Christmas Cookies

When it comes to Christmas, we tend to think of Santa, trees, elves, and toys.  Let's not forget about all the goodies. You have fruitcake, candy canes, buckeyes, hard Christmas candy and of course cookies. I don't know about you but the cookies are my favorite, especially the homemade decorated ones.

For the last few years, my kids and I have been making candy and baking cookies. We have come to really like the decorating part. Each person gathers around the table and puts their artistic selves to work. I must say we sometimes amaze ourselves with the outcome. I do believe we get better every year.

My husband has decided that he is the ultimate cookie taster. Although you can't go to wrong with store bought dough. I do however make the icing from scratch. Either way, we try to accommodate him by accidentally messing a few up so he can taste them. It makes him happy and the kids are happy to oblige.

After our Christmas making/baking is finished, we neatly pack and distribute them to friends and family. This is our way of saying Merry Christmas from our house to yours.

Community Generousity

So this church came to my apartments to help with thanksgiving dinner, Suzanne White Roberts, the boys and I walked over to the community center, there was singing and it was a really cool little set up. I got a 16lb turkey, stuffing, corn, green beans, mashed potatoes and a red velvet cake mix with butter cream icing. Also, they did a raffle and I won a $15 gift card to Frischs. Feeling pretty blessed today. I think the boys and I may be going to church in the morning. :)

What a great thing communities do for their own. I was there to witness the testimony of God, grace, and humanity.

I have never been a part of something like this before. It was wonderful to see people go out of their way, that don't have to, to make sure others have a wonderful holiday. Just seeing this makes my Thanksgiving more meaningful.  I am so thankful for these kind people for seeing that people in need have a wonderful dinner.

The young lady that shared this story to social media is a recovering addict.  I have seen her go from deaths door to tears of graciousness in a record amount of time.  She may not be rich in monetary means but she is rich with the blessings God has in store for her.  She has turned her life around, got custody of her two beautiful boys back and works a full time job.  She doesn't own a car, when need be she will walk those boys to daycare,(where she has to cut through the woods on a trail due to location and no sidewalks), so she can catch a bus to get to work.  If that isn't determination, I don't know what is. I am proud to call her my daughter. So to see people come and give her hope is something I am truly thankful for.

I know we would like to believe that poverty in our great nation doesn't exist, but it does.  Please keep this in mind, if there is anything you can do for anyone, please do.  You will be truly rewarded in ways you can't imagine.

Christmas Lights

The Christmas lights

With their beautiful glare

So bold and bright

They fill the air

What can I say

Red and green

They take your breath away

With their festive scene

The children stop to stare

While the adults look on amazed

As they emit their flare

And leave everyone dazed

The Christmas lights

Come in different colors

Even in whites

To please our mothers

Beauty the are

To all those around

You can see them afar

Even from the ground

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time to get together with your loved ones (friends and family) and give thanks.  

Be thankful for all the blessings God has created for you. Don't take for granted that your friends and family will always be there. Take the opportunity while you have it to tell them how much they mean to you.

Also be thankful for the "little things" like hugs, smiles, and "thank yous". They don't come around very often either. People get to busy to say or do these things. 

Be thankful for what you have. Many people don't have beds, homes, cars, or family. It's extremely nice to be able to lie in a comfy bed at night instead of a bench somewhere. 

Please take Thanksgiving and tell all those you care about how thankful you are to have them. 

Family Dinner

via Daily Prompt: Argument

We all know the holidays are coming, which is supposed to bring cheer, good will, and of course family get together. Tis the season!!! I do believe to be jolly is what follows that saying but let’s be real, it isn’t always so.

There’s nothing worse than sitting down to a beautifully prepared meal and an argument breaks out. You are sitting there with the best china, good friends, and family when all of a sudden, your sibling wants to fight. REALLY???? Why can’t you just have a nice meal? Your poor mother is distraught. Why wouldn’t she be? After all, she’s been preparing for days to make sure everything was perfect.

After about ten minutes, words have been said, feelings have been hurt, and someone is crying. And for what? No doubt it was over something so silly and so immature that it could’ve been avoided to begin with. All because of jealousy I’m sure. This is one of the main problems with family. One thinks the other has or gets more than they do. It’s just not fair. Well they have all the attention now.

I really hope the holidays bring you peace and joy. With nothing but love and compliments from each other. Don’t argue. It’s just a waste of time and nobody benefits from it. If anything, the only benefit is a bad time.

The Christmas Tree

via Daily Prompt: Tree

The Christmas tree is a figment of what you believe Christmas to be.  For many of us, our tree represents our own spirit of the holiday. It speaks volumes about what kind of mood we set for ourselves that time of the year.

Me, however, my tree changes year to year. It is either white or green and depending on the theme, the color of lights must coincide with the decor.  From there, we must decide what will be the right ornaments. Afterall, it has to be perfect.

A Christmas tree is something of sheer beauty, in which one can merely stare at forever. It's especially beautiful when you turn off the house lights and let the tree radiate in its own glory.  If the tinsel and lights are just right, it is truly stunning.