What a wonderful Christmas season!
The love, laughter, joy and fellowship was so rewarding and filled my heart with love! The little ones were filled with excitement which overflowed to us old folks and brought many smiles.
I know that isn't actually Jesus' birthday, but it is the day that we celebrate the overwhelming love of God in sending us his son knowing he would die on the cross to pay for my sins! His birth should be celebrated as no one will ever sacrifice for me as he has done.
I pray that your Christmas was joy filled as well and you felt the hand of God in your celebrations!
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Friday, December 30, 2016
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
November Catchup
I am backing up a bit since my writing time has been limited this month so please be patient. The first weekend of the month was my baby sister's birthday. I know that some of you will find a great deal of humor in that sentence as a normal 60 year old woman doesn't usually refer to her younger sister as her "baby sister", but I do, I did, and I will. I am not normal. Sis and I were escorted to the "Fox" by her oldest son and a friend after a delightful dinner at Brio's where we were treated to an outstanding meal, great service, lots of fun and laughter.
The "Fox' is unique, beautiful, awe inspiring and down right fun! It takes to back to an era of glamour and richness no longer found among the great building of Atlanta. The Fox just IS! We were treated to a wonderful romantic comedy "Mama Mia!" which we thoroughly enjoyed. The cast gave a great performance and the music was outstanding.
The middle of the month was the quarterly Harmon family get together. We met at Southern Pit Barbecue and since our group was so large they had to split us up - they don't do reservations - so all of us didn't get to visit but I so enjoyed the time spent with those of us that were able to sit together. Next time we will make sure we get a space that can handle all us youngun's. I met cousins I had not as yet met and enjoyed the visit with cousins I hadn't seen in a while. Can't wait until February when hopefully more will join the group. Would love to see the Louisiana cousin and the Minnesota cousin.
Hubby and I are lucky enough to host Thanksgiving for the families. It is such a treat for us to have everyone together at our home and enjoy all the great food they bring to share. Dad even had a good visit with everyone for a while before getting tired and heading home. Didn't get all of us in one picture this year, but we did manage to get a pic of everyone during the day. Lot's of good food and many laughs throughout the day!
The Dahlonega kids come in for Thanksgiving usually spend a few extra days with me. It is a pleasant week for everyone. My oldest grandchildren are growing so fast that I am afraid they will soon not fit on my lap.
During the afternoon and early evening everyone got their game plans finalized and were soon off to early Black Friday shopping at 9:00 pm. The deals were astounding and they all were ready to spend to save. The different groups kept us apprised of their progress and I think everyone got pretty much everything they aimed for, mainly electronics and bicycles. Then spent hours standing in line before getting home in the early dawn hours.
I have spent the last few days recovering from a wonderfully full week and weekend and getting ready to head into the Christmas season. This week I felt the first twinges that I always feel when Christmas nears. Time to get the decorations out and get started.
I hope all my reader friends enjoyed the day of Thanksgiving as much as I did. Until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
The "Fox' is unique, beautiful, awe inspiring and down right fun! It takes to back to an era of glamour and richness no longer found among the great building of Atlanta. The Fox just IS! We were treated to a wonderful romantic comedy "Mama Mia!" which we thoroughly enjoyed. The cast gave a great performance and the music was outstanding.
The middle of the month was the quarterly Harmon family get together. We met at Southern Pit Barbecue and since our group was so large they had to split us up - they don't do reservations - so all of us didn't get to visit but I so enjoyed the time spent with those of us that were able to sit together. Next time we will make sure we get a space that can handle all us youngun's. I met cousins I had not as yet met and enjoyed the visit with cousins I hadn't seen in a while. Can't wait until February when hopefully more will join the group. Would love to see the Louisiana cousin and the Minnesota cousin.
Hubby and I are lucky enough to host Thanksgiving for the families. It is such a treat for us to have everyone together at our home and enjoy all the great food they bring to share. Dad even had a good visit with everyone for a while before getting tired and heading home. Didn't get all of us in one picture this year, but we did manage to get a pic of everyone during the day. Lot's of good food and many laughs throughout the day!
The Dahlonega kids come in for Thanksgiving usually spend a few extra days with me. It is a pleasant week for everyone. My oldest grandchildren are growing so fast that I am afraid they will soon not fit on my lap.
During the afternoon and early evening everyone got their game plans finalized and were soon off to early Black Friday shopping at 9:00 pm. The deals were astounding and they all were ready to spend to save. The different groups kept us apprised of their progress and I think everyone got pretty much everything they aimed for, mainly electronics and bicycles. Then spent hours standing in line before getting home in the early dawn hours.
I have spent the last few days recovering from a wonderfully full week and weekend and getting ready to head into the Christmas season. This week I felt the first twinges that I always feel when Christmas nears. Time to get the decorations out and get started.
I hope all my reader friends enjoyed the day of Thanksgiving as much as I did. Until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Another Stroll Down Memory Lane
Well, Thanksgiving is well behind us now and preparation is ongoing for the celebration of Christ's birth. Some days it just makes me tired and some days I approach it all with a joyful and peaceful heart. I believe rest is the key. The temperatures are just now getting uncomfortable and the days are definitely shorter. Many days I just want to sleep - remaining under the warm covers and not venturing out. But that doesn't have anything to do with the season but with the changes my old body no longer adjust too so quickly or well.
I had such a surprise on Friday when a friend showed up. This isn't an ordinary, run of the mill friend. This was the one person I felt attached to, completely trusted and thoroughly enjoyed her company during my school years. She was in my wedding in September of 1969 and after that day I never saw her again until Friday. I can't imagine a more memorable day. I have always believed that you could tell a true friend in the reuniting. They were no dead spots - we were laughing as she exited her vehicle and we chattered like we had never been apart. Easy, comfortable, trying desperately to catch up on all the years and yet knowing we both have been down paths we won't share yet. I say yet because there is so much surface stuff to gather and share. It pleased me greatly that my friend found her soul mate early on and has had a happy life. I can't wait to get together again and learn more about her children and family.
I learned that I wasn't the only person that was lost in a world of confusion and insecurity when school let out for the last time. I didn't realize that I would lose touch so quickly with those so dear to me and that we would all move on in such a hurried manner. In my older years, I have found that I have plenty of time to locate and reunite with those that I have missed so much.
Hubby and I have really enjoyed our shopping trips this season. Never one to enjoy crowds, we have managed to have a little fun this year with our shopping experience. Both of us are "people watchers" and we have certainly enjoyed the shows put on for us by the other shoppers. I made my first trip to the Bass Pro Shop in Macon recently. Of course hubby made his first visit at their grand opening, but I bypassed that trips and the many he has made since then. Of course, wouldn't you know, all it took was a "I want" from my grandson to get me to trek right down there and get the item. A beautiful store, it is great for just browsing, but they also had some great bargains over the weekend.
Then on to the Bass Road Mall and a wonderful visit to Jo Ann's. I could spend a whole day in this treasure. A quick visit to Dick's Sporting Goods - prices on the high side - and then to Sticky Fingers for a tasty smoked turkey club sandwich. Barnes and Nobles was our Waterloo and we spent a couple of hours browsing the books and games. Found some deals on several books to add to our Stuart Woods' collection. I am missing only three now so it is close to complete. I am thinking I need to make a return trip this weekend as I didn't get close to Dillard's or the other shops. I am so glad the regular football season is past and hubby is not glued to the television on Saturday afternoons. I have a partner in my shopping experience and a driver to get me where I want to go without me having to fool with the traffic.
Looking forward to all the get togethers with friends and family and already some are overlapping and I know I won't make it to all of them, but you can bet I will hit as many as possible. Dinner has to be made, so until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
I had such a surprise on Friday when a friend showed up. This isn't an ordinary, run of the mill friend. This was the one person I felt attached to, completely trusted and thoroughly enjoyed her company during my school years. She was in my wedding in September of 1969 and after that day I never saw her again until Friday. I can't imagine a more memorable day. I have always believed that you could tell a true friend in the reuniting. They were no dead spots - we were laughing as she exited her vehicle and we chattered like we had never been apart. Easy, comfortable, trying desperately to catch up on all the years and yet knowing we both have been down paths we won't share yet. I say yet because there is so much surface stuff to gather and share. It pleased me greatly that my friend found her soul mate early on and has had a happy life. I can't wait to get together again and learn more about her children and family.
I learned that I wasn't the only person that was lost in a world of confusion and insecurity when school let out for the last time. I didn't realize that I would lose touch so quickly with those so dear to me and that we would all move on in such a hurried manner. In my older years, I have found that I have plenty of time to locate and reunite with those that I have missed so much.
Hubby and I have really enjoyed our shopping trips this season. Never one to enjoy crowds, we have managed to have a little fun this year with our shopping experience. Both of us are "people watchers" and we have certainly enjoyed the shows put on for us by the other shoppers. I made my first trip to the Bass Pro Shop in Macon recently. Of course hubby made his first visit at their grand opening, but I bypassed that trips and the many he has made since then. Of course, wouldn't you know, all it took was a "I want" from my grandson to get me to trek right down there and get the item. A beautiful store, it is great for just browsing, but they also had some great bargains over the weekend.
Then on to the Bass Road Mall and a wonderful visit to Jo Ann's. I could spend a whole day in this treasure. A quick visit to Dick's Sporting Goods - prices on the high side - and then to Sticky Fingers for a tasty smoked turkey club sandwich. Barnes and Nobles was our Waterloo and we spent a couple of hours browsing the books and games. Found some deals on several books to add to our Stuart Woods' collection. I am missing only three now so it is close to complete. I am thinking I need to make a return trip this weekend as I didn't get close to Dillard's or the other shops. I am so glad the regular football season is past and hubby is not glued to the television on Saturday afternoons. I have a partner in my shopping experience and a driver to get me where I want to go without me having to fool with the traffic.
Looking forward to all the get togethers with friends and family and already some are overlapping and I know I won't make it to all of them, but you can bet I will hit as many as possible. Dinner has to be made, so until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Contentment
What a wonderful Christmas season! Get togethers are so much fun when egos are left at home. For our family the focus was on the little ones and they really put on a show! Each of the children were not only excited by their own gifts, they were excited for their brothers, sisters, and cousins. They laughed, shared, and played - gleeful as wished for and each brought a smile to our faces.
We are a female dominate family with five girls and four boys, but on Christmas Eve there were four girls and one boy and he quickly learned he was definitely outnumbered. However, with the grace and charm of a true gentleman, he fell right in with the girls, depending on Dad and uncles when he needed support.
Mom and Dad did not get too tired but were more than ready for us to clear out and give them their quiet. Dad got a real laugh over the suspenders that Mom gave him and there was a gleam in his eye when he opened box after box of his favorite candy - peanut brittle. Mom seemed a little confused as her gift pile mounted, but did so with a smile on her face. My Mother has always been the big giver in the family and a much appreciated one at that. This year with her limited mobility and lack of stamina, she assured that all had a gift, but could not manage to shop as diligently as she once could. Ah-h-h! The benefits of getting older. I am not a shopper!
The older boys were told they had to get under the piano to open their presents as through the years, that is where they would hide, knowing that Mom had purchased them all underwear and socks. Getting under the piano to open a present has become a favorite joke that the little ones still don't understand.
As the little ones got tired and fussy still thinking of Santa to come, as the big ones dreamed of pajamas and bed, we all quietly slipped away so Nanny and Pa could rest. I am so blessed to have such a loving and compassionate family. God has blessed us with his love and given us the joy of living along with the contentment gained from both.
As we look forward to the coming year, I wish for peace, joy and contentment for everyone. May God bless each heart with forgiveness, understanding, and compassion for our fellow man.
Happy reading!
Belle
We are a female dominate family with five girls and four boys, but on Christmas Eve there were four girls and one boy and he quickly learned he was definitely outnumbered. However, with the grace and charm of a true gentleman, he fell right in with the girls, depending on Dad and uncles when he needed support.
Mom and Dad did not get too tired but were more than ready for us to clear out and give them their quiet. Dad got a real laugh over the suspenders that Mom gave him and there was a gleam in his eye when he opened box after box of his favorite candy - peanut brittle. Mom seemed a little confused as her gift pile mounted, but did so with a smile on her face. My Mother has always been the big giver in the family and a much appreciated one at that. This year with her limited mobility and lack of stamina, she assured that all had a gift, but could not manage to shop as diligently as she once could. Ah-h-h! The benefits of getting older. I am not a shopper!
The older boys were told they had to get under the piano to open their presents as through the years, that is where they would hide, knowing that Mom had purchased them all underwear and socks. Getting under the piano to open a present has become a favorite joke that the little ones still don't understand.
As the little ones got tired and fussy still thinking of Santa to come, as the big ones dreamed of pajamas and bed, we all quietly slipped away so Nanny and Pa could rest. I am so blessed to have such a loving and compassionate family. God has blessed us with his love and given us the joy of living along with the contentment gained from both.
As we look forward to the coming year, I wish for peace, joy and contentment for everyone. May God bless each heart with forgiveness, understanding, and compassion for our fellow man.
Happy reading!
Belle
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Merry Christmas!
Christmas arrived quickly for me this year and I know it will be gone just as fast. I wish for each and everyone of you a joyful and safe Christmas.
Our Christmas tradition of visiting with my parents on Christmas eve will prevail once again. My parents are much older now and the revelry of so many children, spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren put them on edge after a short time, but we want and need to spend those joyful moments with them. We don't linger as we once would for fear of tiring them out, but they have given up their tradition of visiting all the little ones on Christmas morn so on Christmas eve we celebrate with the people that started this group called our family.
We will eat too much, as always. Our hearts will be full from the twinkling of those innocent eyes and the wonder expressed with each package they receive. Oh! How I wish for the innocence of a child.
I miss my daughter and my oldest grandchildren terribly, but look forward to seeing them after the first of the year.
Thank you for allowing me to share a small portion of my thoughts and my life over the past few months. It has been an enjoyable year of discovery and peace in my journey to rediscover myself.
Again, I wish for you a safe and Merry Christmas!
Happy reading!
Belle
Our Christmas tradition of visiting with my parents on Christmas eve will prevail once again. My parents are much older now and the revelry of so many children, spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren put them on edge after a short time, but we want and need to spend those joyful moments with them. We don't linger as we once would for fear of tiring them out, but they have given up their tradition of visiting all the little ones on Christmas morn so on Christmas eve we celebrate with the people that started this group called our family.
We will eat too much, as always. Our hearts will be full from the twinkling of those innocent eyes and the wonder expressed with each package they receive. Oh! How I wish for the innocence of a child.
I miss my daughter and my oldest grandchildren terribly, but look forward to seeing them after the first of the year.
Thank you for allowing me to share a small portion of my thoughts and my life over the past few months. It has been an enjoyable year of discovery and peace in my journey to rediscover myself.
Again, I wish for you a safe and Merry Christmas!
Happy reading!
Belle
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Back of the Bottle or Package
The best pecan pie recipe ever was on the back of the Karo Syrup bottle. Now they have a website filled with goodies. This week I am going to try their Pecan Chocolate Pie Bars. They sound delicious. Dixie Crystal's Brown Sugar falls right in there when baking. And don't forget the Baker's Chocolate, we all need a little chocolate in our lives.
Carnation Evaporated Milk was used in every creamed soup recipe for years and now they have a website filled with recipes from sweets to soups. I remember Mom chilling evaporated milk and then whipping it into a creamy mountain of fluff. Eagle Brand condensed milk has always been a staple during the Holiday baking season and it is a must for rich creamy ice cream.
Until the past few years, recipes have been handed down from generation to generation or found on the back of the bottle or package of one or more of the ingredients. It was a real treat 35 years ago to get a Betty Crocker or Better Homes and Gardens cookbook - I was lucky enough to get a Better Homes and Garden. As you can see, I have collected a few recipes over the years that I cherish for not just the recipe, but for the memories invoked when they are in the making. With the advent of the Internet and the ease of use, recipes are as close as a click of the mouse.
As you do your baking this Christmas season, there is one ingredient that is never listed in the recipe and that is love. Please remember to add a heaping cup whenever you mix your ingredients together. It is the secret ingredient in the best cooked foods.
Happy reading!
Belle
Carnation Evaporated Milk was used in every creamed soup recipe for years and now they have a website filled with recipes from sweets to soups. I remember Mom chilling evaporated milk and then whipping it into a creamy mountain of fluff. Eagle Brand condensed milk has always been a staple during the Holiday baking season and it is a must for rich creamy ice cream.
Until the past few years, recipes have been handed down from generation to generation or found on the back of the bottle or package of one or more of the ingredients. It was a real treat 35 years ago to get a Betty Crocker or Better Homes and Gardens cookbook - I was lucky enough to get a Better Homes and Garden. As you can see, I have collected a few recipes over the years that I cherish for not just the recipe, but for the memories invoked when they are in the making. With the advent of the Internet and the ease of use, recipes are as close as a click of the mouse.
As you do your baking this Christmas season, there is one ingredient that is never listed in the recipe and that is love. Please remember to add a heaping cup whenever you mix your ingredients together. It is the secret ingredient in the best cooked foods.
Happy reading!
Belle
Monday, December 14, 2009
Shopping
I love shopping at Christmas. I just spent $85.00, but I saved $145.00. These sales are fantastic!
My list has been shortened this year, so does that mean I am not saving as much. I am trying my best to spend my way out of debt! Isn't that what we are suppose to do?
My list has been shortened this year, so does that mean I am not saving as much. I am trying my best to spend my way out of debt! Isn't that what we are suppose to do?
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Gingerbread
Gingerbread is a holiday favorite for both young and old. The ginger root has long been used to settle the stomach after a too hardy meal and these cookies will do the same. The aroma from cooking will brighten the whole house making use of its aromatherapy attributes. Gingerbread is the walls and roof of many a Christmas castle or gingerbread house which makes for a fun project for the kids. Enjoy the baking and discover the delights of gingerbread!
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup molasses
2 eggs
2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup milk
In a large mixing bowl, cream butter, add sugar, molasses and eggs. Beat thoroughly. In a separate bowl, sift flour with soda, ginger, salt and cinnamon. Sift again. Add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture alternately with milk beating after each addition. Pour into a greased and floured 9" x 9" x 2" oven proof dish or pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.
If making a gingerbread house, use a biscuit pan so the bread is not as thick and can be cut to size as needed. This recipe will also make soft cookies (not ginger snaps) if dropped on a greased cookie sheet and baked for approximately 15 minutes of until done.
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup molasses
2 eggs
2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup milk
In a large mixing bowl, cream butter, add sugar, molasses and eggs. Beat thoroughly. In a separate bowl, sift flour with soda, ginger, salt and cinnamon. Sift again. Add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture alternately with milk beating after each addition. Pour into a greased and floured 9" x 9" x 2" oven proof dish or pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.
If making a gingerbread house, use a biscuit pan so the bread is not as thick and can be cut to size as needed. This recipe will also make soft cookies (not ginger snaps) if dropped on a greased cookie sheet and baked for approximately 15 minutes of until done.
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