Happy and Merry and Thumbprint Cookies

This post is dedicated to David... a Yankee who walked into my life on a snowy day and changed it forever.

Thumbprints.. because people leave their mark on our life helping us become our self.

1/4 cup soft shortening
1/4 cup soft butter
1 egg yolk
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup flour (plain)
1/4 tsp salt
1 egg white... (you knew I would not waste it!)
3/4 cup finely chopped nuts
happy thumbs

Cream together the first three ingredients in a bowl. In a separate bowl sift the flour and salt. Mix the two bowls together. Beat the egg white slightly with a fork.Roll walnut sized balls of dough then dip them in the egg white. Roll the ball then in the nuts. Place on greased cookie sheet about 1 inch apart. Bake in the oven at 375 degrees for 5 minutes. Remove and gently imprint each with a thumbprint. Place back in the oven for 8 minutes more. When they are cool you can put jelly or other filling in the thumbprint if you want to. It's your imprint... do as you wish!

Today is the eve of the most holy day the year. It is the day set aside to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Everyone celebrates it in their own way. In our home it is a double celebration. Twenty-six years ago my Yankee and I stood inside a little chapel in North Carolina and promised to love each other forever... in good times and bad, sickness and health, richer or poorer... forever. It was a quiet, private ceremony just for us with only the minister and two witnesses followed by a quiet walk on the beach. We had a more public ceremony for family and friends on January 7 with Marine dress blues, flowing white lace and red roses. We actually celebrate both days... this one quietly privately holding in our hearts what an honor it was for our love to be blessed on this Holy night. Our night on the town will come later.

Happy anniversary, my hero, friend and love... and Merry Christmas to all of you. May you always know that life is a celebration for all of us and sometimes when we start a new chapter in life... it is nothing like we scripted it to be. That has certainly been true for us.

Job 8:21 He will fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.

Love,
Nana

Gluten-free German Chocolate Cake and The Balancing Act

This recipe is from C.J. He is 16 and likes to cook! It is dedicated to teenagers and young adults who are seeking balance in their life.

German Chocolate Cake

Using rice flour makes it really cheap. :) I don't know if I remembered to tell you, but you can find rice flour in the oriental section of most grocery stores, or grind it yourself at home using regular rice.

Ingredients:
4 ounces sweet German chocolate
1/2 cup boiling water
6 eggs, separated
2 cups sugar, divided
1 cup butter or margarine
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups rice flour
2 tbsp corn starch
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk
Preparation:
Melt chocolate in boiling water. Cool.
In small mixing bowl beat egg whites until frothy. Add 1/2 cup sugar and heat until stiff but not dry. Set aside.

Using large mixing bowl, cream butter with remaining sugar and vanilla until fluffy. Add egg yolks and beat well. Blend in chocolate.

Sift flour with cornstarch, baking powder, soda and salt. Add alternately with buttermilk to chocolate mixture, beating after each addition until smooth. Fold in beaten whites.

Pour into three 8-inch or 9-inch layer pans lined on bottom with paper.

Bake at 350 degrees F., about 30 minutes or until done. Cool. Frost tops only.


Life is about balance and that means we can't be everything to everybody all the time. The high school years and the first years of when we step into the world can be confusing. Sometimes people are going to love us... while others reject us. Our hopes are high only to be dashed by the difficulty of getting that first job or building relationships. Things that seem to come so easily to others.When we are hurting our life is out of balance and the only way to get back in balance is to release that which we cannot change and accept that even when we fail life goes on. Remember the "Serenity Prayer"? "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference". If we truly live by that prayer... we will have perfect balance in our life.

Isaiah 40:31 "but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings of eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
Love,
Nana

Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies and Angels of Mercy

This posting is dedicated to Abigail who shared her cookie recipe and who shares my Little Guy with me whom we both love dearly.


Peppermint Chocolate Chocolate-Chip Cookies---makes ~4 dozen

1 1/2 cups butter or margarine softened (not melted)
1 cup raw cane sugar (I have found it at Walmart, Trader Joe's, and
Fresh and Easy)
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
2 tsp peppermint extract
3 cups flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3 cups chocolate chips

1. Cream butter and sugars
2. Add rest of ingredients, mix well
3. Drop onto lightly greased cookie sheet
4. Bake @350 for 11 minutes
5. Pour a glass of milk and enjoy! :-)

Angels of Mercy is the name given to nurses. After many long hours of study and many years of longing to be one of these special people, Abigail got her RN in May. We love her and are very proud of her.

1 Corinthians 12:4,9 There are different kinds of gifts but the same Spirit... to (some are given) the gifts of healing. May God bless Abigail as she continues to bless and be a blessing to us.

Love,
Nana

Yummy wings and M*A*S*H*

This post is for Tim who has been willing to persevere under seemingly impossible circumstances and Dave who accepted my shattered heart and all that goes with it.

Pineapple Chicken Wings

2-1/2 lb. split chicken wings, tips removed
2 cans (8 oz. each) pineapple tidbits in juice, (don’t drain)
1 cup KRAFT Original Barbecue Sauce

PREHEAT oven to 400°F.
PLACE wings in greased 13x9-inch pan. Bake 30 min.
DRAIN pineapple, reserving 1/4 cup juice. Mix barbecue sauce, pineapple and reserved juice. Add to chicken; stir to evenly coat chicken.
BAKE 30 min. or until chicken is done and sauce is thickened
Makes: 6 servings


There was a television show that we enjoyed watching which was a spin-off of one of the most successful movies of the 70's...M*A*S*H. This depiction of a field hospital in Korea was a hit because it had a touch of humor, romance and only a small fraction of truth of the difficulties that doctors and nurses face as they care for the wounded. Those of us who have never felt the kind of pain the wounded and the doctors faced only "got" the part about the romance and twisted stories but recently Susan learned the truth about field hospitals and was devastated as she talked to me about them. It brought back old memories and some fresh ones too of how sometimes, as difficult as it is to imagine, those who need the most healing are left alone.

A M*A*S*H hospital is not really equipped to handle the most severely injured. We like to think that the most "hurt" get priority attention but, as Susan pointed out to me, in the movie Pearl Harbor the wounded were sometimes marked by nurses and doctors according to their chances of survival. Those who can be quickly attended to such as stitches or a broken bone get immediate medical care as so they can go back to battle but those with more serious injuries sometimes are left because they may not survive anyway. To spend time with those soldiers would mean those with less severe injuries may become critical. It is a very stressful situation. This is very real to me. Jimmy stepped on a mine in Viet Nam on December 19, just 12 days before his 21st birthday but he was not taken to surgery until December 24 when he was flown to Japan. Sound incredible? There were others... many others that the doctors could take care of quickly... he needed more care than they could give. He needed a more skilled surgeon and would be taken there if he survived. He was a fighter and GOT that medical care and was flown back to the States on his birthday, December 31. It was a time of great celebration. He never was bitter about seeing others come in and go out of the hospital as he lay with minimal care. He told me he later... he desperately wanted to live but was willing to die if he had to. He trusted God's plan for his life and he was fighting for freedom.

We all deal with times of being left in pain while others move on to things that are easier for them to handle and circumstances that require only a "quick fix" so they can return to the battles of life. Sometimes those wounded are ones very close to us.

We all have times that seem so hard and we reach out to those we think can help take that pain away... but like the doctors and nurses of these field hospitals, they put us on the sidelines and tell us to "wait". They have no time or means of healing us now. That does not mean they don't care... they just can't look upon our pain because if they do, they might not be able to take care of the immediate things of life they CAN fix. Like the wounded in the hospital the best thing for me to do is live this day and know that God knows not only my failings but what is best for ME in my pain and YOU in yours. He is the great physician and sometimes we have to wait upon Him and trust that His plan is perfect.

Isaiah 40:31 but they they wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.

Love,
Nana

Heart to heart

Just a quick note to explain my blog. My son and daughter-in-law inspired me to write with their blogs filled with their thoughts, dreams and sometimes pain. I started to write too when I was healing from a broken foot and broken heart but found God brought to my mind times that were hard that He used for good not just for me but for others.

A few weeks ago I was asked to work on Sunday. I did not want to miss Church and went to the early service. I did not want to be late so I was in a slight rush went I got to work. A lady stopped me as I entered the door. I knew her but this was the first time I saw her using a walker. I touched her hand and told her she looked tired today... she took my hand and thanked me for the kindness I showed her and her husband. Two days later when I went in to work, they told me she died that night. The last words between two friends passing were words of kindness.

This year I lost a sweet friend to breast cancer and it brought to mind the days I held my mom's hand before this disease took her away. Another lost her only son in a car accident at the tender age of 24. I remember Amy's sweet smile and courage;the way she made a room light up just being there and I miss her. I think of the day that Matt was born in Havelock, N.C. and remember holding that little precious baby who grew into a young man and my broken heart seems like a scratch; my worries so small.

Some days this year have been hard for me and for others. My friend Jessi is caring for her mother in her last stage of cancer. Six months ago they told everybody to prepare for her to die in two weeks. She is still with her. They are living life in the present... a day at a time; the holidays will bring memories of past celebrations to help her though these days. Those memories will always be part of who she becomes just as what I write becomes part of who I am. Thank you for reading my blog and being part of my life. They say time heals the broken heart. Pass quickly time... please pass quickly but let me learn life's' lessons from my mom, Amy and others on the way. Even in their darkest hours they brought light into my life with their gifts of love. They forgot their pain in their moments of loving me. Please, God, let me be and do the same.

I Corinthinas 13:1 Thought I speak with the tongues of men and of angels but have not love, I have become a sounding brass or clanging cymbal... it profits me nothing.


Love,
Nana

Christmas Punch and Gifts from Baby Boomers

This post is for Tim and my story is about gifts from the Baby Boomer generation.

Raspberry-Orange Sangria Punch


Prep Time:
5 min

Makes:
2 qt. or 8 servings, 1 cup each

1 tub CRYSTAL LIGHT Raspberry Ice Flavor Drink Mix
1 qt. (4 cups) cold reduced-calorie cranberry juice cocktail
1 cup cold orange juice
1 cup cold white grape juice
2 cups cold club soda
ADD drink mix to combined juices in large plastic or glass pitcher; stir until mix is dissolved. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
POUR into punch bowl; stir in club soda. Serve over ice cubes.


The Baby Boomer generation is well remembered for the changes that they made in our everyday lives. Such ideas were not so easy for the past generation to accept especially when it came to babies. Disposable diapers and disposable bottles with liners replaced glass bottles and cloth diapers. There were other changes too. There was a movement to change the furniture used for babies for safer products. When we were expecting our first baby, Jimmy and I invited his mom to be with us when a salesman came to our house to sell baby furniture. She was a wise woman and saw right away that his presentation was high pressured and geared toward emotional, young expectant parents. To "qualify" it had to be your first baby and you had to make a decision that night. The products were not sold in stores... "now or never". Sound familiar? Those approaches don't work so easily now for me, but that was then.

The film he showed us was of a baby falling from a high chair on their first birthday and dying. The product... a chair that could not tip over. It was a combination walker, high chair, baby bath and as the child grew older, a table that could be slanted to be a drawing board. You also got a car seat (which was also something not used before)and a netted playpen.

We stepped from the room to talk in private and pray about the decision which "could not wait". My mother-in-law argued with the salesperson about the products. The safety of our child overcame our concern of adding strain to our budget. When we returned with our decision to purchase the items, my mother-in-law was upset that we took on a debt for things she did not think we needed.

The chair would not sell today. It was square shaped and cumbersome but it was exactly what we needed. Jimmy had lost one leg in Viet Nam and had severe edema in the remaining one. He had just gotten out of the hospital for phlebitis (vein inflammation) in his leg so standing for long periods was not good. All we could see was a chance for our child to be safe and that Jimmy could sit in a chair if he wanted to give the baby a bath. We used all the things we bought for three children and never regretted the purchase. I told myself I would do better when the time came and not give my children unsolicited advice. We say, do and become what we say we never will.

I am thankful for the Baby Boomers who pushed for safer cribs, car seats and other ways to keep our children safe. I am also thankful for a mother-in-law who loved us enough to be angry when what she saw was someone taking advantage of us. I hope I can love my children enough to be that honest but accept,as she did, when their choices are different than our advice. She is one of the most courageous women I have ever known. She lost her son three times...once to be taken away to war where the boy became a man, once to cancer watching helplessly as the quality of his life declined and finally she lost him in death at the age of 32.

In the span of ten years I became a new bride, a mother and a widow. Those years held more joy and challenges than I can express and I would not change one day of them. It is said that we walk our path in life alone but with the spirits of many brothers and sisters around us. We are surrounded with love, prayers and hope. As you enter the holiday season join me in a toast to all mothers. May we be strong enough to love and courageous enough to let go when we must.

Psalms 61:8 I will ever sing praise to your name and fulfill my vows day after day.

Love,
Nana

Tiramasu and My Favorite Things

The first time I had Tiramasu was at a restaurant with my grandaughter Paige. She spent the summer with me when she was 14 and we went to Olive Garden. That evening is now one of my favorite things.

Tiramasu Bowl

1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
3 cups cold milk
2 pkg. (3.4 oz. each) JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding
1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed, divided
48 NILLA Wafers
1/2 cup brewed strong Coffee, cooled, 2
2 squares BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate, coarsely grated
1 cup fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries

BEAT cream cheese with mixer until creamy. Beat in milk and pudding mixes. Stir in 2 cups COOL WHIP.

LINE 2-1/2-qt. bowl with 24 wafers; drizzle with 1/4 cup coffee. Top with half each pudding mixture and chocolate. Repeat all layers.

TOP with remaining COOL WHIP and raspberries. Refrigerate 2 hours. Refrigerate leftovers.

Makes 16 servings

This morning when I woke up the song that popped into my head was My Favorite Things. Who would have thought "raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, brown copper kettle and warm woolen mittens..." personal rememberances would be such a hit and people would relate to it. I started remembering my favorite things like my dad putting me in a snowsuit before I was old enough to go to school and convincing me even though it had pants, it was not boys clothes (I was very girly). I remember crying when I my baby sister was born. My dad asked me why I was crying and I remember saying "because I am a big girl now and you can't carry me to bed anymore"... the thoughts we have when we are four. He carried me everywhere that day and made sure he carried me to bed that night. I remember my first trip to the ocean when I was 9 with my uncle and bringing my mom back a teddy bear and her crying. I remember my son crying when the dandilions he picked for me blew away in the wind and holding his hand while we found other flowers.

The "treasures" I have are hand-made cards and things my children drew at school and sometimes the most valuable treasures are not as simple as the softness of the fur of kittens or the sweet smell of babies. Some of my treasures and favorite things are mixed with tears as my life changes and my place in the lives of others changes too. We nurture, we love and we let go because that is what life requires and it is good.

The chorus of another song comes to my mind.. "and now, let the weak say I am strong. Let the poor say I am rich because of what the Lord had done for us... give thanks".

Matthew 6:19-21 do not store up your treasures on earth...store up your treasures in heaven... for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Love,
Nana

Cranberry-Orange Relish and Were Rich!!!

It is one week before Thanksgiving and I am remembering the first time Tina made cranberry-orange relish. She was 11 and we lived on the coast of NC. After that year it was a tradition as long as she lived at home. Now she lives in CO and I am here in the desert of AZ. I miss her.


Cranberry-Orange Relish(no cooking)

1 12 oz bag of fresh cranberries
1 medium orange with peel (seeds removed and quartered)
3/4 to 1 cup sugar

Put the cranberries and orange in the blender or food processer. Chop fine. Put in a bowl and stir in sugar. Refrigerate several hours before serving for best flavor. This is wonderful on turkey sandwiches or as a relish for your Thanksgiving dinner.

Were Rich!

Thanksgiving 1999 was a special day for our family. That is the day we returned from Russia with our newly adopted son and daughter. They knew less than six words in English but some things are understood in universal languages. In the early morning most of us were still asleep from the long flight but Susan and her dad (she calls him "Papa" because "dad" in Russian means uncle) were up and wide awake. He took her with him to the store because we had no milk, bread or fresh fruit having been away for a while. When she went into the store, the first thing she saw was aisles and aisles of fresh vegetables and fruit. She would point to what she wanted and of course melted her dad's heart. She could not wait to tell her brother, Chris, what she saw. We did not understand their language but we understood their hugs, huge eyes and excitement as she pulled things out of the bag one by one. A few days later, the girl we hired to help me teach them English translated what they were saying to us. "We are rich! We never saw so much food and we can have as much as we want!" How could you not fall in love with such innocent appreciation of simple things we take for granted.

At this Thankgiving season please remember who makes all things possible.
Psalms 71 19 Your righteousness reaches to the skies,oh God; you who have done great things.

Love,
Nana

Sassafras and Gentle Hands

This post is dedicated to Wendi, Connie and Rebecca who prayed with me even though we were apart. It is also for Lou because she wanted to come to visit for Thanksgiving but plans did not work out for her to do that. They are my sisters and have been part of joy and sadness in my life and I am grateful God brought them to me. I thank Him that when I needed them, He brought gentle hands to my life.

Sassafras Tea

In the mountains of East TN and southwest VA there grows a tree. My grandmother called it the "headache tree" and the dried root was boiled to make a soothing tea. Children were not allowed to drink it but the smell of the root boiling was heavenly. My mother loved that drink and in the fall her brother would bring a little of the root to her. Most people said it was an old wives tale that it could thin your blood until it actually came through your skin but eventually science proved this to be true. It soothed headaches when used in moderation because it is a natural blood thinner. Somebody decided the taste would make a good soft drink. Maybe you have tried it... it is called Root Beer and now you know the name of the root that it was named for.

Gentle Hands

Over the years God has brought gentle hands to me. One sat with me at the dam and we drank in the beauty of the mountains. Another met me in the desert to give me a cactus to remind me that no matter how hard things get, there is always someone who loves us. I appreciate these moments but never so much as the gentle hands folded in prayer for me this week.

When things are hard for you, I hope you feel gentle hands of friends and know you are loved.

Psalms 100:5 For the Lord is good and His love endures forever. His faithfulness endures through all generations.

Love,
Nana

Jolly Meals and Music to my ears

This blog is dedicated to all my children but especially to Tina and Scott who always found a way to make the most mundane things of life interesting and to Susan who is learning the same tune.

Jolly Meals

Fast food places quickly eat into your budget, so Scott became the first customer in our "home based" restaurant.

A "jolly" meal is better than a "Happy Meal" from you-know-where or a Kids meal from anywhere else. It is a favorite sandwich or left over, a piece of fruit/chips, a drink and a prize. It may be a sticker or a cool pencil but the time spent with the kids was worth much more than the fast food. If we were fortunate our hero "Question Man" might make a surprise visit and answer any question you may have. ("Scotty knows"). One thing that made this time and our relationship special was making the little ones know that they are special. I am very blessed to have such special time with Scott and later Paige and Corey. A simple thing like lunch with a toddler can be a special memory. Now, I have those times with James, Katie and PJ and it Susan who is coming up with the prize ideas and the meals that work for picky eaters. Paige, Corey, James, Katie and PJ are second generation Jolly Meal customers. They are my reminders that life is not perfect but it is good.

Music to my ears...

I know what you may be thinking. When the children said "thank you" or "I love you mom" or maybe when they were sleeping and I could hear their gentle breathing. Those were all good but the music to my ears was when my teenagers said they were "bored" or when I asked them "what are you doing?" and they said "noooothing. There is nothing to do". That is when they stepped into the trap of the meanest mom in the world. Yes, I admit that I had that title even if it was not openly spoken, I know it. My response was always "good there is laundry to be folded" (or some other menial chore). It was never a planned thing; it is just the way life happens.

This idea, as unfair or clever as it sounds (depending on if you are the parent or teenager) was not my own. It has been handed down for ages by others who were the "meanest mom in the world" to their children. Mothers are not perfect and if there was an award for the least perfect, I would at least be a nominee I can never be a perfect mom but I am thankful that we all have a perfect Father and I think if we go to Him and say "I'm bored" with an open heart, He will use us to better our life and others. He has always existed and always will be the same perfect and faithful Father forever.

Psalms 119:90 "Your faithfulness continues through all generations;you established the earth and it endures". I take this to mean, to serve Him,we must accept there will always be "mean moms". It is not the easiest path but He will help the least of His children (me) turn to Him, my perfect father, for forgiveness and guidance when I fail Him and others. His faithfulness endures.

Love,
Nana

Spaghetti, Pizza and It's all about Leftovers

This post is dedicated to Susan. She is an amazing daughter and one of the least predictable people I know. I hope you like her recipe for pizza from spaghetti and the story of leftovers.

Spaghetti Pizza

Use cold leftover spaghetti (with or without sauce)
Pepperoni
Shredded Mozzarella cheese
Pizza sauce or left over spaghetti sauce if desired

Lightly oil or use non-stick spray on baking dish. Spread the cold spaghetti first. If there is already sauce on it, you don't have to add more but you can if you wish. Top with the cheese then the pepperoni. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes until the crust is hot and the cheese is melted. Serve hot or if you are at teenager, have it cold for breakfast.

We all have leftovers in our life that shape who we are. For instance, there were six kids in our home and we walked everywhere we went so we all had to go to the bathroom before we left the house. It became an automatic thing and I still do that today. It is one of my leftover habits from my childhood. My mom also taught me if you are really wanting to hear God's answer, go to His word. The answer is always there. I was extremely frustrated at one time in my life. I was a single mom, working three part time jobs and barely keeping food on the table. I prayed and opened my Bible and my eyes fell on His message to me "Be still and know that I am God". I felt scolded and encouraged at the same time.

Later, I told my pastor I was no longer worried how I would provide for my children. God had told me to shut up He is in charge. When we give our life to Him, He moves to make things work for what is best for us. Within a month I got a promotion with benefits and only had to work one job. Shortly after that, I met the man that I eventually married and have been with for over 25 years.

Some of you who know me will find this hard to believe but sometimes I talk too much. God had to tell me to be quiet so I could hear His voice and let Him do his work in me and for me. He wants you to know you are loved and with Him all things are possible. What habits are leftovers in your life that give you courage and strength? Use them like Susan does the spaghetti that others would throw out. Use them and thank God that He is in charge and will never leave you.

Psalms 46:10 Be still and know that I am God.

Love,
Nana

Coconut Miracle Pie and The Story of New Shoes

This receipe is a favorite of Hazel, my mother-in-law and is dedicated to Paige my grandaughter who is learning about making her own choices. The story is about things I learned from my daughter, Tina.

Coconut Miracle Pie

1 C. Sugar
1 C. coconut
1/4 margarine
4 eggs
2 C. milk
1/2 C. flour
1/4 tsp. salt **
1/2 tsp. baking powder**

** omit if using self-rising flour

Melt the butter in pie pan or square baking dish. In separate bowl, mix dry ingrediants then add rest of ingrediants. Pour into melted butter. Bake at 350 degrees about 60 minutes. It miraculously makes its own crust and the coconut comes to the top!

When my children were small, if one child needed shoes or clothing for school, all of them got it at the same time. To me, that seemed like the simplest solution but Tina took a different approach to her children. If she was shopping for one, the other did not always get the same thing or sometimes anything. The first time she took me along for a shopping trip, I was sure the one who did not get shoes would be disappointed and offered to pay for one or both of the pair of shoes. Her answer was a firm "no". It was not a matter of finances, it was a lesson she was teaching her children to trust her and that things are in life are not always fair. To my amazement, the one who did not get anything did not get upset. Tina understood the needs of her children and gave to them not always equally but as they had a need. She has been an amazing mom. She clipped coupons and taught her girls that homemade games are just as fun as expensive store bought games. Because she did this, it was she who taught them to write their names and tie their shoes instead of daycare and her girls learned at an early age about the value of music, dance and decisiveness. Someday Paige will use the lessons of her mother to be a great mom herself.

Our heavenly Father does not always give to us equally but He does know our needs. Matthew 7:1-11 teaches about judging others, guarding our treasures and how abundantly God blesses us. If He gives more to others than you think is fair, don't be alarmed. He knows your heart and needs and will meet them with His perfect timing.

Love,
Nana

Pumpkin Cookies and lost arts

The recipe that I am sharing comes from my friend Julie and is dedicated to Tina. She is in Colorado where the leaves change to beautiful colors in the fall and she sees the beauty of all seasons. If you ask her, she will tell you that if I come to visit her in the winter, it always snows if it is in the summer, the hail somehow finds me. I am a magnet for the unexpected. I hope you enjoy the cookies and the story of gifts my mother gave me.

Gluten Freen Pumpkin Chocolate Chips Cookies

***(If you do not need your cookies to be gluten free, use regular flour and don't use the xanthan gum)

Ingredients:
½ cup butter
1 cup white sugar
½ cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 cup pumpkin
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 ½ cups white rice flour
3/4 cup tapioca starch


1 ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon ginger
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup chocolate chips

Directions:
In large mixing bowl beat together butter and sugars; add eggs, pumpkin and vanilla. Mix until well blended.

In medium mixing bowl combine dry ingredients and add to creamed mixture. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop by spoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350F degrees for 12 minutes.

Those cookies smell wonderful cooking. Isn't it funny how you remember smells and little things that made you laugh? My mom grew up on a farm and she knew about working hard in the summer to prepare for winter. I started sewing and making quilts with her when I was five. I was about seven the first year she let me help with canning fruit. She also taught me to make relish and darn socks. I would take a chance and guess that most of you who read this have never done any of those things but for me, it was a special time. We did not live on a farm and the only tree we had was a maple that shed leaves in the fall and shaded our dog in the summmer. What we did have was a fruit market one block away. My mother made a deal with the owner that my brother would help the owner sort the fruit and he would pay Bill a little cash and give us all the bruised fruit that he could not sell. At the end of the season, the vegetables that had not been sold, we could have in return for cleaning up the lot until he returned later to sell Christmas Trees.

The peaches were very easily bruised by handling so we got more of them than anything else. Sometimes the bruise would be no bigger than my thumb (which on a seven year old is small) and sometimes the fruit would have started to rot. I wanted to throw those in the waste bucket but my mom would show me where there was still good spots and as a lesson, she did all the ones I did not want and I did the ones I thought were perfect. In the end, her bowl was much fuller than mine and when you looked at the two, you could not tell which was perfect and which was flawed. I learned something more than sorting fruit but I did not understand that then. We go to God and we see ourselves as not worth very much. We are flawed. Who would want us but God takes that part of us that is good and puts it with others who also have good in them and together, we make something valuable and sweet. I know I am spoiled. I have been accustomed to giving love and getting it back. That is not something we should take for granted because it does not always turn out that way. If we are loved and the good in us is accepted, that is something wonderful. We are all flawed and sometimes I have felt like there was more flaws that good. That left a hollow place in my heart which I am grateful that God is willing to fill up with His love and Grace; especially when I feel unworthy of either. He never turns me away.

Even when I, and sometimes others, only see the flaws, He sees something that is useful. I should be in the waste pile. I know that. I am glad He has a plan just as my mom did to use the part that has some good for His purpose. Philippians 1:6 He who began a good work in you will continue it until the day of Christ Jesus.

Love,
Nana

The Money Tree and Hot Cocoa

Today is Scott's birthday. In honor of his day, I will share with you my dad's recipe for hot cocoa and the story of the money tree. Happy birthday, Scott. You are loved.







Long ago in the days when there were no VCRs, DVDs and PS3s there was also no instant hot cocoa and it was in fact a special treat for us to have it. My dad made it over a wood stove in our living room. It was part of our holiday celebration but this story is about faith, a money tree and a year that Christmas almost wasn't.

Hot Cocoa

3 T. sugar
3 to 4 T. Cocoa
1/8 t. salt
1/2 c. hot water
4 cups milk

Mix together sugar, cocoa and salt in top of double boiler.
Add milk to cocoa mixture; boil for 3 minutes stirring
Add milk to cocoa mixture; place over hot water, cover.
Heat to serving temperature. Do not boil.
(We usually doubled the mixture and sometimes made two batches for visitors.)

The Money Tree

Most of you who read this will have no idea what I am talking about when I tell you this story is about how we won a six foot aluminium tree with a revolving light. It was the coolest of the cool that year. We shopped at a place called J and M Wholesale which sold everything from luggage to lumber and, in the holidays, it sold toys. Like today's Costco you had to be a member. It was one of those expenses I was not sure we should have but thankfully, my dad was very good in math and found that the membership saved him money over the years. We all walked to the store every year the Saturday after Thanksgiving and gave our wish list to our dad. Somehow, it was never a wish list but his shopping list.

It happened a little over a year after my mom died. Money was very scarce because my dad had already spent some time in the hospital and there were five children still living with him. My oldest brother had gotten married two months before so it actually meant we had one more, not one less to consider. J and M wholesale put one of these amazing trees on display and covered it with $1 bills as a publicity stunt. There was a large jar near it where you could write a one time guess as to what was on the tree. It was made even more difficult because people surrounded the display chattering and the light was on the revolving tree at all times as a fan blew the dollars like leaves. People would walk away and say "impossible". Dad told all of us to go shop and pick out what we wanted. For $5 you could put anything you wanted on lay-a-way (that may also be a foreign word to some of you... it was what we did before there were five or six credit cards in our wallets). I chose a record player which had a cloth cover that was pink, yellow and orange. They had marked it down for several weeks because nobody wanted this unusual colored record player/AM FM radio. (Oh... I might explain, records were in different sizes and flat like a CD but played with a diamond needle. Never mind... it may be an "antique" item to you but it was beautiful to me.)

He never told us that what was put on the list was really possible for us to have. We were just to have fun. He was very secretive. The drawing for the winner was Christmas Eve during the day and my dad and my brother Bill went alone to the store. They did not even tell us where they were going because if he did not win, they were not sure what me, my two sisters and my other brother would have besides the ham his company gave all employees for Christmas Day and hot cocoa for Christmas Eve. My oldest brother came over and helped me and my younger siblings write a play about the birth of Christ that we could perform for his new bride and my dad that night. I had just finished the last angel costume when my dad came in the front door. He won! We already had a tree up so it stayed in it's box until the next year.

This story would not be complete without snow and there was a white covering on the ground but the roads were passable for my brother and his wife to return to their apartment a few miles away. I knew he won the tree but I did not know he won all the money on the tree. The elves were busy while I slept and the next morning, under that tree was my record player and the doll that was bigger than my baby sister. The floor was completely covered with brightly wrapped gifts. I don't think there was a single present under that tree for dad but he was the biggest kid there playing with every child and acting just as surprised as we were that we got our wishes.

From that Christmas I learned that parents teach their children not so much from what they say they believe but how they live. My dad was great with math and very patient so he walked to that store several days (we had no car) and made his calculation at the time he felt most sure of himself. If you are struggling with something that needs faith, even if you see it as impossible at first, give it some time; pray about it, look things over and then take action with the faith of a tiny mustard seed

Matthew 17:20 "If you have faith of a mustard seed... nothing will be impossible for you".

Love,
Nana

Camping omelets by Wendi

Camping... what to have for breakfast depends on if you are tent camping where a peanut butter and jelly sandwich works, "he-man" camping where you cook fish or maybe eggs over a campfire or mine and Wendi's style using a 5th wheel or RV where you watch TV while you cook over a stove. A real stove makes great scrambled eggs, turkey bacon and of course you have a frig and toaster... not to have either would be uncivilized! We did bravely camp one year without a microwave. Luckily we had Scott's DVD player for movies on a picnic table in CA. Wendi shared an easy omelet recipe with me yesterday and now I send that on to you from Nana's Kitchen:

ZIPLOC OMELET

(This works great !!! Good for when all your family is together. The best part is that no one has to wait for their special omelet !!!)

Have guests write their name on a quart-size Ziploc freezer bag with permanent marker.

Crack 2 eggs (large or extra-large) into the bag (not more than 2) shake to combine them.

Put out a variety of ingredients such as: cheeses, ham, onion, green pepper, tomato, hash browns, salsa, etc.

Each guest adds prepared ingredients of choice to their bag and shake. Make sure to get the air out of the bag and zip it up.

Place the bags into rolling, boiling water for exactly 13 minutes [we did 15 minutes]. You can usually cook 6-8 omelets in a large pot. For more, make another pot of boiling water.(Who would have thought of that? I would make the men wait!!)

Open the bags and the omelet will roll out easily. Be prepared for everyone to be amazed. Nice to serve with fresh fruit and coffee cake; everyone gets involved in the process and a great conversation piece.Imagine having these ready the night before, and putting the bag in boiling water while you get ready. And in 15 minutes, you've got a nice omelet for a quick breakfast!!!

I am inspired now... gotta find more camping recipes!
By the way, Susan, this might be good way to impress your guests AND sleep in ;-)

Thanks, Wendi for sharing this and for being my friend all these years, knowing my weaknesses and loving me anyhow.

Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times.

Love,
Nana

Gracie Allen Roast

This is dedicated to my sister Renee who could always make me laugh. She did not give me this receipe but she could have.

Gracie Allen's Classic Recipe for Roast Beef
1 large Roast of beef
1 small Roast of beef

Take the two roasts and put them in the oven.
When the little one burns, the big one is done

*** For those of you who don't know who Gracie was, she was the wife of George Burns. She was known for her straight faced comedy and the orginal "dumb blonde" jokes. Don't you just love people who see life as if they were looking through the eyes of a child?

I Timothy 6:18-19 Let them do good that they may be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come."
That's my sister... generous in all things but especially with her love for others.

Love,
Nana

Nana's apron

Hello everyone,

Today is September 15th and if I was back in my home state of TN I would no doubt be taking the beautiful colors of fall for granted instead of missing them while I am here in the desert. It is strange how we are that way. We miss the little things of our past and hope for things we have not yet experienced.

In the spring of 1994 I decided that someday I was going to write a cookbook and I would call it Nana's Cookbook. I was so certain that I would do this that I had a bakers apron made with the first recipe on it. There was a picture of Paige on it when she was just over a year old. Paige will be 17 this year. How quickly time passes and how easy it is to put our dreams on the back burner. Anyway, for those who might be amused as well as for those who will not "get it", here is my first recipe. Enjoy!

Mothers Kitchen

Ingredients:
1 Little girl
2 Busy hands
2-3 Wooden spoons, pans and bowls
Smidgen of laughter
Heaping helping of Love

Mix all ingredients well in a warm kitchen. Add songs and giggles as needed.
Smother with hugs and kisses. Repeat often. When work is done, store this hour in a safe warm place.

Recipe from Nana's Cookbook
So that was my first recipe. Hope you enjoy the journey with me.

Isaiah 65:it shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer.

Thank you, Lord for knowing my needs, my trials and my joys even before I speak of them.

Love,
Nana

Coincidence

Usually my blog has a recipe and a story. This time, it is just a story of how things sometimes happen that we don't understand but hopefully we never forget.

















Today I am remembering something that started out as a routine day ended up being anything but routine. I was working and decided to take a break and go to a "one day" sale at a local thrift store. Everything was 50% off the regular price and I love a bargain. Soon after I entered the store I noticed a tall exotic looking woman. She wore a colorful turban and I remember thinking how striking her beauty was. Her skin was smooth and bronze colored and her dark hair has hints of silver.

When I was in line to pay for my single item, a pair of pants for my daughter, it was this beautiful woman who came in line behind me. She asked how I was able to fix my hair the way I did. I thought she meant my extra curly bun and told her it was natural.. I just pulled it back and let it do it's thing. She said "no... the silver shining in your hair looks like it was painted on"... oh. She was talking about my grey roots. I remembered something sad for a moment and said "that comes from having children, I guess and too many years of hard work". She took my hand and said "oh no.. never too many years of hard work. You have been and are a blessing to many". Just as I lay the pants down to pay for them, she placed her hand over mine and handed the money to the cashier. With as smile she said "it is paid for". The thought that came immediately to my mind was Jesus final words on the cross... "it is finished". The debt for mankind was paid for including the least of these, me.

Other than to say "thank you", I was speechless. I walked toward the exit in a daze. As I pushed the door to go out I turned to look for her but she was gone. I don't know if she left through another door or if she was an angel sent to remind me that the world is not always as I see it.

It is said that coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous. A few days later, I got a postcard in the mail that I will not discuss here but it was hard for me to read the words written in that tiny space. Perhaps it was not a coincidence at all... perhaps I needed to know that He never leaves me and understands that sometimes we have to trust God that things happen for a reason but He sees us as we are and loves us still.

Ester 9:22 "Their sorrows were turned to joy and their mourning into a day of celebration". Blessed be the name of the Lord.

Love,
Nana