Now head on over to MomDot, 5M4M, and WW HQ for more.

I love this woman but she is sloppy at folding laundry and she doesn’t know where my cooking utensils go. Yesterday my mother in law came over to pick up the boys, well they were asleep with daddy so she put away my dishes from the dish washer and folded some towels. Fine no biggie, thanks. I wasn’t able to get to all of that done yesterday with being at work then driving back this way to get Chris for my company’s Christmas dinner.

Well I start cleaning up my kitchen today to get it ready for Thursday when everyone came over. I found my missing spoons and wooden spoons in a draw! NO they go in the white caddy that sits up next to the microwave. Then the towels were just sitting on my counter folded but kind of sloppy folded. NO the corners need to match up and put in the draw next to the sink!!

Like I said I appreciate this woman for taking my boys after she gets off work but don’t touch my stuff. Even though I don’t clean everyday I’m very particular as to where my stuff goes and it’s due to my mom cleaning like she does and my dad being in the military where they expect you to have your clothes folded a certain way.

All I have left to do in the kitchen is finish up the last of the dishes and sweep after I get the clothes finished that are laying on the floor… HUBS’ work clothes. I hate it when he lays them there.

Other than all that we just have to vacuum, get the clothes put away and we are fully ready for Christmas day!

How ’bout you?

Again over at The Adventures of a Working Mom she has Mr. Linky so you can sign up with yours.

I received a fifty dollar gift card from my boss, even though I’m a temporary worker I’m glad he still thought of me. I do do a lot for the place. I help keep the paper in check for one. LOL Now I just have to figure out what I’ll be buying with it.

So enjoy your Tuesday everyone. One more day and then gift time!!! YAAAYYYYY!!! LOL

Make time to treasure your family this Christmas. Watch as family members interact with each other. Take joy in their facial expressions and feelings. Whenever you feel tired or stressed with nothing left to give, pray for strength and remember that the days may seem long, but the years go by quickly. Try not to miss a minute of it and ponder all these things in your own heart.

Prayer:

“Glory to God in the highest!” If we are daily praising God and our hearts are full of love for Him, others cannot help but see the difference He has made in our lives. Worship isn’t just about signing songs or Christmas carols at church on Sunday. It’s about living life in such a way that is pleasing to God. If we are living a life of worship, we cannot help but tell others about who He is and what He has done for us.

Prayer:

Family Activity:

Make room in your refrigerator for all of those wonderful Christmas desserts by having a smorgasbord night for dinner! Set out fruit, vegetables, dips, crackers, tortillas, and any leftovers you would like to use up. Let the kids come up with their own creations. Cut food into bite-sized pieces and let everyone snack all evening long. Gather around the table and have fun showing each other your own recipes. Keep the snacks out to munch on while you play a game as a family.

Stress-Free Tip:

Plan ahead for your Christmas menu and table settings. Purchase mini stockings and place your silverware in them at each place setting. Write names on the stockings with a glitter pen or fabric paint.

Recipe:

Raspberry Oatmeal Bars

Ingredients

1/2 cup softened butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup quick oats
3/4 cup seedless raspberry jam

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients together, except the jam. Press 2 cups of the mixture into the bottom of a greased 8-inch pan. Spread the jam to within 1/4 inch of the edge. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top and lightly press it into the jam. Bake 35-40 minutes and allow to cool before cutting into bars.

Roni, Mac and Cheese, a lovely comparison of macaroni and cheese to kids and school.

Lady Lynn’s 20th Giveaway

Should unique hits matter to a blogger? MomDot may answer a few questions for you.

Holiday Rush and awards

Here is someone who could use some positive thinking!!

Shake the Salt Frugal Deals

A Little Bit Nutty has survey she would like others to join in.

A Daily Dose’s Quotable Sunday 12.21 Edition

Blue Violet is sharing a chocolate mug cake. Sounds very delicious.

Debateur Debates has a Wish List up that’s very cute.

Miss Blondie has SNOW!!

Hip Mama’s Apple Chips Recipe

Hoohobbers Holiday Gift Guide

Household Six survived the shopping this weekend!!! WTG

Jiggety Jigg Jenni driving and posting in the snow.

Minxy Mimi’s Quotable Sunday Edition 12.21

Momma’s Gone Over The Wall Chocolate Covered Cherries

Multi-Slacking Mamalicious’ needs, I found the picture of the baby dolphin in utero very neat and cute.

Kelsi and Kelsey two very different girls but best buds.

LOOKING FOR MATCHING CHRISTMAS SLEEPWEAR. Well, I’ve found that place for you… I may be buying a set if they have a sale after Christmas for next Christmas. LOL

If you don’t know about Cool Mom Picks, well you should!! They have wonderful reviews and giveaways to boot.

Blogger Buster has busted Geotagging.

Bloggy Giveaways will return January 5th.

Tip Junkie’s Neighbor Gift Ideas

I heard for Felicia of Go Graham Go who entered a contest at I Never Grew Up, that I could have a chance to win a Flip Video Camera!! How cool is that. I’ve seen them at Sears and again at Walmart, AT WALMART! OMG! WOW!

I’d like to have this one, but if they ever make a purple one I’d take that one as well. LOL I like that you can buy an tripod for it. Looks really neat.

Thanks for the chance.

Do not be afraid! The holidays can be a time when fear creeps up on us unexpectedly. We can fear for our country, fear the family conflicts that may surface over holiday dinners, fear the state of our finances… and the list goes on. The angel said, “Do no be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” This season, let your focus be on that joyful news. It’s for all of us. Jesus’ birth gives us hope. We don’t have to fear! John 16:33 says, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Prayer:

Family Activity:

Focus on the good news of great joy. Consider baking a birthday cake for Jesus or putting candles on your favorite dessert or breakfast coffee cake. Don’t forget to sing “Happy Birthday” to Him. Remember that we are celebrating the birth of Jesus all month long. Take turns having family members tell why Jesus’ birth is important and what it means to them today.

Stress-Free Tip:

Can’t stand the thought of all that wrapping paper being thrown away after packages are opened? Have the kids trace cookie cutters and cut out the shapes from the used wrapping paper. You can use the cutouts for scrapbooks and Christmas cards for next year. WOW I LIKE THIS IDEA!

Recipe:

Mom’s Colossal Christmas Cookies

Ingredients

6 eggs
1 pound brown sugar
2 cups white sugar
1/2 tablespoon vanilla
1/2 tablespoon light corn syrup
4 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 pound butter(no substitutes)
1 1/2 pounds creamy or crunchy peanut butter
9 cups quick oats
1/2 pound milk chocolate chips
1/2 pound candy coated chocolate pieces(m&m’s)

Directions

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix ingredients in large mixing bowl in the order given. Using an ice cream scoop, drop onto ungreased cookie sheet and flatten with back of spoon or with hand. Drop 6 cookies per sheet. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown.

It’s getting down to the wire–just five days until Christmas!! Are you relaxed and eager for Christmas Day to arrive? Or are you weary from all the hustle and bustle? Take some time today to seek the Lord’s face. Look to His strength to motivate and inspire all that you do today and in the coming week. Encourage your family members to do the same. Quit worrying over the last batch of cookies that you haven’t had time to bake or the floor hasn’t been mopped–see His face.

Prayer:

Family Activity:

Prepare for a relaxing evening at home. Eat dinner together and turn off the tv. Then bring out old photo albums and relive some of the best memories you have as a family. Take turns telling stories about the pictures and events. Then have everyone vote on the top five events in the life of your family so far.

Stress-free Tip:

Order take out tonight to give yourself a break and make this evening as relaxing possible. Let the kids work on presents for their family members while Mom and Dad have some alone time.

Recipe:

Noel Bars

Ingredients

2 eggs, beaten
1 cup brown sugar
5 tablespoons flour
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup chopped pecans
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoon melted butter
Pinch of Cinnamon
Powdered Sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix together eggs, brown sugar, flour, baking soda, nuts, and vanilla extract. Pour melted butter into 7×11 inch pan. Top with a pinch(or more) of cinnamon. Pour batter over melted butter and cinnamon without stirring. Bake for 20 minutes. Cool, cut into squares, and sprinkle with powdered sugar.