MAKING CARMEL APPLE PIES WITH GRANDMA.............

MAKING CARMEL APPLE PIES WITH GRANDMA.....

Psalm 63: 1-"O God, thou art my God; early will I seek
thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty
land, where no water is;

As I began making some of my "Carmel Apple Pies" to
freeze; my granddaughter pushed up a chair wanting
to join in the fun.............
I just love getting to put my own "cupfuls" into the bowl
for Grandma!
Pat, Pat Pat............the brown sugar down flat ; Grandma says...
Usually this grandma puts on an apron on me; to prevent many
spills that may come our way but we forgot and were
covered in brown sugar and flour dust!!!
Grandma kept laughing as she was taking my picture
as I was trying to finish our pies............
Grandma had these all ready to go into the oven and I
reached on the top and "fluffed" it down with my hands!
Then we were both laughing!!!
I love baking pies with my Grandma and think my
Grandpa is so much fun too!!!!
I love to clean; wipe down everything..........This is the way
we clean the kitchen ; clean the kitchen ; clean the kitchen
All finished; Grandma baked the apple pies and covered
them with foil all over and put them in large Glad bags
and into the freezer to use during the holidays.........
If you want this recipe it is on my sidebar...............
Have a blessed weekend!!................

OTHERS.........GIFTS BASKETS TO GIVE ; THANKSGIVING TABLES TO PUT TOGETHER....

This week I will be planning some baskets I will put together for others for the holidays....
This basket can be "simple" with a few pumpkin muffins and icing or food items...

My ladies service circle makes a "basket" to give to a lady who may have been ill or needs some encouragement each month........
I enjoy putting together a "holiday table " also ..........Again you can be creative ......and use a
simple branch and some pretty napkins.....
I have seen some beautiful baskets made up but really all you need are a few simple tools...

l. A Basket (can be from a thrift store for $1)...2. Some shredded paper or pretty tissue (dollar
stores) 3. Items for that person or persons (baked items; candles; breads) 4. Long roll of clear wrap to wrap around the basket ( pull up and around) secure with raffia or pretty bow
You may take simple brown bags; fold over punch holes ; add pretty decoration (craft stores for a few cents) and twine..............make a nice label and your done!


The table can be simple or be creative and use cloth napkins; make your own napkin rings;and cut out Fall leaves in felt to toss about the table...Candles always add a festive time to a table.
I have some beautiful dishes given to me from Aunt Michelle in this cobblestone brown and cream.....A white napkin and some Indian corn makes a pretty setting.
Placecards can be done on a computer or visit your local craft store for simple stamps to make
this Thanksgiving meal special..............

I LOVE MONDAYS...........WELCOME NOVEMBER AND THE HOLIDAY SEASON

I LOVE MONDAYS..........and its the beginning of November and the holiday season as well!
As I get older the holiday season seems to come and go so much faster (I think its my age). When I was a child it seemed to last forever........So this year I am beginning November thinking about Thanksgiving and Christmas.........

I purchased some pretty paper Thanksgiving napkins yesterday and am working on a few simple crafts with my granddaughter..........
Here are a few things I am working on as this season begins................

. Clear out any clutter in all areas

. Take a small notebook and Label this Holidays
Make a list of Thanksgiving meal or baking- grocery list
Make a list of items to be done around the house
Make crafts for you or others to join in and do together.......this is fun for little ones.

. Think of others that may need encouraging at this time
Bake; make a small basket or send a card of Thankfulness and pray for them

. Have a budget and stick to it .....dont be discouraged about what you cannot purchase ; be creative and make this the best holiday ever! Gifts; food; be prepared
* Their are many sales at the grocery store this time of year so watch for them

. Make the holidays fun for your family and yourself.........They need this traditions even if you dont "feel like it"........Make memories for yourself and others

. Watch your health ; eat as healthy as possible ( even with all the baking lol); rest when needed.

. Thank God who brings all things for every detail of life He brings..........** I saw the most beautiful sunrise this morning...........

'FALL BAKING COOKIES; FREEZING APPLES; AND MAKING "LINDAS TACO SOUP AND PINTO BEANS AND HAM.....

This past week the "winds came" and blew and blew.......I loved the leaves spiraling through the air as I stood safe and warm inside my kitchen........(our van was down due to a car accident and so my transportation was down).........but I thanked God for "this time" to be home and puddle around in the kitchen. I love the kitchen and love when I have the time to work with my hands
and create and bring a warm and comfort to our home....This day my granddaughter and I were
going to bake some "pumpkin cookies". I had most of the items needed on hand so we went to
work donning our aprons . I lit my pumpkin candle and had the great music of our churchs
radio station playing great music in the background.....
It doesnt seem like it takes much to make us happy. A little bit of flour; sugar; butter; a cookie cutter; some powered sugar and food coloring..........brings a happy face to all who enter.........
Little precious hands.......( I seem to notice more every little thing about my grandchildrens hands) maybe it was when I was a young mother life was busier but I love her little hands
and the flour; sticky fingers; laughing; flour dusted all over both of us.............little things....
Each creation is special...........God thinks His creations are special too and everything He created is unique! A tree; a flower; a hand; a heart.............its His creation......
Look grandma................."Oh thats sooooo good!"..............Will she remember this as she grows
older? Perhaps.......but someday may she do the same with her babies?
The creation..........the time spent on these little things are important I think..........We went to the grocery store the other evening and I held her up over the big frozen turkeys and said "which one shall we pick for Thanksgiving?" She picked one....... She helped grandma and her mama shop putting things in her little tiny cart .......as we stopped and laughed and giggled....
I made Aunt Linda's Taco Soup this week which was so easy and everyone loved it!......Warm comforting soup ; another day Ham and Beans and homemade cornbread and the cookies;
My husband came in the door and said " Honey something smells good" ..........I just love that!
My friend Lisa gave me a bag of apples from the orchard; I had made several apple crisp and
some breads and still had plenty of apples so decided I would freeze what was left.........
I sat and peeled ( not with a peeler I wished I had had one but I had a hand :).........so begin
to peel and peel ...................
I then put them in a large bowl of salt water so they wouldnt turn brown..............I then put them in a colander; and put 2 cups at a time in a smaller bowl and covered them with abut 1/2 cup of sugar ( would use these for pies or crisps later).............I ended up putting up about 6 cups each in each freezer bag...........
Three bags full.........I was very happy with that to use for the holidays. I also found some bananas on sale for $1 a bag and came home; chopped those into pieces; lay them on a cookie sheet in the freezer; then took out and put into freezer bags to use later in muffins or breads.

I love my kitchen. Its one of my favorite things. I love how the Lord took my time and had be use it for something good and something comforting.........Next time I think I know what is best; I pray I stop and lean on who knows what is best for me......and who brings me more than I could ever want............

A WEEKEND OF REFRESHMENT..............

This past weekend my husband and I went out of town to attend a "Fall gathering" to welcome home my nephew from overseas . I am so proud of him. This was hosted at my sis in laws home and it was
such a relaxing time...................Her home is made like a lodge in the woods.....but as beautiful as it was throughout...........it was her "spirit" that filled this "lodge" with comfort and beauty!

It was such a relaxing time as my hubby and I sat on the swing on the front porch just taking in the woodsy aromas of burning wood and enjoying the beauty of all the colors of Fall thoughout.
She had hot coffee going all through the day with so many creamers to enjoy of any flavor...
She planned a wonderful gathering for all and made each guest feel welcome and needed and
filled to the brim with all sorts of goodies.

Pots of delicious homemade chili; crockpot full of Ham and beans; ( one of my husbands favorites); cornbreads and rolls and butter. Shrimp and sauce. Sandwiches of ham and turkey; chips and dips of all sorts in pretty colorful Fall dishes; you could even go out and roast hot dogs or Smores in the firepit out back..........Then when you were fully ; stuffed down in her Family Area she had a whole treasure of deserts!! Fall candles lit. Hot coffee to enjoy. Apple Cider in tall glass pitchers. Homemade Carmel Apple Pies ( my favorite I had too many pieces!);
Homemade fun candies on a stick and chocolate covered pretzels sprinkled with candies. pulled together in cute vases; brownies; cupcakes all decorated for Fall and other Homemade pies and cakes as well..............A lot of work but everyone enjoyed to the fullest!
With family you can be yourself. You can laugh and talk of old times. You can look at the children all over the room and see "your family" in their looks and mannerisms. You can love and care and cherish the moments................
Now back at home........I thank God for this time away. I thank God for a nice place to enjoy and relax and "renew" my Spirit. Last week we had a wonderful Ladies Conference at our church. Its always a wonderful time full of good things. This year I was not able to be there
due to circumstances but was able to watch online much of the conference......It was such a
treasury of wisdom to learn from and glean from..........
Isnt God good to give us so many blessings? Now.........back home I want to "take what was given to me and use it for His glory and for His purpose.........That may sound abit crazy but
I mean .........He allowed me to hear and learn so many good things. Now...........apply it!

We are here to be used for Him. I gleaned from the conference and have applied many things I must have needed already! I had a wonderful weekend away but have taken "lessons" home with me from my sis in law to use in my home.........( she is a nurse and helped me with nutrition
ideas for my heart needful hubby).......I also gleaned from her ideas on decorating; a great pie crust recipe; spiritual food; and how to love others.........

If you live a Christian life God takes us on a path each day. He has for us many things to learn along that pathway if we are willing..............I am thankful for the many things He has brought my way so I may learn and keep learning.

As October comes towards an end I am looking forward to holidays and Thanksgiving time......I am looking forward to baking and thinking of others during these days..........
I am looking forward to watching the Macys parade ( as my mom did); setting the Thanksgiving table ; making pumpkin rolls and other traditions............

I would enjoy hearing any tradition you may have for the holidays or even recipes. Even if you do not normally comment I would enjoy hearing from you and your families traditions.
I know I have readers from other countries and I would enjoy a favorite desert recipe if you wish to share........

TEA BREADS.............FALL LEAVES THAT CRUNCH UNDERFOOT

Fall is in full force here with the trees showing off every color.............I took a walk with my
granddaughter the other day and we scrunched the leaves beneath our feet...........Taking time
out to enjoy Gods beauty just fills your life with joy................
I enjoy baking small loaves of "tea breads" this time of year..........Oh the house smells so good
and lathering that butter on the fresh slices of bread is delicious.............but I also take these little breads and freeze them for later use to give away.................
Bringing out touches of "Fall: in everyday use makes someone feel special............
It can be fun to make up batches of "apple butter" or "pumpkin butter"

Whether baking from scratch or simplifying your days and using a nice box mix you can
fill your home with the comforts of home..........


ORANGE CRANBERRY TEA BREAD

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
• 2 cups fresh chopped cranberries
• grated zest and juice if 1 orange
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 egg, beaten

Preparation:

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, nuts, and chopped cranberries. With a wooden spoon, mix until ingredients are blended. Combine the orange zest, juice, and butter with enough water to make 3/4 cup. Beat in the egg. Pour over dry ingredients and mix just until all ingredients are dampened.

Spoon batter into a greased and floured 9x5-inch loaf pan. Bake in a preheated 350° oven for about 60 to 70 minutes, or until a wooden pick or cake tester inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on rack. Wrap airtight to store for up to 1 week, or freeze.

HE GIVES US OUR EVERY NEED............

This past week my daughter and I decided to take the two grandgirls on a walk in the beautiful sunshine and colors of Fall.............

What fun we had walking; laughing and jumping in the leaves.....But inside my heart was
struggling some with "wants" I thought I needed........I had prayed about these and left it at that but soon picked it up again .......trying to convince myself and God this is what I needed ........

And then I noticed something.............As our "sweestest girl" granddaughter would walk
along the path she would STOP .......Stoop down...........and then pick up a small item that was
special to her along the way..........Each little thing whether a........berry; stone; a Fall leaf; or
stick was what she needed at that moment..........and that was precious to her.........When I snapped this photo I looked at all her "favorite things"...........

Then..........I listened and thought God , you take me along this path and provide all my needs...Every thing I need. Not everything I want. But what I need. Sometimes a little one may cry out for a cookie. Some days they may get one but other days it may not be the best thing for them....I am thankful He gives me my needs and then other days extra needs !
God is so smart to bring beauty into our lives just by His creation....Each leaf...each berry......
each person that crosses your path was part of your life..............
Someone may live somewhere where "they cannot see any beauty " in the way of a leaf
or rippling waters..........There life may be "four walls" in a nursing facility"; or a home in a city where darkness fills there days..........BUT ...........God can shine His beauty anywhere.........

I can remember watching a program in which a young girl lived in a "hut" in a village far away
but her own small space had a small mirror; a little bed; and a shelf to hold her things...(she was happy)...........Why? Because she had what she needed at this time in her life.....That young girl
touched my heart deeply ...........(because God sent her story to me)........that she was content with what she had.........
Precious moments cannot be bought..........A face full of joy...........A Heron to say " I love you" from God...........is monumental!
So..............have fun ; love where you are placed.........Bring the best to where you are and those around you..............When I was a young bride I was full of things that I wanted....Things and ways I thought I needed including what my hubby and children should be someday.......I had goals and many of those things were accomplished but now..............30 years later..........my heart has changed to what they need..........and enjoying them in life....I still love to decorate and create
new things in life but I have all I need.............
Thank you God for my "Heron" this past week and for all you have given............These are a few of my favorite things...........................