Christmas {is}

Christmas is becoming more and more bittersweet, and in an effort to be honest, I will note that while these pictures paint a rather fairytale looking life, they are merely the beauty weeded out of the chaos. I am so greatful for every good thing I recived from His hand this Christmas... and there were plenty of them! I also recognize that there we hard parts, and things that made me cry, and things that we not so Joyeux Noel. But God remains good, my heart is not light... but greatful. This isn't what you want to hear in a "Christmas Post" but I am not the pretending type. Bittersweet is an honest word. I'm glad God created it.

Here follows what I captured of my Christmas. So thankful God allows me to see HIS perfection in the midst of the biggest messes.



 { Winter Wind }

 {Reading by the fire}

 {Cards at the kitchen table}

 {Woodstoves}

 {hooray for the only time of year we get to bring the outside, inside.}

 {Things that are wrapped thriftily}

 {Wrapped up in mist}

 

{Simple things}

{Hannah's chocolate chip cookies deserve a moment of silence. _________. I can't post the recipe, it's a secret.}

 

{We Wait}

{Belanger family tradition, follow the trail of tootsie rolls to wherever the presents are, baskets in hand, gathering as we go. Mayhem.}

 {Pajamas all day long}

 {The stillness of sleeping siblings}

 {Home}



 {Candles lit}

 {Two christmas's, 14 stockings, making it work.}

{The Afterglow}



On Pie.

One, this post is because half the pictures I took over Thanksgiving were of pie in it's various stages. 

Two, because I believe pie is a universal love language, and not only does it deserve it's own post, but it is the bringer of much joy. And we just need joy. 

Spiced Pear Pie, with Toasted Walnuts and Gorgonzola Cheese in a Buttermilk Crust. 

I took this little wooden mold and made acorns out of the leftover pie crust. Brushed them with cream and sprinkled with cane sugar and allspice. Perfect. 

 

 

~Recipe Here~

"Where there is life, there is hope. And need of vittles."

-J.R.R Tolkien

Every Thing. (On Being Greatful) Part 2

There was more to be thankful for...

Every early morning sound, and each ray of it's light.

Every time the steam rose.

Every Wintery Sky.

Every piece of homespun art.

Every small hand in a very large one.

Every piece of "this is too good to be true."

(Salted caramel cheesecake)

Every Granddaddy smile, even if he doesn't remember our names.



Every time my Mama said "I am so glad you are here."

 

(especially when she spoke that in the form of her infamous cream cheese coffee cake.) 

Every small act of togetherness.

Every warm strum of music.

Every blessing doesn't mean all perfection... and I believe I am thankful for that too. 

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.

"Will you trust Him because His strength is great, or will you leave your labor to Him? Will you trust Him to bring home your grain, or to gather it to your threshing floor?" 

- Job 39:10-11

Lord of the harvest. 

I am blessed beyond belief!