Our Twelve Days of Christmas

I don’t know why, but the end of the year always makes me feel reflective, especially when I have some time to stop and think, as I did on our flight home this past Monday. My thoughts led me to realize that what has kept us busy during this season really points to what and who is important to us.
So, as a blogger, I begin to think of how I can convey all that without crossing that invisible line of breaching someone’s privacy or letting the whole world know everything about me . . . and everyone else in my life. This is a hard thing to do, without sounding quite generic or surreal. I just had to begin writing, deleting, editing and all the fun stuff one does to come up with something that might actually interest someone or maybe just benefit me, and I narrowed it down to twelve things we did this Christmas season that culminate into who and what I’m thankful for at this time.

1. To begin our celebrations we got together as siblings for a dinner in the country home of my sister and brother in law. My sister-in-law had decorated early and they really have a way of serving and making you feel pampered while in their home.

2. I married into a large family, becoming an instant auntie to about 17 nieces and nephews at the time. Ten more, including our three kids, came along and most are married now. We decided to try something we have never done before. We invited just the nieces and nephews for dinner in the beginning of the month, and had so much fun doing it! A highlight for me was a “how well do you know your cousins” game that brought on a lot of laughter and shared memories.

3. My H and I have begun attending a new church and gotten involved in a type of Care Group that meets twice a month to share a dinner, a Bible Study or sharing time and prayer. This month we got together for appetizers, desserts and a white elephant gift game. As a group we put money together for well project in a developing country. I don’t know everyone very well yet and it takes some effort, but the rewards of allowing people into your life are beneficial in many ways.

4. We had my side of the family over for turkey dinner about the middle of the month … the day it snowed.

On my side too, nieces and nephews have all grown up, the youngest is in grade 12 now.

Such varying dynamics in four generations getting together, but a special time to connect and realize how important it is that we do so more often. We almost burned down the house, trying to make a fire in the fireplace, but it all ended well . . . after someone took on the task of running up the winding staircase holding a burning log over a plastic pail to throw it out into the snow . . . with me calling after him, “that is not a good idea!”

5. One night we met up with some business friends for a dinner in Vancouver. This is only the second time we’ve done something together with them outside of business and we do hope to become better friends with them.

6. We also really appreciated the fact that some co-workers and neighbors of ours accepted an invitation to attend a drama with us. The co-workers have been a part of my H’s life for many years and the neighbors have been living across the street from us for 23 years. It was great to actually do something together on separate occasions.

7. One night we had our annual staff dinner at a nice restaurant. I know that in general I don’t talk about work, staff, neighbors or friends . . . but these are all people in our life for whom we are thankful to have had the privilege of sharing not only this past year, but many years already.

8. On Christmas Eve I made a nice dinner for just the two of us. Although this is my absolute favorite night of the year and a night I’d love to share with our family, I can only say that God did fill our emptiness with a beautiful service, a special long distance call and just the knowledge that if we could, we would all be together!

We opened our gifts to each other and some special brown paper parcels with a ton of stamps on them.

9. On Christmas Day Ben and Kari came for a waffle breakfast and then we opened gifts with them. We watched a movie, enjoying appetizers in-between, and just relaxed on roomy couches.

10. On December 26th we crossed the border at 5:00 AM and caught an early flight out to deliver our gifts to the closest grandkids we have. I guess when some live half way around the world, a two and a half hour flight is nothing. So we will take that anytime we possibly can … even if just for two days. (The officer at the border asked how long we were staying and his next question was, “are you driving?” Was he thinking? Maybe he was at the end of his shift.) Needless to say, we had a wonderful time with Shaun and Kristal, who are living with his parents right now. Kristal had roast beef dinner cooking when we arrived. We played, opened gifts and ate. The best gifts were the smiling faces of recognition and excitement in Natalie and Landon.

11. On December 27th we all drove to Santa Barbara, a beautiful beachside city, where we did a bit of shopping, had lunch at California Pizza, walked along the pier and enjoyed a leisurely visit and coffee on a patio overlooking the beach.

12. As I write this I’m looking forward to an evening with a number of our long-time friends. Some of the couples we have known since before we had children, others joined along the way, but we all shared in the raising of our children, attending their weddings and most of us are now sharing in the excitement of being young grandparents. We will each bring something to share for dinner and just catch up on what is happening in our lives. These are couples who have stuck with us through bad and good, friends who laugh with us, pray for us and encourage us in so many ways. I wish everyone friends like these.

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Bread Pudding with Orange Creme Anglaise

My friend, Trish has posted a recipe on the mennonitegirlscancook site that, as soon as I saw it, I knew it was posted for me. It has become a keeper. I love any kind of bread pudding and what I really like about this one is the sweet, sour combination with the warm creamy orange sauce drizzled on top. I decided that this is a recipe that I would really like to have on my sidebar too - with the rest of my recipes . . . so hence the reason for posting it here and putting it in the spotlight, just in case you have not discovered it.

Something else that I like about this recipe is that it is not only a dessert, but can easily be a breakfast. Whichever way I serve it, I like to make it well ahead, even the day before. I pour the sauce over the whole top of the baked pudding, cover the pan with aluminum foil and refrigerate it. About 1/2 before serving, I re-heat it at 350F until it's warm then cut it into squares to serve. For a breakfast version, I would bake it the night before, omit the sauce and just serve it warmed up with syrup. It does seem to have a better texture after it has sat a while, hence the making ahead idea. So here it is:

Bread Pudding with Orange Creme Anglaise

Ingredients:

8 extra thick slices - Texas style bread
1 1/2 cups cranberries (fresh or frozen)
1 tbsp grated orange rind
6 eggs
3 cups milk
1 cup whipping cream
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla


Method:

1. Trim off bread crusts and cut bread into 1 inch cubes.
2. Arrange half of the bread cubes in lightly greased 12 inch oval baking dish or a 9X13 Pyrex pan.
3. Scatter two thirds each of the cranberries and orange rind over top.
4. Cover mixture with remaining bread cubes, then top with remaining cranberries and orange rind.
5. In large bowl whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, vanilla and sugar and pour over the bread mixture. Let stand for about 20 minutes...basting every so often with the juice. You could cover this with saran then refrigerate up to 24 hours if this is handier in your meal prep.Bake uncovered in the centre of the oven at 375 for 45 to 60 minutes or until puffed and golden and until knife inserted in the middle comes out clean. It will drop slightly as it cools.

Orange Creme Anglaise:

1 cup whipping cream
1 strip orange rind (about 1 inch wide - for infused flavour)
3 egg yolks
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup frozen concentrate orange juice

1. In a small saucepan heat the cream with the orange rind over medium heat just until it is steaming.
2. Remove from heat and discard the orange rind.
3. In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks with sugar until pale; slowly whisk in the cream.
4. Return it all to the saucepan, cook, stirring constantly for 3 to 5 minutes or until thick enough to coat back of wooden spoon.....careful...don't let it boil, watching for the steam.
5. Strain into a pitcher. Serve warm with the pudding.

The Birth Of Jesus

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world . . . And everyone went to his own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." Luke 2: 1-10

Although I've read and heard this story many times over what hit me, as I wrote this out, is that this good news of great joy is for ALL people! How wonderful is that?

Breath of Heaven

I have traveled many moonless night

Cold and weary, with a babe inside

And I wonder what I've done

Holy Father, you have come

And chosen me now

To carry your son

I am waiting in a silent prayer

I am frightened by the load I bear

In a world as cold as stone,

Must I walk this path alone?

Be with me now

Be with me now

Chorus:

Breath of heaven

Hold me together

Be forever near me

Breath of heaven

Breath of heaven

Lighten my darkness

Pour over me your holiness

For you are holy

Breath of heaven

Do you wonder as you watch my face

If a wiser one one should have had my place

But I offer all I am

For the mercy of your plan

Help me be strong

Help me be

Help me

Amy Grant

Max Lucado said, "The virgin birth is more than a Christmas story; it is a picture of how close Christ will come to you." Mary could have said, "I have other plans. I don't have time for God in my life now." But she didn't. It is a mystery still offered to us, that Christ wants to live in us through faith.

He invites us, "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." Revelations 3:20

Looking Back

Kristal met 'the man she would marry' while away at University. It’s possibly every doting father’s fear come true to hear those words, especially when it means a move out of country. We flew down and met her special man soon after she told us and it wasn’t long before they were engaged.

The wedding preparations began during the summer and then she went back to school. I was left to take care of the rest of the plans for their Christmas Break wedding and put my heart into planning for the most beautiful day we could imagine. One of the paradoxes of parenting - working and paying to let your daughter go. I shed some tears.

How could she know of a love that lets go because it’s a love that, above all, desires her happiness. How could he know the cost?

So, seven years ago today, we welcomed Shaun into our family. Guests came from down south. We celebrated their love and vows to each other before 250 guests, and then Christmas with both sides of the family.

I’m reminded of a song from a long time ago. “A man shall leave his family and a woman leave her home and they shall travel on to where the two shall be as one. As it was in the beginning is now until the end. A woman draws her life from man and gives it back again. And there is love.”
Happy Anniversary, Shaun and Kristal. We are looking forward to the rest of the story!
Love, Mom and Dad

Centerpieces and Coffee Table Munchies

I've noticed that traditional methods for displaying Christmas ornaments or even serving snacks can be spiced up a bit at no extra cost. So, I filled my square glass candle holders with cranberries just for a pretty look . . . and with snacks another time.

Then I found out that wine glasses come in quite handy for serving nuts and small munchies. No fear of people putting their hands in there, because you simply pour into your hand or plate.

So go ahead and find some glass or crystal bowls and vases and fill them with bright fruit, nuts, coffee beans, ornaments and the like. Canadian Living calls it no time, low cost holiday decorating.

Special Day

What a blessing it is to still have a Mom who is ever so interested in my life, praying for me and cheering me on. Someone once said to me that she should be cloned.
Well, I am sure God has other versions of her around the world but, in my world, she is one of a kind. This day is being set aside to follow a winter tradition we’ve had, a day of shopping. In the last couple of years Monika has joined us too and I can only imagine how my mom looks forward to a day with her two girls. We do too.

Then, later tonite we have a surprise for her. Some munchies are planned and the cake is ready. She has been informed that her kids with spouses will be coming over with appetizers and dessert. What she doesn’t know is that her grandchildren are also coming. Her apartment will be full – but not as full as her joy will be at seeing the younger ones take off a Friday night to celebrate with their Oma.

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What Happened to the Turkey?

I know this post does not look pretty, but it is practical. If you are a seasoned cook you can just click on out but, if you need a mom's advice, here is some for you to take or leave. As you may notice from the pictures, I cook my turkey without stuffing. I have a good excuse. I don't like having the juices get soaked up by the stuffing and prefer the easy method (aka Stove Top) or - I just noticed that Judy from Mennonite Girls Can Cook posted a Crock Pot stuffing today which looks like a very good idea.

Then, I also cook it upside down, so that the breast sits in the juices. The turkey does not take as long to cook without stuffing and you can tell it's done when the back (top) starts to crack open. This 7kg (16 lb) turkey was done in about 3 hours. After letting it sit for a while, was able to just pull it apart easily to carve. For me it's not about presenting a nice looking turkey with fruit garnishes but, again, practicality and ease of serving.

I carve it at least an hour before serving and put it in an ovenproof dish, white and dark meat separated. Then I shake up a few Tbsp flour and maybe 2 cups of water to add to the juices in the roaster and cook that, stirring until it thickens to make gravy. I pour a small amount of gravy all over the turkey, cover it up and put it back in the oven for a bit before we eat.

So what happened to the turkey? Twenty adults had dinner. The carcass got cooked to make soup. We had a left over turkey dinner once. I made some turkey sandwiches and chopped the last of it up to freeze for future crepes or casseroles. I really should cook a turkey more often.

On Opening My Home

I received a sweet note from my niece thanking us for opening our home. Although we easily use that phrase, I had to think about it this time. What does it mean to open our home? What does it say to those entering our door? What do we want it to say?

As I write this I’m just between two large family parties . . . one last week and one coming up (probably done by the time I post this). I thought I’d go over the process of what must happen for me to enjoy having 20 or 30 people come through the door.

To start off, I make up a menu. Then I make calls or send out emails. These two things are probably the hardest. Deciding what to make and figuring out a date that will work.

So, about a week before the big event, I make up my grocery list, checking recipes and my pantry. I also check napkins, candles and figure out what I will do for centerpieces. Shopping for everything happens several days before. Next I make a list of what needs to be done and what day I will fit each little thing into. For example: Wednesday after my dentist appointment – make desserts and or appetizers and freeze. Thursday – laundry, figure out dishes, tablecloths, where to seat everyone and make placecards.

Friday – clean the house (never clean the house the day of – unless the queen is coming)

Saturday morning – peel potatoes cover with cold water. Prepare chicken breasts (refrigerate until ready to put in oven) Wash salads (unless people are bringing them), cut veggies, thaw desserts and or appetizers and finish final details on them.
After lunch – set tables.

Finally, check list for what is left and put a time on each. You get the idea – bite size pieces! Not all in one day. Check the list and do everything you can as far ahead as possible – you still won’t be sitting and waiting for the doorbell to ring!

Is this what it means to open my home? Taking the time to call, to plan and prepare a table? Does it involve “looking at my home through other eyes?” and taking some extra effort to finally tidy up a stack of mail and books on the phone desk and the extra pile on the dryer?
Whatever it means . . . when I hear the laughter coming from the tables,

see the deserts disappearing,

see a special uncle (what else could he be?) visiting with his oldest nephews,

Or cousins finding a special corner to catch up,

my heart is full . . . because in opening my home I’ve opened my heart.

Christmas Decorating

I went through the house and took some pictures of some simple decorating that has brightened up our home these days.

This year, for the powder room, I bought some new towels that look seasonal yet can be used all winter.

I hung an ornament . . .

and filled the birdbath with fresh Christmas potpourri.

For the main bath I decided to take advantage of the white and green towels I already had and added a poinsettia for a clean cheery look.

The guest bedroom bed got some sheep nestled into it . . .

and the master bedroom (that would be mine too) happens to have a fireplace that is always fun and easy to do. I interlocked several full artificial swags (left over from Kristal's winter wedding) to make a garland, then put lights through it and some silk magnolia stems.
Fireplaces can be done in so many beautiful ways now with reindeer, trees and shiny ornaments, but this still suits the bedroom and so I decided it wasn't this room's turn for a change just yet.

On the outside of our bedroom window we hung a wreath that does double duty in that it looks nice from the inside too!

Going to the kitchen/family room area . . . you will notice that it is still quite traditional with a mix of natural elements.

A large poinsettia in front of the fireplace . . .

garland and candles on the window sills . . .

candle holders and greenery with pine cones tucked into one corner of the counter

another artificial bow or swag with pinecones to accent the woven blind over the sink . . .

and one of our oldest decorations is a centerpiece on the kitchen table. This is about 25 years old. Originally the pillar candles were glued in. Several years ago I added candle holders, removed gaudy old stuff from it and added clusters of berries etc to it. It still fits into the general decor of the kitchen.

One of the nicest additions to the decor in the last few years has been the way my H has decorated the bushes in the back yard.

In the evening we leave our blinds up, thereby bringing the outside in. I have been surprised how nice this has been! It just seems to extend the room.

This is the view out of my kitchen window. . . reminding me of a display of fireworks. So that's all for today. Maybe in another post you will be able to take note of some other parts of the house.

A Special Parcel

We used to wonder what it would be like if we had been born in another place. Maybe another country. How would our life be different if we had had the opportunity to meet other people. I've come to think that maybe it would not be as different as we think. Through blogging I've come to know women who really are so much like me - women who I'd be drawn to had we lived in the same neighborhood. No matter where I am, be it face to face or just in cyberspace, there is an instant bond with women of like purpose, passion and faith. I find this interesting . . . how we find each other.

One friend whom I have never met, but correspond with quite regularly, lives in Virginia. She is quite a bit younger than I am and I find it interesting to see life from the perspective of a younger mom. In some ways it allows me to see where I have been and how the season of life has changed for me, but it also allows me to see a beauty in the changes that have transpired, changes I fought against so hard . . . needlessly.

Soon after Kathy (aka Menno Jeweler) began commenting on my blog, I found out that she doesn't have a blog, but she does have a website where she displays her hand-crafted jewelry. She just recently had an open house in her home and since I could not attend, I decided to put in an order after she was done with the open house. I teased her that I would get something from the leftovers. As it turned out, she sold almost everything! But if what I got is left-over . . . boy, I have to tell you she does beautiful work!

Kathy, I am so blessed by your friendship! I was delighted to open my little parcel today. And although we have not met, I know for certain that someday we will. I wish you and your family a blessed Christmas!

Christmas Time in the City

Although I had to learn the transit system in Vancouver as a ten year and spent many Sunday afternoons in Stanley Park or Gastown as a teen, it hasn’t been until these latter years that I have come to see what a glamorous city it really is!

Last year for Christmas, we received a gift certificate for a one night’s Stay at the Four Seasons and part of the fun was to enjoy just the the thought of it a whole year before making full use of it!

We drove in on a beautiful night, checked in and headed for an elegant dinner in the hotel.


After dinner we joined the shoppers on Robson Street, enjoying the city lights, the atmosphere and the window displays.

Chapters - all lit up against the night sky

This photo doesn’t quite do justice to the allure of the twinkly street, the enjoyment of having someone’s hand to hold, watching the bustle, hearing a familiar song in the air and stopping to watch a drime team on the corner, but it’s a reminder of all that and more.

When we got back to our room on the 21st floor, I pulled back the curtains and peered down on the scene below out of one window

and Hotel Vancouver out of another window. In the morning this blogger had to repeat the process . . .

And wouldn’t you know it, it was raining . . . but no need to panic. Pacific Center was waiting for us right underneath the hotel. We did not even have to go outside . . . and we were there before the doors opened. Not eager at all.
I have to say that this is one of my favorite ways to spend time with my soul mate - having his undivided attention and giving me honest opinions. Yes, and one of the best gifts is having someone to share the joy of giving with and together anticipating the excitement and laughter soon to come.