Resurrection Rolls

Our family tradition at Easter time is to make Resurrection Rolls. This afternoon when String Bean finished her lunch, we set up the workstation to make the Rolls. She did not enjoy getting her fingers dirty (typical). However, once she realized the dough was not cookie dough, she had fun trying to wrap the marshmallows up in it.

While we waited for the Rolls to cook and cool, String Bean, Mr. Bean, and I watched the Charlie Brown Easter Beagle special. String Bean is the biggest Charlie Brown and gang fan you've ever seen. (All we've heard the last few days is "New Brown? Please?")

We set the ready-to-eat Resurrection Roll in front of String Bean and told her to look and see if Jesus was still in there. When she popped it open, she just looked at me with a blank stare unsure of what to say since Jesus had disappeared. I said, "Where is he?" She replied, "Bye-bye." Mr. Bean and I taught her to say, "Risen."

It is a precious tradition especially with preschool aged kids. If you and your family don't have a tradition and are looking to start one, we highly recommend Resurrection Rolls!

Traditions

It has been a tradition in my family since my dad was a kid (eons ago) to have a birthday party for Jesus on Christmas Eve.

String Bean is 25 months old and has adopted "Happy Birthday" as her favorite song. I believe this has something to do with her birthday 6 weeks ago and Daddy's just a week ago. There is nothing quite like explaining to your 2 year-old that we will be singing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus and watching the glee on her face as we sing her absolute favorite song.

This is our nativity. String Bean points to it when we refer to Jesus' birthday.

(This is not a photo of OUR specific nativity, just on from the Willow Tree stock photos of their product.)

Merry Christmas, String Bean! May you learn soon the meaning behind the birth of Jesus.

Mama's Pound Cake Recipe

Before my great grandmother, who we called Mama, died, she shared her pound cake recipe with my Aunt Joan making her promise to share it with others. So, here I am sharing it with you. I hope to make this cake for Jesus' birthday cake this year.

Light Pound Cake

1 pkg (1lbs) powdered sugar (3 ½ cups)
1 cup shorting (2 sticks of butter or margarine)
3 large eggs (4 medium to small)
1 cup milk
3 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 ½ tsp vanilla
Pinch of salt

Cream sugar and shorting together. Add eggs one at a time mixing well. Add flour, salt and baking powder, alternating with milk. Add vanilla.

Bake in greased and floured pan at 350 for 50 – 70 minutes. When toothpick comes out clean.

This cake freezes very well, and keeps for a while. You can also put in extras, like chocolate chips, nuts, etc. If you do, the cake will be a golden brown in center and darker on sides when done.

To freeze, wrap in foil.

Holiday Meal Planning

I am doing most of the holiday cooking this year. Here is what is on the menu:

Main Dishes
White Chicken Chili with crusty bread
Stay-in-Bed Stew
Baked Macaroni and Cheese + broccoli as a side

Appetizers
BBQ Meatballs (oven)
Cool Veggie Pizza (crescent rolls w/ cream cheese and veggies)
Deviled Eggs
Fruit stuff
Artichoke Dip w/ triscuits
Cheese/Crackers or Nacho stuff
Pickles
Jesus’ Birthday Cake

Breakfast Foods
Breakfast Casserole (bread, cheese, bacon, eggs)
Cheesy Potatoes

Cookies and Snacks
Russian Tea Cakes
Sugar Cookies
Chex Mix
Mint Chocolate Chip Merenges*
Molasses Gingerbread cookies*
Mint Chocolate Oreos
Spritz Cookies (made by my brother-in-law)*

I will be adding more main dishes to the list, but my cookies/snacks are almost finished! Only the ones with asterisks still need to be made. If you have any suggestions for improving my
menu, let me know!

THE Christmas Story

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 Cyrenius 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 Saviour, 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 known 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.

Purchased Birthday Presents, Yet?

So, Jesus' birthday is rapidly approaching. I know it is a busy time of year for all of us. I know you've probably got shopping to do, baking to do, and travel plans. But, have you remembered to get His birthday present? If not, I have some last minute gift ideas for you:

Toys for Tots. Help the Marines gather toys for the less fortunate. (There is also Toys for Teens sponsored by Best Buy).

Salvation Army. Probably the easiest place to donate this Christmas season since the bell ringers are at nearly every store this time of year! Rumor has it that some bell ringers have credit card machines at their buckets this year so having cash on hand isn't necessarily necessary.

A Friend in Need. Consider a donation to your church to help a fellow church member who is having problems making ends meet this Christmas.

Your favorite missionary. Many missionaries are low on support this year because the value of the dollar has dropped. Consider making a special gift to your favorite missionary to help them make ends meet. If you don't know a missionary personally, consider Ben and Sarah Badgero working with Native American youth in Canada with NAIM.

As you celebrate Christmas with your family this year, don't forget to wish Jesus a happy birthday. After all, we've all gotten presents for one another-Don't want to forget the person of honor!