A Peaceful Christmas to You

{Source}

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

Matthew 5:9

{Pine Branch Frame}
~~~♥~~~

Christmas Remembered

Childhood memories are not always the most accurate, but pleasant memories do not need to be accurate. I remember Christmas as the most exciting time of the year.

I was the tenth child in a family of fifteen children. I had eleven sisters and three brothers. We were a happy family, and all each other needed.

Not having much money, we waited until late Christmas Eve to get our tree; trees were either inexpensive, or they were being given away by then.

Christmas Eve, while the older half went out with our father to find a tree, we younger children, sent to bed, scurried up the stairs laughing and squealing excitedly. We did not go right to sleep, but had a slumber party, talking and giggling, trying to keep ourselves awake all night, knowing that wonderful things were happening downstairs. Eventually every one of us fell to sleep.

When morning came we rushed downstairs to find the most beautifully decorated house and tree! Nothing was more exciting than Christmas morning.

Usually our presents were practical items, such as new socks and underclothing. Being in need of those things, we thought they were wonderful gifts.

My oldest sister always made a special gift for each of us. She once gave me a large tin can covered with soft brown fur. Tucked inside was a brush and colorful barrettes. I still have that old fur can. Running my hand over the now worn fur I remember the love that Christmas is all about.

Christmas dinner was always the best part of Christmas for our family. Everyone dressed in their best clothes. My sisters twirled and danced through the house as they worked at arranging the festive table and preparing the holiday meal. Although most of the year we ate simply, our holiday meals were extravagant. My mother cut no corners. Food in abundance overflowed.

My mother never failed in thinking up the most wonderful ways of creating a table rich and elegant. I have always felt that even the wealthiest of people could not have enjoyed a richer holiday or a party more grand than ours.

Often we had guests. My father, being the people loving man he was, sometimes even brought home a stranger or two for dinner. Some of these people were quite talented and played music for us. Any extra people fit right into the busy on goings of our household.

Late in the evening we listened to Christmas records and took turns entertaining the group by dancing to the music.

One of my favorite memories is of us younger children sleeping on the floor around the tree. Looking up into the lit-up branches we talked of all the pleasures we enjoyed and soon, although we did not mean to, we fell fast asleep.

In all our celebrations we remembered the true meaning of Christmas; the savior, our Lord Jesus Christ, who had come and given us peace with God.

~~~♥~~~

{Pine Branch Frame}
~~~♥~~~

Let Your Light Shine

{The Old Design Shop}

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: 

he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

John 8:12

Let your light so shine before men, 

that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 5:16 

~~~♥~~~

{Pine Branch Frame}
~~~♥~~~

When We Walk With The Lord

{Free VINTAGE Digital Stamps}

I love simplicity. 

Some days, things can seem overwhelming.

Here are two very simple reminders for me in my relationship with the Lord.

~~~♥~~~

He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, 

but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

Micah 6:8 

Trust and Obey

When we walk with the Lord

In the light of His Word,

What a glory He sheds on our way;

While we do His good will,

He abides with us still,

And with all who will trust and obey.

Trust and obey,

For there’s no other way

To be happy in Jesus,

But to trust and obey.

~~~♥~~~

~ May God bless you today~

~~~♥~~~
Linking up with:
Making Your Home Sing Monday

{Pine Branch Frame}
~~~♥~~~

North Pole Christmas

My daughter made this little bunny on a sled at the North Pole desktop background.
The actual background does not include the postcard stamps and markings.
~~~♥~~~

{Pine Branch Frame}
~~~♥~~~

Vintage Car Ornament

My dear little daughter, my little best friend, carved this delightful miniature vintage car - all from her own imagination - and gave it to me as an early Christmas present.

{Pine Branch Frame}
~~~♥~~~

WHAT CHILD IS THIS

Vintage Christmas Cards {The Old Design Shop}

I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Titus 2:11-14

 ~~~♥~~~

Vintage Christmas Cards {The Old Design Shop}

{Pine Branch Frame}
~~~♥~~~

Ring Christmas Bells

Vintage Christmas Cards {The Old Design Shop}

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

Isaiah 52:7

Ring Christmas bells, merrily ring
Tell all the world, Jesus is King
Loudly proclaim with one accord
The happy tale, welcome the Lord

Ring Christmas bells, sound far and near
The birthday of Jesus is here
Herald the news to old and young
Tell it to all in every tongue

Ring Christmas bells, merrily ring
Tell all the world, Jesus is King
Ring Christmas bells, toll loud and long
Your message sweet, peal and prolong

Come all ye people join in the singing
Repeat the story told by the ringing
Ring, ring, ring, ring
Ring, ring, ring, ring

~~~♥~~~

{Pine Branch Frame}
~~~♥~~~

31 Days Celebrating the Love of Christ

We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. This December I am celebrating His life and His salvation.

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

John 14:6

 

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

John 8:32

~~~♥~~~

Vintage Christmas Cards {The Old Design Shop}

{Pine Branch Frame}
~~~♥~~~

Can You Have Too Many Birdhouses?

We like birdhouses and birds have made their Little Bird Homes in a few we painted and have hanging in our front yard.

My daughter and I painting these little bird houses one November evening. Mine is the traditional looking one, and hers is the one with sparkle and pzazz.

~~~♥~~~

The Day Before Thanksgiving Day

This day, the day before Thanksgiving Day, is always my baking day.
Here is my list of things to bake:

• Date Nut Bread {Recipe}
• Apple Pie
• 2 Pumpkin Pies
• Pecan Pie
• Key Lime Pie

Actually, my daughter always makes the Key Lime Pie.
I have pie crust for 6 one crust pies resting in the refrigerator.
The Date Nut Bread is in the oven – I am making a double batch to last through the days after Thanksgiving. The Apple Pie will go into the oven when the bread is out.

I have never put up my Christmas tree before Thanksgiving Day. However, since my children will all be here on Friday, my husband wants to decorate the tree that day. Usually I rest the day after Thanksgiving. So, to make things easier, we put up the tree yesterday. I still need to add 5 strings of colored lights before decorating it. The white lights alone look nice for Thanksgiving Day.

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

~~~♥~~~

A light in the Darkness

I took this photo from my front porch looking into my kitchen/dinning room window. Oh how I love the quiet morning hours! Outside this morning is only a cool 46 degrees. Inside, I am cozy by my warm fire.

May you all have a wonderful Saturday!

~~~♥~~~

Unforgettable Fashions

Hey there!
I have a new blog: Unforgettable Fashions.
I will be posting my drawing sketches of timeless vintage fashions. If you love the styles of the 1940s and 1950s as much as I do,  join me as I set out to find inspiring examples of feminine beauty.

~~~♥~~~

Blueberry Bundt Cake

First, I have to take a moment to note today's special date...

Have you noticed it was 11-12-13 today?
What a great birth-date that would be!

My daughter made this spectacular cake today. {I grated the lemon rind for her :)}

Blueberry Bundt Cake

• 2 3/4 cups flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cupbutter or 1 cup margarine
• 1 3/4 cupssugar
• 4 eggs
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cupsblueberries, tossed with
• 2 tablespoon flour

 Glaze

• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 7-9 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon corn syrup
• lemon zest (to garnish)

Directions:
Heat oven to 350°F Butter a 12-cup bundt pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
In another large bowl, beat butter (or margarine) until smooth. Add sugar and beat for 2 to 3 minutes until fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add lemon juice, lemon zest and vanilla and beat until combined. Beat in flour in three additions, alternating with sour cream. Beat for 2 minutes. Fold in blueberries. Spoon into prepared pan.

Bake at 350F for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack for 20 minutes. Run a sharp knife around edges of the pan. Turn out and cool completely.
Glaze: in a small bowl, mix together confectioners' sugar, lemon juice and corn syrup until smooth. Drizzle over top of cake and let it roll down the sides

~~~♥~~~

Fresh Bagel, Cream Cheese &amp

My favorite way to eat a bagel.
Bake your own homemade bagels.

~~~♥~~~

Veteran’s Day Celebration at Outback Steakhouse

Over a year ago, we were given a very generous gift card to Outback Steakhouse. A special dinner was in store for us, and we wanted to save it for a first-rate occasion.

Several wonderful reasons to celebrate came along, but schedules did not line up

So this evening we finally were all off work or out of class and could gather around a round table in a cozy Outback corner.

We even got 10% off the price of our meal in celebration of Veteran’s Day!

Photo proof was required:

The day we met

Homemade Bagels

Right now I am making bagels. I always wanted to make bagels but they seemed complicated and intimidating. A friend gave me this recipe some year ago, and it has become a favorite in my home.

A kitchenAid with the dough hook makes it easy to whip up this recipe quickly.

Homemade Bagels

Begin by mixing:

• 4 cups unbleached or bread flour
• 1 T. sugar
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 T. vegetable oil
• 1 T. yeast

Add enough hot water to make all ingredients moist but not wet or sticky. Start with 1 1/4 cup and add up to 1/4 cup more as needed.

Knead for 10 minutes, or more if needed, until smooth.

Lay a sheet of wax paper on the counter and lightly spray with Pam at this point. Dump dough on a cutting board and cut into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a nice smooth ball. Then place on the sprayed waxed paper leaving space between balls.

Let dough rest 20 minutes.

After the 20 minutes, make a hole in the center. Poke a hole through the center of the ball, gently push the edges out to make to create a donut shape. Don't worry about the hold being too big. As the bagel rises the hole will shrink.

Let bagels rest another 20 minutes. Preheat oven to 425°. Fill a pot about half way with water and set on the stove to boil. It should be wide and flat. Prepare baking sheets by spraying them with Pam. You will be able to fit about 6 to a standard baking sheet.

After resting period, gently flip bagel onto pancake turner and slide into boiling water. So it won’t lose its shape, you can set a pancake turner next to the bagel and then flip the bagel over onto the pancake turner.

Transfer the bagel into the water...just slide the whole thing into the water and the bagel will slip right off for you. Allow enough room for rising as they boil. You can boil 3 or 4 bagels at once. Boil 1 minute. Flip and boil 1 more minute.

Lift from pot with slotted spatula or slotted spoon and set on baking sheet.

At this point you can bake plain or add a topping.

Top your bagels with any combination of the following garnishes: poppy seeds, sesame seeds, coarse salt, or rehydrated dried onions or garlic. (Soak dried onions or garlic in water to cover for at least 1 hour before applying.) To give the bagels a nice golden color and also help the toppings stick even better, brush the top of each bagel with some egg yolk whisked up with a little water.

Bake for 10 minutes. Flip and bake 10 more minutes.

~~~♥~~~

Apple Pie Breakfast

Well, that apple pie that I mentioned we were going to bake yesterday? 

We finally got around to making it at 11:00 last night.

As they say, "Better late than never!"

Have yourself a joyful Sunday!

~~~♥~~~

An Afternoon Walk Along the American River

The weather was so spectacular this Saturday; we decided to get out and enjoy the fall foliage. We usually have a picnic at the college along the American River because it has such spectacular trees. However, since we already had planned for hamburger, we just bought coffee at the college.

 ~~~♥~~~

It's the Weekend!

It is 5:15 on this lovely Saturday morning. My daughter is learning to drive, and we have been going out on Saturday mornings. We stop for coffee, and sometimes we stop and pick up a bag of those little powdered sugar doughnuts. (Oh how we enjoy those little donuts, and they are only $1.99 a bag.)

Although we don't usually leave the house until about 7:30, I like to have a time to wake up a bit and curl my hair before we leave. Having my hair curled is so important to the way I feel about myself. Oh that I had naturally curly hair.

While we are out, we will probably get candy for her new gingerbread house she is designing. She baked the gingerbread last night, so it is all ready to put together and decorate.

Later today, we plan to bake an apple pie together…the first of the season.

Hamburgers are on the menu for today’s main meal, which we usually eat around 3:00 on a typical weekend. 

Happy Weekend to YOU!

~~~♥~~~

Avon Brooch ~ A Gift From My Sister

My sister sold Avon for several years, and during this time we often received Avon products for Christmas. 

She gave me this brooch Christmas 1982 or 1983. 

~~~♥~~~