Merry Christmas 2009!

To our dear family and friends:

This year has been tough with many, who could tell a sad tale,
We hope our letter finds all y'all are doing well.

Our family has had quite a year, just like many of you
Several times we have thought, oh what will we do?

Samantha, our princess, has shown us how to move along,
Joyful skipping and dancing while singing a cheerful song.

Myles, so wise and true, has taught us how to really pray,
A love for God and heart-felt gratitude helps us on our way.

Evelyn, our littlest one, reminds us of true happiness,
Is found in snuggling together, ignoring the big fat mess!

Our children are growing up so tall, Myles grows faster than a bean
with Samantha on his heels and Evelyn somewhere in between.

Our gift to you this Christmas is not about the toys,
The big fat turkey, nor big presents that make a lot of noise.

The truest joy comes from within as we allow our hearts to feel
The love of God and Jesus Christ, for it can truly heal.

May this Christmas Season b a wonderful tell to tale
As the Spirit of Christ dwells in our homes, for all is truly well.

The Christmas Spirit

The Christmas Spirit

Awfully Good Pumpkin Waffles

My next recipe is another family favorite. I usually make it around the holiday season between October and December. We chow down on these. If I want leftovers, I have to double it. While I was making them, I discovered my camera battery had died. So, you'll have to be a patient. I will make these again real soon and then you'll get the idea of how they turn out. As the Swiss would say, "En guete!"

2 c. whole wheat flour 2 Tbsp. brown sugar 1 Tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. nutmeg 1/4 tsp. ginger

First mix these dry ingredients and set aside. In another bowl mix together the following wet ingredients.

1-3/4 c. milk(I use buttermilk) 1 c. canned pumpkin
2 egg yolks (save eggwhites) 3 Tbsp. melted butter

Add pumpkin mixture to flour mixture, stir until just combined. Batter will be lumpy.
In a small bowl beat egg whites with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form (tips stand straight). Gently fold beaten egg whites into pumkin mixture, leaving a few puffs of egg white.

Pour onto your waffle iron and cook according to its direction.

Ya'll let me know what you think! You too Maria!!

Dear Santa....

So I thought it might be fun to have an evening where the kids and I would sit down and write letters to Santa. I would then be aware of what they would like and would hope that "Santa" would write them back. When I presented this idea(now, i was excited, because i thought it really would be fun), they both simultaneously said, "WhY? (with that 'you must be dumb' look), when we can just go and tell him?"