First of Advent 2014 - Christmas Hymns & Mary

Family Advent time are some of my most precious and life changing memories from my childhood.  On every Sunday during Advent my parents would gather my sister & I around the dining room table; turn off all the lights & light the candle(s) on the Advent Wreath.  In that warm candlelit darkness we would read a passage from the Bible, discuss what we just read and then sing some Christmas hymns.  I encourage you to do the same with your family.


Read this scripture:
"In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, 'Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.' Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.' 'How will this be,' Mary asked the angel, 'since I am a virgin?' The angel answered, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.' 'I am the Lord's servant,' Mary answered. 'May it be to me as you have said.' Then the angel left her. Luke 1:26 to 38

Depending on the age of your children - now would be a good time to discuss the passage above.

Sing these hymns:

O Little Town of Bethlehem

by Phillips Brooks, 1835-1893                              composed by Lewis H. Redner, 1831-1908

1.  O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie!  Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by;  Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting Light;  The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight.

2.For Christ is born of Mary, And gathered all above, While mortals sleep, the angels keep Their watch of wondering love.  O morning stars, together Proclaim the holy birth, And praises sing to God the King, And peace to men on earth!

3.  How silently, how silently The wondrous gift is given!  So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of His heaven.  No ear may hear His coming.  But in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive Him still, The dear Christ enters in.

4.  O holy Child of Bethlehem!  Descend to us, we pray;  Cast out our sin, and enter in, Be born in us today.  We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell;  O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Immanuel!

A special thanks to "Nat King Cole" for sharing this with us on YouTube

Angels We Have Heard On High

Old French-English Carol

1.  Angels we have heard on high, Sweetly singing o'er the plains.  And the mountains in reply, Echoing their joyouis strains.

CHORUS

2. Shepherds, why this jubilee?  Why your joyous strains prolong?  What the gladsome tidings be Which inspire your heav'nly song?

CHORUS

3.  Come to Bethlehem, and see Him whose birth the antels sing;  Come, adore on bended knee, Christ the Lord, the newborn King.

CHORUS

4.  See Him in a manger laid, Whom the choirs of angels praise;  Mary, Joseph, lend your aid, While our hearts in love we raise.

CHORUS

Chorus

Glo-------------------ri--a 

in excelsis De------o    Glo----------------

ri---a     in excelsis De-----o

A special thanks to "ChristmasSongsHD" for sharing this on YouTube

Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming

Traditional by Theodore Baker          16th Century Melody by Michael Praetorius, 1571-1621
   

1.  Lo, how a Rose e'er blooming From tender stem hath sprung!  Of Jesse's lineage coming As men of old have sung.  It came a flow'r-et bright, Amid the cold of winter, When half spent was the night.

2. Isaiah 'twas foretold it, The Rose I have in mind, With Mary we behold it, The Virgin Mother kind.  To show God's love aright, She bore to men a Savior, When half spent was the night.

A special thanks to "rexlibris99" for posting this Christmas hymn on YouTube

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365 Days of Being THANKFUL - DAY#4

A few weeks ago I decided that I would start a new series on this blog called: "365 Days of Being THANKFUL".  The more I thought about it the more I felt led by God but then at the same time I started wondering if I would be able to do this for a whole year!  One month of being thankful is measurable let alone hundreds of days!
So, today is the fourth day of my challenge - I must be able to find something each day that I am thankful for since I am so blessed.

DAY#4 - Today I am thankful for the Advent Season when I begin the celebration of the birth of my Lord & Savior Jesus Christ.




click to read:
DAY#3

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365 Days of Being THANKFUL - DAY#3

A few weeks ago I decided that I would start a new series on this blog called: "365 Days of Being THANKFUL".  The more I thought about it the more I felt led by God but then at the same time I started wondering if I would be able to do this for a whole year!  One month of being thankful is measurable let alone hundreds of days!
So, today is the third day of my challenge - I must be able to find something each day that I am thankful for since I am so blessed.

DAY#3 - Today I am thankful for our car mechanic who was able to fix something that would have stranded us.




click to read:
DAY#2

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Cocoa Pumpkin Bread with Dried Cranberries & Chocolate Glaze

Pumpkin Cocoa Bread with Dried Cranberries & Chocolate Glaze
This is another winning flavor combination: pumpkin, chocolate & cranberries!
A few weeks ago I shared with you my favorite pumpkin varieties:
click HERE to view.
I baked those pumpkins and then any leftover I froze to use later - below left is the pie pumpkin and the right is the fairy tale pumpkin variety.
(for this recipe you may use canned unsweetened pumpkin puree if you prefer)





Printable Recipe

Bread

1/2 cup pumpkin (already baked/cooked & pureed)

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup melted butter

2 cups flour

1/3 cup cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups sugar

3 eggs
Melt the butter & cool until lukewarm.  In a large mixing bowl mix the eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract & sugar until the sugar dissolves.  Now add the pumpkin puree & stir until combined.  Then add the flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, & salt - stir until combined.  Finally add the cranberries & stir.  Spray or butter a loaf pan and pour the batter into the pan.  Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 50 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool on a cooling rack & take a knife & gently run along the edges to release the bread from the pan.  Wait for 15 minutes before inverting the bread & removing it from the pan.  While the bread is cooling - make the glaze.

Glaze

2 tablespoons butter

1 1/4 cup powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1/3 cup cocoa powder

3 tablespoons water

Melt butter, add cocoa & water - stir until thickens but DO NOT BOIL (this can be ruined in a matter of seconds).  Remove from the heat and stir in other ingredients until combined & smooth.
I waited until the bread was completely cooled before adding the "glaze" because I like that fudging consistency.  I would wait until you invert the bread before beginning to make this glaze & then spread the top of the bread with this glaze.

Serve & ENJOY!!

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365 Days of Being THANKFUL- DAY#2

A few weeks ago I decided that I would start a new series on this blog called: "365 Days of Being THANKFUL".  The more I thought about it the more I felt led by God but then at the same time I started wondering if I would be able to do this for a whole year!  One month of being thankful is measurable let alone hundreds of days!
So, today is the second day of my challenge - I must be able to find something each day that I am thankful for since I am so blessed.

DAY#2 - Today I am thankful for leftover turkey with which I will be able to create meals that will last through the weekend and even into early next week.





click to read:
DAY#1

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365 Days of Being THANKFUL - DAY#1

A few weeks ago I decided that I would start a new series on this blog called: "365 Days of Being THANKFUL".  The more I thought about it the more I felt led by God but then at the same time I started wondering if I would be able to do this for a whole year!  One month of being thankful is measurable let alone hundreds of days!
So, today begins my challenge - I must be able to find something each day that I am thankful for since I am so blessed.

DAY#1 - Today I am thankful for my God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit - without my Lord I would have no reason to be thankful for anything.


click to read:
DAY#365

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DAY#4 - Daily Meal Planning for the Holidays

DAY#4 - Daily Meal Planning for the Holidays

Whether we're talking about Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Years - the "Holidays" bring company and the opportunity to be creative in the kitchen!  I wanted to help take the stress out of daily meal planning by providing an entire day of recipes.  There will be 8 days total.  These "daily meals" are not the big celebration meals for Christmas, New Years or Thanksgiving, rather these are for the in-between days.
I will even include some beverage recipes on certain days.
Feel free to click on each title below to see more detailed instructions.

OR

Click HERE to print up the entire day of Recipes


Cranberry Walnut Smoothie




0
Chicken Corn Chowder

Oktoberfest Kale & Potato Casserole
Homemade Grape Juice

Apfelkuchen OR German Apple Cake

Tomato Desperados
DAY#1 Holiday Meal Plan
DAY#2 Holiday Meal Plan
DAY#3 Holiday Meal Plan
DAY#5 Holiday Meal Plan
DAY#6 Holiday Meal Plan
DAY#7 Holiday Meal Plan
DAY#8 Holiday Meal Plan

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Welcome! Wake Up Wednesday Linky 44 & Paypal Giveaway

Welcome to another Wonderful #WakeUpWednesdayLinky! #44

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This weeks 

Featured Bloggers

                  The Homestead in the Hills of Tennessee

Thanksgiving-Style Brownies

I'm really excited about this Thanksgiving twist on brownies! Gooey chocolate, crunchy walnuts, and guess what? Dried cranberries! It makes a luscious treat for Thanksgiving or any time of the year!

Sweet & Simple Projects: 

Pipe Cleaner Christmas Tree Ornament

A Cultivated Nest

You can make your own pipe cleaner tree ornament using a just a few simple materials, and the end result is a sweet little tree ready to hang on your real Christmas tree. This is a great craft to do with kids!

Hot & Cold Rice Bag Tutorial

                             Creative Pink Butterfly

                                          

    A rice bag is probably one of the smartest things one can have lying around  your house (in their designated area). It is also super-easy to make! You can even make any size or shape you want. You can make hand warmers, like A Bee In My Bonnet or a foot warmer like V and Co. Today I am going to show you how I create a shoulder bag. The great thing about this design is that it sits comfortably around your shoulders. You can of course use it for other body parts such as backs, stomaches, feet, etc. It is 40 x 15 cm and is divided into four sections. This prevents the rice from going to one side only

Green Beans with Cranberries and Walnuts

Robyn's View

Whether you are looking for the perfect seasonal side dish, or just love green beans, this dish is for you. They are coated in delicious butter and garlic, and then topped with cranberries and walnuts for a dash of sweetness and a bit of crunch. The key to keeping these green beans vibrant and bright is making sure to plunge them in an ice bath (see directions), and completely cool them down before continuing the cooking process.

Cookie Dough Cupcakes

Tackling Life

I knew before even making these that the guys would love them! How can you not like raw cookie dough? And dough without egg makes it safe to eat. Which meant I snuck a little bit while making them

The Reality of Getting Ready With a Child

                                      Winks and Eyerolls

Oh the carefree mornings...back when I was able to walking around as I pleased, take my time to make sure my makeup looked nice and the perfect outfit was picked out. This all seems like a distant dream. Those mornings aren't around anymore and that's ok. As a working mom (who is not a morning person), I'm going to tell you about my realities of getting ready with a child.

Mama’s Pumpkin Pie Chia Pudding

Deep Roots at Home

Since it has turned all fall-like and cozy-feeling I’ve been making this {raw, gluten-free, dairy-free, processed sugar-free} chia pudding concoction with pumpkin for breakfast and snacks…anything to add more pumpkin to the season! Our visit to the pumpkin patch was just perfect for that crisp autumnal day!

Cocktail: Texas Lemon Drop Martini

Pink Heels Pink Truck

If you have an upcoming holiday party or bachelorette party, these Lemon Drop Sugar Cubes are the perfect on-the-go mixer to make this simple Texas Lemon Drop Martini Cocktail. What makes this a Texas Lemon Drop Martini?? The Dripping Springs Texas Vodka of course. This vodka is pure and smooth…making it the perfect pairing in this cocktail.

Feast Worthy Side Dishes

Ramblings of a Bad Domestic Goddess

The Holiday season is almost upon us. To this day, side dishes play just as an important role as the entrée in our house. Here are twenty-five feast worthy side dishes. 

Make Your Own Chevron Serving Tray

Living Chic

This is such an easy and inexpensive DIY project. You can make your own Chevron Tray on the cheap…or you can choose a different pattern if chevron is not your thing.I was able to use a 40% Off a Single Item coupon at my local craft store…so the tray cost me around $5. The scrapbook paper was under a $1. I had the Mod Podge (decoupage) on hand…but if you don’t you can grab a bottle for $5- $10 depending on the size. I also sealed the wood with poly (optional).

November Beauty Favorites

   Unfading Beauty

My Bare Minerals Ready foundation was running out and was on the search for a paraben free and natural foundation. I loved my Bare Minerals but i was looking for something with a more natural look and not too heavy.

In the beginning i had a love hate relationship with the Tarte airbrush foundation ,the coverage wasn't so good compared to Bare Minerals Ready  and it didn't cover much of the redness in my face.

BLUEBERRY CREAM CHEESE PIE

Written Reality

My husband loves blueberry cream cheese pie and every year at Christmas, it’s his one request.

Of course, the boys also have favorites for Christmas, but though their so-called favorites may vary a bit, my husband’s request is always the same.

DIY snowflake necklace - Perfect gift for your girl friend

Vikalpah

Today I am sharing my first post for Christmas this year. It is about making a beautiful snowflake necklace for your sister, friend or your wife /girl friend (If you are a guy reading this post ;)) to gift this holiday season or may be one for yourself. It is so easy to make and you will be surprised "How gorgeous" it looks. If you can't afford for real diamonds then this is something you should make to impress your girl. I am sure it has more value than the real diamonds if it is handmade jewelry by you.(Don't you agree ? :))Lets start making!!

Coffee Filter Trees

Artistic Endeavors 101

If you have been following my blog a little, I think you can tell that I like to recycle, up cycle and use materials in new ways.

One of my favorite materials to use is coffee filters.

They are inexpensive and very versatile. 

I have used them for many projects.

With Christmas around the corner, I wanted to share an easy project today.

Coffee Filter Trees!

SIMPLYCOMFY

CHRISTMAS PILLOWS

The other day I decided to use some of the fun fabrics I have to make some Christmas throw pillows for the living room.  I have had this Christmas Tree pillow on my Christmas Pinterest board for a long time so I was ready to give it a go.   I got my inspiration from this Christmas Tree Pillow Tutorial I followed on Inspired Honey Bee.  She actually got her inspiration from a tree pillow on Style Me Pretty.  I didn't follow the tutorial exactly but I do love how they turned out! 

10 tips to make sending Christmas cards easy

Ritewhileucan

Sending Christmas cards should not feel like a chore

Whether you are planning your USA Thanksgiving or not, Christmas comes faster than Rudolph can blink his nose, and if you send out Christmas cards (See one of my most popular posts on this very topic) there is no time to waste.

Last year I shared a few tips on how to make sending out Christmas cards easy instead of a chore that we dread, or worse, that we feel obligated to do. Here’s my updated list:

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