Breakfast in Mama's New Pan

I asked for a cast-iron pan for Christmas and now we are all happily reaping it's rewards!

This morning, German Apple-Cake with orange zest and turbinado sugar sprinkled atop. Mmmm ... we are quickly becoming cast-iron converts.

To Begin, Again

Before the sun was fully awake and the sky was still more gray than blue, I bundled up and drove into the city to a little patisserie.

Time to reflect and wonder while I watched the city streets yawn and stretch and blink it's eyes. To enjoy some eggnog bread pudding alongside a hot, foamy brew.

No real profundities realized or deep, contemplative musings. Just a bit of quiet and a simple moment to experience. By my standards, a very good way to start a year.

It is Good

Tela, Honduras

I sit here pondering, a bit amazed at this past year. A year full of joys and sorrows. Everyday life and true adventure. I am so very grateful to have found this journal to capture it. To spoon off a bit of each experience and preserve it for my family.

A year ago I began, not knowing if my interest would continue or wane. And now, as I scan through the entries of this past year, I am so very humbled to see my life in front of me. There is more beauty in my days than I ever realized. To learn this ... such a gift.

The year is concluding, festive decorations tucking into bins to wait until next time. The cozy glamour of the season giving way to fresh starts and possibilities. I am excited, expectant, and always curious.

So. My three little birds. Here is a year of our lives for you. You are deeply loved by imperfect parents who are learning as they go. Grateful to Him for the gift we have in our family. May you look back upon these memories some day and smile. God is good.

It is good to give thanks to the Lord.
Psalm 92:1

Yes!

They prayed for snow. It came as no surprise to them that God listened.

And so they reveled,

and delighted,

and tasted,

and felt the need to tidy up after it's regal glory.

And Mama was happy too.

A Sophisticated Egg

Aunt Dawn gave Lucette a dozen eggs from her chickens. The shells are just the haziest of gray-blue in color.

Her South American chicks from Easter must be quite happy, as they are most prolific egg-layers. Seen here nestled next to brown and white eggs, you can see the subtle hue and air of sophistication.

And if you like eggs, oh my. Just look at those golden, golden yolks. Rich and velvety perfection.

A Flighty Little Skirt

And what young girl wouldn't want to be Little Bo Peep? Yesterday, I dove into my new Christmas sewing book, and fell in love with Anna Maria Horner's Bo Peep skirt. Using just two large rectangles for the front and back, one (cut in half) for the sides, four small rectangles for the side ruffles, and some scraps for edging, it's just the thing to whip up on a lazy Sunday.

I had all of the fabric in my stash already. A thrifted yellow bedsheet, lush and sturdy turquoise cotton, turquoise calico once used to make a blouse for my mother, and some flighty little butterflies.

I chose a contrasting apple green thread just for the fun of it and used french seams on the interior. I had forgotten how lovely they are. So professional looking.

And since I had already done some butterfly embroidery but was just waiting to find the perfect application, we stitched it on in a lovely deconstructed fashion.

All in all I was quite pleased. In the words of Lucette: "It's kinda' funky ... but I like it!"

A Day Full of Amusements

All is Calm, All is Bright

Preparing Today for Tomorrow

Busy in the kitchen today. Making chili and cornbread for our last advent celebration this evening and readying Christmas morning breakfast. I'm all about the make-ahead, because you won't find me hovered over the stove during the morning festivities!

An egg-dish and fruit, to be sure, but not complete without our beloved Pumpkin-Apple Streusel Cake! Swiped from some magnificent chef from Bon Appetit years ago, we now consider it ours. And for cakey-love and posterity, a recipe gift to you!

• Pumpkin-Apple Streusel Cake •

Combine and cook for about 5 minutes:
• 3 T butter
• 4 granny smith apples, peeled, cored and diced

Once browned, add and stir a few more minutes:
• 3 T sugar
• 1 t. cinnamon

Set aside to cool.

Combine:
1.5 c. flour (I use some w.wheat)
1 c. packed brown sugar
.5 c. butter (room temp., cut into pieces)
.5 t. salt

With mixer, beat until mix resembles coarse meal. (This take a bit) Set aside 2/3 cup for topping.

To remaining flour mix, beat in:
.75 c. canned pumpkin
2 T sugar
2 t. pumpkin pie spice
1/3 c. sour cream
1 t. baking soda
2 large eggs

Pour batter into a buttered 9" springform pan, scatter apples evening over top, and sprinkle reserved crumble over apples.

Bake about 1 hour 10 minutes at 350 degrees. Cook on rack for 20 minutes, run knife around sides and release from pan. Keep at room temperature.

Merry Christmas!

Anticipation Takes Form

The girls have decorated their rooms in pencil and crayon drawings and I love it. This angel beauty seems quite excited about the Savior's birth, not to mention having the foresight to swipe on a little lip gloss for all her exultations!

One can even spy Rudolph and some elves in mid-frolic surrounded by a dusting of paper snowflakes. We're all abuzz with Christmas spirit over here and my, it's fun.