STOP...to Care for Others

Almost every Christmas, I either read or hear of a great Christmas story that I save for the following year. I had one saved from last year for this year...but this year...nothing. Not one single story gave me chills, choked me up a bit or even made me cry in the slightest.

Maybe things got so hectic or maybe I wasn't taking time to really listen or maybe I had been so self-absorbed that nothing seemed to get through my mind long enough to settle in my heart...until...

IT HAPPENED! The PERFECT story. Not a story I read about from long ago or even a current story on the news, but from an older lady on the other end of my phone!

Right before Christmas, our son Caleb and his best friend, Josh {THINK Caleb and Joshua in the Bible...always seeking adventure...if they don't find it, it FINDS them. Trust ME!} left to spend the afternoon "mudding" in Josh's truck. They had our blessing as long as Caleb was back in time for our family dinner at 5!

Five o'clock came and no Caleb. No phone call or anything. Since I am a MAJOR worrier, I felt myself getting anxious. As I was getting the dinner rolls out of the oven, the phone rang. My hubby answered, "yes, this is Caleb's mom's phone. I am Caleb's Dad, can I help you?" EEEEEEKKKKK!!!! I immediately tried to figure out what had happened. As the conversation continued...I realized Caleb and Josh were okay.

A lady had driven off the side of the road and the boys followed behind her to see if they could help. She was completely shaken up and overwhelmed. She was driving from California to her home in Oregon and needed to put chains on. She had no idea how to put them on, so the boys helped her. She had no way of "paying" them and she asked what she could do to thank them. Caleb answered, "Can you please call my mom, she is going to be worried that I am late for dinner!" So that is exactly what she did!

The next day she called me and was so full of gratitude. Not only was she touched that two young boys were willing to help her out, but that they had no gloves on their hands and that they followed her out of the snow and took her chains off and sent her safely on her way.

That, was my favorite Christmas gift this year! The opportunity to hear from a total stranger that my son and his best friend stopped and took the time to care for her. Knowing how to make a decision. Overriding his need to be home on time in order to take care of something way more important!

She had me in tears by the end of our conversation as she quietly spoke words of affirmation in my ear. Here, a teacher from California, was listing different qualities of my son that so many others {including me at times!!!} are quick to oversee. I was blessed. I am blessed to have a son who loves life more than most and who is more than willing to put his comforts aside to help those he may never see again. OH, sweet Caleb...I love you so and am grateful that God made you just the way you are...wild and adventurous at heart and yet uniquely sensitive and compassionate!

Just yesterday, the boys received a package in the mail with two pairs of North Face gloves and a beautiful card that read, "Dear Caleb and Josh, Thank you both for befriending me on my way to Portland. I hope these will keep your hands warm the next time you help an old lady with chains." Gratefully yours, K

Not only is this note going into his memory box, but a copy will be made for me to keep close at hand on "one of those days" when I wonder how exactly I qualified for being a Momma.

May your New year be filled with many opportunities to breathe words of affirmation to those around you; to STOP and to care for others; and above all may you be filled with God's abundant love and GRACE!

Love to each of YOU!

Merry Christmas

Last year our whole family spent three days in Leavenworth, Washington. It was so beautiful and reminded me of all our fun times spent in Switzerland.

On Christmas Eve, we all went to a tiny, old church for a Christmas Eve service. We didn't know anybody...but it was such a special evening singing old Christmas hymns and Christmas carols.

Before bed that night we read a devotional and I have saved it all year long to share with you.

I am not sure why it brought tears to my eyes, but for some reason it answered a very simple question I have thought about for years and years and years. Not that God always allows us to have our earthy questions answered, but at the time...when I seemed to be questioning God in so many areas in my life, I was reminded that things that seem "terrible" to us may be God's way of protecting us in so many other ways. I want to be able to remember to see life through eyes of faith. Better yet, truly trusting God for HIS amazing grace every.single.day.

"As a young girl in the late 1920's, Grace Ditmanson Adams often traveled with her missionary parents through inland China. Later, she wrote about those trips and the crowded places where they stayed overnight-village inns full of people coughing, sneezing, and smoking, while babies cried and children complained. Her family put their bedrolls on board-covered trestles in a large room with everyone else.

One snowy night, they arrived at an inn to find it packed full. The inn-keeper expressed his regret, then paused and said, 'Follow me.' He led them to a side room used to store straw and farm equipment. There they slept in a quiet place of their own. After that, whenever Grace read that Mary 'brought forth her firstborn Son and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn'{Luke 2:7}, she saw the event differently. While some described the innkeeper as an example of uncaring, sinful mankind who rejected the Savior, Grace said, 'I truly believe that Almighty God used the innkeeper as the arranger for a healthier place than a crowded inn- a place of privacy."

Through eyes of faith, we see God's provision for Mary. Look for the ways HE provides for you." David McCasland...Our Daily Bread, December 24, 2009

"THOSE WHO LET GOD PROVIDE WILL BE SATISFIED"

Merry Christmas from the Pearson Home to Yours...

Blog Break

Dear readers: Thank you for choosing to read my little bloggie. I thoroughly love writing it and do enjoy journaling some things for my children to have someday which has been fun.

My hubby has taken some time off work to spend with our family while our children are home on Christmas vacation...we are planing on spending lotsa time together.

As some of you know I was in a car accident about a year and a half ago and it has been difficult not to "talk" about it on the blog, but honestly, that is why I picked up blogging to keep myself connected in some way to what was going on and to be able to do something productive when sleep was not happening. Writing while waiting for Dr. appointments and on nights when my hubby was working seemed to help pass the time and really kept me focused on how good God is despite the nasty circumstances.

Right now we are dealing with a ton of insurance stuff {that is the sweetest way I can describe it!}. All this being said, I feel I need to take a break until the start of 2011. Hopefully, this little break will allow me quality time with my family as well a chance to turn the page on the car accident mess...and I do mean MESS. I am hoping to come back feeling rested, refreshed and inspired.

This does not mean a random blog here and there will not be happening as time allows.

I am off to have a HOT date with my favorite man in the whole wide world as our children are out for the evening! My favorite German champagne, appetizers made by my hubby, Christmas lights,watching WHITE CHRISTMAS {my other favorite} warm blankets and did I mention my date??? I love him oh.so. much!!!!

Merry Christmas to each and every one of YOU!

I have a special post for you on Christmas, too.

Chocolate Peppermint Ice Cream Sandwiches {mini stars}

Here you go! Short and sweet.

Favorite brownie recipe or box mix.

Bake brownies according to directions.

I baked mine in star molds, but you could make a thin batch and use cookie cutters to cut them out...after they are cooled completely. Make sure your pan is well-greased so they don't stick! I do NOT need hate mail. :)

Freeze cooled brownie "cookies".

You will need two stars for each sandwich.

Scoop a small scoop of peppermint ice cream onto first star. Top with a second
star. Sprinkle edges with a bit of crushed peppermint candy {optional}

Place in freezer until ready to serve.

If you have waxed sandwich bags, you could store them in the bags and place them in an airtight container until ready to serve.

Too messy? Too time consuming? Just make your brownies and fill with buttercream frosting with a bit of peppermint flavoring and food coloring or buy your peppermint ice cream. Whatever you do...you really need to make these.

You may also make brownies and use cookie cutters to cut out any template you like. I just love stars!

What is your favorite sweet treat for CHRISTMAS? Do you make it? Buy it? Enjoy it from someone else? Is it tradition? I would love to hear.

VALENTINE VARIATION: Instead of using a star cookie cutter, use a heart shape instead. How sweet for your sweetie pies! :)

SUMMER VARIATION: Use a scalloped round cookie cutter or a flower cookie cutter! ENJOY...I guess the star could resemble a starfish? :)




Shared with: comfy in the kitchen, at the picket fenceEnjoy!

Star Garland {made from old place card holders}

I bought these place card holders the day after Christmas in 1999. Yep. That is a long time ago. I was nesting away trying to take bags to the Thrift Store. Well, I loved the stars, but I am not into gold...so I brought them in...took the stickers off and used GLOSS paint to give them a fresh new cottage look. I love them. I let them dry and then took a piece of red and white Bakers Twine and attached them to twine with the card holder wire. It worked perfect...and if I need them for place cards, I can simply take them off the twine and use them for whatever. I love finding old things that have not been used and find a use for them.

What is something you have found that is not being used from around your home and turned it into something useful or for decoration? I would love to hear or see!

Happy Sunday. Sorry the pichave not been very good lately and that the posts have been really hit and miss. Maybe after December, things will settle down a bit. :} Aside from that, there is way too much going on for you all to be reading anyway.

Live.Laugh.Love...and Cry

Photo Credit: Thank you, Kim for the adventure and for sharing your incredible talent...you are the dearest of friends!


Today is one of those days I would rather just post a recipe and call it good, but by now we are all friends and we can just chat about things...

If you are a Momma you will be able to relate and for those of you who don't have children maybe you will understand how things may have been or how things are for your Momma.

Nothing quite tugs at your heart as much as watching your child cry and not be able to say anything that will help or be able to soothe them. When they are babies, it seems to be a bit easier to offer a favorite blankie, toy or binky...but the older they get...it seems to be silence and the act of pulling them close to your heart, kissing their forehead and running your hands through their hair and out of their teary eyes. NOTHING ELSE.

This morning we took David, Rissa's boyfriend, to Seattle. He is leaving to serve in South Korea for 12-18 months. He has become such a part of our family and is one special young man.

We love him!

Sometimes it is so easy to question God. Seriously, who am I to think I know better! But it's true. I question Him all.of.the.time. Like...what on earth is a 19 year-old doing so far away from home? I was looking at some pictures from David's class and thinking to myself, "those little boys should be HOME...not off fighting a war!" But I thank God that those boys are as unselfish as they are and are willing to fight whatever the risk may be...and I also think what amazing Mommas brought up those young, strong boys, and if they didn't have Mommas who took care of them and taught them...maybe they were brought up to be courageous men by a single Dad, grandparents, foster care, other family members etc...but I just hope and pray they had some kind of affection and love in growing up to be able to fall back on when they are out at war fighting! Do you ever think of things like that???

As we said goodbye, Rissa's eyes filled with tears, there was not much to say. I am praying that tonight will not be a sleepless night filled with worry but that God will comfort her and that she will know that David's plane is in the grip of God's hand and that every move and step David takes...God will envelope him and keep him and the other soldiers safe and out of harm's way. I am praying that shelter will be provided for them. Not so much in the form of the four walls of barracks...but that these soldiers would be given others who might take care for them and nurture them along the way!

I pray that David, as a man of God, will be able to continue to LIVE out John 13:34 and 35. "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another." I pray that he will be able to carry out THAT love. I pray that he will be able to stand strong and continue to demonstrate God's love to fellow soldiers and possibly at times his enemies. That he will be able to love the unlovely and care for those around him even when nobody seems to be caring for him and that he will be comforted by the very words of God.

I pray that David and Rissa will have lots of times to LAUGH. Fun times to look back on and even more memories to look forward to.

I pray that God will bring him home safely and that they will be able to be best of friends!

As a Momma, I pray that I will keep praise on my lips and be able to trust the fact that God is in control. No amount of worry, no amount of fear is going to change anything.

Today as we traveled North, I saw a hint of a rainbow off in the distance. It was misting...and within seconds...the sky grew dark and then it began to POUR, but the rainbow quickly became brighter and the colors were VIVID in the distance and a second rainbow suddenly reflected the arch of color across the sky. HOW appropriate! As we are at our darkest times of sorrow, possibly at our point of breaking and feeling completely overwhelmed...His promises have never failed and never will. Riss, how good is God to give us such an incredible reminder!






"Hear my CRY, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto you, when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy." Psalm 61:1-3

To you who LIVE.LAUGH and LOVE...it is good to be able to CRY out to the One who is strong enough to handle your biggest fears and who is concerned about your tiniest of worries.


, titus 2sday

Fish in White Paper Parchment Tied up with String

No time for side dishes and gourmet brining and spices? Here is a great idea. Dinner in a bucket. Yep. No passing the veggies or bread and butter. Everybody has their own dinner in their bucket. And it is still super nutritious and will leave your guests feeling pampered and not overly stuffed.


Healthy Fish Fillets and Veggies {in parchment} No scrubbing pots and pans for this dinner!

This recipe serves two... but may easily be doubled, doubled again and again...for however many people you are serving!

2 Tbsp. butter

4 cups fresh spinach, washed and stems removed

2 4-6 ounces white fish fillets {I used halibut that was about a 1/2" thick}

Sea salt and fresh ground pepper...or Johnny's Seasoning Salt

half of a zuchini, cut into half and sliced into thin slices

4 baby portabellas, washed and sliced

1 large tomato, seeded and chopped

4 thin slices of lemon

2 Tbsp.olive oil

Parchment Paper

Bakers Twine...now available at Crate&Barrel!


Directions:

Preheat oven to 450*

For each packet, you will want to layer two sheets of parchment that is at least 15" long to keep all of your food inside.

Take your butter and run it down the middle.

Place 2 cups of spinach on top of butter.

Place fish on top.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper or desired seasonings.

Divide the rest of the veggies between two packets

Lay lemons on each and drizzle with olive oil.

Fold packets up: Fold long edge over opposite side and tuck the short ends under.

Place two packets in baking pan and place in oven for about 18 minutes or until fish is opaque in color. Be very careful with steam.

When I am taking this meal to friends, I add the twine for delivery and have them take it off to bake.

To serve: place packets in a bucket with bread, drink, silverware and a tin to place packet in to eat out of! I would suggest mini baguettes to put in your bucket...

Sweet Treat Saturday {linky party}

Welcome to Sweet Treat Saturday. Please share a favorite sweet treat you enjoy on Saturday. It can be something you make, something you enjoy, something you eat...a favorite place you like to go to on Saturday OR a fun craft, a shop...or recipe. I have always loved to hear what other people enjoy doing on Saturdays...I love to bake...hence Sweet Treat Saturdays...but I know there are alot of other sweet things that can be enjoyed that have absolutely nothing to do with food...sooo...if it is something sweet to you...the sky is the limit!

Happy Saturday!

Neopolitan Pecan Bars

Yesterday was "mommy day". Riss was back for the night on Wednesday night...so we had a festive shrimp fettucini dinner...so fun...well, I woke up to a little bug snuggled up to me yesterday morning=sheer delight! I will never get tired of bringing her Nutella toast in bed! My children still love to eat in bed which is something my Momma did for us! It is fun to think they will be doing the same with their children one of these days. Never underestimate little random acts of kindness! They may become TRADITION!

My son forgot his lunch at home and normally it is "too bad, soo sad"...but he texted me and then called and I thought to myself "how many more times am I going to be able to do this?" So, I ordered his favorite take-out food, picked it up and ran it to him before driving downtown to watch my hubby play in a basketball benefit tournament. EEEEEKKKK! I know sometimes being a Momma can be so demanding, but it feels good to be able to nurture your family...especially when it is easy to put them on the back-burner. So, if you are feeling frazzled...try loving on your family...it is sure to charge your batteries. Even if it is tucking them in at night...you will be sure to feel like you just got a big ole shot of vitamin D!

Riss got Nutella toast, Caleb got Wu's and my hubby got these...according to him, they are "quite possibly the best dessert!" Mr. Pearson says that about everything...but he was pretty convincing!!! "He" wants to make them for all the guys at work...that would mean "me"! Good thing they are easy!

This is a combo of two different recipes...

{In attempt to make it healthier, I had to add something in from Trader Joes!}

Enjoy!

Neopolitan Pecan Bars

1 package plain graham crackers, crushed or Trader Joes waffle cookies, crushed

1/3 cup pecans, chopped {optional}

1/2 cup salted butter, melted

1 large Tablespoon flour

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 cups sweetened coconut

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1/2 cup butter, softened

3 cups powdered sugar

2 Tablespoons water

1 tsp. vanilla or ½ tsp. peppermint extract

one drop of red food coloring...this will be pink!

Mix the graham cracker crumbs, pecans, butter, sugar and flour together
and press into the bottom of a greased 8x8 inch pan.

Bake at 275* for 15 minutes.

Remove from oven.

Turn heat up to 300*.

Mix the coconut and sweetened condensed milk and
spread on the baked crust.

Bake for 40 minutes until golden
brown around the edges

Remove from oven and let cool completely.

Beat the butter, powdered sugar, water, vanilla {or peppermint} and food coloring
until light and fluffy.

Spread frosting on cooled bars.

Refrigerate until frosting is set.

These can be cut into little squares…because they are very rich.

Embellish with coconut





Shared with: comfy in the kitchen

Hospitality is... (linky Party)

Welcome!

Let's just pretend that we are enjoying a cup of tea. Just you and me. I may be squirming a bit, because I am ALWAYS talking...but I am really trying hard to become a better listener.

What is hospitality? Is it simply just as Webster defines it[noncount] 1 : generous and friendly treatment of visitors and guests : hospitable treatment...or is there more to it than that?

In some cultures, it is offering your guest a drink, a place to sit, or something to eat. (Like Eileen Barton sang: If I knew you were comin' I'd've baked a cake!)

Both my hubby and I grew up in "hospitality houses". Our homes were always filled with people. My family home was a home-away-from-home for military men and women overseas and my hubby's home was filled with, as he puts it, "strays"...people that he and his brother knew through school or work who were going through tough times and needed a place to stay.

In our home, my mom was always in the kitchen preparing for our family and guests. It was very structured due to the way the ministry operated. In hubby's home, they operated in a very casual way. You just helped yourself to whatever you needed.

Now that we have been married for 20 plus years, we have developed our own style of hospitality which is a blend of both of our families.

I still love the anticipation of having company and all the preparation involved, but I also want our guests to feel at home enough to where they grab whatever they need from the fridge without asking.

I look forward to sharing simple "hospitality" ideas with you and can't wait to hear your ideas and traditions you share with those whose lives you touch.



"THE ORNAMENTS OF A HOUSE ARE THE GUESTS THAT FREQUENT IT."

Now it is your turn. What does hospitality mean to you? Link up and share...anything hospitality...a recipe, something you do to make guests feel welcome, maybe it isn't even in your home!

A Brilliant Idea

My friend, KARI was telling me about these last night! Her hubby's company is selling these amazing tables. We all LOVE IKEA and Pottery Barn...and I think this is the perfect combo of the two! What a great idea! Thank you, Kari!

Win KidzPad Activity Table ($289 Value)! – Hip2Save - Not Your Grandma's Coupon Site
hip2save.com
Are you looking for a table that is perfectly suited for play time and craft time yet beautiful enough for the living room? Need an activity table which is so attractive it can double as a coffee table or a cocktail table? Well, KidzPad has the PERFECT solution...the KidzPad Activity Table! The Kidz

...So if you are amongst those of us who did not finish their Christmas shopping on Black Friday...here is a great place to start at Hip2Save! Happy commenting!

Thanksgiving Thoughts

Most times I write my posts in the evening when my hubby is on his 24 hour shift...but this time, I actually thought ahead of time and asked my Dad to write a blog post for me! I mean for YOU.

It goes without saying that my Dad has had an AMAZING influence on me. This isn't because he is perfect, but because of the way he has allowed God to work in his life.

I have so much to be thankful for, but today, I am thankful for an ever-caring DAD who has demonstrated and shared his love to his family and to those around him in the day-by-day moments of life.

Thank you, DAD for taking EVERY opportunity you have been given to clearly define what it means to be grateful! I love YOU!

Thanksgiving 2010

“Give thanks with a grateful heart”

Grateful: “Definition – 1a. appreciative of benefits received….1b. expressing gratitude; 2a. affording pleasure or contentment…2b pleasing by reason of comfort supplied or discomfort alleviated.

Thank you, Lisa for this opportunity to express some thoughts on the subject of Thanksgiving. Over the past month my attention has been drawn to that side of thanksgiving which is expressed by the word “grateful” or the attitude of gratitude which I believe flows from lives that are characterized by that elusive state of mind: “contentment”.

Have you noticed how our market economy strives in its annual multibillion dollar advertising efforts to raise our level of discontentment in virtually every area of our lives?!
How thankful I’ve been, that in my realm of life, the predominant influences as we approach this holiday season are focusing on gratefulness and gratitude.

In view of the Webster definition above, how are we doing? Are there benefits you’ve received this year, even if they seemed as unwelcomed guests at first, that can allow your Thanksgiving Day to be one in which you and those around you will be enriched as you truly express not just words of “thanks” but that which flows from a heart of contentment?

A most unforgettable Thanksgiving Day for our family took place 34 years ago. Through Lisa’s brother, John, we became friends with a German doctor and his family who lived in our little German village in northern Bavaria, West Germany (About 20 miles from the former walled, fenced and mined East German Border.). John’s best friend in 1st grade was the doctor’s son. As we prepared to have about 40 soldiers and some of their families in our home for the Thanksgiving Dinner, we invited the doctor and his family to join us. What was most memorable was the opportunity for the doctor to have his father in our home. The father had been given a 30 day pass to come out of Potsdam East Germany to visit. The reality of bondage and freedom became very real to all of us. As with all guests, we welcomed him to sign our guest book. He politely expressed his fear of doing this in case he would be interrogated about his activities while visiting in West Germany! We believe for the soldiers present, many who served frequently on border guard duty, that gratefulness for freedoms became more meaningful. The prayer for freedom for the people of Eastern Europe in Cold War Europe would become a more fervent aspect of our lives and prayers.

May God bring to you many past and recent reminders of the benefits received resulting in your Thanksgiving celebrations being overflowing with expressions of heartfelt gratefulness.

Paul Metko

COMING SOON: HOSPITALITY IS... Be thinking about what it means to you. :)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Christmas Cream Puffs {puffs with peppermint ice cream}

Christmas Cream Puffs


Heat to a rolling boil in a saucepan:

1 cup water

½ cup butter

Stir in all at once:

1 cup sifted flour {it takes 48 seconds…Caleb timed it!}

Stir vigorously over low heat until mixture leaves the pan {yep…!} and forms into a
ball {ABOUT 1 MINUTE}

Remove from heat.

Beat in thoroughly: ONLY 1 AT A TIME

4 eggs

*Beat mixture until smooth and velvety. Don’t give up! KEEP stirring. It takes a bit of muscle…but they are worth it.

*Drop by spoonful…about ¼ cup size…onto ungreased baking sheet. {I put mine onto a SILPAT}

*If you have a pastry bag you will waaaaant to USE it. I made 16 mini puffs.
Simply eyeball the sizes and if you have a bit of extra mixture, go back and add a “second layer” of pastry dough.

Bake at 400* for about 25 minutes or until tops are golden brown.

*Remove from oven and let sit a few minutes until they have stopped steaming.

*Using a sharp knife, cut off the tops and scoop out the doughy dough.

*Fill with scoops of SCOTT'S PEPPERMINT ICE CREAM.

EMBELLISH EMBELLISH EMBELLISH! Freeze until ready to serve!

Cream puff dough recipe straight out of GOOD OL' BETTY CROCKER!


Shared with: comfy in the kitchen,

Thanksgiving Punch {Cranberry&Orange}

Happy Four days before Thanksgiving!

What a weekend of Thanksgiving this has been!

I wont go into detail, but Rissa's honey showed up to surprise her on Friday night! Yep, he called us that morning to let us know he was on his way home. :)

Coordinating with her roommate, {smart guy!} he had it all figured out. We met him at the airport along with his family and we got to be on "THE VERY BIG DEAL"!

We are blessed!

Please keep this very special young man in your prayers as he will be leaving for South Korea...to serve our AMAZING country along with so many others who are willing to fight to keep the freedoms we still have!





We have this punch every.single.year. It doesn't matter if we are HOME or somewhere else. It comes right along with us.

I have gotten so many e-mails with readers who are frustrated with my ingredient list. I am VERY sorry. I also use a KITCHEN AID stand mixer and lots of Demarle products and TRADER JOES. I will really try to be a bit more sensitive to this.

THANKSGIVING PUNCH:

Cranberry Juice

Orange Juice {Do your family and friends a favor...NO PULP! THEY don't like it!}

Ginger Ale/Champagne

Directions:

Freeze cranberry juice in ice cube trays...or whatever shape you would like {IKEA has some fun star molds!} Make sure they fit in the glasses you will be using! {BEEN there, DONE THAT!}

Before dinner or during appetizer time {if that is what you do} drop frozen cranberry cubes into glasses. Fill glasses with half OJ and half Ginger ALE/Champagne! It is simply BE.U.TEE.FUL as the cranberry juice melts! :)

If you are planning a holiday brunch, you may want to try the "fancy Mimosas".



Shared with:  Stone Gable

Eggnog Thumbprints

I am still trying to figure something out...

Snickerdoodle Doodlebugs {mini snickerdoodles}

Do you know of anyone who doesn't like SNICKERDOODLES? I can't think of anyone. In fact, for most, they are a favorite! Maybe it is all the cinnamon and sugar...but I think I would like them even if I wasn't crazy about the taste of them...just because I love the NAME. Anyway, you are in for a real treat.

Last night my son walked in the door after work. He said, "Mom, the house smells sooo good and it isn't dinner." WHAT?????!! He quickly realized what he had said and quickly told his bff..."MY MOM MAKES THE BEST SNICKERDOODLES!" I didn't say a word and gave them snickerdoodles before dinner and AFTER dinner....because that is what Mommas are for, right?!



Snickerdoodles

Mix together:

1 cup butter, room temp

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

Stir together:

2 3/4 cups flour

1 tsp. cream of tartar

1 tsp. baking soda

¼ tsp. sea salt

Directions:

Roll into balls the size of walnuts.

Roll in mixture of 2 Tbsp. sugar and 2 tsp. cinnamon. {3 of each if you like a lot!}

Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheet.

Bake until lightly browned…but still soft...DO NOT OVER BAKE...your dog wont even think of them as a treat!

These cookies puff up at first…then flatten out
Bake @ 400 for 8 to 10 min.


FOR DOODLEBUGS:

While cookies are still warm, use a small cookie cutter and place in middle of cookie. Press gently and you have a little doodlebug.




*SIMPLY FRUGAL: SAVE the Snickerdoodle crusts for ice cream. Let ice cream soften a bit. Add the cookie crumbs and stir. ENJOY. These crumbs can be added to homemade ice cream, too...right before you put the finished ice cream into the freezer to harden.




*SIMPLY ADORABLE: Using scrap paper, use your scallop punch and make a top and a bottom. Place doodlebug in the middle. Wrap with ribbon. Perfect for Santa to take home to Mrs. Claus.

*These darlings are great sweet treats for holidays and for party favors as well!
I love adding baby bells for baby showers!!!

EBENEZER

Over the past few days, the unexpected blog break gave me time to think about so much.

I love my family beyond words and I love my friends and you all know how much I love to bake, entertain and nest my days away, but that is absolutely not what defines who I am. I AM God's beloved daughter who loves me just for who I am. Not for the few things I think I do well at...not for what I do...He loves me because I am HIS!

Sitting in a Mom's mentoring group this morning, our table conversation was quite startling. At first I felt myself a bit baffled at how some of these young Mommas felt, but my hubby and I have had THE.SAME.EXACT. conversation!

With the way things are today...there is the illusion that somehow we are the ONLY imperfect one out there. Everybody else seems to have well-behaved children, wonderful hubbies, beautiful homes, heat pumps that never go out, healthy bodies that are strong and viable, kitchen sinks that don't leak and ruin the new wood floor etc. I am telling you, it isn't TRUE. All I can say is this: I am so glad we didn't have cell phones, computers, and especially the web and facebook when we were raising little ones because I KNOW I would have been paralyzed with what to do, how to do it and plain old jealousy and discontent. Living way out in the country, we were just content and happy for the mornings when my car was returned to us in the mornings! {It was routinely "borrowed" at night! DON'T ASK!!}

OKAY. SO, over the past few days and then with having listened to the Momma's this morning and my heart-aching for one of my children...I had to reign it in BIG TIME!
I just had to take a look at what it is I am doing, how I come across, but more than anything I have been reminded I need God's help. I need Him more now than ever. Half of the time I feel like a broken record asking for the same things, and questioning Him as to WHY????

I am so sorry this is all over the place. You may want to stop reading for now and come back!

Back in September, I read this and wanted to share it, but I ended up waiting until now. BUT it has given me so much comfort over the past few months.

To me, there is very little in life that is more soothing to my soul than listening to old hymns. They can make me cry because they are so TRUE and can put life into perspective the minute you start listening to them!

Here is a reading from OUR DAILY BREAD "The word EBENEZER in the hymn "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" refers to a time when the people of Israel were trying to regain the close relationship they once had with God. Their spiritual leader, Samuel, told them that if they would abandon their foreign gods and return to the Lord wholeheartedly, He would deliver them from being oppressed by their enemy, the Philistines {I SAMUEL 7:2-3}

When the people turned from their sin, God gave them victory. In response, 'Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen, and called its name EBENEZER, saying, THUS FAR THE LORD HAS HELPED US..."

"When we sing, 'Here I raise my Ebenezer; hither by Thy help I've come; and I hope, by Thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home,' we are reminded that in our times of need we can ALWAYS turn to God to find forgiveness and help. Whatever we have done, wherever we have wandered, HE WILL RESTORE US BY HIS GRACE." David McCasland

WHAT a beautiful reminder that by God's help we have come this far in life and He will be faithful to the end...which is really the beginning of ETERNITY. {paraphrased}


Since we all know I have major problems staying focused and can get so distracted with things that are sooo not important...I printed a sign and wanted to display it to remind our family of God's unfailing faithfulness. The only thing I could find was a frame with an old family prayer letter photo from the 70's. As I started to take it out...it was sandwiched between two thin pieces of glass to protect it...I felt God was giving me another vivid reminder that HE has helped us and HE HAS protected our family. Even though we have had major tough times, years of pain, loss of loved ones, and everything else like everybody else...His "streams of mercy have never ceased."

I decided to leave the picture under "EBENEZER" and sandwiched my documents back between the glass. Every time I see the sign I will know that no matter how I feel, who I have let down or failed, the minute I have NO idea what to do...I want "my heart to be tuned to sing of GOD's GRACE"!

May you be overwhelmed by HIS grace toward YOU!

Scallop Paper Christmas Tree

So I can't wait for Christmas, but Thanksgiving...which I also LOOOOVVVVEEEE is first. Here is the compromise: A Christmas tree in Thanksgiving colors.

This project did not cost me a dime. It pays to keep scraps! :)

Does that work?

Here is what you need:

Leftover glass jar {I love the squatty artichoke jars!}

1 branch from your yard

Leftover craft filler

1 sno cone holder {leftover from who knows when!} You can make your own cone with sturdy card stock.

1 glue gun

Scallop paper from scallop punch or whatever punch you might have!

I glue-gunned the paper punches in layers and only glued the top so the bottoms could be ruffled out a bit. That is it!

To assemble: Glue the branch to the bottom of your jar.

Put a big blob of glue on the other end of the stick and place the cone on top!

I used a small piece of ribbon to cover the jar top for a finished look.



This would be a fun family project. Have some punch and the others layer.

Possibilities are endless! What would we do without glue guns???

I can NOT wait to make a pink and blue one and bakers twine with beads for garland!

What are your ideas?

I started putting branches on one, but it was way too Christmassy!

Woodland 19th Birthday Party

Happy Birthday Rissa!

Nineteen years ago...I was in labor wondering if I was ever going to see your little face. As Daddy reminded me, one way or another we were going to have you. I was begging for a C-Section and I think I even started to pout and refused to push any longer, but eventually with the help of a vacuum thingy, we saw little you! What a joy! Daddy was right. You were a girl and we were in LOVE!

You were so strong that you held your head up high as if you were saying, "Hello, world...I'm here!

There were nine baby girls in the nursery that Thursday morning and you were all having a hen party.

Daddy had recorded all of my favorite Christmas music onto a tape so that I would be distracted {THAT DID NOT WORK!} As Daddy and I tried to get a bit of rest, I remember thinking there was no way on earth that life could ever be better than those first hours...a beautiful, loud baby girl, all of our friends poppin' in and out {It is no wonder you love parties!}, our whole family in one place at one time...celebrating YOU!

Well, needless to say we have had many special moments, hours and years together. We have been incredibly blessed by your gentle spirit and by your amazing love and affection for others. Your sensitive heart to those who have little, to those who feel insignificant, and to those who are hurting.

We love you and are excited to see where God leads you!

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you...thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."