The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today...
December 22, 2008

Outside my window...
it's very cold; 17 degrees with a windchill of 8. Probably the coldest weather this year and unusual for our area. The sun is trying to peek through some clouds. Maybe we'll make it to the predicted high of 29.

I am thinking...
about our friend Travis and his "home going" service today. This is a young man who taught me so much about grace and strength in the midst of your circumstances through the way he lived his short life. You can read more about his story at www.prayfortravis.com

I am thankful for...
the gift of our Savior; the gift shopping and grocery shopping being done; the gifts that are wrapped and under the tree; a childhood that included lots of Christmas traditions that I carry on with my own children today, especially when I am reminded that not everyone has those same kind of memories and traditions.

From the learning rooms...
Christmas Break!!!! Well other than some things that could be considered "Home Economics" - you know lots of help is needed and wanted in the kitchen.

From the kitchen...
This morning started with French toast for breakfast. We'll end the day with a pot of chili, which is perfect for this very cold day. For the rest of the week, we'll be working on some holiday food: cut-out and decorated sugar cookies, pralines, and orange balls (extras to share with friends), refrigerator roll recipe that will make cinnamon rolls for Christmas morning breakfast and dinner rolls for Christmas dinner, everybody's favorite finger foods for Christmas Eve dinner.
Christmas Day dinner is Chicken and Dressing Casserole, green beans, black olives, rolls, and fruit salad, and Jesus' birthday cake.

Aunt Vickie's Chicken Casserole

3 chicken breasts, cooked, boned and cut up
Mix 2 cans cream of chicken soup with one soup can of milk and one small container of sour cream. Spoon liquid over cooked chicken in a 9x13 pan. Mix 1 package Pepperidge Farm herb seasoned stuffing mix, 1 cup water, and 1 stick of melted butter. Spread on top of soup and chicken mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Orange Balls

1 stick of butter, softened
1 - 6 oz. can frozen orange juice, thawed
1 - 12 oz. box vanilla wafers, crushed
1 box powdered sugar
1 package coconut and or chopped pecans

Add sugar to softened butter and cream well. Add juice and mix well. Mix in crushed vanilla wafers. Roll into 1" balls and then roll in coconut or finely crushed pecans. Chill for 3 hours.

I am wearing...
still in my warm flannel pj's.

I am creating...
a to-do list

I am going...
as few places as possible this week

I am reading...
The Shack

I am hoping...
to end today with a very clean house, clean laundry and the baking started.

I am hearing...
Rachel cleaning the kitchen. She's an excellent kitchen cleaner!!! I am blessed.

Around the house...
Dusting, sweeping, moping, cleaning bathrooms, and laundry. I want to get it all done today so I can bake tomorrow and then enjoy the rest of the week with my family and very little to do except fun stuff!!

One of my favorite things...
Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service

A few plans for the rest of the week...
preparing our home for Christmas, spending time with Robert (who's on vacation after today), Candlelight Communion Service at church, probably board games and movies with the kids.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
The last daybook entry I shared a picture of Rachel's nativity set. This time, it is Allan's. He received the Fontanini "My First Creche" set as a gift at his baby shower (he is an early January baby) and we have added a piece to it for the past 18 years.

Merry Christmas to all and thank you to Peggy for hosting at The Simple Woman's Daybook.