Christmas 2016

Christmas 2016

... twas extra special!

The prime rib dinner complete with yorkshire pudding

turned out reasonably well and, of course, we ate too much

and forgot to take any pictures ...

Our entertainment was seeing Christmas through the eyes of 

this wee blessing that has joined our family.

the house was decorated (but as I type this one string of those mini lights

on the banister has already "half" burned out) - oh well!

The reason for the season!

Mom's china cabinet

Mom's Hoosier always lit with candles on Christmas Eve

As soon as the table was cleared, the puzzling began!

Tired baby and Mommie chilling with Elmo's world

We are blessed beyond measure ...

The fire kept us cozy, our tummies were full, and the true meaning of Joy was experienced!

Hope your Christmas was filled with light and warmth.

Till next time ......... see you next year. God bless you and yours abundantly.

Bright Spot!

Here we are on the Winter Solstice,

the shortest day,

the longest night!

On this short, first day of Winter - I had a bright spot ...

She was here for the day and we had so much fun.

We baked her favourite "muffins" - they are very green, toddler friendly,

and she really likes them!

Found this great spinach and applesauce recipe here:

http://www.themamamodern.com/spinach-muffinstoddler-friendly/

I sometimes substitute a ripe banana instead for the applesauce - also approved by the wee one.

It makes 8-9 regular size muffins or 16 mini muffins (which is how I bake them).

Yep, a spot of bright sunshine on this short day ....

My heart is full.

Till next time ......... may all your Christmas wishes and dreams come true! God bless us all!

Bread Dip and Meditations!

Wrapping a few of my favourite things!

Slowly but surely I'm getting my Christmas shopping

and wrapping done.

I pretty much bought out the stock at MennoMedia in the Kitchener store.

 What a joy it will be to gift this beautiful book!

BREAD FOR THE JOURNEY

Written by some of my favourite people - The Mennonite Girls Can Cook.

All the "royalties will be given to orphans and widows who face each day in need"

One of my favourite verses is on Week 11, Day 2

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up,

just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11"

I can't wait to dig deep into this meditations book.

What a wonderful way to have a daily devotional with recipes as well!

Thank you Lovella, Anneliese, Kathy, Ellen, Marg, Bev, Betty, Judy, Charlotte and Betty

for inspiring me every day with your books and with your amazing daily blog posts!

I will be adding a small package of Bread Dip Spices:

1 Tbsp. Crushed Red Pepper

1/2 tsp. Black Pepper

1 Tbsp. Dried Oregano

1 Tbsp. Dried Rosemary

1 Tbsp. Dried Basil

1 Tbsp. Dried Parsley

1 1/2 Tbsp. Garlic Powder

1 tsp. sea salt

Mix all the spices and store in an airtight container.

Place 1 tsp. of the mixture in a small bowl or platter and add

1/4 Cup of Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Add a squirt or two of fresh lemon juice and grated Parmesan Cheese - optional

Enjoy as a dip for your favourite crusty bread.

Till next time - how is your shopping and wrapping coming along?