Enjoying the Lights

Celebrating Traditions

This week my family Celebrated a Family Tradition. As a family we went to our local town square for the turning on of the Christmas Lights. This is a wonderful time in our town and reminds me of why we live here. The town gave away hot chocolate and marshmallows and special Holiday Specs that make every light look like a snow flake. The mayor which I happen to know came and spent some time talking to our family. The sounds of the season were prevalent with a Mass Children's Choir. After a count down the lights were turned on. With the lights on the town square begins to have a magical feel. There is something very special about walking around looking at Christmas light sipping hot chocolate while listening to Holiday music.

I believe families need traditions. This is one our family shares and our children and us as a whole look forward to this each year. There is a good article by L L O Y D D. N E W E L L entitled Traditions a foundation for Strong Families. In the article he list reasons traditions are good for families.

Traditions are a source of strength
Traditions are a source of identity
Traditions are a source of connection between generations
Traditions allow families to examine themselves and their customs
Traditions are a source of faith and meaning

http://209.85.165.104/search?q=cache:sCBQbwViz3YJ:marriageandfamilies.byu.edu/issues/1999/December/traditions.htm+christian+family%27s+need+tradition&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=2&gl=us&client=safari

1951 Westinghouse Mixer

On Thanksgiving my father brought me an interesting gift. I am now the owner of a 1951 Westinghouse Mixer. The interesting thing is that the mixer works. Now I need to decide what to do with it.

What's for supper?

Tonight we are having White Chili with lime, sour cream, cheese and blue corn chips. For dessert we are having fudge.

White Chili

3 cans drained and rinsed canellini beans
1 onion diced
3 tsp garlic
2 Tablespoons butter
4 cups chicken broth more as needed
1 small can green chilies

1 full chicken breast
1 chicken drumstick

boil and shred chicken

Saute onion and garlic in butter. Add chicken broth and canellini beans.

1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tsp. cilantro

In a large heavy pot saute onion and garlic, Add the beans, the 4 cups broth, chilies, oregano, cayenne and cilantro and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently, adding more broth as needed, until the beans are very tender, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Add the shredded chicken and continue to simmer. Serve with tortilla chips, Cheese and sour cream. I think a squeeze of lime would also go well with this Chili. We also will add Louisiana Hot sauce to taste to our bowls.

Making boxed cereal healthy

I have one child that loves any type of cinnamon cereal. I have 2 others that love almost all cereals. So I decided to buy a box of bran flakes and a box of cinnamon life and alter the two in a container. I think it goes without saying that there is more bran cereal than cinnamon. My children love mommy's cereal mix.

The Reason

We have begun Christmas decorating and gift buying. Although gift giving is fun. Especially for 3 little girls gift receiving is fun. But I also want them to remember the real reason for Christmas. Christmas is a celebration of the birth of JESUS. I am working on helping my family remember the True Reason for the Season. JESUS

An All Natural or Organic Thanksgiving

I know this post is a little late. I wanted everyone to know that for Thanksgiving this year most all the ingredients were organic. I was curious to see how it would all taste and if anyone would know the difference. The verdict is in and the answer is yes. The sweet potatoes were amazing. The sweet potatoes were "sweet" without adding any sugar. The most notable difference was the Turkey. It was fun to watch the men in my family walk by and sneak a nibble of the Turkey. All of the men and yes it was unanimous said "WOW" the Turkey is wonderful or amazing. My father still is saying " I don't think I have ever eaten a Turkey like that". Thank you to Fresh Market for two wonderful Turkey's. The dressing was very fresh tasting. I used organic vegetables and organic chicken broth. The potatoes in the mashed potatoes were organic and are my husbands favorite mashed potates. The casseroles and cakes were made with organic sugar. I will say the meal was expensive but the taste was wonderful. Of course there was almost no Asparagus left over. My entire family ate just about all of it.