Christmas Nativity Advent with Daily Scriptures

I have felt a special need this year to keep our Christmas celebrations centered on the true reason for the season, our Savior, Jesus Christ. 

I spent an hour this morning searching for scripture that speaks to me of Christmas and the life of Christ. 

I'll be attaching each scripture to a piece in a kid-friendly nativity set, to which we will add one piece each night, culminating in the placement of the Christ-child in the manger on Christmas Eve. I will try to keep the pieces as representative of what is in the verses as possible.

Obviously you can change out any reference to one that suits you better, but here are the passages I was touched by particularly.

Nov. 30: Read "The Living Christ"  Nativity Piece [NP]: Stable- overarching, general testimony of Christ

Dec. 1: Isaiah 9:6 {Old Testament}(For unto us a child is born..) [NP]: Angel- Prophecy of Christ

Dec. 2: 2 Nephi 25:19-20 {Book of Mormon}(Christ is named, the brass serpent is a type of Christ's healing power) [NP]: Angel- Prophecy of Christ

Dec. 3: Ether 3:1-16 {Book of Mormon}(Brother of Jared sees Christ) [NP]: Angel- Prophecy of Christ

Dec. 4: Helaman 14:1-13 {Book of Mormon}(Samuel the Lamanite prophesies of Christ) [NP]: Christmas Star- this was one of the specific prophecies made by Samuel

Dec. 5: 3 Nephi 9:13-18 {Book of Mormon}(Christ declares himself unto the Nephites) [NP]: Sheep-follow the voice of the good shepherd

Dec. 6: Isaiah 44:22-24 {Old Testament}(Christ created and redeemed the world) [NP]: Small Star- Christ created all things

Dec. 7: Abraham 3:23-27 {Pearl of Great Price}("Here am I, send me."/Council in Heaven) [NP]: Small star- the noble and great ones

Dec. 8: Abraham 4 {Pearl of Great Price}(The creation) [NP]: Small star- the light and the darkness created He them

Dec. 9: Alma 30:40-41, 44 {Book of Mormon}(All things denote there is a God) [NP]: Small star- ...Even the planets in their motions...

Dec. 10: John 13:4-17 {New Testament}(Christ washes the disciples feet) [NP]: Donkey- He who is least among you

Dec 11:1 Peter 2: 21-25 {New Testament}(Follow Christ, the shepherd of our souls) [NP]: Sheep- I won't insult you by stating the symbolism here.

Dec. 12: Matthew 16:13-17 {New Testament}(Peter testifies of Christ's divinity) [NP]: Sheep- the lamb of God

Dec. 13: Alma 5:38, 48-50 {Book of Mormon}(The good shepherd calls to us, Christ will come) [NP]: Shepherd

Dec 14: Psalm 23 {Old Testament}(The Lord is my Shepherd) [NP]: Shepherd

Dec. 15: 1 Nephi 10:4-10 {Book of Mormon}(Lehi prophesies of Christ and John the Baptist) [NP]: Camel- John the Baptist wore camel hair in the wilderness

Dec. 16: Alma 7:10-14 {Book of Mormon}(Alma prophesies of the mission of Christ) [NP]: Wise man- brought gifts to symbolize the gift of the Atonement

Dec. 17: 3 Nephi 1:9-23 {Book of Mormon}(all signs concerning Christ's birth are fulfilled) [NP]: Wise Man- aka, prophet 

Dec. 18: Alma 19: 1-13 {Book of Mormon}(King Lamoni prophesies that Christ will be born of a woman, divinity of womanhood) [NP]: Wise Man- found child with Mary his mother

Dec. 19: 1 Nephi 11:1-33 {Book of Mormon}(Interpretation of the vision of the Tree of Life- Represents Christ as the Love of God) [NP]: Palm tree- again, I won't insult your intelligence

Dec. 20: Isaiah 7:14-15 {Old Testament}(A virgin shall conceive) [NP]: Cow- Butter and honey shall he eat

Dec. 21: Luke 1: 26-38 {New Testament}(Mary is visited by the angel Gabriel) [NP]: Mary

Dec. 22: Luke 1: 39-46 {New Testament}(Mary visits Elisabeth, they testify of Christ) [NP]: Camel-again, John the Baptist, who "leapt" within his mother Elisabeth's womb at the nearness of Mary, mother of Christ, is symbolized by camel hair.

Dec. 23: Matthew 1:18-25 {New Testament}(Joseph is visited by an angel and told of Christ) [NP]: Joseph

Dec. 24: Luke 2/Matt 2:1-12 {New Testament}(Christmas Story and visitation of the Wise Men) [NP]: Christ Child in the manger.

I hope this helps you and your family more fully experience the true Joy that can come from the Christmas Season.  Another meaningful way to participate in the Advent is by attaching acts of service to each scripture and nativity piece. Think of some that work for your family. Shovel someone's driveway, leave a treat on a doorstep, invite a family or elderly neighbor over for an evening of fun and food, write letters or send packages to missionaries or military service people. One act of service each day will fill your home with the Spirit of Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

Photo Courtesy http://images.fineartamerica.com/images-medium/nativity-scene-g-cuffia.jpg

Update 12/4 - Here is the nativity that I am using for this advent calendar. They are just small wooden people and popsicle sticks, decorated with felt to look like people and animals. They have washers glued to their backs, and I glued a magnets to the wrong side of the canvas which I painted to look like a desert at night, then glued a few buttons as stars and a felt, raffia and popsicle stick stable for the setting. Another option would be to use a magnet board. So when it's time to put a new one on, you just put it somewhere until it sticks! I plan to make a small flip calendar with pockets in it to store each piece until it's time to use them. 

I still need to make the wise men, Mary and Joseph, and the palm tree, but it's a work in progress!

Enjoy!

Latest Project in Progress... Home Maps Wall Collage

In preparation for our new home far away, I wanted to keep our old homes close by. I love the trending map decor movement, so I thought I'd frame a map of each of the places we've previously lived, both together and apart, along with a poem by Oliver Wendell Holmes that puts my feelings on paper perfectly- (I made the subway art myself)

Where we love is home,... (8x10)

...home where our feet may leave, but not our hearts. -Oliver Wendell Holmes (8x8)

I found these beautiful late 19th century downloadable state maps (they match each other! YES.)

Idaho

Nevada

Utah

Our new home.. New Jersey!

And some old-school Ukrainian ones (I like the really old one, but Garrett wants it to be in Ukrainian and the older one is in Latin)

I am planning to mat the subway art in gray or taupe and the maps in white and hang them in frames that are all the same color, probably over our desk. Can't wait!

My Current Read- A Thomas Jefferson Education

My Aunt Angie shared this awesome book with me this week. I have been loving it! It has also added significantly to my to-read list with its two lists of classics- one for adults and one for children and youth.

The main premise here is that we teach our children best (whether we homeschool or send them to public or private school) when we take a major roll in their teaching so that they can gain a useful education. When good teachers teach, children educate themselves. The way we do this is by learning with them, encouraging them to study classic works of literature (both fiction and non-fiction), and helping them apply what they learn to real life. Education isn't just about skill- or job-training, it is about using your mind, thinking critically, and developing an arsenal of tools for creative leadership.

The truth of this premise has really resonated with me, bringing to mind a few things:

First, the impact that true teachers have had on my education. For example, Mrs. Horsley, my 12 grade AP English teacher, taught the way the book outlines exactly. No other teacher has had such an influence on me. Her passion and the way she engages a class and helps us learn to use our own minds is powerful and sadly, unusual in our education system today.

Second, this scripture has repeated itself over and over in my mind: "And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning even by study and also by faith." Doctrine and Covenants 109:7.  Mr. Van DeMille's methods and purposes follow this scripture precisely. I wasn't expecting to feel religiously/spiritually inspired by reading a book on education. 

As Angie said to me, "If anyone is planning on having any involvement in their children's education, I recommend this book to them." I second the motion.

"Lovebirds" Bridal Shower Theme Centerpieces

I am in charge of the decor for my soon-to-be sister-in-law's bridal shower next week. I was brainstorming and decided to do a "Lovebirds" theme. I am really excited about it! I think it'll be very fun and classic.

So I found the tutorial for the birds here. Hers are a bit more refined than mine, but I have to make a whole bunch and I'm just using scraps from my fabric drawer. Also, she uses interfacing, which makes them stiffer and sturdier.

I sprayed the jars with chalkboard spray paint. Be careful not to get any drips! They don't work well with chalk.

I collected twigs around the apartment complex, and spray painted them to look like birch branches.

To fill the jars I got a $4 bag of landscaping pebbles from Lowe's.

Here's the result!

Using a multi purpose room? Take advantage of the perfectly on-trend CHALKBOARDS :)

The gift table 

k-i-s-s-i-n-g

Jar close up

Owls... tutorial here

Owly close-up

Birdy Close-up

the "book"

I also made this quick little chalkboard with a 2.99 plaque and more chalkboard spray paint.

Black-Eyed Peas Saute with Rice

This was our dinner tonight- an experiment in "What's in the Pantry?" It turned out delicious! This recipe is for the black-eyed pea saute, and you can put it over any grain you like- white, brown, or wild rice, quinoa, barley. etc. Here I had it over white rice mixed with red quinoa. Adding quinoa is a great way to use up white rice if you're switching from refined to whole grains. It cooks at the same liquid-to-grain ratio and for the same amount of time. I like red quinoa because it is a little less bitter than white. You can do this gradual phase out with white and wheat flour when you bake. Start with half and half, then increase the ratio of wheat to white and eventually you're eating 100% whole wheat! It also helps get your palate used to the flavor of quinoa and other whole grains to mix it, a little at first, then more and more until you're just eating whole grains. Get on the health train, people!


Here's the recipe...

1/2 cup dried black-eyed peas (or a can of them, but dried is cheaper and healthier and tastier!)
3 Cups chicken or vegetable broth
2-3 cups water
1/2 to 1 tbs salt (you can add more but you can't take it out!)

1/2 cup white rice and 1/2 cup red quinoa
2 cups water

1/2-1 oz bacon, diced (optional- if you don't use bacon you might want some liquid smoke or smoked paprika for flavor)

1 tbs butter (optional- if you want you can saute the veggies in the bacon grease, or just use a dab of olive oil or some cooking spray. even a thin layer of water works well as long as you don't let it get too dry)

1/2 med onion, any color
1 bell pepper, any color
2-3 stalks of celery

Dash of hot sauce (optional. You can also add a dash of cruches red pepper flakes or chili powder if you don't have hot sauce)

1. Start cooking the rice and the black eyed peas at the same time. If you use brown rice, start it first, it takes about 45 minutes.

• Peas: add peas, salt, broth, and water to a medium saucepan and simmer partially covered for about 30 minutes. after about 20, add 1/2 the bacon to the pot to flavor the beans. The peas are done when you can easily mash one with a fork and it is soft and tender
• Rice: cook according to package directions. White rice and quinoa are 2 parts liquid to 1 part grain. You can use broth here as well instead of water, but the saute mix is very flavorful and doesn't need any help from the rice.

2. While the rice and peas are cooking, dice your veggies. Heat a skillet on med high and melt the butter in the pan. Add the other half of the bacon and cook for about a minute. Reduce heat to medium and add veggies. Saute them until they are tender but still have a nice crisp texture. You don't want soggy veggies! Remove from heat.

3.  Once the peas are done, drain them, reserving some of the liquid, and add them to the skillet. Saute over medium heat for a couple minutes, adding bean liquid as needed to keep the mixture from sticking to the pan (about a tbs or two), until heated through and well combined. Add a dash of hot sauce at the end for a little kick.

4.  Serve over warm rice. It would also be good on its own! Enjoy!

Easy Homemade Dinner and Cinnamon Rolls

A lovely friend of mine shared this roll recipe with us at a "What's For Dinner?" Cooking club meeting in my ward. It is really easy, especially because you mix the dry ingredients ahead of time and keep them in your pantry for whenever you might feel like making rolls!

Also,

THEY ARE THE BEST ROLLS I HAVE EVER TASTED.

Here it is:

 Roll Mix:

5 lb of flour (about 17 Cups) Either white, whole wheat, or a combination of the two.
1 C Sugar
1 C Powdered Milk (the secret ingredient, I think!)
4 tsp Salt.

Wet Ingredients:

1 1/2 C Hot Tap Water
1 Tbsp Yeast
1 Tbsp Sugar

2 Eggs
1/2 Cup Oil

1. In the bowl of your stand mixer (or just a large mixing bowl if you don't have a mixer), add yeast and sugar to water. stir to combine. 

 Allow to sit for a few minutes until it looks foamy like this.

Add eggs and oil. Mix well.

It's a good idea to break your eggs into a cup, then pour them into the bowl. This helps you avoid shells or rotten eggs in your food.

Mixture should be well combined- I like to do it until it's foamy.

2. Continue mixing the wet ingredients with the dough hook attached to your mixer, add roll mix one cup at a time, up to 6 cups. You will be able to tell when you've added enough when the dough starts to clean the sides of the bowl. If you need more than six cups, just add 1-2 tablespoons at a time. The dough will still feel a little sticky and very soft to the touch. That's good! Don't add more flour, or your rolls will be dense and heavy. If you're not using a mixer, add the flour while stirring with either a rubber spatula or wooden spoon. When the dough is still soft and sticks to your fingers just a little (not ooey-gooey, but stringy and moist), you're done.

This dough (with 5 1/4 cups roll mix) is ALMOST cleaning the sides, so I added a tbs of flour, and got...

This! Much better.

3. Cover your bowl (I like to use a shower cap...not a used one! one I save specifically for bread making :) you can also use plastic wrap or a damp towel ) and allow to rise until it is double in size. (about 45 minutes)

4. Form your rolls (there is a great resource here for fun-shaped rolls) and place the rolls in a pan prepared with cooking spray or greased with soft or melted butter. Little tip: spreading or dipping the roll dough pieces (before baking) in melted butter will make them extra succulent when they come out of the oven!

Divide in half- I am divide the other half in half too, to make 3/4 batch of regular rolls and a 1/4 batch of cinnamon rolls

Roll out dough in a circle

Spread Butter

Cut, I like to do 1/4s, 1/8s, then each 1/8 piece into either 2 or 3 pieces depending how big they are.

Roll from the wide end to the skinny end, place in pan

Cover and let rise. I use a piece of plastic wrap that is sprayed with some  cooking spray

5. Allow the rolls to rise for about 30-45 minutes or they've obviously grown. They'll also rise a bit in the oven.  Don't let them rise too much or they'll collapse and look terrible. (not as tasty that way either.) You can add an egg wash here if you want to be extra fancy. Beat an egg well and brush it lightly over the top of the rolls right before putting them into the oven. It'll give them a really nice golden crust on top.

6. Bake at 400* 12-14 minutes, or until golden around the bottoms. A little tip I learned is to take the temperature of the center roll with a food thermometer. Between 170-200* is perfectly done bread! Combine the temp with the coloring (golden brown around bottom edges and light golden on top) for a good bake.

Allow the rolls to cool a little and serve! 

This recipe also makes great cinnamon rolls. I often split it in half and make a pan of dinner rolls and a pan of cinnamon rolls. 

For Cinnamon Rolls:

1. Start with a log shape of dough ball. Roll the dough out in a flat rectangular shape.

2. Spread with melted butter, then sprinkle with a mixture of 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1-3 teaspoons of cinnamon, depending on your cinnamon and how cinnamon-y you want it. This Saigon Cinnamon was stronger than I thought, and they turned out a bit too cinnamony for me!

3. Roll into a spiral shape, rolling from the LONG SIDE of the rectangle (if you roll from the short side you'll get only a few really fat rolls :)

4. Cut into about 1 1/2 inch sections using string or dental floss by sliding the middle of the piece of string under the end of the long roll about 1 1/2 inch, then crossing the ends of the string and pulling tight. Repeat until the dough has all been cut.

                                      

5. Place in a greased/sprayed pan (I like to smash them down a bit before covering), cover and allow to rise. Follow baking directions for the dinner roll recipe.

6. Cover with your favorite glaze or frosting! 

7. Optional: Add raisins, craisins, chocolate chips, bits of apple, or anything else that sounds tasty before you roll up the roll dough!

My Favorite Glazes:

Cream Cheese Cinnamon Roll Glaze

3 C Powdered or 1 C Granulated Sugar

1/2 package of Cream Cheese, softened in the microwave or left out to reach room temperature

1 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract

2-3 tbs Milk

Cream together sugar and cream cheese until very smooth. Add vanilla. Add milk 1 tbs at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. Yum!

Raw Sugar Caramel Glaze:

1/4 C Butter, softened
1/3 Cup Raw Sugar
1/3 Cup Granulated White Sugar
2-3 Tbs Milk
1 Tsp Vanilla

Cream all ingredients in the mixer. It will look curdled and strange. Put into a small sauce pan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until there is no more gritty sugar on the bottom (you'll be able to feel it) and it starts to bubble a bit. Remove from heat immediately. As it cools it will thicken slightly.

Enjoy!