Homing

Ignore the dirty oven.  :)

Had a case of homing and nesting tonight.  Love it!  Made a honey-orange glazed ham with sweet potatoes, kale and broccoli for dinner.  Do I have to tell that broccoli was ruined because my steamer ran out of water?  Smoked broccoli is NOT appetizing, trust me!  lol.  :) 

I also had a hankerin' for a pecan pie.  I was so thrilled to find this recipe that does NOT use corn syrup.  I just finished a piece and it is soooo yummy.  And fairly easy also.

A cozy fire is roaring and tonight I will stay up late (after the kids are in bed) to watch one of my favorite Christmas movies....Prancer!  The kids don't appreciate it as much as I do so it's best enjoyed while they slumber and the house is as quiet as a mouse. 

What nesting projects have you been up to?

Not Just Christmas Lights

I have been so blessed by my kids' desire to tackle the project of hanging the outside Christmas lights.  Last year, my oldest did them all on his own.  This year, it was a collaborative effort, from getting the lights out of storage, checking them, replacing bulbs, and finally hanging them.  They have let the true Light shine and I am so pleased.

Elderberry Syrup

Elderberry Syrup. I've heard of its powerful properties for quite some time. While lying flat on back and fed up with this cold, I decided to finally check it out. Aw, YouTube. It looked easy enough and I had the ingredients on hand, but didn't get the gumption until about 10:30p.m. to finally mix up a batch.

The kids, recently sequestered to bed, began calling out, "What's that smell?!". I suppose it may have had a funny smell, but my smeller wasn't in working order. I finished steeping it, added the honey and took a dose, several throughout the night, actually. I think it is rather yummy. Never listen to a kid when it comes to something that will help them feel better. It's all bad to them.

Give it a try yourself! (click on the link above to watch the video) Take 1 tablespoon daily for good health or 1 tablespoon every hour while sick.

Odds and Ends

I've been meaning to post for so long that I have a lots of odds and ends to share!

Kids being occupied. Does your dinner table ever look like this? Ugghh.

Wyatt receiving his first promotion in the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program.

Sweet Girl finishing up a project.

Rewards of a busy, blessed day. First batch of dried apples in my new dehydrator, and first time making lemon curd (mmmmm, mmmm). We also made Italian Wedding Soup for dinner and an angelfood cake from scratch with whipped cream and strawberries. Gotta love those days where you feel like you actually accomplished being a housewife. I love this role and thank God for giving it to me.

P.S. Don't you just love my old-fashioned sparkly countertop?! I have actually grown fond of it except for the fact that it stains easily.

Simple Pleasures = Big Smiles

It's the simple things that most often make us smile and I've had my fair share of them recently.

A rareity happened here the other night.....the house to myself (okay, plus two dogs and a cat). A nearly perfect "alone" evening was planned. The fire was roaring, bible study materials positioned near the chair in front of the fire, but a Peppermint Mocha Twist from Starbuck's was missing. Off I went to complete the scene. Have you seen a Peppermint Mocha Twist in a mug (no lid, please)? I can't help but giggle every time I see it. It's piled high with peppermint whipped cream and shaved choclate sprinkled on top. Return home, nestle into chair, bible in lap, classical music in the background........ahhhhh, bliss.

After a few hours, the family arrives, low and behold, they've brought me a treat! One taste and I'm hooked! It's pepperminty, a little bit chocolatey....It's Christmas in a Cup! You must go to your local DQ and get this blizzard. If I had the authority, I would guarantee a smile or you get your money back.

Yesterday was packed with things to do in preparation for Thanksgiving. Tired and head pounding in the afternoon, I had put off the idea of baking anything for our women's bible study that evening. But I just couldn't stand it. At the last minute, I turned to my trusty EDF (Everyday Foods Magazine) and found a quick recipe. Choclate Gingerbread Bars. Seemed like an odd combination, but I'm here to tell you, it's heavenly, batter or bars.

So see, it's the simple things. Things that make me feel like a kid again. Things that scream, "Joy"! May you find your simple things that bring big smiles.

Twig & Feather

I couldn't wait to tell you about a new website just for us women who love the home! Please check out Twig & Feather and tell your friends about it.

Created by someone that I think is a dear along with a few of her friends, be sure to check back often as it is in its beginning stages. Be encouraged, take away tidbits, and share what you know.

Hope to see you there!