We had our second Christmas Eve and Christmas day all rolled into one last night. We started by taking Gommie and Pop to a local Italian place--not just pizza and spaghetti with meatballs, but a place with duck and boar and such. Mama and I had been once before and had a great meal but some unfortunate experiences (I got too warm, felt sick, shifted in my chair, and pulled a muscle in my back, ending the meal early)--I was glad to replace the memories.
And it was great food--white bean and sauteed tomato dip, spinach and mushroom crepes, butternut squash ravioli, short ribs, spinach salad with warm goat cheese fritters and a poached pear, shrimp with pasta, sole with pasta, lobster ravioli, mushroom ravioli, chicken marsala, s'mores creme brulee, Nutella cup, apple caramel crumb, almond tart, cappuccino, and espresso. The atmosphere was lovely; we sat near the fireplace, which warmed our poor thin-blooded Texans (I wore a plain t-shirt under a sweater so as not to overeat per the earlier meal.) Delightful.
The kids didn't even rush us, though we were opening presents afterwards. Another sign they're growing up. We did have fun opening presents, a flurry of wrapping paper all around. There was kung fu souvenirs straight from China for Bud, some jade and a name chop stamp for Sis and me, and books for Gommie, Pop, and Mama.
Bud got one extra surprise: he lost a tooth! And the holiday Tooth Fairy brought him a couple of Lego Dimensions figures (just as the same crazy-generous Tooth Fairy gave Sis a Lego on Monday morning--it's been that kind of week.)
And now Christmas is really pretty much all over.
Let the new year begin.
Happy 2016, y'all!
Showing posts with label gifts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gifts. Show all posts
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Saturday, December 26, 2015
Christmas Gift!
We hope you had a very merry holiday. We did and so there's a lot to tell, so let's break the last few days down into bite-size chunks.
Wednesday:
The kids had a half day of school, so I ran the last bit of my errands and then finished wrapping presents. I delivered the pink scarf I made to my friend for her daughter and we shared a coffee. Otherwise, it was a lot of traffic and rain.
At some point, I lost the tv remote control. I had been wrapping presents (about which I am very proud--it's been a long time since I could sit and to the wrapping, but I could this year), answered the phone while pausing my annual viewing of Love Actually, and then couldn't find the remote later to unpause the show. I joked on FB that I must have wrapped the remote into a gift. Wrapping gifts in silence was an interesting exercise, for awhile.
The kids got home in jovial spirits--the real holiday had begun! They stayed up til midnight, a kind of free-for-all, playing games and such. See, they didn't need the tv remote to play their games. I bribed them with extra screen time if they could find my flipper, to no avail.
Mama couldn't find it later either.
Thursday:
Merry Christmas Eve!
It didn't feel at all like Christmas, except maybe Christmas in Texas, very warm and wet.
Mama was off to work long before the rest of us even woke up but only had a half-day. At home, we wrapped some gifts, had a deli lunch, and watched some Doctor Who--not only were we counting down to Christmas but to the Doctor Who Christmas special as well.
Mama got home midday and did a lot of her own wrapping, helped me make gumbo, and watched some Simpsons Christmas specials. We also had a long nap, while the kids played Minecraft.
Then it was church for carols and candlelight, one of our favorite Christmas and Unitarian Universalist traditions. We sing lots of songs (I love "In the Bleak Midwinter"), hear a few short and uplifting remarks, light each other's candles during "Silent Night," and eat some cookies. It's a nice, quiet pause in the middle of the chaos of the hectic holiday, as encapsulated in this reading:
It was the first Christmas Eve in a long time that we didn't have Goo, who had to work the day before and the day after Christmas. With all the food made and all the gifts wrapped, we didn't have much to do, except straighten up for Santa.
Ah, Santa. He's been the topic of discussion several times this season. It all started with the "sad, nostalgic" hug Bud gave me at Old Sturbridge Village, which I believe he meant in reference to growing older and not believing anymore. Since then there have been more indirect queries and discussions. On Christmas Eve, another one arose.
It was actually a double-whammy. We were sitting listening to the soundtrack of Fun Home, break from carols, when Bud turned to me and asked, "How do two men have sex?" in reference to the song about the father and his high school crush. Deep breath. And I calmly explained the simplest of mechanics, to some discomfort. There was a question about how that would feel good and I basically said that if sex didn't feel good--that it made them mentally or physically uncomfortable when they were older--that they needed to stop, because they were dong it wrong. It was about pleasure. Sis quietly leaned over, "So then how do two women do it?" It was only then that I blushed.
Sigh. Not the Christmas Eve discussion I thought I'd be having.
Then, in less than five minutes, Sis asked me, "Is Santa real?"
I think I liked the sex question better.
I asked if they really wanted to know. Bud said unequivocally no. But Sis did, so I took her into the kitchen and said. "There is no one Santa. All the adults in your life are Santa. We all make the magic of Christmas. And now you are growing up and can help make the magic, too. But don't tell anyone the secret; it's part of the fun and the responsibility." I reassured her that nothing would really change--we would still do cookies, and oatmeal for the reindeer, and stockings. Christmas was still Christmas.
She said she'd guessed a few years ago because she found the "Santa" wrapping paper. I knew it! I knew she'd guess from the paper; she's just so observant. We had tried to keep them separate and specific, but we must have faltered. She wasn't upset though, just curious. "So who buys your Santa presents?" And her eyes grew wide--with envy perhaps?--when I told her that we bought our own presents! She also wanted to know who ate the cookies. We do, of course.
At some point, Bud peeked in but didn't really want to listen. He knows but doesn't want to know. Fine. He's struggling with a lot of big emotions about growing up right now and there's no need to push. He fears loss now that he better understands crisis and mortality (my surgery, the deaths of Aunt Sis and our friend Sunny) and struggles with change. Last night, he looked at a selfie we took in front of the tree--"my face has gotten thin. I'm not chubby anymore." He isn't quite ready to get bigger.
So, we did Christmas Eve just like all the others--books and pajamas, cookies for Santa, reindeer food, staying up too late. We eventually tucked them in and finished up Christmas prep. There's always the last few gifts to locate and worries about whether it's all balanced (quality vs. quantity, you know.)
And then we got to go to bed, too.
Oh, it was our 7th wedding anniversary, but we don't pay much attention to this one. The August 23 date is more our celebration time. But we do try at least to remember we got legally married, in CT anyway (at the time not federally recognized, until 2014, then nationally legal in 2015. Which doesn't include our Civil Union date in October 2005, a week after that was legal), on Christmas Eve.
Friday:
Christmas Gift! (as my dad's side of the family says.)
The kids slept in, or more specifically waited patiently and quietly, until 7 a.m. to get us up. Ma, Gong, and Goo arrived shortly thereafter and we all circled round the glowing tree. We actually had some of the windows open and had discussed turning on the AC; it would get above 65F, with high humidity. Most of us were in t-shirts. And our only fire was a video on the tv!
But the warm weather didn't melt the spirits.
We started with stockings as we always do (when I was a kid, we read the biblical verses of the nativity, but since we hear those at evening service, we don't read them again now.) And from the very beginning, it was a Star Wars: The Force Awakens Christmas, just like I had a few times as a child; with five of us really devoted and all of us having seen it, everyone but Ma got some SW stuff. Throughout the day, there would be SW ornaments, SW figures, SW magazines, several SW books, SW Legos, SW trading cards, SW, car windshield cover, SW measuring cups, SW micro-machines, SW Infinity figures, SW wall lights, SW t-shirts, SW bobbleheads, and, the two biggest of all, real flying Millennium Falcon drones and actual robotic BB8s.
There were some non-SW things. I think. Lots of Warriors books and horse-themed gifts (pillow kit, painting kit, plaque) for Sis; the Doctor Who Lego and a refurbished iPad for Bud; a Lego Dimensions game set for the kids; a Playbill organizer for theater programs and Shaun the Sheep and Felines of New York book for Mama; and some Great British Bake-Off books and Mandala coloring book for me. As a family, we also got a guidebook to Colonial Williamsburg, where we'll be going for a slightly extended February school break.
And I got a Tile, which is a GPS-like locator system to avoid losing things. Like the remote control. Which Goo found wedged behind the small couch, where we'd already unsuccessfully looked. But, yay for him! And for me.
We laughed about the Tile, now intended for the peripatetic flipper. And about the empty gift I got. Mama had gotten me an iPad stand for when I cook from the computer. Except when I went to look at it, the box was actually empty! We thought this was funny and referred to it again and again; she took it well, though was aggravated by now having to go deal with the store. And I celebrated each time Mama opened a gift that she didn't know about (you know, since we buy our own presents.) I think there were three--Playbill binder, Shaun the Sheep, and Felines of NY. That's a good year. We also continuously pelted her with paper "snowballs" (since it certainly wasn't a white Christmas), because she was sitting next to the recycling box. I'd say we rarely made the box, mostly on accident.
It was a big, indulgent, materialistic Christmas; the kind we actually always talk down but often seem to then create. I figure it won't last much longer, as the kids' wishes for toys decrease (though Mama's wishes increase.) It also brings so much pleasure to Mama to spoil the kids. And that makes me happy. We just try to throw in extra charitable donations and acts of kindness to somewhat balance it out. All the while, talking about it. Not ideal.
I will say that one of my favorite gifts was actually unwrapped today: handmade gold-painted pasta ornaments in the shape of symmetrical mandalas with the kids' photos in the middle, which they made at school this week. LOVE these. We don't have many school ornaments and so these are extra treasured, along with the ones from preschool.
We ate, too, though it's never the focal point of Christmas. I gave up the big roast dinner a few years back and have been much happier ever since. We had a corned beef hash and also orange biscuit breakfast, followed by gumbo and muffulettas later in the day. Not many snacks, just some Christmas cookies. And cheesecake. A big, delicious, plain cheesecake that I bought a few years ago from a friend at an auction for another friend but didn't collect until now (the cheesecake is not years old; the idea of the cheesecake is.) And it was so good! Best part was the crack, seriously, which signified the crack in the Whovian universe for us, perfect on the day of the Whovian Christmas special.
After opening gifts and eating, we spent the rest of the day playing with said gifts. Ma and Gong helped Sis put her horse puzzle together. Bud put his Doctor Who Lego together. Mama, Gong, and co flew the drone outside. Everybody drove BB8s around the living room, intriguing the cats. Goo played video games with the kids. I read and crocheted.
And at some point, Sis went outside to the neighbors and took a rope climbing lesson. In short sleeves. Our neighbors are Jewish and were having a non-Christmas gathering of family and making a lot of food. So they invited us over for some; we took cookies and cheesecake. And Sis got a lesson in rope climbing from the dad of the house. I can't explain exactly what she did--there were clamps and belaying lines and carbiners and a full-torso harnass and she was supposed to bend a knee while extending an arm, then stand up on a rope and start again. Harder than it looked, I'm sure. But she had a good go at it and then swung around and hung upside-down. Goo tried it too, but Bud took a pass; I didn't even think about it. Some of the other kids and adults tried, too. And all we could all talk about was how warm it was. Most were in a single layer, not a coat in sight. The mom was even in flip-flops! It was a quirky but welcome addition to our Christmas day.
The cats stayed mostly upstairs, though, when Albus and Hermione did venture down, they were rewarded with the big cardboard cat tree Mama had made for them. Mojo eventually came out and sat in his spot in them middle of the couch under a crocheted blanket most of the day. At one point, he somehow slipped out from underneath his blanket and Goo gamely remarked, "You left the cat open." Mr P couldn't handle any of it and hid on our bed upstairs.
Ma and Gong left soon after and ran into a ton of rain that never made it to us; they did get home safely, though. Goo stayed until Who-time, playing games and eating dinner. We're so glad he could join us. He really makes the holiday special and is an integral part of our family celebration, for both Mama and I and the kids.
And then it was Doctor Who time. The return of River Song, after too many sad episodes saying goodbye to Clara (who, thankfully, we learned in the last of three episodes, didn't actually die.) It was great to see Alex Kingston in the role again and it was delightfully funny, with some great one-liners but also some touching twists and speeches. The only tears were happy ones. (Yep, I'm still hormonal. Cried at carols on Christmas Eve, cried reading my SW magazine, cried watching DW. Blah.)
The kids stayed up late, as part of their Christmas celebration, playing with their toys and snacking all over again. I think we were all asleep after midnight.
I don't know how many magical childhood Christmas we have left. It definitely changes as children age, not bad and in many ways perhaps less frantic and more reflective, just different from the joy and exuberance (and yes, greed) of the first decade or so. But this year at least, they still didn't sleep and they still squealed and hugged in gratitude and laughed and were merry the whole time. And that, for us (since we aren't Christians anyway, but Unitarian Universalists celebrating family and the wonder of every child), is the reason for the season.
Wednesday:
The kids had a half day of school, so I ran the last bit of my errands and then finished wrapping presents. I delivered the pink scarf I made to my friend for her daughter and we shared a coffee. Otherwise, it was a lot of traffic and rain.
At some point, I lost the tv remote control. I had been wrapping presents (about which I am very proud--it's been a long time since I could sit and to the wrapping, but I could this year), answered the phone while pausing my annual viewing of Love Actually, and then couldn't find the remote later to unpause the show. I joked on FB that I must have wrapped the remote into a gift. Wrapping gifts in silence was an interesting exercise, for awhile.
The kids got home in jovial spirits--the real holiday had begun! They stayed up til midnight, a kind of free-for-all, playing games and such. See, they didn't need the tv remote to play their games. I bribed them with extra screen time if they could find my flipper, to no avail.
Mama couldn't find it later either.
Thursday:
Merry Christmas Eve!
It didn't feel at all like Christmas, except maybe Christmas in Texas, very warm and wet.
Mama was off to work long before the rest of us even woke up but only had a half-day. At home, we wrapped some gifts, had a deli lunch, and watched some Doctor Who--not only were we counting down to Christmas but to the Doctor Who Christmas special as well.
Mama got home midday and did a lot of her own wrapping, helped me make gumbo, and watched some Simpsons Christmas specials. We also had a long nap, while the kids played Minecraft.
Then it was church for carols and candlelight, one of our favorite Christmas and Unitarian Universalist traditions. We sing lots of songs (I love "In the Bleak Midwinter"), hear a few short and uplifting remarks, light each other's candles during "Silent Night," and eat some cookies. It's a nice, quiet pause in the middle of the chaos of the hectic holiday, as encapsulated in this reading:
Christmas Prayer by Lois Van Leer
Let us still the world for a moment
Let it be blanketed by a soft darkness that quiets
Let us be brought to our knees
By innocence
By hope
By peace
In this night
Let something be born in us
That heals all brokenness
That does not bow down to hatred and fear
But rather meets them gently and offers them love
Let us chose all the gifts of life we are offered
Tonight is about the impossible
But no more so than any other impossibility
That fills our days
So let us embrace a story, a myth
If for a moment
Let us be carried away in its arms
Held tenderly, rocked, comforted
Let this night, these stories transform our hearts
That we may become
Joy
Hope
Love
Peace
Enfleshed
Incarnate.
May it be so. Amen.
Let it be blanketed by a soft darkness that quiets
Let us be brought to our knees
By innocence
By hope
By peace
In this night
Let something be born in us
That heals all brokenness
That does not bow down to hatred and fear
But rather meets them gently and offers them love
Let us chose all the gifts of life we are offered
Tonight is about the impossible
But no more so than any other impossibility
That fills our days
So let us embrace a story, a myth
If for a moment
Let us be carried away in its arms
Held tenderly, rocked, comforted
Let this night, these stories transform our hearts
That we may become
Joy
Hope
Love
Peace
Enfleshed
Incarnate.
May it be so. Amen.
Ah, Santa. He's been the topic of discussion several times this season. It all started with the "sad, nostalgic" hug Bud gave me at Old Sturbridge Village, which I believe he meant in reference to growing older and not believing anymore. Since then there have been more indirect queries and discussions. On Christmas Eve, another one arose.
It was actually a double-whammy. We were sitting listening to the soundtrack of Fun Home, break from carols, when Bud turned to me and asked, "How do two men have sex?" in reference to the song about the father and his high school crush. Deep breath. And I calmly explained the simplest of mechanics, to some discomfort. There was a question about how that would feel good and I basically said that if sex didn't feel good--that it made them mentally or physically uncomfortable when they were older--that they needed to stop, because they were dong it wrong. It was about pleasure. Sis quietly leaned over, "So then how do two women do it?" It was only then that I blushed.
Sigh. Not the Christmas Eve discussion I thought I'd be having.
Then, in less than five minutes, Sis asked me, "Is Santa real?"
I think I liked the sex question better.
I asked if they really wanted to know. Bud said unequivocally no. But Sis did, so I took her into the kitchen and said. "There is no one Santa. All the adults in your life are Santa. We all make the magic of Christmas. And now you are growing up and can help make the magic, too. But don't tell anyone the secret; it's part of the fun and the responsibility." I reassured her that nothing would really change--we would still do cookies, and oatmeal for the reindeer, and stockings. Christmas was still Christmas.
She said she'd guessed a few years ago because she found the "Santa" wrapping paper. I knew it! I knew she'd guess from the paper; she's just so observant. We had tried to keep them separate and specific, but we must have faltered. She wasn't upset though, just curious. "So who buys your Santa presents?" And her eyes grew wide--with envy perhaps?--when I told her that we bought our own presents! She also wanted to know who ate the cookies. We do, of course.
 |
| And Albus helped. |
At some point, Bud peeked in but didn't really want to listen. He knows but doesn't want to know. Fine. He's struggling with a lot of big emotions about growing up right now and there's no need to push. He fears loss now that he better understands crisis and mortality (my surgery, the deaths of Aunt Sis and our friend Sunny) and struggles with change. Last night, he looked at a selfie we took in front of the tree--"my face has gotten thin. I'm not chubby anymore." He isn't quite ready to get bigger.
So, we did Christmas Eve just like all the others--books and pajamas, cookies for Santa, reindeer food, staying up too late. We eventually tucked them in and finished up Christmas prep. There's always the last few gifts to locate and worries about whether it's all balanced (quality vs. quantity, you know.)
And then we got to go to bed, too.
Oh, it was our 7th wedding anniversary, but we don't pay much attention to this one. The August 23 date is more our celebration time. But we do try at least to remember we got legally married, in CT anyway (at the time not federally recognized, until 2014, then nationally legal in 2015. Which doesn't include our Civil Union date in October 2005, a week after that was legal), on Christmas Eve.
Friday:
The kids slept in, or more specifically waited patiently and quietly, until 7 a.m. to get us up. Ma, Gong, and Goo arrived shortly thereafter and we all circled round the glowing tree. We actually had some of the windows open and had discussed turning on the AC; it would get above 65F, with high humidity. Most of us were in t-shirts. And our only fire was a video on the tv!
But the warm weather didn't melt the spirits.
We started with stockings as we always do (when I was a kid, we read the biblical verses of the nativity, but since we hear those at evening service, we don't read them again now.) And from the very beginning, it was a Star Wars: The Force Awakens Christmas, just like I had a few times as a child; with five of us really devoted and all of us having seen it, everyone but Ma got some SW stuff. Throughout the day, there would be SW ornaments, SW figures, SW magazines, several SW books, SW Legos, SW trading cards, SW, car windshield cover, SW measuring cups, SW micro-machines, SW Infinity figures, SW wall lights, SW t-shirts, SW bobbleheads, and, the two biggest of all, real flying Millennium Falcon drones and actual robotic BB8s.
There were some non-SW things. I think. Lots of Warriors books and horse-themed gifts (pillow kit, painting kit, plaque) for Sis; the Doctor Who Lego and a refurbished iPad for Bud; a Lego Dimensions game set for the kids; a Playbill organizer for theater programs and Shaun the Sheep and Felines of New York book for Mama; and some Great British Bake-Off books and Mandala coloring book for me. As a family, we also got a guidebook to Colonial Williamsburg, where we'll be going for a slightly extended February school break.
We laughed about the Tile, now intended for the peripatetic flipper. And about the empty gift I got. Mama had gotten me an iPad stand for when I cook from the computer. Except when I went to look at it, the box was actually empty! We thought this was funny and referred to it again and again; she took it well, though was aggravated by now having to go deal with the store. And I celebrated each time Mama opened a gift that she didn't know about (you know, since we buy our own presents.) I think there were three--Playbill binder, Shaun the Sheep, and Felines of NY. That's a good year. We also continuously pelted her with paper "snowballs" (since it certainly wasn't a white Christmas), because she was sitting next to the recycling box. I'd say we rarely made the box, mostly on accident.
It was a big, indulgent, materialistic Christmas; the kind we actually always talk down but often seem to then create. I figure it won't last much longer, as the kids' wishes for toys decrease (though Mama's wishes increase.) It also brings so much pleasure to Mama to spoil the kids. And that makes me happy. We just try to throw in extra charitable donations and acts of kindness to somewhat balance it out. All the while, talking about it. Not ideal.
I will say that one of my favorite gifts was actually unwrapped today: handmade gold-painted pasta ornaments in the shape of symmetrical mandalas with the kids' photos in the middle, which they made at school this week. LOVE these. We don't have many school ornaments and so these are extra treasured, along with the ones from preschool.
We ate, too, though it's never the focal point of Christmas. I gave up the big roast dinner a few years back and have been much happier ever since. We had a corned beef hash and also orange biscuit breakfast, followed by gumbo and muffulettas later in the day. Not many snacks, just some Christmas cookies. And cheesecake. A big, delicious, plain cheesecake that I bought a few years ago from a friend at an auction for another friend but didn't collect until now (the cheesecake is not years old; the idea of the cheesecake is.) And it was so good! Best part was the crack, seriously, which signified the crack in the Whovian universe for us, perfect on the day of the Whovian Christmas special. After opening gifts and eating, we spent the rest of the day playing with said gifts. Ma and Gong helped Sis put her horse puzzle together. Bud put his Doctor Who Lego together. Mama, Gong, and co flew the drone outside. Everybody drove BB8s around the living room, intriguing the cats. Goo played video games with the kids. I read and crocheted.
And at some point, Sis went outside to the neighbors and took a rope climbing lesson. In short sleeves. Our neighbors are Jewish and were having a non-Christmas gathering of family and making a lot of food. So they invited us over for some; we took cookies and cheesecake. And Sis got a lesson in rope climbing from the dad of the house. I can't explain exactly what she did--there were clamps and belaying lines and carbiners and a full-torso harnass and she was supposed to bend a knee while extending an arm, then stand up on a rope and start again. Harder than it looked, I'm sure. But she had a good go at it and then swung around and hung upside-down. Goo tried it too, but Bud took a pass; I didn't even think about it. Some of the other kids and adults tried, too. And all we could all talk about was how warm it was. Most were in a single layer, not a coat in sight. The mom was even in flip-flops! It was a quirky but welcome addition to our Christmas day. The cats stayed mostly upstairs, though, when Albus and Hermione did venture down, they were rewarded with the big cardboard cat tree Mama had made for them. Mojo eventually came out and sat in his spot in them middle of the couch under a crocheted blanket most of the day. At one point, he somehow slipped out from underneath his blanket and Goo gamely remarked, "You left the cat open." Mr P couldn't handle any of it and hid on our bed upstairs.
Ma and Gong left soon after and ran into a ton of rain that never made it to us; they did get home safely, though. Goo stayed until Who-time, playing games and eating dinner. We're so glad he could join us. He really makes the holiday special and is an integral part of our family celebration, for both Mama and I and the kids.
And then it was Doctor Who time. The return of River Song, after too many sad episodes saying goodbye to Clara (who, thankfully, we learned in the last of three episodes, didn't actually die.) It was great to see Alex Kingston in the role again and it was delightfully funny, with some great one-liners but also some touching twists and speeches. The only tears were happy ones. (Yep, I'm still hormonal. Cried at carols on Christmas Eve, cried reading my SW magazine, cried watching DW. Blah.)
The kids stayed up late, as part of their Christmas celebration, playing with their toys and snacking all over again. I think we were all asleep after midnight.
I don't know how many magical childhood Christmas we have left. It definitely changes as children age, not bad and in many ways perhaps less frantic and more reflective, just different from the joy and exuberance (and yes, greed) of the first decade or so. But this year at least, they still didn't sleep and they still squealed and hugged in gratitude and laughed and were merry the whole time. And that, for us (since we aren't Christians anyway, but Unitarian Universalists celebrating family and the wonder of every child), is the reason for the season.
Saturday, December 20, 2014
Our Christmas
At least he's honest?
I was the same way at that age and I managed to grow out of it. Growing up is the key.
Anyway, wanting to be with family for Christmas, we opted to move our celebration to this weekend since Goo has to work on Christmas and, at the time, we weren't scheduled to be in Texas. As I think I told you, when we moved our Christmas to today, we then moved our plane tickets and get an extra 60 hours in Texas. And another Christmas! This time, with my folks.
The kids didn't really get into the particulars of how we swung that. We casually said we'd checked with Santa and he'd okay'd it. Only last night did Bud ask how I contacted him--via email? No, I said, owl.
(That's a Harry Potter reference, folks. Also, because snowy owls have been spotted along the CT coast.)
We think they know, but we're not asking. They were very uninterested in logistics this year, unlike years previous when we've discussed Santa as a Time Lord (and/or a stalker.) And I'm wondering if they're not asking so we don't tell. It's vice versa for us.
All of which is to say that Goo came last night, after the cookie party, and we had a very enjoyable evening. We ate gumbo and cookies and Sis's homemade fudge. We watched silly YouTube videos. Goo and the kids did Pokemon cards. We discussed Piano Guys and the kids played some of their songs. We put out cookies and eggnog for Santa and scattered carrots and oats outside for the reindeer. We finally got the kids to bed.
And we adults stayed up too late talking and wrapping presents. Way too late. But we hadn't seen Goo in a long time and we love hanging out.
Thank heavens for Goo. Because when the kids woke up before 6 a.m., having been told there would be no presents before 7 a.m., he kept them company and distracted. While Mama and I grabbed an extra hour of sleep.
And then Ma and Gong arrived and the festivities began straightaway. (Not like the stories of my maternal grandfather who apparently made Gommie and her siblings wait for him to shower, shave, and dress before they could see the tree!)
Stuffed stockings and a full complement of presents under the tree. Just like when I was a kid, we start with stockings and then open presents in round-robin fashion, one at a time. (The only difference is we don't read the Christmas story aloud from the Bible.) And though I'm not nine, I will tell you some of them. Bud and Sis always give each other the presents they like best; this year was no exception. It's one of their favorite parts, the planning and shopping and wrapping and putting them under the tree early and shaking them and then opening them very first on Christmas morning. And so they squealed and hugged and ducked hugs and fell to the floor giggling. Legos. Art supplies. Dragons. Stuffed bunny.
They always buy us presents, in addition to making bracelets or drawings or such. They got me right on--soaps, lotions, chocolates, candied almonds, food writing books, more soaps, and some doodling supplies. For Mama, they got art supplies and puzzles (and I got her a little Saw-Whet owl trinket in memory of Block Island and a book on birds of prey.)
And Santa--with our permission, which we gave in advance, about which they did not ask--gave them a Wii U and some games. Yep, we have a games console in the house. And so they played MarioKart, Infinity, Fantasia, some game called Toad Tracker. Goo and Mama, who used to open presents on Christmas Eve and then stay up playing all night even after their parents went to sleep, have longed played video games for Christmas, starting with Zelda and such. So Mama, Goo, and the kids played, while I read and napped; Ma and Gong watched and napped some, too.
We made an amazing breakfast, namely the Deep Dark Gingerbread Waffles from Smitten Kitchen. I LOVED them. Great rich flavor, chewy inside a caramelized outside. Mama also made eggs, corned beef hash, and scrapple. Then it was back to gaming and books and napping.
Later, casually, we had muffalattas and leftover gumbo, everyone grabbing a plate when the mood struck. So easy, so relaxed.
(Not to say it was all perfect; there is always a little stress and conflict when families get together. But I go to therapy sometimes and it pays off. Today was one of those days when, instead of taking it personally and defensively, I could accept all of our quirks and have sympathy for all of us, mostly. I wish that were everyday.)
Ma and Gong left late afternoon, but Goo stayed on for more games and ordering out pizza. We won't see him for awhile because he doesn't have much time off, so we were taking advantage of our time together.
I had expected it to feel not quite like Christmas, since the rest of the world didn't stop. But it did. It absolutely felt like our Christmas (except that we could order pizza, but by then it was okay.)
And guess what? It even flurried for a few minutes and dusted our cars!!
(Now, as the day ends, Mama and I are relaxing to one of our favorite holiday films, Love Actually. We had almost showed it to the kids this year . . .until we remembered the sweet romance between the porn stand-ins. Acted out by Bilbo Baggins. It'll stay our adult holiday tradition a bit longer.)
-=-=-=-=-=-
Deep Dark Gingerbread Waffles
These might be my new Christmas breakfast treat--like a rich, gingerbread sticky pudding. Amazing!
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon fine sea or table salt
1/2 cup buttermilk, yogurt thinned with a little milk, fresh apple cider or even stout beer
1/2 cup molasses
1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
3 tablespoons butter, melted, plus extra for brushing waffle iron
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon fine sea or table salt
1/2 cup buttermilk, yogurt thinned with a little milk, fresh apple cider or even stout beer
1/2 cup molasses
1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
3 tablespoons butter, melted, plus extra for brushing waffle iron
Powdered sugar for serving
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, molasses, sugars, egg and butter until combined. The butter will likely firm up and make little white splotches throughout; this is a-okay. Pour the wet into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Heat waffle iron to a middle heat. Either brush waffle iron with melted butter or spray it lightly with a nonstick cooking spray. Ladle gingerbread batter into waffle iron until they’re about 3/4 filled out. Cook according to manufacturer’s directions. In my waffle iron, I like to cook them 1 to 2 minutes more.
**My note: this is key. They crust up and are better after a fashion. To remove waffles: Open waffle iron. Wait about 30 seconds, giving them a chance to steam off a little. With tongs in one hand and a small spatula in the other, gently, carefully lift corners of each waffle section enough to slide the spatula underneath, then lift and slide some more until you can get the section out. Curse Deb, because these waffles are very sticky and eager to tear. Trust Deb, that they will be worth it. Spread them on a tray in a single layer to let cool slightly; within 1 minute, they should be crisp to the touch and easier to lift. Repeat with remaining batter. Try not to stack waffles — even though they’re firm, they will stick.
Serve immediately, dusted with powdered sugar and, if you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of barely or unsweetened whipped cream or crème fraîche.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
7th Heaven
Tuesday
Sis was too excited to sleep on her birthday eve, almost like it were Christmas. Of course, by the time birthday eve had rolled around, the kids had already received and opened a few cards and gifts in the mail. We also let them exchange presents early. Sis gave Bud a Phineas and Ferb playset and Bud gave Sis a perler bead kit and some clothes for her AG doll. Hugs and squeals and tackles and "awesomes!" abounded. So by Tuesday, excitement was at a high. She knew we were downstairs wrapping presents--earlier in the day when Mama Teacher told me there were boxes on the porch and I said they were presents, Sis piped up from another room, "Those are presents?!"--and desperately wanted to check on us.
Wednesday
They were both awake by 5:15 a.m. Though we informed them they weren't actually seven for a few more hours, they were ready to celebrate and so we opened presents, all in one rush, the exact opposite of Christmas. Paper flew, squeals sounded, hugs tackled us. Legos (Ninjago, Friends, and a Kingdoms chess set), electric circuit boards, "Phineas and Ferb" dvd, a mandala maker, and a woodland critter village. They raced downstairs and played hard for the 1 1/2 hours before Bud headed to camp. They liked our presents almost as much as the ones they'd exchanged between them.
While Bud was at camp (after a birthday pancake breakfast), Sis and I visited our church friend, Miss M, who is undergoing treatment for cancer. We had a great time talking to her and especially exploring her garden. Sis liked her "money plant" and another that made little "purses" containing a seed similar to ground cherries. After lunch, Sis played with young babysitter M while I had an appointment. M brought each child a dessert kit mimicking flower pots--one even had dirt and gummy worms--as well as markers and glow sticks and such.
Thursday
Mostly, a break from birthday fever.
Friday
On Friday, Goo came up early for the birthday party. He helped us shop for last-minute food, birthday girl/boy badges, and thank-you cards. More importantly, he also helped us pick up not one but two birthday cakes, chocolate-frosted chocolate and vanilla-frosted with strawberry (yes, I buy them from the bakery frosted but undecorated--I can't bake, torte, frost, and decorate two cakes the day before so opt for decorating over baking). We spent part of the afternoon decorating the cakes. Using a toothpick, Sis drew her standard bunny and then we outlined and filled it with white. Sis also added grass, flowers, and the sun. Later, in the day, we helped Bud do a facial portrait of his stuffed penguin, "Mr. Big" (aka Mumble from Happy Feet). Because it was a portrait, Bud asked for more help but was similarly pleased with the results.
Then we all went to dinner at the local Tex-Mex place, which we chose because we knew they make a big deal about the birthdays. After shrimp fajitas, chicken mole enchiladas, fish tacos, vegetarian quesadillas . . . and chicken fingers, plus chips and salsa the staff brought out apple burritos, flan, and sopapillas, along with giant sombreros. With candles aglow, they sang first in Spanish and then in English. The kids were thrilled. Mind you, this was the third birthday meal for each--they both went for individual meals with Mama (sushi for one, pancakes for the other) and then a big Italian lunch with us after seeing Brave, almost all with singing and desserts (not free ones, though; no one does that anymore, it seems, which is fine).
Saturday
The kids woke not-as-early-as-we-expected and headed straight to Goo's room, where he had tucked his presents--Legos for both of them. They put together and played with those until the three adults got into the kitchen and started breakfast. Goo made homemade scallion pancakes with dipping sauce a la Alton Brown and I made sourdough biscuits.
Soon Ma and Gong arrived and we packed the car to head to their party at the Eli Whitney Museum, where they would make wooden toys with their friends. I'd say about 10 kids were there, neighbors and classmates, plus their parents, Ma, Gong, Goo, and Babysitter. They separated into two tables--one for the dragon toy that moved head and tail in sync (Sis's choice) and one for the Frankenstein's Cat toy that had a motot that made it wiggle (Bud's choice). Wearing safety goggles, they sanded, colored, and constructed their toys, with the careful, double-sided coloring taking by far the most time. Then everyone ate pizza and cakes, which I think were much appreciated for their decoration--all the kids knew how much Sis and Bud like penguins and bunnies, strawberries and chocolate. After taking a picture of the group, we wandered the park outside the museum (the museum seems pretty disorganized during the summer--marble run is broken, no exhibitions) and particularly played in the water tables.
We got home midday and spent the heat of the day in the house opening their horde of presents. Mercy, such great games (Headbandz, Apples to Apples, Blink), books, arts and crafts (beads, bracelets, vases, bird house, snow globes), make-a-story book, books, doll clothes, dress, Legos. I still think it's odd to open presents at home--sure, there never seems to be enough time at destination parties and parents are uncomfortable with the inherent greediness of opening piles of presents (plus the fear of ungrateful or untactful kids)--but I'm not sure it's less greedy to disassociate gifts from the gift-giver and prevent kids from practicing the fundamental skill of receiving gracefully and gratefully (also, the art and joy of giving, when they're on the other end--it's so odd to deposit a gift like a toll and only know later that they got it when you get a generic thank-you note, if you get one). Still, I haven't bucked suburban tradition. Yet. Maybe next year if there are fewer kids or if we have the party at home. Especially because I'd like people to know how much the kids really enjoyed and appreciated all the presents. There were squeals, exclamations, and then the opening of practically every kit and game . . . .
We went for an early dinner altogether, at a Japanese place. But we didn't get the birthday dessert--Bud had been there for birthday sushi and gotten one 10 days earlier.
Yep, that's a lot of celebrating. so, we tucked them into bed tonight, wished them "happy birthday" one more time and called the fete over, as great as it was.
Sis was too excited to sleep on her birthday eve, almost like it were Christmas. Of course, by the time birthday eve had rolled around, the kids had already received and opened a few cards and gifts in the mail. We also let them exchange presents early. Sis gave Bud a Phineas and Ferb playset and Bud gave Sis a perler bead kit and some clothes for her AG doll. Hugs and squeals and tackles and "awesomes!" abounded. So by Tuesday, excitement was at a high. She knew we were downstairs wrapping presents--earlier in the day when Mama Teacher told me there were boxes on the porch and I said they were presents, Sis piped up from another room, "Those are presents?!"--and desperately wanted to check on us.
Wednesday
They were both awake by 5:15 a.m. Though we informed them they weren't actually seven for a few more hours, they were ready to celebrate and so we opened presents, all in one rush, the exact opposite of Christmas. Paper flew, squeals sounded, hugs tackled us. Legos (Ninjago, Friends, and a Kingdoms chess set), electric circuit boards, "Phineas and Ferb" dvd, a mandala maker, and a woodland critter village. They raced downstairs and played hard for the 1 1/2 hours before Bud headed to camp. They liked our presents almost as much as the ones they'd exchanged between them.
While Bud was at camp (after a birthday pancake breakfast), Sis and I visited our church friend, Miss M, who is undergoing treatment for cancer. We had a great time talking to her and especially exploring her garden. Sis liked her "money plant" and another that made little "purses" containing a seed similar to ground cherries. After lunch, Sis played with young babysitter M while I had an appointment. M brought each child a dessert kit mimicking flower pots--one even had dirt and gummy worms--as well as markers and glow sticks and such.
Thursday
Mostly, a break from birthday fever.
Friday
On Friday, Goo came up early for the birthday party. He helped us shop for last-minute food, birthday girl/boy badges, and thank-you cards. More importantly, he also helped us pick up not one but two birthday cakes, chocolate-frosted chocolate and vanilla-frosted with strawberry (yes, I buy them from the bakery frosted but undecorated--I can't bake, torte, frost, and decorate two cakes the day before so opt for decorating over baking). We spent part of the afternoon decorating the cakes. Using a toothpick, Sis drew her standard bunny and then we outlined and filled it with white. Sis also added grass, flowers, and the sun. Later, in the day, we helped Bud do a facial portrait of his stuffed penguin, "Mr. Big" (aka Mumble from Happy Feet). Because it was a portrait, Bud asked for more help but was similarly pleased with the results.
Then we all went to dinner at the local Tex-Mex place, which we chose because we knew they make a big deal about the birthdays. After shrimp fajitas, chicken mole enchiladas, fish tacos, vegetarian quesadillas . . . and chicken fingers, plus chips and salsa the staff brought out apple burritos, flan, and sopapillas, along with giant sombreros. With candles aglow, they sang first in Spanish and then in English. The kids were thrilled. Mind you, this was the third birthday meal for each--they both went for individual meals with Mama (sushi for one, pancakes for the other) and then a big Italian lunch with us after seeing Brave, almost all with singing and desserts (not free ones, though; no one does that anymore, it seems, which is fine).
Saturday
The kids woke not-as-early-as-we-expected and headed straight to Goo's room, where he had tucked his presents--Legos for both of them. They put together and played with those until the three adults got into the kitchen and started breakfast. Goo made homemade scallion pancakes with dipping sauce a la Alton Brown and I made sourdough biscuits.
Soon Ma and Gong arrived and we packed the car to head to their party at the Eli Whitney Museum, where they would make wooden toys with their friends. I'd say about 10 kids were there, neighbors and classmates, plus their parents, Ma, Gong, Goo, and Babysitter. They separated into two tables--one for the dragon toy that moved head and tail in sync (Sis's choice) and one for the Frankenstein's Cat toy that had a motot that made it wiggle (Bud's choice). Wearing safety goggles, they sanded, colored, and constructed their toys, with the careful, double-sided coloring taking by far the most time. Then everyone ate pizza and cakes, which I think were much appreciated for their decoration--all the kids knew how much Sis and Bud like penguins and bunnies, strawberries and chocolate. After taking a picture of the group, we wandered the park outside the museum (the museum seems pretty disorganized during the summer--marble run is broken, no exhibitions) and particularly played in the water tables.
We got home midday and spent the heat of the day in the house opening their horde of presents. Mercy, such great games (Headbandz, Apples to Apples, Blink), books, arts and crafts (beads, bracelets, vases, bird house, snow globes), make-a-story book, books, doll clothes, dress, Legos. I still think it's odd to open presents at home--sure, there never seems to be enough time at destination parties and parents are uncomfortable with the inherent greediness of opening piles of presents (plus the fear of ungrateful or untactful kids)--but I'm not sure it's less greedy to disassociate gifts from the gift-giver and prevent kids from practicing the fundamental skill of receiving gracefully and gratefully (also, the art and joy of giving, when they're on the other end--it's so odd to deposit a gift like a toll and only know later that they got it when you get a generic thank-you note, if you get one). Still, I haven't bucked suburban tradition. Yet. Maybe next year if there are fewer kids or if we have the party at home. Especially because I'd like people to know how much the kids really enjoyed and appreciated all the presents. There were squeals, exclamations, and then the opening of practically every kit and game . . . .
We went for an early dinner altogether, at a Japanese place. But we didn't get the birthday dessert--Bud had been there for birthday sushi and gotten one 10 days earlier.
Yep, that's a lot of celebrating. so, we tucked them into bed tonight, wished them "happy birthday" one more time and called the fete over, as great as it was.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Holiday Fun: Christmas Day, Part I
1:30 a.m. Moms head to bed.
6:20 a.m. Kids begin to stir; Ma and Gong arrive from hotel, sneaking in quietly.
6:30 a.m. The clock is yellow!! Meaning it's okay to get up. Merry Christmas!!! Bud and Sis agree that they heard jingle bells in the night (Goo said they would because I dropped a bell while cleaning up! But of course we didn't tell.). They get Goo out of bed and we all head downstairs to start the festivities.
8:30 a.m. Taking turns, we open all the marvelous presents (except the ones from my side of the extended family, which we'll open with Gommie and Pop). Legos, dragons, penguins, Calico Critters, items from Colonial Williamsburg (foodstuff, jewelery, books), Star Wars things, cooking things, games, and things to make and do (science projects, arts and crafts, models) dominate the day. We're overindulged. But very grateful. Sis and Bud give each other huge hugs after each gift they opened from one another. The cats get high on sushi-style catnip toys; they're sleeping it off.
9:00 a.m. Bacon, eggs, scrapple, corned beef hash, and orange biscuits.
9:30 a.m. Playing with toys--Bud and Goo are building a Lego Emerald City. Sis and Ma are doing sticker mosaic arts and crafts. I look at Mama's 500 Places to Take Your Kids Before They Grow Up. At some point, I fall asleep.
11:00 a.m. The kids switch to their new "Phineas and Ferb" DS games. The adults are delaying the start of fixing lunch, which will be a hodgepodge of New Orleans foods and things Goo brought to make, plus leftovers from Chinatown.
6:20 a.m. Kids begin to stir; Ma and Gong arrive from hotel, sneaking in quietly.
6:30 a.m. The clock is yellow!! Meaning it's okay to get up. Merry Christmas!!! Bud and Sis agree that they heard jingle bells in the night (Goo said they would because I dropped a bell while cleaning up! But of course we didn't tell.). They get Goo out of bed and we all head downstairs to start the festivities.
8:30 a.m. Taking turns, we open all the marvelous presents (except the ones from my side of the extended family, which we'll open with Gommie and Pop). Legos, dragons, penguins, Calico Critters, items from Colonial Williamsburg (foodstuff, jewelery, books), Star Wars things, cooking things, games, and things to make and do (science projects, arts and crafts, models) dominate the day. We're overindulged. But very grateful. Sis and Bud give each other huge hugs after each gift they opened from one another. The cats get high on sushi-style catnip toys; they're sleeping it off.
9:00 a.m. Bacon, eggs, scrapple, corned beef hash, and orange biscuits.
9:30 a.m. Playing with toys--Bud and Goo are building a Lego Emerald City. Sis and Ma are doing sticker mosaic arts and crafts. I look at Mama's 500 Places to Take Your Kids Before They Grow Up. At some point, I fall asleep.
11:00 a.m. The kids switch to their new "Phineas and Ferb" DS games. The adults are delaying the start of fixing lunch, which will be a hodgepodge of New Orleans foods and things Goo brought to make, plus leftovers from Chinatown.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Holiday Fun: Christmas Eve Today
So much to tell:
8:30 a.m. breakfast of leftover almond poundcake since the top collapsed and we can't take it to church tonight (yummy Wildtree mix, with slivered almonds on top!)
10:00 a.m. Mama and Sis head to Italian deli to get cold cuts for dinner; Sis receives myriad tastes from the boisterous men behind the counter. She chooses some panettone-like croissants and pandoro to share. Plus cannoli. Meanwhile, Bud and I make more fantastic snowflakes from the Make Your Own Snowflakes book (which basically involves a funky 6-fold shape and tracing a snowflake stem)
11:00 a.m. We head outside into the barely above freezing weather to burn off some excited energy by scootering.
11:45 a.m. We glue our gingerbread houses together and wait for them to harden
12:15 p.m. Ma, Gong, and Goo arrive from the city with tons of food from Chinatown in Flushing
1:00 p.m. We have a huge lunch of Peking Duck, vegetarian Peking Duck roll, and lots of other steamed dumplings, scallion pancakes, scallion noodles, and such.
2:00 p.m. Sis and Bud play chess and Cranium Jr with Goo. I talk briefly to Uncle Sis in coastal Texas (Aunt Sis wasn't near the phone.)
3:00 p.m. They make holiday Shrinky Dinks and the accompanying tree (Shelley, we didn't realize the tree came with the set!). I nap on the couch.
4:00 p.m. I wake up; Goo sleeps. We start decorating gingerbread houses. Sis creates the most colorful and ornate roof ever. Bud devises a door made out of fruit leather. I make an English cottage with thatched (Chex) roof and half-timbering (pretzels), plus a fence and an open gate. Goo wakes up later and makes a teepee.
5:00 p.m. We eat dinner--muffalettas, while listening to our Preservation Hall holiday CD, the first of our New Oreleans-styled Christmas food. Ma, Gong, and Goo surprise me with candlelit Hong Kong pastries for my birthday.
6:15 p.m. We change clothes and head to (our new) church. Mama has warm virgin Gluwhein for the car and a faux sheep fleece blanket for me to lie under.
7:00 p.m. Service is beautiful. Lots of music. And a congregational carol sing. And for the first time ever, Sis and Bud actually read the lyrics to the songs we sing, including "Hark the Herald Angels Sing," "Come All Ye Faithful," "Joy to the World," "Silent Night," "In the Bleak Midwinter," "The First Noel," "Angels We Have Heard on High," "O Little Town of Bethlehem," and "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" (one of Mama's favorites.) It made me teary to hear their little voices (I was already teary--not our "old church," our third wedding anniversary, Gommie and Pop weren't there, etc.). There was an hilarious story read about Eddie the Elf, an injury to Santa, and Murray the substitute Santa who thinks the reindeers' names were "Mason, and Dixon, and Richard M. Nixon." Cookies (we take store-bought chocolate-dipped, raspberry filled madeleines) and cider afterwards rounded off the evening.
8:45 p.m. On the way home, while singing more songs, we spot an amazing sight: a boat fully decorated with lit tree, other glowing decorations, and mini-lighthouse, tooting down the river. We turned around so we could see it again. And again.
9:00 p.m. We feed the reindeer oatmeal, put out warm chocolate chip cookies (because that's what OSV Santa said were his favorites) and egg nog, put on our new Christmas pajamas (candy for Sis; penguins for Bud), and head off to SQUIRT time with new Nutcracker books for each.
9:30 Ma and Gong head to their hotel. Goo, Mama, and I are up chatting and wrapping presents.
Merry Christmas Eve, y'all!
8:30 a.m. breakfast of leftover almond poundcake since the top collapsed and we can't take it to church tonight (yummy Wildtree mix, with slivered almonds on top!)
10:00 a.m. Mama and Sis head to Italian deli to get cold cuts for dinner; Sis receives myriad tastes from the boisterous men behind the counter. She chooses some panettone-like croissants and pandoro to share. Plus cannoli. Meanwhile, Bud and I make more fantastic snowflakes from the Make Your Own Snowflakes book (which basically involves a funky 6-fold shape and tracing a snowflake stem)
11:00 a.m. We head outside into the barely above freezing weather to burn off some excited energy by scootering.
11:45 a.m. We glue our gingerbread houses together and wait for them to harden
12:15 p.m. Ma, Gong, and Goo arrive from the city with tons of food from Chinatown in Flushing
1:00 p.m. We have a huge lunch of Peking Duck, vegetarian Peking Duck roll, and lots of other steamed dumplings, scallion pancakes, scallion noodles, and such.
2:00 p.m. Sis and Bud play chess and Cranium Jr with Goo. I talk briefly to Uncle Sis in coastal Texas (Aunt Sis wasn't near the phone.)
3:00 p.m. They make holiday Shrinky Dinks and the accompanying tree (Shelley, we didn't realize the tree came with the set!). I nap on the couch.
4:00 p.m. I wake up; Goo sleeps. We start decorating gingerbread houses. Sis creates the most colorful and ornate roof ever. Bud devises a door made out of fruit leather. I make an English cottage with thatched (Chex) roof and half-timbering (pretzels), plus a fence and an open gate. Goo wakes up later and makes a teepee.
5:00 p.m. We eat dinner--muffalettas, while listening to our Preservation Hall holiday CD, the first of our New Oreleans-styled Christmas food. Ma, Gong, and Goo surprise me with candlelit Hong Kong pastries for my birthday.
6:15 p.m. We change clothes and head to (our new) church. Mama has warm virgin Gluwhein for the car and a faux sheep fleece blanket for me to lie under.
7:00 p.m. Service is beautiful. Lots of music. And a congregational carol sing. And for the first time ever, Sis and Bud actually read the lyrics to the songs we sing, including "Hark the Herald Angels Sing," "Come All Ye Faithful," "Joy to the World," "Silent Night," "In the Bleak Midwinter," "The First Noel," "Angels We Have Heard on High," "O Little Town of Bethlehem," and "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" (one of Mama's favorites.) It made me teary to hear their little voices (I was already teary--not our "old church," our third wedding anniversary, Gommie and Pop weren't there, etc.). There was an hilarious story read about Eddie the Elf, an injury to Santa, and Murray the substitute Santa who thinks the reindeers' names were "Mason, and Dixon, and Richard M. Nixon." Cookies (we take store-bought chocolate-dipped, raspberry filled madeleines) and cider afterwards rounded off the evening.
8:45 p.m. On the way home, while singing more songs, we spot an amazing sight: a boat fully decorated with lit tree, other glowing decorations, and mini-lighthouse, tooting down the river. We turned around so we could see it again. And again.
9:00 p.m. We feed the reindeer oatmeal, put out warm chocolate chip cookies (because that's what OSV Santa said were his favorites) and egg nog, put on our new Christmas pajamas (candy for Sis; penguins for Bud), and head off to SQUIRT time with new Nutcracker books for each.
9:30 Ma and Gong head to their hotel. Goo, Mama, and I are up chatting and wrapping presents.
Merry Christmas Eve, y'all!
Friday, December 23, 2011
Holiday Fun: Making the Magic
I think this is one of my favorite parts of Christmas: Mama and I alone getting things ready. We're trying to do most of it tonight so that we aren't up for an extra long time tomorrow night. We've made the olive mixture for the muffalettas for our New Orleans-style feast (with gumbo and bread pudding); I baked an almond pound cake for church tomorrow night (it didn't come out, stuck solid to my pan, c'est la vie--maybe I'll make trifle! Too bad it's too late to get new pans for Christmas.) I wrote up a last few Christmas cards. Mama is wrapping dozens of presents. Christmas music is on the "stereo" (is it still a stereo?) and we were snacking on Wensleydale and crackers. So far, so good.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Mommy's in the Kitchen . . .
It's that time of year again: teacher gifts. This morning, the kiddos delivered four pounds of Italian butter cookies (from a bakery) to school to thank all their specials teachers, aides, consultants, staff, and administrators.
Next week, they'll deliver gifts (actually, gift cards) to their own classroom teachers to thank them for a wonderful year.
And today they worked on their class gift. Both classes are making recipe scrapbooks for the teachers, with each child in charge of a two-sided page. One side has a recipe, the other a note to the teacher. There can be pictures, decorations, whatever else. Sis opted to include her favorite chocolate crinkle cookie recipe, while Bud wanted to include the recipe for chicken and dumplings. While both of them could've written out their version of how to make it, they chose to use the actual recipes, which I printed out, saying they didn't know the exact directions. Sis wrote, "I like this cookie. I hope you do too." Bud noted, "This is my favorite meal." Well, his favorite meal is probably sushi, but I don't have a recipe for that! But still, he chose it himself. The glued down pictures of them in the kitchen and Sis stamped some images of food.
On the other side, they both wrote "I love you!" and included stamped images of their favorite things, mainly bunnies and penguins.
Helping them do this--and I did help some, or, well, I helped Babysitter, who helped--was wonderful on many levels. First, I got to spend some real quality time with them, instead of a kiss or hug here and there (though, I have read to them every night). Second, I was being useful, which is a rare thing these days and is probably the biggest factor in my recurring ennui--I can amuse myself all day but it doesn't mean much unless I'm contributing somehow, which I haven't been much. Third, for the 45-60 minutes I was downstairs, I didn't notice my foot at all and only my back intermittently. Yay!!!!!
And lastly, I was reminded of something from my own kindergarten year. It wasn't a teacher's gift but a Mother's Day gift. My beloved old teacher (and she probably was "old," and not just an adult, at least in her 60s, which was ancient to a five year old) Mrs. Felch, went around to each student and had them describe their favorite recipe. She then compiled them all and mimeographed them on long sheets--can you just smell that smudgy purple ink?? And we gave the cookbook to our moms. I remember reading it some years later and laughing at descriptions of how to make "psghetti" or "cake." But I actually got my recipe fairly correct--boil a chicken for a long time and add dumplings.
Yep, I had chosen chicken and dumplings too.
Friday, December 31, 2010
The Legend of the Christmas Turtle
You know about reindeer, elves, even that new Elf on a Shelf, but do you know about the Christmas Turtle? We didn't, until a woman at church mentioned him on Christmas Eve. See, Sis and Bud had received Woot shirts (pictured here at left; and you can still buy one, at the link!) with a turtle dressed like a Christmas tree and Bud wore his to Christmas Eve services. We thought it was just a cute picture; we didn't know it was real.Santa's helpers come in all shapes, sizes, and species, indicative of the beautiful melange that is life on earth. But the Christmas Turtle, being a turtle, is slower than the other helpers, taking longer to perform his Christmas duties, which include delivering toys.
So, if you've ever found a gift under the tree a few days later, one you know wasn't there on the big day, you've been visited by the Christmas Turtle. The Christmas Turtle doesn't visit everyone, and not every year; it just depends.
And we were visited this year! We found a gift bag under the tree as we were taking it down, a gift of several Star Wars pjs for Sis and Bud. It was a sweet surprise, extending the holiday, giving a little extra joy during what is sometimes a post-holiday letdown. Now that I think on it, we had been visited before--and I remember several visits during my childhood--but I never knew why. I just figured Gommie or Mama had forgotten a gift.
Now I know. So I'm grateful to the Christmas Turtle for this last gift of the season--not the pjs, the magic.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Advent Activities: A Jedi Christmas
Monday's Advent activity didn't go as planned. We were supposed to "make treats for teachers and others," for which I'd bought tins, pans, bags, and ingredients. But the kids never got into it.
Instead, we had a Jedi Christmas.
The kids spent the better part of the afternoon wrapping existing toys and books in blankets and such to stash under the tree. For Wicket and Obi-Wan, Luke and Leia, even Jabba and Vader. There was a new bow for Wicket, a belt and sword for Obi,"a ring of force for Luke," books on the galaxy for Leia, etc etc etc. And when all the presents were unwrapped, we started all over again.
So, I took the opportunity to practice another thing on our Advent list: how to receive a gift gracefully and gratefully, even one you might have or not like. All it takes is "thank you."
I imagine that Vader would have a different response, though.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Sending XOXO
Our beloved Babysitter had her wisdom teeth extracted on Friday and so we headed to the store on Wednesday to get her a get-well-soon present. The kids had clear instructions: something small, one from each of them, no food. I was thinking bubble bath, candles, a mug, silk flowers, just something to let her know we cared. And then we ended up in the Valentine's section . . . . Sis immediately spied a miniature pink bunny that she adored and said was perfect. Bud, however, picked up a giant pink bear carrying "XOXO." That certainly didn't meet the criteria. And so I tried to direct him to something else, but he clung to that bear, which was almost as tall as he was. And then Sis decided that she could never part with that little pink bunny. And what did we end up with? You guessed it, the bear. And Bud was so proud and excited. And Sis became extra excited about the possibility of hiding it for Babysitter to find and so they debated all the best hiding spots and strategized about playing "hot and cold" to help her find it.
In the end, they hid the bear in Bud's igloo and covered the whole thing with a giant sheet and, in their way, escorted Babysitter right to it. And she was such a good sport and hugged it and them, saying pink was her favorite color. We even got pictures of them all. And that night, I understand, they all read bedtime stories with the bear in the bedroom so that when we got home from our date night, we had to sneak back in to fetch the bear out so she could go home.
I talked to Babysitter yesterday and she is recovering very well. All due to the pink bear, I'm told.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Having Trouble with That Very Last Minute Gift?
Try making a gift to one of these, from a list of charities compiled by Nicholas Kristof, Pulitzer Prize-winning NYTimes columnist and author of Half the Sky.
Or, read Motherlode today and its guest post on a completely different kind of gift. The post ends with this Sufi poem by Hazrat Inayat Khan, a great antidote to the gifti-ness of Christmas:
I asked for strength and God gave me difficulties to make me strong
I asked for wisdom and God gave me problems to solve
I asked for prosperity and God gave me a brain and brawn to work
I asked for courage and God gave me dangers to overcome
I asked for love and God gave me people to help
I asked for favors and God gave me opportunities
I received nothing I wanted
I received everything I needed.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Advent: Wrapping Presents
We wrapped presents with the kids tonight. Tape, paper, sticky labels--what could be better? Oh, yes, ribbon would be better but with two cats who eat anything we aren't risking ribbons and bows.
Sis loved choosing the paper and affixing labels, which I wrote in large letters so she could discriminate whose was whose. Bud liked putting them under the tree.
Mama was in charge of the actual wrapping because a). I don't really like wrapping presents (those gift bags were invented with me in mind) and b). she does a much neater, faster job of it (even if she uses a knife instead of scissors to cut the paper).
My sister is the consummate wrapper, with pretty papers and ribbons and bows. I think she even chooses the paper, or used to, based on the weight of it (I have this odd memory of her learning about wrapping from a department store, but not because she worked there. Where did I get this, Banana?). My mom is firmly in Aunt Banana's court with her interest in pretty packages, while my dad is in mine--he used to coax (pay?) Banana to wrap all the presents for him. Nice work, if you can get it.
And you can get it from me.
But I think Sis is going to follow in Mama and Banana's footsteps and be a wrapper. Bud, well, like me, he's an unwrapper.
Sis loved choosing the paper and affixing labels, which I wrote in large letters so she could discriminate whose was whose. Bud liked putting them under the tree.
Mama was in charge of the actual wrapping because a). I don't really like wrapping presents (those gift bags were invented with me in mind) and b). she does a much neater, faster job of it (even if she uses a knife instead of scissors to cut the paper).
My sister is the consummate wrapper, with pretty papers and ribbons and bows. I think she even chooses the paper, or used to, based on the weight of it (I have this odd memory of her learning about wrapping from a department store, but not because she worked there. Where did I get this, Banana?). My mom is firmly in Aunt Banana's court with her interest in pretty packages, while my dad is in mine--he used to coax (pay?) Banana to wrap all the presents for him. Nice work, if you can get it.
And you can get it from me.
But I think Sis is going to follow in Mama and Banana's footsteps and be a wrapper. Bud, well, like me, he's an unwrapper.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Advent: Presents under the Tree
We have presents under the tree, from a box from Aunt Banana and Uncle Soccer. Bud and Sis promised not to unwrap them, under penalty of not being able to keep them. But they can shake all they want. And identify which one is whose. This occasioned great fun as we handled them all and put them under the tree.
My dad never likes presents under the tree before the big day. I think he wants the great impact of going from empty to completely full. Sure, sometimes we put out gifts that came from the couple of aunts who sent them, and my birthday presents until it was time to open those (our tree was always up by my birthday), but for the most part the tree skirt was the only thing under there.
I don't mind gifts under the tree. I like to enjoy the different wrappings, shapes, and sizes. And I'm an incorrigible gift-shaker. Love, love, love to handle the presents and try to guess what they are, even if I don't really ever want to know (I'm guessing there are a few books under there right now!! And maybe some clothes--matching??--for the kids. Aunt Banana, are those twin gifts???!!!! ). The fun is in the guessing (Mama won't show me any presents beforehand anymore, but does let me play 20 questions, though she lies if I get too close. It's just a game we play). As it is, we are usually wrapping presents right up to showtime and so it's a moot point. Though, the kids' excitement at the few presents there might be an enticement to get wrapping earlier.
Well, that is if they manage not to open them for the next few days!
My dad never likes presents under the tree before the big day. I think he wants the great impact of going from empty to completely full. Sure, sometimes we put out gifts that came from the couple of aunts who sent them, and my birthday presents until it was time to open those (our tree was always up by my birthday), but for the most part the tree skirt was the only thing under there.
I don't mind gifts under the tree. I like to enjoy the different wrappings, shapes, and sizes. And I'm an incorrigible gift-shaker. Love, love, love to handle the presents and try to guess what they are, even if I don't really ever want to know (I'm guessing there are a few books under there right now!! And maybe some clothes--matching??--for the kids. Aunt Banana, are those twin gifts???!!!! ). The fun is in the guessing (Mama won't show me any presents beforehand anymore, but does let me play 20 questions, though she lies if I get too close. It's just a game we play). As it is, we are usually wrapping presents right up to showtime and so it's a moot point. Though, the kids' excitement at the few presents there might be an enticement to get wrapping earlier.
Well, that is if they manage not to open them for the next few days!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Problem Solved
I have Plan B for our candy gift shortage: we're going to make brownies, oatmeal scotchies, and chocolate chip bars to give to the last of our three friends. They'll each get a sample. With three batches, for three gifts, there should be enough.
Whew. Sure, I still have to do the baking, but at least I have a plan.
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Brownies
Makes 24 brownies
One 12 oz. package (2 cups) Semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
½ cup butter
3 eggs
1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla extract
½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
In large, heavy saucepan over low heat, melt 1 cup chocolate chips and butter (for best results, melt butter then add chocolate chips and melt—prevents chocolate sticking to saucepan); stir until smooth. Remove from heat. Add eggs; stir well. Add flour sugar, baking soda, and vanilla; stir well. Stir in remaining (unmelted) chocolate chips and nuts, if desired. Spread into greased 13 x 9 inch baking pan. Bake in preheated 350°F oven for 18-22 minutes or until set. Cool completely. Cut into 2-inch squares.
Nestle Chocolate Chip bag
Oatmeal Scotchies
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened (used 3/4 cup vegan "butter" sticks)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract or grated peel of 1 orange (used the vanilla)
3 cups quick or old-fashioned oats
1 2/3 cups (11-ounce package) butterscotch chips
PREHEAT oven to 375° F.COMBINE flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in oats and morsels. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.BAKE for 7 to 8 minutes for chewy cookies or 9 to 10 minutes for crisp cookies. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.PAN COOKIE VARIATION: GREASE 15 x 10-inch jelly-roll pan. Prepare dough as above. Spread into prepared pan. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until very lightly browned. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Makes 4 dozen bars.
Nestle Butterscotch Chips bag
Chocolate Chip Pan Cookie Recipe
2 1/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
12 oz chocolate chips
COMBINE flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels and nuts. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets. BAKE for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. PAN COOKIE VARIATION: Grease 15 x 10-inch jelly-roll pan. Prepare dough as above. Spread into prepared pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in pan on wire rack. Makes 4 dozen bars.
Nestle Chocolate Chip bag
Whew. Sure, I still have to do the baking, but at least I have a plan.
-=-=-=-=-=-
Brownies
Makes 24 brownies
One 12 oz. package (2 cups) Semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
½ cup butter
3 eggs
1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla extract
½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
In large, heavy saucepan over low heat, melt 1 cup chocolate chips and butter (for best results, melt butter then add chocolate chips and melt—prevents chocolate sticking to saucepan); stir until smooth. Remove from heat. Add eggs; stir well. Add flour sugar, baking soda, and vanilla; stir well. Stir in remaining (unmelted) chocolate chips and nuts, if desired. Spread into greased 13 x 9 inch baking pan. Bake in preheated 350°F oven for 18-22 minutes or until set. Cool completely. Cut into 2-inch squares.
Nestle Chocolate Chip bag
Oatmeal Scotchies
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened (used 3/4 cup vegan "butter" sticks)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract or grated peel of 1 orange (used the vanilla)
3 cups quick or old-fashioned oats
1 2/3 cups (11-ounce package) butterscotch chips
PREHEAT oven to 375° F.COMBINE flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in oats and morsels. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.BAKE for 7 to 8 minutes for chewy cookies or 9 to 10 minutes for crisp cookies. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.PAN COOKIE VARIATION: GREASE 15 x 10-inch jelly-roll pan. Prepare dough as above. Spread into prepared pan. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until very lightly browned. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Makes 4 dozen bars.
Nestle Butterscotch Chips bag
Chocolate Chip Pan Cookie Recipe
2 1/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
12 oz chocolate chips
COMBINE flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels and nuts. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets. BAKE for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. PAN COOKIE VARIATION: Grease 15 x 10-inch jelly-roll pan. Prepare dough as above. Spread into prepared pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in pan on wire rack. Makes 4 dozen bars.
Nestle Chocolate Chip bag
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Mommy's Candy Castle
We did it! We finished our teacher gift candy-making marathon. Two sessions of Christmas pretzels (where the kids would name each teacher who got each pretzel. "This one is for Mrs. Director. And Mrs. Teacher . . . "), plus chocolate dipped apricots, rocky road with cherries instead of nuts, and two batches of peppermint bark (their favorite because of the smashing of the candy, even if Bud said it was too spicy to eat). And then, in the evening I made toffee (too dangerous with boiling sugar in butter. And, as always, fond memories of the deceased coworker whose recipe it was) and double-decker fudge (ditto, plus it has off-limits peanut butter) and butter mints (which I just thought the kids would think were boring). The butter mints were the new candy for me and I loved kneading the crumbly mess into this light yellow, soft dough with this incredible smell. But it made 200+ mints, which took up a lot of time this evening. Still, they came out wonderfully and I'll definitely make them again. Thank goodness for Google though, because, when my oil wouldn't "drop," I managed to discover that 20 drops of peppermint oil equals 1/5th of a teaspoon! Now, we just have to assemble the tins and finish the cards for everyone. The kids are really looking forward to delivering them. And that was the goal, to share a little of our holiday joy with everyone.
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I. B.'s Easy English Toffee
1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
1 cup sugar
Cook in saucepan. Stir until mixture changes color; it’s done when mixture turns caramel color (the butter will separate out; stir until it is reabsorbed).
Pour on greased cookie sheet. Spread out as best you can.
Sprinkle on about ¼- ½ cup chocolate chips. Sprinkle on ¼- ½ cup nuts.
Refrigerate.
Break into pieces.
Easy Rocky Road
2 cups (12 oz. package) chocolate chips
¼ cup butter or margarine
2 tablespoons shortening
3 cups miniature marshmallows
½ cup coarsely chopped nuts—we used 10 maraschino cherries instead!
Butter 8 inch square pan. In large microwave-safe bowl place chocolate chips, butter, and shortening; microwave at medium for 5 to 7 minutes or until chips are melted and mixture is smooth when stirred. Add marshmallows and nuts; blend well. spread evenly into prepared pan. Cover; cill until firm. Cut into 2 inch squares. About 25 squares.
Double-Decker Fudge
About 2 pounds fudge.
1 cup Reese’s Peanut Butter chips
1 cup chocolate chips
2 ¼ cups sugar
7 oz. (1 jar) marshmallow crème
¾ cup evaporated milk
¼ cup (1/2 stick butter)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Line 8 inch square pan with foil, extending foil over edges of pan. In medium bowl, place peanut butter chips. In second medium bowl, place chocolate chips. In heavy 3-quart saucepan, combine sugar, marshmallow crème, evaporated milk, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil; boil 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Immediately stir half of the hot mixture (1 ½ cups) into peanut butter chips until chips are completely melted; quickly spread into prepared pan. Stir remaining hot mixture into chocolate chips until chips are completely melted. Quickly spread over top of peanut butter layer. Cool to room temperature; refrigerate until firm. Use foil to lift fudge out of pan; peel off foil. Cut into 1-inch squares. Store in tightly covered container at room temperature.
Peppermint Bark
Makes about 32 pieces
12 oz. white baking chips
½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy cane
Microwave white baking chips 1 minute and then in additional increments of 20 seconds, stirring after each, until almost melted. Stir until completely melted.
Add crushed peppermint candies, stirring until mixed. Spread mixture thinly onto aluminum foil-lined cookie sheet.
Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm. Break into pieces.
Miss B's Butter Mints
1 pound confectioners sugar
1 stick butter plus 2 tablespoons
20 drops oil of peppermint (get at pharmacy)
Cream together sugar and butter. Add peppermint oil. Mix together with hands. When together, knead for 5 minutes. Add a few drops of food coloring if desired to any portion of mixture. Snip off size of mint desire (I like the size of a marble). Place on a cookie sheet or flat surface and press down with a fork. These will keep for weeks in the refrigerator, or they may be frozen.
Our “Christmas Pretzels”
mini pretzels (or whatever pretzel you like; big sticks are pretty but the chocolate ratio isn't always good)chocolate chipssprinkles/jimmiesMelt the chocolate chips in the microwave (1 minute; stir; 30 seconds; stir; and the last two steps until almost melted--they will melt when stirred. Don't over microwave.) Dip pretzels in chocolate. Roll in sprinkles. Let dry on rack or aluminum foil. Store in airtight container.Or just eat them all right then.
Chocolate-Dipped Apricots
See above recipe, but use dried apricots instead of pretzels, without the sprinkles or jimmies.
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I. B.'s Easy English Toffee
1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
1 cup sugar
Cook in saucepan. Stir until mixture changes color; it’s done when mixture turns caramel color (the butter will separate out; stir until it is reabsorbed).
Pour on greased cookie sheet. Spread out as best you can.
Sprinkle on about ¼- ½ cup chocolate chips. Sprinkle on ¼- ½ cup nuts.
Refrigerate.
Break into pieces.
Easy Rocky Road
2 cups (12 oz. package) chocolate chips
¼ cup butter or margarine
2 tablespoons shortening
3 cups miniature marshmallows
½ cup coarsely chopped nuts—we used 10 maraschino cherries instead!
Butter 8 inch square pan. In large microwave-safe bowl place chocolate chips, butter, and shortening; microwave at medium for 5 to 7 minutes or until chips are melted and mixture is smooth when stirred. Add marshmallows and nuts; blend well. spread evenly into prepared pan. Cover; cill until firm. Cut into 2 inch squares. About 25 squares.
Double-Decker Fudge
About 2 pounds fudge.
1 cup Reese’s Peanut Butter chips
1 cup chocolate chips
2 ¼ cups sugar
7 oz. (1 jar) marshmallow crème
¾ cup evaporated milk
¼ cup (1/2 stick butter)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Line 8 inch square pan with foil, extending foil over edges of pan. In medium bowl, place peanut butter chips. In second medium bowl, place chocolate chips. In heavy 3-quart saucepan, combine sugar, marshmallow crème, evaporated milk, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil; boil 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Immediately stir half of the hot mixture (1 ½ cups) into peanut butter chips until chips are completely melted; quickly spread into prepared pan. Stir remaining hot mixture into chocolate chips until chips are completely melted. Quickly spread over top of peanut butter layer. Cool to room temperature; refrigerate until firm. Use foil to lift fudge out of pan; peel off foil. Cut into 1-inch squares. Store in tightly covered container at room temperature.
Peppermint Bark
Makes about 32 pieces
12 oz. white baking chips
½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy cane
Microwave white baking chips 1 minute and then in additional increments of 20 seconds, stirring after each, until almost melted. Stir until completely melted.
Add crushed peppermint candies, stirring until mixed. Spread mixture thinly onto aluminum foil-lined cookie sheet.
Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm. Break into pieces.
Miss B's Butter Mints
1 pound confectioners sugar
1 stick butter plus 2 tablespoons
20 drops oil of peppermint (get at pharmacy)
Cream together sugar and butter. Add peppermint oil. Mix together with hands. When together, knead for 5 minutes. Add a few drops of food coloring if desired to any portion of mixture. Snip off size of mint desire (I like the size of a marble). Place on a cookie sheet or flat surface and press down with a fork. These will keep for weeks in the refrigerator, or they may be frozen.
Our “Christmas Pretzels”
mini pretzels (or whatever pretzel you like; big sticks are pretty but the chocolate ratio isn't always good)chocolate chipssprinkles/jimmiesMelt the chocolate chips in the microwave (1 minute; stir; 30 seconds; stir; and the last two steps until almost melted--they will melt when stirred. Don't over microwave.) Dip pretzels in chocolate. Roll in sprinkles. Let dry on rack or aluminum foil. Store in airtight container.Or just eat them all right then.
Chocolate-Dipped Apricots
See above recipe, but use dried apricots instead of pretzels, without the sprinkles or jimmies.
Advent: Small Packages
They say the best things come in small packages.
Today, I received two small packages: white paper lunch bags decorated with green-stamped trees and gingerbread cookies and filled with red paper. Sis made me sit on the couch with my eyes closed while she unwrapped the insides for me and held them up. Bud stood by helpfully.
"Open your eyes!"
And there were two homemade, glitter-filled, painted, wooden wreath ornaments with Sis and Bud's pictures inside. Sis jumped up and down with the ornaments swinging in the air so that I could hardly see the cute pictures, clearly taken on election day when they had their "I voted today" stickers on (that's a good day to commemorate). Sis is staring thoughtfully at the camera in her picture, Bud is laughing and looking away in his, which is pretty typical for both of them. We hung the ornaments on their little fabric trees, that is until Mama came home and was presented with them both all over again.
Good things really do come in small packages.
And in paper bags too.
Today, I received two small packages: white paper lunch bags decorated with green-stamped trees and gingerbread cookies and filled with red paper. Sis made me sit on the couch with my eyes closed while she unwrapped the insides for me and held them up. Bud stood by helpfully.
"Open your eyes!"
And there were two homemade, glitter-filled, painted, wooden wreath ornaments with Sis and Bud's pictures inside. Sis jumped up and down with the ornaments swinging in the air so that I could hardly see the cute pictures, clearly taken on election day when they had their "I voted today" stickers on (that's a good day to commemorate). Sis is staring thoughtfully at the camera in her picture, Bud is laughing and looking away in his, which is pretty typical for both of them. We hung the ornaments on their little fabric trees, that is until Mama came home and was presented with them both all over again.
Good things really do come in small packages.
And in paper bags too.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Hooked on Mama
My whole family knows I'm terrible about waiting til my birthday to open presents (which is why I'm guessing Gommie has hidden my package amid all the ones we've received for the kids' Christmas! Come on, I've only opened Pop's card, Aunt P's package, and Mama Teacher's gift card!!). But Mama is worse than I am: she made me open my birthday present this evening; she was so excited she couldn't wait any longer (mainly because she had warned me this wasn't a gift I could open in front of the kids).
Stop your dirty mind.
She gave me a beautiful handmade oak case with 5 hand-turned, nineteenth-century inspired crochet hooks in different woods. Gorgeous. And easily broken by enthusiastic three-year olds. I can't wait to use them.
Thank you, Mama. I love them. And you.
Stop your dirty mind.
She gave me a beautiful handmade oak case with 5 hand-turned, nineteenth-century inspired crochet hooks in different woods. Gorgeous. And easily broken by enthusiastic three-year olds. I can't wait to use them.
Thank you, Mama. I love them. And you.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Advent: Teacher Presents
(SPOILER ALERT: Okay, those of you among my readers who teach my children at preschool, read at your own peril).
Mama Teacher, I hope you approve of my teacher gift idea (and since you don't teach my kids, formally anyway, you can read ahead). Maybe you should blog about teacher gifts for us newbie parents searching the aisles for ideas. I'll need a new one next year!
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My goodness, I bought teacher presents today. We were told we didn't have to, we were told we shouldn't, but everyone will and I did. As a child, I loved giving teachers their holiday (well, it was Christmas back then) presents. Because my dad owned a print shop, we would often give personalized notepads to the teachers, something that they could actually use. Dad's in Texas, so it isn't as convenient an idea anymore--notepads are heavy to mail, and, besides, I only just thought of it and there isn't enough time (though, it's still a great idea, and he still owns that print shop; maybe I can figure something out next year. Don't retire, Pop!). So, today I found myself at the store buying teacher gifts.
Teacher gifts. My kids have teachers.
Anyway, we're donating to the collection at school and I got them little Scholastic free book certificates but that's not quite enough of a thank you. But I didn't want it to be just some random thing I purchased at the store without the kids' help--candles, soap, candy, a mug, anything with an apple on it. I realized as I was wandering the aisles that the teacher gifts should come from my kids, whose teachers they are. And since we just had some great success making Christmas pretzels, perhaps we should make food. Now, I realize that teachers do not really need any more sweets during the holidays because every third students is buying candy or baking cookies. But it's the one thing we know how to make (pizza, the other thing we know how to make just isn't practical, though I considered a gift certificate for delivery for them). I could have made cookies or quick breads, but I want the kids to really feel ownership of the gift we're giving (and not just the homemade card!) and do more than watch me make it. So, we'll make candy: rocky road (with marshmallows and cherries), peppermint bark, and Christmas pretzels (maybe one more thing, though fudge and toffee involve boiling sugar which isn't kid-friendly. Butter mints? Too much peppermint? I can change the bark . . . ). With this new revelation, I headed to the container aisle of the store and bought out their selection of non-religious snowflake tins. For the preschool teachers, the Sunday school teachers, even the pediatrician (our minister can't have gluten so we'll probably do something else for her). Everyone who teaches and helps us.
And as I was standing in the line to check out, a mom beside me looked in my basket. "Teacher gifts?" she said. I nodded. "Mercy, I'm glad I'm passed all that."
Bah, humbug. I think it's lots of fun. I hope the kids and the teachers do too.
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Easy Rocky Road
A standard and reliable candy. I have recently seen an alternate that adds 8 chopped candied cherries—might be good.
2 cups (12 oz. package) chocolate chips
¼ cup butter or margarine
2 tablespoons shortening
3 cups miniature marshmallows
½ cup coarsely chopped nuts (we will omit these)
Butter 8 inch square pan. In large microwave-safe bowl place chocolate chips, butter, and shortening; microwave at medium for 5 to 7 minutes or until chips are melted and mixture is smooth when stirred. Add marshmallows and nuts; blend well. spread evenly into prepared pan. Cover; cill until firm. Cut into 2 inch squares. 16 squares.
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Peppermint Bark
Makes about 32 pieces
12 oz. white baking chips
½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy cane
Microwave white baking chips 1 minute and then in additional increments of 20 seconds, stirring after each, until almost melted. Stir until completely melted.
Add crushed peppermint candies, stirring until mixed. Spread mixture thinly onto aluminum foil-lined cookie sheet.
Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm. Break into pieces.
-=-=-=-=-
Butter Mints
1 pound confectioners sugar
1 stick butter plus 2 tablespoons
20 drops oil of peppermint (get at pharmacy)
Cream together sugar and butter. Add peppermint oil. Mix together with hands. When together, knead for 5 minutes. Add a few drops of food coloring if desired to any portion of mixture. Snip off size of mint desire (I like the size of a marble). Place on a cookie sheet or flat surface and press down with a fork. These will keep for weeks in the refrigerator, or they may be frozen.
Mama Teacher, I hope you approve of my teacher gift idea (and since you don't teach my kids, formally anyway, you can read ahead). Maybe you should blog about teacher gifts for us newbie parents searching the aisles for ideas. I'll need a new one next year!
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My goodness, I bought teacher presents today. We were told we didn't have to, we were told we shouldn't, but everyone will and I did. As a child, I loved giving teachers their holiday (well, it was Christmas back then) presents. Because my dad owned a print shop, we would often give personalized notepads to the teachers, something that they could actually use. Dad's in Texas, so it isn't as convenient an idea anymore--notepads are heavy to mail, and, besides, I only just thought of it and there isn't enough time (though, it's still a great idea, and he still owns that print shop; maybe I can figure something out next year. Don't retire, Pop!). So, today I found myself at the store buying teacher gifts.
Teacher gifts. My kids have teachers.
Anyway, we're donating to the collection at school and I got them little Scholastic free book certificates but that's not quite enough of a thank you. But I didn't want it to be just some random thing I purchased at the store without the kids' help--candles, soap, candy, a mug, anything with an apple on it. I realized as I was wandering the aisles that the teacher gifts should come from my kids, whose teachers they are. And since we just had some great success making Christmas pretzels, perhaps we should make food. Now, I realize that teachers do not really need any more sweets during the holidays because every third students is buying candy or baking cookies. But it's the one thing we know how to make (pizza, the other thing we know how to make just isn't practical, though I considered a gift certificate for delivery for them). I could have made cookies or quick breads, but I want the kids to really feel ownership of the gift we're giving (and not just the homemade card!) and do more than watch me make it. So, we'll make candy: rocky road (with marshmallows and cherries), peppermint bark, and Christmas pretzels (maybe one more thing, though fudge and toffee involve boiling sugar which isn't kid-friendly. Butter mints? Too much peppermint? I can change the bark . . . ). With this new revelation, I headed to the container aisle of the store and bought out their selection of non-religious snowflake tins. For the preschool teachers, the Sunday school teachers, even the pediatrician (our minister can't have gluten so we'll probably do something else for her). Everyone who teaches and helps us.
And as I was standing in the line to check out, a mom beside me looked in my basket. "Teacher gifts?" she said. I nodded. "Mercy, I'm glad I'm passed all that."
Bah, humbug. I think it's lots of fun. I hope the kids and the teachers do too.
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Easy Rocky Road
A standard and reliable candy. I have recently seen an alternate that adds 8 chopped candied cherries—might be good.
2 cups (12 oz. package) chocolate chips
¼ cup butter or margarine
2 tablespoons shortening
3 cups miniature marshmallows
½ cup coarsely chopped nuts (we will omit these)
Butter 8 inch square pan. In large microwave-safe bowl place chocolate chips, butter, and shortening; microwave at medium for 5 to 7 minutes or until chips are melted and mixture is smooth when stirred. Add marshmallows and nuts; blend well. spread evenly into prepared pan. Cover; cill until firm. Cut into 2 inch squares. 16 squares.
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Peppermint Bark
Makes about 32 pieces
12 oz. white baking chips
½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy cane
Microwave white baking chips 1 minute and then in additional increments of 20 seconds, stirring after each, until almost melted. Stir until completely melted.
Add crushed peppermint candies, stirring until mixed. Spread mixture thinly onto aluminum foil-lined cookie sheet.
Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm. Break into pieces.
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Butter Mints
1 pound confectioners sugar
1 stick butter plus 2 tablespoons
20 drops oil of peppermint (get at pharmacy)
Cream together sugar and butter. Add peppermint oil. Mix together with hands. When together, knead for 5 minutes. Add a few drops of food coloring if desired to any portion of mixture. Snip off size of mint desire (I like the size of a marble). Place on a cookie sheet or flat surface and press down with a fork. These will keep for weeks in the refrigerator, or they may be frozen.
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