My Five Goals for 2015

Yes, it is that time of year again.  Refocus.  Make goals.  

I thought I would share a few of my goals for 2015.

1.  Take vitamins faithfully.  I don't know why I struggle with this but I do.  So I made it a goal and a commitment.

2.  Pay off our remaining credit card debt.  In 2014, we paid off our van loan and have no vehicle debt -PTL!  Our goal is to pay off our credit card debt by April 2015.

3.  No Media Night.  In this day and age of technology, it is easy to get caught up in media constantly.  I want to personally take one night a week to purposely put it aside for other things.

4.  Run another 5k.  This is my way to make sure I stay faithful to running and exercising. :)

5.  Give to missions monthly.  This is a goal my husband presented to our church in November.  

I encourage you to take time to make a goal or two to better you in 2015!

The Discovery Museum

During our week of Christmas break, we went to the Discovery Museum downtown.  The girls had earned a free family pass in softball so it was free!  Everyone enjoyed it!  

Many fun things to do including playing in the water and climbing in the clouds. :)

That day, you could create your own photo frame to take home in The Shop.  I thought Sierra was so creative in creating her own by herself.  When all else fails, duct tape!  It actually turned out quite cute!  For her photo, she asked if she could pose with the glasses and tools.  I loved it!

This was Addie's that she created.

Summer and I just had fun picking and gluing. :)  Four year olds are so fun and she was so cute in those glasses.

Autumn made her photo frame for me - which was so sweet!  She wanted me in the photo that she took.  Autumn is always thinking and doing for others.

Christmas 2014

Our Christmas was very special this year.  Christmas Eve day was very rainy which we happen to enjoy here in the desert!  

The morning was full of a photo inspection job, a few last errands, cleaning of the home and preparation of food.  

At 4 o'clock, we attended a Christmas Eve service at a nearby local church.  It was a blessing to sit with our family (and Josh :) and be ministered to  - a change for us who usually are the ones working and leading.  We enjoyed the Christmas music and message as well as watching the rain turn to snow as the service progressed.

When we arrived home, we enjoyed our Christmas dinner.  Ham, cottage mashed potatoes, creamy corn casserole, green bean casserole, rolls, shrimp cocktail, macaroni and cheese along with punch pop and sparkling cider.  Christmas cupcakes were for dessert.

Then one of my favorite parts, we sat around the table after dishes and cleaning up...and sang with the guitar.  Singing as a family has always been something we have enjoyed through our growing up years.  Singing this year was something that added a little home to the holiday.  We so enjoyed having Josh as part of our Christmas.  :)

The next morning, I came home to my family waiting to open gifts and read the Christmas story.  My husband had made me a perfect cup of coffee and a delicious omelet.  Mmm!

Yes, I love all my gifts and God was so good to our family.  His blessings abounded in 2014 and I pray even more so in 2015.

Recipe: Creamy Corn Casserole

This is one of my favorite holiday recipes.  A pastor's wife, Mrs. Vaprezsan, gave me this recipe years ago and our family has used it since then.  It has become a family tradition.  

It is so moist and delicious!  It will not disappoint.

I made this for our Christmas dinner this year and thought I would share it with you.  

Creamy Corn Casserole

1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 can creamed corn
1 can whole kernel corn, drained
1 container (8 oz.) sour cream
2 eggs, beaten
1 package cornbread mix
1 can (4 oz.) chopped green chilies

In a large bowl, combine butter, creamed corn, and whole kernel corn.  Stir in sour cream and eggs.  Add cornbread mix, blend well.  Stir in chilies.  Pour batter into a greased 13x9 baking dish.  Bake 35-40 min. or until lightly browned and toothpick comes out clean.

Our Adventure in Ice Skating

This week, we took the girls ice skating.  We have a seasonal outdoor rink outside the Aces Ballpark.  The girls had a blast and did great for their first time.

Of course, we had to try the hot apple cider.  Mmm!

Reno is a great city for activities as well as a beautiful skyline.  We love our town!

Connecting with Your Neighbors at Christmas

Christmas is a perfect time to do a kind deed for your neighbors!  We have lived in our home for six years.  Neighbors come and go.  Two have stayed the same for the last six years.  This season is a great excuse to do something nice and be a witness for Christ in some way.  

This year, we made 

peanut butter fudge and chocolate dipped candy cane stirrers.  

Fudge is a PERFECT homemade treat to make.  It is easy, it makes a large amount and people usually only have it around Christmas time.

I use the JIF recipe for fudge:

3 cups sugar

1/2 cup butter

2/3 cup evaporated milk

1 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter

1 (7oz) jar marshmallow creme

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Line a 13x9 inch pan with foil.  Spray with no-stick cooking spray.

Combine sugar, butter and milk in large saucepan, stirring constantly on medium heat until mixture comes to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes, stirring constantly.  Remove from heat.

Add peanut butter.  Stir until well-blended.  Add marshmallow creme and vanilla.  Beat until well blended.  Spread in prepared pan.  Cool.

The second treat I decided to make was 

chocolate dipped candy cane stirrers.  

This is a fairly easy treat to make - just a little messy. :)

Melt chocolate chips and a little shortening in the microwave.  Stir until smooth.

Take the wrappers off the candy canes.  

Dip each candy cane and decorate as you want with sprinkles, crushes candy, etc.

We also used almond bark and dipped with both.

I did the ones for the neighbors.  Then the girls got to do a set for themselves.  They had so much fun dipping and being creative.

And the fun part!  Make a cup of hot cocoa...and use your candy cane as a stirrer!  The chocolate and peppermint melts and makes your hot cocoa extra tasty. :)

I packaged the fudge and candy canes in Ziploc baggies and placed in these gift bags.  We also included a baggie (seen in the first picture) of a John and Romans, a pen and a magnet with our church logo, a letter inviting them to our church Christmas banquet, and a Christmas photo card of our family.  The girls delivered these to each of our six neighbors.  Two of our neighbors were at our banquet.  

Take a minute to spread God's love this season!

Gifts in a Jar - Ideas and Recipes for Christmas Gifts

This year, the girls and I did gifts in a jar for their Sunday School and Awana teachers.  I really enjoyed this! 

It is a great homemade gift, easy for kids to do, can be done ahead of time, and good for those who aren't crafty or don't bake. 

I thought I would share the recipes with you.

Chili Taco Mix

Ingredients
1/2 cup dried kidney beans
1/2 cup dried pinto beans
1/2 cup dried red beans
1 envelope taco seasoning mix
1 tablespoon dried minced onion
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1-1/2 cups tortilla chips

Additional Ingredients:
4 cups water
1 pound ground beef
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes with mild green chilies
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce

Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, shredded lettuce and sliced ripe olives

Directions:
1. Layer the beans in a 1-qt. glass jar. Place seasonings in a small resealable plastic bag; place in jar. Top with chips. Cover and store in a cool dry place for up to 2 months. Yield: 1 batch.
2. To prepare chili: Remove chips and seasoning packet from jar and set aside. Sort beans and rinse in cold water.
3. Place beans in a Dutch oven; add water to cover by 2 in. Bring to a boil; boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; cover and let soak for 1 to 4 hours or until softened. Drain and rinse beans, discarding liquid.
4. Return beans to the pan. Add contents of seasoning packet and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 hour or until beans are tender.
5. In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Add to the bean mixture; stir in tomatoes and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Crush tortilla chips. Stir into chili; cook for 5-10 minutes or until thickened. Serve with cheese, lettuce and olives if desired. Yield: 9 servings (2-1/4 quarts).

We also did Sand Art Brownie Mix.  Mmm and so pretty!

Ingredients:
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
2/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup Baking Cocoa
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup vanilla or white chips
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Additional Ingredients:
3 eggs
2/3 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:
1. In a small bowl, combine flour and salt. In a 1-qt. glass container, layer flour mixture, brown sugar, sugar, cocoa, chips and pecans. Cover and store in a cool dry place up to 6 months. Yield: 1 batch (about 4 cups total).
2. To prepare brownies: Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, oil and vanilla. Add brownie mix; stir until blended.
3. Spread into a greased 9-in.-square baking pan. Bake 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean (do not overbake). Cool on a wire rack. 
Yield: 16 servings.

You can find fun labels online such as these.

Jar Labels Printable

My dad gave me this little books several years ago.  They have great ideas for soups, breads, dips, and sweet gifts.

You can buy premade items like these but it is so much fun to make and give instead!  

Tradition of Making Christmas Cookies - Including Our Cookie Recipe!

After school this week, the girls and I made Christmas cut out cookies for our family.  This can be quite the trying experience with kids.  Ha!  "I want to roll out the dough!  I want to cut out the dough!  I want to put the sprinkles on!"

So, the trick is...if you try this adventure for yourself, decide this batch of cookies is only for the family so it doesn't matter is Santa is a little lopsided or the the gingerbread man has a little too much flour.  :)

It was a lot of fun and the girls did very well.  

We used my Grandma Holt's cookie recipe and two of her cookie cutters that we used as kids with my Grandma that I was given when she passed away.  

Christmas is a special time of traditions and this is one I am happy to pass on to my girls.

My Grandma Holt's Sugar Cut Out Cookies

1 1/2 cups sugar
vanilla
1 cup shortening
1 cup flour 
1 egg
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup buttermilk
1 tsp. baking soda

Cream the sugar and shortening together.  Add the vanilla, egg and salt to the creamed mixture and beat well.
Add the baking soda to the buttermilk and let sit for 5 minutes.
Sift together the flour and baking powder.
Alternately add the buttermilk mixture to the sugar mixture, then add some of the flour mixture. Continue until all ingredients are well blended.
Add flour until you can roll it out - 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick.

Bake at 425 degrees for 8-10 minutes (a little darker than off white).

The recipe for frosting we like to use with this cookie recipe is from the Christian Womanhood cookbook.

1/2 cup water
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. flavoring (vanilla or almond)
6 cups powdered sugar
1 cup white shortening

Combine water, salt, flavoring and powdered sugar and mix with a flat white Kitchenaid beater.  Add shortening and beat at low speed until all ingredients are mixed together.  Beat at medium speed for 8 minutes.  

Store in jar or airtight bowl at room temp. for several days or in fridge for longer.

Recipes from our Annual Cookie Exchange

Last week, we had our annual Ladies Cookie Exchange for Christmas.  

I thought I would share the recipes that were turned in to me from the exchange.  Yum!

Christmas Cookie Exchange Recipes

I hope you enjoy them.   Thank you to the ladies who participated!

Three Reasons to Stop Christmas Shopping Now

Last night, my husband and I were treated to dinner at the Cheesecake Factory by one of the couples in our church.  Since the restaurant is in our mall, we took a few minutes to walk around the mall and "look at deals".  We have our Christmas shopping completed but it is always a temptation to spend on a "great deal"!  

But I like what my husband told me.  We had our Christmas budget, we met it.  Even though we have more money coming in that we could potentially use for "a bigger and better Christmas"...we said enough is enough.  

I read this article this morning and thought it had some great thoughts and wanted to share it with you.  It is by The Peaceful Mom.

Three Reasons to Stop Christmas Shopping Now

Merry Christmas!

My Recommendation for a Value Lotion

Sometimes, it is difficult to find generic products that work as well as a brand name product.  This is a product that I feel is a good generic product to purchase.  You can find it at Dollar General for only $1 a bottle.

It has a fresh smell and isn't thin like some lotions.  It is a good value for a great price. :)

Recipe: Beefy Nacho Soup

This was a new recipe from Betty Crocker that I tried this week and I really liked it!  

A few ideas to change this recipe:  I used Fiesta Nacho Cheese Soup - it made for a nice, spicy taste.    

You could also add corn, black or kidney beans, cumin for seasoning.  If it is too thick, add a little chicken broth.

It is a hearty soup that both husbands and kids will enjoy.

Beefy Nacho Soup

1 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef (I used ground turkey)
1 tablespoon Old El Paso™ 40% less sodium taco seasoning mix (from 1 oz package)
1 can (10 3/4 oz) condensed nacho cheese soup (Use fiesta nacho if you like spicy)
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
1 1/2 cups milk
1/4 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (1 oz)
1/2 cup crushed corn tortilla chips

In 2-quart saucepan, cook ground beef over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly cooked; drain.

Reduce heat to medium. Stir in remaining ingredients except shredded cheese and tortilla chips. Cook 8 to 12 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring frequently. 

Top individual servings with shredded cheese and tortilla chips.

Decorating your Church Lobby for Christmas

I thought I would share a few ideas of 

decorating your church lobby.  

Since we did not have a Christmas decorating budget, 

Jenny used what we currently had from last year and added in a few things of her own.  

Merry Christmas!

A Cost Effective Alternative to Chicken Broth

Holiday cooking is here along with soup/stew season.  This means you may be using a lot of chicken broth as a base for many of your dishes or soups.

That can get expensive quick.  A carton of chicken broth costs approximately $1.88.  This will add up very quickly.

I switched to a soup base and it has been awesome!  One container makes 91 servings (8 oz. broth).  The container costs less than $4.00.  

A great value for your cooking needs.  Try it today! 

The Labor of Self-Love

"The labor of self-love is a heavy one indeed.  Think for yourself whether much of your sorrow has not arisen from someone speaking slightingly of you.  As long as you set yourself up as a little god to which you must be loyal there will be those who will delight to offer affront to your idol.  How then can you hope to have inward peace?  The heart's fierce effort to protect itself from every slight, to shield its touchy honor from the bad opinion of friend and enemy, will never let the mind have rest.  Continue this fight though the years and the burden will become intolerable.  Yet the sons of earth are carrying this burden continually, challenging every word spoken against them, cringing under every criticism, smarting under each fancied slight, tossing sleepless if another is preferred before them."

"Such a burden as this is not necessary to bear.  Jesus calls us to His rest, and meekness is His method.  The meek man cares not at all who is greater than he, for has long ago decided that the esteem of the world is not worth the effort."

From:  The Pursuit of God.  A.W. Tozer

As a human, we often struggle with this concept of acceptance of who we are.  The process of loving ourselves for who we are. This seems right.  We need to accept ourselves for who we are.  Is it?  I like how Tozer presents it - we have set ourselves up as a little god.  Wow.  That puts it in a different perspective, doesn't it?  

I'll be vulnerable here for a minute.  Pastor's wives, to some in your ministry, we are the beloved.  We all love those people.  They make our "job" easy.  Yet in the light of reality, not everyone loves us.  And just to say that fact, hurts deeply.  Things you say...things you do...become misunderstood.  You want to protect yourself from the attacks, big or small.  Your mind can become consumed with what others think...how they perceive you...how to defend yourself.

Rethink the concept of self-love.  Give up the fight.  And you will find inward peace.

Recipe: Creamy Beef Stroganoff

There are hundreds of beef stroganoff recipes out there.  This is one I tried this week and really enjoyed!  It uses ground beef for a cheaper alternative.  Who doesn't love this yummy comfort food on a cold December night?

One-Pot Creamy Beef Stroganoff

1 lb. ground beef
2 packages (8 oz. each) sliced mushrooms
1 can (12 oz.) evaporated milk
1 package Hidden Valley ranch dressing mix
1 lb. uncooked medium egg noodles
1 container (12 oz.) sour cream

Cook beef until brown seasoned with salt and pepper - drain.  Saute mushrooms in a dollap of butter.  Mmm!

In a large pot, combine evaporated milk, 4 1/2 cups of hot water and the noodles.  Add beef and mushrooms.  Noodles will not be completely covered at first. Heat to boiling over high heat.  Reduce heat; simmer uncovered 7-8 minutes, stirring frequently, just until noodles are tender. 

Add ranch seasoning.  Remove from heat.  Stir in sour cream.

  ***You can double the evaporated milk to make extra saucy.

***You can substitute 2 cans of mushrooms for fresh.

***Serve with sour cream and a veggie on the side.

Repurposing Summer Decor for Christmas

My Christmas Porch:  Repurposing Summer Decor

Guest Post:  Jenny Musser

Here are a few ways I repurposed some of my summer outdoor decorations.  I used the same blue pillows I had used all summer long on my front porch.  I repurposed the blue urn and hanging sphere from the back yard.  To make the blue more "wintery", I added some Christmas greenery picks from Hobby Lobby costing $12 - they were each half off.   

I have had this Christmas wreath for a few years but wanted to add something to it other then the traditional bow.  So, I found this Merry Christmas sign at Hobby Lobby for $6 - it was also half off.   

I hope this post will help you turn non-traditional Christmas decor into something you can use now.  

Happy Decorating!

"Clutter-Free Gifts" for Christmas

I heard a commercial on the radio for Once Upon a Child yesterday.  Sell your gently used toys to us to make way for your new Christmas toys.

Christmas can be a time where we add to the clutter of our home just because you are supposed to give a toy to a child for Christmas!

An idea that I came across was ideas for 

"Clutter-Free Gifts".  

I have a few in mind for my husband. :)  

Here are some ideas:

Museum membership

Sporting events tickets

Gym membership

Hotel stay

Special dinner out

Baby Sitting  

(This is a great item to do for friends or families in your church.  It is free and they will love it!)

Massage

Spa

Nail Salon

Coffee or tea

Flowers

Lessons of their interest - Cooking, Photography, Computer, Golf, Singing, Instrument, Dance

Family Portraits

Restaurant gift card

Movie passes

Activity such as ice skating, skiing, horseback riding

Zoo membership

Magazine subscription

*You can get great deals through sites like Groupon, Living Social, Deal Chicken and more for items just like this.  They can use it when they want."

Get creative and think of your own "Clutter-Free Gifts"!

When Waiting is not Wasting

"It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord."  Lamentations 3:26

I don't like to wait.  I suppose it is because it is costing me time I don't have.  Waiting is wasting in my book.

Not so with our God.  Waiting is never wasted when you are waiting on God.  Even though we can't see it, He is always working on the plan for your life.  He has a purpose always.

So, when it seems you are just waiting...God is working, not wasting the moments of your life.  Just wait and trust Him.

"It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord."

Christmas and Budget Do Go Together!

The words Christmas and budget do go together!  The key to putting happy in the Happy Holidays is to plan and execute that plan.

The Christmas Budgeting Form is a handy form that it is still not to late to use for this Christmas and keep on hand for next year.  (Start a new one in January and you will know how much each month you need to save for your Christmas 2015 budget!)

I like this form because it includes other items and categories besides gifts.  Gifts are only one part of Christmas expense.

Wrapping Expense - Paper, boxes, ribbons, tape

Christmas Cards - Photo shoot, printing of cards, stamps

Food and Entertainment - Special meals such as Christmas dinner, a meal out, a special activity such as ice skating/skiing

Travelling Expenses - Gas, Airfare, Hotels, Food Costs

Charitable Donations - Church, Homeless Shelter, Angel Tree...There are so many different options to give to others this season!

Miscellaneous

Gifts/Homemade Gift Supplies

For the gifts category, I made a list of every one that we will be purchasing a gift for and the amount that we will spend.  From this form, I know my entire Christmas budget needed.

Printable Christmas Budgeting Form

One of the printable forms that I have enjoyed using this Christmas season is the Printable Christmas Gift List.  I have one for each member of our family.  

For example, each daughter has a budgeted amount of money for their gifts.  I put that amount at the top in the Budgeted Amount slot.  As I order or purchase a gift on their list, I write it in the Gift Description slot and the amount I spent.  It serves as a ledger for me.  I know the gifts I have purchased, the amount I spent and the amount that is left in their budget.  You can also mark if it is wrapped.  A really helpful tool!

Printable Christmas Gift List

Christmas can be a stressful time of year if you allow it to become so.  Being organized with just a few tools and helps can greatly reduce the stress.  Come into the new year knowing you stayed on budget for the holidays without debt.  

Recipe: One-Pot Ten-Minute Beef and Broccoli

I made this quick and easy recipe last night for dinner and it was a go with the hubby!

One-Pot Ten-Minute Beef and Broccoli

1 lb. ground beef  (I used ground turkey)
1 bag frozen chopped broccoli (I prefer broccoli florets)
1 bunch chopped green onions, greens and whites separated
3 cups cooked rice
1 cup thick teriyaki marinade and sauce

Cook beef with salt to taste until brown.  Steam broccoli in bag in microwave.  (I simply cut off on corner and cook for 6 minutes flipping the bag once.)  Add whites of green onions to pan with ground beef, and cook 1 minute.

Stir in rice and teriyaki sauce.  Cook and stir about 2 minutes until rice is heated through.

Stir in broccoli.  Top with green onion tops.

Meal Planning for the Christmas Holidays

Christmas is three weeks away but today is a perfect time to plan your holiday menu!

First, decide what special holiday meals you will be making.

Perhaps you want a Christmas Eve dinner.  Or maybe a special Christmas Day breakfast or brunch. Or possibly the traditional Christmas dinner.  You may want all!  Whatever you choose, you will want to be prepared.

Second, create your menu.

Include your special holiday dishes that are tradition for your family.  Since we share Thanksgiving with many people, I like to choose some dishes for Christmas that have become tradition for our family through the years.

Third, collect your recipes and place in your binder.

Just like Thanksgiving, gather all the recipes you will need to make your special meals.  You will not have to search on the day for that one recipe and can't find it.  And you will be able to create your shopping list from the recipes.

Fourth, create your grocery shopping list.

Yes, make that list now!  

1.  Your grocery budget will not be shocked on Christmas week. 

2.  You can pick up items during the month that you need when they are on sale.

3.  Your shopping trip will not be overwhelming if you spread it out over a month.

Here is a simple meal planning sheet that is adaptable for your holiday meal planning.

Meal Planning Sheet

Here is my Christmas dinner menu.  You can change the menu and print this as well.  :)

Christmas Dinner Menu 2014

Happy holiday planning!