🤦‍♀️I HAVE TO BE READY FOR CHRISTMAS BY FRIDAY! | 1 Hour+ Christmas Prep Video

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I may not recognize your face out and about, but your kind comments, shared stories, and support have made us friends. I hear from many of you that you feel like you're hanging out with a friend when you watch my videos. I, too, feel like I'm with friends when I read the comments here on KZbin and the cards sent to my PO Box. Thank you.
If you'd like to visit my website www.acountry-life.com to view and order my cookbooks, I'd be happy to ship them out to you next Tuesday. Now available: aprons, spatulas, baseball caps.
S H O P T H I S V I D E O
Amish Cooking Class cookbook amzn.to/3Q5jX79
stainless steel measuring cups amzn.to/3BRGWwS (50% off today)
stainless steel paddle for mixer amzn.to/3WhuBtN (19% off today)
my spatula www.acountry-life.com/product...
Nordic baking sheets amzn.to/3FHzx4h (34% off today)
Spurtle amzn.to/3V9wszy
Pyrex glass bowl set amzn.to/3WhB1cm
For more items used or mentioned in today's video click here
www.amazon.com/shop/acountrylife
Forgotten Way Farms / @forgottenwayfarms
A Country Life cookbooks and other merch
www.acountry-life.com
Are you new? Sign up for my weekly newsletter email here
➡️Newsletter signup Sign up for my Monday Newsletter here: mailchi.mp/b5285cf875a2/count...
📫📫📫 Business or Personal Mail
A Country Life
PO Box 33
Pittsville, WI 54466
👀To see the products we use and recommend from Amazon visit our Amazon Store at: www.amazon.com/shop/acountrylife
THANK YOU!!
Music from Filmora and bensound.com and incompetech.com/music (Creative Commons License) and KZbin Music Library.
Hi friends! I'm Jennifer, a forty-something wife and mother of 7 children ages 9 - 25. We are Catholic. We homeschool. We cook from scratch. We farm cranberries. We drink coffee. We advocate for Down syndrome awareness. We are loud. We are chaotic.
Here I'll share vlogs about all these things, what I'm doing that works and what I've tried but didn't work. I hope to encourage you in your journey through motherhood, homeschooling, learning to cook, and growing in your faith through it all.
Business Inquiries OR Collaborations [e-mail]
For written blogs you can find me at camphomeschool.blogspot.com/
Instagram / acountry_life
Facebook / camphomeschool
This post contains affiliate links. Please know if a purchase is made through one of these links I receive a small percentage of the sale. Thank you for shopping through my links.
Time4Learning is working great for us this year!!
www.time4learning.com/signup/...
#acountrylife #REALLIFEMOMVLOG #countrychristmas #christmasprep

[@acountrylife]

My least favorite thing to wash is the big roaster insert. It's a little sharp around the edges and I'm always a little worried about cutting myself. I know a woman who slit her thumb nearly off washing her insert. It required multiple surgeries to repair and she never did regain full feeling in her thumb. What about you; what do you hate to wash?

[@brittanyb9357]

This story is horrifying! I personally hate washing anything with any kind of grease on it, the feeling on my hands drives me crazy! Love your hair wavy!

[@mollysmith6055]

Yikes, now I'm going to think of that story every time I wash my roaster insert. My least favorite to wash are my cast iron pans. There is so much pressure on not taking too much off of the seasoning but still getting them clean and then having to re-season them every time.

[@karenhopper1691]

I hate washing my food processor. Always difficult.

[@hello_0768]

The giant turkey roaster insert .have a giant old one blah bigger than the sink lol

[@patriciakoester1580]

Big Roaster insert too 👍

[@lindaprenger7572]

Jennifer you are such a loving, caring mom. I got teary when you were talking about Joe’s next appointment and holding his face you could just see the love between you and Joe! Your kids love and respect you and Warren, it warms my heart!

[@lochlannoamsgrandma5252]

The way he cradled his cheek in his mamas hand made me cry ..... Jennifer your so blessed 🥰😍🤩😘

[@tammifields4142]

Soo Sweet!💙🤗💙

[@darlenes1222]

Your patience with Joe makes my heart smile. A friend has worked in special ed and with special needs children for years and I work as a volunteer for many events she has with them, I love it and have a love for the students and their families. Thank you for sharing your cookie making with Joe.

[@maryjemison1101]

Beautiful Educated Mother ❤❤

[@francesbyrd1512]

I love this family 😊❤

[@brendawilliams6133]

Joe is awesome. I love his smile. The way you work with him is amazing . Thanks for sharing your life with us.

[@tarabelinskas5482]

Your hair is gorgeous and Joe is a treasure. Love your videos.

[@Bex-rg8pj]

Jennifer and Warren, you are such an inspiration for everyone ❤

[@tammifields4142]

Agree!

[@valorieletkeman8992]

I am not quite sure why, this was one of the sweetest videos, for some reason you guys made my eyes leak. Thank you and May God's Blessings be yours in the New Year!!!

[@deniselakatos5418]

Hi Jennifer. This has to be one of your best videos. I get such a warm feeling watching your family. Joe in an apron, helping you with the cookies--priceless! Maria is a wonderful helper and I am glad she is feeling better. She has grown so much! And Peter is such a joy. Please let Peter know that I "hate" washing my roaster insert (just like you with the same worries)--and I also get as wet as he did!! Tell Warren that his new snow shovel blade is a beauty! Always like getting a glimpse of Nick, Emily and Amber--and that little Colt--he has the best smile. I said this before but the Brockmans are what a family should be. ps: I liked you hair in this video--very becoming. Hugs.

[@jaynebennett3401]

I’ve said this before but I just love Joe! I worked with Special need children for 28 years and miss the kids desperately! Spritz and chocolate crinkles are my favorite cookies . Did you know that 3 TBS of unsweetened cocoa and 1 TBS of oil equal 1 unsweetened chocolate square.

[@carolynlancaster2183]

Hey Jennifer. I rarely comment but I wanted to let you know what a blessing you are to me. This has not been a good year. Very long story but after 3 hip surgeries in less than 2 months my husband was diagnosed with lymphoma. Getting ready for second round of chemo but it looks good. God is our healer and we are completely trusting Him. I say all that to say my life has been turned up side down but I found your channel and I’ve watched you hours and hours everyday. I actually go to sleep every night with your video on. I love your family. You and Warren are great parents and I love your children. Joe makes my heart smile. Peter and Maria are just precious. I love how they help you in the kitchen. Thank you for sharing your family.

[@jennawinkelman8260]

Sending love and prayers.

[@madelinechriston8970]

Jennifer, I love you! That was the cutest thing when you said, "these are not the chocolate stars of yesteryear!". You sounded like a woman straight out of 1942!❤ Here in NY, they sell chocolate stars in square boxes that say chocolate stars on the box. Trader Joe's sells them every year too, but I'm not sure if you have one near you. Either way, you made me giggle out loud - adorable....

[@renekiser2552]

This made my heart happy seeing a glimpse of all your kids home for Christmas. ❤

[@treenaakers9429]

My Joseph had AV canal repair at 6 months. I missed that part of his life because I adopted him age age 4. He is 30 yrs old now. He had to get a pacemaker at age 21 which was an unexpected emergency surgery but he has done amazing. We go to the cardio tomorrow for a pacemaker check and he will likely have a replacement surgery in 2023 since they have a 10 yr battery life. I love being able to share 'Joe' stories with you

[@cyndis9314]

Love the video. So many great things going on in this video, that I don’t even know where to begin to comment! FYI Peter: I usually look just like you did after washing dishes. I’m soaked! This video helped me to extend the Christmas season a little longer. I love that. I always think it is over too quickly, so thanks for sharing your family and Christmas with us. The food looked so good and everything was just beautiful.

[@CindyKinney]

My worst thing to hand wash is my crockpot liner after baking beans. It's not so much the crust that's around the edges, but the heft of the thing. It's like wrestling with the dang thing. It's very heavy. Your mom is right, Peter. You are not alone when it comes to washing stuck on food inside a casserole dish. We all hate it. This was a wonderful video, Jennifer. All your goodies and appetizers looked so inviting.

[@kimholcomb4813]

I agree with you about the crockpot liner. ACK!!

[@CindyKinney]

Hi, Kim. I knew I couldn't be the only one that struggles with that thing. Happy New Year to you and your family.

[@janetlavoie2441]

Such a hard time to have family wide illness❤ I hate washing the baked on casserole pans too Peter.

[@lizarce272]

I Love how he calls you, Yes Sir!!! Too funny, especially after you correct him.. too funny!

[@yvettegerry9862]

Peter is right casserole pans ☹️love your hair ! Joe is a sweetheart ❤ praying for you Maria 🙏 she has the right idea you have to taste the cookies 🍪 maybe add a can of green beans and a can of corn to your stew soup ,looks good . Love the way you have taught Joe how to ask for help he is so dear ❤ pepper steak looks delicious 🍚

[@janicehaney1771]

Jennifer,Joe is such a cute sweetheart, and you can tell he certainly loves his mom... Take care guys!

[@tammifields4142]

💙🤗💙

[@shirleywarner8831]

Nice to see everyone involved in making the food for Christmas.

[@kate31184]

I have to admit, I kinda get a kick out of the “yes sir!” “Yes ma’am!” interaction. I teach 5th grade, and a student kept saying yes sir to me. I corrected him every time, and finally I figured out that he didn’t know “sir” was for men. He thought it was just a respectful thing to say 😂

[@brown2796]

Hahaha I love how you mutter “patience” to yourself! It’s so tough having kids in the kitchen when you’re in a hurry! 😂

[@nancycoy9510]

Joe is to cute. Love his smile, it is beautiful.

[@juliewalters74]

Jennifer, I love how you teach your children life skills. I was so happy to see you showing Peter how to wrap a gift. You are a wonderful person!

[@acountrylife]

Thank you so much!

[@stevenpaultann25]

I’m so pleased the children are feeling better, what a time you’ve had! Joe is becoming a delightful young man, I have seen him change (as you said) over the past year or so. He appears more measured and calm these days. Thank you for a lovely vlog, even though it’s early January in real time. Hope you had an enjoyable Christmas.😊

[@hopelk]

The 12 count cupcake/muffin tin if I don't have cupcake papers is my least fave to wash...I grew up in the 50's and we never used the papers...I was the youngest & this was everyone's least fave to wash(altho we all liked the cupcakes!!!) so I always had to do the pans!....I feel your pain Peter!!! Everything looked so yummy!!!... Happy New Year everyone! Keep the Faith, Always, Hope🙏💗🌹🌞⛄

[@rachelaaroen2186]

Your hair looks beautiful in this vlog! I'm with Peter, casserole dishes with baked on food are the worst. So nice to see everyone feeling better. I bought powdered vanilla so I could try making your hot chocolate mix but now I can't find the recipe! Do you remember which video it's in?

[@patriciamcintire]

hey Jennifer, I always put some soapy water in my casserole dish after we eat the food,and set it back into the warm oven,cleans all the crust and food off,then after it cools in comes clean with a sponge...HAPPY NEW YEAR!

[@beccathesuburbanmom...8052]

Oh thank you for that tip!

[@debkritzer2577]

GREAT NEWS FOR JOE!!! You must feel such relief after great appointments! I remember what torture it was getting all of the kiddos to the docs for shots etc. Being a new mom I remember my main goal was keeping them alive lol My mom was a great mom but not very hands on. Her theory and advice was "you'll learn from all of the mistakes you'll make" so I spent much of my life in those years PRAYING and definitely growing my faith! It absolutely worked.. I did it..I kept all 6 of them alive..as well as their dad who was my kid #7 and a klutz! Anyway that went way off track lol Im so happy for you and Joe..what a wonderful Christmas present!!

[@loriketring345]

Loved the video Jennifer. Thanks for sharing it with us. Peace. Enjoying your 2nd cookbook. Take care all. Thumbs up.

[@beverleypicard2116]

Why does joe make me so happy . He's such a sweetie . And hes a character.

[@merediths.6955]

When Joe said he wasn’t really sure what the doctor said I got a good laugh because I feel the same way sometimes after some of my appointments! Tell Peter my least favorite thing to was is the broiler pan!!

[@debgordon6542]

Lol, me too. Goes in one ear and out of the other, unless it's a kids appt then I'm taking notes.

[@jackieburnett6881]

You are a wonderful mom! You have such patience with Joe! He is precious and a gift from God!!

[@angelarothbauer8096]

Peter isn’t alone in the casserole dish washing- hi Joe and Maria is a doll

[@daynanorthington6333]

Glad you all are feeling better. I love seeing Joe (really all of your kids) in your videos. He has the the best smile and he always makes me smile. Happy New Year to you all.

[@beckyoverstreet7478]

Love all the tips you give us from your personal experiences while cooking . We can possibly not have to experience them when we r cooking since you warned us about certain things.. best to do things slower versus fast and less mistakes will be made especially when doubling batches of food up! I hope that you have an audience of young cooks I’ve been cooking from scratch for 43 years now so I know a few things , no fancy cooking just basic good country style cooking .Blessings

[@Heavncentt]

SUPER excited for the long video. Yayy! I always keep cans of chicken breast in my food storage, it is what we use to make homemade chicken salad. When you were looking at the rotisserie at over $12, my mind immediately went to "Jennifer, get the big pack of canned chicken!". :)

[@lynnebrown-hardy1566]

Love seeing Joe in the red apron and his hat baking cookies. And he is so polite.

[@amyomalley1041]

Peter I agree with you, casserole dishes are bad but the worst for me is a broiler pan. Jennifer your hair looks really cute like that. I'm glad everyone is getting better. Always fun watching Joe on the kitchen. Hope y'all had a fun blessed Christmas!

[@mollysmith6055]

Your hair looks so pretty left wavy, Jennifer. When I'm out of unsweetened baking chocolate I substitute 3 tablespoons cocoa powder and one tablespoon of either shortening or butter and it works out fine. Sorry the bug hit Maria so hard. I've been sick since Thanksgiving, this one is hard to get rid of. Hooray for a good checkup, Joe! I'm hoping to make up for missing Christmas by making Valentine cookies with my grandkids. It will be just as fun. Thank you for sharing your Christmas, it reminds me of happy days of my childhood.

[@kelliejackson1191]

I really like your hair in this video. You have a wonderful relationship with Joseph. It is enjoyable to watch him in the kitchen. I hope you and your family had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

[@deidrecruickshank7975]

It's lovely to see Maria laugh! My least favourite thing to wash is a cold mashed potato pot. No matter how silky smooth you get it, it still has a gross texture when you're washing it!Happy New Year everyone ✨️ from Dee in New Zealand 🇳🇿 ❤️

[@patriciajackson5870]

I enjoyed the video! Thank you. I don't like cleaning the broiler pan.

[@cathylarkin5664]

Jennifer, I know it has been acknowledged before that you are so real but I must say it again. How you get done what you do amazes me. I can so relate to your comments about laying out gifts for the different recipients to see that all receive gifts that, in total, have the same perceived value (not necessarily the same price); this has challenged me for years! You look like you had a wonderful Christmas celebration with your family. Just a quick suggestion if you were not already aware...The substitution for one ounce of unsweetened chocolate is 3 tbsp. Cocoa powder plus one tbsp.of shortening.

[@allabremer6173]

Joe could have his own show! He’s so fun. Your hair is beautiful curled too

[@tamwillie2039]

I love your family! Reminds me of mine, some grown kids, some grandkids and some younger kids still left at home! I love it!

[@anneanderson5016]

The snow makes everything look so beautiful your cookies looks delicious Joe is a lovely young man and you is always showing him how to do different things and your love 😍 shows that you are very proud of him that is so beautiful you have a beautiful loving family may God keep blessing you and your family always

[@billiejobardo3906]

God bless all. I with Peter on the cleaning of the casserole pans. Ugh! Love seeing all the kids but Joe melts my heart god bless🙏🙏🙏

[@RobinMarconeCassidyRN]

I don't know how you do it Jennifer but after what you tackle in a day, I will never complain about my job again. 😊 So much respect💗 By the way, I'm with Peter....I dislike washing large pots and casserole dishes. 😁

[@acountrylife]

Every job has its highs and lows and that’s what we do…conquer them!!

[@MyFavoriteColorIsBLUE]

I'm glad that you are all feeling better Jen

[@wandanewton7885]

Love your family!!

[@tammyhalderman2031]

Lovely video!❤️

[@redcreekfarm4305]

Love the memories of your mom!❤

[@shelleysteeves5921]

Peter, I’m with you! Burnt on casserole mess is the worst❗️🇨🇦

[@cumberlandquiltchic1]

I hated to see your video end! I was ready to sit down and enjoy the festivities and openening of presents with you! Lol Everything looked delicious and it was fun to see how it all came together. Looks like you had a Merry Christmas! Thanks for sharing.

[@henrycooks1883]

Jennifer if you ever find yourself out of unsweetened chocolate the substitution is 1 Tablespoon shortening and 3 Tablespoons of natural cocoa powder, it is equal to a 1 ounce square, melt and blend together. I don't know if you remember but years ago bakers unsweetened chocolate used to come in an 8 ounce package, with 8 squares wrapped by themselves, I have a really old brownie recipe that calls for the whole package, which is half the size now. I use this substitution a lot and it works great.

[@acountrylife]

I do remember that and that’s why I still have to pay close attention when using the baking bar.

[@jgg650]

Least favorite thing to wash, and I think everyone here agrees, is the air fryer basket! It's awkwardly heavy and you're never really sure if it's thoroughly clean...

[@feleciaphillips6388]

Love the hats! The aprons are adorable too!

[@marydrew2583]

Jen, your artichoke dip looks fabulous! I'm going to make it, holiday or not! Thank you for your exceptional presentations!

[@nancybratek2461]

I absolutely love the birch tree!!!!

[@cynthiacook7768]

Love your hair in this vlog!

[@jackieburnett6881]

I agree with you Peter! That’s a bummer!! You are a wonderful son to help mom

[@lisabalkun6503]

I agree with Peter.Happy New Year's.❤❤❤

[@bktrailmix27]

Your videos are such a blessing

[@skihouse5757]

I grew up eating spritz cookies and then making them as an adult, it is always hard to get the first ones out. I love how the sprinkles roll everywhere on the pan, same thing happens to me. Living in the south now, people are unfamiliar with Spritz cookies so I have to educate them.

[@yvettegerry9862]

The snow and trees are beautiful! Thank you Happy New Year 🎈🎉🎈🎉

[@lauraknoop1877]

Lovely family gathering and spread!

[@beckymiller2185]

❤️

[@marieholzwasser9224]

Wowie!! Some beautiful back road scenery!! Merry Christmas.

[@robina1147]

Hi Jennifer, I loved this vlog! I'm with you about the fair gift giving and as I have adult children, spouses and grandchildren it gets more challenging. My husband doesn't think anyone would notice but I feel the same way you do about it and can sometimes agonize over the process more than I like.

[@rosemaryp3253]

Thank you, I really enjoyed this.

[@cynthiafrance6741]

always so much fun ,, thanx for always sharing

[@sharlenedegazon-legay9746]

Hello Joe! Belated Christmas and New Years greetings to you and your family Jennifer!

[@sharonpeta2390]

Love watching your channel. I’m glad Joe”s appointment went well.

[@debbiewilson2247]

Wow, everything looked so wonderful nicely presented, & yummy!! You always do such a great job with things! Hope you & your family had a wonderful Christmas!!

[@paulaelves5160]

i love the simplicity of the birch tree,a few lights and the candy cane is all it needs, simply stunning xx

[@christileach4644]

Dearest Jen - oh, we understand the “sickness”! We were sick for a week before Christmas and a week after. Our fam is much smaller, though. I know you said this was 12/16 - we trust you’re better now. Much love! ❤️ xo

[@tanyawillie6839]

Our tree this year was a birch tree. We used fairy lights that are on a wire. Been doing this a few years. We love it

[@louisebrown8175]

Fabulous. Nothing better than family ❤️

[@ubwaterman]

We Love your channel!! always look forward to seeing a new video. Love that Joe!!!

[@karenhopper1691]

I love your hair wavy! I ordered my apron and can't wait to receive it! I love the way you and Joe interact. You're a fantastic mother! I hope you had a Merry Christmas. God Bless you and your family this year!❤🙏

[@journeyofamidwestquilter]

My least favorite thing to wash is my big crockpot crock! I love using my 7-quart crockpot, but that crock is so big and so heavy that I really do not like washing it! Plus, I have a cast iron sink! So, I have to be VERY careful when washing it so that I don't chip it or break it in the process. 😬 Jennifer, we have the exact same Christmas cookie cutters! Ours are old. They belonged to my husband's mom and grandma before they were passed down to him. I love making cookies with the cutters that he used when he was just a boy. Sentimental, I know....but special just the same. I hope you all had a very nice Christmas!! 🙂

[@acountrylife]

Sounds like a wash job for mom only! Have a wonderful night!

[@Kittypuss]

I have just joined you tube and so happy I came across your channel. This was a joy to watch. I could feel the love and warmth within your family. Thank you

[@acountrylife]

Welcome!

[@db33400]

Well Joe......we got the snow you ask for on your shirt! LOL You are such a good helper Joe! What a beautiful Christmas and family you have. God's blessings......

[@ritabaker3113]

I surely do love Joe

[@jankitteringham8483]

Lovely to see all the familyJennifer. Thankyou for sharing. 🥰🇬🇧🎆

[@acountrylife]

Glad you enjoyed it. Have a wonderful weekend.

[@momof2momof2]

You did a great job , well done ! 🥰❄☃💗✝🌞

[@whittimom5280]

Happy New Year 🎉. What a wonderful video. Loved every minute of it. I’m with Peter. I hate washing casserole dishes. The crock pot ceramic liner is a close second though.

[@maryjemison1101]

fantastic Chef 👨🏻‍🍳 Joe. ❤❤

[@rachalnocchi5600]

I split this treat of a video up into 2 days, and I so enjoyed it Jennifer! Thank you so much for sharing your Christmas with us!

[@sheilabeasley4911]

I want to see Warren eating pork and beans with his fingers

[@sharonbryant312]

Love love love this video, I could watch this all day this is a beautiful family

[@acountrylife]

Thank you so much 🤗

[@monicamontoya1578]

I thoroughly loved watching this! Such a comfort and heartwarming. Thank you for sharing with us! It all looked so beautiful And delicious how you put everything together! My goodness what a blessing you and Warren are to your family and to us! ✨ Blessed Christmas indeed. Happy Epiphany Feast Day as well! ❤

[@laurenfleming514]

What a beautiful gathering for your sweet family. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! ❤

[@thewoodenspoon9679]

I love this video!!!!I love cookie recipes from both cookbooks being used. I love love love both of these cookbooks! I’m so happy to have ordered both of these! They are wonderful! I love working between both books! So happy to have them both.Congrats Joe!! Good report! Oh my the cookies are all just beautiful!! Look so delicious and festive. I had so much fun here tonight! Jennifer did I miss the aprons already??!!

[@acountrylife]

I ordered more aprons. Stay tuned.

[@patmulh4245]

Well, I received your second cook book yesterday! Thank you for being so prompt, though I haven't had a chance to look through it yet. Sunday's are pretty busy around here:) I do have my bread maker going and appreciate your advice on that. I made homemade bread for years the old way, this really is easier!!! Thank you for your advice

[@sandijammes7761]

Such a great video! It brings back so many memories of Christmases past with my own family. Thank you for that. I hope 2023 is a happy, healthy & prosperous year for you and your family. ♥️🙏🙏♥️

[@aprilseeton5723]

I love this video SO MUCH. You look ESPECIALLY beautiful in that color and sweater. I used to do Christmas cookies with my Mom using a press like that and in fact think I have hers put away somewhere. Memories of childhood started flooding back. I think I’ll search for it to use next year.

[@amandawells35]

Everything looked delicious!

[@acountrylife]

Thank you 😋