​One of my favorite bites at any Chinese restaurant is the Crab Rangoon. I know it’s not “authentic Chinese food” but I love it. When I found a recipe called Crab Rangoon Dip, I was intrigued.
 
Fast forward a few weeks and it’s almost time for the Annual Church Christmas Party. The adults all get dressed up, bring fancy food to the buffet, play games, take pictures, and enjoy one another’s company. My husband and I have come to this event joyfully every year for 20 years. This year I thought, “What could be fancier than hot Crab Rangoon Dip with Toast Points?” I’m glad I did. Judging from the empty dishes we brought home, I wasn’t the only one who was glad.
 
There was one problem though. My son’s fiancé is allergic to cream cheese and that’s a main component in Crab Rangoon. I’ve learned about a great substitute cheese which she can handle. It’s not as tangy as cream cheese, not quite as firm but it works well in every recipe I used it. It’s marscapone cheese.
 
As you look over the ingredients you may be tempted to elect the simpler pre-shredded packages of Monterey Jack Cheese or Parmesan Cheese but it does make a difference. My dip was smooth and creamy, as it should be. The processing of shredded cheeses causes the dip to be a little grainy. It’s not that appealing to me so I always try to avoid that.
 
Another cost savings tactic is to buy “crab meat” or “lump crab meat”. They both will work but you need to go through that meat very very very carefully to remove all the shells and cartilage. Nothing will ruin you dip faster than having to pick those out while your eating it.
 
My local grocery store has a wonderful bakery where they offer sour dough bread made in round loaves and sliced thin. It’s perfect for this recipe. I cut the bottom crust off each slice of bread then cut the slices in a starburst pattern which yielded eight triangles per slice.
 
Try the recipe yourself. You’ll love it!

What makes a birthday special for the birthday person?

What makes a birthday special for party guests and family? 

We enjoy picking our favorite foods for dinner, giving presents, and throwing a party with games and laughter. 

In our house, we also like to play the Encouragement Game at birthdays.

What is the Encouragement Game?

The Encouragement Game is focused on just one person at a time. Everyone else in the room shares things they appreciate and admire about the that person. It is so uplifting for the one being encouraged. And for those being encouraged, it makes us feel valuable and loved. 

We like to focus on Jesus on His Birthday! It's such a privilege to remind Jesus of Who He is and all that He means to us! 


“For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things have been created through Him and for Him” (Colossians 1:16 NASB). 

We praise Him because He created all things that exist whether we can see them or not! Jesus not only created all things; He is in charge of all things! Jesus is our Creator-King!

Do you have a little astronaut running around your house or a star gazer who pours over astronomy books? 

Are you wondering what to get your little astronomer for Christmas? 

I have some great ideas for you. 

These are some fun gifts that any little space lover will find delightful. 

The Uncle Goose blocks are simple wooden blocks with painted planets, moon phases, or constellations painted on, but they are so much more! There is so much information on them! For anyone who is really interested in space science, it will be a blessing! 

In addition, I have seen little star gazers flip over the inflatable planets. You can hang them from the ceiling or toss them around. Hours of fun will ensue and the whole family will end up wanting to play with the inflatable solar system. 

Finally, you have to have something with a motor. How about a motorized solar system with planets spinning around the sun. 

One of these gifts is sure to be a hit with your little astronaut. They are all available at Amazon. Just click on the link or the photos below to learn more about them and how to order them. 

Oh, and Happy Christmas Shopping! 

Merry Christmas, 
Meredith Curtis

It's that time of year where Moms everywhere shop, wrap, bake, shop, wrap, and bake with occasional breaks for coffee or chai tea. 

After 33 years of Mommying, 5 children, 3 grandchildren, and numerous friends and family to shop for, I have developed my own system of Christmas shopping. 

My Christmas shopping system was developed and refined all the years I shopped for Daddy. He would give me money and I would get gifts from him for the whole family. Plus I had my own shopping. I had to streamline. 

I start early in the fall, thinking about Christmas gifts and trying to notice what everyone I love is enjoying or needing. If I see something that I know someone will LOVE, I pick it up and save it for Christmas. 

If I see something that would make a great Christmas present, but not sure for who, I will buy it if the price is cheap and put it in my gift drawer. 

Then I go through my Christmas shopping process: 

• Look at Last Years' List
• Go over budget with hubby
• Make a List for this Year
• Watch for my Favorite Online Sales
• Use Amazon Wish Lists 
• Make Some Handmade Gifts
• ​Look for Bargains in Stores

I do a lot, but not all of my shopping online. Okay, let's start with the lists. 

Our family loves to snuggle up together and read Christmas picture books.

After all, who can resist a picture book, especially if it's about Jesus' birthday. 

There is something magical about reading aloud together. It calms everyone down and bonds the reader with the listeners in a precious way. 

We have collected Christmas picture books over the years and even now, I am adding to the collection for the grandchildren. 

All of these Christmas picture books are inspirational and sweet. 

The focus on the magic of Christmas: a baby in the manger who didn't belong here because He created the world He came to out of deep love for the people living in it. Some of the books focus on kindness and hospitality--2 important aspects of Christmas for our family. 

Reading Christmas picture books aloud can be a meaningful Christmas tradition in your home. Why not start that tradition this year with these amazing Christmas picture books.