From December to March, there are for many of us three gardens - the garden outdoors, the garden of pots and bowls in the house, and the garden of the mind's eye. ~Katherine S. White~

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. ~Norman Vincent Peale~

Christmas--that magic blanket that wraps itself about us, that something so intangible that it is like a fragrance. It may weave a spell of nostalgia. Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer, but always it will be a day of remembrance--a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved. ~Augusta E. Rundel~

   This month our committee members jointly wrote a story. So without further delay, from our hearts, our gift to you.............

The Christmas Rose

   The wind was howling making the falling snow swirl around the house. Night was falling but Laura did not bother to turn on a lamp. There was plenty of light coming from the fireplace. Tears slowly ran down her face as she stared at the flames. The Christmas season was almost upon her. What was she going to do? Upstairs asleep under warm quilts that she had so lovingly stitched was the love of her life, her wonderful boy, Kyle.
   It had been a struggle over the last 5 years. She had a good job with a great boss but it was hard to make ends meet sometimes. This year it was even harder than usual, what with having to just last week, replace the furnace in her old house. With a deep sigh Laura remembered how excited she and Ian had been when they bought the old two story house. It had a huge wrap around porch that just seemed to cry out for rocking chairs where they could spend lazy evenings talking and drinking lemonade and waving at the neighbors as they walked by. It had two huge oak trees in the big front yard and the first thing Laura had done when they moved in was to get Ian to hang a swing from one of it's huge branches. (Vicki B)
   Suddenly she was startled from her thoughts by the sound of boots across the porch just as the door swung open. In stepped Ian big as life with an arm-load of firewood for the fire and a smile as big as Dallas! He had been working late so they could have some extra money to spend for Christmas. He put the firewood down and added a log to the fire then turned to his lovely Laura and reached down to kiss her cheek. Ian asked "Why the tears my sweet? You are too beautiful to look so sad." Laura couldn't help but smile as she looked into her husbands eyes. She knew that whatever the problems or hardships, they had each other and their precious son. Ian sat down beside her and held her tightly in his arms.
   The next morning brought sunshine that glistened across the snow covered yard. As Laura made breakfast and prepared to take Kyle to kindergarten, she looked out the window to see the most beautiful red bird perched on the snow covered seat of the tree swing. She called to Kyle so she could show him the beautiful red bird because her son loves nature as much as she does. He has always followed her around the garden with his little plastic trowel and bucket collecting bugs and rocks. (Granmommie)
   Laura and Kyle loved the many birds that found food and shelter in the woods and gardens surrounding their home. They decided to prepare extra treats for their feathered friends after Kyle's kindergarten session. Being the good mom, Laura headed for the kitchen. She set a batch of bread knowing her beloved son would so enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and a warm fresh-from-the-oven cinnamon roll when he got home from school.
   Before long, a rosy cheeked little boy, with sparkling eyes came bounding in the door! Dusting the snow off he promptly plopped himself on the stool to enjoy his "treat". But he could hardly wait to fix the treats for those hungry birds outside.
   Grabbing his little bucket, and getting bundled up again, he tromped through the snow to get the cones from the shed they had gathered in the fall. Laura had the counters covered with newspaper, and materials ready when Kyle returned. He smeared peanut butter on the cones, rolled them in the pie pan of birdseed, then Laura tied a string around the top. (Mickey Mom)
   Kyle was ready to go feed the birds when mom said “first your homework young man”. He grabbed his backpack and nibbled on the treats mom had set out for him. Homework was a breeze and in no time the cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate had him all warm inside. He filled his bucket with the pine cones and kissed his mom on the cheek. He turned and was bringing down his hat and scarf when he felt a tap on his shoulder; it was dad with his coat. Dad was right it was very cold out.
   Opening the door he realized how cold it was and stopped to see this breath and listen to the complete silence outside. With jacket, boots, and scarf he started to run and realized he better take it slow when he almost slipped. The lake was frozen over now and as he stepped down onto the first step he could hear the snow crunch beneath his weight. He held the bucket close to his chest and held onto the rail with his right hand. Just then he stopped, remembered his walking stick, and went back into the porch to get it. Yep it was still there right next to his rocker.
   Back down the steps, he wanted to go out by the swing where mom had showed him the red bird the other day. As he walked around the house he could see mother’s garden filled with mostly a lot of burlap covered plants. He could see the Kangaroo paw sticking up, he knew the name of it cause when mom told him, it made him giggle. He passed mothers pink camellias on the side of the house and could now see the glow from the kitchen window. He waved at his mom that was cleaning up the pine cone mess in the kitchen and he decided when mom was out of view he was going to swing for a minute before feeding the birds.
   He set down his bucket by the huge oak tree and sat down on his swing then he heard a noise and looked up to see many birds sitting watching him as much as he was watching them. He got off of the swing and went to his bucket. He tied all the pine cones up in the tree with string and watched the birds for a bit before he heard his mom hollering his name. As he walked into the house he could hear mom and dad having a serious conversation. He was not sure about what but he knew mom has been worried lately and he just wanted to hug and kiss her. He could smell popcorn popping and knew he would be making string pop corn for the birds and hoped he could put it on the trees outside later for them. Popcorn garlands, pine cone treats, cut oranges are what they do to every year for the birds during winter and he looked forward to it. He heard the word Christmas when he walked into the room… (Panzer)
   He saw Mom look at Dad and give a little shake of her head. Kyle got all excited, cause he just knew Mom and Dad were talking about Santa Claus and the new toys he would get come Christmas morning. With a little squeal of delight, he bounced across the kitchen floor and jumped into his Dad's strong arms."Daddy, daddy, I just know Santa's going to bring me a bike for Christmas, cause I've been a good boy!" He jabbered on, about the new toys that would be waiting under the tree Christmas morning, as Mom turned away, so he could not see the tears, making her eyes shine so brightly.
   After supper, and a good warm bath, with a good night kiss from Dad and a bedtime story from Mom, Kyle was settled down to sleep under the warm quilts Laura had made. (Tweety~Pye)
   Every night as Kyle drifted off to sleep he would dream of the warm days of summer, playing outside, helping his Mother in the garden and adventuring in the woods behind their home. In the woods he would gather the pinecones that would be used to feed the squirrels and birds as the weather grew cooler. He would linger at the edge of his Mother's garden looking over the okra, tomatoes, potatoes and other vegetables. He took in the fragrance of the sweet honeysuckle growing nearby. If he thought about it long enough he could nearly smell it now. Kyle loved helping in the garden, each year he and his Mother would gather seeds to be used for the next year. He was already very good at knowing how to prepare and store the seeds. He also knew when each one needed to be sewn in the spring.
   They didn't have a great deal of material goods but what they lacked in belongings, they more than made up for in the love they shared. This night as he drifted off to sleep he dreamed of playing with other children, and sharing his "hidey holes" with someone as yet unknown. Peacefully he slept - warm in the knowledge that no harm would come to him here in his safe little bed. The excitement of Christmas was looming ever nearer. (Sunnie)
   And as Kyle slept.....(Jus Kuntree)
   Laura slowly walked down the stairs, with a heavy heart. She knew there wouldn't be enough money for a new bike for Kyle, and she so wanted him to have it. He was such a good little boy, always helping her out with the chores and the gardening.
   When he was born, Ian had given Laura a beautiful red rose, and she had planted it in their garden. It had grown strong and healthy just like Kyle. She so wanted to see the same pleasure on her precious son's face Christmas morning, that she had seen in Ian's that Christmas morning , almost six years ago when Kyle was born. He was so proud of his tiny little baby boy. He had rushed right out and searched all over town until he found the beautiful red rose that he brought back to her. He knew that it was her very favorite flower, and even though it was a bad time of the year for roses, he did not give up his search until he found the perfect red rose for her. (Tweety~Pye)
   Laura was thinking to herself just how could she come up with the money to get Kyle's bike. She so hated to see him disappointed. Ian had not given up on getting her the red rose he wanted and she just could not give up on getting Kyle his bike. She entered the sewing room where all her lovely quilts were made, and some were still lying there, showing their beauty. She was so proud of them, they each had their own meaning to her. As she was admiring the quilts, she decided to take one of the beautiful quilts and sell it. Tomorrow she would go down to the fabric store and talk to the manager. If placing the quilt in the store for sale would get Kyle's bike, that's what she had to do. (Sassy E)
   Every day for the last two weeks as she went home from work she had checked with the store to see if her quilt had sold. It was still hanging in the window with a for sale sign on it. With the passing of each day the sadness for her son grew. He had his heart set on a bike this year. (VickiB)
   But here it was, Christmas Eve, and Kyle would not get his bike that he so desparately wanted for Christmas. There would be no look of joy and pleasure on Kyle's face as she so desparately wanted to see. Instead of tears of joy, there would be tears of sadness and disappointment on his face. Oh, he'd try to be brave and hide his disappointment, but she knew he would not be successful.
   And as if to make matters worse, although for this time of year the weather had been reasonably nice, and remarkably her beloved rose bush had still kept some green leaves, the weather they said was quickly turning bad. A severe cold snap with heavy snow was forecasted for Christmas Eve. Already the cold North wind was whipping against the house, causing the window panes to rattle in warning. She feared that her rose bush would not survive this turn of the weather. She had taken all the precautions to protect it for the winter, but now it looked like all her efforts would be in vain. Her boy would not get his bike, and it now looked like her beloved rose bush would soon succumb to the icy grip of the blizzard that seemed to be brewing outside. She glanced up and out the window, and even as those thoughts formed in her head, she saw large snowflakes starting to fall, driven wildly in the howling wind. A chill was creeping into the house as outside the temperature began to plummet.
   A tear formed at the corner of her eye as she sadly thought how her beloved Kyle would have no bike and her beloved rose bush would die in the fury of the growing blizzard outside. That beautiful perfect rose bush that had produced that beautiful perfect rose that Ian had so lovingly given her.
   But outside, unseen, something strange and wonderous was happening. Something that was mysterious and miraculous. For you see, this was no ordinary rose bush. This was a Christmas Rose! It's magical powers came to full on Christmas Eve and in particular when there is a raging blizzard and the temperatures are plunging far below zero. Instead of losing the last of its leaves and dying, unseen by Laura or Ian, and certainly not by the sleeping Kyle, the Christmas Rose was coming to life, new leaves were sprouting, new shoots were coming forth and at the very top, at the very very top of the tallest cane, a large rose bud was forming, surrounded by a light blue halo of light. (kcwcman)
   Neither Ian nor Laura slept much that night as they tossed and turned for hours. They were worried about disappointing Kyle and were trying to think of ways to make the holiday a little brighter for him. Both figured that staying in bed would not do them any good, so they decided to get up early and plan the day.
   Laura went into the kitchen and started the coffee while Ian went out to do chores and some more thinking. As he walked toward the garden, he noticed the magnificent bloom in the midst of all the snow and called out to Laura. She ran out to see what Ian was shouting about, then shrieked with delight as she stood there amazed at the incredible sight.
   It seemed that the miracle of the Christmas rose had changed everything. As the two walked back into the house, arm in arm, a great idea sprung to mind. Ian suddenly remembered the bicycle his father gave him one Christmas many years ago. He was sure that with a tender loving hand and a new coat of paint, he could revive the bike and help restore the true meaning of Christmas at the same time. (Betty G)
   As Ian worked diligently to bring the old bike back to life, Laura decided she would get busy making some butter cookies. A favorite of Kyle's, they had long been a tradition in Laura's family, passed down through several generations. She couldn't remember a Christmas without them.
   As Laura worked, her mind kept going back to that unexpected, yet overwhelming feeling that had come over her when Ian had called her to come see the rose. It wasn't a bad feeling, no indeed it wasn't. It was something far beyond anything she could explain or understand. Laura wanted to tell Ian about it, but he was so excited about fixing up the old bike, she had decided just to wait and tell him later. Something had happened though, she wasn't sure what, but there was no doubt, something changed. And, for the first time in a very long time, Laura felt peace inside. With a smile on her face, she quickly began cutting out the cookies, and soon the first batch was in the oven. Filled with an unexplained sense of joy, she began to sing.
   It didn't take long for Ian to spruce up the old bike. He stood back giving it a good looking over. It wasn't a bright, shiny, new bike, but it would have to do. And quite honestly, Ian felt pretty pleased with the way it had turned out. Kyle would have his bike, and that's what Ian wanted more than anything. It was a good thing he'd gotten up early, the paint would just barely be dry by the time Kyle got up. Ian was thankful for the old workshop with a heater, otherwise he would have never been finished in time.
   Quietly, Ian took the bike inside and placed it next to the tree. Laura came to stand beside him, and with arms entwined, their hearts filled with the joy of the season. Lovingly, Ian took Laura's face between his strong hands, and gently kissed her. Just then came a knock at the door. Well who in the world would be out in weather like this, and so early on Christmas morning? How strange!
    Ian hurried toward the door, and as he grew nearer he glanced through the glass, but couldn't see who was there. Opening it wide, he stood in utter amazement. Laura hearing him call her name walked to the open door and when she looked outside, she gasped in surprise. No where in sight was there anyone to be seen, but lying on the porch were several finely wrapped packages. Who had left them, and where did they go? Taking a second look, Ian became even more stunned. Not at what he saw, but at what he didn't see. There were no footprints in the snow leading up to the house! Nothing, only crisp, white, unbroken snow! How could that be possible?
   Totally awed and confused by what had just taken place, Ian and Laura gently gathered up the packages and took them inside. There were gifts for each one of them! They placed the mysterious presents under the tree, then just stood staring at each other in bewilderment. Suddenly they both starting laughing! They didn't know what was going on, but they did know that it was going to be a wonderful Christmas! (Jus Kuntree)
   Upstairs in Kyle's room, as morning came, so did the wonderful aroma of cookies baking. It brought on a familiar hunger to him, as he rubbed his sleepy eyes. He would rise and go see if he could help decorate them. Wait! It's Christmas morning! That thought was enough to launch Kyle out of his warm bed, and send him flying down the stairs. He rounded the corner and heard his Mother laughing softly. Hearing him, she reached out to hold her precious little boy. He hugged her and then stood back and looked deeply into her eyes, seeing a sparkle that took him by surprise. He hadn't seen his Mother like this in a long time, and he wasn't sure what to think! Kyle asked if Laura were all right - she nodded yes and kissed him on the forehead. (Sunnie & Jus Kuntree)
   Suddenly Kyle noticed the presents and bike under the tree. "Wow, Santa came, and I got a bike!"...he shouted. Rushing over to the bike, he grabbed it with excitement. With warm hearts, Ian and Laura stood watching as Kyle climbed onto the seat. Laura turning her head, listened carefully. She thought she heard the faint sound of tinkling glass. No,.... not glass,... it was bells! And the ever so soft voices of angels! Outside, the mysterious glow surrounding the rose pulsed even brighter. (Jus Kuntree)

One Year Later.....Christmas Eve

   Giggling, Kyle dabbed a bit of icing on his Mother's nose, which promptly resulted in a return glob of gooey icing perched precariously on his own. Now both he and his Mother were giggling hysterically. They had been decorating the butter cookies that Laura had made earlier that day.
    Kyle had made his rounds that morning, hanging the pine cone treats for the birds. Coming in from the cold, he had been welcomed by the smell of cookies baking, and the sound of his Mother singing Christmas carols.
   As they worked along, icing one cookie after another, Laura's mind wandered back to the morning when Ian had called her to come see her rose. Who would have thought that so much could happen in one short year? She had finally told Ian about the feeling that came over her as she looked upon the rose that snowy Christmas morning. But, she had never told him that as she gazed into the soft blue glow, she could have sworn she saw the face of an angel.
   How much things had changed since that magical morning! Ian had received an unexpected promotion, and now although they certainly weren't rich, Laura had been able to quit her job and be home like she'd always wanted. They had been so blessed this past year! And through the summer, the very special rose, continued to grow and bloom more beautiful with each passing day. This season it had become dormant, and no longer did the blue light radiate around it. But, it was alive and well, and waiting for the first signs of spring when it would come forth with a burst of emerald leaves, followed by huge crimson blooms.
   Laura's thoughts were interrupted by a soft cooing sound coming from the living room. Smiling, she walked in and lifted their three month old daughter from the cradle. As she cuddled the pink cheeked bundle, she was reminded once again, that Christmas truly is a time of miracles. Yes, something very special happened last Christmas. Laura still didn't understand it all, but she knew that her and Ian's lives had been touched in a most wondrous way.
   Just then Ian stepped through the door. A big smile spread across his face as he took in the sight of his loving wife, and their beautiful baby named Rose. (Jus Kuntree)

"Laura's" Best Butter Cookies

Submitted by Sunnie, From Sunnie's Favorite Recipes

2 Cups (4 sticks) butter, softened

1 1/2 Cup sugar

2 eggs

1 Teaspoon vanilla extract

5 Cups all purpose flour

2 Teaspoons baking powder

1/2 Teaspoon salt

   Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Cream butter and sugar in large mixing bowl, until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to butter mixture; mix well.
   Divide dough in fourths. Roll out 1/4 of dough at a time on lightly floured surface to 1/8 inch thickness. Keep remaining dough refrigerated. Cut into desired shapes with floured cookie cutters. Place 1 inch apart on unbuttered cookie sheets. Bake 6 to 8 minutes or until lightly browned. Transfer cookies to wire racks, cool completely. Decorate as desired. Store in airtight containers up to one month. Freezes up to 3 months.

Buttercream Icing

1/2 Cup (1 stick) butter, softened

1/8 Teaspoon salt

2 Cups confectioner's sugar

2 Tablespoons cream or milk

   Cream butter and salt together; add sugar and stir briskly. Stir in cream or milk and beat well. Add additional sugar or milk if necessary for spreading consistency.

  

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