Merry Christmas! And some ramblings...

Well... having a couple of days off will slow things down a bit - at least in the computer world.  I've been crazy busy trying to make sure the house is clean, all the presents are bought and surprise, surprise -- they were all wrapped and under the tree by Friday night!!  Which is a shocker for us...I have had everything bought before, but usually spend the day of Christmas eve wrapping presents.  :(  This year we were babysitting granddaughter...and ended up having a slumber party Friday night.  It was fun...but I'm still not the most hip grandma in town.  We didn't do a whole lot of fun stuff.  It was most exciting the next morning.  We got up, got dressed and had a quick snack before heading to the movies to see Ferdinand!!  It was awesome.  It really was so cute!  One of my granddaughters had already seen it, and didn't mind watching it again, which is usually a good sign.

It was so cute - I can't wait till it comes out on DVD so we can buy it.  It's great. 
Anyway - it was snowing when we came out of the theater, and everything was decorated for Christmas, there was Christmas music playing, and it just felt magical - so very seasonal.  I loved it.  My granddaughters loved it, and it was just one of those moments you treasure.
Then it was time to take two of them home and it was emotional meltdown.  sigh
Got to love kids.
There are many times I'm very thankful that I'm a grandma and can send them home, lol.
Anyway - since it's Sunday and Christmas Eve, I didn't want to miss another day.  I haven't posted much this week because there wasn't much listed on the Brownielinks site to mention, and so I didn't. 
Today is the 24th day of Light the World.  Have you been trying to keep up with it?  Our family has, and it hasn't gone very well.  :(   I've had the effort in my heart, and there have been some days that it's worked more than others...  sigh.  Today is:


Is Christ in your Christmas?  Is He the center or is the gifts and Santa Claus?  I decided a couple of years ago that I didn't want Santa decorations.  I'm not really been anti-santa, but I'm not a proponent either.  We like the movie. Santa Clause, and we have had fun with several other ones. But there was a commentary a couple of weeks ago about the letter written many decades ago called; Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus.  I've wanted to make a comment on that and I think today is the best to do it.

I have nothing against people encouraging their children to believe in Santa.  Our children all used to believe in it - though I don't think we were heavily encouraging in the area.  We do stockings...but they know most of the time it's personal hygene stuff, lol.  Not real exciting.
My autistic son is very adamant about it though.  He loves the idea of santa, and he makes sure that there is a plate of cookies and glass of milk EVERY year.  Even though he's now in his 20's.  We have talked with him and discussed the fact that while the storybook character is based on a real person, it's nothing like what everyone thinks he is now.  It doesn't matter, he likes Santa Claus and wants to believe in him.  We figure he can if he wants, it doesn't hurt anything or any body and it makes him happy.  He still believes in Jesus Christ and has a testimony of His gospel, so what does it matter?
To a 'normal' person, that would be contradictory, but it works for him.
I read an article in the paper that expressed concern of children believing in Santa and then finding out he's not real - wouldn't that reflect on them believing in Jesus because they don't see him?  It's a whole different thing, and on one hand I see a small point, but on the other - there is such a person as Jesus Christ, and He changed the way of our lives the moment he died.

Christmas has changed in the years since I've been a live.  It used to be a fun holiday that we got out for school, had school programs, gave presents to everyone, said Merry Christmas, and talked about the real reason for the day - rarely mentioning santa clause.  He was more the silly side of stuff. I admit that I loved the ads that Coca Cola ran with Santa when I was a kid.
It has since become a heavily commercial holiday that there is more focus on gifts getting than giving and the birth of the Savior.
In some countries, they are not Christian in society, but they celebrate Christmas with Santa Claus. 
I hope that you are able to celebrate the time with family - regardless of what your religious beliefs are, that is something for everyone.  To quote from the movie, the Grinch "No one should be alone on Christmas."  I wish my home was big enough to take everyone in and give them a hot meal and a small token, but I don't.  I try to give what I can...but it doesn't feel like much.
The idea of Santa is lovely in the spirit of Christmas - but the true spirit of Christmas is in the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ.  It's only here and celebrated today because he lived AND died for us.  There are times when I have forgotten that.  If he hadn't given himself as sacrifice, we wouldn't be celebrating his birth.
I hope you have a wonderful holiday and are able to spend it with family.  Whatever your leanings...you are loved, you are a child of God, and the world is a better place because you are in it.

It's Friday! Only one more til...

Christmas weekend.  I can't believe how fast this month has gone.  I have so much to do in the next week.  How about you?  Are you ready to celebrate the birth of our Savior?  Hmm...  Next Friday I'll be getting to watch one of my granddaughters.  We're trying to decide if we want to have a sleepover or not...  It might be too crazy for us...although we did survive 7 kids...

Anyway - a few things to celebrate, if you don't have enough to do, or are bored in any way (righhhhhttt...lol)

Cat Herders Day - this is always a favorite of mine.  I always have to post the video.  You realize that being in a school with a bunch of little kids is very much like herding cats, right?  In some ways I think cats cooperate better, but that's debatable, lol.  I found a different video that's hilarious...  so, you need to watch both.  :)


here's the old commercial...



Free Shipping Day - I think it depends on the company, but this is worth checking out - especially for those last minute shopping items.  Isn't today the last day to ship and get it there by Christmas anyway?? 

International Tea Day - I guess if you're a tea drinker, this is your day.  Personally, I drink herbal tea when I can't have hot chocolate.  Mint tea is awesome, as is chamomile. 

National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day - I don't see the point of this, but I guess every dog has it's day, right?  Or in this case, every sweater.  I guess that holiday sweaters bear the brunt of this, as they apparently are the most offensive...I don't quite get it, I've never had an ugly sweater.  We're supposed to wear them to work next Wednesday, and I have to go out and buy one.  I'm hoping I find something, I've heard some of my co-workers have dandys...
And since our favorite principal happened to have a ugly Christmas Sweater contest, (apparently) and posted his ugly sweaters...I thought I'd share with you.  :)



National Wear Your Pearls Day - This makes me laugh.  Most women don't own pearls today - that was a status symbol of days gone by.  I remember that in the 80's there were beads, and everyone could find the fake stuff, but I didn't know anyone that had real pearls.  I think they're as expensive now as they were then - perhaps more so.  Do you own pearls??  Anyway - it makes me think of the movie Hidden Figures...it's one of our favorite movies, and this is one of our favorite scenes!!  She finally lets the men have it:


and the great follow up to it...



National cupcake day - If you like cupcakes, this is your treat for the day!  I have never been a big fan of cupcakes.  I realize the idea is it makes them easier to eat - but to me they're just messier.  I mean, there's usually a ton more frosting on the tops, and how do you eat them without getting frosting on your face??  You have to eat the bottom and then glob the frosting in your mouth or toss the frosting (which I usually do, waaayyy to much for me, people...) or find a fork.  And if you're going to use a fork, why bother with a cupcake???  Just sayin'....

And to wrap it all up for the day, you need to have a bright note to remind you of what the season is all about...  NOT.  lol  These guys are great singers - not sure I like the name of the group, but what can you say for a university mens choir,.... lol.  Anyway - fun song.
Have a great day and awesome weekend!

baby it's cold outside!

And foggy and icy and wintery...  I love fog though.  I know -- I'm missing a few bolts or need help, lol, but I do.  I also love snow, so there ya go.  Since we still have a little snow on the ground, it's not bad -- though I love how the fog sends little frost flakes and makes everything white.  It makes everything gorgeous in my world...

Have you ever listened to the words of that song, by the way??  When I was a kid, I didn't even really think about it.  LOL  We heard Glenn Beck go on about it a couple of years ago, and now we can't listen to it without hearing the words and just dying.  I was listening to Doug Wright yesterday, and he was asking people what the worst Christmas song is, and someone mentioned that song to them.  He was playing the part where the girl is say, "hey, what's in this drink?" and decided he agreed with the caller..."it's a little creepy."  here's a cute version of it by Michael Buble though... and I like how he mentions sodas instead of drinks.  :)


okay - so on with the rest of the fun stuff.

Chanukah - Well...most of us know it as Hanukka...which is kind of cool.  If you haven't heard the story behind this Jewish celebration, it's wayyyy back in the old testament and involves one of the many desicrations of the temple.  The Maccabees were a righteous family that fought off - I think it was the Greeks this time - and restored the temple.  The priests went in to light the candles, and there was only enough consecrated oil for one day.  Miraculously it burned for eight, and there is the celebration.  It's really kind of cool!  My autistic son feels it's his job to light the candles, but now that he's working at sunset, I guess we either won't be on time with the candles, or one of us is going to have to take on the duty.  I think we need to get some candles too...  oh boy.
Anyway - found this fun video several years ago, by the Maccabeats that is just too much fun to watch.  Enjoy!


Gingerbread House Day - Most of the people I know have already made gingerbread houses, but hey, if you haven't, todays the day!  I think it would be a fun tradition...but getting my grandkids down to my house isn't always easy... lol

National Ding-a-Ling Day - okay, who remembers this song??  I guess that dates me... but it was silly and fun.  I can't believe they have a day to celebrate it.   Here's a video of Chuck Barry singing this song at a university in 1972. 


National Cocoa Day - so - for those of us who LOVE hot cocoa, this day is for us.  You need to make yourself up a cup of the best stuff and sit and watch a Christmas special or something.  Make gingerbread houses...write Christmas cards....read a book...whatever it is you love to do, everything is better with hot cocoa.  :)
I found a recipe for some of the best homemade stuff last year...  I'm sharing it again with all of you:
Well...I thought I remembered which one it was and I can't decide, so, here are two of them.
https://crockpotladies.com/recipe/crockpot-thick-creamy-hot-chocolate/

http://thefrugalgirls.com/2013/10/crockpot-hot-chocolate.html
this one is a little simpler...so if you're into simple, try this one first.  :)

Poinsettia Day - and you probably already know by now that Poinsettia's were found in Mexico and imported to the US.  I heard somewhere that they originally came from Italy, and my sister-in-law gave us a ceramic one from Italy that's gorgeous.  Personally, I think they're okay -- I'm not a huge fan of them, but my hubby gives my mother-in-law one every year for Christmas.  She always tries to see if she can keep it growing all year.  Some years it makes it to May...  ;)

 and last...just to be silly - I don't know how many of you are familiar with the school principal down in Texas that has his own Youtube channel, but he's hilarious.  Half the time I'm just laughing at his accent...but he always has fun mocking everything from teachers to students to parents and all of the above.  This is his car duty grinch one...

Happy Monday

Hopefully you had a great weekend.  Ours was busy and crazy and fun.  I love Christmas parties...and even when people don't attend it can be fun.  :)

We spent most of the day Saturday getting ready for the above mentioned party.  It felt similar to National Lampoons Christmas Vacation, lol.  But, I didn't want to share that clip, so I thought this one would be fun.  Got to love Piano Guys...


Noodle Ring Day - Never heard of this.  You might have heard of Kugel?  This is the noodle variety...made in a ring.  Have you had it?  Here's the story behind it...  I think the savory one sounds good - not sure about a cold noodle desert.  I like my custard regular, lol.   Some of the chicken ones sound good...

Kaleidoscope Day - I guess there is a small debate as to if the Kaleidoscope came from Japan or was invented by Dr. Brewster in Scotland first.  Apparently they appeared at relatively close times.  I'm not sure where the celebration comes from...I can't find any mention of anything other than there are days at creative centers where you can go and create one.  I think they're fun - and I've heard they're called a philosophical toy.  I remember them being a childs toy, but I guess there are all sorts available, and some are pretty fancy.  Did you have one when you were a kid?

Today's suggestion for Light the World is I was a stranger and ye took me in...

There are so many strangers in our lives...that we can show love and compassion to.  I hope you find a way to help others today.

Well...Have a great Monday!  Only 14 days left...

16 Days!!

Till Christmas!!  Can you believe how fast the days are going??  sigh. 

We're having a big party tomorrow, and I just found out last night that my last remaining Uncle is coming!  I'm so excited!  And now we're nervous...  they are, well, kind of wealthy -- and their house is amazing.  Our house is so....not.  My hubby did remind me that they aren't coming with a clipboard and critiquing our home, and he's right.  My Uncle won't even notice the missing trim around the floor, or the walls in the kitchen that need to be repainted or the missing trim in the bathroom...  sigh.  I wish I could forget it!!  lol  makes me think of the movie Mouse Hunt...and our favorite scene...


Anyway - not much to talk about today, but did want to share that it's
Chocolate Brownie Day!!  How could I miss sharing that??  The Nibble also had an awesome recipe they paired with it that I think you ought to try.
https://www.thenibble.com/blog/2012/12/23/recipe-candy-cane-fudge-brownies/

It' looks amazing.  Of course, it also uses ganache, which my daughter loves to make all the time, and we all love.

So...in addition to all that -- it's also the 8th day of Light the World.  It's a day dedicated to being kind to those who have mistreated you, or that you don't like.  It's got to be one of the hardest things to do, but try to think kind thoughts, or do something kind for someone you don't like or haven't gotten along with.  You never know, it might turn things around.
Have a great day!!

Pearl Harbor Day...and other thoughts

Well, it's Thursday, and we're onto the second week of the month... my how time flies when you think it's dragging at the same time.  Funny how that works.  This has been a long week, but now it feels like it's over and I'm wondering what happened???  lol  We had a candy making party last night that ended up not really being much candy, and not a big party, but still fun.  We did lots of pretzel sticks, and my son and daughter-in-law came, which was fun.  They also brought their two dogs, which was kind of crazy, but they contained them, so it was good.  We got fudge made...but no toffee or peanut brittle, so we still have more to make.  Probably tomorrow....

So, there are only a couple of things to mention today, not the least of which is Pearl Harbor day. On this day in 1941, Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Japanese. (just a little clarification in case you have no idea - Please tell me that was a review!! lol)
I was talking to my Dr. yesterday, and he told me that his father was there.  They lived on the Island, in Pearl City, he was 10 years old and watched it happen (his father).  I thought, wow, his dad was young, lol.  My dad fought in that war, so I guess he was a bit older...  :)   Anyway - Important day to remember...I hope that children are being taught about this in school...I know my children have been reminded every year.  We usually watch one of two movies, Tora, Tora, Tora or Pearl Harbor (the first disk, lol).
This is a short video stating the running timeline of the attack I thought would be interesting...
 



National Cotton Candy Day - on a sweeter note - it's cotton candy day!  Do you like the spun sugar treat?  Seems like everyone likes this type of candy.  You can even buy it in bags at the store now, so go by and pick one up.  It's always good to feel like a kid again...it's the time of year for it.

And it's started...

Not only is it December...but the season has started.  :)  and now that we've had snow, that means it's officially the holiday season, right?  Kids are making their lists, reindeer are getting fat...santa's are loading up their bags... stockings are being hung, and hum bug is being said all over... (especially by father's being asked to hang lights outside with frostbitten fingers...)  We get our sons to hang them up at our house...  currently just one son is doing it, and he's found there's an issue with the plug for the lights over our room, and he keeps going out and poking at them with the broom handle.  sigh. 

There's some silly stuff today... so better get to them!

Bathtub Party Day - got to have a bathtub party!!  though, I think if you had a hot tub, that would be far more fun...but ya know...got to roll with what you have.  :)

International Ninja Day - February 2 is the day that Ninja's are celebrated in Japan, but apparently today is when it's internationally done.  I guess everyone thinks they are awesome.  Most teenagers like the turtles...  and I think they're fun to watch.  My son told me about this Youtube guy, that's pretty funny -- I thought I'd share it with you all.


Sachertorte Day -There is apparently a special ingredient to this cake...if you've had it, you could probably taste it.  Apricot jam!  Interesting tidbit of trivia.  😊   In the US, apparently they use Raspberry jam, but that would probably cause a ruckus in Vienna.  this site claims to be the original site...  the pastry chef was one cool cookie.

End to Prohobition - on this day Prohibition was repealed.  I'll bet there was LOTS of celebrating that day...  sigh.  And lots of hangovers the next morning...

Light the World - Day 5!  Honor your parents...so I want to say that I am so thankful for all the parents in my life.  I was blessed to have my natural parents and the ones that ended up being my children's grandparents.  I have also been blessed in my in-laws.  I hope all of you are as fortunate as I am in that you've had someone who loves you strive to guide you throughout your life.  

I was so blessed to have parents who found the gospel of Jesus before I was born, and then cared enough to make sure I had that opportunity in growing up.  Then, when I could have been left to drift in the crazy river of life, I found the Beans...and they took me into their hearts and homes and I've never looked back.  I am truly blessed in my life, and I hope what I have done honors all of them.  I'm trying.


Well...Have a good one! 

It's December!

and there's no snow...but it's coming, right?  I think I would have a hard time living in Australia or below the equator and not having snow for Christmas...but then, they would probably think it was crazy to not be on the beach.  :)

And it's Friday!  boy...we should all be excited.  😊   Although...I got to thinking about my weekends for the rest of the month, and I don't know when I'm going to get anything done, but it should be fun.  😊  And I'll be getting to babysit grandkids and all that stuff...good times...good times. 

Are you busy for the holidays?  Do you do traditional things?  We always drive through the lights...go to the city park...go to the childrens village, and this year I really want to go to Temple Square.  We also make candy and that is my kids favorite.

So...unless you're of the grinchy variety, you should have a fun month!  And if you're of the grinchy mood - sorry, hope we can make you smile about something...

So...onto the fun facts... (silly facts, actually...)

Antartica Day -  I think we should have a North America day, don't you?  I thought the day was all about the 'save the whales and the penguins' and stuff...  But I was wrong.  Apparently, 58 years ago, they signed a treaty that the Antartica was a global thing, and could not be claimed by one nation.  Interesting.  Their site lets you do a virtual balloon release in honor of the day.  It might be fun to do with your kids.

Basketball Day - And I guess in honor of the sport... (Which I don't like since the Jazz lost Carl Malone and Mike Stockton...sob)  I'd like to share one of my favorite shots of the game.  😊   Although...have to say I'm not a huge fan of Michael Jordan, but ya know...


Civil Air Patrol Day - This is kind of cool.  I didn't realize that they'd been around for 76 years.  My father-in-law was in the CAP and flew all over the states and in the pacific.  His only regret was his sons didn't want follow in his footsteps to fly.  Flying was the air he breathed.  He even built his own "quickie" airplane that he flew - once, lol.  This is kind of a fun quick video celebrating the 75th anniversary last year...


Clark Kent's Birthday (Superman) - I didn't realize how many Supermans there had been in movies.  I guess I grew up with some of the old TV versions...and then Christopher Reeves...I didn't think anyone could play the part better than he did.  But I have to say, I think Cavill does a great job.  If not better...  sigh.  Here's a clip of all of them through the years...although I've had it start near the end - you'll have to go to Youtube if you want to watch from the beginning.  :)


Faux Fur Friday - don't hate me...but I love fur.  I don't know a woman who doesn't love it...and it's nice that they created faux fur so we didn't have to kill little animals to get it.  I think if it were back in the pioneer days, we'd be eating those little animals, so it wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing.  Although, makes you wonder what they do with the skins of the cows and steers -- I guess that's where we get leather, right?  Hm...  anyway - faux fur.  Nothing more luxurious feeling than fur.  I got to see a Rex Rabbit farm in Oregon one time.  Have you ever felt their fur??  oh my...  Makes you want to be a rabbit.  I guess you could eat like a rabbit and sympathize with them.  Bugs would agree...  lol

National Pie Day - of course, we all just celebrated pie...how many different kinds did you try for Thanksgiving?  Not get one you wanted?  Well, today would be the day to make it.  If you had mousse left over from yesterday, you could always make a cream pie.  😊  that's always good...

Eat a Red Apple Day - I'm not a big fan of red apples...I like Fuji's or Gala or granny smith.  Which is your favorite??

Anyway - hope you have a great weekend...and enjoy!!