Everyday Blessings of the FiveDees

I CAN! (And you can too!)

2012-01-15T16:34:00.000-08:00

"CAN"
My word for the year!
Not like

"Anything you can do I can do better,

I can do anything better than you."
but like
I can do anything.

I looked it up in the dictionary and
"Can" is one of the most commonly used modal verbs in English.
It can be used to express
ability or opportunity,
to request or offer permission,
and to show
possibility or impossibility.
I am choosing this word because over the last couple of years its seems I can't has become
a word we use a lot around here.
I can't hit that back hand spring,
I can't get an A,
I can't hit that basket,
I can't put together a women's event,
I can't loose weight,
I can't finish our house -I'm stuck.
My friend Stayce gave me this cute mug for Christmas and it stuck.

I Can do all things through Christ!
not through Debbie, Dusty,Darci, DeAnn or Denae but through Christ.
I can overcome
my past,
my fear,
my failures.
I am His and through Him
I Can!
And so can you

I'm joining Layla's at The Lettered Cottage she is having this little word of mine party.
Kinda like a resolution party but instead of things -a word -to guide you for the year.
Go on over and see all the motivation you need to get through this year!

The Day!

2012-01-08T04:57:00.000-08:00

This is the Day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!
Psalm118:24

Christmas Happenings!

2011-12-25T14:05:00.000-08:00

We have had a busy month , just like most of you.
I never got around to sharing my Christmas decorations so I thought that I would now.
My girls wanted to make gingerbread houses with their friends
so we bought a kit from Wal-mart that had 5 houses in it.

They had several friends over and had a really good time.
I think there was even an icing fight involved
but that is another story....

We didn't know what to do with them so I decided to use them on my mantle

I got the really cute snowflakes from Dollar tree and they fit perfect.
The candlesticks were gifts from years past.

I also got an idea fro my dining room table from blogland.
I used a real deer antler from My dad.
When I went home this year to visit I found about 40 in his old garage.
And I got all the pine cones at my moms last year

We put our tree in our setting room.
It was nice to have it in there but missed having the glow of lights
while we watched TV at night.

Merry Christmas from our House to Yours!

Many Blessings for a wonderful year ahead
Dusty, Debbie, Darci, DeAnn and Denae

Merry Christmas

2011-11-26T11:07:00.000-08:00

Door Decorations up!
Outside lights up
Now it can start snowing because we are ready!

Cranberry Bog Pie

2011-11-21T12:49:00.000-08:00

Cranberry Bog Pie

1- 9" pie crust (homemade or store bought)

1/2 cup sugar

2 cups cranberries

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional )

In uncooked pie crust, put cranberries, sugar and walnuts.

Prepare batter as follows:

3/4 cup butter, softened

2 beaten eggs

1 cup flour

1 cup sugar

Cream together butter and sugar. Add eggs and flour. Spread over cranberries.

Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

This recipe came from Christy at Between Here and Home
I made it yesterday for a youth auction and had so many
requests for the recipe that I thought I would put it here.
I did use the walnuts and it was perfect.
A Perfect Holiday Pie!

Carmel Apple Cake

2011-11-01T13:41:00.001-07:00

This weeks Club Baked recipe was a hit at my house.
Carmel Apple Cake
chosen by Melissa at LuLu the Baker.
This cake was moist, and light.
I knew it was going to be perfect when i had my daughter test the batter
before it was baked
she looked me straight in the eye and said
"Your the best Mother "
I was smiling.
I cut this recipe in half and only made two layers instead of the three.
This recipe called for 2 cups of apple sauce in the batter.
The icing was a bit runny but was delicious.
This cake was perfect for fall!

Tools....

2011-10-18T10:10:00.000-07:00

These are some of my tools.
Tools that I use to read my Bible.
My glasses...they help with the tiny print,
the markers and pens and study questions... they help keep me focused
and I am able to record what the Lord teaches me.

I have several opportunities each week to stay in the study of God's word.

1. Bible Study Fellowship
We meet every Tuesday for 2 hours at a local church in Indianapolis.
We have serious homework. If you don't do it , you can't talk, that is serious because i could never go anywhere that I couldn't talk.
This year we are studying Acts.
I have taken Pauline Epistles in College and studied Acts several times but I am learning something new every week as well I am learning from the 12 ladies in my small group.

2. Women's bible Study at church
Every Wednesday night from 6-7:30?
We are working through the book
"Faithful, Abundant, and True"
This is a video series with Kay Arthur, Priscilla Shearer, and Beth Moore.
It has blessed our socks off.

3. Mom's In Touch
Every other week I get together with another mom from My girls school
and we pray scripture over our kids.
We pray for their teachers, the school and for Mom's in Touch to grow in our area.

I am so grateful that I get these opportunities.
I want to
" Do my best to present myself to God as one approved,
A workmen who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly
handles the word of truth"
2 Timothy 2:15

A fun Find

2011-10-17T16:05:00.000-07:00

I love Fabric!
I found this fabric at a garage sale last week and loved it immediately.
The lady had made drapes for her office and had just moved and
didn't need both panels, I knew that would fit perfectly in this room

This room is the first room you see in our house and the most sparse room in the house.
We had a desk in there and then got rid of it, and now all it has is a piano, a recliner and a standing lamp.
My husband would love to leave it that way but I have other plans.

I love these new Waverly drapes !

added... I went to Joann's fabric and found this fabric, special order $36 a yard.
It was a huge Score!

Senior Night

2011-10-16T13:33:00.001-07:00

My daughter is a Senior in High School this year!

Friday night was Senior night and we got to walk across the football field

as they had band recognition night before the foot ball game.

She plays the flute in Marching band,

the bassoon and flute in Concert band,

and the keyboard during drum line.

We are so proud of her

We love you

Darci Joy!

Red Carpet Day!

2011-10-10T07:36:00.000-07:00

How fun that our Orthodontist lays out the red carpet when you
get your braces off
And
Today
is Deann's day!

After two years of braces....they are off.
You are beautiful!

Lose It

2011-10-04T15:16:00.001-07:00

No, I have not lost anything , yet!

But over the past year I have gained 10-12 pounds
that I don't particularly care for.

So I have been trying to think of ways to lose weight.

I had thought about joining weight watchers but was really not ready to pay for it. I was reading a blog yesterday and found a site called "Lose It". It helps you track what you eat and how much exercise you need to lose weight. So I am checking it out. It's free and can't hurt anything....oh...except all those delicious desserts I have been making.
Check it out
Lose It

EveryDay Blessings

2011-10-03T06:32:00.000-07:00

This has been a busy month. I can't complain because I am so blessed.
This blog was started to chronicle my Everyday Blessings
and I am grateful to God every day at how he continues to
bless and encourage me.
I am so blessed to be a mom, to three beautiful, healthy and very different girls.
I am so blessed to have a wonderful husband that continues to love me unconditionally.
I am so blessed to be in such a wonderful church that is full of people that
want to serve the Lord and who challenge me as iron sharpening iron.
I am so blessed to be a part time nurse
and that I get to be a housewife and be at home to do those house wife,mother, and woman jobs.
This is a small part of my past month.

I have been spending a lot of time watching Darci and DeAnn play in the marching band
and with helping host two important band events at their school.

It has been fun to watch Denae LOVE being a cheerleader.
She is on the freshmen team but for homecoming they let her cheer with the varsity team.
It has also been a sad month as Denae
had a 15 year old cheer friend, Kaitlyn that died in her sleep from a blood clot.
Wow! What an eye opener for all her sweet friends.
Denae has wept many tear over this sweet girl.

We are so blessed to be in a church that allows the youth to lead worship
and the entire service once a year.
Darci plays the baby grand and leads the worship team and my other two sing.
DeAnn gave the message and Denae said scripture.
I was so happy!
More than anything to have my girls LOVE the Lord and their local church.

We also had the opportunity to dog set for 2 weeks with Shadow.
Dusty's parents went on a two week cruise and they left her with us.
My girls want a dog so bad but 2 weeks was enough for all of
us to know that we are too busy to care for a dog.
She was fun but we were glad when she went home.

I have still been cooking.
This was the Boston Cream Pie from the book Club Baked.
I was so busy I didn't have time to post but it was delicious!
No calories involved!:)

I have loved watching my flower bed and garden grow.
It brings me so much pleasure.

And now I have put out some of my fall decorations.

We have entertained several people this month.
Dusty's parents were here twice, which we thoroughly enjoyed.
We had a triangle dinner with 14 people,
and a couple of friends
Dave and Phyllis Bennett came and spent the night.
It was so fun to have them here.
I want my home to be a place of calm, and refuge
not only for my family but for all those who
come to visit.
I want them to know that they matter more than anything
I am blessed to have.

So that is what has been going on around here for the past month.
I am hoping to get more regular with my blog.
I started this blog for fun
and I am going to continue to post about the
Every Day Blessings of the Five Dees!

New Bed Pillows

2011-08-16T06:18:00.000-07:00

I found this darling fabric at Calico Corner. It was rather expensive but they were having a 20% off sale, so I got a yard each and made a few pillows for my bed. I'm still working on that and driving my husband crazy. I got this new cream quilt and pillows but then what to put with it and Yes, I miss my comforter.

Club Baked...Sunday Cake

2011-08-15T13:03:00.000-07:00

As some of you know

I have been baking my way through the Sweet Melissa Baking Book for the past couple of year,

well that group ended. So I am joining a great group of bakers as

we bake through " Baked Explorations"

This book is written by a couple of guys, Matt Lewis and Renato Poliafito!

These two young men opened their first bakery in Brooklyn and now have a second bakery in Charleston, South Carolina.

This book is a nod to Classic American dishes from across the country.

this weeks expedition was

"Sunday Cake"

chosen by

Julie of Littlebitofeverything.blogspot.com

As you can see , this cake was covered with a very chocolate, pudding like icing.

It was very rich.

The filling had cinnamon and was just the perfect amount of flavor.

A small piece was all that was necessary but it was delicious!

Vacation Condo in Florida

2011-07-11T17:37:00.000-07:00

This was the view from our window. It overlooked the bay and a golf course.

It was so quiet and relaxing.

Everything was blue and yellow.

Very Nautical with some Toile thrown in

Our room was so relaxing and overlooked the bay.

The girls room was red , blue and yellow and I loved it.

We had a great place to stay and enjoy our week.

It was very comfortable.

Vacation

2011-07-08T14:45:00.000-07:00

We are hanging out at the beach again this week with our girls. This is the 2nd time we have made a trip to Destin, Florida. A fun week!

We saw so many cute sundresses while we were here

that we thought we would wear them to go shopping. It was fun!

My Garden...

2011-06-29T12:36:00.000-07:00

At the very end of my flower bed I put a small garden and it is growing!
I am so excited.
It's nothing fancy, we found some scrap lumber that the previous owners left
and made a small raised bed.
The ground is all clay so all winter I added coffee grounds,egg shells, bananas and leaves anything that would compost. This summer I added several bags of topsoil, peat moss, manure and miracle grow. Anything to help the soil out.

I have tomatoes, lettuce, squash and cucumbers

My squash will be ready in a week or so.

We have already had lettuce.... wilted lettuce.
You know the kind with bacon and onions and apple cider vinegar and bacon drippings!
YUM

Unlike the more southern part of the country, we have had lots of rain and it is blooming.
My flowers and shrubs are thriving!
I am so grateful!

Mission Trip

2011-06-28T06:10:00.000-07:00

My two older girls set off on a week long mission trip with the youth group this week.
Pray for safety, fun and a closer walk with the Lord.
Pray they are challenged to be more, serve better, and love deeper .

Pray for new friendships!

They will be working on VBS, painting and who knows what else.
Pray they do their best!

Mr. and Mrs. Rogers

2011-06-25T10:19:00.000-07:00

Last week I went to Arkansas for the wedding of my sweet niece Kayla
and her husband Joel. It was at the Hendricks college chapel in Conway, Arkansas.
I was so happy to get to be a part of my first nieces wedding.
Kayla and Joel have both just graduated from college and have been dating for 5 years.
They are both young but very sweet.

My daughter ,Darci ,captured this picture of the kiss.

This is the first time in 14 years that we have a family picture of my mom, my sister and my brother.
My brother was the father of the bride and he was nervous.

Her dress was stunning and i loved how she wore her hair.

I love this picture of Kayla and my Mom!
Congratulations to Joel and Kayla

Summer Quilt

2011-06-20T07:47:00.000-07:00

Trying out some new summer bedding!

Spray Paint Projects

2011-05-17T04:35:00.000-07:00

Today is a fun linky party at
www.thriftydecorchick.com

Sarah is giving us all a chance to share
some amazing creativity with spray paint.

This is in my master bathroom.
I just painted it Sea Salt by Sherwin Williams and love the color.
My bedroom is Comfort Grey and they are on the same color strip.
I have been trying to find something to go behind the bathtub and I found this last week.
Imagine that mirror bright gold.
Yes, I found it at a garage sale for $5 and knew immediately what I wanted to do with it.
I spray painted it Heirloom white and I love it.

I still need to add a towel bar and some nice towels but it is sooo much better.
I thought I would give you a closer look at the details of the cheap plastic mirror!

I love how it turned out and for $5 , I can change my mind later if I want to.
Go over to Sarah's and check out all the creative people it will blow your mind.
Thanks for stopping by!

My garden/Flower Bed

2011-05-16T19:15:00.000-07:00

This was the very back of our yard last summer and fall. I had better ideas.
So I talked my husband into helping me rototill that baby and it just about killed the both of us.
We had such a dry summer the ground was hard as a rock.

We moved some bushes from the front and a small tree that was by the front door.
It didn't make it...I was so hopeful but we went from a dry summer to a terrible , icy winter.

So...for Mothers Day I got a new tree!

And my maple tree is starting to bloom, and my flowers are coming in.

I can't wait to see it this summer.

And I even have one small raised vegetable bed.
I'll post pictures all summer, I can't wait to add more things.

Praying for....

2011-05-15T04:14:00.001-07:00

DeAnn

Darci

Denae

My Girls!

This week a very angry church member said some very mean things to my girls.
They are heart broken.
I am praying that God will use this to teach them a very important lesson about words.
Words can heal or destroy.
Words can bring death or life.

This is my prayer for them....

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19:14

One project done

2011-05-11T04:33:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of the year I said I wanted to get a few projects done
and here is one of them done!
This blue bathroom is shared by three teenage girls and they hated the blue blocks.
They were peal and stick blocks.
The bathroom is tiny
and it seemed even smaller.
So I took them to Bath and Body Works and let them choose a shower curtain.
I honestly went to another part of the store and let them choose by themselves.
With a 20% off coupon and 5$ off coupon in hand I let them have free reign.
The only stipulations is that we were not painting that tiny space red or black.

It turned out really cute.
We painted the walls a creamy white, much better to put on makeup with.
Then green for an accent.
I painted the picture frames and found some scrapbook paper to give it some color.
They all love it.
It has matching rug and towels.
One project down.

Happy Easter

2011-04-23T07:12:00.000-07:00

Drum Line

2011-04-19T15:45:00.000-07:00

My daughter, Darci, plays the keyboard for the drum line.
I was able to go with them this weekend as they competed in Dayton, Ohio in the World Scholastic Drum line Competition.
It was tiring and those kids worked so hard and I never heard one of the complain.
As you can see , we are practicing outside.
They would pull over the truck, Unload the instruments, and practice for two hours.
This picture was taken in front of Sam's in Dayton.
We were not the only drum line group out there practicing, it was awesome.

These kids competed three times but practiced at least 4-5 hours a day.
They also practice two hours three days a week.
It amazes me the dedication and talent these kids have.

Their program was called "The Voices Made Me do It"
It was a story about a girl that was overcome by voices and then she finally gives in.
They have special costumes, paint the mat, make back drops and they write their own music.

They got 11th of about 60 groups in the nation.
I was very proud of them and of my daughter.
Way to go Darci!

A Free Tree

2011-04-10T19:33:00.001-07:00

Would you take a free tree by the side of the road?
Well I did!
I wasn't sure that it would live, but it did and is thriving.
Last summer, in August, our neighbor was digging up this tree from his front yard and putting an oak tree in its place. It had a big FREE on it and was beside the road, It looked like it had been there for a day but I went home and got the truck and told Dusty I needed his help.
He about died when I drove up to the tree, He said this will never make it.
Last summer it was really hot and dry here.
But
I talked him into helping me take it home.
I Knew it had to be at least 3-4 years old.
So....we dug a hole and filled it full of water and then put the tree in.

It looked like this the first day but the day after that most of the leaves fell off but I kept watering it all summer.
because it still had some leaves left on it.

This is what it looks like today!

Beautiful!

Florida

2011-04-04T14:01:00.000-07:00

We spent hours digging in the sand making castles
and trying to ride the buggy board.

Learning about new sea life... jelly fish and blue balloons, the later is very dangerous!

My daughter took this picture, it could be an add.
But we also spent hours under the umbrellas.

Walking along the beach

And every evening, after dinner we spent the last few hours watching the sun go down
with our feet in the water and with sand between our toes.

Yes, we heart the ocean!

Spring Break

2011-04-02T09:13:00.000-07:00

This year we did something we have never done before....
we made a decision to leave town in three days.
We found out on Sunday that our daughter did not have anything going on the last few days of Spring Break as originally planned so we got on the computer and started looking for
something to do at a beach.
We booked a condo in San Destin , Florida for a week.
It was heavenly, I am not going to show you all the pictures today but here is a start.

The view from our Condo...the beach.

The condo was a perfect size for our family.
It had just been remodeled and both my husband and I loved it.

We ate several meals around the round table.

There were mirrors on the walls to make the room look bigger.

It had a sisal rug. It looked nice but was hard on the feet.
This couch made out into a queen size and one of the girls slept there.
The kitchen had just been remodeled.
White cabinets, bead board ceiling, granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances.
We loved it.

The King size bed and the view to the beach from our room was beautiful,
However, we didn't spend much time here.

The second bedroom was darling.

It was a fabulous suite and we loved it.
It was hard to come back to reality.
I would love to be walking the beach this morning with sand between my toes!
More pictures to come.

I won!

2011-03-21T09:41:00.000-07:00

I have been reading about this book, One Thousand Gifts all over blog land.
Well one day I typed that title in and it came up over at
Glynnis Whitwer's blog, she is a writer for the Proverbs 31 Ministries.
She was having a sweet give away,
I entered my name and told about a book that I have read over and over again
called "After The Boxes Are Unpacked"
and I won!

It also included several other books.
One about Hymns called Near to the Heart of God by Robert Morgan.
A little about that.... I went to Free Will Baptist Bible College, in Nashville, Tennessee in 1984-85
and attended his church.
Small world!

Two others included a Bible study Book,
called "What Women Tell Me" and a fun read called "Tandem".
I was so excited, as I really only thought I was getting the 1000 gifts.
I will do a highlight of each book in the weeks to come.
Glynnis has two blogs
Rose Lane Cottage,( roselanecottage.com )where she sells really cool cottage items.
And (glynniswhitwer.blogspot.com)
Right now at her Glynnis Whitwer blog she is having a giveaway
to one lucky person for a scholarship to "She Speaks" Conference. It will be July 30-Aug. 1 in North Carolina.
Would be a great gift for a writer.
Go over and check her out!

Sweet Melissa Sundays Rum Truffles

2011-02-20T16:37:00.000-08:00

This weeks Sweet Melissa Recipe is Rum Truffles chosen by Nina at Nina's cupcakes.
I cut the recipe in half .
Basically the recipe calls for bittersweet chocolate, butter, egg yolks, rum, and cocoa powder for rolling, how simple is that!

These were super easy to make and good.
I don't think I would roll them in cocoa powder again Because they were really chocolaty
and I really liked
all the different choices that others rolled theirs in.
I always think I have to do exactly like the book says but I'm learning.
These would be easy for a brunch or wedding!

Gifts

2011-02-18T16:41:00.000-08:00

My oldest daughter admires our youth pastor and worship leader. They are both beautiful examples for my girls and I love that she respects and cares about these women.
They are both single and
For Valentines day she bought them flowers!
How sweet is that.

This was the precious moments from my wedding cake !
My husband Knows that I love flowers
but I love something even more....

He bought me a Keurig coffee pot for Valentines day with lots of different flavors to try!
Even Hot Chocolate

So I'm using the cup someone gave him with his picture on it to have my morning cup of coffee!
How sweet is that!
It brews three different sizes and I can't wait to try the brewed , iced tea.

SpringMill

2011-02-05T07:10:00.000-08:00

Arkansas
This is very close to where I grew up

Snow and Ice

2011-02-02T13:09:00.000-08:00

Well it has been a cold couple of days.
I am so grateful that we didn't loose power or that I didn't Have to go visit patients in this mess. I only work on Thursday and Fridays but they have been closed for the past two days because of the weather.
My girls have been watching continuous tv and it is driving me crazy.
I have made them do laundry, clean out their closets , get a goodwill pile going and even....
I made them help me with the taxes!
They spent two hours helping me organize and add figures.
This is a great way to teach your kids about your finances and responsibility.
Especially when you hear one of them yell out what a rip off 4% interest,
and then we say that is great!
I am so grateful to God that we have not least electricity
and that we have been able to slow down and spend some quality just resting!
Yesterday I made fresh cranberry muffins and tonight we are having chicken soup!
Hope that you are safe and warm

Escape

2011-01-31T19:43:00.000-08:00

We escaped for a one day adventure!
We loaded our girls up and took two friends to
Brown County State Park for the day.

We took a two mile hike in the woods!
Fun in the summer, something I had never done in the snow.
Will do it again

We stayed in the lodge at Brown county State Park just outside of Nashville, Indiana.
(Yes, I forgot my camera and these were taken with one of the girls phones,
Even so they turned out pretty good.)
We slept in, then Dusty and I went upstairs while the girls continued to sleep until 1030 and had a delicious breakfast overlooking the forest and watching the birds.
Then we spent several hours reading in front of a big fireplace, drinking hot chocolate.
They had an indoor pool and the girls spent time playing in it and we took the two mile hike.
It was a day worth remembering!

Birthday Week

2011-01-29T16:40:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to my sweet husband Dusty!

Monday was his special day and he didn't want a cake ,
because he is really trying to watch his weight.
But I couldn't let the day go by with nothing, so.... Denae made cupcakes
and Darci frosted and decorated them.
We got him a new picture to put in his office at the church and a Dick's Sporting Good gift certificate.
He liked both!

Sweet Melissa Sunday .....SpeakEasy

2011-01-23T07:22:00.000-08:00

This weeks Sweet Melissa is called SpeakEasy
and was chosen by Jeannette of the Whimsical Cupcake.
I have not baked with the Sweet Melissa group for two months
but really wanted to get in on this one.
I loved this cake and will make it again.
I have to admit that I have never made anything before with liquor and was nervous about how it would taste but really couldn't tell much difference, however without it , it may not have been as good.
It called for 2/3 cup of Brandy.( I only used 1/3 cup)
I had to go to my first liquor store and thought my daughter would die as she
waited for me to go in.
Imagine seeing your Pastors wife coming out of the Payless Liquor store
with a little brown bag! Ha!

This cake was delicious and very adult.
It had 12 ounces of semisweet chocolate, 1/c up of heavy cream and 4 eggs, it was not for the faint of heart or for those counting calories.
This would be an elegant cake for a special romantic dinner or for guest!
A great Valentines Idea

Last week was our youth pastors Birthday, we wrapped up a good size piece
and put a candle in it, she loved it!
Happy Birthday Sherri !

This was delicious and I will make it again!

A Few Projects...for 2011!

2011-01-22T10:44:00.000-08:00

This is my girls bathroom!
It is cute if you are a boy and 6 but not for three teenagers!
We are coming up with a plan, if Denae is in charge it will be pink:)
These are peal and stick squares and underneath it is white,
so it will be just a matter of taking those off and painting.

Next, I want to paint and decorate my laundry room!
Something vibrant and fun
I want a bar to hang shirts and things on and I will need to work around the furnace and the water heater but i think it can still be fun.

This was the before of my bedroom! Dark and gloomy

And now after the Comfort Grey paint.
Those drapes were in my dining room and they match the bedding
but
I want something more feminine, maybe white or a quilt and I may paint that oak bedroom furniture!
I do like it so much better now though...

This is material I bought this summer to make Denae a purse!

She loves her sisters Vera Bradley purse but is not crazy about the paisley.

And these are my girls cute stockings, two made by Aunt Debbie and one by me.
Every Christmas I kick myself because there are not 5 stockings there.
So...

I bought the stuff 3 years ago to make my husband and I one to match,
I am going to do it this year.

They should say Debbie and Dusty!

These are just a few of the projects i want to get done in 2011.
I'm putting it out there for you to ask me about and hold me accountable.
I'll keep you posted if it happens

Christmas Day

2010-12-27T18:36:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas morning started out with filled Stockings,

you know full of girly things like warm socks, headbands, eyeshadow, candy, bath and body works soap....all those things that Santa knows girls need!

Deann got one really fun thing put in her stocking from the youth pastor.
It is a snow globe that one of the youth made and was passed around at the youth Christmas party and then decided that Deann needed because she wasn't there.
On one side it says "Jesus loves you and is watching over you and so am I" the other side as you can see is a picture of the youth pastor.
Deann loved it.

The girls also got the annual Christmas Gift from their Aunt Joyce in California.
Matching Joy bags filled with candy and santa ears.
(Joyce has always bought all 9 grand daughters the same thing ever since they were born. It use to be really cute matching outfits,(( they are a bit too old for that now though)) shirts, scarfs, purses, nail polish or something, she is really sweet and the girls look forward to opening her gift)

The best gift of all was the matching I-pod touches
they got from Dusty and I and my mom!
They love them.

I borrowed a couple of blog recipes this year for Christmas.
The first a German Pancake
(and from whom I don't know)

Melt 5 tbsp of butter in a 9 x 13, in a 450 degree oven.
then add 6 eggs, 1 cup milk, 1 cup flour and 1/2 tsp salt all mixed together.
bake until fluffy,about 15 minutes.
Add whatever toppings you would like, the possibilities are endless.
We added cinnamon and powdered sugar and covered with pan cake syrup, it was really good.
That is also a small side of bacon too.:)

Then I made a delicious pie from my Friend Christy at Between Here and Home.
Cranberry Bog Pie!
It was a hit and will make it again.

We had a relaxing day and even took a walk outside in the snow.
This has been our lawn for a month.
Lots of snow.
A real white Christmas!

Hope your Christmas was blessed.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T10:37:00.000-08:00

We are stopping by to wish you a very Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T07:42:00.000-08:00

This evening we will spend time at church at the candle light christmas service.
My kids love this and look forward to it every year.
I love it because it is the climax to a very busy month.
A time to stop and remember the real reason for this season
the birth of our dear Savior Jesus!
May your Holidays be Blessed

Confession

2010-12-21T04:24:00.000-08:00

I have a confession.....I love my Girls.
And I can't stand to see them treated badly. I'm sure your not surprised.
This week, I got so angry at a basketball game that I almost had to be escorted out of the gym. Yes, I am a Pastors wife and a child of God.
Did I act like it , no! Have there been consequences, yes!
Woo! That was hard to admit.
My daughter has been playing basketball since she was in 2nd grade.
She has never had a coach that was belittling or an out and out screamer.
I had my fill and let it fester, rather than going to her and talking about the problem, I sat and stewed and then she did the thing that broke the camels back and called her stupid.
Now there is lots of mending to do.
Will this hurt my daughter, I don't know. But I do know that she is going to see her mother apologize and try to encourage a young lady that I would rather spank. Yes, she is probably old enough to be my daughter.
A christian is not perfect!
A christian is real, they admit faults and they apologize.
They pray, they search the scriptures and
they try to walk so closely to the Lord that others see Him and not us!
Christ continues to be the Lord of my Life
and I want others to know that and
not about my bad attitude.
Is there a lesson in this?
Go to someone and In love , talk about your issue, try not to let it fester.
Our words have the power to heal or destroy.
May my words heal and build!

Updated:
I talked with the coach , well all three of them and it went well.
I even gave that young lady a hug and she was very sweet.
I am praying that we can build a relationship
maybe this will be a beginning.

Snow

2010-12-16T17:50:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share these darling pictures of my daughter, Denae.
Her sisters are both taking a photography class and are really learning to take some adorable pictures.She loves to be there model :)
This picture was taken by DeAnn about two weeks ago with the first snow!

And these pictures were taken by Darci a couple of days ago.

I am wondering where her shoes and coat are but glad that she is a kid and loves to try something new. They had a lot of fun taking these, of course , I wasn't home.

Christmas

2010-12-13T08:25:00.000-08:00

This is our foyer. I used the Mr and Mrs Claus that we got the first two years we were married and added a fresh small evergreen arrangement. Notice the darling hanging evergreen on the mirror. My father-in-law made that for me for my birthday this year.

Our mantel

This year when putting up the tree we decided to go red and white, so If it wasn't red or white we didn't use it. I think it is prettier than the pictures show. It is not a very big tree but perfect for this spot.

Have I told you how much I hate the TV above the fireplace....but I am making it work.

We are also enjoying the fireplace. It has a gas log and is easy to light.
The girls light it while doing homework and it is so peaceful.

Last year we had no tree, as we we moved on December 22.
We are glad to be somewhat settled and ready to have Christmas in our own home this year.
Hope yours is blessed.

New Driver

2010-12-09T16:49:00.000-08:00

Darci got her license , officially this week.
No more permit, no more mom and dad setting next to her....all grown up and driving to school by herself!
In Kansas she was driving 2 years ago and had just finished drivers ed when we moved here but in Indiana you have to wait until you are 16 years old and 1 month to get a permit and then 6 months of driving to get a license.
At first I was ticked but now I am glad that she had to wait
because she is a much better driver now.
Say a prayer for this mom ...I can't believe I have a driver in my home!

A few changes....

2010-12-01T05:51:00.000-08:00

I found this cute saying while checking out blogs and I love it.
I found one at Hobby Lobby and knew immediately where i wanted to put it.
The place where we eat the most!

This is the entry to our house it has been blank for months, 6 to be exact.

Last week my husband and i were at Homegoods and found this table and lamp.
I would love to get a couple of unique chairs to put on each side of it
but for now it will store all my gift wrapping supplies.

I took this picture before Thanksgiving.
This was my fall table, filled with pinecones I got from my moms house this summer
and acorns I got while hiking with my husband and girls at Turkey Run State Park.
And the candle holder was from my Mother-in-law for Christmas last year,
picked up while on some vacationing adventure.

Fun Memories!

Ginger Custard Pumpkin Pie-SMS

2010-11-07T04:11:00.000-08:00

Today is the day that I get to host the Sweet Melissa Sunday recipe!

The recipe I chose was Ginger Custard Pumpkin Pie

doesn't that just scream fall!

The first thing you do is take one 6 x 1 inch piece of fresh ginger, unpeeled and thinly slice and coarsely chop

and 2 cinnamon sticks, crushed

I have never used these before so it was an experience

crushing cinnamon was not easy

but the ginger gave the pie and extra boost!

I would make this again it was very good and a perfect fall dessert.

Ginger custard Pumpkin Pie
1 prebaked 10-inch pie shell
One 6 x 1 inch piece of fresh ginger, unpeeled, sliced thinly and coarsely chopped
2 cinnamon sticks, crushed
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup whole milk
2 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups of fresh or canned pumpkin puree

Before you start
position a rack in the bottom third of your over. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the ginger, crushed cinnamon sticks, heavy cream, and milk to scalding. Remove from the heat, cover, and let steep for 10 minutes. Return the saucepan to medium heat and bring back to scalding.
2. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks,sugar, and salt until pale yellow. Whisk the hot ginger cream, little by little, until combined.
3. In a separate bowl, briefly whisk the pumpkin puree until smooth. Slowly whisk in the ginger custard until incorporated.
4. pour the pumpkin custard in the prebaked pie shell. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until set.
Remove to a wire rack to cool.
This pie keeps tightly wrapped in plastic at room temperature overnight. For longer storage, it keeps tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Enjoy!

Happy Halloween

2010-11-01T06:50:00.000-07:00

This was my crew at Trunk or treat!

Darci and I were the only ones that dressed up , she was really excited about decorating her car and decided to be a nerd, which she had a lot of fun with.

Dusty only gave out candy to the dad's , said he had the Man candy, he was a hit.

It was a fun night and fairly warm! Hope your Halloween was fun!

Comfort Gray... Sherwin Williams

2010-10-26T13:06:00.000-07:00

This has been my bedroom color for 5 months.

It looked so elegant when we looked at the home.

Her furniture was huge and darling but this color has really worn on all our nerves.

It was really dark , olive green color.

And this was in the middle of the day before we painted it.

It took 2 coats of primer to cover it, I felt so tall with that long paint brush

This is just a peak at my new room.

Dusty says its green, Denae says its blue and I love it.

It is Comfort Gray by Sherwin Williams

I think it will be an easy color to match things with because it really is a soft neutral.

I know I have been reading too many blogs.

I told the guy that he should check out some blogs because it is all over.

So if The Nester, Susie Harris at Bienvenue
or Carrie at Buzzings of a Queen Been gets a phone call from Sherwin Williams

tell them I sent You :)

SMS Fluffy Coconut Cake with Passion Fruit Filling

2010-10-18T05:44:00.001-07:00

This weeks Sweet Melissa recipe was this delicious coconut cake with Passion fruit filling and was chosen by Karen of Karen's Cookies, Cakes and More.

Have I told you how much I love coconut!!!

I really liked this recipe and will make it again.I did half the recipe for the cake and it was still perfect.It was a yellow cake mix with no coconut and had egg whites folded in to the batter.The fruit filling was made of a passion fruit and the frosting was to die for. It had 1/2 cup of sweetened cream of coconut, cream cheese, confectioners sugar, butter and vanilla. The coconut flakes were then sprinkled on to the sides and because I knew my kids didn't like coconut, I only sprinkled coconut on half and they all loved it.

There was leftover icing and so I kept it and used it for bagels , good idea my oldest daughter thought.

I was really busy this weekend and couldn't post my cake that I made last Wednesday

because of this

band....

and my daughter had her first cheer competetion.

Then my other daughter hurt her foot and took up a good deal of Sunday.
Anyway, I really wanted to post how much I loved this.

Yard work

2010-10-04T15:48:00.000-07:00

Today was one of my favorite days.

My ~~husband~~ ~~and~~ I have been wanting to put in a flower bed to the very

back of our property all summer but knew the best time would be fall

then we could put in trees and shrubs.

This is the 70ft x 15 ft area that we worked on today

There were the overgrown tree and shrubs that we moved to the back yard
There were two sets of shrubs in this space but you couldn't see what was behind.

Both of us worked the tiller but my husband did most of the work , it was hard.

Awe so much better you can actually see our house.

And you can see the others in the back corner on the left.

I can say that I am so tired I can't move but shhhh don't tell my husband.
He will say this was your idea.

Pictures are getting bigger

2010-10-04T05:06:00.000-07:00

I am playing with the settings on my blog and thought I would show some pictures of my girls!

Darci plays the flute

DeAnn plays the Clarinette

Denae is a cheerleader

However they are wearing shorts because there are 48 of them for Jr. High Cheer

Finally!

2010-10-02T19:13:00.000-07:00

Thank you for so many suggestions about my curtains,

I think, I have finally made a decision.

We , well my whole family, decided that we really liked the curtains from Pier One in the dining area but we also really loved the Lowe's curtains so....we kept both of them.

We put the Lowe's curtains in the breakfast room and everyone loved them.

They even had a valance and the tones really match the back splash

Now I can move on to other things.

You may be thinking what did you do with those other curtains

that you spent 3 weeks making?
Well right now they are nicely tucked away and if I change my mind I will use them.

My youngest daughter said , I hate to say I like these more because you worked so hard on those others, I told her it was OK.

Still making Decisions.....Help

2010-09-29T18:27:00.000-07:00

Last week Dusty and I found these drapes at Pier One and we both like them.

But because I am a woman I keep changing my mind

and now I need an opinion.

Frankly, I probably read too many blogs!

I bought these simple drapes at Wal-mart,

I'm pretty sure they are a big NO but they are in the running....#1

#2 is a drop cloth that I got at Wal mart

#3 I found these at Lowes and love the cool look

See them side by side with the Pier one drapes.

You can click on the picture to enlarge but I would appreciate any and all comments.

Should I go with another color?

Thanks

Mostly finished

2010-09-27T06:25:00.000-07:00

I wanted to show you some of the pictures of my dining room and breakfast room and they are mostly finished for now.

First ....I Found this cool Pottery Barn type of jar at the good will last week and it was 50% off day so it was 2$, I think it looks fun with my fall decorations.

This is my breakfast room that opens into the living room
The drapes are finished for now.
I also made a valance to go over the kitchen sink.

Dusty had painted the dining room one day while I was gone.
He did not like the teal powder blue that was up there.
I guess I should be happy that he doesn't mind to paint.
Anyway, the curtains up there just didn't match.
We found these panels at Pier One this weekend and we both thought they matched.

The browns match better and seem to make this room look more formal.

I like the way that it is coming together but who knows I could change my mind...

Chicken Pot Pie

2010-09-14T10:24:00.000-07:00

This is a simple, easy recipe that everyone loves.

This is my mom's Chicken Pot Pie.

Ingredients:

2 cups of chicken

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 1/2 cups of chicken broth ( I get mine from boiling the chicken breasts)

2 cans of veg-all ( I use one or two whichever I have on hand)

Mix these ingredients and put in a 9 x 13 dish after spraying with nonstick spray.

Then top with :
1 1/2 cup of Bisquick
1 1/2 cup of milk
1 stick of margarine melted
Mix this together and pour over the other.
(It might seem runny but it will set up)
Bake at 350 degrees for one Hour

I have not met anyone that doesn't love this.
It is especially good for sick people as it is light and not spicy
I'm linking this to Jens Tasty Tuesday at

Balancing Beauty and Bedlam

(http://beautyandbedlam.com/).

Changing my mind....a womans choice

2010-09-12T18:26:00.000-07:00

This was the curtains in our dining room the day we moved in but with orange walls.

We painted the room to a more taupe color but I have been struggling with this sliding glass door

since the day we moved in.

This door faces west and gets all the afternoon sun so it needs a good cover.

To me this was just ugly!

But to be honest my husband kinda liked it because it was neutral.

I wanted it to look french country and scream breakfast room.

I found this cute fabric in Arkansas and made these valances and drapes

but after living with them for a week, I couldn't stand them.

They just looked too much and were overwhelming.

My husband agreed

So I took the valances down

Added the plaid fabric, and found the rod at Lowes .
The rod really matches the lighting and fits better in the room.
My husband thinks it is less cluttered.

I guess I can change my mind, I see this happen on a lot of blogs and

I think it must be normal.

So stay tuned it could happen again.

My husband still needs to install all the hardware for the new rod.
And I need to sew the trim and hem the bottom
But I think it looks much better!

Any suggestions?

SMS Savory Muffins

2010-09-12T04:49:00.000-07:00

I really like savory muffins as posted about the caramelized onion, sage and cheddar muffins. They were delicious with a soup.

But I knew my family wouldn't eat the ones chosen for today so I thought I would pass this time. Today's recipe is Bosc pear, Blue Cheese and Walnut muffins. Our host is Andrea at Nummy Kitchen. Go check out her recipe and have a great day!

Blessings

Mom's French Pancakes

2010-09-05T04:34:00.000-07:00

This weeks Sweet Melissa recipe was a hit at our house.

I can honestly say my kids have probably never eaten crepes before and they loved them.

As some of these recipes are huge , I thought about halving it

but am so glad that I didn't because they were eaten before I finished cooking.

They were very easy and used things I had on hand.

They say the trick is in the swirling the batter in the pan to get them just right

I would agree that this was true.

I wanted some whipped cream to put in them, I thought if they were bad at least my girls would eat that. I was on the phone to call my husband to pick some up from the store and remembered that I still had some heavy whipping cream in the fridge, so with the Sweet Melissa Recipe I made some and it was the perfect addition.

I also used the blackberry freezer jam that I just made last week.It was perfect but you could have used anything with fruit , heck , she even suggested Ice cream.

Sprinkled with Powder sugar....

Delicious!

This recipe was chosen by

Jaime of Good Eats and Sweet Treats

Go check out her blog to get the recipe

You won't be disappointed.

Blackberry Freezer Jam

2010-08-30T07:09:00.000-07:00

A very sweet lady from my church brought me

these two bags of fresh blackberries.

What a treat! So Instead of making a pie

I made something that we can enjoy for several months.

With the help of some Sure Jell

We are going to be enjoying these for a while.

You leave them in the freezer and they are a treat with toast!

Sweet Melissa Sunday

2010-08-29T04:29:00.000-07:00

I was so excited to bake this week because my friend Michelle from Flourchild is hosting.

I met Michelle when I lived in Idaho. I was trying to remember where we met and I think it was at Bible Study Fellowship but I could be wrong. Anyway, we have a special bond because both of our first daughters are adopted. We were both trying to get pregnant at the same time and she and her husband adopted first. I keep in touch with her every year via Christmas cards and two years ago found out that she had a blog. She was doing this baking club and I decided to join in.

It has been fun to keep up with her on a weekly basis and see what a great cook that she is. Go over to her blog and check out all the delicious baking that she does, it will not disappoint!

For some reason this week I must have read the list wrong because I baked Cherry Clafoutis Tart. It had Clafoutis and Almonds in it and I guess I really should start wearing my glasses more but here it is.

This recipe called for fresh cherries and then had a heavy cream and milk filling,

it was more like a custard.

It was different and this picture was after is sat in the fridge

but it was still not my favorite.

Thanks Michelle for hosting this week, I'll have to try the Sweet Plum Clafoutis with Almonds.

Go check hers out it looks delicious.

Almost ready.....

2010-08-28T09:43:00.000-07:00

This was this sliding glass door and window the day we moved in.

The next day we got rid of the lovely orange color but it has taken me a while to decide what I wanted to do with this window.

I recently went to Arkansas and found a really cool waverly print that I thought matched great.

I know everyone is just doing drapes but I thought this area really needed a topper too.

My husband put them up for me
The lighting isn't that great but I think they look great.

I'm thinking of adding the trim to the side, what do you think?

Project

2010-08-23T12:58:00.000-07:00

See this cute fabric.....

I'm making something cute to replace these drapes

that were on the sliding glass door

Hopefully I will be able to show you soon!

Sweet Melissa Cherry Almond Granola

2010-08-18T07:00:00.001-07:00

This weeks Sweet Melissa recipe was Cherry Almond Granola

chosen by Wendy of Pink Stripes.

(I did not post on Sunday because I was so sick with the stomach flu.

I was flat in bed for 2 days, my husband got it and then my number two daughter got it.)

We loved this recipe.

It had to bake at 250 for 1 1/2 hours and my girls could hardly wait until it came out.

Added currants, cherries and raisins after it cooled.

Mixed

And then in a bowl of yogurt.

Delicious!

New Dining Room Furniture

2010-08-11T13:46:00.000-07:00

Ever since we moved to Indianapolis we have been watching Craigs list for a dining room table and chairs for this area.We have never had a more formal dining space , just a breakfast type area.Well last night , about 9 pm my husband called me over and said this is a new set, what do you think.

At first I was a bit Leary but when we got there to see it I loved it.

It is a Vaughn set.Had really not been used and was in mint condition.

And for a GREAT price.

It has a tan color on the seats, and the wood is very sturdy.
It does have an extra piece and will seat up to 10.
I really didn't want a Hutch but just a buffet but this was not so old fashioned looking.
Finally my China that I got 21 years ago has a place to set.

Of course we need to repaint this area but I just had to share this cute set with you..
This is a true Blessing from the Lord!

Sarahs House

2010-08-07T08:43:00.000-07:00

I don't know if you have seen the HGTV series Sarah's House but I love it.

They are doing a special on a farmhouse that I am in Love with.

The gist of the show is that she has bought an old farm out in the country and has gutted it and is now trying to redo from the studs out.

It is darling and everything I would want in a house.

Check it out, Tuesdays at Pm.

Pink and Polka Dots

2010-08-02T15:39:00.000-07:00

We started Denae's room months ago.

We are getting somewhat done, would love to buy her new furniture

as all hers is all hand me down or from a garage sale.

It started out looking like this. A boys baby room.

To this....Pink and white with lots of polka dots

She picked out the bedding at Bed Bath and Beyond.

I talked her in to keeping all her favorite dolls and stuffed animals.

The American Girl Doll she got for Christmas, the doll she got from Mexico ,

Her Build a Bear-decked out in cheer gear, her rag doll she got with Grandma from Branson,

her kittie she has had since she was a baby and various other camp memorabilia.

This was her new lamp.

And her cute wax hand from Branson.

It means I love you!

Her cute purse hanging on her painted headboard.

I love that she loves pink!

All girl!

Toasted Almond Lemon Bars

2010-08-01T19:05:00.001-07:00

OK I am a week late but not a dollar short!:)

This was one of the easiest and best Sweet Melissa Recipes .

First Toast the almonds and add to the short bread mix

Add the lemon filling and bake for 30 minutes
Then dust with powdered sugar!
They were delicious.
I had a house of Teens over when they came out of the oven,
one of the teens said can I try a bite?
I said of course and that was all , they were gone in 15 minutes!

I will make these again.

They were easy and just the right amount of lemon.

Happy Birthday

2010-07-14T05:42:00.000-07:00

DeAnn will be 15 today

Denae will be 13

They are both such a joy to be around.

They both Love the Lord and Love Life.

Love you girls

Sweet Melissa North Fork Peach Raspberry Pie

2010-07-03T19:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Fourth of July!

Hope you have a fun day celebrating with friends and family.

This weeks Sweet Melissa Recipe was a Fruit Pie, I knew that I was all in.

Fresh Georia Peaches and Raspberries from the Farmers Market

I talked Denae into helping me peal and slice them

I didn't make the SMS pie crust.

Instead I made an old stand by that I love.

Simple

Only difference is no butter and it is usually to die for.

The fruit cut up with a zest of a lemon , sugar and cornstarch.

The recipe called for Tapioca , I didn't have it and really didn't miss it either.

It was beautiful

And delicious!

Thanks Rebecca of Beurrista for choosing this pie.

It was a perfect choice for the day.

Our Yard

2010-06-28T05:57:00.000-07:00

Our street name is Liatris. It is named after a flower.

We still don't know how to pronounce it but I finally found some of these purple Liatris flowers and planted them in our yard.As you can tell they are kinda tall, with fluffy purple heads.

One of my planters

I love these three burning bush.

I love the seats built into the deck.

This is the back yard. It needs some flowers and trees.....

This is our neighborhood pool.

The girls love it.

It is free to go to and the girls have enjoyed taking their friends there.

How great is that , I can say, stop watching TV and go to the pool.

Happy Fathers Day Dusty

2010-06-20T03:16:00.000-07:00

This morning our cat woke me up and was wanting me to pet her. She is feeling better.
Her third eye is better. That is a white corner of her eye that comes up to tell you that she is sick. They tested her for pet HIV and Leukemia, all came back negative.She is on antibiotics for a week and that has been a treat to get down her but she is better.

Happy Fathers Day to one of the goofiest Dad's around.
My husband always makes everything fun for our girls.
They are lucky to have such an awesome dad.

Finds....

2010-06-19T08:06:00.001-07:00

One of the things I am finding about Indiana that I do LIKE is all the garage sales.

These were my scores for the day. Total....Seven Dollars.

Two candlestick lamp bases that I will use when finishing my daughters room.

They will need spray paint but they are perfect.

Denae got a cute white picture frame for her room.

Found this wonderful Soup Turine that is all over blog land.

The silver gravy boat, it will need some polish.

And this gooseberry cook book.

It is loaded with recipes that I can't wait to try.

My favorite find was this utensil holder.

Love the Rooster!

I'm linked to Rhoda at Southern Hospitality!

Vacation

2010-06-18T17:02:00.000-07:00

This past week we loaded our girls up and drove to Branson, Missouri to spend time with my husbands brothers and their girls. Every summer we try to get together with some of our family. It was a fun three days.

The first day we went to Silver Dollar City.

It is an old fashioned town amusement park that sports crafts, kettle cooking

and rag doll making. It was a lot of fun.

The next day we went to a water park called White Water.

It was a perfect day.

My favorite part was listening to all the girls giggle, french braid each others hair

and just hang out with their cousins.
Because my three live in Indiana, three live in Alaska and two live in Arkansas.

I hope that one day they will all want to be in each others weddings.

I know.... My Dream!

When we came home our cat, Chocolate is sick.

Today we took her to the vet.
They tested her for several cat diseases that came back negative
but she is still sick.
We are hoping that she feels better fast.

Painting again

2010-06-09T12:34:00.000-07:00

We are painting again.

This was a really sweet little boys baby room.

But now this is Denae's room, and she wanted pink.

Took off the words, very easy.

Then lots of primer.

It was a kahki and red.
Can you see the color ?

Still working.....

Sweet Melissa Linzer thumbprint Cookies

2010-06-06T15:47:00.001-07:00

This weeks recipe is Pistachio Linzer Thumbprint cookies.

I didn't have any Pistachio and couldn't find any so I made them

without and they were delicious.

I used Strawberry Preserves and my kids loved them.

I think dipping them in the egg whites before they

baked made them fluffy and crisp.

My girls loved them, they will be a do over as they were really easy.

Had to make myself some coffee with these.
It rained here yesterday so it was a perfect day for

coffee and cookies and a good book.

Thanks to Tracey of Tracey's Culinary Adventures

for choosing this week.

Beautiful day....

2010-06-05T16:49:00.001-07:00

A few pictures of our neighborhood.

This is the front of our house

with all the shrubs blooming.

We will probably move some of them because behind these

are some really pretty evergreens.

This is the four mile bike path that circles around our entire neighborhood.

Couldn't pass this up, We stopped to take pictures

This white fence goes all around the neighborhood.

Hope your day has been good.

Dining room

2010-06-03T19:10:00.000-07:00

This is the blue dining room for now.

This furniture is old!!! We got this table when our kids were first able to set at a table

from Sears in Portland, Oregon and I found this hutch at a garage sale for 30$.

Now we are looking for something nicer and bigger.

I really can't believe how hard it is to find something that is not matchy matchy and dated.

This table and hutch have held my quilts and crafts for years.

I love the wainscoting just not sure of the color.

Sweet Melissa Sunday.....finally

2010-05-30T17:15:00.000-07:00

Well this was me the day we moved in on May 8th. It was a disaster. And took me about 2 weeks to find the can opener and ice cream scoop. And yes , we bought one before we found them, we were desperate!

Finally we have it pretty much put together.

Never been much of a black or stainless steal girl but I am finally getting use to

them in my new kitchen.

Loving the black handles on the fridge so they don't get too dirty

and really like the small island.

What did we do without it before?

Today I was finally able to post a Sweet Melissa Recipe after 5 months.

This weeks recipe is one of my all time favorites so I couldn't wait to give it a try.

Coconut Custard Pie

This is one of the best things my mom makes.
It was good but I think my mom's still wins!

Made the crust

And then added the coconut to the bottom and then the custard filling.

Baked for 50 minutes, it was a good pie and yes, I will try it again.

Beautiful!
Thanks to Ruby of I Dream of Baking for choosing this week.
Check out her blog for the recipe.
It's great to back in business.

Orange is Gone....

2010-05-29T04:01:00.000-07:00

This was our family room the day we bought the house. It was really cute with all their furniture, just didn't match anything we had or would ever have so the day after we bought the house my sweet father-in-law and husband painted this room for me.

Se the orange stripes. Cool Idea but Denae wasn't impressed.

After

I kept the valances for now.

They actually look pretty decent with the wall color.

No more Orange stripes.

Now we can relax in this room.

I'm sure it will change over time but for now we are still focusing on emptying boxes.

Hope your Holiday is fun and cool.

Powder room redo

2010-05-26T05:08:00.000-07:00

You remember this room. Too small for this dark color. Last week I came home from work and my husband had primed it, said I can't take it anymore. Find a color.

Morning Zen by Behr.

A soft green that feels fresh and new.

Not so dark and caverness.

Now onto a million more boxes.....

Powder Room

2010-05-21T16:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I came home from work and my husband was painting this room.

This was one of the cutest rooms , I thought, when we looked at the house but after living with it for 2 weeks we all hate it.

Too dark. Too small.

I'm dreaming of this type of powder room from Comforts of Home.

Her new home is adorable.

Now the room is primed and I need to pick a color. Any suggestions?

Would be fun to see your powder room.

Moving

2010-05-14T19:19:00.000-07:00

Saturday was the big day, there were lots of people from our church that came to help.We started at 8 am and finished at 1030. They were fast. My daughter Darci helping put things on the truck, we all worked hard.
A few pictures of the house, in a big mess...but who cares its ours.
I'm loving this wainscoting and the blue dining room.

The orange living and breakfast room.

Yes, that has already been painted just no pictures to post yet.

The kitchen before everything hit.

And the dining room with a few boxes.

Our house is closer to the church, and the girls schools.

It has made our life so much better.

Looking forward to getting this in order soon.

Moving Day

2010-05-07T08:17:00.000-07:00

Today is moving day!
I just wanted to take a few minutes to say I can't believe that it is here.
Over the past 4 months and one week, I have shed many tears.But
this weekend should be fun, we get the keys today at two and then friends are coming over to help clean and paint the orange family room, put up shelf paper, clean cabinets, bathrooms and then tomorrow we full fledged move in.
My in-laws are coming tomorrow afternoon and will be here for a week.
We are excited to see some familiar faces and have our family around.
I can't wait to come back soon with pictures and show you around the"new to us" place!
I hope that you have a Blessed Mothers Day weekend and take time to enjoy your mother.

May 7th

2010-04-24T19:56:00.000-07:00

Home

Do you know what May 7th is?
It's moving day!

Our prayers have been answered and we finally have a house.
I can't wait to post pictures , it is a house that we both like.
We thought we were really going to have to settle but I can say with a smile,
I really like this house.
Thanks for all your prayers!
He answered!

Shaped

2010-04-06T15:57:00.000-07:00

Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,
who have been called according to his purpose.

Lately I have been wondering how so many changes have been for the good.
Like this gardener, God is shaping and molding me to conform to His image.
When we are stretched and feel like breaking we say "Don't you see God", "Why" and many other things that are much less spiritual.
He digs away the dead, the ideas that we think are so great, the preconceived ideas of how it should be and what would make since.
I am needing my sisters to pray for my family.
We are still in need of a home.
We have made three different offers on homes and each time there have
been HUGE road blocks.
The last one was today.
We made an offer on a house with two different sidings. The owner wanted to give us a portion, about a 1/10 to have it fixed so we said No.
We are tired, worn out, stressed out and in need.
The house we are staying in will no longer be available after May 10th.
That is 5 weeks away!!!
We serve a mighty God that cares and I know that He wants to meet all our needs.
Up to this point His answer has been NO!
We are ready for New Direction, Clarity and New Wisdom.
And we need a Resounding YES!
Pray that we will be a light in this difficult time,
that we will still stay focused,
that we will not turn on each other but we will grow closer.
Pray that the Mighty Hand of God will move in such a miraculous way that only He could orchestrate this for our girls.So awesome that they will never doubt His great love for us.
Blessings,
Debbie

Happy Easter

2010-04-02T14:12:00.001-07:00

Have a Blessed Easter with your family

Simplicity

2010-03-06T07:31:00.000-08:00

It seems winter has drug on far too long.

I am craving days setting by the streams and enjoy listening to the sounds of nature

and not the sounds of cars. I can't wait to enjoy the beauty of summer.
I miss the slower much more relaxed way of life.

Plans

2010-02-20T14:20:00.000-08:00

This year I decided to start reading the Proverbs and to try to find something every day that the Lord specifically speaks to me. I am making a journal about my days in Proverbs and situations that stand out. So this is how I am doing it. Every day of the month is a chapter in Proverbs. For example yesterday was the 19th. So I spent time in the 19th chapter of Proverbs.

The verse that really spoke to me was
verse 21: Many are the plans in a man's heart but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.

This has really spoken to me because this week we found out that the house we wanted didn't appraise for what the guy wanted and he doesn't want to lower his asking price.
So...we are back to looking at houses.
I have been very sad.
I was planning, preparing and getting ready for the move.
Now we are back to square one.
We have been here for 2 months and were really hoping to be in a house by now but God had other plans.
Part of me is angry, part of me is sad but overall I am starting to accept that My Plans may not be His plans. He has a better plan and I need to accept it.

I am still dreaming , still planning and getting ready to move.
I know that we are going to find a house.
I know that His Plans are not mine.
He has a better plan!

Dreaming....

2010-02-06T07:11:00.000-08:00

I'm dreaming about curtains and window treatments.
(This is not our house , this is from Pottery Barn. )
We have started the process to buy a house and will move on the 25th of February.
The house that we are buying needs window coverings. They took everything when they left, even the blinds.
We are excited and ready to get settled.
I can't wait to show you when we get moved in.
I have also found a job and will start on the 15th of February.
I can hardly believe that our life will completely change in 2 months.

SMS Black Bottom Brownies

2010-01-24T05:08:00.000-08:00

I have no pictures to show as we don't have our computer set up to put pictures on for now but I am back to baking.
I tried the Black Bottom Brownies and was so excited to make them for my husband who has his birthday today. He loves cheesecake and chocolate.
Well , after using 12 eggs, 2 cream cheese packets, a whole bag of chocolate chips, a Delicious chocolate bar, 2 sticks of butter, and all that goes in to making brownies, They failed.
I put them in the oven as directed, baked for an hour and took them out because they were getting brown. BIG Mistake! They didn't set up in the middle. So I thought I would let them cool and they would set up , they didn't. I then decided I would put them back in the oven. They never set up in the middle and the top and sides were so burned they were not edible.
So at 11pm, I pulled out my Duncan Hines and made my husband a chocolate cake. I think he was a bit disappointed but he will love it.
Anyway, I hope others had better luck than me.Check out Cynthia at Baking Therapist and see how she did. I'm sure they were delicious!

Something fun to think about!

2010-01-12T09:40:00.000-08:00

Today I needed something fun to think about. So.....

I love all these cute cakes and I have a few chime ins to go along with each.
I love these flowers. I miss Spring and Summer and would love to be outside mowing my yard and watering all my flowers.

This reminds me of the big beautiful flowers of Kansas in summer.

I wish the superheros would come and find me a new house.

Or just wave their magic wands and a house would appear!

I guess I just needed a fun break.

Enjoy looking at all the cool cakes courtesy of Better Homes and Garden!

Have a blessed day!

Waiting

2010-01-07T07:48:00.000-08:00

Waiting is not always easy. We like to think that we are all under control and OK with whatever God brings along but the truth is in this instant generation , it is hard to wait.

Last year I was in the Bible Study Fellowship and we studied The Life of Moses. We watched the children of Israel and how they complained and were tired of waiting. They wanted to be in the Promised Land today. I remember setting on my bed one night and saying I'm sick of these children of Israel and all their complaining. You know what I could see the end for them, they couldn't. They were waiting.

Every day I understand a bit more of the waiting that comes with not knowing.

Right now we are waiting on a house. Waiting for the right house, at the right price , in the right neighborhood and I'm embarrassed to say it is not easy.

God continues to assure me in small ways that He has a plan , that He is in control and I wait.

While I wait....I love my family. Pray more. Read the word more. Listen for Him to speak. And I know that this is small in comparison to some who have lost their homes and have no chance of finding a home.Small in comparison to the children of Israel in the desert and wondering for 40 years.

While I wait.....I wait!!!!

Looking for a place to call home.....

2010-01-02T08:22:00.000-08:00

Well we made it to Indiana on Saturday. It has been a whirlwind of a month.We drove in on Saturday to snow and on Sunday of last week we got 4 inches. It has been cold and we are thankful for a warm house to stay in.

We are staying in a house of people that attend the church while they spend the winter in Florida. It is darling home and we are grateful for this opportunity to look for a house and not feel so rushed.

We have made the decision to send our kids to the Plainfield School District and we are anxiously awaiting Monday to get them signed up. The girls have done well. They are adjusting and we are enjoying spending quality time with them since we have no TV or Internet. We finally got library cards today and were able to use their computers.

We know that the Lord is in control and that He has a plan and we can't wait to see what He has in store for us.

I have missed my blog and can't wait to get caught back up with all the happenings in Blog land!

Andrew....

2009-12-17T18:02:00.000-08:00

Please pray for Bella Mella as her twelve year old son, Andrew, passed away yesterday.

So far....

2009-12-05T13:43:00.000-08:00

I love this picture from Better Homes and Garden.

Last week I was a bit overwhelmed, this week things are starting to fall into place.

Well to date:

1. I have my Indiana Nursing License!!!!
2. Talked to one school, got a basketball try out for my middle daughter the last week of December and lots of information, getting closer to a decision about schools for my kids but still praying

3. Almost finished with my Statistics paper and will have my final on Tuesday and have been studying
4. Found out about health insurance and have started the paper work
5. Decided we are staying in the offered house for the first month or until we buy a house.

I feel really blessed that the Lord is working out the details.

My Life...at the moment!

2009-11-28T13:57:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we came home from a Thanksgiving Holiday with our relatives in Arkansas to find that our modem was dead.

So...in true Cowell fashion we decided to wait on replacing it until we get to Indiana,

since we have only 3 weeks until we move.

Did you hear that, 3 weeks until we move.

In the mean time we need to...

1. Continue to look and pray for a house

2.Continue to search for health insurance

3.Pray our guts out about what school to send our kids to

4. Go to two band concerts,

5 basketball games,

to watch our daughter dance at 5 games, and cheer at 5 games, and

one vocal concert

5. I have a Statistics final

5. Pack everything and the movers will load on the 22nd

while the girls are finishing their last day of school

6. Get my nursing License transferred to Indiana

Thankfully we have decided that we are not decorating anything for Christmas.

We are going to Arkansas on the 22nd and will spend Christmas with my husbands parents.They have promised to make it fun for the girls.

I am not complaining, just telling you what I am thinking about right now.

I will not be doing SMS for December since I have no computer,

Your asking where are you now.....

and that would be at the public library.

Anyway, I will be following as time permits and I am able to get to the public library.

Blessings to all of you!

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-24T05:09:00.000-08:00

I hope that your Holiday is blessed!

That you enjoy time with family, rest and get to go shopping on Black Friday!

SOLD

2009-11-20T18:53:00.001-08:00

We sold our house!

We started this journey in August and would never have believed

that we would sell our house in 1 week but God had other plans.

Now we are getting ready for the next part of our journey.

(I made everybody wear their Plainfield shirts.)

Two things....

2009-11-17T11:28:00.000-08:00

This has been a crazy month.

We have been trying to sell our house and to do that you have to stage and clean.

My oldest daughter asked if she could decorate the table, I was flabbergasted but said yes!!

I had bought these cute round place mats at Wal-mart for $1 and she went to work.

I love the fact that she wanted to help. That table has been set now for 2 weeks.

And while cleaning we found this note in one of my husbands old shoes in the back of our closet.
In 2006 we had some sweet friends move about 30 minutes away and when they would have a chance they would come to town. One night they came by and we were not at home, they put 27 and now 28 of these notes in odd places. We have been finding them for years.
We all laughed and cried.
What sweet memories.