Mom Heart Conference!!!

This is just a reminder about the Mom Heart Conference I wrote about a few weeks ago. I signed up then to attend Sally Clarkson's Mom Heart Conference here in Denver in January. Here is the link to register yourself for it as well. Today is the last day to register at the reduced rate.

Is anyone else planning on going? I know there are other Mission of Motherhood fans out there!

Christmas Posts

I am using Picasa for my picture files and editing. It will also upload automatically to the blog, but only posts four pictures at a time. Hence, the reason for the million posts I did this morning with just a few pictures at a time. I would have made it into just one long post, but I don't know how to make Picasa upload more than the four at time.
I am so excited we got a new lens for the camera! I really prefer to blog with pictures. This means that I should be writing and posting more regularly. Not five posts a day, mind you, but more than I have been. I've got a lot of new ideas to share and hope to do so soon!
Hope you all had a blessed Christmas and here's to a very Happy New Year!

Family

Sweetheart playing with Buzz

My Stepmom

My Dad

My Mom--(Sorry Mom! It is the only picture I got of you that wasn't blurred!)

My Boys!

Happy Boy

Peaceful Moments

Our Tree

Our Advent Wreath on Christmas Day

Christmas with Us

Huh? Touch what tree?

Dumpling & Baby Jesus
(I love this one!)

Dumpling placed Jesus on my lap.

Then of course Jesus needed a bell pepper. A humble offering given with much love.

Merry Christmas!

Best Wishes to You All.
May the
Joy and Peace
of Christ
be Yours
in these Holy Days.
Much Love,
Kimberly

Peppermint Mocha Shortbread

This is the Starbucks treat in a cookie. Yum.

Peppermint Mocha Shortbread

Mix:

1 cup of powdered sugar

1 1/4 cup flour

1/2 tsp salt

Cut in:

1 stick of butter

Blend it all together well and press it into a greased 13x9 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about twenty minutes.

Meanwhile...

Melt and Mix:

1/2 package of chocolate chips

1/2 tsp peppermint extract

2 tsp instant espresso powder

Spread the chocolate mixture onto the shortbread after it's baked. Then top with about a 1/2 cup of smashed candy canes. Let cool and slice into pieces.

***

I made this recipe up for one of my Christmas Teas. I won't be having a big Christmas Tea this year, but these still must be made! :)

Warning: These should not be eaten in the evening--unless you need to stay up late sewing, or wrapping presents! That caffeine will get you!

BRRR!!!!

The high today here was three. Three. Crazy. I was born and raised in Phoenix and I am not sure I've completely acclimated to this yet.

I went outside on the porch for a few minutes while the boys were napping just to get some fresh air. I didn't last long though. It was much nicer inside.

Onion soup simmered on the back burner most of the day for a cozy supper tonight. I made some chai tea concentrate from a new recipe for a gift for a friend. All in all, the house smelled delicious.

We are reading and hanging our Jesse Tree ornaments up each day and ending our evenings with Advent. The boys are busy acting out the story of Jesus' birth with their own Nativity set. Who knew they had the "Cars" movie cars in Bethlehem, otherwise known as Buffaloham? I love it all.

I have not had a lot to write about, as you can tell by this post, but am just keeping busy making Christmas gifts and hanging out with my guys. We're drinking lots of tea and snuggling in around the fire. It is a quiet time. Well, as quiet as it can be with the boys!

Hard to believe Pumpkin turned four. He is pretty excited about the whole deal and loves to tell everyone. He is such a funny guy.

Dumpling is quite a kick, too!

Well, I am tired and off to read a bit of Anne of Avonlea before heading to sleep. A new friend is coming over for tea tomorrow and I am so looking forward to it! Hope you are enjoying your December---and keeping warm!

Always in Our Hearts

Jesse Tree Ornaments

I finished! Now I just need the tree to hang them on.