Life In Pink Hi-Tops

Hot off the Hook

2012-02-01T22:03:00.000-05:00

What a Wednesday!
I literally just finished this prayer shawl.
It was trying to give me grief....
'Cause it started out like this:

But I didn't like it.
So I took the turquoise off....
Then I took the pink off....
Everyone said it looked good with just the red on.....
After they all left for school and work.....
Off came the red.......
So along with everything else I had to do today,
I added another border.
Since it didn't have one anymore!

So here it is now.

I like it so much better!
I ran to Hobby Lobby and found the initial pin for it.

I still haven't woven in the ends.....
Tomorrow is another day.

Prayer

Jesus bless the wearer of this shawl.

May she know that You love her more than anything.

May she know that You have sent Your angels to be all around her:

above her

beneath her

before her

That Your angels protect her everywhere.

Blessings,

What Now?

2012-01-31T21:28:00.000-05:00

I'm always cautious when the kids say,
"Mom! Come look at what we found.
And bring the camera."
GREAT!

They found it in the kudzu patch across the street.
No, I don't want to keep it.
I don't know which is more gross--that they found it or that Caleb is touching it!
Don't worry, he washed his hands.
He's still alive and healthy.

More sad news....

I think my crock pot died today.
I put my pork roast in just like always.....
And it didn't get done enough to shred after 7 hours on high.
It's almost like one side of the thing was heating.
I guess 17 years is a pretty good lifespan for a crock pot.

Fast Fixin'

2012-01-30T21:45:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I just don't feel like cooking.
I'm tired.
The kids are nuts.
It's late.
I try to keep something on hand that I can just throw together.
Easy things.

One of those easy throw together recipes comes from my great-grandmother.
And it has a story to go with it.
Of course.
My great grandparents were traveling to Texas from Atlanta to visit my mom and her family (mom was a little girl). They stopped just inside Texas at a little restaurant. My Granny came away with this recipe. We've been eating ever since.

Tamale Casserole

2 can tamales
2 can chili with beans
4-6 eggs, scrambled with milk
12-16 oz cheese, grated
1 small onion, chopped

Heat oven to 350℉. Remove the tamales from the paper. Put them in the bottom of a greased 2 quart dish. Pour the chili on top. Top with scrambled eggs. cheese, and then onion. Cook in oven for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Serve with salad and cornbread.

Easy Peasy!

Awww....

2012-01-28T20:44:00.000-05:00

I got a friend!
We're a pair.
Don't you just heart us?

Heart,
Me

Lonely Heart

2012-01-26T20:54:00.000-05:00

All alone.
Just waiting to fulfill my destiny.
Didn't get finished today.
*sigh*
I believe I will be finished soon.
I believe.
I believe.
I believe.
After all tomorrow is another day.

Lonely Heart

Extravagant Love

2012-01-25T22:13:00.000-05:00

Prayer time Wednesday.

The latest prayer shawl.
It's made from the yarn I got at Michaels on Deal Day

While crocheting it I would sing Your Love is Extravagant.

Prayer:

I pray this shawl will bless you~

That you will feel His extravagant love wrapped around you.

That you will walk in His friendship.

That you will be so near to Him that you can hear Him whisper.

sneak peek of more lovey stuff:

How She Rolls

2012-01-24T21:10:00.000-05:00

When there's a house full of people sometimes it's hard to find a quiet place.....

Anna's answer:

This is where we found her reading her book.
That's how she rolls!

Sweet Treats

2012-01-23T22:26:00.000-05:00

I found a homemade "Magic Shell" recipe over at Skip to my Lou.
It called for two ingredients--coconut oil and chocolate chips.
Easy enough.
The kids would love it.
Right?

Yes, they do love it.
Unfortunately, I love it too.
I'm not a big ice cream eater.
Would rather have chocolate cake.
But this stuff....well, I have found myself licking the bowl!
Bad me!
And when a bowl was not available....

A homemade dip cone kind of like the ones at DQ.
So beware...this can cause you to eat more ice cream than you thought possible.

Thanks for your prayers. I appreciate them. My headaches are getting much better. Thank you.

Christmas Past

2012-01-19T21:06:00.000-05:00

I can finally show you what we did for Christmas presents!

It all started with a call from my friend, "Amy, you want some figs?"

"Uh...sure." Do I even eat figs?

I didn't know, but my mom loves fig preserves.

Christmas present!

fig preserves

Then it came to me.

Christmas gift packs.

Oh, yeah!!

I canned some applesauce.

We like to heat it up and eat it on ice cream.

Tastes like apple pie.

I also made a batch of cranberry orange marmalade.

I also did a batch of salsa with tomatoes from my friend's farm.

The gang's all here!

Now I just needed something to put them in.

On the Tuesday before Christmas I had an idea.

"Rusty, will you help me do something?"

"Sure," he said.

Poor fellow. He should have known what he was getting himself into.

"I have an idea. I want these jars to sit together in a little carrier kind of like this using the pallets."

Here's how they turned out!

Cute, isn't it?

Rusty rocks!

I think they turned out so cute!

Another Prayer

2012-01-18T21:00:00.000-05:00

Who me, stressed?

No way.

The headaches are probably stress related.

But what do I have to be stressed about?

I live a life of leisure..........

I crack myself up!

Here's the last prayer shawl I made.

I used Loops & Threads™ Country Loom™ in Solarium that was given to me.

I had a hard time finding a way to use it that I liked.

I tried this first.....

It just didn't work for me.

I don't really know why.

But it bothered me.

I tried a couple of other ways, too.

Forgot to get pictures of those.

Finally went with this....

Even got some modeling help.

A little ornery modeling help.

Prayer

May you be blessed~

with healing,

with prosperity,

with hope.

As you wrap yourself in this shawl

May it be a hug from Jesus to you.

He loves you.

Always.

Missed

2012-01-17T20:52:00.000-05:00

I missed Monday Bites.

I'm sorry.

I've been having terrible headaches.
The kind where you can't sleep.
You can't think.
Noise makes you crazy.
You just want to sit in the corner.
Pull your knees up to your chest
And rock back and forth
Back and forth.....

Maybe I should have left out that part.

Not only did I miss Monday Bites.
But I also missed my blogiversary.
Shame.
Shame.
Shame.
This little blog turned 4.
It came and went without any kind of celebration.
Shame.
Shame.
Shame.
No speeches.
No parades.
No statues.
Nothing.

What I'd really like is to say a great big

THANK YOU

to you guys for sticking with me.
For making this whole thing possible.
For reading my little rambles and crafty forays.
Thank you.
These fireworks are for you.
*wink*

Blessings,

Light

2012-01-11T20:57:00.001-05:00

I love this shawl.
I made it with 1 skein of Red Heart Super Saver Economy.
One single skein.
Seven ounces.
A total of 364 yards.

Who says you can't make a pretty shawl with one skein of yarn?

This shawl is based on the Equilateral Shawl Pattern in the Interweave Crochet Magazine, Winter 2011.
I adapted the pattern so I could use what I had.
One skein of turqua.
My shawl is upside down according to the pattern.
My shawl is only 1 triangle of the 5 triangles that make up the original pattern.

Prayer

I pray that this shawl will bless you:

That you will be strong and courageous.

That your light will shine and not be hidden.

That it will be as God's arms wrapped around you.

Holding you.

Strengthening you.

Encouraging you.

Loving you.

Blessings,

Taking Names

2012-01-10T21:43:00.000-05:00

Today's devotional in Daily Guideposts 2012 was talked about names.

It made me think about the kids' names.

I took the opportunity to retell the kids the stories behind their names.

Lest they forget.

Caleb: bold. Caleb and Joshua were the only two spies that believed the Israelites could take the land of Canaan. Caleb was credited with following the Lord wholeheartedly.

Andrew: manhood or valor. Andrew knew Jesus was the Messiah and went and got his brother Peter. He is often considered the first missionary.

Anna: grace. Anna was a prophetess who worshiped God day and night. After she saw the baby Jesus she told everyone about him.

David: beloved. David was a man after God's own heart.

Sometimes we need to be reminded of who we are.

Lest we forget.

Sometimes I forget.

Forget that I am Amy.

Forget that I'm His beloved.

God knew I'd forget so often that He named me BELOVED.

Amy means beloved.

And still I forget.

Lest I forget again, He reminds me who I am.....

Sweet and Sour

2012-01-09T20:43:00.000-05:00

Today was the Monday songs have been written about.
And it got more Monday as the day wore on.
Monday most definitely bites!

My day was mostly sour, but I hope that yours was mostly sweet!
So I thought I'd share my mom's Sweet and Sour recipe with you.
She got the recipe from a friend who got it from the Little China district in Vancouver.
An international recipe!

Sweet and Sour
sauce:
4 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup vinegar
6 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tsp. salt
2 cup water
1 cup pineapple juice (use the juice from the can of chunks, just add water to make up 1 cup.)
1 16 oz can pineapple chunks

cooked boston butt cut into chunks -- I put it in the crock pot on high all day so it's more shreds than chunks

In saucepan mix cornstarch and sugar; add vinegar and mix well. Add soy sauce, salt, water, pineapple juice and pineapple chunks; place on medium-high heat and stir constantly. Cook until thick and clear.
Add cooked pork.

Can be made up to one day ahead and refrigerated. It freezes well, too!

I always serve mine on rice.
We LOVE it.

We almost lick the plate clean.....

Birthdays are Us

2012-01-07T21:07:00.000-05:00

Did you miss whose birthday is was yesterday?
Me too.
"If I only had a brain."
Birthday yesterday.
And another one tomorrow.

Happy belated 12th birthday to Roo!
Happy early 8th birthday to Dave!

note to self: remember to change that on my sidebar....

I have always been mindful to celebrate their birthdays separately.
Due to circumstances beyond our control we asked the boys if they would mind doing it on the same day this year.
They agreed.
Yeah?!
Let me just say I really appreciate having a day between to make cake.
I'm just saying.
I was up until 11 last night making cakes.
"If I only had a brain....."
I got Roo's cake in the pan then swiped a little taste from the bowl.
My face scrunched.
Another taste.
"It tastes like.... box...."
I forgot the oil.
So I scraped it out of the pan.
Back into the mixer bowl.
Added the oil.
It's a box cake for crying out loud.
It only requires 3 extra ingredients.
"If I only had a brain...."

I got all the cakes finished before the little get together today.
No party.
One friend a piece.
Ordered pizza.
That's all my brain can possibly handle.
"If I only had a brain."

When Anna saw the cakes this morning she said, "Mom, the cakes look awesome. You are a frosting artist!"
That was so sweet.
Much sweeter than any cake!

Andrew designed his own cake.
I just made it happen.

It only took 3 trips to Kroger yesterday.....
"If I only had a brain....."

Dave wanted an Ironman cake.
I think it turned out very well.
My favorite part--it's red velvet cake!
Just thought it would be fitting.

May Roo and Dave grow in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man.

Deals

2012-01-05T21:05:00.000-05:00

I had a coupon for Michael's on Monday.
And they were having a yarn sale.
Yeah, so I headed there.

Apparently I don't have enough to do around here.

Look what I got!
I saved a ton of money.
The middle and variegated yarns were already marked $1.99 each.

Now that I look at the picture this wasn't all I got either.
I got at least one more skein of yarn (which is already being used in a project).
And a calender.
And maybe something else.....
I can't remember.
Monday was a long time ago after all!

Tomorrow we'll find out about a birthday.
Next week I'll show you the new prayer shawl.
It's turquoise, it's a new pattern, it's so pretty!

Blessings,

Praying Wednesday

2012-01-04T22:09:00.000-05:00

The last couple of days I've spent here

in bed.
Not because I'm sick.
(Except in the head, as my kids would say.)
But because it's too stinkin' cold!!
I bundled up and worked on shawls.
Can't get any better than that.
Well, it could if someone else would come do the washing, vacuuming, and refereeing.....
Like I do any of those things anyway.
It's a free-for-all around here.
But I digress.

We're here about prayer shawls.
Here is my "Greatest of These" Prayer Shawl.

So I've been playing with the settings on my new camera.
Note: this one makes it too dark.

Better, much better!

Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:13 (NLT)

Prayer of Blessing

I pray that this shawl will bless you:

That it will bring you warmth and comfort.

That your faith will abound.

That your hope will be renewed.

That it will be as the Arms of Love wrapped around you.

For God loves You more than anything.

You are His beloved.

I think I'll save my big surprise one until next week.
Or tomorrow.
Whatever.
Like I will be able to wait until next week.
I can't tomorrow, I was going to post something else....
What was I going to post tomorrow?
Once again I digress.
Are these the ramblings of a mad woman?
It must be getting late.
I'm rambling uncontrollably.
It's bedtime...............................

Nighty, night!
Sweet Dreams.
And may God bless you,

Shruggin'

2012-01-03T21:30:00.000-05:00

I'm trying to get back into the swing of things.

Today was the first "normal day" in forever.

Everyone was back to school and work.

Yeah!

Before Christmas I made a couple of Granny Shrugs.

Super simple.

Super cute.

This one is Anna's.
The picture doesn't really do it justice:
It is way too small for my dummy.
Why didn't I get a picture of her in it?
Who knows.
And I'm sure if I would have ironed the shirt first.....
Oh, who am I kidding?
I don't iron anything!
Anyway, she LOVES it.
It looks so cute on her.
I think the button is her favorite part.

Tomorrow will be Prayer Shawl Day.
I can barely wait to show you my latest ones.

Blessings,

Monday Bites

2012-01-02T21:06:00.000-05:00

Before my blog gets Rusty-hacked....

I have wanted to try smitten kitchen's Gramercy Tavern's Gingerbread.
I don't know why.
I wasn't sure I liked gingerbread.
Perhaps it was a "Try it and you'll like it," type thing.
Maybe.
I tried it.
It was good!
I had about half of the cake left.
Freeze it?
Then I saw it in Family Circle Magazine--a recipe for Gingerbread Trifle.
Yes!
Okay, so I didn't follow the recipe, exactly.

Here's what I did....

1 box instant vanilla pudding (small box)
2 cups milk
4 oz whipped topping
2 cups whipping cream
2 tablespoons confectioners sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 Gramercy Tavern Gingerbread cake
gingersnaps, crumbled (they were handy, but next time I'd probably use molasses crisps)

Make pudding according to package directions.
Set aside.
Whip the whipping cream, confectioner's sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
Fold the whipping cream into the prepared pudding.
Cut the gingerbread cake into bite size pieces.
Layer the trifle:
1/3 cake
1/3 pudding mixture
1/3 whipped topping
1/3 crumbled cookie mixture
Continue until everything is in the trifle dish.
Enjoy!
The kids liked it the gingerbread much better this way instead of plain.

Off to find where that dancing Amy video is hiding.
It may come to a tragic end......
;)

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T19:45:00.000-05:00

I hope that everyone had a beautiful and merry Christmas!

There are many things that never got done this Christmas:
Cookie dough that never got baked,
Stockings that never got made,
Christmas cards that never got done,
And a blog that never got updated!

Instead....

I got a new camera--YIPPEE!!

A gingerbread house was constructed.

Then eaten by the dogs.
None of them are coping to it.
However, due to my extraordinary detective skills, I know that one of them did it.
OK--so we all left for church and when we got back it was gone!
It didn't take Monk to figure it out.
I would have liked to take paw prints......

Fun was had...

This is the way we skateboard!

Playing Just Dance Kids on wii
Hilarious.
You'll never see the video of me playing......
Side splitting hilariousness.

And love abounded.

my sister and me

even among gingerbread house eaters

It's a New Year.
A new day.
My prayer for you....

Happy New Year!

ps--don't throw that gingerbread away! Slide it in the fridge or freezer. I have a great recipe to use it up. Tomorrow on Monday Bites.....

Lovely

2011-12-20T22:21:00.000-05:00

I told you this was going to be my last prayer shawl.
But God had other plans.
How does that saying go?
"Man makes plans and God laughs."
Something like that....

When I got a call about a someone in the hospital with kidney failure I knew she needed a prayer shawl.
I even saw in my mind the yarn I wanted to use.
I rushed to the store first thing the next morning to get it.
To all the stores in town.
I couldn't find it anywhere.
Had I lost my mind?
I knew I had just seen it a couple of days before.
Hadn't I?
I thought it was a Lion Brand yarn.
They don't make that color yarn.
I called my mom and asked her if she had heard of the color.
She hadn't.
Okay, my mind was gone.
Looney tunes!
Momma said, "Listen to the Spirit. What do you see?"
I said, "Oh, this is lovely!"
Do I look like I say that regularly? I think NOT.
I picked it up and the color's name was "Lovely".
So that was it.
It became the next prayer shawl......

The pattern loosely comes from The Crocheted Prayer Shawl Companion with my own twist on an edging. I follow crochet patterns a little like I follow recipes. I pick and choose the parts I like! If you'd like the pattern, just let me know.

Overwhelmed

2011-12-14T21:33:00.000-05:00

I wanted to show the last prayer shawl I made.
I can't believe how beautiful it turned out.
Thank you Jesus.
It's off to it's intended recipient.
Whether or not she likes it I might never know.

Mercy, peace, and love be hers in abundance--Jude 1:2

I told Honey and Rusty that it was probably going to be the last one I'd make.
For a lot of reasons.
Too many to go into.
Tonight I got a call asking if it would be appropriate for one to go to a friend's mom whose kidneys are failing and may need to go on dialysis.
Absolutely.
I would say she needs a little tangible representation that God's arms are wrapped around her, wouldn't you?
So one more.......

Prayer Shawl Ministries

2011-12-13T22:17:00.000-05:00

Before I was invited to go on the retreat I really didn't know that much about what a Prayer Shawl Ministry was.
I thought it was a special shawl you wore while praying.
It is so much more than that!
These shawls can be worn anytime, anywhere.

They are steeped in prayer.
With each stitch a prayer is prayed for the shawl's recipient.
They are always given, never bought.
They can be given for any reason: celebrations, sickness, bereavement, love, friendship, comfort, baptism, weddings.....and the list goes on.
Hopefully the shawl will be as God's arms surrounding you, cradling you in His arms of love.

This shawl was made with these prayers:
Prayers for completion of God's promises to the recipient. (7 rows of double crochet)
Prayers for God's love and forgiveness. (3 rows of cross stitch)
Prayers for truth and royalty (purple color)
Prayers of "Spirit Song".

This shawl included prayers for blessings and courage: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."--Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

I added a charm that read "courage" as a reminder.

This shawl I made for a man who is undergoing chemo.
It is the same pattern as the purple one above.
This one I prayed for blessings, comfort, healing, peace, and completion.

This one was made with prayers for blessings, peace, healing, and comfort.

While praying and making all these shawls, I was drawn nearer to the heart of God. I am thankful that I was allowed the opportunity to make this shawls for their recipients. I hope that they will be as touched by them as I was in making them
If you want to read more about Prayer Shawl Ministries check out the website: Prayer Shawl Ministry. I'd also recommend the book Knitting into the Mystery--I haven't finished it yet, but so far it's wonderful!

Pancakes

2011-12-12T21:17:00.000-05:00

Saturday morning I was headed for the kitchen when I heard, "Mommy, don't come out here. We're going to bring you a surprise!!"
So I went back to my bedroom.
I did grab my crochet on my way back to my room.
Anna was fixing coffee.
After a few minutes she brought Rusty and I a cup of coffee.
Mmmmm.....
A little more than an hour passed.
I asked for a refill on my coffee.
It was lukewarm.
I was starting to get cranky and hungry.
I thought I might gnaw off my arm.
Finally, we called out, "What's going on?"
We're working on it.
For over an hour, really?
After what seemed like an eternity they brought in pancakes and another cup of lukewarm coffee.
They had tried to make waffles.
But they had forgotten how the waffle iron worked.
So they scraped the whole thing for pancakes.....
Hence the long wait for breakfast.
The kitchen was a HUGE mess, but they cleaned it up.
I figured out why the coffee was lukewarm.
Once the coffee finished brewing Anna turned the coffee pot off.
I finished the crochet I was working on, but that's for tomorrow.

Monday Bites

I make pancakes right from the box, shocking, isn't it?
I do. I cannot lie.
I top them off with a fried egg.
Yep, right on top.

Then I smother the whole stack in syrup.

What's your favorite way to eat pancakes?

Pears

2011-12-09T20:53:00.000-05:00

I happened to see a crocheted pear necklace on Speckless. She graciously offered the pattern to all! I of course had to crochet it in crochet thread and make earrings....

How cute are they?
They are sooo cute!
I'm hoping to put them in my shop this weekend.
If you would like more info on them before they go up in the store email me.

I was thinking we could do Prayer Shawls on Wednesday~what do you think?
Sound good?

Treasures

2011-12-08T19:09:00.000-05:00

I got some beautiful treasures during the retreat.
Some local artisans came and brought their wares.
My favorite was Back Creek Clay.
She had the most gorgeous buttons, crochet hooks, and yarn bowls.
I fell in love with this yarn bowl.
It called to me...

click for larger photo

A pink yarn bowl.
Can you get more fitting for a girl in Pink Hi-Tops?
You can see why I had to have it!

It keeps your yarn ball from rolling all over the table or floor.
It makes me happy just looking at it!
All the buttons were amazing.
It was really difficult to choose.
I started with these.

I went back and got this one to go on a sweater/shrug I'm crocheting for Anna.

The details are really amazing.
She also had some bear and sheep buttons--cute.
I wish I could have brought them all home with me.

Then when I was unpacking all my treasures, I noticed the business card that came with the wonderful pottery.
*gasp*
They're on etsy!!
Sweet!
Check them out on etsy at Back Creek Clay.

Tomorrow we'll be seeing pairs of pears.
Yes, I crack myself up.
But I couldn't help myself!

Retreat

2011-12-07T21:39:00.000-05:00

This past weekend I went on a retreat at the Hinton Rural Life Center in Hayesville, NC.

A beautiful place.

Peaceful.

The mountains looked so purple, unfortunately my half working camera couldn't capture it's beauty!

I was on a Prayer Shawl Ministry retreat.

Hence the prayer shawl from before.

You might be hearing lots about prayer shawls from now on.

Wouldn't that be cool?

Besides prayer shawls we also did prayer squares.

Prayer squares for soldiers or for others whom a shawl wouldn't be suitable for.

This was my first one.

They're so cool.

I have already made a few more.

Tomorrow I want to show what I got at the Marketplace while I was there!

It's so "Amy"!!

Until tomorrow,

Popcorn

2011-12-05T20:56:00.000-05:00

Hope that you had a great weekend!
Now it's time for Monday Bites.

Popcorn.

Wonderful popcorn.
Movie theater popcorn!
Yes, this tastes just like movie theater popcorn.
Yummmmmm!

Here's what you'll need:
popcorn kernels
coconut oil
pot with a lid
whatever seasonings you want

For a medium sized pot I use approximately:
3 Tablespoons coconut oil
1/3 cup popcorn
I make sure the oil and the popcorn cover the bottom of the pot.

Put the lid on the pot.
Cook on high heat.
Once it starts to sizzle and pop shake the pot back and forth (keep it on the burner).
When the popping sounds stops take off the burner.
Pour into a bowl.

Add seasonings.
I only add salt, but feel free to add whatever your heart desires.

Christmas Parade

2011-12-01T21:47:00.000-05:00

Today was the city's Christmas parade.

So we bundled up and headed downtown.

Caleb marched in the parade with JROTC.
The pictures didn't turn out so well.
I've been having a little camera trouble.
I'm sure it has nothing to do with the fact that I *gasp* dropped it!
*gasp* *gasp*

Tomorrow I'm off to the Blue Ridge Mountains on a retreat.
YEAH!!

Have a great weekend!
I'll talk to you on Monday.

Paper Bags

2011-11-30T20:49:00.000-05:00

We started reading aloud The Paper Bag Christmas Monday. (You may remember that I read it earlier this year.) It's a wonderful story about a boy who experiences a "real" Christmas--a Christmas that ".....becomes part of you, an ideal, and a desire to put the happiness of others ahead of your own. It becomes, in short, a paper bag."(viii)

A paper bag equals Christmas?

Yesterday I heard about the book An Invisible Thread on the radio. I haven't read it, but it's on my list of books to check out from the library.

It's the story about a busy NYC executive who almost unwittingly befriends an eleven year old panhandler. One of the stories from the book revolves around a paper bag. When the busy exec tells the boy she will make him lunch to take to school he asks her to put it in a paper bag. She asked why it had to be in a paper bag. He answered that whenever he saw the other kids at school with their paper bag lunches it meant that someone loved them.

A paper bag equals love?

A paper bag.
Not what you'd expect Christmas to come in.
A paper bag.
Not what you'd expect love to come in.

A stable.
Not where you'd expect the King of Kings to be born.
A manger.
Not where you'd expect the Lord of Lords to sleep.

May your days be filled with paper bag moments.
Unexpectedness in the little things.

Wreathing

2011-11-29T19:51:00.007-05:00

It's time for another wreath!
I really wanted to hang one on each window.
I love that.
But of course I'm too cheap to buy them.
How about a $.49 wreath?
Works for me!

How did I do it?

Pipe insulation.
That's right, pipe insulation.
And some duct tape.
Some branches too.
Let the fun begin.

At first I thought I would need a wire clothes hanger to slip inside the insulation.
You don't.
Cut the insulation piece in half.
You now have two wreath forms!!

I soaked the foam insulation in some water. As if I were using floral foam. I put the brick on it to keep it emersed in the water.

Duck tape the two ends together.

Ta-da wreath form!
Take some branches--I used the leftovers from the Christmas tree and some holly branches from the neighbor's yard--and stick them into the foam form.

It turned out really well.

I haven't had a chance to hang it on the windows yet--the rains came.
So for now it hangs on the door....

Looks good there too!
I still have a few more to make for the rest of the windows.....
Just have to wait for the rains to leave.

linking up with
Not JUST a Housewife

Leftovers and a Coupon

2011-11-28T08:35:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone had an outstanding Thanksgiving.
We did.
We even got our Christmas tree up and decorated.
I just have to get out the rest of the Christmas decorations.
That is all for another day....
Today is Monday Bites!!

I'm still have a bunch of leftovers in the fridge from Thanksgiving.
How about you?
Here's one way to use up that leftover turkey and dressing (or stuffing).
The greatest part -- no one will know that it's made from a bunch of leftovers!

Turkey Quiche
2.5 to 3 cups leftover stuffing or 1 pkg. stuffing mix
1 cup chopped turkey
1 cup grated cheese--monteray jack, swiss, or mozzarella
4 beaten eggs
1 (5.5 oz can) evaporated milk
1/8 tsp. pepper
Press leftover stuffing into 9" pie plate or quiche dish to form crust. Bake at 400 for 10 minutes. In a bowl combine meat and cheese. In another bowl, beat the eggs, milk, and pepper. Sprinkle meat and cheese on baked crust. Pour egg mixture over the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes at 350 until set. Let stand for 10 minutes. Enjoy!

Get FREE SHIPPING at my etsy shop with this coupon code.....
Coupon code: PINKLOVE
During checkout type in the coupon code: PINKLOVE and shipping will be FREE!!

Happy Monday!

Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T15:37:00.002-05:00

Blessings,

Zip

2011-11-21T21:45:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Monday Bites!

Today I wanted to share with you our very favorite way to eat cornbread.
We like it best as dessert!

Yes, after the butter has melted and your dinner is finished pour some syrup over the top....and YUM!!
While doing research for a history class in college I found that 1930'a cadets at the Citadel ate this often. They called it Zip. We never called it zip growing up just delicious!!

Finally Wrapped

2011-11-16T21:46:00.000-05:00

Saturday night I was wrapped up in finishing something.

I just had to have it finished by Sunday morning for church.
It took awhile, but I finished it!
The pictures were taken at night so they're pretty bad.....
The above picture is most indicative of the true color.
The following photography is simply awful.

It's a prayer shawl!
A Spirit inspired prayer shawl.

This prayer shawl reminded me of this song:

News Break 2

2011-11-15T21:07:00.000-05:00

We interrupt our promised wrap post for a story about teens doing good......
Almost daily we hear about bullies and kid violence.
So just a little story about a group of high school kids trying to help out a classmate.

Plus, Caleb is in it. If you look closely you'll see his back....He's the blonde kid in the green JROTC shirt towards the end. The kids have been working hard. During October Caleb would be at school an hour early to help with Hat Day--which is a miracle since he barely gets out of bed to get to school at the regular time. They even went with Camry to the Cancer Center for one of her chemo treatments.

Unless something else comes up, tomorrow we'll find out what this is.

Because enquiring minds want to know.

Thanks and Grandma's Recipe

2011-11-14T21:04:00.000-05:00

Thanks for everyone who participated in the Christmas apron giveaway.
Thanks to my friends who posted it on their blogs ~ you guys ROCK!
Thanks to Roo for doing the Winner post for me.
The apron is on it's way to Myrna! Enjoy!

We'll have to wait to find out what I was wrapped up in tomorrow.

Because today is Monday Bites!!

Today's recipe comes from the Italian side of the family--Rus'!
We call it Grandma's Lasagna.
It's not your regular lasagna.
No.
One time my sister-in-law's husband questioned my mother-in-law about the authenticity of her lasagna. Either he was very brave or very stupid.
I won't tell you which I think......
She explained it to him like this: this is the lasagna from the region in Italy where her family comes from.
I'm not going to argue.
I love it way too much!

Grandma's Lasagna
2 jars of spaghetti sauce (sometimes I only use one and half it with vegetable juice or tomato juice)
1 large container Ricotta (16 oz)
1 box medium shell pasta
5 eggs

Best mixed up the night before.

Cook the pasta.

Mix the ricotta and eggs together.

Layer the sauce, shells, and ricotta mixture.

I like to start with a layer of sauce....

and finish with sauce.

Cover with foil and cook at 350° for 45 minutes. Uncover and cook 15 minutes more.

Sometimes she serves it with Italian sausage in spaghetti sauce on the side. I've even had it with meatballs in sauce on the side. Me, I just serve it like this.
Enjoy!

Winner

2011-11-12T21:53:00.000-05:00

Hi, everyone its Roo/andrew

doing blog for mom this time she is wrapped up in something

shhhhh! its a secret!

I was the official name picker

and the winner is Myrna!!!!!!!!!

mom will get with you for the apron congratulations!!!!!!!!!

ROO

Armoire Again

2011-11-11T21:27:00.002-05:00

It started out looking like this.

As you can see, it doesn't have any drawers.

I really wanted it to have drawers.

Enter this mess:

so these are the drawers from after....I forgot to get a before, before picture

I wondered if the drawers would fit into the armoire.

Nope.

This part wasn't wide enough!

Drats!

However, if I took about 3/4" off each side of the opening, the drawers would fit.

Hypothetically.

So I grabbed the saw.

Drew some lines and hacked at it.

It worked!!

Now I wanted to give it a really weathered look.

So I grabbed some steel wool (the real stuff, not the dollar store kind) and apple cider vinegar.

You put the steel wool in a glass jar and cover it with vinegar.

I let it sit a few hours because I couldn't wait any longer!

The longer you wait the darker it will be.

When applied to wood this little concoction gives wood a grayed, weathered appearance.

You should use it on non-stained wood.

I didn't want to strip the piece all the way down.

Will it work if I just give it a good sanding?

Yes!
I just applied the vinegar solution to it.
It looks really great!

I think so at least.

Nice and distressed and weathered, just like me!

Coming soon:

I wonder what is up with this?

Can't wait to find out!

Linking up to: Metamorphosis Monday

Giveaway closed...
You have until Midnight to sign up for my giveaway

and then one of the official random name pickers (one of the kids) will draw a name!

Armoire

2011-11-10T21:23:00.000-05:00

When we got the "new" tv the entertainment armoire went into the shed.

I decided to bring it out into the light.

And I set it up on the back patio to hold all my paint.

That's a lot of paint!

But I bored of that quickly--less than a week.

I have been looking for something to use as a buffet of sorts in the dining room.

Tried to get some free ones from craigs list--always too late!

That's really why I ran into the thrift store the other day.

So I took the saw to it......

I didn't get it finished today because it rained and it was still outside....

Hopefully tomorrow I will be finished!

Perhaps I will redeem myself from the last time I used a power saw.

I'm very excited!!

Light

2011-11-09T21:26:00.000-05:00

It all started with a trip to the library.
That turned into a little detour to the thrift store.
First I found this little candlestick.

It was covered with wax, but it reminded me of the one my mom used to pull out at Christmas.
It was $.49.
I could swing that.
I looked around some more and found this vintage sheet and pillowcase.

Sweet!
Then I saw this blazer for $.99!

So I put the sheets and candlestick on the floor and slipped it on.

I turned around because I thought the mirror was behind me.

A gentleman said, "It looks nice on you ma'am."

"Thank you," I replied.

The mirror was on the other side of the wall so I walked over to it.

The jacket fit great. Yeah!!

The lady that was with the gentleman (I assumed she was his wife) turned to me and said, "It's so good to see you today!"

I'm sure my eyes got wide as I said hesitantly, "Thank you."

I have never seen this lady before in my life!

"You know," she continued, "I know something else about you..... You love Jesus!"

"Yes! Yes I do!" I exclaimed.

"I do too! You know He said we would recognize each other," she said.

"Yes, He did. Thank you so much. You just made my day!" I said. And then I hugged her.

I got some more things at the thrift store, but running into that stranger was the best thing I got!

When I got back into the van this song was playing: You Put the Light in Me by Brandon Heath

"Thank you Jesus that I have Your light in me!"

Tomorrow I'll show you what I did what I with the power saw. Let's hope it turned out better than last time......

News Break

2011-11-08T22:10:00.001-05:00

We interrupt our regularly scheduled program to bring you.....

Roving reporter Caleb!

Caleb and another teenager from church did this little "impromptu" skit Sunday in the middle of the church council meeting. It was hilarious!

I wish the pictures would have turned out better. But I was laughing so hard I couldn't keep the camera steady! You get the idea.

I made the camera.

We wanted something big like a real tv camera.

You know you want to make one.

Start with a chip box, a toilet paper tube, some duct tape, spray paint, and a yogurt container (Nostimo yogurt has a great shape.)

Ta-da! All done! Then I added channel identification.........(which I can't find a picture of).....

Stay tuned for tomorrow. I have a great story to share with you!

Don't forget to sign up for my giveaway

Sweet Bites

2011-11-07T21:22:00.002-05:00

These are my go-to chocolate chip cookie recipe.
Delicious!
Grab yourself a glass of milk or cup of coffee and hang on!

White Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies
original recipe found at Joy the Baker
2 1/4 cup white whole wheat flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup shortening
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375°. Cream the shortening and sugars. Add the flour, salt, baking soda, vanilla, and eggs. Mix. Finally add the chocolate chips. Refrigerate dough for at least an hour. Roll into balls and put on cookie sheet.

Bake for 8-10 minutes. Cool on rack (if you can wait that long)!

We love these. Even Caleb who won't eat anything "whole wheat" loves these. I like to double the recipe and freeze half the cookie balls for future baking. Delightful!

Enjoy!

Don't forget to sign up for my giveaway

Christmas Aprons

2011-11-06T23:55:00.010-05:00

Remember this?

It is an apron.
There are actually 2 aprons.
This one I'm giving away.

It would make a great Christmas present.

Or a hostess present.

Or a present for yourself.

This one will be going into my shop here.

To enter the giveaway, just leave a comment here. I'll have one of my certified name pickers (aka one of the kids) draw a name on Friday! Thanks for stopping by and entering my giveaway!

linking up with:

Today's Creative Blog

Treat

2011-11-06T21:38:00.000-05:00

Look what Anna and I got in the mail!

A vintage Holly Hobbie tea pot!

The day after I posted about finding the Holly Hobbie sheet my friend Mildred, found this at GW and sent it to Anna and me. So sweet! Anna asked, "Mom, do you have any Holly Hobbie cups?" Of course not, but I do have my great-grandmother's china that matches the tea pot perfectly!

Anna gives it a big smile and a thumbs up!

Thank you so very much Mildred! We are loving it!

Sneak Peek

2011-11-04T22:08:00.000-04:00

I am working on a little project.
Haven't finished it yet.
But here's a little peek.

Yes, it's something Christmasy!

Cracked

2011-11-03T21:10:00.000-04:00

That's me--cracked!
But you already knew that.

Someone gave me one of those "back of the door" mirrors.
I was going to put it into Anna's room.
Then it fell out of the frame and cracked.

Fine.
No worries.
I'd cut it into pieces to use for ..... just about anything!
Woo-hoo!

I began to cut with my handy dandy glass/mirror cutter.

More cracking.....
Not good.

Definitely not good. You can see where I cut it and where it broke.
I tried and tried until the whole thing was just too cracked up.
Followed the directions.
Ended up throwing the whole thing out.
But ready to try again!
I do have another small mirror that would be an excellent candidate for size reduction......

Found

2011-11-02T21:06:00.000-04:00

I resolved to do a post every weekday in November.
Oops--already messed that up!
Back on track.

I stopped by the thrift store today.
Just to see.
You never know when you're going to find something.

I nearly squealed in delight!
A vintage Holly Hobby sheet!
I almost didn't get it.....
But I couldn't resist.

My momma made this for me when I was little.
It hangs in Anna's room.

Best Stroganoff Ever

2011-10-31T21:01:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Monday Bites!
No jar recipes today.
Instead, a wonderfully easy stroganoff recipe.
This recipe has been in my family for years.
My mom, my grandmother, and I all fix it.
Wonderful and easy!

Stroganoff
1/2 cup minced onion (I don't really measure, I usually use a whole onion.)
1.5 pound hamburger (I use 1 pound.)
1 glove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons flour
1.5 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp paprika
1 can mushroom pieces, drained
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
egg noodles

In a large skillet, brown hamburger and onions. Drain grease, leaving about 2 tablespoons. Stir in the garlic, flour, salt pepper, paprika, and mushrooms. Saute 5 minutes.

Add the cream of mushroom soup; simmer, uncovered 10 minutes. Stir in sour cream. Turn heat to low and cook until heated through or ready to serve.

Serve over egg noodles.

Crocheted Stuff

2011-10-29T18:38:00.008-04:00

After exhausting I've been busy....

A crocheted necklace inspired by Isaiah 61:3:

"....to bestow on them a crown of beauty

   instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
   instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
   instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
   a planting of the LORD
   for the display of his splendor." (NIV)

I crocheted this bangle bracelet.....

...with gold colored wire and glass beads.
I crocheted another wire bracelet with glass beads, but this one has a toggle clasp.

This darling little apron is made from the back of the oxford shirt with a granny square edging.

I'm working on getting a better picture....
All of those will appear in my little shop.
I made this for a present. It was crocheted with wire and beads. A stamped washer pendant was added.

linking up with:

Exhausting

2011-10-26T21:37:00.000-04:00

We had to replace the bathroom exhaust fans.

The old ones were...well, old.

They sounded as if they might fall out of the ceiling at any moment.

And they didn't work worth a hoot.

Replacement sounded easy enough.

Except the original ones were not vented properly.

They just blew all the condensation up into the attic.

More work was required.

*sigh*

Rusty and Dave venting the fans out the gable end of the house.

Attic access was a tight squeeze.

Finally Rusty borrowed somebody's bike helmet so he wouldn't hit his head on the roofing nails.

It took all day and into the night.

So we celebrated/relaxed with a campfire and s'mores!

And now I have to finish repainting the bathroom......

Monday Bites

2011-10-24T21:36:00.002-04:00

I love pie.
I really love pie.
When I was 2 or 3 I batted my eyelashes and my dad made me 3 apple pies--so the story goes.
My mom used to make one pie just for me on my birthday.
She'd make another pie to share with everyone else.
At Thanksgiving we usually have 5-6 pies.
We may need to consider getting some help.
Pie therapy?
Sounds yummy!

Pumpkin pie is the most requested pie around here.
Spring, summer, winter, or fall--all they want is pumpkin pie!
Bizarre, I know.
What can I say?
We have pie issues.
I made some pumpkin pies in a jar!!
Yes, I did!
They were good.

I used the same canning jars I used for the pot pies.

Pumpkin Pie in a Jar

1 pie crust
1 1/4 cup canned pumpkin
2 eggs
1/4 c + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/4 c + 2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1 c + 2 tablespoons evaporated milk
1/4 tsp. ground ginger

Line 6 - 1/2 pint canning jars with your favorite pie crust. You can even use refrigerated pie crust.
Combine eggs, sugar, salt, and spices. Beat well. Add milk. Beat well. Add pumpkin. Beat well. Divide evenly between the crust lined jars. Bake at 450° for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 350° and bake for 20 -40 minutes. Pie is done when knife inserted into the middle comes out clean. I forgot to write down exactly how long it took them....

When cool top with whipped topping.

Enjoy!
Those who couldn't finish theirs just put the jar lid on and slid it into the fridge and ate the rest for breakfast the next morning! Pumpkin is a vegetable, isn't it??

Movie

2011-10-20T12:20:00.001-04:00

We don't go to the movies.
Usually we wait until it comes out on video.
But I really want to see this movie.
I read about it some time ago.
It intrigued me.
After seeing the trailer, I want to see it even more.

It is playing in "select" cities.
I don't know if they'll be showing it in my city or if I'll have to take a trip to a "select" city.

Wednesday

2011-10-19T20:55:00.000-04:00

This will be our grand finale for Perfect Strangers Wednesday.
Have some new ideas.
Thanks for all who participated.

I Refuse
Songwriters: Benjamin Glover;Joshua David Wilson

Sometimes I
I just want to close my eyes
And act like everyone's alright
When I know they're not

This world needs God
But it's easier to stand and watch
I could say a prayer and just move on
Like nothing's wrong

But I refuse
'Cause I don't want to live like I don't care
I don't want to say another empty prayer
Oh, I refuse

To sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself
Oh, I could choose
Not to move but I refuse

I can hear the least of these
Crying out so desperately
And I know we are the hands and feet
Of You, oh God

So, if You say move
It's time for me to follow through
And do what I was made to do
Show them who You are

'Cause I don't want to live like I don't care
I don't want to say another empty prayer
Oh, I refuse

To sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself
Oh, I could choose
Not to move but I refuse

To stand and watch the weary and lost
Cry out for help
I refuse to turn my back
And try and act like all is well

I refuse to stay unchanged
To wait another day, to die to myself
I refuse to make one more excuse

'Cause I don't want to live like I don't care
I don't want to say another empty prayer
Oh, I refuse

To sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself
Oh, I could choose
Not to move but I refuse

I refuse
I refuse

Monday Bites

2011-10-17T21:43:00.000-04:00

I love pot pies.
Sound weird?
Remember I do eat chicken nuggets....I think I have some more in the freezer.....
I digress.
Pot pies.
Not just any pot pies.
Individual pot pies.
Individual pot pies in jars!!

Yummy!

Chicken Pot Pies
2 Pie Crusts --use your favorite recipe or the refrigerated kind.
2 - 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
bag of frozen mixed vegetables
onion
butter
4 - 5 potatoes, diced
2 cans cream of chicken (or mushroom) soup
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 pint wide mouth canning jars

I like to buy a rotisserie chicken, shred it, and divide it into thirds. Pre-cooked chicken for any recipe! So easy.

I made 6 double crusted 1/2 pint jar pot pies and 6 with only a top crust! I froze half of them for later.

Preheat oven to 400°.

Line the bottom of the jars with pie crust.

Boil the potatoes until tender, drain. Saute the onion in some butter. In a bowl combine the cream of chicken soup, chicken, vegetables, onions, and potatoes.

Divide the filling between the jars. Make sure to leave room for the top--especially if you plan to put the top of the jar on and freeze it. In fact, I made all these one day and put them all in the freezer until I was too tired to cook dinner!

I find it easiest to fold the bottom crust over the top one....Maybe not the prettiest, but it works. Don't forget steam vents!

Put them all on a tray and bake for 45 minutes.

From a frozen state: I usually start them in a cold oven, just for safety sake and add a few minutes to cooking time.

Delicious!

Happy Monday!

The Rest of the Story

2011-10-13T20:41:00.000-04:00

Click here if you missed the beginning.

A Story | Tears of Hope from Adam Kring on Vimeo.

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

God is still God.
God is still good.
To God be the glory.

To God be the Glory

2011-10-12T21:31:00.000-04:00

I wanted to share this video with you.
It reminds me of one of Anna's favorite songs.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:4-9 NIV

God is still God. And God is still good. To God be the glory.

Monday Bites

2011-10-10T21:50:00.003-04:00

I have a bad habit.
I like to look through magazines at the store, but don't buy them.
If I see a hint that I like I memorize it.
Or write it down.
And then forget where I saw it.....
Shame on me.
That's what happened with these.
I saw these baked taco bowls!
Loved it.
Remembered it.
Just forgot where I saw it.
Shame on me.

They're so delicious.
And so simple.
I think you'll like them.
They would be excellent for a party.
Everyone will think you're a genius!
Just smile and say, "Thank you!"
Knowing that you are.

You'll need
flour or corn tortillas--I use the 6" size.
cooking spray
muffin pan
If using corn tortillas be sure to heat them a bit to make them pliable. I don't usually do it with the flour tortillas....
Heat oven to 425°F.
Spray both sides of tortillas with cooking spray.
Fit tortillas into shape between the upside down muffin cups. Yes, upside down
Make sure the bottom is flat.

Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until brown and crispy.

The smaller one is a corn tortilla bowl.

As you can imagine, I have to do a few batches! I just stack them all up until time to fill!

Fill them up with whatever you want! We have filled ours with spanish rice, rotisserie chicken, lettuce, tomato, cheese, sour cream, and salsa--your favorite taco filling. I've filled them with salad. Use your imagination. Right now I'm thinking they would be delicious cooked, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, and filled with ice cream......I'll have to get back to you on that!

Sunday

2011-10-09T22:51:00.000-04:00

It is getting cooler here in the evenings.

So we light up the fire pit.

Roast some very old, squishy marshmallows.

As I watch the flames dance, I think of Isaiah 43:2:

"When you pass through the waters,
   I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
   they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
   you will not be burned;
   the flames will not set you ablaze."

Because there are rivers and floods and fires in this life.

Sometimes they come all at once.

But I know...

He is with us.

He will never let us go.

Never, ever.

Ever.

Blessings,

linking up with:

Shirt and Tie

2011-10-08T22:21:00.009-04:00

My new apron line--Shirt and Ties!
They are made from the sleeves of shirts.
The ties are neckties!
I love them.
I think you will too!

The Blues Oxford with Vintage Tie:

The White Oxford with silk tie:

I got Roo to take pictures of the last one for me.
He was more interested in something else:

I don't even know how many pictures this little guy were on my camera~

The pictures of the apron--not nearly as good!

Finally Hubby came home and snapped a few pics for me.

Still need some good ones for the shop.

So look for this one to be listed tomorrow or Monday!

That's just a little preview.
I have a couple more to finish!

edited: got some good pictures over at my etsy shop!

Hope you're having a wonderful weekend!

linking up with

News

2011-10-06T21:32:00.001-04:00

I have some etsy shop news!Shocked?

I'm a little shocked myself.
Here's a little preview:

An upcycled tote made from 2 placemats.Ema was so sweet to sit in the picture for me! A beautiful crocheted necklace:
Earrings that pair with it:

Click on any photo to take you to it's etsy listing.Tomorrow I'll show you my new apron line. I'm so excited about it. I just have to finish one more....Better get busy!

linking up with

Wednesday

2011-10-05T22:06:00.000-04:00

Welcome back to A Perfect Stranger Wednesday.

A story about being blessed by a stranger as it was told to me.

First, a little background info...
Here in the south we take our college football very seriously. I mean VERY seriously. I live less than 6 miles from the seventh largest collegiate field in the nation. Over 92,000 people descend upon the stadium any given Saturday during football season. Can you imagine being a policeman having to deal with all the people? I don't even want to think about traffic--92,000 people trying to leave the same place at the same time.

Craziness.

One particularly hot game day a policeman was at his traffic post directing traffic. Some wanted to go against the flow of traffic. They cursed the policeman for not allowing them go the way they wanted. He was used to that. There are always people who think they are above the rules. Then a car passed with blessings and not curses. They handed a bottle of Gatorade to the parched policeman. A cold drink on a hot day.....

Another cold drink blessing from a stranger.

Thank you.

Monday Bites

2011-10-03T19:44:00.005-04:00

Did you know.....

Christmas Countdown

Today's Monday Bites are pound cakes in a jar!

They make terrific gifts..... I'm thinking ahead.

First, use your favorite pound cake recipe. I prefer pound cake because it doesn't need frosting.

You need to use wide mouth canning jars. Yes, you can bake in them! You can use any combination of sizes. I made 4 pint size jars, 5 half pint jars, and one 4 oz jar. I could have made them all the same size, but what fun would that have been? Just make sure you fill the jars only half full. If you don't, this happens....

Which is okay, but....... Rusty saw them and exclaimed, "Twinkies!"

We had to eat all the "twinkie"ones and try again. Ah, drats! It's a tough job, but we stuck with it.

When it's done right....

They turn out beautifully. Turn them out of the jars to cool. Wash and dry the jars. Pop the cooled cakes back into the jars.

I tied a ribbon around it and made a little tag that said, "Helps relieve the crankies". Then I took it to a friend who had surgery. (Forgot to get a picture of that.)

I love these. I can make a whole bunch of them. One is just right to say, "I'm thinking of you. I love you. God loves you." They are "pre-packaged".

The rest are in the freezer, waiting until its their turn to put a smile on someone's face.

The hardest part is NOT eating them!! Some have fallen victim to the midnight munchies. I had to make sure they were still good after being frozen....Yes, they freeze beautifully!

I guess I'll just have to make more. I thought I had finished all my Christmas presents......Oh well, I still have a few days to work on it.

Blessings,

linking up with

2011-10-01T20:59:00.000-04:00

Look at what a friend of mine gave me for my birthday!

Isn't it just gorgeous?

I thought so too!

Yes, it's made from an old spigot handle.

She also made me a little by my chair pin cushion.

Which I immediately put to good use!

I am forever dropping pins--on the floor, on the couch, and on the chair.

I like living dangerously!

Happy Day!

His Eyes

2011-09-28T22:09:00.000-04:00

It's A Perfect Stranger Wednesday!
Welcome back!

My prayer for us this week comes from
"Give Me Your Eyes" by Brandon Heath.
Give me Your eyes for just one second
Give me Your eyes so I can see
Everything I keep missing
Give me Your love for humanity
Give me Your arms for the brokenhearted
Ones that are far beyond my reach.
Give me Your heart for the ones forgotten
Give me Your eyes so I can see

Love for humanity...
That's what A Perfect Stranger Wednesday is all about.

I got an email about a ladies Bible Study, fueled by one woman, who has this love for humanity.
They have been making warm items for the homeless in their area.
They made plarn sleeping mats (plarn is made from strips of plastic bags).
They have made no sew fleece blankets,

crocheted scarves,

crocheted hand warmers and ear warmers (sorry no picture).

It reminds me of Matthew 25:35-40 where Jesus said,

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’" (New International Version)

Link up your A Perfect Stranger Stories!

How have you loved humanity?

Have you been A Perfect Stranger?

Or has A Perfect Stranger been there for you?

Grab the button and link your stories!

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"Forget not to show love unto strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." 




--Hebrews 13:2 ASV

Monday Bites

2011-09-26T21:03:00.000-04:00

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
I don't like to get up and fix breakfast.
I know, not a very good mommy.
What can I say?
It's the truth.

I've found a really awesome way to have breakfast my way.
And I'm lovin' it.
It's all homemade.
Just not at the crack of dawn.

Better than Mickey D's Egg McMuffins....

I started out with some homemade English Muffins.
Lovely.
Easy.

English Muffins
from foodnetwork.com
1/2 cup non-fat powdered milk
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tablespoon shortening
1 cup hot water
1 envelope (2 1/4 tsp) dry yeast
1/8 tsp sugar
2 cups all purpose flour
non-stick spray
electric griddle, 3" metal rings (I used a wide mouth jar ring)

Combine the powdered milk, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1/4 tsp salt, shortening, and hot water; stir until sugar and salt are dissolved. Let cool. In another bowl combine the yeast and 1/8 tsp of sugar in 1/3 cup warm water and rest until yeast has dissolved. Add this to the dry milk mixture. Add the sifted flour and beat thoroughly with wooden spoon.

Cover the bowl and let it rest in a warm spot for 45-60 minutes (the longer it sets, the more nooks and crannies!).

Preheat electric griddle (I used my electric skillet -- you will need a lid) to 300° F. Spray lightly with nonstick spray.
Add the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt to the mixture and beat thoroughly. Coat the metal rings with nonstick spray and place on griddle.

Using an ice cream scoop place 1-2 scoops of batter into each ring.

Cover with lid and cook for 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the lid and and flip rings using tongs.

Cover and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes. Place to cooling rack and remove rings.

Cool. Split with fork.

Happy Dance! Look at those nooks and crannies!!

You can use regular store bought english muffins. But think of the fun you'll have making your own! I had so much fun making them. Ok, so maybe I don't get out much.....

Fry some eggs in the same rings you made the english muffins. A little salt and pepper.

Let them cool.
Toast the english muffins and buttered them.
Pile some grated cheese on the bottoms.

Place the egg on top of the cheese.

Put the top on.

You can eat them now!! But I was going for a breakfast on the go....so I stuck the whole tray in the freezer for an hour or two.

Take them from the freezer and wrap in wax paper. Put them in a freezer bag. Put them back into the freezer.

Pull one out in the morning and pop it in the microwave for about a minute.

"Breakfast is ready!!" And you're a genius--at least everyone here thinks so. Next time I might add bacon or sausage. Oh YEAH!! Now I'm a great mommy!

Blessings,

Sunday Thoughts

2011-09-25T20:16:00.000-04:00

Aren't you so glad God is faithful to His promises?

No matter what heartache or trial we are now experiencing we can know that joy will come!

Have a blessed week!

linking up with

A Day Late

2011-09-22T16:04:00.000-04:00

And a dollar short.

A few fries short of a Happy Meal.

A few cards short of a deck.

A couple of bricks shy of a load.....

Without further ado--

Welcome to A Perfect Stranger Wednesday!!

Today I'd like to highlight a story from Maple Lane.
In February she asked readers to pray for a friend of hers nephew.
He was about to have brain surgery.
The doctors remove a mass of blood vessels near his trigeminal nerve.
To read more of the story click here.

"Forget not to show love unto strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."

--Hebrews 13:2 ASV

Please link up your stories now.

Don't forget to grab the button.
Thanks!!

Yesterday

2011-09-20T21:27:00.004-04:00

Yesterday was my birthday!!
I was queen for the day.
I tell the kids I'm the queen everyday....
It was a wonderful day.
Look at what my momma made me.
Two afghans....

One with a matching bag.

And a scarf!!

I got some really pretty roses!
A rice cooker -- we eat LOTS of rice around here!
And a new bundt pan. I REALLY needed one.

My old bundt pan.

Saturday I made a pound cake to take to church on Sunday.
After I turned the cake out of the pan I set the empty pan on the stove.
Anna decided to make tea.
The next thing I know I hear Caleb saying, "What have you caught on fire?"
I ran out to find the kitchen filled with smoke.
Caleb was grabbing the pan and putting it in the sink.
He saved us! :)
But couldn't save the pan. :(

I am very blessed!

Bad Me

2011-09-19T08:34:00.000-04:00

In today's Monday Bites I am stretching it--the truth that is.

Bad me.

But sometimes a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.

I grew up eating chicken livers.

I like 'em.

Weird, I know.

I don't usually fix them.

I am bemoaning the price of meat and wondering if we should become vegetarians when I see a tub of chicken livers for $.39!

Cheap Meat!!

Happy Dance!

This will be good.

(Insert evil laugh here)

I will have some resistance from the kids.

They will freak out when they hear "LIVERS".

I know.
I know.
I'll find a way.

Fixing chicken livers like my mom, her mom before her, and probably her mom before her, is so easy.

It's like fixing chicken nuggets!

That's it!

Chicken Nuggets with Gravy.
That is what we're having for dinner.
Oh yeah!
A stroke of genius.

As it happens, one of the kid's pickiest friends is coming for dinner.

This kid doesn't eat anything.

He doesn't eat hamburgers, hotdogs, or even pizza.

We'll see if he likes "Chicken Nuggets with Gravy".
GULP!

Chicken Nuggets with Gravy:

flour

salt and pepper

oil for frying

tub of chicken livers

Cover the bottom of your pan with oil. I use bacon grease--'cause I'm a good southern girl and 'cause it's how it's been done in my family for EVER!

Dredge your chicken ~~livers~~ nuggets in flour seasoned with salt and pepper.

Fry those nuggets in the oil. Drain on paper towels. When the kids asked what's for dinner tell them "Chicken Nuggets". They look like chicken nuggets after they're fried. The kids say, "Yeah!!! Chicken nuggets!" I am the best mom ever! We'll see how long that lasts.

Make some gravy. Pour the flour for dredging into the pan. Stir with leftover oil. Add water, a little at a time, until desired consistency. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Throw the nuggets in the gravy and serve over rice.

How bad am I?

The really picky kid ate them!

Dave is the only one who thought I was trying to kill him.

Do you really know what's in those nuggets you get at Mickey D's anyway?

I'm just saying.....

Sunday Thoughts

2011-09-18T16:59:00.001-04:00

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.

The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.

The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore. --Psalm 121

Blessings,

linking up with

Perfect Stranger Wednesday

2011-09-14T21:54:00.000-04:00

Welcome back to Perfect Stranger Wednesday!

Have you seen the story about the bystanders who lifted a burning car off a motorcyclist?
The news story is here. You can see the video here. A truly Perfect Stranger story! Everyday people doing the extraordinary. If you haven't heard about it, it's really quite amazing-- In Utah a BMW and a motorcycle had a collision. The motorcyclist was stuck under the BMW. The collision was on fire. A group of bystanders lifted up the BMW while someone pulled the motorcyclist out from underneath the burning wreakage.

Link up your stories about the ordinary becoming extraordinary. Maybe it's just a cup of water offered by a stranger. A story of kindness by a stranger.....Don't forget to grab the button!

Monday Bites

2011-09-13T20:49:00.000-04:00

Ok, so it's Tuesday.
I know, I know.
What is it they say about the best laid plans of mice and men?
They often go awry. Yeah, that's it.
But hey, Tuesday bites too!
So on with Monday Bites!
Monday Bites is going to my weekly post about food.
Doesn't that sound fun?

This recipe has been in my family for years.
It is my grandmother's recipe.
My mom grew up eating these.
I grew up eating these.
And now my kids eat these!
And they love it!

Cheese Boats

The first thing you need is a broiler pan.

Ok, I don't use a broiler pan. That's a lot of cleaning. Wait a minute--I don't clean up the kitchen--that's kids work!! *wink* *wink* I use a cookie sheet lined with aluminum foil.

Gather your ingredients.

Cut the cheese! Cut it into strips like these.

Slit the hotdogs lengthwise. Don't cut all the way through!

Put the cheese strips in the hotdog slits.

Wrap each with a piece of bacon securing each end with toothpicks.

I always cut my bacon in half first.

Place cut side down on pan.

Broil about 15 minutes, turning once. Watch that they don't burn!

Like these!! Even burnt they're still really good.

And so easy a kid can do it! My sister and I use to make these as kids. My kids even make them. They didn't this time, which is why they got burned. Somehow I got distracted. I know, I know, they only cook for 15 minutes.....I'm easily distracted!

So that was Monday Bites on Tuesday!!

See you tomorrow for Perfect Stranger Wednesday.

Blessings....

Perfect Strangers Wednesday

2011-09-07T21:48:00.002-04:00

Welcome back to Perfect Stranger Wednesday!

"I have this theory that if one person can go out of their way to show compassion, then it will start a chain reaction of the same. People will never know how far a little kindness can go."

--Rachel Joy Scott (1981-1999); student, first victim of the Columbine High School Massacre

Have you ever seen those Liberty Mutual ads?

I love those ads. Because we never know how far a smile, a touch, a prayer can go -- it may start a chain reaction!

I love Karen's story last week. Maybe it's because I have a son named Caleb, too! But I think it's because it's a story about the power of touch....

"As I held Caleb, he reached out and placed his hand on the lady and patted her. He looked so sympathetic. She soon stopped crying and told me, "I felt such peace when he touched me.'"

Hop over there and check out the rest of the story!

Please grab the button and link back here so we can all read along.

Let's start a chain reaction!

Perfect Stranger Wednesday

2011-08-31T21:41:00.000-04:00

"Let us pray everywhere in every way

Every moment of the day, it is the right time

Let us pray without end and when we finish start again

Like breathing out and breathing in, let us pray."

--Steven Curtis Chapman, from "Let Us Pray"

Welcome back to Perfect Stranger Wednesday!

This week I'd like to feature Karen's story. Hop over to her blog and read "Prayer in the Canned Fruit Section". You'll love the ending!

<br /><a href="http://lifeinpinkhitops.blogspot.com/2011/08/continued.html"><img</font></p><p style="text-align: center;"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif">src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv2/lifeinpinkhitops/perfect-1.jpg" border="0" /></a>

Thanks for sharing your Perfect Stranger stories.

Please be sure to add your post's URL and not your blog's general address.

Please grab the Perfect Stranger button so others can join the fun, too!

Perfect Peace

2011-08-28T21:59:00.003-04:00

linking up with

Perfect Stranger Wednesday

2011-08-24T14:35:00.001-04:00

It's time for our first Perfect Stranger Wednesday!

<br /><a href="http://lifeinpinkhitops.blogspot.com/2011/08/continued.html"><img
<br />src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv2/lifeinpinkhitops/perfect-1.jpg" border="0" /></a>

Our first story comes from Lizzie.

A friend of mine who doesn't have a blog, so she emailed me this story.

I'd like to share it with you today.

"Not too long ago, Michael and I were at a mom and pop restaurant that serves buffet style.

I noticed a lady about my age and her husband that was obviously suffering from dementia of some form. She was having to watch him as closely as a baby.

When they finished eating, she told him to sit on a bench by the cashier while she prepared a to go plate at the buffet for her mom.

She kept having to stop filing the plate to ask him to sit back down.

A little scared she would tell me to mind my own business, I said to her, 'I have been in your shoes before. I will watch your husband while you fill the plate.'

She smiled the biggest smile and said, "Thank you."

Upon leaving, I told her, 'God bless you--I know you have your hands full.'

She said, 'Thank you again.'"

Thanks Lizzie for sharing your story with us!

Walking Together

2011-08-21T17:04:00.000-04:00

So wonderful to see brothers getting along!

linking up with

Continued

2011-08-18T21:54:00.005-04:00

I'm sorry, tomorrow was yesterday.

And no continuation of "A Cup of Water".

I apologize.

Rusty and I were up all night with a sick child.

Stomach virus and a 7 year old.

YUCKY!

I spent half of the day at the doctor's office with another child.

I was exhausted!

Enough excuses, on with it!!

*******

I stood there and sipped my water.

And I was thankful.

So thankful.

And surprised.

Didn't someone I know just pass by without stopping?

Yes.

Maybe it's going around town that Amy was seen workin' the street corner!

I hadn't even learned her name.

This perfect stranger of mine.

I silently prayed that the Lord would bless her.

Bless her socks off!

A simple cup of water from a stranger.

A blessing beyond measure.

*********

I just finished reading Praying for Strangers by River Jordan.

"I do that," I thought.

I pray for the troops and their families.

I pray for people in accidents when I pass by.

Sometimes I pray for the person that just cut me off in traffic.

Sometimes I don't.

But I try to.

River Jordan took it far beyond what I would ever imagine.

Once she knew who her stranger was she would often stop them and say something like, "What's your name....I do this thing, I pray for strangers......"

You can read first couple of chapters here.
WARNING: You won't want to stop, you'll want to read the entire book.

"I already pray for strangers," I told God.

He gave me that look.

You know, that look that says, "Oh, REALLY?"

Ok, maybe I'm the only one that gets that look.

"Yes, REALLY!" I replied.

That look again.

"Yes, really?" I said timidly.

Still with the look.

"You know how I feel about strangers--I'm scared of strangers! My mommy told me to never talk to strangers!"

Those excuses didn't fly.
"OK, I'll try."

So I'm going to try.
Try to Pray for Strangers.

So far I haven't done so well with saying, "Hi! I'm into this praying for strangers" thing.

But I have had a stranger to pray for everyday.

The lady with the cup of water.

A lady in the wheelchair at the doctor's office.

The man at the bank who I overheard say that his wife was in hospice care.
I wanted to say to him, "Sir, I'll be praying for you."
But I didn't.
I chickened out.
I pray that he feels the prayers of a stranger.

Would you like to join me on this little adventure.
I don't think it is going to be easy.
I'm scared to death myself.

We will meet here on Wednesday's to share our stranger stories.

Stories about us praying for a stranger or how a stranger may have blessed us.

Say, "Count me in!" by signing up below.
Don't forget to grab the button!
And then come back on Wednesday to share your stories!!!

<br /><a href="http://lifeinpinkhitops.blogspot.com/2011/08/continued.html"><img
<br />src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv2/lifeinpinkhitops/perfect-1.jpg" border="0" /></a>

"Forget not to show love unto strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."

--Hebrews 13:2 ASV

To sign up for the challenge use your general blog address.
Thanks for participating.

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Armoire

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