The True Meaning of Christmas

         I have to admit, Christmas is my favorite holiday. I just love all the decorated houses and yards, and all of the Christmas Jingles on the radio. But most of all, I love it because it represents the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I don't teach my kids to believe in Santa, but they know that it's OK to use their imaginations and pretend. I have decided that my boys will each be getting 3 presents at Christmas, because that is what Jesus got. I'm sure they will be getting more from other family members, but they'll be getting 3 from mom. Anyway, I decided to do a little research about other things that we associate Christmas time with....like the Candy Cane and the Christmas Tree..where did they come from? hmm, let's see shall we? :)

according to Christian lore, the Christmas tree is associated with St Boniface and the German town of Geismar. Sometime in St Boniface's lifetime (c. 672-754) he cut down the tree of Thor in order to disprove the legitimacy of the Norse gods to the local German tribe. St. Boniface saw a fir tree growing in the roots of the old oak. Taking this as a sign of the Christian faith, he said "...let Christ be at the center of your households..." using the fir tree as a symbol of Christianity.^[1]

The tradition of the Christmas tree as it is today known is fairly young. It was established by Martin Luther as a Protestant counterpart to the Catholic Nativity scene. Luther established the Christmas tree as a symbol of the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden.^{[2].........Wikipedia}

^{I also found out that the star that is placed on top of the tree symbolizes the North Star, that lead the wisemen to baby Jesus...now when I put up my Christmas tree it will remind me that Christ is at the center of my household.}

^{Next....the Candy Cane!}

About two hundred-thirty years ago at the Cologne Cathedral in Germany, the children that went to church there were really loud and noisy. They often moved around and would not pay attention to the choirmaster.

This was especially difficult for the choirmaster when they were supposed to be sitting still for the long living Nativity ceremony. So to keep the children quiet, he gave them a long, white, sugar candy stick. He couldn’t give them chocolate or anything like that because the people at that church would think it was sacrilegious. So he gave them the stick and he bent it on the end to look like a cane. It was meant to look like a shepherd’s cane, and so it reminded the children of the shepherds at Jesus’ birth.

In 1847, a German-Swedish immigrant in Wooster, Ohio put candy canes on his Christmas tree and soon others were doing the same. Sometime around 1900 candy canes came to look more like what we know them as today with the red stripes and peppermint flavoring.

Some people say the white color represents the purity of Jesus Christ and the red stripes are for the wounds he suffered. They also sometimes say that the peppermint flavoring represents the hyssop herb used for purifying and spoken of in the Bible. The shape also looks like the letter “J” for Jesus, not just a shepherd’s cane.

I will always think of Jesus when I eat a candy cane now! I can't wait to share this with my kids!

How about the Christmas Bell?

Christmas Bell
People gathered to seek the blessings of the newborn Jesus. A little blind boy wanted to meet the baby Jesus but couldn’t find his way; he later heard the tinkling of a cow’s bell. And he followed the tinkling bell to meet the holy Jesus.

Now just for kicks....Here's where Santa Claus really comes from

Santa Claus is a jolly man with red robes having long white beard. The real name of Santa Claus is Nicholas, born 2000 years ago to wealthy parents in a small village in the country Myra, today called as Turkey. Nicholas' parents died while he was yet a boy. Nicholas went to his village priest, confessed his sins and expressed his desire to help the poor. He wished to become a priest. But the priest knew Nicholas lacked the education necessary to become a priest. During this time Bishop of the church passed away and the authorities were guided by heavenly messenger to select the first person named Nicholas to walk through the doors of church and Nicholas had his miracle and was named the youngest bishop of the church ever on record. St. Nicholas became the champion of children and the needy; he was legendary for his kindness and generosity. And his legend only grew as the centuries passed.

 Well, that's all the research I'm doing tonight....I can't wait to put up all of my Christmas decorations! I think I'm going to start tonight. Here's a Christmas recipe to get you in the mood for Christmas!


Pumpkin Gingerbread

• 3 cups sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 eggs
• 2/3 cup water
• 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease two 9x5 inch loaf pans.
2. In a large mixing, combine sugar, oil and eggs; beat until smooth. Add water and beat until well blended. Stir in pumpkin, ginger, allspice cinnamon, and clove.
3. In medium bowl, combine flour, soda, salt, and baking powder. Add dry ingredients to pumpkin mixture and blend just until all ingredients are mixed. Divide batter between prepared pans.
4. Bake in preheated oven until toothpick comes out clean, about 1 hour.  

Needing a Place to Call My Own

Don't get me wrong...I love my kids, but I have just realized that I am surrounded by testosterone..these boys have been wrestling and fighting and wrestling some more all day long and I have been stuck in the kitchen for what seems like all day. I think they all must be going through a growth spurt or something cause they just won't stop eating! Anyway, I have my own room but it's very small and I have been so busy with just every day mom chores that I've realized that when I get stressed and just need a timeout for myself, I have no where to go. My room is as plain as ever...not to mention, I am in desperate need of a bed. I'm going to embarrass myself a little by saying this but oh, well, I don't have a bed, I have a fold out couch that is kind of like a futon but really, really uncomfortable. My kids have nice new beds and I always make sure they have what they need before me, but, my neck and back are killing me so it's time for me to get a bed. I think one of the main reasons why I haven't gone out of my way to decorate is, number one, my tight budget and number two, my lease is up in Febuary and I'm going to be getting a new place. So I'm going to start figuring out how I'm going to decorate my new room...I really need to have my own little haven to go to when mom just needs a break, and I won't even have to leave my house.

So, Ok, I love the Ocean, so maybe that's why I like this room...the view is gorgeous. It just looks so effortless and at the same time just makes me want to climb right in that bed, take a nap, read a book or just cuddle with the kiddos and watch a movie. I like white because it just screams cleaness. So a few things I would take from this would be, a sleigh bed, at least a queen, lots of pillows, a couple of plants, a mirror above the bed (makes any room appear larger) and I really like the soft flowy curtains that just add peace to the room. I'm kind of thinking of a beachy, ocean themed room, so Picture of the beach and Ocean would help....on to my next picture!

I Love the girly accents in this room. With 3 boys I sometimes don't feel very girly. So I might think about  adding some soft floral pink prints around the room. I don't know where I would find a floral headboard but I can maybe find a way to fix up an old headboard from a thrifstore. I like the vintage feel too from the little dresser. I could easily find something like it again at a thrifstore, add some pretty knobs and hang a big round mirror on the wall in front of it and find a pretty pink little stool and have my own little vanity. I'm kind of tired of not having a place for all my makeup anyway. I also like the bench at the foot of the bed and the couch against the wall. I like the idea of having more places to sit then just my bed. I like the sheer pink curtains too. This room just makes me feel girly and pampered!

Well ,there's not really any white in this room, but I love the pink! I like the beachy feel of the headboard too. I love fresh flowers and candles around my room and I kind of like the I Dream of Jeanie feel to this room also. I'd prefer a bigger bed but if I end up with a small room again I'll just take what I can get...but anything is better than what I'm sleeping on now.

I love this blue! and the little pink touches add a feminine feel to the room...and since I might be sharing my room with my baby boy this would be a great idea...I don't know about the bed frame though..hmm

I know this room is darker but I love the color and there's just a feminine sexiness to it....I might add some sheer black drapes to the bed posts....we'll see.

Well, I'm done writing comments after the pictures so here's some more pics of room ideas for our new place!

 well, these last 2 i picked out for noah and josh :)

yawn! off to bed!

stacie

Turkey Time Poem by my Grandpa Boyd

       My Grandpa Boyd was a real cowboy and a poet. My mom even got one of his books published. It's dedicated to all of his grandchildren. He was such a funny man. I remember this one hat he used to wear that said, "sexy senior citizen." He never failed to make someone laugh. Here's one of his poems that he used to read aloud for Thanksgiving...hope it makes you smile!

Turkey Time

By. Boyd E. Moffitt

Old Turkey Time is here again

The best holiday of the year

With the aroma of different good things

That I hold most dear.

But the one aroma that is best

{And it sure makes one perky}

Is that tantalizing smell

Of a freshly baking turkey.

And all the cakes and pies

That sit cooling on the shelf

Sure do make my mouth water

I can hardly contain myself.

We sit around inside the house

If the weather is on the skids

But if the weather is good

We go outside and play ball with the kids.

Finally we are called to the table

By one of our famous cooks

Some kids have to sit in chairs

On top of a couple of books.

Finally we all get seated at the table

And there we do pause

To give thanks to the Lord and Tom Turkey

For each had died for a cause.

After dinner we do up the dishes

But leave what is left of the turkey on the table

So that we can sit there, nibble and talk

As long as we are able.

At last the guests leave for home

With their bellies full and tight

The gastric affects of all that good rich food

Put them in an awful plight.

So I take my hat off to the Pilgrims

Who with the Indians celebrated in their way

And to Congress, who finally did something

And made Thanksgiving a holiday.

Rest in Peace Grandpa Boyd...we miss you

want to sleep and dream

Can't sleep, so here I am, my thoughts racing, worrying about God knows what...ugh....what to do to calm my thoughts....hmm. (pondering) how about a favorite things list? here goes....

(its not in order from most favorite to least) and I'll stick to one topic.

1. MissMe jeans...I have yet to own a pair but They will definitely be my next purchase!

 2. Dingo Short Slouch boots. One 'a these days these boots are gonna walk all over you...;)

3.  rhinestone belt....sexy around any waist

4. Taylor Swift....there's a couple of things I love about this girl besides her music...her eye make up, hair and just overall style.

Did I mention that I was a little bit of a country bumpkin?....just a little ;)

last but not least...(since I'm finally getting sleepy sleepy)

number cinco.....Benefits Dandelion! I've used this face powder for years, which reminds me, I need to get some more. talk about a beautiful soft pink glow, you'll never leave the house without this sweet smelling stuff again..andjust look at the box, how can you resist?

Well, nighty night, this sleepy head is finally off to bed....yaaaaawwwn.
cowgirl boots and ZZzzzzzzzz's, Stacie

my bundles of joy!

Noah was born on August 28th 2000. He weighed 9lbs! I can't believe he's already 10 years old. He's one of the smartest kids I know and he has the biggest heart and is the best big brother in the whole world! I thank God every day for him. He is such a blessing in my life.

My dearest Noah,

I want you to know how much I love you.

You have made me so proud, and I thank God for letting me be a mother

to such a wonderful kid.

Thank you, Noah,

for just being you!

Joshua was born on August 29th, 2003. He was a wonderful gift for his big brothers 3rd birthday! He weighed 9lbs 10oz....big boy! He is mama's little firecracker... He has the funniest little personality and also has such a big heart and love for others. He loves to get dirty and goes through about 3 outfits a day, but I don't mind the extra laundry if it means josh is having lots of fun. I thank God for him every day.

My amazing Joshie,

I love you soooooo much!

Life would not be any fun without you!

You are such a joy to have in my life,

I thank God for you every day.

I'm sorry if I ever got upset with you having too much fun,

so you go on and keep having fun and please don't ever change!

I promise I'll always be there for you.

Mama loves her little J Bird!

My baby boy Ethan was born on April 14th, 2009. He weighed 8lbs 8oz...my littlest guy! He is the happiest little baby ever! I prayed and prayed when I was pregnant for him to be healthy and for God to pleeeeeease give him beautiful blue eyes....and guess what! my prayers were answered! He has the most beautiful blue eyes and i melt every time he smiles at me and says "I ya u!" Meaning "I love you" in his own little language.

I wuv you so much baby Ethan! 

You are the little light of my life!

I enjoy every minute of watching you grow up.

I love waking up to your hugs and kisses and smiling face!

I love you my little blue eyed boy!

Snow Days without a Car Days

Woke up this morning to a beautiful blanket of snow covering the yard. I was getting depressed about it at first because snow meant one thing to me this morning...."oh no! we're going to be stuck in the house all day!" I was way wrong. Noah and Josh, my 2 oldest boys have been involved in some pretty hard core snow ball fights and right  after their fingers just couldn't take the cold anymore they came in for some of mama's loco hot cocoa. mmm so yummy.

It has been difficult for me to not be able to drive my car and take my kids places, even to go grocery shopping. But in a way I feel like I'm being humbled right now. I took for granted having a car and being able to drive wherever I wanted and do whatever I wanted, now I'm confined to my apartment and the park and river across the street. Now that it's getting colder and snowier I 'm starting to feel like I need my car again. I know I will be able to drive it again soon so I need to just be grateful that I'm even able to play with my kids outside in the snow, hear them laugh, give them hugs and kisses, make cookies and drink mama's favorite loco hot cocoa together....I thank God that I am able to do these things in life.

Marshmallows and Cocoa! Stacie