Christmas Miracles

Let us keep Christmas beautiful without a thought of greed,   That it might live forevermore to fill our every need,   That it shall not be just a day, but last a lifetime through,   The miracle of Christmas time that brings God close to you.

~ Ann Schultz  

     Our family has witnessed our own little Christmas miracle this year.  My 18 yr. old son was diagnosed with a brain tumor and had surgery last Friday to have it removed.  There was a 30 percent chance that he would lose the coordination on his left side after the operation.  We had a whole community of people and several more through face book praying for him.  He was in surgery for 5 and a half hours and came out with 17 staples in his head.  We were so elated to find out that the tumor was benign so he wouldn't have to go through radiation or chemotherapy.  Another tender mercy occurred throughout the week as my son was able to learn to use his left leg again and learn to walk.  He worked so hard during physical therapy because he just wanted to come home again.  We were so proud of him.  He still has many weeks ahead of physical therapy but he knows how very blessed he is.

     Tonight we went to the J. Rueben Clark Historic Farm in Grantsville to see the live nativity held there.  There were bon fires in barrels to help people stay warm.  Hot chocolate was furnished.  There was a real camel there.  We followed a luminary trail in the snow.  It was very cold and foggy but that added to the surreal feeling there.

 

 

 

 

     I spent the last week at the Huntsman Cancer Hospital and the U of U Rehab Center with my son and husband.  Although there were many things to worry about, there were also beautiful things to see.  In my travels I noticed some quilts hanging on the walls.

     This is a Christmas quilt I made a few years ago.  I gave it to my friend just this year when her mom passed away.  Her Mom's birthday is the day after Christmas so I thought that it would help comfort her during the holiday season.  The pattern is called Soulful Blossoms by Anka's Treasures.

     It's so nice to have everyone home for now.  These are some recipes that our family loves to eat, especially in the cold month of December.

Christmas Punch

     Thinly slice a couple of limes and put in a large punch bowl.  Add some crushed ice.  Pour in one bottle of cranberry juice followed by a 2 liter bottle of Sprite or Ginger Ale.

               This is a great recipe to use up left-over chili.  If you want a more tomato taste,
                                                         add an 8 oz. can of tomato sauce.

Chili Manicotti

     1 medium onion, chopped                               2 beaten eggs

     2 cloves garlic, minced                                    24 oz. cottage cheese

     1 40 oz. can chili                                              1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

      10 to 12 manicotti shells                                 1 small can green chilies

            Cook onion and garlic in 2 tablespoons oil until tender.  Stir in chili.  Cook manicotti in boiling salted water until tender; 15 to 20 minutes.  Spray 9x13” baking dish with cooking spray.  Combine egg, cottage cheese, half the shredded cheddar cheese and the green chilies.  Spoon cheese mixture into manicotti.  Pour half the chili mixture into the baking dish.  Top with the stuffed manicotti.  Pour remaining chili mixture over, being sure manicotti are covered.  Bake, covered at 350° for 45 to 55 minutes.  Uncover; sprinkle with remaining cheese.  Bake 2 or 3 more minutes.  Let stand 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Chocolate Thin Mint Cookies

 

                          ½ cup butter, softened                          1 1/3- 1 1/2 cups flour

                         2/3 cup sugar                                        1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

                         1 egg                                                    ¼ tsp. salt

                         1 tsp. vanilla                                        1/3 cup powdered sugar

                                                                                      24 chocolate covered thin mints

Beat butter, sugar, egg and vanilla until light and fluffy.  Combine flour, cocoa and salt: gradually add to butter mixture until completely mixed.  Cover and chill for 1 hour or until firm enough to roll into balls.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Shape dough into 24 one inch balls.  Roll each ball into powdered sugar and place on 2 lightly greased baking sheets.  Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until center is set.  Just after pulling baking sheet from the oven, place a thin mint on each cookie, pushing down slightly.  Let cool completely and enjoy!

     This is a little treat box my niece gave to me last year.  She made it from a Christmas card.  She folded each side to make a diamond shape and punched holes on the sides two at a time and folded it all together and tied it up with a ribbon.  These can be used as little gifts or surprises to hang on the Christmas tree.

 

     Christmas for a Dollar by Gale Sears is a sweet little Christmas story that would be very appropriate to read to your family this time of year.