For Thursday, December 2nd, 2010

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

DECEMBER 2nd, 2010

If you can't see the bright side of life, polish the dull side

It's THURSDAY!

Today is Special Education Day, celebrating the first U.S. special education law, signed by President Gerald Ford on this date in 1975. We have come a long way and now provide access to education for all children, including children with disabilities. We take the day to honor progress and celebrate students with disabilities and their parents, teachers and schools

THINKING

Christmas day is in our grasp, Christmas day is in our grasp, So long as we have hands to clasp

the Whos, How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Today: Give a helping hand to someone you love.

NEW IN THE KITCHEN

National Fritters Day

These bite-sized fried treats are great at any time of day. Try them warmed for breakfast or as a midday treat. Try different kinds like banana fritters, corn fritters or a yummy apple fritter!

Apple Fritters

4 apples peeled, cored and chopped
3 tablespoons white sugar
1/4 cup apple brandy
2 eggs, separated
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup all-purpose flour
pinch salt
vegetable oil for frying
confectioners' sugar

In a small bowl toss the apples with the sugar and brandy. Let marinate for 1 hour. Drain and reserve liquid. In a medium bowl beat the egg yolks, reserved liquid and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Stir in the flour and salt. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. In deep fryer or deep skillet heat at least 1 inch of vegetable to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold beaten whites into batter and then fold apples into batter. Spoon about 1/8 cup of batter into the hot oil and fry until golden on all sides, about 3 to 4 minutes. Fry about 4 to 5 fritters at a time. Remove with a slotted spoon and let dry on paper towels. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar and serve hot.

PRAYERS

Dear God, today and every day we celebrate Emmanuel, that you are always with us. Help us to share your hope with those who need it most

Amen

Please pray for God's protection of

our troops and HIS wisdom for their

commanders.

Lord, hold our troops in

your loving hands.

Protect them as they protect us.

Bless them and their families for the

selfless acts they perform for us

in our time of need. I ask this in the

name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters

and Paramedics and EMT's

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

AROUND HOME

We have snow...it started about 9 am yesterday! It's not a lot of snow...just a smattering here and there but still it reminds me that it's time to check my list, to see exactly where I am with holiday preparations.

Our Mr. Wonderful continues to be a JOY here at my house. He loves to kick and bounce.

One thing I do a lot of when he is here is SMILE!

COUNTING THE DAYS

Now we'll stay awake

and make our house clean

with the brightest things of red and green.

And we'll wait for Jesus until he comes,

We'll wait until He comes

First we'll put up a tree

all shiny and bright,

with lights and balls

to shine through the night

Then build Him a house with a little bed,

a place high enough not to bump His head.

Bring sheep and shepherd to see him new born,

and a cow and a donkey to keep him warm.

O Good Lord Jesus,

asleep in the hay,

Bless all little children

each night and each day.

19 DAYS UNTIL WINTER!

23 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

137 DAYS UNTIL CAMPING SEASON BEGINS

Keep looking ON THE BRIGHT SIDE of things.

A little smile, a word of cheer,
A bit of love from someone near…

Love,

ma