Thoughts to Ponder

Jokes to brighten your day!

Plans for the day

Today I am making holiday cookies. Here are the ones I am making this year.~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This is a simple cookie recipe that will surely delight young and old. The cookies are coated with cinnamon and sugar for an extra special taste.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe Ingredients • 1/2 cup butter, softened • 1 cup sugar • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar • 1 large egg • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla • 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour • 4 Tablespoons granulated sugar • 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Snickerdoodle Cookie Directions~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a mixing bowl, beat the butter on medium speed for 30 seconds. Add the 1 cup sugar, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in the egg and vanilla until well blended. Beat in as much flour as you can with the mixer, and stir in remaining flour. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for 1 hour. Combine the 4 tablespoons sugar and 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon. Shape the dough into 1 inch balls and roll in cinnamon sugar mixture to coat. Place balls of dough 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 10 to 11 minutes or until edges are beautifully golden. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool. Make old-fashioned Christmas Butter Cookies Cook Time: 0 hours, 10 minutes Ingredients: •2-1/2 cups of flour •1 cup sweet softened butter •1 tsp baking powder •1 Tbsp Vanilla •1 cup of sugar •1 egg •1 Tbsp of orange juice Preparation: Mix all ingredients, beating at low speed until well mixed (1-2 minutes). Divide into thirds. Chill for 1-2 hours or longer. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Roll out on floured surface to 1/4" thick. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 6-10 minutes until golden around the edges. Remove to racks to cool. Decorate as you wish. At Notchland, we use thin, brightly colored icing, and have our guests “paint” designs on them. Also good are colored sugars, various sprinkles or “jimmies.” Sugar Cookies Ingredients 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1 cup butter, softened 1 1/2 cups white sugar 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Directions 1.Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside. 2.In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets. 3.Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. Let stand on cookie sheet two minutes before removing to cool on wire racks

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Thoughts to Ponder

Christmas Symbols

Christmas Symbols Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25th of each year. It is the day Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The word "Christmas" means "Christ's Mass" - derived from the English term "Christes masse". There are many different customs and traditions around the world. American customs come from many places. Santa Claus has a Dutch origin. He was developed from St. Nicholas who was a real person. St. Nicholas, was the patron saint of school boys. He brought gifts to the children. The idea that Santa Claus comes down the chimney originated in Norway, where children hang Christmas stockings on the fireplace mantel. Christmas trees have pagan origins. When pagans became Christian, they used evergreens (a sacred tree) for the holiday by decorating them with nuts and candles. They sang Christmas carols as they danced around the Christmas tree. ~~~~~~~~~~ Christmas colors are red and green. Today, traditional Christmas activities include caroling, making and giving gifts, sending cards to family and friends, and enjoying festive dinners and parties. Below are symbols of Christmas and their significance. ~~~~~ Advent Wreath Four candles placed on a wreath. One candle is lit each Sunday before Christmas in anticipation of Christ's birthday. ~~~~ Angel An angel told the shepherds of the birth of Jesus. Angels come in many forms for Christmas decorations including the tree topper.~~~~ Bells Church bells rang to announce the birth of Jesus. They still ring today. ~~~ Camels Camels are the animals the wisemen rode following the star to where Jesus was born.~~~ Candles Candles represent the light that Jesus brought to earth. Pagans who converted to Christianity used candles on the sacred evergreen tree.~~~~ Christmas Cards For many years, private notes of good tidings were sent at Christmas time. In 1843, Sir Henry Cole had 1000 special designed cards printed. The custom of sending Christmas cards began.~~~~ Christmas Caroling Caroling is a medieval custom of singing and dancing around a Christmas tree. Early carols weren't holy enough for singing inside a church, so caroling was done outside. ~~~~ Christmas Cookies Originated with pre-Christian Romans who gave sweet cakes to their senators.~~~~ Christmas Seals A Danish postal clerk sold Christmas stamps (Christmas seals) to show that users had given to a worthy cause.~~~~ Christmas Stocking There is a legend associated with the origin of Christmas stockings. St. Nick, who wanted to remain anonymous and help a poor family, threw gold coins down their chimney. They fell into a stocking that was hanging there to dry. ~~~~~~ Christmas Tree Lights The lights represent Christ as being the "Light of the World." Lights also represent stars. Candles were first used as lights on the Christmas tree.~~~~ Creche A manger scene representing the Jesus' place of birth. Donkeys, Lambs, and Cows Donkeys, lambs, and cows were animals close to Jesus at the time of his birth. They are usually part of the Creche. ~~~~ Evergreen Tree The evergreen tree was decorated by the pagans at the feast of the winter solstice. The evergreen tree was a sign that winter would end.~~~~ Gifts The first Christmas gifts were given by the Wisemen to Baby Jesus. ~~~~ Holly Holly is a shrub with spiny leaves and red berries. The leaves remain green throughout the year. Pagans thought its greenness was a promise that the sun would return. Early French and English families hung holly over their doors to symbolize a home in which Christ's birth is celebrated. ~~~~ Icicles Icicles are sometimes used as a tree decoration. As per an old story, the Christ child took shelter for a night under a pine tree. When the tree realized that it was caring for Jesus, tears of happiness fell from its branches. The tears froze into icicles. ~~~~ Jesus Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Christians believe Jesus is the son of God. ```` Joseph Joseph is the husband of Mary.~~~~ Manger A cow's manger is the place where Baby Jesus slept. It is part of the Creche.~~~~ Mary Mary is the mother of Jesus. ~~~~ Mince Meat Pie Mince meat pie is full of spices and fruits. It represents the exotic treasures of the East that the Wisemen brought to Jesus. ~~~~ Mistletoe A sprig of evergreen plant hung at Christmas time. Custom is that people can kiss each other standing under it. ~~~~ Plum Pudding Plum pudding originated by an English king that was stranded in a blizzard one Christmas Eve. He used what he could find to make a special holiday dish. ~~~~ Poinsettia This flower was brought to the U.S. by Dr, J.R. Poinsett in 1825. He was the first first United States ambassador to Mexico. Because of its flame leaf, the poinsettia is sometimes called the Christmas Star. A Mexican legend explains how this flower got associated with Christmas.~~~~ Reindeer Reindeer were the animals chosen by St. Nicholas to pull his sleigh. His reindeers' names are Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen. Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer is the most famous.~~~~ Saint Nicholas Saint Nicholas was a real person. He was a kind bishop who brought presents to children and needy people. ~~~~ Shepherds Shepherds tend sheep. They came to the manger to honor Baby Jesus.~~~~ Star The Star of Bethlehem guided the Three Wisemen to Baby Jesus. ~~~~ Tinsel There is a legend associated with this thin metalic foil strip decoration. It tells about parents who trimmed a tree while their children were sleeping. Spiders came to see the tree, leaving cobwebs all over it. The Christ Child came to bless the tree and turned the cobwebs to silver.~~~~ Three Wisemen Three Kings travelled far to see Jesus. They brought their best treasures for gifts. Gold - a precious metal associated with the power of kings~~~~ Frankincense - A resin from a rare and sacred tree used as incense ~~~~ Myrrh - A resin from a shrub used in making perfume. ~~~~ Wassail A wassail is a salutation of good health or well wishes by means of a toast. The drink is a mixture of mulled eggs, curdled cream, apples, nuts, and spices. Usually poured from a punch bowl while exchanging Christmas greeings. ~~~~ Yule Log The word "yule" means "wheel," a symbol representing the sun. Before Jesus was born, pagans thought the sun stood still for 12 days at the end of the year. A log was cut large enough to burn for this time period to burn away last year's evil.

Origins of Christmas

Origins of Christmas credit goes to http://www.allthingschristmas.com/traditions.html From the Old English 'Cristes Mæsse' ~ meaning the 'mass of Christ' ~ the story of Christmas begins with the birth of a babe in Bethlehem. It is believed that Christ was born on the 25th, although the exact month is unknown. December was likely chosen so the Catholic Church could compete with rival pagan rituals held at that time of year and because of its closeness with the winter solstice in the Northern hemisphere, a traditional time of celebration among many ancient cultures. Luke, Chapter Two 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."

New Job.....

A guy goes to the Post Office to apply for a job. The interviewer asks him, "Are you allergic to anything?" He replies, "Yes- caffeine." "Have you ever been in the military service? "Yes," he says "I was in Iraq for two years." The interviewer says,” That will give you 5 extra points toward employment." Then he asks,” Are you disabled in any way?" The guy says, "Yes. A bomb exploded near me and I lost both of my testicles. The interviewer grimaces and then says, "O.K. You've got enough points for me to hire you right now. Our normal hours are from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. You can start tomorrow at 10:00 - and plan on starting at 10:00 A.M. every day." The guy is puzzled and asks, "If the work hours are from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P...M., why don't you want me to here until 10:00 A.M.?" "This is a government job," the inter-viewer says, "For the first two hours, we just stand around drinking coffee and scratching our balls. No point in you coming in for that.".

I am so stressed!

I made some pet collars and took a few pictures. When I turned the camera back on to upload images, I kept getting "Lens error, restart camera", so I tried, nothing happened. Well, thank God I got the 1 year warranty on it. The biggest problem is I have to wait 3-5 weeks for the camera to come back. This means no camera for Christmas unless I get a disposable. It also means I can't take pics of my new items and post them on Here or Etsy unless I borrow someone's camera. UUUUGGGHHHH!!!

Check out my new website

Wednesday, December 2, 2009 "Stuff A Pal" I have added Stuff-a-pal to my line of products. Click this link to check it out. http://stuffapal.com/store/affiliate.asp?aff=1089 Check out our selection of "Stuff A Pal" products! We Also Sell Dolls, Purses, Sound Chips Shoes Many Outfits To Add To The Enjoyment Of Your Stuff A Pal. Our Outfits Fit Most 15-18 Inch Stuffable Animals Like Build A Bear & Other Stuffable Animals They Also Fit Some Cabbage Patch Kids & TY Buddies

My newest creations

Find more photos like this on Crafters United To purchase go to www.justbecausecrafts.etsy.com

Deuteronomy 8:10

When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you. Thousands of years after this verse was written, in the midst of a hard winter that killed half of their fellow travelers, the Pilgrims who settled America still had a lot to be thankful for. Just before they arrived, a plague had wiped out a hostile tribe that would have killed them. Fifteen years earlier, one member of that tribe had been taken to Europe, was taught English, became a Christian, and came back to America just in time to teach the Pilgrims how to survive. Thanksgiving is a reminder that we have a good God who rescues us in a broken world. Today's commentary by: Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, Grace NYC Weekly Memory Verse Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

Fresh Friday

Undiscovered Etsians Featured items from dazzlecreations To see more from this Etsian go to http://www.etsy.com/shop/dazzlecreations \ Featured items from SilverNGold To see more from this Etsian go to http://www.etsy.com/shop/SilverNGold

The Wreath, The Candy Cane

The meaning of the Candy Cane: The ‘J’ shape represents Jesus’ name, White represents the pureness of Jesus Red represents the blood Jesus shed for us. The meaning of the wreath: The circle represents unending circle of life The Evergreen symbolizes growth and everlasting life Holly branches represent the thorn on Jesus' crown when he was crucified Bright red holly berries symbolize Jesus' blood that was shed for us.

How to Make a Lace-Trimmed Silk Scarf - CraftStylish

How to Make a Lace-Trimmed Silk Scarf - CraftStylish

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Plastic Canvas

Plastic canvas From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Plastic canvas is a craft material of lightweight plastic with regularly spaced holes in imitation of embroidery canvas. It is also commonly known as vinyl weave. Plastic canvas is typically used as a foundation for needlepoint or other canvas work embroidery, usually in acrylic or wool knitting yarn. Due to its rigidity, it is useful for creating 3-dimensional objects such as tissue box covers, small jewelry boxes, handbags, and other decorative objects. Plastic canvas is manufactured in many colors and with various size holes for different thicknesses of yarn. As with textile canvas, these are described in count – that is, 10-count plastic canvas has 10 holes per linear inch. Typical sizes are 7-, 10-, and 14 count. It is most readily available in A4 size sheets but pre-made shapes such as circles, triangles as well as novelty shapes (e.g. dinosaur, bird, cross) are also available. Plastic canvas is also employed in teaching needlepoint and cross stitch to children, since its rigid structure does not require the use of a hoop or frame. Other uses Plastic canvas is also used by some for making animal mascot heads as a frame to build faux fur upon to make the head of the mascot, some people stick the Plastic canvas together with glue but this is not the only method of construction or sticking together a frame of a mascot head.

Maple Wing Recipes | Notecook

Maple Wing Recipes | Notecook

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Maple Wing Recipes | Notecook

Maple Wing Recipes | Notecook

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Winter Warmers Mittens

My newest creations. Click on title for more details.

Fresh Friday

Be sure to check out these shops!!!



Jacfredcreation opened shop May 11, 2009.  http://www.jacfredcreation.etsy.com/

Element4You  opened shop October 29, 2009

http://www.element4you.etsy.com/

Purgatoryum Opened shop August 27, 2009

http://www.purgatoryum.etsy.com/

BelliUccelli  joined:October 28, 2009.  http://www.belliuccelli.etsy.com/

Fresh Friday

Beginning today, I will be featuring shops from Etsy that have not yet been discovered.  These shops need to be recognized so hopefully they will begin to make sales.  So, check back every Friday  for posts titled Fresh Friday.

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