Today is the day I live a childhood fantasy. Or at least, I attempt it in any case. Being a lifelong sucker for fairytales, I have always wanted to make my very own house of gingerbread. There's something rather enchanting about these cookie domains, and rather abysmal about those kits that are everywhere in stores.
The problem with those grocerystore kits are twofold;
1.They are so hard and disgusting that you really shouldn't bother eating the darn things for fear of either gagging or chipping a tooth.
2.There is never, ever enough candy to bedeck the house.
My theory is that if the wicked witch had moved into a grocerystore gingerbread house, after one nibble Hansel and Gretel would have hit the road, preferring to subsist on lichen rather than take another such inedible morsel.
So today I attempt making my very own gingerbread house-from scratch. In the current version of the day dream, we decorate our little house tomorrow as a family, and love it so much we resolve to do one each and every Christmas forever more. A new family tradition is born...
It's either going to be a disaster or delight. Stay tuned folks!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Cookie Fever
Forget visions of sugar plums, what I have dancing in my head are the ultimate Christmas time goodie: COOKIES! Also, this is no fairy ballerina tiptoeing about in there either, it's more like an African drumming dance.
While I love to bake anytime, there's something special about Christmas baking. One big thing is that it's the only time of year where the cookis my family pleads for is NOT chocolate chip! Variety is a good thing, particularly with so many scrumptious recipes to be had.I get real butter for my shortbread, make ridiculously large batches of gingerbread, dream over cookbooks, and even make my yearly allotment of sugar cookies (because they're too darn time consuming to make more than once every year).
Especially with such cold days upon us, it provides the perfect excuse for the munchkins and I to fire up the oven and bake cookies to our hearts content. Ben and Briggy are my willing accomplices when it comes to concocting cookies. They love stirring ingredients, using the rolling pin, and playing with the cookie cutters. I like to call them my taste testers, because first they want to snitch everything, but second, for a recipe to be repeated it has to meet their enthusiastic approval, otherwise I end up eating them all myself.
A lot of the recipes we make harken back to my own childhood memories, where I helped my Mum bake them. It's a beloved tradition and I love sharing it with my own kids. It's always great to whip up a few childhood favourites to enjoy. Mine has always been gingersnaps (or what we called Crybaby Cookies). What's your favourite?
While I love to bake anytime, there's something special about Christmas baking. One big thing is that it's the only time of year where the cookis my family pleads for is NOT chocolate chip! Variety is a good thing, particularly with so many scrumptious recipes to be had.I get real butter for my shortbread, make ridiculously large batches of gingerbread, dream over cookbooks, and even make my yearly allotment of sugar cookies (because they're too darn time consuming to make more than once every year).
Especially with such cold days upon us, it provides the perfect excuse for the munchkins and I to fire up the oven and bake cookies to our hearts content. Ben and Briggy are my willing accomplices when it comes to concocting cookies. They love stirring ingredients, using the rolling pin, and playing with the cookie cutters. I like to call them my taste testers, because first they want to snitch everything, but second, for a recipe to be repeated it has to meet their enthusiastic approval, otherwise I end up eating them all myself.
A lot of the recipes we make harken back to my own childhood memories, where I helped my Mum bake them. It's a beloved tradition and I love sharing it with my own kids. It's always great to whip up a few childhood favourites to enjoy. Mine has always been gingersnaps (or what we called Crybaby Cookies). What's your favourite?
Monday, December 7, 2009
Book of (Last) Week
Dr. Seuss was right, Christmas doesn't come from a store, in fact it means a little bit more. But what? Well, what I am busily trying to impress upon my excited children is that Christmas is really about our Saviour Jesus Christ. Admist the hubbub and bustle that is the holiday season, I'm trying to take Henry B.Eyring's advice and make room this season for what it really is all about. Here's some holiday, Christ-centered reads for your consideration.
The Challenge, Part One:
So watching the church's First Presidency's Christmas Devotional last night I got an idea. I'd originally planned to list one inspiring book about the gospel each week for December, but now I have a different goal. I've determined to read all four gospels by Christmas day, all four accounts of the Saviour's ministry instead.
I've calculated that reading ten pages a day I can do it. Anyone who likes can join me in the challenge, and we can send updates through the weekly blog. Who's with me?
For the Kids, Part One:
While I adore Christmas literature, especially childrens' Christmas literature, most of them are more secular in nature. This month I'll be mentioning some of my favourite Christmas tales that have to do in some way with the Nativity story.
First I want to mention one that you really should not miss! I'm sharing this one first so you all have time to find yourselfves a copy of "This Is the Stable" by Cynthia Cotten. Telling the Nativity story simply through rhyme, this is a beautiful little book with sublime text and pictures. To read it is to love it. Here's a sample:
"This is the stable dusty and brown,
In a quiet corner of Bethlehem town.
This is the star whose light shone down
On the quiet stable, dusty and brown."
Enjoy!
The Challenge, Part One:
So watching the church's First Presidency's Christmas Devotional last night I got an idea. I'd originally planned to list one inspiring book about the gospel each week for December, but now I have a different goal. I've determined to read all four gospels by Christmas day, all four accounts of the Saviour's ministry instead.
I've calculated that reading ten pages a day I can do it. Anyone who likes can join me in the challenge, and we can send updates through the weekly blog. Who's with me?
For the Kids, Part One:
While I adore Christmas literature, especially childrens' Christmas literature, most of them are more secular in nature. This month I'll be mentioning some of my favourite Christmas tales that have to do in some way with the Nativity story.
First I want to mention one that you really should not miss! I'm sharing this one first so you all have time to find yourselfves a copy of "This Is the Stable" by Cynthia Cotten. Telling the Nativity story simply through rhyme, this is a beautiful little book with sublime text and pictures. To read it is to love it. Here's a sample:
"This is the stable dusty and brown,
In a quiet corner of Bethlehem town.
This is the star whose light shone down
On the quiet stable, dusty and brown."
Enjoy!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Ode to Joy!
Let Advent begin! Tis the season for joy, beauty, and a good laugh or two. Therefore I present the following for your enjoyment. Try to keep it sane everybody!
Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnT7pT6zCcA
Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnT7pT6zCcA
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Book of the Week
With Advent upon us, here's the last of the cozy and snowy reads for your perusal and pleasure.
Cozy Read, Part 3:
Adventure, lovable heroes and despicable villains, mystery and riddles, great setting and laugh out loud humour; Brian Jacques novel "Redwall" has it all. A delicious read for grownups and children, I first discovered this one listening to Mum and Dad read it to us. We were all captivated and loved it!
When the peaceful Redwall Abbey is attacked by the rat warlord Cluny the Scourge, the brave mice and their woodland allies are hard pressed to preserve their freedom. Determined to restore the legendary sword of their founder Martin the Warrior to rally their cause, the novice Matthias begins a winding path to unearth the mystery of where the sword might be hidden. An unforgettable story, and brilliantly told.
Snowy Read, part 3:
Barbara Reid is a masterful storyteller, and her stunning plasticene illustrations tell the whole story in "Zoe's Snowy Day". Zoe sets out with her Mum one winter's day, and what adventures they have together!From sledding, to watching hockey at the park rink and home again for more hot cocoa, here is a wonderful little book to help welcome in the wintery season and get everyone excited for the snow. Barbara Reid has done three other Zoe books, one for each season, and they are all well worth the effort of finding.
Cozy Read, Part 3:
Adventure, lovable heroes and despicable villains, mystery and riddles, great setting and laugh out loud humour; Brian Jacques novel "Redwall" has it all. A delicious read for grownups and children, I first discovered this one listening to Mum and Dad read it to us. We were all captivated and loved it!
When the peaceful Redwall Abbey is attacked by the rat warlord Cluny the Scourge, the brave mice and their woodland allies are hard pressed to preserve their freedom. Determined to restore the legendary sword of their founder Martin the Warrior to rally their cause, the novice Matthias begins a winding path to unearth the mystery of where the sword might be hidden. An unforgettable story, and brilliantly told.
Snowy Read, part 3:
Barbara Reid is a masterful storyteller, and her stunning plasticene illustrations tell the whole story in "Zoe's Snowy Day". Zoe sets out with her Mum one winter's day, and what adventures they have together!From sledding, to watching hockey at the park rink and home again for more hot cocoa, here is a wonderful little book to help welcome in the wintery season and get everyone excited for the snow. Barbara Reid has done three other Zoe books, one for each season, and they are all well worth the effort of finding.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Dating: Then and Now
This past weekend we went to visit my family in Calgary. While we were there, it was the annual big Preference Dance in the LDSSA for my two single sisters. Being the formal dance where it's girls' choice, this date usually is a big event.
By the time we arrived, both Neen and Nenie (aka Janine and Elena) were starting to get a little stressed about getting ready, plus looking more than usually gorgeous in less than about an hour! It brought back memories of when I used to go to preference...and how my own sisters were always ready and willing to help me out. I was more than happy to be on the giving rather than the receiving end this time -it was quite fun really. I admired outfits and hairdos, rolled out pizza dough, and soothed soothed ruffled feathers when they got a bit stressed out. They went to a lot of effort to make a fun evening for that group date! Later that night, as I heard them all laughing as they made pizza, decorated cupcakes, and played games before going to the dance I had to smile at hearing how much fun they were having.
In retrospect of my own Preference and dating days, there are very few specifics that I remember. Names, faces, and activities have become blurred. While some particularly significant dates will always be remembered, what has become a treasured memory for me is the fun of getting ready for a date. My four sisters were always there to lend a hand, making the process of getting ready for the date a treasured memory.
The family tradition of helping each other getting ready and going on a date continues; not only did I help my sisters, but my brother helped me too. While Peter took his nephews to a movie, my husband and I got to go out on an actual date-a wonderful treat when you're married with kids. Dating your spouse is trickier than when you're single. Although creativity is appreciated when single, especially for preference, that and ingenuity are absolutely essential for dating your spouse!
We had a marvelous night out together, discovering the most scrumptious of Italian restaurants. It was one of those wonderful moments when I was reminded yet again of things I love about my husband. Thanks to all my family who helped to make it a reality that night.
Did I ever tell you that Jason was originally the best Preference date I ever had?
By the time we arrived, both Neen and Nenie (aka Janine and Elena) were starting to get a little stressed about getting ready, plus looking more than usually gorgeous in less than about an hour! It brought back memories of when I used to go to preference...and how my own sisters were always ready and willing to help me out. I was more than happy to be on the giving rather than the receiving end this time -it was quite fun really. I admired outfits and hairdos, rolled out pizza dough, and soothed soothed ruffled feathers when they got a bit stressed out. They went to a lot of effort to make a fun evening for that group date! Later that night, as I heard them all laughing as they made pizza, decorated cupcakes, and played games before going to the dance I had to smile at hearing how much fun they were having.
In retrospect of my own Preference and dating days, there are very few specifics that I remember. Names, faces, and activities have become blurred. While some particularly significant dates will always be remembered, what has become a treasured memory for me is the fun of getting ready for a date. My four sisters were always there to lend a hand, making the process of getting ready for the date a treasured memory.
The family tradition of helping each other getting ready and going on a date continues; not only did I help my sisters, but my brother helped me too. While Peter took his nephews to a movie, my husband and I got to go out on an actual date-a wonderful treat when you're married with kids. Dating your spouse is trickier than when you're single. Although creativity is appreciated when single, especially for preference, that and ingenuity are absolutely essential for dating your spouse!
We had a marvelous night out together, discovering the most scrumptious of Italian restaurants. It was one of those wonderful moments when I was reminded yet again of things I love about my husband. Thanks to all my family who helped to make it a reality that night.
Did I ever tell you that Jason was originally the best Preference date I ever had?
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Book of the Week
More cozy and snowy reads for your consideration.
A Civil Murder:
I'm a big fan of Agatha Christie, her mystery novels are my ultimate relaxing read. They have it all: murder, well-written characters, inventive plots and settings, a touch of romance, and that delicious wry wit of which I'm especially fond. And unlike so many modern mysteries, her books are clean; no gory violence, and though dealing with some nasty elements of life, things never get lurid. Things remain as civilized as possible. In short, her books are perfect for a cozy read, be it in the thick of a storm or on the beach.
For those new to "the Queen of Crime" try "The Mysterious Affair at Styles" where she first introduces the immortal sleuth Hercule Poirot and his comrade in arms, Captain Hastings. While visiting old friends, the convalescing Hastings gets more than he bargains for in the English countryside when his hostess is found murdered. Admist the fear and suspicion that follows, the Belgian emigre Poirot must employ his "little gray cells" to oust the murderer.
A Muddle with Mittens:
Who hasn't had trouble keeping track of of those things? That is just the problem facing the boy Nikki in "The Mitten", Jan Brett's adaptation of this Ukrainian folktale. When Baba finally knits the long desired snow white mittens for him, you know it is only a matter of time before Nikki losses one. What happens as more and more forest creatures discover this snug hideaway is beautifully told through text, but mostly through illustration. This one never fails to make me smile.
A Civil Murder:
I'm a big fan of Agatha Christie, her mystery novels are my ultimate relaxing read. They have it all: murder, well-written characters, inventive plots and settings, a touch of romance, and that delicious wry wit of which I'm especially fond. And unlike so many modern mysteries, her books are clean; no gory violence, and though dealing with some nasty elements of life, things never get lurid. Things remain as civilized as possible. In short, her books are perfect for a cozy read, be it in the thick of a storm or on the beach.
For those new to "the Queen of Crime" try "The Mysterious Affair at Styles" where she first introduces the immortal sleuth Hercule Poirot and his comrade in arms, Captain Hastings. While visiting old friends, the convalescing Hastings gets more than he bargains for in the English countryside when his hostess is found murdered. Admist the fear and suspicion that follows, the Belgian emigre Poirot must employ his "little gray cells" to oust the murderer.
A Muddle with Mittens:
Who hasn't had trouble keeping track of of those things? That is just the problem facing the boy Nikki in "The Mitten", Jan Brett's adaptation of this Ukrainian folktale. When Baba finally knits the long desired snow white mittens for him, you know it is only a matter of time before Nikki losses one. What happens as more and more forest creatures discover this snug hideaway is beautifully told through text, but mostly through illustration. This one never fails to make me smile.
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