On your MARK.... GET SET ....... GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I often wonder, just how many people are like myself...
or rather how many would admit to being like me....

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Christmas! I love just about EVERYTHING there is associated with Christmas.... except for one thing! And that ONE thing I honestly just despise  .. MR. MONEY!  Every year I say to myself... "MR. MONEY, you are NOT going to break my Christmas spirit!" And every year, I find myself sitting in my chair stressing out because of MR. MONEY!  It simply does not matter how much money I "budget"  for Christmas...it just NEVER is enough!

But this past January, as we knew that our "life" was going to change and the uncertainty of not really knowing just how much it would be changed - I decided I had to set a budget with a PLAN!  It really wasn't rocket science or anything, but heaven only knows WHY I have not had that red light come on in the past! I always BUDGET ... I write it in my fancy-schmancy Christmas notebook that is tucked in my purse.... so what is the problem??? WELL - I'll tell you!  I only wrote down my budget - I didn't create a PLAN on how to REACH my budget! I know... I know.... ROCKET SCIENCE!  (I have always dis-liked science.)  So, this year - I put on my scientist cap and went to work: I devised a plan in January of just HOW to actually "HAVE" the money needed by the time my shopping would begin... (ok, I'll admit... I'm not quite there - but I am a lot closer than I was last year!... baby steps... that's what this is all about.... baby steps)

So, do you find that when you want to work on your Christmas Organizing plans - that your time is taken up by finding all the other THINGS that need work on as well?  I do.  My list just NEVER ends.  No wonder Mr. Grinch and I are such good friends come December.....
 
 Through the past few years that I've "decided" I was going to "ENJOY" the season (which, I'm here to tell you - it doesn't happen in one year - at least for me it didn't...) I realized that the things I need to help me get and stay organized, well, they extend well beyond my Christmas Organizing book!

I would find that I was surrounded by files, catalogs, idea books, projects, more books, ideas, ideas, and more ideas... and then lists, lists LISTS that I was "working" on for not just the holiday season - but for every day life. And I wanted them ALL done! RIGHT NOW!  I would "mentally note" that if they were not done, I simply could NOT enjoy the season!  (Can  you relate?? Am I all alone on this one??)  This is when the light FINALLY went on!  I figured it out! I needed to have 2 separate "organization" books.  One - for every day life and one for Christmas - or specifically for August - January.  I realized that I had to make a CUT OFF date for my "every-day" life.... and not let it interfere with my Christmas Plan.... otherwise, no-one and nothing gets the better side of me.... and that just isn't fair.  So, this year - we are trying it!

Two books. 
Two plans. 
One WILL be put away Aug. 1 - and not come back until Mid January,
so I can start planning for Feb.
The other will become my MAIN focus from August - January.

(May I add, well, I'm adding,  I have purchased a large 3 ring 3" binder that I put dividers in for each family member and sheet protectors in each section as well, so that when I'm browsing around and find something that I think would be PERFECT for a specific person, I have a place to put it... and guess what else I did - I labeled it BILLS down the binding edge and on the front. No-one wants to even PEAK in it! LOL!!!  I'm really sneaky!!! I have found that this is really handy especially when through the year they mention "something" I tuck it in the binder and then when I'm ready to get SERIOUS about it - I have "reminders" - because this brain is getting really USED and I'm still working on how to increase my memory from a 2GB to a 20GB - or something like that.... and it is really helpful for the next year when I can't remember if I already gave them "that".)  

So, here is what we are going to do... (well, that is if you want to join me...) I was asked to participate in CHRISTMAS IN JULY - BLOG STYLE by DEBBIE - over at a debbie-dabblechristmas.blogspot.com - she is so on top of it! And of COURSE I said YES! I mean, I LOVE CHRISTMAS - have I told you that??? AND I'm getting VERY excited about it as well.... BUT, I'm rather behind because of the curve balls we have been dodging lately, BUT I decided that this was the perfect way to get me back on my toes, sharing with you (it's just something about being "accountable" to someone other than myself) - AND of course, I hope you will share with me - because I can use all the help I can get!!!!

So, today I'm going to give you an assignment.... are you ready?

Go purchase or dig through an old drawer or cupboard and find yourself 2 notebooks - big enough that you can write in them and understand what you have written (or am "I" the only one hat has that problem too? :)) - but at least one that will fit in your purse.... so, HURRY!  And I'll see you back here tomorrow night!

 

Oh, and if you want - grab yourself a 3 ring binder and sheet protectors or manilla folders.

On your MARK....

GET SET!

GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HURRY!

On your marks...Get set....

GO!

Did you know that there are only 

9 months 3 weeks and 5 days

OR 

296 DAYS 

until CHRISTMAS REALLY COUNTS?!?!?!
(remember... new deadline 10/31/12!) 

 DID YOU!?!?!? 

(Yep - I'm a little FREAKED out right now....) 

SO....

Because I am STILL working concocting planning dreaming 

well... doing SOMETHING for my  ULTIMATE plan

to be PREPARED 

and READY to ENJOY

Christmas 2012.... 

I'm going to share my 

THOUGHT PROVOKING treat.... 

that I am COUNTING on to get my "PLAN" complete! 

(the only thing I am missing is a COKE Icee! but... it's too late, cold and dark to go out by myself to get one... at least that is what the Mr. keeps telling me... so it's his fault that my PLAN is just not FALLING into place! HIS FAULT! :)) 

Any way...

BEST BROWNIES EVER!

(here's a BBE for your BFF!!!!  hee hee hee!!!) 

oh...it must be gettin' late.... 

Brownie Layer:

2 cups sugar
5 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 stick of butter PLUS 6 TBSP butter - melted 

(yes that is 14 TBSP butter total!  

(in my opera singing voice.... WORTH IT!  I promise!)
1 cup flour
2/3 cup baking cocoa
1 tsp salt

In a mixing bowl, beat together sugar, eggs, and vanilla.  Add butter, mix well.  Combine dry ingredients; add to batter and mix well.  Pour into a greased 9×13 inch pan and bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. (You don’t want to over bake them or they will be dry… Every oven is different, but mine took the full 30 minutes maybe a minute or two longer… just watch closely from 27 minutes on.  Insert toothpick in center to determine if done or not…)  Cool completely before frosting.  though!!!

Mint Creme Icing:

½  cup butter (1 cube), room temperature
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp peppermint extract
1 TBSP heavy whipping cream

green food coloring

Beat all ingredients together until smooth, adding desired amount of food coloring.

(may need a little more cream, just depends….)

Chocolate Icing

½ cup butter (1 cube) room temperature

3 TBSP cocoa

3 TBSP heavy cream

1 tsp vanilla

2 ½ - 3 cups powdered sugar

Whip butter on high speed for 5 minutes.  Add cocoa, cream and vanilla to whipped butter and whip for about 3-4 minutes until smooth.  Add powdered sugar 1 cup at a time and whip each cup until smooth and creamy. (You may need to add more cream or less powdered sugar) Get to spreadable consistency.  Spread over the mint layer.  Place brownies in the fridge until about 30 minutes before serving…. Cut and serve… YUMMY! 

yeah...yeah...yeah.... I know LOTS of buter!!! 

BUT-ter (but they are) so good!!!!! 

I promise - you won't EVEN think about it when you bite into one....

(Let me know if you do though, I'll send a doctor over to check on you!) 

I know... not the BEST picture - 

But I wasn't claiming it to be...

Only claiming .... BEST BROWNIE EVER! 

Trust me...

HURRY to your kitchen and whip em' up!

I'm willing to bet ya - they won't be there too long! 

Now..... back to my PLAN! 

As soon as I have it all ironed out - 

I'll be back to share...

Until then...

ENJOY your 

CHOCOLATE

THOUGHT

PROVOKING

TREAT! 

mmmmmm-mmmmmmm!

Oh... PS- This recipe came from my great grandma!
And the recipe actually said "FRESH CHURNED BUTTER"...
But, I'm feeling a bit lazy today and decided to settle for the
"FRESH MARKET"... nope.... Kirkland Butter! That's what it was
Kirkland Butter!  :)

On the LAST day of PUMPKIN.....

It just has to be FUDGE!!!!  

I'm sure you will really like this recipe as well! 

Pumpkin Fudge

3 cups white sugar
1 cup milk
3 T. light corn syrup
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/4 t. salt
1 t. pumpkin pie spice (I used cinnamon, cloves and ginger...didn’t measure)
1 ½ t. vanilla
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, and I left it out this time)

Butter or grease one 8x8 pan. Alternatively, line it with Reynolds’s Release foil for easy removal. In a large saucepan (this bubbles up quite high, roughly quadruples in volume), mix together the sugar, milk, corn syrup, pumpkin and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium and continue boiling—do NOT stir.

When mixture registers 232 degrees on candy thermometer or forms a soft ball when dropped into cold water, remove pan from heat. Stir in spice, vanilla, butter and nuts. Cool to lukewarm (110 degrees on candy thermometer).

Beat mixture until it is very thick and loses some of its gloss. It will also lighten up by several shades. Quickly pour into the prepared pan and allow to set. Cut into 1 inch squares.

So SMOOTH.... CREAMY.... YUMMY! 

Well.... 

That wraps up the 7 days of PUMPKIN!!!!  

Be watching.... because later tonight.... 

I have a surprise!!!! 

You won't want to miss! 

I PROMISE! 

On the 5th day of PUMPKIN.....

It just wouldn't be complete without.....

PUMPKIN CREAM TRIFLE
(Gayle Holdman, SECRET RECIPES, World Wide Recipes)

1 18.25 oz. pkg spice cake mix
1 3.4 oz pkg. instant vanilla pudding mix
1 cup pumpkin, canned or mashed fresh
1/2 cup vegetable oil (again... applesauce is amazing!)
1/2 cup water
3 lg eggs
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
2 3.4 oz. pkgs. cheesecake instant pudding mix
(can use 2 vanilla or 1 cheesecake/1 vanilla)
2 cups cold milk
2 cups frozen whipped topping - thawed
Pecans - chopped and toasted
English toffee bits (or chopped candy bars like SKOR or Heath)
Caramel sauce - (drizzle) optional

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick spray.  In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, vanilla pudding mix, pumpkin, oil, water, eggs, cinnamon and ginger.  Blend with electric mixer on low speed for 1 minute.  Stop mixer and scrape down sides of bowl with a rubber spatula.  increase mixer speed to medium and beat for 2 mintes more.  Batter should look thick and well blended.  Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for 32-39 minutes or until cake springs back lightly when touched and toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.  Cool completely.  (Cake can be frozen at this point.  Thaw at room temp before assembling trifle.)  When ready to assemble trifle, cut or tear cake into 1 inch cubes.  Combine pudding mixes with nilk and blend with whisk until the pudding starts to thicken.  Fold in whipped topping, the quickly assemble trifle.   Place 1/3 of cake cubes into trifle bowl.  Top with 1/3 pudding mixture and sprinkle with 1/3 nuts and toffee bits.  Repeat layers two more times, ending with nuts and toffee on top.  Drizzle with caramel sauce, if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate, coveredm, no longer than 24 hours.  Makes 16 servings.

Doesn't this just look DEEE-LICIOUS!!!!! 

(it is! trust me!)

(Being that this week has NOT gone as planned SURPRISE!.... 

I asked Melanie over at THE SISTERS CAFE if I could borrow her picture of this HEAVENLY treat... she was ever so kind and gave me permission to use her picture.... but... feel free to bop on over to THE SISTERS CAFE...  take a look around... (if you haven't already!) it is simply YUMMY over there!!! .... Thank you Melanie!) 

I love that this can be frozen! Just bake up a few cakes - freeze and then when you get a last minute invite (or for me it is usually a last "OH CRAP! I JUST REMEMBERED I NEED TO TAKE....something...") this whips up in no time! Well.. kinda... got to remember to remove from the freezer!!!

Just two more days of PUMPKIN!!!! 

It's gettin' good.....

Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll ....

But don't go gettin all EXCITED just yet... the best part is to come still....

Are you ready????

PUMPKIN CINNAMON ROLLS....
WITH CARAMEL FROSTING!!!!!!

Oh my... You just have to grab yourself a cuddly blanket, a big COLD glass of milk... ONE OF THESE and PLOP down in your most favorite COZY - COMFY chair... and heaven is just RIGHT THERE!!!

Rolls:

2 TBSP yeast

1/2 cup warm water

1/2 cup canned pumpkin

2/3 cups sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1 egg - BEATEN

1/4 cup melted butter

1/4 tsp ground cloves

1 tsp cinnamon

4-5 cups bread flour

2 TBSP butter melted

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

2 TBSP cinnamon

Dissolve yeast in warm water.  wait 5 minutes.  Add pumpkin, sugar, salt, egg, 1/4 cup melted butter, cloves and cinnamon.  Mix well.   SLOWLY add flour 1 cup at a time.  Scrape down sides of bowl after each addition of flour.  Turn into lightly greased bowl, cover and set in a warm place until double in bulk.  Punch down dough and let rest for 5 more minutes.  Roll dough out into a rectangle.  Brush dough with 2 TBSP of melted butter.  Combine brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over the butter.  Starting with the long side of the dough, roll up jelly roll style.  Pinch seams to seal.  Using a piece of dental floss, slide floss under roll.  Slice in 1" slices. (Slice by pulling up both sides of floss up and cross over and pull through to cut the dough)  Place rolls cut side up on a greased 9x13 jelly roll pan.  Cover and let rise until double in size about 30-45 minutes.  Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.  Remove... and FROST!!!!!

Caramel Frosting:

1/4 cup butter (yep-butter again)

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

2 TBSP milk

1/4 tsp vanilla

pinch of salt

1/2-3/4 cup powdered sugar

In a small saucepan, heat butter until melted.  stir in brown sugar and milk.  Cover over medium-low heat for about 1 minute.  transer to a small bowl and cool mixture.  Stir in vanilla, salt and powdered sugar.  Beat with electric mixer until well blended.  If necessary, add more sugar for desired consistency.  Drizzle caramel frosting on the rolls as soon as they come out of the oven.  Let cool until warm, then add the rest of the frosting.  Enjoy!!!! MM-MM-MM- Good.... (I seem to see a pattern going on here....hmmmm!)

Recipe taken from SECRET RECIPES- Worldwide Ward Cookbook

Submitted by: Andrea Ingleby

Punkin...punkin....punkin......

You can NEVER have too much PUNKIN.... Can ya!?!?! 

Well..... not here!  (I think that we have established it as a VEGETABLE ... and so therefore... it is GOOD for you - right?!?!?! :)) 

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread 

3 cups flour

2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

4 eggs 

2 cups sugar

2 cups canned pumpkin 

1 1/2 cups oil (again, I use applesauce!...sneaking in the fruit too! LOL!)

1 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (of course!) 

In a large bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda.  In a separet bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, pumpkin, and oil  Stir the pumpkin mixture into the dry ingredients just until moistened.  Fold in chocolate chips.  Pour into two greased 8x4" loaf pans.  Bake at 350 for 60-70 minutes, or until toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.  Cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pans to wire racks and let completely cool.  Makes 2 loaves.  **See note**

**NOTE:  I hate having a partial can (29 oz) can of pumpkin left over, and I hate even more buying the 15 oz can of pumpkin (just not cost effective) so, for this recipe I will again use 1/2 the can of the 29 oz. size - but... I usually end up making 2 batches of this and making the MINI-LOAVES to freeze and put away for neighbor gifts....now that is COST effective!!! I wouldn't recommend just DOUBLING the batch... mine never turn out - I play it save and just make 2 separate batches.... but you may be much more talented than I! Also I bake the mini loaves for about 45-50 minutes.  Each batch makes 3-4 mini loaves, depending on loaf pan size.... ENJOY!!!!

**Note: this is not my picture... I can't FIND mine... SERIOUSLY!!!!**

So, I borrowed from My Artful Life. Thank you!

And... for the other half.....

of that 29 oz. can of solid pumpkin.....

Another favorite and VERY easy 

PUMPKIN CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE

1 15 oz. canned pumpkin 

(or the other 1/2 of the BIG can from THIS recipe)

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup vegetable oil (I use applesauce)

1 egg

2 cups flour

2 tsp baking powder 

2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt 

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp milk

1 TBSP vanilla 

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

(I like to use the MINI-Semisweet just for CUTE-NESS) 

1/2 cup walnuts 

(optional, I don't use for allergy purposes....)

3 drops red food coloring 

(optional, I don't use as well for allergy purposes)

In a large bow, combine pumpkin, sugar, vegetable oil, and egg.  In a separate bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon and salt.  In a small bowl or measuring cup, dissolve baking soda in the milk.  When dissolved, stir into the flour mixture.  Add flour mixture to the pumpkin mixture and mix well.  Add vanilla.  Mix well.  Add chocolate chips, walnuts & food coloring if desired.  Drop by spoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet.  Bake at 365 for approximately 12 minutes or until lightly brown and firm.  Makes about 2-3 dozen - depends on how big of spoonfuls you use... 

MMMMMM.....

Nothin like LOVE'N from the OVEN!!!! 

Again.... these will VANISH really fast!!! 

So, hurry and bag them up and freeze them if you need to save them for later.... they freeze REALLY well!

Bye~Bye October.....

HELLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO November!!!! 

Could we just go back to October... for just a little... perhaps another 30 days????  

I loved October! It is so BEAUTIFUL! Love the colors! LOVE the smells!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE October! (of course, you already know that!)  BUT.... I will admit.... I am REALLY excited to look into November too! (and anxious to put away the spider webs, mummies and creepy-crawling things!!!- November means more colors... at least INSIDE my house... so I'm ok with that!)  I surely hope it SLOWS down... just a bit! I have so much to do still!

Well, as we put away the JACK-O-LANTERNS.... and bring out the PUMPKINS I got thinking about my FAVORITE PUMPKIN TREATS!  (and I do have a few! :)) .... (but I've also committed myself to FIT-N-FAB by 50! starting today!) agh.... oh well!  Anyway.... I thought it would be appropriate to share some of my FAVORITE pumpkin recipes this week..... (and don't panic, I've still got CHRISTMAS on the brain!) These are some of our favorite holiday treats too - so of course they are on the "shopping" list for holiday baking.... Go ahead!  Grab some PUMPKIN and ENJOY!!! They are DELIGHTFUL!!!!! 

Mom's Pumpkin Cake 

(this is by far the BEST, MOIST, THICK, YUMMY(and easy!) pumpkin cake I have had! And trust me... I've tried a lot! :)) 

(excuse the PINK plate... it was the last one left... the rest of the plates were just crumbs....and it was the only piece of cake that was left too! I tell ya! Ya gotta hurry!) 

1 18.25 oz box yellow cake mix 
(I quite like Betty Crocker ;) ) 

1 15oz. can of solid packed pumpkin
(I use 1/2 the 29 oz. can, and the other 1/2 I use for...
that will be tomorrow's recipe, just cover it and put it in the refer!) 

3 eggs

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup vegetable oil 

2 tsp cinnamon 

1 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp ground cloves 

(or you can do 1 TBSP pumpkin pie spice) 

In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, pumpkin, eggs, sugar, oil and spices.  Beat on low for 30 seconds, then on medium for 2 minutes.  Pour into a greased 9x13" baking dish.  Bake at 350 degrees for 25-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.  Cool on a wire rack.  

FROSTING 

(the best!!!) 

1 stick softened butter (yes butter - no substitutions sorry...) 

1 8 oz. package of cream cheese - softened 

2-3 TBSP milk (to spreadable consistency) 

2 1/2 - 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar 

1 tsp vanilla 

Beat the softened butter for 3 minutes on high.  Add the cream cheese and beat on high until mixture is smooth and creamy.  Start with 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar, vanilla and 2 TBSP milk, mix well. (Add additional powdered sugar and milk until reaches spreadable consistency).  Frost cake.  Store in refrigerator.  For added festive-ness, sprinkle slices with cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice VERY lightly.

And... beware... it will be gone before you know it! IT IS YUMMY!!!!!  

Oh... one more thing.... Be sure to come back... On November 7th.... well, before then would be nice too.... but...... I have a SURPRISE!!!!!

6 weeks... OH SO EXCITING!

If you are like the "average" person ... you are just HATING me at this moment... for even MENTIONING that you have 6 weeks to get ready for Christmas... It's ok.  I don't have many friends at all that like it when I mention this... but, as I've shared before....I love Christmas! ... BUT I haven't ALWAYS loved Christmas.... 

I'm going to share a few things, that perhaps - you may not be interested in... but then again... maybe it will help you to understand my obsession to "MAKE CHRISTMAS COUNT - REALLY COUNT!".... 

As a child, I don't really remember many Christmas's until I was a teenager.... regardless, I loved Christmas! Now, don't get me wrong - it wasn't about the gifts... but it all started about the time I really "LEARNED" what Christmas was all about. 

Being just 12, in 1976, my little brother, the first boy born in our family passed away in May that year.  It was shall we say... a difficult year.  My dad was and still is a very hard worker - he did everything and anything he could to provide for his family... but he couldn't save my little brother.  Shortly after his passing, we were told that my mom was expecting child number 6.... Now, I am the oldest and sometimes it just seemed that there was a lot of extra help required from me - and honestly, because we didn't talk about my little brothers death after the funeral, it was pretty quiet in our house.  My mom was obviously very sad and even depressed I believe, and my dad well, he just worked... all the time.  He was rarely home.  I don't remember much for the next several years - it just seemed that we went through the motions of living. I kinda did my thing, helped with my siblings yet was always busy tending for other families in our neighborhood as often as I could as well... It was easier to be gone, than to be home with everyone that was so gloomy.  When I hit high school, my mom had child #7 and she was super busy with the other 5 kids.  I became involved in drill team, and loved it - and to this day, I'm very grateful that I had drill team to keep me focused. 

I remember the year.... 1980..... it was a really hard year, actually had been a few hard years for my parents, but this one seemed to be harder and was getting tougher... I'm not sure if there was an "economic" crunch or just what - but I remember it being very hard financially for us.

My mom asked me and my sister that was just 2 years younger, if we would be ok without Christmas gifts this year, as my parents were still paying off medical bills and funeral expenses etc., for my little brother. My dad owned his own business and things were just really tight. I remember telling my mom that it was ok for me to not have Christmas, but what about my little brothers and sisters... that just didn't seem right.  I worked during summer months to pay for my drill team costs, and during the school year I wasn't able to work because of drill team, so I was trying to find anything I could to help out and make sure that my 5 younger siblings would have something. I took babysitting jobs as often as I could, and was able to give my parents about $100 to put towards Christmas for my siblings. I was sooooo excited for Christmas this year! We were able to take the money I saved and some money that my mom made doing hair cuts, and my dad had gotten a extra unexpected check from a small side job, so mom & I went shopping. We had fun! We weren't able to get a ton, but we were able to get one thing for each of kids that THEY really wanted, and a outfit! This was going to be a great Christmas!

Just before Christmas, the last day of school before Christmas break in fact, I left the house early for drill practice.  I remember it was dark, cold and lots of snow falling.  About 10 am,  I got called to go to the main office. I was told that I needed to call home immediately.  (This was LONG before the cell phone days.)  I called home and my mom answered, she was in tears, I could hardly understand her. She asked if I had drove the truck to school that morning. Well, knowing better, I surely had not! But as I think about it now, I think she would have LOVED for me to say I had! Later that day,  my parents discovered that the truck had been repossessed by the bank, and all of our Christmas was in the back of the truck, and there was no way to get it out before Christmas. They (the bank) refused to let us have the stuff in the truck, and without the money to catch up the payment, there was nothing that could be done. This Christmas was going to be the worst now! I prayed all day that I would just "FIND" a big envelope filled with money somewhere! But I didn't find one anywhere! Darn it!

Christmas Eve, our doorbell rang. I went to answer, and there was no-one there... only a big box sitting on the porch. I helped my dad bring it in. It was filled with all kinds of food. Everything you could imagine! Turkey, ham, potatoes, fruits, vegetables, nuts, chocolates, candy, breads.... more food than we had seen in a long time! What a blessing! I remember my dad telling me that he was going to hide the fruit, nuts and candy and leave it out for Santa, so that he could at least fill the stockings with something. I remember wanting to know WHO would do this... WHO would just leave a box filled with food on our porch...and WHO KNEW about our situation? WHY would they not want us to know who they were? WHY? I went to bed feeling very blessed. Very grateful, yet I still wanted to know WHO would do this! My siblings were happy, things were looking just normal to them and that was all that mattered. (I guess I found my big envelope.)

Christmas morning came, and I was still a little upset but knew that everything would be alright. We were together and that was the important thing. We gathered in the front room, and usually, we would start with the little ones and watch them open their gifts...only there were no gifts. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door, and of course my dad thought it was MY friends, coming to "see" what I got for Christmas, so I went to the door, and again, no-one was there.... only a big box that was wrapped and filled with other wrapped boxes. And a big tag on it that said... LOVE SANTA

There were so many gifts inside that box - mostly for my younger siblings, but there were a couple for myself... I don't remember what.... I remember being so focused on how happy and excited my little sisters and brothers were! I remember my mom & dad with tears in their eyes, trying to take all of this in. My dad is a very private man, sometimes proud too...this was not easy for him. I knew that, but I also knew deep down, he was very humbled, very touched, very grateful.

You know - I don't really remember what I got that Christmas, I do remember my stocking though! It was filled with nuts, oranges, a candy cane and a pair of earrings! I love stockings! That is my most favorite part of Christmas, and I always save the stocking for the last!

From that year forward - I looked forward to Christmas, and was always looking for SOMEWAY that I could make a difference for someone else.  I had always tried to come up with gifts that really "meant" something to the receiver.... I LOVE CHRISTMAS!
  

Then...skip ahead a few years... I got married.  I was so excited to "add" new family members to my Christmas gift giving list.... and then... something happened... it was called REALITY!  and it happened fast!

I had such great hopes and desires to be able to continue this gift giving as well as find a stranger that I could do something for... to just bring a smile to their face.  Our first Christmas wasn't too bad... we were poor of course, but we managed.  However, as life does, through the course of the next year things started to change.... jobs.... we bought a house.... and with that house came new bills... Who knew BILLS could add up so stinkin' fast!  Before I knew it - we were not even making ends meet.... We were barely keeping our heads above water.... THEN... the unexpected happened... a baby was on it's way... ok, ok, I know it happens... but we were told I would not be able to have children.... so it was UNEXPECTED!  Needless to say - life just continued to happen - and before I knew it I HATED CHRISTMAS! Just hated it! It stressed me out!  It WORE me out!  It depressed me.... all because we didn't have any money.... being from a large family, (8 siblings), my husband has 4 siblings, and then our own children and mixing into it FAMILY TRADITIONS that I was NOT use too... was hard!  By the time we had 2 children, our Christmas gift exchange consisted of 17 gifts that needed to be done for those expecting to arrive at a family Christmas party BEFORE we could even begin to think about our own children.... and with a $20 limit for those gifts.... that just ADDS up fast!  IT STRESSED ME beyond my stressability!  Soon we had 3 children and that just upped us another 2 gifts.... oh.... I was falling apart.  I DREADED Christmas. I prayed and prayed that it just would NEVER come!  Finally, after number 4 and I believe we were up to 29 must have Christmas gifts before thinking of our own little family, I had to withdraw from the festivities.... from the "extended" family festivities that is.... (YEP! I was on the "reindeer poop" list... but it took so much stress off of me.) I felt HOPED that I might be able to someday "like" Christmas again. 

Granted, things have never become any easier.  Someone told me that it would get better as my children got older... but, I haven't seen that yet - maybe that is because they are so far apart.... LOL!  A few year ago - my youngest asked me "why don't you like Christmas mommy?"... and my older children replied, "Mom use to LOVE Christmas! Our house was always decorated, she would make a big pot of hot wassail and start it up every morning and the smell would wake us up.... she use to sing Christmas carols to us, read stories every night and she always made sure we had a stocking hung up".... when my youngest said, "What is a stocking?".... that is when I decided it was time to get back on track.  Back to the simple basics of Christmas.  Making Christmas count.... every day if possible. 

I decided that we needed to take to opportunities to find those that were less fortunate than us (because there were and are, many less fortunate, although at times I wondered if that were possible... I knew in my heart it was true) and do something no matter how small to make a difference to them.  Since then, we have done sub for Santa, we had the kids each give up one of their most desired gifts (after we let them pick it out, return it to the shelf, then find something that fit in that price range for a little girl and her family that lived up the street) and give it away.  We were able to witness from a distance the tears of joy on their faces that Christmas Eve when a box was left on their porch with food and gifts with a big tag that said "LOVE SANTA and a family that cares about you"....  We have done the 12 days of Christmas for a few different families through the years and you know.... this is what makes me so EXCITED about CHRISTMAS!  Giving a gift to my children that they will always remember... that hopefully they will share with their children and their children... a tradition that will continue on for a VERY long time. 

We now have a "HOMEMADE" Christmas at our house - and at first I worried about what my kids would think - when they didn't get the "traditional" gifts like their friends get... but I have some pretty amazing kids! They LOVE our HOMEMADE Christmas - and I am so thankful!  They ask Santa for 3 gifts - things that they really want - and Santa chooses ONE of them..for them, the rest of their Christmas is homemade from Mr & I... I LOVE IT!  I just can't wait!  Yep - it takes a lot of time... it takes thought.... it takes making it personal.... but that is the best part! I honestly don't think that they feel "cheated" in any way.  HECK! You can buy clothes and shoes ALL YEAR LONG!!!!! It's the little "special" things - that make CHRISTMAS COUNT!  PLUS, we try and do something every day during the month that is either serving someone else, attending a play or musical together as a family, seeing the lights, reading stories, having our night in Bethlehem... just little things that make a BIG difference!

So, come on! Don't get depressed!  BE EXCITED!!!! You still have time to make it REALLY count! 

Week 6 for me is gathering wrapping paper, ribbon, tape and such.... because we all LOVE to get PRETTY packages... right! I'm also checking my "baking" list, and sorting the items for holiday baking from our every-day shelves.  This next week as I put away the Halloween decorations, I will be pulling out the Christmas, double checking to see what will be required to complete my Christmas decorating as well.... I don't want to fall behind!  AND... I'll be reviewing and making plans for our "extra" activities... as many may need to be booked, and or someone may have to get off work... Lot's to do - but it is so FUN!!!  I am determined to ENJOY the HOLIDAY season thus year and MAKE CHRISTMAS really count.... Its all about remembering ... THE REASON FOR THE SEASON! .... oh...and of course... Santa's workshop is in full swing too!  Lots to do - but OH SO WORTH IT! 

I just can't WAIT!!!

Well... I can.... But I'm getting so SUPER EXCITED!!!!!!

Oh me!!!! OH MY!!!!!

Well - last count down - we had 10 weeks!!! NOW..... we are down to 8!
EIGHT I SAY... 8!

HOLY COW!!! I think my PANIC button just came on and oh I think I need some heart meds!!!! LOL!!

Before I continue - I must apologize..... for missing week 9! I'm so sorry - but then again - maybe it is just "I" that I let down - and if that is the case... I think I'll survive....
We had a small STINKY catastrophe! And honestly.... I really did not PLAN on this! I did not ALLOW time for such CRAP! And yes! I AM MAD! GRRRRRR!
But... it is what it is.... I suppose! DANG-IT!
Our basement flooded and ruined.... yep! ruined the newly refinished, newly carpeted, newly painted, newly decorated bedrooms..... and.... all this while trying to keep on track for my PERFECT Christmas season..... SO... NOT... IN...THE PLAN!!!! I'm trying not to get depressed about it.... I'm trying to press forward..... and with all that... it kinda put a DAMPER on decorating for my favorite time of the year! FALL!!!!! I LOVE FALL!!! I love the colors, the brisk, crisp, fresh air, the smells.... I just love FALL!!! And... now I have something else added to my plate... without permission I will add! I just hate being SERVED something I did not ask for... let alone ... DO NOT LIKE! :) But... I guess I'm gonna have to learn to like it~as my daughter keeps telling me... "one step at a time mom, one step at a time...." I feel like I'm dodging LANDSLIDES though..... oh well - tis what it is..... no time for PITTY-PARTAYS! Gotta get a move on this 8 weeks to making Christmas count! I'm gonna do it - I am! I am!

So.... let's just back up a tad to week 10 -
What did we get accomplished?
Ten week countdown consisted mostly of LISTS!!! (I do love my LISTS!!) :)
So... how did we do???
I'm surely spending more than 15 minutes a day on Christmas... but I'm hoping that means I'm being PRODUCTIVE.... (not feeling so much like it at the moment...)
Got my grocery list, menu's planned, finalized the "GIFT" list, still need to double check on the decoration item list - and I have a feeling it is going to be a bit difficult with the flooding issue than I was wanting - card list done, stamps purchased, neighbor, teacher and other gift lists done and ready to roll.... AND.... I'm afraid to say - but I think that the CLEANING schedule is just going to have to wait a week or two.... too many messes to clean up before I can even think of organizing a cleaning schedule.

Well - I hope you are on your way and doing better than I - I've got a LOT of catchin' up to do in the next 4 weeks.... because come Novemeber - it is FINAL TOUCHES month - baking, regrouping, prepping etc.... so I really have to ACCOMPLISH a lot this month!

Week 8 Count Down -
Completing neighbor gifts, friends, teachers, co-workers, home teaching families, visiting teaching families and any one else gifts... it is the plan! I CAN DO THIS!!!! Friday night is gather it up and Saturday day is FINISH IT UP! ... ok at least by midnight on Tuesday the 11th.... :)

And... I'm thinking next week I'll host a "LINKY" partay for all those FABULOUS ideas you all are creating for neighbor, teacher, friend, etc... gifts.... Anyone interested in doing so? I KNOW I would LOVE to see what you are all up to!!! So, COME ON!!! Let's get rollin'......

EIGHT weeks on the down hill!!!!

Holiday Baking....

Well, how are the goals coming along?  

Are you on track? 

What can you do to "re-think" the plan if needed?

I am SO determined to just ENJOY December!  DETERMINED! 

Aren't you?

But... I must interrupt my "workshop" progress.... not only does my family THINK that they are going to stave to death.... but it is time to turn to the "bakery" department... It's time to start watching the ads and getting the most with my grocery shopping money this month.  I don't (which I should) plan ahead and "save" some for my "baking frenzy" -but I didin't really think about it until now... SO! Looks like we'll be eating a lot of FOOD STORAGE this next couple months.... :)  Just so I can "enjoy" my baking time! (I wonder how the family "elfs" are going to take to this news... LOL! 

SO... grab your recipe books ladies (and gents-if there are any out there) and let's get some HOLIDAY BAKING underway! 

As I go through my "candy & baking" plan, I'm going to throw in some of my favorite recipes and ideas! Even favorite "CHRISTMAS" meals... so get ready - and let's share - I'd love some new recipes and ideas too!  So, don't be shy - It is the season for giving... and I LOVE LOVE LOVE new recipes! 

(hint hint... wink wink....) 

This is one of my favorites! It was given to my by my cousin... If you like "BIG CHERRY" candy bars... You'll LOVE this one! It is YUMMY!  I'll only have a sample taste this year -(determined to thin the hips this holiday as well!)  and the rest will be shipped away - BUT.... I still enjoy making it and "mmmm" smelling it too!!!!!

Cherry Chocolate Delights

12 oz. pkg milk chocolate chips

12 oz. pkg salted crushed peanuts

¾ cup crunchy peanut butter

Melt together on stove or in a microwave.

Spread half mixture in 9x13 inch greased pan.

Cook in refrigerator.

20 large marshmallows

1 tub cherry frosting

Melt 20 large marshmallows in double boiler.

Add 1 tub of cherry frosting.  Spread on cooled layer of chocolate.  Cool this in refrigerator.  Spread remaining chocolate on top.  Refrigerate and cut into squares.  

**just a side note - the cherry frosting (Betty Crocker/Pillsbury or other brand) is VERY hard to find... I have been DIEING for these yummy little things in the summer - and have YET to find CHERRY frosting any other time then the holidays ... so if you find you ENJOY this yummy treat... you may want to "stock" up on the frosting - for a rainy day.... if you know what I mean.... :) 

AND..... 

While I was looking for my favorite Cherry Chocolate Delights ...

I discovered my second favorite.... NUTS! 

MMMMMM..... I can almost smell them! 

Cinnamon Glazed Almonds

1/3 cup butter

2 egg whites, at room temperature

Pinch of salt

1 cup sugar

3 cups whole natural almonds

4 teaspoons cinnamon

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Place butter in a 13" X 9" pan; place in oven to melt butter, about 7 minutes. Meanwhile, beat egg whites with salt until frothy; gradually add sugar, beating to stiff peaks. Gently fold in almonds and cinnamon. Pour almond mixture onto pan; toss with butter. Bake about 40 minutes,tossing every 10 minutes, until almonds are crisp. Serve warm or at room temperature. Store cooled almonds in airtight container up to 2 weeks.

Well, happy list making! And be sure to share your favorites as you discover them as well! 

Don't you just LOVE holiday baking??!!??!  

MMMMMMM! I do!