French Press Friday

Christmas, Simplified

As I sit sipping my coffee this mornig, my mind wanders to Christmas preparations and decorating.  Last night I was at church helping the ladies group get trees up and all the decorations out.  I wish I could say it was a wonderful experience.  I wish I could say we had music playing and everyone was in the holiday spirit.  But it was just a chore that needed to be done.  Question:  How many ladies does it take to hang garland from the balcony?  Answer: Only two, but about half a dozen stand below shouting directions.  Please don't get me wrong.  We all worked well together, we chatted happily and the church is beautiful, but it wasn't, um,...a Christmasey experience, know what I mean?  Kind of felt like Charlie Brown wondering what had happened to the Christmas spirit.

So I contemplate all of that and the Christmas decorating that needs to be done at my own home.  And the word that stands out in my mind is "needs".  So I allow myself to wander down a new path of thought. 

What if...

       ...I don't get out all those boxes full of Christmas decorations?
       ...I don't scatter Christmas memorabilia all over our home?
       ...I just use candles?
       ...I only pull out the stockings?
                    And our Advent wreath?
                            And our Nativity?
       ...I suggest just decorating the tree?

And do you know what?  I feel relief.  I feel joy and anticipation returning.  I think to myself, "So this is Christmas, simplified?"  I can do this.  I think I will do this.  I think I will spend less time adding to our clutter and more time baking, making gifts, sending cards, listening to music, watching classic Christmas movies.  And cuddling on the couch with Hubby.  These things bring me joy. 

I encourage you to find your "Christmas, simplified" this year.  Go for making memories and enjoying traditions of the past.  Enjoy Advent!  Anticipate the coming of our Savior and the salvation that means for us.  Find your joy.  Check your personal headaches of the season at the door.  They aren't worth it.

Here kitty, kitty!

Mouse stayed home with me the other day.  His little tummy was upset.  Looking at his pale face at the breakfast table caused me some worry and I expected him to make the mad dash for the bathroom any minute. But, my boyos seem to have pretty healthy immune systems because as the day went on, instead of getting worse, he got better.  Then I found him playing with one of Bud's creations.

I knew Mouse was feeling better when he asked in his sweet voice, "Can I shoot this at the cat?"

Let is Snow!

The first snow of the season is coming down and I can't help but look at it and smile.  It's one of my simple pleasures and it's definitely going in the gratitude journal tonight. 

There is something exciting about the first snowfall.  The flakes were small and wispy at first.  The kind that make you think it might not be real or at least the kind that make you think this isn't going to last.  But I smiled anyway and enjoyed the fact that it was at least snowing, if only a bit.  I glanced out the window later to find that the snowfall was less intermittent and I thought, "Hm, maybe it'll last longer than 5 minutes!"  Then a glance out the window a little later rewarded me with larger and heavier flakes.  Oh boy!  I can just see the kids at school, squealing with delight and eagerly awaiting recess.  Then the worry might set in.  "Teacher, I don't have my boots.  Do I have to stay on the pavement?"  "I didn't bring snow pants!"  The planning might begin, too, for forts and snowball fights and "skating" on the blacktop.  The excitement of children!  Never mind the fact that the snow is not building up or sticking to anything just yet.  They set their sights high and hope for the best. 

I guess I still have some of that childlike excitement in me when the first snow comes around.  I hope for heavy inches of the white stuff to cover the evergreens.  I hope for a blanket of it covering my front yard.  I hope for the stillness it brings with it.  I hope for the eager yelling of my boys as they run in after school wondering where their boots are.  But it looks like all of that will come another day.  The snow is tapering off as I write.  I guess it was just letting me know that it is out there.  It will come.  I just need to be patient.

Let it snow!

Let it snow!

Let it snow!

Enjoy the song here.

Pumpkin Oatmeal recipe

A month...a month!  It's been a month since I've last  written anything.  I wish I could say there is  a lot to tell, but alas.  I have had writers block and nothing else.  Onward!

I love pumpkin!  Last fall I started collecting pumpkin recipes...scones, pies, muffins, cakes....yum.   This morning I tried one of them.  I had about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of pumpkin sitting in the fridge left from another pumpkin recipe and it needed to be used.  Perfect amount for pumpkin oatmeal.  It's so warm and spicey and perfect for the cool, fall morning after Thanksgiving.

Pumpkin Oatmeal

2 cups milk
1/8 tsp salt
1 cup oatmeal
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/8 tsp cloves
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
2 Tbsp dried cranberries
2 Tbsp chopped walnuts (or pecans)
2 Tbsp brown sugar
1 Tbsp butter

In a saucepan, bring milk and salt to a boil.  While milk is warming, mix the oatmeal and the spices in a bowl.  When the milk is ready, stir in the oat and spice mixture, reduce heat to low and cook for 3 minutes.  Add the pumpkin and cook for 2-3 minutes more or til desired consistency.

Divide oatmeal into bowls and top with cranberries, walnuts, brown sugar and butter.  Adding a little cream around the edges is another delicious addition.

Simple and delicious!