Saturday, December 24, 2011

Merry Christmas

It is Christmas Eve, the baking is done, the presents all wrapped.  We have our  Christmas Eve Service tonight, we join with our friends and family to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus.  






"And the word became flesh and dwelt among us
 and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, 
full of grace and truth....
And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace." 
John 1:14,16

I pray you will receive His grace upon grace this day.

Merry Christmas 

Cindy



Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Cookie Baking Day

Cookie Baking Day is a fairly new Christmas Tradition for us.  It began two years ago when Sophia was brand new, my parents, her Great-Grandparents came from Arizona to spend Christmas with us.  This year we were blessed to have my daughter-in-law, Danielle with us.  She and our son Chris are here visiting from Singapore.

We each make a different cookie and then split them all up at the end of the day.

Sophia and Cora

Auntie Rachel cooking with Sophia

Auntie Alissa, relaxing with Cora

This is the only cookie picture

Auntie Danielle and Cora

Sophia and Mommy 

Oh which one can I have...

I only took one picture of the cookies we made, but really it was a day all about being together and celebrating being family, the cookies were a bonus.

Merry Christmas !


Cindy

Friday, December 16, 2011

Christmas Traditions

All of us have various holiday traditions.  Sometimes those "traditions" change over the years, you choose a different color scheme,  change out your ornaments, no stockings, and the list could go on.  Over the years many of the things we have done have changed, but there are a few that won't change.  Food... one of the holiday traditions is Nuts and Bolts.  My Grandmother and my Mom made this every year, and I have as well, and my daughters are carrying on the tradition.

The recipe - special notes at the end of the post

The assembled ingredients 

The roasting pan full ready for the oven!!

oh yummy
Here is the complete recipe: with my tweaks

Nuts and Bolts
1 box cheerios
1 box rice chex
1 bag thin pretzel sticks

1 large container of mixed nuts(without peanuts)
1 large jar of peanuts
1 large container of cashews (my favorite)

2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 Tbsp. Tabasco sauce ( I use 2 Tbsp. some family members use more)
1 Tbsp. garlic salt
1 Tbsp. celery salt

1 cup butter
1cup canola oil

Melt together oil, butter, spices and sauces.
Mix the cereal, nuts and pretzels in a large roasting pan, pour liquid ingredients over and mix well.
Bake at 250 degrees for 1 1/2 - 2 hours, stirring every 30 min.

Enjoy!!
Cindy

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Getting Ready for Christmas

It is a gray and rainy day here, doesn't feel much like Christmas.  The promise of snow for tonight is tenuous at best.  I am struggling to find time to do all the things that are on my plate!  How about you?

Some decorating has taken place...some


The snowmen are waiting patiently for their final destination 
The Moravian Star replaces our dining room chandelier 


The Christmas tree is up thanks to my husband and daughter Rachel, thanks Rach!!

The rest awaits my free time, hopefully before the 24th!!

No presents yet either, still hidden, at least the ones purchased so far.

I am off to my sewing room to finish one last custom sewing machine cover, then on to my projects.  Probably should clean before I decorate.  Add that to the list!
Have a happy day in spite of the busyness!!

Cindy 

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Kittery Craft Fair Cupon! $5 Off

Print this coupon and bring it to the "From the Studio: Artist Market and Sale" in Kittery, ME on Saturday. Just copy and past this address: Kittery Lions Club, 117 State Road, Kittery, ME and click here for directions to the Kittery Lions Club. The Fair runs from 9am to 3pm. The coupon is only good at this craft fair (our last one of the season!) so make sure you stop by and take advantage of the discount!




See you Saturday!


-Cindy and Sarah