December 24th ~ Christmas Eve

On the twenty-fourth day of December my true love gave to me,

A church worship service on Christmas Eve.

My husband ministers three churches. On an average Sunday he is pooped by 2:oo pm, which is when he’s done preaching 3 sermons for the day and I have stuffed him full with a traditional Sunday meal. I only attend one church. It could be any one of the three, but still, only one on any given Sunday. I tend to stick with a certain church mostly because out of the three it was the one I choose to put my membership when we first moved to the island, and also because of the Children’s Ministry I am involved in there. A second church I attend often is the one across the street from our parsonage. It’s a beautiful church, and I tend to attend regularly during the summer because of the Children’s Sunday School program and VBS. It’s also the church I randomly go to when me and the boys are running too late to make it to the other one. The last church is my favorite. I call it the Little House on The Prairie Church. It is so picturesque and quaint. But services there are at 8:15 in the morning, and a morning person I am not. So consequently, I rarely attend that church.

On Christmas Eve, all three churches hold services, and all three services I and my boys attend. It’s a bit of a rat race. Once starts at 6, then the next at 7, and then back to the big one across the street from our house at 8. All three churches have a unique service of their own, and all three pack out with every person within the villages, whether they are members or regular attendees or not. The only bad thing about Christmas Eve is that by the time we get to the 8:00 pm service I don’t always have a spot in my own driveway. But we won’t get on that soapbox. Needless to say, as a minister’s wife, there are lots of things my family and I have to deal with, and overall keep our feelings to ourselves.

Christmas Eve dinner, once a cherished tradition, is no longer the event it once was. In days past I would create a wonderful meal in which I would lovingly serve on our fine china at the dinning room table, complete with a homemade pie of some type. The boys would pose for pictures as they hung up their stockings and put out milk and cookies for Santa. Later in the evening we would snuggle down for a family movie or a game night.

Now we eat pizza or some other non-monumental meal that I might have thrown together had I given it much time and thought. Like a casserole or something. There have been years that pictures of stockings and plates of cookies and carrots have been forgotten, much to my dismay. And though I enjoy the fellowship and church #1, the Children’s Christmas program at church #2, and the message and communion at church #3, I also sometimes resent the amount of time that is given to the church and our church families, and how little of that time is left for building and carrying on traditions in my own home.  And then I am humbled and reminded that Christmas is not about me and it never was.

This year Christmas is on a Sunday. Could Jesus’ birthday have come on a more perfect day? What better way to celebrate the reason for the season than in church, which is why you’re going to church in the first place. Well, actually, the flesh in me says yes, there could have been a better day…like Monday. How about Monday? Or Saturday? Take your pick. But Sunday? Come on, it’s Christmas morning and now I have to share that, too!? Well, actually, yes, yes I do.

But as always on Sunday mornings, I will attend only one church, and seeing as it will be a crazy morning, I will most likely attend the closer church which starts the latest in the morning. And I will still make my Christmas breakfast and hope I can get it ready in time for Hubby to eat with us before he is out the door to church #1. No one said his job was easy either, and so I certainly don’t blame him for the life the Lord has called us to.

To me these are a little bigger than the “small stuff” but to sweat them anyway would not accomplish much. That doesn’t mean I never get angry or frustrated, scream into my pillow and throw a temper tantrum once in a while, but in the end you have to keep things in perspective. I suspect that I clung to the traditions of my own childhood for certain reasons, but my hope is that my own children will find the same solace in these newer ones. It’s not about the turkey dinner, the pictures, or the plate of cookies. It’s about us being a family and worshipping together. It’s about the four of us spending time together and truly enjoying each other’s company. Maybe my boys will grow up and look back fondly on our Christmas Eve pizzas. I hope so.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

~ John 3:16  NIV

December 23rd ~ Are We There Yet?

On the twentythird day of December my true love gave to me,

a headache and a bit of fatigue.

Is anyone else tired yet? These past three weeks have just flown by, and now we’re on the eve of The Eve. Already. And I woke up this morning with a slight headache, which is better than a big headache (those are the worst to start your day with!), but I am sure it will go away with some tea and quiet time.

Looking back on these past three weeks, it’s no wonder I feel as though the air force is running practice drills in my head this morning. Every day has had something going on, no matter how big or small. Tonight is my last party of the season, and one I’m looking forward to regardless, because it’s with all my favorite girls and our hubbys. Each of us must bring a wrapped ornament and an appetizer that starts with the first letter of our name. My ornament is sure to be a hit with all my high-heeled wearing girlfriends- it’s a glittery stiletto- I think Elke and Tia are the only ones who don’t wear them, nor me, but it’s still super cute. And the dish will be Caprese. Yes, I’m cheating a bit because I made this last week (but this will be a new batch!) for the party I had on Saturday. But I don’t have anymore of that awesome crab dip, so Caprese it will be. And this time I found some fresh basil to skewer between the cheese and tomatoes. No Tortellini this time. They didn’t skewer well.

I feel like I’ve neglected my blogging duties by not having more recipes and action in the kitchen. It’s not common that we eat out as often as we have this week, and so the last time I cooked was Sunday when I made a traditional pot roast dinner with my roasted potatoes, green beans, and carrot bake. We had guests for dinner, the sherif and his son, and for dessert I set out a tray of cake balls, macaroons, and my gingersnap-lemon tarts. Baking is another thing I haven’t indulged in much this year. After I make my traditional cookies I’m pretty much done. Between those and leftover goodies from the party, we have more than we can possibly eat, and it doesn’t stop there. So far we’ve been given some peanut brittle, homemade biscotti, and a huge chocolate cake. There could still be more coming, you never know.

Monday night was the Senior Dinner at the church, which is covered dish style. Every year the church sponsors the seniors at our secondary school by hosting about 5 or 6 dinners during the school year. They also send birthday cards to each student, bring them cookies and treats at the school periodically, and give out little gifts and raffle items. With the average graduating class around 45 each year, this is very easily done. At the beginning of the year we also choose a student and pray for them all year.

Tuesday night was caroling and pizza. Wednesday Hubby and I took the boys “up the beach” to do the last bit of Christmas shopping, to see a movie (Sherlock Holmes 2= Awesome!) and to dinner at Outback. That was a real treat! But Number Two was upset we didn’t go to mexican, which what we ended up doing last night after his rehearsal at the church for his role as a Wiseman in the Christmas Eve play tomorrow night. And tonight is pizza night for the boys while Hubby and I go to a party so………yeah, lots of great healthy food going into our bodies these days, right?

In response to this busy season and the madness some of us feel at times, I came up with my own version of the 12 Days of Christmas song based on everything that has gone on this month so far (yes, 3 turkeys- really!). I truly have only had a handful of days this month where we could relax and watch a family movie together and not worry about having to be somewhere.

12 Days of Christmas

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me…a Christmas parade down main street.

One the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me…two winter concerts and a Christmas parade down main street.

On the third day of Christmas….3 roasted turkeys….

On the Fourth day of Christmas…4 shopping day trips…

On the fifth day of Christmas…5 batches of cookies…

On the sixth day of Christmas…6 community engagements…

On the seventh day of Christmas…7 party invites…

On the eighth day of Christmas…8 runs to the post office…

On the ninth day of Christmas…9 bowls of popcorn…

On the tenth day of Christmas…10 Christmas movies…

On the eleventh day of Christmas…11 loads of laundry…

On the twelfth day of Christmas…12 gifts to wrap…

So there you have it, the busy yet wonderful season in December that we all must submit to. It’s not so bad. In fact, it’s pretty magical, and once Christmas Day has come and gone I will have a week to hang out with the boys before their winter break is over. As usual, I try not to sweat the small stuff (and yes, it’s all small, in retrospect) and ALWAYS remember the true meaning of the season.

December 21st ~ Make A Joyful Noise

On the twentyfirst day of December my true love gave to me,

sharks and dogbones and some caroling.

Yesterday I failed to recognize the first day of Hanukkah, but it has officialy begun. Growing up on the North side of Chicago, I was smack in the middle of a huge Jewish community that stretched literally all the way through the West and North suburbs. I’d had many Jewish friends (even boyfriends), and still do (friends, not boyfriends ) Also, being a Christian rooted in Judaic beliefs, my hubby and I are known to observe Jewish traditions and holidays. The year Number Two was born we were actually hoping that he’d come during Rosh Hoshana, but alas, he came after the New Year, which was just as fine with us. So, Happy Hannukah to all my wonderful Jewish friends. May the Lord bless you and keep you during this season of remembrance.

Now, on to the post. Yesterday was quite a day. First of all it was The Pooper’s 3rd birthday. In years past we celebrated by giving Pooper a treat and a gift. Last year it was doggie-safe ice cream, which he didn’t much care for, and the year before was some gormet canned food that I upended onto a plate and it actually looked like a little cake. This year I made him a real doggie cake from an organic mix I found at a local wholistic pet store.

The box included a bone-shaped pan and I used a little cream cheese as frosting, dusted with carob powder.

Welcome to the Pooper Party

Another thing that happend was Hubby and Nunber One spent the day off-shore fishing with some friends, and One caught a 150 pound shark! I have a 20 second video of it but can’t figure out how to link it here

So, in addition to my many titles, I am also the Children’s Ministry Coordinator at one of our churches. There is an awesome team of teachers and leaders who have stepped up to help make this ministry come alive within the past year, and I have to admit that I do very little because they all have the vision and the ability to make this ministry a success. One of the many events that they do for the children is to take them caroling, which is what we did last night. This event was so much fun, and my idea of the epitome of celebrating the Christmas season in good health, good spirits, and good fun. There is nothing more celebratory of the season than to go caroling. We choose a handful of houses to visit, all beloved elder members of our church who have become shut-ins and semi-shut-ins, and drove around in a big van together, singing wonderful Christmas songs and carols. We ended the evening with a pizza party at a local restaurant/arcade, giving each child a handful of quarters.

“Make a joyful noise, unto the Lord…”

~ Psalm 100:1  KJV

Make a Joyful Noise – David Crowder Band

December 20th ~ Fall on Your Knees

On the twentieth day of December my true love gave to me,

an alter for my bended knee.

It’s getting closer to Christmas Day and all the partying and gift exchanging aside, we must never forget the real reason for the season. Now is the time to renew and refresh your relationship with the Lord. Being thankful is important- it shows humility and appreciation for your life and the lives of others- but praying to and thanking God for your blessings is necessary. Take a moment everyday to say, “Thank you, Lord.” Seek that awed feeling you get when in the presence of something bigger than yourself. Make your holidays more meaningful and savor this season in good health, good spirits, and good fun.

Most people are familiar with the story The Night Before Christmas, and there are several good Christmas tales out there that tell the story of Jesus’ birth. Our favorite is Room for a Little One, A Christmas Tale. Santa Claus is fun but there is so much more to CHRISTmas; the TRUE meaning for why there is even a holiday called Christmas at all.

 

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

~ Isaiah 9:6  NIV

December 19th ~ Game Night

On the nineteenth day of December my true love gave to me,

a rousing game of Monopoly.

 As much of America is enjoying the beginning of Christmas Week, and their winter break from school, my own boys braved the cold 30 degree weather this morning and boarded their school buses. Hurricane Irene did not do us any favors, including tacking on 9 make-up school days this year. Two of them came out of Christmas vacation.

But all is well, and in the end those two days don’t matter because the excitement of Christmas Week is here! Only 6 more days-OMG-I-can’t-believe-it’s-almost-here! (This being said as the boys updated our little chalkboard.) We’ve had this thing for so long I can’t even remember when or where I got it, but we use it every year and the boys faithfully change the number each day.

In addition to parties, winter concerts, caroling, and parades, there are those nights you take it easy and just enjoy the down time with your family. Movie nights are nice but sometimes you really want to connect with your loved-ones and this is where turning off the TV and having Game Night comes in. We have shelves of games, but there are some favorites that allow for all four of us to play.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Take time to enjoy your family. Gather around the table, make some hot cocoa, put out a bowl of popcorn or a plate of cookies, and savor the season -and these moments- in good health, good spirits, and good fun.

 

“Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.”

~ Psalms 33:3  NIV

December 13th ~ Stave off those sniffles

On the thirteenth day of December my true love gave to me,

 a handsoap scented with sweet pea.

Speaking of Christmas music …tomorrow’s post should have a recap of recent events. Last night was the school’s band concert at Brandon’s school (he plays saxophone), and tonight is Jadon’s school Christmas Program.

There is always so much going on this time of year. Hence, the 25 Days of Christmas. I hope these posts have been fun and informative, and have helped you in some small way enjoy the season in good health, good spirits, and good fun. I definitely did NOT realize what a big task I had given myself. I don’t know that I’ll have anything to write about post-Christmas!

But back to today’s post. We’re talking about germs (eww) and trying our best to stay healthy during this season of colds and sniffles and whatnot. You’d be surprised how little you need to spend ($2 on average) to keep your family cold-free. How, you ask? Hand sanitizer. Wow. Super easy.

Hand washing is great, don’t get me wrong. In fact, I’m an avid hand-washer to the point that I keep OLAY in business by constantly combating my dry skin with their wonderful sparkly and sweet-smelling lotion. I wash my hands more times a day than I keep count. I wash after I use the toilet (if you don’t, please start), before I empty the dishwasher and again after (if I’m going straight into food-prep mode), and always before and after handling food. If I’m out in public I’ve just increased my need for clean hands by about a hundred-fold. I’m not a neurotic, truly. I just like things clean. 

BUT studies show that hand washing only kills about 31% of the germs on your hands. I don’t know how accurate that statistic is, if that includes anti-bacterial soap or not, but I do know that most people don’t know how to wash their hands effectively.  If you’re a nurse you probably know this, but to everyone else, wanna hear something so obvious that you probably have never considered it before? You know how you lather up the soap and then rinse? Well, if you’re not rinsing in a downward motion so that the germs run off your hands and down the drain, then you might be just reapplying the germs, along with soap residue, back onto your hands.

The key is to use a hand sanitizer in addition to washing your hands, which supposedly adds 80% protection against germs, which I guess is pretty good considering most sanitizers claim to kill 99% of the germs on your hands. I won’t even go into the chemical aspect of these sanitizers, though. We’re all aware. So I think it’s safe to say that doing both is the best precaution, and just my opinion, but to wash with soap and water after using the sanitizer.

This is definitely not to say that a sanitizer should be used in lieu of washing. Several years ago I worked as a T.A. in an elementary school. It was a 2nd grade class and the head teacher was very effective in her time- management. The kids had to be allowed to go to the bathroom several times during the day, so it was worked into the daily schedule that they got a bathroom break in the morning between subjects, after lunch while walking back to class, and again in the afternoon either going to or returning from recess (I can’t remember which). She always carried a bottle of hand sanitizer with her and instructed me to do the same. I assumed it was to give each kid a dollop as they were coming out of the bathroom. It was…but none of them came out with washed hands. Ever. I asked her why they weren’t washing their hands and she said she’d rather use the sanitizer because it was faster. Her argument was that the kids tend to waste time, play at the sinks, and get too wet when washing their hands.

If you’re reacting anything at all like I did when she told me this, I wouldn’t be surprised. In fact, you might be considering double-checking with your own kids’ schools to see how they are handling hand-washing.

So basically she taught these kids that cleanliness wasn’t important for selfish reasons. Yeah. I’ll just say this again: hand sanitzers do not substitute for hand washing. And BTW, the principal put an end to that, thank God.

Also, make sure your hands are thoroughly dried. Bacteria spreads more readily from damp hands.

But what if you’re already feeling a bit crummy? If you’ve got a cold coming on take Alkaseltzer immediately, or Zicam. But if it’s already set in then take a handful of Vitamin C with lots of water, and then one 1000 mg tablet every hour on the hour until you start to feel better. That’s how my mom taught me to do it and it always works. You can’t have too much vitamin C. Your body will pee out what it doesn’t need or use, so don’t be afraid of it.

But if you have a bad cold the night of your kid’s Christmas concert and you absolutely can’t miss it, try this: take an ibuprofen or acetaminophen right away. They can knock down a fever and ease a headache and a sore throat. Then use a nasal spray or decongestant pill that has pseudoephedrine. Using the two together (acetaminophen and pseudoephedrine) gives more relief than just one of either remedy used alone. (Drugs.com)

Don’t forget also that proper sleep will help safe guard against colds, as well as a routine dose of herbal tea. If you don’t take a daily multi-vitamin it’s never too late to start. So don’t suffer if you don’t have to. Winter colds will happen but you can still enjoy some of those important events. Don’t sweat the small stuff and remember the real reason for the season.

“I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.”

~ Jeremiah 33:6  NIV

December 12th ~ Participate!

On the twelfth day of December my true love gave to me,

a gathering of the community.

This weekend was full of community activity. To me, this is a big part of what makes the holidays special, and is all about enjoying the season in good health, good spirits, and good fun.

On Saturday we began by attending our local museum’s holiday gathering. This was a one-day event that allowed locals and visitors alike to see exhibits that were getting ready to go into the vault for a long time. There were cookies, soup, punch, caroling, and children’s activities. For every food pantry donation we were given a 5% discount toward purchases in the gift shop. There was also a seating area that allowed people to rest and watch a fantastic version of the Nutcracker on a large flat screen.

One of the cool activities available for the kids was to use beads to spell out their names in morse code. Pretty cool, huh?

 

 

 

 

 

 

A friend from church played the harp while we were there and it was beautiful. I always love watching her play such an amazing instrument.

 

 

 

 

 

 

And on Sunday was our annual Christmas Parade. I love the fact that the parade marches right past our house so that I never have to worry about parking, or getting through the swarms of people trying to get out and go home afterwards.

Last year this youth group carried wooden crosses in the parade.

 

Jadon (r) and his BFF, Christian (middle) and friend from school

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MaryEllon & Nicole The Dune Buggy Queens float wins every year.

Lots of golf carts around here...

The beautiful church in the background is 1 of 3 that my husband serves.

Make sure you take time to participate in and enjoy the festivities around you. It just wouldn’t be the Christmas Season without it. It doesn’t matter how old you are, go ahead and sit on Santa’s lap and feel the excitement of Christmas as you did as a child. Have you been naughty or nice?? And as always, remember the real reason for the season.

“…and said to me, ‘I am going to make you fruitful and will increase your numbers. I will make you a community of peoples, and I will give this land as an everlasting possession to your descendants after you’.”

                                                                                                ~ Genesis 48:4   NIV

December 9th ~ Awesome Eats!

On the ninth day of December my true love gave to me,

some gingerbread that was super tasty!

 You’re working, cooking, spending time with family, fulfilling holiday obligations….you’ve got a lot on your plate. And speaking of plates, dinner plates are some of my favorites! Tastes and smells are huge triggers for memories of places and times, near and far. For me different smells (the number one culprit in evoking nostalgia in most people) like certain shampoos or perfumes, remind me of specific times of my life. For most people it’s food, and I have a few of those, too.

One of my favorite dishes to serve anytime of the year, but especially around Christmas is my near-famous Swiss Chicken.  I say that only because every time I’ve made it, for anyone ever, it’s been a big hit. No one doesn’t like this recipes, and it’s one that I’ve shared over the years time and time again. Well, I made it last night, and somehow it just felt and tasted like Christmas in my house. Now, I don’t know how this happened. I first tried this dish in July of 1989 (yowza!) when my mom made it. How it became my go-to holiday (and potluck) dish I’ll never know. The link above will take you to a previous link called Potluck In A Pinch, where I shared the recipe.

Swiss Chicken

4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts                                                                                6-8 slices swiss cheese (not processed)                                                                                   One can Cream of Chicken Soup                                                                                         1/2 soup can of water                                                                                                                   1 stick butter, melted                                                                                                                   2 boxes chicken flavored stuffing mix (like Stove Top)

*Lightly grease baking dish and cover bottom with chicken. Layer slices of cheese over the chicken.

 

 

Mix together the remaining ingredients and cover the chicken and cheese so that no chicken shows. Cover with foil and bake at 350* for 30-45 mins. Uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes until topping is browned and the kitchen smells heavenly Let sit a few minutes, then serve.

**Measurements may not be exact to the previous post of this recipe. The ingredients are the same (cream of mushroom can be used in lieu of cream of chicken)- but as I have mentioned before, I cook a lot by memory and I just throw things together. This is exactly how I made it last night.

 

Leftovers are always yummy, and sometimes even better than the first night! The best way to reheat this is in the oven or toaster oven- slowly. But if you can’t wait then I understand It’ll reheat fine in the microwave but it won’t have that crunchy top. This recipe is also a sinch to halve or double.

For dessert we had Gingerbread- yum! Few things truly say Christmas to me like gingerbread. I admit it’s not my own recipe. I didn’t even make it from scratch. But sometimes there are great mixes out there and this is one of them. If you’ve never tried Trader Joe’s gingerbread mix, it’s an absolute must.

I asked the boys if they wanted Cool Whip or peppermint ice cream with their gingerbread, and they said “Both!” (duh, mom) And….oh yeah….it was good.

Sometimes the only way to really enjoy the season in good health, good spirits, and good fun, is by engaging in these simple acts of enjoyment. Is that  redundant? I don’t know how else to say it. Basically, stop planning the moment and just go have one. And don’t forget to remember the real reason for the season.

 “I am sending Him- who is my very heart- back to you.”

~ Philemon 1:12   NIV

December 8th ~ Refresh Your Soul

On the eighth day of December my true love gave to me,

a movie night with my family.

 You may not be feeling too frazzled yet, but I am, and ready for a brief respite. What better way than to sit down with my family, snuggle on the couch, add a bowl of popcorn, and a great Christmas movie?

It’s true I have had some extremely busy days this week. For the past two days I’ve been driving all over Eastern NC and VA going to new doctors and workshops all in the name of ADHD. Let me just say, the workshop was FANTASTIC! There was so much information and I can’t wait to get my thoughts organized and share some of it with you. Unfortunately that will have to wait until I catch up on some of this other stuff I am behind on.

I decided to share a list of some of our absolute Christmas flicks musts that always help us enjoy the season in good health, good spirits, and good fun:

         

          

             

          

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And two of my personal favorites just for me….

              

Enjoy these moments with your family, take time to wind down and watch a Christmas movie together. And as always, remember the real reason for the season

         

 

 

 

 

“I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.”

~ Jeremiah 31:25  NIV               

  

What are some of your family favorite Christmas movies?

                  

December 7th ~ Start Your Engines!

On the seventh day of December my true love gave to me..

a day at the British Grand Prix.

 I don’t know about you but my engines have been started this Christmas season!

Even while on vacation there was much running about. And even though I did get in several relaxing moments, I probably put more steps on my pedometer while on the cruise than I do in a normal day! It was weird, to say the least, to be unplugged for 5 whole days. In fact, I didn’t even check my email or voicemail until Sunday.

Today is also a busy day. I’ve been up since 4am, getting ready and driving the 3 hours to Norfolk for an ADHD workshop/seminar. So today’s post will be a sneak peek at some of the fun stuff we saw and did whilst on vacay.

In Nassau we saw lots of groovy little speedsters being led in a trial run by Bahamian police. As it turns out we were several days too early for the actual race, but we did still get to see the cars

You may feel as though you are racing around, too. I certainly do! Playing catch-up this week has been harder than I thought it would be, and I still have a few things bearing down on me. There are times when your handy calendar can’t help, and other times when a 15 minute walk or cup of tea doesn’t seem likely either. In these cases I just take a deep breath and say a small prayer.      1 Chronicles 22:18 says, “Is not the LORD your God with you? And has he not granted you rest on every side?”

No matter how busy we get, always stay focused on the Lord. He will refresh you so that you can enjoy the holidays in good health, good spirits, and good fun. And never forget the real reason for the season.

        “…and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.”

                                         ~ Colossians 1:12