Christmasy Stuff

to love–right this minute.

The big and small helpers that make up our Christmas light brigade. Such stalwart souls in the 17 degree outdoors. Brrrrr…

The sweet, ancient ornaments that come out this time of year and are handled so tenderly so that somehow they will last forever.

The Christmas bowls that magically appear and are quickly dubbed the “only way to eat cereal in December” by the male population of the household.

The indoor lights that are left to me and my packaging tape. I know there’s a better way to hang the crazy things in the window…but…you know…old dog…new tricks…and all that.

The crochet hooks and Peaches and Cream yarn that seem to be fused to my hands these days. Not a spare minute can be wasted–so much to sew and only 11 more days to do it in! Yikes!!

The lovely Christmas countdown chain–from Somebody’s Stuff–that was made to be torn away each day but is far too pretty to meet such a fate. So it just hangs around and makes us very happy.

The trees that seem to be trying–with all their might to get into the spirit of the season.

The snow that obediently fell when April stomped her foot and declared that she “must have snow for her birthday!” Now that’s power.

The brand-new stocking for the brand-new sweetheart in our world–made with the very last scrap of red sock velour, that I’ve held on to for some strange reason…all these years.

It really is the most wonderful time of the year!

Please tell me~

what Christmasy things do you love right this minute?

These Things…

I know to be true:

~”Bob the Tomato” from Veggie Tales is actually cuter drawn on a MagnaDoodle than he is in real life–depending on the artist.

~It’s much easier to type in a cold basement if you have these glorious fingerless gloves–now, I just need a pair of my own…so I don’t have to swipe April’s.

Thanks, Amy!

~ I must have been born in the wrong era because this old, turn-of-the-century farm house just makes my heart pound right out of my chest–rock foundation, root cellar, “gingerbread” and all. Oh, where’s that single Scottish Farmer when you need him?

*sigh*

~ A willow tree is very generous with the leaves–which should make incredible garden compost…

…very generous indeed.

~ I have a very, very happy son…

…with a very, very happy fiance’–woooohooo!!

~ Miss Chompy–if she so chooses– has a bright future…

with the circus.

All is well.

A Thankful Day

One week ago, this very day

we gathered all the little turkeys together,

and cooked and talked and laughed…

and played and ate…

oh, my–

how…

we

ate.

It was a glorious day–but then, my camera died so I had to gather all these pictures from random strangers and small woodland creatures.  And now…a week later, when all the leftovers are finally gone,

I can actually prove that the day happened—in the first place.

Seemed important somehow.

Thanks for humoring me.

In This Kitchen

At this warm and wonderful time of year–there is always something going on in this busy kitchen of ours. The mixer is going non-stop on some days…

making sure we have enough wheat bread on hand to make us all happy.

Something even little fingers can help with.

Speaking of bread–this batch has been drying since last week. There’s just such a fine line between half-hearted-bread-drying and the serious, no-nonsense-professional-six-day deal we do around here.

When it comes to stuffing—perhaps you already know—

we aren’t kidding around.

Heh, heh, heh.

In fact, I happen to know that there were even some tears shed over this part of the cooking…

alas…it could not be helped–and someone had to do it.  :}

We even found time to toss together some incredible Cinnamon Honey Butter…you know…to go with the bread. Busy joint, this kitchen of ours.

Then, at the end of the day there is that slowing down, big deep breath moment in this kitchen, when perhaps the most glorious tasting thing in the world is…

a simple cup of herb tea, with just a smidge of honey.

Because, after all–the baking is finally, finally finished…

at least for today.

A Few Changes…

for the bald kid.

My cute, faraway boy has a new companion. His name is Elder Johnson and he is—get this–bigger than the bald kid! This is highly unusual news.

This boy of mine is used to being the absolute giant–since he was a kid. In fact, years ago, he was handed the keys to a mini van at a youth activity and told to “take that group of boys home.”

His reply?

“Dude, I’m twelve. I brought my skateboard.”

It will be nice for him to look someone straight in the eye–at last.

Another change–he has left his beloved town of Tomck and moved to a different–much bigger city that he calls, “Krasno.” No idea how to spell what it’s really called. He says they get lost quite a lot and have to ask for directions.

Now, he lives in one of these random little “doms” in this very big complex…thirteen hours away–from his last town.

But the biggest change of all is that the temperature is dropping and it’s been snowing for about a week now. He looks kind of cold–poor guy. And wait, are those dark circles under his eyes?

He promises me that he’ll be going out this week to buy some nice, warm boots and a big, cozy fur hat. Hurry boy–hurry!

Your silly mama needs to know that you are safe, and healthy, and happy and warm.

Then all will be well in my heart.

Oooh, I miss you my boy.