Isn't this the most beautiful picture of Mary and Joseph? I love the little Shepard keeping his eye on the two of them. It's titled The Road to Bethlehem by Joseph Brinkley
In the beginning of the month I gave a Family Home Evening lesson on remembering to not become overextended during this season and being deliberate about focusing on the true meaning of Christmas. I'm glad I did it early on because I do think it has helped me to do just that. (One of the many reasons I haven't blogged this month)
I have found that in seeking opportunities to serve others during this month I was led to people who needed me the most and in addition to that the Lord has blessed me with the time and patience of my family to be away from them and serve as others have needed me to.
I am so very grateful for Jesus Christ and his birth, life and example for each and every one of us. What a great love our Heavenly Father had to send his only begotten son to save us. I like to think that Jesus birth and childhood were some of the few times he was blissfully unaware of the heavy burden that would later be upon his shoulders bringing an added measure of joy and sweetness at the thought of birth in Bethlehem. This is my Christmas message to you.
Christmas 2008
December always brings thoughts of Kai. His birthday was December 12th and the week before was a tough one for me. This year he would have been 8. Emil would have baptized him and we would have celebrated this important milestone in his life. I know that there will be many such times that significant birthdays will hit me hard but this one was the first and it was difficult.
Kai's 6th Birthday
We made it through though and I know that we had the thoughts and prayers of many of our friends and family that sustained us that week and especially on his birthday. Life's journeys are not easy but if we endure it well they will be worthwhile and hopefully shape us into the people the Lord would have us be.
In other news......
I have been busy with Christmas recitals, Band Concerts, Christmas Parties, baking and crafting. Here are some of the recipes I promised.
Sausage Cheese Balls
Really easy and the kids like to snack on them. They are great for a quick breakfast. Just warm them in the microwave for 20 seconds and you're good to go.
Makes about 4 dozen balls
3 c. all-purpose baking mix (bisquick)
4 c. extra sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
1/2 c. milk
1 (16 oz) pkg. sausage ( I like spicy)
Preheat oven to 350. Mix all ingredients in large bowl until well blended. Form mixture into 1 inch balls. Place on lightly greased cookie sheets. Bake 23-25 minutes or until browned and cooked through. Serve warm for breakfast or as a snack.
Peppermint Bark
12 oz chocolate chips
1 lb. white chocolate chips
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/2 c. peppermint candy crushed
Line 13 X 9 pan with foil and spray with non-stick spray. Melt milk chocolate in double boiler or in microwave in 30 second intervals. Stirring in between. Be careful not to burn the chocolate. Pour melted chocolate into to pan. Place in fridge until cold and firm, about 20 minutes. Let warm to room temp for about 10 minutes after taking out of the fridge otherwise the white chocolate may not adhere.
Melt white chocolate chips in double boiler or in microwave in same manner as milk chocolate. Add extract after white is fully melted. Pour over top of the milk chocolate layer then sprinkle with crushed candy.
Chill until both layers are firm. Lift foil out of pan and cut into pieces.
Enjoy!
My crafts have varied from knitting the fingerless gloves to crafting the super cute Christmas ornaments I highlighted in my last blog. I decided to design my own Lighthouse Line which I was very please with. This has been fun and I've enjoyed stitching at night as we watch TV or others read.
Merry Christmas!
