Two more minis went to a new home

Jasper and Hazey went to their new home on Christmas Eve. I believe this is the first time in many years that we sold out of colts.

We do still have some nice miniature mares available. They are on the website at www.unicornerfarm.com.

Season's Greetings

Well, another Christmas has passed. I am always sad when it is over. I hope everyone received a special blessing this season. And a gift that they truly wanted. My sweet son, Jeff, gave me a neat digital photo frame. And his girlfriend Robin gave us a really fun game... the latest Cranium. We played it Christmas day and it was a hoot.

Overall we had a great time, with good food and good health... well, Bob was fighting allergies, it appears the Noble Fir is the culprit. So it was outside by noon yesterday. Booo... it will be artificial trees from now on. In fact, he just called to say he found a 7.5 foot pre-lit tree for half off at Wal-Mart.

Yummy Holiday Cake Recipes

Remember the cookie recipe email that went around? I posted it on the blog on November 9th. Now there is a similar one for cakes! The links point to the same great Northpole website. Here they are as an easy index to some great cake recipes.
'Night Before Christmas' Coffee Cake, 'Real New York Style' Cheesecake Supreme, A Cake That's Fit For A Queen, Amaretto Italian Sour Cream Cake, Amazing Tropical Fruit Cake, Apple and Nut Cake, Apple Cake, Apple Cake, Apple Sauce Cake, Applesauce Fruitcake, Apricot Nectar Pound Cake, Baby Cheescakes Baby Cheesecakes, Banana Cake, Barron Family Cheesecake, Baumtorte (Tree Cake), Becky's Pumpkin Cupcakes, Blueberry Swirl Cheesecake, Blueberry Swirl Cheesecake, Broken Angel Cake With Chocolate Chips, Candied Fruit Cake, Carmel Coffee Cake, Carrot Cake with Hot Glaze, Carrot-Pineapple Cake, Cherry Cake, Cherry Cake Sauce, Cherry Cheesecake Cups, Cherry-Pineapple Dump Cake, Chocolate Angel Food, Chocolate Browny Cake, Chocolate Cookie Sheet Cake, Chocolate Éclair Cake, Chocolate Ice Box Dessert, Chocolate Logs, Chocolate Lovers Heaven Triple Threat Chocolate Di, Chocolate Sheet Cake, Chocolate welington fudge pudding, Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate Chip Cake, Christmas Cake, Christmas choclate cake, Christmas Mixed Glace Fruit Loaf, Christmas-Comes-But-Once-A-Year-Chocolate Cake, Cinnamon Morning Delight, Coca-Cola Cake, Coconut Cake, Cookie Pizza, Cream Cheese Icing, Cream Cheese Pound Cake, Cream Puff Cake, Creamy Chocolate Cupcakes, Creamy Chocolate Layered Cake, Decadent Chocolate Cake, Decadent Fudge Cake, Deluxe Chocolate Marshmallow Bars, Dream Cake, Dreamcicle Cake, Drizzle Cake, Earthquake Cake, Easy Cocoa Snack Cake, Easy Coconut Cake, Éclair Cake, Edie Ching's Cherry Cheesecake, Eggnog Cake, Extra Moist Coconut Cakes, Festive Pumpkin Gingerbread, Flower Garden Cake, Fruit Cake, Fruit Cocktail Cake, German Chocolate Upside-Down Cake, Golden Bacardi Rum Cake, Gooey Butter Cake, Gum drop cake, Heavenly Pecan Cake, Hedge Hog Cake, Holiday Cake, Holiday Poke Cake, Holiday Rum Cake, Honey Bun Cake, Honey Cake, Hot Fudge Pudding Cake, Hummingbird Cake, Ice-Cream Chocolate Roll, Jewish Apple Cake, Johnny Appleseed Cake, Lemon Cake, Lemon Poppyseed Cakes, Lemon Pound Cake, Linda's Yule Log, Mama's Homemade Banana Cake, Mandy's Cake, Microwave Scottish Pudding, Mini Fruitcakes, Miniature Cheesecakes, Mississippi Fudge Cake, Mississippi Mud, Mock Lemon Meringue Cake, Neiman Marcus Cake, No Bake Fruit Cake, Norwegian Gold Cake, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cake, Old Fashion Pound Cake, Old Fashioned Light Fruitcake, Orange Date-Nut Cake, Orange Slice Cake, Oreo Cheesecake, Peanut-Topped Devil's Food, Pecan Icing, Pennsylvania Dutch Pastry, Pineapple Heaven, Plum-Nut Cake, Pound Cake Pound Cake, Pumpkin Cake Roll, Pumpkin Cheesecake, Pumpkin log, Pumpkin Nut Roll, Pumpkin Pie Cake, Pumpkin Roll, Queen's Cake, Red Velvet Cake, Reese`s white cake, Reese's Brownie Cupcakes, Refrigerator Chocolate Cheesecake, Russian Tea Cakes, Russian Teacakes, Santa's Breakfast Cake, Self-Filled Cupcakes, Shirley's Chocolate Sheet Cake, Sour Cream Coffee Cake, Sour Cream Pound Cake, Southern Apple Cake, Swedish Nut Cake, Tiny Christmas Fruitcakes, Toll House Carrot Cake, Triple Chocolate Torte, Turtle Bars, Turtle Cake, Warcake, Watergate Cake, White Christmas Loaf, World War I Cake, World War II Cake

Avery's first photo

My niece Kelly sent me a photo of her daughter that will be born next February. Isn't she precious? And isn't technology amazing that a photo like this can be taken before a baby is born?
"For You Created My Inmost Being; You Knit Me Together in My Mother's Womb" -Psalms 139:13

The Name Lab

Here is a really neat website about names...
http://baby-names.familyeducation.com/
You can track the rise and fall of naming trends over the years, and see where your favorite names rank on the list. Or do you and your name go together like a black suit and brown shoes? Find out what you should have been named, based on your personality traits. Test your knowledge of names with questions about origin, meaning, popularity, and more on this website sponsored by the Family Education site.

A thing of beauty...

. . .A horse is a thing of such beauty. . .none will tire of looking at him as long as he displays himself in his splendor.
~Xenophon

Choose Your Presidential Candidate

Here is an interesting website with a quiz to help you choose your Presidential candidate. Go to the link below and provide your answers to issues of importance in the upcoming Presidential campaign and then see which candidates share your views.
http://www.wqad.com/Global/link.asp?L=259460
Then pass this on to everyone of voting age so they can see which candidate, be it right or left, best fits them.

Happy Birthday, Dear Husband!

Today is Bob's birthday...

Here is a photo of him and his new pet, Xena.

St. Nicholas and American Christmas Customs

Immigrants brought cherished St. Nicholas holiday traditions to the United States. Some of them are:

• Christmas stockings by the fireplace
• Orange or tangerine in the toe of filled Christmas stockings
• Candy Canes - All bishops carry staffs, hooked at the top like a shepherd's crook, showing they are the shepherds who care for, or tend, their people.
• Gift-giving in secret, during the night - Nicholas did his gift giving secretly, under cover of darkness. He didn't want to be seen and recognized as he wanted those he helped to give thanks to God.
• Seasonal concern for the needy- St. Nicholas gave gifts to those in greatest need—the young and the most vulnerable.

Happy Birthday, Bill!

Lots of birthdays come around this time of year in our family. Bob's father, Bill Brown celebrated his today. I found this scan of Bill and his "Mudder" and younger sisters, Patsy and Martha, I believe.
There is such a family resemblance in the Brown family. I'll have to dig up pictures of Jeff, daddy Bob, and grandpa Bill as kids. And here is a photo of Bill's mother and father (Mudder and Poppy).

I hope it brings back fond memories, Bill.

Happy Birthday!

Where should you shop? Check the list...

The Liberty Counsel website keeps a list at Christmas of businesses that celebrate Christmas and those who DON'T.

http://www.lc.org/media/9980/attachments/2007_Naughty-Nice.pdf

Here's some of the NAUGHTY ones! Take note of these stores that want your Christmas gift business but don't want to acknowledge the reason for the season.

• Amazon.com – Web site: “Holiday Toy List,” “Holiday ordering cut off” to guarantee delivery by Dec 24.


• Circuit City – Web site: “Holiday Gift Guide,” “Free shipping by December 24th.”


• CVS – Report: No “Merry Christmas” in stores. Instead: “Give. Get. Save.” Corporate office representative had a prepared statement for holiday complaints. Web site: “Holiday Shipping Schedule” for delivery by December 24.


• Gap – Web site: “For the Season.” “Holiday Doggie Pajamas,” “Sweet Holiday Dreams Long Sleep Set,” “Holiday Graphic Bodysuit,” “Holiday Letters Bodysuit.” No mention of Christmas.


• Home Depot – Web site: Everything is red and green, but it’s the “Holiday Gift Center,” “Holiday Décor,” “Home for the Holidays,” “Holiday Trees,” not Christmas trees. No mention of Christmas.


• K-Mart – Web site: “Holiday Shop,” “Holiday Toys,” “Get it in time for the Holiday,” “Holiday Planner.” They are calling Christmas “The Holiday.” Flyer advertises “Holiday trees.”


• Kohl’s – Report: “Holiday shopping list,” no Christmas trees, just Trees, “Hanukkah” section, “Holiday: find the perfect gifts,” “45 days left – shipping deadlines,” “stocking stuffers,” “St. Nicholas Square” and “Nativity” section, but never mentions “Christmas.”


• Lane Bryant – “Holiday HQ,” “Gift Guide,” “For a truly special holiday gift…” “Holiday Season,” “Holiday Looks,” and “Holiday Style” on the web site. Typing “Christmas” in the search engine brings up nothing.


• Lowe’s – Web site: “Holiday Décor,” “Artificial Trees,” many Christmas items, Nativity Scenes, Santa decorations, etc., but not called “Christmas.” Apologized for advertising “Family Trees,” but report said latest flyer still used the expression. VA Report: Local store has “Christmas trees.”


• Marshalls – Front Page of the web site: “Who Wants a Holiday That Looks Like Everyone Elses?” “Holiday Style,” and “Holiday Decorating Ideas.” No mention of Christmas.


• Nordstrom – Web site: “Once Upon a Holiday… gifts were given,” “Great Gifting.” No mention of Christmas. Dec 19 “Last day to make Holiday deadline.”


• Office Max – Web site: “Great Gifts for the Holiday,” “Snappy Holiday Gift Ideas,” “Furnish your office in time for the holidays,” and “Everything you need this holiday season and beyond.” No mention of Christmas.


• Old Navy – “Holiday Favorites,” “Holiday Morning,” “Season in Style,” and “Holiday Gift Guide” sections on the web site. No mention of Christmas.


• Sears – Letter from Sears: “We decided to call them holiday trees because even if Christians are the only religion that uses a Christmas tree we still do not want complaints from other customers…” “Wishbook: Holiday Catalog 2007,” “Hottest Holiday gift ideas,” Web site: Holiday Shopping section. December 25 is “the holiday.”


• Sprint – Web site: “Tis the season to give SprintSpeed,” “Holiday Entertainment,” “Holiday Season,” and “Sprint lights up the Holidays.” No mention of Christmas.

Celebrate Nikolausabend - It's Nickolas Eve

Since Santa Claus suddenly appears everywhere at this time, why not remember the saint who is likely his original-- St. Nicholas, whose feast day is December 6th? His example of quiet, generous giving is worth recalling, especially for children.

St. Nicholas, the Bishop of Myra left gold coins in the shoes of poor girls who didn't have a dowry. You might leave goodies (such as gold foiled covered chocolate coins wrapped in a plastic bag) in children's shoes so that they awake on December 6th to a gift from the good saint.

I read on one website that originally children left hay and treats like carrots for St. Nicholas' horse in their shoes to be replaced with treats. Now they simply put a shoe or boot outside their bedroom door, window or by the fireplace on the evening of 5th of December, hoping to find it full of sweets, biscuits, nuts and fruit the next morning. I am sure our horses would appreciate the original idea!

Here are links with information about Saint Nicholas:

http://www.cptryon.org/prayer/adx/adnick.html

http://www.stnicholascenter.org/Brix?pageID=23

Happy Barbarazweig – Or St. Barbara’s Day

Searching online for German Christmas traditions, I found that today is Barbarazweig or St. Barbara’s Day. St. Barbara is the saint of artillerymen. Her story is quite sad, her father killed her because she became a Christian.

The Germans have a tradition of placing a twig of a cherry or apple tree into a bowl of water on St. Barbara's Day; it is good luck if it blossoms by Christmas day.

Other regions in Germany will try and sprout wheat instead of branches, but the theme of growth following winter solstice is consistent. If you are unable to get a live branch from one of these trees, consider putting an apple or another fruity incense cone into a German smoker and enjoy watching the scent “blossom” and waft.

You can read more about her at this link: http://www.germanculture.com.ua/library/weekly/aa120100d.htm

HowToBe ACA #4-5

"Teach your children pride in their ancestors' holiday customs."
"Visit local museums to see how Christmas is celebrated in the past and around the world."

These were similar so I picked both of them. Our family is mostly German-Norwegian so we have lots of the same traditions. German Christmas customs have spread throughout the world wherever Christmas is celebrated. From the Christmas tree (Tannenbaum) to "Silent Night" ("Stille Nacht") and on to the Advent calendar (Adventskalender), people around the globe have adopted many traditions that began in the German-speaking world.

Fröhliche Weihnachten! Merry Christmas!

Fall is still in the air or is that summer?

What a beautiful day! Low 80's and sunny. We took these photos while crossing two rivers on the way home from church. The top photo is of the low water crossing on Hog Creek. The bottom photo is of the Middle Bosque River canyon.

HowToBe ACA #3

"Read one book during the holidays that affirms your faith."

Odd that this entry stood out today when I looked through my little How to be a Christmas Angel book. Bob just told me that he ordered a book that our wonderful friend Joe Schroeter has published. Joe works in the Shetland/Miniature Horse Registry office.

Here is a description of the book:

If Ye Abide in Me
by H.J. Schroeter
"Six apparent paradoxes of the Bible embody the crucial elements of the nature of Jesus. The successful progression in the mastery of these character traits, fueled by the conversion power of His word within us, allows us to become like Him and therefore acquire residency in Him. 'If Ye Abide In Me' will clearly expound this truth to the reader and therefore furnish much expertise in building the road to the abiding status. Author H. J. Schroeter is convinced that the success of this process rests solely in the willingness of the believer to be transformed by these apparent biblical paradoxes into the image of Christ. "

http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-60247-776-6

Another Christmas tradition - Jesse Tree

I came across this today while looking for advent traditions. I truly have never read about a Jesse Tree, but it sounds like a wonderful idea.

The Tradition of the Jesse Tree

The Jesse Tree is a centuries-old family Advent devotion that has enjoyed a resurgence of popularity in recent years. It has particular value since it helps both kids and adults a like to locate Jesus, the Messiah, within the lineage of the shepherd boy who became King of Israel--David, son of Jesse.

The whole idea of the Jesse Tree comes right out of a classic Advent passage from the prophet Isaiah: "A shoot will sprout from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit" (Is 11:1). The Jesse Tree is hung with ornaments representing Old Testament people and events and lead up to Jesus. The traditional symbols hung on the tree are based on the genealogy of Jesus as reccounted by the first chapter of the Gospel of St. Matthew.

Set up a tree or branches with or without leaves. For the ornaments, you can either buy a Jesse Tree kit or just craft them yourself. Traditionally, there is one ornament for each day of Advent. You start at the base of the tree with Adam and Eve. At the top of the tree at the very end of the season comes a crib representing the baby Jesus. There's a brief scripture reading for every symbol (see below). If you read these readings and contemplate them and the symbols to which they are linked, by December 25th you and your family will have a much deeper understanding of the history of salvation and the meaning of Christmas!

Some great links:

• http://www.shalfleet.net/advent/makeajessetree.htm
• http://www.crossroadsinitiative.com/library_article/811/Jesse_Tree.html
• http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/7202/advent.html
• http://members.tripod.com/TerryZ1/jessetree.html
• http://www.stmichaelonline.org/LiturgicalYear/Jessetree.htm
• http://www.domestic-church.com/CONTENT.DCC/19971201/FRIDGE/FRIDGE1.HTM

Happy Birthday, MOM!

I want to wish my mom a wonderful birthday! Here's a couple of photos of her when she was younger.


Right to left: Ima (Mom), Uncle Ray, Aunt Edna


That little fellow in the center just got married! Congratulations, Ray, I know that you and Nancy will be happy.

Below is another photo of Mom and family. That's Mom on the left, cousin Verna Mae, sister Edna, cousin Irene, and little brother Gene.

We have been blessed with longevity in our family, all but Irene are still with us.
This was taken a couple of years ago...Uncle Erwin and Ann, Edna and Mom.

Want a Pony for Christmas?

We have two boys left to sale. We have a deposit on Mister Terrific, the black miniature on the left. But Silver Haze (lying down) and Jasper on the right are still available. They had their "brain surgery" (neutered) yesterday and will be ready to go to new homes in a couple of weeks. Just in time for Christmas. Call Bob if you would like more information about them - 254-749-2332 or visit the website at http://www.unicornerfarm.com/. Check the video I posted on October 31st here in the blog. Yes, we do accept PayPal.

More Christmas Ideas - Spread it out

Spread your celebrating out over the whole season. Why not begin your Christmas celebrating now! Or at least at the begining of December - that's Saturday! Then keep at it until Three King's Night on January 5th.

How about making an Advent calender to use all during December. Bob's grandmother made us one using a long felt strip with 24 Christmas trees on it for each day before Christmas. A red clothespin marks the days off and there is a Santa Claus at the end. It's really cute and we've had it since we've been married...a long time. "Gingaw" is making some again for the younger generation. I hope I'm as productive at 96 years old!

In Germany, many children put a boot, called Nikolaus-Stiefel, outside the front door on the night of December 5th. St. Nicholas fills the boot with gifts, and at the same time checks up on the children to see if they were good. If they were not, they will have a tree branch ("Rute") in their boots instead. St. Nicholas Day is the 6th of December (and that's Bob's birthday). I'll ask him to check his boots.

Plan to celebrate Jesus' birthday on Christmas Eve with a birthday cake. That's a nice idea, not that we need anymore sweets on the buffet though...

Spreading out the holiday spreads out the expense of celebrating, helps keep the focus on Christ and helps to avoid the big let-down that some people feel when Christmas is over. That would be me...

HowToBe ACA #2

"Clean out your linen closet and donate your best old stuff to Goodwill."

Well, I don't really have a linen closet... but I will clean out my closet and donate the better stuff. I think though I will choose a center for abused women here in town, or the Salvation Army.

Less than a month 'til Christmas!

In less than a month it will be over... how quickly time flies. I plan to try to slow it down this year and enjoy the holidays. I found a cute little book a few years ago "How to be a Christmas Angel" by Scott Matthews and Barbara Alpert.

I'll try to share a few of their suggestions this month here on the blog as well as my own.

"Donate your caroling dollars to your Salvation Army shelter." I don't know about the "caroling dollars" but I try to keep change and dollar bills in my pocket when I shop so they will be handy if I see a SA red kettle. I know they are at Walmart already, hopefully other places as well. Unless Target changed their policy, they probably aren't there, we try NOT to shop at Target for that very reason.

Here's an easy way to donate to the Salvation Army, click on this link to make a donation on line:

https://secure.salvationarmy.org/donations.nsf/donate?openform

Lone Star meets Xena

We let our miniature horse, Lone Star meet Xena. Star is actually a larger mini, but he sure looks small next to Xena. As you can see, he thinks she's BBB, big, black and beautiful and nickered sweet nothings to her.

Star is 23 years old! He's starting to show his age a little, getting a little gray around the temples, but we think it makes him look distinguished.

Make a Thanksgiving Gift

I found this idea on the internet at http://familycrafts.about.com/library/projects/blthblessmix.htm.

Each ingredient in this snack mix symbolizes something associated with the Harvest Season and Thanksgiving...

• Bugles - represents a cornucopia, a horn of plenty.
• Pretzels - represents arms folded in thanks and prayer.
• Candy Corn & Corn Nuts - during the first winter, the pilgrims were each allotted only 5 kernels of corn per day because food was so scarce.
• Dried Fruits & Berries - Thanksgiving is the celebration of the harvest.
• Pumpkin & Sunflower Seeds - seeds represent the potential of a bounteous harvest for the next season if they are planted and well tended.

You can make this mix as a family and eat while discussing each ingredient and how it relates to Thanksgiving. Or give as gifts, I made a few minor changes and this is what I ended up with:

THANKSGIVING BLESSING MIX

Materials Needed:
1 bag Candy Corn
1 bag Corn Nuts Brand Snack
1 bag Dried Fruits and Berries
1 bag Sunflower Seeds
1 bag Pumpkin Seeds
1 bag Bugles Brand Corn Snacks
1 bag Tiny Twist Pretzels
Cellophane bags
Raffia or yarn
Artificial leaves or other harvest decoration
Blessing Mix card (click here to download)

Instructions:
In a large bowl, mix the first five ingredients together. Set out 6 cellophane bags and fill with a handful each of Bugles and Pretzels. Add a handful of the seed and corn mix, repeat until all ingredients have been divided between the bags. Tie the tops with raffia or yarn and add a leaf. Print out the Blessing Mix card and tie on to the bag.

Happy Birthday, Oklahoma!

Oklahoma turned 100 today!

Guess that's fairly young for a state.

Happy Birthday, Neighbor!

Miniature Fillies For Sale

We've added two of our fillies to our Spotlight Specials page on the farm website (www.unicornerfarm.com/special.htm).

Funny is a pretty buckskin and April is a smokey black.

We also have the three colts that are now weaned and ready to go.

Let's Take a Stand!

Just received this poem in an email. Don't know who wrote it but it's worth reading!

Twas the month before Christmas
When all through our land,
Not a Christian was praying
Nor taking a stand.

How the PC Police had taken away,
The reason for Christmas - no one could say.
The children were told by their schools not to sing,
About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.

It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say
December 25th is just a "Holiday".
Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit
Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!

CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod
Something was changing, something quite odd!
Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
In hopes to sell books by Franken and Fonda.

As Targets were hanging their trees upside down
At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.
At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears
You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.

Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty
Are words that were used to intimidate me.
Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen
On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton!

At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.
And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace.

The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
The reason for the season, stopped before it started.

So as you celebrate "Winter Break" under your "Dream Tree"
Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.
Choose your words carefully, choose what you say
Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday!

Please vote in the new poll

Welcome to Unicorner Farm's blog. I just added a little poll (in the right hand column) about how you came across this blog. I am curious if there is anyone out there reading it. Please vote.

THANKS!

Say Thanks to a Serviceman or Woman

On the heels of Veteran's Day and with Thanksgiving a week a way, here is a nice way to say thank you to our people serving this great country.

Xerox is doing something cool! Now, it's your turn to do something right... pick out at least one card, and in a few clicks of the mouse, you will have brightened the day, and the season, for a member of the Armed Forces!

Go to http://www.letssaythanks.com/ and pick out a thank you card. Xerox will print it and send it to a soldier currently serving in Iraq. You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to some member of the armed services.

By submitting a message through this site you have the opportunity to send a free personalized postcard greeting to deployed servicemen and women. It really is FREE and only takes a moment of your time. (I just did it). The postcards, depicting patriotic scenes and hometown images, were selected from a pool of entries from children across the country. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the soldiers received a bunch of these?

It doesn't matter whether you are for or against the war . . . our guys and gals over there need to know we are behind them

Finder of Lost Recipes

Check this website out! http://www.hungrybrowser.com/phaedrus/archives.htm

I found this neat website while looking for some new and unique recipes to make for the holidays.

Remember,Thanksgiving is next week!

It is really cool, lots of archives to look through, zillions of recipes that have been requested are available.

Holiday ideas for the genealogist...

Make a journal of family traditions and recipes. Print a family cookbook to exchange. Share the customs of our ancestors with the younger generation. Have the older generation tape record stories of how Christmas was celebrated long ago.

Put together a real family tree. This link has a great Christmas tree made of photo boxes.... http://www.thecraftypc.com/chrisfamtre.html

Make a personalized ornament for each one in the extended family. Maybe one that portrays the person's hobby. That reminds me of Days of Our Lives... do they still do that?

Look at this really cool family tree ornament from one of my very favorite places to visit - Bronners.
http://www.bronners.com/1087464.html

Early Doctors of McLennan County Article

The Waco Tribune-Herald had an article in last Saturday's newspaper about early doctors in the county. Bob's great-great-grandfather Dr. C.L. Clay was pictured.


"North Carolina native Charles Lewis Clay (1848-1906) is credited with being the town’s first doctor. He graduated from the Louisville (Ky.) School of Medicine, and moved to Gatesville in 1871. Three years later, he moved to Perry, married Nannie Peebles of Gatesville, and they started a family of four boys. "

"Clay moved his family to Moody in 1881, along with other Perry residents, and was a partner in the Payne’s drug store. After more than 30 years of doctoring in Central Texas, he died Sept. 20, 1906, and is buried in the Moody Cemetery."

One of the four boys mentioned, Charles Jr., was the father to our beloved "Gingaw", Bob's grandmother Lucille Clay Roberts.

Happy 1st Birthday, Kade!

Oh, to be so easily entertained! Sunday we celebrated my little cousin Kade's first birthday.



Can you tell he likes tractors, especially John Deeres? 'Course it helps that grandmother works for the local JD dealer.


Actually, Kade is my first cousin, twice removed. Have you ever wondered how that works? Here is a chart that shows the relationship of cousins.

Operation Christmas Child Update

Samaritan's Purse is a Christian relief and evangelism organization led by Franklin Graham. One of their worthy programs is Operation Christmas Child. Our small church prepared more than 80 Christmas Shoeboxes this year. That's a 25% increase over 2006.

This is National Collection Week, besides the filled shoeboxes, OCC would love to receive donations to offset the shipping costs. If you would like to donate, please go to the website below:

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/OCC_EZGive.asp?OCCPath=1

We had a lot of fun preparing the shoeboxes. We hope the needy children that receive them will enjoy the toys and candy, as well as learn about the true meaning of Christmas.

Happy Veteran's Day

We certainly don't want to forget our veterans. I found this wonderful graphic on the site below, please check it out. Wonderful message, and there is a great coloring page: www.sermons4kids.com/veterans_day_colorpg.htm

Goldie meets Xena

Well, we tried introducing Xena to our palomino mare, Goldie in hopes they could live together.

We thought Xena might be lonely, though she doesn't seem to be. And Goldie apparently likes living with the minis better.

Cookie Exchange and Helpful Recipe Index

One way to get prepared for the holidays... bake cookies to freeze for later. Lots of people are doing cookie exchanges. Sounds like a great idea. Here is a whole website devoted to the idea http://www.cookie-exchange.com/

Check out this cookie recipe index from a recent email:

Just click on the name of the cookie and bam the recipe is there.
1-2-3 Cookies 7 Layer Cookies Allie Nelson's Famous Snickerdoodle Cookies Almond Crescent Shortbread Amish Sugar Cookies Andies Candies Cookies Angel Crisps Angenets Applesauce Cookies Apricot Fold-Overs Aunt Edy's Molasses Crinkles Auntie Linda's Ginger Gems Bakeless Dream Cookies Banana Drop Cookies Best Chocolate Chip Cookies in the World Biscotti Biscotti Blueberry Cookies Boiled Chocolate Oatmeal Drop Cookies Bronwnies Brown Sugar Shortbread Brownie Cookies Brownie Delight Brownies Buccaneer Snowballs Buried Cherry Cookies Butter Cookies Butter Nut Balls Butterballs Butterscotch Haystacks C.O.P. Cookies Candy Cane Cookies Candy Cookies Caramel Shortbread Cheesecake Brownies Cherry Buns Cherry Crowns Cherry Winks Chewies Chewy Noels Chinese Chews/Haystacks Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Chocolate Chip Cookies Chocolate Chip Meltaways Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies Chocolate Christmas Trees Chocolate Cream Cheese Squares Chocolate Crinkles Chocolate Mint Snow-Top Cookies Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies (no bake) Chocolate Snowball Cookies Chocolate Streusel Bars Chocolate Sundae Cookies Chocolate Walnut Crumb Bars Choco-Scotch Crunchies Choose A Cookie Dough Recipe Christmas Crackers Christmas Crunch Bars Christmas Ginger Snaps Christmas Macaroons Christmas Mice Cookies Christmas Shaped Cookies Church Window Cookies Coconut Cookies Congo Squares Cookie in a Jar Corn Flakes Cookies Cornflake Christmas Wreaths Cowboy Cookies (oatmeal) Cream Cheese Cookies with Apricot Filling Crème De Menthe Chocolate Squares Crème Wafers Crescent Cookies Crispy Crunchies Date Nut Balls Date-nut Pinwheel Cookies Diabetic Peanut Butter Cookies Disgustingly Rich Brownies Doodles Double chocolate chip cookies Double-Chocolate Crinkles Eatmore Cookies Eggnog Cookies Elizabeth's Sugar Cookies Elves Quick Fudge Brownies Emily Dickinson's Gingerbread Cookie Recipe Emily's Best Brownies Famous Oatmeal Cookies Firemen Cookies Fluffy Shortbread Cookies Forgotten Cookies Frosted Peanut Butter Brownies Fruit Cake Cookies Fruitcake Squares Fry Pan Cookies Gems Ginger Cookies Ginger Crinkles Gingerbread Baby Gingerbread Cookies with Butter Cream Icing Gingerbread Men Gingerbread Men Ginny's Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Glory's Golden Graham Squares Glory's Sugar Cookies Gramma Chapman's chocolate coconut drops Grandma Elsie's Zimt (cinnamon) Cookies Grandma J's Butter Cookies Grandma Olson's Parkay Cookies Great Grandmothers Sugar Cookies Gum Drop Cookies Gumdrop Gems Haystack Cookies Ho-Ho Bars Holiday Cereal Snaps Holiday Chocolate Butter Cookies Holiday Raisin Walnut Bars Holly Cookies Hungarian Cookies (Little Nut Rolls) Ice Box Cookies Irresistible Peanut Butter Cookies Italian Cookies Jacob's Peppermint Snowballs Jam Bars Jessica's Famous Brownies Jessie's Chocolate Chip Cookies Jubilee Jumbles Juliet's Peanut Butter Blossoms Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookies Kentucky Colonels Kiefle (cream cheese cookies with jam filling) Kifflings Kiss Cookies Lacy Swedish Almond Wafers Lemon Angel Bar Cookies Lemon Bars Lemon Cake Cookies Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies Lemon Squares Linzer Tarts Log Cabin Cookies Luscious Lemon Squares M&M Cookies Magic Cookie Bars Melt in Your Mouth Cutout Sugar Cookies Melting Shortbread Meme's Cream Cheese Cookies Milk Chocolate Florentine Cookies Mincemeat Cookies Mincemeat Goodies Molasses Cookies Molasses Forest Cookies Molasses Sugar Cookies Mom Mom's Crescent Cookies Mom-Mom's Ginger Cookies Mom's Nutmeg Sugar Cookies Mom's Old Fashion "Puffy" Sugar Cookies Monster Cookies Moravian Christmas Cookies Nana's Famous Soft Southern Cookies Nitey Nite Cookies No Bake Chocolate Cookies No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies No Bake Cookies No Bake Cookies No Bake Peanut Butter Cookies No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies No-Bake Cookies Norwegian Sugar Cookies Nut Balls Oatmeal Bars Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Nut Cookies Oatmeal Coconut Crisps Oatmeal Cookies Oatmeal Scotchies Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies Ooey Gooey Caramel Chocolate Dunk Ooey Gooey Squares Orange Slice Cookies Parking Lot Cookies Peanut Blossoms Peanut Butter Bars Peanut Butter Blossoms Peanut Butter Cereal Cookies Peanut Butter Chewies Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars Peanut Butter Cookies Peanut Butter Cookies Peanut butter fingers Peanut Butter Reindeer Peanut Butter Surprises Peanut Marshmallow Cookies Pecan Puff Cookies Peppermint Snowballs Peppernuts Persimmon Cookies Persimmon Cookies Petey's Yummy Spicy Almond Thins Pfeffernuesse Pffefferneuse Cookies Pineapple Filled Cookies Pizzelles Potato Chip Cookies Potato Flake Cookies Praline Cookies Praline Strips Pterodactyl Nests Pumpkin Bars Pumpkin Bars Pumpkin Chip Cookies Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Pumpkin Cookies Queen Biscuits Quick Cookies Raised Sugar Cookies Raisin Filled Oatmeal Bars Raspberry Meringue Bars Really Peanutty Butter Cookies Reese`s Brownies Reese's Peanut Butter Bars Rich Flavor Christmas Cookies Rich Lemon Bars Ricotta Cheese Cookies Royal Almond Christmas Bars Rudolph Cinnamon Cookies Russian Tea Cookies Russian Teacakes Samantha & Kelsey's Chocolate Chip Cookies Sand Art Brownies Santa Claus Cookie Pops Santa Claus Cookies Santa's Butterscotch Melts Santa's Shorts Santa's Special Squares Scotch Cakes Scotch Shortbread Scotcharoos Scotcheroos Seven Layer Cookies Short Bread Cookies Shortbread Skor Squares Snicker Doodle Cookies Snickerdoodles Snickerdoodles Snow Balls Sour Cream Apple Squares Sour Cream Christmas Cookies Special K Cookies Spice Cookies Spicy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Spritz Cookies Stained Glass Window Cookies Stir & Drop Sugar Cookies Sugar Cookies Sugar Cookies Sugar Cookies Swedish Pepparkakor (Pepper Cake) Cookies Swedish Sugar Cookies Sweet Marie's Swiss Treats Taralle (Italian Cookies) Tea Time Tassies Texas Brownies The Best Shortbread in The World Thumbprint Cookies Thumbprint Cookies Toffee Squares Traditional Christmas Sugar Cookies Traditional Gingerbread Men Cookies Triple-Chocolate Chip Cookies Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies Vanilla Waffer Balls Walnut Butter Cookies Walnut Crumb Bars White Chip Chocolate Cookies Wild Oatmeal Cookies Will's Famous Apple Jack Cookies Yummy Yummy Peanut Butter Blossoms