Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Was Santa Good to You? ~Christmas Memories

We were so blessed to have our family together for Christmas.
Their presence was the only present we needed.
But like Amy said, buying little gifts for one another 
is fun and exciting, too!

My sweet neighbor knows what I like...

Now, I have no excuse to not
'Get more Fit'...

Soap from France will keep my lovelies smelling lovely...

Everyone needs kitty socks...

Much needed new slipper booties from Vera Bradley...

I opened these early so we could use them on Christmas Eve.

For my vintage key collection...

This is necessary to keep my life organized.
I keep thinking I should start using my calendar on my smart phone,
but I always fall back on this.

Another year's subscription...

And grandma always gives us a little cash...

So much 
(and more) 
to be thankful for...

The best gifts are those that come from the heart.

Take care,
~Natalie

Sunday, December 28, 2014

Christmas Eve Memories ~~A Very Special Toast, Indeed

A special Christmas Eve with our family all together included
a very special toast by Amy and Nick...
Tucked in their suitcase, a bottle of Champagne from France.

This autumn, Amy had traveled with friends to the Champagne Region of France
and she ordered a few bottles to be sent to their home in the UK.
One of those bottles made the trip to South Dakota for Christmas.

The last two photos are complements 
of Amy's facebook page...
It looks like a dream vacation.

Thank you for sharing with all of us.

After worship services,
Our traditional Christmas Eve meal is small...
Elegant Wild Rice Soup.




Sweet Christmas Memories.

Take care,
~Natalie

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Lefse Making ~This Family Christmas Tradition Lives on with the Next Generation.

Meet the new generation of Lefse Chefs.
This Norwegian delicacy is strongly embedded in our family traditions.

We always use the recipe that my 
mother got from her dear friend, Audrey.
Here it is, with my mother's notations.

It takes someone with strong wrists 
and hands to rice the potatoes.

The potatoes must be riced, not mashed...
this is mandatory.

Next, melted butter, cream, salt and sugar.

Gently fold this into the riced potatoes.
Then, chill the mixture for a couple of hours...


The chilled mixture is shaped into small patties,
a task that the girls were able 
to do with Grammy when they were little girls.

This photo was taken a few years ago,
the last Christmas my mom was here with us.
She would supervise my rolling and the girls turning.
.

When she could no longer travel to be with us,
my hubby became the expert duster.

Wearing an apron is important...
as you can see, there is flour everywhere!


This Christmas is special, indeed.
And the lefse making event was no exception.
Everyone took their turn at rolling, turning, and dusting.


I think this is one of my favorite photos.
Grammy would be so proud of you girls,
and the fine young gentlemen that you brought to our family.

I loved watching these four take over.

The fine art of making lefse will continue in our family...
The taste of homemade lefse will 
always be a part of this family's Christmas.

Take care,
~Natalie

Monday, December 22, 2014

Our Family Christmas ~~They're all Here

It was late afternoon when we heard their car in our driveway.
Our family was here!
Oh, how we enjoyed the hugs, smiles, 
and good conversation.


They were all weary from their travels...
and fun filled weekend in Minneapolis.
So, we didn't make it a late night.


Our dinner of lasagna, salad greens and bread was simple,
but I didn't want to be in the kitchen cooking....

I wanted to be right here at the table with our family,
enjoying this beginning to a very special Christmas.

Take care,
~Natalie


Sunday, December 21, 2014

Christmas Preparations Continue with Treats ~ Some Salty and Some Sweet ~~Countdown to Christmas Company...5 hours!

The last minute preparations are nearly complete.  

The girls and their guys are on their way home from Minneapolis...
and of course, the fighter pilot is driving.

We are all set with games, puzzles, and Christmas movies.

Saturday's work included this...
the popular Cheesy Snack Mix.

The long-time family favorite,
Peanut Butter Bars...

...and these Toffee Bars.

It won't be long now!

Take care,
~Natalie

Road Trip ~Day Three ~Burger Battle ~Sweet Shopping Highlights

Our last full travel day took us through four states… Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Including some Big Bridges over some Big ...