Where to put the Baby?

Before I get a sermon,

I'll just tell you and confess.

I didn't know where to put the nativity this year.

I know, I know,

all the words of wisdom that could go with that statement.

All the little devotions,

all the repercussions of making that statement,

BUT,

Hear me out.

1. Six grandchildren ages six and under.

2. The oldest two grandsons that have an affinity for anything that can

be thrown, launched, pitched, batted or kicked.

and

3.

A manger that could double as a cat box, that JWS made in his younger woodworking days.

Not your ordinary house cat size box,

we are talking nothing short of a small cougar

sized,

so heavy that it actually needs a foundation,

get your daily workout

getting it out of the attic

cat box.

And so,

The other morning I had a brainstorm.

Early in the morning.

and

before JWS actually got a swallow of coffee,

I pitched the idea to him.

And later in the day he made that lovely frame for my nativity

and now Baby Jesus has a wonderful place in our home again

hopefully out of the range of flying projectiles.

Hardtack.

It used to be a tradition making it in our house.

Last night, I thought I would make one batch alone.

I seriously over-estimated my skills.

Just a few blisters later...

Anise Hardtack

(that obviously needs the sugar shaken off a little more)

Homemade Gumdrops.

Not sure about these,

right now they taste like sugared finger jello,

but they need to sit out a day or two

to be finished,

We'll see.

Cream Cheese Mints

My mom always made these and had these cute little molds that she put them in.

I had none.

So, they are cut out with an empty roll of Stitch Witchery

and

stamped with a button.

And this stuff.

Wow, is all I can say.

It is too good to leave alone.

Frito,

Corn Syrup

Sugar

Peanut Butter

and

Chocolate.

How can you not love it?

Also

Chocolate Covered Cashews

and

Fudge

and

Maybe a few others.

JWS thinks that I need an intervention.

or my meds adjusted.

Really, it's only BP medicine and Thyroid Meds.

Not any mood altering drugs.

However,

he did mention holding me down and slipping an animal tranquilizer under my tongue.

How rude!

Of course, he said that through

Frito crumbs and chocolate dripping down his chin.