Happy New Year again. I have decided to try and stretch my wings.
I am jumping into something new and fresh and interesting.
My blog will now be hosted at word press. I have tried them out for a week and we seem to be getting along nicely.
I am interested in generating more visitors to facilitate more conversation. I want to talk some about books. Books I am reading, others are reading, books I want to read. This will be a good fit for this. I have enjoyed comments in the past and look forward to more lively discussions through the computer venue.
I learned quite a bit to say the least while I was exploring this address.
Thank you for following me here. Please join me (and tell your friends, neighbors, co-workers) as I venture out there and learn and grow and stretch into something even more creative and interesting.
"Always desire to learn something useful."
— Sophocles: was an ancient Greek playwrights
See you when you get there, I will be waiting. Miss Daleen
http://sundayschildfullofgrace.wordpress.com/
Friday, January 6, 2012
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Show and Tell
One of my favorite times in elementary school was “show and tell”. I loved see other people’s collections and special dolls or toys. I really loved hearing the other kids talk about their stuff. You could tell even when you were a little kid that it was super important to them.
When son number two went to public school, we were living in Germany. I actually had to drive him and his collection to school for Show and Tell. You see, he was going to be a geologist and his collection was hundreds of rocks. All labeled and some in fishing tackle boxes and some in their own case. Dated and identified. You knew the minute you saw the collection that it was very, very important to him.
My friend is coming over to visit tomorrow. I am baking cinnamon, pecan scones to mark the occasion. We are having grown up Show and Tell. I have three craft projects to share. She has a craft project & a recipe to share. The grown up version is wonderful. You don’t feel like you are bragging. You feel like you are sharing and teaching. Instead of you being the know it all and talking too much, it just makes you feel special that your friend wants to share and give you apart of themselves.
Every once in a while a quilting friend will come over and has never seen my quilts. I take them on a tour so to speak. I chat about my quilts and when they were made and what state we were living in. I talk about hand quilting versus machine quilting. We talk about colors and fabrics and our favorite parts of each. Then without hesitation, I find it so easy to ask when I can come over and look at her quilts. I don’t feel intrusive, I feel honored that she looked at mine and I want her to feel the same when I view hers. It is a lovely grown up version of Show and Tell.
We are shaped and fashioned by what we love. goethe
So true.
When son number two went to public school, we were living in Germany. I actually had to drive him and his collection to school for Show and Tell. You see, he was going to be a geologist and his collection was hundreds of rocks. All labeled and some in fishing tackle boxes and some in their own case. Dated and identified. You knew the minute you saw the collection that it was very, very important to him.
My friend is coming over to visit tomorrow. I am baking cinnamon, pecan scones to mark the occasion. We are having grown up Show and Tell. I have three craft projects to share. She has a craft project & a recipe to share. The grown up version is wonderful. You don’t feel like you are bragging. You feel like you are sharing and teaching. Instead of you being the know it all and talking too much, it just makes you feel special that your friend wants to share and give you apart of themselves.
Every once in a while a quilting friend will come over and has never seen my quilts. I take them on a tour so to speak. I chat about my quilts and when they were made and what state we were living in. I talk about hand quilting versus machine quilting. We talk about colors and fabrics and our favorite parts of each. Then without hesitation, I find it so easy to ask when I can come over and look at her quilts. I don’t feel intrusive, I feel honored that she looked at mine and I want her to feel the same when I view hers. It is a lovely grown up version of Show and Tell.
We are shaped and fashioned by what we love. goethe
So true.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Tuesday Treats
Dinner tonight.....
Roasted Red Pepper and Pistachio Pesto for Cheese Ravioli
garlic, homemade or store bought (Rosetto) ravioli,
salt& pepper, jarred roasted red peppers, fresh basil,
Parmesan cheese, toasted pistachios & olive oil
The recipe is from Cook's Illustrated. Love them.
If you can't look it up, I will gladly share.
Yes, I make my own ravioli. Some times, four cheese,
sometimes, crab or lobster will sneak it's way into
the pillows of goodness. Oh yes, and spinach. I am
a big spinach girl when it comes to pasta. Just adore
the savory flavor.
However, if you don't make your own, try "Rosetto" brand in
the freezer section of the grocery store. Just in a bag.
Just plain good. Nothing fancy. Way more filling than
the other more notable brands. Less ingredients, higher
quality.
So tonight when Mr. Right walks in, the house is going to
have a heavenly aroma of warm simmering pesto sauce.
Perhaps a slice or two of garlic bread and a glass of
sparkling water.
A winter dinner perfect for two. It sounds like comfort
and I think it will fit the bill.
bon apetit.
Roasted Red Pepper and Pistachio Pesto for Cheese Ravioli
garlic, homemade or store bought (Rosetto) ravioli,
salt& pepper, jarred roasted red peppers, fresh basil,
Parmesan cheese, toasted pistachios & olive oil
The recipe is from Cook's Illustrated. Love them.
If you can't look it up, I will gladly share.
Yes, I make my own ravioli. Some times, four cheese,
sometimes, crab or lobster will sneak it's way into
the pillows of goodness. Oh yes, and spinach. I am
a big spinach girl when it comes to pasta. Just adore
the savory flavor.
However, if you don't make your own, try "Rosetto" brand in
the freezer section of the grocery store. Just in a bag.
Just plain good. Nothing fancy. Way more filling than
the other more notable brands. Less ingredients, higher
quality.
So tonight when Mr. Right walks in, the house is going to
have a heavenly aroma of warm simmering pesto sauce.
Perhaps a slice or two of garlic bread and a glass of
sparkling water.
A winter dinner perfect for two. It sounds like comfort
and I think it will fit the bill.
bon apetit.
Monday, January 2, 2012
just dog gone good advice
A few months back I read a blog posting and the gal was 37 who was writing it.
She wrote a letter to her 17 year old self, giving advice.
This time she asked her mom to give her 57 year old advice (her being 20 years older
than said blogger).
I loved a couple of her suggestions:
3) Money for retirement requires planning and diligence. Remind your children of this often. Also, quite a few of your bucket list items will cost some money. If you save a teeny $10/week over the next 20 years, you’ll have over 10,000 ‘bucket list bucks’ when you’re 57!
4) Almost-adult children need help deciding how to make their way into the real (big) world when they leave the nest. Spend lots of time helping them learn their strengths and passions so that they can have a successful, enjoyable career, and take care of themselves in any lifestyle they dream of. When you feel totally unqualified or need answers- search out capable guidance professionals, mentors, ministers, hypnotists- somebody! The old saying about “moms being as happy as their unhappiest child” is very true.
5) Family and close friend relationships need cultivating. Dig: find the real stuff. Aerate: expel the issues. Renew: forgive…it enlarges the future. Keep in touch, even if it means just being there to listen. Everyone needs, and deserves, people to catch them when they fall, and to cheer them on when they’re finding their footing.
She wrote a letter to her 17 year old self, giving advice.
This time she asked her mom to give her 57 year old advice (her being 20 years older
than said blogger).
I loved a couple of her suggestions:
3) Money for retirement requires planning and diligence. Remind your children of this often. Also, quite a few of your bucket list items will cost some money. If you save a teeny $10/week over the next 20 years, you’ll have over 10,000 ‘bucket list bucks’ when you’re 57!
4) Almost-adult children need help deciding how to make their way into the real (big) world when they leave the nest. Spend lots of time helping them learn their strengths and passions so that they can have a successful, enjoyable career, and take care of themselves in any lifestyle they dream of. When you feel totally unqualified or need answers- search out capable guidance professionals, mentors, ministers, hypnotists- somebody! The old saying about “moms being as happy as their unhappiest child” is very true.
5) Family and close friend relationships need cultivating. Dig: find the real stuff. Aerate: expel the issues. Renew: forgive…it enlarges the future. Keep in touch, even if it means just being there to listen. Everyone needs, and deserves, people to catch them when they fall, and to cheer them on when they’re finding their footing.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Keep Calm and Carry On
Keep Calm and Carry On was the third in a series of World War 2 posters drawn up by the UK Ministry of Information in order to boost the morale of the British people by passing on a message from King George VI. The posters were a stark white text on a red background, with the only image on the poster being the royal crown of George VI.
The first two posters, "Your Courage, Your Cheerfulness, Your Resolution will Bring Us Victory" and "Freedom is in Peril" were widely printed and distributed. However, the third poster, which carried the simple message "Keep Calm and Carry On" although printed, was never distributed, as it was intended only if invasion was imminent.
One of my Christmas gifts from Mr. Right this year was a red wooden sign. It is about 2 feet by 1 foot. It is a deep barn red. I adore by Keep Calm sign. I have wanted one for some time. I am re-decorating my laundry room this year and this will be the showcase (never mind the washer & dryer).
Last night while doing our yearly New Year's Eve jig saw puzzle. We did a 500 piece in 3 hours on the dot. We talked about resolutions as we do every year. Amazingly, each year, we declare our resolutions and write them down and sometimes share them with others. I am happy to share that we have had a very high rate of success over the years. This year we resolved to be better stewards of our finances. We have a few new ideas to try. We resolve to research and give more money to needy causes. On a more material note, we are revamping and organizing the entire sewing/craft room! woohoo ....and then the "big" one....
We both have resolved to be more uplifting, positive, cheerful every single day. If you stop for a moment and think about the poster the British people were to believe... your cheerfulness with bring us Victory? Really? Now, I ask you, if today, our Commander in Chief were to have posters printed up that shared a similar idea.......by your cheerfulness we will be Victorious over our state of economy. Would you rise to the occasion? Would you believe for a moment that be each of us being cheerful and full of uplifting spirits we would be a better country?
I don't need nor do I want the Commander in Chief of America to decree such a statement. However (you knew there was a however), I do want he/she to move boldly forward with a positive attitude. I want them to be a strong, steadfast, goal driving leader with no excuses, no placing blame, no whining. I need them to Keep Calm and Carry On.
So it is with a Cheerful heart that Mr. Right and I look forward to a brand new Happy and Healthy 2012 with a brand new grandgirlie, a brand new daughter in law, more trips, more exploring, more learning, and a motto to follow,
Keep Calm and Carry On.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Thrifty Thursday
Ah, the almighty coupon.
Nope, I don't buy hundreds of newspapers a week. Yes, we get the Sunday paper and the coupons that come with that. Nope, I don't dumpster dive, I do purchase a few coupons from e-bay. Usually, I pay 10 cents for a $2.00 off coupon for coffee that we buy. I never buy anything on line without first checking two or three sites for a coupon for free shipping or a percentage off.
Many coupons out there are good on boxed cereal (we don't usually buy those), laundry soap (nope, make my own), toothpaste (we buy non fluoride, organic, no coupons), and since we do not buy boxed products, we loose out on using those. We make our own dog food and treats so we don't.....wait we do use those. We buy the products and donate them to the animal shelter. Any time we want to buy junk food like potato chips, we make sure we use a coupon. I use coupons for personal products and we fill our college and military care packages with those.
I keep a zippered plastic pencil holder pouch in the glove box of our car. It holds coupons for stores that I drive to. Joann Fabrics, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Jiffy Lube, local grocery stores, coffee shop, you get the idea. By keeping them in the car, we never forget them at home, once at a place of business.
I spend about 15 minutes a week on "couponing". Yes, I have watched the Ultimate Supreme Couponers on television. No, I do not spend 8 hours a day clipping coupons. Sure I send an e-mail now and then to a company with a product that we love or use often. Sometimes, they send out a coupon or two.
2011 I only couponed 11 months out of the year. I took the month of August off for surgery. We continue to refine our diet and eat healthier and make better choices so our couponing is not quite as easy. I jot down the coupons each shopping trip on the calendar. End of the month, I just add up, circle and then move on. I add them at the end of the year. Keeps me motivated to continue another year.
I keep my coupons in a three ring binder. Otherwise, I think it would make me crazy to dig around in a paper bag and just pull out a coupon here or there. I go through
the baseball card sleeve pages about once a month and check expiraton dates. Easy and quick.
So here are some totals for my 15 minutes a week "work".
2009 saved a total of $1,394.94
2010 saved a total of $1,794.67
2011 saved a total of $1, 442.82
A grand total for three years equals $4,632.43. The very next time someone tells you that you can't really save any money using coupons, refer them to this blog post. I bed to differ.
I have a friend who says don't say "thrifty" say THRIVING. So here you go,
Thriving on Thursday.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
choose happy
I love the comment on another blog today.......she said, "isn't it funny what makes us happy on the inside?"
She drives by a farm in rural South Carolina on the way to work each day.
The farm is called "Hissy Fit Farm".
Made me smile.
ps. I love the book called Hissy Fit, too.
She drives by a farm in rural South Carolina on the way to work each day.
The farm is called "Hissy Fit Farm".
Made me smile.
ps. I love the book called Hissy Fit, too.
manners come in a uniform too
Yesterday, on my way to do a couple errands a huge SUV was tail gating me. I could not even see the license plate they were that close.
I am too wise (read that as too old) to play that game. I just put on my blinker and pulled over on the side of the road to let them pass.
RED AND BLUE FLASHING LIGHTS.............right behind me!
Officer comes to the window and asks if there is a problem.
I said, first I had no idea you were a Sheriff. Second, I do not appreciate being tailgated so closely that I could not even see your license plate. Obviously, you were in a bigger hurry than I was. I am not interested in having someone follow so closely on my fanny. It is dangerous and rude.
He said I am sorry. He took a deep breath and said, "Maam, I apoligize for my rude driving."
I said thank you.
He said have a nice day. I said you, too.
Having and using good manners do fix some problems.
I am too wise (read that as too old) to play that game. I just put on my blinker and pulled over on the side of the road to let them pass.
RED AND BLUE FLASHING LIGHTS.............right behind me!
Officer comes to the window and asks if there is a problem.
I said, first I had no idea you were a Sheriff. Second, I do not appreciate being tailgated so closely that I could not even see your license plate. Obviously, you were in a bigger hurry than I was. I am not interested in having someone follow so closely on my fanny. It is dangerous and rude.
He said I am sorry. He took a deep breath and said, "Maam, I apoligize for my rude driving."
I said thank you.
He said have a nice day. I said you, too.
Having and using good manners do fix some problems.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
The hottest Spaghetti Sauce I have ever eaten
Yesterday, my mother in law passed away. I will share her recipe for sauce.
Seems like the right thing to do.
My first home cooked dinner date (1981) with Mr. Right he made his mother's Spaghetti Sauce. I was so impressed that he cooked and it all looked so nice with the table set and ready.
I took one bite and my eyes watered. Yep, I kept on eating. It was so spicy hot I thought my head would explode. I was never so happy to see a sweet chocolate pie brought out for dessert in my life. Ah, cool, sweetness for my tongue.
It is not my favorite. Everyone in the family has the recipe. It is suppose to be secret. I really detest when people say recipes should be kept secret and not shared. I love the idea of being remembered by a special recipe or treat. I love the idea of taking some one's recipe and tweaking it just a bit to make it work for your family. I love the idea of sharing recipes.
Here is her recipe. May she rest in Peace.
Elaine Percival Hunter Wilson's Spaghetti Sauce
(Stanstead, Quebec, Canada)
4 Tablespoon (in which you fry 2 small chopped onions)
1 pound ground pork
1 pound ground beef
Add to onions and salt & pepper to taste. Cook for 15 minutes until color
changes.
In another pan combine:
4 Tablespoons oil
2 small chopped onions
1 10 ounce can tomato paste
1 10 ounce can tomato juice
Heat just to boiling and add:
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 Tablespoon white sugar
4 cloves chopped garlic
8 cloves
5 dried red peppers
3 bay leaves
1 cup water
When this is hot add the meat and onion mixture and cook slowly for 3.5 hours.
Sometimes this sauce is very hot and other times it is just right. You can freeze the sauce, however, you may want to remove some or all of the peppers.
Seems like the right thing to do.
My first home cooked dinner date (1981) with Mr. Right he made his mother's Spaghetti Sauce. I was so impressed that he cooked and it all looked so nice with the table set and ready.
I took one bite and my eyes watered. Yep, I kept on eating. It was so spicy hot I thought my head would explode. I was never so happy to see a sweet chocolate pie brought out for dessert in my life. Ah, cool, sweetness for my tongue.
It is not my favorite. Everyone in the family has the recipe. It is suppose to be secret. I really detest when people say recipes should be kept secret and not shared. I love the idea of being remembered by a special recipe or treat. I love the idea of taking some one's recipe and tweaking it just a bit to make it work for your family. I love the idea of sharing recipes.
Here is her recipe. May she rest in Peace.
Elaine Percival Hunter Wilson's Spaghetti Sauce
(Stanstead, Quebec, Canada)
4 Tablespoon (in which you fry 2 small chopped onions)
1 pound ground pork
1 pound ground beef
Add to onions and salt & pepper to taste. Cook for 15 minutes until color
changes.
In another pan combine:
4 Tablespoons oil
2 small chopped onions
1 10 ounce can tomato paste
1 10 ounce can tomato juice
Heat just to boiling and add:
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 Tablespoon white sugar
4 cloves chopped garlic
8 cloves
5 dried red peppers
3 bay leaves
1 cup water
When this is hot add the meat and onion mixture and cook slowly for 3.5 hours.
Sometimes this sauce is very hot and other times it is just right. You can freeze the sauce, however, you may want to remove some or all of the peppers.
Monday, December 26, 2011
December 26th
All is calm.
With the exception of not being able to sleep.
I guess too keyed up? Visions of planning a cookie/
dessert party for next December is dancing in my head.
Crazy, I know.
All is good.
ps. Santa brought me a whole spool of red and white kitchen string.
Hip, hip, hooray! Oh yes, and oodles and oodles of other sweet things.
Apparently, the "being nice" thing paid off. :)
With the exception of not being able to sleep.
I guess too keyed up? Visions of planning a cookie/
dessert party for next December is dancing in my head.
Crazy, I know.
All is good.
ps. Santa brought me a whole spool of red and white kitchen string.
Hip, hip, hooray! Oh yes, and oodles and oodles of other sweet things.
Apparently, the "being nice" thing paid off. :)
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Saturday, December 24, 2011
a first for me
Currently, I am reading "A Homemade Life" by Molly Wizenberg. It is a wonderful book to fall into. Filled with lovely writings and heavenly sounding recipes. It inspires me want to cook and bake and renew my spirit in the kitchen.
Lately, I have been reading hundreds of blogs on cooking and baking. I get three magazines monthly, in the mail about cooking. I pour over my own cook books and stacks of em from the library.
With the exception of yesterday, I have had the oven going every single day this month.
I have lists of things I am going to be baking and cooking next.
Is it any wonder, for the first time in my entire life, I could not sleep, got up and stole three cookies to eat at one in the morning? I have never had a bit of food of any kind in the middle of the night, not ever. So do I re-brush my teeth?
Do I jump foolishly back into our warm bed and fall asleep with a bit of sugar and a smile on my lips? This is new territory for me. It is delightful.
Some girls have visions of sugar plums dancing in the heads, I had my favorite Christmas cookie. My sinful twist on the Jewish Ruglach, is to dip them in a thin sugar glaze right after they are done baking and let them cool & harden.
When you take a bite into the soft dough, your teeth break through the ever so slight film of sugar glaze. Once you pass by the sweet tender dough, the cinnamon and ground walnuts play a little jig for you on your tongue.
Oh my, who knew it would be the simple cookie that would have me tumble from grace?
What a delicious and lovely way to go.
Friday, December 23, 2011
I found it.
Today, while walking through our neighborhood, I found it. Right smack dab across the street from our home. Our neighbor guy is friendly, has a great laugh, wears a hat and has a beard. There he was, sitting down & working with a huge smile on his face. I think perhaps the dog and I stumbled upon Santa's workshop! No reindeer, however, they do have two, friendly black labs. His hat is usually a baseball hat, not a red velvet one with white trim and his beard is more pepper than salt. Yet there he was smiling and building and full of good cheer. He was putting together one of those little cars children can drive themselves, this one was HOT PINK, yikes.
This particular "Santa" had boys. Now, he has a little grand girlie. Apparently, a little grand girlie who will be driving in our neighborhood in a couple days! As we passed by, his voice sort of echoed in the garage when he shouted out with a wave, Merry Christmas!
After our walk, we came home. One of us took a nap, the other fired up the sewing machine and got to work. I had a little, tiny doll dress to make for an eleven inch doll. Once her new dress and headband were finished, I put her down in her new doll bed. I covered her up ever so gently with her brand new hand made doll quilt. It had some of the same colors as the freshly painted lime green bed with pink and orange stripes and swirls.
Eureka, maybe there is a secret sewing room, garage, "workshop" in every house we pass? That makes me smile. Santa has quite a few helpers.
Helpers don't have to wear pointy shoes and green outfits and goofy hats. Some helpers wear jeans and a warm black sweater topped off with a jaunty foam green scarf.
Oh, and that doll dress? Yep, it has a jingle bell sewn in the seam. Might help keep Christmas in someones heart all year long.
This particular "Santa" had boys. Now, he has a little grand girlie. Apparently, a little grand girlie who will be driving in our neighborhood in a couple days! As we passed by, his voice sort of echoed in the garage when he shouted out with a wave, Merry Christmas!
After our walk, we came home. One of us took a nap, the other fired up the sewing machine and got to work. I had a little, tiny doll dress to make for an eleven inch doll. Once her new dress and headband were finished, I put her down in her new doll bed. I covered her up ever so gently with her brand new hand made doll quilt. It had some of the same colors as the freshly painted lime green bed with pink and orange stripes and swirls.
Eureka, maybe there is a secret sewing room, garage, "workshop" in every house we pass? That makes me smile. Santa has quite a few helpers.
Helpers don't have to wear pointy shoes and green outfits and goofy hats. Some helpers wear jeans and a warm black sweater topped off with a jaunty foam green scarf.
Oh, and that doll dress? Yep, it has a jingle bell sewn in the seam. Might help keep Christmas in someones heart all year long.
love
No huge reason for posting this.
Just home from a walk in the brisk December air with my
Golden Retriever, Sweet Liberty.
She makes my life happy.
period.
the end.
Just home from a walk in the brisk December air with my
Golden Retriever, Sweet Liberty.
She makes my life happy.
period.
the end.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
notes of grace
The cards, notes and pictures are coming in fast and furious. We have run out of space in our usual display area. We have started taping them up to a door. I really, really love receiving and giving Christmas cards.
I am ashamed of all of my grumbling while I was trying to get all of ours done and mailed out this year. I take it all back. It is wonderful, just simply happy and joyful to receive so many lovely and heartfelt cards. We love learning about every one's events over the last year.
When the boys were young we started a tradition that each day after Christmas, we would choose four cards at random. We would include those families in our prayers and we would read the cards out loud and talk about & reminisce about each family.
The tradition continues. We always choose our favorite card of the year. We enjoy looking at the pictures. We re-read the Christmas letters. It gently reminds us how lucky we are to have so many nice folks in our lives.
This year so far we have learned about:
four anticipated grand babies on the way
picture of a two month old grand baby
graduation from 6th grade
graduation from college
one young person bought their first home
continued prison ministry
graduation from WSP in March
sports accomplishments
piano lessons
karate lessons
dance lessons
two brand new engaged couples
two with wedding pictures
travels to:
China
Belgium
the Grand Canyon
Hawaii
Cozumel
Hearst Castle
beach, more beach and yet more beach
This year the cards we have received more than ever before have pictures of doves. Lots of glitter and blue, silver & white this year. Oh sure there is the purple and gold of the local team as well as an amazing glitter covered Joshua Tree. Many have the manger, simple and meaningful. Stars, stars and more stars grace the cover of several cards.
We joke and grumble about including a letter in our cards, however, we sure enjoy receiving them. We love getting caught up on all the news that is the news. It makes me happy and grateful that friends and neighbors want to share the good news in their lives.
Sure there are some that shared sad or disappointing news. Stories of not tip top
health, sad losses and frustration job changes & uncertainty. To counter that, almost every single written letter said they were praying for our troops and military. Almost every single letter said they were thinking of us and praying for our family. Every single card and letter wished us a happy and healthy New Year.
With this many people sharing positive thoughts and uplifting prayers, how can we not have a wonderful New Year?
With each card we open a little bit of goodness falls out and graces us each with the true spirit of the season.
We are shaped and fashioned by what we love. ~goethe
I am ashamed of all of my grumbling while I was trying to get all of ours done and mailed out this year. I take it all back. It is wonderful, just simply happy and joyful to receive so many lovely and heartfelt cards. We love learning about every one's events over the last year.
When the boys were young we started a tradition that each day after Christmas, we would choose four cards at random. We would include those families in our prayers and we would read the cards out loud and talk about & reminisce about each family.
The tradition continues. We always choose our favorite card of the year. We enjoy looking at the pictures. We re-read the Christmas letters. It gently reminds us how lucky we are to have so many nice folks in our lives.
This year so far we have learned about:
four anticipated grand babies on the way
picture of a two month old grand baby
graduation from 6th grade
graduation from college
one young person bought their first home
continued prison ministry
graduation from WSP in March
sports accomplishments
piano lessons
karate lessons
dance lessons
two brand new engaged couples
two with wedding pictures
travels to:
China
Belgium
the Grand Canyon
Hawaii
Cozumel
Hearst Castle
beach, more beach and yet more beach
This year the cards we have received more than ever before have pictures of doves. Lots of glitter and blue, silver & white this year. Oh sure there is the purple and gold of the local team as well as an amazing glitter covered Joshua Tree. Many have the manger, simple and meaningful. Stars, stars and more stars grace the cover of several cards.
We joke and grumble about including a letter in our cards, however, we sure enjoy receiving them. We love getting caught up on all the news that is the news. It makes me happy and grateful that friends and neighbors want to share the good news in their lives.
Sure there are some that shared sad or disappointing news. Stories of not tip top
health, sad losses and frustration job changes & uncertainty. To counter that, almost every single written letter said they were praying for our troops and military. Almost every single letter said they were thinking of us and praying for our family. Every single card and letter wished us a happy and healthy New Year.
With this many people sharing positive thoughts and uplifting prayers, how can we not have a wonderful New Year?
With each card we open a little bit of goodness falls out and graces us each with the true spirit of the season.
We are shaped and fashioned by what we love. ~goethe
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
loss of words
One of the soldiers we (and some of you) have been supporting through cards and packages came home yesterday. sigh, big sigh of relief. He looked a little rough and tired. He got off the plane at Sea-Tac, his dad picked him up and went directly to Mr. Rights's office. To shake hands. period. Nothing needed to be said. Oh sure, you know who said "Welcome Home Soldier." They were both mighty glad to look at the whites of each others' eyes and be able to shake hands. I am sure a million and one things crossed both their minds. I am glad he is home, safe and will be able to stay for the rest of the Christmas holiday. Time to breathe, regroup and then be on his way to his new base in Texas.
It was Fort Sill, Oklahoma and Mr. Right was not able to come home for Christmas. Son number one was 9 and son number two was 6 years old. I was worried about the day. So needless to say, over planned.
The three of us attended candle light services the night before. We did not get home until after midnight. (I shouldn't even go into two particular boys who were alter boys that night and began sword fighting with the brass candle lighters in front of the congregation.) It was a very long walk up that isle for me. In front of all the people. I said nothing. I just walked to the front and sat in the first row. People made room for me, not a word was said. Everyone just held their breath and watched me take a seat. Nothing needed to be said.
Christmas morning came around and yes, Santa had left presents and stockings were filled. Once the gift opening was finished we had a hearty breakfast and took showers, we had a date to keep. You see, I knew better than to sit home and feel sorry for ourselves. So, we had signed up to serve Christmas dinner at a homeless shelter. They served dinner from noon to 3 pm. We dressed. We arrived early and were instantly put to work. I got to cut pies and bread and cakes and more pies. I saw son number one helping with chairs and talking, talking and greeting everyone. He was helping to bring more food and he was pouring water. That was his job, keep those water glasses filled and keep the food coming. He was doing an amazing job for a 9 year old. I didn't see son number two at first. I was getting worried. I was ready to go find him. I kept looking around. The gal in charge asked if everything was okay? I said no, I could not find my son. She said relax, he is working.............see there he is. Yep, that was his him alright. I guess I didn't recognize my blond, toe headed short 6 year old boy with an apron on, serving COFFEE! HOT coffee. Yep, walking around keeping every one's cup full. WHAT? HOT COFFEE, he is not old enough to serve hot beverages! The gal in charge said, I beg to differ. He seems to be holding his own, not spilling a drop and keeping everyone happy. I went back to my assigned job.
Those hours flew by. When we were done and climbed back into the van, no words were needed. We were all tired. We had all done a great job.
Home to change and go to the college (only place around with any sort of hills). Those new skateboards were calling their names. So we drove over and they played and played and played like 9 & 6 year old boys are suppose to. I sat and looked over a new cookbook someone had given me.
We headed home for some dinner and we put a video in the VCR. Everyone fell asleep watching it.
The day had been filled to overflowing. I was trying to keep us all busy. When it was time for bed, I heard no pleadings for just "five more minutes". Nothing. No words were needed. We had made it through the day.
We made it through the day. God shed his Grace on thee. During 22 years serving in the Army, luckily I can say that was our only Christmas that Mr. Right had to miss. It was difficult, yet he was not in harms way.
Today, I will pray for grace for the families that will be spent with one person still serving in harms way. Nothing needs to be said, just prayers lifted for them all.
God, please shed your Grace on thee.
It was Fort Sill, Oklahoma and Mr. Right was not able to come home for Christmas. Son number one was 9 and son number two was 6 years old. I was worried about the day. So needless to say, over planned.
The three of us attended candle light services the night before. We did not get home until after midnight. (I shouldn't even go into two particular boys who were alter boys that night and began sword fighting with the brass candle lighters in front of the congregation.) It was a very long walk up that isle for me. In front of all the people. I said nothing. I just walked to the front and sat in the first row. People made room for me, not a word was said. Everyone just held their breath and watched me take a seat. Nothing needed to be said.
Christmas morning came around and yes, Santa had left presents and stockings were filled. Once the gift opening was finished we had a hearty breakfast and took showers, we had a date to keep. You see, I knew better than to sit home and feel sorry for ourselves. So, we had signed up to serve Christmas dinner at a homeless shelter. They served dinner from noon to 3 pm. We dressed. We arrived early and were instantly put to work. I got to cut pies and bread and cakes and more pies. I saw son number one helping with chairs and talking, talking and greeting everyone. He was helping to bring more food and he was pouring water. That was his job, keep those water glasses filled and keep the food coming. He was doing an amazing job for a 9 year old. I didn't see son number two at first. I was getting worried. I was ready to go find him. I kept looking around. The gal in charge asked if everything was okay? I said no, I could not find my son. She said relax, he is working.............see there he is. Yep, that was his him alright. I guess I didn't recognize my blond, toe headed short 6 year old boy with an apron on, serving COFFEE! HOT coffee. Yep, walking around keeping every one's cup full. WHAT? HOT COFFEE, he is not old enough to serve hot beverages! The gal in charge said, I beg to differ. He seems to be holding his own, not spilling a drop and keeping everyone happy. I went back to my assigned job.
Those hours flew by. When we were done and climbed back into the van, no words were needed. We were all tired. We had all done a great job.
Home to change and go to the college (only place around with any sort of hills). Those new skateboards were calling their names. So we drove over and they played and played and played like 9 & 6 year old boys are suppose to. I sat and looked over a new cookbook someone had given me.
We headed home for some dinner and we put a video in the VCR. Everyone fell asleep watching it.
The day had been filled to overflowing. I was trying to keep us all busy. When it was time for bed, I heard no pleadings for just "five more minutes". Nothing. No words were needed. We had made it through the day.
We made it through the day. God shed his Grace on thee. During 22 years serving in the Army, luckily I can say that was our only Christmas that Mr. Right had to miss. It was difficult, yet he was not in harms way.
Today, I will pray for grace for the families that will be spent with one person still serving in harms way. Nothing needs to be said, just prayers lifted for them all.
God, please shed your Grace on thee.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Tuesday's Treats
I like to have an appetizer ready a few days a week when Mr. Right walks through the door.
This is one we both love and enjoy often.
Hummus
To the food processor, combine 2 cloves garlic and one can of garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed, 1/3 cup tahini (roasted, not raw) 1/8 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup water and a sprig of parsley. Process until smooth. Add in 1/4 to 1/3 cup olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Process. Spoon into a serving dish and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and chopped parsley.
I am serving it tonight with Greek Pita Bread, toasted and brushed with garlic butter, cut into wedges.
Nice to have something to enjoy a bit before dinner is served.
This is one we both love and enjoy often.
Hummus
To the food processor, combine 2 cloves garlic and one can of garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed, 1/3 cup tahini (roasted, not raw) 1/8 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup water and a sprig of parsley. Process until smooth. Add in 1/4 to 1/3 cup olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Process. Spoon into a serving dish and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and chopped parsley.
I am serving it tonight with Greek Pita Bread, toasted and brushed with garlic butter, cut into wedges.
Nice to have something to enjoy a bit before dinner is served.
Happy Hannukah
Happy Hannukah! To the triumph of light over darkness,
good over evil, Happy Hannukah to all.
good over evil, Happy Hannukah to all.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Strasbourg, France
It is always around this time of year that I look back at our winter in France.
We were privileged to enjoy several trips through the years, however winter was
unlike no other time.
We were lucky enough to be stationed in Germany at the same time family friends were stationed nearby. We travelled together several times once even for the men to teach at a family conference in the Bavarian region.
One particular trip we took together was to a Christmas Market to Strasbourg, France. It was cold and a bit windy. We were all bundled up. My feet were cold from walking on the pavement and cobble stones in the town. When you ducked under an awning of a shopkeeper you could feel the warmth of the little space heaters. No where near warm enough to take off your gloves, just warm enough to want to stay a bit and look at the goods and ornaments for sale.
They have two children as do we. Being the "good" mom's our goal first was always to keep the kids fed and safely within our reach. I was always figuring out to feed them before an outing so no one was hungry and grumpy. This trip was no different. Snacks in the car and food when we got to our destination. I usually ate then. For some reason, I did not.
Once walking through the many shops and being fascinated with the town's decorations and smelling all the wonderful warm food smells, I reached my limit. I wanted something to eat. Just a little something. I saw a stall with a woman cooking crepes right there. You could see the steam coming off the iron. She was bundled up in coat and scarf and was working away. You could smell the batter beginning to cook just as she poured it onto the hot surface. Most of you know, I am not a big fan of chocolate, however, Nutella is a whole other story. I ordered (well, Mr. Right ordered in French) a Crepe filled with melted Nutella. It was done. She put it onto a plate and dusted with powdered sugar. There was a plastic white spoon. Mr. Right handed it to me. He paid and we ushered the kids and family off and on our way. I was behind everyone. I was doddling and walking a bit slow. I could
feel the warmth through my glove as I held the plate. I tried the plastic fork. I really did. It just wasn't going to work. I took off one glove and picked up the
crepe and took that first wonderful & warm delicious bite. I sank my front teeth into the tender dough. I could just begin to taste the heavenly goodness about to lay upon my tongue. Oh my, how lucky was I?
In a flash, it was gone. WHAT? Yep, right in the middle of the perfect Christmas market in the middle of Strasbourg, a person begging for food, grabbed my plate and snatched away my crepe right as I took that first bite. I stopped and was stunned. Shocked really. I started to cry. My family and friends were walking ahead and did not know what had happened. Our friend, John is pretty darn tall, I could see him above the crowd. My eyes followed him. Pretty soon, Mr. Right turned to check on me. He saw I was crying. He came back in an instant. Once I gulped and sniffed and cried and told him my "horrid" ordeal. He said well, "guess they were more hungry than you". I had lost my appetite.
We went about the rest of the day. In case you didn't know I live in a bubble. I have never been so hungry to steel food from someones mouth. I have never gone without. As much as I tried, I could not and still can not get that person out of my mind.
However, over the years, their face has faded. Another story that day has replaced some of the memory.
We were at the very end of the market, crossing over a little bridge to go back to our warm and comfortable cars. We were all chilled. It was enough for one day.
As we walked across, there were ladies standing on the side, begging for anything. I saw Mr. Right reach into his pockets and give everything he had. Period. Every single French Frank and coin he had. The person said God Bless You in french. Speaking french my husband said God Bless you in return. I had never seen him give everything he had at once to one person before. Why did he chose that one person in particular? I felt like I had intruded somehow. It seemed like a private moment to me. I cast my eyes downward. When I looked down, I saw her feet. Not her shoes or her socks, her feet. They were purple and swollen. She was begging with nothing on her feet.
When we got into the comfortable van and turned on the heat. The boys said nothing. Not a word. None of us said a word. We sat and started to thaw out and warm up. I don't remember many shops that day. I don't really remember too much except my two stories of beggars.
Maybe we were meant to go to that market? Without saying a word, our children learned to give to the poor and hungry. No doubt about it. No questions asked. They learned what grace is. They learned how to treat our fellow man.
In one remarkable day, remarkable moment really, our family was in the middle of God's grace.
Dieu vous benissent
We were privileged to enjoy several trips through the years, however winter was
unlike no other time.
We were lucky enough to be stationed in Germany at the same time family friends were stationed nearby. We travelled together several times once even for the men to teach at a family conference in the Bavarian region.
One particular trip we took together was to a Christmas Market to Strasbourg, France. It was cold and a bit windy. We were all bundled up. My feet were cold from walking on the pavement and cobble stones in the town. When you ducked under an awning of a shopkeeper you could feel the warmth of the little space heaters. No where near warm enough to take off your gloves, just warm enough to want to stay a bit and look at the goods and ornaments for sale.
They have two children as do we. Being the "good" mom's our goal first was always to keep the kids fed and safely within our reach. I was always figuring out to feed them before an outing so no one was hungry and grumpy. This trip was no different. Snacks in the car and food when we got to our destination. I usually ate then. For some reason, I did not.
Once walking through the many shops and being fascinated with the town's decorations and smelling all the wonderful warm food smells, I reached my limit. I wanted something to eat. Just a little something. I saw a stall with a woman cooking crepes right there. You could see the steam coming off the iron. She was bundled up in coat and scarf and was working away. You could smell the batter beginning to cook just as she poured it onto the hot surface. Most of you know, I am not a big fan of chocolate, however, Nutella is a whole other story. I ordered (well, Mr. Right ordered in French) a Crepe filled with melted Nutella. It was done. She put it onto a plate and dusted with powdered sugar. There was a plastic white spoon. Mr. Right handed it to me. He paid and we ushered the kids and family off and on our way. I was behind everyone. I was doddling and walking a bit slow. I could
feel the warmth through my glove as I held the plate. I tried the plastic fork. I really did. It just wasn't going to work. I took off one glove and picked up the
crepe and took that first wonderful & warm delicious bite. I sank my front teeth into the tender dough. I could just begin to taste the heavenly goodness about to lay upon my tongue. Oh my, how lucky was I?
In a flash, it was gone. WHAT? Yep, right in the middle of the perfect Christmas market in the middle of Strasbourg, a person begging for food, grabbed my plate and snatched away my crepe right as I took that first bite. I stopped and was stunned. Shocked really. I started to cry. My family and friends were walking ahead and did not know what had happened. Our friend, John is pretty darn tall, I could see him above the crowd. My eyes followed him. Pretty soon, Mr. Right turned to check on me. He saw I was crying. He came back in an instant. Once I gulped and sniffed and cried and told him my "horrid" ordeal. He said well, "guess they were more hungry than you". I had lost my appetite.
We went about the rest of the day. In case you didn't know I live in a bubble. I have never been so hungry to steel food from someones mouth. I have never gone without. As much as I tried, I could not and still can not get that person out of my mind.
However, over the years, their face has faded. Another story that day has replaced some of the memory.
We were at the very end of the market, crossing over a little bridge to go back to our warm and comfortable cars. We were all chilled. It was enough for one day.
As we walked across, there were ladies standing on the side, begging for anything. I saw Mr. Right reach into his pockets and give everything he had. Period. Every single French Frank and coin he had. The person said God Bless You in french. Speaking french my husband said God Bless you in return. I had never seen him give everything he had at once to one person before. Why did he chose that one person in particular? I felt like I had intruded somehow. It seemed like a private moment to me. I cast my eyes downward. When I looked down, I saw her feet. Not her shoes or her socks, her feet. They were purple and swollen. She was begging with nothing on her feet.
When we got into the comfortable van and turned on the heat. The boys said nothing. Not a word. None of us said a word. We sat and started to thaw out and warm up. I don't remember many shops that day. I don't really remember too much except my two stories of beggars.
Maybe we were meant to go to that market? Without saying a word, our children learned to give to the poor and hungry. No doubt about it. No questions asked. They learned what grace is. They learned how to treat our fellow man.
In one remarkable day, remarkable moment really, our family was in the middle of God's grace.
Dieu vous benissent
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