Small and Wonderful Things . . .

 

"The world is fairly studded and strewn with pennies cast broadside from a generous hand. But who gets excited by a mere penny?...It is dire poverty indeed when a man is so malnourished and fatigued that he won't stoop to pick up a penny. But if you cultivate a healthy poverty and simplicity, so that finding a penny will literally make your day, then, since the world is in fact planted with pennies, you have with your poverty bought a lifetime of days. It is that simple. what you see is what you get." ~Anne Dillard

A few of the small and wonderful things which bring untold joy into my life. It's the small things in life which truly mean the most. Simple abundance . . . it's the best.  

 

Santa came and he brought Lego.  We got this little one of Santa's Visit, and then I got a Disney Frozen Castle with the princesses, and Todd got a tree house.   We thought we might have time to play with them all yesterday, but the day was actually rather busy so we did not!  I did get the Santa Visit one done though while we were watching tv.   It went together rather well, but boy, I think kids must have a lot of smarts to be able to do these things.  They are not easy!  What fun though!

 

Getting to go to church and partake of the Sacrament on Christmas Day.    It was a beautiful service and we both really enjoyed being there and having this extra special opportunity to remember the Saviour and all that he did, and to renew our Baptismal Covenants.  The talks were excellent.  The service was well attended.  The children were all pretty well behaved too, considering how excited they all were.  The Christmas Eve Carol service was really special also, with mince pies and hot chocolate for afters.  We are so grateful for our church family, especially on these special occasions.  Where neither of us have family close by, it is really nice to have a place we can go and people we can spend some time with rather than be totally on our own.

  

I got to facetime with two sons and five grandsons!  That was way special and I just loved it.  The connections were not great, and kept breaking up, but it was still a really special part of my day.  The boys are all so lovely.  I am really grateful for their dads and mums who took time out of their very busy days to spend a few minutes with me.  Greatest gift of all. 

Our Eileen sent us a quick Merry Christmas on facebook also, which was lovely.  So happy she took the time.  And I also got to talk to my brother, sister and mother.  So all in all I can not complain!

Bruce and Sara finally took their honeymoon.  They went to Cuba.  Looks like they are having a splendid time.  Not sure I would want to be away from family and friends for Christmas, but I am a dinosaur.  They left to come home and I think might have arrived late last night, so I expect that Christmas will be celebrated in their home today.  Boxing Day.

 

I didn't hear from them, but their mum posted this lovely photo of them on Christmas Eve on her FB page.  I am loving the matching pajamas and the reindeer hats and looks like they got something to cuddle in bed on Christmas Eve.  They look so happy and filled with wonder.  Seeing their faces made my heart sing, plus I could see the Santa Key I made them a few years back on the tree, so I know now that it was treasured by them.  Happy about that.  Merry and Bright. 

Gabrial (left) and Luke (right) at church with them mom on Christmas Eve.  Love these little glimpses into their lives.   Makes my heart smile.

Christmas Dinner courtesy of Marks and Sparks.  I will never do it the normal way again.  Everything was delicious and getting it all ready was a breeze.  I could enjoy church and facetiming and telephone calls without worry about dinner.  I had bought a turkey crown which I put into the slow cooker early Christmas morning (as per the one I did earlier this month as a test) and the rest was ready made.  I just microwaved/ovened it all.  It was fabulously tasty and so easy. Oh, I made gravy from scratch as well from the slow cooker juices.   Best Christmas dinner ever, and I am not ashamed to say that I owe it all to M&S.  Great stuffing, potatoes, little sausages with bacon, carrots and swede, red cabbage, sprouts . . . I forgot the parsnips, but hey ho, we didn't miss them!  Stuffed to the gils, minimum clean up and so grateful we live in a country where even living on a senior's pension we could do it up so fine.  Luvly jubbly.

The Grantchester Christmas Eve Special.  Just wonderful.  We both enjoyed it very much.  We actually watched it yesterday, but hey ho.  Enjoyed all the same and today we will watch the CTMW Christmas Special which we taped last night.  Not a whole lot of special programming, or at least not which we enjoy, over the hols, but what there is of it is fabulous.

Oh, and we had some surprise visitors yesterday afternoon of our SA friend Tina, Tony and their grandson Josh.  Delightful visit and thoroughly enjoyed.  We are so thankful for friendships, and friends who feel like family.   Lovely homemade pressies from Tatiana all the way from Greece.  She was feeling rather poorly with Gastroenteritis so her Christmas wasn't so merry, and we missed having her with us, but maybe next year.

And so that was Christmas in all of its glory.  So grateful for family and friends and especially for the Saviour whose birth is the whole reason for the season and whom I love very much.  I am so thankful that I can live in a country where worshipping Him and our Heavenly Father the way that I do is simple and easy and allowable.  So many in the world do not enjoy the religious freedom that I do. May I will never take it for granted.


A thought to carry with you through today . . .

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“The time is coming when … 
it will be difficult to tell 
the face of a Saint 
from the face of an 
enemy to the people of God. 
Then … look out for the great sieve, 
for there will be a great sifting time, 
and many will fall.”
~Heber C Kimbell
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Spiritual Enlightenment



In The English Kitchen today  . . .  Post Christmas Turkey Casserole.  Delish!

May the week ahead of you be filled with many small and wonderful things. Along the way don't forget . . .

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And I do too!

Merry Christmas!

  

Merry Christmas to you all my friends!  May your days be blessed with love, family, friends, good food, good health and more blessings that your cup can hold.  Thank you all so much for your support through the year and your faithfulness in visiting me.   I think you are all pretty special!  Love you to bits.

I hope he doesn't mind, but I am sharing Kyle's video with you.  Kyle did his mission here several years back and we loved having him in our home for meals and visits.   I had no idea at the time that my friend Valerie was his mom and she had no idea that we were the Rayners he spoke of in his letters home.   This video is just brilliant and won an award this year.  He is such a talented young man.  Its funny when these youngsters are here on their missions you never realise just what their talents are in their "real" lives.  They are just Missionaries and focused on that.  It is always a surprise to see after they are finished what happens.  So may go home and get married and start families and have these fabulous educations and careers.  They are such an inspiration to me.  I predict good things for Kyle.  Enjoy!




God bless you all!

Thoughts on Christmas Eve . . .

 

(source)

The Christmas mornings of all of my childhood were colored in the same way throughout my growing up years . . . whispered hushing as tiny feet tiptoe into the living room . . . a room all aglow with nothing but the lights from the Christmas tree. The sun is not up yet. Carols are playing. The magic has arrived. What was once bare floor just the night before, is now awash with a seeming multitude of gaily wrapped shapes and lumps beneath the tree. The magic has begun.

The excitement is so tangible you can almost cut it with a knife . . . tempered with grownup yawns from parents who didn't quite get as much sleep as they would have liked, and having had to awaken far much earlier than they had hoped. But the feeling is catchy and they are soon just as buoyant as we are . . .

They have now had their energy boosted with mugs of steaming hot coffee, the elixir of the gods . . .

(source)

The next little while is filled with oohs and aahs and sounds of glee . . . and ripping paper, thank yous and wows. In the kitchen mom begins to make some noise as she starts to fry our eggs for breakfast . . . but little brother already has a barley candy toy hanging out of his mouth . . . he will have no appetite for eggs, or toast or anything else.

Always there is a colouring book for each and a new box of crayons, and a bowl holding a tangerine, some hard candy, soft creams, ribbon candy and perhaps a chocolate and a nut or two. The other gifts vary from year to year and age to age, but they always please, even if they are not always the things you had on your list. We are filled with gratitude regardless . . . and happy with what we have.

 

(source)

We spend the day wearing our best clothes whilst we colour and play . . . father snoozes in his chair . . . and mother busies herself in the kitchen pulling together the Christmas Feast. The lights still twinkle . . . the music still plays . . . father snores . . .

It is not long before the air is punctuated with the smell of Roasting Turkey and stuffing . . . and little tummies begin to grumble in anticipation of what is to come.

Tender turkey . . . awash with mom's special gravy . . . mounds of fluffy mashed potatoes, carrots . . . peas . . . stuffing that we all love and can't get enough of. As many times as I try to duplicate it now as an adult . . . it somehow never, ever tastes as good as the memory of hers does . . . we eat and we eat . . . mincemeat pie and fruit cake, Christmas cookies.

 

(source)

We eat until we feel like we will never want to eat again . . . but a few hours later, we are at it again . . . after an afternoon spent in play and fuss . . . we dine on turkey sandwiches and potato chips and possibly a date or feather square . . . a moist slice of fruit cake, and then we settle in to watch something on the telly together. The Queen's message is long gone, having been devoured much earlier in the day, tonight is the time for Andy Williams, Red Skelton . . . Bing and Frank . . . and Danny Kaye.

It is a simple time, filled with simple pleasures and joys . . . family and a deep abiding gratitude for the greatest gift of all. Our hearts are tinged with it . . . our minds are bathed in it . . . can you feel it?

 

It's love. And it's ours. And it's true.

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)  And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.  And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)  To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.  And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,  Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

I can never read those passages of scripture without feeling a warm feeling in my heart.  This is Christmas.  Merry Christmas one and all.

 

From Our Home to Yours 

 

 Cooking in the English Kitchen today, a delicious breakfast/brunch dish.  Scrambled Eggs Benedict.  Deliciously simple, and yet so elegant.

Have a safe and wonder filled Christmas Eve and Christmas.   He is the reason for the season.  Don't forget . . . 

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And I do too!

Friday Finds . . .

 


A few of the things I find each week which pique my curiosity or inspire me to want to do something, create something, cook something, or become a better person! I hope they will pique your curiosity or inspire you in some way as well!

 

Old Fashioned Paperback Book Cover.  A free crochet pattern from Oombawka Design.



Cosmetic Zip Pouches, made using only 2 fat quarters of fabric.  From Polka Dot Chair.





I love this craft bag.  I might make myself one of these to take to the hospital with me when Todd is having his treatments.  From Sew Sweetness, a free pattern.




How to remove permanent marker from every thing. 



Store and organize board games in a shoe organiser.  Brilliant!




This is so cute.  A Christmas Tree Cheese Ball.  From The Girl Who Ate Everything.



DIY Rosemary Wreath Placecards.  From Tesco Living.



Painted Confetti Dish Towels.  From Dandee.


  

Decoupage Hangers.  You need wooden ones for this.  So pretty.  From Prima.

 
 Pretty pillow cases from Decor 8.  I love pretty pillow cases.




 A rag quilt tutorial.  From Fleece Fun.

 

 Shirley Temple anyone?   I have always wondered how to make one.  From Culinary Hill.

 

From Ravelry.  Christmas Balls Ornament set.  Not free but not expensive either.  Maybe for next year.   I can't decide which one is the cutest.

 

How to make mittens from an old sweather.  From Good Homes Designs.   Sweet.

 

From Pulling Curls.  Real Tips for real families.  I don't know anyone who could use this.   I am always looking to be more organised.  It's my artsy craftsy self who is totally disorganised.

 And those are my finds for this week. I hope you found something of value that you can use. I find lots more than this, but these are things I think you just might like. I hope that you did!



I finished it.  And I have another one sketched.  You are the first to see it.  I called it "Bringing Home the Tree."  And I have another one started.  I went upstairs yesterday afternoon to go to the loo and ended up in the craftroom and sat down and just started sketching.  I was lost in my own little world and didn't even notice it getting darker until Mitzie came up and nudged me to tell me it was time to get her supper.  That's what it is like when you are in the depths of creation.  Everything else disappears except for what is springing out of your fingertips  . . .


 A thought to carry with you . . .

⊰✿⊰⊰✿⊰⊰✿⊰⊰✿⊰⊰✿⊰
"Our Heavenly Father’s plan 
contains the ultimate 
expressions of true love. 
All that we hold dear, even our families, 
our friends, our joy, our knowledge,
 our testimonies, would vanish 
were it not for our Father and 
His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ."
~Thomas S Monson
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That is the greatest gift of all.

Spiritual Enlightenment 




Have you got time to bake one more Christmas Cookie?  I hope you do.  These Italian Christmas Biscotti are fabulous!  Buttery little soft sugar cookie pillows of delight.  Recipe in The English Kitchen today.


Have a great Friday! Don't forget!


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And I do too!

Raindrops on Roses . . .

These are a few of my favourite things  . . .

Penguins.  Especially baby penguins.  I had no idea there were so many kinds in so many sizes.  Have you seen The March of the Penguins?  Amazing film about Emperor Penguins.  All instinctual, everything they do.  Amazing creatures.  British Gas uses a very cute little penguin in their advertisements.

We don't use British Gas, but I sure like their penguin!   His name is Wilbur by the way.

Speculaas, or Windmill Cookies as we have always called them.  I love, Love, LOVE them!

I have made my own, but had to cut them out with  a star cutter because I don't have speculaas molds.  These were very VERY good.   You can find the recipe here. If anything they were better than the real deal and that is saying a lot.

 

Kleenex Tissues.   I have tried other kinds but I always come back to Kleenex.  The others just never measure up.  I hate rough tissues that are scratchy.  Kleenex tissues just feel better to me than any other kind.     

 

While I am at it  . . .  I like Andrex toilet tissue.  I have tried all sorts of pretenders.  But I don't like them.  It's Andrex classic white for me.  I don't like the quilted or anything else, just the plain white.  Simple.

 

And finally, I like these paper towels.  One sheet does the job of ten of another brand.  These are the best and their rolls are bigger.  I know they cost a bit more but one of these rolls lasts me as long as two or three of other cheaper kinds.  I like what I like.

 

Lego.  I love it.  I love playing with it.  It really is a new toy every day.  My kids had a HUGE box of the stuff that they played with all the time.  I have decided next year I am going to indulge myself in some lego.  Just because we are adults that doesn't mean we cannot enjoy playing with Lego.  In 2017 I am going to play with Lego.  I like doing puzzles and I like doing Lego.  A puzzle on paper with a pencil is fun, but Lego is like a 3D puzzle. 

 Baking Christmas Cookies.  In fact I am going to bake some today.  I think I will do my whipped shortbreads for one. 

 

The recipe comes from a very old Robin Hood Cookbook from the early 1960's.  You can't beat those old recipes.  These are so simple.  You just whip them up and drop them onto the baking sheet and bake.  You can decorate them with bits of cherry before baking or sanding sugar, etc.  They are always spectacular.  I am also going to make my date slices today, and the filling for my Tourtiere.  I am late getting it done this year.  No excuse, except that I have been uber busy.  I will do my Feather Squares on Saturday.  It would not be Christmas without them. 

I know  . . .  there are only two of us.  What will we do with it all.  People are always dropping in, so it's nice to have something to share.    SHARING, another one of my favourite things! 

Having the house all spic and span for Christmas.  Yesterday I did the house from top to bottom.  the bathroom has been scrubbed within an inch of its life, the beds have all been changed and the bedding all washed.  Everything has been dusted and hoovered and is in Bristol Fashion and ship shaped for the holidays.  Now all I have to do is to get my baking done and relax until Christmas Day.    I am going to do my turkey crown in the slow cooker.  I tested one earlier this month and was super pleased with the results and that is how I am doing my bird this year.  I went earlier this week and got all my veg in from M&S.  All is ready to go.  We are full steam ahead!

 

 I have been going to church on Christmas Eve ever since I was a little girl, and weather permitting this year will be no different.  I cannot wait for the Carol Service on Christmas Eve.  I love the songs, and the excitement of the children.  It is the closest I will get to being around children all hepped up for Christmas.  I love it!  There is always Mince Pies and Hot Chocolate for afters.   Everyone is in a good mood.  It just is one of my favourite church services.  I can remember when I was a child the Pastor would always give an update on the travels of Santa's Sleigh.  They used to do it on the telly also, showing a map of the world and just where his sleigh was throughout the evening on Christmas Eve.  It was such an exciting night.  Can't wait!

 And those are some of my favourite things for this week.  What are some of yours?


.° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •
•。★★ 。* 。
° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * _Π_____*。*˚
˚ ˛ •˛•˚ */______/~＼。˚ ˚ ˛
˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ ｜ 田田 ｜門 ★
 *.˛.° ˛°. . 
˛* A thought to carry with you through today . . .


° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * 
   *.˛.° ˛°. .    We are like a snowflake, 
                        all different in our own beautiful way . . .*。*˚


Spiritual Enlightenment





Baking in The English Kitchen today, one of Todd's favourites.  Baked Almond and Custard Apple Dumplings.


Have a great Thursday. Stay safe and stay happy, don't forget . . .


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And I do too!