Happy Friday, RISERS! I hope this week has been good to you. Here we are at the “almost halfway” point of December already. How is this possible? Last week I forgot to mention that I FINALLY finished my novel, Return to Cedar Falls, which took almost two years to write. What a weight has been lifted from my shoulders! I hope you have a good weekend, squeezing in some Christmas activities.
Happy Birthday to all of you who turned a year older this past week. And to those of you who are reaching another milestone year together, Happy Anniversary to you and your loved one.
Quote of the Week: “Don’t let the past steal the present. This is the message of Christmas: We are never alone.” –Taylor Caldwell
Song of the Week: It’s no secret that I LOVE The Polar Express…the movie and the soundtrack. One of my favorite songs is “Believe” by Josh Groban. Believing that you can do something is the first step for it to actually come to pass. In multiple instances I was listening to the radio during a contest to be the correct numbered caller. As soon as I heard the special song, I had an instant “I could win this!” kind of feeling. And then I did! Obviously, this type of positive thinking doesn’t work in every situation. I have wished to win the lottery many times (and actually still believe that one day I might). The thought I want to leave you with is this: if you have a dream—either of a job, a personal belonging, or whatever—give it your best shot, BELIEVING that you can do it. I have sense enough to know when to be realistic on these “believing” moments, but don’t let something you want slip by you because you didn’t think you could do it.
Organizational Tip of the Week: With Christmas right around the corner, now is a good time to purge any unwanted or unused items. This could also be done the day after Christmas, which is Boxing Day, but why wait? If you haven’t used it or touched it in at least six months, consider getting rid of it. If you aren’t sure, give it two weeks and then give it up if you still haven’t used it.
Joke of the Week: How do you know when Santa’s around? You always sense his presents.
Recipe of the Week: Peanut Butter Balls
What you’ll need:
2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup peanut butter
6 Tbsp. melted butter
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 package chocolate almond bark, melted
In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with the vanilla. Next, add the peanut butter. Stir thoroughly. Add the powdered sugar a little at a time, mixing until the dough is thick and smooth. Once all of the powdered sugar has been added, roll dough into small circles and place on a baking sheet. Freeze the dough for about 30 minutes. Melt the chocolate almond bark. Using a toothpick, dip the circles into the chocolate, leaving a little uncovered at the top. Smooth over the hole made by the toothpick with a knife or the back of a spoon. To mix things up a bit, try adding shredded coconut. My father-in-law loves them this way.
Holiday Craft Idea of the Week: My family has always enjoyed doing crafts over the holidays—especially when we were foster parents—and one thing that we do for Christmas is incorporate things from nature in our home decor. This week it’s the holiday pinecone.
What you’ll need:
Pinecones
Liquid glue
Gold, silver, green, and red glitter
Newspaper to protect table
After gathering some nice-sized pinecones, place the newspaper on the table. Drizzle the glue over the cones, but be careful not to use too much. Sprinkle the colored glitter over the glue spots. Let dry for at least six hours to ensure the glitter stays put. These make lovely table decorations for your holiday gathering.
Shout-Out of the Week: This week, I want to give a shout-out to everyone who works with patients getting some kind of chemotherapy. I went with my mom to her oncology appointment this week, and I was amazed at the care and attention these professionals give the patients who are going through major health trauma. Thank you for doing what you do with such compassion.
Have a great weekend. Remember, you are most awesome, and YOU ROCK!
Marion Rhines is a foster-turned-adoptive parent. She lives in Knoxville, Tenn., with her husband and five children. She has written and published two children’s books as well as two foster-care-themed novels. She has a Facebook blog, Tips from the FLIP Side, and enjoys working with children of all ages.