Preparing For Turkey Day . . .

I've been busy the past several days

getting ready for

Turkey Day.

I've been shopping, cleaning,

and putting the finishing touches

on the Thanksgiving decor.

Come back tomorrow to see the

2009 edition

of our

'Heritage & 'Thankful'

Thanksgiving trees.

Happy 2nd Birthday ! ! !

I've been very busy today,

but I couldn't let the day end without

wishing our sweet,

great niece

E

a very happy 2nd birthday!

We love you very much!

P.P.P. ! ! !

Poor, Pitiful, Pansies . . .

In all the years we've planted

pansies this has never happened!

A few days after we planted our pansies we noticed that the beautiful blooms & most of the greenery had disappeared!

We keep hoping to see new growth & blooms appear, but apparently our little rabbit friends are enjoying frequent snacks!

I wonder if this is a sign of a cold, snowy, winter?

Does anyone have a gardening tip to prevent this from happening?

Give Thanks . . .

You don't need a turkey to celebrate thanksgiving. All you need is a reason. God has given you more reasons to be thankful than He's created stars in the sky. So, why wait?

Start with what you see ~~ the clothes you're wearing, the food in the fridge, the beauty of an Autumn day. Then, think about the people you love and how they've touched your life. Next, consider what God's given you that can't be held in your hands ~~ things like hope, forgiveness, and your future home in Heaven. Sit quietly as God brings even more reasons to mind.

Stopping to say "thanks" will remind you of how big God is and how good your life is when He's in it, no matter what day it is.

A humble mind is the soil out of

which thanks naturally grows.

Henry Ward Beecher

Taken from ~ God's Daily answer

A Recipe Worth Repeating . . .

Last year about this time I posted

this recipe for Dilly Bread.

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Today I want to share a recipe that has become a holiday tradition in our family. I can't remember the first time my mom made this bread for Thanksgiving dinner, probably 1975, not really sure. It was an instant hit with everyone.

She also made it for Christmas dinner that year.

She made it for our holiday meals for years.

I have continued the tradition.

If you don't want to take the time to knead the dough you can make it in your bread machine. Very simple.

Dilly Bread
1 package yeast
1/4 cup warm water
1 cup cottage cheese (heated to lukewarm, I do this in the microwave)
2 T. sugar
1 T. instant minced onion
3 T. butter
2 tsp. dill seed
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. soda
1 egg
2 1/4 cup sifted flour
Soften yeast in water. Combine in mixing bowl cottage cheese, sugar, onion, butter, dill seed, salt, soda, beaten egg and softened yeast. Add flour to form a stiff dough, beating well after each addition. Cover and let rise in warm place until light and doubles in size, 50 to 60 minutes. Knead down dough and turn into well greased 2 1/2 qt. casserole. Let rise in warm place until light, 40 minutes or so. Bake in 350 degree oven for 25 to 25 minutes until brown (crust will be dark brown). Brush with butter.

The combination of dill & cottage cheese

really make this delicious.

Hope you try it for your Thanksgiving meal.

Never Forget . . .

Today I'm paying tribute to our nephew, Craig, who was a POW during the Gulf War in 1991.

On Monday, January 28, 1991 Craig was on a bombing mission in his Harrier jet over Kuwait when his aircraft was shot down. Other airmen in the area saw the Harrier explode when it hit the ground, but were unable to determine if Craig ejected from the aircraft. The following day our family was notified that he was missing in action. The Marine Corps requested that our family not make public statements regarding the situation. We had hope that maybe he got out of the plane before it crashed. We did not know if he was dead or alive. We were in constant prayer and were glued to the television in hopes of hearing any news about Craig. On March 5, 1991, our prayers were answered. Craig was released by the Iraqis in a group of 15 American POWS. He had been held near Basra. We later were told on his first day as a POW, his captors broke his left leg with a metal pipe and beat him with on ax handle. His leg was not treated. He was kept blindfolded, and handcuffed so tightly the nerves in his hand were crushed.

I want to say how grateful I am to all those who served in the past and those presently in the military. For those that have lost someone in war or the terrible incident at Fort Hood, my prayer is that God will comfort you as you grieve the loss of your loved one.

Make It Easy On Yourself . . .

I don't think it's too early for some Christmas

inspiration or a little song to brighten your day!

Enjoy. . .

Here's a nifty idea to make your outdoor

Christmas decorating simple!

It's easy on the budget and gives you more time

for shopping, baking, and other holiday activities.

Don't forget. . .only 46 more days until Christmas!

Sunday Thoughts . . .

The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,

will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:7

It's not hard to be relaxed and peaceful when everything is going smoothly and your problems are all under control. But that's not real peace. Real peace is the inner calm God's Spirit gives you even when the world around you is chaotic, stress is bearing down on you, and things are going right off the rails at work and at home.

You get that kind of peace by trusting God and keeping your heart focused on Him. In return, His peace will keep you calm and under control. . .better able to process solutions and deal effectively with circumstances. Don't settle for a fragile peace that can't handle all that life is handing you. Put your hand in God's hand.

Christ alone can bring lasting peace. . .

peace with God . . .peace among men and nations. . .

and peace within our hearts.

Billy Graham

Taken from 'God's Daily Answer'. . .

Gorgeous Oklahoma Weather . . .

The weather has been absolutely gorgeous all week!

Clear blue skies, temperatures in the

upper 70s, & no rain.

I took a little time this morning

to snap some photos

of our beautiful front yard tree.

I hope you're having great weather in your neck of the woods!

Halloween 2009 . . .

Saturday night was a beautiful night to trick~or~treat.

This is what the little goblins saw when they rang the doorbell.

Our favorite visitors were
50s Housewife (Kari),
Charlie Brown (Ethan),
&
Rocker Dude (Bobby).
(for the record, Bobby's arms are not covered with real tattoos)

Some friendly faces.
OSU fan with huge cowboy hat
& cute tiger.


Stylish chicks!


A fancy butterfly.



We didn't have very many trick~or ~treaters.
Note to self . . . buy less candy next year!

Trick Or Treat, Smell My Feet . . .

It's time to put on your costume &

get your trick~or~treat bag ready.

Well, I don't dress up for Halloween,

but I do like to wear a cute t-shirt or sweatshirt.

I've got several left over from my teaching years.

Have a fun & safe Halloween everyone.

I'll be back with pictures on Sunday!

The WWW. . .

I'd like to introduce you to the

'Wonderful Waitress Wanda'!

We met Wanda several years ago at

our favorite cafe where we like

to eat breakfast & lunch sometimes.

If they were open for dinner

I'm sure we'd eat there!

Wanda is wonderful for many reasons.

She is a waitress who knows what her

customers want. It's like she can read your mind!

She moves fast, you'd never guess she's the oldest

waitress in the establishment.

During holiday times she adorns her shirt with

a variety of pins. Here you see just a few of

her many Halloween pins.

While we were eating breakfast this morning

a sweet little lady gave Wanda this life

like spider. Wanda said she'd fix it up with

a pin so she could wear it!

The Perfect Combo . . .

Ever since I saw Stacey's (http://poofingthepillows.blogspot.com/ )

post about this sweet & salty combo

I've had a longing to make my own!

Help yourself to the wonderful goodness of this perfect Halloween treat!

Close Encounters Of The Pumpkin Kind . . .

Ethan had his first encounter with some jack~o~lanterns last night.

He enjoyed the bright light & happy faces.

"I'm ready to go night~night now."

Pumpkin Parable . . .

I love children's books. I taught reading for many years & always enjoyed finding & purchasing great books at garage sales & stores for my classroom. Recently I saw a wonderful book, The Pumpkin Patch Parable, being recommended on Elena's blog (http://elenasgarden.blogspot.com/).

Yesterday I bought the book at Mardel,http://www.mardel.com/,

a Christian & education store where my son works.

Last night I read the book & was so delighted with the content. It's a great book! I encourage you to purchase it for your child or grandchild.

I'm giving this to Ethan to add to his library.

This is what's written on the back of the book.

This charming story for children illustrates how a loving farmer can turn a simple pumpkin into a simply glorious sight. In the same way, God's transforming love can fill each of our hearts with joy and light.

Liz Curtis Higgs created The Pumpkin Patch Parable as a way to share the Good News with her own children each harvest season, never imagining her story would one day encourage children all around the world.

Fall Decor . . .

I'm so glad you stopped by to take

a look at our Fall decor!

This month has just whizzed by!

kitchen window. . .

paper pumpkins . . .

Grandma Ruby's salt & pepper shakers. . .

a sweet little trick~or~treater. . .

this is one spider I can like . . .

we've got spirit, yes we do . . .

perfect spot for casual dining . . .

scarecrow trio. . .

the big guy . . .

an interesting little house . . .

It's cool & rainy today, I feel the need to bake some oatmeal cookies.

Don't Miss It . . .

Howdy folks!

Be sure you come back tomorrow

to see the

'Tour Of Fabulous Fall Decor'

here at our house.

You'll see lots of pumpkins, jack~o~lanterns,

and much more!

Sunday Thoughts . . .

He does great things

beyond our understanding

Job 37:5

Wishing each of you a

wonderful Sunday!

How To Celebrate A Birthday . . .

Well, today I'm celebrating another birthday!

If someone was brave enough to put

57 candles on my cake

I'm sure it would require a fire extinguisher

to put out the blaze.
Yikes!

Can you guess what I'm doing today to celebrate my birthday?

There isn't a reservation at the spa for me, or

a shopping spree planned at the mall.

We're having some of our carpeting

cleaned by Sears!

In the five years we've lived here the carpets

have not be professionally cleaned.

I have cleaned them several times with

my Hoover steam cleaner, but it's

time for a deep cleaning by the pros.

The Pumpkin Patch . . .

Ethan visited the Pumpkin Patch

Sunday afternoon.

This pumpkin is just my size!

It sure is fun to ride on Daddy's shoulders!


I love my Mommy & Daddy so much!

I had lots of fun seeing pumpkins for the 1st time!

Sunday Thoughts . . .

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose

under heaven: a time to weep, and a time to laugh;

a time to mourn, and a time to dance.

Ecclesiastes 3:1,4

Are you the kind of person who insists on having a little fun every day? You may be thinking, Who me? I have too much to do and too little time to do it? If so, you may be surprised to learn how fun and laughter can help you get it all done.

Look at it this way. Laughter stimulates your breathing and your blood flow. A little spontaneous fun gives your brain and your body a chance to relax their rigid, busy stance and be renewed. Most people find that they go back to work with fresh energy and interest.

Laughter should be a normal part of your daily experience. Try it and you'll be glad you did.

People rarely succeed unless

they have fun in what they are doing.

Dale Carnegie

Taken from: God's Daily Answer

To~pi~ar~y. . .

I got busy Thursday afternoon making

a topiary for our front door stoop.

I found some great faux pumpkins & berry garlands

at Michael's on Wednesday.

I already had the basket, Spanish moss, & some leaves.

My trusty glue gun is antique.

I bought it at Sears decades ago.

I cut a hole in the bottom of the

middle & top pumpkins so they could

be glued over the stem of the other

pumpkins. The basket was placed

in an old pot I had in the garage.

Next, I painted black stripes on the pot.

I think the project turned out great!

I'm not sure if I'll make another one

to put on the other side of the door.

It will be a little crowded if I do.

I'll let you know what I decide. . .

Unexpected Wonders . . .

This beautiful sight caught my

eye Thursday morning

outside our front door.

You never know what unexpected wonders

you'll find each day if you take the time

to observe your surroundings.

Good Grief . . .

Charlie Brown!

After taking this picture of Ethan

Tuesday afternoon I realized he looked

a lot like Charlie Brown!

Good grief little man, you are so cute in your striped shirt!

Birthday Wishes . . .

to my sister, Susan!

Hope your day is filled with
all the things you enjoy!

We love you!