Sour Cream Country Biscuits

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

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

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

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

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

Come on, Grandma, You Know You Can Do It

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

  

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

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!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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