K is for Kart-Wheels - ABCs of Homeschooling

Just in time for Christmas: a new recipe that is easy to make and looks festive with the bright, red cherry pie filling. 

This week, for the recipe from the children's cookbook called "Alpha-Bakery" we tried a recipe that starts with the letter "K": Kart-Wheels.

This recipe makes six kart-wheels. Although they are on the larger size, the recipe would be best doubled so an entire can of pie filling could be used, rather than just half of the can.

We thought the kart-wheels might taste good with some whipped cream on top...maybe even a few red sprinkles.

Kart-Wheels

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups flour

1/2 cup of margarine or butter, softened (we used dairy-free butter)

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

2 tablespoons milk (we used dairy-free rice milk)

about 1 cup of pe filling or jam - any flavor (we used cherry pie filling)

Directions

Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Mix flour, margarine, powdered sugar, baking powder, and just enough milk until dough forms. (If dough seems dry, mix in more milk, one teaspoon at a time.)

Divide the dough into six equal parts. Shape each part into a ball. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet; flatten slightly. Make an indentation, 1 3/4" in diameter and about 3/4" deep, in the center of each flattened ball.

Fill each indentation with about 2 tablespoons of pie filling.

Bake unti lthe dges begin to brown, 20-25 minutes.

Makes 6 kart-wheels.

Music Performances & Dinner by the Tree - Countdown to Christmas - Day 18

Sunday, December 18th was a very  busy day. The girls sang in the choir today at both services.

The children's choir.

This was a special performance because they sang with the adult choir and were able to wear choir robes - just like the adults.

The combined children and adult choir singing "Christmastide."

It was an amazingly beautiful song that was  

brought both goosebumps and tears to those listening to it. 

It was a very moving piece.

Sophia also played the harp along with her instructor at both services. They played two verses of O Come O Come Emmanuel which led into the choir and congregation singing the song.

Sophia playing the harp as part of a duet with her teacher.

The choir and congregation sang after their prelude.

The music director at church sent me an email that brightened Sophia's day: "Please convey my deepest appreciation for Sophia's playing on Sunday. She did a marvelous job. I hope she enjoyed it. I heard many compliments and I hope the congregation told her." (Many people did come up to her afterward the services and complimented her on playing the harp. That certainly made her feel good about performing for the first time!)

In the afternoon, both of the girls participated in a piano recital at a nursing home about 40 minutes from here. All the children who played in the recital attend the local homeschool co-op, and take lessons from one of three of the piano instructors.

Both girls did a very good job. Olivia played "Cat Walk" and was happy how she did at her first piano recital.

Sophia played "Sonatina, Op 39, No. 1." When we were driving home she said she was relieved when all the performances for the day were over.

Out of the three types of performances, she said, singing was the easiest since the focus isn't on one person...it's on the group. Piano was next in terms of ease, and then harp was the most difficult. However, all were enjoyable and she is read to perform again...but not before January, she said.

The girls by the grand piano.

Once the girls finished playing, we could all relax and enjoy the rest of the concert. There were piano pieces as well as violin, saxophone, and vocal pieces; with a nice mixture of Christmas and non-Christmas music.

We all needed to end the day on a relaxing note. So, we had dinner by the Christmas tree. We spread out a tablecloth on the floor, turned on the lights by the Christmas tree, and ate dinner - pizza and cheese bread from the local pizza shop.  (I would have put a picture of the dinner except the only thing you can see are the lights and outlines of people.)

Moccasin Trail - Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks - Week 51

The book for the 51st week of the Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks challenge isn't one that I've read in only one week. In fact, Moccasin Trail by Eloise Jarvis McGraw seems to have taken several weeks since we've been reading it aloud as part of Sophia's history curriculum this year.

I'm using Sonlight's book list for this year for history. Sophia is learning about the time period between the Civil War and the present day. There have been very few books that we haven't enjoyed as part of Sonlight's recommendations. The books are usually very engaging and educational.

Moccasin Trail is no exception: it is a fascinating book...albeit a challenging one to read aloud. I began reading it to Sophia and she took over half way. Despite reading a book that is written to sound like the characters are talking, she was able to read it well and understand it as she was reading it.

The story centers around Jim Keath who ran away from his family into the wilderness of the Oregon territory. He had a near-fatal battle with a grizzly, but was rescued by the Crow Indians. For the next six years, he lived with and learned the ways of the Crow Indians.

Jim learns that his two younger brothers and sister are journeying west to take up land. Although Jim finds it difficult to fit in with the family he hasn't seen since childhood, and though they are wary and distrustful of him, Jim feels it is his responsibility to help them.

Slowly, they survive the dangerous trek west and the kidnapping of their younger brother; and discover the difficulties of frontier life. Through all this they realize that they need to accept one another and reunite as a family. 

Moccasin Trail is a Newbery Honor Book. (The Newbery Medal is awarded annually by the American Library Association for "the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.")

Participate in a Christmas Play - Countdown to Christmas - Day 17

Yesterday evening and this afternoon, Sophia and Olivia participated in "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" written by Barbara Robinson. The play was adapted and directed by Neil and Ellen Johnson of the St. Croix ArtBarn.

There were 20 children who were in the play, and they all did a wonderful job. There were many funny parts in the play; and the kids had the audience laughing at both performances.

They sang many songs throughout the play - some were familiar tunes that are heard around the holidays while others were unique to the play.

Although practicing for the play required a lot of time - initially once a week, then it increased to practices twice a week, and then went up to three times a week during the last week leading up to the play - it was well worth it. Asked if they want to do another play, both Sophia and Olivia said in unison "YES!" 

Now that the two play performances are done, the girls just have Sunday to get through: two choir performances at church in the morning, two harp performances (for Sophia) also at church, and a piano recital at a nursing home in the afternoon. 

Both said they would like to rest a bit after the piano recital...there's no question that they will have earned a rest after all their hard work!

Celebrate Las Posadas - Countdown to Christmas - Day 16

Today we were going to celebrate Las Posadas. However, it ended up being a non-event.  Normally, we read a book about Las Posadas and make a Mexican dinner.

I even had the special beverages made in Mexico as well as an avacado for fresh guacamole...which we were looking forward to making and eating. 

This year, the girls both were performing in a Christmas play at church in the evening. In addition to homeschooling in the morning; Olivia's time at the local elementary school for work on reading and speech; and getting ready for the play...there wasn't much time to spend with this holiday. It's okay...there will be next year.

We didn't read the book about Las Posadas like we normally do. (Although it probably will be one of the books we read before Christmas.) Sophia and I made black bean burritos during the day, but we decided that the burritos probably weren't the "safest" food to eat before the first performance.

There were jittery stomachs and nerves...so the girls chose to eat a lighter dinner (e.g., homemade cinnamon rolls, crackers).

So, the black bean burritos will be enjoyed another day...once things are a bit more calm and relaxed. The burritos might even be frozen so we can have a good meal after the holidays have passed.

Make Christmas Cookies - Countdown to Christmas - Day 15

Today we made a batch of chocolate peanut balls. It's a new recipe that I've had for some time, but we just haven't had a chance to make it at Christmas.

It's a simple recipe - just stir, form, dip, and chill. No baking required. Olivia took the lead on making these cookies while Sophia made peanut butter cookies that will be turned into ice cream sandwiches. 

Chocolate Peanut Balls.

It's like eating a Reeses Peanut Butter Cup with

crispy parts in the inside of the candy.

The recipe for the Chocolate Peanut Balls is:

1 cup peanut butter (we used creamy)
1 7 ounce jar marshmallow creme
1 1/2 cups crisp rice cereal (we used 3 cups so the peanut butter didn't stick to our hands)
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (we used dairy-free chips)
4 teaspoons shortening

Stir together the peanut butter and marshmallow creme in a bowl until well-blended. Add cereal and stir until coated. Melt chocolate chips and shortening in microwave until melted. Stir until smooth. Roll cereal mixture into balls. (It's a good idea to put some shortening on your hands so the cookie dough doesn't stick to them.)  Dip in chocolate, and then place on waxed paper to chill until set.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Tonight the girls have a 1 3/4 hour dress rehearsal for the Christmas play they are in this weekend.

Make Homemade Pizza - Countdown to Christmas - Day 14

This is one of Sophia's and Olivia's favorite dinners: homemade pizza. Several years ago, I found a recipe through Better Homes and Gardens for making homemade pizza dough and doing a pizza bar for dinner.

The recipe for the pizza crust uses only five ingredients: flour, yeast, salt, vegetable oil, and warm water. Yet, the taste of the crust - combined with a good pizza sauce and fresh toppings of your own choosing - make for an easy and delicious meal.

I made the dough and divided it between us all. The girls pressed the dough onto the cookie sheet. They added some Green Mill pizza sauce and then chose the toppings they wanted.

Their choices included: mushrooms, onions, pepperoni, and cheese (regular mozzarella or a dairy-free version). I could have had more choices - roasted red peppers, green peppers, olives, and so forth - but these choices were more than enough for them.

Olivia and Sophia ready to eat homemade pizza

that they made.

The pizza only takes about 9 minutes at 450 degrees. It's an easy dinner to make....especially when each person takes a role in making a personal pizza.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The girls also made placemats from Christmas cards that Mary (my respite care volunteer) brought. She had about ten years worth of cards that she thought the girls would enjoy cutting into circles and then overlapping slightly to create a placemat. This week she's going to laminate them for the girls and bring them back next week. 

She said they ended up working on the project for a couple of hours - they were very focused and excited to see the completed placemats. 

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

In the evening, Sophia and Olivia had play practice for about 1 1/4 hours. They have the dress rehearsal tomorrow night, and then the performances on Friday night and Saturday afternoon.

The money that the children raise through ticket sales will be donated to an organization that will purchase livestock to help people in developing countries establish sustainble farms.

Enjoy a Chocolate Christmas Breakfast - Countdown to Christmas - Day 13

Today we made homemade donuts using a baking pan that we purchased from King Arthur Flour in Vermont. Rather than deep-frying donuts, this pan bakes eight mini-donuts at a time.

Olivia decorating her mini-donuts.

The girls enjoyed frosting the donuts with chocolate and vanilla frosting, and adding sprinkles. Some sprinkles didn't have any flavor while other ones were flavored with peppermint.

Sophia frosting her donuts with vanilla frosting.

We each had a cup of hot chocolate. Whipped cream and sprinkles were available...which were special toppings. 

Hot chocolate with whipped cream.

In the evening, we'll continue reading Christmas books. Although we haven't been doing this each night like we had hoped, we have read 8 books so far this month. Most likely by the 25th, we'll have read at least 25 Christmas books.  There are many favorite ones that we enjoy reading each year that we haven't yet read.

Buy Livestock for Those in Need - 52 Weeks of Giving - Week 50

On Friday night and Saturday afternoon, Sophia and Olivia participated in a play at church (The Best Christmas Pageant Ever). All of the proceeds from ticket sales, donations, and the spaghetti dinner benefited the ELCA World Hunger Campaign.

According to the ELCA website, "ELCA World Hunger responds to hunger and poverty in the United States and around the world by addressing root causes. Through a comprehensive program of relief, development, education, and advocacy, people are connected to the resources they need to lift themselves out of poverty. Between 70-75 percent of ELCA World Hunger funds are spent internationally, and 20-25 percent are spent domestically."

As part of the ELCA World Hunger Campaign, there's a program called "Good Gifts." Basically, people can purchase items that are donated to people in need throughout the world.

The 20 children in the play set a goal of wanting to raise enough money to buy an alpaca ($175). They felt this was an ambitious - yet attainable - goal. 

This afternoon, at the end of the play, the pastor shared more about the program and the children's goal. At this point, no one knew - except the pastor - approximately how much had been raised. He shared the good news: the children had raised enough money to buy an alpaca for an individual or family in need.

Even better news: they had raised over $1,200! They could buy the alpaca, an entire farm, chicks, and even more.  The children were THRILLED! Sophia and Olivia's mouths literally dropped when they heard the amount of money that could be raised. The smiles and excitement from them - and all the children - was inspiring!

Truly, the children are going to make such a significant impact on people throughout the world because the community helped support their goal.

Here's a bit more about what the children are able to buy. The information is taken from the Good Gifts website, with links to particular items that can be purchased and donated to those in need.

A Whole Farm
A cow, a couple of goats, 10 chicks, two pigs, a duck, farming tools—plus training and marketing support—can help a family farm its way to a fresh start. With new tools and techniques, crops will grow bigger and stronger than ever before. Eggs, milk and meat from farm animals will provide enough food to eat and sell on the market, helping a family escape the cycle of hunger and poverty for good.

Alpaca

The soft fleece of an alpaca can be made into colorful clothing, bedding and rugs that are much warmer and softer than those made from sheep's wool. These products sell for a high price at the market. And since alpacas have a long life span, a family can depend on this steady source of income for 20 years or more.

Chicks

Ten little chicks make a big difference! When they are just months old, these chicks begin laying eggs, which make nutritious meals for families who are hungry. The many extra eggs are often enough to allow a family to start a small business by selling them for additional income.

Celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe - Countdown to Christmas - Day 12

On the 12th of December, we celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe by remembering a trip we took to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in July 2010 as well as having a Mexican dinner. 

Sophia, Olivia, and I took my parents to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe - a place that my parents had wanted to visit for many years. Both were unable to drive (my mom due to vision issues and my dad due to Alzheimer's Disease), so we rented a mini-van and took the trip together.

The Shrine is in a very scenic and lovely part of LaCrosse, Wisconsin. The grounds are immacuately kept; and the buildings and sculptural art are tucked into groves of trees and placed along paved pathways.

Sophia, Olivia, and I didn't know much about Our Lady of Guadalupe before the trip. After spending part of the day there, we knew a lot more and understood why this was such an important place for my parents to visit.

Statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

On a Wikipedia site about our Lady of Guadalupe, "According to Roman Catholic tradition, on December 9, 1531, Juan Diego, a recently converted Aztec indigenous peasant, had a vision of a young woman while he was on a hill in the Tepeyac desert, near Mexico City. The lady asked him to build a church exactly on the spot where they were standing. He told the local Bishop Juan de Zumarraga, who asked for proof in exchange.

"Juan Diego went back later and saw the lady again. He told her that the bishop wanted proof, and she instructed Juan Diego to go to the mountain top, where he found Castillian roses, which were native to Bishop Juan de Zumarraga's hometown and could not possibly bloom during wintertime. Juan Diego cut the roses, placed them in his apron-like tilma and returned to the bishop; an imprint of the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared on the tilma from the residue of the soil and roses.

"Today, the icon is displayed in the nearby Basilica of Guadalupe, now one of the most visited Catholic shrines in the world. The Virgin of Guadalupe is Mexico's most popular religious and cultural image, with the titles 'Queen of Mexico', 'Empress of the Americas', and 'Patroness of the Americas'."

In LaCrosse, there's a beautiful bronze image of the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe on the tilma of Saint Juan Diego in the presence of Bishop Juan de Zumárraga that is located in the plaza of the Shrine Church.

Saint Juan Diego's showing the tilma with

the image of the apparation of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

After learning more about Our Lady of Guadalupe, it would be interesting to visit Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City. Saint Juan Diego's tilma is there and is kept behind glass to protect it. Until then, we have memories of a wonderful trip that we took during the summer of 2010.

Sophia, Olivia, my dad, mom, and me at

the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in

LaCrosse, Wisconsin.

In the evening of the twelfth day of the Countdown to Christmas, we enjoyed a Mexican dinner (tacos) with beverages from Mexico. The girls tried a pineapple pop and a mandarin orange pop. Sophia liked both of the beverages, while Olivia liked the latter one.

Sophia and Olivia having a Mexican dinner

with beverages from Mexico.

J is for Jelly Roll - ABCs of Homeschooling

We have never made a jelly roll before, so this week's recipe from the children's cookbook "Alpha-Bakery" was a learning experience for us all.

Jelly Roll

Ingredients

3 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
about 2/3 cup jelly or jam
powdered sugar

Directions

Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Line a jelly roll pan (15 1/2" x 10 1/2" x 1") with aluminum foil, then grease with shortening. Beat eggs in a large bowl on high speed until thick and lemon color. Gradually beat in sugar.

Beat in water and vanilla on low speed. Gradually beat in flour, baking powder, and salt until smooth. Pour into pan; spread to corners.

Bake until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean, 12-15 minutes. Generously sprinkle powdered sugar on a towel a little larger than the cake.

Immediately loosen cake from pan and turn over onto the towel. Carefully remove the foil. Trim off any crisp edges of cake.

While hot, carefully roll cake and towel from narrow end. Let cool on wire rack at least 30 minutes

The jelly roll is filled with homemade wild blackberry jam.

The wild blackberries grown on the farm, and

are picked each summer.

Unroll cake and remove towel. Beat jelly with a fork just enough to soften; spread over cake. Roll up cake and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Makes 10 servings.

Celebrate St. Lucia Day - Countdown to Christmas - Day 11

Each year (with the exception of last year when there was a huge snowfall and we couldn't get out of the driveway), the girls sing at the St. Lucia service at church.

Sophia and Olivia singing in the children's choir.

According to the information from church, St. Lucia Day is the commemoration of a young woman from Syracuse, martyred for her Christian sympathies in A.D. 304. Before she was pierced by a soldier's sword, she miraculously withstood efforts to move her from the spot and burn her to death. The flames of the pyre encircled Lucia, but would not touch her.

The legend goes that at this time when Christianity was outlawed, she made a pilgrimage to a Christian holy place when her mother was ill. Her mother was cured and, in gratitude for the miracle, Lucia devoted her life to bringing hope to the hopeless, light to those "who lived in darkness" by sharing her wealth with the poor.

In Sweden, St. Lucia Day is December 13th, and marks the beginning of the Christmas season. Early in the morning, the eldest daughter in the house dresses in a white gown with a red sash and a crown of flickering candles. She wakes the household singing traditional music and serving coffe and Lucia buns (lussekatter). 

Swedish treats for people to enjoy

in between services.

The days that follow are filled with feasting, merriment, singing, and the spirit of good will and friendlliness that lasts all through the holiday season.

The church celebrates this Swedish tradition of honoring St. Lucia on the Sunday closest to her feast day.  The celebration centers on the saint's message of bringing light and hope to a dark world.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The children singing while the crown of candles

on "St. Lucia" shine brightly.

The first song that the children sing are when the teenage girl who wears the white dress and the crown of candles walks down the center aisle. The children follow and sing:

Into our hearts she walks, telling her story,

candles in shining crown, lighting her glory.

Symbol of love sublime, moving o'er space and time,

Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia.

Now in the winter night ,Good folk are waiting.

See now the maid of light, darkness abating.

Into this winter night, come maid of shining light,

Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia.

When on this earth she walked, bravely confessing,

All to the poor she gave, all felt her blessing.

Symbol of love sublime, moving o'er spacea nd time,

Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

After singing at both services, the girls enjoyed lunch with the choir members and director and then had play practice for a couple of hours. The performances are Friday night and Saturday afternoon.

All the money raised is being donated to an organization that purchases animals and donates them to individuals and families in developing countries. The intention is that sustainable farms can be established which not only helps those receiving the animals, but their communities.

The Sunflower - Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks - Week 50

I can't believe I'm almost done with the Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks challenge! This week is the 50th week, and I returned to an author who has written books that I've enjoyed.

Consistent with Richard Paul Evans' other books that he has written, the story is engaging and meaningful; and the characters are ones with whom a reader can easily connect.

The Sunflower is an easy and quick read; and the chapters are all quite short. This is a perfect book for someone like me who seems to get interrupted quite often.

Having adopted two daughters from orphanages in China, The Sunflower held a special interest in my heart. Although the story is set in Peru, it is located at an orphanage called El Girasol (The Sunflower). The orphange there is a bit different than the ones that Sophia and Olivia lived at for the first ten and eleven months of their lives. 

In Peru, at El Girasol all of the children (with the exception of one) were male. In China, the majority of the children at the two orphanages where the girls were from were female.

The story begins by focusing on Christine whose fiance calls off their wedding a week before it is scheduled to happen. Although this is sad, it is the following chapters that center around Paul's (an E.R. doctor's) night of repeated stress and tragedies that, to me, are more moving and lay the foundation for the book.

These seemingly unrelated experiences that happened at two different time periods (years apart) become connected via a volunteer/mission-type trip to El Girasol in Peru. 

The author paints an accurate picture of the condition of an orphanage that is struggling to survive, and the children who live there. The type of work that the volunteers in the group from the United States do at the orphanage as well as its impact is described.

As I read the book, I did not know El Girasol existed. In looking up an image of the book cover, I happened to come across images of people working - just as the author described. Further reading revealed that El Girasol does, in fact, exist. 

El Girasol in Peru.

The real El Girasol - just like the one described in the book - literally saves the children from the streets and gives them a new life.

The book said, "El Girasol (the Sunflower) is sanctuary, as much to me as to the orphan boys we rescue from the Peruvian streets. But I have considered that it might be more. For in a world where evil seems to triumph more often than not, El Girasol is evidence that we might be something better - evidence that we might be good....The Sunflower is more than a place. It is hope."

If money were no object, I would head down to El Girasol and Peru right away. The Sunflower is an inspiring book, and is a great reminder that any help can make a difference in the life of a child. Something as simple as freshly painted walls in a classroom, a new toy, or even hair bows to make a little girl who had nothing feel special. - all can make a difference to a child.

It's generally the things we take for granted that have the biggest impact on children.  We wouldn't even think twice about some of the most basic items we have...yet, for many of the children at these orphanages, these items are luxuries or, often, not even available.

In the book, there is a passage from Paul's (one of the main character's) diary. In part it said, "There are none so impoverished as those who do not acknowledge the abundance of their lives." This is a good reminder, especially at this time of the year.

Later this another passage that I found interesting to think about: "The secret of success in this life is to realize that the crisis on our planet is much larger than just deciding what to do with your own life. The only work that will ultimately bring any good to any of us is the work of contributing to the healing of the world."
The Sunflower was well worth my time, and certainly will re-energize my interest in helping those who are in need.

Make Holiday Treats - Countdown to Christmas - Day 10

Today we made Lucia buns for St. Lucia Day. Although the holiday is actually on December 13th, the girls are singing at the St. Lucia service at church tomorrow (December 11th). So, we celebrate the holiday on the same day that the girls sing and the church holds the annual celebration.

Lucia buns that Sophia and Olivia made.

Many years ago, I was given a cookbook that was published by a local Lutheran church. For the first 25 pages in the cookbook, all of the recipes are traditional Swedish ones.

One of recipes that I picked out when we first celebrated the holiday (when the girls were 5 and 7 years old) was for Lucia buns. It seemed like a relatively "safe" food that they would enjoy...and they did.

Every year since I first made them, they look forward to making and eating them in December. We make the recipe with cardamom and a few drops of yellow food coloring rather than the saffron (which is a bit on the expensive side).

Creating the shape for the Lucia buns

by using two "ropes" of dough and

twisting the ends of the dough into swirls.

Once the dough is made and rises, it is punched down and the buns can be made. Each one is made from two "ropes" of dough. The ends are rolled in towards the middle, with the swirl going in the same direction for each point.

Some of the rolls have raisins pressed into their points, while others (at the request of both of the girls) do not.

Tomorrow we'll enjoy a roll for breakfast....although someone (whose name begins with an "S" and ends with an "a" and it's not "Santa") chose to have one of them for her dinner since she wasn't too hungry tonight.

I think she was just trying to see if they turned out okay. She said they did...and there were nine left so not to worry...there are plenty for breakfast in the morning. That's unless either of the girls sleepwalk and make their way to the kitchen for a night-time snack.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

We also finished making the peppermint shortbread cookies. The recipe for the cookies was given to me by a friend several years ago. Each year since trying the cookies at her home, we've been making them - but adapting the recipe so the cookies are dairy-free.

Sophia's cookies.

The cookies taste like plain shortbread. The frosting is made from powdered sugar, dairy-free milk, and peppermint extract. 

Olivia's cookies.

The toppings are a variety of decorations: no-flavored sprinkles, peppermint-flavored sprinkled, and crushed peppermint candy canes. 

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Between making the cookies and Lucia buns, the girls had a two-hour rehearsal for an upcoming Christmas play they are in. Sophia also had a rehearsal at church for a harp duet she is doing with her teacher on December 18th. It's been a full day...and we're all needing a bit of a rest at this point.

Get and Decorate a Christmas Tree - Countdown to Christmas - Day 9

This is the one of family traditions that Sophia and Olivia look forward to each year: getting and decorating a Christmas tree.  So, on the ninth day of the Countdown to Christmas, we selected a tree, brought it home, and decorated it.

Olivia arranging the lights so

they are easier to string on the tree.

Gradually, through the years, the strings of lights no longer worked leaving about 100-200 lights last year. It's not too many lights for a Christmas tree. 

So, this year I bought three strands of lights that hopefully will last many years. The girls were very excited to have lights for the tree, and helped lay them out so they were easier to put on the tree.

Sophia took the lead this year and put the lights on the tree. Standing on the piano bench, she could reach to the top of the tree. Easily. 

Sophia putting the lights on the tree.

(There are 900 lights on the tree this year.)

Sophia and Olivia went through the boxes of ornaments and picked out ones they liked and/or absolutely had to go on the tree.

It was interesting to watch which ornaments had special meaning for them and were important for them to have a prominent spot on the tree (not the back side of the tree facing the window where only the birds can see them).

Olivia making sure there are ornaments

all around the tree...not just on the front.

Midway into decorating, the girls suggested putting down the blinds and turning off the lights so that they could finish decorating by the Christmas tree lights only.

Sophia putting an ornament on the tree.

She made the blue and white felt ornament last year.

The last ornaments to go on the tree were ones that hold special significance to us all: ones purchased in China when the girls were adopted. The two main types from China are the clonaise ones that are handmade and in the shapes of balls or a Santa; and the jade and red tassel ones.

Decorated Christmas tree.

According to a website about Chinese culture, "The Chinese love jade because of not only its beauty, but also more importantly its culture, meaning and humanity.  As Confucius (551 BC - 479 BC) said there are 11 De (virtue) in jade.
 
"The following is the translation: 'The wise have likened jade to virtue. For them,
- its polish and brilliancy represent the whole of purity;
- its perfect compactness and extreme hardness represent the sureness of intelligence;
- its angles, which do not cut, although they seem sharp, represent justice;
- the pure and prolonged sound, which it gives forth when one strikes it, represents music.
- Its color represents loyalty;
- its interior flaws, always showing themselves through the transparency, call to mind sincerity;
- its iridescent brightness represents heaven;
- its admirable substance, born of mountain and of water, represents the earth.
- Used alone without ornamentation it represents chastity.
- The price that the entire world attaches to it represents the truth.
 
"To support these comparisons, the Book of Verse says: 'When I think of a wise man, his merits appear to be like jade."'
 
That probably explains why jade jewelry and sculptures were all over China. There wasn't a place - it seemed - that didn't have at least one jade item in it.

Tree with the room lights turned off

so only the lights on the tree shine.