In December, I received a wonderful surprise in the mail...a gift from an old college friend! It was a special friend, Erica Johnson, from Denver, Colorado. She sent me her very own copy of Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot. She said it meant so much to her and she wanted to share it with me. She also sent me a Starbucks coffee cup and her favorite flavor of Starbucks coffee! What a sweet surprise and a special blessing for the day! Thank you Erica!

Playing with Christmas toys!

Our New Arrival!

I want to introduce you to my newest little nephew...
Luke Alan Gieseler was born December 24, 2008 - Christmas Eve. He was 8lbs. 7 oz. and 21 1/2 in. long. He lives in Apache Junction, Arizona. His parents are Josh and Rhoda Gieseler and big brother - Jordan.
I am so glad to have a new little buddy in my life!
P.S. I have added the Gieseler's website on my blog.:)

New Year Goals

New Year's Day is rapidly approaching...I love New Year's because it is a time of new beginnings! A time to refresh our spirit...renew our goals...and rejuvenate our life! What are some of your goals for this forthcoming year? What would you like to improve in your life? Share your ideas and goals with me! I would love to hear from you!

My spiritual goal for this year is to grow my faith in the Lord! I believe that is one area that we all can continue to grow. I do not want to waste any time...fretting, worrying or stressing...in my heart or life! I want to learn to trust the Lord wholly and completely! I plan to study verses in the Bible to help me in this area...praying for the Lord's help in this matter.

I pray that you will attain your spiritual goals in this new year!

The Tastet Family Christmas-2008

The Tastet Family Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas day! We read the Christmas story together as a family and had prayer in the morning...then we opened our gifts from each other. We had Christmas dinner with Eric's family - his dad and brother. I made chicken and duck (for his dad:), mashed potatoes and gravy, cream cheese corn, deviled eggs and peach cobbler with french vanilla ice cream for dessert. We then relaxed around the home. A nice...refreshing Christmas.
Happy Birthday Jesus!

Christmas Eve Service-2008

Our Christmas Eve Service...

Wednesday evening, we had our Christmas Eve service at church. The service was held in only the lights of the the Christmas decorations. We sang Christmas carols together as a congregation. Then our pastor gathered the children at the front of the auditorium...sat in the rocking chair...and told the story of the candy cane. All the children received their own candy canes. Everyone then received a candle...each person could only light one candle...until all the candles were lit. In the light of the candles...we shared blessings and testimonies of the year 2008 with our church family. What a blessed time on Christmas Eve to share our love and thankfulness to the Lord!

Merry Christmas to all!

Merry Christmas to all our friends and family!

Christmas Activities: Playing in the snow!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Christmas Activities: Christmas Caroling

Last Saturday, our church family went Christmas caroling to three different nursing homes in our town. It was a special time for all who went...to be able to see the smiles on the faces of the dear people in the nursing homes! It is a time to share with those less fortunate in the Christmas season.
Both of my parents work in nursing homes so I am well-acquainted with them. As children and teenagers, we held many church services in nursing homes through the years. My mom played the piano, my sisters and I sang and my father preached.
So it was a special blessing for me to be able to take my three young girls and teach them what Christmas is about...giving and sharing with others.
Merry Christmas!

The Ten Commandments of Christmas

The Ten Commandments of Christmas

1. Thous shalt not leave Christ out of Christmas.
2. Thou shalt value the gift of family, friends, and a good church above all other gifts.
3. Thou shalt learn the joy of giving thyself, thy love, thy time and thy service.
4. Thou shalt not forget those who have invested in thy life.
5. Thou shalt be patient and kind to others during the busy holiday season.
6. Thou shalt not neglect the church or the work of it during the holidays.
7. Thou shalt not neglect the needy. Let thy bountiful blessings be shared.
8. Thou shalt spend time with the Lord each day in Bible and prayer.
9. Thou shalt tell others the true meaning of Christmas.
10. Thou shalt give thy heart anew to Christ.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Activities: Visit to Santa!

Last Tuesday, we took our three daughters to the local library to see Santa Claus!

On a side note: search your hometown for various free events like this. You don't have to settle for the long lines at the mall to see Santa Claus...be astonished at the outrageous prices for photos...and then find out they will not allow you to take any pictures of your children with your camera! By the way this happened to me one time!

There are great events that are free, fun and welcome you and your family!
The girls enjoyed the visit...Addie, our oldest, turned shy. Autumn, our second child, was quiet. However, our youngest, Sierra, loved Santa! She babbled to him...played with his shiny belt buckle...and told him she was a good girl! OK...just kidding!

Christmas Activities: Sister's Keeper Christmas Party

I thought I would put some of our family's Christmas activities as my blog entries...

Last Friday evening, we had our Sister's Keeper Christmas party! It was held at our pastor's wife's home - Mrs. Carla Ralstin. We enjoyed an evening of food and fellowship...yummy homemade candies and food...a fun gift exchange...and a time of sharing our blessings from the year 2008. What an incredible blessing to have so many Christian ladies to share fellowship with!

After the party, four of us ladies went to hospital. One of our church ladies has been in the hospital for 7 weeks due to complications of her pregnancy. We were able to visit with her as well as decorate her room for Christmas with a Christmas tree and other festive decorations. Her words of gratefulness did not mean more than her tears of joy when we came walking in her room.

A true way to share the real meaning of Christmas to others...loving and giving!

Christmas Decorating Idea: Cranberry-Crimson Centerpiece

Cranberry-Crimson Centerpiece

This simple centerpiece is easy to make and gorgeous to set out. Fill a ceramic dish with cranberries and settle a single flower over evergreens in the middle. Use a dish shaped in a Christmas shape...stars, angels, bells, etc.

So elegant!

Holiday Baking: Holiday Snowmen Cookies

More great Christmas cookie ideas! Snowmen cookies can also be a fun treat in January! Whip up a batch and enjoy with a cup of cocoa!

Holiday Snowmen

Makes: 18 snowmen

Prep: 30 minutes
Bake: 8 to 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 18-ounce roll refrigerated chocolate chip, sugar, or peanut butter cookie dough
• 1 cup sifted powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
• Gumdrops
• Miniature semisweet chocolate pieces

Directions

1. Cut cookie dough into 18 equal pieces. Divide each dough piece into 3 balls: one large (about 1-1/4 inches in diameter), one medium (about 1 inch in diameter), and one small (about 3/4 inch in diameter). Assemble each set of balls 1/4 inch apart in a snowman shape on an ungreased cookie sheet, placing the largest balls 2 inches apart so the snowmen don't bake together.

2. Bake in a 375 degree F oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are very lightly browned. Cool on cookie sheet for 3 minutes. Transfer cookies to a wire rack; cool.

3. For glaze, in a small mixing bowl stir together powdered sugar, vanilla, and 1 tablespoon of the milk. Stir in additional milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, to make glaze of drizzling consistency. Spoon glaze over snowmen. Decorate as desired with gumdrops and/or chocolate pieces. Makes 18 snowmen.

Christmas Decoration: Candyland

Candyland

Sweet tooth or not, no one can resist treats from this sugary wonderland. Group a variety of candy-filled vessels on a table. Decorate bowls with candy canes and peppermints; add a few holiday decorations for an enticing display.

Christmas Decorating Idea: Cranberry Candles

Christmas Outdoor/Indoor Decorating Idea:
Cranberry Candles

Wide candles take shelter inside glass vases one-quarter full of Snow Wonder instant snow and topped with cranberries. Place them on your outdoor walkway or steps. You can also place them on your fireplace mantel or dining table.
So festive!

Christmas Decoration: Mini Snow Globe

Mini Snow Globe

Encased in a gift jar and propped on a sugary slope, this frosty fellow makes a cute little display. (Just don't shake!) Use purchased icing to secure flat sides of two snowman sugar cookies; decorate with candies. Place snowman on a mound of icing inside the jar. Add sugar; top with lid.

Holiday Baking: Chocolate Reindeer Cookies

Time for holiday baking! Here is a fun Christmas cookie recipe...especially to make with your children or grandchildren!

Chocolate Reindeer Cookies

Makes: 36 cookies

Prep: 40 minutes
Chill: 3 hours
Bake: 7 to 9 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1-1/2 cups sugar
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 72 small pretzel twists
• 72 candy-coated milk chocolate pieces
• 36 small red gum drops

Directions

In a large mixing bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar, cocoa powder, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in eggs and vanilla until combined. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Using a wooden spoon, stir in any remaining flour.

Divide dough into 6 equal portions. Wrap portions in waxed paper or plastic wrap. Chill for 3 hours or until dough is easy to handle.

On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough portion into a circle 6 inches in diameter. Using a knife, cut each circle into 6 wedges. Place wedges 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.

For antlers, on each triangle lightly press a pretzel into the upper corners. Press in chocolate pieces for eyes. For a nose, press a red gumdrop into the dough triangle about 1/2 inch from the point.

Bake in a 375 degree F oven for 7 to 9 minutes or until edges are firm. Do not overbake. Cool on cookie sheet for 1 minute. Transfer cookies to a wire rack; cool. Makes 36 cookies.

Christmas Decoration: Homemade Christmas Wreath

Wreathed in Cheer

Personalize a basic green wreath -- artificial or fresh -- with fun embellishments. Let a little helper select toy ornaments, pom-poms, and a ribbon bow for this playful variation. Attach decorations with hot glue or craft wire.

Prayer Request

Dear Friends,

Please pray for my mother-in-law, Raeanne Furfaro. Tomorrow, she will be having back surgery. She lives in Anchorage, AK. She is a saved lady which we praise the Lord for! Pray that the surgery goes well and her recovery is swift!

Thank you!

Homemade Food Gifts: Peppermint Sticks

Peppermint Sticks

To make this simple candy, dip peppermint sticks in dark chocolate and then roll in crushed nuts, cinnamon sugar, or sweetened coconut.

Wrap in clear cellophane and tie with pretty ribbon for giving.

Ingredients

• 4 oz. bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 tsp. shortening
• 2/3 cup pecans or your favorite nuts, chopped
• 16 3- to 4-inch soft peppermint sticks

Directions

1. In a small saucepan combine chocolate and shortening; cook over low heat just until melted. Transfer to a bowl. Place pecans on waxed paper.

2. Dip one end of each peppermint stick into melted chocolate and then roll in chopped nuts. Place on waxed paper; let stand until set. Wrap each individually to give as a gift. Makes 16 gifts.

Christmas Decorations/Gifts Idea: Christmas Photo Frames

Fun in Frames

Make any photo holiday ready by printing a green or red toned version. Put into holiday frames...

these photos can accent centerpieces and mantel decorations to personalize decorations.

Classy and full of family memories!

Holiday Cookie Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Butter Grahams

Chocolate Peanut Butter Grahams
Make a batch for your family or package in a pretty box for friends for the holiday!

Ingredients:

• 1 jar (18 ounces) Jif® Peanut Butter
• 1 package (16 ounces) graham crackers, broken into rectangles
• 1-1/2 pounds milk chocolate candy coating

Directions:

Spread a rounded teaspoonful of peanut butter on one side of half of the graham crackers. Top with remaining crackers.
In a large heavy saucepan over low heat, melt candy coating; stir until smooth. Dip cookies in coating to completely cover; allow excess to drip off.
Place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets; let stand until firm. Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place. Yield: 5 dozen.

Christmas Craft: Cinnamon Ornaments

Making cinnamon ornaments are a perfect holiday fun activity for kids. The ornaments are easy to make and their aroma lasts long after the holidays are over!

Cinnamon Ornaments

Makes 12 to 15 ornaments.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 2 1/2 hours, or 1 to 2 days drying time

3/4 cup applesauce

1 bottle (4.12 ounces) McCormick® Cinnamon, Ground

Supplies needed:

cookie cutters

drinking straw

colorful ribbon

1. Preheat oven to 200°F.

2. Mix applesauce and cinnamon with hands in small bowl until a smooth ball of dough is formed. Using about 1/4 of the dough at a time, roll dough to 1/4-inch to 1/3-inch thickness between two sheets of plastic wrap. Peel off top sheet of plastic wrap. Cut dough into desired shapes with cookie cutters. Make a hole in top of ornament with drinking straw. Place ornaments on baking sheet.

3. Bake 2 1/2 hours. Cool ornaments on wire rack. (Or, to dry ornaments at room temperature, carefully place them on wire rack. Let stand 1 to 2 days or until thoroughly dry, turning occasionally.)

4. Insert ribbon through holes and tie to hang. May be decorated with opaque paint markers found in arts and crafts stores, if desired.

Hosting A Cookie/Candy Exchange

Hosting a Cookie and Candy Exchange

A neighborly cookie and candy exchange saves you lots of time in the kitchen while giving you a chance to gather with family and friends. Hosting such an event is easier than you think with these timely tips.

• Select a date and send out invitations about six weeks in advance. Weekday evenings or weekend afternoons work well because people may be less busy. Schedule the party to be about 2 hours long so guests aren't required to set aside a lot of time.
• Invite 8 to 12 people, keeping in mind that having more guests results in more variety of treats. Make the same kind of cookie or candy, allowing 1 dozen for each person participating. You might also encourage them to bring an extra dozen for sampling at the party.
• Ask what each person is making to avoid duplicates. There's no point to the exchange if everyone arrives with sugar cookies.
• Have participants bring empty containers or resealable plastic bags to collect their goodies. If the gathering is small, they may want to bring the batches already individually wrapped. Also have guests bring a copy of their recipe for each person.
• You can keep your menu to a minimum by focusing on the sweet treats. Simply serve a selection of beverages and the extra cookies and candies. Of if you prefer, offer a few hot and cold appetizers.
• As people arrive, set out the cookies and candies on a long table, leaving enough room for folks to walk around. Label the containers with the recipe name.
• Near the end of the party, have guests fill their containers with a dozen of each kind of cookie and candy.
• For party favors, gather all the different recipe cards into bundles, tie with festive ribbons and hand them out as guests leave.

Cookie and Candy Exchange Timeline

Four to Six Weeks Before:

• Send out the invitations to 8 to 10 people about 4 weeks in advance. On the invitation, ask each person to bring 8 to 10 dozen of the same cookie, copies of their recipe and large containers in which to take cookies home.
• As guests RSVP, keep track of who is bringing what so there are no duplicates. Remind them to bring copies of their recipe to share.

Two to Three Weeks Before:

• Bake and freeze your cookies.
• Plan your menu. You can simply serve beverages and extra cookies or set out some hot and cold appetizers.

The Day Before

• Make any food you plan on serving. Gather plates and napkins.
• Set up the table where the cookies will be displayed.

The Day of the Party

• As guests arrive, have them set their cookies and copies of the recipe on the display table.
• Serve food and beverages, and enjoy the company!
• Near the end of the party, have guests fill their containers with a dozen of each kind of cookie and candy.

Christmas Craft: Christmas Countdown Calendar

Christmas Countdown Calendar

Offer daily surprises with this simple advent calendar. Fill envelopes with treats, seal with adhesive numbers, and punch a hole in a corner. Hang from cording strung across a gift-wrap-covered cork board.

A fun and different twist on the Christmas countdown chain!

Holiday Traditions: 25 Books of Christmas

One holiday tradition I have started with my children...is to read a Christmas story book each night. I have collected 25 books from the thrift store, garage sales, etc. - - - all different stories about Christmas. (I am still collecting by the way!) It is a fun tradition with small children that builds special memories together as a family.

What is one of your favorite children's books at Christmas?

Homemade Food Gifts: Chocolate Spoons

Coffeehouse Chocolate Spoons

Dip plastic spoons into chocolate and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow chocolate to set up before drizzling with designs in melted white chocolate.

Give them in a pretty coffee mug!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Decoration Idea: Candy-Striped Centerpiece

Super-Simple Stripes

Stuff candy canes into a decorative bowl or flower pot...add a peppermint-striped ribbon to finish it off!