St. Patrick's Day is Almost Here!

Last Sunday we had our St. Patrick's Day dinner.  My Irish husband will be out of town on St. Patrick's Day this year so we celebrated early this year with a new Irish recipe.  It was delicious!  We will definitely do this again...

         

          1 (3 pound) corned beef brisket with spice packet

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 medium head cabbage, cored and sliced thin
• spicy brown mustard
• 12 slices sourdough bread, lightly toasted

Directions

1. Place corned beef in large pot or Dutch oven and cover with water. Add the spice packet that came with the corned beef. Cover pot and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Simmer approximately 50 minutes per pound until tender. Remove meat and let rest 15 minutes. Slice meat across the grain.
2. Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper in small bowl. Place the shredded cabbage in a large bowl and pour the dressing over it; toss to coat the cabbage with the dressing.
3. Spread a layer of mustard on 6 slices of toasted bread. Place some shredded cabbage and corned beef on each slice and top with remaining slices of bread.       

I found this on www.allrecipes.com .  This is one of my favorite websites! 

  My daughter and I did this one last night.  Pizza Bites! We ate them right out of the oven... served with a pizza sauce.  These will definitely be put on next month's menu.  Go on over to www.annies-eats.com for her Pizza Bites recipe.  They were so easy to make...small piece of cheese and pepperoni wrapped in pizza dough...yum!  There are many good recipes on this site also.

Remember Dippin' Dots...."The Ice Cream of the Future"?  All you need is yogurt (1/2 cup will make a lot), spoon or small icing tip and bag.  Line a cookie sheet with waxed paper and drop the yogurt from a small spoon or the icing bag.  Put the dots in the freezer...When set....enjoy!  You will have to watch them, though.  They melt quickly!  I am not a big fan of yogurt, but I really enjoyed this home made treat.

http://familyfun.go.com/st-patricks-day/st-patricks-day-crafts/to-catch-a-leprechaun-710897/

         Why did I not think of this when my kids were younger??  The idea of catching a leprechaun is so much fun!  Family Fun has some cute ideas to celebrate the day with your children.  Build those memories and traditions!

Thanks for stopping by and visiting with me today.  The weather today is beautiful!  I think this calls for a cup of coffee and my swing on the front porch.  I'll take some time to start planning my flower beds.  Enjoy your day!



Heritage Days

 Heritage Days began with a parade...The girls and I went to catch the beginning of this big day for our small town.  We also went to take a look at the car show, library book sale....Brunch preparations began after that because company was coming!  Love being in the kitchen with my girls.  The Mandarin Orange Salad that I wrote of earlier was a hit.  If you enjoy orange creamsicles you will love this salad.  We had biscuits and gravy, a sausage and egg casserole, scrambled eggs, cheesy hashbrowns, and the orange salad.  My friend brought over some delicious home made cinnamon rolls. 

 After some "food and fellowship" we were off to the Outhouse Race...yep, you heard it right!  Oh, and I can't leave out a highlight of the day for my daughter...the jewelry booth!  The day was complete when she walked away with her jewelry bargains!  She was also pleased about all the pictures she was able to take.  You can visit her Facebook page (Sara Rose Photography) or her website(listed on my side bar) to see more of her pictures.

Thank you for visiting..and have a great week!

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for,

 the evidence of things not seen.  Hebrews 11:1

Introducing Abigail...

I love to do word studies in the Bible.  I pick a word...compassion, wisdom...then write down the verses mentioning the topic I am studying.  For the past several months I have been studying the word wisdom.  Solomon first came to my mind.  He did not ask for successful finances, obedient children...he asked for wisdom.  Here is the amazing part.  Our Sunday school class has been studying Abigail.  Abigail?  She is not mentioned a lot in the Bible, nor is she the topic of a lot of sermons.  The more I dig deep into her story...what a woman of wisdom!  I mean, she was able to stop a war between her foolish husband and the warrior David.  Abigail knew the "how, what, when, and wheres" about how to handle her situations.  You can read about her in 1 Samuel.  My hero Abigail reminds me that I need His wisdom in rising to meet my situations and responsibilities. This has really been an encouragement (and challenge) to me. 

 So, it is hot is hot outside (at least it is here)....next time you sit down to cool off....take some time to read about her.  She was truly a woman of wisdom!

July 4th Celebration

 I hope you all had a wonderful July 4th.  The day (even the menu) came out just fine.  We did make the banana split pizza.  Baked beans, seafood salad, fluff salad, and as far as the chicken...We toasted the buns, pineapple rings, and chicken breasts.  Topped the chicken with Swiss cheese.  It made a delicious sandwich!

At one point we were all sitting on the porch and I realized once again how blessed that I am.  Not only do I have the world's best family, but we live in a country that I have freedoms...to celebrate, to be with my family.  I live in a free country.  There are many men and women serving our country so that I can enjoy these freedoms.  THANK YOU!   I thought back to our Pastor's message last Sunday.  He told the stories of several signers of the Declaration.  These were brave men who gave their possessions and lives for America.  Men such as Thomas Nelson, Carl Baxter, Francis Lewis...ever heard of them?  I challenge you to look up these men and other signers...read about them...they are men who truly loved our country!

Our Front Porch Friend

Meet Moose.

He is the latest addition to our family. He has only been with us for about seven hours, and things are going well. I am sure you are going to hear plenty about him. He the size of a small pony! Friends of ours told me about him, and I decided to check him out...alone...without the high-pitched squealing of my girls and their pleading looks. So I took my down-to-earth, practical husband who loves me and knows me the best. I didn't even take any money so I would not be able to get him. The plan was to go back a couple more times to be with him. We spent time with Moose, and about an hour later my husband looked at me and asked what I thought. I said that I REALLY liked him...my husband said that he did,too. I looked at him with pleading eyes...he pulled out the money for him. Remember, I said he knows me the best? The kids were so excited when we pulled in with Moose!

So now the "Moose Adventure" begins...

Thanks for stopping by....

Battle of the Front Porch...the conclusion???

We are not 100% sure...Mr. Coon might not be around any more. The other day Vcitoria and I were turning onto our road and were saddened at the sight of a huge raccoon in the road. Um, not breathing....really, we were saddened. We were shocked that for a split second that this might be our "Mr. Coon." I really did not want the battle to end this way. As a matter of fact, I have actually watched for him....nothing has been uprooted in my garden. I think my daughter was even enjoying making future battle plans...I did get several bits of advice on how to handle the situation and will keep those in mind for future reference. After all, this is the country and I am sure my battles are not over!

Recently I was reminded of one of my first posts on this blog....taking time. For yourself, for God, for your family...We all are so busy. Time is valuable. Have you ever caught yourself wishing for more time in the day so that you could get everything done? This month has been unreal as far as busy-ness. Make it a priority for some "away time." My porch has been inviting me out there...in the quiet...just me, a glass of peach tea, my Lord...and about 899 misquitoes.

Thanks for stopping by ...see you soon!

Battle of the Front Porch...continued....

I CAUGHT HIM....Well, I caught him on the camera...

now to figure out what to do about him. I caught him sniffing the herbs and saw that he had dug up one of Victoria's newly planted flowers. Obviously, he did not like the taste...he just pulled it up and put it aside. I replanted it....two hours later she walked in the door...VERY UPSET! "Something has pulled up my flowers!" So- Mr. Coon struck twice in one night. The battle continues....Victoria keeps shining a flashlight out the front door...not sure how long she plans on staying up guarding her flowers. The next phase of the battle? I'm not sure, so suggestions are welcome!

Okay, my next blog will be more meaningful...I did try to come up with an application for this event in my life....maybe it is just to make you smile. I hope it does!

By the way, as I am finishing this Mr. Coon is back. My daughter is now banging on the door and shining a flashlight at him. Um...not sure that is a really scary tactic.

Have a wonderful night!

Battle of the Front Porch

Sorry, folks, no recipe this time. Unless, of course, it would be opossum stew or coon steaks...I am determined to win this one. Something is intentionally out to get me. It all started the morning after Victoria planted a cute little mini rose bush in my flower bed. Yes, it was a thoughtful gift from my husband that I now will have to explain its disappearance. Something dug it up and carried it away...it left no remains. I also noticed it dug up some plants in a flower pot. It must not have liked the taste because the plants are all over the porch. I am thankful that the herbs we are planting (which are in their little pots by the front door) were left untouched. My two hummingbird feeders were also attacked and tossed to the ground. It is CRAZY! My son told me that there was something clawing at my front door about midnight....sounds like war to me. Any advice? A dog has been suggested....my kids would like that. Well, I am off to form my battle plan. Not just for the porch, but for the next couple of weeks...busy days! The Lord is good! I will check in with you in a couple of days with a new recipe or two. Have a great day.

April Recipe Challenge

When I challenged myself to a "recipe a day" I did not think I could do it, but I did! It has been fun and exciting to see your comments. I am going to keep blogging recipes-just every few days. I will let you know when something new is posted. No recipe today...We did enjoy church, a simple lunch, and I got in a nap! Tomorrow is back to our busy, regular weekly routine. Oh, I do have a breakfast date with my husband before we begin our week.

Keep in touch...and thank you all for your words of encouragement!

Winter Ice Storm

We have been hit by ice! Sunday afternoon the ice started coming down...sleet, freezing rain. My husband always tells me what the difference is, but I usually just nod. What I do know is that when it came down, it was ice and everything started freezing over FAST! We lost our power late that night, and by mid-afternoon my husband decided to get us a motel room. We do not have a generator, so I knew we would not last long. Fortunately, my husband's job allows him to earn motel points because he travels a lot. So...here we sit...in a motel room...and, yes, cabin fever has now set in. Don't get me wrong. We are extremely thankful for the way God has provided for us - heat, electricity, breakfast served every morning! We are ready to get back to our home and our routine. Estimated time of power being restored? Friday at 11 p.m. I am praying for sooner than that...but the Lord knows. My kids laugh at me because I have met some wonderful people through all of this. You see, my husband has been described as "never met someone he could not talk to." They say he is rubbing off on me! Motel employees, other people in our situation..it has been wonderful to hear their stories. I hope I have been as much as an encouragement to them as they have been to me. Tonight's weather told me we have snow on the way. At least it is not ice!

Thanks for stopping by!

Back to the routine....

Yes, the lights are still on the house, decorations are up...I was sure that our kitten had plans to terrorize my Christmas trees. He had been so good until about two days ago. He is throwing ornaments off the trees and was even caught sleeping in a tree. So- it is time for everything to be put away. It is always a sad time for me, but on the "up-side" there are so many things to look forward to...

Back to school for us! It is back to the books, lesson plans, and early mornings. My son graduates this year from high school so in about a month I will start all the plans for his big day.

In February my daughter has already been asked to the college Valentine Banquet. It is a formal event-so she is excited about dressing up, spending time with friends, and last but not least...being with her date. Hard to believe that she will be done with her freshman year in just a few months.

So I am looking forward to "looking forward." Back to our routine....enjoy my family....
thankful for all God has done for us!

Don't forget to take time!

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

Psalm 119:105

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, everyone! I hope you all enjoy a special time with family and friends. We have things planned for the next few days and look forward to being with each other.
" For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
John 3:16

Have a very, merry Christmas.....

First Snow

Thought you all would enjoy a few pictures of our first snow.

Time to stock up on hot chocolate!

Be still...

Silly picture, I know. Something came up the other day...I had a child that was worried....frantic....We talked for a while, and it seemed my only advice at this point was to stay focused on the Lord and PRAY! It brought me to one of my favorite verses that God tells us to be still and KNOW that he is God. It make me think of one family "member" that is still. Our Titan is very content to be still. I need to be content in being still so that I can hear what God has to say to me. I have found that in stillness, I listen.
Am I always still? Sometimes I try to take care of things myself....doesn't always work that way. We are so busy with cleaning, taking care of our children, menu preparation...the list goes on. Then we let our heads hit the pillow without having any "still time." 15 minutes? I have found myself getting up a little early (before the kids), to have some quiet time. It helps me focus on my day and those around me.

Be still and know that he is God.

It is a wonderful thing.

Thanks for stopping in!

Fall is here!

The colors here are absolutely beautiful right now. Cooler weather-I call it sweatshirt weather-is hopefully here to stay. We have our pumpkins on the porch, and have done some decorating on the inside of our house also. That is always a special time for us.

The other day I looked around at all the beauty around me

and the Lord brought to my memory Psalm 96:4

"For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised."

Not again.....

As I began thinking about this blog I ALMOST began with an apology...."I should be writing more often." I did promise myself in the beginning that I would keep family first; not the blog. So..no apologies...I have been taking care of family, and trying to take that break with a glass of sweet tea. I will admit, it is harder with the home school year getting back into full swing. We have been homeschooling for quite a while, so I am used to things now. Well, except when the stomach flu hits on the first day of school and has passed through almost all of us. Now I think the kitten has even come down with a cold!

A couple of new websites for you!
http://tipnut.com This was a fun website with so many helpful hints.

www.tammysrecipes.com Near and dear to my heart...recipes! I should really STOP buying recipe books. I love to run across a good antique recipe book. There are so many good sites out there full of recipes. This site has a baked nacho recipe that we are going to try soon.


Fall weather has hit us in the past couple of days. I start thinking about my fall door wreath, pumpkins, and cappuccino. A friend of mine gave me this home-made recipe. It is a favorite of mine.

Cappuccino Mix
1 cup instant coffee creamer
1 cup instant chocolate drink mix
2/3 cup instant coffee
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

Combine all ingredients; mix well. Store in an airtight container. To prepare 1
serving, add 3 tbsp. mix to 6 oz. hot water. Stir well. Yields 3 cups cry mix.

Hot Spiced Tea
3/4 cup instant tea with lemon
2 cups tang
2 cups sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp.cloves

2-3 tsp. to 1 cup of hot water

I know what you are thinking. "I can get these already made in the little packages at the grocery store." True, but it sure would be a nice gift for people. Just to let them know that we thought about them. It sure makes me think! As a matter of fact, I am thinking of someone right now that could use a little "thoughtfulness." Guess I need to get to the store....buy my ingredients, find that mason jar, and tie a cute ribbon on the rim!

Thanks for spending time with me today!

Mini vacation

Sorry...been away from the computer for a while. That is not a bad thing at times. We did send my daughter off to college. What an emotional time that was for all of us. My husband knew that we have been so busy the past several months...it was time to sit back for a little while. Off we went West Salem, Ohio. What is in West Salem, Ohio? Not a whole lot....but that is why we enjoyed it. Great place if you need peace and quiet. There are things to do....near Amish country. This is a restored house and you get it all to yourself.

On the way home we visited Marblehead lighthouse on Lake Erie. Cute little gift shops and restaurants are in the area.

I am refreshed and ready to go. Taking time....yes, I enjoyed my morning coffee
on the B&B porch in the morning...

Our soul waiteth for the Lord: he is our help and our shield.

Psalm 33:20

I have found a good recipe site....her recipes are very family-friendly.

www.oldhousekitchen.blogspot.com

Taking time....

Awhile back I considered starting a blog. A blog that you can go to for encouragement, something new to learn, a laugh, a cry...a place that you can take the time for a cool glass of tea, sit in your rocker.....and take a breather! Wives and moms get so busy. Our lives revolve around those that we love. It is so rewarding! I hope this blog will be a blessing to you... So, sit back and relax!

I really wasn't sure of where to start with this idea of a blog. Two things today impressed me...then it hit me! I knew which direction to go with this blog.
1. My daughter wrote a beautiful blog today...about being a "Martha or Mary." Are we too busy just doing things? Do we take time to slow down to listen to what God has for us? Wow! It really made me think.
2. A friend of mine stopped by this morning and we ended up chatting on the porch. It was so much fun doing some catching up with each other.

Taking time to slow down is so important. We live in a very fast-paced world and always have something do.....Grab a glass of tea (my favorite is sweet) and take some time....