January's Letter

Christmas on New Year's Day

Happy New Year! (And Merry Christmas all wrapped into one if you were at our house this year!)

I’m writing this as everyone is still snuggled in bed. The sun is up but the house is quiet (save for Miss Maggie Mae who has already made a few trips upstairs to collect the socks that brothers left on the floor).

To have a house full of boys again (plus a sweet girlfriend, too), to hear their voices, watch their laughter, see their shoes by the door. To get great big hugs several times a day. To share meals, and hearts, and memories together. Gosh, I love these people.

And now the rest begins. Here, in the next few days, with my family, loving them up and holding them close.

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Moments Lately

Flickering lanterns and pots of greens at the front door

Pine, juniper, cattail, cottonwood, and pine cones make this year’s wreath

Jute twine, paper labels, and a mix of solid paper and printed paper, (and craft paper gift bags for those who can’t be bothered with wrapping!)

Lefse, with grandmother’s rolling pin

The paper was a very fun part of her gift!

Norwegian pancakes on Christmas (New Year’s) morning

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Reading Lately

One of the things I look forward to most in the restful days after Christmas is having long stretches of time to read. This year, I bought myself two books that I’ve saved for just that. Since my family and I are celebrating Christmas on January 1, I can’t give you a review yet, as I’ll be reading them this week, but these are the two that I’ll be enjoying.

Winter Gardens

Big Heart Little Stove

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Eating Lately

Dried apples! When planning a charcuterie board for our lunch on December 31, I was inspired to include dried apples as something more unexpected and special than sliced, fresh apples. Then my husband remembered that we sprinkled some with chipotle once before putting them in the dehydrator. So inspired, I made some with and some without. Such a treat!

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Favorites Lately

• The amaryllis bulb (my first!), recently potted in terra cotta, sitting on my window shelf, soaking up the morning sun. So inspired by Catherine’s stunning collection (click on her Amaryllis highlight button).

• This toolbox, just what I needed for a little kit.

• Rewatching this lovely series. The new season comes out January 7th!

• Linen/cotton duvet covers and shams for the loft beds. Such beautiful quality and a lovely, soft hand. Also? OEKO-Tex certified.

• When a missed Christmas gift becomes a Valentine’s gift six weeks from now. No worries, all will be well.