"And they came into the house and saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell down and worshipped Him; and opening their treasures they presented to Him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.”   ~ Matthew 2:11 (nasb)


antonia cobble, a good friend of mine, had shared this idea of gift giving with me years ago.  we have been doing it ever since.  instead of stressing over buying every present on your family’s wish list, pick just three gifts for each person to represent the 3 gifts the kings presented to Jesus.  the gifts become more thoughtful, less stressful and more meaningful.   with these three presents, gifts from family, stockings and one santa present my boys have plenty on Christmas morning.


GOLD - def.: a precious metal of great value.


            - This is the “big” gift, the gift the person has really been wanting or is somewhat expensive.


FRANKINCENSE - def.:  the aromatic dried resin collected from the bark of several trees in the boswellia family.  the israelites prized it as an ingredient in perfume, but even more as a part of the sacred incense used in worship.


            - This is the unique gift, something that is special to that person. for example, if the person likes to paint, maybe they would like new paints or new brushes.


MYRRH - def.:  a plant whose expensive, aromatic gum was used in perfume and incense, as well as in preparing bodies for burial.


              - this is the practical gift, something that will be used with purpose. for example, clothes or tools.

Have a wonderful holiday season!  Merry Christmas!

This morning we woke up to a thin blanket of snow with more forecasted for the day.  We are soon off to church and then to the Grove Park Inn to see this year's gingerbread houses for the annual competition.  After that we will come back home to make our own house and gingerbread men.  I thought I would share my favorite gingerbread recipe from Williams-Sonoma and the best royal icing recipe that hardens well.  We took these pix last year.  We made miniature gingerbread men and some big thick ones that we stuck on sticks and gave as gifts.

Bring on the feast!!!  Now that my crazy Christmas rush is slowing down a bit I can post recipes again.  I have lots of great recipes for the holidays.This is one of Fred's (my husband) favorite Thanksgiving side dishes which could almost pass as dessert.  It is from an old Denton Bible Church cookbook.


SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE
2 - 29oz cans of yams
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 eggs, beaten
1 tsp vanilla
1/3 cup milk


topping:
1/3 cup melted butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup flour
1 cup chopped pecans


Put drained yams in a large mixing bowl.  Add sugar and blend until less chunky.  Gradually add in butter, eggs, vanilla and milk.  Pour in a 9" x 13" baking dish.


Melt butter and mix remaining ingredients.  Sprinkle on top of potato mixture.  Bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees.  Can be frozen.


Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and remember . . . be thankful even for the little things.  

Cooler weather always makes me want soup.  This recipe is from an old college roommate (and best friend) back in Texas - miss you Reba.  It tastes just like the Olive Garden's Zuppa Tuscana!  Just add salad and breadsticks.


Zuppa Tuscana


1 lb spicy ground italian sausage
1/2 lb bacon, chopped
1 qt. water
2 - 14.5 oz cans (3 2/3 cup) chicken broth
2 large russet potatoes - scrubbed clean and cubed
2 garlic cloves - minced
1 medium onion - chopped
2 cups chopped kale or swiss chard
1 cup heavy cream
salt & pepper to taste


In a skillet over medium - high heat, brown sausage, drain & set aside.  Brown chopped bacon and set aside.  (You can brown the sausage and bacon together, but the bacon does not get as crispy.)  In a large pot, pour water & broth.  Add potatoes, garlic and onions.  Simmer over medium - high heat until potatoes are tender.  Add sausage and bacon to pot.  Simmer for 10 minutes.  Add kale & cream to pot.  Season with s & p.  Heat through, but do not boil.

do you want to do something new this holiday season?  


introducing the ORNAMENT HOLIDAY CARD.  


this is not your average Christmas card.  in addition to wishing family and friends a season's greeting, this 5" round card is a keepsake your  family will treasure and can add to year after year.  imagine trimming the tree each year with these ornament cards that capture the growth of your family.   


make 2010 the beginning of your family collection.


sold in sets of 25 with a choice of 5 x 5 translucent  or white envelopes.
1 set is 55.00
2 or more sets are 45.00 each

'tis the season!!!  this year . . . be ready.  . . plan your holiday session now.  as an added bonus, if you schedule your session before October 31st, you will receive a FREE 11 x 14 print of your choice.  and remember, the holiday session price includes 50 cards and envelopes (additional cards may be purchased).



here is a sneak peak of my first holiday session of the season and this year's card samples.  Cards are sold in sets of 25 with envelopes in sizes 5 x 5 or 5 x 7.  choose from watercolor, linen, satin or recycled paper.