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Christmas 2011 Vol. 4 No. 6
Special this Month 10. News to Know: Bike Ride Raises Money and Toys for Area Children 12. How to Cook a Turkey: Wedowee Elementary 2nd graders share cooking tips. 14. Christmas Show: Southern Union Show Choir returns bringing Christmas Cheer 21. Elf Magic: Santa’s Elves Visit Spreading Fun and Cheer 24. Pretty Paper: How to package your Christmas Gifts 26. Christmas Road Trip: 12 trips to take with family 28. DIY Christmas: Decorating Ideas for this Holiday Season 40. Christmas Joy: The Joy of Christmas 42. Holiday Recipes: Readers share some of their favorite foods 44. Photography Tips: Holiday Photography ideas 46. Market Place: Gifts for Christmas that are available locally
Monthly Features 7. Enjoy Life! - Letter from the Editor 8. Southern Holiday Life at a Glance 18. Simply Fabulous 36. Creative Crafting 38. Charley’s Treasures 50. Facebook Top 10
General Manager LEISEL CALDWELL info@lakewedoweelife.com
Editor KELLY CALDWELL news@lakewedoweelife.com (256) 276-7959
Writer AMANDA CAUSEY leighcausey@hotmail.com
Advertising Sales On the Cover Brayden Terrell, Olivia Toland and Riley Gooden came to the RE/MAX Lakefront offices for our Christmas photo shoot. Olivia and Riley had entered the Living the Lake Wedowee Life Model Search earlier this year. Annabelle, the Elf Magic Elf, didn’t want to miss out on the fun either and made a special trip south for the occasion.
contributing writers Darlene Bailey Cade Farris Charley Norton
LAVOY CALDWELL ads@lakewedoweelife.com (334) 863-0737
Lake Wedowee Life 877.959.LAKE (5253) 18285 Highway 431 Wedowee, AL
www.LakeWedoweeLife.net Lake Wedowee Life magazine is published six times a year and available around the Lake Wedowee area which includes Randolph and Clay Counties in Alabama as well as parts of West Georgia. Paid mail subscriptions are available for $18 a year. All content in this publication is protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, or otherwise published without the prior written permission of Neighborhood Publishing. © 2008 Neighborhood Publishing
Christmas Joy Comes in Many Forms Spreading Joy at Christmas is one of my favorite things to do. It comes in a variety of ways big and small. It can be the kind gesture of over-tipping a waitress for great service or hosting a Christmas party for your friends and family. Whatever brings you joy at Christmas, cherish it and pass it on. In that respect my parents and I decided to share some of our Christmas Joy memories from over the years. From my dad, Lavoy Caldwell… “Christmas joy comes in many forms and from many different directions. From children begging to open one gift before going to grandmother’s house (just one, please daddy, just one); the smell of freshly baked turkey and dressing at grandmother’s house; the wrinkling of brightly wrapped gifts beneath the tree ; sleepy eyed little girls stumbling into the den on Christmas morning; watching the snow fall for the first time on Christmas Day (last year); all of that is Christmas joy. Of course the most joyous thing that ever happened on Christmas Day occurred about 2011 years ago in a little town called Bethlehem. Thank you God for loving us.” From my mom, Leisel Caldwell... “Christmas has always been a big celebration at my house, even as a child my parents made Christmas very special for us. I have many wonderful memories. I really don't remember many of the gifts that I gave or got but what I remember is the anticipation and excitement that I felt. The gifts I do remember where those that were simple and personal such as the homemade Christmas cookies mailed to our house each year from a family friend. "My Joy" also comes from giving the unexpected or unusual gift, planning fun parties and just being silly. Examples of this include a pottery wheel for Kelly when she was 18, putting all the Christmas gifts in trash bags instead of wrapping paper, baking and decorating Christmas cookies with my Grandsons or this year's Glass Family get together which will include a version of "Minute to Win It". I hope each of you will find unexpected Joy this Christmas season.“ I have several Christmas Joys from my life, but I believe that my favorite come from when I have given the “perfect” gift. I know it’s the perfect gift when I have made the recipient show emotion. Two years ago I did that (even though the gift wasn’t from me) for my sister and brother-in-law. When my nephew, Luke, was younger, he would come up with his own phrases for things. Instead of I forgot, he would say “I fuzzy got” or he would say “Off the change” instead of off the chain. Well two years ago, I helped my mom create posters with these two sayings. She kept one and gave the other to Randall for Christmas. Well, needless to say Randall was speechless when he opened his present. (He got “Off the change,” and my mom kept “I fuzzy got”) However, after Randall opened his gift, my mom told of the other poster. Teary-eyed my sister immediately exclaimed “I want ‘I fuzzy got’ too!” So, you see that old saying about “it’s the thought that counts” is really true. When you take the time to give a gift, make sure it’s from the heart!
Merry Christmas! FromThe Caldwells Southern Holiday Life 7
Upcoming Local Events November 3rd-5th Parker House Antiques Open House Wedowee
November 11th-13th H & M Drugs Christmas Open House Wedowee
November 12th Ashland Pharmacy Open House Ashland
November 12th Midway Treasure’s Open House Ashland
November 18th Carrollton Open House on the Square Carrollton
November 19th Pilot Club Christmas For Kids Bike Ride
December 1st Ashland @ 6:00 pm Carrollton @ 5:30 pm
December 3rd
Lakeside Marina-Wedowee
Wedowee TBD
November 29th - December 2
December 6th
SUSCC Christmas Show Wadley Tickets on Sale Now
Lineville @ 6:00 pm
December 8th Bowdon @ 4:30 pm
December 12th Roanoke TBD Woodland @ 2:00 pm
Don’t forget to track Santa’s whereabouts on Christmas Eve at www.noradsanta.org!
Every year on Christmas Eve, The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), follows Santa Claus as he leaves the North Pole and delivers presents to children around the world. “NORAD Tracks Santa," which has existed since 1955, Be sure that you are in bed asleep before he gets close to your town so that he does not miss your house…..or have to make a side trip out of his carefully planned destination route!
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Bike Ride Spreads Christmas Cheer Spreading joy gins at 10 a.m. and during the Christthe cost is $20 per mas season comes rider and $10 per in a variety of ways, rider or a gift for a preparing special boy or girl. treats for coworkers “For the last three or helping those years, we have less fortunate. Steve been able to raise Calhoun with the about $2,000 each help from friends year,” Calhoun has done the latter said. “We still get a for nine years and lot of toys but the this year is no difPilot Club helps ferent. children of all ages “Ten years ago and sometimes it is we started having a good to raise the motorcycle enthusimoney too because asts dinner and that way the volThe Toys for Tots Bike Ride will be November 19 at Lakeside. some people in the unteers can go buy Registration begins at 10 a.m. group wanted to do the toys for more something to give age groups.” back. That's how we started the has also seen different locations The ride usually begins Department of Human Resources over the years. around 11:30 a.m. and the trip is Toy Ride,” Calhoun said. “We started this thing at Lake- about 50 miles. This year's ride, slated for side in 2001 and since 2008 we “We will do a shorter trip this Nov. 19, will mark the 10th anniyear, because it is kind of difficult versary of the toy ride. to navigate 100 motorcycles on a “It has changed over the years leisurely ride,” Calhoun said. by Kelly Caldwell in a lot of ways, but it is still Non-bike riders are encourabout giving back to the children aged to participate as well. of this area that might not have have been back there,” Calhoun “We always have people come Christmas presents otherwise.” said. “The people there have been support the cause that don’t ride Three years into the toy ride, it a great help in pulling it off every motorcycles,” Calhoun said “We became part of the Roanoke Pilot year.” welcome everyone to particiClub's Toy for Tots drive and it Registration for the event bepate.”
News to Know
How to Cook a Turkey We asked the second grade classes at Wedowee Elementary School to tell us how they would cook a turkey. We picked one winner out of each class to print here. All the entries were great and we hope you enjoy!
The way my daddy cooks a turkey. He adds some kind of salt and some pepper salt and some pepper juice. And some times he adds some barbeque sause. Than he adds some more salt and more pepper salt and some more pepper juice. Logan Barrett Mrs. O’Rear Class 12 Southern Holiday Life
First my mother would get a turkey from the store. Next she would heat it up for 60 seconds and put peper on it. Then she would put pilgrims around it and pertend little turkey’s around the table and that is how you make a turkey for thanksgiving. Lauren Farris Mrs. Green’s Class
How to cook a turkey. First I buy a turkey and then I wash it off and next you put it in a pan and you start the timer for 20 hours and 4 minutes and then you put it in the oven and then its done you sit at the table.
Morgan Knight Mrs. Simpson’s Class
And thanks for a prosperous 2011! There is a reason nobody sells more then RE/MAX!
20755 Hwy 431, Suite 1 Wedowee, AL 36278 Each office independently owned and operated.
For all your real estate needs on Lake Wedowee and surrounding areas please give us a call.
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“The mesSouthern sage is alUnion State ways the Community same, we College weljust try to comes in the deliver it Christmas in different Holiday seaways,” son once again Caldwell with its ansaid. “Our nual Southern show is Union Sound about celeChristmas brating the Show. birth of “It’s really Jesus a special proChrist and duction that while there so many of the may be people in the secular community look forward The Southern union Show Choir Christmas Show is a great way to welcome music in to each and in the holiday season. It celebrates all things Christmas in an entertaining the program, the every year,” way. Tickets are $5 and must be purchased in advance. overall Steve Spratlin, theme is Associate very evident.” Dean of InstrucThe show is ditional Programs vided into two and Fine Arts Departs, and feapartment chair tures numerous said. “The group costume does a fantastic changes as well job pulling it all as featuring the together.” Southern Union The Southern dancers. Union Sound will “There is one perform the two number where hour show all the Southern nightly beginning Union dancers November 29 are featured,” through DecemSpratlin said. ber 2. Twenty-one dancers will be The Southern Union Sound is on stage during Christmas Toys under the direction of Ann on Parade while Kaely Perry Caldwell who will celebrate her 36th Christmas Show this seaby Kelly Caldwell Continued on Page 17 son.
News to Know
14 Southern Holiday Life
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and Alex Chavis will provide the vocals. This year’s show also pays tribute to the troops. “Our first half finale is celebrating our soldiers who may not be able to make it home for Christmas,” Caldwell said. “They are the reason we are able to celebrate Christmas and we wanted to say thank you for that.” After intermission, however, the tone of the show changes and reflects the religious aspects of the holiday. “The real reason we have Christmas is because of the birth of the Christ child,” Caldwell said. “And, we embrace that in the second part of the show complete with a nativity scene. We approach it a differently each year but the message is really clear. We have costume changes, song changes and different music, but its always about celebrating the birth of Baby Jesus.” The show will be narrated by Southern Union Show Choir alum and former Miss Alabama Jamie Langley. “We are so excited to have her return,” Caldwell said. “She has gone on to represent Southern Union so well and its always fun to welcome a former student back home.”
Sonya Fincher McCord is choreographing the show and Shawn Lockwood is the technical director. “We all work so well together and it wouldn't be the same show without them,” Caldwell said. “We hope to have a good crowd and have had sell out shows in the past,” Caldwell said. “We have a tremendous amount of talent that will be performing this year and look forward to helping the community embrace the Christmas spirit.” Tickets for the concert are $5 and must be purchased in advance from the Southern Union Business Office or call Rita Brown. 256.395.2211.
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hurch and family gathering, work, club parties and everything in between...Whew makes you tired just thinking about it! It's that time of year when we are all running from one place to the other. If your calendar is like mine there is somewhere to be every weekend from now until after New Year's.
Simply Fabulous Story by Darlene Bailey Photo by Kelly Caldwell We all know that around our neck of the woods if there is a gathering----there WILL be food! That's just the way we do things. Although, holiday activities are many, work and family still need attention as well. So here is a recipe for your busy schedule that can be enjoyed as a quick fix at home or you can take to one of your many events. Hope you enjoy!!!
Glass Slipper Events 256.449.2946
Ham Roll Sandwiches 1 pkg. sandwich ham 1 pkg. Brown & serve rolls 1 pkg. Sliced Swiss
cheese 1 sm. onion mustard butter
**Remove rolls from foil pan and slice crossway's making a top and bottom. Lay tops aside. Return bottoms to pan. Peel and slice onion into strips and sautĂŠ in 1 tablespoon oil. Spread a generous amount of mustard on roll bottoms. Layer with ham then cheese ending with onions on bread bottoms. Preheat oven to 350. Return bread tops and spread with butter. Bake until cheese is melted and heated throughout. (12-15 minutes) Let stand about 5 min. and cut accordingly. If eating at home cut larger portions and if taking away cut in the indented sections to serve more. **Bake in foil pan
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A couple of weeks ago Lake Wedowee Life received a surprise. We came into the office and noticed a small velvet bag with a poem. When we opened the bag there was a cute little Elf named Annabelle inside. According to her poem she is a magic elf from the North Pole. She wanted to visit with us for a couple of weeks so that we could let all of our readers know about her and her pals. Over the past couple of weeks she has gotten into some mischief! Apparently Annabelle and her Elf friends cause quite a ruckus in the households they visit before Christmas. Over fifty years ago, Elves made their debut in the childhood home of Elf Magic’s Chief Elf Officer (CEO) Piper Worthington. Elves sent by Santa himself magically appeared in her home when she and her sister, Anita, were fast asleep. For weeks, they would find these playful Elves hiding in a different spot each morning when they awoke. As kind as they were adventurous, the Elves be-
News to Know Story by Amanda Causey gan helping the sisters with daily chores and leaving them personalized notes, imparting important lessons about responsibility and selflessness. Elf Magic’s “Timeless Christmas Tradition” begins with a child writing a letter to Santa Claus requesting an Elf Magic
friend to visit through the Christmas season. Before going to bed, the child will place the Elf’s favorite snack of crackers and ice water on the kitchen counter to lure the Elf. Why crackers and ice water, you ask? Because Elves’ favorite snack is a reminder of their snowy home – the ice water is melting North Pole Snowflakes and the crackers sound like crunching snow! Magically, an individually named, 10-inch plush Elf appears at the child’s home between Thanksgiving and the days leading up to Christmas … once the Elf has finished all of his or her work at the North Pole. Each Elf Magic Elf comes with a poem and tips that explain the tradition, along with magical North Pole Snowflakes, which the child sprinkles on the Elf each night to bring him or her to life. While the family is asleep, the Elf is wide awake and ready to play! This is the time when the Elf goes on all types of adventurous Elfcapades from cookie baking, gift Lake Wedowee Life 21
wrapping and hiding in freezers (because the Elves love the frosty temperature!). After a night of embarking on playful adventures, the Elf hides for the child to find the next morning – maybe under a pile of unrolled toilet paper or even on the blade of a ceiling fan! If the fan is on high, the Elf might just “fly” through the air. Elves are very creative and love to have fun! During the day, they can tag along on all the child's daily adventures from gazing at Christmas lights, visiting the child's school, going shopping or even organizing a sleepover "Elf parties!” Some Elves even pick a weekly Bible verse the family can discuss and memorize. There is no limit to the joy Elf Magic can bring! The Elves can be a spirited group. While some of the
Elves have mischievous streaks
from time to time, Santa knows which Elf will be the best fit for each family. So whether a family wants excitement or simply companionship from their Elf, Santa will make sure the right Elf arrives at that home. Elves return to the North Pole with Santa on Christmas Eve to help deliver toys around the world; but don’t fret, as the Elves will return again next Christmas to create more fun-filled memories. Elf Magic Elves are so endearing, they become the child’s best friend! Because of this, Elves have been known to show up for brief visits throughout the year as a surprise for special events, like birthdays, the first day of school or even on family vacations! For more information on the Elf Magic tradition, visit Santa's Favorite Website: www.Elf-Magic.com.
So you have finished your holiday gift list (you checked it twice). Make sure the thoughtfulness of your gift is not lost in boring Christmas wrap.
You’ve found the perfect gift but it is not quite complete. Looking for a way to add a little something extra to your gifts this year? Get creative with your wrapping and make each gift extra special, give it a personalized touch with unconventional wrapping techniques. Wrapping paper is especially important at Christmas, when presents sometimes sit under the tree for several weeks before being opened. Beautiful gift-
Christmas 2011 by Amanda Causey
wrapping might seem difficult to achieve, but many simple tricks can make any present look more alluring. Before you get started on your gift wrap session be sure you plan ahead and gather all your supplies. For the gifts pictured I used brown craft paper, white butcher paper, sheet music, a potato chip can, scrapbook paper, and miscellaneous embellishments. For the holiday treat packages (which will be one of the last gifts you wrap) I used empty coffee containers, a potato chip can, scrapbook paper, and a tumbler. Customize each gift’s packaging to the personality of it’s recipient. Another tip to try is to have the packaging go along with the gift itself. The tire marked wrapping paper with racecar adornment is the perfect gift wrap idea for a racetrack or vehicle accessories. Many household items can be recycled to make beautiful gift wrap. An old map and a broken toy compass made the perfect wrap for a GPS, and for the fisherman in the family, you can incorporate part of the “gift” into the name tag or add as a trimming. A potato chip can wrapped in scrapbook paper makes a creative container for any
belle, happens to love peppermints. We package some for her in a plastic tumbler that will be perfect for drinking hot chocolate. We used scrapbook paper to print ‘Happy Holidays’ from the computer, and attached it to the cup with adhesive. We created cones from pretty Christmas papers, punched two holes for string and created an ornamental gift. Fill with your favorite holiday snack and type of small gift, or for homemade treats. Empty coffee cans can be decorated using wrapping paper scraps or with decorative papers. One major coffee distributor has pre-made templates on their website for each holiday occasion that will cover it’s labels. Before I throw out an incomplete game board or any type of toy sets I hang onto the small pieces to use as decoration for a
later time. You never know when they will come in handy (like they did in my Creative Crafting project!). Personalizing your gift presentation helps make the present more memorable and special. Monogrammed ornaments or key chains can also double as a gift tag. Another tip when it comes to gift packaging is wrapping in an item that can be used again at a later date. Our Magic Elf, Anna-
hang on your tree until it is time to give your gift. One thing to remember during your Christmas present exchange is to be mindful of our environment. Use recycled wrapping paper or items that would typically be considered trash to “dress up” your gifts. Also save as many “wastes” from this Christmas so you can use them for the next Christmas season. Merry Christmas and Happy Wrapping!
C R
This information is deemed to be correct but is not guaranteed.
Christmas Road Trip
Locations on the map are approximate, for directions to events, contact the information provided.
Holiday decorating is a great opportunity for us to explore our “crafty” side. Here are a few projects you could use in your home for years to come. Merry Christmas!
Framed “Joy” Kelly Caldwell This looks a lot more difficult as a finished project. First I began by hitting the local craft store and picking up wooden letters, paint, glitter and scrapbook paper. (I already had frames at home). I actually found glitter craft paint while I was shopping so I decided to give it a try. I painted the letters with a thick coat of paint and before it dried I sprinkled the other glitter on top of it. (Make sure you paint the edges of the letters because it will show.) After that dried, I positioned the letters on the scrapbook paper
and marked it with a pencil.( It helps you center the letters) Then, I got out my glue gun and glued the letters to the paper. My last step was to frame it. Again I had 12x12 frames already and removed the glass from each one. I like sparkly when it comes to
Christmas decorations but the sky is the limit on this project. There are so many possibilities with this craft and I know I will be doing this again… and if you plan it right a rather inexpensive one. (I did this project for less than $10 per letter including the frames.)
Santa Key Amanda Causey How does Santa get in a home or apartment with no chimney? He needs a magic key! At our house we do not have a fireplace for Santa to come down the chimney, and we can’t just leave the door unlocked! For the past 5 years I have hung the Santa Key that I made outside the front door on Christmas Eve so that Santa can get into the house and deliver his gifts. If you have a chimney, but are worried that Santa might not be able easily fit without getting stuck, this would also be a good alternative. I have designed a printable exclusively for Southern Holiday Life. You can get it at www.SouthernHolidayLife.com . Enjoy!
Joy Yard Art Lavoy Caldwell You need access to certain tools to do this project. First, the girls picked out a font they liked on the computer and printed the letters on transparency film. Then, they used freezer paper and an overhead projector to get a template ready for me. I took over from there. I went to Wedowee Building Supplies and picked up a two sheets of plywood. Then I used that template to cut the letters out with a Roto-Zip Saw. After that, I went back to the Building Supply to get sand paper and say Roll Tide to Joe and the boys. I smoothed it down with the sand paper. I needed a juice break and went back to the Wedowee Building Supplies. I also picked up spray paint while I was there. The girls and I tossed around different ideas on how to decorate these letters, but simple won out for this purpose. I sprayed painted the letters with outdoor spray paint alternating the colors. Now, we used these inside with the kids during the cover shoot but when it gets closer to Christmas, we will move them outdoors. I will attach to the back of each letter a support system and then add a spotlight in front of them so we can all enjoy our “Joy� this Christmas season. But, that will require a couple of more trips to the Building Supply before I can finish it. ROLL TIDE JOE!
mas Day. Our stockings become full and heavy and need a substantial way to be hung. After considering a few other ideas we came up with the idea of a coat rack. Lavoy got it built just in time for Christmas 3 years ago. It holds our family's 8 stockings with room for more. It is quite festive with just the stockings but can be further embellished with greenery, lights and ribbons.
Wrap it up... Off the Wall and On the Wall Leisel Caldwell Give the entire room a festive feel by wrapping up your art work like Christmas packages. It is an inexpensive idea with lots of punch. I like to pick out 3 or 4 coordinating wrapping papers for my Christmas wrapping and then carry the theme from under the tree to the walls with the wrapped packages and bows.
Coat Rack - Stockings Leisel Caldwell Are you lacking a fireplace mantle or other good place to hang your Christmas stockings? We experienced this problem a few years ago when we moved into a house without a fireplace. Christmas stockings are a big deal at our house even as adults. It is our tradition to put small gifts and treats in each others stockings up until Christ-
Christmas Card Book Amanda Causey Have you been wondering what in the world you're going to do with all the Christmas cards that you get from friends and family each year? Not really wanting to throw them away, but also not wanting the hassle of scrap-booking them? Here is what I do with my beloved Christmas cards. I create yearly books that I put out as decoration during the holidays. Simply take your hole punch and line the card up so that it punches just the TWO holes evenly on the card. (Three holes will make it harder to open.) Then get some clasping metal binder, and you have yourself a beautiful coffee table adornment! You will be able to look back over the years and enjoy flipping through to read what holiday wishes your loved ones sent. Easy, unique and eco-friendly.
If you have any Do-it-yourself tips and tricks for this Christmas season, please share them with us. You can email them to news@lakewedoweelife.com or post them on our facebook.com fan page. Facebook.com/lakewedoweelife. We love to see pictures of your crafts too! And, we may include them in next year’s Southern Holiday Life! Merry Christmas and Happy Crafting!
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Creative Crafting
By Amanda Causey
Christmastime always brings joy to my heart. There is no better way to get into the Christmas spirit than to create handmade works of art to give as a gift or to decorate your home. When it’s too cold to go outside and play, indoor activities are the best way to spend time with the family and keep the magic of Christmas alive for children of all ages. I have made three crafts that are easy and fun for everyone! For a more detailed version of these crafts and for more holiday craft ideas visit www.SouthernHolidayLife.com
Holiday Wreath Alternative Sometimes you want to try something different...so here is a great idea for your door. Instead of the traditional Christmas wreath, try this burlap sac with a live spruce sapling. After the holidays are over you can plant it in the yard. Step by step instructions to make the burlap sac are available online.
Frosted Luminaries I have seen several different crafts using Epsom salts to embellish holiday décor. I wanted to give it a try and here is what the result was. I got the glassware from the thrift store for a quarter each. Roll adhesive covered glass into colored Epsom salts and allow them to dry. Coat with gloss sealer several times. Add your candles and enjoy!
Eco-Friendly Snow Globe Ornament This winter wonderland ornament has the appeal of a snow globe and terrarium, but is made simpler for children. You can buy the snow at your local craft store, or cut up plastic grocery bags for the “greener” route. I have put my environment loving spin on this project. Reuse old toys/Christmas ornaments for the inside pieces. Use clear solo cups as the top, and scalloped edge cardstock on the bottom. Write crafter’s name and date on the bottom of the cardstock .
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Imagine That! What do you get someone who has everything? Personally, I don’t know because I don’t know anyone who can honestly say they have everything. There is always something, if not it's just one thing, that everyone wants and doesn’t have. But wanting something you don’t have is half the fun, if not more fun. I have probably had more fun imagining what I’d do with something I didn’t have than I probably would have had if I had it. When I was 5 ½ years old, I wanted an electric car. I guess that’s the first year that I remember wanting something so specifically that it justified a place in the “don’t forget” file in my head. I dreamed about it almost every night. “What a car it would be” I remember thinking. I would park it by my bed and in the morning I would just roll over into it and drive it to the kitchen where mom would bring me my breakfast on a tray and I would drive over to the TV and watch cartoons while I ate. It would be red with a white stripe and everyone would know it was me when I rode by because no one else would have one like it. I would help mom in the yard hauling leaves and branches to the burn pile and would never let my sister ride in it. On nice days I would ride over to the neighbors
house and let them take turns while I rode them around the yard. It would be awesome! But Christmas came and there was no car under the tree and I really can’t remember being that disappointed. Maybe I wasn’t that
Charley’s Treasures by Charley Norton broken up about it because I had had so much fun with the car in my imagination that I was pretty tired of playing with it by the time Christmas came along. I did, however, get my first bike that year. It was a Cheetah Slick and one of the coolest bikes of all time. It was yellow and had a wide racing slick on the back and if I was awake, I was either on it or in trouble for being on it when or where I shouldn’t be. It was my best friend next to the three
legged cow that stayed in the pasture next to our house that used to come to the fence when I called and ate grass from my hand. Looking back, I’m really glad I got the bike instead of the car because I think it would be impossible for the car to live up to my expectations where the bike wasn’t expected and had nothing to live up to. Christmas brings out those visions of better things and better times that gives us all little pieces of joy and happiness if only in our mind and if only make believe. But we have to remember that everything imagined is always perfect but not always realistic. We have all read or heard about those people that have won the lottery and in a short time, become friendless and penniless. But when I imagine winning, it’s always good and there is never a downside unless I try to look at it realistically, which is something I try not to do. And why should I? Isn’t that the point of a dream or a wish? Making your dreams come true is great but for most of us, just dreaming is good too. I don’t think I would be happy if all of my dreams came true tomorrow anyway. I mean, it would be like reaching the end of the road before running out of gas or even wanting to stop. In this day and
time, we can’t all expect to get exactly what we want. But maybe we can imagine it and be thankful for what we have. With that, I think I’ll get into my Nissan GTR and speed down the Autobahn while being chased by two German cops and the staff from Top Gear. Charley Norton is co-owner of Norton’s Flooring, a company started by his mother and father in 1976. Norton’s Flooring products are in countless homes on Lake Wedowee and throughout the county.
The There’s something bittersweet about bubbles. In the eyes of a child, bubble-blowing is nothing short of magic. You dip your wand into a bottle, blow through the little plastic circle, and voila…bubbles of all sizes pour forth to sparkle in the sunlight and fly on the wind. Every bubble magician knows the joy is multiplied when you have with you a certified bubble catcher. This skilled professional chases after the bubbles to capture them in hand, only to discover the bitter truth—bubbles pop. Nevertheless, the cycle is repeated again and again. Dip, blow, catch, pop. Dip, blow, catch, pop. This goes on until either boredom sets in or the magic bubble potion runs dry. Searching for joy has much in common with blowing bubbles. We think we have it in hand, only to have it pop before our very eyes. Or we think we have discovered it within, but our well of joy somehow runs dry. Joy can be hard to come by. Part of the reason is that joy is often confused with happiness. Happiness can come and go, but joy remains constant through all of life’s ups and downs. Joy is hard to come by as well because it is not easily found or kept. All of us can remember receiving a Christmas present and feeling joyful, but in a few weeks, 40 Southern Holiday Life
of Christmas that feeling wore off. It is impossible for true joy to be found in material things because those things do not last. We get much closer to real joy when we spend time with family during the Christmas season. Year after year, we experience feelings of love and warmth welling up inside of us when all the
Christmas Joy by Cade Farris family gets together. There is much more lasting joy in relationships than in material possessions. But the sad reality is that our life on this earth will eventually come to an end. For this reason, Christmas for many brings sadness as we remember our loved ones who are no longer sharing Christmas with us. Human relationships are wonderful, but they cannot provide us with ultimate joy because those relationships are ultimately severed by death. What then is the source of true joy? The Christmas story found in Luke Chapter 2 tells us. The Bible says, “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy
that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:8-11, NIV) Great joy for all people is found in the gift of Jesus Christ, the Savior. Death cannot sever the joy of a personal relationship with Jesus because Jesus conquered death through His resurrection from the grave. Isaac Watts was an eighteenth century hymn writer, and he understood the joy that Jesus makes available to all who will receive him. Many Americans sing his lyrics every December:
Joy to the world! The Lord is come; Let earth receive her king; Let every heart prepare Him room, And heaven and nature sing, And heaven and nature sing, And heaven, and heaven, nature sing. This Christmas, may your heart prepare Him room, so the King can take His rightful throne in your life. And then you will sing with joy everlasting, a wellspring of joy that will never run dry. (John 4:13-14) With Christmas Joy, Cade Farris
Cade Farris became the new pastor of First Baptist Wedowee in August of this year. He can be reached at pastor@fbcwedowee.com or 256-357-2139
Southern Holiday Life 41
Recipes Most Christmas gatherings require food, so we asked our readers to share their favorite recipes for this time of year. We hope you enjoy!
Salty Snack Crax
Beef Stew Recipe
Kathy Avery
Naomi Wreyford
2 boxes of 11 oz Sunshine Oyster 2-3 Lbs. Beef Roast cut in bite Crackers size pieces 1 1/2 cups salad oil 1 onion Chopped 2 tsp dill weed Potatoes 1 pkg Original Ranch Dressing Carrots mix (dry) Cabbage 1.5 tbsps lemon pepper Okra Mix all ingredients, except crackers Corn in a large missing bowl. Toss in crackGreen Beans ers until all oil is absorbed. Put in tight Diced Tomatoes container for 24 hours and serve. Can Brown Beef and onion in large be frozen for 6-8 weeks and served stock pot. Add just enough water to after thawing. cover meat. Simmer 2-3 hours adding water as needed until meat is very tender. Add diced potatoes & Fresh Yellow carrots, remainder of vegetables Squash Casserole (add any veggies of your choice) Kathy Avery Season to your taste. Cook until all Grease 2.5 quart casserole dish. veggies are tender. 1.5 lb grated yellow squash Layered witch crushed saltines, salt & pepper to taste, grated onion to taste and dot each layer with butter. Over each layer pour a mixture of beaten eggs (2) and 2 cups milk, using about 1/3 of mixture on each layer. Top casserole with crushed saltines and butter- last 10 to 15 min cooking. Bake at 350 degrees about 1 hour and 10 min. The saltines absorb lots of liquid before baking, I test for liquid by mashing top layer with a fork and milk should seep to just below surface of fork.
Blueberry Salad Linda Stone
1 can (16 oz) blueberries 1 can (6.5 oz) crushed pineapple 2 pkg (3 oz) blackberry gelatin or black raspberry, or black cherry 2 cups water Dissolve gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water. Drain juice from blueberries & pineapple. Use all the pineapple juice add enough blueberry juice to make it one cup. Add juice to gelatin. Discard extra juice. Add drained fruit and congeal.
Topping: 1 oz pkg Cream cheese 1 cup sour cream 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 tsp Vanilla Mix together and put on top of the gelatin. Sprinkle with chopped nuts.
White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge Chere Toland
1-1/2 teaspoons plus 1/4 cup butter, softened, divided 2 cups sugar 1/2 cup sour cream 12 ounces white baking chocolate, chopped 1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow creme 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy 1/2 tsp peppermint extract Line a 9-in. square pan with foil. Grease the foil with 1-1/2 teaspoons butter; set aside. In a large heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, sour cream and remaining butter. Cook and stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Bring to a rapid boil; cook and stir until a candy thermometer reads 234째 (soft-ball stage), about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in white chocolate and marshmallow creme until melted. Fold in peppermint candy and extract. Pour into prepared pan. Chill until firm. Using foil, lift fudge out of pan. Gently peel off foil; cut fudge into 1-in. squares. Store in the refrigerator.
Lake Wedowee Life 43
The problem with most photos taken during the holidays or other special celebrations is that they don’t capture the special feeling of the season or event. Here is a photo checklist, along with five tips to help you photograph your holiday season.
create variety by taking candid shots of family and at social gatherings. Capture people while they’re engaged in conversation or as they’re opening a gift. Keep your camera batteries
Don't be afraid to get up close. Almost every digital camera has a Magnify or Macro button that lets you get close and create a much more interesting photo. There's nothing wrong with pictures that are posed, but you can
charged up and your camera nearby so you can catch spontaneous moments. Try to tell a story. Don’t just photograph the opening of the gifts. Photograph the process of selecting the gifts, wrapping them, and the mess that is left over after they are opened. This process is called photojournalism and has been growing in popularity in photography over the years. If you are shooting indoors during the day, make your portraits with your subjects standing near a window or door instead of
relying on the flash. The flash can cause red eye and give
by Amanda Causey your subject a harsh appearance. Looking at rows of people staring at the camera and smiling at you head-on can be a bit boring. If you want to take a photo of your family or friends, simply changing the angle and looking at a familiar scene from a new perspective can give it a brand new look.
To download and print a copy of this checklist please visit www.SouthernHolidayLife.com
Place Lake Wedowee Life really loves to support local businesses and we encourage you to do the same this Christmas season. Our advertisers offer great gifts for the whole family and here is just a sampling… Visit the stores and you will be impressed with the unique treasures that are available in the Lake Wedowee area! Merry Christmas & Happy Shopping!
Don’t forget your pet this Christmas. Wedowee Marine has lifejackets for your four-legged friends.
Eco-bags are a big hit this year and you can get yours at The Stuff Store. They can also be personalized
Sheppard’s Jewelry offers Lennox Christmas Ornaments and china. Sock Monkeys are available at H&M Drugs.
Take your wine in style with these stylish carriers from Midway Treasures.
Lakeside Marina has great decorative item for your lake house.
Ashland Pharmacy offers great Christmas serving pieces.
Lakeside Marina has gifts for your favorite fisherman. Ashland Pharmacy has a variety of picture frames that are surely to please.
H&M Drugs has a variety of Christmas serving dishes available for that Holiday Party. Take notes in style with this pewter note holder at The Stuff Store. Plan for next year with a wakeboard from Wedowee Marine which also has all your lake fun needs.
These barrettes available at Sheppard’s Jewelry can accent in a variety of ways.
Add a little kick to your favorite wine or sparkling juice with these mixes available at Midway Treasures.
To see more of what our local retail advertisers have to offer this holiday season, visit our facebook fan page. Www.facebook.com/ lakewedoweelife
48 Southern Holiday Life
Index of Advertisers A & E Metal
37
Midway Treasures
16
Affordable Tire & Repair
39
Norton's Floor Covering
23
AGL
22
Parker House Antiques
41
Alabama Power
3
Perryland Foods
16
Ashland Pharmacy
20
RE/MAX Lakefront Grady & Linda Stone
15
Bank of Wedowee
17
RE/MAX Lakefront, Josephine McGuire
20
Brian Morris
10
RE/MAX Lakefront, Kelly and Leisel Caldwell
31
Chad Lee, Attorney At Law
39
RE/MAX Lakefront
13
Charles Thompson Construction
35
Satellite Specialist
29
Chris May, Circuit Clerk
10
Scott Evans Automotive Group
2
City Auto Parts
41
Scott Hewitt, Attorney at Law
43
Clay Automotive
52
Sew Classy
16
D & S Marine
39
Sheppard's Jewelry
15
David Cofield, Randolph Co. Sheriff
35
Sledge Kut and Kurl
37
Docks Plus More
23
SmallTown Bank
48
Dr. Michael Edwards
16
Southern Home Comfort
16
Dukes Jewelry
37
Southern Union State Community College
41
Fiberglass Unlimited
48
State Farm Insurance
37
First Capital Insurance
41
Steele Chiropractic
45
First State Bank
33
Summit Storage
45
George Diamond, Probate Judge
39
Superior Gas
48
H& M Drugs
23
Tallapoosa River Electric Coop
35
Halls Propane
6
TEC Security
33
Joe Lambert Appraisal Services
17
The Stuff Store
9
Josh Burns, Revenue Commissioner
23
W & M Grocery
19
Kesa Johnston, Attorney at Law
31
Wedowee Building Supplies
20
Lagrange Women's Health
41
Wedowee Lake and Lands
43
Lakeside Grill
51
Wedowee Landscape
37
Lakeview Auto Service
31
Wedowee Marine
11
Mac McKinney Properties
45
Wellborn Cabinet
15
Main Street Animal Hospital
43
Williamsburg Manor
33 Southern Holiday Life 49
Facebook Fan Top 10
Watching movies with the family is always a must during the holiday season. Laughing and crying while snuggled under a blanket or in front of a fire with loved ones seems to make the holiday season complete! We asked our Facebook Fans to tell us their holiday movie and why. Here are our poll results:
1. A Christmas Story Kesa Johnston Dunn - A Christmas story is my fave because it reminds me so much of the chaos in my parents home at Christmas and how joyous being a child truly is!!!!
causing a power drain at the local nuclear power plant I could go on and on....LOL
3. It’s A Wonderful Life Kelly Caldwell - "It's a Wonderful Life" is my favorite because every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings!
7. Polar Express Martha Shows Burnett - We watch the Polar Express every year with our grandsons, then we go to ride the Polar Express train. It has become a Christmas tradition.
4. The Grinch Wendy Franklin - The Grinch is my favorite because I have watched it every year for as far back as I can remember. It lets me know Christmas is on the way and to remember the real meaning of Christmas LOVE no matter what happens! Andy Petty - As timeless as a film can be, every generation will discover and fall in love with "A Christmas Story!" It is the most watched Christmas film in America every year and I'm sure the whole family can sit in front of the tube and quote the entire film word-forword. Kristi Foster - I LOVE LOVE LOVE "A Christmas Story"...there is no funnier holiday movie that hits so close to home!! That could easily be my family!!!! LOL!!
2. National Lampo on’s Christmas Vacation Shelley Lowery Rainey - I absolutely love all things Christmas including every movie posted!! Christmas Vacation has to be my fave though because I can literally pull this one out all year long and laugh every time I watch it. Sharon Lynne - National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation; because it is a "Yule Time Crack Up!" I love the quest for "The Griswald Family Christmas Tree" - blinding the neighbors and
5. Home Alone Vera Blank - It is funny, that is the kind of movies we need at Christmas, because a lot of people at this time of the year are sad and don't have family to celebrate the season . Everyone needs something to laugh about. Beau Causey - Kevin is smarter than Harry and Marv and it's funny when they get hurt.
8. Miracle on 34th Street Sharon Browness - Miracle on 34th street !!! The original black and white... it is so innocent and full of the holiday spirit.
9. Miracle in the Wilderness Sandra Meadows - A movie called, "Miracle in the Wilderness.” It stars Kris Kristofferson, and is set in the Old West. it tells the Christmas story from the Native American perspective. His wife is captured, and Kris goes to rescue her. They tell the story of Christ's birth to the chief. It was on TV many years ago. I would love to see it again.
10. Love Actually Charlene White - Love Actually is my favorite Christmas movie and I have to watch it every year during the holidays. The movie brings back memories 6. White Christmas of young love for me, but with a touch Bob Blunt - The thought and feeling of sadness for lost love, unrequited love that a superior could elicit such concern and friendships. I laugh, cry and sing and compassion was intriguing when I along with the songs from the movie. first saw it...That still feels a lot like To participate in our next poll , or to see what Christmas is about. other results of this poll be sure to visit www.facebook.com/LakeWedoweeLife.