Angels in my Garden

On Being Mom, Grandma and Great Grandma

2012-01-25T20:27:00.000-06:00

Some moms might be offended by this little piece of work, but I think it is hilarious! My daughter posted it onto my Facebook wall and I made it my profile picture!
I will 'fess up ... that's me to a T!! My poor kids are all grown up with families of their own and most already have grandghildren of their own (which means I am a great grandma and proud of it), but I still think I have to give them all kinds of advice, asked for or not, usually not!!
I am positive they sometimes dread to see my number on their caller ID but they know better than to ignore it because I just keep calling till they answer!!!
Of course, I am exaggerating (a little), because I try SO hard not to interfere in their lives but, for a mama like me, it is really hard on a blustery day not to tell my 42 year old son to be sure to button his coat, wear gloves and, for goodness sake, cover up those ears because you know how you always got those earaches and Lord knows, your wife has enough to put up with from you without you coming down with an earache ... however, should you do so, please don't forget to pick up some sweet oil. Remember how we always warmed it in a spoon first so as not to shock that poor little ear into deafness or something maybe worse.
I surely do love being a mama, a grandma and best of all, a great grandma!! Those kids are more fun than a barrel of monkeys. I could play with the little ones for days on end and never tire of them. I love playing with the little dolls and tea parties and playing house with them. I am SO grateful, so lucky to have them in my life.
Once when Carlee (age 4 now) and I were playing in the bedroom, she saw her daddy pulling into the driveway and she ran to the door, quick as a wink. I thought it was because she was happy to see her daddy, but she just as quickly ran back and said, "Hurry, Grandma, hide! My daddy's here and I yocked him out!!" The "y" on lock was not a typo ... that's the way she says locked!
Now is that not about the sweetest, funniest thing you ever heard? I could go on all day about little things they say and do. I tell you, they light up my life! My sweet, sweet little tiny angels!

A Christmas Treat

2011-12-18T08:54:00.002-06:00

Chocolate Cherry Bars

1/2 cup butter, melted

1 1/2 cup graham crackers crumbs

14-oz. can sweetened condensed milk

12-oz. pkg. milk chocolate chips

10-oz. jar maraschino cherries,drained & chopped

Spread the melted butter evenly in a 13 x 9 inch baking pan. Stir in the graham cracker crumbs. Press down to form a crust. Pour the condensed milk over the top. Sprinkle with the chocolate chips and the chopped cherries. Bake at 350 F for 25 minutes. Cool completely. Slice into bars. Makes about 2 dozen bars

This is a very good treat for gifting in a tissue lined container. They are beautiful and taste wonderful as well. I plan to take some to my sweet little neighbors. Thay are simple and easy to make and look SO time consuming, anyone would think you had slaved for hours on them!!

Happy holidays to all and remember ...
be sweet!!! XXXOOOXXOOX

Free digital Images For Your Artwork

2011-10-30T21:45:00.000-05:00

Two angels with bells

Little angels with flowers

I LOVE playing with my old digital image program! I got it before I retired and have used it ever since that time. I have tried others, but have never been able to master them. I would love to know how to use Photoshop or one of those that more talented designers use, but I will have to stick with my trusty old 2006 version of a program that has since been discontinued. It was the one made by Microsoft. It took forever to figure that one out so I may as well forget about the other programs that can do so much more!
Anyway, these are my latest ones. I hope you like them and perhaps can use them in an art project or collage, decoupage or whatever your little ole' heart desires!
I had fun making them for you and I hope you will use them in some way ... send me a picture if you do and I will share it with everyone.
Be sweet!!

Almond Joy and Oreo Pops Recipes

2011-10-15T17:13:00.003-05:00

I was reminded today of how close it is getting to Christmas ... I know Halloween has not yet arrived, but it is never too early to think of homemade gifts such as gifts in a jar, different candies, cookies, gift baskets or whatever!
Anyway, today I am posting just a couple of really simple candy recipes, yet they are delightful both to look at and to eat ... just plop a piece or two of tissue paper into a pretty container, fill with these tasty little treats and I guarantee it will be a welcome gift for a neighbor, teacher, best friend or anyone on that list of yours!

Almond Joy Bars
4 c. Shredded coconut
1/4 c. Light corn syrup
1 pkg. (11 1/2-oz) milk chocolate chips
1/4 c. Vegetable shortening
26 whole natural almonds (about 1 oz.)
Line two large cookie sheets with waxed paper. Set large wire cooling rack on paper; set aside. Place coconut in large bowl; set aside.
Place corn syrup in a 1 c. Glass measure. Microwave on high (100%) 1 minute or until syrup boils. Immediately pour over coconut. Work warm syrup into coconut using the back of a wooden spoon until coconut is thoroughly coated.
Using 1 level measuring tablespoon of coconut, shape into a ball by squeezing coconut firmly in palm of one hand, then rolling between both palms. Place 2 inches apart on wire racks. Let dry 10 minutes. Reroll coconut balls so there are no loose ends of coconut sticking up.
Place milk chocolate and shortening in a 4-cup glass measure or 1 1/2 quart microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high 1 to 2 minutes or until mixture can be stirred smooth and is glossy; stirring once or twice.
Working quickly, spoon 1 level measuring tablespoon of the chocolate over each coconut ball, making sure chocolate coats and letting excess chocolate drip down onto waxed paper. While chocolate coating is still soft, lightly press whole almond on top of each. Let stand to set or place in refrigerator.
Store in a single layer in airtight container. Keeps best if refrigerated.
Makes 26.

Chocolate Dipped Oreo Pops

10 lollipop sticks

10 double-stuff Oreo cookies

11/2 cups (9 oz) semisweet chocolate chips

11/2 Tbsp solid vegetable shortening

Decoration: sprinkles, candy-covered chocolate drops (ice cream topping)

Line a baking sheet with wax paper. Insert a lollipop stick into cream filling of each cookie. Melt chocolate and shortening in a small bowl in microwave; stir until smooth. Dip 1 cookie pop into melted chocolate, letting top of cookie rest on bottom of bowl for support. Spoon melted chocolate over cookie to coat. Transfer to lined baking sheet, using a fork to support pop from underneath if needed. Decprate with sprinkles, and chocolate drops. Let stand until set. Repeat with remaining cookie pops, remelting chocolate as needed. Wrap in food-safe plastic wrap.

Be sweet!

Homemade Tootsie Rolls

2011-09-20T11:16:00.001-05:00

This is one of many recipes, candy and everything imaginable, that I have tucked away but have never actually made, sooooo ... I am hoping it will be good, sure sounds like it, but I won't make promises I can't keep! I absolutely love the little vanilla tootsie rolls but am told they are only sold during certain seasons. I assume Halloween is THE one, with those little bags of assorted candy that contain all flavors of tootsie rolls. I ALWAYS pick out all the vanilla before putting the treats out for the little ones. Every now and then I see one in the large bowl that I have missed and dive for it lest any little ghost or witch should beat me to it!!
Anyway, here is the recipe and I surely hope it turns out as good as it sounds .., I do plan on making it, leaving out the cocoa to see if it is half as good as the little vanilla tootsie rolls that I so love. If it is, it for sure will be a keeper!!!

Homemade Tootsie Rolls

2Tblsp sof butter
1/2 cup cocoa
3 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
3/4 cup instant milk powder
1/2 cup white corn syrup

Mix everything together really well and knead on board sprinkled with powdered sugar. Knead until smooth and pliable. Divide and roll into ropes of desired length, cut with very sharp knife and, hopefully you will have your tootsie roll clones. If you try this let me know how it turns out.

Be sweet!

Depression Cookies: Not The Newlywed Game: Friday Feature

2011-09-16T18:54:00.000-05:00

Depression Cookies: Not The Newlywed Game: Friday Feature

What We Learn From The Plight Of Jake

2011-07-15T19:55:00.001-05:00


Jake's old farm truck

An Old Cowboy Poem - Life Lesson -

Jake, the rancher, went one day
To fix a distant fence.
The wind was cold and gusty
And the clouds rolled gray and dense.

As he pounded the last staples in
And gathered tools to go,
The temperature had fallen,
And snow began to blow.

When he finally reached his pickup,
He felt a heavy heart.
From the sound of that ignition
He knew it wouldn't start.

So Jake did what most of us
Would do if we were there.
He humbly bowed his balding head
And sent aloft a prayer.

As he turned the key the last time,
He softly cursed his luck
They found him three days later,
Frozen stiff in that old truck.
Now Jake had been around in life
And done his share of roaming.
But when he saw Heaven, he was shocked --
It looked just like Wyoming !

Of all the saints in Heaven,
His favorite was St. Peter .
So they sat and talked a minute or two,
Or maybe it was three.
Nobody was keeping' score --
In Heaven, time is free..

'I've always heard,' Jake said to Pete ,
'that God will answer prayers,
But the one time I asked for help,
Well, he just wasn't there.'

'Does God answer prayers of some,
And ignore the prayers of others?
That don't seem exactly square --
I know all men are brothers.'

'Or does he randomly reply,
Without good rhyme or reason?
Maybe, it's the time of day,
The weather or the season.'

'Now I ain't trying to act smart,
It's just the way I feel.
And I was wondering', could you tell me
What the heck's the deal?!'
Peter listened very patiently
And when Jake was done,
There were smiles of recognition,
And he said, 'So, you're the one!!'

That day your truck, it wouldn't start,
And you sent your prayer a flying,
You gave us all a real bad time,
With hundreds of us trying.'

'A thousand angels rushed,
To check the status of your file,
But you know, Jake , we hadn't heard
From you in quite a while.'

'And though all prayers are answered,
And God ain't got no quota,
He didn't recognize your voice,
And started a truck in Minnesota '

IT'S BEST TO KEEP IN TOUCH!!

Always stay sweet and treat others as you would like to be treated. XXXOOOXXOOX

Heritage Albums Aside

2011-07-10T12:16:00.000-05:00

my great grand daughter, Carlee

my great grand daughter, Morgan

This is what I do in my spare time ... I have spent years trying to make heritage scrapbook albums for my children so they could know 'where they came from' ... I always get sidetracked with the sweet little pictures of my grandchildren and the great grandchildren! I just want to pull them through the computer, but have to be content sometimes to play with them in this way and believe me, I have folders full of such pictures I have made of my little angels, but I am getting nowhere on my heritage albums!!!!!
Aren't they cute though? You know you have to agree!!!
Be sweet and treat others as you would like to be treated. XXXOOOXXOOX

Warshin Clothes Recipe

2011-07-02T21:01:00.002-05:00

Years ago an Alabama grandmother gave this 'recipe' to her grand daughter along with other bits of wisdom. This is an exact copy as it was written and found in an old scrapbook, complete with spelling errors.
Makes me want to hang a framed copy on the wall above my sparkling white washer and dryer to remind me every single day just how times have changed and to always be grateful for something as simple as a washer and dryer that do all the work with the push of a button

old wringer washing machine

WARSHIN CLOTHES
Build fire in back yard to heat kettle of rain water. Set tubs so smoke wont blow in eyes if wind is pert.
Shave one hole cake of lye soap in boilin water.
Sort things, make 3 piles
1 pile white
1 pile colored
1 pile work britches and rags
To make starch, stir flour in cool water to smooth, then thin down with boilin water.
Take white things, rub dirty spots on board, scrub hard and boil, then rub colored
dont boil just wrench and starch.
Take things out of kettle with broomstick handle, then wrench and starch.
Hang old rags on fence. Spread tea towels on grass.
Pore wrench water in flower bed. Scrub porch with hot soapy water and turn tubs upside down.
Go put on clean dress, smooth hair with hair combs.
Brew cup of tea then set and rock a spell while you count your blessins.

Thank you, Lord for the many 'blessins' we enjoy today!!!
A special thanks for that lovely washer and dryer!!!
Be sweet!! XXXOOOXXOOX

Amish Apple Fritters

2011-06-23T07:41:00.000-05:00


Sooo good sprinkled with powdered sugar and a bit of cinnamon

Amish Apple Fritters

2 tablespoons sugar
2 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1 cup flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons lemon juice
2 to 3 cups sliced apples

Cream together sugar and eggs, add flour and baking powder, then milk. Mix and add lemon juice and apples. Drop by teaspoonfuls into hot shortening or make into little cakes and fry in a pan like pancakes. Sprinkle powdered sugar and cinnamon over them when finished frying.
I most often use self rising flour, which simplifies the recipe, taking less time, etc. You simply omit the baking powder and salt.

This is an easy recipe and a very, very good one ... (one where you don't have to run all over the state to buy the ingredients), great with our morning coffee, perhaps not the best thing in the world, health authorities will tell you, to start off the day, but I can guarantee it will start your day off with a warm and comfortable feeling ... isn't that in itself laying a foundation for good health?
I am a mere great grandma ... what the heck am I doing, pretending I know the slightest thing about what is and is not good for your health! This I do know, a warm apple fritter for breakfast sure gets you off to a good start, ready to take on what the rest of the day sends your way!
Be sweet!!

Together We Can ....

2011-05-25T09:57:00.000-05:00

Hi, Sweeties! I have 2 awards to post (though I strive to remain award free) that I am SO humbled and honored to receive. One is from Alexandra of ropcorn.com , the Stylish Blogger Award. If you have not visited her, you are really missing out, so I hope you will drop by and leave her a comment so she knows you've been there.

The second is from Aries of Krazy Monkey Tale. She is such a little doll! In one post she even explains how to make your own alfafa sprouts. She truly is a 'jack of all trades'. I hope you will pay her a visit, leaving a comment as we all love reading what others have to say about our little piece of cyberspace!

There are SO many special blogs to pass these on to it is difficult and, in fact impossible, for me to choose just a few, soooo I pass them on to everyone who is reading this post!! Please, if you are reading this, post these awards on your blog and enjoy them as I have! This recognition and appreciation is what keeps us going.
Oh, by the way, speaking of recognition I neglected to give credit to the creator of the graphics I used when I made the scrapbook page in the post 'Come On Grandma, You Know You Can Do It'. The sweet, generous lady who created the kit was Mary of Mary's Mixes. I would love for you to visit her site if you have not done so. Her kits are all free and her work is beautiful. Her most recent freebie is an absolutely gorgeous purple kit. Everything you need to make a page for your album is in this and each of the kits she so freely offers. I would give anything if I could design but cannot, so I must rely on people like Mary who so graciously share their creations with us.
Don't forget ... I mean it ... take your awards and place them on your site!! Alexandra and Aries, that means you as well ... you gave them to me, soooo right back atcha'! There is great strength in numbers, so we'll just all stick together and see what we can do!!!!
Love to you all and be sweet ... treat others as you would like to be treated. XXOOXXXO

Banana Nut Bread Jam recipe, Easy Peasy

2011-05-17T15:17:00.001-05:00

Banana Nut Bread Jam

10 ripe bananas, pureed (about 3 cups)
1 Tbsp lemon juice
4 cups sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts, toasted
1 package powdered pectin
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg

Mix bananas, walnuts, lemon juice and pectin in a large pot. Stir while bringing to a full boil. Add sugars all at once, stirring constantly, bring back to a boil. Let boil for 1 minute.
Ladle jam into jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
Recipe makes about 6 half pints, so easy, no pressure canner needed.

If you only wanted to make a jar or two without the water bath, it will be fine to just refrigerate and
enjoy! This is REALLY, REALLY good and SO easy.
Pecans can be used instead of walnuts or no nuts at all if you choose.
I hope you will give this a try, even if you do not normally preserve any kind of food, this is such a good
and simple jam recipe that tastes absolutely scrumptious and will have your family look at you in disbelief that you turned out such a fabulous treat! No special tools, nothing that is not found in any ordinary kitchen.
I hope this will be a keeper for you to enjoy again and again.
Be sweet, as always and treat others as you would like to be treated! XXOOOXXO

Gardening Can Be Fun (or funny)

2011-04-16T10:00:00.002-05:00

My daughter in law will never let me hear the end of it if I mention her name in this post, so I just won't ... but this is a little story that is so typical of my family and one that is too good not to share !!
Now, being a gardener is something she is not well known for by any means. In fact, she is a terrible gardener, cannot raise anything I know of except kids! Poor little thing plants and sets out flowers every single spring, hoping this will be the year her thumb suddenly becomes a lovely shade of green. Ain't happening!! I am here to tell you, she has the worse looking flowers in the county and I might venture so far as to say the entire state!
Her sweet and dear husband (my son, I will proudly add) takes such pride in having the most productive vegetable garden anywhere around! I swear he can plant anything in that garden and it fairly thrives.
They have an abundant supply of vegetables fresh from the garden the entire growing season, while the poor flower beds surrounding their house ... well, I just don't know how to put it delicately so I will say not another word about it. Wild horses could not pull the words out of my mouth or force me to write them!!! Now THAT is loyalty and love for my daughter in law if I do say so myself.
Okay, so my little daughter in law has expressed her wish to become a great gardener, to know the ropes, what does it take to grow those lush, beautiful flower beds like the ones across the street. My son, being the considerate man he was raised to be, found a 'how to garden' book online and sent for it as a surprise to her.
Upon its arrival, she sat, devouring every word, confident this book held the key and perhaps this year would be THE one. My son asked quietly if she noticed who the book was addressed to. She picked up the box it arrived in, looked at the address label which read (no proclaimed) Ima Gardener along with the remainder of their address!!!!!!! Her actual name was nowhere to be seen and there was already an order form for more gardening books and magazines filled out boldly with the name, Ima Gardener!!!

I am actually not much better. I used to have a row of potted plants on the wall as you came in the front door of our house. I watered the heck out of them for days, then would not water them for weeks, then I would remember and drown them again. Anyway, they looked pretty pitiful. My kids began calling it 'death row' and one of my friends said my plants were the only ones she ever saw that looked worse than hers!!!
I just love my kids! They are so much fun.
Be sweet!!!

Sour Cream Country Biscuits

2011-03-27T20:21:00.002-05:00

This recipe for that good ole' country favorite, breakfast biscuits hot from the oven, is a little different as it contains no shortening or butter, but sour cream.
It gives the biscuits a little tang and the rich moistness will have everyone coming back for more!
I believe this will be a keeper in your recipe box! It is good enough to serve on special occasions or for everyday fare!

Sour Cream Country Biscuits

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons sugar
1/3 cup cold sour cream
1 1/3 cup heavy cream

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Using a pastry blender cut in the sour cream until the mixture
forms coarse pieces.
Add the sour cream and stir the mixture with a fork until most of the dry
ingredients have been moistened.
Turn the ingredients onto the counter
and knead and fold until the dough is formed.
Do not knead longer than
necessary. Roll or pat the dough to about 3/4-inch thickness and cut with a biscuit
cutter.
Place the biscuits on a greased baking sheet with the edges
touching.
Bake for about 14 minutes or until the tops are just golden brown.

Sooo good with a little butter and strawberry jam!!
Also perfect for biscuits and gravy.
Be sweet, all!!!

Michael

2011-03-27T11:36:00.000-05:00

My grandson, Michael

This is my grandson, Michael. He lives around 300 miles from me now and I miss the big bear hugs he gave me when he lived nearby! He would squeeze me so tight I swear I heard my bones crack and I could barely breathe! He lifted me off my feet as he hugged me and I just can't seem to function as well without one of those hugs every now and then! I am hoping he will visit for even a few days this summer. He stays very busy and is in a program with the local college in the summer so he really doesn't have a lot of free time, but maybe he could squeeze in a few days. He is VERY intelligent, can write beautiful poetry.
When my dad was alive, Michael could make him happier than anyone. He was so sweet and chubby when he was little and beginning to walk good, he would run into Dad's room and they carried on a conversation like 2 old men!! It was so cute. Michael talked a mile a minute, waving his arms the whole time and you could not understand one word he said! My dad acted like he knew just what he was talking about and they had such great conversations. I teased Dad that Michael must be speaking Chinese! He was the light of my dad's life and you would never think it, but my dad was the first person Michael ran to see when he came to visit. He ran as fast as he could to Dad's bedroom, where they began their routine. He made my dad SO happy and he looked forward so much to seeing his boy!
When Dad was called back to Heaven to be wrapped in the arms of Jesus, the house seemed very silent and very still. I will always remember the first time Michael came after Dad died, he ran into the bedroom as usual only to find the bed empty and his buddy gone. He had such a puzzled look on his little face as he held out his arms, saying solemnly, "G'ampa gone". It broke my heart, but I am so grateful for the time they spent together and for the happiness and joy he gave to his great grandpa.
Be sweet.

A Father's Love

2011-03-18T22:19:00.000-05:00

This came to me in an email and, although it is lengthy, I hope you will take the time to read it. It touched my heart as I am sure it will touch yours. It is a sweet, special little poem and tells much of the love a father has for his little girl.

Her hair was up in a pony tail,
Her favourite dress tied with a bow.
Today was Daddy's Day at school,
And she couldn't wait to go.

But her mommy tried to tell her,
That she probably should stay home.
Why the kids might not understand,
If she went to school alone.

But she was not afraid;
She knew just what to say.
What to tell her classmates
Of why he wasn't there today.

But still her mother worried,
For her to face this day alone.
And that was why once again,
She tried to keep her daughter home.

But the little girl went to school
Eager to tell them all.
About a dad she never sees
A dad who never calls.

There were daddies along the wall in back,
For everyone to meet.
Children squirming impatiently,
Anxious in their seats

One by one the teacher called
A student from the class.
To introduce their daddy,
As seconds slowly passed.

At last the teacher called her name,
Every child turned to stare.
Each of them was searching,
A man who wasn't there.

'Where's her daddy at?'
She heard a boy call out.
'She probably doesn't have one,'
Another student dared to shout.

And from somewhere near the back,
She heard a daddy say,
'Looks like another deadbeat dad,
Too busy to waste his day.'

The words did not offend her,
As she smiled up at her Mom.
And looked back at her teacher,
Who told her to go on.

And with hands behind her back,
Slowly she began to speak.
And out from the mouth of a child,
Came words incredibly unique.

'My Daddy couldn't be here,
Because he lives so far away.
But I know he wishes he could be,
Since this is such a special day.

And though you cannot meet him,
I wanted you to know.
All about my daddy,
And how much he loves me so.

He loved to tell me stories
He taught me to ride my bike.
He surprised me with pink roses,
And taught me to fly a kite.

We used to share fudge sundaes,
And ice cream in a cone.
And though you cannot see him.
I'm not standing here alone.

'Cause my daddy's al ways with me,
Even though we are apart
I know because he told me,
He'll forever be in my heart'

With that, her little hand reached up,
And lay across her chest.
Feeling her own heartbeat,
Beneath her favorite dress.

And from somewhere here in the crowd of dads,
Her mother stood in tears.
Proudly watching her daughter,
Who was wise beyond her years.

For she stood up for the love
Of a man not in her life.
Doing what was best for her,
Doing what was right.

And when she dropped her hand back down,
Staring straight into the crowd.
She finished with a voice so soft,
But its message clear and loud.

'I love my daddy very much,
he's my shining star.
And if he could, he'd be here,
But heaven's just too far.

You see he is a Brittish soldier
And died just this past year
When a roadside bomb hit his convoy
And taught Britans to fear.

But sometimes when I close my eyes,
it's like he never went away.'
And then she closed her eyes,
And saw him there that day.

And to her mothers amazement,
She witnessed with surprise.
A room full of daddies and children,
All starting to close their eyes.

Who knows what they saw before them,
Who knows what they felt inside.
Perhaps for merely a second,
They saw him at her side.

'I know you're with me Daddy,'
To the silence she called out.
And what happened next made believers,
Of those once filled with doubt.

Not one in that room could explain it,
For each of their eyes had been closed.
But there on the desk beside her,
was a fragrant long-stemmed rose.

And a child was blessed, if only for a moment,
By the love of her shining star.
And given the gift of believing,
That heaven is never too far.

Be sweet and I hope you have enjoyed this as much as I have have!!

Baby Laughing Hysterically at Ripping Paper

2011-03-05T14:23:00.000-06:00

Beverly's Back Porch: Cleaning Poem - Feel Good Friday

2011-03-02T09:18:00.000-06:00

Beverly's Back Porch: Cleaning Poem - Feel Good Friday

Come on, Grandma, You Know You Can Do It

2011-02-25T13:53:00.000-06:00


My grand daughter, Caitlyn

I have been playing around all morning when I should have been doing something else! I made this scrapbook page of my grand daughter. This is Mike's daughter. She is and has always been his little angel. That girl is every bit as pretty inside as she is out! She is too, too sweet! She was quite the little monster when she was little, I will tell you! Into everything except what she was supposed to be! I could not keep up with her no matter how hard I tried. I had only to be distracted for a second to find she was out of sight and I had not one inkling which direction she had taken! I have spent lots of time yelling her name, though of course she never answered, just kept playing or whatever had taken all her attention. I hunted till I finally tracked her down and only then, when she saw me, did she bother to answer, "Here I am!".
She was my little buddy and when I was so sick, she MADE me walk even when I would rather not. She would say, "Come on, Grandma, you know you can do it." and with her prodding me along, I did. At times I was amazed at the strength I summoned when I had thought I had none. Doubtful I could not have done it without my sweet little baby girl telling me to hurry and don't be a slow poke! No one could stay sick long with her around! She was having none of that self pity, none of that "I can't" or "I"m too tired". It was always, "Come on, Grandma, you know you can do it!" She was right ... I could!!!!
So, all of you, be sweet, and always remember whatever you want to accomplish in life, you know you can do it!!!!

Almost Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia Ice Cream

2011-02-23T19:02:00.001-06:00

So good it will make you want to slap your mama!!!

With warm days looming closer and closer and the heat of summer not far behind, I decided it is as good a time as any for a really great recipe for an ice cream that will fairly melt in your mouth, about as close as one could get to the real thing, but with that homemade goodness that you can't capture in a store bought product, no matter what the brand or cost!
Besides I, for one, think ice cream is quite the treat no matter what the season! I hope you will give this copy cat a try and I promise you it will be a keeper!

Better Than Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia Ice Cream

1/4 cup plain chocolate, shaved
1/4 cup Bing cherries, halved and pitted (you may use canned, just drain off the syrup)
2 large eggs
3/4 cup sugar
2 cups whipping cream
1 cup milk

Put cherries and shaved chocolate in separate bowls, cover and refrigerate. Whisk the eggs till they are light and fluffy, about 1 or 2 minutes. Whisk in the sugar, a little at a time and continue blending until completely mixed, about a minute more. Pour in the cream and milk and whisk to blend well.
Pour the mixture into the ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer's directions. When the ice cream becomes stiff (about 2 minutes before it's done), add the chocolate and cherries and continue freezing until the ice cream is ready.

That is all there is to it!! What a delicious treat to serve to little grandchildren or anyone at any time. I think all will be amazed that it is so easy to whip up such a delectable delight!!! Ben and Jerry themselves could not make it simpler or better.

I hope you enjoy the recipe and that it will be one you prepare often as summer draws near.
Be sweet!!

After The Move

2011-02-21T16:53:00.000-06:00

Recently moved closer to one of my daughters and I love it!! My daughter lives on the first block off the main street through town, my son lives just around the corner on the second block and I live in the last house at the end of the third block!!!
My grand daughter's family has moved a few blocks from the rest of ys and it is SO nice! I have even more squirrels and little birds here that I did at the other house, it is a larger and nicer house with an absolutely huge fenced back yard, perfect for gardening. I have two storage sheds in the left corner of the back yard, perfect for storing all the little things I refuse to part with, but they have no place in the house.
Yesterday when I went to the local grocery store I was happy to see that onion sets were already being sold, three kinds, including the purple ones.
I only have to find a way to have the soil tilled or even buy a tiller. My son says he will do all the work and I can boss!! That's just the kind of gardening I love to do!
I am as excited as a little kid right before a big birthday party! It has been a long time since I have had a real garden. I can almost taste those fresh tomatoes and squash! I hope to make lots of salsa as all of my family loves it.
Last year I made black bean and corn salsa that was delicious. It seemed no matter how much I made, it never seemed to be enough! Maybe I should mix it in a wash tub this year!!
My great grandchildren are growing like little weeds. Anna starts kindergarten this year, so hard to believe. Abigail has grown so tall and so pretty it hurts your eyes just to look at her and the tiniest, Morgan will be a year old next month, already walking and has quite an attitude.
I consider myself to be one lucky lady, a grateful granny, for sure!! Oh, by the way, we have had a couple of HUGE snowstorms, 20 inches in one day. All in all, life is good.
Be sweet.

Apple Pie In A Jar

2010-12-02T17:50:00.000-06:00

I found this WONDERFUL recipe on Homemade Simple's website. The pies are actually baked in glass jars! What a wonderful addition to a Christmas basket gift or just by itself with a homemade tag attached to it and a Christmas bow stuck on the side. This is the link to Homemade Simple's instructions for apple pie in a jar. I do hope you will look at it and maybe try it. There is even a Print or a Save to click, so what could be simpler than that?

The holiday is fast approaching and any great homemade ideas are worthy of our time and attention.

A homemade gift has so much meaning and thoughtfulness behind it and I count them among the most treasured gifts of all, as a part of us goes into something we have put together with our own hands, with our love, thought, intention and time.

Be sweet

Playing With Photos - My Digi Art

2010-12-01T22:39:00.000-06:00

Original Digital Art - My Great Grandson, Christian

I just cannot keep from playing around with my pictures of the sweet little angel great grand children! Try hard as I might, it is never very long till I am thinking 'oh, how sweet it would be if ... ' and here I go again!!!
I should be working on the heritage albums I started long ago for my children, but I keep getting sidetracked by these sweet little elves, my heart and my soul, my great grand children!!
Sometimes I have to share them with all of you and this is one that I feel has to be shared! Christian is one now, but he fit perfectly into the outstretched hand in this picture and I kept adding and taking away until I got just the look I was searching for.
His mommy and Gran loved it as well as his aunts, so I hope you will like it too. Isn't he just a little hunk?
I am not kidding, he is SO big for his age. The doctor could not believe he was only one last time. His growth was off the charts. We may have a football player here!!!

Be sweet ... you never know when an angel might be just around the corner!

Faith

2010-11-27T20:32:00.000-06:00

There are no words necessary for this little picture!! Don't you think the title says it all?
Be sweet!!!

Gifts We Feel In Our Hearts

2010-11-21T06:17:00.000-06:00

Wishing you a happy Thanksgiving, may you enjoy the holiday and may we all be more aware of what we truly are grateful for. It isn't tangible 'things' but the love of family and friends, the gifts we have so freely been given are gifts not seen by the human eye, but ones we feel in our hearts each and every day, not limited to a single day.
Be sweet, angels are walking by your side.

The Loves Of My Life

2010-11-19T19:41:00.000-06:00

My great grand children

These are truly five precious little angels and they DO make my heart sing!!! Every time I look at their sparkly little eyes, their sweet smiles, my heart swells with such love I think it will surely burst. I wish I could grab them up in my arms all at once and hold them tight! I held their mommies and daddies, rocked them, loved them and now, the great grand babies!!! I wonder daily what have I done in this life that God has seen fit to let me be a great grammy, that, to me, is the highest honor a woman can hope to achieve. A great, great grand child? I hope so. My feet would never touch the ground!!!!!

November ATC Swap

2010-11-18T12:16:00.000-06:00

Hi Friends! I am posting November's ATC's on Backporch Graphics this month as I feel it is more appropriate so if you would like to take a peek at them you can click on the link. I am warning you, the card I received from Penny Plum is awesome and I love it, love it, love it!!!

Make Your Own Stove Top Stuffing

2010-11-17T09:03:00.000-06:00

With the holidays upon us in full force now ... I do mean FULL FORCE, as I tried shopping for last minute Thanksgiving items, I was shoved, pushed, almost trampled and swore never to get out of the house again till after New Year's Day! Ha! I expect that to last maybe through the day, possibly into tomorrow. I forgot to get sage!! I blame all the confusion at the grocery store on my sudden loss of memory.
In fact, I am sure that was it. I always have sage in my pantry, but now that it is time to begin preparation for what I hope will be a feast for my family to remember forever, there is no sage in the house!
I lay awake for quite some time last night trying to imagine how a stuffing would taste with no sage. I simply could not come up with anything good, so I suppose I will brave those pushing, shoving crowds again to make yet another trip to the grocery store for a single bottle of sage!
I am hoping as I stand in line without a shopping cart, holding my lone bottle of sage, someone will be gracious enough to let me go first!
You would not believe how big burly husbands with overflowing grocery carts stand their ground, turning around to stare at you with a single item and not feel an ounce of remorse that they do not offer to let you go ahead of them!
I can only think they possibly are getting even with their wives for sending them out for chocolate chips and a hundred other things the lady of the house had realized she did not have!
I have a great recipe for make ahead stuffing that so resembles Stove Top, it can be used in the same way and also substituted in any recipe calling for Stove Top Stuffing. It is really good.
As soon as I get enough nerve to go to the grocery store again, I plan to make it.

Stove Top Stuffing Clone

30 slices firm bread (I use a loaf of sandwich bread)
3 Tblsp. minced onion or onion flakes
2 tsp. garlic salt (or powder)
1/2 tsp. seasoned pepper
3 Tblsp. dried parsley flakes
3/4 tsp. ground sage
1/3 cup cooking oil (or olive oil)
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Cut bread slices in 1/2" cubes and place
in two 9"x13" baking pans. Toast bread cubes for about 45 minutes. (Mine doesn't take this long, so be
sure to check them often). Stir once in a while. Remove from oven when toasted and cool slightly. Mix remaining ingredients together in a large bowl.
Lightly toss bread cubes with seasonings to coat. (I found I had to add more oil for the seasonings to stick well. You can play around with it and find what works best for you.)
Place in a large airtight container and store in refrigerator for up to two months or you can freeze it for up to six months.
This recipe makes about twelve cups.

It is great to have on hand during the holidays. I make cornbread dressing and adding a couple of cups
of this along with the cornbread makes for a yummy dressing!!
Be sweet and may you always walk with angels.

Will The Fat Lady Sing?

2010-11-16T01:32:00.000-06:00

Yay!!! I went for my check up last week and, for a reason I can't for the life of me figure out, I had lost 8 pounds in just a month!! Not only was I in disbelief, but my doctor was almost in shock, I do believe.
I have steadily gained for almost 3 years, ever since I survived the sudden cardiac death. For some reason I began to gain weight when I used to drink milk shakes to try to gain because I was so skinny. Well, let me tell you, almost three years and a lot of pounds later, I avoid milk shakes like the plague! I underwent a huge personality change also and I am told that is quite common. Thank goodness! I was beginning to think part of me had not returned when I was shocked back, that a part of me remained and would not come back with the rest of me even when I "died" a second time on the way to the hospital ... no pulse, no heartbeat, no blood pressure, clinically and legally dead. My kids were not given any hope and gathered in the chapel of the hospital. I actually have no memory of any of it. I only remember putting on my clothes one morning and the next thing I actually remember was days and days later when I slowly opened my eyes, to see my daughter sitting beside me in a hospital bed with tubes and things. I had no clue what happened or how I got there. I had been on life support and in intensive care and didn't know a thing about it!!! I fooled everyone! A cardiac death has a 5% survival rate, (only 5% are successfully shocked back to life).
I will say my brothers must be right. They both say I am tough as a pine knot! I have twice been given not much of a chance to survive, but I am sure not going down easy! I want to see my great grand children get married and that will be several years from now. I just have too much to do to die, to put it bluntly!!! I simply do not have the time. I may get around to it one of these days when I have done all I would like to do. I know that sounds a little presumptious, but I just refuse to accept what the doctors say and do not hesitate to tell them so! I tell them I will out live them and I fully expect it to be true!!!
Now, the holidays are fast approaching and I am determined to keep off that 8 pounds plus lose more before I go back in January for my check up!
I also am determined to cook up all the calorie laden goodies I can think of and eat my fair share of pumpkin pie, turkey, dressing, gravy and all the holiday cookies and candy I can force myself to prepare. The only thing I can think of to keep that weight off and lose more, yet still eat myself silly, is to exercise like crazy in between bites and try to get in a good walk early every morning. It is more and more difficult to walk, but I plan to make myself do it anyway. I figure the more weight I take off the easier it will be. I bet by summer I will be drinking those milk shakes again!
I plan to share some great fattening recipes, that's for sure! So if it is healthy eating you are looking for, you won't find it here. I use loads of sugar and butter, fry everything instead of steaming as I once did. I pile on the sour cream, the cheese, all the extras that contain the real calories!!
So we'll see how it goes the next couple of months, with me eating like a piglet and trying like a crazy woman to lose weight at the same time ... it just might work! Boy, Dr Taylor will fall out of her chair if I have lost more weight after the holiday season! I fully expect to and can't wait to see the look on her face when she sees those scales!!!!!
Be sweet, eat all the candy you want and walk among the angels with a candy cane in each hand!!!

Lovely Blog Award

2010-11-12T07:52:00.001-06:00

I strive to remain an award free blog, however I received another award anyway!! Thank you, Aries, from Krazy Monkey Tale. This is an award to be passed on to 15 other bloggers whose blog you have newly discovered. I love so many blogs and discover new ones almost every day, so if you are reading this, please consider yourself a recipient of this Lovely Blog Award and post it on your site. We are a big loving and happy family and I cannot, for the life of me, just choose 15, so I want all of you to have this award!!!
Thank you, sweet little Aries for this beautiful and thoughtful award!!
Aries lives in Malaysia, where she writes her blog and is the mom of 2 teenage boys.
Thanks again, Sweetheart! I am happy you think my little blog (even though I can't even control the size of a font) worthy of an award such as this. I am humbled.
Stay sweet and angels will find you!!!!!

Easy Chili Recipe Takes The Chill Out

2010-11-12T07:29:00.001-06:00

Chili with sour cream and shredded cheese

I am trying again to see if I can post in a normal sized font!!! It appears to be working, so my fingers will be crossed as I hit "publish post"!! I don't know what in the world I did or did not do on the previous post.

Easy Crockpot Chili

1 lb. lean ground beef

1 med. bell pepper, chopped

1 small to med. onion, chopped

2 cans (15 oz) red kidney beans, undrained

2 pkgs chili seasoning mix (Williams is best, but I make my own)

1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilis (Rotel)

shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions ( these are optional toppings)

Brown ground beef, pepper and onion in skillet and drain well. Place in crock pot

and gently fold in remaining ingredients except the optional toppings.

Place lid on crock pot and cook on low for about 6 hours or on high for 3 to 3 1/2 hours.

Serve directly from slow cooker and sprinkle with any optional ingredients, or others
of your choosing.

Okay, I am about to hit "publish post", so I need a prayer or two right about now! I f you have any ideas what I have done previously, PLEASE let me know!

Be sweet as always and may you walk among angels.

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

2010-11-11T17:59:00.004-06:00

Hot Chocolate Topped With a Dollop of Whipped Cream and a Sifting of Cinnamon

Oh, I can hardly wait for the weekend!!! Guess I am about half nuts (or all maybe) but it is supposed to be a rainy, chilly weekend after the unusually warm week we have enjoyed so far! I believe it is still called Indian Summer. However, I am actually looking forward to the coming cold front. There is nothing so comforting as wrapping in a soft blanket with a good hot cup of hot chocolate on a dreary chilly night, watching favorite TV programs that have long since left prime time! I am sharing a very good homemade hot chocolate mix with you and I believe it will be a keeper. It is a little different than the ordinary ones. This makes a lovely gift when packaged as a gift in a jar, serving instructions handwritten on a whimsical little tag cut from a plain brown paper bag and tied with jute, twine or a country ribbon. Place this in a basket lined with paper shreds, mugs, marshmallows and a shaker of cinnamon and VOILA ... a gift suitable for Queen Elizabeth herself!! I am sure she would curl up with a blanky and cup of steaming hot chocolate if given the opportunity!!!

Here is your recipe. I hope you enjoy making this and keeping it on hand for the coming months.

Hot Chocolate Mix

1 (5 or 6 Qt.) box instant milk

1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 cup Nestle's Quik

1/2 cup powdered creamer

1 box instant chocolate
1/4 to 1/2 cup cocoa

Mix ingredients well and package in airtight container.Use 1/3 cup mix to 1 cup hot water.

Be sweet, may you always walk with angels and keep plenty of marshmallows and whipping cream!!!!
(I have no idea what I did, but I can't make the post smaller, the font won't change. I am just struggling trying to figure out everything as I go!!! One thing for sure - you don't need glasses to read this post!!!!)

October ATC Swap And Guess What, December's Theme is Angels!!!

2010-10-29T19:09:00.001-05:00

As I have mentioned in the past I participate in a monthly ATC swap (Artist's Trading Card, for those unfamiliar with the term) at Blissfull ATC Swap. Each month a different theme is chosen for the artist, along with a different swap partner. It has been great fun. I am thoroughly addicted to making the little cards! It is such fun to start with nothing and, using only your imagination, to end up with such a tiny piece of art is so amazing.
The October theme was simply "dark". Well, as you all are well aware, "dark" is definitely not my thing and it was extremely difficult to make a work of art that one would consider dark!!! I actually made 2 or 3 and even thought about dropping out, but this very last week, I FINALLY did it!!! (November has a theme of choice so that should be easy to do.)
Wendy, from Bliss Angels was my swap partner this month and the ATC I received from her was beautiful!! It was a Gothic lady and just so gorgeous, I began to think my little sad girl was maybe not what the theme called for. I had an email from her today that she had received it and loved it. Thank goodness!!!! I made a little envelope to hold it and had a devilish looking little character on that, since it is Halloween. I hope I will one day be as talented as Wendy. Her work is awesome! I hope you will drop by her blog and take a look around and also the swap blog. Who know, there just may be an artist out there waiting to happen and these tiny pieces of art could just be your thing!!!

The ATC and envelope I sent Wendy

This is the ATC I received from Wendy. The picture doesn't do it justice. You just can't see the real beauty! It is absolutely gorgeous!!!

Be sweet, have a great weekend and a happy Halloween!!!

The Grocery List

2010-10-26T10:06:00.003-05:00

A poorly dressed lady with a look of defeat on her face, walked into a grocery store. She approached the owner of the store in a most humble manner and asked if he would let her charge a few groceries.
She softly explained that her husband was very ill and unable to work, they had seven children and they needed food.
The grocer, scoffed at her and requested that she leave his store at once. Visualizing the family needs, she said: 'Please, sir! I will bring you the money as soon as I can.'
The old grocer told her he could not give her credit, since she did not have a charge account at his store. Standing beside the counter was a customer who overheard the conversation between the two. The customer walked forward and told the grocer that he would stand good for whatever she needed for her family.
The grocer said in a very reluctant voice, 'Do you have a grocery list?' The lady replied, 'Yes sir.' 'O.K' he said, 'put your grocery list on the scales and whatever your grocery list weighs, I will give you that amount in groceries..'
She hesitated a moment with a bowed head,then she reached into her purse and took out a piece of paper and scribbled something on it. She then laid the piece of paper on the scale carefully with her head still bowed.
The eyes of the grocer and the customer showed amazement when the scales went down and stayed down..
The grocer, staring at the scales, turned slowly to the customer and said begrudgingly, 'I can't believe it.' The customer smiled and the grocer started putting the groceries on the other side of the scales.
The scale did not balance so he continued to put more and more groceries on them until the scales would hold no more.
The grocer stood there in utter disgust.
Finally, he grabbed the piece of paper from the scales and looked at it with greater amazement.
It was not a grocery list, it was a prayer, which said:
'Dear Lord, you know my needs and I am leaving this in your hands.'
The grocer gave her the groceries that he had gathered and stood in stunned silence.The little lady thanked him and left the store....
The other customer handed a fifty-dollar bill to the grocer and said,
'It was worth every penny of it. Only God knows how much a prayer weighs ...'

Be sweet and may you always walk with Angels!!

Hobbit Girl Child, Morgan Lynn

2010-10-23T18:12:00.001-05:00

My great grand daughter, Morgan Lynn Boyd

Isn't she just the cutest, sweetest little angel herself? We call her our little Hobbit because when she was so tiny, I asked Brittany, her mommy, how is the baby and, jokingly, she said, "She's not a baby. She's a Hobbit. She crawled through the window one night and she was so cute we decided to keep her." Now we all call her our little Hobbit girl child!!!
This black and white photo is perfect for the scrapbook page I made, don't you agree?
Be sweet!!!

Blue Roses

2010-10-10T09:20:00.000-05:00

I had scurried around the store, gathered up my goodies, and
headed for the checkout counter, only to be blocked in the
narrow aisle by a young man who appeared to be about
sixteen-years-old. I wasn't in a hurry, so I patiently waited
for the boy to realize that I was there.
This was when he waved his hands excitedly in the air and declared in a loud voice, "Mommy, I'm over here." It was obvious now, he was mentally challenged, and also
startled as he turned and saw me standing so close to him,
waiting to squeeze by. His eyes widened and surprise
exploded on his face as I said, "Hey Buddy, what's your
name?" "My name is Denny and I'm shopping with my mother," he
responded proudly.
"Wow," I said, "that's a cool name; I wish my name was
Denny, but my name is Steve."
"Steve, like Stevarino?" he asked.
"Yes," I answered. "How old are you Denny?"
"How old am I now, Mommy?" he asked his mother as she
slowly came over from the next aisle..
"You're fifteen-years-old Denny; now be a good boy and let
the man pass by." I acknowledged her and continued to talk to Denny for
several more minutes about summer, bicycles, and school.
I watched his brown eyes dance with excitement because
he was the center of someone's attention. He then abruptly
turned and headed toward the toy section. Denny's mom had a puzzled look on her face and thanked
me for taking the time to talk with her son. She told me that
most people wouldn't even look at him, much less talk to
him. I told her that it was my pleasure and then I said
something I have no idea where it came from, other than by the prompting of the Holy Spirit. I told her that there are plenty of red, yellow, and pink roses in God's Garden; however, "Blue Roses" are very rare and should be appreciated for their beauty and distinctiveness. You see, Denny is a Blue Rose and if someone doesn't stop and smell that rose with their heart and touch that rose with their kindness, then they've missed a blessing from God. She was silent for a second, then with a tear in her eye she
asked, "Who are you?"
Without thinking I said, "Oh, I'm probably just a dandelion
but I sure love living in God's garden."
She reached out, squeezed my hand, and said, "God bless
you!" and then I had tears in my eyes.
May I suggest that the next time you see a BLUE ROSE, don't turn your head and walk off. Take the time to smile and say Hello. Why? Because, by the grace of GOD, this mother or father could be you. This could be your child, grandchild, niece, or nephew.
What a difference a moment can mean to that person or their family.

From an old dandelion!

Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Leave the rest to God.

"People will forget what you said, People will forget what you
did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

The above story was sent to me by a friend and is so touching it deserves to be shared. Most people are so kind and so lovingly accept our "blue roses".
My own little "blue rose" (a grandson) was voted "most likely to be remembered" by his senior class.
Everywhere we went for miles around, people knew him and came up, smiling, to talk to him. He remembers ever single bit of it too! He was allowed to graduate with his class if we chose or attend school 2 more years. We let him decide and he chose graduating with the class he had gone to school with, though he was in a "special" class, he was always included in every activity and his picture in the cap and gown and the one at the prom are treasures indeed!!!
Be sweet and treat others as you would like to be treated!

The Old Geezer Blog is a Must Read

2010-10-01T11:51:00.000-05:00

I am writing this post only to send you on a journey through cyberspace to land on one of the brightest, most insightful blogs I have had the pleasure of reading!!! Today I clicked on his link and the title of the post was "The Laundry Lesson". Of course, it has such a surprising and insightful ending you will be amazed at the wisdom and humor combined possessed by this man!!! It is pure delight to read and take in meanings behind the words. He is a devout Christian and, as I told him, the kind of man, that if he were my neighbor, I would think nothing of running over to borrow a cup of sugar from Mrs. Geezer and if he would not mind, when he had the time, would he please nail my mailbox back on its post!!! It is called simply The Old Geezer Blog. I can assure you will not regret it, but will marvel, as I have, at the insight found in all he posts ... it sure makes us stop and think!
See ya' later and be sweet!

ATC's I Made For Debbie For September Swap

2010-09-26T19:44:00.001-05:00

Leaves From Other Gardens


Angel In The Leaves

I made two cards for Debbie, even though we are only swapping one. I feel such a special bond with her because we both have known the pain and the emptiness left by the loss of a child.

We will learn to manage, to fill our lives with purpose, with joy ... for they are watching and neither will have it any other way!

When a leaf falls, swirling to the ground, we hear their soft whisper, see their sweet eyes sparkle in every drop of morning dew, knowing for sure that in our hearts, they live yet! We only have to close our eyes and they are there.

Be sweet!

September Blissfull ATC Swap, Theme Leaves

2010-09-21T15:12:00.000-05:00

This is the beautiful ATC I received from Debbie for the Blissfull ATC Swap for the month of September. I received it some time ago and have had no way of getting it on my computer to show you guys! I love this card and it has such special meaning for me. The heart at the top symbolizes 2 mothers who have each lost a child. Debbie's sweet daughter has gone to Heaven as my Mitch has, so I know they are playing jokes on each other and having so fun and would not want their mamas to be sad.
Deb sent me more than just a card, she sent handmade items she had put her time and her love into. I can't tell you what that means to me. She is a special friend to me now, because she is a very, very special person. She found out my favorite color is purple and made a purple card just for me. She has the most beautiful blog, Simply Debbie. I hope you will stop by and visit and you will be pleased I promise. You will find yourself going back again and again.
I feel so badly because I haven't mailed Debbie's ATC to her yet. I will get it mailed tomorrow. I will put a copy of it here so you can all see the one I sent to her. I have my fingers crossed that she will like it. She is such a sweet little thing!!!
Love you all - always be sweet!

Belief And Handmade Gifts

2010-09-19T11:06:00.000-05:00

My great grand daughter, Carlee

Little Carlee really does have the sweet face of an angel! She is so loving and sweet. I am making personalized collaged trays for all of the greats. I gave Anna hers already and I was so afraid she wouldn't like it, because she is only 4 and I thought "What 4 year old would even want a tray?". I had thought she might not care for it now, but when she was 30 or so, it would be a treasure, cherished, for it was a handmade gift, made especially for her by her great grandma when she was little.
Would you believe it, she absolutely loved it!!! Her eyes grew wide, she kept rubbing the images on the tray (which were pictures of her and words that I had made into a collage), she took it to show her mommy, her Aunt Brooke and anyone else that would look. I was SO happy for even though I thought she might not like it, I secretly hoped she would and my wildest dreams came true!!!
Anna has her little tray on her bedside table with all her hair bows in it. Kristi, her mom, says she wants to keep it in her room by her bed.
Oh, I can't begin to tell you how happy that makes me!!! Now I have 2 more started and will not stop until I have them all made and can only hope the others like theirs as well.
If I do not respond to your comments as I should or would like to do, please know that I read them word for word and they mean so much to me to read the sweet things you write. I don't like to admit it and I seldom do, but I am in pain almost constantly and it is becoming increasingly harder for me to walk. Sitting at the computer, which I love, makes it even harder because of the pressure on my hip joints. I plan on bouncing around like a 16 year old by the end of the year or before!!
Jesus said unto him, if thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. - Mark 9:23 -

Be sweet, all!!!

You Just Can't Have Too Many Angels!!!

2010-09-14T14:59:00.000-05:00

This is a little page I made with old pictures of my mom and dad when they were youngsters. They didn't even know each other when these 2 pictures were made. They met when my mom was 18 and Dad was 21. They are, of course, 2 of the sweetest angels now. I had to post this picture so everyone could see them, the little smile on my mom's sweet face and how my dad looked sort of pouty because he was having his picture made again. He was the youngest of 10 and they did take lots of pictures, especially of him, being the baby. My mom's family was very poor and never had money for a camera or pictures so I am SO grateful to have this one that an aunt gave to me. Anyway, these two gave me the values and morals I have today. I had to let you see them, how precious they are.

Well, wouldn't you know, after my purse, all my money and identification was stolen, I was quite upset for a good while, longer than I liked or wanted to be! However, belief has saved me! I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt I would gather up my scattered marbles, get them back where they belonged and forgive the person who stole everything I had in the world. I have done so!!!

Once I actually forgave and could feel that wonderful peace that comes with forgiveness, God has sent me yet another angel!!! I have not yet seen her but I bet she has no wings unless she hides them securely in her clothes so as not to let people know!!! However she surely is an angel if ever there was one!! Someday I want to write more about this. At the moment I am too overwhelmed with gratitude!

Please go look at the wonderful photography of Stephen Baird of Nikon Sniper. It is absolutely amazing!! He can capture with that camera things you can only imagine. I could not believe what I was looking at when I found his blog and began looking at those photographs. What he does is astounding to me. He is a great writer as well as photographer and the titles he gives to the pictures are very creative and at times amusing! this will be a blog you will visit again and again just to see what he has done next!!!

So glad to be back to my old self, aggravating as that may be!!! I have been thrown for a loop many times, been down, we all have - just don't stay there. Life is way too short and we don't want to waste any of it dwelling on what might have been.

You know I have to say it, just something in me, can't help myself ... be sweet!!!!

We Take The Bad Along With The Good

2010-09-03T13:42:00.000-05:00

I may not post for a little while. I did not want you all to think I fell off the face of the earth!
I haven't the heart right now as I am so devastated that there are such cruel people in our beautiful world.
My purse was stolen with all the money I have in it!! I always get money orders to pay my bills and cash for the rest of the month as I am only receiving Social Security since I became disabled.
I will trust in God to take care of me and just put it in His hands. I have said it is a learning experience, but it will take a while to get my bearings.
In the mean time, be sweet!!!

The Proper Way To Eat A Birthday Cake

2010-08-31T22:16:00.000-05:00

This was Christian's personal little cake for his first birthday! Boy, did he tear into it. He ended up with more on his face than his tummy, but he sure had fun trying!! He is the sweetest, funniest little boy. He is so heavy and tall to be just one year old. His mom, Kristi, looks like she is lopsided when she carries him. I tell her she will become permanently bent!
He can walk and has been for quite some time. He is so funny because he almost runs and look like he is walking on his toes. He is at the age when the house has to be baby proofed as he is so curious about every single thing and loves to explore. I could almost squeeze him to pieces he is so sweet and he always has a big smile that would melt a glacier on that little face, those eyes fairly sparkling ... pure joy, being a great grandma.
So many blessings I wouldn't even know where to start if I tried to count them!!!!
Be sweet, Loveys and count your blessings every day ...

Littlest Angels

2010-08-22T12:02:00.000-05:00

Baby Morgan is the newest great grandchild and the little lady with the sparkles and crown is her big sister, Abigail. They are my heart and my soul, with their sweet little smiles brighter than the sun!
Be sweet!

Homemade Gift, A Collaged Vinegar Bottle

2010-08-21T21:12:00.000-05:00

Okay, Guys, this is what I made a couple of days ago from a vinegar bottle. First I painted it purple which is my very favorite color in the whole world, then I glued purple patterned paper to the lid (which doesn't show in this picture, but it is very pretty and feminine looking). Next I sorted through all my paper till I found another pretty purple print, tore a piece and attached it, cut out the lovely lady and a butterfly, added a dollop or two of glitter. Then I sprayed it with a couple of coats of sealer to protect it. I had to remove a flower near the left bottom of the bottle before the final spray as I usually get carried away with embellishments and want to add everything within reach. The bottle did look much better without the little flower as it was a bit much ... more than it needed, or so I thought after putting it on.
I told a friend I am like a kid with his first coloring book and pack of crayons whenever I make something!! It just makes me happy and keeps me out of trouble to stay busy.
Oh, I almost forgot, but I looped a strand of fiber around the neck of the bottle and tied it loosely. I thought it need that little extra oomph especially since I had removed the flower ... can't have a purple bottle looking too naked, now can we?
Be extra sweet and keep on the lookout for pretty bottles to collage for yourself or as gifts!!

How Not To Baby Sit A Great Grandchild

2010-08-19T09:30:00.000-05:00

Abigail and me

I remember being SO excited when I found out I was going to be a great grandmother. I can still feel the joy, the excitement ... the "what did I ever do to deserve this" ... I married so young, grew up with my babies (my dad used to say they grew up but I never did) so I was a grandmother at age 36. Now here I was, as excited as a teenager because one of my grand daughters was bringing a tiny sweet new little life into this world!!!
My phone rang in the middle of the night and I answered it to hear Brittany say the 3 most beautiful words I believe I have ever heard ... "Grandma, Abigail's out!". So began the tiny little great grandchildren that have brightened my life so!!
Brittany took this picture one night when I babysat Abigail while her mom and dad had a much deserved night out. This is what they came home to!! I swear it was in the dead of winter, probably 5 degrees out, and I am sound asleep, wrapped up in the blanket with my back to Abigail as she lay uncovered in nothing but a diaper!! Her doll is even over by me!!! Some great grandma I am ... I was mortified when I saw that picture, but my sweet little Brittany had to take the picture, exclaiming to me later, "Awww, Grandma, the two of you were so cute sleeping like that."
Even now, when I look at that picture I want to scoop Abigail in my arms, hold her close and promise I will never sleep again when she is with me!!

For Those Who Like Angels As Much As I Do

2010-08-14T13:56:00.000-05:00

I was asked to post more angel images on this site and I am more than pleased to do so. I also have another blog which posts many images, most of them vintage and a great many angels. It is Backporch Graphics if you would like to check it out. I think you will be pleased, especially if you use images in any crafts you make. They are beautiful for collages and decoupage.
Here are your angel images and this is only a few as I have many in my collection. I will always be posting angels on the other blog. Just yesterday I posted 2 beautiful angel pictures. I hope you enjoy these. You know, if we just be still and quiet the angels will come to us. We don't even have to look for them ... they are just there!!!

Be sweet!!

Most Dangerous Cake Recipe

2010-08-13T21:27:00.001-05:00

MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE
1 Coffee Mug (microwave safe)
4 tablespoons flour(that's plain flour, not self-rising)
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons baking cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
Small splash of vanilla

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well . Add the egg and mix thoroughly.
Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.
Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla, and mix again.
Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!
Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.
EAT! (this can serve 2 if you want to share!)

And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world? Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night!

This also makes a great gift by mixing dry ingredients, placing in plastic bag and attach recipe to mug handle with jute or an organza ribbon tied in a bow. Add a couple of plastic spoons and voila!!

Enjoy your cake in a mug and remember to be sweet!!!

ATC Swap

2010-08-09T12:52:00.000-05:00

This is my very first ATC swap a swap hosted by Blissfull ATC Swap and I am totally hooked!! I received my sweet little card in the mail from Sharon of Wildflowerhouse. I hope you will check out these blogs. You just might be inspired to make an ATC yourself!! Already I am planning on buying pages to store mine in as I know they will begin to accumulate. I told Sharon I hope mine holds together as it was only the 2nd or 3rd I had ever made! I THINK I have found a better glue. I am posting the card I got from Sharon so you can see for yourself how lovely it is.
Is this not the cutest, sweetest thing you ever saw?! The theme for August is "orange". I love this and now I am the proud owner of my very first Artist Trading Card!!!
Be sweet and go make a card!!!

Homemade Gift Idea - Gift In A Jar

2010-08-03T21:06:00.001-05:00

Peach Crumb Cake Mix

3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup quick oats
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Layer the ingredients in the order given into a wide mouth 1-quart canning jar.
Pack each layer into place before adding the next ingredient.

Attach a gift tag with the following instructions:

Peach Crumb Cake:
Contents of Peach Crumb Cake Mix jar
3/4 cup butter or margarine
1 (29 ounce) can peach pie filling

Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
Empty contents of jar into a mixing bowl, stirring to combine.
Melt butter and stir into dry ingredients to form a crumbly mixture.
Press half of the crumbs into a greased 9 x 13-inch pan and top with
Peach pie filling. Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture over filling.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes.

An even more thoughtful gift would be to add a can of peach pie filling and a 9 x 13 inch
baking pan. This would be gorgeous packed in a pretty basket tied with a colorful
ribbon. It is never too early to begin collecting ideas for homemade Christmas gifts. Last year I
had planned to share lots of goodies I had saved over the years, but the "best laid plans of mice and men
go awry" so this year I will try to make up for it and have many great homemade gift ideas in mind.
Handmade and homemade are always so much nicer than any store bought gift for a little piece of you goes into each present. I feel special when someone cares enough to take the time to make something just for me. It gives a warm fuzzy glow and immediately the thoughtfulness of a homemade gift becomes one which you know has come straight from the heart!!
Be sweet!

Second Set - Ten Simple Sayings

2010-07-28T14:24:00.002-05:00

Children will not remember you for the material things you provided but for the feeling that you cherished them
.- Richard L. Evans -

What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.
- Walt Emerson -

...the way I see it, you can either run from it, or learn from it.
- The Lion King

When you come to the edge of all the light you know, and are about to step off into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing one of two things will happen: There will be something solid to stand on, or you will be taught how to fly.
- Barbara J. Winter -

The longer we dwell on our misfortunes, the greater is their power to harm us.
- Voltaire -

Many people have gone further than they thought they could because someone else thought they could.
- unknown -

You don't drown by falling in water. You drown by staying there.
- unknown -

If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop digging.
- Will Rogers -

According to the laws of aerodynamics, the bumblebee can't fly, but the bumblebee doesn't know anything about the laws of aerodynamics, so it goes ahead and flies anyway.
- Igor Sikorsky -

It is not what you do that matters it is what you don't do that really matters at the end of the day.
- unknown -

I hope you enjoy reading these quotes. I think a good inspirational or motivational quote gives that extra push sometimes and I always think "boy, I wish I'd said that!".
Be sweet!!!!

Angel Images

2010-07-17T11:18:00.001-05:00

I do hope you have a great and fun weekend! Whatever you do, be sweet and be nice. You have angels that hover nearby.

The Way It Was

2010-07-15T14:39:00.001-05:00

The south is known for the unusual names of some of its quaint little towns ... Gourdneck, Bald Knob, Weiner, Possum Grape, Hogeye ... all are in Arkansas, with those as just a beginning.
I remember when some friends of our family were on a well known game show and the host poked fun of the name, Weiner. He immediately began calling it Hot Dog Town USA.
If he thought Weiner was funny, he would probably have rolled in the floor to hear the names of some of the neighboring towns!!
We never thought anything about it. That's just how it was, how we were ... how I still am!! The old saying "you can take a girl out of the country but you can't take the country out of the girl" is very true! I absolutely adore going barefoot, would give anything to know where a good patch of wild blackberries grew berries as big as a thumb, dusty and begging to be picked for a cobbler or pie or maybe a bit of that delicious blackberry preserves! Nothing in a supermarket comes close.
I am forever reading something about "going green", making your own cleaning supplies, cooking from scratch, etc. This is supposedly the new way. Actually the new way is the old way which has come full circle, into its own again! With eyes closed I see my sweet little mama bringing her sliced apples to the back porch to protect them from the morning dew, slowing their drying process. Those dried apples made the best fried apple pies you could imagine, with a crust so flaky it practically melted in your mouth and the sweetness of the apples with a hint of cinnamon make those with ingredients you find hard pressed even to pronounce, seem tasteless!
Make do or do without. That's how it was, how it should be. Life was sweet. We rarely saw a doctor as mama and my grandmas knew exactly what was best for every ailment. I remember once when my brother and I ate a whole card of buttons, staples and all, you better believe my mama lost no time getting us to see old Dr. Hickman then. It scared her to pieces. Her mouth dropped open, her eyes widened, as round as saucers. This was cause for alarm and sent her scurrying, preparing us for the trip to the doctor!!!

Treat others as you would like to be treated and, remember, in all you do be kind and be sweet!!

The Road Not Taken

2010-07-06T19:17:00.000-05:00

The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

- Robert Frost -

I love poetry and have always especially liked this poem by Robert Frost. We probably all wonder at one time or another during the course of our lives, what would be different if we had traveled "The Road Not Taken".
Be sweet!

No Twinkies Treats Today

2010-07-04T20:37:00.001-05:00

Today I was playing around with my digital image program and made this. I like it and hope you do as well. I love angels and I usually am making scrapbook pages of my family, especially grandparents and my own little great grandchildren. I just decided to try something different and I was pleased, so am sharing it with you. I changed everything to sepia as I love the look and also do a lot of my scrapbook pages in sepia as well.
Big surprise ... no Twinkies for me today! I will tell you I was tempted, but since my legs are beginning to look like thunder thighs and my behind like two giant Twinkies, I thought I had better hold off for awhile. May not have too much will power though as I found a new delicious sounding Twinkie treat just today and even if my knees are dimpled when I put on a pair of shorts and I am beginning to think I waddle instead of walk, I just might have to give it a try!! You will be the first to know.
Just stay sweet and I'll try to stay away from Twinkies ... notice I said TRY, because I never make a promise I may not be able to keep!

Obsessed With Twinkies - Could Be (and probably has been) Worse!!

2010-07-02T17:29:00.001-05:00

Oh gosh, now I am obsessed with Twinkie desserts!!! Guess that's better than other obsessions I could think of, huh? Anyway, here is another great, easy to prepare, melt in your mouth delicious, yummy Twinkie treat for you to try!!! All I can say is keep on buying those Twinkies, 'cause there will probably be more goodies to follow this one. Gotta' keep those great grand kids happy and wanting to come back to Grammy's house, now don't I? Remember - be sweet!!!

Twinkie Toffee Temptation

1 small box vanilla instant pudding
2 C. milk
10 single Twinkies
8 oz. Heath bars, crushed or 6 oz. bag of toffee bits
4 oz. Cool Whip

Prepare pudding with milk. Set aside.

Slice Twinkies in halves lengthwise. Line a 13 x 9-inch dish with
bottom halves of Twinkies, filling side up. Sprinkle on 1/2 cup crushed candy. Pour in pudding. Spread Cool Whip over the top. Top with remaining candy. Cover and refrigerate.

Like Butterfinger? Like Twinkies? You'll Love This!!

2010-06-19T04:11:00.002-05:00

Butterfinger and Twinkies have long been favorites of mine. I absolutely LOVE them. Even though I am keenly aware too much sweets are definitely not good for either your health or your figure ( as if I even had a figure any more) I simply can't resist a good old crunchy Butterfinger or a gooey Twinkie once in a while. Pair the two along with chocolate and whipped topping and you have a dessert that is guaranteed to melt in your mouth and tickle your innards!!
This yummy recipe will have little kids and big kids alike coming back for more!

Butterfinger Twinkle

1 small pkg. chocolate instant pudding mix
1 15 oz. pkg. Twinkies
6 Butterfinger bars, finely chopped
1 8 oz. Cool Whip

Prepare pudding mix. Set aside and tear each Twinkie into 3 or 4 pieces. Place pieces in 13 x 9 inch pan. Spread pudding over Twinkie pieces and top with half of chopped Butterfingers. Cover with whipped topping and sprinkle remaining chopped Butterfingers over top. Chill 3 or 4 hours before serving. Makes about 16 servings.
As it chills, sit back, relax and be sweet!!

Put Me Back! Put Me Back!

2010-06-17T09:11:00.000-05:00

How could I forget to post this picture of Morgan taken immediately after she was born?! Just look at that baby ... she was all nice and warm and protected in her little cocoon and now, here she is out in the cold and blaring lights!! She is sure telling the world how she feels about it right now!!! She was probably thinking, "Put me back! Put me back!!" It wasn't long though till she was snuggled up close to Brittany, her mommy, and was she ever happy then. Her little mouth that had been screaming bloody murder a few minutes before began to look a little like a soft pink rosebud and she curled right up and went back to sleep, hoping they would just leave her alone for a while. It takes a girl a little while to get over such a traumatic experience and she was surely going to try to sleep and forget about it!!!!

Be sweet all!

Just One Happy, Silly Old Lady

2010-06-15T17:09:00.000-05:00

I am posting this little picture and prayer as it is funny and I don't ever want for a minute for my readers to be saddened by something I have written. I know the previous post is indeed sad, but I would ask you to be happy for me and for my family. We have known our share of sadness but we have also known more than our share of joy. We have been so blessed and are ever so grateful for all the lovely years spent with our loved ones who have gone on before us. They have added a measure of happiness to our lives we would never have had otherwise.
Life is short and I don't always make the most of it, but I laugh more than I cry at the antics of my son and grandson who are the most precious of angels now and I am sure they must be the funniest of all, playing pranks as they once did with us.
Be happy for me that I was lucky enough to have them to love for as long as I did, for I am keenly aware that there are others who are not so lucky.
I look at my 5 great grand children today and wonder what in the world I have ever done to deserve such happiness!!!! I have been SO blessed. I am SO very thankful that I was raised and taught by the most loving, wonderful parents anyone could imagine! I am SO very thankful that I have had 6 of the most beautiful and best children in all of the world! I am SO thankful for my precious grand children and my sweet little great grand children!
As I have said, life is short and life is what we make it to be ... now I just want the weeds out of my veggies planted in the flower beds, my prayer above to be answered and I will be about the happiest, silliest old lady on the face of this earth!!
Remember to always be sweet and whatever you do, be nice!!!

Our Own Sweet Angel

2010-06-15T10:10:00.000-05:00

This is our Logan, who we always call "Logie". My daughter, Debye, is his mom and Brittany is his sweet sister. God needed our boy in Heaven, so called him to come home just 3 short years ago. How we miss him and love him, but how grateful we are to have had such a gift as he was for the 18 years God let him stay with us on this earth. I know he surely is the delight of all the angels and they must smile continually for he is one of them now. He was an angel on earth and now is an angel in Heaven. We feel his presence in every moment of our lives, in every breath we take, he is there. We love you forever, Logie and someday, when God sees fit, we will join you, once again to hold you close, listen to that laugh that is not quite like any other.

Reese's Peanut Butter Twins

2010-06-12T21:01:00.007-05:00

Homemade Peanut Butter Cups

2 cups milk chocolate chips
2 tablespoons shortening
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
1 cup confectioners' sugar
2/3 cup graham cracker crumbs
30 mini (1 3/4 by 1 1/4 inch) paper cups

In 1-quart saucepan combine chocolate chips and shortening. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until melted and smooth (3 to 5 minutes).
Loosen top paper cup from stack, but leave in stack for greater stability while being coated. With small paint brush, coat inside top cup evenly with about 1 teaspoon melted chocolate to about 1/8-inch thickness, bringing coating almost to top of cup but not over edge. Repeat until 30 cups are coated; refrigerate cups.
In 2-quart saucepan combine butter or margarine and peanut butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring ocassionally, until melted (4 to 6 minutes). Stir in confectioners' sugar and graham cracker crumbs. Press about 1/2 tablespoon filling into each chocolate cup.
Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon melted chocolate on top of filling; spread to cover. Freeze until firm (about 2 hours) carefully peel off paper cups. Store refrigerated.

_________________________________

Every little boy and girl I know loves Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. In face, every big girl and boy I know does as well. It is a favorite of almost everyone. There is something about the taste of peanut butter and chocolate that is unmatched. Thes are not difficult at all to make and will be well worth the effort to watch small faces light up and little hands reaching for this delicious homemade treat. These are great for gift giving a homemade treat in a pretty container tied with ribbon, holding a tag with the recipe and instructions. I hope you enjoy this just half as much as I do and remember, whatever you do, always be sweet!!!

Nino Envuelto (Bundled Up Baby)

2010-06-10T21:34:00.001-05:00

This is a Mexican recipe that could easily be called a Mexican jelly roll. It is fun to make and a bit different from the norm. I love the name, which means Bundled Up Baby. I have quite a lot of Mexican and Tex Mex recipes and this is definitely one of my favorites to fill that craving for "something a bit sweet". This little dessert is the perfect ending after a meal of a hot and spicy main dish.
I do hope you will give it a try and let me know how it turns out. You may also use any flavor of jam that you like instead of the peach, Happy cooking and enjoy!!!

Nino Envuelto

1/2 cup butter, melted and cooled

5 eggs, divided

1/2 cup sugar

3/4 cup flour

peach jam

confectioner's sugar

Heat oven to 350 degrees.

Beat egg yolks and whites separately, until whites are stiff.
Combine and, still beating, slowly add sugar, flour and butter. Place wax paper on baking sheet and butter the paper. Spread dough 1/2 inch thick over the paper and bake from 50 minutes to 1 hour.

When done, remove from the oven and roll up quickly, paper and all. Let sit for 15 to 20 minutes.

Unwrap, carefully loosening paper, but leaving it under cake. Spread cake with jam. Re-roll, discarding the wax paper.

Roll entire cake in confectioner's sugar. Cut off each end for a neat appearance. Slice 1 inch thick to serve.

I just know this will be a big hit and I can hardly wait for you to try this little jewel!!!!

Be sweet!!!

Heart Gifts

2010-06-09T22:04:00.000-05:00

It's not the things that can be bought that are life's richest treasure, it's just the little "heart gifts" that money cannot measure...

A cheerful smile, a friendly word, a sympathetic nod

Are priceless little treasures from the storehouse of our God...

They are the things that can't be bought with silver or with gold, for thoughtfulness and kindness and love are never sold...

They are priceless things in life for which no one can pay, and the giver finds rich recompense in giving them away.

Helen Steiner Rice

I love the poems written by Helen Steiner Rice. They all hold such insight and wisdom, yet are very earthy. I hope you enjoy this little one as much as I do.

Update: My vegetables are looking a little forlorn. I had so hoped they would take off and grow big and heavy with squash and tomatoes, etc. It looks now as if that will definitely not be the case. A storm with some hail knocked my tiny squash off the plants and made the other plants look pretty pitiful! I am not ready to give up just yet though. I think if I apply Miracle Grow and baby them, they just might make it. I do have a small green tomato and a few peppers, so maybe they will all suddenly have a burst of growth and overnight become the healthy plants I had dreamed of!!!
So much for that ... be sweet everyone!

A Tiny Pink Angel & Herbs In The Flower Bed

2010-05-20T12:07:00.001-05:00

This is Morgan Lynn, my newest great grand baby. She is my FIFTH great grandchild! I can hardly believe I am that lucky. I count my blessings, not just daily, but many more times in a day. How can I look at the sweet little angels in my life and not feel such gratitude!
Brittany is Morgan's mom and, my daughter Debye, her nana. Her dad is Nathan and he is so proud of her I thought we would have to buy him a hat a couple of sizes larger!!

Debye and I have been planting vegetables in the flower beds! It is such fun, I go out on the deck at the first morning light just to look at them and see if they have grown any during the night! The squash actually have tiny squash and blooms on them, the tomato plants and peppers are blooming! I am as excited as a child on Christmas morning!
I always had a garden big enough to feed the state's National Guard when my kids were growing up. I canned and froze vegetables and fruit, made pickles. I haven't done anything of the sort in years, since they are all grown up, but decided to put those flower beds to work! I still have plenty of room for flowers, but am afraid all the space will go to veggies! My neighbor came over one afternoon as we dug in the beds and I believe I am the only one on my block to have vegetables in the front yard, but the neighbors will eat their hearts out when they see me picking cucumbers!
I have a big, fenced back yard, but thought this is such a great idea I could not keep myself from doing it. I also think I will put herbs in big pots on the deck. It is very large and runs the length of the house. We will see if I still have a green thumb.
I remember when my mom grew sage and other herbs, picked and dried the leaves ... how good they were in the dishes she prepared, much better than store bought, the flavor was something I simply am unable to describe. My mom did a lot of things "the old way" as that is what she knew to do and I believe most of the time "the old way" is the best way!!!!
As always, Loveys, be sweet!!!

Hugs and "Hi, Miss Puff!"

2010-04-22T14:36:00.001-05:00

No, Christian, Great Grammy Polly has NOT had her hug today!!
Somehow the day never goes quite the way it needs to without a good hug. A hug from anyone will do, but that hug from someone special just puts an oomph in your day that nothing else quite does!!! My grandchildren give the best hugs in the world, at least it seems to me they do.
I am positive it IS just me and that every grandma thinks her grandchildren have hugs as sweet as honey, but I swear when I get those big bear hugs from the boys, I just feel like asking, "Okay, now, Lord, what can I do for you today?"
Michael is a teenager now and has always squeezed me so tight I could barely breathe, and I always tell him how I miss those big bear hugs when I don't get to see him for a while!!!
How I got from 'hugs' to this is a mystery to me as well as you, but I am thinking of the time Michael told me once when he was quite small that I reminded him of Miss Puff. He had to go into a long explanation of how Miss Puff was on Sponge Bob!! I thought it was so sweet ... Miss Puff!!
AS I walked through the living room one day where he was sprawled watching cartoons he said, "Wait, Grandma, Miss Puff is going to be on here." I was so excited and sat with him till my namesake made her entrance into Sponge Bob's watery world.
I was shocked speechless when I saw Miss Puff was a big fat blow fish!!!! I had envisioned her as an angelic little creature with such a sweet little name! I was not about to let my little guy see my disappointed face as I exclaimed cheerfully how cute Miss Puff was and anyone worth their salt should be honored that their grandson was reminded of her when he saw Miss Puff!!
We still laugh about that and just a few days ago, I had a Facebook message from him that said simply,
"Hi, Miss Puff."

Be sweet!

Sunshine Award

2010-04-19T20:16:00.001-05:00

Mary Anne Gruen of the Starlight Blog gave me the sunshine award!!! I love this award!! It is so colorful and to me also full of meaning. I am happy to receive this award and feel very honored that Mary Anne chose me as one of her recipients. If you have not been to visit her blog, I hope you will and I can guarantee you will find a gorgeous blog loaded with great pictures. I have to tell you this ... Mary Anne has a dog named "Virginia". Don't you just love that? She has posted a picture of Virginia sitting beside a branch that had fallen from a white pine. I just love the story in that post and now I love her dog as well!! My name is(are you ready for this?) Virginia Paulette!!

Now, most people wonder how in the world anyone ever got "Polly" from that! My mom told me that my grandpa started calling me "Polly" when I was only a few days old and soon everybody followed suit. I have lifelong friends who don't know my name is not actually Polly.

When I was a child, my dad would call. "Polly" and if I didn't answer or come right away, he said in a voice that could not be ignored, "Paulette!" You better believe when my dad called me Paulette, I knew for sure I had best get moving!!

My sweet little daddy stayed with me the last 2 years of his life, because he was so lonely and almost grieved himself to death when my mom died of a massive heart attack. They not only were husband and wife, but best friends. He came to my door one day, knocked (which he never did) and I asked what was he doing out there knocking, to get in here!! He said, "Sis, can I stay with you for a couple of days? Every where I look I see 'my buddy' and my doctor says I have to be out of the house a few days, because all I can do when I am home is cry and think of your mama." I said , "Why are you asking? I love you and you will stay as long as you want or need to."

He could not even go back to get his clothes. Bless his sweet little heart. I went to get his clothes and whatever else he needed and he never went home again!!! He stayed with me until he went to Heaven to be with 'his buddy'.

I said all that to say this ... even when I grew into an adult with children of my own, when my daddy said "Paulette!" I got moving!! When he became very sick and needed something, he would call me and if I didn't hear him or respond the first few times he called me, I will never, ever forget, he would say in that voice that simply could not be ignored, "Paulette!" and you better believe I went running!!!

All this because Mary Anne has a dog named Virginia!! Now I know why I tell my kids I haven't lost my marbles, but they are pretty well scattered now!

Thank you for the Sunshine Award. That has quite a ring to it ... a Sunshine Award from the Starlight Blog.

Be sweet, all!

Mama's Gonna' Be Grandma

2010-04-04T13:47:00.000-05:00

This is my youngest, Brent ... our little "surprise", and what a pleasant one he was!! He is the youngest of 6, so there's no need to go into all the details of how his older brothers and sisters had him walking and talking at such a young age even they were amazed!!!
The fun really began when I learned not only was I going to be a mom again, but also a grandmother for the very first time!! Yes, my daughter in law, Carol, and I were pregnant at the same time!!! I was both happy and embarrassed.
I found my oldest daughter giving me sideways looks, laughing, looking away, back again and saying, "You ARE kidding, aren't you?". I will never forget the first time I wore maternity clothes!! The kids and their dad were going to a ball game and one of them asked, giving me "that look", "Mom, are YOU going?". It was such a wonderful, delightful time looking forward to a new baby and so excited that I was going to be a grandma too!! I had stopped coloring my hair, but told my doctor the first thing I was going to do after leaving his office was go buy some hair color!! My baby wasn't gonna' have a gray haired mama!! (Actually I started getting gray at age 16, by the time I was in my 30's I had salt and pepper hair!!)
After I learned I was going to also be a grandma, I couldn't decide what to do about the hair color, but the vanity won and I put that color on my hair and always told everyone my color came straight out of a bottle and as long as I could bend over to wash it out, that is how it will stay, no bones about it.
Brent is still my baby, just like the rest of them ... they are all my babies, he is just the youngest .
The happiest days of my life was when I was raising my children, I thought I would fall off the face of the earth when they started growing up and leaving home, one by one they grew up and made lives of their own, which is the way it is supposed to be.
Debye, my oldest daughter, had moved to Texas and we would talk on the phone till the wee hours of the morning. Once, I was still on the phone with her when the first light of day began coming through the window. She told me, "Mama, you've got the 'empty nest syndrome' baaad, Honey!"
I cherish those days, treasure the memories that I am ever so grateful to have.
Be sweet!!!

Easter Belles

2010-04-03T21:45:00.001-05:00

I think of the garden after the rain;

And hope to my heart comes singing,

At morn, the cherry blooms will be white

And the Easter bells will be ringing!

-Edna Dean Proctor-

I love this vintage graphic. I like to call it "Easter Friends", though I do not know if it even has a title or name. It is such a sweet picture with the girls peeping at each other around the egg and the old fashioned bunny hopping merrily away!! I hope you enjoy it as I do and remember, it is Easter, so be sweet!!

How to Bake a Cough Syrup Cake

2010-03-29T12:50:00.004-05:00

Okay, there is a contest going on at Mayhem & Moxie to give away a great mixer they have named Bertie!! I want (and, let's face it, NEED) that mixer so much I can hardly bear it!!
It is bad enough that, despite all my recipes for cakes that should melt in your mouth, my cakes have disgraced every grandmother in America!!! I have not one cake wreck to post about, but enough to publish quite a large volume. I have wasted the entire morning deciding which one deserves a spot on my little ole' blog. I can cook anything except cakes and I just know that mixer holds the magic key to baking the perfect cake!! Besides, I have never owned anything other than a hand mixer in my life!!!
More years ago than I care to think about, my oldest son had a number of his best buddies invited for birthday cake and ice cream and a night of staying up late watching scary movies and eating popcorn since the weekend started the next day and the little party goers could sleep in as late as they liked.
I had to make a run to the store for cold medicine for my daughter, so I picked up a few special ingredients for what I hoped would be a birthday cake the kids would never forget.
I set my few purchases on the kitchen counter, grabbed the flour, sugar, eggs, butter and whatever else goes into baking the perfect cake.
I retrieved my trusty hand mixer from its spot in a kitchen drawer, my large mixing bowl and began what I knew would be an award winning cake if it were to be in a contest!! I had everything mixed, lastly adding vanilla and melted butter. I was always in a hurry, considering I had 6 little ones, a husband to feed and never knew how many kids I would find here and there each morning!! I swear, they would be in sleeping bags, on the couch and any other place a tired child could curl up comfortably and sleep. I never minded. I loved it, wish I could bring back those days, but ... oh, well, enough of that!! Back to the cake!! After the pans were safely in the oven, bowl and beaters properly licked and put into soapy water, I set about putting everything away. To my great shock I discovered in my rush to get the cake baked, I had poured in cough syrup instead of vanilla!!! I was absolutely horrified!! Another perfect cake, destroyed again!!!
As I sat quietly, confused about what I should do, I heard sniffles and then ... yes, there it was again!! Coughs!! Most of them had colds anyway and I knew a little cough syrup never hurt anyone. With all the extra special ingredients, plus the fluffy frosting I had planned, they would never know the difference, in fact it would do them good!! And so it did, not a cough was heard for hours after our feast of cake and ice cream!!! I don't think I ever told anyone ... no need to. Now, after all these years, I've told everyone!! So good to get that off my chest, guys!!
Be sweet!!!

Ten Simple Sayings

2010-03-28T04:32:00.001-05:00

1. Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
2. Other people’s opinion of you does not have to become your reality. ~Les Brown
3. The only disability in life is a bad attitude.” ~Scott Hamilton
4. A true friend is someone who holds your hand in difficult times ...
5. The secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life, and in elevating them to art." -William Morris
6. Faith is daring the soul to go beyond what the eyes can see.
7. All things grow with love.
8. Cherish the Simple things.
9. There's no better place than your own back yard.
10. Don't ask what the world needs- ask what makes you come ALIVE and go do it! Because what the world needs is people who have come alive. -Howard Thurman

I love reading words written by others that are so simple yet so full of meaning I am taken aback!! Such simple truths ....

Be sweet ...

Chocolate Cherry Bars and a Tiny Chubby Cherub

2010-03-25T03:29:00.000-05:00

All children and lots of us older children have a sweet tooth, a craving for just a bit of anything that has that touch of sweetness ... we know it's not good for us , but does little harm for a child or a grandma to have an occasional "something". Doesn't seem to matter too much what it is, just as long as it is sweet!!! This is a perfect little recipe for just such an occasion, when we can't go another day without that special little treat so loved by grandmas and little ones!!

This is perfection at its best:

Chocolate Cherry Bars

1/2 cup butter, melted

1 1/2 cup graham crackers crumbs

14-oz. can sweetened condensed milk

12-oz. pkg. milk chocolate chips

10-oz. jar maraschino cherries,

drained and chopped

These are wonderful as a special little treat. The combination of the chocolate and cherries is sooo good!

Think I better check my pantry, hoping it doesn't look like Mother Hubbard's and maybe just whip up some of these guys!!

Oh, I went to see little Morgan yesterday and she is getting sweeter and prettier by the day!! She is a perfect chubby little cherub!!! Her mommy had put her in a tiny little red thingie with a strawberry on the front that said "I am berry sweet".. Her little feet had white socks on them and except for the curl on top of her head, she looked like a tiny teenager ... She nuzzled around for a while making those little sounds, then settled down, became still and went fast asleep in my arms!!! I love that little bitty girl so much!! I can hardly wait till she is big enough to really play with me. We will make the chocolate cherry bars, sit on the deck in the shade and eat our sweet treats. We just will not tell her mommy because everyone knows that if grandmas let little girls have candy, great grandmas just can't be trusted!!!

Be sweet!!!

That Sun Just Keeps On Shining

2010-03-24T13:12:00.001-05:00

I tried!! That's all I can or will say. I was unable to help the young man and knew deep down I couldn't, but nevertheless felt I had to try. This morning when I awoke, pillows were stretched out on the sofa and a quilt thrown over them as if someone was sleeping there and my son's X Box was missing!!! One of my boys said I had used bad judgment, to which I replied, "If there is anyone in this world who has never used bad judgment, they can tell me that!!"
Anyway, even though it hurt me to do it, I had to track him down with the help of our local police, not just to retrieve my son's X Box, but to also let him know this is not how you treat people who have helped and befriended you!!! At least not me!! I tried the best I could and expected the same from him and I had to let him know!! You DO NOT treat other people like this, illness or no!!!! There are consequences to every action, good or bad and you should choose your actions carefully.. They were unable to help him at day treatment, I was unable to help him. I had no intention of pressing charges against him, although I was urged to by both police and day treatment staff. The only way he will get the help he so desperately needs is for the state to take over and force him to go to a hospital for treatment. I was trying to make the right decision when it was taken out of my hands (thank you, Lord, that I did not have to be the one). He lied about everything and did so until the police handcuffed him and he finally admitted taking the game console. It was hidden behind some iron gates on the university grounds and he was planning on selling it when game stores or pawn shops opened. They had to run his ID some way and, of all things, he had a felony warrant in a neighboring state. So, it was taken completely out of my hands. They had to take him to jail for extradition.

The whole ordeal has been a little unsettling, but if nothing any worse than that ever happens, I guess I am in pretty good shape! The sun will still come up in the morning shooting rays of sparkling light ... the earth will keep right on rotating ... roll with the punches ... if you should trip and fall, get right back up and keep on going, one day at a time!! I do not feel I failed ... I do not recognize failures, only learning experiences. I learn something new every day and have found the saying "you never get too old to learn" to be true!!!!!

You know by now I just gotta' say it ... be sweet!!!

Life Blessings

2010-03-23T15:15:00.003-05:00

I have had a life filled with blessings!! The latest and newest blessing is little Morgan Lynne, my fifth great, great grandchild, so tiny, chubby and sweet, so perfect. She has a little curl on top of her head and makes "Miss Piggy" sounds when she nurses!! I love her so much, I wanted to pick her up and just run with her! HAH! As if I could run anywhere any more!! Lots of pictures were made and my daughter, Debye, Morgan's Nana, will email them to me. I will post them here so I can look at her and play with her in my computer until she is big enough to really play with me. She has a big sister, Abigail, who will love little Morgan so, so much. I can hardly wait to see the two of them together. Sisters have a special bond, so I am told. Brittany and Nathan are her proud parents. Brittany is my sweet grand daughter and Nathan is very sweet and good to her, for which I love him dearly. I would hate for someone to mistreat her, for they would not want to deal with me!!!

I have recently made a decision I had to consider at great length. I took in a young man who has a major mental illness, lost touch with his family when his mother died. He had wandered aimlessly. living in shelters, alone and afraid, delusions and hallucinations often tormenting him. My heart ached for him, for I have two adult children with schizophrenia and some people would say I have given up everything for them, but I have gained far more than I have given up. I wanted them to have a home, to feel safe, to be protected and cared for, to know they were loved unconditionally. It has not been an easy road to travel, but so many blessings were along the road side, seeming to be waiting just for me. I have two more adult children who are disabled by an anxiety so crippling it is often impossible for them to function, I lost a son at the young age of twenty. I am very thankful my oldest is healthy with a wonderful family. I was afraid for him when cancer was discovered in a kidney and doctors removed the kidney, but had been unable to remove all the cancer cells. He was scheduled to begin treatment with chemotherapy when the Lord saw fit to reach His loving hand down and heal my son, for the cancer had disappeared with no explanation after world reknowned doctors had seen it there!!

God has been so good to me, despite the heartaches. I like to say, here I am with 6 children, those beautiful grandchildren and now, FIVE great grand children. Some people do not have any and I feel especially blessed that God saw fit to let me be a mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
I do have a sense of humor, maybe not as much as I once did before I became so sick, but it is still there, just not as close to the surface.

For some weird reason I always have to end everything with these two words .... Be sweet!!!

GRAND DAUGHTERS (and daffodils in the snow?)

2010-03-16T22:23:00.001-05:00

Aren’t’ they the spittin’ image of me? I sure like to think so. They are the daughters of my oldest son, Keith and his little wife, Carol. They also have one son, Eric. My grand daughter, Brittany is due to give birth to a new GREAT grand baby next week and I am as excited as if I were giving birth myself!! I have to be there when the baby is born! They will get her all settled in and come get me!!!!!! I said half heartedly that I would wait till the baby was born and let the new mom, dad and nana have time with her before I take over, but they still said I have to be there right when she is born.
Kristi, in the scrapbook page above, has two children, Anna and Christian. Brooke says she is not having children, but she stays busy with her little step daughter, Jordan, and her nieces and nephews. She is like a mother hen taking care of everyone!!
Can you believe they are saying it may snow this weekend?? Spring is almost upon us and Brandon (my grandson) picked a daffodil for me today. I put it in a glass bottle with a small neck and it looks beautiful. Wouldn’t it be the neatest thing if he could see them peeking out from the snow by the end of the week?? They are saying “flurries” but usually when they say that, it “flurries up under the window sill!! If it does, we will just wrap up, watch old movies and make homemade caramel popcorn. I won't mind at all.
Be sweet!!!

Strawberries In A Cloud

2010-03-06T14:40:00.002-06:00

It will soon be strawberry season and if you are anything like me and love the taste and appeal of a good ole' strawberry dessert any time of the year, then this one's for you!!! Easy peasy with a melt in your mouth goodness and you will have guests or family members coming back for more!!
When fresh strawberries are available, you may use those instead of the pie filling and tuck a few in the Cool Whip and it is absolutely heavenly. Just pour a little sugar over the berries first to bring out their natural sweetness. I can almost taste it now. Think I will check for ingredients and if any are lacking, I'll make a quick trip to the grocery store and make this baby tonight! Boy, it's so easy to fool everyone into thinking you are an awesome cook when all you have to do is follow a few instructions. Give me a recipe and I can make anything!!
Here it is. I hope you will give it a try. I promise, you will not be sorry!! Personally, I remove the calories from mine before refrigerating!!LOL

Strawberry Cloud

2 boxes Twinkies
1 large box strawberry gelatin
1 large box instant vanilla pudding
1 can strawberry pie filling
1 container Cool Whip
Pecans

Line a 13 x 9-inch pan with Twinkies. Mix gelatin according to package directions and pour over Twinkies.

Prepare pudding as directed and pour over gelatin. Cover with pie filling and then top with Cool Whip. Sprinkle with pecans. Chill at least 2 hours before serving. Serves 8 to 10.

Be sweet, Dearies ... with one bite of this dessert you don't have an option!!

Sunshine And Smiles

2010-03-05T15:55:00.005-06:00

This is a little poem that I love and wanted to share with you. It is so true, the few words of these lines. We love our family, no matter what and, no matter what, they love us back. Words said in anger or frustration can never be taken back, but we have to remember the words spoken are not who that person is and, more often than not, they grieve more over their hasty remarks than we do. It is easy to forgive and forget ... it does remarkable things for us as well as those who have hurt us. Such a toll is taken on our mind and bodies when we carry a grudge, energy that could be spent enjoying the moments of happiness in our lives. Life is short. Kind, loving words along with a bright, sunny smile make us happy as well as those around us. What you give will come back to you ... love and you will be loved, laugh and others will laugh with you ...

There's one sad truth in life I've found
While journeying East and West,
The only folks we really wound
Are those we love the best.
We flatter those we scarcely know
We please the fleeting guest,
And deal many a thoughtless blow

To those we love the best.

- Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Have a happy, peaceful, sunshiny day and ... be sweet, Lovey!!
.

One Terrific Tuesday!!!

2010-03-02T20:30:00.000-06:00

Three awards, count 'em, three from my new blogging friend, Xmas Dolly!! I stuck them all together because I am not as savvy as some of you about correct placement, etc. I felt a little foolish when I left a comment on her blog that I wasn't sure which one was for me to put on my little ole' blog and she (calling me baby girl in the process when no doubt I am twice her age ... that's why I like her so much) informed me that they were all for me!! Now, good golly, Miss Molly. I was humbled, tickled and the whole nine yards.
The first means just what it says, "you're going places, baby." Recipients of this award have to tell where you see yourself in 10 years.
In ten years, I will have met a very rich old man with poor vision and given my grand kids not only a new grandpa, but every other thing their little ole' heart desires!!!

Second award I am supposed to tell you 7 things about myself so: 1. I just love twisting the tops off Oreos and eating the inside first, 2. My favorite thing to do is make scrapbook pages of my great grand children. 3. My daughters got me purple pajamas that I am so crazy about and sleep in them all the time. 4. I wish I had red house shoes to wear with my purple pajamas. 5. I have gotten into the declutter thing and declutter a few minutes every single day. 6. I am making no progress whatsoever at my decluttering because every time I throw away 3 things, I bring in 5 more! 7. I am going to be a great grammy for the 5th time in about 3 weeks.

Last is the Sunshine Award, which must be passed on to 12 bloggers, so I am doing what Xmas Dolly did and pass all 3 awards to these 12:
Evelyn from Evee
Rhonda Sue from Craftymumz Creations
Garden Gnome from Mom's Cafe Home Cooking
Kaye from Random WAHM Thoughts
Sara from The Breathing Post
Marilyn from Marilyn's Money
Pehpot from Bee Mommy
Tammy from frugal southern mom
Loree from Stories and Scribbles
Bill from Oregon Art Guy Blog
Kirsten from Gardenvibe
Okay, guys, get these 3 awards posted on your blog and pass them on to other bloggin' buddies!! It is hard to stop at just 12 because there are sooo many more deserving these awards . I read so many outstanding blogs. Lots of creativity out there. Just remember, whatever you do, be sweet!!!!!

Daughters Are A Mom's Best Friend

2010-02-27T18:13:00.000-06:00

This is a scrapbook page I made of my daughter, Denny. Her name is Melinda Denise, and she was the fourth child of four, the oldest being just four, so none of them could pronounce either Melinda or Denise!! Their dad and I tried Melinda first and none of them could master that, so after about a week we decided Denise might be a little easier for them. Her brothers and sister tried so hard, but the name of the new little one was a bit more than they could master. She became simply "Sissy" until one day, they were gathered around, showing their new little sister to an aunt and out of the chaos, one word stood out ... "Denny"!!! That did it. She has been "Denny" from that moment on. Even her drivers license has Denny on it, I believe. Many of our own relatives don't have a clue it isn't her real name and have wondered aloud why on earth I would give a boy's name to such a cute, sweet little girl!! I just smile, remembering ...

Be sweet!

Save Our Rural Schools

2010-02-24T21:11:00.001-06:00

What are the advantages of closing a school in small towns where everyone knows everyone else, where teachers are trained exactly the same as in a larger school? They must pass the same stringent requirements as those in a larger school, they have a greater opportunity to learn that what works with this student will not work with that one and teach accordingly. They are much more attuned to the individual students' needs. Smaller schools are much more personal, much less intimidating to a shy or insecure child. I remember my own experience, attending a large school in Flint, Michigan. I was so scared, hiding under my beds at times, crying and begging to stay home! The halls were filled with shoving, pushing kids trying to get from one class to another or, sometimes, for the pure enjoyment of it. I am not saying all large schools are bad. Quite the contrary. I am saying a small school offers an education equal to that of a larger one with the added advantage of a parent teacher relationship unmatched in a school with large numbers of students.
We must fight to keep our small schools and for our rural communities, which are quickly becoming ghost towns.
Please. please don't let this happen.. It is too important for our heritage. We have to preserve as much of the old ways as possible for the sake of our ancestors. We can live side by side with progress, but we simply cannot disappear. It is too important for posterity!

Be sweet

How Not To Make Homemade Noodles

2010-02-22T21:02:00.001-06:00

Grandmothers of America, I have let you down!! Though I delight in my culinary skills, I have NEVER made homemade noodles ... dumplings so many times I can't count, but never noodles. Today I decided my pantry was beginning to resemble Mother Hubbard's, so I thought, "Not to fret ... I will simply add some delicious homemade noodles to whatever kind of meat I could dig out of the freezer, add a salad or green vegetable, perhaps a pan of cornbread and have a meal suitable for a king!!

Everything went as planned as I merrily dug out bowls, rolling pin, pans, waxed paper to roll out the noodles and, well you get the idea. Things went downhill from that moment on. Those darn eggs would not mix up in the flour as I thought they would, so I just added some more!! My waxed paper was heavily floured when it began to roll up and, trying to straighten it, I slid it right off in the floor, covering most of my kitchen with a white substance resembling snow!! Not to be outdone, I grabbed another sheet of waxed paper and started again, threatening horrible things to it if it dared to slide one inch!!! Much to my surprise, it stayed perfectly in place as I rolled out my noodles. Oh, they were a sight to see, paper thin, just as they were supposed to be. I had been so distracted by the spilled flour, I had not taken the time to clean as I went and floury footprints were everywhere, along with doughy, floury bowls, spoons and an assortment of pots and pans as I had trouble finding one they would fit in. I grated cabbage and carrots for cole slaw, with little shreds of green and orange flying everywhere (actually looking quite colorful on the flour) as my noodles were drying, cut the beef into chunks, dropped it back into the simmering broth, seasoned to perfection!! By this time, the noodles were ready to cut. I have always cut dumplings with a pizza cutter and it was sooo easy, but these babies had to be rolled up and then cut. They turned out to be every conceivable width and length. I had skinny noodles, wide noodles, some that looked like a ribbon that had been left wadded in a drawer for years, but I gritted my teeth and threw them in the pot anyway!!!

Dinner was almost on time, but as I stood in the middle of all the chaos, it looked as if the 3rd World War had been fought in there!! I seriously considered putting in a call to the governor to ask if he perhaps had the time to fly in and take a look at my kitchen. No doubt it would be declared a disaster area and I possibly would be eligible for federal aid to assist in hiring a cleaning lady.
I only hoped the Health Department was not out and about for they surely would condemn my kitchen!!

A lesson learned the hard way is a lesson well learned and I have certainly learned this - Betty Crocker I am not and I will NEVER, I repeat, NEVER make homemade noodles again!!!

Be sweet everyone, just don't go making any noodles!!

My Little Prince

2010-02-20T22:31:00.004-06:00

Is this not the cutest little guy you ever saw?! I know we all think that about our babies and grand children, but, come on now ... this is a great grand child!!! Christian is my first great grand son. He has a big sister, Anna, who is all of 3 and I have 2 more great grand daughters, Abigail and Carlee. I tell you, they light up my life like you wouldn't believe. My grand daughter, Brittany will have a baby daughter in about 4 weeks. My goodness, that will make FIVE great grand children!!!! I can hardly believe it. I can barely wait till Britti's little baby makes her grand entrance into the world. When she is big enough, we will play with dolls all day and have the best tea parties. It will be so wonderful to have one who lives close enough to spend a lot of time with. When Abigail lived close we had so much fun. We did whatever she wanted. We sat on the hearth when logs were burning and roasted marshmallows and hot dogs, pretending we were on a camping trip in the middle of nowhere. We had every pot and pan I owned out pretending to cook. When she went home, I sadly put everything away. I still have little scraps of paper that she scribbled her "recipes" on. I will always have them and everything else she did, like trying to draw a star and her water color "art".
Oh, I do love those babies!!!!!!
Be sweet and good!!!

Awards and Gift in a Jar

2010-02-20T20:48:00.005-06:00

I am posting these awards which should have been done as they were received by my good friends and blogging pals. I am the world's worst at this!! Forgive?
The awards were given to me by Sara of The Breathing Post and Loree of Stories and Scribbles. I loved receiving them and am so very honored. Loree and Sara have been there since the very beginning of my little ole' blog and I love and appreciate them and so much. Everyone needs an "atta boy" and a pat on the back now and then!! It lifts our spirits, encourages us to do more and better. I have so many sweet blogging buddies it is too difficult to choose some to pass these awards to, so I choose to pass them to all. If you are reading this, please post these awards on your blog, for they are for you.
Both Sara and Loree are amazing!! I love reading their blogs. It is like a visit with an old friend and I leave with a renewed zest for living and giving. If you have not stopped by, please do. You will be happy you did and I am sure you will drop in often as I do.

Now I want to give you another wonderful gift in a jar idea. These make great gifts, especially in a pinch. We usually have everything necessary already on hand, especially if we keep a few pretty jars or even some plain mason canning jars. Home made gifts are special anyway and most appreciate the thoughtfulness more than an expensive gift that they probably didn't need anyway. Keep a stash of pretty ribbon, cords, tags etc. You can decorate the jar and attach the directions any way you like. Make it your own. The recipient will adore you for such a special gift made just for them!

Cobbler Mix in a Jar

1 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
dash of salt
1 cup sugar

Blend ingredients in a small bowl and place in an airtight container.

ATTACH THIS TO THE JAR:

Berry Cobbler

4 cups blueberries or strawberries
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup sugar
1 jar Cobbler Mix
1 cup melted butter
1 egg

Mix together together berries with orange juice and sugar. Pour this
mixture into a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. In a separate bowl combine Cobbler
Mix with melted butter and egg. Mix till everything sticks together and
drop by spoonfuls over the top of the berry mixture. Bake at 375 degrees
for 35 - 45 minutes. Cool about 15 minutes, This will serve 8 to 10.

There we have it!!! An absolutely lovely delicious homemade cobbler.
Comfort food at its best, a lingering aroma throughout the whole house
and all from a little decorated container given by a friend!!!
Be sweet, loveys!!

I Can Live Without Sex But Not My Glasses

2010-02-16T22:45:00.005-06:00

My little daughter in law's sister (who is like one of my own daughters) sent this to me and it is just hilarious. It happens to be true, but when you actually put it into words, it is funnier somehow. No matter what your age, I think you will get a kick out of reading this!!!

Perks of reaching 50 or being over 60 and heading towards 70!

01. Kidnappers are not very interested in you.

02.. In a hostage situation you are likely to be released first.

03. No one expects you to run--anywhere...

04. People call at 9 pm and ask, did I wake you?

05. People no longer view you as a hypochondriac.

06. There is nothing left to learn the hard way.

07. Things you buy now won't wear out.

08. You can eat supper at 4 pm.

09. You can live without sex but not your glasses.

10. You get into heated arguments about pension plans.

11. You no longer think of speed limits as a challenge.

12. You quit trying to hold your stomach in no matter who walks into the room.

13. You sing along with elevator music.

14.. Your eyes won't get much worse.

15. Your investment in health insurance is finally beginning to pay off..

16. Your joints are more accurate meteorologists than the national weather service.

17. Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can't remember them either.

18. Your supply of brain cells is finally down to manageable size.

19. You can't remember who sent you this list.

And you notice these are all in Big Print for your convenience.

AND TRY TO ALWAYS REMEMBER ...

Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.

Now, is that not just funny?!! Laughter is good for the soul, so I hope this has made you laugh and, remember to be sweet!!!!!

Gift in a Jar, a Gift From the Heart

2010-02-15T13:31:00.006-06:00

Almond Joy Brownie Gift Mix in a Jar

2-1/4 cups sugar

1/2 cup cocoa powder

1-1/4 cups flaked coconut, sprinkled

With 1 tsp. Almond extract and tossed to blend

3/4 cup coarsely chopped whole almonds

1-1/4 cups flour mixed with 1 tsp. Baking powder and 1 tsp. Salt

Layer ingredients in order given in a 1-qt. Wide mouth jar.

Press each layer firmly in place before adding next ingredient.

Be sure to use a wide mouth jar because it is a very tight fit

to get all ingredients into jar.

Attach recipe to the jar:

Almond Joy Brownies

1. Empty jar of brownie mix into a large mixing bowl. Use your hands

To thoroughly blend mix.

Add: 3/4 cup (1-1/2 sticks) butter or margarine, not diet,

Mix until completely blended. Spread batter in a

Sprayed 9x13-inch baking pan. Bake at 350 for 30

Minutes. Cool completely in pan. Cut into 2-inch squares.

Makes 2 dozen brownies.

A great way to attach instructions is to write them on a brown paper bag, cut with shaped scissors or pinking shears, fold and punch a hole large enough for a length of cord or fiber to fit around neck of jar. Also, jar may be decorated in numerous ways, including cutting a round piece of country print fabric to fit under lid and jar ring. Ideas are endless for this type of gift that comes straight from the heart! It is one we took time to make and put together ourselves and that is the very best, for in so doing, we give of ourselves.

Be sweet!!!

Ugly Shoes and Clothes That Don't Match

2010-02-09T10:10:00.006-06:00

Though growing old ain't what it's cracked up to be, it does have its perks. I can wear ugly shoes and clothes that don't match and no one gives it a second thought! I no longer try to impress anyone, nor am I easily impressed by others. I wrap up in a horrible leopard print coat that once was very stylish!! I LOVE that coat!! It is sooo warm and I could never part with it. When I get out in the snow, it looks like a leopard has escaped from the zoo, but I am so warm and snug, then people get a good look at me and just silently say, "Oh, that explains it." How happy I am that I no longer have to explain anything to anyone. "Oh, she's just old".
I can watch the Soap Opera channel, sit in my rocking chair and eat chocolates all day long if I choose! I can even be fat and shop in the Big Mama section of a store without feeling one bit conspicuous!!
If I don't want to answer a question, I can pretend I didn't hear it and no one is the wiser!! People hurry to open doors for me and help me cross the street.
Young boys carry my groceries to the car, smiling like they have just won the lottery. "Where do you want this, Maam, in the trunk or the back seat?"
I guess the greatest perk would be learning to accept yourself and realize it is okay to be exactly who you are.
Be sweet!!

How To Make A Ziplock Omelet

2009-10-19T17:41:00.005-05:00

This was sent to me by a friend and it seems almost too simple to be true or good!! Trust me, it is both. I would just add a little bit of butter with the eggs. It is really amazing what we women can concoct to help us along in our daily busy lives! I urge you to give this one a try and promise it will be a keeper!! (This works great !!! Good for when all your family is together. The best part is that no one has to wait for their special omelet !!!)

Have guests write their name on a quart-size Ziploc freezer bag with permanent marker.
Crack 2 eggs (large or extra-large) into the bag (not more than 2) shake to combine them.
Put out a variety of ingredients such as: cheeses, ham, onion, green pepper, tomato, hash browns, salsa, etc.
Each guest adds prepared ingredients of choice to their bag and shake. Make sure to get the air out of the bag and zip it up.

Place the bags into rolling, boiling water for exactly 13 minutes [we did 15 minutes]. You can usually cook 6-8 omelets in a large pot. For more, make another pot of boiling water.
Open the bags and the omelet will roll out easily. Be prepared for everyone to be amazed.
Nice to serve with fresh fruit and coffee cake; everyone gets involved in the process and a great

Now it doesn't get much simpler than that! And what fun to put what you want into a plastic bag and see a delicious homemade omelet roll out!!

You know the rest ---- be sweet!!!

I have so many goodies to share with you over the holidays I can barely sleep at night, wondering which to do next. Do you like desserts, gift presentation, gifts in a jar? Please let me know as this is your blog as much as mine. We are in this together and no sense in writing something no one is interested in. I have some gift tags that can be downloaded, printed and cut out, etc. What do you say? Anyone who would like to share an idea or recipe would be welcome to write a post on "Angels". Love you all!! Once more, be sweet and SMILE.

Thank You, Helen

2009-09-30T15:48:00.005-05:00

"The best and most beautiful things in the world can not be seen or even touched, they must be felt with the heart." - Helen Keller

This is the most intuitive few words I have ever read in a quote. What wisdom little Helen Keller had, the beauty she felt with her heart has taught us all so much. I am in awe of such insight!!

Be sweet!!! I can't see you all out there , but I feel in my heart you will! Later, Friends.

Some Really Good Information Here!!!

2009-09-29T13:03:00.004-05:00

This is soooo right!!
Now everyone remember to always, always tell the truth and above all, be sweet!

Bloggers Make the Best Buddies

2009-09-28T18:35:00.005-05:00

Loree, of Stories and Scribbles, has given me an award!! I am so happy to accept and post to my little ole' bloggie!! It lifts us up when we are the recipient of an award, just adds a little more zing to the day to know someone thinks we are special enough to deserve an award. Loree is such a little sweetie and I would encourage every one of you to visit her blog if you haven't done so before. You will be pleasantly surprised. It is so colorful, with the header full of beautiful flowers that I wish were in my front yard!!

The rules of the award are as follows:

1. say thank you and give a link to the presenter

2.share 10 honest things about yourself

3.Present the award to 7 other blogs

4.tell them of the award and the rules

Okay, now here are the 7 blogs to pass this award to, although it is hard to just give it to 7 when you would rather give it to 70, but rules are rules!!

1. My Creations and More

2.The Breathing Post

3.The Rainbow Bank

4.Marie's Cozy Corner

5.New Scribbles From Glynis Smy

6.RandomWAHMThoughts

7.Momma Young @ Home

Now comes the easy part, ten honest things about me, which definitely will not include my shoe size 'cause there is no way I'm gonna' be honest about that!!!

1. I love having my first cup of coffee at dawn on my deck, watching the squirrels gather acorns, preparing for winter, watching the sun rise is awesome and I am thankful then for my sight!!

2. I become very attached to people very easily.

3. I just love giving something I have made to someone. It makes my insides glow. I can't see them glow, I just know they do.

4. I don't like to complain. I sometimes do, but that doesn't have to make me like it!! I have nothing actually to complain about.

5. When I think of my grand children and the 4 little great grandchildren, I am filled with something totally beyond description, I feel as if I will just burst with the fullness of whatever it is ... with love, happiness, pride ... there are no words known to man to describe what I feel, so the best I can do is just say I love them so! They are my angels, they are my heart. Their lives all came down from mine and I look at them in disbelief .... they are my treasure!!!!

6. Since my SCA I sometimes wake up in the morning and can't remember what I'm supposed to do. (that was a hard one ... I really needed to share that but it is so much like complaining)

7. I love kettle corn and make it almost every night.

8. I am already thinking of goodies to make for Christmas, both edible and crafty, baskets, gifts in a jar, that sort of thing. I adore the decorated gifts in a jar and have many to share with you.

9. I still believed when I was in the 7th grade that the doctor brought one of my brothers in an apple box and the other in a suitcase. When I raised my hand to share this bit of info with my classmates, they all started laughing! I just laughed too. I don't remember when I finally figured out they were laughing because I was so dumb!!! I can't even remember when or how I learned that's not how my brothers got here!

10. I wish I could learn to design scrapbook sets.

There, you have it!! I was completely honest about the way I thought my brothers came into the world. Guess you can tell I led a very sheltered life! I was a senior in high school at age 16 and lived in the country my entire life. My mom's relatives were from the mountains of Northwest Arkansas and dad's hailed from the hills of Kentucky ... need I say more? I used to break ice in a "washpan" to heat on the old wood stove to get ready for school, but, let me tell you, those were the days!!!! How grateful I am to have had them.

Homemade Happiness 2

2009-09-27T01:47:00.011-05:00

It's getting closer every day to the biggie - to Christmas!!! I know it is not quite October, but good grief, now that I have retired and have all this time on my hands I just don't see any sense of driving myself any crazier by waiting till the last minute, to say nothing of all the cashiers and employees in and near every store close to the mall!!

If they have been there a few years, they know me by name and I can hear them sometimes (though they think just because I am old I can't hear good and usually speak to me in unusually loud voices). They will warn newer employees when they see me. I understand clearly every word that is said. "Oh, my God!! There she is again, the one I told you about. I had hoped she would not make it through another Christmas, but she is one tough old bird and it is beginning to look like she will be here long after I'm gone. Don't let her get you so rattled you just throw up your hands and walk out the door. I promise, they are not all like this one! Fact of the matter, I don't believe there are any like this one. Get through this without going to jail and you have it made! If you make her happy, you can do whatever it takes to survive in this business and you will have a great career, possibly in management."

Well, I do have to do my rushing around at the last minute, digging through stacks of stuff, opening boxes, laying dresses removed from hangers across a rack, that sort . It is so much easier and quicker and I am in such a hurry for I have waited till the last few days. It's so Christmasy (is that a word?).

I have been known to leave a perfectly neat store in shambles in way less than an hour!! It is the only way to look is all I can say. I do feel a bit guilty that store personnel must stay late after closing to have the business presentable for the next day's customers. Not too guilty though, 'cause it sure doesn't keep me from a good night's sleep after I have separated my purchases into piles to keep as presents and piles to return because it didn't seem somehow to be what I had wanted after all. Oh well, a trip back the next day will keep me young and give the employees job security.
This will be repeated till the last store closes on Christmas Eve and you would think they'd be glad to see me as I buy and return till the very last minute, begging them to stay open just a little longer while I try to decide on the necklace I tried on and cannot get unclasped now or the cute sweater I have hung somewhere and am unable to talk one , not even one of them to help me find it!! They will only unclasp the necklace, scoot me out the door, lock it quickly behind me, yelling Merry Christmas the whole time.

How in the heck can I have a merry Christmas now? I haven't even decided who to give what for I am not really completely sure what presents I have even bought!!!

Just now the last part of September and I have time to begin to think about and plan Christmas.

Everyone knows when you retire, you are broke, so I will get to give presents of the very best kind ... gifts from the heart, handmade and homemade with love in every speck! Not a cute sweater lost on some rack in a store or a necklace I have to practically strangle myself to remove, but a gift made with my own hands, mind and heart, a treasure for them to keep and that is the best kind of gift after all.

Ain't retirement grand!!??!
Most importantly, never forget to be sweet and always be good!

Kind of, Sort of, Close Your Eyes And You Won't Know The Difference

2009-09-23T08:06:00.005-05:00

Almost Payday

1/3 cup peanut butter

1/2 cup marshmallow creme

1/2 lb white chocolate coating, melted

Melted caramels, for dipping

Chopped peanuts

Mix together peanut butter, marshmallow creme and melted white chocolate coating.

Roll into sort of log shapes or into balls, if it is easier. Freeze. It is absolutely necessary

to freeze these before dipping in the caramel, otherwise they will melt and mix with the

caramel.

Dip each frozen log or ball in melted caramel and roll into chopped peanuts.

These truly are so easy to make and so tasty. True, we have the sugar, but none of the other ingredients in a purchased candy bar, most of which I can't even pronounce, let alone describe!! Who in the heck wants to eat something we can't pronounce??!

I hope you will give these a try and let me know how they turn out. Wouldn't this be a nice kitchen gift, each piece wrapped separately, in delicate, pastel tissue paper, bagged in quart or gallon size bags and tied with a pretty ribbon with a handmade tag attached?

Oh, gosh! I'm getting nuts now and wanting to put this in a mixing bowl with measuring cup and a mixing spoon with a bow tied to the handle. We are limited by only our imagination. Homemade is always better. Be sweet and be good!!!

Great Grandson, Christian James Wilcox (and walking on streets of gold)

2009-09-22T22:56:00.005-05:00

Isn't he a little doll? His big sister, Anna, at the ripe old age of 3 is just like a little mama hen with him! He is just too sweet and look at those muscles!! His name wasn't chosen right away, for the new parents could not come up with a name that was good enough for him! Now, is that cute, or what!! I think he always needs to know this. He just has to grow up knowing he was so precious to his mommy and daddy that there didn't seem a name good enough for this little boy to called. Finally, they did settle on Christian and that does seem to fit him perfectly. Christian Wilcox ... see, it has quite a ring to it!!! I don't see how it is possible to have so much love in your heart for someone so little and tiny. I love him soooooo much!!!

I have to tell you this about Anna. First off, you never know what will come out of that little mouth when she opens it. She is so funny. The funniest thing is, she doesn't even try to be funny. She is serious as she can be, turning her little head to one side, with both hands on her hips, she can keep you laughing all day long. The other day Kristi asked her to please clean her room, to which she replied, "Mommy, my room is already clean." Mom suggested she take a look at it, so off she went to give her room an "Anna inspection". She stood in the middle of her room, put both hands on those little hips, turned that head to one side and said, "Sometimes I disgust myself!".

I tell you, it is this sort of thing that keeps me going!!! It makes not just my day, but my week, my month, even, I guess, my years. About 8 years ago, the docs suspected I would not last much longer, maybe a couple of years at most. I said, "Well, we'll just see about that!!" I had recently become a great grandmother to Abigail, my very first great grandchild and I knew I had to stay to play dolls with her and have tea parties and love her. I told them a couple of years later that I was going to be around to see her get married. They asked how hold she was and I said, "Two." Well, the good doctor slapped me on the knee and said, "I'll give you this --- you are a trooper!!!" I rarely speak of this and perhaps never will again but I had a sudden cardiac death on New Year's Day, 2008. I was shocked back to life when I had no pulse, no heart beat and no blood pressure. It happened twice. Again, they gave my kids not much hope, but as usual, I have not aggravated them enough, so I am not ready to go just yet!! I don't remember anything except one morning I was putting on my clothes and the next week I began to wake up in the Coronary Care Unit. I didn't know it then, only that I was in the hospital for something and for the life of me didn't know why. Well, anyway, now I had to have a pacemaker this time. I had primacor treatments twice a week for half a day at a time for 3 years. I have also been on oxygen since 2002. I have numerous heart problems (it would be too simple to only have one), I have congestive heart failure, an enlarged heart and other stuff I can never remember or pronounce. I also have COPD, degenerative disc disease and a host of other health conditions. It is simpler never to discuss them, so now that I have, I won't again. That is boring old stuff when we all know it is so much better to laugh and be happy. Oh, I don't always make it, but I will always be caught trying. I have lost my home, my savings, my car, everything I had due to the catastrophic illnesses. My treatments alone were almost $70,000 a year, besides all the labs, doctors, hospitals and I won't even go there!! The important thing is I don't even care, because I am rich with things money cannot buy and consider myself to be so very lucky. I think we can choose how we feel inside. I have riches that no amount of money can buy!!! You can't put a price on the love of a child, you can't put a price on a gift made just for you by the loving hands of your very own daughter, you can't put a price on a hug from a grandson when he wakes up, saying, "Grandma gets the first hug."

Now, I sure got carried away for some reason, but you know .... be sweet!!!

A Great Kitchen Gift

2009-09-17T23:46:00.008-05:00

This is a great gift from the heart from one who loves to cook! Any mom or grandma would be pleased as punch to receive a gift of this sort. It is one that you have spent time and thought on. There are also so many ways to vary a kitchen gift -- add a new mixing bowl, a pan for the cobbler, mixing spoons, cups , napkins, a few flowers, spice bottles, flavorings, the list is endless. You can print out this page or type up your own instructions and recipe on cardstock and cut the size of a recipe card, punch a hole in the card and tie to basket handle or whatever else you can come up with. I would love to hear some of your suggestions or pictures of what you have done. I will make a recipe card to download or a tag to personalize if you would like. Just let me know.

CRANBERRY PEACH COBBLER MIX IN A BASKET

Give this mix in a decorated basket along with canned pie filling, cranberry sauce and make a recipe card for the easy baking instructions.

1 pkg. yellow cake mix
1/2 cup butter
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
2 cans peach pie filling
2 cans whole berry cranberry sauce

Place cake mix, butter, cinnamon and nutmeg in large mixing bowl and mix well, cutting in butter with fork or pastry blender. Stir in pecans if you like to include them.

Divide cobbler mix in half and place in 2 resealable plastic bags. Store in refrigerator till ready to assemble gift. This will make about 5 cups, (2 1/2 cups mix in each bags).

In each of 2 pretty or decorated baskets, place 1 bag cobbler mix, 1 can peach pie filling, 1 can cranberry sauce and the following instructions:

Cranberry Peach Cobbler:

Heat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine pie filling and cranberry sauce, and place into a lightly greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
Sprinkle cobbler mix over fruit mixture. Bake 45 minutes or until browned.

Serve warm with ice cream.

Now be a crafty cook and make up a gift in a basket for another crafty cook!! I promise you will love giving it and the recipient will love receiving it. It's a win-win gift. Makes us feel good to give something we've taken the time to put together for another and they feel special to be on the receiving end of such a thoughtful gift.

Be sweet and get those ideas in here so we can share with each other!! Later.

Pictures of The Heart

2009-09-17T20:10:00.005-05:00

In nothing are we as rich as in our memories; they are pictures painted by our hearts, and nothing can erase them.
-- Flavia

Whether you think you can or whether you think you can't, you're right.
Henry Ford

Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

It is more important to know where you are going than to get there quickly.
-- Mabel Newcombe

A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove. But the world may be a different place because I was important in the life of a child.

Love from a baby. It is not a slight thing when those so fresh from God love us. Dickens

Babies are always more trouble than you thought ... and more wonderful than you ever dreamed. Charles Osgood

If you want to be Rich,
Just count all the things
you have that money cannot buy.

A truly rich man is one whose children run
into his arms when his hands are empty.

"Seek the wisdom of the ages, but look at the world through the eyes of a child." Ron Wild

"Look at everything as though you were seeing it either for the first or last time. Then your time on earth will be filled with glory." Betty Smith

The greatest oak was once a little nut who held its ground. " unknown

"Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The trouble-makers. The round heads in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They're not fond of rules, and they have no respect for the status-quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify, or vilify them. But the only thing you can't do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do. "
Jack Kerouac

"Throw your heart over the fence and the rest will follow!" Norman Vincent Peale

"Inspiration does not come from the quote itself, but rather the person behind it." Russ Myers

"Risk more than others think is safe. Care more than others think is wise. Dream more than others think is practical. Expect more than others think is possible. " Cadet Maxim

"Leap and the net will appear. " Zen saying

"A diamond is merely a lump of coal that did well under pressure." unknown

"Use what talent you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except those that sang best. " Henry Van Dyke

Some of us Have All The Luck

2009-07-27T14:08:00.002-05:00

Just got out of the hospital today and I am so far behind it looks like I'm ahead!! I expect to be going full speed in a short time. I love and appreciate all of you so much for bearing with me and hanging in there, despite my absence. You know, He sure never promised us a rose garden. (I love saying that, but I believe this is the first time I have ever written it. Somehow it seems more real and easier by far to recall if something is written instead of merely spoken.)

Not only have angels been in my garden, they have looked after me very well, no matter where I seem to be. Great news to share ...... I am going to have 2 (not just 1, but 2) more great grandchildren. We know one is a boy and not sure about the other one yet. We'll take whatever we get and be pleased as punch with it. I am so excited, I can hardly wait. Little babies are absolutely the most precious, innocent little beings in the entire universe! They just ooze sweetness and softness.

Kristi and Heath will be blessed with a little baby boy soon. Brittany and Nathan have a while to wait on their little blessing, as she has just learned the good news. You know I will have constant updates for I am just too, too grateful that I have been allowed the pleasure of playing with a great grandchild. Some of us have all the luck!! What can I say? (except be sweet and be good ...)

Have a Lovely Holiday

2009-07-04T15:16:00.002-05:00

Be sweet and always be good!!

A Look At Laughter

2009-05-27T21:03:00.004-05:00

We all need a good laugh once in a while - well not once in a while actually, but most of the time. Laughter is so good for so many things. We feel better and those around us feel better. We certainly look better when we have a smile on our face. You know, when we think happy thoughts, we become happy.
Now that just so happens to be true!!
Just try thinking about something very sad that happened in your life and before long you feel sad, so sad that often tears begin to fall. When we make a conscious effort to change our thoughts to the positive, the good things in our lives, the things we are thankful for , ice cream on a hot day, a field of yellow sunflowers, the way our grandma never talked baby talk to us .... you just can't keep that good feeling, that joy we were meant to feel at bay and soon we are humming a song, going happily about our day, making others happy along the way. Life is good!
Anyway here are a couple of little husband and wife thingies that I hope brings a smile to your face, as it did to mine. Anyway, these are too funny not to pass on!

A couple drove down a country road for several miles, not saying a word.
An earlier discussion had led to an argument and
neither of them wanted to concede their position.
As they passed a barnyard of mules, goats, and pigs,
the husband asked sarcastically, 'Relatives of yours?'
'Yep,' the wife replied, 'in-laws.'

A man and his wife were having some problems at home
and were giving each other the silent treatment.
Suddenly, the man realized that the next day, he would need his wife to wake him
at 5:0 0 AM for an early morning business flight.
Not wanting to be the first to break the silence (and LOSE), he wrote on a piece of paper,
'Please wake me at 5:00 AM.' He left it where he knew she would find it.
The next morning, the man woke up, only to discover it was 9:00 AM and he had missed his flight Furious, he was about to go and see why his wife hadn't wakened him,
when he noticed a piece of paper by the bed.
The paper said, 'It is 5:00 AM. Wake up.'
Men are not equipped for these kinds of contests.

Are you smiling? I sure hope so. Later. Be sweet!!!!

Golden Heart

2009-05-25T14:35:00.003-05:00

This is the Golden Heart Award, given to my by my friend, Kim, who received the award and passed it on to other blogs she liked. I am humbled at being a recipient of this award.

Kim has recently changed the look of her blog, stuff could always be worse, and it has a new very pretty background. I love reading about what she fondly calls her "hillbilly family", for my family fits right in. We are about as country as you can get.

My mom and all her family came from the hills and mountains and did everything the old way. My great grandmother was an Indian, with that jet black hair and high cheekbones passed down to my mom, who, in her seventies still raised a garden big enough to feed the state's National Guard! She still dried apples, picked blackberries and made jam ..... she did it by choice, not out of necessity. I have had many a dress made from flour sacks. I still remember Mom's disappointment when she only needed one more sack to have enough material to sew a dress for me but by the time she needed flour again, not a single sack remained with the pretty blue flowers! On the long ride home I can remember her saying it was a shame to use that pretty material for pillow slips, and what a perfect dress it would have made.

I still have a tiny dress that she made for Debye, my first daughter. Both of my girls wore that dress. I love to just hold it close to me and imagine my mama's sweet little hands sewing the buttons on.

Kim, thanks again for the award. I am honored. I will pass it on to five others, but I wish I could pass it to a hundred others. If your blog is not one, please remember, your award sits in my heart!

Balsam Ponds by Design

The Retirement Chronicles

Make or Break

frugal southern mom

Learning to be Crafty

These are all wonderful blogs you should pay a visit to. I am sure you will enjoy them as much as I do.

I have not sent Anjanette (Momma Young) any new pictures to put in my slide show in a long time, so I better get busy on that. I have also got to check with Sara on The Breathing Post, see how new little baby Cole is doing!!

Be sweet everyone. Big hugs!!!!

Tummy Tickling Recipe

2009-05-21T20:55:00.006-05:00

Deep-fried Snickers bar

1 egg

1 cup milk

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

Pinch of salt

Snickers bar

Chill or freeze the candy bars. Combine egg, milk and vegetable oil in a cup. In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix well with a wire whisk. Cover and chill for a few minutes while the oil heats.

Remove batter from the refrigerator and adjust the consistency if necessary. Heat about 4 cups of oil or shortening to 375 degrees F. Dip the chilled candy bar in the batter and gently place into the oil. Cook only until the outside is golden. Remove and drain on brown paper. Allow to cool for a minute as the inside can easily burn your mouth.

You know, I was surprised!! These are very good. I had seen them made on some Food Network show or The Travel Channel (can't remember which), then I ran across this recipe and had to give it a try. Boy, is it ever gooey and good.
All you mommies should make the kiddos a deep fried Snickers and watch their little eyes light up. That alone is well worth the mess in the kitchen, being a mom and making memories.
Be sweet!

Life, and it's Wonders

2009-05-20T19:59:00.006-05:00

Hi Sweeties!! I have been so lazy, not writing in my blog (or should I say Momma's blog and Kaye's blog?). Actually, I have been sick. You know, He never promised us a rose garden. Got to take the bad along with the good. Lord knows, there is so much more good than bad. Life is grand!!

I have done so much thinking in the past few weeks my brain hurts!! That's about all I felt like doing, but I knew better days were ahead. It is nice now that the rain has stopped, flowers blooming, bees buzzing, even the growling of an old lawn mower is a welcome sound for soon the smell of newly cut grass arrives ever so softly on the quiet breeze.

Today I had to be outside in the fresh air, taking in everything I have missed lately. My little squirrels were still scampering up the old oak tree, hiding in its leafy branches. Not too long ago, they could not hide in that tree. Winter weather had stripped the poor branches bare. It was fun to watch them gathering the acorns that had dropped on the ground and hurrying with them to wherever it was they hid them to feed on during the cold, icy months. They run on the rails of the deck and, sometimes, if I am very quiet and still, they saunter slowly along as if they owned the place! These are the times I love, these are the times I am so grateful for. These are the times when it is beyond my comprehension that there are those who do not believe God exists!!

Be sweet!