RENEWEL EVERYDAY....

Saturday, November 29, 2008

THIS AND THAT....THANKSGIVING DAYS....

WE STARTED OUT VISITING MY SISTER'S
FAMILY AND MY MOM. THE APPETIZERS
WE SOOO GOOD.
SHE MADE INDIVIDUAL DRESSINGS AND
BEAUTIFUL PARFAITS OF PUMPKIN; WHIPPED
CREAM AND A TOUCH OF ORANGE AND
SWEET LITTLE COOKIES ATOP. SO GOOD.
THE TABLE WAS SET; AND WE ALL ENJOYED
A GREAT MEAL..........

BABY ELLA AND GREAT GRANDMA TALKING
THE NEXT DAY WE HEADED TO MY SISTER
IN LAWS....BABY ELLA AND HER COUSIN
ENJOYING THEMSELVES.
WE HAD A HUGE BUFFET AT MY SISTER-
IN LAWS HOME WITH ALL THE FAMILY.
THERE WAS SO MUCH GOOD FOOD AND
I LOVED IT ALL!!!

THE LAST DAY....WE WENT ON OUR ANNUAL
SHOPPING TRIP. WE GOT UP EARLY AND
ENJOYED A WONDERFUL DAY TOGETHER.


These past few days I have been out of town..... I am so thankful for all of my family and all the work they did to make the holiday a special one for us! We enjoyed each others company; eating until we were stuffed; and laughing until late in the evening!!

I enjoyed spending time with those I don't get to see everyday....but as I would leave each one my heart left some of its love with them......

Its so good to get to be yourself and enjoy family. Its so good to see how each of their lives
have changed and what they are doing and be a part for a short time.

I am thankful God allowed my sweet granddaughter to be with both of her great grandmothers!!! That is a precious precious thing!!

I am thankful for so many things my heart is overflowing..........

My home is almost finished with decorations for Christmas time and I will be sharing pictures to come from time to time.......

What was special for your holiday?

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH
THE WOODS...............

Over the river and through the woods,
To grandmother's house we go;
The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh,
Through the white and drifted snow, O!

Over the river and through the woods,
Oh how the wind does blow!
It stings the toes, and bites the nose,
As over the ground we go.
Horse and Sleigh

Over the river and through the woods,
To have a first-rate play;
Oh hear the bells ring, "Ting-a-ling-ling!"
Hurrah for Thanksgiving Day, Hey!

Over the river and through the woods,
Trot fast my dapple gray!
Spring over the ground, like a hunting hound!
For this is Thanksgiving Day, Hey!
Horse and Sleigh

Over the river and through the woods,
And straight through the barnyard gate,
We seem to go extremely slow.
It is so hard to wait!

Over the river and through the woods,
Now grandmother's cap I spy!
Hurrah for the fun! Is the pudding done?
Hurrah for the pumpkin pie!



HAVE A BLESSED AND HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

EVERDAY...............BREAKFAST SURPRISE

I HAD A SURPRISE BREAKFAST OUT
WITH MY HUSBAND............
THE REAL SURPRISE WAS WITH THE
RECEIPT AND A LESSON..............


As I was up getting my husbands and my breakfast ready early this morning my husband
said to me " How about we go for a treat and I take you to breakfast in town?". Of course,
I jumped at the chance!!

It was so nice getting a cup of hot coffee and sitting together and looking out at the Little
Courthouse from the windows! The restaurant wasn't crowded and so we took out seat ourselves.
When our waitress came saw we were there she ran over to our table quickly and she was bubbling over with joy. She said " How are the best couple doing today?" What? ...we replied.
Oh lets just be the best couple and I will give you the royal treatment today. We laughed and
she took our order. My husband asked if he could get his side of American fries crispy and she began to tell us of a special way they make them that she loves......
In a few minutes she came back with a special order of these fries Free for us to try. She came back and filled our coffee cups several times and just made the meal extra nice.

When the bill came it lay on the table beside my husband. As we finished sipping our last cups of coffee and finished out meal he turned the bill over and it said $$20.oo extra for the Royal Treatment! ha ha .......... We both laughed outloud! My husband pointed out what a good lesson that was : that it only takes going the extra mile to give someone the Royal Treatment!!

The "ROYAL TREATMENT"! What a good lesson as the holidays come along.........
I hope to take this to heart and pass on this "ROYAL TREATMENT " someday!!

Monday, November 24, 2008

THOUGHTS............THANKSGIVING

PSALMS 69:30 " I WILL PRAISE THE NAME OF GOD
WITH A SONG, AND WILL MAGNIFY HIM
WITH THANKSGIVING.
PSALM 23:1 "THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD; I SHALL
NOT WANT.

Yesterday as we were on the way home from church winding around my favorite country road I looked up as I always do to see my favorite RED BARN!

But today would be different as at a glance..... I looked up to see a small fence and 3 little sheep jumping through to the other side! I was so EXCITED! It doesn't take much for me to be excited! My daughter and I were jumping for joy at our little treat from God and she said "Oh mom threes your RED BARN!

As we whisked by in a moment; my heart was filled with joy seeing those little sheep jumping and the BIG RED BARN! Then they were gone........ but a memory was still there!

As we drove on into our small town I could see the tiny white lights adorning the pretty green wreaths atop each light post. I could see the Blue and White Christmas tree set next to a military tank honoring our soldiers. I could see the leaves now fallen from most of the trees and the bare black branches setting apart against the crisp blue sky. I could feel the warmth of nearing our home and then the smell of chicken and dumplings cooking in the crock pot as I entered.....

"Psalm 23:1 "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want". ....... This week is Thanksgiving...
I have so many things to be thankful for.

God used those "little sheep" to remind me of HIM and HIS love and care for me. He reminded me that He takes care of me and my family. This week I want to STOP and be thankful in my heart for the dailys of life whatever they may be.......

I pray that HIS love would enter all your homes and you would have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Friday, November 21, 2008

RECIPES...........WARM CARAMEL SAUCE

RECIPES.....WARM CARAMEL SAUCE


1 1/2 C SUGAR
1/3 C WATER
1 1/4 C HEAVY CREAM
1/2 t VANILLA

Mix the water and sugar in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan. Cook over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes, until the sugar dissolves. Do not stir. Increase the heat to medium and boil uncovered until the sugar turns a warm chestnut brown (about 350 degrees F on a candy thermometer), about 5 to 7 minutes, gently swirling the pan to stir the mixture. Be careful – the mixture is extremely hot! Watch the mixture very carefully at the end, as it will go from caramel to burnt very quickly. Turn off the heat. Stand back to avoid splattering and slowly add the cream and vanilla. Don't worry - the cream will bubble violently and the caramel will solidify.

Simmer over low heat, stirring constantly, until the caramel dissolves and the sauce is smooth, about 2 minutes. Allow to cool to room temperature, at least 4 hours. It will thicken as it sits.

** Goes well with my pumpkin roll recipe
or apple cake or cheesecake.

Enjoy!!

THIS AND THAT....TAKING TIME FOR OTHERS

TIME IS SUCH A PRECIOUS THING A FEW CARDS I WORKED ON THIS WEEK I TRY AND MAKE MINE WITH A SPECIAL PERSON IN MIND

ANOTHER CARD DONE I SOMETIMES ADD A LITTLE GLITTER AROUND THE MESSAGE
JUST A CARD TO MAKE SOMEONE SMILE

Time is such a precious thing. I know it is for me. I know it must be for so many.

These next couple of weeks many minds will be thinking toward the holiday of Thanksgiving.
I ; myself cant wait to see family that I love. I also will be thinking of my family that lives farther
away now and we cant be together and I miss them dearly!!

I think of those that are hurting whether in the hospitals; family situations; overseas; or those I dont even know. .......

I want to make the time God has given me worth HIS time!

Here are a few things I want to make sure I do for the next week:
. Thank God for His many many blessings and care . Pray for those hurting; overseas; those that need His Love . Take time to be with the one I love and care and meet his needs. . Take time to STOP during busy times and listen to my adult children and their lives. . Bend down and pick up my granddaughter and hug her; read to her; rock with her .... . Ask God for those of whom He wants me to care for; notice.......and Tell about Him . Take time for caring for myself with getting enough rest; watch too many rich foods; ect
so that I am not too tired and grumpy to be good to anyone.
Precious Time........ What will you do with it?

Thursday, November 20, 2008

THIS AND THAT........SIMPLE "FALL BREAKFAST"

THE TABLE IS SET READY FOR BREAKFAST
MY HUSBAND AND I ALWAYS ENJOY HOT OATMEAL
WITH FRESH BLUEBERRIES FROM THE SUMMER
HE HAS BEEN ENJOYING THESE SIMPLE
"FRIED POTATOES WITH BACON PIECES"
TO GO ALONG SIDE.
ALL IT TAKES IS A FEW RED OR WHITE
POTATOES; SOME ONION; AND A FEW
PIECES OF BACON TO CRUMBLE IN...
YOU MAY USE REGULAR OR TURKEY
BACON. IT ONLY TAKES A FEW PIECES.


I thought I would share "morning breakfast" with you. Most of the time it is "hot oatmeal"with fresh blueberries or cinnamon and healthy butter. Then there is a side of a Dannon Light and Fit Yogurt and about 1 cup of ice cold milk.

Other days I make "fried potatoes" with bacon pieces to add for a side and my husband loves them! They are very simple to make and I find cheaper than the ones you find frozen in the store.

SIMPLE FRIED POTATOES

SERVES 6

4-6 MEDIUM POTATOES
1 ONION SLICED
3-4 PIECES OF BACON (COOKED)
OLIVE OIL

. WASH POTATOES AND STICK THEM WITH A FORK.
PUT IN A MICROWAVE AND COOK 4 MINUTES FOR EVERY POTATO ( SOMETIMES THEY ARE DONE EARLIER)

. MEANWHILE: PUT SOME OLIVE OIL IN THE BOTTOM OF YOUR LARGE SKILLET.
LET IT WARM.

. TAKE POTATOES OUT. AND PUT A COUPLE OF SLICES OF BACON IN MICROWAVE TO COOK. 1 MINUTE FOR EACH PIECE.

. CUT UP POTATOES ON CUTTING BOARD AND PUT IN SKILLET. CUT UP ONION IN SLICES AND ADD TO POTATOES.

. ALLOW POTATOES TO BROWN 1-3 MINUTES ON ONE SIDE. THEN STIR AND COOK 3-4 MINUTES MORE ON THE OTHER SIDE OR UNTIL TENDER AND LIGHT BROWN.

. ADD COOKED BACON LAST. *** MAY ADD SHREDDED CHEESE AT END AND TOSS IN MIXTURE UNTIL CHEESE IS MELTED FOR CHEESY FRIED POTATOES.


HOPE YOU ENJOY AND HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

OTHERS...........GIVING THANKS


OTHERS.........GIVING THANKS


The baskets I have been working on are now finished and ready to give away. They were filled with pretty red cups and white cups; tea bags; coffee mixes; cocoa mixes; a pretty tea strainer with ribbon; a candle; and some candies.

I wrapped my pumpkin rolls in some pretty tissue with a bow; or wrapped them and put some in a pretty bag alongside my pumpkin butter; or simply gave some out wrapped in clear
cellophane.


Others thought they were the one getting the gift; but you see I was the one that was thrilled to GIVE and receive a blessing.

We cannot always give to others; especially with the economy as it is now; but we can do
small things to "Brighten the Corner Where You Are".
I used to sing this little song all the time.
Whereever your corner of the world is........ There is someone who could use a SMILE>
There is someone who could use a encouraging note; There is someone who could use a simple
pumpkin roll or some home made cookies.

As I get busy with the holiday season...... I dont want to forget OTHERS at this time that might be hurting in some way. Maybe a basket of cheer for that one in the hospital; maybe a basket filled with muffins; hot cocoa and pumpkin butter for the discouraged one.......


I am so thankful for ALL the Lord has given me....... Can I take time to give a little back to OTHERS?

Monday, November 17, 2008

PROJECTS..........OTHERS

I HAVE BEEN WORKING ON SOME CARDS
TO GIVE OUT........

HERE IS ANOTHER ONE..............
A CARD SITTING NEXT TO THE LITTLE
SWEET FACE GIRL GIVEN BY MY
SISTER JOYCE
HERE IS ONE MORE CARD....SIMPLE
HERE IS ANOTHER BASKET I AM WORKING
ON TO TAKE TO MY LADIES CIRCLE .
THIS ONE WILL BE FOR A DEAR WIDOW IN
OUR CHURCH. THERE WILL BE
OTHER ITEMS ADDED.
I AM THANKFUL FOR MY FAMILY.



I am busy this morning changing sheets; doing laundry; preparing tonights dinner ( pork chops; mashed potatoes and broccoli); raking more leaves ( ha) and watching the snow flurries
come down in the cold cold air.

Here are some projects I am working on for my ladies circle and Thanksgiving.....Hope you enjoy!

What preparations are you working on for the holiday?

Friday, November 14, 2008

FALL DAYS...........THIS AND THAT

SOME NICE PUMPKIN BUTTER I MADE
FOR THE HOLIDAYS FROM
THE "LADIES OF GRACE"
BLOG SITE. OH SO YUMMY!
WE TRIED SOME PUMPKIN BUTTER FOR A TREAT
I MADE "LEAF" CUT OUT COOKIES USING
A GINGERBREAD MIX. I MIGHT DECORATE
WITH A FEW LINES OF ORANGE OR RED.

I HAVE SEVERAL PUMPKIN ROLLS MADE
AND IN THE FREEZER READY TO GIVE.


I AM WORKING ON A BASKET TO GIVE
TO A "SPECIAL LADY" IN OUR CHURCH
FROM OUR WMS CIRCLE LADIES.




I PUT TWO RED CUPS WITH COFFEE; SOME
TEA; SOME PRETTY THINGS AND WILL ADD
SOME COOKIES IN A BAG TIED WITH RIBBON
THEN COVER ALL IN CELLOPHANE WITH
A LARGE WHITE BOW.

This has been a wonderful week full of Gods goodness. I enjoy baking when I get the time
and was able to catch up on some for the holidays this week. It can be so peaceful. I have to laugh as I also tried to make some carmel corn to put in little baggies and burnt the whole thing so spend an hour cleaning that up!

Life isn't perfect . It is made up of precious moments God gives to us! For a moment .....
we give a basket full of love......... For a moment we have someone stop by with a heartache and send them home with a pumpkin roll..........For a moment you enjoy your family tasting the goodies you just made...... Enjoy your moments this weekend!

Thursday, November 13, 2008

RELATIONSHIPS...." STEPPING OUT WITH MY HUBBY"

ABUELOUS RESTAURANT WHERE WE HAD
A WONDERFUL DINNER
CHOCOLATE MOLTEN CAKE FOR
A DELICIOUS DESERT


Yesterday was my husband and my 31st anniversary. When he arrived home late last evening I knew he was tired; rained on; and sick with a cold but......... He said " Were going out like I promised. He went to clean up and look his best for our special evening. I too made sure I was dressed pretty and feminine and smelled extra nice for him.

We went to our favorite place and because of the rain there was hardly anyone there. My husband told our waitress it was our anniversary and she treated us royally! I enjoyed a large steak; load mashed potatoes; beans and enchiladas with ice tea. He ordered an appetizer for us to share too! ( I had so much food I took a box home today to enjoy my lunch)!
The waitress came and asked if we wanted desert! Knowing my hubby is diabetic I declined.
All he had to do was ask me again and show me the Molten Chocolate Cake and I was sold!

We had such a nice time just sitting; talking; laughing and being with each other! No big fanfare this night. Just a night alone and being together......... As we left I noticed the rain had picked up and was coming down really hard. We walked out running to the car and there he stood by my door in the hard rain to open it and allow me to get in! Isn't that LOVE? I have to admit I was laughing trying to gather myself in the car with the little box; my purse; and knowing he was getting soaked. I reached over to unlock his side quickly and we both laughed being soaked and cold! Nutty I know..... but fun!

Love.........commitment/care/ hard work/ selflessness/ loyalty/ seeking others needs/ humbling/ sacrifice..............

What is love to you?

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY.................TO MY SWEETHEART

MY HUSBAND OF 31 YEARS AND OUR
GRANDDAUGHTER


MY HUSBAND ALWAYS LOVED OUR
CHILDREN AND NOW OUR GRANDCHILDREN


HAPPY ANNIVERSARY !!!!!! Today is our 31st wedding anniversary! I can remember
meeting my husband way back in high school. I was walking in "homeroom" at the time and there he was standing on his head in on the tables in the "science room". "OH MY! ....I thought
to myself that boy is silly!...................But it was his HUMOR and kind and courteous spirit that drew me near.

We began to date in my Jr. year going to the prom. Then in our Sr. year and afterwards while I attended a Jr. college and he went to Ivy Tech for electronics. Two years later after he graduated we were married!

I began to notice some things that I really loved about Dan. He respected me and my family.He honored and respected my parents and got along great with them. He loved his family.He treated me like a lady. He would open doors; pull my chair out at restaurants ; and cared for me. He had a wonderful sense of humor! We would laugh about so many things.

Little did I know about his commitment to our lives and our marriage.............


We ended up moving far away from both parents right after we were married. We loved our families and would miss them but this is were his job would take us............. We enjoyed our young married days not a care in the world; both working our jobs; hiking; picnics; ice skating; and enjoying life.......

God was working in this young couples lives............and within a year He led us both to His Word through some events and we both asked Jesus into our hearts. Life began again for us both!

We stayed in upstate New York for 3 years and worked for a good company. We were active with the youth in a small community church and enjoyed many sweet days.....But then came the transfer back home . We moved home and again became involved in a local Baptist church.
My husband now loved me and loved the Lord! I believe God has a design for couples and families he wanted to use. ......We both loved people! The day came when our first son was born.
What joy he bought into our lives. We both gave him to the Lord and he became my husbands buddy! I was so awe struck at the love he had for our children. He and I took him whereever we
would go........... We were now a family! Soon after.......we would moved again a few hours away from our family. We began a life again with this new son and company and church and raise our
children there. I am thankful my husband was so wise.

Many years passed and two more children were born. Two girls. My husband was the best daddy to all of them. He taught them right from wrong and held the highest standards. He would put his self aside and play with them; read to them; laugh and have fun with them; pray with them ; and always made them feel very special!

We decided to have our children go to a Christian school and he worked hard year after year keeping them in the school. Many times he sacrificed things in order for them to have this education. What is worth it? Yes indeed!

Years followed......hard work; his training of computers now out of date; he would start anew and learn how to run another avenue in electronics and start a business. Worked hard; loved his family and loved and cared about others.

I would see that man have nothing and give away a "turkey dinner" to those that were hurting during the holidays; I would see him underneath great burdens of stress with our business yet always bring a "party" and "joy" with him to others!

Winter came..........he was sick but kept on working through the holidays. January; February when one night came the "Pain" and the heart attack and surgery and recovery. He spent a month in the hospital yet during his last week was on the phone helping with business.
Some men would have quit with what he went through those 2 years. The home going of his "buddy" and friend his dad while he was traveling on the road. The calling of our son "his other friend and buddy" to move him and our daughter in law to work in a church many hours away.

But he didnt!!! And God once again had his plan!!! A renewed life. Two of our children married to fine wonderful mates. A sweet baby granddaughter! And ME!!



I LOVE AND ADMIRE THIS MAN GOD GAVE ME SO MANY YEARS AGO!!!!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

REFLECTIONS ............OF THANKSGIVING

REFLECTIONS...OF THANKSGIVING


This week seems to be saying much on reflections of being thankful. I guess its because of Thanksgiving coming up soon.
I did take time today to think of foods that I will take to Thanksgiving at my sisters and to my sister in laws home. We usually celebrate with my sister and her family and my mom and with my sister in law and family and my mother in law. That's alot of Thanksgiving food and we are blessed indeed!

They work so hard getting things ready I offer to bring something along if possible. I can remember when I was a young girl the day of Thanksgiving! All the family would arrive and the chatter seemed to get louder and louder in the kitchen. Laughing; football games on TV or in the front yard prevailed. All the ladies would be in the kitchen helping with whatever needed done.

Mixing potatoes with the mixer; placing hot rolls in a basket; placing the desert on a pretty plate to be served later; and telling dad to come and cut the turkey....... We would all sit down with my dad at the end of the table and say the family grace. Good times!

But.......as we use many of the same traditions from before we have our own traditions to adapt to. I think that the main thing is that you have a meal that you enjoy with whomever and be thankful!

This year I plan on taking a couple cheese balls and crackers. A pumpkin roll. Some pumpkin butter ( I found this recipe on Ladies of Grace blog); a vegetable tray and dip and some soda to drink.

I have learned from others when being a guest in someones home for holidays make sure you do a few things:

. Be appreciative and thank them. . Clean up after yourselves. Clean up your room you stay in. Take off bedding ( ask about this) . Offer to help in the kitchen or with anything that's needed done. . Make sure your family or children are thoughtful with their actions. Thanksgiving can be a wonderful time with family or friends. Lets be mindful of what it is....

Monday, November 10, 2008

THOUGHTS........."OPERATION GRATITUDE"

THOUGHTS..."OPERATION GRATITUDE"

Psalms 69: 30: " I will praise the name of God with a song, and magnify him with thanksgiving."


Early this morning as I was driving through our small town and enjoying the beautiful colors of Fall........a sign CAUGHT my eyes! The sign said " Come join us in OPERATION GRATITUDE"
in the help for our solders.


What a wonderful sign I thought to myself! With the coming of Thanksgiving around the corner....Gratitude fills my heart with many things. I also was reminded that yesterday at our church we had what was called "Military Sunday". We honored the Veterans and those on Active Duty now. What honor was given as so many filled the steps up in the front of our church. The music and orchestra were also honoring and uplifting. There were two or more standing ovations to honor these soldiers. There were gifts given and tears flowed freely among the people and some of the soldiers as well! What an honor that they would sacrifice their lives to keep us free!

God reminded me that the upcoming Thanksgiving was not only the menu to be planned; Christmas around the corner; and plans for my own family traditions but GRATITUDE around
what He hath done.............



I was thankful for so many things........but reminded of my own nephew Devon who will be soon shipping out overseas. I was reminded as soldiers stood and many of them leaving that week to places unknown to us to protect me and my family while I enjoy my Thanksgiving dinner!

I decided in my own heart.........That this month will be "Operation Gratitude" in my life.
I will make a list of names that I may do "something" to honor; bring joy; or thank someone.
Some may be known while others things will be only between God and I. Matthew 6:1 "Take heed that you do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. "

As you walk ........through the grocery store this week and you fill your cart with many good things may you think of "gratitude" and Gods grace. Maybe this could be your month of "GRATITUDE" for someone. ........... somewhere...........

If you would like to share some ideas towards this and let me know I would be blessed!!!

Have a wonderful week!!!

Saturday, November 8, 2008

RECIPES..................DRIED BEEF AND ONION CHEESEBALL

RECIPE............CHEESE BALL FOR THE HOLIDAYS


2 - 8 OZ CREAM CHEESE SOFTENED

2-4 GREEN ONION DICED

1-2 t GARLIC POWDER

1 t WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE

1 PACKAGE OF "BUDDING BEEF" I USE ABOUT HALF


. MIX WITH FORK ALL OF THE ABOVE; THEN USE HANDS TO FORM INTO SHAPE.

. COVER CHEESE BALL WITH PLASTIC WRAP AND PUT IN REFRIGERATOR UNTIL FIRM.

. USE A PRETTY PLATE AND PLACE IN THE MIDDLE.

. USE A NICE SHAPED CRACKER TO SERVE AROUND THE CHEESE BALL.

. MAY ADD FRESH PARSLEY IN A BUNCH TO LIE IN FRONT OF THE CHEESE BALL FOR A FESTIVE LOOK.

. THIS MAKES A LARGE CHEESE BALL FOR 4-6. THEY ARE EASY AND QUICK TO MAKE AND GO A LONG WAY.

. ENJOY!

Friday, November 7, 2008

NOVEMBER DAYS........THANKFULNESS

NOVEMBER DAYS..............THANKFULNESS


I was driving downtown through our little town the other morning. Oh..... the sun was just beginning to rise and peek out through the brightly colored orange and red trees!!
The wind picked up just a bit and the leaves began to " fall like snowflakes" in all colors!
As I traveled back towards home that morning.....my heart began to fill with Thankfulness!!

I was thankful for so many things that tears began to wail up in my eyes until I could no longer control them and they flowed down upon my cheeks with a warm sting but a grateful heart!!

God has brought me through bumps in the road for the past many years off and on! Being in my 50's now I thought I had endured all the bumps years ago and these would be the years of milk and honey! But ............as I asked God to grow closer to me he knew I would have some
things I needed to learn and go through.

I was so thankful for so many things:............... A husband who has endured a heart attack; kept his own business; and still works hard for me and loves me; children who are grown and love us and the Lord. A Son and Daughter in Law who serve in a church and love the Lord and love and care for their dad and mom.
For a Daughter and Son in law who work hard caring for our first granddaughter and work hard at his job and serve in our church and love the Lord; and another Daughter who is finishing a little nursing course in such determination and loves the patients she works with and serves in the Singles class at our church.

I am thankful for an extended family who have been there through thick and thin. A mother who is strong after my dads home going; a mother in law who makes me laugh and is strong after my father in law went to heaven; my wonderful fun sisters of whom I love and we all love each other; a brother who is a Pastor even after a virus attacked his heart a few years ago and is struggling with his health beside his sweet family.
My husbands brothers who have been so helpful and funny. My sister in law who is really like a sister to me and been my "rock" many times in help and love. I am so thankful for a family that gets along when so many do not.

I am thankful that we look for the good in each other instead of finding faults!

I am thankful for a strong and loving church and Pastor who loves his people. I am thankful for the things God has allowed around me at this time to encourage me. Things; our homes; our friends that we think we need are all temporal. God knows are needs and gives us just what is right.

I can look and see a ""Blue Heron" and know God loves me! I can look back two years ago when I looked into the eyes of my husband as he struggled for breath with tubes all over his body and still say God loves us! I can hear the giggle of our granddaughter and think; how God loves me! I can go to the grocery on a budget and come out with the greatest bargins and say God loves me! I can see it in His nature through His beauty............
I can find a silver tree out in the back yard as I look up against a blue sky and say " God sure loves me!"

I can feel I might loose it all and He gives back 100 fold! God loves me!

This November how many things can you be thankful for?

Thursday, November 6, 2008

A FALL TRADITION.....MAKIING PUMPKIN ROLLS

I BUY A LARGE 29 OUNCE CAN OF PUMPKIN TO MAKE SEVERAL LOAVES. FIRST I
BEGIN BY BEATING THE EGGS.
ADDING CINNAMON, FLOUR; SALT MAKES THE HOUSE SMELL SOOO GOOD. WHILE THE "CAKE" IS COOLING I MAKE THE CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
I SPREAD THE CREAM CHEESE ON THE CAKE AND THEN ROLL IT UP AGAIN AND
DUST WITH CONFECTIONERS SUGAR.

I USUALLY CUT IT IN HALF AND SERVE IN
SLICES ON A PRETTY PLATE OR GIVE AWAY A LARGE HALF. THIS TIME I AM FREEZING THEM TO HAVE ON HAND DURING THE HOLIDAY.


PUMPKIN ROLL

3 EGGS SEPARATED ( YOLKS AND WHITES) 1 CUP SUGAR DIVIDED IN HALF 2/3 C SUGAR 3/4 FLOUR 1 t BAKING SODA 1/2 t CINNAMON 1/8 t SALT

FILLING

1 8 OUNCE PACKAGE OF CREAM CHEESE (SOFTENED) 2 T BUTTER 1 C CONFECTIONERS SUGAR 3/4 t VANILLA

DIRECTIONS
LINE A 15 X 10" BAKING SHEET WITH WAXED PAPER ( SPRAY)
IN LARGE BOWL ADD EGG YOLKS . BEAT ON HIGH UNTIL CREAMY. ADD 1/2 C SUGAR THEN IN ANOTHER BOWL...... BEAT EGG WHITES UNTIL FORMS PEAKS AND GRADUALLY ADD 1/2 SUGAR .
COMBINE THE TWO TOGETHER. FOLD IN PUMPKIN. ADD THE DRY INGREDIENTS AND FOLD IN. SPREAD ONTO THE SPRAYED BAKING SHEET. BAKE AT 375 DEGREES FOR 12-15 MINUTES......................

COOL FOR 5 MINUTES.............. DUST A TEA TOWEL WITH CONFECTIONERS SUGAR AND TURN OUT "CAKE" UNTO TOWEL. ........ GENTLY TAKE OFF WAX PAPER.........STARTING AT ONE END USING TOWEL BEGIN TO ROLL UP CAKE WITH TOWEL UNTIL YOU HAVE A ROLL. LET SIT AND COOL. MEANWHILE , MAKE FILLING. MIX SOFTENED CREAM CHEESE AND BUTTER. ADD REST OF INGREDIENTS AND BEAT BY HAND UNTIL SMOOTH. NOW............UNROLL YOUR TOWEL AND CAKE WILL BE FLAT. I SPREAD OUT FROSTING TO THE ENDS. .............THEN GENTLY BEGIN TO ROLL UP YOUR "CAKE" AGAIN AND DUST WITH CONFECTIONERS SUGAR.

DON'T WORRY IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG SUCH AS A BIT OF CRACKING OR FLOUR STICKING. JUST ADD A LITTLE MORE CONFECTIONERS SUGAR TO THE TOP. I USUALLY CUT THEM IN HALF AND WRAP EACH ONE. YOU MAY FREEZE UP TO 3 MONTHS. REMOVE FROM FREEZER FOR AT LEAST 15 MINUTES BEFORE SERVING. I USUALLY MAKE 3-4 ROLLS FROM THIS CAN. ENJOY!