A Definite Do Again

The Gingerbread Waffles were a huge hit!

We really loved them. I think the secret ingredient is the fresh ground nutmeg. My friend sent me some from her trip to Grenada. Thanks Cheryl! I had used it before from the spice section in the grocery store and they came in a little glass bottle. Those were ready to grate. These that Cheryl sent were still inside the shell. I tried to grate them and realized I need to crack the shell first. The nutmeg smells so yummy when you grate it. I was in heaven. It reminded me of Rosalia, Christina Bambina's mom. She used fresh nutmeg in the white sauce when she made her out of this world Lasagna. I miss her yummy cooking!Of course getting breakfast in bed just isn't the same if you can't smell bacon frying!

Here you go, Mr. Mark.

XO

Family Vote....

Should we add these to the Christmas Brunch menu????

Breakfast in Bed

Tomorrow morning Mr. Mark will be served breakfast in bed ... shhhhh

(I just wasn't up to serving it at 4:00 a.m. on his birthday....

can you even taste that early in the morning anyway?)

I can't wait to try this recipe!

Gingerbread Waffles

Recipe courtesy Rachael Ray

• 
  
  3 cups all-purpose flour
• 
  
  4 teaspoons baking powder
• 
  
  2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 
  
  2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 
  
  1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, eyeball it
• 
  
  1/2 teaspoon salt
• 
  
  4 large eggs
• 
  
  2/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 
  
  1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 
  
  1/4 cups milk
• 
  
  1/2 cup molasses
• 
  
  1/2 cup (1 stick) melted butter, plus some to butter the iron
• 
  
  Syrup, whipped cream or fresh fruits for topping, to pass at table
  Preheat waffles iron. In a large bowl combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and salt. In a medium bowl, beat eggs and brown sugar until fluffy, then beat in pumpkin, milk, molasses and melted butter. Stir the wet into dry until just moist. Do not overstir the waffle batter. Brush the iron with a little melted butter and cook 4 waffles, 4 sections each. Serve with toppings of choice.

Print Recipe

My 2009 Word

Here's a little something to think about today....

Can you identify a single word that sums up what you want for yourself in 2009?

Over at Tip Junkie, Laurie is hosting

"Word of the Year"...Check it out HERE."

"A single word can be a powerful thing. It can be the ripple in the pond that changes everything. It can be sharp and biting or rich and soft and slow."~Quote on Tip Junkie.

The word I have chosen is

Definition: Hope is a belief in a positive outcome related to events and circumstances in one's life. Hope implies a certain amount of despair, wanting, wishing, suffering or perseverance — i.e., believing that a better or positive outcome is possible even when there is some evidence to the contrary. Beyond the basic definition, usage of the term hope follows some basic patterns which distinguish its usage from related terms:

Each year in our Relief Society we choose a theme.

Last year it was "Becoming Women of Strength"

We used the scripture reference~Phillippians 4:13

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

After enjoying the beautiful Christmas Season and the celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, I was reflecting back on the wonderful lessons and messages about our Savior and his love for us. I especially enjoyed the December Visiting Teaching message:

"Jesus Christ is the Light, Life and Hope of the World".

President Uchtdorf stated, "The gospel of Jesus Christ has the divine power to lift you to great heights from what appears at times to be an unbearable burden or weakness."

and then Our 2009 RS Theme came to me

"A Perfect Brightness of Hope"

Scripture reference~Romans 8:24,

For we are saved by Hope

Although we are faced with many challenges and the economic state of our country is troubled, the Lord wants us to be filled with hope...not just because it points us to a brighter tomorrow but because it changes the quality of our lives today.

I really do believe in Hope. Did you know our youngest daughter is named Hope? 12 years ago, our hearts were filled with deep sorrow and despair. My brother was in a terrible surfing accident and had a severe spinal chord injury. At that same time Mark's brother's wife was diagnosed with a rare and terminal cancer. Our families are very close and it was such a difficult time for everyone. A few months later we shared the news of a new baby girl. This news and the anticipation of her arrival reminded us all of our Savior's atoning love and his gift of hope. It was the perfect name for our sweet blessing.I love this talk The Infinite Power of Hope from the October General Conference.

Hope is the thing with feathers

That perches in the soul.

And sings the tune

Without the words,

and never stops at all.
Emily Dickinson (1830 - 1886)

Thank You Thursday

Today I'm thankful for Mark, aka my hero.

Look what he did in my little laundry room:

I mentioned ...

"it sure would be nice if I could hang clothes up right as I take them out of the dryer" ...

and whalaa !

hence... he's my hero

after all he did in fact read all 4 Twilight books too,

I know, I know, he's amazing

and very popular too!

happy thoughts to you

I just came across this adorable, happy little poem and wanted to share it.

For You
“Another fresh new year is here...
Another year to live!
To banish worry, doubt, and fear,
To love and laugh and give!
This bright new year is given me

To live each day with zest . . ..
To daily grow and try to be
My highest and my best!
I have the opportunity
Once more to right some wrongs,
To pray for peace, to plant a tree,
And sing more joyful songs!”

~William Arthur Ward

Remember.... "Whoever is happy will make others happy too. "
~ Anne Frank
one more thing .... want to be really happy... right now .... go here !

Happy Birthday Mark

Today is Mark's Birthday.

He had to leave EARLY this morning for California

so we're celebrating this weekend when he gets back.

Sending Happy Wishes your way, Mr. Mark.

I adore you!

Second in Line to Ribbons

Well, it's no secret, I heart ribbons. My second love would have to be buttons!

I have some pretty buttons that belonged to my grandmother, Flora and buttons from some of Mike's clothes that I truly cherish.One of my fun projects this Christmas was a Button Wreath Pillow. I saw something similar in a magazine but can't remember where~ for the life of me... sorry.

I happen to have some red felt on hand so I had fun one afternoon with my button jar.

Thank You Thursday

Happy New Year. It's here...again! I'm really a little "freaked" out about how time is just flying these days. Yesterday was my birthday. I turned 29...again! We went out for Mexican Food with the fam and had lots of fun. The Scotts had been paint balling all day and still had their camouflage on. I was just happy they made it in time. Addie had been sitting on my lap when the the waiters showed up with a big black sombrero singing. She was leery at first and definitely not pleased as it continued.

Mom's Mexican Bday Song from Marci Freeman on Vimeo.
Afterward, she wouldn't even let me hold her. Grammie enjoyed that though.
Today I went over to Marci's house and thank goodness I was in Addie's good graces again. Thank you to my sweet family for celebrating with me. Happy Wishes for a Happy New Year!

String Quilted Stockings

When Marci and Mack were just tiny, I learned to do Counted Cross Stitch and quickly became addicted. A friend of mine gave me the Christmas Alphabet pattern to cross stitch the cuffs for Christmas Stockings. That was 20 plus years ago and String Quilting was really popular.
I made four stockings one year and as each new baby came along I'd pull out the cross stitch pattern and make a new one adding Kayley, Scott & Hope. The stockings have been a consistent tradition hanging on the mantle every Christmas from California to New York. When Marci was pregnant with her first baby, she mentioned that she would love to have the same kind of stockings. So I made one for Ella and sent it to them for her first Christmas. The counted cross stitch is on 22 count hardanger fabric. When I made our stockings years ago I had no problem with that, even four years ago when I did Ella's stocking I did okay. Well, I don't know what happened...hmmm....but now I need to not only have glasses on but wear a lighted magnifying glass around my neck to do the small count. That kind of makes it tough to take your project to soccer practice and the doctor's office. Talk about making a spectacle of yourself. Besides, I had a book to read.


I have Addie's cross stitch started but I knew there was no way I was going to get it done, so I went ahead and made her a string quilted stocking that we can add the cuff to. Marci and I have decided that I need to teach her how to do counted cross stitch. I am a little worried about her addiction problem. Hopefully it won't be as bad as Twilight!Ella & Addie Christmas 2008

Girl's Night Out

Saturday night was so fun. My mom, me, Marci, Kayley and Hope all went to see the movie, Twilight.It was the first time for my Mom and Kayley -who had just finished the first book and has now already finished the second one.

I know ... it's scary. Mike took care of the little girls so Marci could go. It was great and I must say I enjoyed the movie more this time around.

I still have to see it one more time with Mark. He read all four books ... my Hero ♥ .

Thank You Thursday

Thursday was Christmas and I would feel remiss if I didn't have a "Thank You Thursday"post.
I love the Christmas Season and of course am most thankful to our Heavenly Father for giving us His Son, and for the gift He gives of Hope and Eternal Life. I'm thankful for my family and the time we are able to share together. I'm thankful that Kayley and Scott were able to get a break from school and join us for the holidays and I'm thankful for Mack who drove a long way for a short trip. We loved every minute of having him here. Love you guys!

Christmas Morning

Other than the fact that it started toooooo early, Christmas was wonderful! Scott and Hope were up at who knows what time and waited until 4:00 a.m. to wake us up by singing Frosty the Snowman. I was in such a deep sleep I thought I was at some school Winter Concert or something. Well we were awake at that point so we shared presents and then Mark and I went back to bed. I didn't wake up again until 9:00 so I was under a little pressure for our 11:00 Christmas Brunch. Scott called everyone and changed the time to 11:30. That was the least he could do, don't you think.It was a fun morning with the cute little ones and most of all having everyone there. Marci took some pictures of the table for me. I really need to get better about having my camera out and ready. She's my role model for picture taking. Thanks Marci!Every Christmas Eve part of the menu is:

24 Hour Salad

Ingredients:

• 6 Cups lettuce chopped
• Sugar, Salt, Pepper
• 6 Hard Boiled Eggs, sliced
• 1 10 oz. pkg. Frozen Peas thawed
• 1 lb. Bacon , cooked and crumbled
• 1/4 C. sliced green onions
• 2 Cups( 8 oz.) shredded Swiss Cheese
• 1 cup Mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream

In a large salad bowl, place 3 cups lettuce. Sprinkle with sugar, salt and pepper. Layer in order the eggs, peas, bacon, remaining 3 cups lettuce, green onions and cheese. Combine mayonnaise and sour cream, spread over top of salad. Cover, refrigerate 24 hrs. Toss before serving.

Puff Pancakes

(Kayley's Favorite)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cube butter (not margarine)
• 6 eggs
• 1 cup Milk
• Cup Pancake Mix (or Bisquick)

Preheat oven to 425 Degrees. Place butter in a 9 X 13 inch pan. Put in preheating oven until butter is melted. In a blender, combine eggs, milk and pancake mix. Pour batter into baking dish. Bake for a bout 15 - 18 Minutes until pancakes are puffy and lightly browned. Do not open oven while pancakes are cooking. Top with sifted powder sugar.

Serve with warm maple syrup or fruit toppings.

Mexican Quiche

Marci's Favorite

( I stole this picture from her Menu Blog)

Ingredients:

• 1 bag Ore Ida frozen hash browns (I like the shredded potatoes)
• 1/2 c. butter
• 1-2 c. diced ham
• 4 oz. Jack cheese, shredded
• 4 oz. Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 eggs
• 1 c. milk
• 2 cans green chilies (4 oz. each)
• Goya or Lawry Seasoning Salt( to taste)

Lightly grease a 9x13 inch pan and spread hash browns (we always let them thaw first). Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake at 425 degrees for 25 minutes.- Layer ham, cheeses and chilies on crust.- Combine eggs, milk, and seasoned salt. Whip really well ( I use the blender) and pour over top.- Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Top with sour cream and salsa.

Overnight Egg Bake

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 Cups Seasoned Croutons
• 2 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 1 Jimmy Dean Sausage Roll (we like spicy)
• 8 Eggs
• 3 Cups Milk
• 1 Can Cream of Mushroom Soup

Grease 9 X 13 inch pan. Layer Croutons, cheese and cooked, drained sausage. Beat eggs and 2 1/2 cups milk. Pour over ingredients. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, Mix mushroom soup and remaining 1/2 cup milk. Pour over eggs. Bake at 300 degrees 1 1/2 hours until brown.

Later we went to movie and of course played SCUM...a must for our family.

Christmas Eve

Today went by so fast. We have a tradition of playing the board game Risk every Christmas Eve. (Mark and the kids that is) Mark, Scott, Mack and Hope all went to Marci and Mike's house today to play. Mike was the winner. I stayed home to make rolls for Christmas Eve dinner and some cinnamon rolls to take to some of our friends.

We had Christmas Eve dinner at my parents. It was our traditional menu- staring with the poppers~and then: Prime Rib, Yorkshire Pudding, 24 Hour Salad, Creamed Corn , Mashed Potatoes and Rolls. It was so delicious.

(Thanks for the pictures Marci!) We exchanged gifts and visited. It was a great time. Afterwards Kayley and Scott came over and we watched the Nativity on TV.

I'll post some recipes in the next couple of days. Miss Santa still has a few things to do.

Can't Believe It

Can you believe it is December 23rd? Time is just flying! We are having so much fun with Kayley & Scott and Mack in town. Marci, Mike and the girls will be back from San Antonio later today.

Earlier in the month (seems like yesterday), Nana and Ella had a baking day together. We did a gingerbread house that Ella deacorated all by herself and baked and frosted cut out cookies.

Decorating Table awaiting Miss Ella

Ella in her Applique Apron

Artist at Work!

Didn't she do a great job!We were exhausted by the end of our bake-a-thon!