Apple Cinnamon Ornaments

( I stole this picture off the Internet..but they look pretty much like this, just a little flatter. You can decorate them with gel pens, or paint pens)

Every year, about halfway through December I get the feeling that I have not done enough Christmasy stuff to hold the family until next Christmas. Yes, I realize this is absolutely ridiculous and I wise person pointed out to me that Christmas is not a competition to see who can cram in the most family fun. Never the less, the feeling still hit last night.

So, if anyone else gets that feeling, or even if you are just looking for a simple and fun family project here is one you must try. I did this with Lou Lou's Kindergarten class this year and it is so fun. These ornaments smell SO good, and last forever!

The recipe is simple:

1 cup of apple sauce

1/3 cup of white glue (like Elmer's)

1 1/2 cups of cinnamon (this is a TON so buy bulk)

Mix together- chill for 1 hour or more.

Roll out and cut with cookie cutters (poke a hole at the top with a straw)

Air dry for about 24 hours.

When you are done you will have cute wonderful smelling ornaments to hang, give away, or tie to presents. And the kids love it! I hung one in my car to make it smell good!

Animal Quote Monday-a day late.

"Laughter is the shortest distance between two people." -Victor Borge

I wish I were a cat

Meet Jack. My 9 year old tabby. This is how his day went:



9:00 am

I found him snuggled down on my good sofa. Now keep in mind there are only 2 spots in the house that animals are not allowed. My fancy couch, and matching love seat.....but they know I'm a sucker for a cozy critter. I never seemed to have it in me to shoo them off when they are all curled up like that.





11:00 am

As Lou Lou and I were heading into the kitchen
for lunch we passed him. "No, no, don't get up" I said.











2:00 pm

See how well he listens!









4:00 pm

After the kids and I got home from school, this is what we found. My giant orange tiger, Poncho, has decided Jack's got the right idea!








6:00 pm


Just before Charlie walked in the door, home from work...........


I wish I were a cat!

Pets: pros and cons

There are many, many things people should consider before getting a pet. This time of year parents go out and get a new puppy or kitty for a great Christmas gift, only to find out they weren't prepared to give it proper care. January -March are always full months at animal shelters. Taking in all those "gifts" that became overwhelming to busy families. I have taken the liberty to jot down a few pros and cons for potential pet owners to think about before you bring home that Christmas puppy.

CONS:

1. The hair: Take it from me, it gets everywhere. On your clothes, your carpet, sofas, church cookies!

2. The time: Depending on the type of pet you get this is a lot or not so much, but any pet will require some of your valuable time.

3. The noise: There is nothing louder than 2 dogs in a full blown wrestling match!

4. The cost: If you do get a pet you will need to invest in him. Buy quality food that supports their health. It costs more, but you wouldn't feed your kids bulk cereal for every meal. And vet bills, even if they stay relatively healthy from good diet and care a yearly vet visit is essential to good health.

5. The energy: Now a fish won't take much energy, but a dog needs exercise every day. And not just physical, but mental stimulation as well though training and games that work their intelligent minds. This can take it's toll on you after a long day.

6. The mess: No matter what kind of pet you get, some cleaning will be required, and your house may not look exactly perfect at all times.

These are just some of the cons you should consider before adopting a pet. And I say adopt because your local shelter is over flowing with all kinds of animals for adoption.

And now the pros of pet adoption,

Pros:

I could only think of one pro to adopting a new pet-

Enough said!!

Home for the Holidays?

(This is Buddy. I got him from the local animal shelter in 1992. This will be my first Christmas without my best friend in 17 years....this post is for him, and all the other wonderful pets waiting for a home this holiday. In this season of giving please consider helping some of God's most vulnerable creatures.)

How to Support Your Local Animal Shelter: Holiday Edition
By CurbsideWriter

'The holiday season is supposed to be about giving. Animal shelters can use all of the giving that they can get, so why not consider that when you are out there shopping this season?';


Instructions
Difficulty: Easy
Things You’ll Need:
A few extra dollars
A caring spirit
A little extra time

Step1 Consider contacting your local shelter and finding out what they need the most. You may be surprised when you find out what they need the most. Maybe volunteers? Dog walking, a fresh paint-job, plumbing help, lots of tennis balls for the pups? Try calling or just showing up, and asking. (Hint: go/call during not-so-busy times.)

Step2 Shop in quantity. Remember, BUY IN BULK! The shelter is probably over-crowded, and the animals could use all of the comforts they can get to help with the stress.

Step3 A few constant necessities: Dry dog food; dry cat food; jingly balls for the cats; tennis balls for the dogs; baby blankets; and, of course, volunteers!

Step4 Feel good about whatever you do. You deserve the selfish feeling of do-gooderness. It's better to do, than to not do and regret it.

Step5 Make it a tradition! Do this yearly. Maybe have your friends/family do the same. Plan a get-together. Ask for donations to the shelter, in lieu of gifts. Do your part

The Origin of the Christmas Tree Angel

(This is a poem I wrote 8 years ago or so after hearing a joke about how the Angel came to be at the top of the Christmas tree)


'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the North,
Every creature was stirring to bring presents forth.

Santa was scurrying to find his red sack,
Rudolph was fevered, the sled had a crack.

Mrs. Clause came forward to give out her warning;
Only twelve hours left until Christmas morning.

"Where is my coffee" Santa said with a huff.
"And why in the hell can't I get this bag stuffed?"

The elves were all quarreling over a poker game,
Dasher and Dancer were riddled with pain.

Santa's hot coffee was spilled in his lap,
"Good Lord" he exclaimed, "I could sure use a nap!"

He tried on his red suit-a little too tight,
He'd have to ride in long Johns all through the night.

Amidst all the talk, amidst all the clatter,
There came a small sound; rat-a-tat-tatter.

Santa opened the door to an angel so sweet,
With a cute smiling face standing there at his feet.

"Santa," she said, holding a Christmas tree thicket,
"Where in your house would you like me to stick it?"

Animal quote Monday

"It seemes rather incongruous that in a society of supersophisticated communication we often suffer from a shortage of listeners."

-Erma Bombeck