11/29/11

A Candy Makers Witness.

Did you know why the candy cane has those stripes and how it got it's shape?  A candy maker wanted to make a candy that would be a witness of his faith, so he made the Christmas Candy Cane. He incorporated several symbols of the birth, ministry, and death of Jesus Christ.

He began with a stick of pure white hard candy. White to symbolize the Virgin Birth and sinless nature of Jesus; and hard to symbolize the Solid Rock, the foundation of the Church, and the firmness of the promises of God.

The candy maker made the candy in the form of a "J" to represent the precious name of Jesus, who came to earth as the Savior of all mankind. It could also represent the staff of the Good Shepherd with which He reaches down into the ditches of the world to lift out the fallen lambs, who, like all sheep have gone astray.

Thinking that the candy was some what plain, the candy maker stained it with several small red stripes representing the stripes Jesus received when He was beaten before His Crucifixion; the stripes that the Bible says we are healed by. The large red stripe is for the blood shed by Christ on the cross that mankind would have the promise of eternal life.

As time passed the candy became known simply as a candy cane. It is now a standard decoration we see at Christmas time, but not nearly carrying the meaning that was originally intended. But the meaning is still there to those who have "eyes to see." Perhaps this story of the origin of the "candy cane" will help you to witness the wonder of God's Gift at this blessed time of the year.

Source: Santa Search

11/21/11

Candy Cane Making Field Trip to Logan's Candy Shop

Christmas and Candy Cane's go hand in hand.  Today, I took my friends and family to a very special place where they make candy cane's by hand.  Logan's Candy Shop is located at 125 W. "B" Street, Ontario, Ca 91762.  Every winter Jerry, the shop owner, hosts handmade candy demonstrations most evenings at his candy store.  Reservations can usually be made starting in September by calling the store.  If you have a small party or it is late fall, you may want to call to see if he has any cancellations.


The candy cane demonstration begins outside the shop.  Patrons gather outside the big store windows to see the candy maker twist, mold and create sweet treats for us.  The moment is very magical with the cold weather outside and festive candy being made. Standing there you will want to reach in and take a bite.  Be patient kiddos, everyone gets to try warm, freshly made peppermint candy canes as part of the tour.




After watching the candy being boiled in a large copper kettle, poured onto the cool granite counter top and folded over and over on the table, we were escorted inside to see the rest of the demonstration.  Jerry made the whole process seem effortless.  In what seemed just a few minutes, he had us tasting fresh candy canes. 

In the picture above, you can see all the beautiful candy canes ready for tasting.  There weren't any candies left after we got done sampling. This was a field trip we won't soon forget.  The experience got us into the spirit of the season.  Happy Holidays.

Here is video from 2010 found on YouTube for you:



Disclaimer: This was not a sponsored event. We paid a group rate to attend this demonstration. All thoughts and opinions are all my own.

11/19/11

What I am most thankful for this holiday season...

Let's begin with saying "Thank You"!


I want to say thank you to all who have read my blog and who continue to read it. I hope that my writing inspires and touches you. My hope is to challenge you to do more and love more.  

What you should know is that every post that has been written was done with fear. I was fearful no one would read them.  As of today "Field Trip Mom" has received hundreds of visitors on this blog. I am very thankful to all who have read my posts. 

Thank you!!!

What makes me so Thankful this holiday season:

The luckiest girl is me! I am married to a wonderful man who supports my Lucille Ball hair-brain ideas and does not complain. 
I am thankful for him and for his love. He loves me unconditionally and with all his heart. (Tim, I hope you know I love you with all my heart too!)

The luckiest mom in the world is me! My oldest son told me the other day he loves his life. He gave me a hug and said he always loves to go places. My youngest son tells me I am the most beautiful mommy. I won the lottery when it comes to having a fun and loving family. Love my kids to the end of the Universe and back.
  
I have the best friends a girl could ever have in the world. Although I can't name all that inspire me, but I will name a few: Araceli, Brenda, Cathy, Janiece, Letty, Paula, Rachel, Senida, Susan, Violeta and Mrs.Hui have believed in me and have encourage my hair-brain ideas. These ladies are only a few of many great people that are in my life. They love me just the way I am with all my faults. Great people who have shown me unconditional love. I am thankful for having them in my life. Thank you!

In the end I am thankful for all the things I did not get, because things happen for a reason. Thank you God for all your blessings and all your gifts.

Happy Holidays!!!


Alma like Alma Mater


11/18/11

In the Middle of the Night....

In the middle of the night when all my work is done, I Sometimes write a little poetry. It brings me back to when I first began to love writing.  My draft of what is happening right now in my head. 

I wonder...
I often wonder what you will be when you grow-up
I wonder how you will look and what you will do when you are all grown-up. 
I wonder if you will remember all the fun field trips we shared.
I wonder if you will love paper and pencils just the way I do.
I wonder if I showed you enough love and kindness.
I wonder if you feel loved, protected and cared for. 
Most of all I wonder if you have learned that I love you with all my heart

In the middle of the night, when everything is quiet, I often think how lucky I am to have such a loving family. Then morning comes and my day begins. Rushing to get ready, to eat, to leave, to make it on time. I hope I will remember to slow down enough to love and be loved.

Happy Holidays,

Alma like Alma Mater

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