lucia's ginger cookies...and a happy new year

Once upon a time, in a little Midwest town, there lived a German grandma named Lucia. She was 85 and made the best crackle-ginger cookies in all of the land. For more than 70 years, she made these cookies...but just once a year, at Christmastime. Kids, grandkids and great-grandkids always eagerly awaited the presentation of the cookie tray. Some had even been known to secretly spy, then sneak a couple of these ginger gems. It seemed Lucia was unaware of the prestige of her homemade goodies, so when asked by two grand-girls if they could "watch" her make her ordinary cookies, she was a bit taken aback, but agreed anyhow.
The grand-girls couldn't quite put their finger on just where the magic resided. The special dough, the gently-aged cookie sheets, the rolling of the logs, the sprinkling of sugar, the distinctive diagonal cut? Magic. It was in there somewhere.




We love you, Grandma! Thanks for sharing one of the most special days with us...we can't wait to eat those cookies on Saturday!
More sweet memories like this are what I hope our new year will be made of. Happy 2010!

2009~you're outta here!

I feel a little bad saying this, but I can't wait 'til 2009 is over. Don't get me wrong, a lot of great things happened in '09, but the last few months gave me a bad taste.

For 14 years, I worked at a job I loved (and was really good at.) It ended in October. Ever since, I've been a little numb. Numb because someone there once said that I was like a daughter to them...yet let me 'go' without a fight or a goodbye. 14 years, poof.

I guess the spirit of the holidays has brought the emotions to surface and I am anxious to put the year (and its memories) behind me.

Thank God for my family & friends who uplift me and encourage me daily. Thank God for my sweet son who makes me laugh and thank God for the talents, patience & forgiveness that He's given me. Can't wait to embark on new, exciting & authentic adventures, and make some new friends along the way!

So c'mon 2010...I'm ready for ya. It's gonna be good!

blessings.

joy.

love.

peace.

windy meadows farm

A very sweet friend of mine has just started a blog, Windy Meadows Farm. Stop by for a visit and keep an eye on this gal...she is a wonderfully gifted writer that will keep us dreaming as she pens her delightful farmhouse memories.

the messiah

My dad who loves to sing (no really, I mean LOVES to sing!) sang in The Messiah with our community choir the last two nights. Man, that Alleluia Chorus gets me every time!
We're so proud of you, Papa!

graduation sunday

What a glorious day! My 88-year old grandpa received his high school diploma during church this morning. When he was a teenager, Grandpa left high school to work on the family dairy farm and later was drafted to serve in World War II. He has spent his life on that farm, working so hard, raising his family, carrying on his German heritage and sharing his love for God (in the same church that most of my family still attends so many years later.)




My dear dad (that's him up there at the podium) has been working for months to gather paperwork and obtain his diploma because Grandpa had told my dad and his 4 brothers a few times over the years, "I sure wish I'd have gotten my high school diploma."
It was a complete surprise for Grandpa this morning...and he beamed from ear to ear. After the service, he jokingly said that maybe he could get a good job now. Love you, Grandpa Pearl!

evie s. love

A great holiday gift guide (including the cupcake studio calendar!) Check out this lovely gal's blog and etsy shop.

thanks to foundhandmade

Yeah! More calendar love on foundhandmade.com. Thanks, guys!

calling in the elves

Decorating...shopping...December 25th comes around each & every year. I know it's coming, so why? Why do I procrastinate? Even though I've had a bit more time on my hands this year (ahem), I'm still gathering wishes, making lists...and shopping.
So here's hoping this perky little pixie will inspire me to pick some perfect presents this week.
I think I got this little wreath in a box lot of 'stuff' from an auction. This is the first year I've hung him up and Young Boy insists that he "weirds him out." I insist that he's cute, kitschy & charming. Wishing you a lovely week!

santa & his reindeer

Last weekend, we went to the North Pole (not really, it was Dublin, Ohio) to see Santa & his reindeer. My sister couldn't WAIT to have her photo taken with Santa.

Young Boy on the other hand wasn't so keen on having a photo with Santa. Evidently, when you're 12, that's just not cool anymore.

The reindeer, however, now they were cool! We made Young Boy pose for additional photos since he wasn't so nice to Santa. Ahh, the holidays.


And while we're all sharing in a little holiday magic, please read this post from Lisa at Urban Farmhouse and send a Christmas card to a little boy who really needs it.

greetings

Today is about celebrating the small stuff. Glitter, buttons and handmade greetings. Starting to feel a lot like Christmas!