1 January 2010

It does seem odd that 2009 is now finished, having just completed it’s course in our time zone. This past year has been one that I shall never forget! It has been one filled with surprises, joyous fellowship, unimaginable projects, and the love of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

This year has had its ups and downs, but looking back I can see how the Lord uses even the little things to prepare His people for what He has in store for them – whether they are around the corner or on the other side of a steep and treacherous hill.

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, and are called according to His purpose.” —Romans 8:28

We began 2009 with many plans and goals. Some we accomplished, some have been postponed, and some may never be even started. But God is faithful, and has blessed us with far more than we could have ever planned, expected, or anticipated! What a comfort to remember that,

“The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” —Proverbs 16:9

We have been able to look back and see our Creator’s mighty hand working things according to His perfect plan and purpose. We can delight in the Lord in both joyous times and sorrowful times because we know that He is sovereign and in control. We must trust in Him with all of our heart,

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” —Proverbs 3:5-6

With thankfulness and joy I say farewell to 2009 . . . not because things were unpleasant, but because I am ready to find out (in His timing) what God has in store for the future!

Saying goodbye to this past year does not mean that it shall not be spoken of again, as I am sure that this will be a year spoken of for many decades to come, but that we are saying hello to a new year!

As we enter the year of our Lord 2010, may we be drawn ever closer to the Lord Jesus Christ, and be found faithful to what He has called us to do!

[8] Comments » | Categories: Family, God's Creation, Inspirations, Life, Vintage

29 December 2009

Welcome to A Homemade Christmas! This is No. 4 of 4 A Homemade Christmas events.
I hope you’ll join us in sharing about homemade gifts, decorations, foods, and/or handmade things that made your home extra special for Christmas!
{Feel free to learn more about A Homemade Christmas here.}

I hope that you had a wonderful Christmas celebrating our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! We had a lovely time here at home and with extended family. (We are also very glad to have Daddy home until after the first of the new year!)

{Pictures to come, but in the meantime you can look here.}

Our gift-giving was very small, but most delightful! Mom surprised Breezy and I with homemade ornaments that she was working on over the past week (we didn’t realize how many she actually made until we opened our packages). (You can view a picture here.)

Momma also crocheted Breezy and I each an afghan in our colors of choice. They are beautiful and cozy, and most definitely large enough for ourselves and a few wee ones! (You can view pictures here.)

I gave Mother-Dear a pair of fingerless gloves (the set pictured here) and a crocheted wallet/cough drop holder/receipt case. She knew she was going to receive them, and even got to use them before Christmas Eve.

Also, this coming week I will have a happy little download for my readers! I think you’ll enjoy it and you just might end up adding it to your list of things to do for next Christmas!

Thank you all for joining me for  A Homemade Christmas! It has been such a pleasure to see what you have been creating! Thank you for sharing, and I hope you’ll join us again next year (Lord willing) in 2010 for another round of A Homemade Christmas!

Did you have A Homemade Christmas? I invite you to join me here by adding your link to your post about homemade gift(s), decorations, foods, and/or handmade things that made your home extra special for Christmas!

To join us in wrapping up, just sign Mr. Linky below (make sure you use the direct post link). You can get the codes and instructions for adding an A Homemade Christmas icons to your blog by clicking here. This Linky will be open for two weeks.

View Other A Homemade Christmas Posts:

[8] Comments » | Categories: A Homemade Christmas, Encouragement, Family, Handmade, Inspirations, The Home

25 December 2009

On Christmas Eve we had a delicious dinner of Pork Chops and Rice. We only have this meal one or two times a year, making it extra special. The Chops are lightly breaded and we sprinkle the rice with brown sugar.

After our meal Breezy and I read aloud a few poems, a story, and sang duets of several of our favorite Christmas carols by the candle light.

Bently wishing he new what was in the five packages behind him under the tree. He was quite the patient puppy . . . and he was well rewarded with a stuffed squeaking beaver (just a toy, just a toy) and some very special dog treats. He especially enjoyed pretending the beaver was a rat.

But first Daddy read aloud the story of Christ’s birth from Luke 1:57-2:40.

Little packages under the tree. We were low on brown paper, so Momma cut up a small brown paper sack which worked perfectly!

Hand-embroidered ornaments from my dear mother – what a delightful surprise! She finished them on the morning of Christmas Eve. These will be safely tucked away into my hope chest.

Momma crocheted Breezy and I each an afghan in our colors of choice. We were allowed to see them while she was working on them . . . until they grew large and she kept them hidden. Not until Christmas Eve were we able to see their full size – they are beautiful and cozy, and most definitely large enough for ourselves and a few wee ones!

My dear parents! What a blessing it has been to be raised by such wonderful, godly parents! I am thankful to the Lord for making them my mother and father!

Our Christmas Sugar Cookies that we make every year. We enjoyed these cookies, pretzels, cheese, and donuts (inspired by the dear Chancey family) while watching Scrooge (1935).

And as we do every Christmas morning . . . Momma and I made the Monkey Bread.

Over the river and through the woods (really and truly) to grandmother’s house we go!

I hope that you all have had a most wonderfully happy and blessed Christmas celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

[20] Comments » | Categories: A Homemade Christmas, Family, Food, Handmade, Inspirations, The Home

25 December 2009

“Now may the God of peace who brought
again from the dead our Lord Jesus,
the great Shepherd of the sheep,
by the blood of the eternal covenant,
equip you with everything good that
you may do His will, working in us
that which is pleasing in His sight,
through Jesus Christ, to whom be
glory forever and ever. Amen.”
Hebrews 13:20-21

I hope you all have a wonderfully blessed Christmas!

[5] Comments » | Categories: Encouragement, Family, Vintage

23 December 2009

[7] Comments » | Categories: A Homemade Christmas, Handmade, Inspirations, The Home

21 December 2009

Adding holes to the ornaments with an upholstery needle.

These simple-to-make and delicious-to-smell ornaments can be hung throughout the house for extra beauty (and added delicious fragrance).

Cut out ornaments waiting to be moved to the pan for drying.

Cinnamon Ornaments {Recipe}

1 cup ground cinnamon

1 cup applesauce

1/4 cup tacky glue (we used Elmer’s)

Thoroughly mix ingredients together. Sprinkle counter with cinnamon and roll out the cinnamon “dough.” If the “dough” is too dry, add more applesauce; if it is too wet, add more cinnamon. Cut out shapes by using cookie cutters (do not forget to add holes if you intend to hang them, they will be too hard to do so after they dry). Lay ornaments on foil-covered pan and let dry for 24-48 hours. Use hemp cord and/or wire to hang.

Placing the ornaments on a foil-covered pan for drying.

Hung on the tree or over the kitchen sink, their fragrance stays with them and can fill the room with a delightful aroma.

[15] Comments » | Categories: A Homemade Christmas, Handmade, The Home

15 December 2009

Welcome to A Homemade Christmas! This is No. 3 of 4 A Homemade Christmas events.
I hope you’ll join us in sharing about homemade gifts, decorations, foods, and/or handmade things that make your home extra special for Christmas!
{Feel free to learn more about A Homemade Christmas here.}

It is a joy to make special treats for gifts and family gatherings. Our top five choices (of sweets) are Cinnamon Rolls (using our bread recipe), Beluga Babies (Oreo Truffles), Sugar Cookies, Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Peanut Butter Fudge. All of these treats can be packaged creatively, making the presentation quite charming!

Peanut Butter Fudge

5 cups white sugar
5 TB white karo
1 can carnation milk
1 tsp. vanilla
Dash of salt

Cook until soft ball (drop a drip or two in cold water, if it stays together it is at the soft ball stage). Stir with wooden spoon to keep the bottom from sticking. Remove from heat.

Add:

¾ stick butter
1¼ cups peanut butter

Stir until dissolved (do not beat). Pour into buttered 9×13 inch pan. Let cool. Cut and enjoy!

I will be adding a couple more posts throughout the next couple weeks to this week’s AHC which will probably include more handmade gifts, recipes, and decorations.

Are you having A Homemade Christmas? Yes? Then I invite you to join me here by adding your link to your post about homemade gift(s), decorations, foods, and/or handmade things that make your home extra special for Christmas!

To join us, just sign Mr. Linky below (make sure you use the direct post link). You can get the codes and instructions for adding an A Homemade Christmas icons to your blog by clicking here. The last A Homemade Christmas event will be December 29th! This Linky will be open for two weeks, until the next AHC event begins.

I hope you’ll join us while we learn, inspire, and encourage one another as we prepare to celebrate (though we celebrate all year round) the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ!

View Other A Homemade Christmas Posts:

[15] Comments » | Categories: A Homemade Christmas, Food, Handmade, The Home

12 December 2009

[8] Comments » | Categories: Family, Food, Inspirations, Life, The Home

10 December 2009

[13] Comments » | Categories: Family, The Home