Holiday Thanks

Thanksgiving is over and I'm very satisfied! Great food and good times with family. I do pretty well eating moderately during the main course but then comes the desserts! It's my favorite part! And this year there were many scrumptious choices. Apple pie, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and caramel apples. I had a particular hankering for pumpkin pie. But not just any pumpkin pie. It had to be the Libby's recipe. . . you know, the one made with evaporated milk. And that is just the one my sister-in-law made. Delicious! And with a squirt of whip cream on top. . . Yummy! I had it easy this year . . . I only had to bring a salad! The rest was handled by my husband's sister and family. They did an outstanding job feeding all 16 of us. It was truly a holiday break for me from the daily kitchen duties. And for that I am truly THANKFUL!

You Bring Home the Bacon . . .

Two more deer in the freezer after gun hunting weekend. This morning was deer processing fun in daddy's "huntin' room". And for lunch. . . we fried some ground venison up in the pan and had sloppy joe's for lunch! Now there's a glance at life in the Northwoods!

Princess in the Snow

At 16 months Miss A. hadn't "played" in the snow yet. . . until today! Her brothers thought it would be great to have her come out with them. So mom conceded and couldn't miss the photo op. She loved it! Those boys even had her on the sled. Thanks Aunt Cathy for the girly snow "get-up"!

Gratitude

grat~i~tude: n:the quality of feeling of being thankful. As I was reading my REAL SIMPLE magazine there was an article on gratitude with women sharing what they are grateful for. It was so encouraging and a good reminder to count our blessings every day. The article expounded upon 4 benefits of giving thanks: 1) It helps you feel in control 2) It improves your health 3) It helps you cope better with traume 4) It bolsters your self-worth and self-esteem.

Aside from the encouragement given in the magazine to give thanks, our Lord is pleased with a grateful heart:

"O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good." Psalm 136:1a

"Be joyful always; pray continually; GIVE THANKS in ALL circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." I Thess. 5:16

During this season of Thanksgiving and at ALL times, let's remember to have grateful hearts. . . it's good for the soul.

FOR TODAY Saturday, November 22, 2008

Outside my window it's dark and oh' so cold out . .18 degrees!

I am thinking. . .Amidst trials, God always takes care of me and gives me simple blessings as a reminder that He is always near.

I am thankful for. . . a warm house and the love and support of family and friends.

From the kitchen...my ice maker is working again. Thanks Dad!

I am wearing...black sport pants, a chocolate brown v-neck top, & a black tank top underneath.

I am creating...a grocery list for Thanksgiving week.

I am going... to head to bed soon.

I am reading...a REAL SIMPLE magazine

I am hoping...God soon opens a door for my husband's employment.

I am hearing...the sound of the dishwasher doin' its work!

Around the house...I have clean bathrooms and clean sheets. Yeah!

One of my favorite things...is clean bathrooms and cleans sheets! As well as a Sunday afternoon nap. . . maybe I'll get one tomorrow!

A few plans for the rest of the week... Welcoming home my husband after a weekend away deer hunting, spending time with family and eating good food on Thanksgiving.

Here is picture thought I am sharing:

3 Generations: My mom, my daughter and me

Two awesome blessings in my life:) http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Waiting

Have you ever been waiting for something? I'm sure you have. Well, this week we are waiting for a phone call. . . Been there?

My dh had an unfortunate happening in October. His position was elimated, he was told he had no job, escorted to his truck, and asked to come back that evening to pack up personal office items collected over 16 years. WHAM! It's a kick to the gut. A family of eight to provide for and no income. NONE! Fortunately, that evening a call from his boss communicated a change. . . a severance was reconsidered and he'd receive a paycheck and medical insurance for the next three months. Thank you, Lord!

Back to the waiting part. . . Last week my dh was fortunate enough to have a job interview for a position relatively close to home and in his field of work which would start December 1. He was very pleased with how the interview went and so now we are waiting for a phone call as they said they'd be making a decision this week. We know that if God shuts this door he will open another one. But, the end of severance pay will be here soon, so if it's not this job. . . then what job? He will provide. But the waiting. . . Do not worry about tomorrow . . . and the wondering. . . Do not fear, He will make the path known.


And while waiting. . . I attended a Pampered Chef party tonight. Those are such fun! Good food and fellowship. But after eating the Brownie Fudge Tirimusu Dessert and requesting "just a little bit" of that regular coffee. . . it's 10:30pm and I am WIDE awake! And again waiting. . . to simply feel sleepy!!

Holiday Gift/Treat Idea

I just received a note from my dear sister (ds?) requesting a great recipe I have for Holiday Trail Mix. She's already making gifts for the kids' teachers. Isn't she on the ball! It is a very tasty one, so I'll share it here for all to try. Thanks goes to my dh's Aunt Kathy for this oh sooo good recipe! How about you. . . A yummy holiday recipe to share?

Holiday Trail Mix

6 C Crispex Cereal

3 C Cheerios

1 C Honey Roasted Nuts

2 C Pretzels (Mr. Salty Jr. or Small Pepp.Farm Goldfish)

18oz. White Chocolate (Baking Bar or Wafers, NOT Morsels)

1 C Golden Raisins

Mix dry stuff - Melt Wafers, & pour chocolate over dry mixture and mix thoroughly. Pour on wax paper or foil. Spread on thin layer. When cool, break up & store in large sealed container.

*Make at night and break up in the morning*

Hinds' Feet

"The Lord is my strength, and He will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places." Habakkuk 3:19Can you find all four goats? Isn't it just amazing that they are comfortable there? A friend has pointed me to this verse as an encouragement during times in our lives when we are in "high places". When we're traveling up the mountain and we're not sure how much farther till we can see the other side. Yet, we are to travel sure footed as these mountain goats knowing God is our strength. We do not need to fear. May we find His peace while on these steep cliffs in life.

Happy Birthday Mr. Z!

Our eldest turned 11 on Nov. 12. Always hard to believe how quickly the time passes - in the overall scheme of things -- not necessarily in the moment by moment things! LOL!. And it's always fun to think. . . When Miss A. turns 11, you will be. . . . 21! As we celebrate Mr. Z, it is a joy to see the qualities, gifts and interests God has given Him. What a leader he is! He'd lead the whole family if we allowed! He made the pies you see below and set the table with color coordinated napkins. . . . VERY self-motivating. Today he had me outside as he ran a mile, did his jumping jacks and took on the sports co-op challenge. No, I did not run along side - I merely walked. But hey. . . at least I was moving - and in 20 degree weather at that!
We are very proud of him and pray we will raise him to honor God above all else..