Don't tell the Trustees! Bowling Tournament in the Parsonage!

The Tournament Begins.  Our 17yo dd has plans to hang out with the girls and bring in 2009 tonight.  The boys and parents are hanging in our own personalized bowling alley!  Yup, the Wii tournament begins tonight between the four of us.  We are going to enjoy Nachos, Pizza, taquitos, Corn Dogs, and Soda while bowling in our living room.  (foods that we enjoy the bowling alley) Moving furniture and making room.  Bring it on boys! (So glad I don't have to have the bright pink 4 pound ball and embarrass myself!)

Plans... I have heard that it's the best way to make Our Lord laugh!

Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version)

11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

I was comforted by a blog friend (To the right- It's time for more Coffee) today with this passage.  I CLING to this promise from My Heavenly Father.  This year is sure to bring HIS PLANS... some in the process of happening, some unknown.  I love that there is always something "fresh" in HIS PLANS, that HIS PLANS are always right and true.  When I turn to "my plans" he is always there to pick me up, forgive me, renew me and embrace me as His child.  So, with 2009 on the way, and reflection from my years past, I CLING to this promise and look forward to HIS PLANS!

The Secret is Out (Confessions of a cheating Pastry Chef)

I have had requests for this doughnut recipe.  I have to say... I have made them the hard way  which is super yummy and well worth the while... and I make them regularly the easy way... and super duper cheap!  Thanks to:

Really... take the cheapest canned biscuits- 28 cents a can!  Poke your finger into the center, fry in oil, and dip in sugars... really, I know, don't give me a hard time... the years of culinary school and I am frying pre-made dough??!!  Yup!  Cheap-o and EasyShmeasy!  The kiddos love this, and can even make them on their own, without an hour of rise time, rolling and flour all about.  Secret's Out!

Sunday Night Planning

So, I am "watching" football and trying to plan out our meal plan for the week.  I thought, hmmm, why not just post it here... I usually print out a copy and put it in the kitchen so all can see what they can plan on enjoying for our mealtime.  Here it goes: (Photos from past bloglines... I promise to photograph any yummy food this week though!)

Monday:

Breakfast- Whole wheat pancakes, (quad latte')

Lunch- Red Pepper Pepperoni Bread

Dinner- Alfredo Herbed Cheese Turkey Ravioli (homemade) 

 Brown Sugared Carrots

Snack- Popped Corn

Tuesday:

Breakfast- Oat Muffins

Lunch- Chicken Quesadillas and Salad

Dinner- Mexican Corn Chili and Breadsticks

Snack- Fresh Fruit

Wednesday:

Breakfast- Waffles

Lunch- Spinach Potato Quiche

Dinner- Stone Baked Pizza and Fruit Tray

Snack: Cheese and Crackers, Chips, and other "finger foods"

Thursday:

Breakfast- Cinnamon Toast Cake with Apple Slices

Lunch- Turkey/Egg Salad Wraps

Dinner- Bier Rocks

Snack- Popped Corn

Friday:

Breakfast- Pancakes

Lunch- Chicken Noodle Soup

Dinner- Stone Baked Pizza 

Snack- Leftovers

Saturday:

Breakfast- Mini doughnuts

Lunch- Out

Dinner- Baked Macaroni and Cheese

  Baked Beans

Snack- Birthday Cake and Ice Cream

Sunday:

Breakfast- Toast and Jelly

Lunch- Fellowship

Dinner- Fresh Noodles with Turkey and Veggies

Snack- Popped Corn

               

Loving my family...

These are our family's newest favorite cookies.  Russian Tea Cookies.  We totally omit the nuts and use almond flavoring... wow, the texture is just awesome!

 

My Sweet Happy Man... really he is totally the nicest person I have ever met.  I adore him!  He Loves the Lord and shares freely the forgiveness that Baby Jesus brings.  I can't wait to see what the year 2009 brings to us.  Thank you, my man, for being adventurous, patient, and "all that".  BTW, he has been so faithful in running a four mile treadmill daily, he is solid!  I am blessed with the complete package!

Danielle always gets others in the picture with her, Aaron is usually the victim- sitting close by.  Sweet siblings!

A rare picture of Christopher with Danielle and I.  Danielle loved this American Eagle hat this season, sort of Northlandish.... huh?!  Welcome to the U.P.

New glasses... the eye doctor said she didn't really need them, but when you are 17 eyeglasses are an accessory, so she "chooses" to wear them... for now.

DO THE NOODLE DANCE....

A sweet friend from our Parish invited me to make noodles with her.  Her late husband was Italian and she blessed him with this delightful treat during the Christmas season.  Thank you Eva for making me a part of your memories.

Recipe:

3 eggs

3 cups of flour

1/2 of eggshell of water per egg added 

Blend in food processor until a ball forms, knead a bit longer.  Let rest for 3-5 minutes covered and feed through your pasta machine as directed.  

Great tips:  placing a sheet under a drying rack to catch the loose noodles

wearing gloves

letting the thin sheets of noodles dry a bit before cutting into strips

We also made raviolis, what an awesome Christmas gift to my family!

BTW, guess what my sweet dh brought home for me this weekend?!  Guessing he liked those noodles!  Thankful for my friends, my husband and my time spent in Advent devotions, on the waiting of Christ Jesus.

Cookie Drive

Our Lutheran Women's Missionary League along with the Youth Group combined talent and energy to sponsor this year's Christmas Cookie Drive.  Goodness, have you ever tried to count 5,000, Yup FIVETHOUSANDSUGARBITS sitting on the long fellowship hall tables!  This fundraiser was a fun event, and you know, there is always a gem that blesses us...the leaders, THANKYOU!  

BTW, there were 30 cookies per plate for $6... what a deal!

Pearl Harbor Day

Intro to Advent

This Wonderful Informative Article explains what the season of Advent is all about.  Thank you Rev. Cwirla for sharing. (photo credits to the site as well)

Are your boots polished?!

 Are your boots nice an shiny?  Ready for your chocolate coins, candies, fruit and nuts?  Tonight is the night!  Need more information?  (photo from thelocal.de site)        

Wikipedia says: St. Nicholas Day, usually on December 6, is a festival for children in many countries in Europe related to surviving legends of the saint, and particularly his reputation as a bringer of gifts. The American Santa Claus, as well as the Anglo-Canadian and British Father Christmas, derive from these legends. "Santa Claus" is itself derived from the Dutch Sinterklaas.

The history of the festive Saint Nicholas celebration is complex and reflects conflicts between Protestantism and Catholicism. Since Nicholas was a canonised saint, Martin Luther replaced the festival that had become associated with the Papacy with a Christkind ("Christ child") celebration on Christmas Eve. The Nicholas celebrations still remain a part of tradition among many Protestants, albeit on a much smaller scale than Christmas. The Protestant Netherlands, however, retain a much larger Saint Nicholas tradition. Many Dutch Catholics, on the other hand, have adopted Luther's Christkind.