Pearl Harbor Day

PEARL HARBOR DAY

December 7th was Pearl Harbor Day. I could not help but remember 6 years ago when I had my own personal "pearl harbor" day. There were no sounds of airplanes in the sky bombarding our ships or brave men serving our country. No fire arms or bombs or sinking ships. No screams or blood shed as was on that dreadful Dec. 7, 1941. My pearl harbor day - Dec. 7, 2012, was not at all like that. My daughters took me in for an MRI, which confirmed that I had 2 tumors the size of two tangerines and  would have to go to the hospital that same evening to prepare for brain surgery. (I guess you could say it was a "no-brainer"... they had to be removed and soon!) That year, there was no Christmas shopping for me - I was busy recovering. But I received the best Christmas gift that year - my very own Christmas Miracle!  God's healing touch is such a blessing - I give God all the praise! I went through 6 months of speech therapy and  the only real side affect is a little "aphasia" in my speech especially when I get nervous!!  Now 6 years out and  my recent MRI was great. God is so good!  But … I will forever remember my own "pearl harbor" day each year when I stop and reflect on our country and the many, many sacrifices made on Pearl Harbor Day.

Crockpot Christmas Crack - Or Better Know As Peanut Clusters!

  This is super easy!  

Cook time: 2 Hr 30 Min  Prep time: 15 Min  Serves: a LOT
Ingredients

1 - 16 oz jar(s) unsalted peanuts

1 - 16 oz. jar(s) salted peanuts

1 - 12 oz bag(s) semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 - 12 oz bag(s) milk chocolate chips

2 - 10 oz bag(s) peanut butter chips

2 - 1 lb pkg white almond bark or vanilla candy coating

Directions

1. Layer all ingredients in a large crockpot (starting with peanuts). Turn the pot on low, cover with lid, and leave sitting for 2 hours. Then, remove lid and stir to combine. Replace lid and leave sitting for another 30 minutes. Stir again and then spoon mixture on to wax paper or non-stick aluminum foil. Allow to harden for at least 1 hour. Enjoy!

I tried this recipe out this Christmas and these were a hit! Everyone liked them and wanted the recipe!! I liked that you just put it in the crockpot and left it, stirred it and dropped them onto wax paper - super, super easy and yummy!!

A Shepherd's Prayer - Move Me Closer - sung by Evie Karlsson

I've always loved this song - it is my desire . . .

A Shepherd's Prayer
Twas the night before Christmas,
And my only desire
Was peace among kids, and to rest by the fire.
I had just settled down in my favorite chair;
When I heard a small voice, and a cry of despair.
As I stared at the hearth I saw a strange sight!
Our nativity scene, in the flickering light
Seemed almost alive!
And how could this be!
One lonely shepherd was calling to me.
***Move me closer, move me closer
Move me closer to the Child.
Let me see Him, let me hold His hand.
Move me closer to the Child.
***As you can well imagine, I was a bit surprised.
So with a shake of the head and a rub of the eyes
I took another look, and what did I see,
Without a doubt he was looking at me.

It seems in the hustle and bustle of things
In the wrapping of gifts, and the building of swings,
In assembling his scene, I'd been a bit hurried,
And understandably so, He was a little bit worried.
***Move me closer, move me closer
Move me closer to the Child.
Let me see Him, let me hold His hand.
Move me closer to the Child.
***You see, candy canes and holly trim
Didn't mean a thing to him.
If it kept him from his post
Beside the child he loved the most.

So as strange as it must seem,
Whether it was, or wasn't, a dream.
I placed him back where he belonged
As he sang again his simple song.
And now when we at Christmas share,
We sing his song:
A Shepherd's Prayer.
***Move me closer, move me closer
Move me closer to the Child.
Let me see Him, let me hold His hand.
Move me closer to the Child.
Move me closer to the Child.
***
Move Me Closer: A Shepherd's Prayer
written for and sang by Evie
on the compact disc entitled Evie's Christmas Memories