THOUGHTS

As you know we are doing the Jesse tree with our kids each night until Christmas. I grew up believing that there is no real proof that Jesus was born on Christmas day. As an adult raising my children I just don't ever want to overlook an oppurtunity to teach my kids about Jesus. For that reason we have adopted the Jesse tree. This has been one of the best things that we as a family have ever done. They look forward to the bible story and devo each night. Even though Ashlynn (at eight) knows most of these stories by heart, she loves that we read them and then relate them to our lives. Last night I was convicted of my arrogance. I, like Ashlynn, could have probably told you the story of Joseph without missing much. For that reason, I don't in my personal study spend a lot of time in the old testament. When I do read those stories (that I have the blessing of knowing by heart) I just hear them as a felt board story.

Joseph

Last night I tried to listen as if hearing the story of a friend. Poor Joseph had it rough. I can't imagine the hurt of being betrayed by your own family. What a great story of Gods direction for us. There is no one in this world that can keep us from Gods great plan for us if we have faith in him. So, go read an old testament story and read it like you are hearing the story of a friend.

Holiday Eating Tips

Thanks Leah, this is too funny!

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact,if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. You can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-aholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother?It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or, if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have SOME standards.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Reread tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.

Remember this motto to live by:

"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, soda in the other, totally worn out and screaming,"WOO HOO what a ride!"

One of my Favorites and Very Easy!

ALMOND BARK - PEPPERMINT CANDY

2 lbs. white almond bark

1 1/2 c. crushed peppermint candy

Melt white almond bark on top of double boiler (never add water as it curdles the white almond bark). It takes about 10 minutes to melt thoroughly and will be very thick. Crush either peppermint candy canes or peppermint hard candy in blender until it is powder. Meanwhile, line a cookie sheet with tin foil. Mix hard crushed candy with melted white almond bark. Spread on lined cookie sheet. Let it dry and chop into pieces.

Blessings

I am blessed to have grown up in a wonderful church that taught me the stories of the bible. I am blessed that I have grown up and have found a new way to understand them and still love the stories. I am blessed that my children are growing up knowing these stories.

So that's all from this day in the life of mommysmart!