Making Christmas Candy

Doug came over before his deployment to Africa this week.

We all made Christmas candy!

Powdered sugar everywhere.

It started innocently enough.

And got worse.

In a sugar daze.

The whole house smells like Christmas now. It's a wonderful combination of cinnamon, spearmint, peppermint and wintergreen. Ahh.

One Of My Favorite Reads This Year

The Reluctant Entertainer: Every woman's guide to simple and gracious hospitality.
By Sandy Coughlin

In this day and age of Martha Stewart and the glossy magazine pages that sparkle with their visual perfection, it is easy for me to feel intimidated about having people over- especially when my home is so far from what I wish it could be (furniture would be a huge plus). This book has been an encouragement in reminding me what true hospitality really is. Sandy's style is so gentle and down-to-earth. I didn't feel a bit inadequate afterwards- like I often do after a gander at Martha Stewart's Living.

Some favorite quotes:

..."Hospitality doesn't have to be perfect, it just needs to be from the heart. It's the glue that connects us with each other."

"During our parties, things are never perfect. Mishaps happen, but my focus always remains the same: getting to know others in ways that I didn't know before."

"Being a hospitable hostess means loving, giving, and making others feel warm and welcomed. It's not about stuff, glamor or glitz. It's about fostering authentic relationships."

Sandy does offer wonderful recipes and decorating ideas along with a whole chapter on how to start up meaningful conversations with your guests. She also covers hospitality away from home, such as bringing meals to others.

If you are in need of some inspiration or new ideas for opening up your home and life to others, I highly recommend "The Reluctant Entertainer". It has found a permanent place in my home library!

Hannah's Fall Wreath Didn't Sell

And I 'm so glad! It has found a home above my desk.

Benefits of Homeschooling

Doing math on the couch in your robe.

Calling all Foodies

We had the *best* turkey for Thanksgiving this year. The gravy was so good, you could have drank (drunk? drinkked?) it by the glass. Well, maybe not quite, but it was gooood.

The secret? Putting the turkey in brine for 24 hours before cooking. We used about 2 1/2 cups of salt and one can of concentrated apple juice (because the recipe called for brown sugar and we wanted to avoid the sugar for the turkey) mixed with water to cover the bird (ours was 24 pounds) . We heated the salt and apple juice in some water in a pan on the stove to dissolve the salt, then poured it over the turkey that already had some water in the bag with it. We used one of the turkey cooking bags to marinate the turkey in and then another one to cook it in. I seasoned the bird in my usual way- onion, salt and pepper in the cavity, melted butter over the top.

Yum, yum. The turkey didn't taste salty or sweet, but just delicious. I don't think we'll ever do it any other way from now on!

Note: we did buy a free range turkey, but it wasn't organic or a heritage variety.

Happy Thanksgiving

From the family on the windswept plains...

Blue Wreath

Winter wreath for the shop.

Abby's new 'do.

This one is blurry, but gives a good idea of the cut.

Too bad they don't like each other much.

An attempt with Brian's camera.

Paper Wreath for Christmas

To sell in the booth.

Between all the feathers from the pillow and glitter from the wreath and cards, the house is in need of some serious cleaning!

update: strings of glue have been removed from the wreath. thanks to the photo for pointing that out to me (groan).

The World's Most Uncomfortable Pillow

Not only will the Jingle Bells on this baby leave marks on your face...

It's also stuffed with a strange mix of poly stuffing and feathers (probably one of the most scatterbrained ideas I've had in awhile- take apart a down pillow and use the stuffing for this. We are still finding those feathers all. over. the. house.

But let me tell you, despite its shortcomings, it is a very festive looking pillow.

Hannah's newest cards

On display at the booth. Along with a few turkeys and boxes of candy.

First Snow of the Season!

Abby celebrated by crafting this cute guy by the front door.

Jacob

Wasn't it just yesterday that this face was looking up at me?

That cute little boy who loved to play with cars and legos.

Who took such good care of his little sister.

And liked to dress like his daddy?

How did the years go by so quickly?

Jacob, such a tender, gentle boy.

Always concerned with the needs of others. Rarely asking anything for yourself.

What a gift you are.

How very loved.

Now on the verge of turning thirteen.

One minute still the little boy.

The next, acting more and more like the man you will become.

Still so gentle and protective.

Asking hard questions and not settling for pat answers.

Taking on more responsibility at home.

How grateful I am for every minute I've had to be your mother.

Happy birthday, son. How we love you!