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Three Dozen Yellow Roses

Here we go, again 😬😓🤷‍♀️.

In 2018, right before undergoing treatment for breast cancer, my friend offered me a photo shoot, including this picture of me. I am sorry to say that it is now time for Pre-Cancer Treatment Photo Shoot 2.0 😔.

In November, my father-in-law, Jim, was giving Jared a father’s blessing. Afterward, I was asked if I would like one, too. Normally, I would have declined. However, I felt moved, and I asked him to give me a father’s blessing as well. Much to everyone’s amazement, shortly after he started giving me the blessing, he paused, and the spirit in the room changed. To me, it felt very familiar and warm. I didn’t understand what I was feeling. Jim proceeded to tell me that this was a blessing given through him not only from God the Father but also from my own dad, who was there with us in the moment. Jim told me that my dad wanted me to know that he would be very close to me in the months that would follow, that I would be able to feel him near and that he was watching over me and my kids. I was, of course, in tears and also in a little bit of shock. Never, in 50 years of living, had I had such a singular experience. At the time, I had no idea that the cancer was back and how much I would feel utterly destroyed and would need my dad near. But God knew.

Most people, when finding out you have cancer, don’t really know how to respond. It is a hard thing to hear. A couple of my friends, however, brought me over roses. I received 3 dozen yellow roses. If any of you know my dad, you might remember that yellow roses remind me of him. They were his thing. He said I would feel him near through this trial. One of my friends said she had picked up another boquet but felt inspired to put it down and get me the yellow ones. I know it was my dad. I felt you, Daddy. Your cheerful spirit showed up with the yellow roses, and I felt your arms in the hug of a friend. Thank you.

Up until now, I have remained fairly reticent about our personal affairs, but I am so surrounded by great people that I want to say thanks for your love, prayers, and support. As a family, this cancer news lands right in the middle of the most challenging epoch of our lives. So, I guess when it rains, it pours 🤷‍♀️. My heart holds many thanks to all those who have been patient without knowing why we have been so MIA for so long. Many have stepped up, without judgment, to fill needs that I didn’t have the strength to. And yet others have been kind and understanding with our unavailability and last-minute cancellations.

Friends, please forgive me if I do not respond to all texts, phone calls, and messages. I have not felt emotionally prepared or able to talk much about things or to even be very social. It’s just mostly overwhelming. I know I am not being polite. I love you all, and I am really sorry!

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Christmas Around the World–England

UK flag courtesy of Grayson!

I once said that if you loved me, it was because I had Costa Rican blood. Well, as it turns out, that was only a half-truth because the other half of me is English!

In Great Britain, children write their Christmas lists to Father Christmas or Santa and sometimes they are thrown into the fireplace where they are carried to Father Christmas on the smoke. Pillowcases or stockings are hung up by the fire to be filled with presents and mince pies are left out for Father Christmas to eat.

A late lunch feast is held on Christmas Day where turkey, veggies, and Christmas Pudding are often on the menu.

Thanks to my students for the map!

BOOK FOR ENGLAND:
Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”

Charles Dickens was an English writer and is considered by some to be the greatest novelist of the Victorian era.

A children’s version of a classic tale.

Here is a children’s version of “A Christmas Carol” read by me and edited by Grayson.

CHRISTMAS CANDY FOR ENGLAND:
English Toffee

Here is a link to my family’s recipe for English Toffee, however, I have learned that traditional English Toffee uses brown sugar and does not have any topping other than chocolate. I am gonna try it that way!

CHRISTMAS SONG FOR ENGLAND:

“The Holly and the Ivy” is a popular British Christmas song. According to anglotopia.net, “greenery in Christmas decorations was inherited from Pagan celebrations, and for Christmas, the evergreens came to symbolize the eternal life offered by Jesus Christ.  A traditional Christmas hymn, “The Holly and the Ivy” is replete with similar symbolism, describing the holly as bearing the crown and the berry as red as Christ’s blood.”

Here is a link to a version of “The Holly and the Ivy.”

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Mrs. Hall’s English Toffee

Who is Mrs. Hall, you ask? I have no idea. I do know that this is the recipe for English Toffee that has been used for generations in my family. My dad taught me to make it and I now make it with my kids. I suppose one of those wise ancestors of mine knew a Mrs. Hall that made the perfect English Toffee, and I’m glad she shared her recipe! She has done her family name proud! It is delightful, super easy, and a perfect Christmas time treat!

English Toffee

Ingredients:
1/2 lb. butter
1 c. sugar
1 t. vanilla
3 T. water
about 6 chocolate bars
topping of choice

Combine all ingredients. Cook over medium heat until brown. When cooked, pour into a greased 13×9 inch pan. While hot, cover with chocolate bars (I just use Hershy’s bars). When the chocolate looks fully melted, spread it evenly with a silicone spatula. You can sprinkle it with nuts or toppings while the chocolate is still soft. Allow to become hard and then break into pieces.

After the chocolate melts, spread it evenly with a silicone spatula and let it cool
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Christmas Around the World–Spain

In Europe, Spain is located in between Portugal and France. Big thanks to my map makers K and G.

Christmas in Spain kicks off on Christmas Eve with a dinner feast. After the feast, most Spaniards attend the Misa Del Gallo (midnight mass) and, in days gone by, would walk the streets carrying torches and playing music while saying “Esta noche es Nochebuena, no es noche de dormir!” (This night is Christmas Eve and is not meant for sleeping!)

Gift giving in Spain is not just for Christmas Day, but is also practiced on Epiphany (January 6th). In Spanish, Epiphany is called “Fiesta de Los Tres Reyes Mages” (The Festival of the Three Magical Kings). Children write letters to the Three Kings asking for toys and gifts. On the Thee Kings Day Eve, they will leave their shoes on windowsills or under the Christmas tree to be filled with presents.

The Spanish flag, courtesy of Kamryn.

BOOK FOR SPAIN:
“The Story of Ferdinand” by Munro Leaf

Today’s story isn’t a Christmas story, but the setting for “Ferdinand” is in Spain. Plus, Costa Rican Christmas got me in the mood for reading a story about bullfighting. Of course, as far as I know, there are not bullfights at Christmas time in Spain. As a side note, the movie Ferdinand makes for a fun family movie night!

Here is a link to me reading “The Story of Ferdinand.“ Thanks to Kamryn for assisting and doing all the editing for this story

This is a cute book, set in Spain, about a bull who loves flowers!

TRADITIONAL DESSERT FOR SPAIN:
Spanish Flan

Flan is a common dessert in Spain. Here is a link to a very easy Instant Pot recipe for Spanish Flan!

Spanish flan with a dark caramel syrup, just the way I like it!

CHRISTMAS SONG FOR SPAIN:

Here is a link to Rudolfo el Reno (Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer) in Spanish. It is kind of fun because it has the lyrics written out in Spanish.

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Spanish Flan

Flan is a common dessert in Spain. Some even credit the Spanish for preserving the sweet version of this recipe from the Romans. This is an easy instant pot version that I make in my 8qt. Instant Pot and have loved each time I have made it!

The dark syrup pictured here is just how I like it!

Ingredients:
1/2 c. sugar
2 T. water
3 large eggs
2 c. half and half
1 t. vanilla
pinch of salt
1/4 c. sugar

Set out 6 custard cups (Make sure all 6 fit into your instant pot. I use a trivet at the bottom and then another trivet, set upside down on top of the bottom cups, to make a two stories of custard cups.). In a medium sauce pan, stir the 1/2 c. sugar and 2 T. water over med. high heat until it starts to brown. The darker the caramel gets, the more bitter the flavor. I prefer mine pretty dark, my family likes theirs very light. Pour the caramel evenly into the custard cups. Rinse the sauce pan to reuse in the next step.

In a mixing bowl, beat 3 eggs with a whisk. Set aside. In the sauce pan, mix the 2 c. half and half, 1/4 c. sugar, 1 tsp. vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Stir over med. heat until the sugar dissolves. Pour the mixture into the eggs while whisking constantly. Pour very slowly at first to temper the eggs. You can pour faster towards the end. Cover each cup tightly with foil. Put 1.5 c. of water in your Instant Pot and then add your covered custard cups. Cook on high for 9 minutes and do a full natural release. When the pressure is down, remove the lid and press cancel. When the custard cups are cool enough to touch, move them to the fridge to chill for a minimum of 4 hours. Serve by running a knife around the edge of the custard to release it from the cup and then inverting it onto a plate.

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Christmas Around the World–Costa Rica

Today’s Christmas Around the World tour takes us to a place that is close to my heart…Costa Rica! Generally speaking, I am half English (from my dad’s side) and half Costa Rican (from my mom). This must be why I am so lovable. LOL. Anyhow, Costa Ricans really know how to fiesta, and today’s tour will show us what a Costa Rican two-week long Christmas fiesta looks like!

Costa Rican flag drawing done by Little Red.

In Costa Rica, it seems like the whole country takes vacation from the middle of December until the start of the new year. There are weeks of festivities, including Costa Rican style bull fights. Costa Rican bull fights are unique because, instead of bull fighters (banderilleros, picadores montados, and a matador) that are all trying for the ultimate goal of killing the poor bull, the Plaza de Toros (bull fighting arena) is filled mostly with people being chased around by the bull! My abuela used to get a real kick out of watching these Costa Rican toros (bulls) on television. She was all smiles.

For the nine days before Christmas, groups, including families with children, go from house to house reenacting the scene of Joseph and Mary searching for posada (shelter) at the inn. The first few houses always turn the children away as they ask for posada, but the last house always lets them in. There is also a beautiful horse parade called “El Tope Nacional” that starts on the day after Christmas. It is the largest and most famous parade in Costa Rica. Thousands of riders come from all over the country to show off their beautiful horses and skills.

Costa Rica is located in Central America. This map is compliments of my wonderful map maker.

On Christmas Eve, there is a Misa del Gallo (midnight mass) and then a cena (dinner) with tamales and other traditional foods like arroz con leche (rice pudding). No Christmas fiesta would be complete without the rompope, which is basically egg nog spiked with rum. Don’t worry, virgin rompope for the kids! The Baby Jesus completes the evening by leaving gifts under the Christmas tree.

BOOK FOR COSTA RICA:
“‘Twas Nochebuena” by Roseanne Greenfield Thong

This cute book talks about Christmas traditions that are common in several Latin American countries.

The book we are reading today is a Christmas book told in English and Spanish. Many of the traditions spoken of in the book are practiced in Costa Rica, such as the fireworks, the posada, the Misa del Gallo, and the Christmas tamales. Other traditions the book speaks of, such as the pinatas, the champurrado, the mole, and the bunuelos, are traditions practiced in other Latin American countries.

Here is a vocabulary page from the book. I would review the words with your kids before listening to the book 🙂.

A short review of some of the Spanish vocabulary used in the book. This page is taken from the book itself.

Here is a link to me reading the book “‘Twas Nochebuena” aloud. Thanks to Kamryn for assisting me and to Grayson for video recording and editing.

TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS DESSERT FOR COSTA RICA:
Arroz con Leche (Rice Pudding)

Here is a link to my Instant Pot Arroz con Leche recipe. Hope you love it as much as we do!

Guys, this is so yummy and, seriously, so easy!

SONG FOR COSTA RICA:

Here is a Christmas song that is popular in Costa Rica. Here is one more, Pastores Venid, Pastores Llegad, for good measure!

I love Tish Hinojosa for her songs that she does in Spanish and English. They are great for helping kids to learn Spanish. Here is one of her Christmas songs, Arbolito, in Spanish and then in English. Barnyard Dance is another one of my favorite songs from her that my MIL, Pattee, introduced me to. It is not a Christmas song, but it is a very cute song for kids that is sung in both Spanish and English!

Finally, here is a link to a bunch of Spanish Christmas Carols.

Here are the lyrics for a few of the above songs:

Arbolito by Tish Hinojosa in English
Arbolito this year I am seven
I have freckles, I would let you have them
There comes Mamacita with ornaments
And with lights to dress you
I help her, but she won’t leave me with the icicles
From the kitchen, cooking las comadres
I smell chocolate, garlic and tamales
Where is my godmother and Santa Claus
No it’s not the presents I want, you know
Yes, it’s just the packages to guess

Arbolito I’m fifteen years old now
I can almost reach to put your star on
What I wish for Christmas this year is a secret
His name is – Ay mama mira! (Mom, look!)
My sister won’t let me have the icicles!
From the kitchen, cooking las comadres
I smell chocolate, garlic and tamales
Where is my godmother and Santa Claus
No it’s not the presents I want, you know
Yes, it’s just the packages to guess

Arbolito, now I’m thirty something
How familiar is our yearly talking
No, mijita(daughter), you put the ornaments
Does it look like Better Homes magazine?
Aw, come on now, they’re my icicles!

Pastores Venid, Pastores Llegad in Spanish
En el portal de belén
Hay estrellas, Sol y Luna
La Virgen y San José
Y el niño que está en la cuna

Pastores venid
Pastores llegad
Adorad al niño
Adorad al niño
Que ha nacido ya

Pastores venid
Pastores llegad
Adorad al niño
Adorad al niño
Que ha nacido ya

Ábreme tu pecho niño
Ábreme tu corazón
Que hace mucho frío afuera
Y allí solo hallo calor

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Rice Pudding (Arroz con Leche)

Arroz con Leche is a popular dessert eaten at Christmas time in Costa Rica. This recipe uses a 6qt Instant Pot to make a delicious and creamy traditional Costa Rican delight!

To the Instant Pot, add:
1 c. white rice
1.5 c. water
1/4 t. salt
Cook for 3 minutes with a 10 minute natural release.

To the cooked rice, add:
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. evaporated milk

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
1/2 c. evaporated milk
1/2 t. vanilla
2 eggs
Pour this egg mixture through a strainer into the Instant Pot with the rice mixture already in it. Turn on the saute feature and stir constantly until it just begins to boil. Remove from heat and serve with cinnamon sprinkle on top. The rice pudding will thicken as it cools. It can also be served chilled.

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Christmas Around the World–Czech Republic

This year for Christmas School, we alternated learning about Christmas around the world and Christmas STEM activities. We had so much fun, that I thought I would share a few of the things we have done here on the blog!

Czech Republic is in Europe, nestled in-between Germany, Poland, Slovakia, and Austria. One of my lovely students drew this map for school.

Each of the four Christmas Around the World posts will have a book, a traditional dessert from that country, and a song related to the country. I think it would be fun to do this each of the four evenings before Christmas. Just after dinner, you can gather to listen to (or read) the story and then enjoy the dessert while listening to the song! I hope you enjoy this short tour of Christmas around the world!

The Czech flag, drawn by another one of my best students ❤.

In the Czech Republic, the Christmas feast is had on Christmas Eve where fish soup or fried fish are served with potato salad. While the meal is being eaten, the “little Jesus” leaves presents under the tree. The presents are opened that same evening and religious families will attend a midnight mass.

Throughout the holidays, neighbors exchange and families enjoy plates full of Christmas cookies in many varieties. One of the cookies that is commonly found are Linzer Cookies.

BOOK FOR CZECH REPUBLIC:
“Good King Wenceslas” by John M. Neale and Tim Ladwig

Here is a link to me reading “Good King Wenceslas” aloud. Thanks to Grayson for assisting me and thanks to Kamryn for video recording and editing. Enjoy!

This is one of my favorite Christmas books. The music, with all the verses, is printed at the end.

TRADITIONAL DESSERT FOR THE CZECH REPUBLIC:
Linzer Cookies. I bought some at the store, but here is a recipe you could try if you are feeling ambitious!

Linzer Cookie Recipe

Thanks again, Amazon!

SONG FOR CZECH REPUBLIC:
Good King Wenceslas

Here are two versions of this song from YouTube. The first one has the lyrics with it and the second one is just a fun jazzed-up version. Enjoy!

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Costa Rican Style Rice (Arroz Arreglada)

Arroz Arreglada served with a tamale.

This Costa Rican style rice (Arroz Arreglada) is cooked an 8 quart instant pot. It reminds me of my abuela’s kitchen ❤. Makes a great side dish for Christmas tamales!

Indgredients:
-4 c. Goya Jasmine Rice, rinsed and drained (this is the closest in flavor to the rice you can find in Costa Rica)
-4 c. chicken broth
-3 T. ghee (or oil of preference)
-1 t. salt
-half of a 3.5 oz package of achiote (I have only used the paste, not the powder)
-1 or 2 cloves of garlic, minced
-1/2 c. diced onion
-1/2 c. diced carrots
-1/2 c. diced celery
-1/2 c. diced red bell pepper
-1/4 c. chopped up cilantro

In an 8qt. Instant Pot, saute the vegetables in the ghee until garlic and onion are fragrant. Crumble the achiote into the pot. Some people dissolve the achiote first, but I don’t. Add the remaining ingredients. Make sure all the bits of rice are in the liquid. Any rice not in the liquid has the potential of not cooking. Cook for 3 or 4 minutes and do a 10 minute natural release. Fluff and serve!

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In Bethlehem

I wrote this poem some years back as part of the entertainment for a church Christmas gathering. It celebrates the fact that the events that happened in Bethlehem so many years ago are still relevant now. The poem is divided into four sections, each accompanied by a Christmas carol that was sung by four different small groups. The final song was sung by the entire audience.

Our little Christmas tree from our Cabin Christmas we had a few years back.

Jesus Christ is called by several names in the Bible. One of my favorite parts of this poem is that it highlights several of these Biblical names, such as Our Peace or God of Comfort. As the names are seen in the poem, the Biblical references are listed as footnotes.

Since Christmas Eve gatherings may look a little different this year, I thought it would be fun to dig this little number out and do it with my family or over Zoom with friends. Maybe you would like to have a poem-reading and song-singing Christmas Eve too!

In Bethlehem

Neither scholar, nor philanthropist,
Nor wise, nor rich am I.
Still, I feel His spirit near—
Soft as a lullaby.

No tales have been told of my sweet-tempered soul,
No record rings of my righteousness,
But still, I kneel and trust in His grace,
My sullied spirit to soothe and bless.

It was Thee that still night, amid heavenly host,
Both a babe and a light to the nations.
Thee whom shepherds did seek as they tended their sheep,
Thou Captain of Man’s Salvation!1

Though I be no king nor shepherd
To attend on Judea’s great plain,
Anthems swell on my ear as though I were there
To bask in the angelic strain.

Song: “Angels We Have Heard on High”

That vibrant new star never peered through my sky,
Guiding me through the night to His manger,
But when darkness enshrouds, His brilliance doth blaze.
God of Comfort2—command me from danger!

The years have waxed on, even mountains have aged,
Since that blest noble night of His birth.
Still, as fresh as the first gentle sigh of Our Peace3,
Sing chords of His holy dissension to Earth.

His whole healing hands never touched my blind eyes,
His robes…ne’er within my reach.
Yet, I feel His embrace and my vision awakens.
I am raised with each word He doth teach.

Never touched I the prints of the nails in His hands
Or His feet when He overthrew death,
But warm tears fill my eyes when I think of the babe.
Silent now—I hear His first breath.

Song: “Silent Night”

Neither mighty kings nor conquerors
Nor men of legend are we,
Yet our Spiritual Rock4 did lay Himself low
That we might ransomed be.

Our privilege and wealth are not fabled abroad
That the world should desire what they see.
Never stirred by such gilding is our King of Kings5!
For abundance of heart looketh He.

We never did know gentle Joseph—
Carpenter, disciple of the Craftsman of Life.
Still, each of us forged from the Artisan’s hand,
Figures fashioned for joy—to rise above strife.

We never did meet Mother Mary
As She watched the child Jesus at play,
Yet our hearts are reigned in, as if we recall
What She felt on that first Christmas day.

Song: “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day”

Our two sandaled feet never kicked up the dust
Down the beaten old paths that He trod.
Still, we strive to follow His footsteps,
And walk in the ways of our God.

As young ones, we never were suffered
To draw near and rest on His knee.
Yet, He bids us to become like children,
Until His will, not ours, we do see.

After tempest and fire, do we sit in the dark?
Is that His voice that quiets our fear?
Do we gaze past the rubble to meet his sweet face?
Yes! 
Here He is still…always standing so near.

Though we were not present to witness
That new dawn’s resplendent first light,
With the world we rejoice at the miracle born
In Bethlehem that night.

Song: “Oh Little Town of Bethlehem”

Final Song: “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear”

-Laura Briggs-Fenn 2010

1- Heb 2:10
2- 2 Cor 1:3
3- Eph 2:14
4- 1 Cor 10:4
5- 1 Tim 6:15

(Unless specific permission has been granted, this poem is for personal home or small gathering use only.)