Greetings from Nebraska from Renee's husband, Brandon!

I told Renee that she smelled like a filthy water buffalo, so while she's taking a shower I'm going to update her blog. What a dutiful husband I am.

Renee and I made it safely to my parents' place late Monday afternoon. It was a long 11 1/2 hour drive. Anna was as good as gold, but Gabriel and Noah fought off and on. Unfortunately, Noah doesn't speak much yet so he shrieks at the top of his lungs when he's mad. Definitely not my favorite sound.

We celebrated Anna's 5th birthday at my parents' house Tuesday night. Renee made a nice sheet cake with some yummy home-made frosting. Grandma Kara ordered one of those edible transparent cake graphics for the top of the cake. It had all of the princesses from Disney movies: Cinderella, Snow White, Ariel, Jasmine, and Belle. She was so excited to see her finished cake. We have pictures and video that we'll post later.

Grandma Kara watched the kids yesterday afternoon while Renee and I went on a date to see Avatar at the theater. If you liked "Dances with Wolves" you know the basic story of Avatar. Just substitute 10 foot tall blue aliens for the Sioux and Sam Worthington for Kevin Costner and you're pretty much good to go. The movie was spectacular to see, though. We got to see it in 3D. They weren't kidding about the 3D part either. Awesome.

Mom and Dad have a couple of friends over to watch the Nebraska/Arizona game. Right now (late 3rd quarter) the score is 33 to 0 Nebraska. Ouch.

Tomorrow morning I'm going black powder rifle hunting with my dad. Going after some Platte River Valley corn fed white tails. As I'm from out of state and don't have a hunting permit, Dad will do any shooting. I get to gut the deer, though if we get anything. It'll be like dissecting a frog in high school, only cooler with way more blood and guts. Will post an after action report.

God's Christmas Tree

God's Christmas tree was a blood stained Cross
The shadow of which fell across Christ's Birth;
He was wrapped for death--and laid in a manger
And these Truths--o'er shadow the usual Mirth!!!

For the day of dedication at the Jewish Temple
Surely on this day--only happiness will control;
But no--as the High Priest held the sweet Babe
Spoke to Mary--"A sword shall pierce thy soul"!

From His first miracle--to the Eve of Betrayal
Our Lord Jesus said, "Mine hour is not yet come";
It was a constant reminder--He was born to die
And it was for THIS purpose--our Lord had come!

Oh Yes--dear heart--Rejoice--that Jesus came--
But remember--THE CROSS--is His Christmas Tree;
Oh don't get so buried in--tinsel and trinkets
You forget that GOD'S GIFT is SALVATION--FREE!!!
---lulu b. claycomb

"Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness:
by whose stripes ye were healed."
I Peter 2:24

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish,
but have everlasting life."
John 3:16

We wish you a very, very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!

Heading Out Today....

Well I will be packing up the everything else that I think we will need. The snow is coming down and Brandon's test is not till this afternoon. I sure hope the snow stay's light and the roads are good and it's time to head to my parents house. We will be seeing some of you very soon.

Nutella Fudge Bonbons......

I came across this recipe and I have to give you the link. The reason is I was at a Bible study last week and the ladies were talking about Nutella. There were a few who really like it a lot, so if anyone is a Nutella lover out there here is a recipe you might want to try.

Some of my favorite Christmas Cookie Recipes......

Can be found here..... If anyone has a favorite that they think I should try leave me a link.

Also we will be heading out of town in a couple of days. I will try to post while I am gone to let you know what we have been up too & how the kids have been. I am really looking forward to some time away from cleaning up the house. Unfortunately laundry follows me everywhere, but it will be nice to see family that we don't get to see very often. I know the kids are excited and I just pray that the van ride goes well and the weather is good.

Also lets not forget the yummiest caramel corn and so easy to make. To find the recipe go here. I am planning on making this when I get to my moms house and probably several batches, since we all love it so much.

Christmas recipes:
Here are a few new recipes that I would like to try out.

Vegetable Wreath Recipe

Easy Peanut Butter Cracker Cookies

Christmas Bark

Curtains.....
Last week I had a chance to work on and finish up the curtains for Anna's room. They look so nice. Thanks Aunt Jen for the fabric!

I will be making many of the items that I did not get to last week. I guess we ended up eating lots of left overs last week or sometimes we just are not real hungry for a big meal. I guess that makes it easy for me to plan for this week. To find more meal ideas go here.

Monday: Haystacks

Tuesday: Leftover Haystacks

Wednesday: Ravioli & Sauce, Salad, Garlic Bread

Thursday: Fried Catfish, Rice, Corn

Friday: Breakfast Casserole with toast

Saturday: Super at Fellowship Meeting

Sunday: Leftovers from the week

Hope you all have a great week!

Kids Christmas Books....

I have read a couple books with the kids that I have really enjoyed and may be ones I would like to purchase to have in the house. The first is called, "Legend of the Candy Cane" & the second book is called, "What Nick Holly Found in Grandpa's Attic". Both of these books are such wonderful books to read at Christmas time with the kids and are great reminders for ourselves too.

GIRLS PRINCESS APRON....

I just got done making some princess curtains for Anna's room from this wonderful fabric she got from her Aunt Jen. I then had some leftover and decided to make up an apron to sell. I listed it here if anyone is interested.

Half Apron....

I had this Christmas towel and decided to turn it into a apron. This was a super simple project that would make a nice gift for that baker. I used twill tape for the strings, but one could also use ribbon.

1st Big Snow Fall......
Well we were out early this morning digging ourselves out. What a job that was and the kids were out with us as well, but the only problem is we need more shovels. The kids are now out again this afternoon playing some more. I have a feeling they will be pretty tired this evening.

Our Tree....
The kids had a wonderful time helping mommy decorate the tree and they have all done pretty well at leaving them on the tree. I have caught Ruby, our dog, try and take some off, but luckily she did not get to far with them.

It's been a while since I have menu planned, but I was just sitting here this morning and thought I would just put together a simple plan for the week. It is nice to know were I am going.


Monday: Leftover Brat Soup since Brandon will not be home till late from Clinical

Tuesday: Roast, Mashed Potatoes, String Beans,

Wednesday: Tacos & Spanish Rice

Thursday: Fried Catfish, Rice, Corn

Friday: Haystacks

Saturday: Ravioli & Sauce, Salad, Garlic Bread

Sunday: Leftovers

To find other great menu ideas go here.

Rolling in the Snow......

And then enjoying some hot chocolate while they warm up. There will be many more days like these.

Noah Ray......
I had to post a few of these pictures of Noah because they are just to cute. He is growing up and getting to be such a big boy. He is also talking a lot and saying most words that I do, but it might be hard to figure out at times. He is such a sweety & my snuggler.

Noah was enjoying some hot chocolate after coming in from the cold outdoors.

He also fell asleep one day this week on the couch. I was down stairs doing some sewing and Anna came down to tell me Noah was asleep. This is the first time he has ever done that. Most days he can go all day without a nap.

SNOW.....
It is finally snowing and the two oldest kids are out playing in it. They are so excited and I think this winter they will play out there for longer then just 15 mins. I am looking forward to sledding days & maybe even trying some ice skating with the kids.

Another Knitted Hat.....
I made this for Anna, but it ended up being a bit to small. I will find it a home sometime.

Knitted Hat....
For the past few weeks I have been working on this hat for my hubby. He loves this T.V. series called "Firefly". One of the characters is Jayne Cobb, who is the crew's tough guy. During one of the episodes Jayne's mother sends him a knitted hat like the one I made below. In the show, when Jayne first tries on the hat he says, "Cunning, don't ya think?" So what do you think????? Also this is my first knitted hat and I really enjoyed learning how to knit on circular needles. Brandon also loves his hat. Merry Christmas Hubby! The pattern can be found here and you could use whatever colors you wanted.