Here With Us - Joy Williams

Selah - Light of the Stable

This is Christmas - Kutless

The Wedding Tower. Dress and Tux Toppers.

So how did it all come together??

See HERE :)

Have a Merry Christmas!

A Wedding is Coming! A Wedding is Coming!

Toppers!

I made these out of clay instead of fondant so they could keep them. 

Top tier of cupcake stand where the giant cupcake will sit!

The bride put this together because we had to rig the cupcake stand so it would work.  LOVE this.

And lots of flowers!

The wedding is on Friday.

I'll share the finished product then :)

Christmas Projects

I didn't do any Christmas baking this year for our family as I had a few orders for goodies from friends.  For teacher gifts we put together hot chocolate buffet boxes with hot cocoa,  chocolate covered mint spoons, candy cane stir sticks, marshmallows, and flavored creamers.  These turned out so cute.  I can't wait to have a hot cocoa bar set out on Christmas morning as well.  Never thought of that before but saw it on Pintrest which got my idea rolling.  Below are the individual hot cocoa jars we gave to specials teachers and support staff.  They came together quickly.

 

Emma's class is having a multicultural holiday party today and they were encouraged to bring in something from their background.  Mark's dad is Peruvian so we did a search and found that Alfajores de Dulce de Leche (Caramel Sandwich Cookies) were the most popular Peruvian cookie.  The recipe I used called for lots of rum and I obviously left that out.  This is the most corn starch I have ever used in one recipe and the cookies came out really flaky.  Nice. 

Update the Traditional Cookie Exchange: Host a Chex Party Mix-Change! Our Story and #Giveaway

Congratulations pmj!  You are the winner!

Chex® Party Mix is mixing it up with a fresh idea that puts a whole new spin on the classic cookie exchange. Ditch the hours of baking and make 15 minute Chex Party Mix recipes instead – all you need is a microwave and some friends to stir up the fun.


The concept is simple – invite some friends over for a party and ask everyone to make enough of their favorite Chex Party Mix recipe to exchange with party guests. Taste, mix, swap, and share the recipes, putting the treats in easy DIY packages for everyone to take home.


From decadent to savory your guests are sure to love with these delicious favorites that can be made in the microwave in 15 minutes or less. These five Chex Party Mix recipes are just some of the fabulous 15 minute recipes that can be found at ChexPartyMix.com.

• Original Chex Party Mix – A tried and true classic of many holiday gatherings.
• Chex PB & Chocolate Blast – Is there really a better combination than peanut butter and chocolate? Yes, when Chex cereal is added!
• Chex Pumpkin Pie Crunch – Mix things up and try this mouthwatering alternative to the beloved holiday pie.
• Hot Buttered Yum Chex Mix – A combination of cinnamon, brown sugar, honey and marshmallows blend effortlessly together in a crazy-delicious, gluten free crunchy mix.
• Chex Caramel Chocolate Drizzles – Melted chocolate, chewy caramel and a delightful crunch carry this gluten-free party mix recipe from microwave to table in 15 minutes.

Now I know that this is posted so close to Christmas that you won't get your prize pack BEFORE Christmas to do an exchange, but how about something different for a Ladies Night Out or a Mommy's group.  This is a fun get together idea. 

We often go downtown to give out food and toiletries to whoever needs them.  Being so close to Christmas we wanted to give out things that reminds us of Christmas like Chex Mix and Christmas cookies.  Our family hosted a party for friends to come over and help prepare the goodies that we were going to take the next day.  The kids made cards and decorated the boxes and cups.  We packaged the Chex Mix and cookies and prepared sandwiches.  All of the goodies we organized to make it easy to give away what was needed.   

We also snacked on some Chex Mix of our own.  SO good and so much a reminder of what blessings we have at Christmas and all year long. 

Thank you to our friends at General Mills that were a part of our giving, in ways that they will never know!  The red take out boxes are so very festive.  The outcome of this Chex Party Mix Exchange brought smiles to the faces of many people in these hard times, not expecting much Christmas joy.

• Your prize pack will contain:
• 2 boxes of Chex cereal to create Chex Party Mix recipes
• 5 featured Chex Party Mix recipes
• 10 takeout containers so your guests can take their Chex Party Mix to-go
• $20 gift card to purchase recipe ingredients and decorating supplies

Mandatory Entry:

How could you use Chex Mix to mix up your holiday traditions?


Additional Entries:

1.  "Like" I Blame My Mother on Facebook HERE

2.  Follow I Blame My Mother on Twitter HERE

3.  Friend me with Google Friend Connect

4.  Subscribe via email.

I will end the giveaway on Monday, December 26, at 9 pm EST. 

Giveaway open to US Residents

I will use random.org to select the winner who will have two days to respond to my notification email.

Disclosure: The Chex Party Mix-Change product, information, and giveaway have been provided by Chex through MyBlogSpark.

 

Hope Was Born This Night

My favorite Christmas song right now. 
My heart BURSTING with JOY every time I hear it. 
What are your favorites?

Coupon Codes at Trimback.com

Monday on Swagbucks!

 

Swagbucks is going crazy on Monday, with more ways for you to earn reward points towards free stuff. First, they're having a Swag Code Extravaganza, which means a fun day where you can earn up to 70 Swag Bucks from 8 different codes throughout the day!

Second, there's a new set of Holiday Collector's Bills which you can only earn through search - get all five and you'll receive an instant 12 Swag Bucks bonus! The set starts at noon on Monday 

Finally, for any referral you bring in today through the 19th, you'll not only get up to 1000 matching Swag Bucks from Search, but 1000 Matching Swag Bucks from everything they earn (not including codes) all day Monday - they're calling it Mega Match Monday!

Three big reasons to visit Swagbucks this Monday!

Bonus Code:  Here is a 100 Swag Buck Registration code for news users when applied during registration only.  code: HOLIDAYSWAG

Three Cups - A Book Review and Giveaway

Three Cups – Teaching children how to save, spend and be charitable can be as simple as 1, 2, 3!

My husband and I went through Financial Peace University last winter.  The section on training your children in finances presented the same give, save, spend principles and we implemented them right away.  When I saw the book, Three Cups, I couldn't wait to share it with my children who are excited to divide up their commission each time it is given.

Three Cups is a story of untold adventures, starting when a child gets three cups for his fifth birthday.  While nothing is special about the cups from their cupboard, dividing up the allowance into those cups brings excitement.  With saving comes a trip to the bank to open an account and accumulate savings.  With spending comes a long desired toy and present for his sister.  With giving, others were helped and the child can see the happiness it brings.

The book is a basic one, which will help any child understand the give, save, spend system.  There is no biblical basis presented, so I felt something was lacking.  While the system itself is valuable, there are biblical truths why we should use it.  Three Cups will open up many conversations you can have with your child about what we have being given to us by God and using those resources to glorify Him.

Preview the Flipbook HERE.

Find it on Amazon HERE.

*ages 4-8

*Great  lesson to share with your kids to end 2011 and initiate the “Spend, Save & Give” principal in 2012

* a fun way for parents to teach children about the value of responsibility, generosity and the joy of reaching one’s goals

*Includes a guide for parents to help kids get started on saving

Would you like a copy of Three Cups to teach your children about financial responsibility? 

To enter, leave a comment and let me know if you already incorporate these principles at your home.

Additional Entries:

1.  "Like" I Blame My Mother on Facebook HERE

2.  Follow I Blame My Mother on Twitter HERE

3.  Friend me with Google Friend Connect

4.  Subscribe via email.

I will end the giveaway on Friday, December 23 at 9 pm EST. 
Giveaway open to US Residents
I will use random.org to select the winner who will have two days to respond to my notification email.

I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

 

Betty Crocker's Red Hot Holiday Trends 2011

Happy Holidays! Right about now, you’re probably gearing up for a wonderful holiday season filled with great family, great friends, and of course, great food! Thankfully, Betty Crocker is here to help make cooking and entertaining easier than ever with Betty Crocker’s Red Hot Holiday Trends 2011! The food experts at Betty Crocker have selected trends that will be red hot this holiday season, and have created delicious recipes to bring each one to life. These fun and delicious recipes are sure to fire up any holiday event, and keep you toasty and warm for the New Year ahead.

Trend: Double Desserts Taking two desserts and mixing and mashing them together is one of our favorite trends. Things like pie shakes, cookie stuffed cookies, and pie-filled cupcakes deliver a whole new kind of delicious. It’s a 1+1=3 kind of thing. Recipe: Pumpkin Pie Cookies Pie, meet cookie. Cookie, say hello to pie. When two all-time favorites come together, you get Pumpkin Pie Cookies, the star at your next holiday cookie exchange. Trend: Boozy Baking From booze cakes to cocktail pies, bakers everywhere are bringing the bar into the kitchen. A titch of tequila or a skosh of scotch whiskey adds a serious shot of fun and flavor for the over 21 crowd. We’re loving these boozy baked goods! Recipe: Boozy Bourbon Chocolate Cupcakes Taste for yourself what the buzz is all about! A bit of bourbon, a hit of coffee liqueur and some vanilla vodka-spiked frosting make these sophisticated chocolate cupcakes the ultimate “holiday helpers.” Trend: Color. Flavor. Fun. Traditional baked goods are being transformed with bright colors and playful flavors. With a little creativity and imagination, no one can resist this happy, fun food! Recipe: Cake Batter Cookie Stackers Take sugar cookies to a whole new level of delicious! Kids and adults will love these cake batter flavored cookies with colorful frosting, and lots of sprinkles! Stack ‘em up and watch ‘em go. Trend: From Cave to Kitchen Forget the man cave. Today guys are in the kitchen making (or at least appreciating) really good food. Big food. Really good, big food that’s stacked and stuffed with the flavors they can’t resist. Recipe: Mantastic Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffle Sandwich Here’s a new take on chicken ‘n’ waffles - made better with beer, bacon, and bourbon. It’s the ultimate manly man meal. Trend: Skinny Cocktails Here’s the skinny! Drinking high-calorie cocktails is so last year. The modern mixologist is shaking things up with light & flavorful cocktails. Recipe: Skinny Clementine Martini Add some clever sparkle to your next party. Enjoy these natural, light martinis made with fresh juice, high-quality liquor, and a splash of club soda. Lower calorie cocktails never tasted, or looked, so sweet. Cheers! Trend: Better Than Bought From canning to candy making, there’s a renewed interest in handcrafted foods. This season, homemade food gifts are just the right thing to show your care and creativity. Recipe: Cajeta Caramel Fudge Create the perfect combination of flavor and crunch with this homemade candy. Rich chocolate fudge layered with cajeta caramel, cashews and a sprinkle of sea salt—a recipe to impress. Trend: Veggie Love Once just tolerated, vegetables are now celebrated. Omnivores and herbivores alike have discovered that veggies offer variety and great taste, and are feeling the love. Recipe: Sweet Potato Hummus Hummus with fresh sweet potato packs even more plant power. Add a delicious blend of smoked paprika, coriander, and cumin to make this flavorful dip. Trend: Shareworthy & Allergen-Friendly Allergen-friendly foods may be free from things like nuts, dairy and eggs, but shouldn’t be free from flavor. Thankfully, we’re seeing new foods and recipes that can be enjoyed by everyone – whether you’re allergy-sensitive or not. Recipe: Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread Gather everyone around the table to enjoy this moist and delicious pumpkin bread. Made with no nuts, no dairy, no eggs, and no gluten - no kidding! Trend: D-I-Y for D-O-G Man’s best friend deserves man’s best effort. That’s why making your own dog food is one of the latest canine crazes! This year, homemade dog treats are at the top of fido’s list. Recipe: Dog Bark This treat will make your dog sit up and beg for more. Make the bark by melting carob chips and peanut butter then top with your dog’s favorite ingredients – bacon and cheese. Bow WOW! Trend: Food Craft The kitchen is the new craft room. With food as their medium, clever cooks are making amazing edible food crafts that are as good to look at as they are to eat. Recipe: Chocolate Coal Lumps Naughty or nice, everyone will love these easy cho-coal-late treats. Cocoa Puffs® cereal dipped in melted chocolate and marshmallows create these tasty stocking stuffers.

Disclosure: I´ve received the details above from Betty Crocker through MyBlogSpark

What I've Been Up To; Preschool Edition

 Loved this Christmas light idea I saw on Pintrest.  The kids enjoyed finding their names.  I laminated the paper, then cut the bulbs and used a dry erase marker to write their names so I can use them again next year. 

This little tree is in my dramatic play area.  The kids and decorate it over and over again.  There are even little tiny strings of lights.  We may make ornaments for it.

I recycled my tree from my fall bulletin board for this winter idea.  I'm not 100% sold on it.  I'll have to come up with something else next year.  You can't really see them but I made cardinals and blue jays.  They are a hit with the kids.

You have heard about using your Christmas cards for puzzles but I went a step further.  There are 10 puzzles, one for each student.  Each piece had a number on it.  The students get a number and each piece I draw from the pile they have to tell me who's puzzle it belongs to.  When everyone has all four puzzles pieces, they turn them over and do the puzzle.  We assign different numbers and do it over again.

Number sets Christmas trees.  The students have to hand that number of lights on the tree.

What I've Been Up To