Photography

 My oldest daughter taking a picture of the youngest taking a picture of a bee.

Kit Kitridge

I really love it when a movie or even something simpler inspires my girls to do something wonderful like write (or type). To hear your child say they love to type is just great. A neighbor was throwing away this old typewriter and we happily rescued it and found new ribbon thanks to Ebay :) The typewriter has been great for things like spelling words!

Lil Hands, Lil Crafts, Big Gifts

Lizzy made me a potholder <3

Honey It Was Cold Outside

 

The day we went to get a tree it was in the teens, we were all freezing but I should have asked for my oldest daughters camera so I can take a picture of her that day. It was fun experience except it was freezing. All of the trees look perfect when you are cold :o)

 

The hymn we chose for our garland is called A Baby is Born in Bethlehem. At hymns.me.uk you can find many hymns. BTW I couldn't fit the whole hymn on the tree. I am wondering your ideas about your trees this year. Do you go with a different theme every year? Do you add something new? Please let me know :)

A Babe is born in Bethlehem
Christmas Hymn & Carol Lyrics

A Babe is born in Bethlehem, Bethlehem,
Therefore rejoice Jerusalem,
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Within a manger He doth lie, He doth lie,
Whose throne is set above the sky.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Stillness was all the manger round, manger round,
The creature its Creator found.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

The wise men came, led by the star, by the star,
Gold, myrrh, and incense brought from far.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

His mother is the virgin mild, virgin mild,
And He the Father’s only Child.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

The serpent’s wound He beareth not, beareth not,
Yet takes our blood, and shares our lot,
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Our human flesh He enters in, enters in,
But bears no single taint of sin.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

To fallen man Himself He bowed, self He bowed,
That He might lift us up to God.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

On this most blessèd Jubilee, Jubilee,
All glory be, O God, to Thee.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

O Holy Three, we Thee adore, Thee adore,
This day, henceforth, forevermore.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Our 2010 Tree

 We got a real tree this year which is a first in a long time. The last real tree was a hatchery for spiders, thousands of them. My girls are terrified of spiders so we went the artificial route for a many year.

A few days ago I was visiting a craft blog, I thought it was Living with Lindsay but can't find the post,  and was inspired by her inspiration of Pottery Barn's garland. I really liked the idea, so I decided to find a beautiful Christmas Hymn to use for our tree. I'll get another picture soon of the whole tree but wanted to share the idea. I used 8.5 X 11 paper that was antique looking. I printed the hymn on to the paper, 3 lines per sheet in landscape, thanks to Publisher and then cut them out using Pfisher scrolly scissors. Taped them together in the back and place the garland on the tree. :)

Our Tree with Christmas Hymn Garland

Style

It is fun to see they styles your preteens like  :)

Gifts

C. Marie gave me my 2010 garden to treasure every time I am in the kitchen and I am in the kitchen a-l-o-t!

Where are your Christmas Cards This Year?

Are your cards:
on the table,
in the car,
on your desk,
in the mail,
or
delivered?

This year was sweet, I added senior pictures of my oldest daughter. I'm glad to have about 8 years before senior pictures are added with the Christmas cards  again :)

Lights

When I drive through town I see so many beautiful and expensive looking decorations. When you are on a tight budget outside decorations fall to the bottom of the list. But...
with a few strings of old icicle lights we now have a little festive glitter to be a part of our neighbors hoorah. Our 9 year old was absolutely thrilled to see them :)

Ricotta Cookies

 

We found this yummy cookie in a Family Circle Magazine a few years ago.

MAKES: 6 1/2 dozen cookies. PREP: 10 minutes REFRIGERATE: overnight. BAKE: at 350 for 10 min.

4 c all-purpose flour

2 t baking powder

1t baking soda

1t salt

1/2 c (1 stick) butter, softened

1 1/2 c granulated sugar

2 large eggs

2 t vanilla extract

1 container (15 ounces) part-skim ricotta

GLAZE:

2 c confectioners sugar sifted

3T orange juice

Colored sprinkles (optional)

1. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium-sized bowl.

2. Beat butter and sugar on medium spped in a large bowl until fluffy, 3 minutes; beat in eggs, vanilla and ricotta.

3.Stir in flour mixture until well blended. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

4. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat baking sheets with cooking spray.

5. Shape level tablespoons of the dough into balls. Place at least 1" apart on cookie sheets.

6. Bake for 10 minutes or until bottoms are lightly brown. DO NOT OVERBAKE. Transfer cookies to wire rack; let cool.

7. GLAZE: Meanwhile, <-- LOL when you are rotating trays in oven with your 3 hands,,, the recipe really says "meanwhile... Just make the glaze when you REALLY do have a meanwhile... enjoy making your cookies, they will not leave you b/c they are not glazed, lolz. Stir sugar and juice in small bowl until smooth and good glazing consistency. If too thick, add a lil juice to thin. Spoon glaze over each cookie. Garnish with sprinkles if desired. Let stand until hardened.