Merry Christmas
The picture above sums up this crazy year and is definitely a representation of things seen and unseen.
The joy in my life.
The imperfections.
The groans as my boys had to actually touch each other.
The silliness.
The sweetness.
The fact that one of my kid’s heads is getting smooshed by dad’s elbow.
The unapologetic open mouthed laughs.
The things that really matter.
The things that don’t.
Over this last year, due to some circumstances in and out of my life, my priorities have snapped into focus with laser precision. Things that have seemed really important in the past, suddenly, do not.
All of that is why, despite my best intentions and beginning of the year goals I haven’t posted to or been as present on social media as often as I had planned.
Why there are about 32 recipes in my “ready to be posted” folder that won’t actually get posted this year (or maybe ever).
Why I haven’t actually launched that super important email campaign.
Or grown my following by leaps and bounds (spoiler alert: I think I’m the only blogger alive that doesn’t track their traffic – please don’t tell on me).
It’s why I’ve put down my phone more.
Prayed more.
Spent late nights talking with teenagers instead of blogging more.
Tried to follow my heart and ignore social pressures more.
I wish I could say this means I have it all together and I’m never grumpy and my house is spotless and my kids never bicker. Ha.
The reality is, my vacuum doesn’t run as much as it should, I haven’t exercised in weeks, I still burn the candle at both ends futilely trying to hone down my personal and blogging to-do list (which often makes me prickly and ornery), and I often feel like I’m failing.
But my solace is that I really am trying to gain value from the lessons life is trying to teach me right now.
I guess all I really want to say is: despite my imperfections as a food blogger and my tendency toward over talking things, thank you for being here.
Thank you to those of you who “get me.”
Who understand my heart (and my weird sense of humor).
Who make the recipes and comment on posts (and those who don’t; I’m still grateful for you!).
And who trust me to really dial down and give the best of the best of the best.
You don’t have time for average recipes and filler content, and neither do I.
Thank you for allowing this space to be a place that I love to connect with, even if it’s on a slower schedule and timeline than anticipated or promised.
You have taught me so much this year. Your comments and emails and stories and humor and vulnerable experiences have buoyed me up more than you can know.
YOU are the reason I come back and bust out a new recipe blog post when I have time. I love your guts. This space takes a lot of time and planning and effort, but it’s worth it because of you!
Mostly, I am endlessly grateful for that family you see above. For their continued patience with me.
And even more than that, I am humbly and ever grateful for an infinitely loving Savior who has made every good thing in my life possible – and provided a way to get through the terribly tough moments with hope and perseverance.
Without Him, my life would be completely meaningless, and I am so grateful for this time of year when the joy of His birth and life brightens every moment.
Merry, merry Christmas, my friends.
{I’ll be taking a few weeks off from blogging and social media, but I’ll see you in the New Year with some amazing new recipes!}
324 Comments on “Merry Christmas”
Love your blog and recipes. Enjoyed this post about your family. You have a beautiful family! You can always blog but you can never get back lost time with your children!
I loved your beautiful comments and your recipes. My married daughters always trust you!
Thank you for your honesty and your example. We love your recipes and your humor (I don’t think it’s weird which maybe says something about my own sense of humor). I often turn to your blog like you’re a good friend, I can relate to so many of the things you express. I feel like I know you even though we’ve never met. Thank you for the recipes, advice, and again, your honesty and example. I hope that you feel our Savior’s love even more than in the past and thank you for sharing.
Thank you for this. It was like I was reading about myself.
I resonate so much with this! Though we have different professions, I think I could have written just this (except for the boys part-I have all girls), with nouns swapped. But boy I struggle with holding fast in the face of external pressure to do more (and even while trying to do less of the things that won’t matter in the end and just be present, I still find myself rushing a whole lot of the time). God’s presence will go with us & give us rest! Thank you for this post (even though it took me until mid-January to find it).
I will agree with other people who commented — I personally am GLAD you’re not here, daily, posting recipe after recipe after recipe JUST to post. That way, I know that when you DO come on here and post something, it’s because it’s a recipe that is absolutely tried and true and wonderful.
That’s probably why I have referred so many people over here – because I can honestly tell them that out of the VERY MANY recipes I’ve tried from your site, I’ve loved at least 90% of them! I point out that you’re a busy mom of five, and you’re making real-life recipes for real-life people and families. I love it.
My husband knows you by name, that’s how often I bring you up “this is a new recipe, huh? From Mel?” YUP.
Keep doing what you’re doing. Keep your priorities in place. And keep giving us these little nuggets of recipe wonderful-ness. My cooking would NOT be the same without you!
(and thanks for the extra 15 pounds you gave me with those RIDICULOUS twix cookie bars. ughhhhhhhhhhhh I made 2 pans of them and ate… well… I won’t say how many of them I ate. yikes) 🙂
Thanks for everything you do Mel. The great majority of my family’s favorite recipes come from this blog. I love that you don’t just post every day to post, I like that you take time with your recipes. I know that when you post something, it’s really been perfected. Most of the recipes on the internet are terrible, you’ve completely spoiled me. Thanks also to the great community of commenters! I always check the comments to see what people have to say or what changes they made. I think you have created something very special here.
I appreciate this post so much. I love how you are trying to focus on things that truly matter. We love your recipes. We will take them whenever you post them. 🙂 Happy New Year!
Thank you for your delicious recipes! I enjoy your website and getting the e-mails.
Have a great and fantastic new year!
You are a beautiful soul! I truly feel it every time I read your blog or see a new post on instagram. You make me excited to try new things in my kitchen, and for that I am eternally grateful! Bless you!!
Thank you for your post Mel. I absolutely love your recipes and refer people to it all the time.
I love that you are a mom above all else and are not afraid to express that. This is what the s so inspiring about you. That not only do you share fabulous recipes but you are a fabulous mother and your priorities are in the right place. I look forward to new recipes as well as your oldies but goodies. Have a wonderful new year.
Thank you for this summation; life is not a dress rehearsal. Despite the ups and downs my intention is to love it all! Happy New Year to you and yours. Oh, and thanks for sharing.
I am late to the party but still want to comment.
Not sure what else can be said that hasn’t been said in the 310 prior posts. You and your blog has been a precious gift to all of us. We are the ones who are so very grateful to you for sharing your recipes, your humor, your “how to” segments, your tips and recommendations, your heart, your soul, your life. THANK YOU so much for all that you say and do. GOD BLESS YOU, dear (virtual) friend to many. Happy 2020!!!!
Actually, the fact that you don’t have tons of filler content is what I love most about your blog! I recently deleted my Instagram and stopped following several blogs because I just felt like they were all constantly trying to sell me something and I got sick of it. I love your recipes and that’s what I keep coming back for!
Just “found” you and love your blog! Praise be to God for your taking more time with the kids, worrying less about the sweeper, and working on priorities. Keep pressing on with your eyes fixed in Him!
Best Wishes for 2020!
I am a new subscriber to your blog and want you to know that I admire the efforts you make to care for your family. I hope that you are able to take time to put yourself and yours first. I am a mother of three sons and now a grandmother – and I remember those hectic times.
Your recipes are wonderful and are delivered in such a sweet and neighborly fashion – I so enjoy seeing your post arrive in my email.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful family picture.
I don’t like those perfect food bloggers one tiny bit. Being imperfect makes you absolutely perfect for me. Because I do things like open a bulging roll of sausage, It was dated a month away! It should be good right?! I put it in the pan to cook it. Smells a little funny. Hmmmm. Husband comes in, gagging. “WHAT IS THAT SMELL?!!” I guess a sausage roll that is about to pop isn’t a good sign. That is who I am. A really, really good cook who sometimes does imperfect stuff in the kitchen and out of the kitchen. A real person. We all have issues. Those of us who can admit that should really stick together, because the rest of the shiny, perfect world will need us when their worlds fall apart too. Not admitting when things are bad makes us sick, You can choose to ignore bad sausage, but it isn’t very smart. Thanks for being real. Thanks for not serving us bad sausage, but also for admitting that sometimes sausage goes bad. (This is a really, really weird analogy.) Life is hard sometimes and it is ok to say that. I am not sure how I made it through this last year. But we did. We both did, God bless us. Enjoy your break. I hope you get one!
Merry Christmas to you and your adorable family.
Merry Christmas Mel! Bless you and your family! You’ve been a blessing to my family and to me.
Have a wonderful 2020!
Your #1 fan,
Jaime
❤️❤️❤️ We love your guts, too!! Thanks for sharing all the things with us!
Hey Mel, a funny story. I first knew about your food blog in 2005/6. We Georgians were stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City, SD. My neighbor, and friend, Suzie, knew you from college in North Dakota. We started making food “by Mel.” Word got around our church about your blog and then when I’d travel home to Georgia I’d tell friends here about “Mel’skitchencafe” then my friends and family would tell their friends and family and it’s simply amazing how many lives and tables you’ve reached. I was just in Germany with some friends 2 weeks ago. We stayed with a sister of one of these gals, who is stationed at Ramstein AFB with her family for the next 3 years. We were standing at her door, donning gloves and hats to head out to the Christmas Markets when she mentioned she had just made, or was going to making some delicious thing from “Mel’s.” I grinned.
Far and wide, I’m telling you. Thanks for all the meals, gift suggestions and time spent. Well done.
love it!!! Reminds me of when my neighbor gave me some lovely cookie bars after the birth of my first daughter and I was like “OMG SO GOOD. Can I have the recipe?” And lo and behold – Mel’s. Which was already a favorite site of mine and I just hadn’t got around to make those wonderful chewy chocolate chip cookie bars. 🙂
I seriously love everything you do! From your recipes to your gift guides you seriously have flawless taste. I am so grateful for your sacrifice to do what you do. Love you! Enjoy your time with your sweet family.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Mel! Thank you for sharing your talents with the world. I appreciate your honesty, sense of humor, and love for your family and the Savior. Probably 90% of the food I make is from you and I appreciate your commitment to sharing delicious, tried and true recipes. Thanks for your example of focusing on what matters most – the Savior and your family!
Merry Christmas Mel! Please don’t apologize to us for anything. I love you just as you are. I have had the worst medical year of my life and reading your blog has kept me going in different ways hard to describe here. I haven’t been able to exercise the majority of the year, heck I can’t even run to the refrigerator!
I am excited about a new year and decade starting in a few days. I’m also excited about making your Dulce de Leche TWIX bars for New Year’s. Please do whatever you need to do for yourself and we will be here when you are good and ready! Blessings to you and yours!
You have a huge heart which you share so freely with your family, community and blog. Bless your heart that you may continue to share, laugh, giggle and continue on your way leaving hope and love in all that you do.❤️
Mel, I find what you do and what you’ve accomplished truly amazing. Your recipes are always reliably terrific and full of incredibly helpful details, your writing honest and relatable and your presence on video so engaging and endearing. I will forever be grateful for your generosity in sharing my blog with your readers, years ago when it was new and still finding its feet… and then subsequently breaking my site with the attention that flowed from it 😉 That was a thrilling day that gave my new blog a boost and a chance. The traffic was exciting, but your kindness and generosity was what really meant the world to me. Thank you for all you do and may the new year bring you all that you need.
Another first time comment here! You are the only food blogger that I follow because i truly feel that you are not phony and have real faith. Been reading your posts and recipes for years , thanks to my daughter finding your fantastic recipes. Please keep writing at a frequency that is comfortable for you and we will be waiting . God bless.
I have made so many of your recipes over the last couple of years. I tell everyone who enjoys the delicious meals that come from your recipes to follow you. I have never taken the time to thank you. You are my go to for everything I need to make. Every time I use one of your recipes I look like a rock star. I have cried as I’ve read your heart felt posts as they strike a cord with how I am feeling. I love that your family comes first and that you are able to carve out a little time to share your incredible talents with me. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas! I love your recipes and your heart! So much of this is what I feel, constantly conflicted. Thank you for your honesty and openness!
I have made dozens of your recipes and have never taken the time to comment and thank you for all your hard work. Shame on me because its clear that you put your whole heart into everything you post and share with us. I really can’t thank you enough for making me a rockstar in the kitchen. Your blog is my go to every week, almost every meal! Our Christmas dinner, minus the Prime rib, was all from your website and it was delicious! You never let me down! I hope you had the Merriest Christmas with your beautiful family!
Mel, you are a really nice person and seem to have more hours in the day than most people I know! You give to a whole lot of people, while keeping your priorities of your faith and you family first. I am sure there are days that you feel like it all gets flip flopped, but thankfully we serve a Father who goes way before us, knowing we mess up. Thank you for bring my family and friends in particular so much joy through food and community around the table. We are thankful for you and we all feel like we know you. Blessings in the new year and may the joy you have in all you do continue!
Merry Christmas to you and your family! That was a beautiful post! Thank you for sharing! Thank you for sharing your life, recipes, food, and thoughts with me through this site! I love it! May God continue to bless you with happiness, strength, courage, hope, and love! Joy to the world, the Lord is come!!
I just love your recipes. So far all that I have tried have been flawless! But more than that – I love your heart. May God bless you and your little family this coming year and remember to count your many blessings. Hope to continue to read your blogs and try your wonderful recipes. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Thanks for all you do! The great thing about the terribly tough moments is they make more room for the joy our Savior wants us to have in our lives!
I puffy heart love this sooooooooo much!!!!
I am also a follower who does not comment. I truly appreciate all your hard work that goes into providing us with such fantastic recipes. I have made your slow cooker turkey, sweet and sour chicken, coconut cream pie, and most recently cinnamon rolls. I am looking forward to making your mom’s freezer burritos next.
Thank you again for all you do!
Thank you so much for your recipes! We have several that are staples around here, and they are always reliably PERFECT. We have six kids and homeschool….so the food demand around here is endless. I love seeing photos of your family and that you are real. I just know if we lived closer we’d be friends! May God bless you and your family! Merry Christmas!
Such a great post. We are on a similar journey right now- I’m just not a blogger with any of those talents! I love your work and understand completely. I am also praying a lot. Raising a blended family of teenagers, stepchildren and semi- adults is terrifying on some days. I’d be lost without a foundation of faith and a Savior for encouragement. Thank you always for sharing you and your honesty. Its refreshing to live in the real world where things aren’t always perfect. We are all trying. Best 🙂
I think you are wonderful and now I am not sure how I ever fed my family before finding you. I appreciate your real life and your taking care of your family and the authentic and kind voice you have online. Merry Christmas!
Your post made me cry!!! So beautiful! Thank you so much for all you do! My Mom, sisters and I ALL use your recipes and they are always delicious! I am just about to make your cranberry jalapeño dip. Can’t wait to eat it! Mel, you are THE BEST!!!!
You website and recipes are so amazing!! I love your honesty and vulnerability you share with the world. You have an amazing talent that you share and I am grateful I found your website. Happy Holidays and I look forward to your new recipes next year!
Thanks for all you do. I am so greatful for finding you and your wonderful recipes. I have endlessly tried and enjoyed each one. You are an amazing human being. God Bless you and your family.
So crazy how so many of us “silent readers” have decided to come out of the woodwork on this post!! Guess I better join in, too!!
I don’t even have the words to say how much I look up to you. Truly. I have relied on your blog for years. I am still using the 4 recipe binder label printouts that you shared years ago, remember that? Desserts, Main dishes, etc. I printed them all out, put them in binders, used sheet protectors and section dividers with tabs… I even have the dividers with the pocket on the front so that I can stash recipes I want to try in there, just like you suggested!
I have recipes from your site dated from 10 years ago that I still use all the time. When I say you really transformed me into a Cook, I mean it. My husband loves to tell stories about when we were newlyweds and how I tried to make ratatouille and I used the whip cream from the aerosol can in place of heavy whipping cream. Or how about the time I thought you could use miracle whip in place of mayonnaise in funeral potatoes? Or was It even funeral potatoes….? I think my husband wanted it to be HIS funeral when he tasted whatever it was I made with miracle whip instead of mayo!! Yeah, I had a long way to go! I feel like you have been my personal cooking mentor taking me from my newlywed days to now——a mother of five. I have tears in my eyes as I think about all the things I’ve learned from you and how you’ve helped shape me into being more of the homemaker of my dreams. In a world full of phonies, you’re the real deal. You’re one of my heroes, and that’s saying a lot because that list is a short one for me.
Thank you for stepping away from social media and your blog for the health and safety of you and your family. If you never post another recipe, we will all survive just fine. There is more content on your blog than many of us will ever have time to make as it is! Don’t for one second feel guilty or obligated to give us anything else. You’ve already gone far above and beyond what any of us could ever have hoped to be lucky enough to come across!! All I can say is THANK YOU to the 1 billionth power. THANK YOU! Though I haven’t met you, I feel as though you’d feel just like an old friend if I ever got that chance. The world needs more Mels!!!
You are enough. Things will work out. You’ve got this. You were put here on earth to do exactly what you’ve been given to do and you have all the tools you need to succeed!! Keep hope alive and your hard work ethic intact and you’re going to be fine!! You’re right where you should be!! I love you, Mel!!! Thanks again for every little thing!!
You are such a blessing to our family and so many others. You have made me enjoy cooking again (which is important with seven to feed!). So glad to hear you are keeping things in proper order and perspective. Jesus first, family, others. I was only concerned you were going to hang up your blogging apron for good! Take the time you need, and remember us when you get the itch to share your wisdom. We are always happy to hear what’s cookin’ with you. Blessings!
Your thoughts are so beautifully shared. I, along with my four daughters also refer to you as “Mel” as though we too are your best friends. Thanks for being so real and for sharing from your heart! We of course love ALL your recipes, like every single one we have ever tried and also many of your game recommendations fill our game cupboards, but again today after reading your sweet post I realize that without really even knowing you I genuinely really, really like you!! Thanks for all your sharing! Enjoy your beautiful little family, I can attest to the fact that these years go by way too fast! Happy 2020 Mel
Mel, You are a frequent visitor to our kitchen! For our family Christmas party my daughter made your cheese ball and cranberry fluff salad. For Christmas day we had your small batch cinnamon rolls and make ahead breakfast casserole. When someone comments on how good of dishes, we just say, “Oh, that’s Mel’s recipe” as if you are a dear friend or member of the family. Thanks for all your great recipes and other tips and advice!
Merry Christmas! Enjoy your time away and celebrate that family! I’m kind of glad you don’t post new recipes every day . . . I can’t (don’t want to) cook every day. You have the best recipes – thanks for sharing when you can. Happy New Year!
Dear Mel,
Thanks for your post! I have never commented before, even though I am a faithful follower and your site is the first one I go to for recipes to feed my family. Your post really rang a chord with me. I have also recently made efforts to cut back on my professional life in order to put “first things first.” It has been a hard struggle, because my job is my passion. However, I know that I am doing the right thing for me and my family. Thanks so much for your words and example. Thank you for many years of great recipes. Your service has been a wonderful asset to my family, and I am way overdue for a huge thanks! Best wishes in your weeks off and new year!
You can take all the time you want, whenever you need to. I’m not going anywhere and I just consider it a bonus in life when I see you’ve posted something. I struggle with bloggers and “influencers” and their true intentions sometimes, but with you, I honestly believe you really want us to feel like rockstars in our own kitchens….and because of you, I have felt like one many times. My kids all know you by name and every time I make something new, one of the first questions asked is, “Is this Mel’s?” I LOVE people who are a light in this world and aren’t afraid to share their love of God. Thank you for being an authentic and crazy bright light. You are doing more for others than you probably realize. And a lot of us are quiet. Thanks for still loving us
Beautiful! Your priorities are in line and that is evident in your blog and in your recipes! It’s what makes you so successful! Thank you for being a place we can turn to, and for keeping the most important things first in life: faith and family. Enjoy your holiday!! We have plenty of recipes to keep us busy in the meantime!
I LOVE following your blog and always refer to you as just “Mel” when my friends ask where I got a recipe, like we are long lost best friends:).
Merry Christmas! I have printed out so many of your recipes this year that I just can’t wait to try…and yet they sit in my cookbook waiting! So while you take a much needed break, I will be trying some of these gems and enjoy the heck out of them! Thank you for your efforts, insights, and also for the delicious food this year.
Blessings,
CeCe
Merry Christmas!
Thank you for focusing on what matters most! Have a wonderful beak!
Mel–I have been a fan of yours for years and years. My family continues to benefit weekly from the the recipes I’ve stolen off of you over those years. And this year brought a new development–one of my daughters is now a fan of yours as well. She discovered this year a love of baking and now looks for new baking recipes from your site regularly. Your chewy chocolate-chip bar recipe is her current favorite. THANK YOU for being our favorite food blog ever! We wish you and your family the best this Christmas. We share with you our ultimate gratitude for and devotion to Jesus!
Hi Mel. I am one of those you mentioned that never comments! But I’m here with you all the time. I love your recipes. I love you. I love seeing your personality through the way you write. I am a fellow mom of five children with a husband busy with work and church responsibilities. We also have a small farm like you and are striving to teach our children good morals, how to work hard, and just genuinely how to be good humans. I too strive for minimal social media in my life as it seems to be more of a downer for me than an upper. Thank you for being transparent and real and cutting the fluff! It is why people love you. Merry Christmas and you enjoy that sweet family in the next couple weeks. Take comfort moving forward that we love you for being you and not trying to compete with a cyber world in which no one ever really wins. Xoxo you’re awesome Mel.
❤️
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Mel! Have a great time with your family You “rock it girl” on so many levels. I hope this coming year brings you and your family joy, laughter, peace and health. Looking forward to your amazing new recipes in 2020, whenever you have the time to post them.
You will never regret putting your family first. As you can see, they grow up WAY too fast!
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas! Thanks for keeping it real and for faithfully sharing amazing recipes.
I love your food, your blog, and this post! I always refer to you like we’re on a first name basis. Folks always know that all of my recipes are Mel’s. I appreciate your hard work of getting out great recipes – you’ve been feeding my family for years! I love that you’re fighting to keep your priorities as they should be. You’ll never regret it. Thanks for all you do!!
Mel, I have been following your blog for years now. I always joke that it is the only thing I can read that doesn’t put me to sleep. You are my go-to website for reliable recipes. Thank you for your transparency, your humor, your passion, and allowing us to go on this journey with you called life. You have blessed my life tremendously. This is my fav time of the year celebrating Jesus’ birth and the reason for this season- the source of all my strength and hope. Praying for you and your family. God Bless!
Discovered your blog this year and I love it. Thank you for bringing some delicious recipes to our family. Please enjoy yours guilt-free, they are only small for such a short time. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas. Your blog and recipes and your writing bring me so much happiness. Thank you for sharing this gift. It has meant so much to our family.
Please don’t worry about us, your recipients. Your family comes first, not us. First is your prayer life, second is family and anytime left from your busy times, we will look forward to your delicious recipes. God bless
Amen! to all of that.
I’m with you for sure. Pray you have a wonderful time off filled with restoration, and bliss! The best of His blessings to you and your lovely family 😀
Merry Christmas, Mel! You’ve got it!
Mel, I have made your recipes and read your blog for years, both are amazing . You are a wonderful person. Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family. You are blessed!
Bless you dear woman you are making crazy good choices I am really impressed. Your kids will only be under your roof for a short time you see choosing the good part.
Thank you for your tried and true recipes less is best when I know they will be great.
Thanks for all the mega time it takes to make this blog the only food blog I keep up with and always refer best friend to take a look.
Melanie
Hear! Hear! Raise a toast to that! 🙂
Mel-
Merry Christmas! I have been silently following your blog for years now and I ABSOLUTELY love it! I have a husband and 3 kids and despite my every effort to feed them a diverse diet to avoid “picky” eaters, I have them anyways. But, when ever I make one of your recipes, I’m assured to have very little leftovers. Many of your recipes have become part of our family traditions: beef barley soup and fresh bread for Christmas Day supper and monster cookies for family vacations. And don’t even get us started on the homemade vanilla bean caramels. YUM!
I can assure you that your hard work and dedication to choosing the best of the best recipes does not go unappreciated. Take all the time you need to take care of yourself and your family. I promise we will be here waiting for you when you can return. Blessings to you and yours.
Mel-I have been silently following your blog for years now and I ABSOLUTELY love it! I have a husband and 3 kids and despite my every effort to feed them a diverse diet to avoid “picky” eaters, I have them anyways. But, when ever I make one of your recipes, I’m assured to have very little leftovers. Many of your recipes have become part of our family traditions: beef barley soup and fresh bread for Christmas Day supper and monster cookies for family vacations. And don’t even get us started on the homemade vanilla bean caramels. YUM!
I can assure you that your hard work and dedication to choosing the best of the best recipes does not go unappreciated. Take all the time you need to take care of yourself and your family. I promise we will be here waiting for you when you can return. Blessings to you and yours.
Merry Christmas, Mel. Thank you for being so honest and kind in your posts, this one & every other. I’m making your twix bars tomorrow for a family gathering and will report back on whether or not they are, in fact, delicious made gluten-free. My expectation is that YES, they will be. 🙂 Much love and best wishes to you in the New Year!
Thank you for this, Mel! Your family is beautiful. I LOVE the picture! 🙂 . I don’t generally comment, but you must know I RELY on you and your site and your WONDERFUL recipes! I LOVE your recipes and KNOW and trust that my family and I will love what I make. And I love that you love our Savior, too. SO THANK YOU!
Wow. Thank you. Thank you for being real, selfless and for your testimony of the Savior! This post was really beautiful. You are part of most meals at our house. I’m one of those who don’t comment much here, but I promise I’m talking lots about you when we are eating together. Food is our family time and you are helping to make that time more meaningful. I love you! Merry Christmas!
Mel, my very best wishes of the season to you and your family. Love you and your blog so much!!! xo
Mel. I cook A LOT! You are the ONLY food blogger that I follow. And I do so because you are real, tell it like it is, have a sense of humor that I get, love your family with complete abandon, and, oh, have recipes that are quite simply perfect for me to try. I understand your struggle. Know that I just feel lucky on a day that you post. That is all.
Oops! Forgot to wish you and your sweet family a happy Christmas and blessed new year.!
Mel, I totally understand being overwhelmed! I also understand how important it is to put family first, and how much prayer can help us. Your blog is my favorite food blog, and I love your recipes! I love that you put a lot of effort into giving us something that’s really worth eating! And seriously, I’d much rather get 32 well thought out recipes from you in a year that many more that aren’t worth making. I appreciate what you do so much. I love the little side stories about your family too. Please don’t feel guilty about taking time to do what’s most important! Merry Christmas, and I hope 2020 is a great year for you!
You were the first food blogger I ever followed and are still my favorite. Do not apologize for not getting everything done that you want to do. We are all in the same boat. The most important thing is your family and their well being and happiness. We have so much but sometimes don’t appreciate it. Have a wonderful holiday season and a happy and healthy New Year.
You comments are a blessing. Jesus truly is the reason for the season and He is the one who adds meaning to this crazy life.
Merry Christmas Mel!! Thank you for sharing your mortal journey with us.
“We are meant to have joy in this life, and that is completely unrelated to the temporary circumstances of our lives and completely dependent on Jesus Christ. Joy can be an unchanging constant in our lives. I think peace and joy are the two great gifts of God to the faithful.”
Merry Christmas Mel. Thank you for all you do and have done. You changed how I am in the kitchen. I’m a better cook/baker because of you. Thank you for being you and for giving so much of yourself to us. I’m praying for you.
Thank you for all you do I love your recipes and for taking the time to understand kids that’s amazing you’re a great person Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
You have hundreds of recipes I’ve still yet to try, and I always see slowing down as a wonderful thing. It’ll give me time to try and catch up on we love your recipes, and your blog. I never read the post done before the recipes, I always just scroll through, but not on yours. They make me giggle, it’s fun to read, and I enjoy the tips and tricks. My husband and I are OBSESSED with all of your recipes. Enjoy your time off and I will be busy making lots of your precious recipes!!!
Thank you Mel for all your efforts throughout the year — for providing insight that only you can provide — for sharing the most reliable recipes for the most delicious food, and for just being you. You have a beautiful family–the joy shines through in all your expressions and that’s a wonderful blessing. I hope 2020 will be kind to you and yours and look forward to hearing from you when you’re ready to share again.
Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family! I appreciate all the recipes and family life that you share. I’m about to pull the tater breakfast casserole out of the oven for Christmas Day breakfast. Enjoy the time with your family!
Mel, we all love you. If you never posted another recipe we would have years and years of amazing recipes that have found our way into our lives. Just last night I made the lion house dinner rolls. As you know these years fly by very quickly and it can be challenging to enjoy every moment and be in the present when as moms theres a million things to do. I’m glad you have found some insight into life this past year and hope it helps you on your way. Merry Christmas! You have a beautiful fanily!
I am also a first time commenter!
My daughter found your recipes and graciously passed your website info on to her sister and me and we’ve been huge fans ever since! If one of us makes a new recipe that we all love, our first question is always “Is this one of Mel’s?” Thank you, thank you, thank you for what you do! I have shared your recipes with so many friends, and I always check your website to see if you have a version of a dish I’d like to try.
I love your sense of humor! I love your thorough directions!
I love that your website is not cluttered with advertisements!
Take good care of yourself and your family and return to us rested.
We’ll get by while you are away and celebrate when you are back!
Mel,
Be blessed and refreshed during your break. Keep Him (our savior) first and allow Him to guide. Being pushed or stressed in a negative way is not from Him. I and I suspect others would rather enjoy fewer recipes and interaction from you than non.
Lord I lift Mel and her life up to you now and ask that you make your presence known to her and those around her with your love and peace. Bring all things around for Your glory. And I thank You that it’s done in your precious name Jesus. Amen and Amen
Merry Christmas to you and your family. May God bless you this Christmas and always. We can get through ANYTHING with God. HE got me through my daughter’s suicide. We are divine beings, and have to remember that what we know is only the tip of the iceberg. There is SO much more. Blessings to you all.
Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family, Mel and thank you for all that you do to help all of us care for our families with your fabulous recipes and advice. Peace, love and happiness in the new year.
Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family! I’m one of those non-commenters …Lol… but thank you so much for your amazing food blog and your delicious recipes! We’re enjoying a few of your recipes for Christmas celebrations…it feels like you’re always over for dinner! : )
Merry Christmas to you and your family, looking forward to more recipes in the new year. Have a wonderful holiday…
Love everything about you and wish we were real life friends. We would be. God bless you and your family. And I mean it.
Merry Christmas, and all the best for the new year.
Merry Christmas!
Awwww….Mel, you are so real and bravely share your life and family ups and downs with us, trusting that we will receive your words and photos in the spirit in which they are sent. We are indeed your dear and close friends, as scattered as we are geographically.
I think your posting pace is perfect as it is. It is amazing that you can write in the fun and casual way that you do yet never sacrifice quality for whimsy. Your recipes are tried and true with notes to help the most kitchen challenged of us — me. And you proof read everything before you post and I have to say that as a former school librarian it is such a mental relief not to have to silently correct your grammar or punctuation!
Thank you for your generosity as you make time in your life for us. The Friday Thoughts always give me something to think about long after reading it and the Gift Guide has helped me tremendously this year and last. Your blog is perfect as is and I hope you enjoy a well deserved winter rest, Mel.
Merry Christmas to you and your sweet family!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family! Relax and enjoy. Family is so important.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A
BLESSED NEW YEAR
Mel, thank you! Thank you for sharing your talents & helping me to feed my family Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you and your family! Family always comes first. We will wait patiently for you to return.
This just sums up all the reasons I really like you as a blogger and a person.
As a mom who just started her own business a year ago, I get this completely. Priorities, balance and the things that matter most are always on my mind. I don’t want to build an empire, just help support my family. I think I hear you saying the same thing. I, too, will always return here for the recipes. I love the way you do things on here, however frequent or infrequent. Merry Christmas!
I’m like many of these other commenters that rarely posts, yet feel like I’m your biggest fan (to the point that my husband teases me that I think we’re everyday friends). I make almost every single recipe you post and use your blog as my recipe google for meal planning, like it’s an actual shortcut on my browser. I constantly share your blog with anyone who needs some Mel in their life and cooking prowess because you have completely changed and blessed my life as I have learned from you. And I think you’re hilarious and love all the explanations and wit and realness as much as the recipes. And the Friday thoughts and gift guides, thank you for taking the time to share goodness and real life. With all of that said, I appreciate your openness about finding balance with your blogging goals and the things that matter most. You have so many loyal followers, I’m pretty sure we will take whatever we can get without sacrificing the valuable time of your sweet family. Merry Christmas and thank you for sharing your light.
Merry Christmas to you Mel and your beautiful family! I hope you have a healthy and prosperous new year in 2020!
You’re doing the most important thing Mel, taking care of your family bc they come first! Besides you already have 32 recipes in your file that you can use and I’m sure that they are yummy!
Thanks for the message. It is comforting to hear from someone else who thinks she runs short in the Perfect wife, mother, career dept. ,,You’re right, dusty furniture is not one of the important things I value my faith and don’t know how I’d manage without it.
Merry Christ’s Birth Day. We need to honor Him by enjoying it all.
Merry Christmas!! You just keep doing what you are doing! Family and general life is much more important then a blog. Since I discovered your blog many moons ago, your site is the first I look when I am looking for a recipe to try. With so many blogs becoming so commercialized yours is a breathe of fresh air. Enjoy your time with you family!
Mel, thanks for your online friendship. I’d be happy hearing from you a couple times a month on the blog. Your family is beautiful and I’ve wondered how you were doing all this madness!
This is why I love you and your blog! You are my very most favorite food blogger, I rarely visit other sites these days. Thanks for being so real, and someone I want to be more like. Your family is beautiful and I wish you a very merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you and your family! I just shared your wonderful tater tot casserole with my parents this Christmas Eve and they really loved it! My Dad, who is 82, has been fascinated by tater tot recipes and I knew when I saw your recipe that he would love it. And he did!
Thanks!!!
It’s okay to slow down. Quality over quantity any day.
Thanks for being so raw and vulnerable, Mel. I am one of your most loyal readers and fans who rarely leaves comments, but I am here to say that I hope you keep blogging/posting recipes forever!! Even if it’s infrequent and just a way for you to save and categorize your recipes. Even if you ditch the elaborate photos, posts, expectations, or whatever makes it stressful. I made my first-ever batch of cinnamon rolls yesterday (Cheryl’s famous recipe) and they turned out *perfectly.* I was so proud and overjoyed, and I have YOU to thank for that! I have people comment frequently on how good I am at cooking/baking, and I shake my head and say, “Mel is my homegirl.” and I mean it! I have stepped out of my comfort zone and made so many delicious, amazing things because you have instructed and inspired me. Thank you for all of your hard work. I am sure that maintaining this space is *so* time consuming, but I am grateful for all the work you’ve done.
More importantly, thank you for being real and for sharing your faith. You are such a light. Focus on what matters. We’ll all be here when you have time to post more recipes. Merry Christmas!
I’ve never commented on your posts cause that’s just not me. Thank you for being you and enjoy your kids, they really do grow up so fast and they need and deserve your full attention, even if they don’t think so! I hope you have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Mel…thank you for your sacrifice of time and your sharing of your talents to help families be well fed. I know that I can trust that each recipe you post is “tried and true”. I love that you say food is your love language—it is mine too! I have teenagers as well ….thank you for sharing recipes that incentivize them to come home for dinner! Your recipes help us communicate and connect over delicious food!
Merry Christmas Mel!! Thanks for all the wonderful recipes, your honesty and humility, your humor, and your blogging friendship!! Have a super Happy New Year!! ❤️
Such a sweet, heartfelt Christmas letter. I am probably one of your readers who makes many of your recipes, yet I rarely leave a comment. Just recently I made your Buckeye cookies. Two batches as they were LOVED. I texted a long time friend that she must try the cookies. She texted me back tonight Christmas Eve, to show she has make them for her family’s holiday dinner. You post some fabulous recipes! I agree with another comment that the recipes are so good it is worth the wait. One of my favorite post is when you post recipes we have forgotten. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
You are the best! Glad you still have time to post but also glad that you live life and prioritize.
Merry Christmas! You are a good example to me. I love your blog. I love that you put family first. I love that you are real with real emotions. I love your recipes. I really just love your guts too. 🙂 Merry Christmas!
PS I’ve actually enjoyed the slower pace and less frequent posts. Every recipe you post looks amazing and I know I can always trust you. So even if the posts are more spread out they’re worth the wait.
Hang there…and continue to stay true to what matters. We too, will learn to live with less.
It’s all good! God bless you and your family this year.
Mel…life is short…kids grow up fast…things are hard and also good…we get you…step back and do what is important…it makes your next post all the sweeter! We will always be here…you’ve name is lovingly brought up at every baby shower…ward dinner…or last week at a bakeware party! We all think we are your best friend and we love sharing our favorite of your recipes! Be still and breath…you’ve posted enough recipes to keep our families happy and me entertained for a long, long time! Love you lots!
Great Family Picture
Merry Christmas & Happy Old Year / Happy New year to you & your Family.
We really enjoy your recipes, I have a tendency to expand them to my own tastes but my wife Val keeps me on track. She likes your recipes, (Sweet & Sour Chicken is a favourite)
Thanks again,
Charles & Val Cook
P.S. We live in Nova Scotia, Canada . Check out Prince Edward Island for a Vacation for your children, great place to vacation.
Love your recipes and comments even though I am 87 years old, I still try new recipes and share them with friends and family. I share your love for Christmas and our Savior. I wish the best year ever for you and your beautiful family.
Years and years from now, when you are a little old lady in your rocker, you probably will not be saying that you wish you had blogged more. Spend your time wisely. It is not infinite. God bless!
Merry Christmas! Life is short. Savor each moment.
Merry Christmas, Mel! Thanks for making my life better with your great recipes. I know we would be friends in real life if we lived closer. I love the thoughts you share and feel the same about so much of it, and I love your sense of humor. I’ve been feeling the same way lately, and just read (actually, listened to) the book Essentialism. It’s helping me let go of things without feeling bad. I love your family picture! Enjoy your blog break, and I look forward to a week or two of healthy recipes, followed by some yummy dessert recipes! 😉
Mel, you are one of my all time favorite bloggers. You were the one who taught me to cook and showed me that i could be a rockstar in the kitchen at the beginning of marriage when I didn’t know anything cooking wise. Because of you I can now hold my own in the kitchen and I will forever be grateful you took time to post yummy and somewhat easy recipes for me to learn how to cook. I don’t comment very often on your blog but just wanted to say thank you! Hope you have a very merry Christmas!
Mel, I love ya! Your priorities, your recipes, all of it. Thanks for another great year, my friend. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you and your family Mel!
Looking at your little girl has me going back to the memories of when our girl was our little girl.
We have three boys and the fourth one was our daughter. And what a blessing she is. She was always upset that she was the only girl in the family and didn’t have a sister to play with. AND, that she has four fathers!!
Our four kids are all grown and out of the house living their own lives. We had a wonderful life and, at times, a frustrating life. There were times my husband would come home from work and I would walk out of the house and not come back until I knew they would be in bed and sound asleep. Does that sound non-caring or mean to do that to my husband? Maybe so, but that was my way to screw my head back on straight. You will have those days too.
When they are on their own and you see how they act, you will wonder how did they become such wonderful human beings with all of those frustrations and fighting.
Just hold on for another 15-20 years and you will have so much joy from your five children. And your husband will be proud of you for all that you did!!
Merry Christmas!!
Laurie Schmidt
I love this post! I am one of the readers who doesn’t take the time to comment often enough. I started blogging this year…who knew how much work it is? I sure didn’t! I also didn’t realize what a gift it is to hear back from the readers!! So, thank you for posting recipes that I can trust! I just made your cheese ball for the second time this season. I am giving it as gifts to neighbors rather than sweets. We make your pizza rolls countless times during basketball season! My 11 and 13 year old daughters get your emails and often share them with me, just in case I missed one! My husband will often say…is this a Mel recipe? He asks because it’s good and he knows!! Have a wonderful Christmas! Thank you for keeping it real too!
Merry Christmas, Mel and family! I wish you many blessings in the new year! Take all the time you need. We’re here for you now and whenever you’re able to come back! God bless, Lynette
Merry Christmas and a blessed NewYear to you and all of the folks reading this. It’s good to know that there are so many of us out there that find our center in the “things that really matter in this life” As my mom always said…..Be good. Go to church. Drive safe! And….. Better days ahead !
Mel
We love you right back and if you only posted recipes once a month from here on out, or never again it’d still take me years to get through them all! And you have so many I just can’t stop making. I DO love that every time you post it’s the VERY BEST EVER!!! and you’re totally right. Who the heck has time for mediocre? Good luck and lots of prayers. You have totally been a light to our little world and I’m so grateful for you.
Yay!! And this right here is why you have so many dedicated followers!! Thank YOU for all you share!
I am a LONG time follower, but my first comment ever. Thank you for your goodness. The blogging world is a better place because of you. I love your recipes, your sense of humor, your talent in writing, and your testimony that shines through.
Thank you so much for being here and sharing with us. Your recipes are gold, but so is your humour and I love the way it shines through your posts.
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas and a joyous and blessed New Year to you and your adorable, laughing family!! I always enjoy your posts and have a stack of go to recipes thankfully from you!!! From my house to yours….May 2020 be a fun ride!!!
What you are doing is needed and a priority. I myself wouldn’t notice if you didn’t do anything for awhile or if you have done less. I have many many many of your recipes printed in a binder and if I need another one I go to your blog and search it. If you can feed 5 kids with it then I know I can feed now my 5 with attachments. keep doing you and when I say you it’s what you hold as priority. Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas to you and your family too! And thank you for all you have done and do to help us feed our family so deliciously!
Thanks for being real, always offering recipes that work and for loving the Savior. I do too. Merry Christmas!
Wonderful from the heart post!! You are amazing in every aspect and I am happy you put your family first. That’s how it should be. Love the carefree picture, it shows a very happy family. There are so many ups and downs in life and it’s such a blessing to have family you can always count on. I am 72 yrs old (yikes, it looks much older in print) and have not always had a happy life but I try hard to keep my family together to this day. We do spend most holidays together and that is a rarity now with so many family’s living miles apart. We are blessed and I am grateful!! Love your blog and recipes. Merry Christmas and many blessings to you and your family!!
I love you for your goodness…the food is an added wonderful bonus. We have never met and probably won’t but you are dear to me and your precious family reminds me of my own. Merry Christmas and blessings to your family.
Merry Christmas! I can so relate. My tiny blog, which I have never really tracked either, was just not my focus this year. Our family has had some things come up in the last few years that makes you realize that Real life is definitely more important. I don’t make many of your recipes and hardly comment, but when they arrive I check them out and store them in a folder for later. I have also pointed some friends to your blog since I trust your recipes. Enjoy your kids since they grow up and are out of the house faster than you realize. Oh, and that brings its own issues in the future 🙂
You
are
wonderful.
And so are your “never-fail” recipes that have elevated cooking for my family crowd at our gatherings. I have shared you with many other friends and foodies, and. I refer to you as “My girl Mel.”
Thank you, Mel, and Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family!
Rest.
Love you and your recipes, Mel. So grateful for our simple and beautiful moments and love when others share theirs. Merry Christmas from the top of the Rockies in Colorado.
I love YOUR guts Mel!! Merry Christmas!
Mel, Merry Christmas to you and your family! I am so glad I found your website and recipes! I love them! I print them out and put them notebooks, so when that sad day comes when my boys leave the house, they can take a notebook with them and continue to make your delicious recipes on their own. Thank you for being you! Happy New Year! Sabrina
Please never EVER change the way you do things here!! I love that you are a mom in the trenches like many of us. I have stopped following so many bloggers/influencers because it feels like they sold out. Your recipes are great and your website is the one I tell people about almost every day. But, I keep coming back because you shine through your posts–and that’s really my favorite part. Thanks for creating this space!!
Merry Christmas Mel! I’ve followed you for so long I feel like I get you. I took a 3 year break from
social media/blogs and it was amazing. Thanks for sharing your talents with all of us!! You’re doing a great job juggling it all. ❤️
I think you are doing an amazing job and I’m grateful for all I’ve learned from you over the years. I am, without a doubt, better in the kitchen because of you. You are my go to for recipes….ALWAYS! I appreciate all your hard work, your honesty, your humility and your sense of humor! Have a wonderful Christmas and enjoy your time with family!!
Merry Christmas, Mel 🙂 Thanks for sharing so many great recipes and your stories too. Take care and God bless you!
You are my kind of people. Your recipes are great and so are you! Merry Christmas!
Here’s the deal. I think that when we put ourselves in a situation where we “have” to post on social media for our jobs (I’m a clean indie romance writer), we get grumpy. If I’m going to create a post, I want it to be special and mean something, not just because I have a schedule to stick to. And as I’m writing it, I think of all the readers who are not finding me because of that. Lol! I need someone to manage it for me;) Don’t sweat it, girl. You are a light and you shine. I LOVE your recipes, your sense of humor, and that you are devoted to your family first. Definitely take the time they need because sooner than you think, they will grow up and be gone (at least out of the house) and that’s a whole different ballgame. I love my sons and I’m ridiculously happy for them getting married and making wonderful lives of their own, but I do not dig the empty nest. Anyway, stay true to yourself and I’m always checking for a recipes from you. Merry Christmas! Shantal
Merry, merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family. One of the reasons I love your blog so very much is that I feel like your imperfections make you real, like the rest of us. You help us to feel like it’s okay and that we’re not the only ones who’s house needs vacuuming, is behind on the laundry, etc., etc. And it’s all going to be okay anyway. Thank you so much for your fabulous recipes and sharing yourself and family with us. Hugs to all of you!
Thank you for all the great recipes; I look forward to your emails.
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
I always love what you have to offer, thank you! It is so important to work at your own pace and I am glad you take that into consideration. I will still keep coming around, no matter what. And now I am off to start on a delicious batch of crockpot applesauce! ❤
Thank you for your genuineness and your fabulous recipes. Enjoy your time with family. Merry Christmas! We’ll be here when you get back!
This is beautiful. Merry Christmas to you! I consider you one of my best friends even though we’ve never met! I’ve been with you since the beginning and I am so grateful for you. My family is at the the exact same stage as yours, and so I totally get everything you said. Our children need us more than ever right now. I have often been so in awe of you running this site so amazingly and doing everything else to manage a household. At the same time. Thank you for being so open and vulnerable to say that it is hard, because it is! And hearing you say it makes me feel better about my own life. I got one of my sons a watch from one of your favorite things gift lists, my husband was worried it wasn’t a name brand watch. I said “Don’t worry Mel said it was good, so it is!” Haha! That’s not the first time I’ve said that, and he knew exactly who I was talking about. I love your guts as well friend!!! Thank you for all you do for all of us.
Merry Christmas to you and your family. Enjoy your family, God Bless you. June
I love the picture of your family!! I too was the only girl with four brothers!! I am grateful for the one family photo we ever had taken. I have since lost two brothers, and both parents. Christmas was always fun in our house. Enjoy all you can!
This is all SO beautiful, Mel!! Such a sweet, thoughtful, inspiring note. Merry Merry Christmas to you & yours! xoxoxo
Hey Mel, Merry Xmas to you and your beautiful family. I’ve been a fan for years now, keep up the good work–BTW, Your boys have certainly grown.
Enjoy your time off.
Gord
Oh Mel, what a beautiful post! Thank you so much for being our friend. You have a beautiful family and they are more important than anything else. Don’t worry about us, we’ll be happy with whatever you give us. You are a good example to me and I’m glad I found you.
Have the bestest Christmas time and vacation time with your family. And it’s true, because of the Savior we can do and be better each day!
Your blog is my favorite not just because of your wonderful family recipes, but because I feel like we’re very alike. Thank you for the recipes and the laughs (your hard boiled egg cookie trial cracked me up!) May God continue to bless you and your family. Merry Christmas!
I tried your tater tot breakfast casserole when my family was all here for our Christmas. It was a hit with everyone. Thanks for the awesome recipes that you share with us.
Cathy
Hey Gal ..first of all glad u love the Lord. Beautiful family!!!!! I’m soon to be 75 and J LOVE YOUR recipes and blog….MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!
Let me just drop this here….parenting teens is so much harder and requires so much more of your attention than parenting babies or toddlers. Your have to mentally invest your time in them. It’s so worth it and everything else can just wait. I get it now more than ever. Food will always be there when you have time again. Those sweet young adults will not. Merry Christmas!!
Merry Christmas. My family is thankful for all of your fabulous recipes! The chocolate raspberry cheesecake just came out of the oven for dinner tonight! Thankfully I worked with Brian years ago to find out about your blog! Please tell him hello! He sure was a joy to work with. All the best in 2020! Tami
Thank you Mel! Your recipes are the best and I love your sense of humor. Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas Mel!
Thank you for all your amazing recipes and stories of real life “stuff”!
Beautiful. Merry CHRISTmas to you and your beautiful family.
Have a great holiday. You have a beautiful family. I love your recipes.
Merry Christmas!!!
Hi, Mel,
A Very Merry Christmas and a Very Happy HEALTHY New Year for you and your beautiful family.
Pam
Mel thank you! You’ve saved dinner time in my home and actually made me love cooking because everything I make from you turns out fabulously! I live in your hometown and was excited when I learned that I know some of your fam. They’re super cool! I love your posts and excitement and teaching tips and thoughtfulness. You’re wonderful and I hope you and yours have a very Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas! Your recipes are my favorite- I always look to you first if I need a recipe for something & you always seem to have just what I’m looking for! Thanks
Merry Christmas! Thank you for an uplifting blog filled with go-to recipes. You are amazing!
Thank you…….Hope your holidays are great and fun and rewarding
Merry Christmas! Thank you for sharing great food along with your beautiful heart. Enjoy every moment.
Merry Christmas!! I’m so glad you have made your people more important than your blog. Keep sharing your amazing recipes here when you can, and we will enjoy all that you have already posted when you are busy with your life and family – kids don’t keep and you are wise to spend the time with them!!! Again, Merry Christmas!!!!
It is good to say NO. It is best to take care of yourself and your family. Don’ t judge yourself by anyone’s standards. Be your best you and let that be your guideline. We are not like anyone else so why should we feel down if they do more or less? Who cares if the house isn’t perfect, the laundry sits undone longer , etc. As long as you are Happy and your family gets to enjoy the you that isn’t stressed and tired and that smiles , They will be happy and you did your job. No ones opinion should daunt you, that is their “thing” and they are free to be them. For now ENJOY life, while you can ! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
You haven’t turned your blog into a commercial enterprise (like so many others), and that’s what I love about you. That and your excellent recipes, of course!
Keep doing what you’re doing — there are many, many of us who appreciate it!
You are my favorite! Thank you for all you do!
Merry Christmas!
I love your letters.. Knowing you personally, I can see the animation that goes along with every word and it makes me smile. We love your family and consider ourselves blessed to reconnect with the Gunnell family!
Take all the time you need to embrace your wonderful life, holiday and family. We will all be here when you return!!
Merry, Merry Christmas to you and yours!
I love how real you are! Thank you for sharing all your yummy recipes, you make my life easier, while probably making yours a little harder. Thanks again! Merry Christmas!!!
Merry Christmas! I’m a lurker and don’t post here, but wanted to come out and say thank you so much for all that you do. Whenever I’m looking for a new recipe, you are the first place that I start looking. I have SO many of your recipes printed out and in a binder. Thank you for sharing your gift!
Merry Christmas! I love your sense of humor and your recipes and this sweet post. It made me tear up just a little…because you summed up the beauty of Christmas and were all just trying to do our best, whatever that looks like. I don’t always comment, and I’m sorry for that, because I should let you know how much I appreciate all the work that goes into what you do. So, thank you for working so hard and what you do most definitely makes a difference! Hope your holidays are magical! ❤️
Merry Christmas, Mel!!!!
All I can say is that someday I hope that I can meet you in person. Share an iced tea. I love your recipes but I love your heart even more. You have a specialness that shines thru every word you type. And you are a hoot!
Very Merry Christmas to you Mel!
I think you’re the epitome of quality over quantity when it comes to food blogs. I love that you aren’t just churning things out for the sake of making content. It makes the recipes you DO post all the more special because I know you’ve actually tried and tested and made sure it’s really worth your time (and therefore mine). Keep doing what you’re doing and don’t worry about the numbers. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family! I “get you” and I love you! I’m so glad our paths connected years ago. Thanks for sharing your light (and your recipes) with the world!!
Less posts because of more talking with teens? always the best choice 🙂
Merry Christmas and enjoy present moments with your family!
Wow Mel!
I love your email and you taking time and having the guts to say the truth! I love your recipes but more importantly I love your love for Jesus! Thank you for the things you shared and the fun holiday picture! Take time and enjoy those babies! From experience I can tell you the years go by way too fast and in 2011 I lost the oldest of 2 daughters, and have so many regrets, ones I didn’t realize til it was too late! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Vacuuming and dishes and social media aren’t as important as those gifts God has given you!
I admire all that you do. Your post about skin cancer frightened me into going and getting some things checked. Thankfully everything was fine. I enjoy your writing as well as your recipes. I made your bagel bread and everyone loved it. Just one of the many I have tried. Keep up what you are doing and post whenever you have time. I look for your e-mails and they are always great. Have a wonderful Christmas season.
Merry Christmas! And thank you for all your wonderful recipes. Have a great New Year!
This exactly is why your followers stay with you. Authentic in your own skin. I’m Making gingerbread and Oreo truffles from our blog. Thank you for the gift you give your readers.
Why does this make me teary?? Love YOUR guts Mel. My Christmas table is filled with your labor of love. Cinnamon rolls, raspberry ribbon salad, fruit salad, tater tot breakfast casserole….and the gifts under our tree inspired by your suggestions. Your blog is perfect as it is. Ain’t nobody got time to track blog traffic. Worshiping HIM with you this season!
ALL 5 of my girls and I go to you first for our recipes. Wheneve we make something that everyone loves, we all know where to get the recipe. FROM YOU! We all have big families, and yes – we do get it! Enjoy your growing family as they will be gone ever so quickly! Merry Christmas and thank you from the bottom of our hearts for realizing your priorities. You are an angel!
I’ve followed you for YEARS and I will follow you forever! Merry, Merry Christmas! <3
I don’t personally know you. Although I feel like we would be best friends. But thank you for all of your time and work on this blog. I can’t even imagine how much time it takes. And thank you for being honest and open about being a real person and not having it all together. It makes me admire you even more!
I don’t know you but I CAN say I love you in that internet- creepy sort of way. Except please know it’s not creepy, it’s a truly grateful, admiration sort of love. Keep following what your heart tells you. Those kids grow in a blink of an eye so you chose wisely to spend more time w them.
Merry Christmas Mel! God bless you and your beautiful family!
Love this! Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas to you, my favorite food blogger EVER! Thank you for all the recipes and stories you’ve given us; you could stop now (please don’t) and we would have a beautiful collection. You are choosing the right things. We will be right over here…
Merry Christmas, Mel! Let’s hear it for clarified priorities- the silver lining of living a full (occasionally bumpy) life. I love and appreciate your wisdom, humor and oh, yeah, recipes. 🙂 Love, health, peace and joy to you and yours in 2020!
Merry Christmas Mel!
The ONLY blogger I follow.
I Love You in the internet creepy way TOO!
Thank You for what you do.
You are always my GO TO!
Mel you are the best!! Seriously you are miles above the other bloggers – even ones with TV shows and all that stuff!
Give us what you can but focus on that cute family!
Christmas Blessings!
Merry Christmas to your beautiful family! I love this pictures! My kids don’t want to touch either!
Thank you for being real and so gracious to give us all these yummy recipes!
I thought of you this week as I wrapped my caramels in PRECUT perfect square cellophane wrappers! 🙂 for years and years I used jagged wax paper that my kids would cut and then a few years ago when you posted about the cellophane pre-cut squares it was the best tip ever! I’m making spinach artichoke dip and rolls from your site today (along with a family favorite cheesecake that I keep thinking I need to send you!)
Enjoy your time off the interweb with your family! I’d say you have your priorities all in the right place!! Merry Christmas! ❤️ ❤️
Merry Christmas, Mel! You are my favorite food blogger ever and your blog is perfect! We are all in different seasons of life and you and I are in the same season. It’s a little crazy, right?! And you are right – it takes a lot of focus. Thanks for all you do. Nine out of ten meals that I prepare come from your blog and we talk about you as though you live next door. Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family!
Merry Christmas! Thanks for sharing parts of your heart, testimony, family and light! And of course your recipes 😉 My kids call you one of my best friends, because you are a constant in our life! Thank you and bless you and yours!
Merry Christmas! Thanks for creating my favorite food blog and for sharing the sweet peeks into your beautiful family!
Thank you for creating and maintaining this top notch food blog, Mel. No need to apologize for having your priorities in the right places for you and you family. My family and I wish you and yours the happiest of holidays.
You are truly the best. I never search anywhere else for recipes. I have been a faithful reader and recipe maker for 8 years! And you’ve never led me astray. So THANK YOU!
In my family, when I bust out a new recipe, the comment usually is, “Is this a Mel?” And the answer is most often, “Yep!” Thank you for sharing your heart and for being a light bearer.
Hey Mel! Feel NO guilt about the possibility of infrequent posts… I’ve been a follower since your Wisconsin days and this is the place to come for great recipes, hands down. Over the years when my guys would be sitting at the table and I would bring over a new dish, the skeptic looks would quickly fade with “I got the recipe from Mel”. One recipe from you is worth a hundred daily meh recipes from other sites. Post when you can — we’ll be here. 🙂 <3
I came to your site today to find a biscuit recipe (my first of probably 10 more times i will visit your site today for various recipes- no joke, i think i open your blog about 5-10 times EVERYday and currently have about 7 tabs open on my phone of recipes I will make today, and want to make later) and instead read this lovely post and every single comment. I echo what everyone has said. You. Are. Amazing. Like many, I am a rare commenter but I read all your posts, and especially on your thought posts, I read almost all the comments and your replies. I am constantly blown away that you take the time to reply back to pretty much everyone and genuinely show how much you care. In the few times I’ve commented or asked a question, you have always replied back and it makes me feel so loved (that sounds so silly but I do!) and I’m just so grateful for an example like you. Thank you for everything you do and for showing real love, care, and humor in your recipes, in your interactions with people, in your thoughts. I hope 2020 is a bright year for you and your beautiful family and while I enjoy hearing about your life and making your food, I hope you continue to focus on the important things you talked about and know that no matter how often or not you are able to post, you have many loving fans and followers who support you and are cheering for your sanity and happiness! Merry Christmas!!
I’ve enjoyed your site and recipes. Thank you
I ❤️ this, and your blog. Thank you for being real and giving me a reminder on what (who) I should be focused on.
Merry Christmas, Mel! I have loved cooking your food for years now and most of my go to recipes are from you at this point. I say “this is from Mel” when people ask as if we are old friends.
And even if the only recipe you posted this year was the Cafe Rio pork….you still did right by your followers! Lol!
Love this. Thank you for always being real and putting your family first. The world of social media is overwhelming to creators and users, and I think whatever you have to offer is enough. We should all do less on our phones and computers. I have been a loyal fan for years and I’ll be here forever no matter how much or little you post. Your archive of recipes is a treasure. I also love your game and gift guides, product recommendations, following your skin cancer and charitable journeys and seeing your cute family and amazing life. Thanks for sharing your light and goodness.
You’re my favorite food blogger, hands down! Your brown butter salted caramel chocolate chip bars have made me extremely popular at my children’s school. A teacher (not one of my children’s teachers, just another teacher at their school) asked how much I would charge her to make her a pan of them!! I said a $100- no, just kidding, I said I’d be happy to do it for free because she’s a teacher and it’s Christmas. Honestly, that was the best compliment I’ve ever received about my baking. Thank you for all you take the time to do, but I’m glad you’re finding the right balance that works for you and your family. Nothing is more important than our families. Sending lots of love to you and yours from Miami, FL!
❤❤❤
Oh, sweet Mel, we love you so much! Thank you for creating a space for AMAZING recipes and allowing us to get to know you. I feel like you’re a part of our family and we’ve never even met! I started looking reading when my husband and I had just gotten married and now, two kids in, you’re still my go-to source for family pleasing recipes.
I’m thankful for you, for your faith, and your dedication to your family…this is SO much more than recipes. You’ve created a community! And we love you for it.
Thank you for your kindness in all things you touch and create. There is never a time when I come here that I dont leave better for it.
May your time with family be enriching and loving and fun!
Happiest Holidays to you. It doesn’t feel right to just send a message this way, after you opening and sharing all your best recipes with the world. We LOVE basically any & every recipe we’ve made, as a family, from this blog. THANK YOU THANK YOU!
Merry Christmas Mel!! Thank you for being the wonderful and real person you are. I appreciate all your hard work and I look forward to reading your blog every time you put out a new post. I love your writing style and humor. I also appreciate that you share your faith. And of course I love your recipes! You are my go to for recipes. Enjoy your time off with your family and I look forward to hearing from you in the new year!!
Merry Christmas back at you! I love your candor and everything about your blog. It is a bright spot in a crazy internet world and whatever time you have to give is enough!
Merry Christmas! Many thanks for the thoughtful time and effort you put into this for all of us. It is so much appreciated to have an amazingly trustworthy blog to go to for real food. Keep it up (at your own pace; don’t stress about it!!) 🙂
I love ya, Mel! In fact, my husband sometimes jokingly accuses me of having an emotional affair with you and your food, haha.
I have thanked you numerous times over the past and I thank you once more for sharing, for taking the time to help us feed our families, for caring about us, and for being an inspiration to me. Yesterday I took two different neighbors, one sick and one elderly, your chicken pot pie crumble. Today I took my mom your spaghetti pie and no bake lemon cheesecake. Tomorrow I plan to make the delicious Korean beef tacos, and on Christmas morning we’ll have the tater tot breakfast casserole. So you see, you are a true blessing to me and those I cook for. I’ve followed you since 2007 when you were My Kitchen Cafe and your three boys at that time were just babies. Now you have five children and hundreds of followers! Merry Christmas and may 2020 bring you and your family health and happiness! God Bless, Teresa
Merry Christmas Mel! Thank you for taking the time to post and share all of these delicious recipes! I hope you get to enjoy the time off with your family. And from someone who has watched your family grow up from afar, it goes by way too fast. I am a few years ahead of you on the parenting front and enjoy every moment. Even the tough stressful moments. I have one that is married and getting ready to move 7 hours away, one in college and one in high school. It.Goes.By.Fast. So don’t ever apologize for taking time away to be with your family! When it’s all said and done, that is what matters!
Thank you for being so honest and true to yourself and your family. If you put out one recipe or 100 I will still be your biggest fan. I love that I can pick anything on your blog and know that it will be amazing. Shoot- you are the reason I am pretty sure there is a Bosch mixer under the tree 🙂 who knew I would love making rolls and bread so much. I think the mixer will give me the courage to attempt my grandma’s Swedish rye bread recipe.
Love this comment! I too am blessed to be a better cook due to Mel! I’m excited for you on your new mixer! I know I have a few games under our tree that wouldn’t be there without Mel!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! …and you are the cutest. I love that you are down to earth and real and that’s the best! I honestly think we would be good friends if we lived by each other! Happiest of holidays to you and that darling family of yours!!
Good for you!
Mel–the only thing that I prize above your wonderful recipes is your focus on the Savior and your family. Thank you for your hard work and also for your priorities that make your blogging even more priceless to me. Thank you for taking time off! Thank you for talking about your faith and your desire to be the best you can be. Merr Christmas! Love your blog.
You are amazing and I’m thankful for you. Every. Day. You are my go-to for recipes and one of the reasons is because I can relate to you! You are real, you have five kids, you love God, and you’re doing your best to survive… Just like me! Thank you for not quitting your blog even though you are so very busy. As one working mom to another, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Love ya Mel!
Mel. Im one of those who looks at your blog all the time, reads your adorable words (you have such a way of describing food….my gosh! it’s better than reading a novel! Honestly! ) Yet I haven’t posted my compliments and appreciation to you.
You inspire me to COOK! girl. Its takes magical power to do that.
What a talent you have. We just enjoy you so much! I know it must take so much (family-away) time to do what you do. So thanks a million. You are truly amazing!
Since my daughter and I have found you, you’re the only place we want to go. for a recipe. We trust you completely ! I”f it’s from Mel… it will be right!” You are just the best of the best!
Of course your family has to come first! You only have one chance to raise those kids. So do what needs to be done. We understand. (I may ‘cry me a river’ but I’ll live. )
Merry Christmas to all of you.
PS Your dad is Ryan Walker, right. I am his cousin on the Walker side. His dad (Owen) and my mom (Lois) are siblings. Small world huh! My dream is to sit at your table , partake of your food and feel your goodness- up close and personal. tee hee.
Love you. Barb Bodily
This is why we all love you, Mel. You are so real and down to earth and relatable. And you’re right – we don’t have time for just any old recipe, so we come here for the best of the best. I am also so incredibly grateful for the Savior of the world. He is the giver of hope and I think we all need more of that.
I love your recipes and go to your whenever I wonder what WILL I cook for dinner! I send anyone looking for an easy meal, a Crock-Pot meal, an instapot meal, a killer dessert…to you. I’ll take whatever you give us, whenever, and as often or little as you can give it. Thank you for all you do, you’re doing a great job! Merry Christmas Mel!
You are a gem. Truly whenever I need a recipe for an event, I come here. When I need a recipe to bring dinner to someone, I come here. When I need some delicious cookies, I come here! Thank you for sharing your talents with us, it is so appreciated! And your priorities are just
I love your blog and wonderful recipes. I am beyond grateful that I found you 2 years ago. You are a special gift to me and my family. Merry Christmas! Wishing you a happy and healthy 2020❤️
I have a recipe binder of all of our favorites and probably 90% of it is your stuff! I really should just print your entire blog and bind it up because your recipes are all my family needs. You really do bring so much goodness to so many homes, and not just through food! You are a light – everything you post is real, down-to-earth, funny and relatable. Thank you for being amazing! Merry Christmas!
So grateful for your blog, and all the work that goes into it! You are the first one I go to when looking for a certain recipe, every time! Pretty sure I’ve made over a hundred. Thank you for continuing to post incredible recipes, and hilarious monologues:) Merry Christmas!!
Love this post and you! Thanks for sharing yourself with us and for all the blood sweat and tears you put into this lovely little site for us food lovers.
Congratulations on realizing your priorities and making efforts to keep them at the top! That isn’t easy.
As far as the website and all the tracking, who needs it. But if you ever wanted some part time free help, holler at me! I do marketing, social media and communications. I’d love to help you with your blog if it meant for Mel recipes and you getting more sanity!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Go love on that beautiful family❤️❤️
I’m glad you are taking a Christmas break! In the meantime, pretty much every recipe I make this break will be from your website. Thank you for that!
Merry Christmas, Mel and family. Thank you for being real for us, for finding the best, and being a source of excellent recipes and good reading.
Thank you, Mel! I appreciate your “friendship”, wisdom, willingness to be vulnerable – and of course your recipes!
In the midst of the craziness of life, please remember you are making a difference in the lives of so many people – even those you’ve never met! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
You are the best of the best Mel! Thanks for putting good stuff on the internet!
Merry Christmas Mel! Thanks for sharing your great recipes and tips, your amazing gift guides, your family, and “life happens” moments. I love it all!
I love your blog so much and I appreciate your honesty and generosity. This has been a challenging year for me and my family. It’s hard to let go of my own expectations for life and just enjoy where we are. Thank you so much for your down to earth positivity!
Yes to this post!! Love all of your recipes and for the heart and soul that you put into them! Thank you for making the world so much brighter around my kitchen table. Family is first and foremost the most important priority. How grateful I am for honest, down to earth bloggers like you! Thank you!
I love all that you do and share Mel! Merry Christmas! ❤️
Hey Mel! We’ve never met, but I feel like we’re friends! (I think we would be in real life!) I have 5 boys and one little girl, we are wading through the teen years with our oldest, and my husband has been serving as bishop for 3.5 years. I feel like we would have a lot to talk about. I just wanted to thank you for blessing my life with so many wonderful and trusty recipes. Your site is the first (and often only) place we turn for any kind of recipe. We just refer to you by your first name around here and everyone knows what we mean. Even more than the recipes, I love the glimpses into your very real, and very beautiful life. They feel like a chat with a friend, and leave me lifted, inspired, and feeling like I have a comrade in this crazy mothering adventure. Merry Christmas!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you, for being YOU and for sharing your talents, and passion, and family with us. (And for the record, you could post once a year and I’d STILL be a loyal follower! I think many feel the same, so- no blogging pressure on our account!) ❤️
Mel I appreciate this post! It’s been a tough couple days for me. Patience gone. Thankfully I can refocus! And eat sugar cookies. Put the phone down, pray more, talk to the kids more, try to keep my voice calm (today I’m doing better than yesterday ) basically you nailed it and I believe your words were inspired. Challenges tend to bring us closer together. And I Absolutely Love your family picture. Thank you! Off to pray and make cinnamon rolls
❤️ Merry merry Christmas Mel! Love that photo! Thank you for your openness, admitting imperfections and being a positive influence I too have had my priorities refocused this year. I love that you’ve prayed more, followed your heart and can admit your vulnerability. God’s working with me on that one ) Thank you for your inspirational words. Thank you for the best of the best of the best recipes!
To your guts: I love you
Thanks for loving us too! Even if we’ve followed you since 2011 but only commented once
Peace, joy and His endless love today, tomorrow and forever.
Love this post!! I am one of those rare commenters, but I have read every. single. post. on your blog. Your page helped me get through my newlywed cooking years, encouraged me during my skin cancer journey (I was checked because of your initial post), given me many laughs (I have a similar sense of humor), and you have never once left me feeling like I will never be good enough at this whole “mom thing”. Your blog has been a place where I can go take a quick 15 minute mental break and walk back into life feeling a little “lighter”. My recipe binder is exploding with printed pages from Mel’s blog and my whole family is thankful for the kitchen skills I have learned from you. I appreciate you don’t have tons and tons of daily content to sort through, as a busy mom that would be overwhelming! I will take quality over quantity any day and I love that about your blog. Thank you for the sacrifice that has gone into maintaining this online space, I am truly grateful! Merry Christmas Mel and family, wishing you you a blessed 2020!
Mel
You really do have the best food blog out there. All I say to my daughter when she asked where I got this recipe is, “it’s Mel’s”. She know who I mean. I check out all your gift ideas and games as well. You’re the best. I’ll take a little Mel over no Mel at all so take your rest. These days with your kids will fly by and they are what’s most important. See you in the new year.
Merry Christmas to you! What a beautiful family picture. I love that you take your time and focus on quality over quantity. Have a wonderful break and Happy New Year!
Merry Chirstmas Mel! I hop you have the sweetest holiday with your family!
I love your blog and I’ve been here since the beginning! Merry Christmas and take all the time you need! I’ll be browsing the archives for all the recipes I’ve missed. You’re the blog I turn to first anytime I need a recipe.
From one bishop’s wife and mother of teenagers to another, I totally get it, and send you so much love and best wishes. I have been a faithful follower of yours for years (8 maybe? or more?) and I make something of yours almost every day. You are amazing and my family and I are so grateful that you share so we can enjoy!!! I have been married 24 years this month and every year I have done cookie plates for Christmas. every. single. year. This year I just could not. So, I talked with my hubby and we decided we would do your cheese balls and it turned out great!!! Thanks so much! We didn’t make near as many as you (25 total for us) but they were so good and it was such a blessing to not make 5 different kinds of cookies and everything that involved. My daughter made a tag for the cheese balls that said, “Keep it simple, celebrate Christ, and have a ball!” I am a firm believer in keeping it simple! I also have several new games wrapped and under the tree because of you. Thank you!! God bless you and yours this season and always and thanks for being such a rock star!!!! See you next year!
Merry Christmas Mel and Family! Thank You for sharing so much Light with the on-line world. I am so thankful for all you have added to my life over many years. We will be enjoying many family food traditions over the next few days that came about because of you! Love You!
Love you Mel! Thank you for sharing your talents with us so we can look like rockstars in the kitchen just like you! But more than that, thank you for being real with us and helping us know it’s okay to not have it “all together.” What matters most is nurturing and loving our families, and you do that with so much grace and love, I can’t help but be inspired by you! Happy Christmas and see you in the new year!
And for the record, you don’t ever seem like you don’t have it all together.
Merry Christmas and thank you for being the most genuine food blogger I know of. You e been my go to blog for recipes for so long my kids just assume anything I make that’s great is a “Mel recipe” I appreciate you!
True statements. Be humble. Love and feel deeply. Bruce was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. We are adjusting. Greet Brian and the kids from the MN grandma
I just want to say thank you. I am one of those people that never comments. But I did make your recipes a couple times a week. You are my go to when looking for a recipe. Thank you so much for all your work. You make feeding my family a doable task. Merry Christmas and enjoy your break!
I am another many-years follower who loves you and your family! I appreciate your low-key attitude and loving supportive presence to this community while maintaining boundaries.
Just the other day my sisters and I were checking in with each other about what recipies we should try and who has tried what. We appreciate you!
As for this ‘clean house’ nonsense – my home is and always will be a workshop, not a showroom. I suspect yours is too. If people come over to see me at work, well, that’s what you are going to see. And I don’t want to apologize for it!
Sorry I get very worked up about that!
Love this comment! Home is a workshop, not a showroom.
Love you, love you, Mel. Always have, always will. ❤❤❤ Merry Christmas to you and your darling family.
Merry Christmas! Thank you for the time and effort you put in here to make our lives easier! Not only are you my go to for all things food but while living back East I totally had a first bonding moment with a new friend over a love of you and your site(at a time when I really needed a friend!) Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Tears filled my eyes as I read this. It sums up my year perfectly, also. 🙂
As I racked my brain as to what to give my mom for Christmas, the best thing I could think of was the Famous Frozen Bean Burritos. I stocked up her freezer with these gems, in order to giver her more time this winter. Thank you for all you do. You re-center me with your posts, and keep my table full and yummy with your recipes.
Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family! I appreciate your recipes and stories more than you know. I wish you a multitude of blessings this holiday season and in the New Year! Thank you for ALL you do!
Love you, Mel! You are such a lovely human being!
God/dess Bless you and yours, always!
Mel, been a fan for a long time. You have fed my family better than I could have. I thank you! More importantly, I thank God you know when to step back and spend more time with your family, after all, our children are our future, and they need guidance in this pretty messed up world. As for your faith, we all need to grow spiritually, we need more prayer time, and more time away from devices. Thank you for having courage to stand for what is important. I pray God blesses you all, with good health, hope, and lots of laughter in 2020.
Merry Christmas. Our kids all love you because you have helped us make so many great recipes. They all say that you will make the best grandmother EVER because you are such a wonderful cook! I also really appreciate that you never sell stuff on your site. It makes me feel like you love what you are doing and aren’t monetizing it (which it seems every blogger does now!). Have a wonderful Christmas season!
Mel, I don’t comment much, but I wanted to say thank you. I want to be like you when I “grow up” (I will be 40 this year lol). These are exactly my goals for the new year. Focusing on what really matters. Quality, not quantity. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to my favorite person I have never met! Thank you for all that you do and for giving so freely! I have made at least a hundred of your recipes and I have loved (nearly) every one. You are so fabulous. Thank you for NOT being like other food bloggers! (PS, this picture is so, so perfect!)
I think one of the reasons you are my favorite blog for recipes (aside from the actual fabulous recipes and your personality that comes through in your posts that I actually want to read instead of scroll past!) is that you AREN’T all up in my face with your social media and emails, etc. I’ve noticed some of those blogs I follow that have more of a presence just add to the noise and I start to ignore. I say keep doing what you are doing – it’s keeping us all excited for what you do post and coming back for more!
Merry Christmas! Proud of you for dialing back and taking a break. Also – where would we be without your tried and true recipes to go to?!
Merry Christmas Mel! You’re presence is always in our home, wether from newly posted recipes (your tater tot breakfast casserole is happening) or older recipes that I’ve found (cinnamon roll cake was taken to a family dinner just last night yum!! And your pumpkin roll taken to another tomorrow! We love those!) There is SO much goodness to be found on your blog, this is my most frequently visited site, even above Amazon, ha! The struggle for balancing everything in life is so real! Have a wonderful holiday time with those that matter most!!
Merry Christmas. Post as little or as often as you like; you have scores of recipes for us to draw from. Priorities should take priority!
I just love this. I so appreciate your blog and honesty and wonderful recipes.
I have been following your blog since the beginning and I’m so grateful for you! I rarely post but I think we would be friends in real life! My whole family loves your food (and that is saying a lot) thank you for everything you share. Enjoy your family and everything that Christmas brings!
We love you, Mel. You are real and amazing and that is why we follow. No pressure.
Merry Christmas to you and your family! I can’t tell you how much I love your recipes and how many of your breads have made me a rockstar with my family and friends. Have a wonderful break with you family, and I am looking forward to checking in with your blog in the New Year!
Merry Christmas Mel! I was teary reading your post and then the comments above because I feel so much the same as everyone else. Your recipes are over and over again our favorites. You are amazing and fun and real, and I trust you more than anyone else I follow. I don’t comment much but really should, because I’ve followed you from just about the beginning and absolutely love you. I hope you enjoy your break! Thank you so, so much for this blog and sharing yourself with all of us!!
Thank you for all of your recipes. I know I can always trust them to be delicious and your gingerbread cookie butter oatmeal cookies are my husband’s favorite. And that says a lot because his mom is an excellent baker. Merry Christmas
Mel, I think you do a wonderful job. You have created a sweet, caring community. When I reached out to you after the loss of my son, you responded with such kindness as well as many of your followers. So very much appreciated. We all make plans but have to deal with many curve balls. Keep up the great work!!! Merry Christmas xoxoxo
Merry Christmas Mel! I wish you all the best and a Happy Healthy New Year! You have a beautiful family and that’s a blessing.
I absolutely love all you share You are my “go to” recipe site. I just popped in to get the cheese ball recipe and make sure I had everything because I’m boycotting the stores 100% after today (it be cwazee!) 😀
Here’s to 2020!
Merry Christmas!! Beautiful family! I love your blog. I gave out your cheeseballs plus a copy of the parable. Everyone loved it. Thank you so vey much!
I’ve followed you for 10 years now Mel, and you are my favorite blogger and go to for the best recipes! Love your guts too
Your testimony had me tearing up Mel! Thank you for sharing your beautiful self with us! And a very merry birth of Christ to you❣️
Cutest picture ever!
I just made your fudge recipe yesterday. I told my sister it was another one of Mel’s. It’s like we actually know you and you’re part of the family! I am making your overnight tater tot breakfast recipe for Christmas morning.
Love your site, your commentary, and all the delicious recipes.
Happy Holidays to you and your family!
Love from VA!
I love this post! It’s been a joy to follow you for years—I’ve never commented, as it’s not really my thing. But know that you are not alone! This life can be tough and unexpected. I appreciate your honesty and thoughtfulness. You are amazing! Merry Christmas blessings to you and your family.
Merry Christmas Mel! Enjoy a wonderful holiday with your sweet family! Thank you for all the work and intention you do for this online community, I’ve not a big commenter but I’ve been making and enjoying your recipes for at least 10 years and I’m so thankful for the delicious recipes and for your thoughtfulness that goes into each post.
Merry Christmas, Mel! I don’t know how I’d function, during the holidays but also all year long, without your blog. This week I’ve come to your blog for 4 out of 5 recipes I’ve made. Last night I made a new cookie recipe from your blog and the family wanted to eat the remaining cookies for breakfast this morning! Thank you for everything you do! ♥️
Merry Christmas Mel! Thank you for being you! I’m so happy you are taking time for your family and putting us on the back burner. This time with your kids is fleeting. I feel it everyday as my kids are ages 8-16. Your kids need you more than we do. You are doing the right thing. Thank you for being such a great example of a wonderful mother! I love your recipes! But my favorite posts are always your Christmas post when you share your feelings of Jesus Christ and your love of your family. You are always so good at sharing His light. Thank you. You are an inspiration! Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family!
Mel you are the best – thank you so much for all you do to keep this blog running. I hope you and your family have a wonderful, relaxing Christmas!
❤️❤️❤️
Merry Christmas Mel!
Merry Christmas, Mel. I love your recipes (I check for a new post every morning) and often wonder how you do it. Home life, family time, work life, and so much cooking and baking to make sure every recipe is perfect and ready to go. I know the struggle (minus the blogging part) and want you to know how thankful I am for the time and energy you put into this site for the rest of us. It is so awesome to have a place to come for a recipe and already know it will be delicious. I trust no other food blogger the way I do you 😉 Take care of yourself! Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Merry Christmas to my favorite virtual friend! Thank you for the space you have created here, and for allowing me to grow and develop in my food skills thanks to your amazing recipes and tutorials for these past many years. I think I’ve been following you almost since the beginning, and you’ve blessed my life, and my family’s life, immeasurably. Enjoy your well-deserved time off!
Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family.
My family is forever grateful to you for your site (it makes me a rockstar in the kitchen!). Praying you have a blessed Christmas.
♥
Mel!
I am so grateful for you! I didn’t know how to cook when I got married 4 years ago. Now everyone raves about my food and I always tell them, “it’s from my best friend, Mel!” 🙂
Thank you for sharing pieces of you with us through your food and your blog. It has often inspired me to reach out to others in ways I wasn’t expecting. I do consider you a friend and a mentor even though I’ve never personally met you. Isn’t it funny how that can happen? 😉 I am grateful for technology that makes it possible to do things like this. You rock, Mel! Keep keeping on and trusting in the Savior. 🙂 Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas Mel! Love your site! Thanks for working so hard to give us fabulous recipes.
Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family, I am grateful for you, Mel. I don’t think you realize the impact you have had on me and my family. Food is the language of love and your recipes have brought my family together and strengthened our time together. Thank you and God bless!
I don’t know why this made me cry but it did. You are real and don’t try to pretend that life is perfect (it never is). Thank you for sharing a piece of yourself and your talents with us. I am a much better cook because of your blog. We will be thinking of you as we make your mom’s lasagna and your cranberry bliss bars. Virtual hugs and Merry Christmas.
Mel! Thank you so much for being real, relatable, down-to-earth, all that is good. Please keep doing what you’re doing. We love your recipes. You are a household name. Enjoy that sweet, crazy, beautiful family of yours. Merry Christmas!
Mel, I SO appreciate this blog and the woman who makes it possible! Your recipes have become a part of our family celebrations, now and all year. Thank you for all you do. Have a wonderful holiday!
Merry Christmas, Mel! You are amazing! Thank you for everything – the recipes, the real talk, the weird sense of humor. You’re my favorite part of the Internet!
Merry Christmas! Enjoy your time with those you love most and know you have left us with an arsenal of recipes to get us through. I’ve been a groupie since the beginning and there are still so many recipes I want to try. I have been eyeing your raspberry ribbon salad for years and finally made it for an early Christmas dinner last night. Talk about YUM! My husband kept yelling in our noisy kitchen, “Try the JELLO salad. It’s amazing!!” I had to correct him on the name since it’s was so much tastier than any JELLO salad I have ever tried. And now I am already dreaming about how I can turn it into a trifle. Not only that a dear friend of mine arrived to her in-laws only to find things in a disheveled state. Christmas is busy and traveling 12+ hours with three little ones is no easy feat. She was overwhelmed by the situation they found upon their arrival. I couldn’t help her in the moment, but I could consult your blog to find a quick, easy meal to take in for lunch. Your creamy black bean soup was the winner. I had everything in my pantry/freezer, which is one of the things I love most about your blog—no fancy ingredients. I wasn’t planning on making food in addition to our early Christmas dinner, but thanks to you, I could and it didn’t overwhelm me. So thank you for blessing my life, so I can pay it forward on some small scale. Merry Christmas!!
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas Mel! Thank you thank you thank you for all you do! Your blog supplies a good 75% of the recipes our family makes and eats. We love your gift guides and commentary as well. Thanks for out I g in all the time and effort. Enjoy a well-deserved break with your family!
Merry Christmas Mel, and thank you for all you do for us! I’m to make 3 batches of Gloria’s cinnamon rolls to deliver to family and friends…something I never would have attempted without your encouragement and detailed posts. Enjoy your time off, you deserve it!
Merry Christmas Mel. So thankful for anything you post! You don’t owe any explanations. Just know that when you do post, it is like a Christmas present. I get so excited, and obsess like crazy until I finally make it. Even though we have never met, you are like a very dear friend to me. Happy Holidays and enjoy your time off with your family.
Merry Christmas Mel! I am one of your biggest fans (as are my kids and husband that enjoy eating all the recipes I make!) I trust all your recipes, shop from your gifts guides, am more careful with sunscreen, and gain so much inspiration from you and your words! Thank you for your example and all the good you do!
Merry Christmas to you and your family, Mel! We lost a dear, long-time friend a week ago and I feel I’m in a similar place as you. Somehow cookie baking doesn’t seem so important right now.
Your recipes are (hands-down!) my very favorites!!! (Bonus: my husband and 3 kids love your recipes, too!)
But most of all, your heart really shines through your blog, and you truly inspire me! God bless you and your sweet family!
Merry Christmas Mel.
I love how authentic you are and that you put your faith and family first. I love your blog and your recipes. Every one I Have tried has been a keeper. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family.
Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family. Thank you for taking time for your family and showing us that it’s ok to do the same. Thank you for not posting just anything…but waiting until you have the time to post a “keeper.” I have never once doubted that a recipe of yours will work and produce a quality meal, treat or snack. I can’t always guarantee my kids will try it…but I’m always positive the blame is on them! Enjoy your time off!