2010- where did you go?

Today is the last day of the year. I barely remember last January...

oh yeah it was that earthquake in Haiti...what a terrible time. Well, it still is terrible there. My heart aches for all those children who lost their parents, for parents who lost their children.

February- I was working on patience. And cleaning poop out of the carpets...daily.

March- I discovered the audio books at the library's website

April- I got older, again.

May- Spent a lot of time praying for family members in the hospital.

June- Saw the neurologist and for the first time in over four year there was no sign of seizures!

July- I spent most of the month outside in the yard/garden or watching the boys at the pool.

August- Boys to school, at least part-time

September- I got to go the state fair for the first time ever!

October- I made and finished a Halloween quilt!! YEAH, on the finished part

November- Kids were all home. It was great, just went by too fast,

December- Surgery for the little guy and a recuperation that overwhelmed Christmas. Actually I don't feel like Christmas even happened. No kids Christmas program with cookies and fellowship, no caroling, no having a fun night at church decorating...ah...well apparently I am the only one misses these thing.

I discovered Pandora,
and watching Netflix instant play,
I took a real estate class and loved it,
I read more books,
I joined a quilt club that requires me to finish a block each month,
I put many miles on my carpet cleaner,
I stepped down as MOPS coordinator,
I participated in some online swaps,
I had one of the best gardens ever,
I discovered I have anger and depression issues,
I am struggling to forgive, it's very hard,
I am lonely,
I miss my old church, or the church it used to be...
I am looking for my niche in this world and not finding much success,
I am seeking guidance and help from my God...
I am learning to lean on HIM.

2011 is just around the corner...I am working on some goals. I'll share them later.

The books I've read this year

I put a star by my favorites:

A Perfect Christmas


*A Cedar Cove Christmas

Pinheads and Patriots

Angels at Christmas

Silver Bells

Gold of Kings

*Unlocked

A Time to Dance

Between Sisters

Divine

Keepsake Crimes

Angel Falls

Distant Shores

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle

The Omnivore's Dilemma

Comfort and Joy

The PennyPinchers Club

The RAVE Diet

He's Not Autistic But...

Special Needs Kids Eat Right

Respectable Sins

Firefly Lane

*Winter Garden

**Lessons at Blackberry Inn

A Promise to Believe In

Shopaholic Ties the Knot

Shopaholic Takes Manhattan

30 Days to a More Generous Life

Sleeping Arrangements

Confessions of a Shopaholic

Waiting For Morning

Twenties Girl

Can You Keep a Secret?

Remember Me?

The Undomestic Goddess

Fast Women

The Lost Symbol

Welcome to the World Baby Girl

One Month To Live

Overcoming ADHD

I Can't Wait To Get To Heaven

The Friday Night Knitting Club

Children With Autism

Comfort Food

Speaking of chocolate...

This goes back to the days in England again. My very favorite candy bar was called a Cabana bar. It was like an Almond Joy bar but it had bits of cherries mixed in with the coconut, a thin layer of caramel and then the chocolate. I've always thought I should try to recreate that sometime.

A trip down memory lane

Many, many moons ago hubby and I lived in England. We were there for 3 1/2 years and loved it. In fact we had always planned on going back for our 25th anniversary, but of course that didn't work out.
Anyway, one of the things I loved while in England was their chocolate. I grew up on Hershey's chocolate bars so the candy we got in England was glorious! I especially love the Cadbury's Quality Street candies. After being gone for many years I wondered if the chocolate was really that different or if my memory was just playing tricks on me. My second daughter has a best friend who currently lives in England and when she came home she brought me a box of Quality Street.

 On the side of the box it tells you what each little candy is. Yeah, nothing icky like the boxes of chocolate you buy here.

Don't they look like little gems. I think they would look gorgeous in a glass bowl, but I doubt they would last too long at my house. I have been rationing them out, and yes I'm sharing. :)

Are they as good as I remembered? Oh yes, they really are. Their chocolate is unlike anything I've had here in the states. And the toffee? Mmmm...so good.

Thank you Kelsey! I owe you one.

My Mom Heart Matters

Sally Clarkson is doing a series of conferences titled My Mom Heart Matters! They will be in Colorado, California, Texas and North Carolina. At this time I don't see how I can go...our time and money are all invested in medical issues at this time. But if I enter the drawing and win I can give it to a friend! And since I have many friends whom I would like to encourage in their Mommy paths of life I'm hoping to win.

I met Sally one year at a homeschool conference in Denver. She and her husband took the time to talk to me and encourage me...and they didn't even know me. Many things that I read in Sally's books have come back to me and encouraged me as we took the little boys in and began to raise them.

Sally says, "This year, I will be recasting a vision for the Biblical and significant call of mothers in this strategic time of history. God’s design was to use mothers strategically in each generation to bring about civilization, moral strength, beauty and spirituality in each generation. God wants to use you to change the world for His glory, right from your own home. But you cannot do it alone! We want to provide support, friendship, fellowship and strength for you to complete your task."

If you are interested in going you can check out her website to find out more information and register.  Mom Heart Matters If you are unable to go, find one of her books and read it. I promise it will encourage you no matter where you are on the Mommy path.

15 Authors I Love

This is simple, name 15 authors you love or who have impacted your life. Don't think too hard. Here is my list:

1. Louisa May Alcott
2. Laura Ingalls Wilder
3. Bess Streeter Aldrich
4. Sally Clarkson
5. Mary Pride
6. Elizabeth Elliot
7. Frank Perretti
8. Randy Alcorn
9. C.S. Lewis
10. Tom Clancy
11. Francine Rivers
12. Karen Andreola
13. Debbie Macomber
14. Fannie Flagg
15. Karen Kingsbury

A trying week...

This was the week of the little man's surgery. They removed part of the muscle from his leg...cut the muscle above both eyes and reattached the drafted muscle. He has stitches on his leg and over both eyes. He's not supposed to be using that leg until Tuesday...hmm, that's been impossible. We also have to put this ge like stuff in his eyes 4 times a day and cover his eyes with plastic guards at night so he doesn't pull the stitches out. Needless to say, having to watch him like a hawk and keep him from hurting himself has me a nervous wreck.  But I don't want to have to put him through this again, so yes, I'm being a bit paranoid about not letting him touch those stitches. Not the best Christmas for the little guy, but he seems to be doing good. Too good perhaps. I think if he hurt a bit more he'd quit trying to run...and jump...and give me a heart attack!

 Tuesday night after surgery

Wednesday morning after surgery. He looked pretty good. I think they are more red and swollen now than they were then.



Eggnog Punch

This is a favorite recipe with my family and it's super easy to make. It has 3 ingredients.
1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream
1 quart eggnog
2 liter bottle Sprite

Mix the ice cream and eggnog until nice and creamy, add the sprite.

Delicious!

Merry Christmas!

When I was a little girl my mother taught Good News Club at our school. This was a song we used to sing:

"Merry Christmas everyone

Do you know God’s loving Son?
Who was born in Bethlehem
Shepherds came to worship Him.
Come let us worship,
Come let us worship,
Come let us worship,
God’s Son, the King of Kings.
Wise men guided by the star
As they traveled from afar
Came to see the Baby small
Let us worship one and all"

Adoption Reflections

Today is the day. One year ago today we were in court and became the legal parents of our two little guys. Of course in our hearts they were "ours" long before that.
Today I had plenty of time to think on the long drive home. It seems like I meet more and more grandparents who are raising their grandkids. We decided to adopt for several reasons, but mainly because our daughter and her ex-husband asked us to make it permanent. It was hard...it's still hard. I know this has been hard on our daughter, and yet in a strange way I think it's made it easier to move on with her life.

Would we do it again? If the circumstances were the same yes we would.

Do we have regrets? You bet. Once these little guys came to live with us our lives took a total different direction from where we were headed. There are still times I mourn lost dreams...but the past is the past, better to leave it behind.

Today we celebrate the one year anniversary of parenthood- The Sequel.

I'm busy, busy, dreadfully busy...

Can anyone identify what movie that comes from?

Right now it's the theme song for my days. I've been busy sewing Christmas quilts...time is short and I'm running behind...so posting has been last on my to do list! :)

Cranberry Eggnog Muffins

I found this recipe over at the HomeBased Mom. This is probably one of the best muffins I've ever eaten. While baking the whole house smelled like Christmas.

Even if these are a couple of days old you can pop them in the microwave and for about 10 seconds and they taste like they're just out of the oven.

2¼ C flour

1 Tbsp baking powder

¼ tsp salt

1 C plus 2 tbsp. granulated sugar, divided

2 large eggs

¾ C eggnog

5 1/3 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted

1 tsp. almond extract

1½ C coarsely chopped cranberries

1 C white chocolate chips

Streusel Topping:

½ C sugar

½ C all-purpose flour

½ tsp. ground cinnamon

4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, slightly softened

½ C chopped pecans (optional)

Preheat the oven to 400° F. Line 14-16 muffin cups with paper liners.
In a bowl, add together the flour, baking powder and salt and stir to combine. In a large bowl, add together 1 cup of sugar, eggs, eggnog, melted butter and almond extract. Stir until well combined. Add in the dry ingredients just until incorporated. Do not over mix.

Chop the cranberries. I used my mini food processor and just pulsed a few times. Toss the chopped cranberries with the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar, and fold into the batter along with the white chocolate chips. Fill the prepared muffin lines 2/3 full.

Streusel topping:
Combine sugar, flour, cinnamon and butter. Cut the butter into the dry ingredients with a pastry cutter or a fork until a coarse, crumbly mixture forms. Add nuts if using. Sprinkle the mixture on top of the muffin batter.

Bake for about 18-22 minutes, or a until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely.

Thanksgiving In A Pan

Thanksgiving in a Pan

Categories: Casseroles, Main Dish, Poultry

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

1 pkg stuffing mix

2 1/2 cups cooked turkey

2 c frozen cut green beans

1 12 oz jar turkey gravy

pepper

Instructions:
Prepare stuffing mix according to directions. Transfer to a 11x7x2 inch baking dish. Top with turkey, beans, gravy and pepper. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until heated throughout.

This recipe exported by PDACookbook Plus - http://www.wakefieldsoft.com/

Note: I use an 8 x 8 pan and make this and freeze it. It's great when I need a casserole to take to someone.

I'm thinking I may use this with leftovers since hubby will be gone this week.

Thanksgiving Review

It was nice to have all of my kids and grandgirls home for a holiday. When everyone left it got awfully quiet. I told hubby it's a good thing that we still have two boys at home or the silence would be deafening.

Here are some pics from our time together:

 Miss Lexie enjoying the swing

 The boys enjoying an early Christmas gift

 Kenny and Lexie

 The entire crew

 All my kids and grandkids

 Kenny, Lexie and Grace

 Molly, Jared and Kaitlyn

 The grandgirls who by this time were fed up with cameras

Me with the girls!

After our Thanksgiving feast our older kids gave us an early anniversary present.They had planned a 3 day getaway to Boulder, Colorado for us. They booked the room, bought us tickets to a dinner theater and DD2 is coming to watch the boys for us. They had even talked to hubby's boss about him getting the time off. We were so surprised and excited at the thought of getting away alone for a bit. Now we just have to wait the three months until we can go!

Happy Thanksgiving

Getting Ready for Thanksgiving: the pie edition

I usually make pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving and then my second daughter will bring another type of pie or dessert. I typically use the pie recipe off the back of the Libby's can of pumpkin. I never use pumpkin pie spice, I use the cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and ginger. Hmm, come to think of it I may wing it a bit when it comes to adding spices. I like it spicy!

This year my new son in law has requested pecan pie. He is a southern boy and I guess that's traditional where he comes from. I have never made pecan pie before and have never been crazy about it since it's so terribly sweet. I sent a call of help to some of my closest friends and my friend Lisa was glad to oblige. So today I'm making pumpkin pie and one of these:

Lisa's Pecan Pie

1 pie crust, either store-bought or homemade
2 c. pecans, browned in a dry skillet
5 eggs
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar
Pinch salt
6 T. (3/4 stick) melted butter
1 T. vanilla

Start by patting the crust into a pie plate and baking it until it’s golden brown. I usually poke the crust with a fork all over to keep it from slumping down in the pie plate.
Coarsely chop half the toasted pecans.
Beat the five eggs vigorously. Blend in sugar, salt, and butter and put into a heavy saucepan. Over medium heat, heat this eggs/sugar/butter mixture until it’s very hot but not boiling. Remove from the heat and stir in the pecans and the vanilla.
Pour this hot mixture into the crust and bake at 375° for 30 or 40 minutes. The pie will be starting to set up and will still jiggle when it’s done.
Cool completely before serving.

If you want to make chocolate pecan pie, add 2 ounces of semisweet chocolate melted into 3 T. of butter to the egg and sugar mixture. Leave out any additional butter from the mixture.

Getting Ready for Thanksgiving: the roll edition

Although fresh hot rolls right from the oven are the best for a big family dinner, I have a limited amount of oven space. I have a feeling that turkey is going to take up the entire space for the duration of the morning so I'm going to have to make a few things in advance. This evening it's time to make the rolls. Hopefully my husband won't eat so many so that I have to make more. (don't laugh, he's done it before!)

This recipe is one that I got from my sister in law Julie who happens to rank in the top ten cooks that I've ever met.

Julie's Dinner Rolls

2 1/2 tsp yeast
2 1/2 cups warm water
2/3 cup shortening
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 1/2 tsp salt
8 cups flour

Dissolve yeast in water. Stir in shortening, sugar, eggs, salt and flour. Knead lightly. Let the dough rise then shape into dinner rolls or cinnamon rolls

Makes 30 rolls or 2 dozen cinnamon rolls

Cinnamon Roll Option:
 Topping for rolls-
1 cup ice cream
1 cup brown sugar
1 stick butter
Melt ingredients together, let boil for approximately 1 minute.

Skipping Thanksgiving

I've had several conversations with people in the past few weeks about Thanksgiving. To many people it's just a day to get off work and eat a lot of food. My daughter said that while in her MOPS group she mentioned that since it really was a Christian holiday we should take time to celebrate it rather than treating it as a jumping off point for the Christmas rush. Apparently one mother had never considered it to be a Christian holiday but just a time to give thanks. As my daughter was relating this to me I wondered who this young mother was giving thanks to. If we don't give thanks to God for our ancestors who sacrificed to make this country, if we don't give thanks to God for our freedom and our life, if we don't give thanks to God for the gift of salvation...then really what is the point?

This leads me to my subject. Are we as Christians guilty of skipping Thanksgiving? I have several friends who have already or are this weekend decorating for Christmas? They are putting up their lights and their trees...the whole ball of wax. Of course the store are already full of Christmas. Heaven forbid we don't make maximum use of that seasonal spending! Many people I know are completly done with their Christmas shopping. Even the holiday home tours and craft shows are before Thanksgiving.

I just want to stop everyone and shake them and say "It's okay, we don't have to skip Thanksgiving to have a memorable Christmas!!"  I want to focus on the gifts that God has given us throughout the past year, to focus on how blessed we are and give God the credit. And you know what? Christmas will still be there after Thanksgiving is gone. I will still have time to bake cookies, shop for presents, trim that tree. I will still have an entire month to listen to Christmas music and teach the boys about Jesus coming to earth to save people from their sins. Just for now...for the next week I want to focus on being thankful. I plan to savor Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Menu

Well, I know it's a week away but I thought I'd sit down and plan my Thanksgiving menu. Then if there are things I can do ahead of time I can make a note and get them done before some of the family arrives this weekend. I'm thinking I may be spending most of time getting reaquainted with my granddaughter who lives too far away.
So here is my first draft, which I'm sure will be adjusted some before next week.

Turkey
Sage dressing
Mashed potatoes and gravy
Sweet potatoes ?
Green bean casserole ( this is something new to our family because my son-in-law is used to it, I'm not really a big fan...but I love my son-in-law. )
Homemade dinner rolls...always homemade, always rolls not bread with homemade jelly
Sweet corn
Pickles
Pies- pumpkin and whatever my pie baking daughter brings, pies are her speciality. Oh, and I forgot I'll be baking a pecan pie for the first time ever because my newest son-in-law likes it. (He's a southerner, we're trying not to hold that against him. laugh)

I suppose we should have some kind of salad...but we probably won't. We're just not big salad eaters, and since I have limited frig space I don't like to clutter with food we don't really eat. Our son said he'll be in charge of "drinkage". I'm pretty sure that means beverages.  I told him ingredients for eggnog punch are a must.

So, now that my menu is posted maybe people like my sister will read it and think...hmmm I want to go to Kris's for Thanksgiving dinner. Maybe?

Throwdown

If you missed it you can catch it again on Saturday but Bobby Flay was challenged to a Thanksgiving Feast Throwdown by none other than Ree Drummond who is more easily recognized as The Pioneer Woman

Aw, doesn't Bobby look like a nice guy? And some of his food looked scrumptious. Those brussel sprouts? Mmm, I was wishing I could taste them. And a pumpkin bread pudding? What a great idea!! But Bobby...you can't come to ranch country and serve Thanksgiving dinner without mashed potatoes! It just isn't gonna cut it. But you looked like you had a good time. Next time you just drive right on through that herd of cows, they'll move for you.

Aw Ree, you did a great job! And I see that Missy and Hyacinth were there pulling their weight too. What great friends. The food looked great, I'm going to try that butter smearing thing on my turkey. And my friend who happens to be an Okie gal too makes her dressing with cornbread and biscuits, I'd never seen anyone else use different kinds of bread. The meal looked divine...except where are the dinner rolls? Oh well, I'm sure you just forgot about it in the excitement. You've come a long way from that little blog I read a few years ago. I notice that Marlboro Man is still as hunky as ever. Thank you God for good looking cowboys!

Catching Up

Last week we drove all the way to Omaha (5 hours) for Alex's surgery. We had to be at the hospital at 5:30 am and as we woke up Alex to head over to the hospital it became apparent that he had a fever. So no surgery. To say we were disappointed and frustrated would be an understatement. So it has been rescheduled for December 21st. What a rotten time for surgery and for him to be off his leg. I guess we're going to have to pray that he stays healthy and that the weather holds out that week.

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching. All of my kids will be home. This is the first time in two years that we will all be together. Since Thanksgiving two years ago we have added one son in law and two granddaughters to the family. It should be a busy and fun time. Guess I should start planning the feast eh?

I'm also heading into the last couple weeks of my class. I have really enjoyed it, and I think I'll take another next semester. But the thought of sitting for a realtor's exam is overwhelming to me. I guess I'll just take it one step at a time and see if this is the path I'm supposed to follow.

Thankful for our Veterans

Overload

I am feeling rather overwhelmed today. I read my assignment for class and can't remember a word of it. I gave up on the math assignment because I didn't have a financial calculator...I didn't even know there was such a thing.
I had a long discussion with someone downtown today about the local economy and the failed school bond issue. We stand on opposite sides of the issue, but had a good discussion. I feel like I would like to be able to get more involved in community issues, in fact I had planned on it after my kids were grown. But things changed. Now all of my energies are used at home.
I'm feeling frustrated about school issues. It's very hard for someone who homeschooled their children for nearly 20 years to understand the way the school system works. From where I stand it seems their main goal is conformity and uniformity. I don't want my child to be like everyone else. I want him to be the person that God designed him to be. At the same time I want to find him help with speech and communication so that he can learn to express himself.
I'm trying to get everything ready for Alex's upcoming surgery. Room is reserved. Preston is staying with his aunt. All the paperwork is done. Schools have both been notified. Why do I feel like I've forgotten something major?
I think I need a nap.

Divine Redux

Awhile back I wrote about listening to the book Divine by Karen Kingsbury. The book started getting into the sexual abuse of a child and I had to quit listening. Well, I still had it on my mp3 player one day and needed something to listen to while I was driving so I finished it. I'm glad I did. Once I got past those few gritty chapters the rest of the book was a great story of redemption. I'm glad I went back and finished this.
Now, back to the library website and find something new to download.

Linden Trees

 Early October

 Late October

Our neighbors have a pair of Linden trees, they are just so pretty all summer long.

Daughter #1

This is our oldest daughter Grace with her husband who is one of our nation's finest, serving in the US Navy. This was taken yesterday on Grace's 27th birthday. Grace has traveled the hard road to adulthood, but I think she's finally headed in the right direction. After many tumultuous years it's good to see her happy again.

I voted!

Did you?

The nice thing about living in a small community is that you know everyone. The downside is that at election time....well, you know everyone. And sometimes there are divisive issues and tempers can get hot. If I happen to state my opinion and it's not the same as yours I would think that as mature adults we could have a polite discussion and exchange views. I would especially think that if you were a member of my church. I don't expect people to agree with me about everything. Shoot, even my husband I don't agree on all things. I just expect to be treated with respect when I disagree with you.

So today is election day. If the results are not what I hope for, I will be content with the fact that I voted my conscience. I hope everyone else will be too.

Good News About my Dad!

After nearly two weeks in the hospital it looks like Dad is going to get to come home today or tomorrow. I guess he still has blood clots in his lung but the meds are supposed to take care of that. I think just getting home will be the best medicine for him.

Sew Mama Sew Bag Swap

One of the blogs I like to visit is Sew Mama Sew. They are great about sharing fun ideas and sewing tutorials. Last month I joined a bag swap. We were given a partner with the likes and dislikes and made them a bag.
These are pictures of the one I made.

The handles have a red lining and a matching pocket on the inside. I used the pattern from Bend The Rules Sewing. The bag turned out cute and I hope my partner enjoys using it while she's out shopping.

The bag I recieved is a cute little clutch. You can see it here,

If you want to see other bags in the swap you can go see them at this Flicker site.

It was a fun swap and I'm glad I joined.

Friday Night = Pizza Night

 I don't know when it started. I guess when the older kids were still at home we would celebrate the end of the school week by having pizza night. We lived in the country then so pizza delivery was not an option. We just made our own. Now we live in town, but we find that making pizza is not only cheaper but my homemade pizza is more filling and tastes better.

See the crust is all ready to throw in the oven for a 5 minute pre-bake. I learned this trick from my friend Karen. Meanwhile the sausage is cooking. We always have sausage and cheese pizza.

 Alex decided I was taking too long so he is watching Shaun the Sheep, a favorite around here. It keeps him occupied for a few minutes whil I finish getting supper ready.

 It's in the oven and ready to go. I can make a pizza pretty quick anymore. I've had a lot of practice.

There it is. I like to brown the cheese to give it some crispiness. It always changes the flavor a bit. And there you have it, our menu for Friday nights!

My dad

My dad had hip replacement surgery about 4 weeks ago. He was doing really great and then last Tuesday he started hurting so Mom took him to the hospital. He's been there ever since. He was diagnosed with pneumonia, but by Friday was still pretty bad. Saturday morning they took him to Sioux Falls, SD ( a bigger hospital). Yesterday they decided that he had 3 blood clots his lung, but they couldn't see them at first because the pneumonia is masking it.
All this to say that I would appreciate prayer for my dad. Lying in a bed is not something I can imagine him doing for such a long time. So if he's content to lie there I know he's pretty sick. (sigh)

Update: They took a quart of blood out of his lung. They knew he'd been bleeding somewhere, now they know where. I'm thinking he should feel much better now...or hopefully will soon.

What I've been working on

Just need to finish up the quilting and binding. It's bigger than I expected. I was going to hang it on the front door but it's too wide. I wish that candy corn showed up better because there were my favorite part.

Good quote

Happiness is not getting what you want. Happiness is appreciating what you have.

Pumpkin Patch

I think this last picture is a keeper. :)

Sneak Peek

What I've been working on when I find those rare few moments of time....I love the little candy corns..

Crunchy Topped Pumpkin Bars

Ingredients:

First part:

1 cups flour

1/2 cups brown sugar

1/2 cups quick oatmeal

1/2 cups butter

Second part:

2 cups pumpkin

1 13 1/2 oz can evaporated milk

2 eggs

3/4 cups sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp ginger

1/4 tsp cloves

Third part:

1/2 cups brown sugar

2 Tbsp butter

1/2 cups chopped nuts

Instructions:

Combine first 4 ingredients until crumbly. Press into a 13 x 9 inch pan. Bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees.

Combine next 8 ingredients and pour over crust. Bake 20 minutes at 350 degrees.

Combine the last 3 ingredients and sprinkle over dessert; bake an additional 20 minutes.

Cool, cut in squares and serve with whipped cream.

Wrestling

I've really been wrestling with a matter for several months. The more I want to do something, the more obstacles get thrown in the way. I'm struggling to know if the obstacles are God's way of telling me to let it go...or Satan's way of making it harder and I need to perservere; fight the good fight.

In the last few days I think I have come to know the answer. But I don't like the answer because it means I will be letting people down.

It's funny how it's easier to let God down than it is people. Okay, it's not funny...but then that's really the point, isn't it?

Divine?

Yesterday my daughter told me that she had read a book by Karen Kingsbury called Divine and that it was really good. Since I didn't have time to get down to the library I checked it on audio book and started to listen to it last night.
Maybe it was because it was close to bedtime and I didn't want that book the last thing on my mind before I went to sleep, or maybe it was because it was audio and more personal than reading a page...I don't know. But as it got into the heart of the story and I could tell it was going to be about a young girl being sexually abused....I just had to stop.
I know that Karen Kingsbury writes good Christian novels. Even this book started out saying that the story was about how God redeems us and I'm sure this book has touched the lives of many people who needed to hear this message. But I did not want these thought bouncing around in my brain late at night when I couldn't sleep.
So instead I chose to meditate on Philippians 4:8:
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

State Fair- Quilt Edition

This is the county where I was born. Notice my beloved windmill? And there are prairie points on the side of the block too!

This is the county where I grew up, where the home ranch is, where hubby and I still call home. They had the quilt block mounted high enough I couldn't see the detail but I thought it was a pretty block.

Loved this pattern

This quilt was the best of show and this picture does not do it justice. It was exquisite!

There were over 700 quilts in the display. I wish I could have found a way to go back alone and just spend time looking. For some reason 5 and 6 year old boys don't want to spend hours looking at quilts.