallelujah (Light has Come)” Barlow Girl Home for Christmas. This song came out a few years ago, and went immediately to the top of my list. It is full of power in singing about who Christ is. The light of the world.
  • “Silent Night” Taylor Swift The Taylor Swift Holiday Collection. This is partly for the Oldest, who is an avid Swifty. However, I really do like her version of a very familiar Christmas Carol. It breathes fresh life into an ageless classic.
  • “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” Casting Crowns Peace on Earth. If you have not heard this version, I strongly recommend checking it out. Love Casting Crowns; love this song and the message of peace found in Christ.
  • “Put One Foot in Front of the Other” Mickey Rooney, Keenan Wynn Rankin/Bass Christmas Classics. This may seem like an odd choice. This is, after all the album, that all the Rankin/Bass holiday classics come from. (i.e. Rudolf, Frosty, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, etc.) This song is special to me, because when Sweet T. was one year old, she was just on the verge of walking. We would sing this song with her to help get her to walk. It’s sentimental to me, other wise I would probably have chosen a more well-known song from that album.
  • “Have Yourself a Very Merry Christmas” Lou Rawls We Wish You a Merry Christmas: Various Artists. Another classic. I love Rawls jazzy voice
  • and finally. . . this is tough, because there are so many favorites. . . “Pennies From Heaven” Louis Prima Elf (Music from the Motion Picture. Okay, let me say that I realize this is not even a Christmas song, but I love the movie and this song is the one I think of when I think about that crazy movie.

There are so many that didn’t make this list, so what about you? What are some of your favorites that didn’t make my list? Please leave a comment below.

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December 9, 2011 12 Days of Christmas:: Gingerbread

Growing up we never made or had gingerbread at Christmas. However, for about 4 years, our tradition has been to decorate gingerbread houses together. Thanks to the fact that you can now buy the entire house pre-built is a big bonus.

However, as easy these kits are, I can’t help but want to make and assemble my own house. This year has left me with the same lack of satisfaction again.

I have no one to blame but myself. I am a procrastinator. I am not a perfectionist. That combination leads to a house that looks like it really was built in tornado alley Oklahoma. (or earthquake Oklahoma.)

I have learned a few pointers however. Next time I attempt to make the house myself I will not make it edible. I will cook that dough until it is harder than a brick. I will not wait until the morning of to assemble the house. While assembling the house together, it needs to be completely dry before adding the top or candy.

The kids made, for a craft at our Christmas party, gingerbread ornaments. Although they are not made for consumption, I think it makes a better shape for houses.  The downside to them was that Daphne (our dog) ate about four or five of them. Now that I know how much she loves them, I am more careful to keep them out of reach.

Apparently googly eyes and buttons don’t go down so easily in a dogs throat.

There are 5 out of 10 left. We hung them high on the tree. Needless to say.

Here are a couple of Gingerbread recipes that I recommend. The first one is edible, and the second is for ornamental purposes only. (and for dogs. No, not really.)

Gingerbread

(Dough must be chilled overnight before baking)

1 c. butter or margarine
1 c. sugar
1 c. molasses

1 egg beaten
1 tbsp. vinegar
4 1⁄2 to 5 cups sifted flour 1 tbsp. baking soda
1 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. ground cinnamon                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         1⁄4 tsp. salt

1. Place butter and sugar in a large bowl. Heat molasses in sauce pan stirring constantly and bring to a boil. Pour over butter and sugar mixture. Add vinegar. Stir until blended and set aside to cool. Once completely cooled, add egg.

2. Sift dry ingredients together, stir into molasses mixture, and mix well. Chill overnight.

3. Roll chilled dough out on a smooth surface to 1⁄8” thickness; cut out shapes of your choice. Place on a greased cookie sheet about 1” apart. Brush with cold water.

4. Bake at 350 for 8 to 10 minutes. Once the gingerbread shapes have completely cooled, you can begin building your gingerbread house.

***One important thing that I have learned is that you should roll the dough out onto parchment paper. After cutting your shape, remove the excess. If you try to move the gingerbread after it is rolled it will stretch. Also keep the dough cold. Re-cool your scraps before re-rolling them out.***

Gingerbread (for ornaments)

4 cups flour

1/2 tsp. ginger

1 tsp. baking powder

1 cup molasses

1 1/2 tsp salt

1/4 cup milk

1/2 cup butter, melted

1. combine flour, ginger, molasses, butter, baking powder, salt, and milk in a larger bowl. Chill.

2. Roll out dough to thickness of 3/16 to 1/4 inch on to parchment paper or a greased cookie sheet.

3. Cut dough using a template or cutters. Remove excess. You can use a sharp knife and press a decorative design into dough. If using for ornaments, punch a hole using a straw towards the top.

4. Bake in a 350 preheated oven for about 15 minutes. More or less depending on thickness.

5. With a spatula remove from pan immediately to cool on baking racks.

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December 7, 2011 12 Days of Christmas:: Simple Table Decoration

I was needing an inexpensive decoration for several tables to decorate for the Christmas Party. We had 34 people, almost half of whom were children, so I wanted something that wasn’t breakable, yet very festive. Fortunately for me, the Family Fun magazine arrived just in time for my last-minute ideas. I adopted an idea seen here, not the a-bottle-able snowmen, but the paper cone trees sitting next to them. It seemed like it would be easy enough, but to add a little pizzazz I decided to use left over wrapping paper from last year. Because wrapping paper is so flimsy, I also applied two layers of mod podge to make them a little more durable for my children to handle. It’s a good thing too, because they have been handled a lot.

All you need to do is form a cone using the wrapping paper. Secure with tape or glue. It doesn’t take much. In fact, I used regular stick glue on the outside edges after they were rolled. Once you have a cone shape, trim the bottom so the tree stands flat. None of mine were exact, but I think it added a little cuteness, because none of them were the same. Once you have your “forest” of trees made, apply mod podge using a sponge brush. Allow time to dry before reapplying. I tried adding it to the inside and out of some trees, but it didn’t make much of a difference, so you may find it easier to apply to the outside only. I took me about three hours to make 48 trees, and that is allowing time between coats of mod podge.

Super easy, and so cute.

I plan on using them to decorate a wall ledge I have, but they can also be used on a mantle, counter top, or any flat surface.

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December 6, 2011 12 Days of Christmas:: How to make a wreath

I can hardly believe that Christmas is coming so fast. Due to my lack of accurate blogging consistency, I have decided to not embarrass myself by saying that I would blog everyday until Christmas. (Clearly that didn’t work with my 30 Days of Thanks). I thought I would share 12 of my favorite traditions or things that I love about this season. Christmas to us is about celebrating the birth of Christ, but the season of Christmas is more. It’s about traditions, and baking, holiday shopping, and oh the decorating!

I thought I would share a new tradition that I started last year. Wreath Making

It began last year, as I was at the hardware store buying our real tree. Growing up, my family always had a real tree, and I just love that tradition. As I was waiting for them to trim the bottom and branches that would be in the way, I was glancing at the real wreaths that were stacked up near by. The lady that was helping asked if I wanted the branches to make my own wreath, so I took her up on it. Of course I had only made one wreath before, but it is such an easy craft to do.

First thing you need to do is gather your supplies. You need ever green branches. I love the look of mixing different kinds, although for my wreath I only have the one kind. You also need floral wire and a tool to trim the branches as you work. I used this heavy duty cutter to also cut my floral wire.

Gather a small bunch of branches to start, I used about 4, and wrap the floral wire several times around the branches. Pull the wire tight to hold it together while wrapping.

Gather a few more branches for the next layer. You may find it necessary to trim them as you use them. They don’t need to be real long. Also, depending on the size of the wreath that you want, use more or less in each section or layer. As you gather your next bunch, lay them on the previous bunch, but slightly lower. Wrap more floral wire to secure them. I never cut the floral wire, until the end.

As you add each section, shape your wreath to the size and shape you need. Remember that the loose branches that you added will connect to the wreath to form the circle. Careful attention to the size in shape is very important. I got a little carried away as I was making mine, and ended up with a much larger wreath than I intended.

The probably hardest part is tying the wreath together into a circle. It’s not that difficult, however. Once you are ready, grab the “loose” branch tops that you started with. Holding on to the branch bottom of the last layer you added, grab a few of the “loose” branches towards the bottom (but not all of them) and tie one final wrap around with the floral wire. The reason you don’t tie all of them together is to hide where you attached the two ends together. GIve your wreath one final shaping, and then hang it.

This is my wreath. Like I said, I got a little carried away. Once I hung it on the door, I used my trimming tool and cut the straggling branches. (It was too big for my door, so I ended up hanging it on the outside of the glass door).

Once it is trimmed and hung, the last step is to add your Christmas bling. I like real simple decorations, but add all the ornaments, bows and glitter that your heart desires.

I had a lot of small branches from when I trimmed it to fit the door. I decided to make a smaller wreath for my chandelier in the kitchen. This was a little trickier to tie together, because I had to wrap the ends together while it was on the chandelier. I was very pleased with the result.

I would love to hear from you about your wreaths. Do you have a better way to make one? Post a picture or a link. I hope you enjoy this new tradition of mine.

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November 22, 2011 30 Days of Thanks:: Day 22

Today I’m thankful for my brother and sister in-laws.

They sure do put up with a lot. I love when we get together and they compare notes to our family’s weird quirks.  Could be any thing from how we sleep with our elbows above out ears to silly food preferences. (Thank you dad.)T hey listen to our family memories every time we relive them when we talk about those “fun times” growing up. They are loving and patient, and gladly partake in the craziness of being in our family. Every one of them fit perfectly, as if they were a missing piece that found its place when they shrugged normalcy to the side and jumped into marriage with both feet. They are not my sibling’s spouses, but really are extensions to our families. They are sisters and brothers. They are friends. They are love.

Today I’m thankful for my brother and sister in-laws.

Hallelujah

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; His love endures forever.

Psalm 106:1

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November 18, 2011 30 Days of Thanks:: Day 18

Today I am thankful for friends.

“I know a way to stay friends forever,

There’s really nothing to it,

I tell you what to do, And you do it”

                             -Shel Silverstein

Of course these are not really the kind of friends I’m talking about.

I’m thankful for the friends that love me for me, and even though I am completely wrong, totally obnoxious, fully opinionated, and supremely demanding and selfish. There is not need for pretense or make-believe. You are who you are, and they love you anyway. You can talk every day or a year in between (heaven forbid) and you pick up at that very moment that you left off.

Today I’m thankful for friends.

She gave thanks to God and spoke about the (Savior) to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

Luke 2:28

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