tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37362723006132306192024-03-12T18:01:08.375-07:00Warm Pie, Happy HomeAunt Ruthiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714212484488327936noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3736272300613230619.post-90759923705384886702009-07-16T21:13:00.000-07:002009-07-16T21:15:34.908-07:00Savor The Gifts of God’s Goodness<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/Sl_6zvTzXZI/AAAAAAAADWk/upbB5sJ1im0/s1600-h/featured-blog-photo.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 264px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/Sl_6zvTzXZI/AAAAAAAADWk/upbB5sJ1im0/s400/featured-blog-photo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359277848373976466" border="0" /></a><br /><p>Can you hear it? God’s whispers of love to you? Whispers of beauty, grace, comfort and goodness. God has planted sweetness in every season just to warm your heart and to speak to you of His lavish love and constant care, because you are His beloved child. Savor the gifts of each season…<a href="http://www.sugarpiefarmhouse.com/blog">Click here to read more! »</a></p>Aunt Ruthiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714212484488327936noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3736272300613230619.post-73065815982541041992009-06-24T14:37:00.000-07:002009-06-24T14:38:07.457-07:00Part 3 of Q and A time with Aunt Ruthie<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SkKct3y0XZI/AAAAAAAADWc/aufNxYLqbFM/s1600-h/featured-blog-photo-qa3.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 264px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SkKct3y0XZI/AAAAAAAADWc/aufNxYLqbFM/s400/featured-blog-photo-qa3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351011619154714002" /></a><br /><br />I'm back from vacation and so happy to be back home at the Farmhouse! I'm ready to get back into the swing of summer and all of the fun that it brings! As promised, here is part three of my Q and A time...<a href="http://www.sugarpiefarmhouse.com/blog">Click here to read more! »</a>Aunt Ruthiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714212484488327936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3736272300613230619.post-90517546151345786122009-06-03T19:37:00.000-07:002009-06-03T19:39:55.249-07:00Father’s Day Blessings<img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 264px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/Siczz6WtzAI/AAAAAAAADWQ/Q-Av9aPAs5s/s400/fathers-day-blessings-4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343296449829260290" /><br /><br />This post is all about great dads and the wonderful legacy of faithfulness and love that they pass down to their children and their children’s children. A Great Dad...models, for his children, how to be a loving husband by showing affection, appreciation, kindness and respect. He tells his kids 'Don’t we have a pretty mama' and 'aren’t we glad mama made a good dinner'...<a href="http://www.sugarpiefarmhouse.com/fathers-day-blessings">Click Here to read more!</a>Aunt Ruthiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714212484488327936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3736272300613230619.post-57212022872603263212009-05-26T05:48:00.000-07:002009-05-26T05:50:33.278-07:00Part 2 of Q and A time with Aunt Ruthie<img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 264px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/Shvle5MlGJI/AAAAAAAADWI/t_Cs0N1csKk/s400/featured-blog-photo-qa2b.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340114102090274962" /><br />Howdy Sugar Pie Sistas! Welcome to the Farmhouse and to Part 2 of Aunt Ruthie’s Question and Answer time! Due to the wonderfully overwhelming amount of comments y’all bless me with, many of which include questions, I decided to have a Q&A to answer them in one fell swoop! So let’s get started...<a href="http://www.sugarpiefarmhouse.com/part-2-of-q-and-a-time-with-aunt-ruthie">Click Here to read the rest of my post!</a>Aunt Ruthiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714212484488327936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3736272300613230619.post-51668342363361030142009-05-17T17:44:00.000-07:002009-05-17T17:45:37.399-07:00When Life Gives You Lemons<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/ShCvnZ8vCmI/AAAAAAAADWA/YIUh9Qi9ypg/s1600-h/creamy-lemon-pie.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 269px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/ShCvnZ8vCmI/AAAAAAAADWA/YIUh9Qi9ypg/s400/creamy-lemon-pie.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336958649949424226" /></a><br /><br />Whenever things in life seem to turn sour, we become disappointed, discouraged, worried and upset. But it’s so important that we not dwell on the “sour”, but instead look at the sweet things that the Lord has blessed us with & hold on to the hope of brighter days…<a href="http://www.sugarpiefarmhouse.com/blog">Click here to read more!</a>Aunt Ruthiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714212484488327936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3736272300613230619.post-6037848180025663912009-05-17T17:42:00.000-07:002009-05-17T17:44:09.595-07:00Pyrex Pie Plate Review<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/ShCvQ012IEI/AAAAAAAADV4/advrGAYQJMM/s1600-h/pyrex-pie-plate.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 269px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/ShCvQ012IEI/AAAAAAAADV4/advrGAYQJMM/s400/pyrex-pie-plate.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336958262031294530" /></a><br /><br />Girls! I just love this Pie Pan! I want to recommend to you my favorite kind of pan to bake in, the Pyrex Pie Plate! I prefer to use a glass pan (or pie plate) with handles. I like to be able to see through to the crust…<a href="http://www.sugarpiefarmhouse.com/pyrex-pie-plate-review">Click here to read more!</a>Aunt Ruthiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714212484488327936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3736272300613230619.post-41087821591292121612009-05-09T23:48:00.000-07:002009-05-09T23:51:11.032-07:00Motherhood Moments…<a href="http://www.sugarpiefarmhouse.com/motherhood-moments"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 260px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SgZ5K_NpUnI/AAAAAAAADVw/yBu0m3aS310/s400/featured-blog-photo-mothers-day.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334084038341251698" /></a><br /><br />My mom always dolled herself up...at home and out on the town. She always looked good...always smelled good! She wouldn’t think of leaving the house looking disheveled! A hairdo, lipstick and perfume is a daily must for her! Here she is sporting a hair style called “The Italian Curl”. So very chic! She makes the best Mostacciolis and meatballs and sauce in the entire Universe! (Happy Mother’s Day mom, I love you!)<br /><br />I discovered a funny thing a couple of years ago as I was going through some old photos...<a href="http://www.sugarpiefarmhouse.com/motherhood-moments">Click here to read more</a>!Aunt Ruthiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714212484488327936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3736272300613230619.post-28640744418337181762009-05-01T22:25:00.000-07:002009-05-01T22:27:07.881-07:00Springtime Blessings!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SfvZm2ADSvI/AAAAAAAADVo/QhQ1bO1V-uA/s1600-h/springtime.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 269px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SfvZm2ADSvI/AAAAAAAADVo/QhQ1bO1V-uA/s400/springtime.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331093845277100786" /></a><br />"Spring Blessings are in abundance here at the Farmhouse! The weather has warmed up, the bees are buzzing, the birds are singing...there is a freshness in the air! New life...new beginnings...new joys! Take a peek at the Spring delights happening down here in the Ozark Mountains of Southern Missouri..." <a href="http://www.sugarpiefarmhouse.com/blog">Click Here to read more!</a>Aunt Ruthiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714212484488327936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3736272300613230619.post-77175068143855938592009-04-27T07:59:00.000-07:002009-04-27T08:00:07.763-07:00It's Girl-Talk Time!<span style="color: rgb(98, 52, 13);font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(222, 89, 124);font-family:georgia;font-size:180%;" >Yoo Hoo!</span> I also published a <b>New Post</b> titled "<a href="http://www.sugarpiefarmhouse.com/blog"><span style="color: rgb(222, 89, 124);"><b>It's Girl-Talk Time!</b></span></a>" which talks about the new <a href="http://forums.sugarpiefarmhouse.com/">Girl-Talk Forum</a>, the Giveaway, and a great day trip that I took last week with my sister-in-law Linda!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G79mhxovKkE/SfXHuQwcgCI/AAAAAAAAAAM/k3osBBRUq4Q/s1600-h/apron-giveaway.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 269px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G79mhxovKkE/SfXHuQwcgCI/AAAAAAAAAAM/k3osBBRUq4Q/s400/apron-giveaway.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329385331648921634" border="0" /></a><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(98, 52, 13);font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" > Here's a sneak peek..."We headed west of Springfield Missouri about an hour to the little town of Bolivar. Our first stop was this adorable red barn...Pappy’s Antiques and Cakery! So Stinkin’ cute!"... <a href="http://www.sugarpiefarmhouse.com/blog"><span style="color: rgb(103, 157, 242);font-size:85%;" >Click Here to read more of my latest post!</span></a></span>Aunt Ruthiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714212484488327936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3736272300613230619.post-2941145427757371652009-04-17T23:34:00.000-07:002009-04-17T23:37:27.843-07:00Chalkboard Love<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/Sel1AKnyfaI/AAAAAAAADVg/lyXR3gjvHTw/s1600-h/featured-blog-photo-chalkboard-love.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325916680054013346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 264px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/Sel1AKnyfaI/AAAAAAAADVg/lyXR3gjvHTw/s400/featured-blog-photo-chalkboard-love.jpg" border="0" /></a>In this post I want to share with you my down-home love for chalkboards! In fact I have them all over my house proclaiming all kinds of messages of love and joy! Some have scriptures, quotes, and love notes. I use them to show off...<a href="http://www.sugarpiefarmhouse.com/blog">Click here to read more at SugarPieFarmhouse.com</a>Aunt Ruthiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714212484488327936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3736272300613230619.post-77125356760389493572009-03-27T16:25:00.000-07:002009-03-29T20:58:28.322-07:00THIS IS IT GIRLS!<div align="justify"><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318240957784547154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/Sc4v-U6uX1I/AAAAAAAADUI/_8ZPduf7puE/s400/DSC01458.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Yes! The secret is out!</span> Welcome gals to the unveiling of my new Blog and Web Site! I just want to shout Hooray and Yippee!! This has been a work in progress for a long time.....and now it is here! Wooooo Hooooo! I hope you agree that my son Dusty did an amazing job! I knew from the time He was a little man that God blessed him with the gift of creativity! I gave my dear friend Cat from <a href="http://www.blogger.com/thevintagehousewife.blogspot.com">The Vintage Housewife </a>a sneak peek and she said it was like "Disneyland for Mama's" I love that!! She also said "Dusty Rocks!". I couldn't agree more!</span><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">I can't wait for y'all to come on in and take a look around! I have a page titled Blue Ribbon Product Reviews where I will be sharing, via video, some of my favorite products that have blessed my heart and home. Please keep in mind I am just a regular mom talking to you as if you stopped by, my dear sista, for a piece of pie and a cup of tea.......I am certainly not a seasoned professional in front of the camera, it's just little ol' me chatting about things I love so much I want to marry'em!<br /></div></span><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/Sc4v_WXEwZI/AAAAAAAADUY/4gTCWUf9PCM/s1600-h/2009+02+01+057.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318240975351759250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/Sc4v_WXEwZI/AAAAAAAADUY/4gTCWUf9PCM/s400/2009+02+01+057.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;">You will notice that the Banner says, Aunt Ruthie's Sugar Pie Farmhouse....my blog page is still Warm Pie, Happy Home (which includes all of my archives), but it is now under the umbrella of Aunt Ruthie's Sugar Pie Farmhouse. I added the name <strong>Aunt Ruthie...</strong>because it sounds old fashioned and homey, it also has a warm and welcoming ring to it...and that is how I want you to feel when you come to visit me at my farmhouse, like we are all part of one big happy family! I also love the name <strong>Sugar Pie</strong>....besides the fact that I love to make pie, my hope is that you'll find lots of heartwarming ideas that will help <em>you</em> make <em>your </em>home <em>as sweet as Sugar Pie! </em></span></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318240985808557538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/Sc4v_9UK1eI/AAAAAAAADUo/XDLoERG7b84/s400/DSC05315.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">And y'all know that "Farmhouse" is my style...down-home, comfy, homey and cozy. And since I live in the Ozarks, on an old cattle farm, it just seemed to make sense!</span></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318240978273140594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/Sc4v_hPlf3I/AAAAAAAADUg/DDCutU6LaQs/s400/DSC05316.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;">Aunt Ruthie's Sugar Pie Farmhouse is just at the beginning stages...in the coming weeks and months we will be adding more recipes, new categories, home decor, Christian Inspiration, and many more ideas that I hope will encourage you in your adventures in homemaking! We just wanted to get this baby up and running!</span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>*If you have Warm Pie Happy Home on a Blog-Roll please change the URL to sugarpiefarmhouse.com</strong></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318782217144474290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 287px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SdAcPxKPmrI/AAAAAAAADVQ/2JatJ8E4tKo/s400/rvaCoonCreekGirls%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></div></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><div align="justify"></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Now </span>for the <strong>Sugar Pie Sisterhood</strong> giveaway!! If you sign up to be one of the Sugar Pie Sisters you will be entered into a drawing to win five fabulous prizes!! By joining you be "in the know" about new product reviews, Aunt Ruthie's give-aways, recipes, special announcements and any of her "sweet-as-sugar pie" offers! </span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;">It's free y'all! Come on, be my sista! The last day to sign-up for the give away will be April 8, 2009.</span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Here are those fab prizes I was telling you about.....</span><br /><br /><div align="justify"><br /></div><br /><p><strong></strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318244258394764290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/Sc4y-cphdAI/AAAAAAAADU4/6T2vR9bTbDs/s400/61bDI-7N7lL._SL500_AA240_%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">1.</span> The Farm Chicks In The Kitchen</strong></p><br /><p>If you look up the word adorable in the dictionary I'm pretty sure you'll find a picture of The Farm Chicks book! Every turn of the page is a delight to the eyes! Not only does it have recipes such as Cherry Breakfast Swirl, Butterscotch Pie, and Enchilada Soup, but there are darling storage tips and decorating ideas that will inspire you to doll up your home! Teri and Serena also share their fascinating life stories. They are just the sweetest farm-gals ever! Included in the book you also receive a free one year subscription to Country Living magazine! </p><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/Sc1iuqnF7qI/AAAAAAAADUA/lFxsMj7Mxgs/s1600-h/spring+2009+103.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318015288846184098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/Sc1iuqnF7qI/AAAAAAAADUA/lFxsMj7Mxgs/s400/spring+2009+103.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> Look at how cute the Farm Chicks book looks in my kitchen!<br /><br /></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318015276210440546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 245px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/Sc1it7ifyWI/AAAAAAAADTg/7w3Wq0ZKRcA/s400/il_430xN.63416370%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>2.</strong></span> <span style="font-size:130%;">A Sterling Silver "Pie Mama" necklace and pie charm! How adorable is this!! It is handmade by a sweet Texas gal named Jennifer from </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5876135"><span style="font-size:130%;">Her Southern Charm! </span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">. (Check out her etsy shop </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5876135"><span style="font-size:130%;">click here!</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> Jennifer even makes custom necklaces...each one unique and charming! If you don't win today's giveaway but would love a Pie Mama necklace (designed exclusively for Warm Pie, Happy Home) then <span style="color:#cc0000;">click here!</span><span style="color:#000000;"> Thank you Jennifer for designing such a dear-to-my-heart necklace and for providing it for my give-away!</span></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22866423"><br /></a><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318248090379584370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 44px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/Sc42df55g3I/AAAAAAAADVA/bayRVAnLjbE/s400/new-logo%5B1%5D.gif" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/Sc1iuJi5Z8I/AAAAAAAADTo/kSpnzlHE9qk/s1600-h/media.nl%3Bjsessionid%3D0a0105501f43b5cfcf5fd01e4f94a3a8c788431762fa%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318015279970215874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 360px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 288px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/Sc1iuJi5Z8I/AAAAAAAADTo/kSpnzlHE9qk/s400/media.nl%3Bjsessionid%3D0a0105501f43b5cfcf5fd01e4f94a3a8c788431762fa%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;"> 3<strong>.</strong></span> An honest-to-goodness <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22866423">Mary Janes Farm </a>apron!! You just gotta love that Mary Jane!<br /><br /></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318248086227486098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 290px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 354px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/Sc42dQb9hZI/AAAAAAAADVI/5xfa239yzQg/s400/products_06%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;">Here's Miss Mary Jane looking so daisy-fresh and summer-sweet!</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">If you are new to <a href="http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/magazine.html">Mary Janes Farm</a>, she has a lot to teach us about the farm-girl life!<br /></span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318015277561500706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/Sc1iuAknVCI/AAAAAAAADTw/rXCwZ9jLJ6k/s400/spring+2009+075.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>4.</strong></span> <span style="font-size:130%;">A set of Mother Hen measuring spoons! A must have in every Farmhouse! I love to prepare meals and bake with pretty utensils and bowls...it just adds a little joy and a dash of delight to the whole experience!<br /></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318015285834243362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/Sc1iufY_XSI/AAAAAAAADT4/RfxIYXwhTn0/s400/spring+2009+095.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong> 5.</strong></span> <span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Old-Time Farmhouse Cooking</strong> by Barbara Swell. This folksy little booklet is a sweet sampler of recipes, stories, vintage photos and Grandmotherly advice. Rural American goodies such as Mrs. Beaman's Ginger Snaps, Farmer's Apple Cake, and Verna's Icebox Butter Buns are just a few of the homey treats found in this dear little book. If you like reading cookbooks this one takes the cake!"</span></div><br /><div align="left"><br /></div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318240970705257954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/Sc4v_FDQxeI/AAAAAAAADUQ/qL7X1IA64U4/s400/2009+02+01+162.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">There you have it girls!</span> I would soooooo love it if you would tell all your friends about my new home-place, the give-away and the Sugar Pie Sisterhood! (if you would like to grab a picture from this post to share with other gals feel free!) Remember the last day to sign up for the give-away is April 8, 2009.</span></p><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;">I also would love to hear from you! Please leave a comment and let me know how y'all like Aunt Ruthie's Sugar Pie Farmhouse!<br /><br />Hugs and blessings!<br />Ruth Ann (aka Aunt Ruthie!!)<br /></span><br /></p>Aunt Ruthiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714212484488327936noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3736272300613230619.post-44029597187625763432009-03-12T08:21:00.000-07:002009-03-13T14:51:43.172-07:00Yoo Hoo! I've got good news!!<div align="justify"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/Sbkx7cTEdnI/AAAAAAAADSg/8KSauf3fiJ0/s1600-h/DSC02414.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312332132738430578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/Sbkx7cTEdnI/AAAAAAAADSg/8KSauf3fiJ0/s400/DSC02414.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Hold onto your hats gals!</span> The next time I post on my blog, Warm Pie Happy Home, you are going to see a <span style="font-size:180%;">Farm Fresh New Look! </span>AND, I will be launching my brand spankin' new Web Site! WOOOO! HOOOO! I am so excited!</span><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312332109618542402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/Sbkx6GK290I/AAAAAAAADSQ/QaVIFUcLruY/s400/DSC02329.JPG" border="0" /></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">I feel like kickin' up my heels Barn Dance style</span>.....this has been a work in progress for a very long time! I just happen to have an extremely talented and creative son (Dusty) that designs Web Sites for a living (I'm clapping and shouting YAY!!!!) and we have been working together to get the design <em>just right.</em></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312338706552476322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/Sbk36FqeUqI/AAAAAAAADS4/ohoslzIwzqE/s400/DSC03976.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;">Dusty has gone beyond my expectations creating my Web Site, he has captured my <strong>"Farm Girl at Heart"</strong> feel.... it's so homey and filled with old fashioned goodness...and yes, I want to marry it! (I am one proud mama!)</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312332144632589586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/Sbkx8Im27RI/AAAAAAAADSo/R6l5vPea4pc/s400/DSC03113.JPG" border="0" /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">My new web site is at the beginning stages...we will be adding new features every month.......new recipes........video product reviews......Girl-Talk, encouragement for homemakers....and simple homespun ideas that I hope will get y'all excited about making your house a cozy home! I am excited to share my tried and true ideas to help you make your home a safe, warm, welcoming, nurturing place, filled with joy, laughter, guidance, and lots of Pie Love! </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312332099550456994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/Sbkx5gqcLKI/AAAAAAAADSI/PCL7rpYTsds/s400/DSC01997.JPG" border="0" /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">There's even going to be a <span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:180%;">Sisterhood</span> that you can join (for free) where you will be among the first to be notified about any new and exciting homemaking ideas happening down at my Ozark farmhouse! Girls, we can change the future of America if we all jump on the bandwagon together and make a commitment to keep our family at the top of our priorities! Our children (and grandchildren) are young for such a short time! (Trust me, I know!) We have a short window of time to instill, faith, integrity, honor, compassion, confidence, honesty, perseverance, responsibility, and wisdom into their sweet little hearts!<br /></span><br /><div align="center"><strong>If you unravel the family unit, you unravel the nation. </strong></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">~Bernard</span><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312338698868201058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/Sbk35pCZlmI/AAAAAAAADSw/jJ4Bi9tjwkw/s400/DSC03485.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;">I do not claim to be an expert, but I have been married for 30 years (yikes...how can that be...I thought I <em>was </em>30!) I am a mama of four and although I am still learning stuff, I do have a little experience under my belt at keeping the home fires burning. Most importantly, what keeps me blogging and sharing my ideas with y'all is that I have a passion for the home and family. </span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312759244606902946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/Sbq2Yn_3kqI/AAAAAAAADTQ/8lm2VgblG9s/s400/DSC03110.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;">I feel as women we have a divine responsibility to protect and cherish our family and be <strong>joyfully </strong>relentless about it! Being a homemaker is a huge responsibility. Our families need a nest without thorns. A place of safety, warmth and love. To feel treasured, understood and significant. All of these things help us to create homes of honor, and it's homes of honor that will help build a stronger nation. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312759239408952002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/Sbq2YUolIsI/AAAAAAAADTI/8WE0WO3C8uk/s400/dsp_ebay_089_1222878057%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></span> <span style="font-size:130%;">I am all for holding onto the old fashioned values and ideals that this country was founded upon. <strong>Let's hold onto the American Dream!</strong></span> <span style="font-size:130%;">(Even if you are not from America, I know that you want to be the best mama (or grandma) and create a home of honor too, so let's all stick together as sisters and just maybe we can bring hope to the world!)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">This is what <strong>Warm Pie, Happy Home</strong> is all about.....it's much more than about the "Pie", <strong>it's about the love <em>behind </em>the pie</strong>, or <em>anything</em> you do to show your tender loving care to your honeys.</span><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312332120663788114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/Sbkx6vUQClI/AAAAAAAADSY/uOPtlZ9dGms/s400/DSC02411.JPG" border="0" /></span> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Oh! and gals,</span> I am going to have a give-away! So spread the news and tell all of your girlfriends about it!</span><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312767674453310034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/Sbq-DTn3ulI/AAAAAAAADTY/Dfxe8dtnZQc/s400/DSC05219.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;">Thank you gals for leaving me such sweet comments about the muffin tin/snack tray and Summer's chore chart. Many of you requested a closer look at Summer's chores, so here goes!</span><br /><br /><strong>Clean Bedroom:</strong><br />Make bed<br />Put away clothes<br />Put away toys<br />Tidy closet<br />Dirty clothes in laundry<br />Vacuum<br /><strong>Clean Bathroom:</strong><br />Put towels in laundry<br />Wipe down sink<br /><strong>Do Homework</strong><br />Read 20 minutes<br /><strong>Devotions and Prayer</strong><br /><strong>Violin Practice</strong><br /><strong>Set Table for Supper</strong><br /><strong>Help cook Supper</strong><br /><strong>Help clean Kitchen (after supper)</strong><br /><strong>Put your things away (around the house- before bedtime)</strong><br /><strong>Lay out clothes and backpack (for tomorrow)</strong><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Once your child gets in the habit of keeping things tidy, it shouldn't take long to keep things up, it's when things are neglected and begin to pile up that makes doing chores overwhelming. It also helps to reduce the stuff they are responsible for, put out a donation box and have your child choose some things to give away to the less fortunate. You can also rotate toys, put some away for a few months, then bring them back out and pack up the others. Keep in mind the age of your child when assigning chores, we want them to experience success. Don't forget to be their cheerleader!</span></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312342199353019602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/Sbk7FZXBDNI/AAAAAAAADTA/8k1srZnRxoI/s400/DSC03844.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;">Well, I am heading out of town for a little over a week.....and when I get back I'll just have a few last minute things to do to get ready for the grand opening of my new Web Site! So be patient...I hope it will be worth your wait! May God bless you all...and keep them home fires burnin'!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Hugs Y'all!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Ruth Ann</span></p>Aunt Ruthiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714212484488327936noreply@blogger.com164tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3736272300613230619.post-29288813222010738292009-03-04T14:13:00.000-08:002009-03-06T18:25:05.695-08:00KEEPING HOME, HEALTHY, HAPPY AND HOMEY<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SbFrGmZFLlI/AAAAAAAADSA/rJ_HQ7ayCpk/s1600-h/DSC03497.JPG"></a><br /><br /><div align="justify"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SbAIaaUUf3I/AAAAAAAADQ4/hdvndzcAj8Y/s1600-h/applepieslice%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309753210503987058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 280px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 280px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SbAIaaUUf3I/AAAAAAAADQ4/hdvndzcAj8Y/s400/applepieslice%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;">Now, y'all know that I love me some pie,</span> <span style="font-size:130%;">I love to make it and have a slice (and one more the next day if there's any left!) but, what you may not know is that I only make pie every now and then....maybe once a month, if that. I really try to limit the sugar intake in my household. I know that doesn't sound like fun, but it's also not fun if we don't feel well (we all know that too much sugar can cause health problems) or if a few extra pounds have caused us to look plumper-than-a-summer-peach-ripe-for-the-pickin' <em>and </em>we have to struggle to button our pants! (I know all about that!)</span></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309753208729702866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 278px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SbAIaTtTEdI/AAAAAAAADQw/y-KV6rJ-5OY/s400/ApplePieWindow%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></span></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Fortunately for me, I have a small sweet tooth.</span> If I have a craving for sugar, one or two Hershey Kisses with Almonds can pretty much handle it. I remember as a teenager going to the movies with my cousins, and hours after the movie, I reached in my little purse and pulled out half of a candy bar to take a bite, well, what a ruckus they all made! (For crying out loud!) They could not BELIEVE I still had candy left! My cousin Dena still teases me to this day ("Got any left-over candy bars in your purse?") (I have a few things I tease her about don't-cha-know! We were at Disneyland heading over to Tom Sawyer's Island on the river-raft and she kicked some lady in the bee-hind thinking it was me! Oh! I do declare, that was the funniest thing my eyes ever did see!)</span></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310140267292680914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 176px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SbFocFN6YtI/AAAAAAAADRo/mXNks8FfiJA/s400/Promo15%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;">When I do have a dessert, (on occasion) it had better be good and worth the calories. I would rather slowly savor and celebrate one slice of <strong>real good pie</strong> than several slices of a low sugar, fat-free, and not so good tasting pie. I think something sweet and yummy every now and then, in moderation, is a happy thing. But that's just me! </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/Sa8MBrGHqoI/AAAAAAAADQQ/n-kbEUIJgMk/s1600-h/DSC03508.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309475708580899458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/Sa8MBrGHqoI/AAAAAAAADQQ/n-kbEUIJgMk/s400/DSC03508.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">I do have to say, I have become more health conscious as I have gotten older, so when my apron-ed self plans the meals for the week, I make sure to have plenty of farm fresh vegetables and fruits on the menu......I am so looking forward to spring and summer when juicy strawberries, blackberries, watermelon and cantaloupe will be in season! </span></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310138055183040850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 127px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 99px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SbFmbUd4AVI/AAAAAAAADRg/JVc3Nnodrjo/s400/3I1CACHL2BRCAZI0LHXCAHT3D76CAC38CAHCAB2PIQNCAZTQDJICAJJ53KXCAW6OK21CAL11YKGCACR1F5XCA2LXUEDCAK5O2RJCAP8YVZGCA4QOE2DCAYMR033CAAMI1IMCADFN4J5CA3CLDFGCA7FLULV.jpg" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;">I have also cut down on beef to maybe once a week and prepare mostly chicken or turkey. I use Olive Oil for cooking, (except when baking, I go with vegetable or canola oil sparingly) and natural butter instead of margarine, I also try to stay away from shortening (the waxy white stuff), if I can help it ( I know that some really good recipes call for it, but I try to use an alternative, if possible). Although I am not much of a fish eater, (does Tuna count? I do like Tuna!) I want to start incorporating some Salmon in our diet.</span><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310143180620053010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SbFrFqNSOhI/AAAAAAAADRw/SpNTvt2DDzM/s400/DSC01794.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;">I'm just trying to make wiser choices with what I feed my family and myself. When my 10 year old little Summer Rose comes home from school, I will occasionally treat her to milk and cookies, but on most days her after school snack is a healthy one.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309461399804000610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/Sa7_Ayv3OWI/AAAAAAAADPA/4JaSEBegQyc/s400/IMG_0010.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;">I put together a muffin tin of fresh veggies, ranch dip, sunflower seeds, cheese and low sugar alphabet mini-cookies. On other days, she might find popcorn, apple slices with peanut butter, dried apricots, and orange wedges. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309464185872662018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/Sa8Bi9qZPgI/AAAAAAAADPQ/XqDQkXNcQhk/s400/IMG_0031.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;">I like the idea of using a muffin tin because everything stays neat and tidy, rather than rolling around on a plate and maybe onto the floor. </span><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><div align="center"><br /></div></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309464173711459858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/Sa8BiQW8BhI/AAAAAAAADPI/5Ygo269h2s0/s400/IMG_0032.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;">It also transports well, if Summer wants to take it out on the front porch steps or into the family room, it all stays put. You don't really need to use the paper liners, but it looks pretty and the clean up is a breeze!<br /></span><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/Sa8J2Bkm4XI/AAAAAAAADP4/ubUFGe6Hstk/s1600-h/branson++summer-+fall-2008+441.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309473309432668530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/Sa8J2Bkm4XI/AAAAAAAADP4/ubUFGe6Hstk/s400/branson++summer-+fall-2008+441.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;">Here is Summer dressed as Laura Ingalls (From Little House On The Prairie) for a musical tribute to Famous Missourians at her school. Kids came dressed as Walt Disney (one of my hero's!!!) Brad Pitt, Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) Daniel Boone, Maya Angelou, Unsinkable Molly Brown, Calamity Jane...and many more....ain't she adorable...love that little red-headed darlin'!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309473315955107954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/Sa8J2Z3raHI/AAAAAAAADQA/iJ0saKMsJKc/s400/Thanksgiving+vintage+christmas+decor+059.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;">Some days Summer will fix her own snack, but she loves it when I have gone through the effort of preparing something for her....it makes her feel loved and cared for.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309461379890676162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/Sa7-_okKAcI/AAAAAAAADOo/ygSYuuOg1aM/s400/DSC05221.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Another thing</span> I do to keep things healthy, happy and homey in my nest is to give Summer a list of things she needs to be responsible for. Statistics show that children are more successful in life if their environment is in order, and they play a role in keeping it that way. It is also vital that the home atmosphere is emotionally safe and encouraging. Teaching our kids basic life skills, like taking care of themselves and the things they are responsible for, and maintaining a good attitude, is essential if they are to grow up with a healthy work ethic and appreciation for what they've been blessed with. Summer's chore chart is titled "Summer's Happy Day To-Do List"......</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309752005492189442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SbAHURTHqQI/AAAAAAAADQo/HTvUhWpEVHw/s400/009.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;">...because it's a <strong>Happy Day</strong> when she gets her work done! Once her chart is checked off, she then has the freedom to have friends over, watch a TV show, play outside, do a craft and all kinds of fun stuff! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>"Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it." </strong>Proverbs 22:6</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309461375694974098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/Sa7-_Y70rJI/AAAAAAAADOg/2R1eBXguhTc/s400/DSC05222.JPG" border="0" /></span> <span style="font-size:130%;">I just typed up a list, added some scrapbooking stickers, slipped it into a plastic page protector (this way you don't have to keep printing up a new list each week, just use a dry erase marker and wipe it clean) and put it on a clipboard that sits on her desk. I also clothes-pinned a little encouragement card at the top.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309461390529448770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/Sa7_AQMoy0I/AAAAAAAADO4/8lutdB0iNes/s400/DSC05226.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>This is a little library nook in our hallway, </strong></span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>a cozy little spot for Summer to do her homework.</strong></span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;">Instead of my old version of a Treasure Box for her weekly reward for completing her chores, Summer wanted the "treasures" to be in a large jar... she's titled it <strong>The Jar Of Mystery</strong>....you close your eyes and reach in and pull out a wrapped mystery surprise! I like that!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309461385387888722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/Sa7-_9Cy0FI/AAAAAAAADOw/Rv4_8kSrlMo/s400/DSC05215.JPG" border="0" /></span> <span style="font-size:130%;">The "treasures" consist of (per the request of little Miss Summer Rose) "Puzzle balls, squishy rubber bugs, small teddy bear, lip gloss or Chapstick, clues of where something is hidden in the house... like a treasure hunt, rubber balls and candy...Snickers, Tootsie Rolls, Starbursts, Milky Way, Skittles and more." These little treats will not break the bank, and if they add a little fun, excitement and anticipation to getting her jobs done, then it's a good thing!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>"The development of strong character must be emphasized and rewarded in the home."</strong></span> ~Charles Stanley<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309475718263592306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/Sa8MCPKp1XI/AAAAAAAADQY/vnQri2FmHG0/s400/DSC03501.JPG" border="0" /> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">My kids have had chores since they were very young. Before they could read, I took a picture of them putting away their toys, making their bed, putting dirty laundry in a basket, sweeping the floor with their kiddie broom etc...,I punched a hole at the top of the photo and hung it on board with five nails (for five jobs...) , each time they completed a job they would turn the photo around on the nail and there would be a cute sticker of a smiling monkey or dinosaur with the words "Good Job!". They would get a "ticket" for each job completed. At the end of the week they got to redeem their "tickets" for a prize in the treasure box (an old picnic basket) they LOVED counting their tickets and picking out a prize!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310106841846417778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SbFKCdugiXI/AAAAAAAADRI/8xHjdh-6FZM/s400/DSC01683.JPG" border="0" /></span> <span style="font-size:130%;">As they got older, I used a lot of different ideas to delegate household chores. I would change it up, from time to time. One time we had a jar with chores on little pieces of paper and they would draw three jobs for that week. You just have to find what works best for your family. It's important to make it clear what is expected of them, make it fun, be encouraging, show your appreciation for their work and be consistent. </span><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310106848381352754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SbFKC2EjuzI/AAAAAAAADRY/EAyoU54c9PE/s400/2009+02+01+172.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;">Out of my four kids, I have some <strong>messies</strong> and some <strong>cleanies</strong> (these terms are from Sandra Felton...an author of some great books on getting your house in order). And they didn't always clean like I would have, <em>but they were kids</em>, and as long as they did their best, I did not expect perfection. After a meal, everyone was expected to pitch in and clean up, and on Saturday mornings, we all got busy and straightened up the house before we went out for the day (Saturdays was always a Family Fun Day). I also had a rule about whining...if you whine about a chore, you got to do an extra one! Good attitudes were encouraged!</span><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;">As my first three kids got older, and the treasure box wasn't an enticement anymore, then they earned privileges, things they wanted to do and places they wanted to go.</span> <span style="font-size:130%;">When I heard "Mom, can I....?" I would reply, "Sure, if your chores are done!" (that is, if the request is reasonable!)</span><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310106844163904530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 337px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SbFKCmXClBI/AAAAAAAADRQ/N2e2pfPb3l4/s400/hm_cover%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;">A very wise author and speaker Josh McDowell says that <strong>Rules without Relationship =Rebellion</strong>. In other words, when we have a loving relationship with our kids (doing fun things with them, telling them how much we love them, are proud of them, taking time with them, baking cookies together, going for a hike, fishing, throwing a ball outside, playing hide and go seek, watching a movie, laughing together, talking about things they are interested in, going out for an ice-cream, doing makeovers, one on one tea parties, having family devotions and prayer, leaving notes of appreciation on their pillow with a chocolate kiss, cheering them on at their football, baseball or soccer games, having family fun time, etc...) they will be more apt to obey without rebellion. Without a loving relationship, nagging will only cause them to rebel.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>"Anything you do to prepare your children for the future is a way of saying 'I love you.' " </strong></span>~Tim Kimmel<br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310143187331182706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SbFrGDNV8HI/AAAAAAAADR4/5a3fv1ZByyk/s400/DSC02342.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;">Just four years ago, when all four kids were home, life got so busy with school and church activities, sports....practices and games, moving a couple of times, then the College years brought boyfriends and girlfriends, and eventually engagements, which led to planning Weddings. We also designed our house and started building it in Missouri while we lived in California. We did a lot of traveling back and forth. Everyone seemed to be going in different directions. During that time, things were so hectic, doing chores began to get out of sync and the house started to get a little out of control. We regrouped and got back on the track. But that's just life! It happens when you have little ones and it happens when they get big......You just do what you can do and "don't sweat the small stuff" as they say!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"> (Now I am down to one kid at home and it's a breeze, although I really do miss the whole brood around the dinner table!) Through it all, I am soooooo thankful that my older kids, who have flown the coop, are responsible, caring and creative adults working full time (one is still in College while working) and little Summer is on her way....thank the good Lord!<br /></span><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309748306456131362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SbAD89UMtyI/AAAAAAAADQg/GJ-9MmsqGlM/s400/DSC05231.JPG" border="0" /> </p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>The most important things in your home are people.</strong></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">~Barbara Johnson</span></p><p align="center"></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310101582981033666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SbFFQW7S7sI/AAAAAAAADRA/aMHrPzfALio/s400/301o%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;">Say gals, my good friend Cynthia from <a href="http://cynthiascottagedesign.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#3366ff;">Cynthia's Cottage Design</span></a><span style="color:#3366ff;"> </span>is having a give away! <a href="http://cynthiascottagedesign.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#3366ff;">Click Here</span> </a>to sign up...you better hurry...she is announcing the winner March 8th! While you are there, check out her absolutely adorable blog and Web Store, it is so full of charm and wonderful ideas. Cynthia's Cottage Design is one of my all-time favorite blogs!!<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Thank you so much for stopping by! I so appreciate your comments, thank you all for taking the time to sprinkle your kindness! God Bless you!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Ruthann<br /></span></p>Aunt Ruthiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714212484488327936noreply@blogger.com86tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3736272300613230619.post-65624558352961679042009-02-23T08:32:00.000-08:002009-03-06T13:12:54.315-08:00Buttermilk Blessings...<p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304936845697035842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 258px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZ7r9FOnLkI/AAAAAAAADMg/qFV8EFcAERg/s400/520579288_c402689788%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>"I'm going to church where sweet bells call,<br /></strong></span><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>to ask our Heavenly Father to bless us all." </strong></span></p><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Ahh...the Old Country Church with it's message of love, hope, mercy, and grace.... singing Hymns like Blessed Assurance...Softly And Tenderly.... and Amazing Grace brings such comfort to the soul!</span><br /></span><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304936848031974290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZ7r9N7Tg5I/AAAAAAAADMY/u0YlfHpVxAI/s400/Ladies%2520at%2520the%2520Charlotte%2520Cong.%2520Church%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Chatting on the church steps</span> with sister Mary Grace and Effie and Clara, sharing with each other about how the Good Lord had blessed their hearts with such an uplifting sermon by the Reverend Honeycut. There was also a buzz in the air about the Church Supper and All Day Singing that afternoon. The ladies couldn't wait to unload their boxes and baskets of fried chicken, green beans, potato salad, cornbread 'n' beans, ham 'n' biscuits, watermelon rind pickles, corn casserole, macaroni and cheese, not to mention all the delectable cakes, pies and cookies!</span> <span style="font-size:130%;">Ice cold</span> <span style="font-size:130%;">Lemonade, dipped from large crocks into jelly jars, offered a cooling refreshment under the shade of the old oak trees in the heat of the sun-baked afternoon.<br /></span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304936840978504946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 301px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZ7r8zpoHPI/AAAAAAAADMQ/sIf5OoAeXcI/s400/c%5B3%5D.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Everyone kept an eye on Sister Lizzie Honeycut</span> (the Reverends wife) to watch where she would place her mouth watering, golden crusted Buttermilk pies, so they could be sure to snatch and savor a slice before the pans were left with just a few lonely crumbs. You didn't dare wait until after you had your meal to get a piece of her pie, otherwise your sweet tooth would just have to go unsatisfied. The Reverends wife just seemed to have a knack for making the most tasty pies. Perhaps it was her tender loving care that she mixed into each one of them.</span><br /></p><p align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305714969703037698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 327px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SaGvp3CfOwI/AAAAAAAADNo/btt5VTRTJpQ/s400/BKQCAY6VRIUCAPJGO72CA1YXQI4CA5SBWH4CA5CPM0SCA6UYEWGCATGV7Z4CAV3P1IXCA8MX25KCA0CUD73CAQ540SLCA62FYBNCA7S6SRICAC608P5CAHHQQE1CA80TNS3CAG0DJZ8CASFLNC8CALJ8BDV.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Sister Lizzie would blush with humility</span> whenever anyone asked her for her recipe. She was always happy and tickled-pink to oblige. Sweet Lizzie did not believe in keeping <em>Secret Recipes</em>, "why, it would be like selfishly holding onto a blessing of the Lord, a joyful gift, that was meant to be shared by all. My heavenly days, why would anyone want to hoard joy for only themselves....if my recipes allow someone else to prepare a tasty treat, it will only spread more joy! It's like scattering wild flower seeds, it will bring back to you a harvest of sweet, unspeakable delight, not to mention the blessing of knowing that you have pleased the good Lord! That is something I am not willing to miss out on."</span></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306022701026057458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 315px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SaLHiLjRHPI/AAAAAAAADOI/EzijOUck6i0/s400/c%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Verdeen Crumley,</span> president of the Missionary Council, would beg to differ with Sister Lizzie. Her lips were buttoned tight when it came to sharing the recipe for her moist and delicious Carrot Cake with the <em>creamiest</em> of cream cheese frosting. She was quoted as saying "I did not spend hours, by the sweat of my brow, concocting my prize winning <em>secret </em>recipe for someone else to take the glory!"</span></p><span style="font-size:130%;">Well, sister Verdeen had a lot to learn about glory, and to whom it belongs. It was by God's grace that she was able to do any <em>concocting</em> at all.</span><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">God Blesses us to be a blessing to others.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Blessed be His glorious name forever: </strong></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>let the whole earth be filled with His glory! </strong></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Amen and Amen! Psalm 72:19</strong></span></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305714968619778818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 319px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SaGvpzAOAwI/AAAAAAAADNg/OZHbPUuu8dY/s400/c+(2).jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:180%;">The Tabernacle</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">by Karla Worley and Brent Lamb</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">"<span style="font-family:georgia;">Down by the Tabernacle oh, </span></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">w</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">here the June bugs danced</span></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">and the lemonade flowed, </span></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">a</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">nd we prayed and we sang</span></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">'til the sun sank low,</span></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">l</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">aughing with our sisters and brothers,</span></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Down by the tabernacle hey, </span></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">w</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">here you knew you were loved</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">and you wanted to stay, </span></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">t</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">hough the summer heat was like judgment day</span></span><br /></p><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;">We always enjoyed each other </span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;"></span></span></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305714960594809378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 323px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SaGvpVG6siI/AAAAAAAADNY/aDC81dmmn94/s400/c.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;">"We went to the river and some were baptized</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;">Clapped our hands and testified</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;">Then we passed around the chicken </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">and the Buttermilk Pie</span><br /></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;">And nothing ever tasted better" </span></div><div align="center"><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Song titled "The Tabernacle" by Karla Worley and Brent Lamb<br /></div></span><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZ7p0P0H_aI/AAAAAAAADMA/mmXFrlGZDN8/s1600-h/winter...+snow...+vintage...+buttermilk+pie+175.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304934494896651682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZ7p0P0H_aI/AAAAAAAADMA/mmXFrlGZDN8/s400/winter...+snow...+vintage...+buttermilk+pie+175.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;"> Sister Lizzie's Southern Buttermilk Pie </span></div><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Start with this simple,</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Pat-in-the-Pan Crust:</strong></span><br /><ul><li>2 1/2 cups Flour (All Purpose Unbleached)</li><li>1 teaspoon salt</li><li>1 teaspoon sugar</li><li>3 Tablespoons cold milk</li><li>2/3 cup oil (vegetable or canola--make sure it is fresh!)</li></ul>Whisk together dry ingredients in a bowl until blended, add wet ingredients and stir gently until the dough forms a ball.( For a tender crust, do not over mix). Put dough into pie pan and pat it thin and flat to conform to the shape of the pan. Crimp the edges. You are now ready for the filling.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304920321280393698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZ7c7O-rQeI/AAAAAAAADJI/XmTmmge3dxk/s400/winter...+snow...+vintage...+buttermilk+pie+027.JPG" border="0" /> <strong>Whisk dry ingredients.<br /></strong><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304920332318473490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZ7c74GW_RI/AAAAAAAADJY/_4EoAOpVv-A/s400/winter...+snow...+vintage...+buttermilk+pie+030.JPG" border="0" /><strong>Add the milk...</strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304920323059431618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZ7c7Vm1OMI/AAAAAAAADJQ/15RH3lOg9xY/s400/winter...+snow...+vintage...+buttermilk+pie+031.JPG" border="0" /><strong>A note about the oil: Make sure the oil is fresh because if it has begun to turn rancid, your crust will taste bitter and that's no fun! (I learned the hard way!)</strong><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZ7c8JBF0KI/AAAAAAAADJg/jpaCC4zpRIs/s1600-h/winter...+snow...+vintage...+buttermilk+pie+032.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304920336859779234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZ7c8JBF0KI/AAAAAAAADJg/jpaCC4zpRIs/s400/winter...+snow...+vintage...+buttermilk+pie+032.JPG" border="0" /></a><strong> Stir until the dough forms a ball.<br /></strong><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304920340494075874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZ7c8Wjkx-I/AAAAAAAADJo/ZPqZWZ3jMMM/s400/winter...+snow...+vintage...+buttermilk+pie+033.JPG" border="0" /> <strong>That's it! See how simple!<br /></strong><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304924219309539666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZ7geIRPwVI/AAAAAAAADJw/nZVKJEj-1Kc/s400/winter...+snow...+vintage...+buttermilk+pie+034.JPG" border="0" /><br /><strong>Put dough in pie pan.</strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304924239771806674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZ7gfUf1K9I/AAAAAAAADJ4/2Ya1XHmay2M/s400/winter...+snow...+vintage...+buttermilk+pie+035.JPG" border="0" /><strong>Pat dough flat and even pressing up the sides of the pan.</strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304924261668309650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZ7ggmEXSpI/AAAAAAAADKA/Ayzri2EKf7E/s400/winter...+snow...+vintage...+buttermilk+pie+036.JPG" border="0" /><strong>Crimp the edge by using your thumb on one hand to push the dough down into a "V" shape and your fingers on your other hand to support the dough on either side of your thumb. (I couldn't show the whole technique since I was holding the camera.)</strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304924308165141714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZ7gjTSEpNI/AAAAAAAADKI/Y_ocMVaQ8DI/s400/winter...+snow...+vintage...+buttermilk+pie+037.JPG" border="0" /> <strong>Now you are ready for the filling!<br /><br /></strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Sister Lizzie's Southern Buttermilk Pie </span><br /><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Now, there are all kinds of recipes for Buttermilk Pie...some are as gooey and sweet as a candy bar....this custard-y pie is just "sweet enough" and has a refreshing hint of fresh lemon for those sultry summer days that are hotter than a fritter-in-a-fryin' pan. It's simple and homey and it's a perfect Bake 'n' Take pie for your next Church Supper!</span></div><ul><br /><li><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">1 1/4 cups sugar</span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">3 tablespoons flour</span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">4 eggs, whisked</span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">1 cup buttermilk</span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla</span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">1 stick butter, melted and cooled (1/2 cup of butter)</span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh squeezed)</span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">1 tablespoon lemon zest</span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">pinch of grated Nutmeg </span></div></li></ul><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">In your mixer, combine the flour and sugar. Stir in the eggs, and buttermilk . Add the cooled melted butter, vanilla, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Add a pinch or two of grated Nutmeg. Pour into the unbaked pie shell. Put the pie in the center of the oven and <strong>bake at 425 in a pre-heated oven for 15 minutes, then lower the temp to 350, and bake for 40 more minutes. Cool then keep chilled.</strong></span></div><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304929283297064722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZ7lE5F9NxI/AAAAAAAADKY/J8NKAZX24xQ/s400/winter...+snow...+vintage...+buttermilk+pie+127.JPG" border="0" /> <strong>Mix flour and sugar...</strong><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304929326000613986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZ7lHYLRqmI/AAAAAAAADK4/XKBW7gdslAg/s400/winter...+snow...+vintage...+buttermilk+pie+133.JPG" border="0" /><strong>Add Buttermilk...</strong><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304929295759905058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZ7lFnhVESI/AAAAAAAADKg/tUS_XWD-5qQ/s400/winter...+snow...+vintage...+buttermilk+pie+128.JPG" border="0" /><strong>Whisk eggs...</strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304929307086819970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZ7lGRt4EoI/AAAAAAAADKo/i950zGyT8EY/s400/winter...+snow...+vintage...+buttermilk+pie+129.JPG" border="0" /> <strong>Stir in eggs...<br /><br /></strong><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304929318286387106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZ7lG7cD56I/AAAAAAAADKw/a6V8fe3YwGM/s400/winter...+snow...+vintage...+buttermilk+pie+130.JPG" border="0" /> <strong>Add cooled melted butter (make sure it is cool or it will cook the eggs)<br /><br /></strong><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304931252768910146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZ7m3h8oq0I/AAAAAAAADLI/yzckb6iUPXo/s400/winter...+snow...+vintage...+buttermilk+pie+136.JPG" border="0" /><strong>Add the Vanilla...</strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304924324157045346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZ7gkO21umI/AAAAAAAADKQ/7m3qa49Lvp4/s400/winter...+snow...+vintage...+buttermilk+pie+124.JPG" border="0" /><strong>Add the lemon juice and zest...</strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304931250492761362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZ7m3Zd9ZRI/AAAAAAAADLA/KvHpgbfmT1M/s400/winter...+snow...+vintage...+buttermilk+pie+135.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304931252709865842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZ7m3hujuXI/AAAAAAAADLQ/fnSJJH96DuU/s400/winter...+snow...+vintage...+buttermilk+pie+137.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304931264039154002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZ7m4L7q8VI/AAAAAAAADLY/nD7_pCgF_r0/s400/winter...+snow...+vintage...+buttermilk+pie+139.JPG" border="0" /><strong>Grate a pinch or two of fresh nutmeg...</strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304931261293452898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZ7m4BtC3mI/AAAAAAAADLg/m7-OK90EAmw/s400/winter...+snow...+vintage...+buttermilk+pie+140.JPG" border="0" /><strong>Mix it all up!</strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304934479644114610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZ7pzW_ovrI/AAAAAAAADLo/5TnwalTG530/s400/winter...+snow...+vintage...+buttermilk+pie+141.JPG" border="0" /><strong>Pour into pie shell...and bake...</strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304934482676938482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZ7pziSt9vI/AAAAAAAADLw/tP8R9vZGFrg/s400/winter...+snow...+vintage...+buttermilk+pie+142.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304934488317792674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZ7pz3TmkaI/AAAAAAAADL4/DBMWM8CJhtg/s400/winter...+snow...+vintage...+buttermilk+pie+179.JPG" border="0" /><strong>It comes out looking like sunshine!</strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304934500921979666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZ7p0mQrMxI/AAAAAAAADMI/2FMLgklxp7w/s400/winter...+snow...+vintage...+buttermilk+pie+177.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304978683165317634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZ8SAV8WmgI/AAAAAAAADM4/SzSmpAN1UVY/s400/pat+in+the+pan+crust+buttermilk+pie+006.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Now for a double treat...</span>I would also like to share <strong>another </strong>Buttermilk Pie Recipe that is even more simple and just as delicious as Sister Lizzie's. It's one that I found on <strong>Youtube</strong>. It's prepared by the most adorable gal with a sweeter-than-pie southern accent! (hey no fair...I want one of those! They say if you hang around your friends long enough you'll start talking like them...well, there are plenty of southern- talkers here in Southern Missouri--we are only 20 minutes from Arkansas---so I'm workin' on it y'all!) I whipped this pie up in no time and let me tell you it is soooooooo yummy! Her pat-in-the-pan crust is similar to Sister Lizzie's, <strong>but keep in mind hers is <em>Saltier</em></strong> ( without sugar too)....<strong>and that is on purpose...it's the mix of salty and sweet that I think, make it so scrumptious.</strong> <strong>If you don't think you would like a salty crust with the sweet custard then you can use Sister Lizzie's Recipe or a storebought roll-out dough. Her pie crust would not work for all types of pies.</strong> The filling tastes a little like Creme Brulee....'nuff said, I'm sold!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304978688718606642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZ8SAqoXETI/AAAAAAAADNA/Q9hgaA4vziI/s400/pat+in+the+pan+crust+buttermilk+pie+008.JPG" border="0" /></span></div></div><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">If you like custard...you will love this pie....</span><br /></p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304978687038023298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZ8SAkXrZoI/AAAAAAAADNI/XwaupjiWpqg/s400/pat+in+the+pan+crust+buttermilk+pie+009.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:180%;">"This pie's so good </span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">it makes me mad at my mama."</span></p><div align="center">~Glory Road</div><br /><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9rzrTRk6RQ"><strong>Click HERE </strong></a>to see the video of Miss India Galyean baking her Buttermilk Pie...get your pen and paper ready to take down her recipe!</span></p><span style="font-size:130%;">Wasn't that so kind of India for sharing her recipe with all of us, she knows how to share the joy! What a southern doll!</span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305768264282388594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SaHgIA0XuHI/AAAAAAAADNw/zkAUCApqhHA/s400/skillet+spaghetti+065.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;">For those of you who asked about the lid for my cast iron pan, well I did some research and found it online.... <a href="http://www.kitchencollection.com/Temp_Products.cfm?sku=00138693&Location=RelatedProduct">click here</a>, it's made by Kitchen Collection, and sells for $9.99.</span><br /><br /><br /><ul><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305768276528460530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SaHgIucD8vI/AAAAAAAADN4/P7KbDkpbq_c/s400/skillet+spaghetti+017.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">In my Hillbilly Spaghetti Pie post,</span> there were a few gals who had a concern about cooking tomatoes in cast iron. The manufacturer of <a href="http://www.lodgemfg.com/">Lodge Cast Iron Company</a> actually has recipes such as Chili <a href="http://www.lodgemfg.com/recipe-camp-chilli.asp">(Click here)</a> with tomatoes and this one for <a href="http://www.lodgemfg.com/recipe-Skillet-Steak-alla-Pizziaola.asp">Skillet Steak</a> alla Pizziaola. Perhaps the concern is that the acid in tomatoes would wear away the seasoning, but as long as you clean and re-oil your pan as soon as you are finished cooking, there should not be a problem. If the manufacturer encourages cooking with tomatoes, that's good enough for me. I had one more thought on this...I'm pretty sure that cooking tomatoes in an aluminum pan can cause discoloration to the pan and give food a metalic taste, so maybe that is what caused the confusion. For anymore questions about cast iron care<a href="http://www.lodgemfg.com/use-care-seasoned-cast-iron.asp"> click HERE.</a></span></ul><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306123394194818082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SaMjHS1fRCI/AAAAAAAADOQ/zRB2Ia3YAYs/s400/winter...+snow...+vintage...+buttermilk+pie+196.JPG" border="0" /></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>"Buttermilk Pie is the ultimate in Southern Pieness."</strong></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">~Terry Thorton</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Well, I am so glad y'all stopped by for Sister Lizzie's Buttermilk pie! Once again I so appreciate your kind comments! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!! I give God all the glory...so thankful for His grace and mercy!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Hugs!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Ruth Ann</span></p><p></p>Aunt Ruthiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714212484488327936noreply@blogger.com112tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3736272300613230619.post-6422900549349710412009-02-11T13:38:00.000-08:002009-02-16T16:00:24.348-08:00A SWEET LESSON...<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZNlbXBxQ8I/AAAAAAAADIA/Nv4ucLQqJ94/s1600-h/DSC01694.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301692707057517506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZNlbXBxQ8I/AAAAAAAADIA/Nv4ucLQqJ94/s400/DSC01694.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> <span style="font-size:180%;">Summer Rose</span> and I had some sweet things in mind...in light of Valentines Day...and decided to make some dreamy chocolate cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting....<br /></span><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301671250057621522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZNR6ZeV8BI/AAAAAAAADHY/FwYrF0DBcq0/s400/ARMADILLO+MAN,+CUPCAKE+GIRL+012.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:180%;">Love that Betty Crocker!</span> <span style="font-size:130%;">I always keep some of Miss Betty's cake mixes on hand for quick and easy treats!<br /></span><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZNR7R2VQ-I/AAAAAAAADHw/7H3ADA1XFJ4/s1600-h/ARMADILLO+MAN,+CUPCAKE+GIRL+003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301671265190626274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZNR7R2VQ-I/AAAAAAAADHw/7H3ADA1XFJ4/s400/ARMADILLO+MAN,+CUPCAKE+GIRL+003.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;"> Summer and I gathered</span> our ingredients (all four...the mix, eggs, water and oil). We are very fortunate that Summer's good friend Raliegh, who lives just a hop, skip, and a jump down a country road, often shares eggs with us from the chickens her Mama raises. Fresh off the farm eggs are richer in flavor and the sunflower-yellow yolk is so much brighter than store bought ones.<br /></span><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZNR6zz2TcI/AAAAAAAADHo/w1hBUsbpQYQ/s1600-h/ARMADILLO+MAN,+CUPCAKE+GIRL+007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301671257127144898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZNR6zz2TcI/AAAAAAAADHo/w1hBUsbpQYQ/s400/ARMADILLO+MAN,+CUPCAKE+GIRL+007.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;"> Summer lookin' all cute and sweet</span> in my cupcake apron...measures the water....<br /></span><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZNR6nzhh3I/AAAAAAAADHg/7NYtw_UVzJE/s1600-h/ARMADILLO+MAN,+CUPCAKE+GIRL+011.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301671253904557938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZNR6nzhh3I/AAAAAAAADHg/7NYtw_UVzJE/s400/ARMADILLO+MAN,+CUPCAKE+GIRL+011.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;"> In goes the cake mix,</span> water, and eggs......(Oh! have I ever told you I love my Kitchen Aid mixer so much I want to marry it. Well, I do!) You may notice the little red scratch on Summer's jawline....that is what is left from the accident she had on Thanksgiving day. She has healed so remarkably...the doctors thought it would take six months to recover fully. (Thank you all for praying for her!)<br /></span><br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302311399912371362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZWYIBhH9KI/AAAAAAAADIo/JqcmYIfOwmM/s400/ARMADILLO+MAN,+CUPCAKE+GIRL+030.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:180%;">Little Miss Summer Rosey</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">whipped up the chocolate goodness....<br /></span><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZNR6HdIBUI/AAAAAAAADHQ/B4me-81ZPZE/s1600-h/ARMADILLO+MAN,+CUPCAKE+GIRL+015.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301671245220676930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZNR6HdIBUI/AAAAAAAADHQ/B4me-81ZPZE/s400/ARMADILLO+MAN,+CUPCAKE+GIRL+015.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Looking as sweet as a cupcake herself,<br /></span>She ever so carefully fills the pan lined with paper baking cups.....<br /><br /></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301661726477156162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZNJQDX0f0I/AAAAAAAADHA/ClJ8cOHjA2s/s400/ARMADILLO+MAN,+CUPCAKE+GIRL+026.JPG" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302311410046819874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZWYInRXXiI/AAAAAAAADIw/TgZkMBoixWo/s400/ARMADILLO+MAN,+CUPCAKE+GIRL+023.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">We danced a little</span>....sang some sassy tunes...and giggled a lot!<br /></span><br /><br /><div align="justify"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZNJQYnHN2I/AAAAAAAADHI/gzJyhuP3CoU/s1600-h/ARMADILLO+MAN,+CUPCAKE+GIRL+027.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301661732178442082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZNJQYnHN2I/AAAAAAAADHI/gzJyhuP3CoU/s400/ARMADILLO+MAN,+CUPCAKE+GIRL+027.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> With a damp paper towel Summer wiped any drips off of the pan, so we wouldn't have any burnt bits of batter stuck on. Well, we were all set to pop that pan of <em>chocolate cupcake-love</em> in the oven when I discovered.....whoops-a-daisy....we were having so much fun we forgot to pour the oil in the batter! Oopsie Doopsie!</span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;">But guess what?</span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><ul><li><div align="justify">We did not fret.</div></li><li><div align="justify">There were no angry words.</div></li><li><div align="justify">We did not become frustrated or discouraged.</div></li><li><div align="justify">There was no shame or blame.</div></li><li><div align="justify">We did not quit and throw the whole batch away! </div></li></ul><p align="justify">Instead, we discussed two solutions: </p><p align="justify"><strong>Plan A:</strong> we could go ahead and bake them and see how they would turn out. </p><p align="justify"><strong>Plan B:</strong> we could dump the batter back in the bowl add the oil, mix it again and bake it with all of the ingredients needed. </p><p align="justify">As a team, we voted on plan B. So both of us gently lifted the flimsy batter filled cups and poured the chocolate goop back into the mixing bowl. It was hilarious! Trying to squeeze and scrape every drop of batter out of the paper baking cups felt like we were milking a cow. It was sort of an <strong>I Love Lucy</strong> training session! Yes, we got a little messy....and we got a whole lot giggly...but we were making making the best of the situation. </p><p align="justify"><br /></p></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZNJP_k-9vI/AAAAAAAADG4/X0X0AyNWE-A/s1600-h/ARMADILLO+MAN,+CUPCAKE+GIRL+028.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301661725458626290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZNJP_k-9vI/AAAAAAAADG4/X0X0AyNWE-A/s400/ARMADILLO+MAN,+CUPCAKE+GIRL+028.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;">Daddy heard the sounds of joy and wanted to get in on the fun....<br /></span><div align="center"><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZNJPjhxLxI/AAAAAAAADGw/-nm7n2956bU/s1600-h/ARMADILLO+MAN,+CUPCAKE+GIRL+029.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301661717928947474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZNJPjhxLxI/AAAAAAAADGw/-nm7n2956bU/s400/ARMADILLO+MAN,+CUPCAKE+GIRL+029.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Here is a girl who knows she is loved! </span></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;">I am actually very glad that this mishap happened! What a great teaching opportunity for Summer....to teach her to stay calm and cool when you face a dilemma or make a mistake...to think of a solution to the problem....to keep a joyful heart and make the best of it and carry on. And if something doesn't work out like you had hoped, no big deal, just try again.</span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;">As a mother hen, I am relentless about creating emotional safety in my home....protecting my child's spirit. There was no need for angry or frustrating words...words that could do such harm. Every word we say is a seed that is planted in a heart. I want my daughter to have a harvest of joyful memories of home (and me!) when she grows up.</span></div></div></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Ephesians 4:29</strong></span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless. ~Mother Teresa</strong></div></span><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZNJPfUL4eI/AAAAAAAADGo/9PVu5wITzf4/s1600-h/ARMADILLO+MAN,+CUPCAKE+GIRL+032.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301661716798235106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZNJPfUL4eI/AAAAAAAADGo/9PVu5wITzf4/s400/ARMADILLO+MAN,+CUPCAKE+GIRL+032.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;">Hooray we did it! <em><strong>Now </strong></em>it's time to bake!<br /></span></div><br /><div align="center"><strong>"Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the mind and healing to the body." Proverbs 16:24<br /><br /></strong></div><div align="justify"><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZNHM-F-K3I/AAAAAAAADGg/IpcaSc-4Hrc/s1600-h/ARMADILLO+MAN,+CUPCAKE+GIRL+033.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301659474497252210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZNHM-F-K3I/AAAAAAAADGg/IpcaSc-4Hrc/s400/ARMADILLO+MAN,+CUPCAKE+GIRL+033.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">While the cupcakes were baking we whipped up a batch of Strawberry Buttercream Frosting...good and buttery! Here is the recipe:</span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Strawberry Buttercream Frosting</strong></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;">1 box of powered sugar (1 Lb.--about 3 1/2 to 4 cups)</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;">2 sticks butter (salted--softened NOT melted)</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;">1/2 teaspoon Vanilla</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;">1/2 cup (plus 2 tablespoons if needed) pureed frozen strawberries, thawed (sweetened in juice --put in blender to puree)</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Cream</span> the butter and sugar together, then add the pureed strawberries and Vanilla. Whip until fluffy. If it seems too stiff, add some more strawberry puree one tablespoon at a time until you get the creamy consistency you want.</div></span><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><div align="justify"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZNHMn11KAI/AAAAAAAADGY/qIftEEl_01w/s1600-h/ARMADILLO+MAN,+CUPCAKE+GIRL+036.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301659468523972610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZNHMn11KAI/AAAAAAAADGY/qIftEEl_01w/s400/ARMADILLO+MAN,+CUPCAKE+GIRL+036.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZNHK21TM3I/AAAAAAAADGQ/n1LnC-AojYg/s1600-h/ARMADILLO+MAN,+CUPCAKE+GIRL+057.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301659438188540786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZNHK21TM3I/AAAAAAAADGQ/n1LnC-AojYg/s400/ARMADILLO+MAN,+CUPCAKE+GIRL+057.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">To our delight,</span> the cupcakes turned out moist and delicious, just as Miss Betty promised!<br /></span><br /><div align="justify"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZNHKosGubI/AAAAAAAADGI/6cLnZJVvZ00/s1600-h/ARMADILLO+MAN,+CUPCAKE+GIRL+052.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301659434391878066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZNHKosGubI/AAAAAAAADGI/6cLnZJVvZ00/s400/ARMADILLO+MAN,+CUPCAKE+GIRL+052.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZNHKd5KNSI/AAAAAAAADGA/D79RuRO6s5U/s1600-h/ARMADILLO+MAN,+CUPCAKE+GIRL+044.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301659431493842210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZNHKd5KNSI/AAAAAAAADGA/D79RuRO6s5U/s400/ARMADILLO+MAN,+CUPCAKE+GIRL+044.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;"> Cupcake love.<br /></span><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301692721663887378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZNlcNcMyBI/AAAAAAAADIQ/DA5zhs233-w/s400/DSC02386.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Take every opportunity</span> </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">to breathe blessings in to the hearts of those you love.<br /><br /></span>"If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all" ~Mother<br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301692701044492834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZNlbAoJyiI/AAAAAAAADH4/qiePWm4FLoY/s400/DSC01666.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Our hubby's need encouragement too.</span> They need to know how much we appreciate them, adore them, admire them, desire them. I was reminded of something Dr. Phil said when a sweet young mom named DeBran mentioned it on her blog....(DeBran actually went to High School with my daughter Ashley! Check out her <span style="color:#ff0000;"><a href="http://haselwoodfam.blogspot.com/">BLOG HERE</a></span>, she is a wise young mama with two adorable babies!) </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;">Anyhoo...Dr. Phil said that every morning we should ask ourselves </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>"How can I make my husband's</strong> </span><span style="font-size:85%;">(or wife's)</span><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"> life better today?"<br /></span></strong><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;">What a great way to keep selfishness away, and the welfare of those we love as a top priority. What a difference a day makes when we begin it with a loving attitude! (Thanks DeBran!)</span></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301692718016953730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZNlb_2s_YI/AAAAAAAADII/Fq7cRaTBOps/s400/DSC02361.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;">"A capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman--who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls. The heart of her husband trusts in her confidently and relies on and believes in her securely, so that he has no lack of honest gain....She comforts, encourages and <strong>does him only good</strong> as long as there is life within her...." Proverbs 31:10-12</span><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>None of us are perfect and we will mess up from time to time, but that's what the words "I'm so sorry" are for.</strong></div><br /><div align="justify"></span></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302343837696862018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZW1oJrnJ0I/AAAAAAAADI4/OGWb33ZVZck/s400/DSC01601.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;">"If you love someone, you will be loyal to him no matter what the cost. You will always believe in him, always expect the best of him, and always stand your ground in defending him." 1 Corinthians 13:7</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302379617382629090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SZXWKzZc_uI/AAAAAAAADJA/hBRAQyPl0DI/s400/DSC01544.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">I would like</span> to take this opportunity to say thank you to all of you sweet cupcakes out there in blogland who have left me such encouraging comments! They mean more to me than you will ever know! It is so reassuring to know that there are so many like-minded gals out there that also have a passion for the home and family. God bless you for being a blessing to me!</span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Now about that Buttermilk Pie recipe....it is coming...stay tuned! I want to also address some questions/concerns about cast iron cooking and give a source for the see-through lid that I use. Until then, Have a dreamy Valentines Day!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Hugs!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">RuthAnn</p></span>Aunt Ruthiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714212484488327936noreply@blogger.com112tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3736272300613230619.post-36705791823252194032009-02-01T12:32:00.000-08:002009-02-03T16:50:57.104-08:00Snowbound.....<div align="center"><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SYceWqc1Q6I/AAAAAAAADBs/wli9Roy4p4E/s1600-h/001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298236861325853602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SYceWqc1Q6I/AAAAAAAADBs/wli9Roy4p4E/s400/001.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">A week ago, the news buzzed around town</span> about the winter storm that was about to roll in, bringing with it record ice-fall followed by several inches of snow. Fluffy-white snow is welcomed, but ice is another story. Thick layers of slippery ice covering the roads, trees and powerlines is a recipe for danger, so being prepared is a good thing. I, along with most of the townsfolk, rushed to the market to stock up on food, water and other necessities, knowing that in just a few hours the roads would be too hazardous to travel. For me, all of this commotion is very exciting! I love making the necessary preparations and hunkering down before a storm hits. All safe and cozy inside with the fire blazing....soup simmering.... the pantry stocked....making sure we have candles and flashlights ready....you never know if the power will go out (which it did!) it all seems a like a scene from Little House On The Prairie (minus the flashlights of course!). </span><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298305570339076786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SYdc2DeIurI/AAAAAAAADC0/dgMBb6IWUdY/s400/laura+ingalls+home+006.JPG" border="0" /></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Laura Ingalls Wilder</span> had experienced many wind-howling blizzards right here in the Ozarks. Just one hour from where I live, in the little town of Mansfield Missouri, sits Laura's homestead, a place that she and her beloved husband Almanzo, named <a href="http://lauraingallswilderhome.com/">Rocky Ridge Farm. </a></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298305556322816930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SYdc1PQZk6I/AAAAAAAADCc/WedPa43i964/s400/laura+ingalls+home+001.JPG" border="0" /></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Laura's farm kitchen at Rocky Ridge </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Her homeplace</span> is now a museum filled with simple furnishings of a rich life. This is also where she penned all of her Little House On The Prairie books. Oh! If only those walls could talk!</span><br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298305557006033506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SYdc1RzSomI/AAAAAAAADCk/Pm9OwVQI-7I/s400/laura+ingalls+home+002.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><p align="center">The kitchen table in the Wilder's kitchen.<br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298305561473064130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SYdc1icUHMI/AAAAAAAADCs/JxTg1OzWQvg/s400/laura+ingalls+home+004.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">How sweet is this embroidered apron</span> of Laura's? These same apron strings, tied in a bow, hugged her waist as she set about the domestic joys of cooking, cleaning, and gardening. She knew that her simple, everyday tasks were more than just chores that had to be done, her deeds were an essential part of blessing her family. Laura's apron was her all-purpose companion. I can just imagine, in the twilight of an early summer evening, just as the sultry heat of the day began to cool, and the cicadas in the trees would begin to buzz, she would walk softly across the damp grass, thick with slow-dancing fire-flies, and into her garden to pick juicy, sun-warmed tomatoes and gently place them in the skirt of her apron, that she had gathered at the ends to create a make-shift basket. I'm sure it was those simple summer joys that warmed her heart as the bitter north wind frosted the window panes of her dear white farmhouse.<br /></span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297945044428536706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SYYU8ry0O4I/AAAAAAAADA8/dkCfhc0XAaA/s400/winter...+snow...+vintage...+buttermilk+pie+013.JPG" border="0" /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Well, the winter wind</span> certainly swirled through the Ozark hills this past week, ice clinking against the windows, then the snow fell, fast and hard. Enormous, 3" snowflakes looked more like cotton balls being thrown from heaven. I think the angels were having a good-hearted snowball fight! </span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SYYU9AxEtBI/AAAAAAAADBU/Au_3XroflHQ/s1600-h/winter...+snow...+vintage...+buttermilk+pie+006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297942379979249922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SYYShl8mmQI/AAAAAAAADAs/_kHN1YFCuEQ/s400/winter...+snow...+vintage...+buttermilk+pie+022.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">In the morning, beauty was everywhere.</span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297945038750589554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SYYU8WpFonI/AAAAAAAADA0/WcNP1QSFEdU/s400/winter...+snow...+vintage...+buttermilk+pie+021.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;">Crystal trees glowed at dawn.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">God's creation sang of His Glory! </span></div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298344639632126994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SYeAYL7eNBI/AAAAAAAADC8/vOskErOzDfQ/s400/winter...+snow...+vintage...+buttermilk+pie+025.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297945050058372114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SYYU9AxEtBI/AAAAAAAADBU/Au_3XroflHQ/s400/winter...+snow...+vintage...+buttermilk+pie+006.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;">Summer Rose was a happy camper...</span><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SYYU9B7SX3I/AAAAAAAADBM/g6uESj2rIi4/s1600-h/winter...+snow...+vintage...+buttermilk+pie+007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297945050369646450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SYYU9B7SX3I/AAAAAAAADBM/g6uESj2rIi4/s400/winter...+snow...+vintage...+buttermilk+pie+007.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;">sledding down a small hill on the side of our house....</span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SYYU850ZnZI/AAAAAAAADBE/4voxmcPxLxk/s1600-h/winter...+snow...+vintage...+buttermilk+pie+008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297945048193277330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SYYU850ZnZI/AAAAAAAADBE/4voxmcPxLxk/s400/winter...+snow...+vintage...+buttermilk+pie+008.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="center"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297947043167621970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SYYWxBrWU1I/AAAAAAAADBk/hyEX1EsRuyE/s400/winter...+snow...+vintage...+buttermilk+pie+005.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;">Hooray for Snow Days!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Summer </span>had four happy days off from school. Our power went out for a while and then when it did come back on our heater didn't work. </span><span style="font-size:130%;">While we waited for the repair man to come, I kept the kitchen warm by baking an old southern favorite, Buttermilk Pie (I'll share the recipe in my next post).<br /></p><p></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298590363664897362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SYhf3NSN1VI/AAAAAAAADE8/72p1ZMM8gE4/s400/winter...+snow...+vintage...+buttermilk+pie+179.JPG" border="0" /></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Being snowbound gave us a great opportunity to watch a set of DVDs that I recently ordered from <a href="http://franklinsprings.com/films/hsb/"><strong>Franklin Springs Family Media, called Homestead Blessings.</strong></a> A mother and her three daughters share their skills on making bread, soap and candles. They live in a horse and buggy community in the Appalachian hills of Tennessee. Oh My Goodness!! I love these gals! I so want to go bake with them in their adorable country kitchen!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298354846811431826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SYeJqUoqI5I/AAAAAAAADEk/iHQsSdiBLNw/s400/westladies%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">They are called the West Girls</span> and they live life the old fashioned way, off the land, <strong>Little House On The Prairie Style!!!</strong> They are full of down-home charm and southern hospitality.</span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298346136258707250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SYeBvTTDfzI/AAAAAAAADEM/QRmtnEaky74/s400/hsb2%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><a href="http://franklinsprings.com/films/"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Franklin Springs Family Media </strong></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">produces top quality DVDs that celebrate home and family. Their films highlight families who have built homes of honor.</span> <span style="font-size:130%;">What a wonderful resource for those of us who want to bring honor, integrity, faithfulness, honesty, strength, perseverence, adventure, compassion, grace, and joy into the lives of our family.</span></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298345499813034994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SYeBKQWlO_I/AAAAAAAADEE/WbR56i618Oo/s400/hsb3%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298344654884651666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SYeAZEv9QpI/AAAAAAAADDU/gWyQGxQGFIM/s400/winter...+snow...+vintage...+buttermilk+pie+058.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Take a peek</span> at these wonderful videos ......</span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298345495944254594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 130px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SYeBKB8MVII/AAAAAAAADDs/KZi5Hxq4hJQ/s400/bread2%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298345495853044786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 130px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SYeBKBmclDI/AAAAAAAADD0/knnirug_nKg/s400/bread1%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298344641793776610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SYeAYT-2W-I/AAAAAAAADDE/bjjF_iq6Kd0/s400/winter...+snow...+vintage...+buttermilk+pie+061.JPG" border="0" /></p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298344654189498434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 130px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SYeAZCKOEEI/AAAAAAAADDc/pE7NMbwOpaE/s400/soap2%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298344648702990034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SYeAYtuIltI/AAAAAAAADDM/EmYp0xYBEms/s400/winter...+snow...+vintage...+buttermilk+pie+067.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298345495819304386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 130px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SYeBKBeZvcI/AAAAAAAADDk/XcWAyDiCuqE/s400/candle2%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298354842752524818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SYeJqFg8IhI/AAAAAAAADEc/QXPcGjLiaEc/s400/dvdcovers%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><a href="http://franklinsprings.com/films/hsb/"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;"> Click here</span> to see a preview of these homespun DVDs by Franklin Springs.</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> What an inspiration these gals are! While you are at the Franklin Springs Web site, check out their other inspiring DVDs. I can't tell you how excited I am about this company...I just had to share it with y'all!<br /></span><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298354846100176402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SYeJqR_FPhI/AAAAAAAADEs/Vsv8Vf5EHnE/s400/westgirls%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;">These adorable West Girls also sing Bluegrass. <a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=WQ3CPlD9YD8">Click here to see their youtube video "Green Beans In The Garden", </a>which was also a part of a Franklin Springs DVD titled <a href="http://franklinsprings.com/films/inherittheland/"><strong>Inherit The Land.<br /></strong></a></span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298604461693826402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SYhsr0iPdWI/AAAAAAAADFE/5QfB6n3EJF0/s400/winter...+snow...+vintage...+buttermilk+pie+196.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Thanks for stopping by</span> for some <strong>"Little House On The Prairie"</strong> Pie!<br />Summer is back in school...the sun is shining....snow is melting....I'm getting back into the swing of things....and...God is good.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Hugs, Y'all! </span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">RuthAnn<br /></span><br /></p>Aunt Ruthiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714212484488327936noreply@blogger.com93tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3736272300613230619.post-38004574173259836452009-01-20T13:13:00.000-08:002009-01-27T06:44:35.310-08:00Hillbilly Spaghetti Pie!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293493205727687250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SXZEBkRXslI/AAAAAAAAC5M/RJ8PIQz_RBk/s400/DSC02383.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Like a true Italian mama</span> (yup, both sets of my Grandparents were from the Old Country...I'm 100% Italiano!) I make my own spaghetti sauce from scratch. I use my mom's recipe which she got from her mom, my cute Sicilian Grandma Cannizzaro. I start in the morning and let it simmer all day in my <a href="http://http//www.nesco.com/category_774b5b98e066/"><strong>Nesco </strong></a>Roaster, drawing rich flavors from the roasted meatballs, sausage and short ribs. But sometimes, when I'm in the mood for my kind of comfort food and I don't have time for the all day process, I prepare an easy and yummy pasta dish, I call Hillbilly Spaghetti Pie, using my favorite cooking pan...my cast iron skillet.</span> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293500322041660386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SXZKfym1g-I/AAAAAAAAC7E/xogT0nvgON4/s400/skillet+spaghetti+017.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">I actually started</span> using this kind of pan a couple of years ago when I moved to the Ozarks. Up until then, I only used the non-stick kind. But after watching several episodes of Cooking With (the ever adorable) <a href="http://pauladeen.com/"><strong>Paula Deen</strong></a>, and hearing her rave about the glories of cooking with cast iron, I decided to give it a try.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294155354404256770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 254px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SXiePsT_fAI/AAAAAAAAC9A/mOZcq1iEFgo/s400/BEV-HILLBillies%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></span> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">So I headed on down</span> to <a href="http://basspro.com/">Bass Pro </a>and brought one home. It was already seasoned, so I got busy cookin' up all kinds of "<em><strong>vittles"</strong></em> (that's what Granny on the Beverly Hillbillies called <em><strong>food </strong></em>y'all...she also loved her black fryin' pan! ). </span><span style="font-size:100%;">By the way, the truck that the Clampetts drove in the Beverly Hillbillies show is on display right here in my town, at The College Of The Ozarks! The Clampetts were from these here parts.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Getting back to my skillet story...</span> once I started cooking up tacos, grilled sandwiches, grilled garlic zucchini, corn bread, Italian-Breaded chicken breasts and searing roasts until they were crusty brown and ready for the oven to roast.... let me tell you I was sold! Everything tasted so much better! I went out and got another one. Now both of them sit on my stove top permanently, ready to get cookin' at a moments notice. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294179592853205170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SXi0SjkjMLI/AAAAAAAAC9g/eEBCWtQv_wE/s400/Cast%2520Iron%2520Cookware%2520Outdoors%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">I feel so farm-girl-ish</span> when I'm cooking with my country skillets! If you want to give cast iron cooking a try, keep in mind, it's not a pan that can go in the dishwasher. This kind of skillet has been around since the 1700's, and so you need to care of it the Old Fashioned, down-on-the-farm way! Here are a couple of tips for taking care of your iron pans:</span><br /><br /><ul><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294178819892638626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 296px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SXizlkEY86I/AAAAAAAAC9I/knQzKBLZs7c/s400/cast_iron_skillet%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><br /><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Get </strong>a pan that has already been seasoned (baked with oil on it). Also, the one I use is made by <a href="http://http//www.lodgemfg.com/Logic-product.asp"><strong>Lodge</strong></a> and has two handles-one short and one long- so it's easier to carry, since it is so heavy. I own the 13 1/4 " and the 12". I found the one-size- fits-all lid at The Kitchen Store.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>When </strong>you have finished cooking just wipe the skillet out with paper towels. <strong>Never </strong>put it in a sink full of water. </span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Once you wipe it clean, </strong>spray or drizzle oil and rub it in. Now you're good to go again!</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>If food has stuck to the bottom,</strong> pour 1 cup of water in the pan and put the heat on low, once it starts to simmer, take a coated spatula and scrape the bottom until all the bits are loosened. Turn off the heat, let it cool a bit, then pour out the water and wipe out any food residue with paper towels. Dry completely. Rub oil in.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Resist the urge</strong> to scrub it clean with lots of soap and water! I know it's hard, but the oils need to be protected for the pan to do it's job!</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Careful</strong> the handle will get hot!</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293517247728336354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SXZZ4_tAPeI/AAAAAAAAC8E/C9QcFQWgFrE/s400/skillet+spaghetti+051.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">My Hillbilly Spaghetti Pie </span>has all of the flavor of a rich Italian dish, mainly because it is prepared with fresh ingredients, but it's made in half the time. My pan size is 13 1/4 inches in diameter.</span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293519218621121282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SXZbrt2dgwI/AAAAAAAAC8M/Cn4iV8JyuGI/s400/DSC01622.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">It's the kind of hot meal</span> that warms the tummy on a cold winter's day. So come on inside my kitchen and I'll show you how I make it.....</span><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293495281273962306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SXZF6YSKf0I/AAAAAAAAC50/oH2xAaOuUtY/s400/skillet+spaghetti+066.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Start with a clean kitchen.Tie your cute apron on</span> and fill the sink with hot soapy water. This is so you can clean as you go, so you don't end up with a kitchen that looks like an earthquake hit it....I speak from experience! When you are done with something, rinse it, then drop it in the suds. Get your emptied trash can ready, so your throw-away stuff is not laying all over the counter taking up space and becoming a distraction. Gather all of your ingredients and have them chopped, measured and ready to go before you begin. It is so much more enjoyable when everything is pre-measured and ready to dump in the pan like they do on all the cooking shows!</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Hillbilly Spaghetti</strong></span> <span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Pie<br /></strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">1 bunch green onions, chopped</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">2 tablespoons olive oil</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">1/2 pound extra lean ground beef</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">1/2 pound Italian sausage, 4 links (sweet or hot) casings removed</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">4 garlic cloves, minced</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (I add two more pinches to give it a kick!)</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">1/4 teaspoon dried oregano</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)</span><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">2 cups water</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">8 ounces spaghetti, broken into 3 inch pieces (I used half of a 16 ounce package--Thin spaghetti--<strong>not Angel Hair</strong>-- but you can use regular )</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">1/4 cup heavy whipping cream</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">4 tablespoons chopped fresh basil</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">2 cups grated mozzarella cheese</span><br /></p><ol><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Saute green onion in 2 tablespoons olive oil, on medium heat 5 minutes.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Add beef and sausage, brown over medium-hi heat.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">While almost brown, add garlic, pepper flakes, oregano, and parsley.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Once browned, stir in crushed tomatoes, water and salt.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Add broken spaghetti. Push spaghetti into liquid, and <strong>cover for 8 minutes.</strong></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">After 8 minutes, stir pasta so the noodles won't stick together. <strong>Reduce heat to medium low simmer for 6 more minutes</strong> until pasta is al dente (almost cooked but still a little firm).</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Add basil, Parmesan cheese, and cream, stir well.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Sprinkle top with mozzarella cheese, put in oven to broil until spotty brown. (stand there and keep watch or set a timer for 3 minutes at a time until it's ready, or else you may end up with Blackened Hillbilly Spaghetti Pie!)</span></li></ol><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SXZKhKGXPCI/AAAAAAAAC7c/fcoCAi4UwMY/s1600-h/skillet+spaghetti+007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293500345527778338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SXZKhKGXPCI/AAAAAAAAC7c/fcoCAi4UwMY/s400/skillet+spaghetti+007.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;">Fresh ingredients is always best.<br /></span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293500352374376050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SXZKhjmuBnI/AAAAAAAAC7k/jIY1pcf0yzM/s400/skillet+spaghetti+001.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">I love fresh</span> grated Parmesan cheese, it's so easy to do with a Microplane grater, found at most kitchen stores. You can use grated cheese from the market if you want. But, the fresh grated cheese has more flavor. </span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SXZKgqLKROI/AAAAAAAAC7U/TPhbiWYqLbc/s1600-h/skillet+spaghetti+010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293500336957965538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SXZKgqLKROI/AAAAAAAAC7U/TPhbiWYqLbc/s400/skillet+spaghetti+010.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SXZKgbCtIYI/AAAAAAAAC7M/-gWIUJnODUE/s1600-h/skillet+spaghetti+015.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293500332895969666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SXZKgbCtIYI/AAAAAAAAC7M/-gWIUJnODUE/s400/skillet+spaghetti+015.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Get everything ready!<br /></span><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SXZIexUh9eI/AAAAAAAAC60/R67KDrGiriM/s1600-h/skillet+spaghetti+022.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293498105493321186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SXZIexUh9eI/AAAAAAAAC60/R67KDrGiriM/s400/skillet+spaghetti+022.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">Saute the onions in olive oil...<br /></span><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293498111804768210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SXZIfI1S_9I/AAAAAAAAC68/ttb1D9pgmuE/s400/skillet+spaghetti+019.JPG" border="0" /></div><span style="font-size:130%;">I use extra lean ground beef to reduce the fat. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">When I lived in California I could find Italian Turkey sausage, </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">but I can't find it out here in the country.<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div align="justify"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SXZF7bGJNrI/AAAAAAAAC6M/LUumc3PRlZ4/s1600-h/skillet+spaghetti+026.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293495299208722098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SXZF7bGJNrI/AAAAAAAAC6M/LUumc3PRlZ4/s400/skillet+spaghetti+026.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;"> As I was sauteing the onions,</span> Summer walked in the door from school, as she came into the kitchen her eyes got big as she smelled the aroma....she asked "what smells so good? Can I help?" </span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;">It's moments like that, that make me so thankful I have the privilege and opportunity of being a stay-at-home mom.<strong> I love that my kids get to come home to a warm house with lights on... supper simmering....hugs 'n' kisses awaiting.</strong> </span></div><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;">I know there are many mama's that would love to stay home, but are unable to, and that makes your work extra hard. If that is you, pray for the door to open so you can be home with your babies, even it it's part time (babies need their mama's at home.) Until then....like one cute grandma would say..."just make do darlin', make do". Yes, do the best you can. Remember, it's the little things you do to plant love-seeds in the hearts of your dear ones, that will grow the happiest memories.</span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293493225323245106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SXZECtRULjI/AAAAAAAAC5c/ylS4ue0Yv7c/s400/DSC03486.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>"When I was a little girl, I always wanted to be in the kitchen because it was warm, and that's where my mother was. You never lose that feeling." ~ Dolly Parton <span style="font-size:85%;">(love her!)</span></strong></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;">If you are able to be a stay-at-home- mama, treasure that gift. Be determined to step up to the plate and be a fierce mama, relentless in always making choices on the side of <strong>what's best for your family. </strong>Not only will you reap a harvest of a loving home, but teaching our family to live wholesome, moral, compassionate lives will also help build a <strong>stronger America</strong>. Raising our children to be a benefit to society, rather that a detriment, is one of the most important contributions we can make in our lifetime.<br /></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293495307457907698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SXZF7505y_I/AAAAAAAAC6U/dhwxk3ejdWI/s400/skillet+spaghetti+025.JPG" border="0" /> </div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Anyhoo.....Brown the meat......</span><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293493231037725778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SXZEDCjwPFI/AAAAAAAAC5k/MfHIkjHBk7c/s400/skillet+spaghetti+030.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;">Add tomatoes, salt and spices...<br /></span><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293505498306591602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SXZPNFskO3I/AAAAAAAAC78/s6D1rp0r5G4/s400/skillet+spaghetti+008.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SXZF7OGyY7I/AAAAAAAAC6E/1RKgTKWc23o/s1600-h/skillet+spaghetti+031.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293495295721759666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SXZF7OGyY7I/AAAAAAAAC6E/1RKgTKWc23o/s400/skillet+spaghetti+031.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> Pour in the water....<br /></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SXZF65AKfnI/AAAAAAAAC58/vxgjRwynXmQ/s1600-h/skillet+spaghetti+032.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293495290056834674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SXZF65AKfnI/AAAAAAAAC58/vxgjRwynXmQ/s400/skillet+spaghetti+032.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> Add broken spaghetti...<br /></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293493239082375890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SXZEDghv2tI/AAAAAAAAC5s/cS-0abSaOb8/s400/skillet+spaghetti+034.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;">Push pasta under the liquid....</span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293498101222441682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SXZIehaRgtI/AAAAAAAAC6s/N5xObHRT5ik/s400/skillet+spaghetti+065.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;">Cover and cook....</span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293490098528686594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SXZBMtDZkgI/AAAAAAAAC48/YQm58C_JzsQ/s400/skillet+spaghetti+039.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;">Stir pasta to keep it from sticking together....</span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293498091020260130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SXZId7Z4kyI/AAAAAAAAC6c/kbg55d4n6B4/s400/skillet+spaghetti+041.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;">Add Parmesan cheese, basil, and cream.... Stir it in....<br /></span><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293498093450319234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SXZIeEdQVYI/AAAAAAAAC6k/C8ZwUKn_QHk/s400/skillet+spaghetti+042.JPG" border="0" /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SXZBMaPMbFI/AAAAAAAAC40/Hbi9GBtAQhQ/s1600-h/skillet+spaghetti+045.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293490093477882962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SXZBMaPMbFI/AAAAAAAAC40/Hbi9GBtAQhQ/s400/skillet+spaghetti+045.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> Top with Mozzarella cheese, broil in oven a few minutes...keep an eye on it so it won't turn into <strong>Blackened</strong> Hillbilly Spaghetti Pie! Set your timer a few minutes at a time. Keep checking!<br /></span><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SXZBLxi9xtI/AAAAAAAAC4s/0Uky6qLeX0I/s1600-h/skillet+spaghetti+055.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293490082554955474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SXZBLxi9xtI/AAAAAAAAC4s/0Uky6qLeX0I/s400/skillet+spaghetti+055.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> When it is spotty brown (looks like the top of a pizza) it is ready to serve right away.</span></div></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;">Bring the skillet right to the table ( that's how we do it down yonder in the Ozarks y'all!).</span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;">If you are making this for guests, and they haven't arrived yet, wait to add the Mozzeralla cheese topping until just before it's time to serve it.<br /></div></span><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SXZBLgvb0gI/AAAAAAAAC4k/D4TSB61kMkY/s1600-h/skillet+spaghetti+064.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293490078043853314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SXZBLgvb0gI/AAAAAAAAC4k/D4TSB61kMkY/s400/skillet+spaghetti+064.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;"> Serve with a crisp green salad</span> and garlic cheese bread.<br /></span>Makes the best leftovers!!!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293505482202113586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SXZPMJs9ZjI/AAAAAAAAC7s/3Wc2OrgINUE/s400/skillet+spaghetti+054.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">For the garlic bread,</span> I just mix melted butter and grated Parmesean cheese with a pinch or two of garlic salt and spread it on the sliced french bread with a spoon, then broil the top until golden.<br /><br /></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293505491480128210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SXZPMsRAqtI/AAAAAAAAC70/U4At8ktF_EI/s400/skillet+spaghetti+062.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;">Mangia! Mangia! That's EAT! EAT! in Italian!</span></div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293493208878566386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SXZEBwAmS_I/AAAAAAAAC5U/64YdglBykY8/s400/DSC02497.JPG" border="0" /> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Create the kind of home atmosphere </span></div><p align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"><em><strong>that you would like </strong></em></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">if you were a kid again!</span></p><br /><p align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>"When our kids excelled at school, won a cross-country race, or got first chair in the band, we made fools of ourselves making a big deal of it. We'd pull out the chairs at dinnertime and stand on them and shout! We'd cheer like schoolkids and make toasts with glasses of milk held high." </strong></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">~ William L. Coleman</span></p><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Thanks for stoppin by for some</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Hillbilly Spaghetti Pie!!</strong></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Hugs to all y'all!</span></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">RuthAnn</span></p>Aunt Ruthiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714212484488327936noreply@blogger.com149tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3736272300613230619.post-88962871842049054682009-01-11T15:11:00.000-08:002009-01-25T12:27:30.090-08:00FRESH FARM STYLE<div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SWy011ufhJI/AAAAAAAAC3c/wcWhX6PB7pE/s1600-h/DSC01972.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290802499301639314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SWy011ufhJI/AAAAAAAAC3c/wcWhX6PB7pE/s400/DSC01972.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Farm Fresh....how I love those words!</span> Anything fresh-from-the-farm just fills my heart with pure joy....fresh eggs, fresh milk, fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh jams and jellies, hot out-of-the-oven buttermilk biscuits and a golden-crusted fresh baked pie of course!<br /></span><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290190379126020530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SWqIHwX-2bI/AAAAAAAAC3E/ejZriIQ0CWQ/s400/300px-Dorking_Chicken%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Just imagine...chickens cluckin' in the barnyard,</span> pecking corn on the ground, a mighty-proud rooster perched on a white rail fence, crowing at the sunrise... fluffy-yellow chicks scurrying to catch up to big-mama hen....cows-a-mooin'...farmer-a-whistlin'... his aproned-wife ringin' the dinner bell...time for a hearty country breakfast...scrambled eggs, hickory-smoked bacon, biscuits 'n' gravy, grits, homemade strawberry jam and biscuits, a sweet slice of last night's apple pie and good strong coffee. Ahhh...gimme that country life!<br /></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290877459352569906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 235px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 303px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SWz5BFrUyDI/AAAAAAAAC4M/3l8XMEISxPU/s400/corn_on_the_cob_illustration-low_res%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">We can</span> learn a lot about life by observing the farmer. When a farmer wants to have a harvest of corn he has to plant the seed. He can have sacks of seed, but until he plants it, it won't do him any good. Once the seed is planted, he has to nurture, water and tend his corn field in order for it to grow. The same is true with our home and families. If we want to harvest a happy home with strong family relationships we have to plant the seeds of love, understanding, forgiveness, mercy and grace. We need to plan ahead to create happy memories, and create a home our family <em>wants</em> <em>to come home to</em>. Like the farmer, we sometimes have to be self-sacrificing for the benefit of our loved ones to reap a harvest of blessings.</span></div><div align="justify"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">"...For whatever a man sows, that and only that is what he will reap." Galatians 6:7</span><br /></strong><br /></div><br /><br /><div align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290190384340057970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 219px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SWqIIDzGv3I/AAAAAAAAC3M/aPG-hTMBjBI/s400/20070617ae_jones_oklahoma_230%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">We</span> can't all live on a farm, but we can incorporate a "Farm-girl" attitude in the way we approach life! Remember my story of Beulah? She lived her life with Gumption, Grit and Grace. That is the farm-girl way. (you can read the Beulah's story by typing in the search engine "A Little Gumption Goes A Long Way" then scroll down until you find that title on the May 2008 post).</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">We can</span> dress "farm-girl vintage" like my dear, adorable and sassy friend Catiena at <a href="http://thevintagehousewife.blogspot.com/">The Vintage Housewife </a>(we used to be chatty next-door neighbors when I lived in California!).<br /></span><br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290802504910620018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 260px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SWy02KnxxXI/AAAAAAAAC3k/nxb-ynr3CLc/s400/MilkBottle1%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">We can</span> decorate our homes with old fashioned goodness....glass milk bottles, old white enamel dishpans, creamy pitchers, vintage linens, well worn bread boards, old coffee pots and bread boxes, canning jars, and white-washed picnic baskets, just to name a few! </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Things that remind us of the good-old-days. Wholesome days. Honest-to-goodness, breath-of-fresh-air days. </span><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">It's good for you to surround yourself </span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">with sweet little reminders of farm-fresh beauty, </span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">because beauty inspires!<br /></div></span></strong><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290877461730306402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SWz5BOiOKWI/AAAAAAAAC4U/dWFOAq2GJVQ/s400/dsp_ebay_089_1222878057%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">We can</span> fill our homes with kind and loving words, tenderness, patience, a gracious nurturing spirit, comfort, encouragement, guidance, cleanliness and order, joyful music, fresh nourishing food and homemade treats. We can say Grace at the table for God's provision. We can take our family to Church on Sundays, to instill in their hearts truth, hope and joy. These are all the things that will make our family feel safe, loved and cherished. It's really all about <em>back-to-basics homemaking</em>. Simple and sweet.</span><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>The home should be a warm sanctuary </strong></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>from the storms of life for each member of the family.</strong> </span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">~ GiGi Graham Tchividjian, daughter of Billy Graham</span></div><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290834809318293810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 98px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 114px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SWzSOh6wQTI/AAAAAAAAC4E/2gF7mHTaW6U/s400/LGUCAM3O9K8CA8T4YXZCAR1GMJXCAOVINOTCAL6YT0FCAKKU9K2CA9HHV63CA4Z33PBCANH2AS4CA15B985CAD2937ECA1RZKLVCA5XZ2M9CAY72NU5CAO5NNM1CA3N6HNTCA7VJPVKCAR74YYZCA1MLCEH.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Rascal Flatts</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I love the Rascal Flatts song "Mayberry", the lyrics go like this....</span><br /><br /></p><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290834661147614098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SWzSF58HG5I/AAAAAAAAC38/KRlTOwamv8Y/s400/aunt_bee%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">Sometimes it feels like this world is spinning faster<br />than it did in the old days </p><p align="center">so naturally we have more natural disasters</p><p align="center">from the strain of a fast pace</p><div align="center">Sunday was the day of rest</div><div align="center">Now it's more a day for progress</div><div align="center">and we can't slow down</div><div align="center">because more is best</div><div align="center">It's all an endless process</div><br /><div align="center"><strong>Well, I miss Mayberry</strong></div><div align="center"><strong>sitting on the porch drinking ice cold Cherry-Coke</strong></div><div align="center"><strong>Where everything is black and white</strong></div><div align="center"><strong>Picking on a Six String</strong></div><div align="center"><strong>Where people pass by and you call them by their first name</strong></div><div align="center"><strong>watching the clouds roll by...</strong></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290834656802609794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 178px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SWzSFpwLmoI/AAAAAAAAC30/GqPGQa0757E/s400/AGS-Man-in-Hurry1%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:180%;">One of the reasons </span><span style="font-size:130%;">I love living in the Ozarks of Southern Missouri (Branson) is the down-home <em>Mayberry </em>feel. Old town Main street has quaint little diners, a real 5 and Dime general store that dates back to the 1940's, a barbershop, shoe store, drug store and lots of other shops in between. Folks say a friendly "how-dee-do" as you walk by, and you almost expect to see good old Deputy Barney whistling down the street. I live just ten minutes from town on an old homestead, surrounded by neighboring farms, and in the spring and summer I can hear an old rooster cock-a-doodlin' across the valley. I may not live on a working farm, but I'm a farm-girl at heart.</span><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290180198574808066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SWp-3K3bXAI/AAAAAAAAC0k/TILIb_KPl1s/s400/home+decor+jan.+2009+001.JPG" border="0" /></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">After</span> taking down all of my Christmas sparkles, I think I got kicked by old Bessie the cow, because I started painting and decorating everything in shades of Milk-White! I was ready for simplicity, and a cleaner, fresher look! What I call Fresh Farm Style! The bead board above my stove mantel used to be Red until I gave it a fresh coat of <em>Swiss Coffee White</em> from Home Depot! I also found my creamy new mini-lamp shades at Lowes Home Improvement store.<br /></span><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290180201665366338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SWp-3WYRiUI/AAAAAAAAC0s/kn51sOrst0Q/s400/home+decor+jan.+2009+004.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290182579260271826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SWqBBvnErNI/AAAAAAAAC00/2vhlJKT_2U0/s400/home+decor+jan.+2009+007.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290182586454749378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SWqBCKaXsMI/AAAAAAAAC08/_WXtWR3u0VY/s400/home+decor+jan.+2009+012.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:180%;"> Mini Pearl,</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> my hen in-the-pot, (named after one of my favorite Hee Haw comedians) guards over my delicious, farm fresh Strawberry Rhubarb candles from Walmart! Smells yummy like the real thing. It comes in different white porcelain containers....see the cute little washtub?<br /><br /></span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290182589119957314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SWqBCUVziUI/AAAAAAAAC1E/fuqgSHR_KHw/s400/home+decor+jan.+2009+017.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">I've </span>decided that until spring (when I can grow my own) I am going to buy a few stems of fresh daisies at the grocery store. How simply beautiful to stand them in a sparkling glass jelly jar! Ahhh...the promise of springtime!<br /></span><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290182603385962178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SWqBDJfFfsI/AAAAAAAAC1M/rrFo5fJ8MWc/s400/home+decor+jan.+2009+023.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">I'm</span> really liking the fresh uncluttered look!<br /><br /></span></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290185179226204962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SWqDZFPQayI/AAAAAAAAC1k/3j79hOY3JlQ/s400/home+decor+jan.+2009+038.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Out</span> came the white paint again! I painted my "Don't Mess With Texas" star above my fireplace....added a white milk bucket full of daisies, a dishpan of fresh apples....and a Chuckwagon sign that I rescued from a flea market last week (on the back side it says <em>Filling Station</em>!)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290185190463456274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SWqDZvGbRBI/AAAAAAAAC1s/rag6LQPuTWE/s400/home+decor+jan.+2009+029.JPG" border="0" /></span> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">...white candles...</span> an old farm wife's coffee pot ...big enough to fill up the tin cups for all of the cow-hands....to help'em wash down all them biscuits....y'all!<br /></span><br /><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290182615363974642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SWqBD2G3dfI/AAAAAAAAC1U/IGZdjTgcFbo/s400/home+decor+jan.+2009+030.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">At</span> the same flea market I found these adorable, chubby, one gallon milk bottles. I scrubbed them clean then filled them with salt to make them more visible and to add to my "farm-fresh-white" look.<br /></span><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SWqDYyP86kI/AAAAAAAAC1c/J19DZJkPOyU/s1600-h/home+decor+jan.+2009+033.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290185174128847426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SWqDYyP86kI/AAAAAAAAC1c/J19DZJkPOyU/s400/home+decor+jan.+2009+033.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290185198824412242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SWqDaOP1VFI/AAAAAAAAC18/5TQyzny-w0M/s400/home+decor+jan.+2009+034.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290188170874268338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SWqGHN_vKrI/AAAAAAAAC2k/Q5NKIgXyo3w/s400/home+decor+jan.+2009+054.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290188162660520322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SWqGGvZbUYI/AAAAAAAAC2U/eJ8dSUv-rcQ/s400/home+decor+jan.+2009+056.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Vintage </span>tablecloths... more daisies in tiny cream bottles....</span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">...Blackberry Sugar Pie...<br /><br /></span><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290188165618280690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SWqGG6anKPI/AAAAAAAAC2c/8jj6MckKXpA/s400/home+decor+jan.+2009+068.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">A pig</span> named <em>Honey</em> 'cuz when I look at her I just gotta say "Oh! Honey!"<br /></span>(I found her many years ago, on vacation in Lake Tahoe)<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290185194676743986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SWqDZ-y87zI/AAAAAAAAC10/5kT7hKeagNg/s400/home+decor+jan.+2009+049.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;">More white....<br /></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290188154241593458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SWqGGQCMsHI/AAAAAAAAC2M/UkV52y9hlHI/s400/home+decor+jan.+2009+050.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290190367968193826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SWqIHGzv7SI/AAAAAAAAC2s/gudvNGcR_Vk/s400/home+decor+jan.+2009+072.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;">Instead of painting the shelves white,</span></div><div align="center"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I draped vintage table runners over them.<br /></div></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290190371081170018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SWqIHSZ8LGI/AAAAAAAAC20/pwbSwafB5eA/s400/home+decor+jan.+2009+074.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290190375211321138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SWqIHhypRzI/AAAAAAAAC28/R7WGYsokbqA/s400/home+decor+jan.+2009+076.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">One of the best</span> ways to create a fresh look is to move things around in your house. Move your accessories into different rooms, rearrange your furniture, put your collection of like things together (like my cream colored pitchers). Put some stuff away for another season. Get your paint out and change the look of something!<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Recently,</span> a sweet gal asked me to share some of my sources of inspiration, so for starters, I highly recommend these two farm-fresh gals.....<br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290804727300187346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 270px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 288px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SWy23hqvZNI/AAAAAAAAC3s/m9onI2H76gk/s400/sandt_field_crop%5B1%5D.png" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">The ever adorable,</span> talented and creative Farm Chicks! Serena and Teri! They have a blog that is so fun to read and jam-packed with wonderful ideas and recipes. They are down-to-earth, cowgirl-boot and apron wearin', sweet-as-pie, mama's. They share refreshing homemaking projects that are practical and darling all in one! They also have fun T-Shirts and jewelry and other goodies available. Click <a href="http://thefarmchicks.typepad.com/">here </a>for their blog and <a href="http://thefarmchicks.com/">here</a> for their Web site.<br /><br /></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290180174227099298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SWp-1wKezqI/AAAAAAAAC0M/h83KBuB_nf8/s400/61bDI-7N7lL._SL500_AA240_%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">And Oh my goodness!</span> I cannot wait for their first book to be available soon! How fabulous does this book look?!!! I already know I am gonna love it so much I'll want to marry it! (Hello, it has a PIE on the front cover!! It looks a lot like the pie in my Beulah story! How fun is that? You know what they say about great minds!)<br /></span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SWp-2NORCxI/AAAAAAAAC0U/8A-g_kFk8NU/s1600-h/cover_9th%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290180182027602706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 152px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 198px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SWp-2NORCxI/AAAAAAAAC0U/8A-g_kFk8NU/s400/cover_9th%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">I also love</span> everything from Mary Janes Farm! She is adorable too!</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Mary Jane has books and magazines for the <em>"Farm-girl at heart!" </em></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">She is such a wealth of information for us gals who want to add a little farm-freshness into our lives. On her web site you can also find her product line of organic dry goods, aprons, items for the kitchen, laundry and bath. Click <a href="http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/">here </a>to go to her site. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290944108967057186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 170px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 152px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SW01om1tVyI/AAAAAAAAC4c/T0o56HdDtXk/s400/riclogonew%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">And another gal</span> that always inspires me is my blog-friend Carol from </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><a href="http://raisedincotton.typepad.com/">Raised In Cotton!</a></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">She always amazes me with her creativity and gorgeous style. I think my fresh white-kick came from her! Right now she is featuring a couple of interviews with gals in Sweden, sharing photos and ideas from their homes. I am telling you, Carol's blog is so refreshing and wonderful!! She has a shop up in the Kansas City area which I hope to visit this spring or summer (it's only 3 1/2 hours away) and she has an online store with lots of adorable must-have's! Click<a href="http://raisedincotton.typepad.com/"> here </a>to visit her site.<br /><br /></span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290188143163032162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SWqGFmw3QmI/AAAAAAAAC2E/EeSFtXeY_40/s400/home+decor+jan.+2009+039.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;">Well, I hope you enjoyed the tour of my Farm Fresh Style. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">If you did, leave a comment and let me know! </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I always appreciate the time y'all take </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">to leave me words of encouragement,</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">they mean more to me than you'll know!</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Thanks for stopping by for some Fresh Pie!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Hugs and Blessings!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">RuthAnn<br /></span></span></div>Aunt Ruthiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714212484488327936noreply@blogger.com113tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3736272300613230619.post-33102588538854498262009-01-03T07:14:00.000-08:002009-01-03T16:47:06.847-08:00HOORAY! IT'S A FRESH NEW YEAR!!<div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287094324709142274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SV-IRq5FrwI/AAAAAAAACy8/pEkmIGi11uA/s400/DSC01513.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Yippee! Oh how I love the start of a new year!</span> Fresh beginnings...new experiences...exciting adventures! Happy 2009 gals!</span><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287099172754929410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SV-Mr3RRtwI/AAAAAAAACzM/V6gld7sJVuM/s400/after+Christmas+trip+2008+011.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">I just got back</span> from spending time with my four wonderful kids (serious San Diego Charger fans!) What a joy to have them all together! (Two live in California and the other two live in my hometown, Branson, Missouri.....of course Summer Rose doesn't have a choice, she's only ten!). You can believe I savored every moment with them!</span></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SV-MsMb4UMI/AAAAAAAACzU/bQpW-U3iKOM/s1600-h/DSC02391.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287099178436546754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SV-MsMb4UMI/AAAAAAAACzU/bQpW-U3iKOM/s400/DSC02391.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">But now I am back home</span> and I'm very excited about some new things that I've been working on regarding Warm Pie, Happy Home. I won't spill the beans just yet, but hopefully I will be ready to announce something in a few weeks! Until then, I have a lot of Christmas decorations to take down and put away! Which, by the way, I actually like to do. It's very refreshing to clear away the sparkly clutter, pack it all up, put it away...dust, clean and rearrange things for a fresh new look.</span><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287090547285356962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SV-E1y5E8aI/AAAAAAAACyM/rDHPrzRR_zA/s400/DSC01684.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">This is also the time</span> I love to sit and write down my priorities, goals and dreams for the new year. I have come to realize that we need to live each moment <em>on purpose</em>. Making the most of every day. Live fully alive! Make healthy and joyful choices. We only have one life, let's not waste a minute of it...let's not miss out on the blessings!<br /></span><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287099190996953122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SV-Ms7Og6CI/AAAAAAAACzk/3smgBhFPTLI/s400/DSC02407.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:180%;"> Gals,</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> we need to put that spring back in our step! Take a good look at ourselves and make the decision to enjoy our life and find ways to bless our family, our home, our friends and those we meet on the pathway of life. Realize that "Today is the day that the Lord has made....rejoice and be glad in it!" (Psalm 118:24). Here are just a few tips that are <strong>good for you</strong> and will help you to ring in a HAPPY new year......</span><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287094301910737154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SV-IQV9hoQI/AAAAAAAACys/nysFMPSMRpI/s400/DSC01973.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>1.) Turn our hearts back home.</strong></span> If you have lost your spark for homemaking or have gotten too busy with outside things and your home has become a cluttered, discouraging, unwelcoming place, take heart! The good news is you have the power to change all that by choosing a "happy mother-hen" attitude.....</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287120953007126066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 253px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SV-gfpCDtjI/AAAAAAAAC0E/KbhkEBP32OQ/s400/8449a%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">It's your nest!</span> If you don't take care of it who will? Gals, it's up to us to clean and feather our nest to make it comfy and cozy for our dear ones.... <em>and </em>it's up to us to protect it!</span> <span style="font-size:130%;">We need to remove the thorns ( cluttered chaos and sour attitudes), make it a safe, nurturing and happy place. It's a grand feeling after you scrub, doll up and sweeten the hen house! And it's <strong>good for you</strong> (not to mention everyone else!). So put on your "happy mother-hen attitude" and take charge of blessing your home! Your Chickie's depend on you to do this. </span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287120948204930082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SV-gfXJIBCI/AAAAAAAACz8/FhetmzxA4ck/s400/DSC02527.JPG" border="0" /></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Just start one room at a time.</span> Once you get going your nesting instinct will kick in and little by little your home will begin to glow with your loving touches. You'll enjoy the wonderful feeling of... an organized closet...a crock pot simmering a hot meal...a sparkling clean kitchen....fresh cookies in the cookie jar...a tidy refrigerator filled with nutritious foods....clean sheets on the bed....fresh flowers in an old jelly jar! You'll find ways to make your home enjoyable! When you bless your home, you are blessing your family.<br /></span><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287094330764186242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SV-ISBcuUoI/AAAAAAAACzE/Hkjv6-7IRUw/s400/DSC01791.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>2. Try something new!</strong></span> Is there something you have been wanting to try? Photography? Music lessons? Writing? Painting? How about cooking a new dish? Bake a pie? Re-arrange your furniture? Paint your bedroom? Read a book? Write a book? Make plans to git-r-done!<br /></span></div><div><div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SV-IP57mypI/AAAAAAAACyk/tzTqM9oL2Kg/s1600-h/DSC01817.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287094294386494098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SV-IP57mypI/AAAAAAAACyk/tzTqM9oL2Kg/s400/DSC01817.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>3. Slow down to savor the sweet things in your life.</strong></span> <span style="font-size:130%;">Make time everyday for rest and reflection, even if it's for 15 minutes. (If you don't have 15 minutes, then you have too many pots on the stove!) Sit down with a cup of tea....take four deep breaths... think about the good things in your life and thank God for them. Write them down. Go for a walk. Be on the look-out for beauty and things that bring a smile to your face. Smiling makes you irresistible! It also helps to relieve stress and bring sweetness into your busy life. You have to be intentional about this, so stop and smell those roses!<br /><br /></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287099180004042498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SV-MsSRmZwI/AAAAAAAACzc/UphB7OyU4HU/s400/DSC02424.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>4. Guard your heart.</strong></span> <span style="font-size:130%;">Forgive the people who have hurt you. It's not <strong>good for you</strong> to hang on to past hurts. It will turn you into a bitter old lady----Ew! Scary!</span> </div><br /><div></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>"To forgive is to set a prisoner free </strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>and discover the prisoner was you."</strong> </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">~Roy Lessin</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">To forgive is not a feeling, it is a choice. You have to <em>choose</em> to forgive. Ask God to help you with this. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287090540537901202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SV-E1ZwW8JI/AAAAAAAACyE/uFXDD33zKPc/s400/DSC01685.JPG" border="0" /></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Another way to guard your heart</span> is to be in control of your thoughts. Sweep out all negative thinking. If you want to be a happier person, think happier thoughts. The Bible says "whatsoever a man thinks, so is he." It takes practice! I always tell myself to "practice being the gracious woman you want to be." </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Be careful with the things you watch, read or listen to. If it's does not edify your soul don't fill your mind with it. (Garbage in...garbage out.)</span></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287090557272024418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SV-E2YGFZWI/AAAAAAAACyU/3YxQLWw4Rlc/s400/DSC01789.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Surround yourself</span> with positive people (happy friends). Limit your time with <em>Toxic people</em> (negative people who bring you down). Be gracious and kind to them, pray for them, but establish your boundaries so you'll know when to say "well, I better get going..". </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Yes, sugar-pie, guard your heart, it's <strong>good for you.<br /></strong></span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287094316106020866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SV-IRK18eAI/AAAAAAAACy0/nJvigTUlAT8/s400/DSC01974.JPG" border="0" /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">5. Gather goodness.</span> </strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Read uplifting books, especially the Bible. Be creative. Listen to happy-land music (music that hugs your heart!). Watch heartwarming Hallmark movies, Little House On The Prairie, Andy Griffith show, I Love Lucy or the Walton's. Bring a little old fashioned goodness back into your life!<br /></span></div><div><div><div><div><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SV-E073jl5I/AAAAAAAACx8/0Q9gR_Wzanc/s1600-h/DSC01584.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287090532515026834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SV-E073jl5I/AAAAAAAACx8/0Q9gR_Wzanc/s400/DSC01584.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>6. Take good care of yourself.</strong></span> <span style="font-size:130%;">Buy some yummy shower gel for an aromatic shower or bath...Philosophy sells scents like Red Velvet Cake, Sweet Creamy Frosting, Strawberry Shortcake and lots of others. Every gal needs a little pampering! It's <strong>good for you!</strong> Keep a small tube of scrumptious lotion or your fave perfume in your purse to refresh your sweetness when you're out and about.</span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287120930162930018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SV-geT7k8WI/AAAAAAAACz0/Bkih3zEM-o8/s400/DSC02488.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Get a new "do"!</span> A new shade of lipstick! (go wild and wear red!) Go ahead, add some blush, eyeshadow and liner! Beautify your beautiful self. Look perky and you'll feel perky! Listen, I'm the make-up queen, I know about this! </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Drink lots of water.</span> We've heard this for a hundred years, but do we do it? No. But this year we are going to aren't we!! Did you know that by drinking enough water we will actually look younger?! When our skin is hydrated, it looks plump, dewy and radiant. Think about what a plum looks like when it dries up...a prune! Oh dear!</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Water helps</span> to flush out toxins, it helps to combat fatigue, headaches and back pain. It helps in losing weight by flushing out the by-products of fat breakdown. Our blood is 83% water, muscles are 75% water, brain 74% water and bones 22% water, so if we don't get enough water our body cannot function well and ailments <em>will</em> set in. Water gives us energy, and allows our body to absorb vitamins. If you are thirsty you are already dehydrated. So, go get some water, add a wedge of lemon and drink up! It's <strong>good for you!</strong></span><br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287099196390387474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SV-MtPUaLxI/AAAAAAAACzs/ap0QDXsLoXQ/s400/DSC02390.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>7. Plan for fun!</strong></span> It's <strong>good for you</strong> to have something to look forward to. Plan a road trip with your girlfriends....or at the very least, make a date to have lunch at a Tea Room, go antique browsing.....take a cooking or craft class...try out a new restaurant....go on a hike....go for coffee...visit a museum...have some friends over for a pie party! Think of something that sounds like fun and go do that with some "happy friends."<br /></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">I am holding up my glass of water (in a pretty crystal goblet) and I say "Cheers to a joyful and healthy New Year!"</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;">Thanks for stopping by for some "Good For You" pie!</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;">Hugs!</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;">Ruthann<br /></span></div><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Aunt Ruthiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714212484488327936noreply@blogger.com116tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3736272300613230619.post-40954266813378653312008-12-23T09:31:00.000-08:002008-12-24T07:19:17.246-08:00Christmas Memories In The Making....<div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVFJfUyWslI/AAAAAAAACwc/2k1uqes42nY/s1600-h/DSC03689.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283084640386986578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVFJfUyWslI/AAAAAAAACwc/2k1uqes42nY/s400/DSC03689.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:180%;">Joybells are ringing!</span><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283048827863827506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVEo6wveBDI/AAAAAAAACus/h-IvDS27jSY/s400/christmas+cookies+2008+058.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:180%;">Because we are baking up some sweet memories....</span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVEo8J1XwMI/AAAAAAAACvE/c2QOzixxIA8/s1600-h/christmas+cookies+2008+069.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283048851779338434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVEo8J1XwMI/AAAAAAAACvE/c2QOzixxIA8/s400/christmas+cookies+2008+069.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVEo7AlEvUI/AAAAAAAACu0/wXFF2p_TsE8/s1600-h/christmas+cookies+2008+047.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283048832115195202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVEo7AlEvUI/AAAAAAAACu0/wXFF2p_TsE8/s400/christmas+cookies+2008+047.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283048840707358706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVEo7glmv_I/AAAAAAAACu8/jsyCp1b7Qbg/s400/christmas+cookies+2008+066.JPG" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283055584429700066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVEvEC6Tc-I/AAAAAAAACwE/cltAMlzxQrk/s400/christmas+cookies+2008+060.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:180%;">Happiness is like jam; </span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">you can't spread even a little without</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">getting some on yourself. </span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">~Vern McLellan<br /></span><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283052912341052258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVEsogmua2I/AAAAAAAACvM/147sahTQzic/s400/christmas+cookies+2008+084.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283089602175153746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVFOAI41tlI/AAAAAAAACxU/6oSIJjroFlM/s400/christmas+cookies+2008+138.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283055602105697890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVEvFEwlxmI/AAAAAAAACwU/zrPoDIT4Df4/s400/christmas+cookies+2008+145.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283052945423950098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVEsqb2TYRI/AAAAAAAACvs/PrZqAS3nJGQ/s400/christmas+cookies+2008+151.JPG" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283055573556835826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVEvDaaAtfI/AAAAAAAACv0/N6ojtdb2c0s/s400/christmas+cookies+2008+152.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:180%;">We filled a jar full of sparkly Stars</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">to bring to some folks who just moved in </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">down the road. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">They were so appreciative </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">and told us they had "hit hard times". </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Their courage and perseverance blessed our hearts.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283052918340377186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVEso29E2mI/AAAAAAAACvU/XCZGuloazxo/s400/christmas+cookies+2008+085.JPG" border="0" /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">The cookie of my heart.<br /></span>Oh Honey!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283055595036578226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVEvEqbLkbI/AAAAAAAACwM/w46JqRasxbQ/s400/christmas+cookies+2008+113.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:180%;">Now that the cookie baking is done </span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">I have just a few more things to do...<br /></span><br /></span><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283091620088156130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 331px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVFP1mMyj-I/AAAAAAAACxs/vWhZqoVhO0Q/s400/Promo12%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">1. Sing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus.....</span><br /></span><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283091618277360914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 181px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 272px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVFP1fdEBRI/AAAAAAAACxc/3OkHcTPXrRo/s400/MoviePrancer%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">2. Watch one of my most favorite Christmas movies </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">in the whole wide world...Prancer!<br /></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283091619631127538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 217px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVFP1kf02_I/AAAAAAAACxk/Ws_CPolPY5I/s400/Prancer%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">3. Stoke the fire,</span> </span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">sit back and look at old family photos and home videos </span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">and count my blessings.....<br /></span><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVEmysdPepI/AAAAAAAACuU/fvSyRsSWClI/s1600-h/christmas+cookies+2008+166.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283046490251426450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVEmysdPepI/AAAAAAAACuU/fvSyRsSWClI/s400/christmas+cookies+2008+166.JPG" border="0" /></a> Oh honey!<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVEmxjyHkDI/AAAAAAAACuE/bw7YhUEjA_A/s1600-h/christmas+cookies+2008+177.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283046470743199794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVEmxjyHkDI/AAAAAAAACuE/bw7YhUEjA_A/s400/christmas+cookies+2008+177.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVEk_ZK8gYI/AAAAAAAACts/-FTJB2Q8Twg/s1600-h/family+photos+064.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283044509389455746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVEk_ZK8gYI/AAAAAAAACts/-FTJB2Q8Twg/s400/family+photos+064.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVEk-oPcQqI/AAAAAAAACtk/gKgbOcdiinI/s1600-h/family+photos+056.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283044496254976674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVEk-oPcQqI/AAAAAAAACtk/gKgbOcdiinI/s400/family+photos+056.JPG" border="0" /></a> Oh honey!<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVEk-O-njlI/AAAAAAAACtc/smw9Q5738jg/s1600-h/family+photos+043.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283044489473527378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVEk-O-njlI/AAAAAAAACtc/smw9Q5738jg/s400/family+photos+043.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVEk9oz5N-I/AAAAAAAACtU/MOIvuDJ_Q5Q/s1600-h/family+photos+042.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283044479228000226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVEk9oz5N-I/AAAAAAAACtU/MOIvuDJ_Q5Q/s400/family+photos+042.JPG" border="0" /></a> Oh Honeys!<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVEi6crOYgI/AAAAAAAACtM/nVpjC2-Tv20/s1600-h/family+photos+041.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283042225407549954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVEi6crOYgI/AAAAAAAACtM/nVpjC2-Tv20/s400/family+photos+041.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVEi5xFmhAI/AAAAAAAACtE/1IB6tlw0-q8/s1600-h/family+photos+024.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283042213707023362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVEi5xFmhAI/AAAAAAAACtE/1IB6tlw0-q8/s400/family+photos+024.JPG" border="0" /></a> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283044522460539618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVElAJ3VauI/AAAAAAAACt0/hl0uuQwKZog/s400/family+photos+071.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283046492367618082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVEmy0VyACI/AAAAAAAACuc/lKTpE1iY7KM/s400/christmas+cookies+2008+176.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283055580130776418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVEvDy5XFWI/AAAAAAAACv8/VI9x4z7o_EI/s400/christmas+cookies+2008+173.JPG" border="0" />Oh honey!!!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283089592891297282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVFN_mTZTgI/AAAAAAAACxM/_DzThqh8q-o/s400/christmas+cookies+2008+165.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283089571113652562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVFN-VLM0VI/AAAAAAAACw0/V96AH2gBW-0/s400/christmas+cookies+2008+169.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283046467607073346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVEmxYGaEkI/AAAAAAAACt8/zSx_PtLyP7g/s400/family+photos+076.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283046481644367410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVEmyMZKLjI/AAAAAAAACuM/--0YrX6T32A/s400/christmas+cookies+2008+172.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283048819657336786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVEo6SK459I/AAAAAAAACuk/wu8Gy-wH5W0/s400/DSC01411.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVEi46L7mWI/AAAAAAAACss/yW48LEO1i4A/s1600-h/DSC01406.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283042198969620834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVEi46L7mWI/AAAAAAAACss/yW48LEO1i4A/s400/DSC01406.JPG" border="0" /></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283042209210606914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVEi5gVkpUI/AAAAAAAACs8/BiMV_pgI_fg/s400/family+photos+004.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:180%;">My house is freshly sugared from the heavens...<br /><br /></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283042200646320578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVEi5AbsAcI/AAAAAAAACs0/c4q0f3ndBK0/s400/family+photos+003.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:180%;">My heart is merry and bright....</span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283089590618304914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVFN_d1eMZI/AAAAAAAACxE/Cmyfor6vnFY/s400/christmas+cookies+2008+162.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;"> I got up early this morning,</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">while everyone slept in heavenly peace.... </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">the Christmas tree glimmered </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">against a backdrop of winter white,</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">I got my candle glowing, </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">and set my music player </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">to the worshipful sounds of Hillsong. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283084668940086226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVFJg_J8a9I/AAAAAAAACws/sLS6VbVc8m0/s400/DSC01579.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">I wanted to spend time with my wonderful Jesus </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">and honor Him with praise and thanksgiving. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">I wanted to focus on just Him,</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">sit in His presence </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">and ponder His magnificence and amazing love.<br /></div></span><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">To think that He left the glory of Heaven, the throne where He sat as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, to come to this earth as a baby, born in a lowly manger, for the SOUL purpose of sacrificing His life for you and me, which was the only way to rescue us from darkness and eternal separation from Him. To go through what He went through (for us!) is unfathomable to me. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">There is no greater love</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">than this.</span></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">This is what Christmas is all about.<br /></div></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;">I encourage you to take 10 minutes time-out to reflect God's incredible love for you. You may be going through a time of hardship and sorrow right now, while the world parties, your heart is breaking. I don't know anyone who has not been affected by our Nation's financial crisis. But know that Jesus came to bring you <span style="font-size:180%;">good news</span>...He came to heal and comfort the brokenhearted...to set the captives free...to grant consolation and joy to those who mourn...to give you a garland of beauty instead of ashes and the oil of joy instead of mourning...the garment of praise instead of a heavy, burdened and failing spirit (Isaiah 61).</span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><div align="justify"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283125846085720562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SVFu9z-f2fI/AAAAAAAACx0/qojg18-sTkM/s400/christmas+cookies+2008+160.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:180%;">Sweetie-pie,</span> go light a yummy candle and read Isaiah 61....remind yourself that God sent His son Jesus to be the light at the end of the tunnel. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Rejoice, because His news is good,</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"> and He has a plan to bring you goodness and joy!<br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:180%;">Have a blessed Christmas, </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span> </div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:180%;">see y'all after the New Year!</span></div><div><br /></div><div align="justify">Hugs!</div><div><br /></div><div align="justify">Ruthann</div><div><br /></div><div align="justify"></div></span><div><br /></div><div></div></div></div><br /></div></div></div>Aunt Ruthiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714212484488327936noreply@blogger.com80tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3736272300613230619.post-85863398418796154682008-12-13T08:34:00.000-08:002008-12-16T06:38:38.901-08:00Silent Night, Holy Night<div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279331856617087682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 337px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SUP0Wj0QosI/AAAAAAAACrY/mLLT98yYeHw/s400/stu45xmas%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:180%;">Hello sugar pies! </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">Welcome once again</span> <span style="font-size:130%;">to my Holiday Open house (part two!)</span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279414958407649538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SUQ_7uHFiQI/AAAAAAAACrg/HOHyzhWIjBI/s400/Christmas+decor+2008+175.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">There is a chill </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;">mixed with excitement in the pine scented air...</span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SUQ_8-HQKQI/AAAAAAAACsA/41NvV0L8egE/s1600-h/Christmas+decor+2008+170.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279414979883182338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SUQ_8-HQKQI/AAAAAAAACsA/41NvV0L8egE/s400/Christmas+decor+2008+170.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">The Christmas moon</span> is shining on the snow...<br /></span><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SUQ_8v0caeI/AAAAAAAACr4/8krEnrN1Zhc/s1600-h/Christmas+decor+2008+179.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279414976046197218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SUQ_8v0caeI/AAAAAAAACr4/8krEnrN1Zhc/s400/Christmas+decor+2008+179.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> <span style="font-size:180%;">lights are twinkling</span> like stars....<br /></span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279416382261394370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SURBOmYRe8I/AAAAAAAACsQ/NtICkPiTxUg/s400/Christmas+decor+2008+178.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Hot chocolate</span> is steaming in the kettle...<br /></span><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SUQ_8SA0hyI/AAAAAAAACrw/sESzXlsgC2U/s1600-h/Christmas+decor+2008+177.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279414968045045538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SUQ_8SA0hyI/AAAAAAAACrw/sESzXlsgC2U/s400/Christmas+decor+2008+177.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">frosty sleds</span> are parked at the front door...<br /></span><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SUQ_7y22veI/AAAAAAAACro/_XS0uhRLCxc/s1600-h/Christmas+decor+2008+176.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279414959681748450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SUQ_7y22veI/AAAAAAAACro/_XS0uhRLCxc/s400/Christmas+decor+2008+176.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;"> flickering lamplight</span> glows a cheery hello....<br /></span><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279416379497257682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SURBOcFQGtI/AAAAAAAACsI/EEo4GYQkEPc/s400/Christmas+decor+2008+173.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">the amber lights of home</span> are shining warm...<br /></span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279318940585036482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SUPomv2QCsI/AAAAAAAACpg/ZfT1JpiXPBw/s400/Christmas+decor+2008+171.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">It's time to slow down</span> and catch your breath from all of the bustling about....Oh, Honey, You need to take care of yourself! There is only one of you, and you are greatly loved and treasured...you are the apple of God's eye and He created you as beautiful as a glistening, lacy snowflake. How exquisite you are! So if you are feeling a bit worn out or overwhelmed with so much to do and so little time, take this quiet, golden moment... breathe in deep... smell the sweetness and savor the beauty and meaning of this glorious season. Stomp the snow off your boots and come on inside...slip on some cushy slippers to warm your toes...</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">get comfy and Christmasy cozy...</span><br /><br /><strong>"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."<br />Matthew 11:28<br /><br /></strong><br /><div align="justify"><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SUPtjizveEI/AAAAAAAACqo/rvi4Fj1ZQYU/s1600-h/Thanksgiving+vintage+christmas+decor+026.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279324383103383618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SUPtjizveEI/AAAAAAAACqo/rvi4Fj1ZQYU/s400/Thanksgiving+vintage+christmas+decor+026.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;">"The tree is full of trimmings</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">And gifts for girl and boy:</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">The world is full of Christmas Cheer,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Our hearts are full of joy."</span> ~Unknown<br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SUPtjTeIynI/AAAAAAAACqg/0zN5Cxcl7Wk/s1600-h/Thanksgiving+vintage+christmas+decor+024.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279324378986236530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SUPtjTeIynI/AAAAAAAACqg/0zN5Cxcl7Wk/s400/Thanksgiving+vintage+christmas+decor+024.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">" What one loves in childhood </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">stays in the heart forever." </span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">~Mary Jo Pitney<br /><br /></div></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279331835247815106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SUP0VUNbacI/AAAAAAAACq4/oDjFTAKxu-M/s400/Thanksgiving+vintage+christmas+decor+028.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;">My Children's Great Grandmother.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Little Miss Naomi Agatha Madsen</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Oh Honey!</strong> </span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><strong>You may remember the handwritten recipe </strong></em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><strong>for Christmas cookies clothes-pinned </strong></em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><strong>to the wreath in my kitchen...it was hers!<br /></strong></em></div></span><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">She grew up to be the prayer warrior of the family. She fell asleep every night with an open Bible next to her head and prayers for her children and grandchildren fresh on her lips. What a legacy and a priceless gift, to blanket loved ones with warm prayers of goodness, mercy and grace. </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Oh, that we would do the same, with fervency!</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">If we don't pray for our loved ones, who will?<br /></span><strong>"The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results." James 5:16B<br /><br /></strong><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279321641654977522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SUPrD-Hgg_I/AAAAAAAACqA/cK9zb-lPTWI/s400/Christmas+decor+2008+153.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279316095066321522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SUPmBHduMnI/AAAAAAAACoY/DoSmwx7lfpc/s400/christmas+decor+living+room+002.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">"Considering God decorated the heavens....</span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">His own dwelling place...</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">it seems no less fitting for us </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">to dress up our homes with strings of lights, </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">carols that worship His Name, </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">and symbols and seasonal reminders </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">to help us celebrate the birth of His son." </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">~ Karla Dornacher</span></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279316107840698466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SUPmB3DXuGI/AAAAAAAACog/zkx4I1Dah70/s400/christmas+decor+living+room+007.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">Oh come let us adore Him!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">Christ the Lord.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">God was thinking of how much He loved you when He planned the first Christmas...</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>"For God so loved the world that He sent His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16</strong></span></div><br /><div align="center"><br />He came to rescue us.<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">I am in awe of such love.<br /></span><br /><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279324364962190514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SUPtifOi1LI/AAAAAAAACqQ/6OFwuAx2GJM/s400/Thanksgiving+vintage+christmas+decor+033.JPG" border="0" /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SUPti7AczcI/AAAAAAAACqY/iQCemUaA0C0/s1600-h/Thanksgiving+vintage+christmas+decor+034.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279324372419268034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SUPti7AczcI/AAAAAAAACqY/iQCemUaA0C0/s400/Thanksgiving+vintage+christmas+decor+034.JPG" border="0" /></a> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279331853988843298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SUP0WaBozyI/AAAAAAAACrQ/1dV6smhUrb0/s400/Thanksgiving+vintage+christmas+decor+040.JPG" border="0" /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SUPrDTU8cOI/AAAAAAAACp4/7RwXoTumjq4/s1600-h/Christmas+decor+2008+088.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279321630168608994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SUPrDTU8cOI/AAAAAAAACp4/7RwXoTumjq4/s400/Christmas+decor+2008+088.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279318927672197810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SUPol_vlwrI/AAAAAAAACpQ/Svey7gZMJcU/s400/Christmas+decor+2008+093.JPG" border="0" /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Let the trees in the woods</span> sing for joy before the Lord.<br /></span>~ 1 Chronicles 16:33<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SUPomVZgrSI/AAAAAAAACpY/eExiXskwtcU/s1600-h/Christmas+decor+2008+097.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279318933485169954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SUPomVZgrSI/AAAAAAAACpY/eExiXskwtcU/s400/Christmas+decor+2008+097.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;">Silent night, Holy night,</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">all is calm, all is bright</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">'round young virgin mother and child</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Holy infant so tender and mild</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">sleep in Heavenly peace,</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">sleep in heavenly peace.<br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SUPolc0hw7I/AAAAAAAACpI/qeudNwOe1aU/s1600-h/Christmas+decor+2008+082.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279318918297666482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SUPolc0hw7I/AAAAAAAACpI/qeudNwOe1aU/s400/Christmas+decor+2008+082.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SUPolPZIk9I/AAAAAAAACpA/pcrrzb5sq9s/s1600-h/christmas+decor+living+room+018.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279318914693108690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SUPolPZIk9I/AAAAAAAACpA/pcrrzb5sq9s/s400/christmas+decor+living+room+018.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279316113025315442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SUPmCKXesnI/AAAAAAAACoo/AEboM-K4tOQ/s400/christmas+decor+living+room+015.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:180%;">"Christmas is</span> when God came down<br />the stairs of heaven with a baby in His arms."<br />~Sterner<br /><br /><strong>Let every heart prepare Him room.<br /></strong><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SUPmDee9lDI/AAAAAAAACo4/GsdBG-gm2tc/s1600-h/christmas+decor+living+room+014.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279316135605277746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SUPmDee9lDI/AAAAAAAACo4/GsdBG-gm2tc/s400/christmas+decor+living+room+014.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></span> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Jesus' birth<br /></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;">was God's most precious gift,<br />sweetly wrapped<br />in a fresh-from-heaven baby,<br />filled with eternal wondrous love,<br />goodness, mercy, and grace,<br />glowing with the joy Heaven.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></span><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">"The light that shines</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">from the humble manger </span><br /></em></strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em>is strong enough to lighten our way </em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em>to the end of our days."</em></strong><br /></span><span style="font-size:78%;">~Vita Rays<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><br /><div align="center"><strong>Jesus said to the people "I am the light of the world" John 8:12<br /></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279316121879509554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SUPmCrWe-jI/AAAAAAAACow/mSD0Jcw4y9o/s400/christmas+decor+living+room+011.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">"Dear Jesus, thank you for being my Prince of Peace.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Help me to decorate my life</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">with the ornaments of prayer and praise,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">so that I may be like a tree of life to those around me." </span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">~Karla Dornacher </span></div><br /><br /><br /></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280060486136480242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SUaLCYS9wfI/AAAAAAAACsY/LIFKKCyrJbE/s400/baby+Jesus+001.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;">"My whole life has turned around</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I was lost but now I'm found</span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">A Baby changes everything."<br /></span><span style="font-size:78%;">Lyrics to Faith Hill's song; A Baby Changes Everything<br /></span><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong><em>All this took place to fulfill</em></strong><br /><strong><em>what the Lord had said through the prophet:</em></strong><br /><strong><em>"The virgin will be with child </em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em>and will give birth to a son..." </em></strong><br /><strong><em>Matthew 1:22,23<br /></em></strong><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">But Mary treasured up</span> <span style="font-size:130%;">all these things </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:19<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280087975979929042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 110px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 110px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SUakCf8YTdI/AAAAAAAACsg/F5o1B-DzJoQ/s400/ist1_4512438-christmas-cupcake%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></span>Thank you for stopping by, you sweet cupcake you!<br />I hope your heart was refreshed and blessed.<br />Do come again, you are always welcome here!<br /><br /><strong>I would love it if you would leave me a comment </strong><br /><strong>and let me know who you are </strong><br /><strong>and what subjects you would like for me</strong><br /><strong>to blog about in future posts! </strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Christmas Hugs!<br /></span>RuthAnn </div></div>Aunt Ruthiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714212484488327936noreply@blogger.com119tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3736272300613230619.post-84297853297912221102008-12-06T08:19:00.000-08:002008-12-07T16:01:15.215-08:00Holiday Open House....Part 1...<div><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STq7oX-CR6I/AAAAAAAACmg/dsk3cQdLxRU/s1600-h/ci25427%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276736215721330594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 308px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STq7oX-CR6I/AAAAAAAACmg/dsk3cQdLxRU/s400/ci25427%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:180%;">Welcome! Welcome!</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> And Merry Christmas to you all!<br /></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276744890216651954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STrDhS-4nLI/AAAAAAAACmo/mpEkDtNdJhQ/s400/DSC02316.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:180%;">I'm so glad you've dropped by! </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Come on in out of the cold, and into my country kitchen where it's warm and the candles are glowing... I've got Orange Spice tea simmering, coffee with all the fixins', and Hot Cocoa with marshmallows.... and cookies baking in the oven! Make yourself at home and fix what you would like, then sit by the fire and enjoy my Holiday Open House part 1.<br /></span><br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276734936660995826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STq6d7GSbvI/AAAAAAAACl4/RY40iuULo2M/s400/Christmas+decor+2008+130.JPG" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276724000813884434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STqwhX5KJBI/AAAAAAAACkg/PRfZ7NLQbFI/s400/Christmas+decor+2008+120.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276734924248772082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STq6dM2-7fI/AAAAAAAAClo/pfCp21eGxWg/s400/Christmas+decor+2008+128.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276732688651668898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STq4bEnGTaI/AAAAAAAAClA/FIceS3QOW0E/s400/Christmas+decor+2008+049.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">I love a collection of farm-fresh</span> white kitchenware. Two of these milk-white pitchers came from Target, one came from Wallmart, another from an antique store, and one I already had...a keepsake from my hubby's childhood mountain home.<br /></span><br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276720365925990546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STqtNy4WgJI/AAAAAAAACj4/rI93Fza2RuY/s400/Christmas+decor+2008+051.JPG" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276720352842082130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STqtNCI551I/AAAAAAAACjw/X3DADpjDX54/s400/Christmas+decor+2008+047.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Nestled in this frosted pine wreath</span> are well worn kitchen utensils, that at one time, were used to prepare hand-me-down recipes to delight and nourish loved ones. A flour sifter, slotted spoon, biscuit cutter, hand mixer, pastry cutter, and wooden spoon. Clipped with a clothespin on a sprig of pine, is my children's great-grandmother's Christmas cookie recipe in her own handwriting. If that wasn't sweet enough, I added a couple of glittered cherry-topped muffins and a raisin-buttoned gingerbread man. </span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277195482428997186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STxdVNx5_kI/AAAAAAAACnw/Y2gJrRrxe4U/s400/christmas+tree+evening+021.JPG" border="0" /> <div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276717408565433490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STqqhp2plJI/AAAAAAAACjg/v9DYw-PrCII/s400/Christmas+decor+2008+041.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;"> I love using chalkboards to announce the joy of the Season!<br /></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277195495675596578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STxdV_IJDyI/AAAAAAAACoA/tmIWSSIRe1M/s400/christmas+tree+evening+025.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276734950825448338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STq6ev3W05I/AAAAAAAACmI/GA20wNqAa5w/s400/Christmas+decor+2008+208.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">My sweet little spray</span> of iced pine cones and berries was purchased at Michael's for $2.50! I hung them in all of my kitchen windows<br /></span><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STq6eP4x4KI/AAAAAAAACmA/izTluSGbvm4/s1600-h/Christmas+decor+2008+206.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276734942241480866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STq6eP4x4KI/AAAAAAAACmA/izTluSGbvm4/s400/Christmas+decor+2008+206.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> A fresh Balsam wreath sits at the perfect height on top of my mini pie safe....I love nuzzling my nose in it....and breathing in the woodsy scent....it's my favorite fragrance in the whole wide world!<br /></span><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276715141408891490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STqodsCaImI/AAAAAAAACjA/Er3R2h68HXc/s400/Christmas+decor+2008+034.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;">I'm am sooooo excited to show you my Christmas present from my hubby...this yummy, farm-style buffet! I found it at one of the cutest vintage shops in Ozark, Missouri...<a href="http://leolasantiques.com/">Leola's Antiques! </a>(Hi Jan and Debra...you girls are as adorable as your shop!) Okay, I know I've said it way too many times...but there's gonna be a weddin' cuz.....YES! I love it so much I want to marry it! It is so me.</span></div>(Seriously, I just might have to bake a wedding cake for this one!)<br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276717387329378866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STqqgavlGjI/AAAAAAAACjQ/Kvm7QZlkino/s400/Christmas+decor+2008+028.JPG" border="0" /></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">I painted the knobs cherry-red</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">(I'm a "red girl" don't-cha know!). </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">I've got my vintage Christmas tablecloths </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">piled in an old farm dishpan, </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">topped with Holiday tea towels.<br /></span><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276717382173080850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STqqgHiOPRI/AAAAAAAACjI/g9v8ANoKsHQ/s400/Christmas+decor+2008+031.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276717394919617858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STqqg3BO9UI/AAAAAAAACjY/XIy5HreDwss/s400/Christmas+decor+2008+038.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">My little secret</span> for making apples shine</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">is to spray a little cooking oil (Pam) on a cloth,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">then buff the apples until they sparkle!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"> I also like to have at least one pine tree in my yard, </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">so I always have fresh greens to bring inside </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">to decorate for the holidays.<br /></span><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STq4c8vGS2I/AAAAAAAAClg/xVoYvJikzQs/s1600-h/Christmas+decor+2008+139.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276732720897477474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STq4c8vGS2I/AAAAAAAAClg/xVoYvJikzQs/s400/Christmas+decor+2008+139.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:180%;">Vintage Christmas aprons all in a row, </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">underneath pictures of my babies in Christmas jammies.<br /><br /></span><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STq4cg9L0fI/AAAAAAAAClY/yVf7PGmqM_c/s1600-h/Christmas+decor+2008+123.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276732713440367090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STq4cg9L0fI/AAAAAAAAClY/yVf7PGmqM_c/s400/Christmas+decor+2008+123.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:180%;">The old wooden bucket </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">hanging from my farmhouse water pump, </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">is filled with candy canes...<br /></span><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276736204759823570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STq7nvIm9NI/AAAAAAAACmQ/paf6Uy08KBo/s400/Christmas+decor+2008+126.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;">Help yourself!<br /></span><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276734929197718722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STq6dfS53MI/AAAAAAAAClw/Z3sW6eLhIs4/s400/Christmas+decor+2008+140.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;">Mrs. Gingerbread and her girls, all sugared and sweet!<br /></span><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STqwhi38cII/AAAAAAAACko/ipiTVYJReAw/s1600-h/Christmas+decor+2008+113.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276724003761582210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STqwhi38cII/AAAAAAAACko/ipiTVYJReAw/s400/Christmas+decor+2008+113.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;">"Christmas!</span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">The very word brings joy to our hearts."</span> </div><div><span style="font-size:78%;">~Joan Winmill Brown</span><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276724031458749778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STqwjKDdrVI/AAAAAAAACk4/aM-pyuL-5yE/s400/Christmas+decor+2008+108.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276732697389733682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STq4blKalzI/AAAAAAAAClI/PtZRvIvxLKk/s400/Christmas+decor+2008+110.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276736206389814690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STq7n1NOpaI/AAAAAAAACmY/H1_GooiS_5k/s400/Thanksgiving+vintage+christmas+decor+053.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276724016278144306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STqwiRgIBTI/AAAAAAAACkw/AB1E3tvq6Nc/s400/Christmas+decor+2008+118.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;">Sugar and spice and everything nice.<br /></span><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276720378966340386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STqtOjdacyI/AAAAAAAACkI/iZWNS8NAKqE/s400/Christmas+decor+2008+057.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">The newest addition</span> to my kitchen is the Pete's Cafe sign. </span><span style="font-size:130%;">I found it in Lebanon, Missouri</span><span style="font-size:130%;">. The story goes...Old Pete had a homey little restaurant along Highway 44 on the way to St. Louis. His signs were dotted along the highway beckoning folks to stop in for fresh coffee and pie, no doubt. I'm sure his home-style food was scrumptious and he was a jolly, rosy-cheeked fellow! </span><br /></div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STqtO9toi8I/AAAAAAAACkQ/qeyis0_vsNk/s1600-h/Christmas+decor+2008+063.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276720386013694914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STqtO9toi8I/AAAAAAAACkQ/qeyis0_vsNk/s400/Christmas+decor+2008+063.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STqtOGeHfFI/AAAAAAAACkA/yslCMUMWO90/s1600-h/Christmas+decor+2008+058.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276720371184663634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STqtOGeHfFI/AAAAAAAACkA/yslCMUMWO90/s400/Christmas+decor+2008+058.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;"> This little cupboard</span> was in my daughter's room. It was filled with books and toys. We just got her a new dresser , so I decided to put it in my kitchen to hold my white-ware... cake stands, mixing bowls and platters. I painted the inside of the doors with chalk-board paint and wrote out a menu for Pete's wife's homemade pies. I decided Pete's last name was Butterworth, and his wife... the sweetest baker in town! </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STqodEg9pMI/AAAAAAAACi4/QmbN3WZl0r0/s1600-h/Christmas+decor+2008+019.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276715130799629506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STqodEg9pMI/AAAAAAAACi4/QmbN3WZl0r0/s400/Christmas+decor+2008+019.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> Carolers on top of the Piano...Silent night, Holy night.........</span><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276715106963095426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STqobrt4_4I/AAAAAAAACig/Z654VnW6x1w/s400/Christmas+decor+2008+006.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">"Heap on more wood,</span> the wind is chill,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">but let it whistle as it will, </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">we'll keep our Christmas merry still!"</span> <span style="font-size:78%;">~Sir Walter Scott<br /></div></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276715115870878562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STqocM5q-2I/AAAAAAAACio/1WCtgxr12Ro/s400/Christmas+decor+2008+012.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:180%;">There's no place like home for the Holidays. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">"Festive decorations are a gift from your heart to the hearts of those who enter your home. They simply and sweetly say, 'love lives here' and 'we were expecting you, welcome!' " </span><span style="font-size:78%;">~Dolley Carlson<br /></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276715122455414066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STqoclbjBTI/AAAAAAAACiw/vf3SIOpzfHE/s400/Christmas+decor+2008+013.JPG" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:130%;">"The holly's up, the house is all bright.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">The tree is ready, The candles alight.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Rejoice and be glad, all children tonight!"<br /></span>~Carl Cornelius</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277171060753191250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STxHHr8qUVI/AAAAAAAACnI/mKXxJmTfvLI/s400/decorating+the+tree+2008+017.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;">My heartfelt gratitude to all of you who whispered prayers for my little Summer Rose...as you can see by the smile on her face, she is doing so much better! Praise the Lord! She is down to just one band-aid along her jawline. Big sister Ashley flew out to spend a week with us! We trimmed the tree last night (a family tradition we all look forward to....complete with hot chocolate and cookies, a warm fire and a Christmas movie!)</span> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277176579549668258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STxMI7ERo6I/AAAAAAAACnQ/z7dgkndBOq8/s400/decorating+the+tree+2008+001.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;">Just before we hung the tinsel and trimmings, Summer delighted us with a puppet show featuring "Little Red Riding Hood". Oh! Honey!</span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277176603931583138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STxMKV5YIqI/AAAAAAAACno/6sP_SH3ZEuo/s400/decorating+the+tree+2008+007.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277171055946709874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STxHHaCtO3I/AAAAAAAACnA/C6LLtd7ydlw/s400/decorating+the+tree+2008+002.JPG" border="0" /></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Can I tell you how happy I am to see that sweet smile!</span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277171046283962226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STxHG2C7Z3I/AAAAAAAACm4/06uxPuffZ_E/s400/decorating+the+tree+2008+013.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277176596997893346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STxMJ8EQbOI/AAAAAAAACng/QkY5zJQRljo/s400/decorating+the+tree+2008+016.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;">My son Dusty hanging his favorite ornament...a tiny squirrel in an acorn house. Yes those are branches sticking out of my tree....I went to a Christmas decorating workshop and saw the idea...it gives the tree a wild-woods look. The kids weren't sold on the idea at first, but it grew on them after a while. It does add drama!<br /></span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277195516465241250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STxdXMkx3KI/AAAAAAAACoQ/Om7u_71Nebo/s400/christmas+tree+evening+032.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277195503519755074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STxdWcWVa0I/AAAAAAAACoI/-parseF54Cw/s400/christmas+tree+evening+007.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277176581785954226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STxMJDZcp7I/AAAAAAAACnY/-hyTVkPzPeI/s400/decorating+the+tree+2008+020.JPG" border="0" />Christmas joy...Summer, Ashley and Kimmy<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277195485646310066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STxdVZw-SrI/AAAAAAAACn4/-XSs2pLyXu0/s400/christmas+tree+evening+027.JPG" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">I hope you enjoyed part one of my Holiday Open House, as you can tell I love festooning my home in celebration of the Greatest Gift Ever Given....Jesus!</span></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276744905451863586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STrDiLvPfiI/AAAAAAAACmw/YBmBh6iWPvk/s400/DSC02364.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;">Well I'm off to finish up my Christmas shopping...</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">....see y'all next week for part 2 of my Holiday Open House!</span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Thanks for stopping by for some Christmas Pie!</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Hugs!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">RuthAnn</div></span><br /></div></div>Aunt Ruthiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714212484488327936noreply@blogger.com102tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3736272300613230619.post-71386730108598395482008-12-02T09:02:00.000-08:002008-12-02T10:39:02.878-08:00Sweet Blessings of Mercy<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STVwgnTRwOI/AAAAAAAACiU/Rw6MX9PqSqU/s1600-h/pie%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275246244142366946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STVwgnTRwOI/AAAAAAAACiU/Rw6MX9PqSqU/s400/pie%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> <span style="font-size:180%;">Greetings gals,</span> I just flew back from sunny California and was greeted by lacy snowflakes (Heaven's kisses!) as we arrived in Springfield, Missouri. The rooftops on the way home looked as if they were sprinkled with powdered sugar. Ribbons of smoke from red-brick chimneys curled into the flannel-gray sky.... evidence of a cozy fire crackling inside. Winter is in the air. I am thankful for God's little blessings....and big ones too...</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">This Thanksgiving brought even more reasons to be grateful than before. My little "pumpkin pie" Summer Rose decided to try out Grandpa's treadmill and my poor baby slipped and was scraped all over. The treadmill was backed into a corner, so when she fell, her legs were pushed up the wall and her chin and neck were stuck on the sandpaper-like fast moving tread. Fortunately, my brother in law Damon (sister Sherry's husband) was able to run, grab her and pull her off. We rushed her to the E.R. , where she had her wounds cleansed and dressed. I am so thankful that Damon was in the game room when this happened, or her injuries would have been a lot worse. I am thankful for the Doctors working on Thanksgiving and for their tender care toward my daughter.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STVuhUfYhtI/AAAAAAAACiM/r4uZoonh7_U/s1600-h/Slice%2Bof%2Bpie%5B1%5D.jpg"></a><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STVsBvV8SNI/AAAAAAAACh8/Ek08Sp4ITRQ/s1600-h/thanksgiving+2008+017.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275241315678570706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STVsBvV8SNI/AAAAAAAACh8/Ek08Sp4ITRQ/s400/thanksgiving+2008+017.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">My "pumpkin pie" Summer Rose and sweet sister Ashley</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">The hardest thing about being a mama is seeing my kids hurt. There is nothing more heartbreaking for me. I do not know how people handle these things without the Lord. Truly, I cannot fathom it. I am so thankful the Lord hears our prayers, calms our fears and is in control.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">"He who trusts in the Lord, mercy shall surround him." Psalm 32:10</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">It's very calming to know <span style="font-size:180%;">God's mercy surrounds me</span> and my loved ones.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Summer is doing better, she has been to the doctor 2 more times to follow up on her healing wounds and to make sure infection does not set in. I would so apprieciate your prayers for a speedy recovery for her! Poor baby. These are times where, as a mama, I get to pamper, coddle, and comfort my little one with gentleness and understanding....and lots of hugs and ice-cream. </span></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STVrNAi-B8I/AAAAAAAACh0/Yl49CMdwN0M/s1600-h/Thanksgiving+vintage+christmas+decor+004.JPG"></a><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275241326811033330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/STVsCY0ILvI/AAAAAAAACiE/a5CuploiGG4/s400/Thanksgiving+vintage+christmas+decor+054.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;">As soon as I get settled, (just a few days) I will be back into the Christmas swing and share all that twinkles, sparkles and shimmers in my home!</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Blessings to you all!</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">RuthAnn<br /></span><br /></div>Aunt Ruthiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714212484488327936noreply@blogger.com75tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3736272300613230619.post-15083830788720433422008-11-19T08:12:00.000-08:002008-11-20T05:41:42.751-08:00Warm Thanksgiving Blessings To You!<div align="justify"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SSQ8c8ddhmI/AAAAAAAACcU/YGJ-4kv8kJM/s1600-h/Thanksgiving+vintage+christmas+decor+001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270403931894023778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SSQ8c8ddhmI/AAAAAAAACcU/YGJ-4kv8kJM/s400/Thanksgiving+vintage+christmas+decor+001.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Well gals, Thanksgiving is upon us!</span> In just a few days, the table will be set with candles glowing...the savory fragrance of roasted turkey and stuffing swirling through each room of your home....cranberry relish sparkling like rubies.... whipped sweet potatoes, with it's top-crust of hot 'n' crunchy brown sugar and pecans... pumpkin and apple pies, cookies and cakes, set aside for later, to enjoy with a cup hot tea or coffee by a warm fire....</span></div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270425682526422642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 280px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SSRQO_4VRnI/AAAAAAAACgU/8eEDpfaxKtk/s400/1935_313big%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">.....the kitchen will be bustling</span> with women-folk all aproned up, stirring and sampling gravy with worn wooden spoons, golden-brown rolls will be pulled hot out of the oven....little ones licking frosting from a rubber spatula....green beans, corn and mashed potatoes set out....ice-cold veggies 'n' dip for munching to quiet growling tummies...</span><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270425668406250770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SSRQOLR0jRI/AAAAAAAACgE/n11tPzh6q_o/s400/DSC01599.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270421467618562066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SSRMZqH_UBI/AAAAAAAACfs/AXAGYS4AOB4/s400/vintage+photos+022.JPG" border="0" /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270414470910124226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SSRGCZWtIMI/AAAAAAAACeU/eIoRCVVgPhY/s400/Thanksgiving+vintage+christmas+decor+016.JPG" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270432353450421378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SSRWTTAjbII/AAAAAAAACgc/7xeMisniYo8/s400/Thanksgiving+vintage+christmas+decor+013.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">Over the river and through the woods...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">in homes all across America, </span><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270414461159508434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SSRGB1B-idI/AAAAAAAACeE/yYH9LZ5lnrI/s400/Thanksgiving+vintage+christmas+decor+007.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">.... doorbells will be ringing</span>....</span><br /><br /></p><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">voices singing... "Happy Thanksgiving! Come on in!</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">...let me take your coats...make yourself at home!" </span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">....and so, our loved ones enter </span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">out of the chilled air </span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">and into the warmth and aromas, </span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">tastes and sounds of a</span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">Happy Thanksgiving day!<br /></span></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270421471745690370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SSRMZ5f-SwI/AAAAAAAACf0/x7nOqStD4-8/s400/Thanksgiving+vintage+christmas+decor+012.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270432357915481986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SSRWTjpG14I/AAAAAAAACgk/o1XqZ6DLrsE/s400/Thanksgiving+vintage+christmas+decor+011.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270425677368015874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SSRQOsqePAI/AAAAAAAACgM/7Y1rwJYuhhI/s400/DSC01977.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">.....and finally the words we have waited to hear all year long....</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">"Time to eat!</span> </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Everyone gather 'round....</span></span></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">find your place... let's say grace..."</span> </span></p><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270546276096121250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 313px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SSS96d73maI/AAAAAAAAChE/_bjuTFeHqXs/s400/rockwell_thanksgiving%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Heads will bow in excitement </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">as a prayer of thanksgiving is spoken...</span></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270546272543737618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SSS96Qs6hxI/AAAAAAAAChM/a_PU6tn2UeI/s400/Thanksgiving%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;">"Dear Heavenly Father, </span><span style="font-size:130%;">our hearts are united as we offer up our praise and thankfulness for all of the many blessings you have bestowed upon us, your mercy and grace is wondrous....we thank you for your protection and your provision...thank you for family and friends...and for our America, thank you for the freedom we have to worship you...thank you for your Word that lights our pathway...thank you for your son Jesus, through whom we have peace, joy, salvation and hope for a glorious future...please bless and protect our troops as they continue to fight for our safety and freedom...bring them home soon...and Lord, please bless this food and the hands that prepared it.... bless this special day as we honor you and your goodness. In Jesus name Amen.."<br /></span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270550185449597250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 270px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SSTBeBaXqUI/AAAAAAAAChk/gUuzSZVFbwE/s400/thanksgiving_2%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:180%;">The best way I know</span> <span style="font-size:130%;">to make the most of this bountiful holiday is to stay thankful and be prepared. It is easy to become overwhelmed and frazzled, and that's no fun! So, I am going to give you sweetie-pies some last minute tips to help you enjoy and be joyful, come Thanksgiving day.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270557101995551042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 210px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SSTHwnjbaUI/AAAAAAAAChs/fJ-FFdPgQ_c/s400/hairstyle-top.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>1. Start by making a list of everything you need to do</strong>, pulling out your family recipes, purchasing all the ingredients, making the centerpiece, setting up extra tables and chairs, cleaning the house etc.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>2. Do as much as you can ahead of time. </strong>Set the table a day or two before, put plates and goblets upside down to keep them dust free. Make as much of the food and desserts the day before. We do potluck, so everyone pitches in.</span></p><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>3. Gather the platters and bowls</strong> you will be serving in and write on a post-it note what goes in it ("mashed potatoes", "cranberry sauce" etc..), stick it on that dish. This way, you will not be rummaging through your cabinets at the last minute in a flurry to find what dishes to use to serve your meal in (now where is that turkey platter?). The other benefit is, when guests come and ask how they can help, they will see what food goes where. Also gather serving utensils, ladles, gravy pitcher, salt and pepper shakers etc.</span></p><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>3. Set up a coffee and tea bar,</strong> with creamers, sugars, flavorings, cups, mugs, spoons.</span></p><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>4. Delegate.</strong> Make a short list for hubby, kids or friends to help with the preparations. Don't wait for them to offer help, thinking that they can read your mind, that never works! Ask sweetly with a cherry on top!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>5. Try to keep things simple and sweet,</strong> so you can enjoy the day and savor the memories for years to come.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Speaking of sweet...</span>here is a yummy dessert....<strong>easier than pie!</strong></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">It's my Butter Crunch Pumpkin Bars!</span><br /><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270414476728445106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SSRGCvB5qLI/AAAAAAAACec/DRz8g8pVYFU/s400/branson++summer-+fall-2008+402.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Gather the ingredients...</span><br /><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270414477090457506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SSRGCwYNh6I/AAAAAAAACek/nsR64pUdtNQ/s400/branson++summer-+fall-2008+403.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270417846852079074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SSRJG5t_TeI/AAAAAAAACes/aZM5LKHjrxY/s400/branson++summer-+fall-2008+405.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Mix it in a mixer...</span></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270417859507622402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SSRJHo3TkgI/AAAAAAAACe0/z8HSV7Yt4ko/s400/branson++summer-+fall-2008+407.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Pour it into a greased glass pan</span></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270417862509955826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SSRJH0DHivI/AAAAAAAACe8/uKLQ-In2hX8/s400/branson++summer-+fall-2008+409.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Sprinkle on dry cake mix ( I use Duncan Hines Butter Recipe Golden)</span></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270417870842919570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SSRJITF2epI/AAAAAAAACfE/Y2n3maSJZ4Y/s400/branson++summer-+fall-2008+410.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Add pecans and melted butter...</span></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270417874966248850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SSRJIic7fZI/AAAAAAAACfM/AUf06GlZDHQ/s400/branson++summer-+fall-2008+416.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Bake it...</span></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270421448722980882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SSRMYju7oBI/AAAAAAAACfc/ZcraYH69abo/s400/branson++summer-+fall-2008+427.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Cool it....</span></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270421444860964226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SSRMYVWJ7YI/AAAAAAAACfU/JCC1OqEVUMk/s400/branson++summer-+fall-2008+418.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270421457699673954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SSRMZFLJF2I/AAAAAAAACfk/mlDe3Wn6R6w/s400/branson++summer-+fall-2008+437.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Top it with real whipped cream and eat it! Oh my goodness, it is scrumptious! My friend tasted it a few years back, begged for the recipe, and said this dessert is so good it will change your life! There are a lot of versions of this recipe out there...this is mine..</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">Aunt Ruthie's Butter-Crunch Pumpkin Bars</span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>15 oz. can pumpkin</strong></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>12 oz. can evaporated milk</strong></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>3 large eggs</strong></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>1 1/2 cups sugar</strong></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>1 teaspoon cinnamon</strong></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>1/2 teaspoon salt</strong></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Topping:</span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">1 package yellow butter cake mix</span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">1 cup chopped pecans</span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">1 cup melted butter (2 sticks)</span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Garnish with fresh whipped cream</span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Mix the first six ingredients until creamy. Pour into greased 13x9 glass baking dish. </strong></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Sprinkle evenly with dry cake mix. Then add pecans and drizzle butter. Bake at 350 for 50 minutes. Cool, then serve each piece with a dollop for fresh whipped cream.</strong></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Now before I head off to see my family in California...here is a sneak peak of my Christmas home......<br /></span></p><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270403944076767106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SSQ8dp2Db4I/AAAAAAAACck/0z2xrbuQ1Fs/s400/Thanksgiving+vintage+christmas+decor+040.JPG" border="0" /></span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270408688734119490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SSRAx1EhJkI/AAAAAAAACd8/BwmeovSPFsQ/s400/Thanksgiving+vintage+christmas+decor+062.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270406180655850354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SSQ-f1wD43I/AAAAAAAACc8/7WU_MqvloY8/s400/Thanksgiving+vintage+christmas+decor+024.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270406191722211906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SSQ-ge-fKkI/AAAAAAAACdE/aEds0OepjkM/s400/Thanksgiving+vintage+christmas+decor+028.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270406201109330642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SSQ-hB8jOtI/AAAAAAAACdU/VZYIcvYYf1Y/s400/Thanksgiving+vintage+christmas+decor+044.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270406194124576706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SSQ-gn7QV8I/AAAAAAAACdM/jmulwAyQX-E/s400/Thanksgiving+vintage+christmas+decor+041.JPG" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270408674730020322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SSRAxA5rjeI/AAAAAAAACds/haQHTPR0QOw/s400/Thanksgiving+vintage+christmas+decor+053.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270408668979124386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SSRAwrej2KI/AAAAAAAACdc/YQQIJuVaSCo/s400/Thanksgiving+vintage+christmas+decor+047.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270408674166284050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SSRAw-zRnxI/AAAAAAAACdk/rJ2MeGuKYTc/s400/Thanksgiving+vintage+christmas+decor+051.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270408683523751122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SSRAxhqRPNI/AAAAAAAACd0/nhlH1XTwna0/s400/Thanksgiving+vintage+christmas+decor+050.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270406176882493858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SSQ-fnsbCaI/AAAAAAAACc0/9QHhEwbd6WM/s400/Thanksgiving+vintage+christmas+decor+019.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270403946776766930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SSQ8dz5yKdI/AAAAAAAACcs/uUqA5u8rcQg/s400/Thanksgiving+vintage+christmas+decor+022.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270403939980692610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SSQ8daleTII/AAAAAAAACcc/z-X-KAhao-Q/s400/Thanksgiving+vintage+christmas+decor+005.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">May all of you be blessed this Thanksgiving day!</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>"Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever."</strong></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Psalm 106:16</strong></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Thank you for stopping by for some Thanksgiving pie!</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Hugs!</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">RuthAnn<br /></span></p>Aunt Ruthiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714212484488327936noreply@blogger.com82tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3736272300613230619.post-57442614991903846632008-11-09T15:17:00.000-08:002008-11-10T06:08:46.206-08:00WINNER, WINNER, CHICKEN DINNER!!!<div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SRdwRmFbgfI/AAAAAAAACYE/8hxntiqvaTU/s1600-h/chicken-dinner-candy-truck-1956%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266801736816493042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 277px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SRdwRmFbgfI/AAAAAAAACYE/8hxntiqvaTU/s400/chicken-dinner-candy-truck-1956%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">And Now....The winner</span> of my One Year Of Blogging Anniversary Give-away is...............Miss Stacey from <a href="http://theblessednest.blogspot.com/">The Blessed Nest!</a> Congratulations Stacey!</span><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">My goodness gracious there were a lot of entries! Over 430! Thanks to all of you for entering this give-away, and for sharing your favorite Holiday Traditions! What a treat to read them all! Truly, I was absolutely blessed and overwhelmed by all of your creative and encouraging comments! </span></div><br /><br /><br /><p align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266830521364100002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SReKdE4Xs6I/AAAAAAAACYM/-YRu0n0dThs/s400/DSC01975.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">I can't believe that Turkey Time</span> is just around the corner! My family and I will be flying back to California to spend this bountiful Holiday with my parents, siblings, and my extended Big Fat Italian family! So, I have already started decorating for Christmas! That way, when I get back I will have the whole month of December to enjoy all that glitters and sparkles! I will be sure to share my "Christmas Home" with you soon! But for now....make yourself something yummy to drink, put your slippers on, relax and enjoy the beauty of Autumn in the Ozark Mountains..........</span></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266881917178440370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SRe5MtNZarI/AAAAAAAACb8/IjMMKI5ryHk/s400/branson++summer-+fall-2008+366.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266881905832229314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SRe5MC8P-cI/AAAAAAAACb0/knyF4vmBjJ0/s400/branson++summer-+fall-2008+370.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;">My front porch view.<br /></span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266881900364242898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SRe5LuklH9I/AAAAAAAACbs/S4tyBgwWs9o/s400/branson++summer-+fall-2008+387.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266881886306913218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SRe5K6NDS8I/AAAAAAAACbk/a16HOY80XW8/s400/Fall+2008+trail+ride+109.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;">The country road I take almost everyday into town.<br /><br /></span><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266840300216060818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SReTWR8XC5I/AAAAAAAACY8/OlpCHB9cG5A/s400/Fall+2008+trail+ride+104.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">It just makes my heart sing</span> when I experience the quaintness of small town life here in southern Missouri. I love the homey-ness of it all.....it's so <span style="font-size:180%;">Mayberry!</span> This is where I went to vote last Tuesday. How adorable is this little, cute-as-a-button, community center ...established in 1906! Oh Honey!</span><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266840314804867586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SReTXISmkgI/AAAAAAAACZE/VKqazVnc8ZA/s400/Fall+2008+trail+ride+105.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">And would you look</span> at this sign out front.....how stinkin' cute is that?! A Turkey, Ham 'n' Dressing Potluck supper....can't you just imagine Aunt Bee, Clara and a few other apron-ed gals bustling about in the kitchen, serving up a nourishing, home-cooked meat'n'potatoes meal to the towns-folk, sharing recipes and the latest town news!</span><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266908180685385250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SRfRFcZZ7iI/AAAAAAAACcM/DOQGsLmpQ38/s400/auntbee_wallpaper%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266840321175361714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SReTXgBcmLI/AAAAAAAACZM/fC-xB3wrjQs/s400/Fall+2008+trail+ride+102.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;">Well, lookie here.... indeed, Aunt Bee and the gals <em>were</em> busy last Tuesday mornin'...dear hubby and I walked from the brisk fall air and into the gathering hall to vote and were welcomed by the warm aroma of hot, out-of-the-oven blueberry muffins. Sturdy jars of blushing-pink canned Rhubarb gathered in neat little rows nearby. Sure enough, there were three rosey-cheeked, white-haired grandmas sitting behind a long table, collecting I D's, checking names off the list and passing out ballots. Where else, but small town America, could you cast your vote for President of the United States just a few feet from this homespun, slice-of-life scene? Ya gotta love it!<br /><br /></span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266837221917364290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SReQjGYwkEI/AAAAAAAACYU/sTUUZT46H5w/s400/Oct.2008+Ashley,+trail+ride,+vintage+014.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> <span style="font-size:85%;">me and my girls</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">My daughter Ashley and her husband Glen, came home for a few days, we lit the first fire of the season...roasted marshmallows, made s'mores, sipped hot chocolate and warmed our hearts as we watched home movies....<br /><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266837235911977842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SReQj6hVa3I/AAAAAAAACYc/e8mJvIf-MYo/s400/Oct.2008+Ashley,+trail+ride,+vintage+025.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266837247751404434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SReQkmoEu5I/AAAAAAAACYk/kU5Wc3bKg5Y/s400/Oct.2008+Ashley,+trail+ride,+vintage+029.JPG" border="0" /> There's a horse stable just a few miles from our home so we decided to hit the trials...<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266852653007063138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SReelTrPSGI/AAAAAAAACZ8/aQ9OKa49hxg/s400/Oct.2008+Ashley,+trail+ride,+vintage+046.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:180%;">You can take the girl out of the Old West,</span> but you can't take the Old West out of the girl! Me and my love for cowboy boots go way back!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266840341671379650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SReTYsYFAsI/AAAAAAAACZc/OjjRhV0e6Pk/s400/Fall+2008+trail+ride+049.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266840335291006850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SReTYUm4P4I/AAAAAAAACZU/cUT_ZMffQqo/s400/Fall+2008+trail+ride+045.JPG" border="0" /> Rootin' Tootin' Ruthie!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266873802413138658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SRex0XWlYuI/AAAAAAAACas/dvB9YAL3AvA/s400/Fall+2008+trail+ride+080.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266873770970111122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SRexyiN-3JI/AAAAAAAACaU/IPKa3BgD0XY/s400/Fall+2008+trail+ride+055.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266873761588292802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SRexx_RLrMI/AAAAAAAACaM/L9CRCzMRjHU/s400/Fall+2008+trail+ride+052.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266873786868103570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SRexzdcW-ZI/AAAAAAAACac/0v0QgPH2Fgs/s400/Fall+2008+trail+ride+054.JPG" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266877273942946210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SRe0-bzycaI/AAAAAAAACbM/qWfEkaNPABo/s400/Fall+2008+trail+ride+091.JPG" border="0" />It was the most breathtaking fall day...the air was crisp and sweet...the sun was glowing gold, and the cozy scent of wood-smoke put everyone in a glorious mood.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266877252530097730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SRe09MCkTkI/AAAAAAAACa8/tUYbdxvi5r0/s400/Fall+2008+trail+ride+085.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266877262942892802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SRe09y1K8wI/AAAAAAAACbE/9NFQgfmMh3U/s400/Fall+2008+trail+ride+068.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266873794274398210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SRexz5CKEAI/AAAAAAAACak/3NO4pztrQXc/s400/Fall+2008+trail+ride+070.JPG" border="0" />Me and "Maggie"<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266881882060581858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SRe5KqYpa-I/AAAAAAAACbc/cRGR36t00zM/s400/Fall+2008+trail+ride+071.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266877244402428562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SRe08twx6pI/AAAAAAAACa0/4-pa9vHHrMM/s400/Fall+2008+trail+ride+063.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266877278639569442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SRe0-tTjOiI/AAAAAAAACbU/d-vc03a18p0/s400/Fall+2008+trail+ride+097.JPG" border="0" /> Cowboy Bob.<br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266837310656077570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SReQoQ9t3wI/AAAAAAAACY0/ATFuOuGQlw8/s400/Oct.2008+Ashley,+trail+ride,+vintage+037.JPG" border="0" /> Ashley and Glen down by Bear Creek.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">They were celebrating three years of wedded bliss.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Ummm...can I have some grand-babies now please?<br /></span><br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266852635283201506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SReekRpineI/AAAAAAAACZs/udoLhwD4prk/s400/Oct.2008+Ashley,+trail+ride,+vintage+032.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">My two red-heads with "cinnamon sprinkles" on their noses! </span><br /><br /></p><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">(the cutest freckles ever!)<br /></span><br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266852663347249586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SReel6MiAbI/AAAAAAAACaE/k1OMp6pYfEo/s400/Oct.2008+Ashley,+trail+ride,+vintage+050.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Dear hubby and me. </span><br /></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">This is the guy that makes me laugh everyday.<br /></span><br /></p><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266852647116886754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SReek9u6UuI/AAAAAAAACZ0/ZhFys-NUK3k/s400/Oct.2008+Ashley,+trail+ride,+vintage+043.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266895202556177010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 198px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qa-fHCxVwxk/SRfFSBGR6nI/AAAAAAAACcE/iisNbDMdu0s/s400/Kari-and-Kijsa_4%5B1%5D.gif" border="0" /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I want to thank my sweet blog-friend Vee from</span><a href="http://ahavenforvee.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size:130%;"> A Haven for Vee</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> for this very special award. Kari and Kijsa are two amazingly creative sisters, who designed this award.<br />This is how the sisters describe it....</span></p><br /><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;">...."and that is our goal and purpose behind this blog...to inspire others to join us on the exciting, thrilling journey ahead. We want to succeed in sparking creativity in the lives of others for that is how we measure our success. In short...we try to each and every minute of every wonderful day be "Designing for Life." And so...in the spirit of design uniqueness and creativity...we wanted to honor some truly special and wonderful blogs that we felt represented this philosophy to the fullest extent...feel free to share your award with two other blogs who you feel are truly "Designing for Life." </span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">The two I would like to pick are:</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">1. My sister Sherry from </span><a href="http://prairiehome.typepad.com/"><span style="font-size:130%;">Prairie Home</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">....so very creative...has a style all her own....so sparkling chic....has a positive attitude...dreams up stuff that always make me say "why didn't I think of that?"</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">2. My fabulous, adorable, outrageously fun, next-door neighbor from back in the day....Catiena from </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://thevintagehousewife.blogspot.com/">The Vintage Housewife.</a> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">She really is as delightful and sassy and vintage as she seems...she is the real deal. Always encouraging! She has a zest for life because she loves the Lord! </span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Both of theses gals are an inspiration in my life!<br /></p></span><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Thanks for stopping by for some "Autumn in the Ozarks" pie!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Hugs!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">RuthAnn<br /></p></span><br /><br /><p></p>Aunt Ruthiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714212484488327936noreply@blogger.com59