Treasure Hunt!

Just like Sally Forth's daughter, I am in denial that Christmas is over for another year. As long as the tree is still up, and Christmas carols are playing in my house, and there is lots of leftover food, it MUST be Christmas! So, here's one final post about the most wonderful time of the year!

When my mother was a young girl, her mother started a Christmas tradition. Money was tight and her parents felt bad that they didn't have much to give their children for Christmas. Her mother thought that a treasure hunt would help add a little fun and excitement to the meager gifts.

Even after money wasn't so tight, the treasure hunt tradition continued. My mother carried on the treasure hunt with my siblings and me and we have continued the treasure hunt tradition to our children. Sometime Christmas evening, one last gift is given--but only after a short hunt. Who knew that such a simple thing could bring such warm memories and joy?

This year, Emily had the following clues for her treasure hunt.

1. Polar Express meets Zoo Tycoon. (She had to find her next clue at this year's rendition of the famous candy train.)


2. Frosty broke his nose! (I got the most adorable handmade snowman for Christmas from my daughter, Heather and her husband, Dustin. Unfortunately, the nose fell off before I unwrapped their gift. Never fear--a little glue will take care of the cute wooden carrot nose.)

3. Mrs. Claus needs an eyebrow job. (We have a wall decoration that MY grandmother made years ago. Sadly, one eyebrow is missing. Someday, I will have to take care of that and give her an eyebrow transplant.)


4. Wait, Elders!.... (A couple of weeks ago, a missionary wanted to use our bathroom. Actually, Emily's bathroom. The warning came too late. Thank goodness, the bathroom was clean--just a little cluttered with silk flowers, bracelets, rings, and other assorted girl accessories all over the counter.)

5. Where the dirty clothes are supposed to go! (This is where the gift was hid--in her hamper. The dirty clothes don't always make it there. Typical teenager.)

Well, it didn't take Emily long to follow the clues and discover her "treasure."

To say that she was thrilled with her last gift would be an understatement.

Yes, those are tears of joy!

After years of wishing and hoping and begging for a cell phone, she got it. Merry Christmas, Emily!

Bethlehem Dinner

Several years ago I wanted our Christmas Eve celebration to focus more on the birth of our Savior. After all the hustle and bustle of December, I craved a quiet, serene moment. I wanted our family to realize that Christmas wasn't about Santa, presents, holiday food, or the parties, but it was about the birth of our Savior. From the time our children were young, we had been reading from Luke 2 and acting out the nativity, but I wanted to extend that feeling for a longer period.

Ron, Christie, and Jennifer in one of our first Nativity Pageants.

That is when I heard about having a Bethlehem Dinner.

The first year, we dressed up in shepherd costumes and ate around the dining room table. However, our headpieces were not securely fastened and we had great difficulty in keeping the towels on our head and not on our dinner plates.

Bethlehem Dinner 2000

The following year, we gave up the semi-traditional Bethlehem garb and settled on a quilt on the living room floor. We turned off all the lights except for those on the Christmas tree. As we ate by firelight and Christmas tree light, there was a sweet, reverent feeling in our room as we dined on pita bread sandwiches, dried fruits, olives, crackers and various cheeses.

This is similar to the recipe I made. (Thanks Allrecipes.com)

Mediterranean Sandwiches

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground lamb
• 1/2 cup minced onion
• 1 teaspoon minced lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 cup water
• 1 (6 ounce) container plain yogurt
• 3 ounces crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
• salt and pepper to taste
• 6 pita bread rounds

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in the lamb, and cook until it begins to crumble. Add the onions, and continue cooking until the lamb has browned and the onions have softened, about 5 minutes more. Drain off any excess fat, then reduce the heat to medium-low, and stir in 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir 1/4 cup lemon juice into the water, then pour 1/4 cup of this mixture into the lamb. Cook until the liquid has mostly evaporated, then stir in another 1/4 cup, and cook again until mostly evaporated. Continue adding the liquid 1/4 cup at a time until you have used all of it. This should take about 30 minutes in all. The meat should look moist, but not be sitting in liquid.
2. While the meat is cooking, make the feta sauce by placing the yogurt, feta cheese, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest into a blender. Puree until smooth, then season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside.
3. Spoon the lamb mixture onto warmed pita bread. Top with the feta sauce to serve.
   

Most years I usually substitute the pita bread sandwiches for a stew--it's something I can put in the crockpot early in the morning and forget about it until dinner time. This is very helpful since Christmas Eve is usually filled with last minute tasks. But once it's time for dinner, the pace slows down and we enjoy the time reflecting upon the miraculous events that occurred nearly 2,000 years ago.

Worse Christmas Music EVER

Last night as we were driving back from watching yet another high school production of "It's A Wonderful Life" to watch Emily's friend Chris perform the role of diabolical Mr. Potter, we were of course listening to Christmas music.

Because, after all, it IS Christmas time.

Just as we reached the turnoff of our cute little town, "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer" began playing over our car's sound system.

I can't stand "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer."

Ron and Emily KNOW I can't stand this song. So, Ron turned up the music a little louder and they both began blaring,

Grandma got run over by a reindeer
Walking home from our house Christmas Eve
You can say that there's no such thing as Santa
But as for me and Grandpa, we believe.

I think this song should be banned. At least from our family. Which made me think of other Christmas songs I CANNOT stand. In no particular order they are:

1. Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer. I LOVE my grandmas. I love my mother who is also a grandma. And someday, I will be a Grandma. What is it about a reindeer running over a grandma that people find so humorous? Don't they LOVE their grandmas?

2. Santa Baby. Even the opening notes of the deep male singers going Ba Doom Ba Doom is
enough to make my skin crawl. And then when the floozy female singer starts singing

Santa baby, just slip a sable under the tree, for me
Been an awful good girl
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight.

I can hardly stand it. Materialism at its worst.

3. The Christmas Shoes. The first time I heard this song, I admit, it brought tears to my eyes. Because I'm sentimental like that. The second time I heard this song I admit, it brought a lump to my throat. Because I'm sentimental like that. But the third time I heard this song I thought, "What?" Why isn't this little boy home with his dying mother on Christmas Eve? Why isn't he rubbing her feet with Bath and Body Works Black Raspberry Vanilla and showing her how much he loves her? Why is he out shopping for shoes?

Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my Mama, please
It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size
Could you hurry, sir, Daddy says there's not much time
You see she's been sick for quite a while
And I know these shoes would make her smile
And I want her to look beautiful if Mama meets Jesus tonight

4. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus. I am sad to admit that my parents owned this song while I was growing up. Do you know HOW disturbing it is to think as a little girl that your mommy might actually kiss Santa Claus? I mean, YUCK! I am happy to report that not one CD I own has this song on it.

I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus
Underneath the mistletoe last night.
She didn't see me creep
Down the stairs to have a peep;
She thought that I was tucked up
in my bedroom fast asleep.

5. Finally, I don't really like The Twelve Days of Christmas. It goes on and on and on FOREVER! How many times do you need to hear about three French hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree? There is ONE time I actually liked the song. It was when the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and King Singer's performed it and they had dancers acting out the parts. It was a visual and audio masterpiece.

There you have it. My five least favorite Christmas Songs.

The Bloody Blobs

A couple of weeks ago, a visitor came to my home and saw these two adorable Christmas decorations.

Mr. and Mrs. Claus--Aren't they sweet?

They are cut out of wood (Thanks, Ron!) and hand painted with love. However, my four warped daughters don't focus on their cuteness. Instead, they focus on this view:

The back of Mr. and Mrs. Santa.

And that is how they have become known as "The Bloody Blobs."

When we unpack the Christmas boxes every year, my usually sweet children can't wait to place "The Bloody Blobs" in a prominent place in our family room. Sometime during the Christmas season, they gather around and tell

THE BLOODY BLOB STORY!

So go make yourself a cup of hot cocoa, put a few mini marshmallows or a tiny peppermint candy cane in the chocolaty goodness, and sit back and enjoy this year's rendition of

THE BLOODY BLOB STORY!

Once upon a time, in a place far, far away lived three wonderful children. They lived with their parents in an old mansion deep within the woods. The oldest son was Peter, the middle child was Mikala, and the youngest was Billy. The family had their struggles, but generally they were healthy and happy. But what they did not know was there was danger lurking in their midst....

One evening, the family settled in for the night. Peter had teased his younger siblings more than he should have. He felt guilty laying there in his bed. He knew better but Mikala and Billy got on his nerves sometimes. Finally, he fell asleep. Soon after midnight the walls seemed to whisper:

"The bloody blobs are coming! The bloody blobs are coming! The teasing and the anger have awakened us! Peter, face your fate!"

No one heard a thing, but when morning came, Peter was gone! All that remained was a small bloody blob on his pillow. His parents were frantic! The police were called but no sign of forced entry was found. Peter's disappearance was a mystery. His family mourned the loss of Peter. They added deadbolts to all the doors and windows and were ever vigilant for strangers in the deep dark woods, but what they didn't know is that the danger was lurking in their midst....

A week passed. Mikala and Billy were playing a game--Phase 10 to be precise. Mikala was losing the game and began sneaking extra Wild cards up her sleeve. When Billy realized she was cheating, he got mad. Their parents intervened and put the children to bed early so they could get some peace and quiet. As Mikala lay in bed quietly, she felt guilty. She knew that what she had done was wrong. Finally, after a lot of tossing and turning, she fell asleep. Soon after midnight you could hear the walls practically whispering:

"The Bloody Blobs are coming! The Bloody Blobs are coming! Your cheating and dishonesty has awakened us! Mikala, prepare for your fate!"

The next morning, Mikala had disappeared, too! All that was left was a bloody blob on her pillow. The police were once again called in. After questioning the parents extensively and doing a thorough investigation, Lieutenant Prize was baffled. He KNEW Mikala and Peter were missing! He suspected foul play! But, he didn't know how it was done. And what WAS that bloody blob substance on the pillows?

The parents built a moat around their home. They installed towers and search lights and installed a home security system. They did everything they could to protect precious Billy from whatever monster was after their family. But, what they didn't know was that the danger was lurking within their midst....

For you see, the Bloody Blobs lived within the walls of their mansion. They are awakened by anger and discord. As long as there is peace and harmony, they sleep quietly, hibernating through life. But once anger enters the home, their blood thirst is awakened. Who will the next victim be? For just as Santa is watching when children are naughty and nice...so are the Bloody Blobs!

THE END!

Aren't you glad? For that is the most depressing Christmas story EVER! And let me tell you, this year's rendition is less bloody and depressing than most. For in my sweet yet warped daughters rendition, EVEN the parents die!

OK, Emily would say that "The Christmas Shoes" song/story/TV movie of the week is more depressing. And she's probably right.

Candy Train

When I was a teenager, my mother taught us how to make a Candy Train. They are so much easier than graham cracker or gingerbread houses. I remembered the idea and after I had children, we began making candy trains each Christmas.

Emily and Jennifer with their masterpiece.

If you want to make a candy train, this is what you'll need.

• 2 large Snickers, Milky Way, or Three Musketeer candy bars.
  
• M&Ms (for the coal car)
  
• Tootsie Rolls (for the log car)
• 12 Peppermint drops for the wheels
• skinny licorice or straight pretzels for the train tracks. (optional--we don't do this every year.)
• Two Rollo's for the smoke stack
• One Hershey Kiss to go on top of the two Rollos.
• Two Ande's Mints for the sides of the locomotive
• Gummy Bears or Wrapped Christmas chocolates--Santa, snowmen, bells, and gifts are fun.
• Sugared orange slice for the "cow catcher." (I don't always buy this either because we aren't the biggest fan of this kind of candy.)
• Gum drop for the headlight (or a yellow life saver.)
  
• Any other kind of candy that you might want to use.

Cut one candy bar into a 1/3 to 2/3 ratio. This will be the locomotive. The smaller piece will be attached to the back of the larger piece. You will take the two Rollo candy pieces and attach to the front for the smoke stack. Don't forget the Hershey Kiss on top! Attach the Ande's Mints to the sides of the locomotive between the smoke stack and the back. Now you have a little compartment to put your chocolate Santa or Gummy Bears.

Take the other candy bar and cut it in half. These will be the two cars in the train. Pile M&M's on one car and Tootsie Rolls on the other. Attach peppermint drops to the base of each car for the wheels.

You will also need a firm frosting to "glue" everything together. We like this one.

Sonie Frosting

1/2 c. shortening
2 c. powdered sugar.
1/2 tsp. vanilla
2 T. milk

Cream shortening and powdered sugar together. Add vanilla and milk and blend well.

One year, Ron and I home and visit taught several families with young children. We made each family a candy train. The kids thought we were the BEST!

However, over the years, our sweet, Christmasy candy trains have taken on a dramatic flair.

We had a Mexican Fiesta train one year--complete with an aluminum foil pinata. I believe Jennifer was the inspiration for that train.

Viva Mexico!

Do you see the tin foil pinata?

Do you see the flag of Mexico and the Smarties Sombreros?

Last year, with Dustin's assistance via phone, this is what Heather and Emily came up with.

It looks cute, doesn't it? Santa almost looks like he's winking at you!

However, if you look at the bigger picture, this is a 911 candy train--complete with lego ambulance, lego men carrying a stretcher, and a very sad victim. I'm not sure if the victim was run over by the train. I hope not.

Not such a Holly Jolly Christmas.

A close up of the tragic scene.

If you decide to make Candy Trains for families with young children, you'll probably want to skip the gore and stick with Christmasy sweetness. However, if you have teenagers, they'll enjoy coming up with all kinds of interesting scenes!

A Cedar Cove Christmas

A Cedar Cove Christmas by Debbie Macomber

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I love Debbie Macomber books. A recent Hallmark movie based on one of her Christmas books inspired me to go to the library and look for another one of her Christmas stories. Although this one was enjoyable, I probably would have enjoyed it more if I was familiar with the Cedar Cover characters. I have not yet read this particular series.

Mary Jo Wyse finds herself very pregnant close to Christmas. The father of her baby, David Rhodes turned out to be a lying, sneaky scoundrel who is determined to "not do the right thing." Her three brothers are determined to track him down and force him into marrying their younger sister. Mary Jo may have been a fool when it came to David's charming ways, but she realizes now that he would not be a blessing in her or her unborn child's life. In order to prevent a messy scene, she travels to Cedar Cove on Christmas Eve to warn David's family of the wrath of the Wyse brothers.

This book loosely parallels the first Christmas story. There is no room in any inns for this soon-to-be mother in Cedar Cove, but through the kindness of strangers, this book has a feel good ending--perfect when you want a little non-commercial Christmas cheer.

For Heather....With Love

Are the Christmas celebrations working you into a tizzy? Do you need time to relax and have a little fun? Well, I have JUST the game for you.

I cannot take credit for this great masterpiece. My daughter, Heather came up with the idea for this fun game. It takes very little time and very little brain power. Two items which are in short supply during the holiday season.

I have to admit, Heather never invited me to play this game until last Christmas. Yet, I had heard about it. Mainly from Emily.

Heather: "Let's play the Christmas tree game!"

Emily: "Do we HAVE to?"

Heather: "Yes, it's tradition."

How come everything comes back to tradition?

The game is simple. Find a Christmas tree. Any Christmas tree will do.

How about this Christmas tree?

Christmas Tree 2010

One person is the leader.

Leader: (Who is ALWAYS Heather in our family, because this is her game.) "I'm thinking of a light. Do you know which one it is?"

Of course, with a thousand or so lights on the tree, (perhaps that is a slight exaggeration) no one can guess correctly. At this point, a series of yes or no questions are permitted.

Emily: (Because it's usually Emily who plays this game with Heather, although last year I WAS permitted to play.) "Is it red?"

Heather: "No."

Emily: "Is it yellow?"

Heather: "No."

Emily: "Is it green?"

Heather: (With great excitement and glee.) "YES!!!!"

Now, it's a simple matter of figuring out which green light it is.

After a great deal of elimination, the right green light is discovered and the game is over.

It took five minutes tops!

Everyone has five minutes at Christmas! So, go ahead. Play this game with your family members. I'm sure they will love it as much as our family does.

P.S. Heather, have you played this game with Dustin yet?

Remembering Christ at Christmas

Last night I attended a Relief Society Christmas social. We had a delicious dinner, I enjoyed getting to know the women at my table better, and we had a lovely program. My nephew D.J. played a piano solo to conclude the evening. Can I say, "He's awesome!" D.J. truly is a gifted pianist.

Interspersed between the musical numbers, we watched three video selections that helped us focus on the true meaning of Christmas. It's a message I very much appreciated.

So many times, I get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Christmas shopping. Christmas baking. Christmas parties. The list goes on and on. By the time Christmas Day arrives, I am exhausted. I remember too many Christmas mornings where I went back to bed after opening gifts and breakfast. I was too tired to enjoy the rest of the day.

One of my favorite Christmases was when our little family moved to Twenty-nine Palms for a couple of months while Ron had a work assignment down there. We knew it would be a temporary move, so we only brought the bare necessities. If it didn't fit in our van, we left it behind. This included all our Christmas decorations.

Jennifer was turning one, Heather was barely four, and Christie was in 1st grade. We knew we needed to make Christmas special for them, so we grew creative.

We bought an inexpensive live tree, a box of Christmas lights, a package of popcorn, some thread, needles, candy canes, wrapped chocolates on a string, and some red and green construction paper. We strung popcorn, made Christmas chains, and decorated our tree with love. Because we knew no one, we weren't invited to any parties. Because Christie was being temporarily "home-schooled" we didn't have any school Christmas programs to attend. Each evening, we gathered together in the living room and Ron or I would read a short Christmas story. We sang Christmas Carols. We spent time together as a family.

There in the high desert of southern California, the stars seemed especially bright and close. It wasn't hard to imagine the Magi following the star in their search to worship the Savior. It wasn't hard to imagine angels appearing to shepherds as they shouted, "Glory to God in the Highest" and "Peace on Earth Good Will to Men." And it wasn't hard to imagine a young tired pregnant woman with a concerned husband as they traveled through their own desert in a far off land looking for room in an inn.

I hope you enjoy this video presentation. I know it helped me resolve to make room for my Savior during this busy time of the year.

Ch Ch Ch Chia Pet!

You know Christmas is coming when you see the Chia Pet commercials on TV.

Did you know that this year, you can get a Chia Pet and show your patriotism at the same time?

You can get a George Washington Chia Head!

You can get an Abraham Lincoln Chia Head!

You can get the Statue of Liberty Chia Head!

And you can get an President Obama Chia Head which symbolizes according to the commercial "prosperity and hope."


Do you feel particularly prosperous and hopeful?



Who said that Christmas, patriotism, and Chia Pets didn't go together!

My Name is Loralee...and I'm a Christmas Music Addict

When we moved 3 1/2 months ago, we knew it would be the PERFECT opportunity to streamline our home. We got rid of furniture, appliances, books, DVD's, videos, kitchen "stuff" clothes, linens, and oodles and oodles of things stored in the garage. It was amazing how much we accumulated and how much we got rid of. It felt good.

But, there was one thing that was "hands-off." That was our CD collection--especially my collection of Christmas music. Every year I purchase at least one or two or sometimes (shifts eyes furtively) three Christmas CD's. Because I LOVE Christmas music soooo much! You may remember http://mamoomsmoments.blogspot.com/2009/10/my-dilemma.html for the serious dilemma I had LAST year!

But, if I HAD to pare down my collection, what would I keep?

In no particular order, here are my top 10 favorite Christmas CD's.

1. Bing Crosby's Merry Christmas. This is the Christmas album I grew up with! There is something about Bing's soothing vocals paired up with the sparkling voices of the Andrew Sisters that puts me in the Christmas Spirit. "Mele Kalikimaka" is the bonus touch.

2. Johnny Mathis For Christmas. Who could not love Johnny's vocals? "Do You Hear What I Hear?" is my favorite on this album.

3. For something a little more contemporary, but still in the old crooner style I like Harry Connick, Jr.'s first Christmas album When My Heart Finds Christmas. I love the energy of this album!

4. I own several Mo Tab Christmas CD's. But one of my favorites is Spirit of the Season with Sissel. "Spirit of the Season" from the Polar Express movie makes me smile EVERY single time!

5. The other Mo Tab Christmas CD I really like is Ring Christmas Bells with Brian Stokes Mitchell. "The Friendly Beasts" is worth downloading if you don't want the entire CD.

6. Donny Osmond's Christmas at Home is one of my favorites. I know what you are thinking--Donny Osmond? His rendition of "Mary Did you Know" and "Come to the Manger" are beautiful!

7. Nat King Cole's The Christmas Song is another vintage CD--but c'mon--it's Nat King Cole singing "The Christmas Song!"

8. Josh Groban's Noel may be this generations version of Nat King Cole, Johnny Mathis, and Bing Crosby wrapped up in one. There is not one bad song on this CD. Not one.

9. Hilary Weeks' Christmas Once Again brings the spirit into my home. Her song "Is There Room" helps put Christmas into perspective for me.

10. Celtic Woman A Christmas Celebration is probably the most listened to Christmas CD in my rotation. "Ding Dong Merrily on High" is worth listening to over and over again!

Honorable Mention: Mannheim Steamroller Christmas. Their version of "Silent Night" accompanied at least two Joy School Christmas productions in my own family history.

So, do you have any CD's you would recommend that I add to my collection? I'm always looking for one or two or (shifts eyes furtively) three every year!

Do I Have Room?

The past few weeks have been very busy. Busy finishing up my BYU class. Busy studying and taking a final. Busying Christmas shopping. Busy working on Jennifer's upcoming wedding. Busy running a household. Busy giving service to others. In all the busyness I almost forgot the joy and wonder of this season. Tonight, I had a chance to remember.



I hope I will always have room for the Savior in my heart and in my life. I hope I can become increasingly like Him. I hope that you have a very joyous Christmas season filled with love, peace, and wonderful memories.

My dilemma

If you were a fly on the wall of our car as Ron and I were driving to the temple Friday night, you would have overheard this conversation.

Me: Ron, I have a dilemma.

Very long pause.

Ron: So, what is your dilemma?

Me: So, you know how much I like Christmas music?

Very long pause.

Ron: Yes, I know. So, what's the problem?

Me: Well, remember how I told you that I wanted to get TWO new Christmas CD's this year? I want to get David Archuleta's Christmas CD because I really like his voice. And you know how much I LOVE Hilary Weeks. Well, she has a new Christmas CD out, too. I really want that one also.

Very long pause.

Ron: Yes, I remember that. So, what's the problem?

Me: Well, now I want THREE Christmas CD's. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir has a new one out and I heard selections of it on Amazon. It's very, very good! I don't know what to do!

Very long pause.

Ron: Why don't you buy me one of those Christmas CD's. for my birthday. That will solve your problem.

Is it any reason why I don't love my husband?