A Visit From Saint Nicholas by Clement Moore

(Been a bit sick. This was published on this blog in 2012. So if you see a comment by you, I just updated the time stamp. Merry Christmas!)

ILLUSTRATED FROM DRAWINGS By F.O.C. Darley.


Twas the night before Christmas,when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her kerchief,and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap—



When out on the lawn there rose such a clatter,
I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter,
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon, on the breast of the new-fallen snow,
Gave a lustre of mid-day to objects below;
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny rein-deer,
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;



"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On! Comet, on! Cupid, on! Dunder and Blitzen—
To the top of the porch, to the top of the wall!
Now, dash away, dash away, dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So, up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With a sleigh full of toys—and St. Nicholas too.
And then in a twinkling I heard on the roof,
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.



As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack;
His eyes how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry;




His droll little month was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke,
it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face, and a little round belly
That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.




He was chubby and plump—a right jolly old elf;
And I laughed when I saw him in spite of myself.
A wink of his eye, and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle;
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"




more Christmas stories available free at Project Gutenburg

Merry Christmas!

Hope everyone has a great Wednesday! 

See you all soon. 

The Best of 2012 in pictures

I hope you had a good day

I received an email from Peggy about the pay it forward Christmas.

The family was thrilled. They wore the mittens all day, earrings made the mom cry happy tears, and the books and movies kept the kids entertained. They loved everything. Thank you all for helping this family out!

We had an uneventful day here ourselves.

I made dinner. Yes, I did. It's nice to be able to do so, but it is tiring and I am so sore afterward. So much so that I couldn't eat when everyone else did. I am slowly getting better.

The boys had a great day. They loved everything it seemed. We received presents from all over the world this year. So thank you for that. This will be a Christmas that we remember. (I got the coolest wrist warmers from Ireland)

Small got his first pocket knife, and has been very proud and responsible with it. Almost a smug look on his face as he takes it out to open things with. I try not to giggle, don't want to hurt the little man's pride. But he is taking the responsibility seriously.

Medium is a monopoly junkie. He's very good at the game, and insists playing daily. All I can say is thank goodness for connect four, and I can put that child in his place. He is practicing though, he thinks he can beat me at that game too.

Large. . . What to say about Large. Well he needed a hat, coat, socks, size 16 men shoes. We decided that he needed fun with his must haves. . . .

Lonely

I have admitted to it in the past and am doing so again. This life can be isolating, very much so.

And it isn't just about where you live. It's the work, the nonstop talking about it, and the weariness (some will claim smell as well). You become different then you once were. You subconsciously purge those toxic from your life. Then you find yourself a bit lonely at times.

Combating the depression that can result from this can be complex. As the cure is different from person to person. I know a family that set up shop at a farm market. Not just to make money, that my friends is a bonus. They meet people and talk to strangers. There have been times that I only see and talk to my immediate family and no one else for weeks.

I combat it by talking to my cows.

Don't judge me. You talk to your pets.

When things get too lonely, the cattle really seem to help. I can tell them anything I want, and they put up with me singing. Except for Urth, she will talk back. I spoiled her as a child. Not enough discipline in her life. However she still lets me use her as a pillow.

Loneliness is a hard one. It does affect us, maybe a tad more than other people. And if you are a Prepper without your spouse fully on board, the isolation can be even worse.

Finding people in your area that have similar interests as you do can help. But knowing your neighbors is a great way to feel connected. Even if you are not on the same philosophy boat. And of course online companionship goes a long ways. But it does lack certain things, like facial expressions and touch.

Over the years I have been straight forward with you about the good and the bad. Loneliness is one of the most dangerous obstacles that we are faced with. It can cause us to be distracted and depressed allowing us to put ourselves in positions we might not normally find ourselves in.

Many don't really talk about the loneliness of it. Sometimes when we try, it can come off as whinny, and others that have yet to come to this life will tell us to suck it up. Oh and we try.

By the time you read our woe is me posts, we have already sunk very low. We hurt, we need to tell, to talk, to let someone know that we are aching. Of course we have mentioned it to our family, yet outside forces can help. Just the act of writing it all down can be cathartic.



I originally wrote this back in October, and it went to draft. So why am I posting it now? Because I have been reading other bloggers who are feeling this way now. This feeling of loneliness can make you feel even more alone. Even with comments telling you otherwise. Christmas is a hard time of year for many of us. You want to make it magical for your children and your love, but when you feel this way it becomes almost an impossible task. I want you to know that you are not alone.

This year has taught me a lot. One is that karma is alive and well, and looking after us. My friends (including you) and family have been wonderful. When family heard about Husband's job loss, they started planning Christmas for my boys. Readers have been more than generous with tips, and Facebook friends, those I have never met and live all over the world, have been sending small gifts to my family. Husband and I are proud and humbled to have such people in our lives. It makes everything that has happened less devastating. And we thank you.

Gifts for my pay it forward family have come in as well. Those will be sent off to that family today. I wish I was able to help them more, but found myself in similar circumstances. But you have once again shown me that people do love and care for complete strangers.

The only gifts I am able to give to you is my time. I always have time to listen and chat. My email is open if you need it. I know what the horror of depression and loneliness feels like.

Homemade Chocolate Cups

Yes, this is a repost for you long time readers. But it's a good one!

I love chocolate cups. You know, like the peanut butter cups you can buy at the store.

 Chocolate cups are part of my edible baskets. Along with the cookies, and breads, mini cakes, and hard candies. Yes, you do become diabetic when you receive my gift baskets. (obviously that is a joke). But cups, cups are deliciously messy and aggravates the parents when their children dive into them.

In all honesty, this is not the cheapest gift to make or give. Save this for those you really like, ~wry grin~. It might be cheaper to buy a batch at the local store, however will not taste as good.

So let's make them, shall we?

for 8 chocolate cups you will need

4 squares semi-sweet baking chocolate
2 squares bitter sweet baking chocolate

For the one I am picturing (peanut butter), you will need the following ingredients for your filling.

1/2 jar marshmallow fluff
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
1-2 tablespoons sugar (depends on your taste)
enough heavy cream to thin it out as needed

Over a very low heat, mix together all the filling ingredients. Stir as not to burn.

Melt the chocolate.

Place some muffin liners into a muffin tin. Drop a tablespoon or more into the bottom of the liners. Using the back of your spoon, push the chocolate half way up the sides. Make sure you leave some on the bottom.

By the heaping tablespoon, drizzle your filling into the chocolate lined muffin liner.

Almost to the top of your chocolate. Then using a pastry brush, brush the tops with your chocolate.

Chill for a few hours. They hold up well at room temp after they have been chilled.

You will have left over filling, I add dark brown sugar to the mix to create a caramel flavor or light brown sugar for the peanut butter cookie taste.

Other fillings and instructions:

Chocolate Irish Cream filling (mousse)

(Raw egg warning)

4 ounces dark chocolate, chopped

3 eggs, separated

1 tablespoon Irish cream liqueur

3/4 cup whipped cream

1/4 cup marshmallow fluff

Melt the chocolate, then set aside to cool. Beat the egg yolks and stir in the melted chocolate along with the Irish cream. Fold in half the whip cream and the fluff.

In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold into the chocolate mix.

Twinkie type Filling.

2 teaspoons boiling water
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups marshmallow fluff
1/2 cup butter
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract



Mix the water and salt in a bowl and allow to cool. In a separate bowl, beat the marshmallow fluff, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until well combined and light. Beat in the salt water until the mixture is fluffy.


Salted Caramel cream filling
1/2 cup sugar, divided
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons cream
2 egg whites
pinch of salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract


Put 1/4 cup of sugar and water in saucepan over medium-high heat. Do not stir, but swirl the saucepan gently. It will bubble itself into a deep amber color. Remove immediately from heat and add cream, carefully. Stir until smooth and set aside.

Place the egg whites, salt, and 1/4 cup sugar in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water. Whisk until the sugar dissolves and mixture reaches 140 degrees. Transfer to bowl of standing mixer.

Beat on high until stiff peaks form. Add butter a tablespoon at a time, and continue beating on medium. Reduce speed to low, add vanilla extract, and then caramel you just made (you may need to rewarm the caramel in the microwave for 10 seconds at a time until it is workable, not burning hot). Beat for 4-5 minutes. Do not over beat this at any time, it will end up the consistency of butter if your do.

Tuaca Cream Filling

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup marshmallow fluff
4 oz white chocolate, finely grated
3 tablespoons Tuaca


Scald the cream. Pour hot cream over the chocolate and fluff (in a bowl of course)/ Allow it to sit for about 3 minutes. Stir until smooth. Mix in the Tuaca. Chill for 2 hours. Then beat on a medium setting until the mixture feels and looks whipped.

peppermint patty
(dark chocolate cup is best for this)

2 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons softened butter
2 tsp peppermint extract
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
2 tablespoons heavy cream

In a blender, cream together the sugar, butter, extracts, and the cream on low speed until combines, increase speed to medium-high and beat for 1-2 minutes until mixture holds together very well and is creamy.

Using a teaspoon, roll the candy into small balls and flatten them on the waxed paper with the palm of your hand. Repeat for remaining candies Place on the base of your chocolate cup, then cover.

No electronics Christmas

Husband and I am horrible parents. We severally neglect our children by not purchasing anything with batteries for Christmas.

Or so my boys informed us the first two years we implemented the no electronics at Christmas time rule.

Many of my older readers know that for the past 6 years, we have had this rule. It started with the frustration of cheaply made expensive toys. Then it became about the thrill of the hunt, and the incredible creativeness of my children. The news spread in the family, and grandparents were suddenly calling me, exclaiming with great joy that they had found some toys that they had when they were kids, and thank you for not having your kids expect the pricey world from us.

Over the years I have watched as some of you have implemented this rule as well. Some of your posts are wonderful. Reading about your excitement on that find. And of course the utter frustration of being unable to find simple toys. Even push cars are wired in anymore. A Christmas with no electronics for us has turned out to be the best thing we have done for our family. It's a lot quieter as well.

And children can be super creative. Finding non battery/ plugged in versions of things they want. One friend of mines daughter is asking for a butane powered curling iron! And this is just their first year sans electronics. My boys are constantly finding loopholes as well.

But I do need to give a shutout to the creator of bey blades. If you have never heard of them, they are Japanese extreme spinning tops. Medium and Small love these things. Once they discovered tops, we have moved onto gyroscopes, and gyroscope powered toys. They are an endless fascination for them.

No electronic Christmas has also caused the boys to be even more creative when it comes to their gifts to friends and family. They have made lanterns from tin cans, baked tree decorations, wood carvings, art projects like paintings or funky shirts, making slime or even signature cookies.

This isn't for everyone of course. And it can be a huge disappointment to some kids come Christmas morning. If you plan on doing a no electric Christmas, make sure you lay out the ground rules and explain them to your children. It's difficult when you child comes home from school after the holidays and their friends are all walking around with the latest and greatest high tech gadgets. But by the second year, your kids friends are stealing their metal pocket puzzles. (Another rockin gift by the bye)

And by the third, the disappointment is replaced by the sheer enjoyment of attempting to find that loophole, or finding a new interest that they have suddenly become passionate about.

Have fun!

What a Christmas!

Pardon the mess, but it was Christmas morning.

Boys loved their Paddle Balls.

Large spent a good amount of time trying to figure out the devil sticks in his room.

Hooter came out to spend Christmas. We are his only "family" here. His new pup and him got along wonderfully. Talking to each other for a long time.

Boys got some box kites

I told Small his might fly him to Mexico.

Husband carved me a wand. I know, big deal.  It has nothing to do with any magic or such. When we first started "dating", he didn't like the amount of books I would read a week. I love horror and fantasy genre, and him being a realist would tell me I needed to grow up. Him carving me a simple wand says so much. He wanted to do something impractical, something that showed how much he really loves me. I have been walking around with it all day yesterday and today. He asked if he needed to make me a sheath for it. It is the best present I have ever received. 

Hope your day as just as surprising and joyous as ours.

Merry Christmas!

Hope you all enjoy the day.

Twas the night before Christmas. . .

Very last minute present that even the teen boys enjoy (albeit secretly)

Flubber, Gak, slime or silly putty

You can't make real Flubber, as only Fred MacMurray and Robin Williams have that recipe. And you can't make real silly putty because that is a closely guarded secret, but you can make a slime type variation of the products. And not only is this an enjoyable gift, but a science project that if fun to create. (something you can do with the kids while they are on break)


2 1/2 cups warm water
2 cups white glue
3 teaspoons Borax
food coloring

Combine 1 1/2 cups water with the glue. Mix in the food coloring.  In a different bowl, combine the borax and 1 cup water. Mix well. Poor the borax mix into the glue mix, then get your hand dirty. Squeeze until thoroughly combine until only a tablespoon of liquid remains.. It will be sticky. Allow to sit for a few minutes. Once ready it can be stored in an air tight container for about 3 weeks.

And it bounces too!

Depression gift: Paddle Ball

Not just paddle ball but ULTIMATE PADDLE BALL

ARE YOU READY?


you will need
composite laminate flooring 3/8" thick
braided stretchy cord 1/8" thick
bouncy ball

(This project took 40 minutes doing it all by hand. So a good last minute gift idea)

Draw out your paddle onto the flooring



cut it out

Sand it down

Drill a hole in the center no larger than 1/8" diameter

Then drill a hole in the bouncy ball. We tried heating a nail and shoving it through, but it damages the ball too much.

Thread the stretchy cord through the ball.
You will need something to stop the knot from stretching through.
We used an old shoe lace.
Measure out the length of cord you want, remember it doubles in length when stretched.

Repeat with the paddle

Trim up the excess

PLAY!

If the cord breaks, it is easily repaired.

These work really well. You can easily nail your Husband in the head from 4 feet away,  hard enough for it to sting.