A Banner of Crimson

All These Years II

2011-11-06T20:18:00.000-08:00

Autumn had already laid its cool hands on the fevered earth, and lent a coolness to the air, the day we celebrated Mother's birthday.

We drank in the goodness of it, and spent all day outside.

There were garlic marinated burgers, served on freshly baked hamburger buns, and oven roasted vegetables; a blend of sweet potatoes, brussel sprouts, zucchini, squash, and onions. We filled our glasses to the brim with Apple Spice Green Tea.

We shared gifts and conversation under the evening trees, then German Chocolate Cake and hand-churned Chocolate ice cream...

Celebrating Mom's 50 years, blessed by the goodness of God's gift to all of us.

Laughter came next, in the form of the two most adorable clowns, dancing comics on the lawn, performing magic tricks, and ending our evening with smiles across every face.

All These Years

2011-10-19T20:47:00.000-07:00

This is Momma's birthday breakfast :)

Yes. This photo is real.

I can't hide it, I am so proud of cooking my first omelet!

7:00 on Sunday morning found us 4 sisters in the kitchen,
chopping veggies, mincing garlic, preparing herbs,
and whisking eggs to the sound of
Nat King Cole singing from Emma's laptop.

... it was still early for some :)

We then paraded over to the Little House where Mom and Dad were deep in a planning session for Mom's long dreamed-of landscaping on our farm.

THEN, came the birthday party... stay tuned for part II!!

On the Inside

2011-10-11T15:57:00.000-07:00

Dear Father in Heaven, must life be so hard? Must every step I take be riddled with challenges? Must every hope, every dream, every whisper of happy things, be marred by old pain and older despair? What is it You are saying? What is the cry of Your heart?

I am listening. You have my attention.

And I hear it, in the stillness of the tears that are balling up in my throat, I hear His words, simple, unchanging....

Press forward. Don't despair.

I am with you.

So I shall press on, because, beyond everything that seems so close and weighty now, He stands, immovable, unchangeable, truthful.

And I know that my heart and hope is in His hands. No matter the battle on the outside, I am safe on the inside.

With all my heart,
Emma

Joys of July

2011-07-24T15:05:00.000-07:00

Tomato soup for lunch. Sliced tomatoes for dinner. Canned tomatoes for winter. I love July!!

the Surfboy

2011-07-03T10:47:00.000-07:00

Matt is a surfer.

He makes his own wooden surfboard.

And goes adventuring on the lake!

Dear Poet

2011-06-12T16:51:00.000-07:00

My dear poet is turning 21.

(^photo by Rachel Leigh)

I love her so much. She inspires me and encourages me in so many ways.

She is beautiful and loving.

What a wonderful sister I have.

A poet, cook, seamstress, and songster. She's an artist in all these things.

I love my dear Emma!

-Grace

p.s. Birthday dinner pictures coming soon!

Little Grace

2011-05-15T18:39:00.000-07:00

My little Grace turned... 16??

My little Grace? You mean... my talented, accomplished, brown-eyed beauty little Grace?

Happy Birthday precious sister!!

Emma and Johanna

(photos by brother James)

POST SCRIPT: And yes, we will be scheduling your birthday photo shoot soon, Grace! :)

Knowing

2011-05-02T21:09:00.000-07:00

The scent of warmth greeted my weary senses when I entered my room last night. The clock said 12:41, and after a cramped 8 hours in a car surrounded by pouring rain, the sweet touch of home pulled hard at the tension twisted through my frame.

I put away my things, and curled up under my blankets, my head against a pillow that had afforded me little rest on the trip, now embracing my sleepy brain.

Mom let us sleep in this morning, sleep so blessed, so comforting, that when I rose my mind was at rest. I was ready to begin again, to court the duties of the day with determined strength. But it did not last long. Those duties began to rush in. Math, so much Math, thoughts of the coming weekend and all I must do to prepare, of the coming weeks, even the coming months, and all the things for which completion seems impossible.

I feel as if I am in the car again, caught in a never ending waiting, waiting for all these burdens to fall, waiting to be done with them, so that I may move on.

But there is no peace in waiting, in waiting to reach a goal, in waiting to see my visions realized, in waiting for my own Mr. Knightley to bless me with his presence, in waiting for God to clear my head of my own weaknesses and fear.

There is no peace here. None.

So I must stop waiting, stop waiting and start doing. I must press forward, move my feet toward the light, no matter how far away it seems.

And if I need stop, to be still, I will not be waiting, I will be knowing. Knowing that I am safe in His presence, knowing that no matter the future that nudges my present, nor the past that has shaped where I am now, I am wrapped in the blessedness of the moment. I am bound in a warmth I cannot express, and my heart can be at peace.

From the bottom of my heart,

Emma

Note: I wrote these thoughts after a long trip home from Arkansas the weekend before last. Looking back, now, at the wisdom the Lord gave me, I am blessed again by the love no mortal man can describe.

Seven

2011-04-06T19:40:00.000-07:00

Yep, our little Matt turned seven years old yesterday. We surprised him with a chocolate cake and strawberries last night even though his "real" birthday party (which he double-checked before eating his piece of cake) isn't until Friday.

I don't think the reality hit him until today when he put on his hat, ready to help in the garden, and exclaimed, "Jo!! I'm the only one who is seven in this family!"

Evidently, that is a very exciting fact. :)

{when you're in a family of seven}

He's a special boy.

a Recital

2011-04-05T13:36:00.000-07:00

On April 10, 2011

A Rambellwood Recital

3 o' clock in the afternoon

{Refreshments to follow}

This Sunday there will be a gathering. We will come together in our small parlor and listen to music, watch small instruments held by small fingers, and hear small voices thrill our hearts. Then, too, there will be songs by the adults, all of us, together, sharing music.

Do you have anything special planned this spring? Share it with us!

Late Is The Hour

2011-04-03T20:54:00.000-07:00

It is late, very late. Late, because, on a Sunday evening, one finds an early bedtime crucial in one's preparation for Monday. Late, because, after such a long week, one must rest, and rest well.

But, this particular Sunday night, I have a particular reason for staying up. I discovered, in reading Everly Pleasant's blog, Clickety Clack, something that peaked my interest, a conference for Christian women who write, or speak, and minister. A conference called She Speaks. They are offering three scholarships, and I am barely in time for the second.

The challenge? To write a story in six words.

The example? Ernest Hemingway's, "FOR SALE. BABY SHOES. NEVER WORN".

Intimidating, right? But a challenge to my writer's soul. So, I laid down my book, closed shut my eyes, and raised my prayers for wisdom, for words to speak His heart, for truth that was His.

Here is what, with all my heart, I put on paper.

CANCER. Terror. Miracle beyond believing. JESUS.

There.... a story, simple, true, and brimming with all the joy I can muster.

-Emma

the Kitchen

2011-03-29T20:38:00.000-07:00

... is where the fun happens!

Mmmhmm... :)

Signs of Spring

2011-02-25T20:22:00.000-08:00

Gerber daises and oranges

Sunshiny outdoor activities

Fresh Peach Pie made from last fall's canned peaches

Yellow umbrellas :)

"All signs of spring", I thought, smiling behind my camera.

Is it really here to stay, do you think?

Upside Down

2011-02-21T20:10:00.000-08:00

The sun was pressing kisses against the earth when I stepped outside after lunch, my whole being lapping up the glorious warmth of it. I shut my eyelids against the brightness, feeling a drift of a breeze flutter over my eyelids. Then Matthew's voice pulsed like distant chimes against my ears.

"I don't want the world to be upside down," he said to Dad, who was doing something near him. "I don't want the world to be upside down, 'cause I don't want to be squashed by a plane."

I laughed at the childish innocence of it, and my ears suddenly opened to the truth in my little brother's words. Sometimes, in our little existence, we feel that our world is tossed upside down, our lives shaken by the endless turning of the earth.

And yet, suddenly, there is a breathless joy in the uncertainty of that thought. Our lives are turning, like the earth, held by a hand we cannot see...

...yet sure in the infinite truth that the world cannot stop turning, unless He stops it, and we are safer here, in this this topsy-turvy world, than we would be in a perfect, flat world, where nothing could go wrong, where we were in control, our lives in our own hands.

I felt like Christopher Columbus, standing beneath a sky blue with spring, my head touched with joy, discovering peace in the thought that, after all... I live in an upside-down world.

With all my heart,

Emma

Peanut Butter & Jelly

2011-02-17T08:01:00.000-08:00

The best PB & J is made with homemade whole wheat bread, homemade peanut butter, and homemade plum jam. It comes with apple slices, carrot sticks, and a glass of chilled farm fresh milk.

And to make it even better? Add an episode of Mr. Ed on Hulu.

Every Thursday, lunch is just such a party. Mom and Dad are gone for the day, in Tyler for Mom's weekly Vitamin C infusion, and we sit around the living room with our full plates, smiling over the funny 50's TV show, complete with old fashioned dresses, comical characters, and a talking horse.

Need I say it is one of our favorite days of the week?

The Simple

2011-02-08T14:03:00.000-08:00

...the simplicity of a brown envelope, waiting to be opened. Waiting to reveal its sweet surprise.

Valentines Day is to me...

...a time when you experience the special, simple joy of pasting together colors, shapes, and patterns and writing sweet nothings to the one you love. It is sitting beside Matthew at the table, leaning over as he pulls on my sleeve, whispering in my ear his idea for Sarah Anne's valentine... as of course, she looks suspiciously over at us, from across the table. Valentines Day is the excitement in my heart as I open a card made especially for me, whether there be a drawing, a large pink heart, a button, or maybe some lace on the front, it has my name written all over it. And it is special.

What is Valentines Day to you? Do share!

[P.S. Don't forget to check Emma's shop for new loveliness and inspiration. :)]

To Explain

2011-01-25T08:14:00.000-08:00

Yes, dear friends, we are renovating the blog, and adding quite a few exciting new elements.

First, you'll be hearing more about my business. Remember this post a little while back? I'll be sharing new products, asking for ideas from you, our friends, taking a trip into my studio to see where I work and what inspires me, and even some giveaways!

Second, we want to know what you think of the blog. What is your favorite part about our blog? What would you like to see more of? What would you like us to share?

Thirdly... Johanna will be making a small announcement of her own very soon. Stay tuned for her post.

Last of all, we want to change our focus, to make this blog more a part of our lives, more than just a "blog because everyone else has a blog". Johanna and I love to work and create together, we love our family, and the gifts we've been given, here, in the place God has put us, and we have a passion to share all of that.

So, are you ready to take this journey with us? Let us know what you think of our ideas, and share your own thoughts about A Banner of Crimson.

Emma and Johanna

Before You Go

Vote in the poll on the sidebar...

And check out the latest item in my shop.

In Transit

2011-01-20T20:33:00.000-08:00

... something exciting is on its way!

And I am bursting with anticipation!

Construction

2011-01-16T16:41:00.000-08:00

Yes, dear readers, I am doing a major remodel on our blog,
giving it a whole new look,
a fresh start,
and a new beginning.

Stay tuned!

Emma

Quite Suddenly

2010-12-14T20:40:00.000-08:00

Suddenly, I am bereft of words. How weary one grows, taking step after step, day after day. So many, many things crowd my days... but, despite their frantic tugging at my soul, despite how they wrap around my thoughts, at every moment, they are joyous things.

Things such as...

When I've finished my Math, I'll be ready for college in the fall.

If I keep, working, keep striving, my card business will become something.

How excited all my family members will be

When they unveil, on Christmas morning,

the treasures being created under their very noses.

If I don't stop, if I keep on, I'll have my driving license before February.

How much I will enjoy, once I have practiced to my satisfaction,

standing in the third floor closet, recording the vocals for our newest song.

And then, waiting its turn at the back of my mind...

When I get a moment, a blessed, empty moment,

to sit down, and write a description of my book,

what it is about, why it is important in today's market,

and what genre it fits in, then, Oh Then!

I can package it up in a large yellow envelope,

and put it in the mail.. in the mail,

on its way to a publisher, to see what we can see.

Mmm.... and now the night grows late, and sleeps tugs at me. Tomorrow is a new day, a full day, and, hopefully, a successful day.

Good night, dear friends,

Emma

Cobwebs

2010-12-07T21:09:00.000-08:00

I was finishing the last of the supper dishes when Matthew came running into the kitchen, pulling at my hand and saying, "Jo, I neeeeeed you!! You have to come!"

(And yes, he's usually this intense about everything:))

I giggled as I followed him, thinking he needed the hall light switched on so he wouldn't be scared while putting his winter pj's on.

He raced me up the stairs and then came to an abrupt stop near the top of the stairs and pulling me down to his level, he pointed straight across to the hall ceiling.

"Someone needs to get a broom fast and clean that cobweb!!"

My mouth opened in shock that such a cobweb even existed in our household, (unseen and out of sight that it was) and then my shock turned to a smile at the simple things that Matt notices and that are VERY important to him... the things that we're too much in hurry, rushing up and down the stairs, to notice.

Little brothers are the best.

Goodnight dears!

Johanna

About Angels Again

2010-12-03T18:03:00.000-08:00

Yep! I finally listed my first Christmas Card...

Visit the listing here.

I so loved sketching this little angel.

I like to think of her as a little girl dressed for a Christmas play

standing in the dim light of her Christmas tree...

holding up her wand to wish you
a Merry Christmas.

I should be listing two other sets

from my Christmas line this evening.

Hopefully sometime before midnight.

Hopefully.

Until then,

Emma

To Hear the Angels Sing

2010-11-30T21:14:00.000-08:00

"Christmas time is here"

How the words ring through my head,

pulsing at the inside of my eardrums.

"Bringing lots of, happiness and cheer, promises of..."

Carefully, I listen for the right notes.... hum... mm... hmm..

"Fun for all, that children call, their favorite time of year."

The music fills our home every night,

as we exert our voices over complicated harmonies,

learning a new piece of music.

I sit in my chair, sketching in between times,

creating with my pencil and eraser.

This sweet little angel will make her way

to one of my upcoming line of Christmas Cards.

Check back on Thursday to see the finished product!

A very busy,

Emma

Autumn Says Farewell

2010-11-23T20:11:00.000-08:00

With a sputter of wind, and then a rush of chilling air...

Autumn waves farewell.

The scarlet leaves are scattered,

winter tugging them from the graying trees.

The children flee from indoors to

chase about in the pleasant weather,

..and toss the fallen leaves skyward.

Dusk comes sooner, and the late autumn sun sends

shades of amber over the yellow fields.

We slip out after dinner, Johanna and I, armed with Jo's camera,

captivated by the rushing of the autumn air.

The wind, still whispering with the last warmth of a summer long gone,

brushes its fingers across the earth.

Slowly, but surely, dusk deepens to darkness,

and night settles over Rambellwood.

-the end-

Emma

Overload

2010-11-15T19:59:00.000-08:00

Did you know that your brain can go on overload? I found mine doing just that today. Like a muscle, it fought to work with the thoughts I laid against it. Like a muscle it ached and strained. Like a muscle it cried out when it could take no more. But I kept pushing. I needed to keep working.

But, like a muscle that needs a break, my brain collapsed. Whew.... my emotions flooded out, like a river freed with the breaking of a dam. But, now, like a muscle, merely sitting still will not re-build it. My brain needs a soft, easy flow of thoughts, to bring it slowly into use again.

So here I am, feeling the nerves in my fingers as they touch, one at a time, the letters on my keyboard, feeling the gentle pulse of my recuperating brain as my thoughts slide softly through my hands.

And here, in the warm silence of this room, the stronger side of my brain, the creative side, is touched by a thought from my Savior.

Take a step back. Look again at those things that jar at your brain, that push heavy thoughts against your soul, those things that bring tears to your eyes and weariness to your heart. Be still. Rest. And look again. The glass that was once half empty, is now half full. Understanding brings peace.

Look again. Take your glasses from your face. Look, without your own perspective. Look again, through my eyes.

Mmmm..... there is such peace in His words. There is such truth.

So... slowly, I will take another look.

-Emma

Tea

2010-11-13T19:21:00.000-08:00

A long day calls for a cup of pom and petals tea...

and a warm, still place... to quiet my thoughts.

Thoughtfully yours,
Emma

P.S. There's a new item in the shop... check it out!

A Small Announcement

2010-11-10T21:08:00.000-08:00

Well.... shall I say my life is moving on?
I've got a full schedule of math, and writing, and.... something new.

Rambellwood Studios

Check out my official Etsy Shop.... here...
I have only one item as of yet... but have more in the listing process. Check again later in the week for new items!

And... on a small, exciting, side note, I am determined to post on this blog regularly. Look for my posts on Mondays, and feel free to bug me with a comment if I don't follow through.

From a very busy,
Emma

by Sarah Anne

2010-11-07T19:56:00.000-08:00

The sea is blue.

The sky is too.

The children shout.

Sailboats are out.

The seagulls fly

Up in the sky

Palm branches sway

In the cool day.

Butterfly wings flap

And little children clap.

The ships are large, but far away

Sailing in their very proud way,

And though I'm stuck inside all day,

When my father returns,

On the beach I'll play.

Sarah Anne and Matthew, with Mom and Dad and Johanna,

returned from California last week.

The above poem, written by Sarah Anne,

was a school project during their month away, and, I think,

a darling perspective of their lives in Santa Barbara.

Read more of the story here.

Curlers again?

2010-09-22T20:24:00.000-07:00

... Sarah Anne did not quite agree that she was "absolutely adorable"

in the little pink scarf, which was holding her curlers securely in place.

... though the thought of looking like the lovely Deanna excited her!

... as well as thinking about

singing like the Lennon Sisters!

And so we are on the road again!

Doing shows as the phone rings, following as the Lord leads.

And finding many trials and joys along the way. :)

The most wonderful thing is that He is in it all.

-Johanna

There Once Was A Girl

2010-09-09T20:40:00.000-07:00

She was born on September 9,

a soft, sweet child with the fairest skin,

the blue-est eyes, and soft gold ringlets around her heart-shaped face.

She grew up with a heart for God, with a yearning to know Him, to seek after His heart.

And He built in her a passion, for acting, for singing, for dancing and photography,

For sharing herself with others,

for being the best of friends with those the Lord brought her way,

And he built in her a hope,

a hope for that which so many girls dream of,

a home of her own,

Someday, faraway,

where she might ply her skills as a wife and a homemaker,

and follow the path of womanhood.

She has had her struggles, and her heartbreaks.

She has built friendships, some to mourn for, some to rejoice in.

She has her weaknesses, like all human beings,

and has struggled with sorrow at the discovery of them,

like we all do.

And she is overcoming.

She is putting her best foot forward, clad in a ruffled silver shoe.

She is lifting her chin and fighting the good fight.

She is doing the best that she can do, and she is intent upon doing it,

in His strength.

Are there more words to describe?

Yes, many, but I shall stop at these...

The Lord has blessed my life abundantly,

He has overflowed me with His goodness,

and this particular gift, this sister so strong of heart,

this friend beyond friends, this vessel of His glory,

my dear one...

Is beyond words.

I love you Johanna!

Congratulations on your amazing 18 years!

-Em

a Psalm

2010-08-16T07:45:00.000-07:00

The Lord is my strength and my shield.

In Him my heart trusts, and I am helped.

My heart exults

And with my song I give thanks to Him!!

[Psalm 28:7]

Johanna

Greenness

2010-06-28T18:39:00.000-07:00

There is green outside the glass

Of my window.

There is peace beyond the veil

Of myself.

Why don't I break the glass?

Why don't I tear the veil?

Why don't I step outside

To where He's standing

With a sword and a shield?

Why don't I begin?

My sister

2010-06-11T04:41:00.000-07:00

... are there words to describe her?

She is... my sister

She is always there. Always with an open heart. Wanting to grow with me. Showing her love through simple actions.

Working together during this burdensome time has been beautiful to me. My lovely sister has been... my sister. In the truest form.

How can that simple word be so beautiful to me?

Because Jesus placed us in this place. He is intertwining our hearts.

Every day... in every meal that we prepare...

In ways I never imagined.

I love you Emma.

[and Happy Birthday you 20-year old today!!!!!]

Blessing

2010-05-21T09:35:00.000-07:00

We were baptized last week,

All seven of us,

Beneath the water of a Texas lake,

Rejoicing beneath the wonder of God's grace.

The Lord is filling our lives with blessing.

Yes... with sorrow, and anxiety, and fear for the future.

But also with blessing.

Loved ones have coming from across the country to visit us and help us.

People call and write, and send their love.

I cannot begin to express my gratitude

for all of the thoughts and prayers sent our way.

Thank you!

We are blessed beyond measure.

And every evening we rest, beneath the spell of spirit-led music,

touched by the warmth God is covering us with,

folded tightly against his peace,

finding it is best to be still.

He is leading us.... and he is blessing us.

For more updates on Mom's condition and progress, visit the new blog... Bless Bonny.

I Don't Know What To Say

2010-05-12T21:41:00.000-07:00

My fingers rest over the keys, wanting to speak, wanting to share....

But afraid, somehow, of speaking the words.

But I do want to share. I want to tell you.

My mother has cancer.

There, I said it. It is a rare form, a form the doctors aren't sure how to treat, and it has spread far and wide.

My world should be falling apart. Truly it should.

But it is not. It is not. I'm am held tight in the hands of God. As surely as the sun will rise tomorrow, I shall rise tomorrow. As surely as the sun will set, I will lie down and be at peace.

Listen to our latest song. It is the song of my heart.

They can't stop me, they can't rob me, of this peace You've overflowed. They can't drown me out. They can't stop this sound. No. No. No.

Pray for us. Pray for my Mom, that her pain will fade, and she will find rest, that she will not fear. Pray that we will be given peace, and the courage to trust.

-Emma & Johanna

Thinking of Mother...

2010-05-11T20:13:00.000-07:00

and the blessing of her love...

Of her heart, of her tireless efforts

and passionate pursuit...

Of showing us God's heart

And teaching us his way

And making us his.

Our thoughts are on our mother,

and our hearts press prayers toward heaven.

Dear God, in all things, let your will be done.

-Emma and Johanna

Just Because

2010-04-12T20:59:00.000-07:00

Because I have been neglecting you, dear friends... and because a picture is worth a thousand words.

Perhaps, when my world has stopped spinning,

Round, and round, and round,

I shall take a moment,

And tell you more.

Twilight

2010-03-18T21:15:00.000-07:00

There is a certain magic in twilight

In the hour just before the dark of night

Lays its hands firmly over the earth,

In the smoky dusk of the falling day,

In the remembrances of what lies behind us

In preparing for what stands ahead.

It takes a certain strength to live this life,

To push aside the hands that scramble to bar our way,

To release the moisture that wells inside our eyes,

To let our hearts go.

Twilight is the place for that,

Just before the darkness falls,

Just before the candle we hold before us

Is snuffed out...

And we are left with our hands held out

To grasp the arms of God

The sunlight, warm against our backs...

The darkness, its whisper against our faces like a gift.

Because we know, that there

In the darkness,

In the very depths of our solitude,

In the midnight of our fears,

We will find Him.

And we will love Him

More than we ever have before.

To All of Texas

2010-03-01T18:32:00.000-08:00

Dear Texans,

Tomorrow is day beyond importance. Tomorrow, those of us who are old enough, will leave our homes, and enter our polling places, and press down our vote for the future of our state.

The race for governor in the state of Texas has been a unique one, moving from mediocre to exhilarating in the space of a few months. A David has risen up from out of nowhere, a David to fight two Goliaths.

It isn't often that I voice my political views, but, dear friends, if you are a Texan, and you are a registered voter, stand up, raise your head, and take a stand for freedom. Please, vote for Debra Medina.

Some may have never heard of her. Some may have heard too much, due to the recent hype over her interview with Glenn Beck. For both, please, look again. Dig a little deeper.

Debra is a registered nurse who home-schooled her children and is hugely involved in her church and her community. She understands what it means to be a citizen of Texas. She will fight for our rights. She uphold the truth of the constitution, and bring the government of Texas back to what it was meant to be.

Governor Perry has mentioned repeatedly, during the campaign, that Texas is doing better than any other state in the Union, proudly, trying to prove his ability to continue as our Governor. Debra Medina's response laid the situation out beneath the light.

"No one is proud to be standing

on the high end of a sinking ship."

So please, before you make your decision, before you are swayed by friends and media, look for yourself. Listen for yourself, and give Texas a chance at freedom.

Click here to view Debra during the Texas Gubernatorial Debate.

In all sincerity,

Emma

Magic

2010-02-16T12:52:00.000-08:00

This, in Texas, constitutes magic.

A glorious display

Beyond one's breadth of understanding...

Laid to bring a smile

To those who have never

tasted such wonder.

Ebb and Flow

2010-02-01T08:23:00.000-08:00

Home is a place...

Where the ebb and flow of life pushes past me

Characterized by the exuberance of children

Rounded by the joy of their existence.

"Never throw your lasso around someone's neck, or legs",

Matthew says,

"unless they're a bad-guy.

And I don't think God

Would make there be a bad-guy,

Anyway."

Pay attention when those voices speak,

Small, and simple as they are.

Pay attention to the wind,

running its fingers through your hair,

Pressing its mobile hands against your face.

Listen to the whispers of the changing world.

Wrap yourself in His creation,

and remind yourself of Him.

Rambellwood in Winter

2010-01-10T08:56:00.000-08:00

Ice... crowded three inches thick across our pond..

The chill of the air filtering through the floor of our house...

Where the children stare, wide-eyed, at this foreign scene.

We all congregate about the stove,

Resting on a Sunday afternoon.

Over Your Shoulder

2009-12-29T17:37:00.000-08:00

The way one looks back, on a year like this,

sends tremors across one's heart.

It's all behind you.

You can begin again.

Yet, in all actuality, what is changing?

The date.

4 small digits laid out across the world.

2010.

Those digits become a reminder,

a reminder of the newness of living,

the stirring of energy beneath every day life.

Let us keep going, remembering,

Looking forward, but in all of it, focusing on each moment,

one at a time,

threading our confusing strands of thought

towards the One I call the Story-weaver, our father God,

the One who writes our journey.

The 8 O Clock Frock GROSGRAIN GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-12-12T14:37:00.000-08:00

Check out this lovely dress at Grosgrain Fabulous.

The sheath look is one of my new favorites.

The 8 O Clock Frock GROSGRAIN GIVEAWAY!!!!

Just for fun...

Emma

Action

2009-12-08T17:00:00.000-08:00

Discover the Story...

Then set the Stage...

Switch on the light.

Turn the first page.

Then shout ACTION!

Happy Birthday Sam!

A birthday party of grandest proportions... A black table scattered with confetti, autumn leaves, and photos that celebrated Samuel's 24 years, laid with Honey Glazed Chicken, Rosemary Parmesan Potatoes, Lemon Basil Carrots, freshly baked wheat rolls, green beans, and a fruit salad wrapped in whipped cream.

Then, when the dishes were cleared.... three suitcases were imparted to three groups of people, and the objects therein were turned into three skits, mysterious, dramatic, and rolicking with good, wholesome, fun.

Thereafter followed gifts, packages wrapped gaily in plaid paper and film related trivia, the gifts hidden inside following the general theme of antiquities... Things like a pewter mug with a glass bottom, a pipe case, pipe tobacco, an antique black umbrella, an antique film camera, coffee, a personalized travel mug, and a gift card to Starbucks.

The evening ended...

Like many such evenings do...

with the men on the porch with their pipes...

While we women remained within...

Sharing our hearts, as women do.

Emma

Giving Thanks

2009-11-28T17:45:00.000-08:00

Wishing you most heartfelt blessings and all the dearest joys

As we go from this time of giving thanks...

And pass into a season of giving of ourselves.

Emma & Johanna

Childhood, an honest confession

2009-11-08T18:26:00.000-08:00

I was the sort of child who grew up emotional, and dreamy,

the sort of little girl who was fond of taking large pieces of

silky fabric out to the w i d e field,

and running about for an hour with the wind and her dreams.

My struggles with falling asleep at night

were remedied with my ever present imagination,

and the fairytales that were birthed from it,

the young girls in their long hair and medieval gowns

racing through my dreams on color-coordinated horses.

Thus, when I watched for the first time, the film,

The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood,

and met Olivia de Havilland's enchanting Maid Marian,

my girlish heart was thrilled beyond words.

My dreams of wedding gowns turned medieval...

My favorite artwork were soft portraits of chivalrous knights and fair ladies,

and Tennyson's Lady of Shalott took me by storm.

The Maid Marian weekend at AmandaBethOnline is unfortunately over.

I wanted so to do something for it... and with my sisters,

almost managed to.

I discovered the perfect model...

Assembled the wardrobe...

And called the photographer.

Grace wore a crisp white cotton blouse

whose high neck and sleeves are trimmed with cluny lace,

found at Bealls.

Over it, she wore a floor length black dress,

With a length of black brushed lace for an elegant cloak.

For trim, we added a deep green ivory dotted scarf,

inherited from our grandmother,

and cluster of crystalline flowers in amethyst and silver.

Grace's hair required little.

Her burnished curls are like spun silk...

... And with a few quaint braids and sprigs of dried lavender...

...she is, suddenly, with her glowing brown eyes...

the dreamiest of Rapunzels.

But... time took its course and ran away on winged feet.

We could not catch it.

Thus, this cannot count as an entry in

AmandaBeth's Fashion Week,

But, with such a model, and such a photographer,

and such a history as mine, steeped in the romance of Marian...

Who can resist?

Photos by Johanna Ramsey.

Sketches by Emma Ramsey.

A Day at Rambellwood

2009-10-14T20:03:00.000-07:00

Morning... early....

an angular girl swings a wicker basket onto her hip,

and climbs the stairs to put away the laundry.

She grins when she catches sight of the camera.

Mid-day, with rain sliding down the windows...

Warmth pervades the kitchen...

and potato soup awaits our cold limbs.

Afternoon, and the children skip outside...

Followed covertly by a blue eyed photographer.

The wind whispers against trees laden with light...

While the sun turns the children's heads to gold...

And leaves jewels of light in their sparkling eyes.

The day melts away,

fading with the sound of children's laughter

and the dimming of the yellow sun.

- Emma

Another Kind of Heaven

2009-10-06T19:53:00.000-07:00

It has happened once again. I have caught a glimpse of what is

beyond thrilling.

Truly! I have had dreams, of walking into an antique store...

Stumbling upon a room laden with vintage and antique

dresses, hats, gloves, shoes,

and jewelry...

Well, mostly dresses,

Gorgeous vintage dresses in all the most beautiful colors,

On sale!

Only this time, Johanna went,

and I heard not the splendid tale until after the fact.

She was beyond rapture. Her camera was very busy.

There was only problem.

We could have none of it.

Everything was much too small.

Emma

Lantanas and High Tea

2009-09-17T14:31:00.000-07:00

Orange and gold...

Sweetness and joy.

The wonder of life.

Psst....! This happens to be our 100th post.

For my Dearest

2009-09-09T18:55:00.000-07:00

My dearest companion, my closest friend, the sister of all my struggles, Johanna Sue, turns 17 today.

She is a more than talented photographer.

She loves children, loves her family, loves taking pictures of them.

She, like the waves that crowd the shore, yearning to touch it, presses towards her Heavenly Father, and touches His heart.

She is a friend you can always trust, a friend who advises and encourages...

Faithful beyond the meaning of the word.

She sings like an angel,

Acts, with talent and energy and passion,

And loves,

With all her heart.

And, can I say? She is absolutely, undeniably, beautiful.

Happy Birthday dearest!

Emma

and all the Ramsey Clan

Photo credit to the following:

Molly Pearce

Cate Pearce

Keslie Smith

Grace Ramsey

Sam Ramsey

Uncovering Treasures

2009-09-07T08:54:00.000-07:00

A new adventure, like the dawn of the new day, can come upon one suddenly, overwhelmingly...

... And with ever so much breathtaking wonder.

We've discovered, in our quaint East Texas town, a house, built with loving hands, and neglected sorely over the passing years. Its story is an unforgettable one, of lives touched with courage, of the people who dwelt within its walls and made it a home.

But others came in, made their own lives when others were gone. New walls were erected, new paint over old wallpaper, the grand old staircase pulled out and a new, straight-laced one put in.

We have been uncovering so much beauty,

So much that whispers of the family who once lived here,

The wallpaper, on walls and ceiling, from the early 1900's, with fabric backing curiously printed like old flour sacks,

The ballroom, hidden beneath new walls, the high ceilings lowered for the sake of new wiring and plumbing.

But we will reawaken history. We will pull off the sarcophagus, and find the gold beneath.

Heaven

2009-08-31T20:42:00.000-07:00

Truly, it is....

Rows and rows of fabric... quaint and quirky shop owners, who are so helpful they are unforgettable...

Joy, at sudden discovery.

Seeing one's companions, disappearing between aisles of color, then suddenly popping up again.

It is, truly, a little Heaven on Earth.

Ava

2009-08-03T08:30:00.000-07:00

News, my friends! Ever so happy news!

No. I haven't finished my book. My heart still awaits the day I can tell you that.

But..... I have been selected as one of the five finalists for the Christa-Taylor Design Your Dream Dress Contest!! How exciting is that?

The final competition all depends on reader votes now. So.... cast your vote! I won't say vote for me, though I'd dearly love you too, because I want you to vote for your honest favorite. Here's the blog page.... Christa-Taylor Blog

And here's my dress... The AVA.

The Ava summer dress, a lightweight creation in a perfect blend of rayon and cotton, hued with the brightest of summer colors, is inspired by the classic silhouette of the 1930’s. The combination of a quaintly fitted waist, a bias cut skirt, and the subtle touch of vintage crocheted lace about the neck and armholes, makes it perfect for that simple summer outing. It includes modestly cut armholes, as well as strap holders to keep you in place.

Yumminess

2009-07-29T18:39:00.000-07:00

One carefully rolled pie crust, a little bit of this,

and a little bit that, topped off with a dollop of fresh whipped cream.

Mmmm... summer.

A Smallish Sort Of Update

2009-07-28T16:17:00.000-07:00

I am trying hard to keep our blog more often updated, but due to the current tide of my life, it is my other blog that finds me oftenest updating. I've posted quite a lot!

Check it out... Thoughts On Wandrian

from a very thoughtful,

Emma

Emma Graduates

2009-07-20T13:52:00.000-07:00

Class of 2009

“Thou hast given a banner to

them that fear thee,

that it might be displayed

because of the truth”.

Psalms 60:4

Cary and Bonny Ramsey

are pleased to announce

the homeschool

graduation

of their daughter

Emma Pearl Ramsey

Celebrate with us

as Emma concludes this

portion of her education.

Keep her in your prayers as

she moves on to pursue

her dream,

the completion of...

Wandrian, her novel.

Thank you… to my parents,

for their patient, and superlative, all day,

every day education, in matters practical and spiritual…

to my brothers and sisters,

for being with me along the way…

and to God… who has made me

who I am.

- Emma

For more information on Emma and

her novel, visit her blog…

www.thoughtsonwandrian.blogspot.com

*Senior portraits by Sam Ramsey

Life... that passes so quickly

2009-07-15T17:49:00.000-07:00

Summer, I think,

Is crowded beyond the barriers of logic...

With life, with music

With day and night, unbroken by rest

With joys, despite

The overflowing days

With drama, real and unreal

With good food that touches the soul

With people, realness,

With hope for what may come

Summer, I know

Was made for us, an adventure.

Emma

Wordless for a Moment

2009-06-07T08:39:00.000-07:00

When the world is cold

Beyond my window-pane

When the day is old
And my heart refrains,

From opening up,

showing love,

giving up.

Open me up

Pull down my doors

Fill up my heart

Sweep the dust from my floors

I am yours

-Emma

Oh What A Joyous Day!

2009-05-28T05:24:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a day to be held very close in my memory.

Johanna and Grace and I, met a dear friend, face to face, for the first time. There is nothing so thrilling as the race of one's heart when you are, suddenly, standing right next to one another. My heart jumped so high!

So, guess who? Dear Emily, from Songs I Sing.

A very happy,

Emma

The sweetest things....

2009-05-27T13:33:00.000-07:00

Music that touches one's heart....

Deanna Durbin

Grace Kathleen

2009-05-14T08:19:00.000-07:00

Celebrating 14 years....

of life with the dearest, sweetest sister,

with fingers like magic on the piano,

a voice full of purity and heart,

and a big love for her family.

We love you dear Grace!

Emma and Johanna,

and the rest of the Ramsey clan

Sailboat

2009-04-27T19:32:00.000-07:00

Life has a way of throwing you over a cliff edge without so much as a by-your-leave. One knows, perhaps the moment you are first hurled in mid-air, that God is waiting there, to catch you, but fear still tingles around you like wisps of cold, moist cloud.

It feels a little that way now, after surviving a pre-performance week populated by coughs and sore throats and headaches, fighting my way through spiritual battles, wondering what else could go wrong, when suddenly, with a BOOM! my little brother suffers a fall, and must be rushed to the hospital to have stitches in his sweet, little, five year old chin.

He is alright, now, exhilarated by his sudden fame, a little hero in band-aids and stickers.

But it makes me think, makes me wonder. It makes me hold out my hand, remembering the one who put me here, asking his guidance, holding onto his wisdom will all the power I can muster. It makes me, suddenly, inspired....

I don't want to be a steamboat

Pushing over life's sea

All on my own energy....

Blowing smoke...

I don't want to be a galley

Turning those I love to slaves

To make my life ride the waves....

Churning pain...

I don't want to ride the tide

A restless, forgotten, stone

Smoothed beneath the foam....

Emotionless...

I want to be a sailboat

Carried by a windy hand

Led from torrent to the sand....

Belonging...

With all my heart,

Emma

P.S. For those who watched our recent short films, submitted to the christianfilmakers.org 36 hour contest, The Boy With $100 was placed 11th, and My Favorite was placed 27th, out of 66 entries.

Making a Publication Official...

2009-04-21T09:21:00.000-07:00

There is a project that covers many pages of my life. Though its threads are not necessary for the completion of my life story, they hold an importance to me. They wind their way through the words that narrate my everyday existence, through my thoughts, through my writing, something I cannot forget.

So, I decided I should share a little more of it, simply because I love to share. I want to tell about the things that fill my heart and touch my life.

"Garden of Dreams" by Mary Baxter St. Clair

So here it is, officially, a blog dedicated to excerpts, brainstorms, and general musings on my novel...

Wandrian

A Faerie's Journey

Click above for my new blog, Thoughts On Wandrian.

Auf Weidersehen!

Emma

A Day in the Life of a Filmmaker

2009-04-12T14:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, my cousin, Jordan, came to visit.

And these.... are what happened. Be sure you turn off the music player before you start..

The size of these are conflicting with my blog layout, so if you'd rather, here are the links to them on YouTube...

The Boy With $100... Sam's entry

What Is Your Favorite?... Jordan's entry

Sam, Jordan, James, Sarah Anne, and Matthew, spent yesterday creating these films for a 36 hr. film festival ending at midnight. They wrote, and organized, and filmed, and edited, and uploaded, till the time was nearly gone, and weariness slept on their doorstep.

They got them in just in time, and this morning showed us their finished projects. Now we all wait on the edge of our breath for the results.

I'll let you know them, soon.

Emma

Something More to Celebrate

2009-04-07T06:29:00.000-07:00

On Sunday there was a party held, in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, to celebrate my great grandmother's birthday.

Nana Grace

Doesn't she look wonderful?

I won't tell you her age, but leave you to guess.

Leave a comment and I'll let you know if you're right.

Family....

Extended family

left to right; Chloe, Johanna, Clancy, Emma

and very extended family....

What fun we had, celebrating two birthdays in one day...

Matthew was born the day before Nana's __th birthday...

(Can you guess how many years span between them?)

Until we meet again,

Emma

Little Ones

2009-04-05T05:50:00.000-07:00

In celebration...

Of two of the dearest young folks we know...

Sarah Anne

the funniest of little girls,

with the sweetest of dreams,

and the biggest of hearts.

Born at 9:20 p.m., on March 27th, 2000

Now 9 years old

and Matthew Lloyd

the most adorable of little boys,

with the brightest of eyes,

the warmest of smiles,

and hugs that break your heart.

Born at 2:48 p.m., on April 5, 2004

Now 5 years old.

Happy Birthday you two!!

New Life on Rambellwood Farm

2009-04-02T19:02:00.000-07:00

Excitement swelled into our teeming kitchen yesterday afternoon. The beef was left to brown itself, the cilantro to wash its own green leaves, while we followed Matthew's bare feet out to the field...

To watch Dad carry the new calf toward us in his arms, the sun weaving its golden thread into the green of the grass.

The calf was hardly two hours old, with bright brown eyes... a darling little thing with little white spots..

An awakening of life on our newly named farm, Rambellwood.

May your spring bloom with joy,

Emma

Red Velvet

2009-03-29T11:39:00.000-07:00

Life is ever so full, bursting with color and sound and texture, with love, and life, and loss. Valentine's Day expresses much of it.

My family and I celebrate the holiday a trifle differently than how it is commonly celebrated. We have the traditional valentines, cards with "heart-y" themes,

... jam packed with messages of how much a person means to the lives they touch.

The hearts may be the same, but making valentines has turned into somewhat of an art in our house, each card made special for its recipient.

The evening begins with a special meal,

with sparkling grape juice,

with homemade rolls, warm from the oven,

with herbed brown rice, and Chicken Cordon Bleu.

Then we retire to the living room to pass out the Valentines. They bring tears, and laughter, and smiles all around. We linger so long, that times passes much too quickly. It took us nearly two hours this year, each person reading their valentine one at a time, while the rest of us, sat, listening with quivering hearts.

Then before the evening is over, comes one last celebration.

We gather again around the table, and dessert is served...

Waldorf Astoria Red Cake

Cream together...

1/2 cup shortening

1 1/2 cup sugar

2 eggs

Make paste of 2 oz. (or 1/4 cup) red food coloring and

2 tablespoons cocoa. Add to above mixture.

Add alternately:

1 cup buttermilk.

2 1/2 cups cake flour and

1 teaspoon salt.

Add 1 teaspoon vanilla

Blend in 1 teaspoon soda with

1 tablespoon vinegar

Put batter in two paper-lined 9 in. cake pans.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes.

Ice with cream cheese frosting.

May you be full of joy,

Emma

Note: Photos #1. and #9 - #16 were taken by Sam Ramsey

Silent

2009-03-12T19:17:00.000-07:00

My voice is silent tonight. I am resting the thrumming of my vocal chords for tomorrow's dawning.

My sisters and I will be performing tomorrow, sharing our voices and our hearts, filling the air with songs that are dear to us. We are singing songs reminiscent of days gone by, when voices like The Andrews Sisters and Bing Crosby were heard through the airwaves.

The preparations for this performance have been long and hard, and, in the few short hours that will pass with the night, we shall be standing upon a platform in all our vintage finery, melding our voices to the tunes of "I'll Be With You In Apple Blossom Time", "On Moonlight Bay", Shoo, Shoo, Baby", and "Loch Lomond". If you'd like to know more about it, we have built a new blog dedicated to what we call, "The Ramsey Sisters", here.

The night feels cold, worry stalking our hopeful hearts, telling us disheartening lies. The chill frightens me.

But the cold of a fearful night can bring a of morning of glorious silver frost, the darting crystals of heaven-sent splendor pulling sharply at our souls, reminding us of his glory. Just as the sun melts away the momentary jewels left by the cold, God's whisper will melt the cold descent of Satan's lies.

Will you pray, dear friends? We will be doing our half hour set three times tomorrow, and the taut intensity inside me reminds of the strings on Sarah Anne's violin, tightened to crisp unity before running across the strings. We all feel that way, holding our minds and hearts still, ready for the opening of the curtain, ready to push our feet across the stage, ready to unveil our months of hard work on whatever audience may stand before us. May God guide our hands and our feet, and thread his love through the fabric of our songs.

Tomorrow is a new day. Our hearts await its touch.

Emma

Ever So Awarded

2009-03-01T19:26:00.000-08:00

Spring is creeping up on us, with the softness of arriving color. The rain-clad sky is shading the dull earth with tinges of pink. Browny-pink knobs dot the ornamental pear tree, awaiting the touch of warmth on their smooth skins to break into bloom. The deep green moss on the trees is yellow with the damp, and small purple blossoms are sending an amethyst haze over the ground.

I have pushed myself into the enveloping warmth of a living-room chair with a resolution. I will catch up this blog!

I have always wanted to be awarded, wanted to know my blog was something good, something that other people enjoyed. I was always on the edge of my seat when I noticed someone with an award, wondering if I'd ever get them. And then, suddenly, awards began to rush in on an overwhelming flood. I was thrilled.

Not until now have I had the chance to thank everyone, and post the awards and pass them on. So, without any more chit-chat, here goes.

Everly Pleasant at Clickety-Clack nominated us for the Snowflake Award.

The snowflake represents beauty and individuality. No two snowflakes are alike. This is the way we are in God's eyes-special. And just as he designed each snowflake, he designed each of us with great care, beautifully and fearfully, before we were even "knit in our mother's womb."

This award goes to people who notice "the snowflakes" in life. The tiny, often overlooked, but beautiful and unique things. While everyone else was walking all over snow, caring nothing about snow, Wilson Bentley was appreciating individual snowflakes and photographing them so that they could be cherished for a long time. He said:
"Under the microscope, I found that snowflakes were miracles of beauty; and it seemed a shame that this beauty should not be seen and appreciated by others. Every crystal was a masterpiece of design and no one design was ever repeated., When a snowflake melted, that design was forever lost. Just that much beauty was gone, without leaving any record behind."
So this award goes to those who not only appreciate The Little Things but...

To someone who captures The Little Things before they melt. They record them in words, photographs, however they choose.

We nominate...

Abi at Being With Joy

Hannah at Honey and Jam

Kami at Content in the Country

Anna at Pleasant View Schoolhouse

Elise at Ribbons of Light, and the Three Spinsters at Pretty Wit, awarded us this...

The qualifications for this award -- you give this award to five bloggers who:

1. Inspire you
2. Make you smile and laugh
3. Give amazing information
4. Are a great read
5. Have an amazing design
6. And any other reasons you can think of that makes them uber amazing!

Rules of the award are as follows:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. Nominate at least 5 blogs (can be more) that for you are Uber Amazing! ***if you don’t have 5 that’s okay.***
3. Let them know that they have received this Uber Amazing award by commenting on their blog.
4. Share the love and link to this post and to the person you received your award from.

I know many of you have already been awarded, but nevertheless, we nominate...

Shannon, at A Maiden's Musings

Tiffany, at A High Calling

Emily, at Songs I Sing

Laura, at Actually Laura

Chelsea, at Writer's Blog

Kami, at Content In The Country

And dear Emily, at Songs I Sing, awarded us this..

The Lemonade from Lemons award, for those bloggers who have shown themselves to be handy at discovering silver linings and making the best of bad situations.

Rules: Name ten (or less if that suits you better) sites that reflect this silver linings philosophy.

We name....

Elissa, at Proverbs 31 Woman

Elizabeth, at In My Own Little Corner

Laura, at Actually Laura

Amy and Julia, at For Lack of Anything Better

Thank you everyone so much for nominating us, for blessing us with these gifts! Yes, I see them as gifts. It gives me a pleasant feeling down inside, knowing our blog, and the things we share through it, are worthy of praise. It is not a prideful feeling, but it warms my heart the way hot herbal tea does, rushing through my body and tingling at my heart, sending a fiery flush over my cheeks.

Bless you all...

Emma

A Time to Share

2009-02-18T17:30:00.000-08:00

I have never shared a recipe before, though they are crowded into my mind the way grass crowds moist ground. I love cooking, actually, and know for a fact that those who find their way to our table never leave it unsatisfied.

I thought I'd share one of our family favorites, the one always mixed and baked to perfection my brother, James. This is, actually for the benefit of Hanna, from Honey and Jam, whose wonderful blog has a habit of making me reach for a mixing bowl, drawn by mouth-watering photos and a shared love of good, well made food.

Lemon Squares

3/4 cup butter (softened)
1 1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar

Mix butter, flour, and powdered sugar, until well blended and crumbly. If the butter is not soft you will need to cut it in. Pat into ungreased 9x13x2 baking dish. Bake 20 min. at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

3 eggs
3 T. flour
1 1/2 cup sugar
3 T. lemon juice ( freshly squeezed is best)

Mix well and pour over crust. Bake for 20 min. at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While still hot, dust with powdered sugar.

Eat quickly as these are apt to disappear rapidly.

And, for Genevieve, I am sharing the recipe for the dessert we've served for Christmas dinner 3 years in a row. I don't expect we'll stop serving anytime soon.

Streusel Squash Dessert

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup cold butter

STREUSEL TOPPING:
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons cold butter
1 cup chopped pecans

FILLING:
1 medium butternut squash (4 pounds), peeled, seeded and cubed
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
2 cans (12 ounces each) evaporated milk
4 eggs
Whipped cream and additional cinnamon, optional

In a bowl, combine flour and sugars; cut in butter until crumbly. Press into an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Bake at 350° for 15-20 minutes or until edges begin to brown. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour and cinnamon; cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in pecans; set aside.
Place squash in a large saucepan and cover with water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until tender. Drain. Transfer to a blender or food processor; cover and process until smooth. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugars, cornstarch and seasonings. Gradually beat in 4 cups squash, milk and eggs until smooth (save any remaining squash for another use). Pour over crust. Sprinkle with topping.
Bake at 350° for 55-65 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Garnish with whipped cream and additional cinnamon if desired.

Yield: 15-18 servings.

I hope you all enjoy! There is something so blessedly wonderful in cooking, and sewing, and, sometimes, even cleaning.

Emma

Remembering Christmas Day

2009-02-08T07:26:00.000-08:00

Christmas Day was gentled with fellowship of friends. They came to visit us, all the way from San Antonio, TX, the dearest of friends whose distance makes their company quite rare. Thus, joyous was the day when they entered our house, their eyes and mouth smiling, and ours smiling with joy in return.

We ate another version of Christmas breakfast, a delightful repast.

Nothing goes so perfectly with food as laughter, nor good company to share it with....

Leonor, Nelda, and Richard

Afterwards, the preparation of Christmas dinner commenced.

Whilst we bent over our dishes in the kitchen, Richard played with Matthew and Sarah Anne.

Then the bell was rung, and we all assembled around the long table.

More joy, more talking, more smiles...

The day slipped by, filled with meditation together, worship, wonderful conversations, until we gathered around the table again, to enjoy butternut squash streusel dessert and coffee, and play a game.

And thus comes the end of our happy December. It was one of the most unforgettable. January has passed since, rather quietly, and February is in its fullest time.

Farewell, dear friends.

Emma