My Shiny New Pot

The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts. Prov 17:3

This was one of my star gifts this Christmas. It's hard to find pots big enough to meet the needs of our large family. Often I have to cook in two in order to not over crowd. Such a blessing.

And I'm sure you can see someones reflection?

Boxing Day Festivities

 "All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast." Prov 15:15

 

A Christmas Cracker


Boxing Day was on a Sunday this year so we celebrated on Monday. Two couples came over and we had a marvelous time - though much to their dismay, we didn't box. Dinner was Italian themed with lasagna, salad and garlic toast finished with eggnog icecream bars and red velvet cupcakes. And of course there were Christmas Crackers (which we've made a boxing day tradition).

Now theres just the shopping left to do. Bows and wrap is all on sale so I'm off to stock up.

Holiday blessings to all!



Red Velvet Cupcake with Cream Cheese Icing



A Very Viking Christmas

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? Luke 11:13

Little boys in viking helmets may be the cutest thing I've ever seen.

It was a super day that began with David reading "The Gift of the Magi" and family prayer. Then we opened stockings (filmed by Tim), presents and candy. Brunch was Eggs Benedict and french toast with Oma and Opa (our adopted Alaskan grandparents) and we spent the rest of the afternoon playing dominoes and other games. Tabitha, our neighbor, came for dinner. Our evening meal was prime rib with green beans/ham, roast potatoes, gravy, bread and a veggie tray. After Oma and Opa went home we popped over to a neighbors for their come and go. Goodies ad nausium. A lovely day full of God's provision and love.



Bread



First iPod Post

Dh bought me this iPod for Christmas and I'm practicing using it. Hope you all had a blessed day.

The Littlest Nutcracker

Andrew has always sort of envied the big kids nutcrackers that are displayed every Christmastime. They were gifts given to our four older children by their grandmother long before Andrew was a twinkle in any ones eye. So it was with excitement and joy that he unwrapped a littler version at our annual ornament exchange. But instead of putting it on the tree with the other ornaments he carefully placed it where it rightfully belonged; alongside the others.

Hey Hey We're the Monkeys

While trying to learn how to upload a video on youtube and waiting up all hours of the night for it to finish I ended up with this message.

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Sorry, something went wrong.

A team of highly trained monkeys has been dispatched to deal with this situation.
If you see them, show them this information:

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Cute, very cute. I think the monkeys took my video.

It is now 3:39 am and I am going to bed. I'm not waiting around for any stinkin monkeys.

Gingerbread Cake

I don't much care for gingerbread per se. It's not about the commonly shaped "little man" form or anything; I haven't any qualms about biting the heads off gummy bears or Easter Bunnies. I simply do not care much for crunchy cookies that taste of molasses. But all that changed when I first took a mouthful of this moreish, moist Christmas cake. The cake itself was fantastic but what made it so mouthwateringly delish was the glaze. Lemon glaze is my newest culinary delight and I'm racking my brain to think of what else I might pour it on. If you are looking for an easy and inexpensive treat for the holidays this is it.

Mix together till resembles wet sand

2 1/3 cups flour
3 tsp ground ginger
2 tsp cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt (or just 1tsp of regular table salt)
3/4 cup of sugar
2 eggs lightly beaten
1 cup molasses

Then whisk in

1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup boiling water

Pour into greased and floured 9x13 baking pan and bake at 350 degrees till done in the center. (Poke with a toothpick; if it comes out clean it's done).

Pour the Glaze on while still hot letting the lemony goodness ooze down the sides. (A pastry brush is particularly helpful for spreading here)

Resist the temptation to eat it out of the pan hot. Patience.

Serve with fresh whipped cream and lemon zest (if you are feeling fancy)

*I'd show you a picture of mine but it's been devoured!

Streamline and Simplify

If I have two wishes for the new year it would be that God would miraculously teach me how to both streamline and simplify my life. I take on a million projects, finish less than half of them and forget the things I was SUPPOSED to be doing instead.  My mother used to call me a scatterbrain and I was sure I would grow out of it. I didn't. Still, there's hope yet. After all I have a blog now where I can catalogue all the swirling whirlpool that is my brain. Getting all the bits and bobs on paper screen that's the ticket!

Ginkgo Biloba anyone?

Just rambling thoughts at 2am too high on Christmas goodies to sleep.

"I know, I'll redesign my blog." she thinks

Christmas Recital

Both boys played so well. I'm still trying to figure out how to post a video. Stay tuned. :-)

Snow and Stars

He telleth the number of the stars ; he calleth them all by their names. Ps 147:4

He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes.

He casteth forth his ice like morsels: who can stand before his cold?

He sendeth out his word, and melteth them: he causeth his wind to blow, and the waters flow.
Ps 147:16-18

It's cold and snowy. - but you knew that. Timothy took this picture. Isn't it pretty? Snow and stars together!