Christmas Bonus - Before & After!!!

Interesting Experience

I had an interesting experience concerning fasting. I fasted this past Monday (I don't usually fast on Sunday - prefer a week-day). But during my fast I was second guessing the whole "fast" thing. Was it really helpful? What good does it do? Why fast anyway? I did not have a very good attitude. Then yesterday (Tuesday) I went to the temple and as I was waiting in initiatory (actually there was no wait -- I was the only patron in the waiting room at the time) I sat down anyway, briefly, picked up a scripture, opened it randomly and read two words. Then was called to go into initiatory. What words did I read? "Jesus fasts". It was in the heading of Matthew 4.

CHRISTMAS EVE

3:00 pm at the Olsen's
Menu -- almost the same as we had Thanksgiving Day, with SUGAR PLUMS added.

THE OLD FASHIONED WAY

Trek came over to plow our driveway (which we appreciate greatly, greatly, greatly!), and saw that I was trying to dry some 100% cotton place mats that can't be dryed in the dryer, unless I want tiny ones. He said I should take a picture and post it on the blog -- so here it is. It reminds me of when this was the only way to dry clothes.

P.S. I only wanted one picture but don't know how to delete one.

A little connection with history.

easy gift idea

These snowmen are made from either a box of cookies or a box of thin mints candies. The mint candies are $.99 at Rite Aid and the hat is a newborn sock with a yarn scarf. The box of cookies has a hat and scarf made from fleece. Easy!

Twas The Night Before Christmas . . .

. . . while Sugar Plums danced in their heads . . .

I have never seen or tasted a Sugar Plum until today!

They are quite good so I purchased enough for everyone to try on Christmas Eve at the Olsen's. Yum!

Next Thanksgiving Day's Craft Project???

Nativity through the years..

2000

2001

2002 (the year of two Marys)

Same year that this angel was a "No-show"

2003

I'm so grossed out I don't have 2004

2005

2006

2007 (first live baby Jesus)

2008

2009

Christmas 2005

Family Dinner 12-19-10

planning ahead
Menu:
Bread Bowls
Soups

This is the card I put together for the Bishop to give out at tithing settlement. I love the quote!

GOOD JOB KARLENE!

Love your decorating choices. You make this blog fun.

Sunday Dinner - December 5

MENU:
Meat Balls & Gravy
Rice
Corn
Four Bean Salad
Red Jell-o & Cream

Birthday Cake (Cheese Cake)
Craig's choice (at least that is what Lori & I thought he would choose).

Lori's roll recipe

FEATHER-LIGHT OVERNIGHT ROLLS
You can freeze the rolled dough in this light and irresistible recipe, making the day of the big feast a little more calm.
1 cup water
1 cup butter (2 sticks)
3/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1 cup cold water
2 (.25 ounce) packages yeast
1/2 cup warm water
4 eggs, beaten
7 1/2 cups flour
Butter for spreading on dough

In a 6 quart pan bring the 1 cup water to a boil. Add the 1 cup butter, sugar, and salt. Remove from heat. Add the 1 cup cold water. Dissolve yeast in the 1/2 cup warm water (not hot). When first mixture is lukewarm, add yeast mixture and beaten eggs. Stir briefly. Add flour and stir together. Cover pan with lid and refrigerate overnight. When ready to roll out, divide dough in thirds. Lightly flour surface of bread board. Roll each third out in a large circle about 1/2 inch thick. Spread dough lightly with butter. Cut dough into wedges and roll each up, beginning at the wide end, to form a crescent shape. Place on 3 greased baking sheets (about 12 rolls per sheet). Let rise about 4 hours. Bake at 400* F for about 12 minutes. Makes 3 to 4dozen rolls.
If doing ahead, freeze after dough has been shaped into crescent rolls and placed on cookie sheets. Once frozen, put into plastic freezer bags until ready to use. To use, return them to cookie sheets and let rise about 6 hours or until light. Proceed with previous baking instructions.

Thankful...

FOR THIS FAMILY!!

Advent Calendars

I'm putting these buttons on the inside of our advent calendars so when you take the covers off each day there is still a picture... And, it's all about the true meaning of Christmas! Tom's idea for the theme. It only took me 6 hours to make these! If you want a copy, let me know. =)

THE HOLIDAYS ARE HERE