Christmas

This Christmas is different for me.  I am trying my best to focus on the reason for the season and not get caught up and stressed on all there is to do before the BIG day.  I am thankful for so many things including my family, friends, my health, and my job where I feel like I make a difference in peoples lives.  I want to enjoy the simple things like driving around looking at lights, drinking hot chocolate and listening to holiday music.  I had a patient tell me today she wished we had Christmas music playing and I whipped out my phone and allowed soft Christmas music to play in the background.  I treasure those special moments when I can help be a small part of joy in someone's life.  I pray daily to be the light for others as God allows me to do the work He selected for me and I try to remember every time that I feel that prayer is answered.  There will always be things I want in life, but I never forget there are always someone in need.  I wish I had the means to richly bless everyone that God lays on my heart, but I know I am doing and giving what the ultimate Maker chose for me.  Funny I started this post with intentions of posting all the little things I would like if we were exchanging gifts, but I really have all I could ever need.

Reindeer Land

My son has always admired the animated reindeer at Christmas time.  I surprised him by bringing home two for our front yard.  They are not exactly like these, but you get the idea.  He LOVED them!!

Chocolate Covered Coconut Balls

These tastes like a Mounds candy bar.  I must be in the spirit of Christmas because this is another one I usually only make around the holidays.

14 oz. coconut
1 can Eagle Brand milk
1 t. vanilla
1 stick melted butter or margarine
1 box 10X sugar
Chocolate for dipping.


Mix well and form into balls. Put in fridge to harden slightly.  Cover with melted chocolate.

Toffee Crunch Cookies

In case you haven't noticed the trend here, I collect recipes-- from everywhere and everyone!!  I seriously have a problem.  I am always trying new recipes.  This is from another coworker and it has been a keeper.  I usually make these at Christmas.

1/2 c. butter or margarine, softened
1 package yellow cake mix with pudding in the mix
2 large eggs
1 T. water
1 6-ounce package toffee brickle chips (near chocolate chips in store)
1/2 - 1 cup chopped pecans


Beat butter on medium speed with mixer until creamy. Add dry cake mix, eggs, and water beating until blended. Stir in toffee/brickle chips and pecans.  Drop by tablespoons on cookie sheet.

Bake at 250 for 8-10 minutes or until edges are browned.  Top will look moist.
yield- 4 dozen.

Note-Sometime I have found the brickle chips called toffee chips or almond brickle chips and at times I have found this difficult to locate altogether, but they are usually plentiful around the holidays so I buy a couple of bags and keep in the freezer.

Monkey Munch

9 c. Chex cereal
1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 c. peanut butter
1/4 c. butter or margarine
1 t. vanilla
1 1/2 c. powdered sugar

Melt peanut butter, butter, chips in microwave until melted. Add vanilla. Stir into large bowl with chex cereal. Place powdered sugar in gallon sized ziplock bag and add covered cereal. Close to shake and coat thoroughly. Spread on large pan to dry. Store in a new large ziploc bag, but it won't last long!

Ho Ho Ho!

I found this at a trendy gift store in town for a whopping $38!!! I thought this would make a great hostess gift or something to take to a Secret Santa party this season. I think I can make if for under $15. Check back later and I will give an update.