Rise and Swine

"Oh, God. No! Why - why now? What do you want from me? I've loved you. I've tried so hard to please and obey you...and this is what I get? I was so happy! This is a sick joke. You're playing with me. You let me be happy for a moment and then snatch it away? No. I'm angry! I told you this was the one thing I could   not survive. I trusted that you would take care of me. Protect me. You're no different than anyone else. Go away!" "I can’t believe I just said that. Father, I'm so sorry. Please forgive me! I know what I said was wrong. I feel that way now but I know you love me. I need your help. I won't survive this without you. I've been foolish. Please don’t leave me!"       With raw emotion those words poured from my lips before I could edit what was proper to speak.  Yes, I was praying but I knew better than to speak to God that way. Nevertheless, there it was in all of it's "glory" unveiling the ugliness of...

Baking is my favorite...so lets get to it! Snicker pie 1 Oreo crust 6-8 large snicker bars 1/4 cup milk 1 tub cool whip On very low heat melt snicker bars and milk making sure to stir often.  Once fully melted add cool whip.  Stir well.  Pour into Oreo crust and chill for at least 4 hours.  Makes 8-10 servings Ginger and Pear Tart 30 gingersnap cookies 1/2 cup chopped pecans 1/3 cup butter, melted 1 cup sour cream 3/4 cup half-and-half 1 package (4-serving size) vanilla instant pudding mix 2 Tablespoons apricot brandy 4 ripe pears 1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger Preheat oven to 350F.  Combine cookies and pecans in food processor or blender.  Process until finely crushed.  Combine crumb mixture and butter.  Press firmly onto bottom and up side of 10 in quiche dish or 9-inch pie plate.  Bake 7 minutes; cool completely.  Combine sour cream and half-and-half.  Beat until smooth.  Whis...

It's time to roll up our sleeves and have some fun in the kitchen!  I can't wait for the scrumptious aroma of Thanksgiving dinner to travel through my home like a welcomed guest.  Mmmmm...yummy!  My mouth is waterin' just thinkin' about it. I get a lot of requests for recipes so here are a few that seem to earn a coveted spot on the menu year after year. Gingered Pumpkin-Pear Soup (Great Appetizer) 1/2 cup chopped sweet onion 2 tsp. grated fresh ginger 1Tbsp. butter 3 pears, peeled, cored, and sliced 1 15-oz. can pumpkin (fresh pumpkin is best) 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth 1 cup milk 1/4 cup sour cream 1/2 tsp. finely shredded lime peel 1 Tbsp. lime juice In a large saucepan cook onion and ginger in butter until onion is tender.  Stir in pears; cook 1 minute more.  Stir in pumpkin and broth; heat to boiling.  Reduce heat and simmer, covered, about 5 minutes or until pears are tender.  Cool slightly.  In...

...She's gone...  Three years ago today, she left those that dearly loved her and flew into the arms of the one who loves her more.  It never ceases to amaze me the things that come to mind when someone passes away.  It's never the big things, but rather the everyday moments that go unnoticed.  A hug.  A mischievous grin (that unveiled what they were thinking).  Eyes filled with compassion for a broken heart.  Laughter.  Tears. Quirky mannerisms that I never gave a second thought too. Sharing a bowl of cereal. The little things...   It's strange, how we strive to obtain perfection in our lives.  Thinking that will bring happiness.  The perfect vacation, job, house, marriage, children. We continually reach for the next best thing.  Once we get it, THEN we'll be happy.  Driven.  Always, driven. But never satisfied.  For...

WooHoo!   Autumn is absolutely my favorite season. I just love the brilliant colors that drip from each piece of God's handiwork.  I've been busier than a bee cozyin' up my nest for the winter months ahead. Come take a peak at some of the things I've done. Don't forget to leave me a comment... I would love to be inspired and hear what creative ideas you've come up with.      Behind this table was a picture that didn't quiet go with my fall decor so I wrapped it with burlap.  Tied the corners with raffia and strung berries along the top and down one side.   My daughter and I made these pillows out of burlap.  Simple and inexpensive.  A great way to spruce up a room for the seasons. By adding a few berries and picks above your cabinetry, fall will visit your kitchen within minutes. Even the powder room gets a dusting of Autumn.  With homemade pumpkin spice soap displayed on a beautiful leaf ...

Welcome! I'm SO delighted that you stopped by. For some time now, friends/family have been prodding me to start a blog. I must admit flirting with the idea was fun, but actually making the leap into the blogging world was terrifying. Well, I have finally taken the leap! I am still filled with anxiety but I am equally excited to begin this adventure and see what unfolds! I'll discuss entertaining...decorating...marriage...homeschool and all the other quirky details of my life. Sometimes you will hear of the mess I can be and how I fail. But God never fails. He is always there to catch us when we fall. I'm just a simple women who is walking the journey of life along side you. Who loves to find joy in the simple everyday moments. I pray that each word I type will teach, encourage, inspire, and touch your heart in some way. I am dedicated to praying for anyone who is willing to share a need. And I always want to be real before you. Join me next tim...