CHRISTmas

I began thinking (not that I don't do that anyway) and realized it seemed backwards for me to post "The Night Before Christmas" and not the story of Christmas.  So, after going back and forth because of time, I decided The Christmas Story should be shared on my blog.  It would be wrong to leave out the reason for the season. 

Luke chapter 2 verses 1-20:

"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

(And this taxing was first made when Cy-re-ni-us was governor of Syria.)

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.   

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

And when they had seen it, they made know abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them."

 

There's more to the story and if you wish to read it I hope you open your Bible and do just that.  Thank you for reading.  May you be blessed by God this holiday season.  From the ranch, to your home.  : )  

Merry Christmas

Hello on this Monday before Christmas!  Wow.  Just three days until Christmas...it's hard to believe.  I think we've finished most of our shopping, have finally figured out where and who's going where for family time, and the house is ready.

 

It's easy to get caught up in the shopping and busyness of Christmas, but I hope we all remember the real reason for the season.  And that is Jesus.
So, in this short post, I want to wish you the best of Christmases and God bless. 

 

Merry Christmas! : )

 

 

The Night Before Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; the stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.  The children were nestled all snug in the beds, while visions of sugarplums danced in their heads; and mamma in her kerchief, and I in my cap, had just settled our brains for a long winter nap; when out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.  Away to the window I flew like a flash, tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.  The moon, on the breast of the newfallen snow, gave a luster of midday to objects below, when, what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer, with a little old driver so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.  More rapid  than eagles his coursers they came, and he whistled and shouted and called them by name: "Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donner and Blitzen!  To the top of the porch, to the top of the wall, now, dash away! dash away all!"  As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, when they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky, so up to the housetop the coursers they flew, with the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nickolas, too.  And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof the prancing and pawing of each little hoof.  As I drew in my head, and was turning around, down the chimney St. Nickolas came with a bound.  He was dressed all in fur from his head to his foot, and his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot; a bundle of toys he had flung on his back, and he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.  His eyes--how they twinkled! his dimples--how merry!  His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry.  His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, and the beard on his chin was as white as the snow.  The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, and the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.  He had a broad face and a little round belly that shook when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.  He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, and I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself.  A wink of his eye and a twist of his head soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.  He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, and filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk, and laying his finger aside of his nose, and giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.  He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, and away they all flew like the down of a thistle.  But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight, 

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

 

~Clement Clarke Moore

Ornaments

Hello again from the ranch!  Last night Dad and I began working on making ornaments and I guess it was just too fun, for by the time we were finished, the whole family had gathered around. 
 
(I have no idea if I was the first to think this up, but I'd like to think I was.)

With these few supplies you can make really cute, really fun ornaments that look a bit like "Mr. Potato Head."

Here's what you need:
Clear, plastic ornaments  (I got mine from Walmart for .96 cents.)
Craft body accessories  (Walmart, again.)
Drill and drill bit
Optional - hot glue for the shoes.    We have not attached them yet, but think glue would work.
Optional - pipe cleaners for deer antlers

Okay, you start with this plain ball.  Get the drill and bit and drill holes.  It varies where to place the holes because different ornaments can have different accessories.  So, just choose the face you want first, then make the holes. 
 

 
Be careful to not make the holes too large...the sticks attached to the eyes, mouths, etc. will not stay in if so.
 

Lady

 Then the fun part--simply stick the accessories into the holes and you're done! 
 

Mustache Man 

 Everyone had a little help in picking out the faces and also putting them on.
 

Monster

 

Cool Rudolph

I really enjoyed making these with the family.  I think anybody would like these--they're not messy, not hard, and kids of all ages can have fun changing out the faces.  I'll hopefully be making more of these before long. 

Question:  Which is your favorite?  I always enjoy comments!

Enjoy.  : )