As We Wind Down...

To my Loves ~

I have heard it once said that if one were asked to recount at least ten highlights - moments that stood out to them - from a person's previous year of life...that it can rarely be done.

 As a general rule, people fail on their recall.

Maybe it's because we are a world fast addicted to speed and rarely do we take the time to slow and savor, to stop and see...and to remember.  Life just becomes a blur - a daily rushing of one thing to the next where we never stop to ever fully "be" in that moment in time.

That is what the goal of this blog has been for me.  A journal of your Mama's journey through life as a wife, as a mother, and as a woman in pursuit of Jesus.  Pages of your Mama's heart, and of her fight for joy, and of her passion for family...written down for you to see, and for you to read, and for you to remember.

Snapshots of life.  Snippets of our days.  And the findings of daily sacred amidst much chaos.

This blog is my gift to you ~ a scrapbook of memories ~ of all of the many gifts that you've given to me, really.  Memories I want to record, so that we will never forget.

Might you read within these pages a Mama's heart who loves you deeply and unconditionally - no matter what; and a wife's unwavering love, respect, and faith in her husband.  May you see a woman humble - one who has never pretended to have all of the answers, one who gave up on the idea of perfection long ago, and one who is on a journey with Jesus ~  in which she is so very grateful that you have all come along for the ride.

You boys, this baby, and your Daddy are my greatest gifts from God, and I love our life!  It is simple, it is crazy, it is loud, it has had some wild twists and turns...and I have loved the adventure.  I hope you have, too.

And, maybe - just maybe... as a result of having this journal in hand...if someone were to ever ask you someday to recall ten highlights from your previous year...you might just be able to do it ~ be they grand or small.

How I love you, my men and my sweet London Faith.
Thank you for an amazing 2012...

All my Love ~
Mama

Because...
"It isn't the great big pleasures that count the most; it's making a great deal out of the little ones."
~ Jean Webster, Daddy-Long Legs

#4212.  A family messy - but a family in love.
4213.  Our health - something we rarely think about, but something I am so very thankful for.
4214.  A new chapter, and a new year upon us.
4215.  A Heavenly Father - ever faithful and never changing.
4216.  My oldest boy -  our "Gentle Leader" - who birthed me into motherhood.
4217.  My middle son - our "Gift from God" - crazy and happy.
4218.  My baby boy - "God's messenger of Hope" - strong-willed and sweet.
4219.  My London - Mama's namesake - preparing me for an all new season of life and learning.
4220.  And My Husband Love - soulmate, best friend, and Love of my life who I would follow to the end of Earth...and back again.

~ My Joy Journey - Forever Counting...

Feasting In the New Year.

What better way to welcome in the New Year than with a whole bunch of delicious, little, foolproof, and easy to make finger foodies of all things glorious?  I agree...there is no better way!  And my New Year's gift to all of you fine friends who plan to spend the evening in your jammies, counting down the clock til the wee hours of 10:00 p.m.....I mean, wildly partying it up like we of course will be doing...ahem...cough..cough... here are a couple of delish little foodies that are sure to please a crowd...or even just a couple.

Exhibit A:  Granny Smith Apple Dip.

 It tastes like a Payday, it has cute presentation, and it is to die for.  The only rule is this:  You HAVE to use Granny Smith apples.  There has to be that salty/sweet/and sour combination going on to give you that party in your mouth sensation that you are going for.  Otherwise, you are sure to be disappointed.  Trust me.

So, here's all you need:  1 package of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons vanilla.  Mix all together, spread in the middle of a plate, and top with salted party peanuts.  The peanuts must also be salted - do not get ones that aren't, and do not go for the raw, healthy ones.  Save those for January 2nd. Then cut up your Granny Smith apples and arrange all around your plate like a cute little blooming onion.

You are welcome.


Next Up:  Jessica Bloodsworth's Never Fail Foolproof Potato Rolls of Glory:

Seriously, these rolls are amazing, and after you make them one time, you will rise up and call me blessed forevermore...just like I do with Jessica every single time I make them for myself.  And I make them A LOT....like a lot a lot.  Like for pretty much every Holiday and meal at somebody's house that I go to.  These things meet all of my cooking requirements:  Easy, no fuss, foolproof, they are a one-bowl wonder, they do not have to be completed from start to finish all at once, and they come with many options.  Allow me to demonstrate...

First, throw all of these things into a big bowl:
1 1/2 cups of warm water
2 Tablespoons dry yeast
2/3 cup sugar.

Stir these things up and let it sit for about 10 minutes - til it gets a bit foamy.
Then throw everything else into the same bowl, as well:
1 1/2 tsp. salt
2/3 cup melted butter
2 beaten eggs
1 cup lukewarm mashed potato (and if you really want to be lazy, instant works fine)
7 cups flour.

Stir everything up - no kneading necessary!!!  Bonus point #1
Let rise on the counter - or in the fridge for up to 7 days!!!  Bonus point #2
Dough can also be frozen to be used later!!! - Bonus point #3
Makes a ginormous batch - 2-3 dozen, depending on size rolls desired. - Bonus point #4

Upon readiness for baking, preheat oven to 375.  Divide dough in half, roll each half into a circle and cut it up like a pizza.  (Cut in half and then in half again.  Cut each quarter into 3 slices if you want really big rolls, or each quarter into 4 slices if you want regular sized rolls).  What you see pictured above are the smaller ones.  Cook in 375 degree oven for 13-15 minutes or until they start to brown.

They are also super delicious with cinnamon and sugar rolled into them and a little glaze put on top.  OR, with pizza filling rolled into them and dipped in sauce.  OR, with tons of roasted garlic and melted butter.

OH!  so!  versatile!
Bonus point #5, Baby!  Stick a fork in you - you'll never go back.  I promise you this...

Okay.  Moving on...
Exhibit C:  I give you, courtesy of my good friend Pinterest, The Fruity Dip of Deliciousness:
(I actually, can't really remember the name of this one.  Call it what you wish).

This is pretty, it's easy, it's fun, and it is a crowd pleaser.

So, this is what you do.  Buy whatever kind of tortilla that your little heart desires.  Spread melted butter and cinnamon and sugar all over the top, and bake in a 300 degree oven for 4 or 5 minutes - or until it starts to get crispy.  You want it to crisp up kind of like a chip.  Then cut them all up into pizza wedges.

For the fruit platter - all I did what throw in whatever fruit I wanted, some of my homemade strawberry preserves, and a little bit of cinnamon.  Easy Sneezy.  In this here pictured concoction I used blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, apples, kiwi, and pears.  I don't think you can go wrong with whatever you choose.

Dip those little pita chips into your fruit dip of wonder, savor the flavor, and in your heart of hearts thank me for being your new best friend...

And finally....

And without a picture, I'm afraid - because it was literally consumed that quickly...

I give you my cousin Jodi's Buffalo Chicken Dip of Amazement: 

A super easy way to use up some of that leftover holiday turkey or chicken!  Take a pan and spread 1-2 packages of cream cheese on the bottom.  Next, layer some of your shredded chicken.  On top of that shake some buffalo wing hot sauce - to taste, depending on your heat level.  And finally, top with shredded cheese.  I believe she used cheddar.  Melt all of this in your oven and serve with tortilla chips.

You're welcome.

And, for the record, I never once said that any of these things were going to be healthy.

Joy to the world, and Happy New Year's!
I'll see you at the gym...or not...

Memories of a Farm Girl.

Written by my Marmie in November of 2007

As I watch the snow drift softly down
and the earth turns white o're the barren ground,
My mind goes back to a childhood past -
Where the joys of Christmas seemed to last!

Grampy's old barn and silo.

Not "too many" gifts beneath our tree -
But those we found there, were opened with glee!
We all had more than our parents before -
As we learned through the tales of their childhood lore.

My Dad told the tale of when he was a boy -
Some candy, an orange, and a ball - for his toy!
Perhaps a new pair of mittens some year -
And oh how he treasured each gift, as so dear!

The "grove" where Mom spent hours of play as a little girl.

I'm sure he'd have given his mitts and his ball -
For a "Mother's love" needed - by him and by all.
For his Mom left this earth on the day he turned eight -
Leaving him and three others to share the same fate.

Growing up without Mother to have and to hold -
To tuck them in bed from the winter's night cold;
To hear: "Son, I love you" for just one more time -
Would have seemed to his child's heart a "gift" more sublime
Than any that's tucked into stocking or such --
For a child needs a mother's love so very much.

...and where my little boys found Heaven.

That sad little boy grew into a man -
Who took a fine wife and worked the land.
They raised five kids on a dairy farm -
And growing potatoes was part of its charm.

We all picked potatoes and worked in the barn,
For we each had our jobs to help out on the farm.
In my striped coveralls and my "railroad" cap -
I made tracks to the barn - like a well-worn map!

My greatest delight - to be there with my Dad -
Just working beside him - like a fine little "lad."
Mixing the feed for the calves in the pail -
Holding it for them to drink that fine "ale" -
And liking the feel of their mouths on my hand -
As they nuzzled and pushed for their turn on "the can!"

A farm across the road...

Getting the grain from that big wooden bin -
And putting new hay into every cow's stall -
I worked with my Dad 'till the job was completed -
And had that great feeling that I had succeeded!

One of the views from where the farm sits.
If you look waaaay off into the distance, you can see my little country church where I grew up.

"We must take good care of the cows, " my Dad said -
As clean straw was thrown in every night for their beds.
Sometimes we climbed up high in the loft,
To throw down more bales - oh so prickly - not soft!

Another view from the farm.

I loved going into the silo, when empty -
Strange echoes - strange smells - met your nose upon entry!
A fun little "room" for us children to play -
But "climbing the silo" was never okay!

My baby girl's name...

The barn cats were mine, and I called them by name.
I cared for them daily and made each one tame.

When Dad milked the cows - he could not resist -
"Warm milk for the kittens" was first on my list!
Milked straight into their pan - or poured from the pail -
It suited them fine, with their long swishing tails!

I liked picking potatoes out in the fresh air -
Going home for noon dinners that Mom would prepare;
But my most favorite task that ever I had -
Was working each day in the barn - with my Dad!

Pictures were taken of the "old farmstead" where my Mama grew up ~ and where now my Uncle Larry and Aunty Myrna live ~ on a magical day this past Fall when my three boys and I, along with Mom took a stroll together down Memory Lane, up the old hill where she always went sliding... and back to her cherished past.

Cherished Treasures.

I will be the first to tell you that I really do not like "stuff."
I am a minimalist to the core, and if I lived by myself my house would border on "sparse and barren."
And I would love it.

However, I do not live by myself.  I live with three small hoolies and one large man...all of whom require "stuff," I might add - and all of whom who do not share my love for all things sparse and barren.

It's par for the course of having a family, I guess.  I can take it.  They're worth it.

However.  When Christmas and birthdays roll around the corner, I find that my skin starts to crawl just a wee little bit, and I suddenly have this major urge to cull and chuck and go through every corner of my home from top to bottom and get rid of as many things that I can before we bring an onslaught of new things into our home.  I have always kind of lived by the policy that if something comes "into" my home, then something must also "leave" my home.  So, I tend to go on a bit of a rampage...

My family doesn't necessarily love this policy of mine.
And I honestly try not to enforce it overly strictly.  While I don't want my kids to be pigs and live in a sty - neither do I want to ruin them for life with my own little issues.  Therefore, you can barely see my children when they are sleeping in their beds at night so surrounded are they by all of their "treasures."

And 8 1/2 years into parenting, I am learning to let go.  It's no big deal, really.
And when yard sale season floats around, I merely offer the incentive of "whatever you want to sell from your own stash - you can keep the cash."  I find that this typically works pretty well in the culling department, and it becomes a win-win compromise for all of us.

Now.  Having prefaced this little post with all of the above mentioned disclaimers...there are a few Christmas gifts that I received this year that are true, true treasures in which I will cherish for all of my days.  No culling necessary or even remotely desired.  One is a gift from Kev that I will write an entire blog post about on another day.  And the others are gifts from both my Madre and my Padre.

Years ago, Dad made each of us kids what he calls a "Legacy Box;" and for years he has been filling it with little treasures and memories, trinkets and belongings of his that he wants each of as to have as mementos of him. There might be something from his childhood, something that he made, or something that holds meaning for him, personally.  All things gifted from Dad to each one of us individually ~ thus, equaling an automatic treasure.

For me, though, more than the things inside - the most treasured part of this entire "Legacy Box" was a hand-written letter, done in his precious, sloping scrawl - written by a man of very few words -  from the heart of a father to his daughter.

Dad - in case I EVER lose this letter, I'm posting it here for when I print my blog.  Hope you don't mind.

Now, that's a gift to treasure.
My oldest brother Clay and I received our boxes at the same time ~ and I'll tell you what ~ there's nothing quite like seeing your six foot seven, grown brother get all choked up.  It's a beautiful thing.

And from my Marmie...

1950's, paper thin, still smelling deliciously old and vintage-y, dresses that MY Mom wore when she was a little baby.  I will hardly dare put my baby into one of these for even a minute...but what a treasure!  Baby London, my mother's namesake, wearing dresses that her Grammy wore at her age...

Heritage.
Legacy.
Bringing the past Present.
Gifts no amount of money can buy.
Cherished gifts to treasure...

Oh, how I love these sorts of "things."
#4207-#4211 ~ My Joy Journey.

Christmas in the County.

Oh, how I love it.
It's loud.  It's crazy.  It's crowded.  And it's full of family.
Just the way it should be.

And for me ~ the older I get ~ it is SO much more than the gifts.  In fact, I would be just as happy some year...or for all the years to come, for that matter... if we would just completely fore-go the gifts and instead do what we have always done best.

Hang out.
Make memories.
Gorge ourselves sick.
And just be together.
For me ~  THAT'S Christmas!

So, for the sake of recording my family's Christmas memories on this here blog journal of mine, I give you a little photo montage with Amy's List of Loves for this ~ 2012's Christmas in the County!

::  Tea parties with Grammy.  Complete with their very own appropriately sized mugs, their own little milk pitcher, and about fifteen treats to choose from.  Belly aches, free of charge.

 ::  Four-wheeling adventures involving a little bit of hunting, a little bit of getting stuck, a little bit of freezing, and a little bit of dragging each other behind on sleds...attempting to strike the fear of God into each other.

::  Escapades with Dad in ALL of his impy glory.  This man of full of it...and there are times where I think he lives to antagonize both his wife and my husband...and I cannot help myself but join in, at times.  Both Kev and Mom say that we can be a bit impossible when we are together for any amount of time.

I personally, find us both hilarious...

::  Hunting.  Always hunting.  And sometimes out our living room window.  Good gracious.  This week yielded two partridge and three squirrels.  And for the record...squirrel does not taste delish.  Kaden heard from someone that "there's nothing like eating squirrel," so the last one he shot we let him skin it and grill it...for all to try.

Let me just say, there are few other times where I have felt as "redneck" as I did when eatin' that thar squarral...

::  Seeing Grampy down on the floor with one of my babies....and being flooded with memories of way back when...of when he used to get down on the floor and play with my brothers and I when we were little.  Oh, melt my heart.  This moment was one of my absolute favorite during my time up home.  And, oh how Ransom loves his "Big Grampy."

::  Quiet, little moments away from the hubbub with each of my Littles.  Up home, they are often crazier than the norm.  Methinks, it's all of the "Grammy treats;" but they are also never happier than when they are up there.  Their little love tanks are filled up to the tippy top brim.  I can visibly see it, and I LOVE IT.  Oh, how I love it.

::  Playing, listening to, and singing old Christmas songs ~ either plinked around Gram's old piano or belting them out at the little country church where I grew up.  There's nothing like family and friends with whom we grew up, all being back together - now years older and with our own children - making new memories with our little families in that same old church building.

::  And every year....Dad reading the Christmas story in his mellow, monotone voice...with the kids squirming...and us "older kids" trying to pretend maturity....and mom getting antagonized....and Dad instigating....and all of the beautiful chaos that always tends to reign supreme.

::  Nighttime sliding with the hoolies in the field across the road.  And realizing that my body is not nearly as young - or as small - as it used to be.  And having the boys laugh hysterically at their Mama because of her mad skillz....or lack thereof.  And then going inside to warm up with hot tea and a Christmas movie.  Love.

:: This ever growing girth...and what it represents.  And knowing NEXT Christmas, this babe will be in arms.

::  Littlest brothers sneaking away with the bigger brother...and passing the time away by looking at books together.  Happily. Cozily.  And oh so kissing sweet.

  ::  And finally, this man - who willingly and knowingly - married into my crazy clan....who fully and freely embraces us in all of our glory..and who I would follow to the absolute ends of the Earth.

It was indeed, a very merry Christmas.
For our family, for our health, and for the gift of spending time together...
For love, for belonging, for knowing Jesus, for unconditional acceptance...
For my heritage, for my childhood, and for all of our memories made...

We are wealthy, indeed.
Exceedingly, abundantly, above and beyond all that I could ever ask for or imagine...

Preach it, Mr. Grinch.
I could have said it no better myself.

#4184-#4206 ~ My Joy Journey
...So very grateful... giving thanks...not for the gifts that I want...but for the gifts I already have....

To Gift With Love...

Every Christmas it's always the same story...

I want to be mindful of my gift giving...and creative, if possible.
I want my gifts to be reflections of me - and of my love for the "gift-ee."
I really want my boys involved in this entire process of learning "it's more blessed to give than receive."
I don't want to do anything that is difficult and time consuming.
And I want simplicity.  Oh, how I strive for and crave simplicity.

And then there's that nagging little issue of always being broke...what a pain.

So, "creative," and "mindful," and "simple" --- well, those ideas work together nicely, I guess.
A fun little challenge to make things cost effective, methinks...

And really - even if I was rolling in the dough - I always prefer and find so much more fun something that someone has thoughtfully made for me rather than something that money can buy.

Unless it's liposuction after this baby is born...

The older my family gets, and the larger my family grows - it makes for each and every Christmas potentially becoming more stressful, more expensive, and more harried.  So, for the past few years, my brothers and I - along with many of our friends, really - have opted for either homemade or  mere "token gifts."

Just something that says, "I love you, and you are important to me."

This year, for all of the women in my family and for many of my girls, I made little cork board hearts out of wine bottle corks.  I have been collecting them from work for months, and my friend's father-in-law owns a winery a town or two over - so when she heard of what I was hoping to make, she gifted me with a trash bag full of corks.  Score to the max and Merry Christmas to ME!

Dad and I went to the hardware store and bought a huge slab of plywood, he gave me a crash course in using a jigsaw, and away to town I went in creating these little babies.  Super easy.  Super sweet. And really, the only cost was the piece of slabwood, which was around $11.00, and a whole whack of glue.

The boys and I also made several little batches of homemade laundry soap to go along with some of our gifts.  A simple, basic recipe that we used was:  2 cups shredded bar soap, 1 cup borax, 1 cup washing/baking soda, and 15-30 drops of essential oils.  Each load of laundry takes only 1 Tablespoon, so it is very cost effective, it smells delish, and as far as gifting a batch goes...a little goes a long way.

And then there are always the foody gifts that we love to share with our neighbors and whoever likes to drop in for a visit....and for mid-morning tea times...and late night cravings....and well, you get the picture..

One little treat that is quickly becoming our every year tradition are these simple little pretzel kiss snacks.  SO easy for little hands to help with, and surprisingly tasty and addicting!  Just buy the waffle pretzels, Hershey's hugs and kisses, and a bag of Christmas M&M's.  Place the kisses on the pretzels and melt slightly in the oven at 170 degrees for 4-6 minutes.  (The white kisses melt more quickly).  When you take them out, pop a little M&M on top, pushing down the point of the kiss, and chill in the fridge for about 10 minutes.

 I think they are also absolutely adorable sitting out on the counter.
And yummy.
Ahem.

Another delicious version is to do the same thing - just with Rollos and pecans.
Wee little turtles.
Fun.
And yummy.

And finally, per our every single year tradition, we always make homemade peppermint patties as part of my little widower neighbors' Christmas gifts -- and for a little side gift for my Mama, as well.
Them's her fave.

 Take one 8 oz. package of softened cream cheese and cream together with 2 teaspoons of pure peppermint extract.  Gradually add nine (!!!) cups of confectioner's sugar.  Mix into little balls and flatten on wax paper.  So easy for the Littles to help out with...and sample.  Chill them for about 10 minutes.  Then take 3/4 cup of semi-sweet chocolate bits, 3/4 cup of milk chocolate bits, along with 3 tablespoons of butter (or Crisco if you really want to be naughty) and melt on the stove top or microwave.

Roll the patties in the chocolate.  This step is super messy, and I have learned over the years to just have the boys drop the patties into the chocolate while I do the spreading and covering.  Somehow, they still manage to slaughter their entire clothing ensemble from top to bottom - even getting some in their hair - yet the mess is not nearly as epic as when I used to let them get their hands right in the thick of things and cover their patties at will...

If one has no critters roaming around in their backyard, one could chill them on their back porch for about an hour.  T'would also be helpful to not drop the patties off of the wax paper into the snow, said the lady who has no idea what she's talking about....

Upon said chilling time, and before packaging up for gifties, one should always sample their wares to make sure they are decent for distribution...

Amen.  Merry Christmas.  And joy to the world.
Easy sneezy, super cheap, and simple, creative little gifty gifts to share with those you love.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a raging sugar high.....

Signing off for a few days....Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones! 
May you linger long, savor well, and see the sacred.
May we love wildly, see the gifts, and KNOW the Gift Giver...

"And the Word became flesh...and moved into the neighborhood." ~ The Message