How we spend Christmas Break . . .

Here are a few highlights (aka: Blessings) from our Christmas Break from school:

I don't do windows ~ hardly ever.  But I did today.  For December, we have been spoiled with some really nice weather.  It got up to 60 degrees again today, with no wind (Blessing #160).  A perfect day to wash windows.  Cleaning is so much more fun when shared with . . . a daughter. (#161)  Today, Jenica got into the action.  I didn't even have to ask for help.  She volunteered.  So we got out the extension ladder and started cleaning windows.  We had some awesome teamwork going, until we got into a water fight.  For the record:  Jenica started it. 

Company's coming ~ I really like the "lived in" look of our home, so the only time I really clean (more than just on the surface) is when we're having company.  And tomorrow is the day we are celebrating Christmas with Chad's family.  So the last couple days have been spent on cleaning.  I've already told you this, but . . . My husband is the best!  He helped me clean both bathrooms last night.  (pictures have been concealed.)  (Blessing #162) And today, Jenica helped me clean the floors (#163) in addition to the windows.  Here's a picture of her in the dining room with one of the best little cleaners ever - My Dirt Devil Steam-Mop.  

White Texas Sheet Cake (#164) ~ This afternoon, Jenica said to me, "I feel like baking something, mom."  Perfect!  Because I needed to make a cake for tomorrow.  She spent the night with a friend last night and they practiced decorating with frosting on a piece of aluminum foil.  She was in the mood for cake decorating, so this is what ended up on top of the Cake.  The special ingredient that makes this cake so amazing is the almond extract. 

White Texas Sheet Cake



1 c. butter, cubed
1 c. water
2 c. flour
2 c. sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 c. sour cream
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. Almond Extract
1/4 tsp. baking soda
Boil butter and water just to boiling.  Stir in flour, sugar, eggs, sour cream, salt, baking powder, almond, and baking soda until smooth.  Pour into greased 10x15 pan.  Bake at 375 for 18-22 minutes.  Cool on wire rack 20 minutes. 
Frosting:1/2 c. butter
1/4 c. milk
4 c. powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. Almond Extract
Bring butter and milk just to boil.  Stir in almond and powdered sugar 1 cup at a time.  (You may not need all 4 cups if it starts getting too thick to spread.)  Spread over warm cake.  It's DELICIOUS!!

Maggie's Birthday Party ~  Jillian went to her friend's birthday party this morning.  The invitation read:  "You're Invited to a Premier Princess Party ~ An Upscale Posh Party for Little Divas!"  This is what she looked like before the party:

And this is Jillian after:

(Her fingernails and toenails also came home fancier than when she left for the party.) (#165)

Great-Grandma Esther's Table (#166) ~ Last summer, I rescued my g-gma's old table and 2 benches from my grandpa's barn, where they were covered with dust.  Under the dust, the benches had a mustard-yellow coverning on them, so it fits perfectly with our decor. All they needed was a little cleaning up. I have one in the living room for extra seating, and one in the dining room for a cute little reading corner.  The table top, however, needed refinished after I peeled off the speckled formica top.  I got all the glue off without much trouble.  I'm pretty sure the formica was supposed to cover up all the scratches on top.  But I think the scratch marks give it character, as well as fill my imagination with stories on how the carvings got there.  Chad helped me (#167) sand down the top, and then I found a close-match for the stain, and today I finished putting the last coat of varnish on top.  I love it!!  My g-gma had the table and benches in her "breakfast nook" in their farmhouse for many, many years before retiring to the old barn (the table, not grandma) ~ just waiting to be rescued.  And now the treasure belongs to me.  Thank you, Grandpa Don, for sharing this little piece of our family history with me.

Nebraska Sunsets are the BEST (#168)~ Where we live, we have the blessing of watching some incredible sunrises and sunsets.  We have the perfect view, without anything blocking it.  Check out this sunset from Wednesday night: 

And look at the sunset tonight!  Chad was grilling steaks, and I was busy in the kitchen.  And I almost missed it!  He got to enjoy the sunset a little longer than I did tonight.  The colors God paints in our western sky are absolutely amazing! (#169)

Jenica's Craft Project ~ Jenica's been working on this little project for a while now, and tonight it's finally complete.  She painted the letters of her name on ceramic tiles at "Paint Yourself Silly" in Lincoln this fall.  And we finally got a piece of wood cut to the right size, painted, and colorful knobs installed, for her to hang the letters on.  Isn't it cute?! (#170)  It was a combined effort from Jenica, myself, Chad, and the husband of a friend who has some handy-dandy tools that we needed to snip off the extra long screws on these knobs and sand them down to make them flush with the back. 

Christmas Memories

I got this book as a gift from my brother's family in 1992, and there is enough room to record 25 Christmases inside it (Blessing #141).  Jacob was only 3 months old when I began writing about each year's Christmas activities, and now (19 years later) he's in college.  Here's an excerpt from 1992:  "Jacob learned how to lip-sinc the words to "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas" with a little help from daddy.  They performed this at the "Damgaard Annual Christmas Program". . .  Jacob wore the new outfit he received from his gma and gpa and it turned his legs blue from the dye."  That's when I learned the importance of washing Jacob's clothes before he wore them ~ no matter how cute they are. 

We are a family that LOVES to play games (#142).  Sami joined us (#143) for the afternoon on Christmas Eve, so we had lots of "trains" as we played 10 rounds of Dominoes.  For Jillian's benefit, we were "just playing for fun."  If she knew we kept score, she would quit for fear of losing.  "You don't have to be perfect" is something we're still working on with her.  Afterwards, we made homemade pizza before going to the Christmas Eve Service.  It's a tradition (#144) we started when Jenica was a baby.  Jillian's pizza is as happy as her toothless grin. 

As Jacob would say (while shaking his head), "mom and her pictures!"

After we were finished, Jenica volunteered to read The Christmas Story from Luke (with a little help from Jacob on the hard names), and then Jillian read the books "Christmas Is. . . For ME!" and "The Christmas Prayer." (#145)

After the Christmas Eve Service, the kids asked if they could change into something more comfortable.  They definitely went comfy!  I should have gotten a picture in front of the tree before they changed.  You're probably wondering about jacob's shirt.  He played on a soccer team last summer at Cornhusker State Games on an 18-and-older team, and their coach (a classmate of Jacob's) came up with the name and had orange t-shirts made.

.
On Sunday, we spent the day in Minden with my parents and sister's family (#146).  We always have such a great time when we get together, and you just never know where the conversation is going to end up.  We laugh until it hurts, play games until the men win at least once, and eat and eat and eat. 

We all spent the night and the kids all camped out in the living room in sleeping bags.  (#147)  Bedtimes go out the window at Christmas (along with diets).  And the next morning, we enjoyed pancakes, bacon, eggs, and muffins for breakfast.  Did you know you can brown bacon in the oven?  It's amazing! 

Just line a couple 10x15 pans with foil (make sure the foil goes all the way up the sides), and arrange the bacon side-by-side.  Put the pans in a cold oven, then turn the heat to 400 degrees and walk away.  Bake 20 minutes for thin bacon, or longer if you use the thick kind.  Watch bacon the last 3-4 minutes to make sure it doesn't get over done.  Remove from pans and place on paper towels to absorb some of the grease before serving.  So many benefits to baking bacon in the oven:  No burns from splattering grease (#148), you don't have to stand over the frying pan for an hour, your clothes don't smell like bacon when you're done, (believe it or not) the bacon doesn't splatter all over the inside of your oven, and the bacon even tastes better.

I'll leave you with one final photo from the weekend.  Jillian modeled her new Rapunzel wig and said, "I look like Rapunzel with a tan." 

Tonight, we enjoyed the movie "Miracle on 34th Street".  (#149)  It's one of my favorite Christmas movies, because it opens the door to talk with my children about faith and things unseen.  The movie takes believing in Santa Claus, and uses it as a metaphor for Believing in God.  It was a great conversation starter for Jillian and I.  And another blessing from above.

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."  Hebrews 11:1

Christmas isn't over yet. . . we will be making more memories this weekend with Chad's family when his brothers, sister, nephews, and parents come to our home.  Stay tuned. . .

Christmas Eve Blessings

I'm still counting my Blessings, praising the One who provides them.  Blessings can be found some unusual places. For example . . .

Under the tree ~ Okay, that's not so "unusual."  But what Jillian did was pretty sweet.  She saw me wrapping gifts, and watched them slowly accumulate under the tree.  She wanted to give a few presents of her own.  So, she began searching her art table and her toy room for things she could regift.  The first two gifts were wrapped in plain writing paper, and labeled:  "To Jillian.  From Jillian."  After we talked about how happy our hearts feel when we give gifts to others, she started gathering items to wrap for the rest of the family.  (She used 2 rolls of tape, but that's okay.  I know she likes to use tape, so I keep extra on hand at all times.)  We all have some special surprises under the tree from Jillian.  (Blessing #132)

In the mailbox ~  I got THE best surprise in the mail this week from a great friend, whom I really miss.  Peppermint Hot Cocoa. Oh, my stars! Yum!!  Thank you, dear friend, for giving me something visible to remember you by as we celebrate Christmas hundreds of miles apart.  I knew the perfect mug to drink it out of ~ the one my sister gave me for my birthday last year.  Ahhh. . . . a perfect combination. (#133)

In the dreams of a child ~ Jillian enjoyed a 6-week Art Class at the Y, and her final class was Thursday night.  She brought home all of her projects to proudly display.  Notice the necklace she's wearing?  She made the 4 round clay beads, along with a purple "Duster", and then added some additional color with a few plastic beads too.  She used the same clay bead process to make the snowman ornament.  And the sculpture is an inspiration from Louise Nevelson, who created monocromatic wooden layered sculptures similar to this piece.  I'm told there's another art project under the tree, and I'll find out what it is later tonight.  Jillian wants to be a famous artist someday. That's her dream.  Not just an artist.  But a famous artist.  (#134)

In a big pot on the stove ~ Apple Cider is one of my favorite things at Christmas.  The recipe I always go back to is the one my mom always made.  A gallon of Wilderness Apple Cider + a few cinnamon sticks + about 16 whole cloves + a big spoonful of brown sugar.  The flavor brings back memories of Christmases past. (#135)

In a worn-out recipe card ~  I have been trying to make several kinds of homemade bread without the help of my breadmaker for the last few days to take to my mom's for Christmas.  The only one that I can seem to master is the sourdough bread.  (which I really like, by the way)  I wanted to try Swedish Rye bread, but that failed two times.  I am throwing in the towel, and I'm going to my old standby.  Simple dinner rolls, courtesy of the breadmaker.  They are melt-in-your mouth delicious.  I'm going to stick with the recipe cards that are splattered, stained, tattered, and torn.  At least for now. . .  (#136)

In snowflakes that float to the ground ~ It's a White Christmas.  Well, just partly white, actually.  Yes, there's still a little bit of snow on the ground. I'd prefer a little bit more.  Okay, a LOT more.  But even a little bit counts in Nebraska.  (#137)

In the oven ~ Homemade Pizza & Calzones.  One of our Christmas Traditions is to eat homemade pizza for supper on Christmas Eve.  This year, the kids want to make their own personal-sized pizza to jazz up with their own favorite toppings.  Chad & I are going to split a calzone.  Wanna know my favorite?  Pepperoni, mushroom, and green pepper.  (I'll have to post pictures later)  (#138)

At church ~ Another one of our Christmas traditions is to attend the Christmas Eve service at our church.  We have a lot of talented people in our congregation, and the Christmas Eve service is always a highlight for me.  It's what makes Chrsitmas Eve so special, in my opinion.   (#139)

In a stinky old Stable ~ Chad will read about the birth of our Savior Jesus from the Gospel of Luke this evening, which always helps to set the mood before going to church together.  I mean, just think about it.  God sent his beloved Son - His one and only son - from the glories of Heaven, and placed Him in a world full of evil and dispair.  Born in a stable, full of animals, and certainly not what you'd picture for the birth of a King.  All because of His incredible love for us.  I love the song playing on the radio right now: "When Love Was Born" by Mark Schultz.  (click on the song title, and you can watch it on YouTube)  (#140)

Merry Christmas from our home to yours!

Christmas Break Begins Today!

It's a good thing that today is the last day of school for a while.  It's getting harder and harder for the girls to bed at a decent time.  The excitement of Christmas in our home is building (#122).  The Christmas music is playing at every available moment, which I absolutely LOVE.  Christmas songs are full of Praises to our Lord; the words have such special meaning.  (#123)  The home-made "teacher gifts" are delivered (coasters and gourmet caramel apples). (#124)  Chad's Secret Santa has been revealed (which was fun for both Chad & I since he lets me help make and pick out the gifts).  (#125)  Most of the presents are wrapped, thanks to help from Jenica.  (#126)  The Christmas baking is underway. . . does it ever really end?  On the list this morning:  Glass Candy.  For as long as I can remember, my mom always made glass candy at Christmas. (#127)

Glass Candy
2 c. sugar
1 c. water
3/4 c. Corn Syrup
1/2 tsp. flavoring (I use "mint")
Food coloring (one batch of each: red or green )

Mix sugar, water, and syrup. Heat to 300 degrees on candy thermometer. Remove from head and add food coloring and flavoring. Pour onto greased cookie sheet. When cooled, break into pieces.

Plans have been made to spend Christmas Day with my parents.  (#128)  The "Door Decorating Contest" at the Middle School is over.  I'm so proud of the door Jenica and 3 of her friends came up with.  On each silver star is the name of a service man/woman who is connected to our school in some way.  (#129)

We woke up to a blanket of snow this morning!  Yay!!! (#130)  And thanks to Pinterest.com and sales at the stores, the decorating continues.  Check out my latest project (#131) in our dining room; which adds just a little more Christmas Joy.

The magic of CHRISTmas is upon us. 

Jesus fills our hearts and our home with joy. 

Better than Dove Chocolate

(#119)  Dove's Peppermint Bark . . .

I found a new holiday favorite candy.  Smooth and creamy.  Lightly minty.  And crunchy.  And nearly impossible to stop at just one.

And when you look inside the cute polka-dot wrapper . . . another sweet surprise (#120) . . . a "Promise", which is similar to what you find inside a fortune cookie.  Only better.

Inside our wrappers tonight:
     ~  A smile is the perfect gift, personal and encouraging. 
     ~  Love is always the perfect gift.
     ~  Feel the promise of a warm day.
     ~  Happiness is celebrating the little things.

Aren't they sweet?  Talk about a warm fuzzy. 

But the best promise of all doesn't come from Dove's chocolate.  The best promises come from our Heavenly Father.  (#121) 

Especially His promise to send us a Savior (#122).

"Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign:  The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel."  Isaiah 7:14

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a child is given, and the government will be upon his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."  Isaiah 9:6

Yes, Jesus is better than Dove chocolate.  Most definitely. 

That little baby in the manger is my baby.  He's your baby. He came to rescue each one of us. 

I remember when our kids were tiny, and we'd show them the nativity.  We'd tell our children that the baby they see in the manger is their baby.  God sent that tiny little baby to our world. . . for each one of us.  He is our sweet gift, our sweet promise, from our Heavenly Father. 

The Best Thing About Christmas...

Sharing Is Caring ~ Jenica and her friend had a beautiful day to ring the Salvation Army bells at a local store this afternoon.    It was 46 degrees, which felt warm compared to the cold we had recently.  Sadly, the snow is almost all gone.  So please join us in praying for a white Christmas.  Anyway, Jacob was supposed to ring the bell, but he got an "S.O.S." call yesterday to help a friend officiate a basketball tournament in Grand Island all day.  This gave Jenica her very first opportunity to ring the Salvation Army bell. (#107) Since it's more fun with a friend, Jenica called Ashlyn to help her.  God has blessed Jenica with a great friend and a desire to do what she can to make a difference.

"And don't forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God." Hebrews 13:16

It's In The Mail ~ While the girls were ringing the bell, Jillian and I mailed another batch of Christmas cards.   I love this time of year, and the Christmas cards, pictures, and greetings that come in the mail give me such joy.  (#108)  We love hearing from friends and family.  Some we see often, others not so much.  But exchanging Christmas cards and letters is a tradition that I am always anxious to participate in.  Jillian loves being a helper, so I snapped a picture of her dropping the cards into the big mailbox.  (#109)

Where are the Turkeys? ~ After the girls were finished Ringing the Bells, we took a brief detour through the park to see if we could spot the turkeys.  We found one of them, pecking in the grass, near the fountain.  The turkeys make us laugh. (#110) They're such a silly bird.  I think we're going to name this turkey "Waldo" and call it our little "Where's Waldo" game.

Give Christmas Away in the Drive-Thru ~ After spotting "Waldo" in the park, we decided to go through the Sonic drive-thru and pay for the person's order behind us (#111).  We knew that since it was "Happy Hour," that someone would come behind us, so we could give them a blessing.  And someone did!  We get such joy when we do this!  And the girls always peek behind us to try and see the person's reaction.  We always leave a little note with the cashier to give to the person when they arrive at the window and find out their debt has been paid.  The note directs them to MyBridgeRadio where they can find out about the gift that Jesus gives to them.   Jesus has paid our debt.  It's up to each of us to either accept His gift or reject it.  The best thing about Christmas is Jesus! (#112)

The Olden Days ~ Jenica interviewed her great-grandparents to find out what it was like to live through the 1930's.  As they were talking about the different hardships they had to endure, Jillian suddenly had a light bulb go off and turned to me with big eyes and asked, "did they live in the olden days?"  It was a blessing, to hear them reminisce about the strength of family, working together to survive a very difficult season. (#113)  We all learned something new about gma & gpa.  And it made us appreciate the conveniences we have today (#114), such as: water, lights, electricity, cars, refrigerators, and so much more. 

Undiscovered Gift ~ After Jenica finished asking them questions, Grandpa Don showed us some of the paintings he's made recently.   He has a natural gift, which remained undiscovered until 6 years ago when he decided to take a painting class down in Texas (where they spend the winter).  He amazed all the little old ladies, who were also taking the class, as he whipped out paintings left and right with little effort.  I wonder what grandpa's life would be like, if he would have have taken an art class 30 years ago instead.  But God's timing is perfect.  (#115)  It was in His perfect timing that He chose to reveal this gift to my grandpa.  Even though grandpa's eyesight is deteriorating, he isn't complaining and wishing he would have started painting years ago.  Instead, he cherishes the moment and enjoys the opportunity God has given him to create works of art that celebrate who God is along with the awesome beauty of His creation.   Grandpa loves talking out what inspires the hundreds of paintings he's created, and he loves showing them to us (#116).  Just before we left, he surprised me by giving a special framed painting to me.  (#117)  God has given both grandpa and I a BIG love for His majestic mountains.  (#118)