THE 7TH DAY OF CHRISTMAS

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! Finally we have snow for Christmas. We had a few inches last night, but woke up to over a foot and it's still coming down. I was beginning to worry that we wouldn't have a white Christmas after all, but it looks like its here to stay. Tonight we are going to attempt a snowman, if it's not too cold.

Jason's brother Cory, his wife Holly and their daughter Brynley are in town visiting from Oregon. We haven't seen them in almost 4 months. So we are very excited they are here! We had a small family get together last night to celebrate Christmas. Cory and Holly brought pizza, Taska made her delicious hot apple cider, and I contributed homemade caramels and pumpkin bars (recipe below).
It was no nice to let the kids play, and play, and play...and we had a good visit and ate some yummy food. I love Christmastime.

To celebrate the 7th day of Christmas we hung the Poinsettia, which symbolizes Individual Faith. Christian legend tells of a poor shepherd boy who had nothing to bring to the baby Jesus. Desiring to take something for the holy babe, he picked a bouquet of weeds from alongside the dusty road. As the boy neared the manger the weeds transformed and blossomed into beautiful red flowers shaped like a star, to remind the world of the Jesus' birth and purpose to all mankind. Even the most humble gift of our faith, if given in love and true intent, can transform our lives.

AUNT JEN'S PUMPKIN BARS
1 large can pumpkin
3 c sugar
6 eggs
3/4 c oil
3 c flour
3 tsp baking soda
3 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp cloves
3/4 tsp salt
Mix all ingredients one item at a time. Bake in a 11x14 sheet at 350 for 35-40 min.

YUMMY CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
8 oz softened cream cheese
1/2 c softened butter
3 c powdered sugar
3 TB cream
1 c shredded coconut
1 c chopped walnuts or pecans