saturday waffles

Tradition. I love the sound of that word and all the possibility of pleasant times and warm memories it holds.  But when it comes to starting and sticking with one...

 

Early this fall, we discovered this waffle recipe and my children fell in love with the video of them being made - watched it over and over.  And then, we proceeded to dream of a waffle machine and a Saturday morning waffle tradition for two months. 

One day, I determined we would start the hunt for a machine, and I took us all to a local second-hand shop and actually did find this darling, vintage waffle machine for $2.  It then sat around for another whole month.

At last, on Saturday, December 1st,  I woke up and determined that this would be the day.  I wouldn't put if off or wait for someone to come hold my hand and do it for me anymore.  I would do it. We would make waffles.

I gathered the children around the kitchen counter, and we mixed the batter together and warmed up the old machine.  We had some fussing, some tears - all the built up excitement proved too much for some of our little hearts.

But almost magically one waffle after another was added to the stack.  And soon we were all sitting around our family table, having Saturday Morning Waffles. 

It was wonderful, so wonderful that we've made waffles every Saturday this month.  We just may have started a real-life Tradition.  Only time will tell, but we're making good memories in the meantime.  And by the bye, we love this recipe - it's packed with protein and gluten free, using almond flour instead of wheat.  The waffles have a sweet, nutty taste, perfect with butter and just a little real maple syrup. 

with love,

Cailan

at my desk

I pretty much finished addressing our Christmas cards this afternoon - there are always seems to be one or two addresses left to track down.   And while it may have been convenient to address our Christmas cards while watching our customary show at night, I decided instead to address them at my little desk, to enjoy the glow of the Christmas tree nearby, the noise of the children running all about, and this Christmas music - which I just discovered and is the only Christmas music I seem to want to listen to - I love it so much.

This year we ordered our cards from Minted.  I never tried them before, but was tempted by a $25  free credit. The packaging made me happy.

We went with postcards this year.  I liked that you could have another picture on the back, and then we could use postcard stamps.  The only downfall was that the U.S. Postal service does not make Christmas postcard stamps, so all my Christmas postcards went out stamped with an "Aloha" Hawaiian shirt.  Oh well.  We can't have it all just so.

So thankful simply to have a photo of our family, all together, in front of our home, and for friends near and far to send Christmas wishes to.  Thank you for all your sweet wishes this week and welcome back - you all are so kind.

love,

Cailan

Present

Been absent such a while now.  After such a while it's little daunting to come back.  But I think I'm ready...at least for the purposes of sharing a little here and there in the Christmas celebration.  A new year is just weeks away - a handy and appropriate time to begin an earnest, fresh start...in so many things.

For the dear, faithful friends who will read this, thank you for being so patient and for the very kind emails.

with love,

Cailan