A New Chance Each Day

My dear friend, Lori, has the most amazing way of finding the silver lining in situations that turn out different than originally anticipated.  Her optimism speaks volumes about her beautiful soul and faith in God's sovereignty over our lives.  

Tonight is not the way we had planned, or hoped, to bring in 2011.  We have a fun tradition of spending time with friends, while eating fondue, reviewing the past year and making predictions for the next.  We have even been known to play Guitar Hero until the wee hours of morning.  We can be pretty wild.  

Instead, we are banished to our house with a nasty bug that has been hanging on for days.  Five days of fevers, coughs and exhaustion has taken a toll on all of us.  I made brownies instead of dinner -since no one wanted to eat anything.  At least I still have my priorities straight, even if they just sit in the pan longing to be eaten.  

The concept of starting new in a new year is always exciting and motivating.  Yet what gets me each year around this time is the opportunity that is given each day, each moment that we live, to start new.  God's promise of redemption and starting clean isn't just in this transition of hanging a new calendar on the wall.  I am in awe of this blessing on my family and need to remind myself that we don't need the perfect tradition to welcome January 1.  We can have the same feelings of excitement and motivation in every breath, in all that we do. 

It is our Christmas present from God that we get to open everyday.

It is our chance to start again. 

So what is our silver lining today?  
Time as a family.  Wearing pajamas all day.  Doing projects around the house. Snuggling with sick kiddos that don't want to be out of our arms......

We look forward to fondue that will be rescheduled, and are thankful for God's promise of new life as we bring in a new year - in a very quiet house. 

SNOW!

I realize that the shocking news of snow in Minnesota is not so shocking to those who live there, or to those that watch the news.  However, you may not know that there isn't snow in Kansas.  I think it snowed a dusting last month, but the grass is still present and we don't have to wear boots.  We can go outside without freezing our noses off.  I like it.  I like it a whole lot.  

Minnesota is setting records with the snow fall that has come this December.  I have lost track of accumulated inches....maybe 36?  The bottom line is, there is a whole lot of snow.  We could see the gradual increase of white stuff on our drive up for Christmas.  The drifts became larger, until they were taller than Jason.

We stopped at a rest area that was full of dirty slush in southern Minnesota.  We then remembered what it was like to live with this stuff, not to mention living with kids in this stuff.  Having our three little ones file out of the mini van, onto the mess on the ground, and then back in to their car seats - while stepping on items that had made it to the ground during our road trip (blankets, paper, stuffed animals) made for some crabby parents.

"Don't kick the snow while wearing your tennis shoes!"

"Take your shoes off!"  as the climbed back in the van. 

"Don't step on your favorite sleep blanket!"

Can you see the dirty wetness invading our warm, dry van?  

And then came the kids whining......

"I'm FREEZING!!!"

"My feet are all wet!"

"How much longer until we get there????"  O.k.  That one isn't related to the snow.  But they do ask that a few times on the drive.  

Jason and I were so thankful that we don't have that routine everyday.  But packed in the van was a giant duffel bag full of snow gear to outfit our whole crew, so that we could enjoy the white fluffy snow and get over our bad attitude. 

Snow.

I like it on a temporary basis -with the right amount of outerwear to keep us warm and family to encourage playing on the tundra.  It can be pretty fun.  

Samuel, Owen and Daddy snuggling in a snow bank.

 Daddy and Samuel sledding at the Tracy's house.

 Ella braving the hill. 

 Daddy and Sam at the bottom of the run. 

 Samuel - on the way out of a snow tunnel. 

 Grandpa Larry and Owen while more snow is falling....

 Owen "helping" shovel the accumulation. 

A Christmas With Family

It was a beautiful Christmas celebrating Christ's birth with our family in Minnesota.  We had a  whirlwind trip, full of unanticipated moments that only children can bring.  Like the screams of joy that ensued as we could see downtown Minneapolis approaching on the drive up north.  Or sleeping on the floor next to Owen, who was sick on Christmas Eve - but not too sick to wake up and open up his stocking.  

There were many people who were missed in my picture taking over those crazy two days.  But I am thankful for the memories that were captured on film and those that were not.  We are blessed to have so much love in our lives.  We are thankful for Christ's coming and that we can celebrate His presence each day.  

In order of appearance - some of our moments with family:

Reading books with Auntie Christine

 Ella and Mark

 Ryan, Ella, Owen and Mark

 Owen and Mark....don't they look like trouble? 

 Ryan and Ella

 Auntie Christine and Samuel

 Reading the Advent Story with Ella, Auntie Lisa, Naomi and Owen

 I love all of the different faces in this one!  Lisa, Naomi, Owen and Grandma Sue

 Ella and Auntie Megan

 Ella and Naomi

Christmas Photo Shoot

It is 50 degrees in December and I can handle that.  

In my eagerness to take advantage of the nice weather, I brought all the kids outside by myself, despite runny noses and bad attitudes, hoping to get just one nice picture of the three of them.  

I can't say that I had success.  No one wanted to cooperate at the same time.  Such is life.  And it tells a story.....

 

Caramels. If You Dare.

I love traditions, especially around the holidays.  Traditions cause me to do things that I don't do the rest of the year, like fill my refrigerator with enough heavy whipping cream to raise your cholesterol 20 points.

Need 5 pounds of butter?  I've got it. 

10 pounds of sugar?  You bet. 

Let's not forget the cream cheese.  

I even buy a jar of corn syrup (gasp). 

I deep fry things.  

Don't think less of me.  It is all in the name of tradition.  Some people shop on black Friday (and I think they are nutso).  I make treats. 

I remember the celebrations at my Grandma and Grandpa's house, when my younger cousins stole olives off my plate and ate all the good homemade treats.  Three of those boys grew up to be football players (and a couple of them are Marines), so I guess they needed the calories more than me.  I forgive them.  Grandma started packing each family their own box of goodies so the grand kids didn't have to fight over them on Christmas day.  It was a good idea.  


My great aunt Ella made krumkake, rosettes, chocolate-peanut butter balls and other glutenous treats for our family.  Christmas just wouldn't be the same without me burning my fingers on the krumkake iron or in the hot oil of the rosettes.   I hope my little Ella makes them someday.  I also hope she won't burn herself as often as I do.  


I hadn't gone to my treat making place yet this season, until my friend asked for a play-by-play blog for caramels that she must have eaten years ago (back in my Minnesota nursing days).  She was likely kidding in her request, but I am always happy to oblige in the cooking arena.  


There are a few things I must warn you about in regards to caramels:
1.  You will eat them and likely gain weight if you make them.  
2.  They are not "healthy" for you (just in case you were confused).
3.  They are easy to mess up - despite people who claim "fool-proof" recipes.
4.  They can be expensive, especially if you mess up (aka - make a batch that requires emergency dental work) and have to make more.  
5.  Don't make them the day before you need them, in case #4 happens.  
6.  They are not a great project with kids - too hot to be safe, and kids (or significant other, or dog, or cat) will likely distract you at the critical moment causing #4 to happen.

Are you still with me? 

Here's what you need:
1 hour for cooking.  2+ hours for cooling.  1 hour for cutting/wrapping.  

1 stock pot (preferably non-stick)
1 12x16 sheet pan (you can use smaller - caramels will be thicker)
1 good candy thermometer
wooden spoon
aluminum foil or parchment paper
chefs knife 
cutting board
waxed paper
scissor  


Ingredients:
3 cups sugar
1 1/8 cups light corn syrup
1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter (plus some for buttering pan)
3 cups heavy cream - divided

Line your pan with foil (or parchment paper) and butter.  Place next to the stock pot on a cooling rack.  This pan will be very hot once caramels are in- so make sure it is in a safe place.  

Stir sugar, corn syrup, butter and 2 1/2 cups cream in the pot.  Set the heat to medium and bring to a rolling boil for one minute. 

Stir in remaining 1/2 cup of cream and watch it boil up!  Excitement!  This is why you need a stock pot......

 

It will change from white, to a lovely caramel color.  Yummy. 

 


Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until your thermometer reads 244 degrees.  This may take about 30 minutes of boiling.  You could do the traditional "drop 1/2 tsp or caramel in to ice water and should form a hard ball" to see if the caramel is ready. But, frankly, this method never does it for me.  I like the thermometer.  So there. 

  ***The heating process isn't steady, so watch your thermometer carefully.  If you hang out around 220 for a long time, try raising your heat on the stove by one notch.  Once you reach 240 - be ready to go and watch like a hawk (remember #4 above?).  

As soon as the temp is right, pour it immediately in your buttered pan.  Allow to cool in a safe place.  Resist the temptation to eat one and burn your mouth.  Just eat the pan drippings once they have cooled.  Yum.  

Cut squares of waxed paper (about 3x4 inches).

  ***Caramels can be any size you like.  I prefer the size that can be popped in the mouth all at once, so I don't have to take a bite and have caramel hanging on my lip like my daughter. 

Once completely cooled, dump entire slab of candy on to a cutting board.  Or, if you have smaller cutting boards, cut into a few large pieces that will fit on your board. (This part isn't pictured as described above because I told my hubby that he needed to do the cutting.....and this is how he did it.  I don't turn down good help).   Removing the caramels from the pan allow you to cut easily with a chefs knife and avoids the awkward moment of your friends chewing on foil while eating your caramels.  

Roll the candy in waxed paper and then go impress your friends.

  ***If you plan to wait to cut and wrap them, just wait until they are completely cooled, cover in plastic wrap and get to them another day.  

I wish you happy caramel making.  And a wonderful sugar high. 

Growing

 I woke up yesterday and stared at this little man.  He looks bigger.  His face looks different, somehow. 

18 months.  A year and a half.  He isn't getting any smaller people. 

He sits at the table and eats a snack without needing a boost.  He feeds himself.  He could probably make his own lunch and put himself to bed.  Well, that may be pushing it.  But I am feeling a little sadness in knowing that he could take or leave me on most days. 

That realization makes his snuggles even better and his cries for "Mama" that much more endearing. The screaming and the rejection of food (through catapulting his spoon) is still present and not so endearing. But God gave me patience.....I think.....so I will continue to look for that quality in myself to help with the moments when I am covered in sweet potatoes -  and so is the little man. 

I love laundry.  Really, I do. 

I love how he tells me intense stories without speaking an understandable word. 

I love how he could play with Legos and trains for hours, just like his big brother. 

I love how he screams the number "SIX" when he hears anyone counting. 

I love how he tells the puppy to "SIT" with passion.  Really, it sounds the same as "six" and several other "s" words that he chooses to use.  It is still super adorable when he does that. 

I love how he loves the animals and always needs to have his hands on one of them - sort of like when he is around other small people.  I feel for the one receiving the affection. 

He is not getting any smaller, just cuter.  And faster.  And louder.  And much, much smarter...

Marshmallows

 Who knew that marshmellows could bring such happiness and not just a sugar high?  

Jason and the kiddos built a little fire pit and finally had the perfect evening for it's maiden voyage.  They made their own roasting sticks and searched for dry wood to make the fire.  I am so glad that I married an Eagle Scout.  

Grandma Sue is visiting from Minnesota and led us in a rousing campfire song.  We burned many marshmallows and had lots of sticky fingers. 

It felt like vacation, except we actually live here.  Love it.

 

Then we devoured the stew waiting in the crock-pot, homemade bread and finished it off with rhubarb cake - recipe compliments of Great Grandma Naomi.  It was a perfect fall day, complete with the satisfaction that there wasn't any snow on the ground (no offense to all the Minnesota residents who are loving the blizzard right now.....do you realize that snow could be there for the next 6 months?).   

Here's to marshmallows and the smiles that happen when they are around.  

Love Him

Sweet Owen.

Raw.  Loving.  Introverted.   Faithful.  Snuggly.  Independent.  Adventurous.  Goofy. 

On a 70 degree day last weekend, he ran through the sprinkler with wild abandon.  He was fully clothed and thrilled to pieces. No matter the new grass seed under his feet. 

He then disappeared in to the house, only to reappear in a pair of dry underwear and tennis shoes.  It was time for playing in the dirt.

I had to tell him that I was taking pictures of his trucks in order to get away with this photo shoot, to which he replied, "But Mom, I already know what they look like!". 

I love him.

As I tell him every night, "I am so happy that God made you, so that I could be your Mommy".  I mean it with every fiber in me and with every ounce of passion that God has sewn in my heart

.

The Simple Things

It is so important to remember the simple things in life that bring us joy.  

Like when Owen tells me that he loves me more than the dry erase board.  

Or when Ella cleans up the dog "stuff" from the yard with a smile.  

And when all three kids are rocking out to Tears For Fears "Shout", while cruising down the freeway- despite the fact they have never heard it.  They are clearly my children.  

And don't forget the simple joy of spending 5 dollars at Target on this amazing apparatus that prevents a certain someone from unloading the refrigerator every 6.7 seconds.  

I have a huge amount of joy every time I see this thing.  

It's the simple things, really.  

 

Halloween.....Finally.

I am deeply contemplating the month of October and its non-existence in our lives this year.

Did it really happen?

Did we already live through an entire week of November? 

I sort of feel like I am in the Twilight Zone.....

Halloween.  It was a week and a day ago, I know.  But what kind of mother would I be if I didn't reflect on our "BEST DAY EVER" (aka "we get to eat cheese puffs and candy" day)?  We enjoyed a beautiful fall evening at the end of the season party for the local pumpkin patch.  They invited all of the neighbors within a 3 mile radius.  Everyone came.  There were 30 people there. We are not very densely populated out here.

What I love is that this pumpkin patch is family owned and doesn't charge admission, just a small fee for some games and a corn maze.  It is super family friendly and you can pick your own pumpkins - if you are lucky enough to not get distracted by all the animals and things to play with.

Like the giant slide-

  Look out for the Mom who wants a nice picture.  She can monopolize your time.

 And there are always corn kernels to be found in the underwear of children at the end of the day.

 Don't forget to shoot at things because that is always fun. 

This special gathering consisted of pumpkin carving, hot dog roasting, cheese puff eating and gossiping with the neighbors.  It was a blast.

Not sure who the woman is in this next picture....or who is behind the camera...? 

 I was a bad Mom again and didn't take a picture of them all dressed up until we were actually out collecting candy.  So this is the mug shot in front of someone's garage.  We ran around a neighborhood in Newton with friends from church.  Nothing cuter than a bunch of little kids asking for candy. 

Now on to November......