~reflections~musings~inspirations~insights~and life lessons learned by one who is
whole-heartedly, steadfastly, firmly in HIS grip~

Romans 1:6 "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes..."


Tuesday, December 23, 2008

The Day Before Christmas Eve


It's been a couple of days since I have had the opportunity to actually sit down and turn on the computer. Usually I'm one of those last minute Christmas shoppers. OK, I am always a last minute, special-occasion shopper. On Valentine Day...I am the lone woman standing among a pack of men...searching the card isle for something meaningful, yet funny...with an envelope that fits. Needless to say...I have been fighting the crowds. This year it seems I am not the only one who waited till the last minute!

I still have a few stocking stuffers to pick up but I am waiting until 2:00 a.m. and heading to Wal-Mart. At least that way I know I will be able to find a parking space within walking distance. There are cookies still to be baked, cheese balls to be put together, and no Christmas would be complete without my home-made, family famous salsa. Which is quite simple, actually...and there's really no secret ingredient. My youngest sister, Barbie, brought over a half-gallon pickle jar and said... this year...fill it up...the little squat quart didn't last till noon last year as she reminded me her youngest son is now 16 and nothing edible is safe in her house. It was meant to be a joke. How funny...I can't wait to see the look on her face when she finds out she actually gets that much salsa!

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and Hunter and Gage will arrive at 7:30 in the morning while their parents work a half day. We will have our traditional family dinner...a Christmas Story read...and then open presents. Later, after the boys are home, had their baths, and are warm and snug in their jammies...their telephone will ring and on the other end a big ho, ho, ho...and one last check in from Santa before they settle in and dream of Christmas morning. The phone call from Santa on Christmas Eve started with Jimmy's daddy when Jake was little. I'll never forget the year he was four. Our evening routine was running a bit behind and Santa called while Jake was still in the tub. When the phone rang he looked up at me with those big blue, expectant eyes and when he heard his daddy say, "Yes, Santa, Jake is still awake." That boy shot out of the tub and grabbed the telephone in one fell swoop, soaking his mother and everything else in his wake.

I really love this time of year...the holiday season....and since becoming a Christian twenty years ago it has taken on a whole new meaning.


Psalm 8:1 -2 "O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger."


Psalm 8:4 "What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?"


Psalm 8:9 "O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!"


This morning I received an e-card from crosswalk.com. I could not express a Christmas greeting any better and so I pass this along to you and your family....



JESUS
King of Kings
Lord of Lords
RIGHETOUS, HOLY, PURE
MESSIAH,
TEACHER, REEDEEMER
God incarnate - the ONLY Savior
OUR ONLY HOPE
the
foundation of our
CHRISTMAS PEACE
is not in us
but in CHRIST
not in
our holiness
but in HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS
not in our walking
but in HIS
BLOOD AND SUFFERING
samuel bolten

GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL YOU LOVE THIS CHRISTMAS



quick and easy salsa....mix the following and let set at least one hour
  • 1 each 28oz. can diced tomatoes
  • 1 each 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes in puree (I prefer DelMonte)

During the summer or when making just for the two of us, I use fresh tomatoes. Which makes it no longer quick and easy. :-D

  • 1 each medium Texas Sweet onion diced (Vadillia onions work nicely as well)
  • 2 each medium jalapeno peppers diced (for a mild salsa remove all pepper seeds)
  • fresh diced garlic...I chop the whole bulb and use it till it looks "right" a good serving spoon full is about right here. You can freeze and use the rest later.
  • fresh chopped cilantro...again, I add and stir until it looks right...It has a strong flavor. If you like it use a lot of it...if not...use sparingly
  • salt and pepper to taste
I will sometimes add the following....diced, De-seeded cucumbers or a can of fiesta corn. I let it sit on the counter for about an hour until the flavors macerate.

8 comments:

  1. I'm so glad your son could be home for the holidays. I'll bet he's especially happy to be home!
    You've been to Wal-Mart!!? [shudder] You're brave. We stay out of that place until after January 1st. [lol]
    It is *freezing* cold here in SE Georgia! I'll bet y'all are cold too.
    Thanks for the salsa recipe. We love Mexican food. [drool]
    Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! See ya in Bloggyland!
    Sparky ♥ ∞

    ReplyDelete
  2. HAVE A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Neat story on the Christmas "Santa" phone call. I hope you guys have a great Christmas Holiday. Blessings. Strider

    ReplyDelete
  4. My empty gallon pickle jar is in the mail - seal it good before mailing back! :O) Have a Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks for the nice Christmas greeting and Merry Christmas to you and yours. God Bless you all.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I remember when Santa used to call me and I remember when my dad aka Santa would call my cousins. I am looking forward to the next generation in my family having children. My youngest niece is a freshman in college.

    Time to bake gingerbread.

    Have a very Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Merry Christmas to all of you guys. Love you all bunches and we are glad Jake is home for Christmas!!!

    Pastor Greg and Kristina Armstrong and family

    ReplyDelete
  8. That would be Christmas Eve-Eve!! I hope you enjoyed your Christmas and BOXINg Day too. Thanks for everything.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for stopping by...I look forward to seeing you again!