A Candy Makers Witness

Did you know whay 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 somewhat 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

Candy Cane Making Field Trip

Field Trip Mom

Today I took my kids to a very special place, Logan's Candy shop. It is located in Ontario, Ca. The shop is located on "B" Street in a quiet neighborhood.  My friend Rachel her two kids, my friend Paula and her son plus my two sons arrived at 5pm for the candy demonstration. We joined my MOMS club who had booked this field trip. As we waited outside the big window we began to see that it would be a sweet experience. In the crowd was lots of little faces waiting to see the magic of the candy-maker. When the demonstration began I completely forgot to record video. I began to turn into a child and fell into a child like state of wondering what it would be to taste a freshly made candy cane. I had been here before, but the idea  of eating something so organic(wink wink) felt magical. There the candy-maker began to work his magic of boiling, mixing, pulling, cutting and bending sugar.  In an instant I was acting like a child. Walking back and forth trying to see what the candy-maker was creating. I turned to my friend and told her that it sucked to be short. This was one of those times I wanted to be 6 feet tall. I wanted  taller shoes, so I could see every detail of the candy making process.  As you will see I struggled to get great pictures of the event. Sorry for the terrible condition of the pictures.

After a little while we were escorted inside to see the rest of the demonstration, which included tasting the product. Jerry the candy maker, made fresh candy canes for us to purchase and take home. We also received candy cane samples that were hot and tasty. I wondered if I could microwave my store boxed candy canes to get the same results? Since driving  45 miles again seemed a little extreme for fresh candy canes. The tour was over very quickly  after the candy tasting began. Soon I found myself with kids asking for more candy canes. My kids were very gentle in asking... "Mom buy me this bag of candy." Mom can we by more candy canes?"  We bought a few candy canes to share with friends and family.  The drive was worth it. My kids had a great time getting together with friends and tasting freshly made handmade candy canes. Everyone should try it at least once. Can't go then take a look at the video I found on YouTube for you. (I did not take good video, because I was busy eating candy canes. Sorry.)


Here is video from 2010 found on YouTube for you:

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

Let's begin with saying "Thank You"!

I want to say thank you to everyone who has read my blog and who continues to read it. I hope that my writing has inspired you and touched you. My hope is to challenge you to do more and love more.  What you did not know was that every post was written with fear. I was fearful no one would read my posts.  As of today "Field Trip Mom" has received over 30,000 views on this blog. I am very thankful to everyone who has 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, 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.

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

In the Middle of the Night....

In the middle of the night when all my work is done, I get a free moment. I am usually the most creative, because everyone has been taken care of for the day. Sometimes I write a little poetry. It brings me back to when I first began to love writing. I would like to share with you something I wrote:

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 a man
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 protected and adored
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. Everyone needs to get to school and work. That is when crazy takes over.


Happy Holidays,

Alma like Alma Mater

Family Life + Work Life

This week I have been trying to figure out how to balance family + work.  It has been a very busy week with lots of commitments and lots of traffic to battle. I am enjoying the friendships at work and the interaction with professionals. It is all so unreal right now for me. Trying to go from stay at home mom to working mom needs a little getting use to. I only wish I had a magic wand to do all the other things like washing dishes, cleaning the toilet, washing clothes, ironing, groceries and watering the plants. In the meantime, since I don't have a magic wand, I will use motivational quotes to get me  through the new changes.  

These are the quotes that I love to read and keep near me. I hope you enjoy them too.

“When we least expect it, life sets us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change; at such a moment, there is no point in pretending that nothing has happened or in saying that we are not ready. The challenge will not wait. Life does not look back. A week is more than enough time for us to decide whether or not to
accept our destiny.” Paulo Coelho

"Don't say you don't have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michaelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein.”

H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

May your weekend be fruitful and exciting! 

Don't be afraid to post a comment. I enjoy reading them and I could really use them this week.

Wordless Week....

Succulents are my favorite

What is a succulent? The best known succulents are cacti (family: Cactaceae). Virtually all cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti. There is a significant difference between succulents that evolved in Africa and those that evolved in the Americas, the New World plants called cacti all have spines. No succulent plants arising in the Old World have spines although, through parallel evolution, there are similar species in the Old World that closely resemble species in the new world that do have spines. The functional nature of the shapes evolved independently in each hemisphere, even though the specific structures may differ. The spines of cacti arose from leaf structures. This process may be confused with convergent evolution that occurs in species that are related more closely.
Succulent plants, also known as succulents or fat plants, are water-retaining plants adapted to arid climates or soil conditions. Succulent plants store water in their leaves, stems, and also in roots. Geophytes that survive unfavourable periods by dying back to underground storage organs such as tuberous roots, corms, bulbs, and rhizomes, may be regarded as succulents.
 (reference-Wikipedia)

I have a true love for plants. My favorite is succulents. I grow them in pots and arrange them to look very decorative. My dream is to someday have a large garden to plant lots and lots of beautiful succulents. In the meantime, I enjoy the small amount of plants I have in my house. Taking pictures of things I love instead of collecting them to clutter my house has helped. I keep a photo journal of succulents around town and on my field trips. Here is what I have found:

Succulents require little attention and little water. You can make them into wreaths or just be creative with how you use them.

Garland Succulents add a very chic feel to your patio or backyard area.

Heart succulents are so little and very romantic. These are hard to find succulents.

Art work - An old door has new life with Succulents.

Martha Stewart how to make a Wreath using Succulents.

http://www.marthastewart.com/270811/succulent-wreath

If you like what you see, please comment or email me.  Happy Holidays! 

Coming soon - Thanksgiving

Norman Rockwell

Thanksgiving is coming soon. Around this time I am reminded of all the things I am thankful for and all the blessings I have around me. I have the love of my husband, great loving kids, the support of my family and friends. Most important is that everyone is happy and healthy. I am very lucky to have  a world filled with love and friendship.  May the road always rise to meet you.


Be Thankful Thanksgiving Poem

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfilment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.

From Prayer and Prayers