Finally Finished!

I am finally finishes shopping for Christmas. I didn't think I was going to make the deadline but I did! {{patting myself on the back}}

You know, shopping in Croatia is nothing like shopping in the states. What is available isn't always what you want and if there is something nice there aren't many of them. Although I will say that Croatia is getting some major shopping centers lately, loving it!

Oh yea we took the kids sledding Monday. There is a great place to sled in the nearest city to us. It's the old town or castle of the old town and around the town there were huge walls. Anyhow we went last year, it was way too funny, you can see those pics here. I took more photos but they basically look the same as last years. The same ol' same ol'. Cody got to sled the most, Joshua not so much and Hannah found out too late that sledding that big hill wasn't for her. The videos I took were way too funny, but I'm gonna spare my kids any embarrassment since they are now teens.Yesterday I continued my decorating for Christmas. I know that it's almost here but here in Croatia Christmas goes on until Jan. 6th which is the Catholic holiday Three Kings, and no I don't celebrate 3 Kings. BTW, where do the 3 kings come into play in the who birth of Christ story? They don't, he we don't even see the Wise men come in until much later. Brace yourself; THERE WERE NO WISEMEN AT THE MANGER!!! okay don't stress things can go on like they were before but the Bible is clear that the wise men weren't there.

Mt 2:10	When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
Mt 2:11	And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

So see there, He was already a young child and they were living in a house, not a manger. Anyhow, I thought I would burst any bubbles that were still afloat. Johnny has been conspiring against my nativity since it does have the 3 wise men, and I was forced to send them back to the East where they came from. He's totally right, why would we have something in plain view that is so Biblically incorrect. Anyhow that's a little rant, take it or leave it.

Been baking all day too. I found some great recipes from my favorite recipe site; All Recipes

Made some really easy peanut butter fudge today, so good.



Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge

Prep Time:
15 Min

Cook Time:
5 Min

Ready In:
1 Hr 20 Min

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 1/4 cups brown sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 3/4 cup peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

Directions

1. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and milk. Bring to a boil and boil for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter and vanilla. Pour over confectioners' sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat until smooth; pour into an 8x8 inch dish. Chill until firm and cut into squares.

Big Soft Ginger Cookies

Prep Time:
15 Min

Cook Time:
10 Min

Ready In:
50 Min

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup margarine, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2 tablespoons white sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Sift together the flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the margarine and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then stir in the water and molasses. Gradually stir the sifted ingredients into the molasses mixture. Shape dough into walnut sized balls, and roll them in the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar. Place the cookies 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet, and flatten slightly.
3. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

Chocolate Brittle Surprise

Ingredients

• 35 unsalted soda crackers
• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Cover cookie sheet with foil. Spray foil with cooking oil spray.
2. Place crackers on foil in 5 x 7 inch rows.
3. Microwave butter on high for 2 minutes. Add brown sugar and stir. Microwave on high for 2 more minutes, stirring every 30 seconds.
4. Pour over crackers. Bake 17 - 20 minutes (should bubble but not burn).
5. Sprinkle chocolate chips over hot crackers. Spread after 2 minutes (chips have softened). Sprinkle nuts on top.
6. Refrigerate 1 hour. Break into pieces. Can be frozen.

Well I'm pooped! It's about time to get up and go get ready for church. Maybe I can manage to look half way presentable, we'll see!

Hoping you're all have the best Christmas week ever!