The True Meaning Of Christmas...

Luke 2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room at the inn.

2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock at night.

2:9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid.

2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

2:12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in the manger.

2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

2:14 Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Wishin' you all a blessed Christmas and the merriest of holidays.
God bless...
:> )

There's No Lights On In The Barn...

Not so many years ago,
If you were to take a drive,
Across America's farmland
And thru the countryside;

If by chance your ride should happen,
As the day was nearly done,
Most every farmstead on the road,
Would have the barn lights on.

The farmer and a kid or two,
Or maybe even more.
Each one busy with a task,
Doin’ up the evenin’ chores.

Milk the cow, feed the chickens
And gather up the eggs.
Throw some hay down from the loft
And water the sow and pigs.

Sometimes my mind will wander back,
And I’ll recall those days, now gone,
Of peaceful winter evenings,
And the lights on in the barn.

The smell of all the cattle,
Mixed with the grain and hay.
To me it was a pleasing smell,
Though, to you, it may not sound that way.

And while filling up the water tank,
I’d watch the cats at play.
A nearly perfect ending,
To another busy day.

Then gazing toward the house,
I could see the kitchen light.
Momma’s fixin’supper,
To feed us all tonight.

And the warm glow from that window,
Made this country boy work hard,
To get in to that apple pie
And that chicken fried in lard.

But the trend today is larger,
And fewer family farms.
Not so many places left now,
With the lights on in the barn.

They tell us that it’s progress,
And nothin’ stays the same.
We must look toward the future,
And not the past from where we came.

And I know, that is true,
But tell me, what’s the harm?
If I feel a twinge of sadness,
Cause There’s No Lights On In The Barn.

Everything is gettin’ big,
And no one seems alarmed,
That the chickens and the hogs now,
Are mostly raised on Factory Farms.

We’ve taken out the fences,
And..the barn.... it’s been torn down.
It takes a lot of room,
To turn 16 rows around.

My favorite memories take me back,
To the way we used to farm.
To a peaceful winter evening,
With the lights on in the barn.

Written by: Lewis Baumgartner

I Went For A Walk Today...

And stumbled upon a "Charlie Brown Tree" on the trail.

I couldn't resist....

Shhhh... It will be our lil' secret.
:> )

Do You Hear What I Hear...

Have a great weekend folks.

P.S.
Santa Claus is comin' soon...
YaY!
:> )

Cheese Pinecones...

I love these!
They are perfect for your holiday hors d'oeuvres table.

Here's what you'll need:

2 C (8 oz) - Shredded Swiss Cheese
1/2 C - Butter (softened)
3 Tbs - Milk
2 Tbs - Dry Sherry (Or milk for non alcohol)
1/8 tsp - Ground Red Pepper
1 C - Finely Chopped Blanched Almonds
3/4 C - Sliced Almonds
1/2 C - Whole Almonds

Beat cheese, butter, milk, sherry and red pepper in medium bowl until smooth; stir in chopped almonds.

Divide mixture into two equal portions; shape each into tapered oval to resemble a pinecone. Insert sliced and whole almonds into cones. Cover; refrigerate 2 to 3 hours until firm.

Arrange on a wooden board or serving plate. Garnish with a spring of rosemary, if desired. Served with assorted crackers.

Makes 12-16 appetizer servings.

:> )

More Of A Countryfolk Christmas...

:> )

Gingerbread Caramel Corn...

Here's what you'll need:

10 C - Lightly salted popcorn
1 C - Lightly salted Cashews
1 C - Packed Dark Brown Sugar
1/2 C - Butter
1/4 C - Light Corn Syrup
1 tsp - Ground Ginger
1 tsp - Ground Cinnamon
1/2 tsp - Baking Soda

Preheat oven 250 degrees. Line a shallow baking pan with foil.

Combine popcorn and cashews in prepared pan; set aside.

Combine butter, brown sugar and syrup in a heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat stirring constantly. Wash down sugar crystals with a pastry brush if necessary.

Attach candy thermometer to side of pan making sure it doesn't touch the bottom. Continue boiling without stirring for another 5 minutes or until sugar reaches soft-crack stage (290 degrees).

Remove from heat, stir in ginger, cinnamon and baking soda. Immediately drizzle mixture slowly over popcorn mixture; stir until evenly coated.

Bake for one hour stirring quickly every 15 minutes. Transfer to a foil lined baking sheet; spread in a single layer. Cool completely, (10 minutes). Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Makes about 10 cups.

Why not put some in decorated mason jars and give 'em as lil' gifts. It's pretty AND tasty!
:> )

Twas The Night Before Christmas...

when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
Well... except for this (stirring) lil' mouse.

Remember his antics from last year??
He's baaaaack!!





Dang it! I was hoping he wouldn't find the cream cheese.
I didn't think his lil' mouse muscles could open the refrigerator. (Sigh)



Taking another peek at baby Jesus.



I explained to him those candy canes weren't real. But he wouldn't listen.



Sigh.



He is such a wisenheimer.



Taking some time to educate himself by reading The Declaration of Independence
(Man, I wish other Americans would follow his lead.)



Telling Santa what he wants for Christmas.





I hope you did.
:> )

Have a great weekend, folks!
I'll be busy baking Christmas cookies.

We Wish You A Merry Christmas...

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Look!! I'm dancin'!! Woo-hoo!!
:> )
Be sure to scroll down to the bottom of my page and turn off my music. Just click on the middle, big round button.

Uh-Oh...

We ran out of lights.

But that's okay!
It's still festive!! ♥

It's kind of like when you string your tree lights and take hours to decorate it... The next day when you plug it in, only half the lights work.

Oh well!
:> )

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree...

After I got done decoratin' the outside of our home on Saturday, I knew somethin' was missin'.

So I broke the news to my hubs we were goin' to have yet another Christmas tree. But this one will be outside.

After his "deer in headlights" look disappeared, we hopped in the truck and got one.

There is nothin' like the wonderful aroma of fresh Balsam Fir on your hands. ♥

Little does he know, he'll be helpin' me hang those big colored lights on the barn this afternoon. *giggle*
:> )

Christmas Beaver Fun...

Shhhhh... If anyone asks, Stan the Beaver made this victory sign. (He's quite handy.)
:> )

It's FINALLY Snowin'...

YAY!!!! I couldn't be happier!!

Today, I finished up my outdoor Christmas decoratin'. So I thought I'd share some pics with ya.

I figure why not give the folks drivin' by a smile!
Hmmm... I wonder if I can get a ticket for Christmas decoratin'? If anyone asks, you have no idea who did this.

I think I'll decorate the one in the background tomorrow. But remember... You didn't hear that from me.

Now to finish up on the inside.
I'll keep ya posted...
:> )

I Should Have Known...

I went to grab the flyswatter I have tucked in the closet and oddly enough, it was gone.

Hmmmm...

I wonder where oh where could it be...

Sigh.

She will be gettin' coal in her Christmas stockin'.

Out Of The Mouth Of (Cartoon Character) Babes...

Thank you Linus.
♥

I Am Clark Griswold...

Since we moved into this old farmhouse, I have always put up a skinny Christmas tree. I love a skinny tree!

My hubs on the otherhand prefers just the opposite. (Gee, who would have thought?)
After 10 years, I have finally given in and agreed to put up our ginormous tree we had in our previous home.

Yes I've had to remove half the furniture in the livin' room, string 1200 lights as the rough branches scratched me to pieces and almost broke my neck standin' on a ladder to decorate it, but here it is.

So as my dear, sweet hubs enjoys the Griswold tree, I will enjoy mine...

♥ Merry Christmas Charlie Brown. ♥

:> )