Anna Being Creative

She made a "digestive system" theme park...

And then a wanted poster for her dog....

And this???.... I have no idea! LOL

Excitment Around Here

 Alli woke up this a.m. and said, "Mama, I think we have the prettiest tree I have ever seen!"
She is so cute, and is really enjoying the Christmas season.  She has woken up each morning and just looked at that tree.  And SHE IS A PART OF IT.  HER ornament is on that tree. :) I love her excitement.

And then we had a huge surprise!  A package from Iceland! WOW! One of our precious readers sent a package! We have never received a package from Iceland!  I think we are going to save the box forever. :)  Thank you so VERY MUCH Dagbjört! You made everybody's day! :)

I am always touched by the tenderness and sweetness of those around the world who touch our lives.
The Lord is so very good! :)

Saint Nicholas

I have mentioned this website in the past, but wanted to remention it. :) 
www.saintnicholascenter.org  is a really great site to learn about the REAL Saint Nicholas. He was the biship of Myra.... in Turkey.  He was raised by Christian Parents and orphaned at a fairly young age. He inherited a great deal of wealth but chose to give it all away to the poor, with great joy!
He was imprisoned for a time, and had a huge impact on Christianity today, arguing during the Nicine Meetings for the doctrine of the Trinity.  He was very involved in the development of the NICENE CREED.

Saint Nicholas DID drop money down chimneys, put money and gifts in shoes and greatly enjoyed giving.
It was not until the 1800's that some guy named Knickerbocker mentioned that St. Nick was an elfvin creature who wore a red suit that things began to change. And it wasn't until the early 20th century that our American, Modern day Santa Claus showed up.  We have always taught our children about the REAL St. Nick, but mostly, we have taught them the REAL reason for the Season we celebrate.  JESUS CHRIST, come in the flesh.... to save a world from Sin.

New Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread Recipe

And OH IT WAS Delicious! :)

 This recipe makes 1 large loaf or 4 small loaves.

   Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread

2 cups of Bob's Red mill Baking Flour

(OR MAKE YOUR OWN.....  I tried Rice, sorghum and tapioca too. As long as you have 2 and a half cups, with at least 1/2 cup tapioca you will do well.  The Bob's red mill is Garbanzo bean, rice, fava bean, tapioca and rice flours all mixed together.  I prefer not to use too much rice flour because of the "sandy grit". :)

1/2 cup of tapioca starch or flour
1 1/2 tsp powdered vanilla (if you only have liquid, that is ok too)
1/2 cup butter softened or 1/2 cup of canola oil
1 1/4 cups of sugar
1/2 tsp xantham gum
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt (we use sea salt)
2 eggs
1/2 tsp creme of tartar
1 15 oz can of pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
2 tsp of cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground cloves
(1/2 cups nuts optional, 1/2 cup raisins optional or 1/2 cup craisins optional)

Preheat oven to 325
spray pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking

mix all dry ingredients together well.
Beat eggs, sugar, and butter together, add pumpin. Stir in remaining ingredients until well blended but not too much.
Divide into 4 small pans or 1 large.
Bake for 45 minutes for small pans or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.  (times vary)
For large loaf, 1 hour and 10 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

Remove from pans and cool on wire rack.  When fully cooled, wrap in plastic wrap.
Tastes delicious with holiday butters or plain butter or just plain! :)

Anna is 13!!!

This morning, I write about my Anna. OUR Anna. :)  She is our precious girl. Anna has grown so much since the little girl we met just over 8 years ago.  Anna is so sweet.  She has a tender heart, and has turned into quite a beautiful young lady.  She loves EVERYTHING Cowboy and Texas!
She is our biggest reader and has gone through more books in her short life than I have in my long one!

I love it that she loves cats and dogs so much.  When I asked her what she wanted for her birthday, she said, "I already have my birthday present." Maizy!  (the dog) :)

 Today, she has requested that we visit our old church and I think that is a grand idea! We haven't visited in a few months.
Time to go and wake the birthday girl. :)
Let the celebration begin!

After opening a few gifts, we headed to our old church.  After church she chose On The Border for lunch.

 We surprised her with a birthday sundae. :)

I think she liked it! :)

And tonight, we are having Pumpkin Pie.

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl. :) You are an incredible blessing to us! We LOVE YOU!

BTW- the pumpkin pie was GREAT! :)
The movie for tonight.... Percy Jackson the Lightening Thief.

Decorating Firsts

I love decorating the tree. :)  It is so full of memories. Some ornaments date back 30 years.
Some are new.  Alli was filled with awe and wonder today as we carefully unwrapped each one. She ooed and ahhed all morning. LOL  Every ornament was a new excitement.

What a blessing to have her this year. :)  What a blessing to have each of my girls. :)  But this year is Alli's first ......
And her ornament of choice????

A horse. :)
Here she is putting it on the tree....

She is so proud of it. And there will be many more to come over the years.

Slap Jack, Reading and Mr. Hal

Oh the giggles!

 While the other girls are playing slap jack, Anna is deep into a new book.  She announced proudly,  is on page 183. :)

Another BIG surprise.... Mr. Hal stopped by on his way out of town! What a treat!
We had pulled pork smothered in green peppers and onions,  served in hot tortillas, and some wonderful tamales from NM with red chili sauce. :) YUM! (thanks Chuck and Jodie for the amazing treat!)

Hal was sharing pictures from His Thanksgiving in Waco Texas with Mike and Bob. He had a nice time visiting his sons and grand son. He stopped by for lunch and is on his way back to the east coast.

More Thanksgiving 2011