Childhood Christmases

"Christmas is the keeping-place for memories of our innocence."

~Joan Mills

For me, Christmastime always evokes old feelings of childhood magic. In the quiet corners of my mind I can still perfectly picture my childhood Christmases. Actually,It's almost spooky; I can see the people, hear the sounds and smell the festive cheer.

It's a bit sad that at a rather young age, Christmas- the way I remember it, has ended. I've never been keen on change.

But, I'm learning.
I'm slowly realizing that things can't stay the same forever.
I'm beginning to understand that change doesn't mark the end, but rather, the next step and a fresh start.

I do love to travel down memory lane, though.

I love to visit the place where I can smell my grandfather's glass of Pepsi and whiskey, and catch the faint, gentle scent of Oil of Olay on my grandmother's skin.

There's something ultra comforting about still hearing the deep chuckles and holiday greetings of people who've passed on. I can still picture the stomping of boots and the lines of warm hugs and firm handshakes.

But, you'll have to excuse me. Just writing this post has me sobbing, something I rarely do.

I think these thoughts, these memories and these special moments are best kept to me-- safely tucked away in the most secure nooks and crannies of my heart.

If you can, please, do me one favor this year. At some point, during your holiday celebration, take a moment when everyone else is lost in the festivities and going about their normal Christmas routine, and concentrate...concentrate really hard. Freeze the moment. Take it all in.

And, above all, make sure you never forget.

Winter Wonderland

"Sleigh bells ring. Are you listening?

In the lane, snow is glistening."

Meet Polly.

I have this strange fascination with naming random things. I've named quite a few objects in the neighborhood, and if you've been reading this blog for awhile, you've already met Terrance.

It just so happens that this morning, Polly, the perfectly shaped pine tree who calls our front yard home, sparkled under a blanket of sugary snow. I couldn't refrain from capturing her in her magical winter outfit, as she looked so happy and darling.

It's the simple things, people-- the simple things.

Holiday Greetings

"May the spirit of Christmas bring you peace,

The gladness of Christmas give you hope,

The warmth of Christmas grant you love."

~Author Unknown

I've finally finished the Christmas cards.

Ho! Ho! Ho!

White Christmas Happiness

"I'm dreaming of a white Christmas

Just like the ones I used to know

Where the treetops glisten

and children listen

To hear sleigh bells in the snow."

~Irving Berlin

Last school year, I treated myself to coffee on Thursday and Friday mornings. It served as a little "congrats to me" for making it through another week of work. Although I'm not sure why, I decided that this year, coffee would fill a critical role in my daily morning routine...every morning...Monday-Friday. Yep- totally critical. And, quite possibly, totally necessary.

Therefore, I found myself pleasantly surprised yesterday morning when I went to refill and reheat my cup of high-test energy. Sitting so nicely, all decked out in a shroud of festive wonder, rested a large tin of sweet and salty deliciousness.

I'm thankful this sweet treat was perched in a public place and meant for the entire middle school staff. Otherwise, it's quite possible, that I would have stood at the counter and imbibed every last morsel.

How on Earth can one resist the temptation of M&Ms, especially when they're decked out in their yuletide garb?

Well, I'll be honest. I can't. I found the maker of this amazing concoction and requested the recipe. Today I returned to Kitchen 403, donned my apron and got to work.

This is my kind of recipe.

Kinda healthy, a little sweet, a little salty, really easy, minimal clean-up.

2 pkgs. of vanilla chips

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 pkg. mini pretzels

5 cups Cheerios

5 cups Corn Checks

2 cups Salted Peanuts (I used about 1/2 cup)
1 pound M&Ms

In a large bowl, mix the five dry ingredients and set aside.

Then, melt the vanilla chips until they are ooey-gooey .

Finally, drizzle the melted wonder over the cereal mix, carefully tossing to coat all the pieces evenly.

I'll be honest, this "White Christmas Party Mix" is highly addictive. It's the perfect grab-and-go snack for this ultra busy, hustle and bustle, holiday season.

Eat and be Merry.

Secret Santa

"It is the personal thoughtfulness, the warm human awareness, the reaching out of the self to one's fellow man, that makes giving worthy of the Christmas spirit."

~ Isabel Currier

Yesterday, Kitchen 862 was filled with activity and sweetness. I like to think that it resembled a little Christmas bake shoppe, one of magic and wonder and warmth, tucked away on a bustling street at the North Pole.

In this little sweet shoppe, my mama and I busied ourselves with making treats and goodies for our most favorite dearies. This year, we tried some new ideas and came up with a few new concoctions.

And, just so you know, these yummies earned a blue ribbon from our favorite Elf, Millie.

Next year, it's very possible that we may go corporate.

Twinkle Lights

"Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who need it most."

~Ruth Carter Stapleton

403's Agenda: Make steaming mugs of cocoa, top with fluffy, gooey marshmallows and bask in the glow of the twinkle lights.

Relax. Talk. Be together.

Hope yours is cozy, too.

Bells are Ringin, Children Singin'

"All is merry and bright,

Hang your stockings and say your prayers,

Cause Santa Clause comes tonight!"

Ahh...snow. Lots and lots of freshly fallen snow.

There's something about the snow that really lifts my spirits. Most people find it despicable; I however, find it comforting and cozy. Today's snow brings me extra happiness- it's the glittery kind. The kind that sparkles and shimmers in the bright winter sun.

Yesterday was the first actual snow of the season, but I was too busy trying to trick my immune system into feeling better that I didn't take any photographs. I'm making up for that today. Promise.

I managed to snap this one this morning. The tiny holly bush under a blanket of white just shouted, "Christmas." And that got me thinking about Christmas music and how much I love those silly songs.

Sparkles and Pawsteps

"Winter came down to our home one night

Quietly pirouetting in on silvery-toed slippers of snow,

And we, we were children once again."

~Bill Morgan, Jr

This morning, our little one braved the elements.

Yesterday, you see, she was a bit scared of the snow; not too sure if she trusted herself to venture out into the white, blustery abyss. I suppose being a five pound ball of fur and cuteness can present a whole set of new and daunting challenges.

Today, however, was a different story.

With her head held high and tail proudly wagging, she scooted out the door like a champ. Go Charlie, go!

This, That and Finishing Touches

"To keep the heart unwrinkled,
to be hopeful, kindly, cheerful, reverent,
that is to triumph."
-Amos Bronson Alcott

I'm a bit under the weather. Actually, I'm trying the whole "mind over matter" routine, but so far it's only mildly working. This little germ kicked into gear on Thursday, was in full swing yesterday and has managed to completely attack my sinuses today.

More than anything I want to close my tired, burning eyes, climb under a fuzzy blanket and drift off while Little Peep snoozes on my feet. But, alas, I continue to forge ahead, refusing to give into the rest my body so desperately craves. I have an ulterior motive here. Honestly. I do.

My plan-- and there does exist some method to my madness-- is to tackle odds and ends until my body can take no more. Then, I shall give in, collapse, and sleep ultra soundly until whenever I darn well please. Genius, right? I thought so, too.

Therefore, today has been a busy one, full of soup making, piles of ironing, odds and ends, coughing spells, sniffles, and a bit of knitting. I had a few finishing touches to put on some of my little Christmas creations.

Then, out of thin air, an idea came to me.

Blocking! Did you ever hear of it?

Me either--really. Until recently, I was sadly unaware of how wonderfully necessary blocking is to the knitting world. Consider me born again.

I can't even begin to comprehend knitting without blocking. Blocking is a technique often used by knitters to reshape or resize a project. It generally involves using water or steam to coax a piece into the desired look or shape. Honestly, I was kinda afraid to try it. I pictured all of my hard work being ruined or disfigured. Thankfully, in my sickly state, I decided to give it a try.

Now I'm hooked. I heart blocking. Maybe this sickness has shown me some sort of light. Either that, or it has quite possibly warped my mind.

Probably the latter. (sniffle, sniffle, cough)

Little Reminders

"Never be afraid to sit awhile and think."

~Lorraine Hansberry, A Raisin in the Sun

I find that God tucks little reminders in the craziest of places.

Tonight as I was knitting and counting and slipping stitches, the rhythmic flow of moving my fingers reminded me of praying a rosary. I'm not Catholic, but for whatever reason, this small motion really had me thinking.

It also reminded me of a short story that I read with my sixth graders. Although I can't recall the title, the story tells of a time when paper and ink existed only for the most high of aristocratic peoples. Therefore, in order to record and pass along important family stories and events, knots were tied onto a series of ropes. The knots, their spacing and their locations on the rope held significant meaning, as they signaled specific details of life.

Interesting.

Before I knew it, I was looking at each stitch with a new appreciation. Each stitch held a memory, a thankful thought, a gentle prayer.

Needless to say, tonight's knitting took a bit longer than usual (grin).

A Work in Progress

"Our modern society is engaged in polishing and decorating the cage in which man is kept imprisoned."

~Swami Nirmalananda

I started planning this room long, long ago. Well, at any rate, it sure appears that way.

Slowly but surely, bit by bit, it's coming together.

Although my beloved desk still needs assembled and the general look requires a bit of polishing, my little office is growing into the image I've held tucked away in my creative corner-- a bit natural, a bit modern, and very clutter free.

For now, I'm just giving you this sneak peak, but be sure to come back soon. I'll be unveiling my baby piece by piece.

Giving

The manner of giving is worth more than the gift.

~Pierre Corneille

Somewhere along the way I've lost my appetite for big, fancy things. Give me a set of knitting needles, a good book, or just a few hours all to myself and I'm quite the happy girl. Show me a box of old photos or a scrap bag of yarn and I can occupy myself for days.

As I prepare for the upcoming Christmas festivities I can't help but to let my love of simple things take over my gift giving. If I could have it my way, gift giving would once again become meaningful. I'm really big on that-- meaningful gift giving.

I'm so deeply saddened by the pre-made gift baskets at department stores and the on-line ordering of goodies such as cookies and muffins. In my opinion, that just turns gift giving into a chore, something we quickly click on and order between phone calls and dinner preparations and car-pool drop-offs.

In some ways, I wish gift giving would return to the days of old-- back when people wished and hoped and waited for something special.

So, here at 403, we're going back to basics.

I've been busy making little treats for the people I most care about. Monetarily speaking, these presents aren't much. But, they're from the heart and crafted with an abundance of TLC.

I'm not quite finished, but I have an entire drawer full of goodies and treats and little odds and ends. All fingers are crossed that I finish in time...(grin).

Tree of Thanks

"Grace isn't a little prayer you chant before receiving a meal.

It's a way to live."

~Attributed to Jacqueline Winspear

I'm really enjoying this festive Thanskgiving tree and the memories it holds.

Notice the cute little Pilgrims and Native Americans?

My crafty mama made them for my 4th grade Social Studies project. Yep, she did such a great job that I received an A+ and had "my work" displayed in a drugstore window.

I thoroughly enjoy recycling such nostalgic treasures and seeing these cute figurines perched among the branches. All these years later, I still remember her working away on their intricate outfits, while Dad watched Sunday football and I painted the cardboard background.

Ironically, she and my dad came over the other night while I was decorating and unwrapping these pieces of my past. I really enjoy when they stop over, especially when they bring me coffee and soup.

I'm thankful for landing such great parents.

And, I'm thankful for landing such a great life.

I have it good, and I'm beyond blessed.

Thanks, Life. I'll continue working hard to keep up my end of the bargain.

Weekly Bread: Gingerbread-Pumpkin

"Bread baking is one of those almost hypnotic businesses, like a dance from some ancient ceremony.

It leaves you filled with one of the world's sweetest smells.

There is no chiropractic treatment, no Yoga exercise, and no hour of meditation in a music-throbbing chapel, that will leave you emptier of bad thoughts than this homely ceremony of making bread."

~M.F.K. Fisher, The Art of Eating

I like to think of cooking as an art.

If one really took the time to ponder the idea, it appears perfectly logical that cooking should fall into such a highly respected category. After all, one must visualize the dish, plan or sketch the recipe, gather necessary ingredients, and construct the masterpiece; while continually evaluating, monitoring, and tweaking flavor, temperature and measurements.

I dream of the day when I can whip up mouth-watering meals that not only taste delicious, but leave the house smelling warm and wonderful.

Someday. Maybe. Fingers crossed.

Until that day comes, I'll continue stalking some of my favorite cooking web-sites and putting a CK twist on the goodies that catch my eye.

For the past few weeks I've been dying to try this recipe. I have a love affair with gingersnaps, and a slightly disturbing infatuation with autumn. Therefore, as one can probably imagine, this delightful concoction had my heart racing--soaring--skipping beats.

I gave in. I could no longer resist.

Did I mention I'm also on a bit of a health kick?

Well, I am.

Farewell cup of vegetable oil and white all-purpose flour.

Hello applesauce and whole grain flour and cage-free eggs.

mmm...warm, savory, autumn goodness...

Happy Halloween!

Boo.

"When witches go riding,

and black cats are seen,

the moon laughs and whispers,

‘tis near Halloween."

~Author Unknown

I'm afraid of the dark.

Horrified.

Terrified.

In fact, I'm so afraid of the dark that I refuse to enter the basement after the sun sets or to get up from bed until my alarm goes off. I simply can't take chances. I mean, it is perfectly logical that some type ghoul or ghostly apparition lurks in the hallway between the hours of 11:30 PM and 5:30 AM.

Ever since I was a child, I've fought fears of the night. I believe I was six years old when my parents finally caved and bought a television set for my room. And no, it wasn't due to my abnormal obsession with Sesame Street or Romper Room. They did it for their own sanity, because every teensie-weensie noise woke me up, causing me to run and scream and alert the entire household of the ghosts and witches hiding in the corners.

To this very day I have some strange habits. For example, I cannot fall asleep unless the closet door is fully closed. As a child, I had an entrance to a crawl space in my bedroom closet. Obviously the witches lived in the crawl space. Closing the door-tightly- kept them at bay. I still insist on a firmly latched closet door, and frequently ask Chad-o to get up and address the situation. Weird. Very weird.

About a month ago, I had to go into my classroom on a Sunday afternoon to do some organizing and decorating. I was honestly frightened to go by myself. Me- alone- in a dark school? No. Not happening. My mom's a saint. She escorted me. She, of all people, realizes the extent of my fear.

Did you ever watch The Exorcism of Emily Rose? I did, and my life was forever changed. Four years later, I continue to wake up at 3:33 AM...it's awful. I'd give anything to undo the damage caused by that horrid film.

So, knowing that I am beyond freaked out when it comes to the dark and noises in the night, you'd think I would harbor a severe dislike for Halloween, right?

Quite the contrary, my dears. Quite the contrary.

I love Halloween. It's my all-time, favorite holiday.

(Please enjoy the snapshots of my spooky little Halloween tree.)

A Little Flame Lights the Way

"Every creator painfully experiences the chasm between his inner vision and his ultimate expression."

~Isaac Bashevis Singer

I promised myself that I wouldn't act impulsively; that I would carefully think each decision through and create the perfect retreat.

I'm so anxious to spend my weekend piecing together the space I have dreamed about for nearly a year. Slowly but surely, I've gathered the ingredients-a lamp here, a picture frame there. Each piece serves a necessary purpose and can tell its own story. It might be a bit hodge-podge, but I like that. Originality.

Stay tuned. I promise a cozy hideaway filled with creamy vanillas, robin egg blues, antiqued metals, a splash of tangerine and some stainless steel. Odd, huh?

Six Word Memoir

I've managed to master the amazing new skill of cardio-reading. Yes-- it's as strange as it sounds, but manages to provided tons of entertainment while imparting ideas and philosophies through the written word. Double bonus, eh? I can read, while sweating like mad, and burning insane doses of calories.

As I was cooling down from my run, I thumbed through a fitness magazine and stumbled upon an interesting article. The article was about a web-site that encouraged people to write a six word memoir. Interesting.

The more I thought about it, the more I found myself enthralled with the idea of writing one of these exceptionally short, yet all encompassing life stories.

I walked and cooled down and tossed around the idea in my mind.

"Humm...This is going to be harder than I thought," I found myself thinking.

Putting together six words that completely summarizes one's self proves ridiculously challenging. One must be exceptionally succinct and specific, while completely capturing the whole of their person and character.

Geez....six words? For real?

After much contemplation I present my revised and edited, final-copy, six word memoir.

...drum roll....

Continues learning, growing, creating and playing.

Always Together

"I often think that the night is more alive and more richly colored than the day."

~Vincent Van Gogh

When I lived away from my home, far from the people I loved, I often gazed at the sky.

No matter what, the sky was something we shared. Something that blanketed everyone I held dear.

I liked to think that at the very same time I was gazing at a sunrise or marveling at a colorful sunset or watching stars twinkle in the night sky, my loved ones were looking, too. And at that very moment, we were together.

I continue to take comfort in the idea that no matter where two people are, the moon is a constant.

Even in distance, we can share a common bond.

For Ava

"The only gift is a portion of thyself."

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Honestly, I had fantastic and supremely heartfelt intentions. I worked and worked and studied and carefully mulled over the pattern. But alas, I came up short. (sigh)

Ava, my sweet niece, turned 4 on October 2. She's an absolute doll- a spitfire with a twinkle in her eye and a song in heart. I wanted her to have something special; something she would have for years to come.

"I'll make a blanket," I thought. "Yep- I'll knit her a blanket."

I just gave it to her yesterday. (gulp)

Obsessed

"Whoever said money can't buy happiness simply didn't know where to go shopping."

~Bo Derek

As as wee one (think five or six years old), I actually had a pair of these "duck shoes" in an ultra-stylish navy blue. And, if my memory serves me correctly, they also had a faux furrish (is that a word?) type of lining. I have a photographic memory, so I'm quite certain I'm not mistaken. (wink)

You can only imagine my excitement and youthful joyish glee when I spotted these the other night. I actually squealed and performed a nifty, energy packed jig around the store. I'm not one to make impulsive purchases, but these had me reaching for my Discover Card quicker than you can say "quack."

Isn't it funny how things have a way of reverting to the past? I suppose history really does repeat itself.

Oh, and just for the record, I'm attempting to fashion a stiletto onto these babies. Then, my friends, they would be perfect. Absolutely perfect.

For Real?

"The color of springtime is in the flowers, the color of winter is in the imagination. "

~Ward Elliot Hour

Imagine this....

Today, at precisely 1:41 PM, snow fell from the sky.

Needless to say, the kids at school displayed the typical signs of first snow wonder-- pure excitement. Naturally, I had to tell them we would dismiss early. I can't resist getting them all stirred up.

They found it hilarious that I actually had a camera and climbed on a table to photograph this monumental occasion, and the snow covered picnic table in the adjacent courtyard.

Seriously, like I'd be caught without my picture taking friend. As if!

I found it hysterical that many of my students suggested I stop at Starbucks for a Pumpkin Spice Latte. Wow. I love these kids.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Mrs. Wheeler?"

"Yes, Nate?"

"I bet that since it's all cold and snowy you are going to stop at Starbucks for a 'what-do-ya-call-it'--- oh that's right, a pumpkin spice thingy."

"You got it, Nate. You know me too well."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I'm going to go get cozy now. It's manicure time.

Wonderfulness: Apple Pear Crisp

"One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating."

~Luciano Pavarotti

I don't know about you, but when I witness the beautiful fall foliage and feel the gentle breeze toss my hair in a delicate whirl amongst my head, I find myself craving yummy autumn treats.

I could go on and on about all the different palatable wonders my hypothalamus deems so necessary, but today brought a craving for something new. Well, old with a new twist.

I present Apple Pear Crisp- the working girl version.

I'm a huge fan of this ultra-simple, especially delicious recipe. If you've got a few cans of sliced pears and some apple pie filling, you're all set.

Don't forget the butter. Smashing it with your fingers provides an immense amount of stress relief, along with an ultra-moisturizing hand treatment.

Be honest, can you really resist real butter and soft, supple skin? I think not.

See, I told you this was going to be a winner. As far as I'm concerned, if I could just remove the calories, this would pretty much be perfection at its finest.

I'll admit it, this crumbly, sweet topping was fabulously decedent, even before it was baked.

I know, because quite frankly, I sampled quite a few morsels. (grin)

Don't forget to add coffee and ice cream and a cute puppy.