Growing up,  Uncle Mac, my Mom’s brother, used the word “Luvee” with us.  It was most definitely a term of endearment and we stood taller and felt prettier whenever he said it.  Uncle Mac, smart and handsome, was an airline captain, flying trans-pacifically most of his career.  Younger than Mom, he and Auntie Janet would visit the farm with their girls some summers.  Striking and fashionable, they made a glamorous pair; their girls were fun and engaging, my age and younger, and those visits are remembered now with great affection.

Present day: I work full-time. My son and his ex work full-time. The grand-children go to school and day care .. full-time. And sometimes it feels like our time together is parceled, coming in bits and pieces.

But Wednesday night they were over for supper and a bit of a visit after that.  When big brother A got his homework out at the table with his Dad and Uncle, little one asked me to play.

And of course I said yes.

The dishes sat and the leftovers waited.

Taking her hand up the stairs, I called to her as I often do, “C’mon Luvee.”

And she replied as she often does, using my words, “C’mon Luvee” in her chirpy sing-songy little voice.

We played. We dressed in costumes.

We made up silly songs on the piano.

We talked and we cuddled and we dragged toys out of the closet.

And later, after all of us gathered once more, and after the hugs and the kisses and the groceries and the promises to get together again soon, she ran back to me and said, “Neena, you’re MY Luvee.”

And she’s right. That I am.

my Luvee.

Do you have a familial “term of endearment” that’s made it through generations?

Well, they’ve come and they’ve gone.

My Mom, Sister and I had 6 full days together. Add in Hubbs, the boys, grand kids, good friends + Frankie the dog and that garnered us many hilarious and heartfelt moments.  More than once “the look” was exchanged between my sister and me, and all of us laughed ’till our faces ached.

They thought the custom snack bar in the hotel suite was awesome :)

We enjoyed Tigers baseball in the garage, sunshine on the patio, and meals in and out. We talked politics and current affairs and updates on family, far and wide.  A familiar pinch was felt as we watched the boys hug Nana, their height dwarfing her by a country mile.   And I’ll never forget how wide her grin was when they did.

Go Tigers!

Sister and I had time together in the kitchen, prepping and chatting and singing along to songs like we’d always done.  She can relax with me and let her silly side out, which she did more than once.  Her delighted giggles echo in my head still.

Probably should stick to cooking, not photography!

It was worth it you know. The cleaning, the prep, our efforts to make it all “just so.”

The boys called me out on that, too, urging me to “just relax, have fun, and don’t worry about stuff so much.”  A funny thing that is, hearing my words coming back to me in their voices.

I took their advice & we had a blast winning on the penny machine!

The grands made themselves known and many, many photos were snapped. Priceless.

Frankie’s rexhausted!

Yes, the visit was deep, the emotions were wide, and the ache I feel will have to last me … till next time.

“We cannot destroy kindred:  our chains stretch a little sometimes, but they never break.”  ~Marquise de Sévigné

Mom and her only great grand-Daughter, MJ

Just like it’s neighbor to the South, Canada has it’s own summer celebration to be proud of: Canada Day.

When I was a kid growing up in rural Saskatchewan, the day was referred to as “Dominion Day.”  Renamed “Canada Day” in early 1980’s, the end result was the same:  a patriotic day of red and white, parades, floats, cook-outs, ball tournaments, pies, visiting and beer tents.  Did I mention the pies?

Landing the first day of July, it was a day that Dad came in from cutting hay in time to wash up and head to town with the rest of us. He and other farmers enjoyed the cool air of the Hockey Rink in summer, a fan set strategically near the side door; we all enjoyed the smell of roasted chickens, burgers with onions and pie. Did I mention the pies?

Sometimes we’d get there in time to see the parade and sometimes we’d stay for the fireworks but we always fit in the visiting, the playing, the eating and the pie.  Did I mention the pies?

one end of the pie table.

Sometimes we kids might spend the entire day at the lake.  You know those kind of days — the kind that leave your shoulders crisp and your heart full.  Those were the kind of days that were  usually far too hot for sleeping so we’d stay up and play freeze tag under the glow of the Northern Lights.

image from canada-maps.org

Mom tells of her and her sisters wearing matching red and white dresses and all of them taking the train to see King George VI.  I think this happened on Dominion Day, although I’m not sure.  King George IV and Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (later known as the Queen Mum) had two daughters, the first being Elizabeth, our now longest reigning Monarch.  Every Royal who visits Canada seems to visit on  Canada Day. And why not? Talk about a festive backdrop!

William and Kate at Canada Day, 2011 (wikicommons.org)

I don’t live in Canada now and it’s been a few years since I’ve been home to take part in the festivities so today, I’ll look wistfully to the North, hum “Oh Canada”  and quite possibly find myself some pie.

Happy Canada Day!

This weekend, I looked over a Registry for a shower I’m invited to.

Holy Dollar Bill$, Batman!

Does anyone else remember Church basement showers where “you get what you get and you didn’t throw a fit?”

What happened to Pyrex baking pans wrapped creatively in gingham tea towels?

What happened to onesies and jammies in neutral colors?  Burp pads, receiving blankets and teddy bears?

What happened to cookbooks and measuring cups and pretty hand-towels that were nearly “too nice to use?”

What happened to baby quilts lovingly crafted by arthritic fingers?

What happened to the “dainties” (tea cakes or squares) and finger sandwiches laid out by ladies in their Sunday best?

Showers I grew up attending looked like this. Without the men!

I know there’s a practical side to registering .. but I still hate it.

I’m sorry, but it often just feels like a $hakedown.

So here’s what I do.

I say “no” to the gift greed registry.

I say no to $160 coffee makers and Margarita machines.

I say babies don’t need a $300 glider to be rocked.

I just say no.

But I always attend, and I always bring a gift, something lovely and practical, something wrapped with love and sincerity and my very best wishes.  Something not often found on the greed registry!

 * * * What are your thoughts on “gift registries?”

 ‘Tis the season again!  The Fall/Holiday potlucks have begun.  :)

In a quest to eat a bit healthier, I made this dish recently.  For my office-mates.  You know, the team who rarely touch vegetables.

Yep, at our office we have four important food categories:  cheese, bbq sauce, cool whip and chocolate.

If a pot-luck dish doesn’t contain one of those four items (and lots of it), it’s out like a fat kid in dodge-ball.

photo from Allrecipes.com

Make no mistake, this shouldn’t be considered health food.  The base of crescent dough, cream cheese and sour cream is enough to slow a few arteries down.  But the crunchy fresh veggies on top counteract the richness of the base resulting in a creamy/crunchy and tasty appetizer.

Here’s how to make your very own Vegorama Pizza:

You’ll need:

• 2 – 8 oz packages refrigerated crescent rolls
• 1 cup of sour cream
• 1 – 8 oz package of cream cheese, softened (I used Jalapeno flavored)
• 1 teaspoon dried dill (don’t skip this!)
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 package of dry ranch dressing mix  (I use 1/2)

Toppings

• 1 green onion, chopped with greens
• 3-4 radishes, chopped
• ½ red pepper, chopped
• 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
• 1 large bunch of broccoli (about 1 cup), chopped
• Shredded cheese

Directions

1. Remove crescent dough from the fridge and let it sit on the counter while you pre-heat the oven to 350 F.
2. Coat a large cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
3. Roll out the crescent roll and press it into the pan; you’ll want to “connect-the-dots” as in pieces so you end up with one solid piece of dough.  Pierce the dough with a fork and then let stand for about 5 minutes.
4. Next, bake for 11 minutes; remove from oven and let cool 20 minutes.
5. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine sour cream, cream cheese, dill, garlic and ranch dip mix.
6. Spread this mixture all over the cooled crust.
7. Top with onion, carrot, broccoli, radish, bell pepper and broccoli  and then sprinkle shredded cheese across the top.
8. Cover and let chill about an hour.
9. Once chilled, cut it into squares and serve.  (I made this the night before a pot-luck and simply cut into squares, layered with waxed paper, covered and served the next day.. Results?  Zip. Bang.  Gone!)

“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.”  ― Ernest Hemingway.

My little blog recently passed 130,000 beautiful readers.  Thank you for riding along with me!

Growing up, I was lucky to have so many cousins.

I had fun cousins.  Older cousins, bigger cousins.

Girl cousins and boy cousins. Near and far cousins.

Cousins that I knew well, others not as much, but when we got together, we were a rowdy bunch.

We went sledding and skating, played “duck-duck-goose,” built forts, staged plays and played…. hard.

We could play anywhere – in basements, barns and bedrooms.

Our mothers kicked us outside so we kicked the can, played tag in the barnyard, ran around and came back breathless and red-faced to share the kids table, practice our choir songs, tease, laugh and cheer each other on.

So I get it.

I get it how a herd of kids at a family gathering – related through various branches of the same tree – can meet up again and immediately friendships are formed.

Hands are held.

Toys are shared.

Secrets are whispered.

Hugs are given and love is in the room.

Cousins Sam, Olivia, Ayden and Mylee; an emjayandthem(C) photo

Till Christmas! And today, I gave myself an early Christmas present …a day off.

No driving, no sliding, no conferencing, no filing.

Whee!

As it turned out, schools in West MI closed today, 1″ of ice on the roads tends to slow everything – and everyone – down.

Kids are gleeful, as winter break comes early :)  How I remember those days!

So .. I spent the morning baking and cooking and putting together a few care packages.  One for my Father-in-Law, whom we’ll see tomorrow, a few more for friends, and the rest .. the rest for my crew here at home.

Here’s one of Hubbs’ favorites, chocolate covered peanut clusters:

“I could quit smoking before I could quit eating these” – Mr Hubbs

Want to make some? Want to dazzle your cast & crew, too?

Here’s what you need:

• 1 jar (16oz) of dry roasted peanuts
• 1 package of “Candiquick” chocolate coating (see pic at right)
• waxed or parchment paper

Directions:

Spread several sheets of waxed paper  on your kitchen counter (not on a wood table, as these will be hot at first).

Melt chocolate according to directions on package; ~ 1 min on high, stir, melt another 15 seconds or so then pour in peanuts and stir to coat.

Drop tablespoons of the chocolate-peanutty goodness onto the paper and allow to cool — about 1 1/2 hours.

Break into smaller pieces (or not) and cover — these can be frozen, they travel great (if they break apart, who cares?) and are a hit everywhere I take them! I store them in zip-lock bags in the freezer, hidden away from Hubbs.

What Christmas treats are you making this year? Have you treated yourself to something special, like a day off? :)

Well, here we are.   The night before .. the night before Christmas.

All is calm, all is bright. OK, for the most part :).

Hubbs is happily on vacation already but I’m not until tomorrow afternoon; the boys will be finished with work mid-day, and the wee ones … well the wee ones are SPENDING THE NIGHT!

joyous grand-children, Christmas 2012; an emjayandthem photo

And you need to know .. that right there – THAT- is my Christmas gift.

Don’t need a present. Don’t need the tree. Just need my peeps, here with me.

The wrapping’s done, the fridge is stocked.   Whatever we don’t have, well, we won’t be shocked.

We’re  gonna sniggle in and snuggle up, play cards and laugh, sing Christmas carols and say prayers and watch for red noses and roll — roll in the fact that we’re together – thankfully – again.  It’s been a tough year in many ways; a year of growth and a year of losses, too. But, more than anything, there’s gratitude.

Gratitude for the most precious of gifts:  a babe in a manger, bringing hope to the world.

Gratitude for family and comfort, traditions and joy.

And good friends who will be missed by all.

“The stockings were hung by the chimney with care and Frankie the old dog was asleep in his lair ..” Christmas 2012; an emjayandthem photo

Merry Christmas, friends.  – MJ

1. The sun was out yesterday – all day long.  It. Was. Glorious.   More than once, I found myself near the window, soaking up the warmth like a lizard on a lounge chair.   Ahh.

2. Today I’m off to meet our great-nephew and deliver some yummy foods to the weary parents.  TLC Chicken Spaghetti, Home-made soup, cheesy biscuits and Game Day (Heath Bar) Brownies.   This isn’t my first rodeo, and I know exactly what new parents need:  creamy, yummy, easy to warm up and a pop of chocolate at 3 a.m.  The neat thing? I’m bringing Hubbs’ Auntie with me so we will have 4 generations together and the little guy will meet his great auntie and his great-great auntie in the same day.

When the root is deep, there is no reason to fear the wind.

3.  Hubbs is headed to the golf show today with one of his best buds.  You would think they won the lotto as they are that excited.  Recently, he was awarded some extra $$ for his efforts at work and I suggested that since he did the work he should spend it on something he wants .. like golf.  Well,  it didn’t take long for golf show plans to come together.  The twinkle in his eye can be spotted from across the room. :)

4.  After the food delivery and the golf show delights, he & his buddy and me & buddy’s wife are meeting up for eats and greets today. NO cooking this Sunday, and that’s just fine with me.

5.  I don’t know if it’s getting older or just having a lot on my mind, but more often than not, I get the “here-afters.”  (I come into a room and wonder what I’m here after!)  Then I saw this cartoon and laughed out loud.  Yep, I can relate.  You?

a little bit too true sometimes!

Happy Sunday, peeps.

It’s Friday! It’s Random! It’s Halloween!  Here we go….

1. I don’t know about you but Halloween was one cool night when I was a kid. Having it land on a Friday was like a gift from above.  A Friday vs. a school night meant one or two extra stops and no strict bedtime ~  that gave us more time to check for razors in apples (never happened) and inventory the goodies in our bags.  Yippee skippy!

Google Images.com

2. I was a complete tomboy as a kid.  Sporting a rats’ nest of curls, jeans and a hoodie, I just couldn’t be bothered with dresses and all that stuff.  When you’re busy riding your pony and picturing yourself as some kind of “Billy Jack” outlaw, dresses just get in the way.   So it made perfect sense when Mom bought me a Princess costume and mask.

Hot with sharp edges … and kinda creepy. Google.images.com

3.  At school we had to go around town and collect money for Unicef.  This was done before the hot dogs and the games and treats and the candy toss.  I’m pretty sure that, between the 8 of us in my grade, we collected about $1.49.

Anybody else remember these?

4. Our forecast is for 40 F temps and a sustained wind of 45 mph.  We’ve been to lots of Halloween parties over the years and, now that I think of it, it’s always been cold … but that has yet to damper our fun.

Hubbs and I having Halloween fun a few years ago; an Emjayandthem (C) photo

5.  Remember me fretting about giving a speech before 450+ people the other day?  I was nervous and woke up with a swirly stomach feeling.  I had a little chat with myself and the gist of it was that I know what I’m talking about and, on the topic in question, more than anybody in the room. And you know what?  I nailed it!  That feeling of accomplishment lingers with me still. Whew!

So .. do tell .. what were your Halloween traditions?   Do you still celebrate Halloween?

I still miss singing for our treats and receiving home-made caramel apples & goofballs.

Happy Halloween!

1. From breaking a century-old record for November snowfall last week to 50F and rain today – what a weather swing we’ve had here in west Michigan!  I woke up to an uncommon sound for this time of year  – the drip – drip – drip – of rain. Bizarre. But the coffee sure tastes good this morning.

big cups… Google.images.com

2. Making the grocery list this morning, I realized we’re only a few days from Thanksgiving.  It snuck up on me, again!  I blame the Christmas ads and holiday music for the distraction.  We’ll have our boys and grands – just the 6 of us – so it’s time to get out the cloth napkins, crystal bowls and decorations :).  And, as youngest boy happily announced, this week marks the official start of Cheese ball season!  For my recipe (and his favorite appetizer), click here for my Look No Further Cheese ball recipe. 

Grandma’s Holiday table .. it took her days to set up!

3. I finally bought a tablet! No, not the AARP one, although that was tempting.  HSN.com has a great deal on a 10″ tablet – in my color choice which was  purple.  It arrived Friday and I have been happily playing around with it ever since.  For more on the deal, click here.

What are your Thanksgiving plans?  Any new toys land in your lap?  What food kicks off the Holiday season for your family?

..a cute lil’ cheeseball .. all dressed up for the Holiday!

It’s Friday! Time for 5 Random thoughts!  Here we go ~

1.  As is our tradition, the Grand kids spent time going through the various Holiday fliers and circling items for their “wish” lists.   I remember doing this with the Sears Wish Book as a girl.  In fact, my sisters and I would spend hours poring through the book and dreaming of so many pretty things in our stockings come Christmas morning.

MJ and AB happily circling …an Emjayandthem (C) photo

2. Oldest boy took this picture before we all dished up yesterday – he’s so much taller than me that I’ve never ever seen my stove from this high up!  I would have to stand on a step-stool to do so.

Happy Thanksgiving! He’s 6”3 1/2″ and towers down over my stove.  An Emjayandthem (C) photo

3.  I don’t care how much prepping I do ahead of time the work is done the day of the Holiday ~ I stand and simmer and stir ~ for hours on end.  I love to cook and lose track of time but it’s no wonder I slept so well last night :).

I felt like this last night! Google.images.com

4.  As our grandson was happily playing new games I’d downloaded to my tablet, I asked our grand-daughter if she might like to play with my Barbie horses.  You see, we keep some Barbies and other toys here but, like me, she’s not into fashion shows or shopping.  Her eyes widened when my 40+ year old horses – Thunderbolt and Pancho – arrived on the scene.  Before long she had established a kitchen chair as the stable and her adventures had begun!

Happy to share my childhood toys with my MJ! An Emjayandthem (C) photo

5.  I’m not a wine girl but this made me giggle.  And with that, I’m off to a date night with Hubbs and a big juicy burger!

google.images.com

Happy Day-After-Thanksgiving!  Do you remember the Sears Wish book?  What childhood toys have you shared or encouraged in your children and grand-children?  How does a burger sound right about now?

It’s Thursday already?   How did that happen?  I won’t be blogging tomorrow (more on that later) so here’s my very Random 5 for this crazy week:

1.  My supervisor’s mother passed away last weekend after a lengthy illness.  She was in her eighties and had lived a long, full live.  I’d met her a few times and she was a neat lady, so I was genuinely sorry to hear the news.  Stopping to buy a Sympathy card I suddenly had the thought that I should buy more.  I shushed the thought, bought the card and left the store.

2. The next day we received the shocking news of a young relative’s passing. Background: Hubbs brother passed suddenly 29 years ago, at the age of 29.  He left behind a little girl, Hubbs’ niece, who was 4 then.  The situation was tragic and life-changing and Hubbs talks of him often but always with that sad “what-if” look in his eyes.  Well this little girl’s Mommy went on to marry and have another family.  It was her son, niece’s brother, who passed.  At 28.  The similarities are just too close and when I told Hubbs the sad news, his eyes clouded over and his face went grey.

3. Feeling helpless, I did what I do in these situations – cook, clean or organize.  Since I was going to be on the road today, I knew cooking was out of the question.   And people wouldn’t be gathering at our house, so cleaning wasn’t necessary.  So I sent a private FB message to all the cousins and aunties and uncles to let them know the news and to rally support for our girl and her family.  Soon I found myself talking to the funeral home staff who said “sure you can bring food here for the funeral luncheon, c’mon over.”   We have a big family and all they needed was for someone to circle the wagons:  casseroles and desserts are being prepped as I write this.

4. Yesterday afternoon, I went to the Funeral Home, met the Director, and loaded up the kitchen with food I’d bought:  pre-made deli salads, veggie trays, chips, dip, rice krispie bars, punch and more.  I heard a door slam and found myself alone.  In a Funeral Home.  Let’s just say the speed with which I exited could have qualified me for the Olympics!

5. On my way home, I made one more stop and this time I bought 3 Sympathy cards.  Why?  Not to tempt fate but my experience is that these things always come in threes.

What is your family’s way of coping with grief? Do you band together?  Cook, clean, organize?  Have you ever been alone in a  Funeral Home?

It’s Friday! Time for 5 Random thoughts this Mother’s Day weekend.

1. “A mom reads you like a book, and wherever she goes, people read you like a glowing book review.” ~Robert Brault.  One year ago today I was on a plane to see her.  Oh what a grand time we had!   This year, I sent her a huge floral arrangement because we will see each other soon but still …  I miss her. <3

One of my favorite pictures of Mom & me… having a Killian’s in Branson, MO. An Emjayandthem(C) photo

2.  Mom taught me a lot, but in spite of her efforts, there were some lessons that didn’t stick: I can’t sew, I hate gardening and I never mastered her bread recipe.   Here are the ones that did: sharing a meal lovingly prepared, the joy in make-believe play on stormy days, that books can take you anywhere and to laugh at myself. (Remember her story of “I’m Gay?”)

Mom loves music and always has the radio playing in her country kitchen, and I do the same.  She taught me the importance of date nights, of a dab of perfume and a swirly skirt and jewelry that makes you feel like a girl. Mom loved me enough to let me go yet never failed to rally and cheer, “You can do it, kid!”

3.   When I think about how much I love my boys, I understand how much she loves me.  And I think that when you’ve been loved .. you can love.

Me & my Hooligans at my U.S. Citizenship party.
An Emjayandthem(C) photo

4.  Some of my best times with Mom have been when it’s just the two of us; we’re up late, and the house is quiet and the conversation flows.  She’s told me things about herself and her life’s adventures that none of the other kids know. Someday I might tell them, or, maybe not.  Maybe in those moments we were just two really good friends hanging out – laughing, crying, looking back, being grateful.   Those moments are sacred to me.

5. Tomorrow, our boys are taking us out for supper.   We’ll go to our favorite Tex-Mex restaurant, take over a big table and enjoy someone else’s cooking.  We’re going on Saturday to skip the Sunday crowds; they’re logical like that.   There’s the promise of homemade cards and lots and lots of laughter.  I will love it and am looking forward to it.  Sunday I’ll be in my kitchen again – cooking, singing, and … on the phone with Mom.

In everything I’ve ever accomplished and all that I’ve ever experienced, I’ve had one tiny but mighty powerhouse behind me: my Mother.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms! <3

Question:  When you think of your Mom, what three words could describe her best?

It’s not Friday but it is time for 5 random thoughts from the ever-swirling mind of yours truly. Ready? Set? Go!

1. I make my bed as soon as I get up. Every day. Not 10 minutes later, not an hour, right away.  Unless Hubbs is in it. Hard to make a bed up over someone 6′ tall.

I have nearly this many pillows on the bed.

2.   A Facebook friend told me joyfully that it’s only “6 months till Christmas!”  And that’s how people get themselves de-friended or – worse yet – punched!

Google.images.com

3.  Bought several quarts of Strawberries at the Farmer’s market earlier this week.  Not sure if it’s all the rain we got but these are some of the best I’ve ever had!!  I’ll eat till I can’t and freeze the rest. The fragrance? One word: Heavenly. My favorite birthday dessert was Mom’s Strawberry Shortcake:  tiny sweet berries picked fresh from the garden, hearty REAL rich whipped cream piled on top of a thick slice of Angel Food cake.  I have a mandate that you MUST drizzle some of the berry juice onto the cake and let it soak in and turn the cake pink.   The taste of summer – next to a burger off the grill or farm fresh corn on the cob, that’s about as good as it gets!

Can you smell them?  Just heavenly!

4. Last weekend was my niece’s shower and my sisters and I giggled remembering how, in our day, a Bridal Shower was a social gathering and big time Ladies outing.  There was never an assumption that all of us could attend.  Oh no.  It was an afternoon or evening out for Mom, in her best dress, her hair curled up and her Avon lipstick on.  She’d always let one – not all three – of us girls go with her.  We all remember my middle sister pleading with Mom to let her go instead of another and assuring her she’d not get wet.  She probably did get to go after all, but what I remember most were Bridal showers in Church basements, tea in teapots, dainty squares on doilies and the privileged feeling of being included.

Showers were held in the basement of this United Church; the smell of Lemon Pledge and coffee percolating permeates my memories to this day.

5.   We have often heard someone described as pretty.  I love this definition even more:

Yes!

And how is your week going?  How were Bridal and Baby showers different when you were growing up?  What summer time fruit are you enjoying these days?  What are you pretty at?

*originally posted October 29, 2011

Halloween parties meant a costume parade through the entire school! (My grade school ~ An Emjayandthem (C) photo)

When I was a little girl, Halloween was a very exciting time. We had a class  party and costume parade to look forward to, yummy treats to enjoy, games to play and of course …“Trick or Treating.”

Living on a farm eight miles from town, “Trick or Treating” involved 2 absolutes: cold weather and a car.  Mom and Aunt Irene helped us make our costumes and we often recycle pieces of from older costumes into something new. After supper, we’d pile into one of their cars and head out for the night.  This involved a total of five – count ‘em – five farms to visit:  The Lee home (neighbors), Uncle Harley & Aunt Maxine’s, Grandma and Grandpa’s, Aunt Irene & Uncle Jarl’s and ours.   So, depending on who was driving, we’d start at one and end at the others with three stops in between.   It was expected that we’d “sing for our supper” – sing a song, tell a joke or do something entertaining. Our song of choice was always, “Billy Boy” (Oh where have you been, Billy Boy, Billy boy .. Oh where have you been, charming Billy..) because 1) we knew the words, 2) they knew the words and 3) it always seemed to bring the best results.

I still love Halloween! Me & the Hubbs had a lot of fun with this costume.  An Emjayandthem (C) photo

Bear in mind that very few treats were “boughten” at that time – most offered us a home-made treat.  ((and trust me, this was the good stuff!!))   Norma and Roy Lee always gave us pop – our choice – orange or root beer – and a small bag of home-made cookies or fudge. Yum!  Aunt Irene was known for her caramel apples; Granny Smiths smothered in a thick layer of buttery rich caramel… mmm.  Aunt Maxine was crafty and loved to carve massive jack-o-lanterns to delight us… and her chocolate fudge was delicious as well.   Grandma made each of us our very own candy bag filled to the top with home-made popcorn balls and cookies mixed in with a few store bought treats – black licorice, toffee, and Old Dutch potato chips.  Smiling shyly, Grandpa always slipped in a can of pop and two bits (a quarter) and we felt oh so rich.  Our pillowcases were filled with to the brim with treats and good wishes.  After much admiration of the genius of our costumes and our profound musical talents, off we’d go to the next farm, darting through the biting October wind, wondering at the sky and trying to spot the witches we just knew were flying around.

At the end of the night, we’d get back home and marvel at the abundance of treats .. but it was always those home-made delights we fought over most.

I remember Mom making us “Goofballs” and I think I’ll make some for my grand-kids today :).

GoofBalls

Goofball image courtesy of theartofmakingthings.tumblr.com

1 pkg. Kraft caramels
1 can Eagle brand milk
1/2 lb. butter
1 box Rice Krispies
1 bag large marshmallows

Unwrap the caramels and place into a heavy saucepan.  Add the Eagle brand milk and the butter and stir until the caramels are melted and a sauce is formed. Remove from heat.

Stick 1 toothpick into a large marshmallow and dip it into the sauce carefully.  Immediately roll the caramel covered marshmallow in Rice Krispies. Set on a waxed paper-lined cookie sheet to cool (remove toothpick).    These travel great and kids (and adults) gobble them up!

And .. sing something, will ya?

Happy Halloween!!

It’s Monday and I’m off today … so here are 5 Randoms from my week.  Ready? Let’s go.

1 Took a road trip with Hubbs over the weekend  – we had a family wedding to attend so we left Friday, got stuck in traffic, and chatted all the way to our destination – Frankenmuth, MI — a Bavarian town with cute shops, yummy foods, and the world’s largest Christmas store.   Yes Hubbs went in.  Neither of us lasted long and we didn’t buy anything. But he went in and experienced it and I love him all the more for that.

2 We spent a bit more to stay downtown so we could walk to everything.  And it was a good thing we did, because the “all you can eat” Chicken dinner nearly put us down.  Might have been the German beer, but it could have been the four salads, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, dressing, gravy and veggies.     Pretty sure there was an army of Grandmas back in that kitchen!

3 Saturday morning, I took a brisk walk and enjoyed all of the “in & out” shoppes — even though I’d been to the big Christmas store, THIS is what got me in the spirit.    I don’t particularly enjoy malls and this is why — I remember the stores of my small town, and the window displays of Christmases past.  Peeking in, hearing a bell jingle as I entered, made me feel just like this little girl right here:

4 On one of my stops, I ventured into a store that I’d been in before. See I bought a little keepsake here for Mom years ago and she had it hanging in her bedroom at the farm.  She really can’t take personal things with her to the home, there are several who “wander” and things will turn up missing.  This little item is the one thing I’ve asked for specifically and sissy has it put aside for me.  There’s no commercial value, but I loved it then and I love it now and when it comes back to me, it’s going in my bedroom, too.

5  We enjoyed the wedding and the visit with family but not the kids who were allowed to run laps at the reception. At one point, I asked them to stop.  They smiled and promptly continued.  Hubbs and I were both “community raised” and if our parents hadn’t seen it, an auntie or neighbor surely would have.  And none of them would have held back from correcting us AND telling our parents.  Anticipating the answer, I asked what would’ve happened to him had he dared behave like that.  His response matched mine: “I’d have received an invitation to my own funeral.”  Where were the parents?  On their phones instead of on their kids.  ~sigh.

 * * * *

How was your week? Taken any road trips lately? When’s the last time you felt like a kid?  What happened to make you feel that way? Do you prefer “in & out” shops or shopping malls?  When parents let their kids run wild, what is your response?

It’s Friday and the day after Thanksgiving, and Black Friday for all the shoppers. Here are 5 randoms from my world this week:

1  Sent most of the leftovers home with oldest boy & his family last night.  It’s yummy and all but one plate of that calorie-dense food is enough for me.  I’m still full today! Normally I would have enjoyed a piece of pie with my morning coffee today but instead I opted for a nutrient-rich Nutribullet smoothie.  It’s all about balance.  And saving room for a burger later. :)

funny!

2  The house still smells like Thanksgiving dinner.    There’s no candle that could match it!

3  When I was a girl Mom’s Holiday table was a sight to see  – she used her  best china, cut crystal and tablecloths. The table was set several days ahead and we’d circle it, marveling at the tiny decorated Christmas trees or crafted pumpkins down the middle. At mealtime we were given a small bit of Ginger Ale to sip from a goblet, and she served shrimp cocktail to all – young and old. Learning to use those tiny forks and handle fine china – those experiences are precious to me.   Most importantly, she taught us not to save our best for company but to share with all who gather.   The grands are learning how to leave the table without taking the table-cloth with them, they have their own “special” goblets to use, and they and our boys have learned they’re special enough to warrant the good stuff.

“Start living now. Stop saving the good china for that special occasion. Stop withholding your love until that special person materializes. Every day you are alive is a special occasion. Every minute, every breath, is a gift from God.” – Mary Manin Morrissey

 

4  When asked recently if I would be shopping on Black Friday I gave my patent response, “Not without a gun to my head.”  You see I tried it once, years ago, and it was miserable. Life lessons abound, though, because standing in line for a long time affords one the opportunity to determine how badly you want/need the item you’re about to “save” $$ on.  I remember putting it back and leaving the store where I waited for my friends in the fresh air.  People rushed past me, I was the only one smiling, and I learned I’ll happily 1) pay full price to avoid all that or 2) go without.

5  Saw this a few days ago and knew you needed to see it, too.  Happy Thanksgiving, friends.

** How was your “Turkey” Day?

What traditions have you kept from your childhood and which ones have changed? **

It’s Friday (finally!) – here are 5 random happenings in my world this week:

1 Stopped last night to buy Christmas crackers for our family gathering in 2 – count ’em – 2 weeks.  As a Canadian, this is a British tradition we enjoyed  loved as kids — one person held each end of the cracker and pulled them apart – a *POP* sound soon followed, and everyone ended up with a tissue paper hat to wear, a small toy and a joke or riddle to share.    Our boys and grands have grown up with these at the table and it wouldn’t be Christmas without them!

Too much fun!

2  Tuesday at the State Capitol (which is wide open to everyone, by the way) my team and I were busy  setting up Legislative interviews when a young man wandered into the studio. At first I felt a bit annoyed, because you see I didn’t really have time to shoo him out of there. But as he stood and looked around – with wonder in his eyes – my eyes softened and we ended up talking for about 20 minutes. He’s my youngest boy’s age and he told me how he’s going to Community College, working part-time, and lives with his Grandmother. He told me more about himself in those 20 min than maybe I needed to know – but in that moment he let me know he needed to be heard. It was yet another lesson to STOP – SLOW DOWN- and LISTEN. Everyone has a story to tell and sometimes you just have to stop moving to hear it.

“Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible someone ever reads.”

The Michigan State Capitol .. and State Christmas tree, blanketed in fog in December. An Emjayandthem (C) photo.

3  Still no snow.  Driving to meetings and running errands is easy-peasy; it was 59F yesterday.  People are out without coats. Shocking – in December.  I didn’t feel any Christmas spirit until youngest boy and I decorated the tree last night.    Leveraging his height, we laughed as he straightened the angel and tweaked the lights “just so.”  Standing back to admire his handiwork, we both agreed that their home-made ornaments are our favorites.  He put it best, “They tell our story, Mom.”

a shot of youngest boy in grade school … An Emjayandthem(C) photo

4. I’m glad today is Friday and that the weekend is not yet another runaway train. At least not yet.  Hubbs is prepping for a business trip next week and he’s stressed about that, I have a full schedule, too, yet there’s so much to accomplish here at home.  I think a vacation day is in order – the house to myself?  Ooh ahh …. :)

and there it is

5  Talking with friends about how hectic our days are – jobs – kids – grand kids – aging parents – and BAM here come the Holidays.  More and more we’re all talking about simplifying things.  This simple message resonates with me:

And you?    What Holiday tradition from your childhood have you carried with you?   How are your  preparations coming along?  Are you taking any time outs just for you?

Christmas has come and gone and with that comes time to reflect.  I have a few days off ahead of me and a couple of closets that need attention.  But I also have new books waiting on the end table … I think the books might win. :)

The grand kids were with us the night of the 23rd and all day the 24th, and our family feasted, played and opened presents that evening. It was fun and cozy and wonderful.  But it was also different.  You see things changed this year: they’ve slept over on Christmas eve for 3 years now, and we have embraced waking to two bright little faces … even if they do tend to get up on the early side.

But this year was different.  They wanted to go home, to hang their stockings there with Dad and his fiance.  That’s a very good sign that they know who their home is.

Still, we packed as much in as we could, playing Yahtzee and Dice, making chocolate chip pancakes and lunches/snacks, enjoying Holiday movies like “Elf” and “Prancer” and calling the Santa Tracker regularly to check on the big guy’s whereabouts. We read the story of Jesus’ birth and “The Night before Christmas.”    At the end of the night, as Dad and his love bundled them up, they were sleepy but excited to go home, see the dog and put out cookies for Santa.

Several times that day I had tried calling Mom but she didn’t answer; what I didn’t know is she’s congested again and that impacts her hearing.  The phone is next to her, but she never heard it ring.  Talking with my sister Christmas Day she relayed that she and my oldest brother spent part of the day with Mom and how much she enjoyed it but that it played her out, too.   I shared my connectivity concerns and she suggested I call the front desk and have them bring Mom the portable phone, which we did.  For about 5 minutes Mom chatted with me, Hubbs and youngest boy, and while our conversations were brief,  we all expressed our love and gratitude for her as well as our sincere wishes for a Happy Christmas.  We each had a tear when the call ended. And if the time comes that she can no longer hear well enough to talk on the phone, I guess I’ll have to come up with an alternative.

I’ve beat myself up for weeks,  wondering why I wasn’t feeling it ~ the Christmas “spirit.”

I can see now that life has been preparing me for another change.  Time to let some things go – to roll with the changes – and to land safely on the other side.   I’m trying to remain open as to what He has in store for me.

“Sacred blessings and divine opportunities appear in your life disguised as unforeseen changes and challenging circumstances.” ― Miya Yamanouchi

What changes are you sensing?  Are you able to roll with them?