Busy Family Days

My daughter and son-in-law arrived today. The last time they were here was in May. How good to have them home, even in her scrubs. She worked all night last night and did not even have an opportunity to change clothes. Our home is filled with people and I love it! I find myself filling many different roles...wife, mother, "mawmaw", chef, consultant, game player, babysitter and more. We will celebrate our Christmas together on Sunday, the 28th, after a family wedding on the 27th.

My grandson had all of us playing air-hockey. Yes, it was on my kitchen counter.

Here I am, a multi-tasking grandma. He did beat me...but not by much. I gave it my best!

Merry Christmas!

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." --author unknown

photo taken by my daughter on her visit to the ranch her uncle manages in the Rockies. The picture was taken from the porch of the guesthouse, looking toward the Continental Divide, and it truly was one of those moments that took her breath away.

My "Christmas Eve" Sentiments...

Sitting on shelves in my kitchen are the "Department 56" lit houses that I have received over the years, for Christmas gifts. I treasure my collection. Each one represents aspects of my life. They sit on the shelves throughout the year, and serve as a reminder, of the givers of the gifts. Since baking is something that I enjoy, the "Lafayette's Bakery" house is one of my favorites. During the last few months though, my kitchen has actually seemed more like a bakery than before. All of you have been so kind to give me the privilege of sharing pictures of some of the baked goods that have come home with my pastry chef- in- the- making daughter. You have viewed the many delicasies even though you do not have the opportunity to taste them. The following picture is from this week. The individual meringes looked so festive with the strawberries and the kiwi, and once again, they tasted as good as they looked.

These will be served at tonight's dinner, along with her raspberry cheesecake and the yule log.
Time seems to past so quickly. December 24th has arrived, and my wish for each of you is, "May you have the greatest two gifts of all on these holidays: someone to love and someone who loves you".-John Sinor

"There has only been one Christmas-the rest are anniversaries."-W.J. Cameron "Thanks be to God for his unspeakable Gift- indescribable, inestimable, incomparable, inexpressibly precious beyond words." -Lois Lebar. Merry Christmas dear friends!

The Friendly Neighborhood Santa Comes Early

My daughter and her family live in one of those neighborhoods that many people dream of living. It is one where neighbors care deeply for one another, and spend time visiting with each other, helping out each other, with most of them having lived there a long time. This Santa was the visiting son of one of the neighbors. They invited my daughter and her family to join them for the evening. She sent me these pictures and I just had to share them with all of you. I wish I could know what was going through my grandson's 2 year old mind, in this picture.

Even my littlest granddaughter and her big brother seem to be having a good time. Imagine, your own personal Santa...not having to share him with the rest of the world...and having his undivided attention.

My daughter, who cried whenever she saw Santa as a child. One of the reasons she may be smiling is because she gets an opportunity to sit still for two minutes. For her, that is a rare privilege, with three children under three years of age.
A family picture with Santa...how special!

A few weeks ago, at the Mall, he ran and cried when he saw Santa...what happened? I suppose he realized that this guy was a friend first and a Santa second, by the fact that he was tying his shoe.

Just knowing that Christmas is only a few days away, brought happy smiles to these two precious little girls.The joy and laughter of children...what a blessing in this world. And, the love and care of neighbors...another added blessing in this Christmas season. My prayer today is that each of us can reach out to others with kindness and concern. Life is difficult...hurts are many...we need each other.

A Christmas Dinner By Candlelight

Last evening, the same group of friends that met and had dinner at the Victorian Inn, met and had dinner a year later, at my youngest sister and brother-in-law's home. The round table that comfortably seats 12, was designed and built by my brother-in-law. Seating at a round table, is certainly condusive to dinner conversation. Warm hospitality, soft candlelight, and soothing Christmas music set the tone for the evening. I have been to many casual, sit-to-the-kitchen table dinners in this home, but last evening's dinner, was extra special. I thought I would share a few of the pictures that I took of her Christmas decorations. It is a Florida style home, and the holiday touches depict that decor.

The words "Merry Christmas" were beautifully placed on the wall, and will be easily removed with a hair dryer, after Christmas. What a nice touch that framed the mantel perfectly.

What a cozy arrangement to have on the window sill at one's kitchen sink. Washing dishes takes on a whole new perpective.

My sister the hostess, and her daughter. Having a right hand person is a must, when serving a dinner for 12 people. What a great help she was!

Actually, the three of their children were on hand during the evening, helping in many different capacities. Thanks to each of you for your help.

A table, also built by my brother-in-law, graced the foyer hallway with a exquisite candlelight display. Every candle on the table was a gift from friends over the years. Yes, it was a truly memorable evening, with the warm hospitality of this couple blessing all of us. It reminds me of something I read recently, from a book entitled "Gifts from the Hearth", by Elizabeth R. Skoglund. In it she shares that hospitality is a gift. " It is a gift that says to the person to whom it is given, "I care about you." Hospitality can take on so many different forms, and is so essential to living. She goes on to say, " Hospitality can be a hamburger given to a bag lady on a bus bench; an elaborated wedding dinner; a gift of firewood late at night from an innkeeper to someone just checking into a motel; a cool, wet towel given to someone at the scene of a car accident; a midnight snack shared with someone who needs to talk; all of these are acts of hospitality. They are gifts of love, freely given by one person to another. They are gifts from the heart. Each of these echoes the sentiment of the small child who said, "That means she loves us." Hospitality is the gift of oneself that says, "You are important; you are loved."

What a needed gift in today's world, and even more so during this special season of Christmas. Thank you to this family, for opening up your hearts and home, to all of us.

Christmas In An Old Victorian Inn

Last Christmas, on a blustery, cold, snowy night, a group of friends met for dinner at this old Victorian Inn. Every time I look back over the pictures, I remember the beauty, elegance, aromas, and good food of that very special evening. After dinner we were given a few of the many historical facts of the Inn's history.

Downstairs and upstairs...every area of the Inn was decorated for Christmas.

Every fireplace was beautifully decorated, and provided needed warmth for the bitter, cold night.

The softly lit dining room table took my breath away. The red and white, the many candles and the tiny white lights created ambience that made one want to never leave.

Thank you for allowing me to share one of my treasured Christmas memories with you.

Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese---A Winter Favorite

Grilled cheese sandwiches and a bowl of tomato soup...a weekly staple, for me and my siblings for all of our childhood years. Our mother had a way of taking something so very ordinary, and making it taste so special. Now, many years later, I have continued the tradition. I have created my own recipe for the soup and the sandwiches...with my family's requests in mind. I have discovered over the years, that people have their own opinions as to how the tomato soup should taste. Some like it sweet, some like it hot(as in spicy hot), some like it thicker and some eat any recipe served to them.

My recipe, like most of mine, is quick, simple and can be doubled or tripled without any problem. Into my pot on the stove, I melt 2 TB of butter. I add 3 cans of tomato soup, 1 can of evaporated milk, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 2 TB of brown sugar, 1 tea. of garlic powder, 1/4 tea. salt and a shake of pepper. I stir together the ingredients and let simmer on the stove top for 20 minutes. To serve, I fill a bowl, add a dollop of lt. sour cream, and sprinkle with some chopped fresh parsley(or parsley flakes). Sometimes, I add crushed "Durkee" french onions to the top of the soup, along with the sour cream.

One of my ways of making grilled cheese sandwiches, is to use French Baguette bread. I like the small size of the sandwiches this makes. I slice the bread, lightly butter the outside of each slice, add a light coating of mayo to the inside(lt.mayo), add a small piece of bacon(which I brown in a pan and keep on hand in my refrigerator), and some a slice of muenster cheese folded into a small piece(or shredded cheese, if I do not have any sliced on hand). I sprinkle the top of the sandwich very lightly with "Cavender's Greek seasoning. I brown these sandwiches in my frying pan, on the stove top. I spray the bottom of my black iron pan and set it on top of the sandwiches while they are grilling. Actually, I use whatever bread that I have on hand, at the time. Another one of my favorite ways to make these sandwiches, is to bake ahead of time, the "Pillsbury Grande " buttermilk rolls, and follow the same recipe. This is a meal to serve anyone, at anytime, without having to slave in the kitchen.