Sweet Awards

My sweet, sweet, friend Sharon from Keeper Of The Home has given these awards to me. I have been meaning to post this sooner and I hope she will forgive me. The following is what the awards are about:

For those who answer blog comments, emails and make their visitors feel at home on their blog. For the people who take other people's feelings into consideration before speaking out, and who are kind and courteous. Also for all those bloggers who spend so much of their time helping other bloggers design, improve and fix their sites. This award is for those generous bloggers who think of others.

Since I have taken so long to get this post up I feel undeserving.*smile* Anyway, this is what Sharon had to say about me:

Debbie at My Spot of Blog ~ Debbie is another sweet person that makes you feel welcome and also makes you feel as if you've known her forever. She sounds like a busy gal, but always catches up with you.

I feel the same about her. I enjoy *meeting* sincere sisters in the Lord.

I am suppose to give the award to 5 more bloggers, but I believe that all of you already have these. *smile*

I am grateful for the blessing. Thank-you, again, Sharon.

Calling All Thinkers

I plan to leave this post at the top so I can get as many ideas as possible. You may scroll down for my latest post. Thanks!




Ladies, I need some help. Seems I have been appointed to schedule activities for church functions. Now of course I have some ideas, but they are limited. Since all of you are from various churches and backgrounds, I thought you would be my best source for variety. I realize we don't have the same forms of entertainment available, but if you could give just a general idea of something you have participated in at your church it would be greatly appreciated. It may have been a theme Sunday or a fun function you had on a Saturday evening. Maybe it was a church trip for a day or even a weekend. I am open for all of your suggestions whether it be for Ladies only (you know I will be slipping a tea party in here with half a chance) *grin* children, or for everyone. So give me plenty of ideas, no matter how small or how large! Thanks for all your help!

Sharon's And Judy's Peaches And Cream Dessert

I decided to make this dessert today. I got the recipe from Lady Of Value. I had thought about trying it for a few days, but just didn't get around to it. We were to have company over for dinner Saturday night and I wanted to try it then, but time would not allow. So anyway, I pulled out the ingredients. I had most of them on hand, but the vanilla instant pudding. I had my DD stop by the local grocery store on her way home and get a box of that.

These are the peaches I used.



Notice what the lid says. I decided to try them and see!





Here I have a "gathering" on some of the ingredients to get started.


I am now mixing the crust.

She said it would be "gooey" and she was right. It wasn't too bad, though.

I spread the dough into my glass baking dish.


I put the peaches on top. Let me tell you, they were delicious!

I mixed together the cream cheese, sugar, and reserved peach juice and poured over the peaches. I think I should have mixed the cream cheese just a little more.

Next, I sprinkled the cinnamon and sugar over the top.

I then placed it in the preheated oven to bake. Yes, I know the oven could stand a cleaning, but it's SUMMER!


Here is the finished product.



Ummmmmm.....delicious!



There is no way I am going to lose any weight trying out all of these recipes! I have my eye on a few more that I want to try. These aren't the only ones I've tried, but they are the only ones I have taken pictures of. I had thought about having a specific day that I tested recipes from your blogs and post pics from each one, but then I decided Nah....that would make me HAVE to do it therefore taking the fun out of it. I prefer to do it random and spontaneously.


I prefer to bake in the winter as the oven heats the house up so, but since I was broiling our main dish tonight I decided a few more minutes wouldn't hurt anything.
We had broiled Talapia with creole seasoning. We also had flat beans and cornbread. Now is that southern, or what? Oh, and I made mashed potatoes for the boys. This was not my original plan for supper. For some reason I have been craving homemade mac and cheese. I realized I didn't have everything I needed to make that so.....Fish it was. Praise God for the fish!

Doctor's Orders!

I don't think I will ever get use to having to remove my clothes for those dreaded doctor's visits. You would think after all my children, this would change. NOT. I still feel the boiling hot, rush of blood to my cheeks as I lie on the examining table. The objects hanging overhead do nothing to distract me. In fact, I think they are more of a reminder of where you are and why, as was the situation with me the last time.


I am just as nervous each and every visit no matter how confident I appear as I stroll through those giant doors. This time was no exception. I signed in and sat down only moments before they called me into the back. The nurse showed me the paper gown I had been chosen to don, whereupon I nervously asked the wisest question of the moment "Do I have to take off all my clothes?" Before she could answer I acknowledged that I knew I did *blush* *blush* and didn't know why I asked that. She just smiled and said that everyone always ask that same question. At least this made me feel a little better knowing I wasn't the only one.

She walked out of the room and I turned around to remove my clothes and vanity. I put on the little paper gown and smiled to myself upon remembering my last visit where I had made an already embarrassing situation worse. How? You may ask. Well, I, being the creature of habit that I am, remembered that "the split always goes in the back" right? Wrong! Seems the split goes in the front and no one had thought to tell me.

Now that I had totally went against manufacturer's intentions *gasp* I was even more uncomfortable when the dr. had to tear it open at the neck. You know,....for the other part of the exam. Even though he was very understanding about it I was feeling....well.......I'm going to go ahead and say it......a little "blonde." There. I said it. *smile*


Thankful for no major problems, I followed up with the mammogram as he suggested. Ladies, I must say that I have heard "horror stories" about these. I went in expecting to have nothing left on my chest, but pancakes! Now, I am no expert since I have had only one before this one, but mine were not as painful as I had prepared for. I don't know if it's the fact that I have such a wonderful technician (thanks Renata) or that I have experienced far worse pain associated with previous surgeries that this just paled in comparison. I was a little sore afterwards, but nothing major.

I mentioned to Renata some of the stories others had expressed to me about mammograms. Some of you may even have gotten the satirical emails about them. I have and found them to be quite funny. She laughed at first, but then she said something very wise. "YOU CAN HANDLE A MAMMOGRAM MUCH BETTER THAN YOU CAN HANDLE BRE*ST CANCER."



Although I shared my embarrassing moments on the lighter side, I hope all my friends will take the message seriously and GET THOSE EXAMS!!

~Wordless Wednesday~

Life In A Pot

I know the Lord uses different things and different ways to speak to people. And I know some would disagree and say that the Lord doesn't "speak" to anyone anymore. These are some of the same people that are deceived. I do not say this with malice or self-righteousness. Only with love.

God's thoughts and ways are higher than ours and we cannot......NO, we MUST NOT confine Him to our finite minds of understanding. If we would let Him be God, He would show Himself mightier than we have ever seen. This is His desire for us.

I thank God for the moments He will nudge my heart and use everyday things to teach me or to show me how great He is. Sometimes He takes me by surprise and before I know it He has given me something to apply to my life or something to help someone else. He is totally dependable like that. Always meeting our needs.

Today was no different. While cleaning my kitchen this afternoon I thought about a small plant I had purchased over 6 years ago. The pot it came in was no larger than 3 inches and the plant itself was about the same. I bought it to sit on my windowsill of my kitchen window to enjoy the sunlight. This has been a great plan up until about a year ago when we started some home improvement projects. Since we have been remodeling I no longer have a view from my kitchen. I have the windowsill and curtain there, but behind that is a wall. I no longer have the wondrous sunshine streaming in. Just a piece of flat board.

My little plant has remained faithful to it's post though and has never demanded attention. In fact, I have been very neglectful of it these past few months failing to water it or watering just enough to get by. Since I don't open the curtains anymore it is easy to forget. In the 6 years that I have had this plant it has remained the same size. It hasn't grown any at all that I can tell. There is nothing wrong with it. Being the type plant it is, it has the potential to grow 6 to 8 feet given the proper care, but yet it still the same size.

I could have a 6 to 8 foot plant if I wanted to by recognizing the growth potential which is a very important first step. Preparation. I would also have to prepare another container....one much larger than the one it is in now, with the proper soil and room for the roots to grow and get established. And I would have to give it the proper water and sunlight needed........DAILY. But I don't want that. I like it just the way it is. Small and alive enough to sit on my windowsill.

Isn't this how some of us are Spiritually? Satisfied. right. where. we. are. We don't want to move closer to God or be moved. We read just enough of the word to get by, if at all. How about time spent in prayer alone with God?

God is aware of our potential. He has all confidence in us to grow into the spiritual vessels He can use for His glory. Are we meeting His expectations? Are we letting ourselves down? I don't know about you, but I want to grow in the Lord. I want to "water" myself in the word. I want the soil of my heart prepared for "root" growth that I may have a deeper understanding of Him and fulfil His purpose and plan for my life. I don't want to stay the same size.

It's entirely up to us how much we grow. We can stay in our comfortable little pots or we can thrive and bring life to those around us. I want to thrive, don't you?

Grandma's Corn

I have heard the older you get the more you appreciate the things you took for granted when you were younger. : ) I have found this to be true in my life. Lately I have had a particular craving for a vegetable dish my grandmother use to make. I remember those muggy summer days she would harvest corn from her garden. After shucking and cleaning it, she would cut the fresh kernels off the cob. She could move the knife blade back and forth so loving and skillful, you would think she was playing a violin. She also used fresh tomatoes and okra all from her bounty. She would make huge pots of this and freeze it in individual bags. The smell of fresh corn would fill every room in the house. So yummy. It was delicious in the summer, but a great comfort dish in the winter.

After preparing this dish for myself...the first time in my adult life, I now appreciate all the hard work she put into preparing those "country" meals. Oh the memories that came back to me while cooking this meal. Some I had forgotten. Grandma passed away in '99 after living a very full life. She is so missed.
I took a few pictures of my endeavor. Some are not that great, but at least you get a glimpse.


These are some of the fresh tomatoes I used.


This is the okra. It is also fresh from the garden.


I didn't think to take pictures of my corn before I shucked it.



I now realize there is a lot of corn on one cob. Notice how closely shaven it is. I went over it at least two times.

This of course is a stack of the cobs.


I transferred my corn into this pot. After parboiling the tomatoes to remove the skin, I added them. I also washed the okra and cut off the stems and added it.



This is what it looked like while it was cooking. I let it cook on very low heat and kept it stirred to prevent scorching. It doesn't look too appetizing in the picture, but I assure you, it was delicious! We had homemade biscuits and a small roast to go with our veggies.



Now, on to dessert. I decided to try a cake recipe I over at Sharon's under her recipes. It is the Sour Cream Pound Cake.
I took my new mixer out that I told you about awhile back. I got it at Ross for $9.99!! I was blessed to get this.




I decided to use this Nordic cake pan. I didn't take a pic of the batter and pan before I started, but took it of the pan after I put the cake on a plate I hope this explains the crumbs in pan. : )


Out of the oven.........

And onto the plate. Beautiful, isn't it?


This is the finished product. I could have drizzled the glaze a little better and hopefully I will next time. My family has almost eaten all of it! It is so delicious. Thanks for sharing this recipe, Sharon!



Have a Blessed day!

Around The House

Thanks for all the weekend wishes! I have been busy, but I have also spent a lot of family time. We (mainly dear hubby) got our privacy fence up. Well, half of it anyway. And yet again I failed to take a "before" shot.

We took down the chainlink fence in the front by the side of our house and put this up. You can't tell by the picture, but there are seven panels across. I know, I know, one section is turned the wrong way. Actually, this is one section left to put up on the other side. My hubby just put it there to keep it from warping until he can get the rest up.

This is the netted gazebo that keeps me shaded during the day. It's become one of my favorite hangouts. I love to sit outside in the evening and having a fortress against the mosquitos is an added bonus.




The fence keeps me from being seen when I am in in the pool.We live on a private road that all of my neighbors and their families have access to.
Just in case you're thinking our deck is not finished I want you to know that your are correct. Thus, another project I hope to get finished this week. I need rails. It's tough pulling the weight of this body up on the deck without them. Hubby wanted to use the rails from our old above ground pool, but since they are metal I am sure they will not compliment our wooden deck. And for those of you that have wondered about these big blue pools, wonder no more. It is more than enough pool and a lot easier to maintain than the others. In fact, you can get one of these for less than the price of replacing the liner in your regular above ground. I cannot tell the difference when the kids and I are in it. It's great!




This is just a small view of a little laundry on the line. I have plenty to keep myself busy.


And this is what kept Nathan occupied long enough for me to hang the laundry on the line. *sigh* I don't know what I am going to do when the wonderful weather changes!




Oops. Yes he has a diaper on. We're working on that. If my methods continue to fail I may just have to buy him the husky jeans to ensure his Depends will be covered when he starts school. : )



These are a couple of shots of my "Retirement Center" as Amanda refers to it after nightfall. The second picture is from the inside. Awww...look at my honey turning the pump off. He is so wonderful.



Last, but not least is a picture of my feet propped in one of the chairs after a very long day! There was a whole of lot of cooking going on in between that I haven't posted about. I am saving that for tomorrow if I have time. For the first time in my adult life I made a vegetable dish I remember from my childhood. It's a southern dish and one that I have not had for many years. My grandmother would prepare this and freeze it for the winter. Yay! I took pictures! I also made a cake using a recipe I found on Sharon's blog. And guess what? I took pictures of that too!

****Sorry.... I deleted the pic of my feet. After I published and previewed there was no way I was going to let you see my in-need-of-manicure toes. They looked too horrid and I didn't want all the comments to be about tips on great foot care! *grin*

I am tired and need to get into bed. Have a blessed day in the Lord!

Weekend

Not really feeling anything creative today. I think it's the weight of all the yard projects I have awaiting my attention. So it's off to take care of them. I get to spend time with my hubby and that is a good thing. : ) We like to tackle things together when it comes to yard work. We started earlier in the week, but were interrupted by a much needed rain. Praise You Lord! The lightning was only a *gentle* reminder that we like breathing and hair, so we decided to put away the mower and lay down any metal objects we had in our hands. ~Toodles~

Thankful Thursday

This is a week of "Firsts" for me as I have never participated in Wordless Wednesday or Thankful Thursday. Since I had a few thoughts about some things I have been thankful for I decided to share with everyone.

• I am thankful that my Savior knows that I am "but dust" and has compassion and mercy upon me when I call.
• I am thankful that I am not alone. That God has given me a wonderful husband and beautiful children.
• I am thankful for the wonderful ladies of the blogging community that have time to minister in word or prayer for one another.
• I am thankful that when the sun shines through my window I am able to see it and be filled with the wonder of God's eternal love.
• I am thankful when I hear the birds sing because it reminds me of God's promise to take care of me just as He has them.

There are many other things I am thankful for, but I will save those for another post. For more Thankful Thursday posts go on over and visit Iris at Sting My Heart.

Wordless Wednesday~Sweet Memories

A Day In The Life

I haven't posted any pictures lately so I thought now is good of time as any. The first two are of my geraniums. I didn't think about it at the time or I would have taken one of them both on the porch by my steps. Sorry.

It has been in the 90's around here and that is thriving weather for geraniums. I actually took these pics a few weeks ago. I have more flowers on them since these were taken. I would update, but it is dark outside and the pics won't be as good as in daytime.









Here are a few from our trip to Southport. It was such a lovely day!
This is my sweet son playing football. Ain't he a cutie?


This is my man, so ladies please, ahem.....restrain yourselves.
Hi, honey! Love you.


This is my niece with her little cousin, Nathan. If you look closely, you can see some of the others playing football in the background.



This is where I would like to spend a few days on vacation. Speaking of that, I need to make some plans. It won't be long. This is a cozy little coastal town I adore. I didn't take any pictures of the sidewalk shops on this trip. I wish I would have cause I would love to be able to share.





This, of course, is of my two angels. Precious, precious, children. I thank God for my children. Look at those smiles. You can't tell I'm a little prideful, huh?
This was taken after a hearty meal at a Logan's restaurant.






I hope you have enjoyed my mini slideshow. More pictures to come later of our nighttime hideaway. I finally got my mosquito netted gazebo up. I had pics, but couldn't find them when I started this post.