Book Review: "There's Something About Christmas" by Debbie Macomber

Book Description:

A smalltown Washington reporter learns to love fruitcake in Macomber's chick-lit take on A Christmas Carol. Emma Collins ("kinda cute in an uptight sort of way") hopes that writing obituaries and selling ads for the Puyallup Examiner will lead to a journalism career.

Instead, her first plum assignment—interviewing three finalists in a national fruitcake recipe contest—lands her in the cockpit of devil-may-care pilot Oliver Hamilton, whose good looks and charm remind her of her shiftless father. Despite Emma's fear of flying, Oliver takes her to Yakima, Colville and the San Juan islands to meet three women who all figure that when life gives you lemons (or anything else), make fruitcake.

Emma tastes the thrice-married barmaid's liquor-laden concoction, the tender-hearted widow's chocoholic dreamand the struggling young mother's no-bake graham-cracker confection.

While she tries to capture in print lessons learned from the three cooks, Oliver's plane is grounded by a snowstorm, Emma and Oliver kiss, she gets thrown out of her apartment trying to rescue a stray dog, he falls in the water trying to rescue her and she decides Christmas isn't as bad as she thought.

It all adds up to another tale of romance in the lives of ordinary people, with a message that life is like a fruitcake: full of unexpected delights.

My Thoughts:

I give this my highest compliment of "It made me want to try fruitcake".  And that is saying something!

A great Christmas read!

We're Coming, Christmas!

I think we're going to make it...

The girls seem back to normal.

I've only been up for about 1 hour but I don't feel as "rubbery".

Today is going to be a good day!  I hope...

Christmas, here we come!

"I Need A Silent Night" by Amy Grant

Many thanks to Janet at Along the Way for pointing this song out to me!

Where are you Christmas? I need to find you!

Sickness has hit our house.  Long, long nights with children throwing up all over the place.  On the floor, in their bed, in MY bed.

I thought this Christmas was shaping up to be a pretty good one.  I really needed this Christmas to be a good one. 

The past few haven't been for the most part.  I'm getting disenchanted.  Maybe it is a mom thing.  Is it?

Let me go back a few years.

December 2006-  Pregnant and miserable.  Dealing with Dep/Anx.

December 2007-  Don't really remember.  How sad...

December 24, 2008,  noonish-  We're at the Dr's office.  My dad can't move his right eye.  We are sent to the radiology department with possbilities of a brain tumor.  Thank God it turned out to be that his insulin spiked and had effected the nerves at his eye.  It would heal.  He is now on diet and meds to regulate his sugar.

December 24, 2008, 10pm-ish - Doug and I are sick as dogs.  At both ends, if you know what I mean...  Shivers, shakes, sick, sick, sick.  Sickest I'd been for a long time.  For a few days.

December, 2009-  Doug falls out of his tree while hunting.  Breaks his heel bone and a vertebrae.  Everything falls on me.  And I had decreased my depression meds that summer.  Slippery slope.  I just wanted to cancel Christmas.

November, 2010-  Dealt pretty hard with my anxiety/depression.

December, 2010-  Looking forward to Christmas!  Not over scheduling, just taking things as they come and enjoying myself.

Now-  kids are sick, I'm so tired that I could puke.  I feel the need to sanitize the entire house.  The dogs decided last night would be a good night to poop and pee all over the house.  Really need to sanitize...

My dad has been sick for weeks.  Thought it was the flu.  Maybe it is.  He hasn't been eating and he wants to lay around all the time.  If he's not better, today we're forcing him to go to the VA Clinic.

We only have one car.  My van.  The Subaru that we thought we got a great deal on happens to have a very rusty frame.  What to do?

Doug is on second shift, meaning this morning is when I would have to get groceries because I could have the van.  Do I feel like doing that?  Nope!

People are supposed to be coming to my house for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  I want to cancel it all.  Say the heck with it.

I have piles of pukey laundry to wash, pukey floors to scrub and a bad attitude to get rid of.  I know it.  I really do.  Pray for me...

I want to go to bed and wake up on the other side of Christmas.

Where are you, Christmas that I dreamed of?  Can I find you on the other side of the laundry pile?  On the other side of a clean floor?  On the other side of worry and fear?  On the other side of what is possible PMS?

My kids are on the  upswing.  Pray though that we can find out what is going on with my dad.  It really scares me.  :(

Thanks.  Hope I haven't depressed you too...

Feeling Like the Grinch Today,
Colletta

www.raisinghomemaker.com

Christmas Headband for Kinlee

This is our little buddy, Kinlee.  She comes over and plays with the girls occasionally.  They had a play date on Saturday and I took the opportunity to make something little baby cute.

The actual headband I just double crocheted until it fit her head comfortably.  then I used my go-to flower pattern for the big poofy flower.  You can find it over at You Seriously Made That. 

Isn't she adorable.  Thank you, Kayla and Sean for letting Kinlee come over and play! 

Linking to:

Fibers on Friday

Fleece Hat and Scarf for the Collector of Cows

My aunt Sherry loves cows and collects anything "Cow".  Each year at Christmas I try to come up with something new and "cowy" for her present.

When I saw this tutorial over at A Girl and A Glue Gun, I knew what this year's gift would be.

A cow scarf.

I had never slaughtered a cow before and was quite excited to take my scissors to the brand new plush cow body.  I couldn't find one that actually moo'ed.  That would have been too perfect!

I giggled the whole time I cut through the body because I felt like I was being naughty.

The fleece I used was from a fleece throw I found at the discount grocery store for $2.99. 

I had a lot left over and decided Aunt Sherry needed a cow hat, too.  I used this tutorial at Mountain Mom Report for the fleece hat. 

I added a rolled flower from the edging of the fleece throw.  Just threw that together all by myself!

One final peek at the proud Aunty showing of her new "Cow Attire".  I gave it to her before church and she had to show everyone. 

She was very excited.  Although she thinks my uncle Steve might pretend not to know her when they go shopping and she's sporting her ensemble!

I had soooo much fun making this gift and even more fun giving it.

Love you, Aunt Sherry!

Linking to:
Homemaking Link-up
We Did It Wednesday
Wednesday at Tea Rose Home
Strut Your Stuff Thursday
Simple Pleasures
Sew & Tell Friday
Made By You Monday
Making Your Home Sing
Homemaker Monday
Fabric Tuesday
Domestically Divine Linkup

Book Review: "Love Remains" by Kaye Dacus

The Matchmakers Book 1

Book Description:

All grandparents want to see their grandchildren happy -- especially when it comes to love! So it's perfectly natural that "the matchmakers" would take an interest in putting Zarah Mitchell and Bobby Patterson together when he moves back to Nashville to work for the Tennessee Criminal Investigations Unit. But what if it's Zarah he's investigating?

My Thoughts:

When I started this book I wondered where exactly it was going.  The characters had known each other 14 years ago and their grandmother's just happened to be best friends on the other side of the country?  A little to convenient, but I guess that is fiction.

As the story progressed and it got into some details of their history together and what made each character unique, I got more into the storyline.

I love Zarah's "sisters" and am hoping to read more about them in future books in this series.

The grandmother's are lovable and makes me miss mine all the more.

Bobby is almost the perfect hero for a Christian Romance.  Has loved the same women for 14 years, has attended church and has strict moral character.

I can say that I enjoyed this book very much and hate the fact that the next one doesn't release until May 2011 (I think.) 

Chocolate Peanut Butter Ritz Cookies

These are a favorite at our house and they are so simple to make even if they are a bit messy.  Especially when the kids want to "help".

I don't really know  a technical name form them so I'm calling them:

 Chocolate Peanut Butter Ritz Cookies

Box of Ritz Cracker (I used the Great Value Snack Crackers)
Jar of Creamy Peanut Butter
Bag of Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (or whatever kind you like the best)
Sprinkles, colored sugar, etc. (optional)
Wax paper

Spread some peanut butter on a cracker.

Top it with another cracker.

Melt your chocolate.  I melted mine in the microwave and then switched it to my small crock pot to keep it nice and smoothly melted.

Then drop your cracker sandwich in the chocolate and use a spoon or fork or both to roll it around in the chocolate until well coated.

Use the spoon to smooth the top out and remove some of the excess chocolate off the bottom.  Place on wax paper until the chocolate hardens.  Sprinkle with decoratives before the chocolate hardens.

And that is my very technical recipe for Chocolate Peanut Butter Ritz Cookies.

I usually get chocolate all over myself and the kitchen, but that is half the fun.

Give them a try.  You'll like them!

Linking to:

Made By You Monday
Making Your Home Sing Monday
Homemaker Monday
Tempt My Tummy Tuesday
Tuesday at the Table
Domestically Divine Linkup
Raising Homemakers
We Did It Wednesday
Strut Your Stuff Wednesday
Simple Pleasures
Foodie Friday
Potluck Sunday

Scripture Memory Verse ~ 12/19/10

Memory Verse ~ 12/19/10-12/25/10

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." 

Colossians 2:6-7

Hide these Words in your heart and they will be with you always.
     

Domestically Divine Linkup

The Value of Small

One little town,
yet a single event
changed the world and its history
through the Son who was sent.

One ray of light
in a star-studded sky
gave direction to those searching
for God's Promise brought nigh.

One unknown girl
without status or fame
became the mother of Messiah
as the angel proclaimed.

One tiny baby
with no bed of his own
was the Good News incarnate.
God's mercy was shown.

Any life deemed by others
as worthless or small
gains meaning and purpose
by following His call.

by Diane C. Derringer--Campbellsville, Kentucky

"The Secret Place" Devotions for Daily Worship
Winter 2010-2011

Spiritual Sunday

Movie Review: "White Christmas"

Movie Description

1954   NR   120 minutes

Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye play war buddies turned entertainers who fall for a pair of sisters (Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen). The boys follow the girls to a resort, which is owned by their former commanding officer, and he's in danger of losing the place. What better reason to stage a show than to keep the resort out of hock?

Cast:Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, Vera-Ellen, Dean Jagger, Mary Wickes, John Brascia, Anne Whitfield, George Chakiris
 
Director:Michael Curtiz
 
Genres:Classics, Classic Movie Musicals, Must-See Musicals, Paramount Home Entertainment
 
This movie is:Feel-good, Romantic, Sentimental
 
My Thoughts:
 
This is probably my all time favorite Christmas movie.  My mom and I have been watching it for as long as I can remember.  Every year.  We used to rent the video and then I finally bought the DVD.  It is one of my prized posessions. 
 
It is a tradtion with us.   Bake cookies, watch White Christmas.
 
I can quote it and sing along with all the songs but it still makes me all warm and gooey inside every time I watch it.  I even taught my girls the "Sisters" song.  And  "Snow, Snow, Snow, Snow!"
 
If you've never seen White Christmas, poor thing!  It is a classic.
 
I'll be setting up a time with my mom this week for us to sit down and watch it with some nice hot tea and some cookies.
 
(BTW, my husband's favorite Christmas movie is National Lampoon's Christmas.  Did I really marry him?  Although I caught him watching White Christmas on TV the other day!)
 
Merry Christmas!
 
 

TSMSS ~ Jackie Evancho's "Silent Night"

Jackie was definitely my favorite on America's Got Talent and the fact that she is from Pittsburgh, PA makes me love her even more.  I got her CD at Wal-mart and listened to it last evening while wrapping presents.

If you've never heard Jackie sing, you're in for a treat.  It is amazing what talent an 11 year old has.

My Very First Crocheted Hat!

I did it!  I actually crocheted a hat.  An actual one that I would wear in public and plan on doing so.

The pattern I used is Bobble Beauty.

I used Red Heart Super Saver in "SH Browns" and a "k" hook.

And here it is!

I'm pretty happy with it even though I know I added some extra stitches here and there.  The second one should be better.  Kaylee has already "ordered" one.  lol

Also, here are some more headband that I made.

Mom wanted a plain black one.  I told her I was going to make a wild, crazy, colorful flower for on it to liven it up a bit but I knew she really wanted just a plain black one.  She's not really the wild, crazy, colorful type.

Now, this one, I made for my 3 year old.  She is the wild, crazy and colorful type.  This was before I found a good pattern for a flower.  This flower is very piddly and rinky dink.

This one, I made to match my brown coat.  But look, I added some color in there!

I guess, I'll work on Kaylee's hat next.  I have another pattern that I want to try.  Mayble I'll be brave!

Linking to:

Fibers on Friday

Made By You Monday

Making Your Home Sing

Domestically Divine Linkup

Homemaking Linkup

We Did It Wednesday

Wednesday at Tea Rose Home

Strut Your Stuff Thursday

Feel Good Friday ~ 12/17/10

"Just make a list. List 5 things that made you really happy this week. No matter how bad or boring you think your week was, I bet you can find 5 things."

1.  We decorated our Christmas tree and now it really feels like Christmas time.

2.  Don't have to have another "Female Exam" for a year!

3.  I crocheted my very first hat!

4.  We found a great Subaru for Doug's work car for a really great price!

5.  We made it home safely through nasty weather to bring the car home!

{this moment} ~ Our Christmas Tree

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. 

I Can't Stop Laughing!!

You have got to go over to Along the Way and watch the video she links to.

The reason I'm laughing so hard, is that my husband practiced those same words over and over the few weeks before our wedding because he kept getting them mixed up.  I remember laughing so hard at him.

He was so relieved after the ceremony when he go them right.

Please  go watch for some stress relief, and tell Janet I sent you over.

Still laughing!!!  This has taken me forever to type!!

Colletta

Oatmeal Clusters (aka No-bakes)

 In my family these little gems are called "Oatmeal Clusters".  When speaking of them to non-family members I do say "No-bakes" just to eliminate confusion, but really in my heart they are "Oatmeal Clusters".

This recipe has been in my family for decades.  I still hear stories of how my Uncle John when he was young made these almost everyday.  To this day my mom can only eat one or two because of the overload from my uncle.  lol

These are my go-to guys for when I need a chocolate fix or need something quick and easy to take to a meeting or event.

Here is the recipe my family uses:

Oatmeal Clusters

 2 cups sugar
1 stick butter
1/2 cup milk
4 Tablespoons cocoa powder
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups quick oatmeal

Mix first 4 ingredients in a saucepan and boil on high for 1 minute.  Remove from heat and add vanilla and peanut butter.  Stir until peanut butter is melted.  Add oatmeal.

You can then either drop individually onto wax paper or spread in a greased pan to make bars.

Easy.

For Peanut Butter Oatmeal Clusters (sometimes I crave the PB!)

Leave out the cocoa.  Double the PB and add just a bit more oatmeal.

Results

Delicious.  These haven't been in my family for decades for nothin'!  I hear my uncle still makes them alot!

Linking to:

Strut You Stuff Thursday
Foodie Friday
Potluck Sunday
Made By You Monday
Making Your Home Sing
Homemaker Mondays
Tempt My Tummy Tuesday
Tuesday at the Table
Homemaking Linkup
We Did It Wednesday
Domestically Divine Linkup

For Women's Eyes Only ~ Important

Today is the day.  I have been prepping myself all morning.

Showered, shaved my pits and my whole leg and not just below the knee, special attention to hair, painted nails.

Most importantly:  cute socks.

Anything it takes to make me feel a little bit more confident about stripping down and donning the paper gown.

You know the drill.  Scoot to the end of the table.  Relax the knees to the side.  "You might feel a little pressure and sorry if it is cold".  Count the tiles on the ceiling, think about what you're going to do this afternoon, make jokes, etc.  Anything to take your mind off what is actually going on "down there".

When I lived in York and was preganant with my first daughter, the OB/GYN actually had cute posters on the ceiling.  Quite diverting.

As soon as the room clears, I get dressed and out of there as quickly as I can.

Then I treat myself to some retail therapy.  After all, I deserve it after braving that ordeal.

A necessary evil.  Every year.

And because I make myself go through this yearly, I want to make sure that you also do.  It is very important that we, as women, do everything we can to be and stay healthly.

So, have you had your Pap Smear this year?  If not, why not pick up the phone and make that appointment right now?  For you, your family and your friends.

Besides, misery loves company...

P.S.  It's really not THAT bad...lol 

P.P.S.  In 3 more years I GET to start having mammograms too!  Yeehaw!

Colletta

Potholder Kitchen Towel Combo

On December 2nd our church ladies group, the Harvester Class had our annual Christmas Dinner.  Usually we have a potluck in the church social hall, but in December we always go out to eat and exchange gifts.  We draw names beforehand but keep it a secret.   Lots of fun!

I made these "Potholder-Kitchen Towel" combos as gifts for each of the ladies.  They were so simple and quick and inexpensive to make.

The potholder wasn't exactly what I was looking for but for some reason there are absolutely no solid potholders in green or blue to be bought right now.  Maybe everybody snatched them up for Christmas gifts.  Don't know.

I had gotten a pack of 6 kitchen towels at Wal-mart for $5.  You cut them in half so I got 12 from the pack.  Just the number I needed!  I got the potholders at the Dollar Tree.  They came in pack of 2 for $1.

Figure in the thread and tax and each combo only cost about $1 but was still a good quality, useful gift that I put my time (sewing and hunting those potholders!) and love into.

Here is a picture to show how I put them together.  First, cut each towel in half.  I sewed the potholder and towel with the wrong sides together.  I then flipped the towel down and top-stitched it to hold it down a little flatter.

Easy, easy and the ladies enjoyed them. 

I also bought some Christmas towels but as of yet have found potholders that I want to use.  The search goes on...

Linking to:
Homemaking Link-up
We Did It Wednesday
Wendesday at Tea Rose Home
Strut Your Stuff Thursday
Simple Pleasures
Sew & Tell Friday
Fantabulous Friday
Made By You Monday
Making Your Home Sing
Homemaker Monday
Fabric Tuesday
Domestically Divine Linkup

Book Review: "Paper Roses" by Amanda Cabot

Texas Dreams Book 1

Book Description:

Mail-order bride Sarah Dobbs arrives in Texas in 1850, only to learn that her future husband, Austin Canfield, is dead! Seeking refuge with his family, she tries to reconcile herself to an uncertain future. Will Austin's stubborn brother, Clay, spoil her happiness? Or is he the man she was looking for all along?

My Thoughts:

I really liked this book!  I've had Book 2 in the series for a while and was waiting for to get Book 1 from paperbackswap.com for a while.

This book is filled with past hurts, cold hearts, fierce determination, strong family ties and everything else that makes a romance great.

There is also the mystery of who murdered Austin Canfield and I can honestly say that I did NOT figure it out ahead of time.  It completely took me by surprise.

Little Thea added a lot of depth to the storyline as did the father who had suffered a stroke.  Both of these made the character of the others really come to light.

I'm looking forward to reading Book 2, Scattered Petals.