December 18, 2010

• Simple, Simple Peace

  Breathe in . . . and breathe out S.L.O.W.L.Y.

  That’s been my “mantra” this past week!  

  I’ve accomplished so much in the past few days and managed to lie down, in between, to save my back. 

  Yesterday, Jesse took the girls with him and they were gone from late morning until after 5pm.  While they were gone, I mixed up four different cookie recipes and baked two of them.  The other two had to chill, so I figured I could bake those today.  I also have two different cookies that still need their frosting.  I think that will be a good and perfect project for the girls, today. 

  No pictures, yet, but for those of you interested, here is a list of what I baked this year (so far):
       *  Anise cookies
       *  Fruit cake cookies
       *  Hello Dolly bars
       *  Date nut bars
       *  Bourbon balls (an OLD family tradition) 
       *  Pumpkin cookies
       *  Russian teacakes

  and the dough is chilling for: Chocolate Pixies and Chocolate Refrigerator cookies. 

  I need to make the dough for shortbread cookies and chill it; and I also need to make fudge.  IF I feel like it, I may make a chocolate & peanut butter fudge – but, I’m thinking, most likely, NOT!  We have plenty for ourselves and plenty to give away as gifts.

                 
                             (my computer’s screen saver matches the rest of the decorations around the house) 

  I’ve taken a very, VERY slow pace, but I have also *slowly* crossed things off of my list. I feel such a sense of accomplishment and so rested.  I’m really enjoying ALL of this!

  Thursday, Jesse and I finished up the last of our shopping and bought a few groceries.  He treated us to lunch at Chili’s and I got the hamburger I’ve been craving!  That was the day the girls bought gifts for each other.  I love watching their serious faces as they pick only the very best for each other.  Their desire to please is so sweet.  Despite the arguments throughout the week, they still have a kindness for each other and a serious bonding going on!

  Now I’ll have to start all of the wrapping.  The wrapping of 92 million boxes!!!! 

            
                                                                  (an earlier picture)
                                           (the two end stacks have multiplied & are much higher)

  Putting everything in boxes seemed like a good idea, at the time . . . I STILL think it is a good idea, and I believe I have found a way to simplify the procedure.  Instead of making awe inspired bows and ribbon, I’m going to try a band of ribbon around the middle (only) and where the ribbon meets in the center, I’ll use a name sticker to hide the edges.  Since they will be stacked, no harm will be done. 

  I *will* put some big, pretty bows on a few, along with a sprig of holly, a flower, berries, or a pine cone.  I’m sure, none of the children will miss having a package with a bow or flowers!

  I remember wrapping everything at the kitchen bar (last year?).  It was higher than a table and easier on my back.  Since every, single thing is in a box this year, clearing the bar of bakery ingredients and using that to wrap is my next plan of attack!!!!  No one can tell what’s in the box or who the box is going to.

          

  We’ve all relaxed after dinner, each night.  Last night, we drove around some near by neighborhoods and looked at lights.  We’re enjoying our quiet house and a family movie (here and there) on TV.  “Lifetime” is showing all kinds of warm-your-heart movies in the evenings.  I love sitting with Jesse and the girls all cozied up in the den.

          

  Part of relaxing is turning on the lights on my ficus trees and lighting a couple fragrant candles.  I’ve used pine scented, and/or bayberry or mulled cider in different rooms.  Everywhere we go, there are gentle, twinkling lights and a wonderful aroma from the flickering candle flames.

                         

  We’ve talked and talked about the events leading up Jesus’ birth.  We’ve talked about WHY God needed to send His son in flesh and blood.  We’ve talked about the last, and perfect, blood sacrifice to atone for our sins of the flesh.  Then, in the car (or just about any opportunity) we quiz them and at least one of them will ALWAYS get the answers right.  That’s the best gift of all.  I love knowing God’s Word is alive in my children’s hearts.

             

  A strange (and anonymous) package arrived yesterday, in the mail.  A box with our Sunday church’s address, but no name by the address and no name on the card.  The box had a variety of small gifts for children, almost all of them were duplicated in sets of three.  We don’t know if not signing the card was a mistake, or if someone wanted to do something nice for the girls and maintain a secret identity. 

  I’m using gift sacks (yes! I’m done with boxes and making any more work for myself!!!!!) and filling each with the items from the church box.  Then we’ll let the girls know the story behind the goody bag.

         

  Jesse slept in late and he just got up, so I need to say goodbye here and wish you all a PEACE-FILLED weekend.  I can’t believe I have a week left and so many things are nearly finished.  I’m also glad I stuck with my plan to SIMPLIFY and enjoy these days!

  Be Blessed  ~

  • 10:16 am
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