~~It's Friday!~~

I'm sorry I missed yesterday.  I feel the Holiday rush.  I pushed myself to get 200 copies of my Christmas letter edited, printed, addressed, stamped, sealed and shipped.

(that's my clean desk. . .see, no letter, no envelopes, no stamps.  DONE!)

 I also finished crafting two more presents yesterday.  On top of that I felt terrible again this month.  Praise the Lord, I feel so much better today than yesterday.  Thanks Eve!!



More crafting!!

My Shadow Cat helping me get my crafts finished!


It's Friday!!

Outside my window...  Outside my window we've had strange weather this week.  It's been warm, cold, rainy and brisk.  Right now it's gorgeous and sunny but cold.

I am thinking...  I am honestly thinking about the New Year, projects and goals.  I am day dreaming about what the future could hold.
 

I am thankful...  At this time of year, I reflect a great deal on all the things I am thankful for.  I am thankful for being myself.  I am thankful for my husband and all he does for me and our family.  I am thankful for my children, for whom I prayed specifically to enjoy for the Lord. I am thankful for my family, near and far,  the Lord put us together and we make it work!

Psalms 100:4
 " Enter into his gates with thanksgiving,
 and into his courts with praise:
be thankful unto him, and bless his name."



From the learning rooms...  Test day on the bed with Mom.  This week has gone very well.  Next week will probably be a relaxed week.  We'll get done what gets done.  Then,  TWO WEEKS OFF!!


In the kitchen...  I've cheated for today.  I bought canned beef stew in the summer when we were camping.  It's now in the crock pot.  I'll throw together some Bisquick buttermilk biscuits tonight.  Done!

I am wearing...  I am wearing my hair pulled back, no make-up, a 3/4 length light blue tee and brown skirt dark blue knee high socks.

I am creating...  Got my clip board in the kitchen.  I've pulled some holiday recipes for my Christmas baking.  I'll give away most of the treats.  I have 5 families on my giveaway list this year.  Here is my baking/making list:

clam dip
crispix minglers
honey walnut coins (a cookie)
golden macaroons
friendship tea
taco snack mix (like chex mix)
kit kat bars
cranberry granola
cashew brittle
chex mix
chocolate chunk shortbread cookies
blonde brownies
banana bread
peanut butter chocolate chip cookies
Gingerbread Men



I am going...  I am NOT going anywhere.  I am resting today.

I am reading/watching...  I started another book.  It seems it is the first in the series.  It's a bit more romantic than mystery.  Not sure I like it.

We are enjoying our Adventures of Young Indiana Jones. 

We also are watching one my husband heard about called Tales of the Gold Monkey.  It is a very decent show.  It is a bit like Fantasy Island meets Indiana Jones.  The main hangout for all the characters is a BAR that serves alcohol.  I've not noticed any bad language.

I am praying...  Praying as always for the desires of my heart.  Praying for my husband.  Praying for family, near and far.

I am hearing...  Christmas music from my playlist.  I love soothing music.  The dishwasher just finished.  The furnace has been running, trying to keep us toasty as we study.

Around the house...  The house has been decorated for Christmas.  It looks very pretty.  My favorite time to look at decorations is in the evening with no other lights on but the Christmas lights.  So pretty!  The house needs vacuumed.  But other than that it looks put together!


A lighted basket on it's way to Amber @grace_to_be




How to work Lego's into  a decorating theme?


One of my favorite things...

A few plans for the rest of the week:  Bachelor David is a busy man this weekend.  He has a Christmas party to attend at work tomorrow.  Chris and Sharon are hanging out near their home as Chris has a deadline at work this weekend.  I am going to try to have David over on Sunday afternoon for Christmas Ham dinner.  We'll get him to open his Christmas present from us.  We got him a simple camera.  He has not had one since he had a Polariod camera ages ago!


On our way to take him back to his home, I'd love to drive around and see Christmas lights.

Something to Share...  I haven't posted a recipe in a while.  Here is one for the Chocolate Chunk Shortbread Cookies that I'll be trying to make next week.

Chocolate Chunk Shortbread Cookies

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 3 ounces semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
• Additional confectioners' sugar

Directions

• In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Combine flour and cornstarch; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in chocolate.
• Shape into 1-in. balls. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Flatten with a glass dipped in confectioners' sugar.
• Bake at 300° for 30-33 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool. Yield: about 3-1/2 dozen.

Have a Wonderful weekend Friends!!