I almost hate the thought of Holidays coming up again. Even with the fond memories of holidays past.As a child, I always found them delightful. Each one in turn had its special delights.The Halloween Costumes and going out to scare folks for a treat.The Thanksgiving Turkey with all the trimmings and pumpkin pie (especially the pie!). And don't forget to save the wishbone!Christmas with it's air of expectation all month long. Fruitcakes making the rounds, home made candies and cookies, decorating the tree.Ringing in the New Year and having a great feast on New Year's Day.And oh! All the goodies! But Mom always took care of all the cooking until I was old enough to have a family of my own, and then I got to help if we were close.As a parent, I became the Mom who did all the cooking. Cookies, candies, cakes and breads all came from my kitchen, even when I worked, which was always. A very stressful time for me.Now, I have little time for such carrying ons; kids are all in distant cities, and the two of us usually see holidays as just another day. Perhaps a visitior or two to share our meal, but they usually have other places to be.I still enjoy cooking a big feast, and try to make time for the 'Mom' type stuff. In fact, I make ahead and freeze as much as possible to have a little traditional (in my family, anyway) fare on hand. That way, I am ready for any event beforehand. I just need to remember to take stuff out to thaw!A cousin from Ok. sent me a link to 'The North Pole Cookbook'. After checking our several recipes, they seem to be quite simple and easy, so I am passing it along to you. This site is one you can easily share with the kiddies, and I think some of the recipes are very kid friendly (even some 'no bake' types).http://www.northpole.com/Kitchen/If this doesn't show as a link that's clickable, just 'copy & paste'!
Checking out the site, there are many rooms at the Claus house, and stories for the children. This is a terrific site that can hep you be ready for holidays.
_________________Zada Connaway Mother's Journals: parts 1, 2 and 3 ISBN # 1-4241-6969-0(C) Z C 2008
Are you kind to others? Do you listen when someone talks to you, or are you one who zones out and just says 'uh huh'?
Does anyone come to you with their problems for an opinion? Most of us like to see what others think on occasion. Are you one of those? When you ask for someone to listen, do they really fulfill the need?
When we ask for an opinion we must be careful that they do not think we need advice. If they think we are asking for advice and then we do not use it, they might get angry or even get their feelings hurt.
It's important to listen when someone comes to us as well. If you only offer an opinion and not advice, be perfectly clear on your intent.
Best way to handle a request for advice is to not give it. Sometimes one can simply ask the seeker a few questions in order to get them to think it out for themselves. Ask them how they feel about the situation, for example.
What is right for one person is not always right for another. If you offer an opinion, be sure you make it clear that it is just YOUR opinion and that it may not be the right one for them.
Everyone has an opinion on various subjects and most are willing to voice theirs when asked. Remember, he who asks a question is responsible for the answer.
