food, crochet, merriment
On Friday we celebrated my sweet April’s birthday.
April, a beautiful wife to Jacob…
an incredible mother to Lily and Beckham…
a loving sister to Lyndi, Jillian, Dane and Rhen, and an inspiring daughter…to me.
April, who–among a million other wonderful things–creates all the background that is beautiful on this blog.
We love you, Honey.
Thanks for being ours…
Happy Birthday.
Whips up quick–and makes a ton…
Chex Candy
Ingredients:
1-1/2 cups corn syrup
1-1/2 cups sugar
1 cup butter
1-1/2 tsp vanilla
1 box Chex cereal–Rice or Corn or both (1lb. 7 oz)
Cook first three ingredients together to full boil. Boil 2 minutes. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Pour over Chex and mix to coat all pieces. Spread on wax paper to cool.
I’ve heard of people adding dry roasted peanuts, or M&M’s, but we like it in it’s plain, unadulterated form. Call us purists.
Serves a million and makes them very happy.
“Born in a stable, cradled in a manger, He came forth from heaven to live on earth as mortal man and to establish the kingdom of God. During His earthly ministry, He taught men the higher law. His glorious gospel reshaped the thinking of the world. He blessed the sick. He caused the lame to walk, the blind to see, the deaf to hear. He even raised the dead to life. To us He has said, ‘Come, follow me.’
“As we seek Christ, as we find Him, as we follow Him, we shall have the Christmas spirit, not for one fleeting day each year, but as a companion always. We shall learn to forget ourselves. We shall turn our thoughts to the greater benefit of others”
Thomas S. Monson
Years ago, I read an article called “Merry Christmas, The Symbols of the Season.” It was very interesting. Don’t be afraid…I’ll paraphrase.
According to this article, there is a perfectly good reason why the song The 12 Days of Christmas doesn’t make any sense. It was actually being elusive on purpose.
It seems that in England, from 1558 until 1829 Roman Catholics were not allowed to practice their faith publicly and their religious symbols were banned. Someone in that era wrote a song to help their young children remember what they could not openly preach. Although I, myself am not Catholic, and therefore don’t completely understand some of the terms, I think since we sing the song, and we love the song–we should also understand the song, and be respectful of it’s origin. I found it fascinating.
It breaks down like this…
“On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me…” The “true love” referred to is God himself. The “me” is the church member who receives the gifts.
by John Coulter
1 Partridge in a Pear Tree = Jesus Christ-
Jesus is represented as a mother partridge because she would pretend to be injured to decoy a predator away from her nestlings. She was even willing to die for them.
Artist Unknown
2 Turtle Doves = Old and New Testaments
3 French Hens = Faith, Hope and Charity
By Sarah Tyson
4 Calling Birds = Four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
by Judith Kall
5 Golden Rings = The First Five Books of the Old Testament
by Karmen
6 Geese a Laying = The 6 days of Creation
by Bill Ewart Jr.
7 Swans a Swimming = The Sevenfold Gifts of the Spirit-
wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord.
by Yvonne Earber
8 Maid a Milking = The Eight Beatitudes
by bkinternet
9 Ladies Dancing = Nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit-
love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control
by Brooks
10 Lords a Leaping = The Ten Commandments
by The Plate Lady
11 Pipers Piping = Eleven Faithful Apostles
Image found here
12 Drummers Drumming = 12 Beliefs in the Apostles Creed-
belief in God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, that Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary, made man, crucified, died and arose on the third day, that he sits at the right hand of the father and will come again, the resurrection of the dead and life everlasting.
Now then…don’t you feel smart?
Because I think I know so much, I’d like to show you some fabulous Christmas books that are big favorites around these parts. Now, because I’m terrifically old, some of these books may take some focus to find. But if you’re interested…I’ll try to help.
1. “Silver Packages” by Cynthia Rylant
Daney-boy’s favorite. An Appalachian story of how kindness can change lives.
2. “The Bird’s Christmas Carol”
Really old and really worth the search. It’s one of those stories about taking care of each other that they just don’t write anymore.
3. “Dance in the Desert” by Madeleine L’engle
A mother, a husband, and a young son join a caravan to help them cross the desert to Egypt. If this book had no words–the illustrations are worth the read.
4. This is the Star by Joyce Dunbar
Along the lines of the “House That Jack Built” in composition. But the illustrations by Gary Blythe (Whale’s Song) are frame worthy. Seriously.
5. The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski
Mine came with an audio CD which is fun, but I would miss the illustrations. Very moving, healing book.
All I know is that my grown-up kids still love to read and laugh at this one. We’ve nearly worn our copy out. You’ll have to get this one from the library–or borrow mine. It has gone into the mysterious realm of “collectibles.”
7. “One Wintry Night” by Ruth Bell Graham
Written by Billy Graham’s wife. Take a few evenings to enjoy this one. They even made Christmas cards out of some of these. She begins the Christmas story from the creation of the world. Wonderful, perfect approach.
8. Countdown to Christmas by Bill Peet
Just silly enough to be a yearly family favorite. How can you beat a timeless line like, “A cool Christmas to all and a groovy New Year!” The library should have it.
9. The Christmas Carol by Lewis Carol
This is a great way to get your kids hooked on a classic. The illustrations–again–are worth the price. Just read it.
10. Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
We still love this one—couldn’t stand the movie–but the book remains one of our top favorites.
As you can see–I personally have a severe possession problem. But all you healthy people can most likely check these out at the library. That should keep your bedtimes busy until just about Christmas Eve. Woohoo!
Praying for snow…
