We Wish You the Merriest!

From our family to yours, we wish you the merriest of Christmases as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, and a wonderful 2012.

Writings of Christmas Past:

Ten Favorite Christmas Albums
The Christmas Enchantment
Mommy's First Chistmas Miniseries
It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas on TV

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He Sets the Lonely in Families

I'd love if you'd hop over to ParentLife Online today and check out my latest original post there. It's about remembering the lonely during the holidays ... and my experiences with that.


My family moved to Richmond, Virginia, when I was 8 years old - quite far away from where my parents grew up and where all of our extended family lived. Dayton, Ohio, was a LONG trek now, and with two little kids my parents decided we'd go for Thanksgiving OR Christmas.

One of those first Christmases we were in Virginia alone, I remember a strange guest around our Christmas tree: my dad's work friend, who had recently had a broken engagement and was suffering heartbreak. … read more.
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Christmas Baking

See, I have this problem.

I have this little sister Lola.

Oh wait, maybe I've read this book a few too many times in the past week. Ahem. Let me start over.

I have this problem. I REALLY love to bake. You might not think that's a problem, but it is. Because I am afraid it might turn me into a 600-pound woman who can't get through her front door.

Thankfully, I have a whole dorm of high-school boys that I send baked goods down to at least once a week. It's an excellent way to try out recipes.

With all the Christmas decorations coming out, I am just itching to bake. I'm taking suggestions in the comment sections on what I should make (and home addresses, for shipping?!). Here are ten ideas from my readers or recipes that I love!

Hello Dolly bars

Source: homesicktexan.blogspot.com via Vanderbilt Wife on Pinterest

Chocolate Chip Almond Cookie Bars

Source: stolenmomentscooking.com via Vanderbilt Wife on Pinterest

Oreo Truffles

Source: onceamonthmom.com via Vanderbilt Wife on Pinterest

Pumpkin Cookies

Source: vanderbiltwife.com via Meredith on Pinterest

Peanut-Butter Ball Cupcakes with PB Cream Cheese Frosting

Source: vanderbiltwife.com via Vanderbilt Wife on Pinterest

Buckeyes (these are slightly nontraditional, but don't they look ah-mah-zing?)

Source: passthesushi.com via Vanderbilt Wife on Pinterest

Andes Mint Cookies

Source: newlyweds-blog.com via Vanderbilt Wife on Pinterest

Christmas Bark (AKA Saltine Candy or Christmas Crack ... Cannot. Stop. Eating.)

Source: amysfinerthings.com via Vanderbilt Wife on Pinterest

Eggnog Cookies

Source: crumbsandchaos.blogspot.com via Vanderbilt Wife on Pinterest

White Chocolate Cherry Chunkies

Source: pauladeen.com via Vanderbilt Wife on Pinterest

Do you have a holiday baking list? Or do you break-and-bake or not at all?

Added to Top Ten Tuesday at OhAmanda.

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Truth in the Tinsel; Or, How Other People Plan My Crafts for Me

It's both a relief and panic-inducing to me that Libbie is finally old enough to do craft-type things. I longed for her to be able to color, glue, and maybe even cut. And now that she can, I try to take advantage of it!

I'm not a crafty person myself, but thankfully I live in the era of Pinterest. We've done several creative things from there recently, including cloud dough and toilet-paper-roll turkeys!

I'm thankful to continue letting others plan my craft projects, and in December we're undertaking a big one: learning about the nativity story by making an ornament every day.

Amanda (of OhAmanda and Impress Your Kids) is my oldest blogging friend. Her passion for teaching her children about Christ never fails to amaze me. And this year she's put all her crafty energy and passion into Truth in the Tinsel: An Advent Experience for Little Hands.

I was thrilled to see how thorough each day's experience is: Amanda provides a "clue" for the kids to discover in an advent calendar or on a paper chain, a Scripture to read together, questions to discuss, an ornament to make, and a further activity to do if you choose. There are also supply lists and recommendations for only doing selections from the 24 days of Advent.

The Truth in the Tinsel e-book is $4.99, but for Black Friday it's $2.99! WOOHOO!

I sincerely hope you'll take advatage of the opportunity to teach your child the importance of Christmas. I've read through Truth in the Tinsel and it's so full of gospel truth, creativity, and love. I can't wait to do it with Libbie and watch her grasp the Truth. And I'll be sharing some of our projects on the Truth in the Tinsel Facebook page, so make sure you like it!

Yes, I will make a small affiliate fee if you buy through my link. If that bothers you, just type in TruthintheTinsel.com and buy it from there. But please DO IT! Cause this is an awesome resource.
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Thanksgiving Recipes

I shared these recipes on Vanderbilt Wife ... three years ago! They are still two of my favorite holiday recipes and make an appearance pretty much every Thanksgiving and Christmas. The cranberry chutney makes canned, jellied sauce seem laughable and can be cooling in the fridge in 15 minutes. The lattice crust on this pie seems fancy but is simple; and because it is served cold, you can make the pie a day or two ahead and have extra time - and oven space - for your holiday feasts!

From our kitchen to yours, enjoy.

Cranberry, Cherry, and Walnut Chutney

from Cooking Light, November 2005

1 c. sugar
1 c. water
1/2 c. port, sweet red wine, or 100% grape juice
1/4 tsp. ground allspice
1/2 c. dried tart cherries
1 pkg. fresh cranberries
2/3 c. chopped walnuts, toasted
1/2 tsp. grated orange rind
1/4 tsp. almond extract
orange rind strips, optional

Combine first 4 ingredients in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Add cherries and cook 1 minute. Stir in cranberries; Return to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes, until all cranberries pop.

Remove from heat. Stir in walnuts, rind, and extract. Garnish with orange rind strips if desired. Cover and chill.

[Combine leftovers with a can of mandarin oranges and pour over raw chicken, then bake in the crockpot on low 6-8 hours for an amazing dinner!]

Cherry Cheesecake Pie

from Woman's Day Magazine

1 box refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts) (or homemade)
1/2 c. sugar
1 T cornstarch
2 (8 oz.) bricks Neufchatel cheese
1 large egg
1/2 tsp. almond extract
1 can cherry pie filling
1 egg white, beaten

Heat oven to 350.

Fit 1 crust in a 9-inch pie plate. Cut other crust into 1-inch strips.

Mix sugar and cornstarch in a medium bowl. Add cream cheese; beat with mixer until smooth. On low speed, beat in egg and extract.

Spread batter evenly in crust; spoon pie filling on top.

Brush crust strips with egg white. Place strips over top in lattice pattern.

Bake 50-60 minutes, until crust is golden brown.


Linking up with:
Sweet Tooth Friday
Mouthwatering Monday
Tasty Tuesday

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31 Days of Reading Well: Day 7, Great Books to Gift

Looking for a great book to gift for Christmas, a birthday, or just as a surcee (as my dear Robin calls those anytime presents)? Here are some of my suggestions. This is all my opinion and not sponsored, although if you do buy something from Amazon I will get a small percent commission. But really ... I just love books and love talking about them! If you ever want a personal recommendation, PLEASE e-mail me!

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Invitation to a Journey by Robert Mulholland. While I haven't read this, it's often quoted in Serendipity House products and it's up there on my list of books to read! He has great wisdom on your spiritual journey.



If your reading friend is also a foodie, like me, I would HIGHLY recommend the Ruth Reichl memoirs. Reichl was the editor of Gourmet magazine (before it was sadly shut down in 2009); her writing is phenomenal and recipes enchanting. In order, they are Tender at the Bone, Comfort Me with Apples, Garlic and Sapphires, and Not Becoming My Mother.

My dad is a Civil War buff, and I've had Confederates in the Attic on my list of books to get him for a while now. It has great review on Amazon and I'm pretty sure he would love it. He has unique tastes, but some books he's received as gifts and enjoyed are Shulz and Peanuts and The Autobiography of Mark Twain.

My husband doesn't read a ton, but he raced through the Song of Albion Trilogy by Stephen Lawhead. The author writes fantasy with a Christian slant, I believe. If Mr. V read them, though, I can guarantee that most sci fi/fantasy fans will like them! The books are The Paradise War, The Silver Hand, and The Endless Knot.

I used to make Listmania lists on Amazon occasionally, and my favorite is What English Majors Read After College. There you'll find some of my favorite gems from the past five years of reading outside of the classroom!


Some books Libbie likes are Toes, Ears & Nose (recommended to us by Alli-n-Son); One Shining Star, a great Christmas book for little ones; My Mommy and Me, with enchanting illustrations; and everything Lauren Child's ever done ... oh wait, that's just me (I'm sure she'll grow to love them as well)!

I have read some great gems this year that I think appeal to a wide audience. If somehow the reader in your life has not devoured The Help or The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, start with those. I really loved Olive Kitteridge and The Paris Wife (the latter especially if the recipient is a literature or history buff).



For more recommended reading from The Wife, you can check out:
My Favorite Books of All Time
What I Read in 2008
Favorite Books of 2007

Are there any books you like to give to others or constantly find yourself recommending? 

Updated post from the archives, November 2009


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Family of Four

A very Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

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Ten Favorite Christmas Albums

Since I am just not feeling well in my 39-week pregnant state ... I thought I'd re-share this post from a year ago. A new favorite Christmas album for me this year is Kristin Chenoweth's A Lovely Way to Spend Christmas.



10. Home for Christmas / Amy Grant



One of my first Christmas TAPE loves. I could listen to "The Night Before Christmas" over and over again. You gotta have a little Amy in your Christmas music.

9. Snowed In / Hanson


Y'all know I cannot deny my Hanson obsession love. I could not even begin to tell you how many times Ashley and I listened to this CD during high-school Christmas times.

8. Anything by Bing Crosby


What's Christmas music without "White Christmas"? Not only is the movie perfection, the song is a Christmas staple. I love pretty much anything by Bing.

7. The Nativity Story: Sacred Songs / Various Artists

A more recent favorite, this CD is honestly heavenly. I didn't care much for the movie, but these "inspired by the movie" songs are just gorgeous. "The Virgin's Lullaby" is enchanting and will provoke tears. Last year, I told you about "Labor of Love." Seriously, this one is worth purchasing.

6. A Christmas Together / John Denver and the Muppets


And on a less serious note... This is one we also wore the heck out of the tape each Christmas. My parents were big John Denver fans and I grew up on his music. I was so glad to see they've added back the tracks from the tape that they had excluded when they originally put this on CD. Yay!

5. Anything by Manheim Steamroller, especially Christmas Celebration

I mean, you just can't not feel Christmasy when you hear the first few bars of "Celebration," the first track on this album. So much fun!

4. Let it Snow / Michael Buble

OK, so granted he must have been really busy because this album only has 6 tracks. But they're still really good. And I love Michael Buble. Looooove.

3. The Living Room Sessions: Christmas / Chris Rice


I'm not usually that into instrumental music. I mean, I don't sit around listening to classical music, generally speaking. Maybe Christmas changes that? Or maybe this piano music just makes me think of cold Virginia nights with ice on the trees and sitting around our old piano, singing in harmony or just listening to my daddy play.

2. Believe / Natalie Grant


I am a big Natalie Grant fan. I think she has an incredible voice. I was so happy when she did this Christmas album a few years ago. "I Believe" is a really lovely track.

1. Handel's Messiah

Coming from a very musical family, Messiah is just the ultimate Christmas music! Every "Thanksmas" we attempt a few crazy chorales (I'm not up on my music terminology--is that the right word?). Singing through Messiah in college choir was one of my favorite life experiences. Challenging (especially for a second soprano ... Handel didn't do no second soprano part!) but awesome.

So ... what song or album embodies Christmas for you? And when do you start listening to Christmas music?


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Christmas Glimpses

When you are very, VERY pregnant at Christmastime, not everything gets decorated.

It's been three years since I decorated much at all due to circumstances and babies. I really wanted to do it this year. But I was already 36 weeks pregnant at Thanksgiving. I did what I could.

My dining room table. I absolutely love this table runner we got several years ago. It has the words to The Night Before Christmas.

Sadly, one of my snowmen lost his nose when I was getting this out of the box. I tried craft glue and it was a no go. I think I need a hot glue gun!

The painting project I did with Libbie the other day. I think it's funny you can see my giant belly in the reflection of the balls. My ingenious husband suggested we do the baby's handprint on the other side of the balls once he gets here!

Three Christmases!

So sad that one of my kings is apparently blind.

We wanted to start an ornament series for Libbie this year. (Apparently the first year we've been cognizant enough to think of that.) Hallmark started a cupcake series this year, so we decided on those. Cute!

And this is my poor, $7.50, Charlie Brown Christmas tree. With a leaning angel. And that whole "I have a toddler therefore there is no bottom third decor."

The Little People Nativity has had a rough day.

My little Christmas elf insisted on having her picture taken, too.

Added to the Christmas Tour of Homes and Kelly's Korner Show Us Your Life.

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Charitable Giving with Stocking Stuffers

I love me some stocking stuffers. They are so fun to pick out. When I was a kid, we always got a LifeSaver Storybook, an orange, and a book, amongst other things. Last year, I detailed some fun stocking stuffers from Etsy and a few other sites.

This year, I wanted to share some inexpensive items you could purchase that help give back at the same time!

1. Hope Suds

A bag of detergent might be a little large for a stocking ... but you could divide it into baggies and give them to your friends. These earth-friendly detergents help support orphan adoption through Vitafamiliae.

2. Orphaned No More Bracelets

I am totally in love with these fabric-covered bracelets, which one mother is selling to help support the adoption of her daughter Isabella from China.

3. Kiva gift card

Kiva is a program that gives microloans to people who really need them. My husband was just telling me about this the other day, so I was super-excited to see a Groupon today for their gift cards! Guess what you're getting in your stocking, dearest?

4. Donation to any charitable site in the person's name

On that note, I've often purchased items from the Samaritan's Purse Catalog in someone's name and printed off an explanation of what the gift was. I would much rather spend $20 on clean water than on a kitschy desk toy.

5. Shopping Tote

I love this little reusable shopping bag that folds up into your purse. I am sure I am not the only one who sometimes has trouble remembering to bring those reusable bags to the grocery store. This would fit neatly in a stocking, helps the environment, and brings funds to Mercy House Kenya.

6. Coffee

Mmm, coffee. I love coffee. Buying this fair-trade coffee helps my friend Nancy's family adopt from Ethiopia.

7. Pacifier clip

Buying one of these precious paci clips helps a family sponsor a child in Ethiopia. If you like to fill a stocking for your wee ones, this would be a fun gift!

8. Handmade Jewelry

Buying these gorgeous earrings would help support a local humane society!

And if you buy THESE earrings, the crafter will donate $2 to school-building efforts in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

9. Ponytail holders

My fellow Chattanoogan, Sara, has just made the decision to adopt from Ethiopia; so all the items from her Etsy store are helping to support their adoption. I love the ponytail holders!! I may buy one or two for my own stocking. ;)

10. Bookplates

If you have and lend out a lot of books like I do, bookplates are a great thing to have! I love these cute designs, and 50% of the seller's proceeds benefit the Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy Fund.

There are so much amazing, hand-crafted goods out there that support great causes. Do you have a favorite cause you support at Christmas?  

You should also check out Amanda's post on gifts she wants to give for more ideas!



Added to Works for Me Wednesday at We Are THAT Family and Top Ten Tuesday at OhAmanda.

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Giftable Blog Giveaways: Week Three

If you missed what's going on with these, this post should explain it.

I've filtered out any giveaways that have expired and left the ones you can still enter. Please add your new giveaways here, and I'll add some I find as well. Anyone win anything yet they can give away? 

Strangely, I recently won $250 worth of baby clothes from Macy's and BlogHer. Sadly, they are 6-9 month winter stuff. Don't think they will fit my little guy unless he is tiny next winter!





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