Saturday, December 19, 2009

The Making of Memories


Around Thanksgiving I made eight pies, for various occasions, from scratch--roasting the pumpkins, rolling the crusts, etc. They taste great, and thus all the hard work is worth it. And, I have to admit, I love making them. It brings back memories of home. I used to watch my grandma make perfect paper-thin crusts for her pies. She rolled the dough so effortlessly and never measured anything. She'd put this and that and her magic worked every single time! Also, there is nothing like the smell of roasting pumpkins. When I was a kid one of my favorite treats in the late cold fall was roasted pumpkin cubes covered with caramelized sugar and walnuts.
Every time I made the pies, and the kids were around, they had to come help. Needless to say, they love pumpkin pie. Esther would sit on the counter holding the handle on the mixer bowl, watch, and repeat smilingly "pumpkin pie" for the whole time I do the filling. Samuel would want to actually put ingredients in. He is very good at following instructions when helping me or Richard in the kitchen. The kitchen is the one place he does not question, just does. We had lots of fun!

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Christmas has begun...


Here are the first gifts for this Christmas. Grandma & Grandpa had given us a package of goodies that we'd use together as a family (aprons, pillow cases and nativity scene-all homemade, Christmas books and cookie cutters) . On the "to do list" now: Gingerbread and Sugar cookies. How fun! Thank you, Gary and Lora Lee!

Christmas is done...I think...



Last Monday we decorated our Christmas tree, hung all other decorations, and put out all of our Christmas books. After four trips to the post office, all gifts and cards have been sent, and now I can enjoy the season and pay attention finally to my fmaily. This is Esther's first "conscious" Christmas, since she is two, and is loving every bit of it. But most of all-the lights. She turns the tree lights on every morning and asks me to turn on the lights outlining the front of the house every time we return home. It's been a little challenging explaining to a toddler that we turn them on only in the evening. Samuel calls our house "The Gingerbread" house. I am not sure where that comes from, but I LOVE it. Add Image

Monday, December 14, 2009

It was fun for me...






My poor kids have been my models for ever, but this time I really pushed their limits. I had them pose for me again and again in my home-made studio. Samuel is always flattered to have his picture taken, but Esther hardly ever looks in the camera when I take her picture. Here they are both doing the opposite of what they usually do. After an hour and this picture I figured it's time to give them a break. :)