Happy New Year!

                

 HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Jordan

New Year Resolutions

New Year Resolutions...

So many people do different things!  I for one think that new year resolutions are really good!  I think we need a time to look at our life and take note of things that we need, or want to change!  This is something I think the Lord wants us to do on a daily basis but New Year is a good time to start the year out fresh and on track.

Resolutions can be in many different areas!

They can be Spiritual.  Like...

- Bible Reading

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Ps. 119:11

 Reading through your Bible in a year, or a month.  I even did it once in 2 months and that was really neat!  I was reading so much Bible each day that I was thinking Bible the whole day!  Which really gave me a totally different perspective on my day!  I highly recomend it!

- Or maybe just being consistent in reading the Bible every day.

- Memorizing God's Word.

When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.

For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:

Prov. 6:22-23 

- If your looking for something different and you've already done the above things here's something I bought earlier this year and am LOVING!!!!!

It's the Reese Chronological Bible.  It has the whole Bible in chronological order, the way things happened!  Which has been sooooo COOL!  Like did you know that Adam died right before Enoch was translated? or Seth died right before Noah was born?  and Noah died right before Abraham was born!  And this Bible doesn't start in Genesis, it starts in John 1:1-2, then Ps. 90:2, then Genesis 1:1.  And right after that it puts Is. 14 in there where it talks about the fall of satan!

It has really sparked a new interest and love of studying the Bible, I encourage any of you that wants a new way of studying God's Word to check it out!  I hope you enjoy it as much as I have! 

- Personal Character

- Maybe your like me and talk too much or don't think before you speak.  One of my resolutions is going to be to think more before I say something and even just being silent more often. 

In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

Prov. 10:19

- Or, another one I have to work on, is being more of a servant to others.

For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.

1 Cor. 9:19

They can be Physical...

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost [which is] in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

1 Cor. 6:19-20

- Like eating habits.  This is another one of mine.   Eating less to no sweets and eating more fruits and veggies and drinking more water!

- Or another one for me also is exercising!  Especially during these cold winter months that don't involve very many outdoor activities!

- Or even sending lots of ideas into the Just For Fun blog!  ;D  Just kidding!  Just kidding!  (Though I wouldn't mind if this was one of your resolutions. ;)

They could also be Mental...

Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.

For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.

Prov. 3:13-14

- Reading on specific interests throughout the year that will increase your knowledge and wisdom that can benefit you in future years!

So whatever be the case I do encourage you to make a few resolutions for this new year.  And I pray we can make them last the whole year!  ;D

I would love to hear what your resolutions are if there are some you don't mind sharing!  It may give me some more ideas for myself!  ;)

Jordan

Scripture Sunday

"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,

And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh."

Matthew 2:1-11

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!

I'm going to take a blogging break because my family and I are heading to Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO.  (If any of you have never been there I HIGHLY recomend it!  Great family vacation throughout the whole year!  Especially at Christmas!)

  I'll be back into swing New Years Eve posting some ideas for New Year's resolutions!  Just for fun!  ;)    See you then!

Jordan  ;D

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Pray you all have a very Merry Christmas.  Filled with family, friends, and God's richest blessings!

Thank you for all your support, encouragment, and participation on this blog venture!

Your comments and e-mails mean so much!  Thank you!

Hope you have a wonderful day!

By God's Grace,

Jordan

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

Isaiah 9:6

Christmas Cookie Countdown

Here is another cookie recipe from my great grandmother.  She loved to bake cookies especially at Christmas time.  So at family gatherings there would always be several plates scattered throughout the house with her yummy treats.  This is one she always brought.
These were my favorite when I was a kid.  I'd always take the red hots off and eat them first and then eat the rest.  ;)  Christmas is such a good time for memories.
Hope you enjoy them!  :)

Christmas Wreath Cookies

4 T. butter
4 c. mini marshmallows
6 c. cornflakes
green food coloring
red hots

Melt butter in large pot.  Add marshmallows and stir til melted.  Add green food coloring until desired darkness.
Stir in corn flakes.  Mix until well coated.
Then spoon onto greased wax paper.  Place three red hots on wreaths before they cool so they will stick.

Here's another fun game I just couldn't pass up on sharing...


This is a great game for Christmas parties or family gatherings!
Give everyone a candy cane as they arrive.
Through out the night if someone hears someone else say the word 'Christmas' they get that persons candy cane.  The person with the most candy canes at the end of the party wins!

Jordan

Christmas Cookie Countdown

Cut-Out Gingerbread Cookies

These cookies have a secret ingredient- coffee!

2 3/4 c. flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. ginger
1/2 cinnamon

Combine above ingredients. Set aside

In another bowl, cream together ( in the order given)

1/2 cup ( 1 stick) butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 t. vanilla extract
1/2 cup molasses
1/4 cup strong brewed coffee

Slowly add flour mixture to above mixture.

Chill for 2 hours. Roll out until 1/4" thick.
Use desired cookie cutters to make cookies.
Place cookies 1 inch apart on a greased or
parchment lined cookie sheet.
Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes.

Let cool, then decorate! I like using red and green frosting and
cute Christmas sprinkles.

Enjoy! These make quite a few, but they are so
good that you will be glad for the extras!

Samantha H. IL

And here's a quick, fun Christmas game I heard of this week!

Pick two or three people out of the group as volunteers.  Give them each a piece of green construction paper.
Have them put there hands behind their back.
In a given time limit they have to try to tear their green construction paper into a Christmas tree behind their back!
It's not as easy as it sounds!  Try it out!

Jordan

Christmas Cookie Countdown

This looks like a good recipe for all you Chocolate mint fans out there!

Jordan

Crispy Mint Chocolate Cookies

2 1/4 c. flour
1/4 c. cornstarch
6 T. unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 t. salt
1 c. sugar
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1/3 cup milk
1/2 t. vanilla
a little more than 3/4 t. peppermint extract

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, cocoa powder and salt.
In a large  bowl, cream together sugar and butter. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the milk
and extracts. Mixture will look curdled. Gradually add flour mixture until full incorporated.
Shape dough in to two logs, 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze at least 1-2 hours, until dough is very firm.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Slice dough in rounds no more than 1/4 inch thick- if they are to thick, the cookies won't be crisp. Place cookies on a parchment lined baking sheet. Place fairly close together, as the cookies don't spread much.
Bake for 13-15 minutes, checking often, as you don't want them to burn ( because they are so thin, this can happen easily if you aren't watching!)

Now for the coating. Melt 10 oz. of chocolate and 1 stick of butter in a double boiler, or a metal pan placed over a pot of boiling water. Don't get any water in the chocolate, though!
Once everything has melted you can add 1/8-1/4 t. peppermint extract to melted chocolate and butter.
Dip each cookie, turning with a fork or small tongs to coat both sides.
Transfer to parchment or wax paper to harden, at least 30 minutes.
You can decorate them with holiday sprinkles or  drizzle red or green colored frosting over them.

These taste best when they have been in the freezer for awhile. They are really good with mint or peppermint ice cream!

Samantha H. IL

Christmas Cookie Countdown

This is my families favorite Christmas time cookie.  It just wouldn't feel like Christmas without these ginger sweet cookies.

Ginger Snaps

2 c. Sugar

1 1/2 c. Oil

2 Eggs

1/2 c. Molasses

4 c. Flour

4 t. Baking Soda

1 T. Ginger

2 t. Cinnamon

1 t. Salt

In a bowl combine sugar and oil, add eggs, then molasses. 

In a separate bowl combine flour, soda, ginger, cinnamon, and salt.  Add to wet mixture and mix well. 

Roll dough into 2in. balls and roll in sugar.  Bake 350 for 10 - 12 min.
Makes about 3 dozen.

Jordan

Christmas Cookie Countdown

Today starts our Christmas Cookie Countdown!  And to start us out are these yummy looking shortbead!  Thanks for sending them in girls!

It's not too late to send in your favorite Christmas cookies!  Send to the e-mail address above with a pic. and your name and I'll be sure to post it this week!  :)

Jordan

 Here is one of our dad's favourite Christmas goodies.

                              

Traditional Shortbread

                           

1 1/3C. corn starch

1 1/3 C. powdered sugar

2/23 C. flour

 2 C. butter

 Sift together corn starch, powdered sugar, and flour with a wooden spoon, blend in butter until soft and smooth.Press into a 9 x13 pan Bake at 350 degrees for about 40 min. or until lightly browned.  These are nice and tender and buttery!

Elizabeth & Rachel M.   MN

Scripture Sunday

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them."

Luke 2: 8-20

Let's Decorate For Christmas!

Here's the last of the Decorate for Christmas week!  Thank you to all of you that sent stuff in!  :)
Next week starts our Christmas Cookie Countdown!  Be sure to send in your favorite Christmas cookie recipe!

Oh!  And be sure to take a look at the February Photo Contest above!

Have a great weekend!

Jordan

- Christmas Trees -

First, you cut out circles measuring 2,3,4,5,and 6 inches across. 5 circles total.

Then you will fold each of the circles in half 4 times. You’ll end up with a circle looking like the picture below.

Cut a small hole in the middle of each circle big enough for a small dowel or a straw to go through.

Then put on in layers, gluing as you go. And there you have it!

Jenny C. IL

Let's Decorate For Christmas!

Here's a few of the ways my family decorates for Christmas!

For our centerpiece on our table mom sets up her nativity.  People can see and enjoy it up close as they sit around the table enjoying food and fellowship.  Remembering Jesus is the reason for the season.

This is a new addition I added to our decorations this year.

In the door way leading from our kitchen to our living room I made mini cinnamon ornaments.  (Recipe under crafts: Christmas.)  And strung them onto a ribbon and draped it in the doorway.

This is also a new and very sweet addition to our decorations.

Mom took some extra jars we had and displayed them on a cute little shelf in our living room with Christmas candy inside!

A very tempting wall display!

Jordan

1 Christmas tree was the winner!  Wow!  I actually expected it to be more than one!

There are 3 new polls this time!  Be sure to cast your vote!

Let's Decorate For Christmas!

What a cute, fun way to use an extra vase!  Thanks for sending it in Rachel!  :)

Jordan

I had this cool vase left over from my wedding decorations, and I wound up with too many plastic balls to go on my tree. So I had the idea to put a bunch of them into this vase...I used three different sizes...large silver balls, medium silver balls, and tiny black glitter balls. It makes a very unique centerpiece for my coffee table, and is the simplest thing to make!! :)

Rachel H.

Let's Decorate For Christmas!

This is a really pretty and easy idea! :)

Jordan

My Mom had a very good idea this year for decorating a small shelf that we have in our kitchen.
She lined up all our glass ice-cream cups, then ran Christmas lights underneath.

It’s really pretty and gives the kitchen a cozy look.

Jenny C. IL

Let's Decorate For Christmas!

Want to decorate your desk or bookshelf for Winter? Thread a needle, and stick it through
the top a snowflake, and cut the thread to the desired length.
Just tape or tack to the top of the desk.
Do that to as many snowflakes as you want!

Jenny C. IL

Let's Decorate For Christmas!

Yea!  Today is the first day of our "Let's Decorate For Christmas" week! 

I'm so excited some really cute ideas were sent in!  But there's still time!  If you have a decorating idea to share send it in!  There's room for more!  :)

Here is an ADORABLE idea sent in by Jenny C. IL. 

Jordan

- Ornaments -

Cut 1 small strip of paper out of some cute scrapbook paper. Then cut 2 more a little bit longer than the 1st strip. Then cut 2 more longer than the 2nd. And last, cut 2 more longer than the 3rd strips.

End up with 7 strips total.

Then, on a flat surface, lay down 1 of the longest strips, then the next shortest on top, and so on until you get to the shortest. And then you do the same thing, but backwards. (Hope this makes sense! I’m sure you’ll figure it out! The pictures will help.)

Anyways, staple the ends together at one end.

Next, take the ends, and make them all straight, and carefully staple.

Tie on a string, and you’ve got a cute ornament!

Scripture Sunday

"And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn."

Luke 2:3-7

Misc. Saturday: A Question For You!

What is your favorite Christmas memory/ or family tradition?

Mine is probably the tradition of sleeping in front of my grandpa's fire place Christmas Eve night.  It's always so warm and comforting.  And it's fun to do it with my brothers and my mom sometimes!

And participating in our church caroling.

Now, what's yours?  :)

Jordan

Game Friday

Here is a hilarious game to play in the car or even during the day!

Jordan

<<<- WHAT?! ->>>

This is kind of like a word tag.  And the word 'what' is it. 

Pick a person to be it.  They are the only one that gets to use and say the word 'what'.  And they try to make someone else say 'what'.  The person that says it, is it!  And the game goes on until you decide to stop!  :D

When my brothers and I first played this game we didn't realize how often we said that word!  It's a challenge!

Have fun!  :)

Recipe Thursday

Here is a comforting soup I made for lunch yesterday!  It was a big hit.

Jordan

Polish Sausage

4 Potatoes, cubed

1 Chopped Onion

8 c. Water

5 Chicken Bullion Cubes

1 T. Parsley

1 t. Minced Garlic

1/2 t. Salt

Dash of Pepper, Cumin, Hot Sauce, Marjoram

1 Can Tomato Paste

1/2 Bag Frozen Green Beans

1 c. Frozen Corn

3 T. Corn Starch

In skillet fry sausage til done.  Pour into large pot, drippings and all.  Add next ten ingredients (down through green beans.)  Bring to a boil.  Cook til veggies are tender.  Add corn and continue cooking for 5-7 min. more.

Take 1/2 of broth from pot.  Mix with corn starch til smooth and stir back into pot.  Boil for 2-3 min. longer til soup is thick.

Enjoy! 

Makes about 10 servings.

****************************************

New poll to the left!

Hairdo Wednesday

Here's a hairdo idea I got when watching BBC North and South!

Jordan

First, take your hair and part it down the middle half way.  Then across from ear to ear.  See below...

Pull the side sections forward.  Then pull the back section into a ponytail.

Don't pull tight!!!  Take your finger and make a part in the back of your head behind the pony tie, Not all the way through!

Now, take the pony tail and stuff into the space...  Make sure the hair doesn't go all the way through, but lays inside the space...

Now, take the side sections, twist, and bobby pin ends into the bun...

And there you go!  :)

Kids on Tuesday

<<<- Find the Pickle ->>>

This is a family tradition my grandparents have done for us kids every Christmas since I was very small!  It's a lot of fun.

They hide a pickle ornament somewhere in their Christmas tree.  And at the appointed time all the cousins start looking for it.  The child that finds the pickle first gets to open their gift first, or gets a prize!

You could use any ornament.  You could play this game in a class setting too for a Christmas party!

Jordan

Crafty Monday

Hello girls!  I don't have anything to post today so I encourage you to head over to Simple Delights!  She has some adorable ideas on how to package your Christmas treats!

http://simpledelights-samantha.blogspot.com/2010/12/12-days-of-handmade-christmas-packing.html

Jordan

Scripture Sunday

And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

...

For with God nothing shall be impossible.

And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

Luke 1:30-33, 37-38

Game Friday

<<<- Take the Prize and Pass It On ->>>

Here's a give away game to play at a girls party!

Write down about 10 or more random questions.  Like...

Whoever has the longest hair.

Who's the youngest person here.

Who has the biggest purse.

Who has the most things in their purse.

etc...

Then when the time comes to play hold the prize and read the first question.  Whoever, for example, has the longest hair, or whatever you first question is, gets the to hold the prize while you read the next question.  Then the person who answers that question gets to hold the prize and so on down the list til you get to the last question.  The person that answers the last question is the winner and really gets to keep the prize.

It's a fun game that keeps people guessing at who gets the prize!

Jordan

Recipe Thursday

<-----  There's a new poll to the left!

My mom LOVES chocolate rice krispies.  So I whipped these up yesterday afternoon and they are REALLY yummy!

->>> Double Chocolate Krispies <<<-

Ingredients:

3 T. Butter

10 oz. Bag Marshmallows

6 c. Chocolate Rice Krispies

1/2 c. Mini Chocolate Chips

Sprinkles

Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.  Add marshmallows, stir constantly until melted. 

Remove form heat.  Add cereal and stir til well blended.

Let cool for 1-2 min.  While waiting grease a 13x9 pan.

Mix chocolate chips in to rice krispies.  Press into 13x9.

Sprinkle top with sprinkles and chocolate chips.  Let cool completely, cut and serve!

Enjoy!

Jordan

Hairdo Wednesday

Here is a quick cute way to pull back your hair.

You'll need about 5 small claw clips.

Bruch your hair straight back.

Then divide your hair into 5 sections and pull to the back of your head and clip.

And that's it!

Jordan