Happy Holidays

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Be Merry

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Christmas Eve @ the Kac Farm

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all.

Ten Things Tuesday

This week I am Thankful for Symbols of Christmas...some of these ideas I learned this Christmas season are from a web site called http://www.dtm.org/ there are some neat ideas over there. SO as I have said before I will learn where ever I can.

1. The Christmas Tree...Only God can make that real tree that we choose to decorate every year. If you think about it...Christ died on a wooden cross that once was a tree.


2. The Christmas Tree lights/Candles..."He is the light of the world". Imagine the world with out his light...Total Darkness.


3. The Christmas Greenery...It represents growth...and with growing you need patience. as we all know it take a long time for a tree to grow and each of us are a tree planted in Jesus garden. So we will need patience while Jesus helps us to grow.


4. The Bright Star...Which guided the Shepards to find Baby Jesus.


5. The Gifts...Remember God gave the first gift of his son...Baby Jesus to save us. So we give gifts to honor Gods most precious gift.


6. The Angels...God used Angels in many ways...to proclaim the coming Christ...Angel Gabriel spoke to the Mary and told her she would be the mother of Christ.


7. Icicles Icicles represent tears of JOY...As per an old story, the Christ child took shelter for a night under a pine tree. When the tree realized that it was caring for Jesus, tears of happiness fell from its branches. The tears froze into icicles.


8. Mary and Joseph...Being the lucky chosen ones to help God raise his son.


9. Wreath...No beginning and no end...Circle of Life...God's unending love for us.


10. God... "God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life" and for this I believe and I celebrate CHRISTMAS...And I am not ashamed to say that.

Jesus being born changed the world...

Jesus in the Snow...

I found this picture tonight...and absolutely fell in love with it...here's the story...

It seems there was a Chinese photographer who was deeply troubled spiritually. He had been witnessing a great movement towards Christianity among his friends since the Japanese invasion. He longed to know the truth of what he had been hearing from Christian missionaries. As he rode along he said, “Lord, if I could only see your face, I would believe.” Instantly a voice spoke to his heart, “Take a picture. Take a picture.”
As he looked about he really didn’t see anything to take a picture of. But still he felt as though he was to take one. So he took one of some melting snow with the black earth showing through it.� Curious to know the outcome of the incident, he developed the film at once upon returning to his home. Out from the black and white areas of the snow scene a face looked at him, full of tenderness and love - the face of Christ. He became a Christian as a result of this experience.
Can you see Him? I hope so...

8 Things you may have or have not wondered about me?

8 things you've always wondered about me!

I found this on A SLICE OF HEAVEN which is great because I needed something to blog about!

8 Favorite Restaurants:
1. Hu Hots
2. Montereys
3. Apple B's
4. Gloria's
5. Primghar Golf and Country Club
6. Baxterz
7. Any meal at the Gebels
8. Olive Garden

8 Things that Happened Today:
1. I woke up
2. Had a cup or three of coffee
3. Took the kids to Pizza Ranch for Lunch
4. Shopped on line :)
5. Spent time Blogging
6. Texted my Friend
7. Heard a friend laugh
8. Walked in snow up to my knees to get to my car.

8 Things I Look Forward To:
1. The weekends
2. Christmas with my family!
3. Going to bed
4. My Children smiles
5. E-mails
6. Shopping
7. Going to Mexico
8. Eternal life with Jesus Christ

8 Things I'm Scared Of:
1. Not going to Heaven
2. My Loved ones Safety
3. Icy Roads /Blizzards
4. Scary movies
5. Hangovers
6. The Devil trying to enter my life...I hate even typing that word...
7. People who Drink and Drive
8. Hurting people's feelings

8 Things I Wish For:
1. That I make it to Heaven...Someday...
2. The saftey of my loved ones...ALL OF YOU!
3. To learn more about the Lord
4. A good review
5. That my Friend has a healthy Baby and an easy delivery.
6. To be skinnier
7. More Free Time
8. More Sleep

8 Things I Watch on TV:
1. All My Children
2. Good Morning America
3. Grey's Anatomy
4. H#lls Kitchen / Gordan Ramsey
5. Little People, Big World
6. Desperate House Wives
7. King of Queens
8. The View

Ten Things Tuesday

is sponsored by Mrs. Brownstone.

My Mommy...

This week I am going to be THANKFUL for MY MOM. Kind of missing her this Christmas Season.

Even though she is in HEAVEN. I am still THANKFUL that...

1. she loved me not matter what
   
2. for her gardening and flowers...the home made meals all from scratch
   
3. she raised me and worked hard to make the ends meet
   
4. the smiles and hugs she would give me
   
5. for all the sewing, crocheting or knitting of clothes, dolls, blankets and so much more for me
   
6. for the vacations we would take every year as kids.
   
7. for all the times she protected me
   
8. she was able to spend her life to the fullest and spend it was at home with Dad
9. For her FAITH. Taking me to church every Sunday so I could learn about God.


10. AND knowing she is in heaven with Jesus celebrating the Christmas Season. How can I not be happy for that. :)
    
    

Probably hard to see on the web...but this a what we call a picture of my mom's SPIRIT that was taken shortly after she passed letting all of her family know that she is with Jesus and is OK. This photo was captured by my sister Emma. I absolutly LOVE it.

You are Invited

I received this invite this weekend and wanted to share with ALL of you!


You are cordially invited to
A BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!!!
Guest of Honor: Jesus Christ
Date: Every day.
Traditionally, December 25
but He's always around, so the date is flexible...
Time: Whenever you're ready.
(Please don't be late, though, or you'll miss out on all the fun!)
Place: In your heart.... He'll meet you there.
(You'll hear Him knock.)
Attire: Come as you are...
grubbies are okay.He'll be washing our clothes anyway. He said something aboutnew white robes and crowns for everyone who stays till the last.
Tickets: Admission is free. He's already paid for everyone...
(He says you wouldn't have been able to afford it anyway...it cost Him everything He had. But you do need to accept the ticket!!
Refreshments: New wine, bread, and a far-out drink He calls "Living Water,"followed by a supper that promises to be out of this world!
Gift Suggestions: Your life. He's one of those people who already has everything else.
(He's very generous in return though. Just wait until you see what He has for you!)
Entertainment: Joy, Peace, Truth, Light, Life, Love, Real Happiness,Communion with God, Forgiveness, Miracles, Healing, Power,Eternity in Paradise, Contentment, and much more!
(All "G" rated, so bring your family and friends.)
R.S.V.P. Very Important!He must know ahead so He canreserve a spot for you at the table.Also, He's keeping a list of His friends for future reference. He calls it the "Lamb's Book of Life."
Party being given by His Kids (that's us!!)!Hope to see you there! For those of you whom I will see at the party, share this with someone today!

Runner Up

Zachary's Basket Ball team went to Vermillion, SD for the weekend to play in a basketball Tournament. His team need a bit more of a challenge, a chance to play different teams. The games were close. 1st one was tied; down to the last 7 seconds and a friend on the Free Throw line. First basket in...second one missed but rebounded and two points. Score 37-34. The second game they were behind by 3 with 3o seconds left and the same team mate shot a three pointer and tied the game. Into over time and then they won. Into the Championship game and they ended up loosing but I am still proud of my Boy.

This is a close up of the trophey each team member received.

OH the smells of Christmas...not what you think!

OH the smells through out the house today...Deer...Cookies and Ham...quite the mix huh?

Randy spent this Sunday making deer jerky while I made Christmas Cookies and we through a ham in for dinner.

So Randy got to open an early present from his folks only because he needed to use it.

This is the deer just on the racks.

Several hours later...looking better. I know may look kind gross...but mmm. This is one of the two ways I like deer. Jerky or Sticks.

Oh how I wish I could bake a little bit better. I am not a SUZY HOMEMAKER. As what Randy will call me when I try to be a good wife. :) He always tells me that he did not marry me for my baking. My problem with baking is I am always in a hurry.

While baking a "sample batch" I was on Face Book chatting and burned them but could tell they needed a little more flour. So they still could have used a bit more flour this is what I got. A little over done but the kids still like them. I don't understand how come I always seem to need more flour then the recipe ever calls for?

I also tried to make Buckeyes today but the recipe I used OBVIOUSLY had a misprint...it said sugar...But after making I'm thinking the word POWDERED was missing. To say this batch went into the Garbage. Not granulated.

Then onto something a bit more simple...Ritz crackers w/ PB and dipped in almond bark. Easy right? Wrong...I don't own a double boiler and so the only other pans I had that I could try to stack together was two frying pans. Well the almond bark isn't deep enough then. And how do you get the crackers out so they still look pretty? I finished and they taste FABULOUS. But

Here they are all packaged up. Then I gave up and took a nap.

Adopt a Family...Giving Back

Malissa spent the morning wrapping present, not for family but strangers. Last week I decided to call Upper Des Moines and see if there were anyone left on the Adopt a Family List. This year they had almost double on the list. So we choice a family with three kids, 10, 5 and 2. We had alot of fun looking for bargains so they could get more. Even though this family will never know who they came from. It feels really good to give back to the community.

"Christmas perhaps, means a little bit MORE"

by Dr. Suess.. This story came to mean a little bit more to me this year. I have watched this show for years as I am sure many of you have and finally this year I "think" I understand the meaning behind the saying a little bit more after reading a blog called "I will take it Lord, All you have to Give".
In my opinion if by reading other peoples blogs can teach me about Jesus...Then that is what I will do. We NEVER can know enough. Just my thoughts today. :)

Ten Things Tuesday...

Ten Things Tuesday is here again...I'm struggling with it. It snowed last night so I really don't care for the stuff but I am going to come up with TEN things that maybe I do like about it.

1. Last night walking to the City Council meeting the White flakes where coming down. Looking at the street light decorations lit up with the dark sky and snow falling WAS a beautiful sight.
2. My family is excited for there was no school today. I however still have to go to work. I only live 2 blocks.
3. The new snowmobiles were ridden for the first time this morning. NOT BY ME. I was at work.
4. My soft blanket I can cuddle up in.
5. A cup of HOT tea to sip on to warm the insides.
6. The piles of snow made by the tractors so the kids can play with the sleds.
7. When the sun is out and makes the crystal white snow sparkle like diamonds.
8. That I received a FREE credit card ice scraper at a meeting yesterday...because I needed it after work.
9. That I had a neighbor boy stop by and help me scrape the ice off my car and in return I was able to help two other people scrape the ice that fell first off their cars too.
10. That it cleared off and the snow quit fall for now.

There I did it. I was able to come up with TEN Things about Snow.
So thanks again Mrs. Brownstone for helping me to be Thankful for something I don't even really are for. ;)
If you'd like to read what others are thankful for you can click on the picture or her name.

Christmas Concert

Through all the fighting...they do like each other. :)

Matching sweaters...

The Elementary Concert is over. It was cute. However I had alot more fun editing these pictures. Too many people cramped in the school gym...I know...someday I'll miss these moments.

Malissa is in the back row on the left side. Third one in.

Ten Things Tuesday...

1. That I was able to avoid the crowds on Friday by shopping on line and getting the same deals.
2. When I did go shopping there wasn't any crowds. No lines and employees more then willing to help find what I might have been looking for.
3. Being able to teach my sister-in-law some editting techniques. That was fun.
4. That we finally got the tree to stay standing upright.
5. That my nieghbors had Thanksgiving and shared the left overs with us. That is one thing I miss about not cooking. I love turkey and when she puts a gravy on it it is the BEST. YUM-YUM!
6. My hubby got the closet done so now we have room to hid all our winter clothing.
7. Only 41 more days till we go an VACATION to Mexico.
8. For Facebook and Blogging keeps me on touch with family and friends.
9. I only have ONE Christmas Concert to go to this year. I know I should enjoy it but...it's the same ones just a different child. But I go...
10. For Mrs. X-Box having Ten Things Tuesday for me to take the time every week to think about the little things in my life that are actual signs from above that "HE" is here with me.

Get to know me...About Christmas...

This year tree...Missing a few branches at the bottom because Randy had to cut them off since the tree wouldn't stay standing up in this supposed to be the best stand. Yea...Right. But all n all it turned out just fine.
The holidays are near so in case you want to know a little about how we celebrate this email is going around so I thought I'd post here...

1.Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?

Hot Tea if it was an option but since it isn't I'll say Hot Chocolate. Not that I don't like Egg Nog but just once a year is plenty. Preferred warmed up with a little Brandy I think in it.
2.Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?

Growing up they where wrapped but Santa now doesn't wrap the ONE gift he brings. But it usually is the Best Gift.

3.Colored lights on tree/house or white?

White the past few years...but depends on if I choose a theme or not.

4.Do you hang mistletoe?

Nope...But maybe I should start. :)

5.When do you put your decorations up?

Weekend after Thanksgiving

6.What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?

Oyster soup on Christmas Eve.

7.Favorite holiday memory as a child:

Getting to open up our sock before Mom and Dad got up. Inside you'd be sure to find, an apple and/or an orange, peanuts, some chocolate and a Barbie doll.

8.When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?

3rd grade at the lunch table...didn't want to believe it tho...Cuz I knew deep down there was noooo way my parents could afford the presents.

9.Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?

Nope

10.How do you decorate your Christmas Tree?
We have been cutting one down the past few years...Last couple of years have been keeping it very simple as for I don't like taking it down.

11.Snow! Love it or Dread it?
I only like snow when it stays off the roads. It's ok...I like watching the kids play in it. This year Randy bought the kids some snow mobiles so they can't wait.
12.Can you ice skate?

NO WAY but the kids do.
13.Do you remember your favorite gift?
I'd have to say a real jewelry box in about 1980, a 35 mm camera in about 1984ish. I still have both.
14.What is the most important thing about the Holidays?

Remembering it is Jesus's Birthday we actually all are celebrating.
15.What is your favorite Holiday Dessert?

Pecan Pie...YUM!
16.What is your favorite holiday tradition?

Oyster Soup, Chili and Chicken Noodle at the Kac Farm on Christmas Eve
17.What tops your tree?

An Angel of Course 18.Which do you prefer giving or receiving?

Definitely giving to the kids...we go way over board.
19.What is your favorite Christmas Song?

This year...Faith Hill...A Baby Changes Everything

20.Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum?

I would more then likely pass on them.
21.What do you want for Christmas?

A new ring... an amethyst...SO I can pass down to Malissa some day.

I've worn a few out so I am getting two fixed and don't want to wear any more. They have sentimental meanings. If you know me...My fingers are usually filled...and I have three open fingers now. UGH...

22.Do you attend an annual Christmas Party?

Yup..they City has one. We save pop money all year for it.
23.Do you dress up on Christmas or wear PJs?
Blue jeans and a sweat shirt...so nope.
24. Do you own a Santa hat?

Yup...Two
25.Who do you normally spend Christmas with?

Our family ~~ Christmas Eve is with the Kac family; the weekend before/after (which ever is closer) Christmas is w/Randy's side of the family, Christmas Day is now spent at home with our own little family.

Sneak Peak...

This is why I haven't been real good at blogging latley. This is a Christmas present I needed to get completed. So here is a sneak peak at a photo album/scrap book I just made on line for a sister of mine. SO I am only posting two pictures so I don't spoil the entire surprise for her. But oh how'd I'd like to post all 26 pages I created.

Ten Things Tuesday...On Wednesday...AGAIN!

I am thankful …

1.That I can do Ten Things Tuesday a day late.

2. That there where angels with me this week and my tire didn't fall off. The lug nuts where not tightened properly after having them rotated. (Scary)

3. That someone else kills the turkey.

4.For conversation and the GOOD food.

5. For a family that loves me.

6. That Thanksgiving is the one time you can eat for 8 hours straight, feel like ya gotta be rolled away from the table, but you keep right on eating because it is all so good.

7. For the crazy relatives who make you laugh right after you put mashed potatoes in your mouth just so they can watch you blow them out your nose.

8. For getting two days off PAID from work.

9. Being able to watch the little ones eat black olives, a.k.a. finger puppets, and add entertainment to any meal.
10. That God loves me so much, he gave me a family to love, a turkey to eat, and a his Son to save my soul. And yours too. :)

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! And a Special Thank You to X-Box for reminding us all to be "Thankful"

Picture Tubes...

Karen & Jeff's Big Day

This is one of my Great Nephews, Cayden.

I was messing around with a picture program I have today and found a editing item called "Tubes". So with that I framed a few pictures.

Basketball Season has Begun...

And the Seventh Grade "A" Team after six games remains undefeated. This team is unstoppable. Zachary is number 35.

Malissa's new do...

Malissa decided to have her straggily bangs cut...I think she looks adorible.

What do you think?