Merry Christmas!!!!

Merry Christmas From The Greenslade's

Photo Card

View the entire collection of cards.

Videos of interest

http://touchstonecf.org/teachings/guest/20110515AM.html

Carly and her little brother Cannon

The Social Media Monster - is it ALIVE?

Courtesy of Red e App

You Can Make It ---- The Outgo

In Your Freedom I will live!

Watch "Hillsong - In Your Freedom" on YouTube

Small change; HUGE step of Faith

Sometimes you just have to step out in faith and go for a change. This was my weekend to do so and I embraced the change in a seemingly small way; but it was a HUGE step of faith for me.



1977:
My mom, brother Randy and myself. Dark brown hair; layers.

1990:
My Russell and I on our wedding day. Dark brown hair; subtle highlights; layers.



2011:
Amanda, Jill and Me. Amanda's graduation.
Dark brown hair,subtle highlights and layers



2012:
Carly's home coming day! March 16.
Dark brown hair; layers and blonde highlights.





2012:
August 11
BOLD! Mahogany Cinnamon; I've still got my layers!

If you REALLY knew me ......

You would know that:

1) I am really shy and tend to think that people don't like me.
Maybe that stems from being the over-weight girl in elementary school who was made fun of on a daily basis. Or maybe it is just because I lack confidence. For a brief period in life I felt confident until I heard a close friend telling another that she only pretended to like me because her parents did and they felt I was a good influence on her.  Both girls laughed and continued to make snide comments about me and I have carried that shattered feeling into adulthood. (So, maybe I'm not really an adult yet.) Facebook, Twitter and Blogging allow me to reach out and interact with people without letting my shyness get in the way.

2) For all my bluster and gruff I really am not as confident as I pretend to be.
I hide my self conscious self and lack of confidence behind a smile and sterness. I know that I am not pretty or of a weight that is acceptible to society. But, I do love people and strive to make others as happy as I can no matter what.

3) I am terrified of the dark; and afraid of what lurks in the shadows.
Everything about the dark scares me. I have horrendous nightmares if I sleep too deeply and can't separate them from reality when I first wake. I dream that people have invaded my home and compromised the safety of my family and our precious cats and dog. Sleeping leaves me vulnerable and unfortunately; it has turned me into an insomniac.

4) I wanted to play girls softball or volleyball; but never did.
My brother Randy is exceptionally athletic and sports came easy to him. He has an innate grace and skill with just about any sport (especially tennis and baseball.) I'm eight years younger, left handed and not naturally prone to sports. My mom and brother teased me about being so inept at sports and did everything they could to discourage me from trying to join any type of a team. I think they were trying to protect me from failure and being teased.

5) Until I was almost 30 I thought I did not have a creative bone in my body and never had a hobby.
Then I went to a Creative Memories Home Show and learned how to use triangles and page borders and adhesive to make a really cool visual story of our snapshots. I was HOOKED!!! From that moment on I fell in love with paper crafts. I love scrapping and stamping and feel very passionate about the freedom and energy I get from allowing my mind to create and enjoy!

6) I like to cook & am not afraid to grab random ingredients from the pantry & see what is cooking.
I've tried to instill this same spirit in my daughter. Cooking is fun! Whether you create a gourmet meal or a meal that hits the trash bin...it is all about enjoying life. Cooking is creative and calls to my creative soul.

7) I adore black male cats.
Yup! I was 5 when I got my first black male cat. His name was Shadow and he was my shadow. We were best friends for ever and ever. When I was young I could dress him in my doll's clothes and put him in the buggy. I could carry him like a baby, or have him chase a foil ball. This cat was amazing. Full of love and snuggles. He slept with me every night and purred me to sleep. I was 15 1/2 when I had to have him put to sleep. I mourned him like crazy. Since Shadow I have never been without a black male cat. They own me.

8) I met my husband when he came to the rescue of a friend who locked her keys in the car.
My husband drives for AAA. He is such a cutie! He has the most amazing blue eyes and a wonderful laugh. We went on our 1st date in November of 89 and were married in September of 90. I love him!

9) We wanted 3 children; but have been blessed with 1 amazing daughter that we love!
I have PCOS and was told the chances of getting pregnant were less than 1 in a million. Oh how that destroyed me. While still trying to come to terms with that heart shattering news; I discovered that I was pregnant!!!! Whooooop whoooooppp!!!!! Oh yeah!!!! Amanda is now 19 and she is the proof that God blesses our lives. Yes HE does!!!

10) I love to read; play with our Beagle and hate walking in bare feet. Random I know. But all true.
My closet reading passion is Harlequin romances. My great grand-mother, grand mother and mom have always read them and their covers always intrigued me. Reading them seems natural. I only read happy stuff.  I like clean humor, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Amish stories, stories about animals and love, and blogs. Blogs fascinateme and teach me. My mind is happy learning from others. Happiness is a theme. Yes - I do prefer to live in a rose colored world of happiness.

Our Beagle is a gift from God. Carly enriches our life and draws our family together. We play with her, train her, love her and enjoy every moment with her. She is a delight to be around. Her energy is contagious. Her brown eyes reflect joy, and her desire to explore every nook and cranny of the world around her. She loves bugs, rugs, toys, tree bark, chew toys and her family. We love her.

Shoes and socks were made for a reason. Why? Because I can't stand bare feet. Don't know why. But I always wear socks and shoes. Always.

So, what would I know about you if I really knew YOU?

My KitchenAid Remodel Reveal…{and a Giveaway!} | She's Becoming DoughMessTic#comment-49491#comment-49491

My KitchenAid Remodel Reveal…{and a Giveaway!} | She's Becoming DoughMessTic#comment-49491#comment-49491

This is STUNNING! I would love to win this mixer. It would be a wonderful gift.

Life - is so HAPPY and BUSY!

I used to blog daily; and I loved it. I used to stamp or craft weekly; and I loved it. I used to sit and read for hours and I loved it. I used to sit and watch tv for hours and I loved it. My house use to be spotless at all times; with everything just so; and I loved it.

Now we are busy with Carly, or on the go, or involved in an activity for church; or just being a family; and I love it!

Does that mean I don't miss all the things I used to love. NO! emphatically NO. It just means that I continue to grow and change as a person and that I am embracing life every step of the way.

I love having our sweet Beagle pup;  Greenslade's California Girl, Carly the Cutie. What a joy she is in our lives! At six months of age she requires our time and returns it with love and happiness. Each day is a wonder as we enjoy her and love her and play with her. Each day is a triumph as she learns / grasps a skill that we have been working on.

She is a playful, energetic, happy pup who loves to be Carly! She loves to go to Play class with her Paws in Progress canine friends. There she plays with other dogs who are being trained exactly like she is. Same commands; same trainer; same expectations. The dogs get to romp, run, jump, fetch, tumble, growl, bark, chase each other and use their muscles and minds to enjoy an hour of play time in a controlled setting of safety. It is AWESOME! Carly is the smallest in the group (every one else is either a Shepard, Dane, Rotty, Labradoodle, Pit etc.) but she keeps right up with the big dogs in energy and activity.

Amanda and I also take Carly to obedience classes where she is learning to be a wonderfully behaved; social; and well trained canine. By the time we are done with her training; Carly will be able to go everywhere with us and she'll be welcomed because she will be a dog with manners.

Although Carly is Russell's pup; she has chosen Manda as her person. It is super cute. Sissy (Manda) and lil Sissy (Carly) have a cute bond of love and affection.

Carly is looking forward to meeting her cousin, Katie in August. Katie arrives from Pine Forest Kennels on the 10th and Carly can't wait! Having a friend from her first home will be very special!

Evenings at home are spent in quality family time that has been so good for us! Since Manda was 9; she and I have been on the go and out the door at dance and Russ was left behind because of work. Now that Manda is not dancing; we are using the time at home to rebuild those bonds and remember that Love and Respect must be first and foremost in our home for happiness to reign supreme.

Love and Respect! I took a class early this year through COTH Highway at Church of the Harvest. This class reminded me that not only is loving my husband important; but that I need to respect him in order for him to love me even when I am not being respectful and loving.

This class has made a big difference in how I look at my husband and our marriage. We weren't in a troubled relationship and we remain happily in love; but I think this class gave me the opportunity to be a better wife; a better mother and a better friend.

Funny, I started out to just post a quick update and I've already written a small novel.

I hope you are having a blessed day and that you know that you are loved and valued.

Happy Monday! I'll see  you again soon!

Garage Sale to help raise money to move. Roseville CA

My friend Cindy is having a garage sale on Saturday. She needs help raising the last of her deposit so that she and her kids can make a positive change in their life.

Check out their garage sale!

FireWORKS!!! Get YOUR Fireworks! FIREWORKS!!!

I love the 4th of July! It is a wonderful time to gather family; spend time outdoors and enjoy celebrating our Nation's independence.

Happy 4th of July dear family and friends!  Enjoy!

Don't forget; if your celebration includes fireworks; CHURCH of the HARVEST is selling TnT Fireworks at Fireside Lanes in Citrus Heights, CA. We'd appreciate your support and we offer a 20% discount on ALL purchases. We are open from 9AM to 10PM every day (including July 4th) so come see us!

Daniel's Gloves (author Unknown .... or is it?)

WILL WE KNOW THE FACE OF GOD WHEN WE SEE HIM...

I sat with two friends at the picture window of a quaint restaurant just off the corner of the town-square. The food and the company were both especially good that day.

As we talked, my attention was drawn outside, across the street. There, walking into town was a man who appeared to be carrying all his worldly goods on his back. He was carrying, a well-worn sign that read 'I will work for food.' My heart sank.

I brought him to the attention of my friends and noticed that others around us had stopped eating to focus on him. Heads moved in a mixture of sadness and disbelief.

We continued with our meal, but his image lingered in my mind. We finished our meal and went our separate ways.

I had errands to do and quickly set out to accomplish them. I glanced toward the town square, looking somewhat halfheartedly for the strange visitor. I was fearful, knowing that seeing him again would call some response. I drove through town and saw nothing of him. I made some purchases at a store and got back in my car.

Deep within me, the Spirit of God kept speaking to me: 'Don't go back to the office until you've at least driven once more around the square.'

Then with some hesitancy, I headed back into town. As I turned the square's third corner, I saw him. He was standing on the steps of the store front church, going through his sack.

I stopped and looked; feeling both compelled to speak to him, yet wanting to drive on. The empty parking space on the corner seemed to be a sign from God: an invitation to park. I pulled in, got out and approached the town's newest visitor.

'Looking for the pastor?' I asked.

'Not really,' he replied, 'just resting.'

'Have you eaten today?'

'Oh, I ate something early this morning.'

'Would you like to have lunch with me?'

'Do you have some work I could do for you?'

'No work,' I replied 'I commute here to work from the city, but I would like to take you to lunch.'

'Sure,' he replied with a smile.

As he began to gather his things, I asked some surface questions. 'Where you headed?'

'St. Louis'

'Where you from?'

'Oh, all over; mostly Florida .'

'How long you been walking?'

'Fourteen years,' came the reply.

I knew I had met someone unusual. We sat across from each other in the same restaurant I had left earlier. His face was weathered slightly beyond his 38 years. His eyes were dark yet clear, and he spoke with an eloquence and articulation that was startling. He removed his jacket to reveal a bright red T-shirt that said, 'Jesus is The Never Ending Story.'

Then Daniel's story began to unfold. He had seen rough times early in life. He'd made some wrong choices and reaped the consequences.. Fourteen years earlier, while backpacking across the country, he had stopped on the beach in Daytona. He tried to hire on with some men who were putting up a large tent and some equipment. A concert, he thought.

He was hired, but the tent would not house a concert but revival services, and in those services he saw life more clearly. He gave his life over to God.

'Nothing's been the same since,' he said, 'I felt the Lord telling me to keep walking, and so I did, some 14 years now.'

'Ever think of stopping?' I asked.

'Oh, once in a while, when it seems to get the best of me but God has given me this calling. I give out Bibles. That's what's in my sack. I work to buy food and Bibles, and I give them out when His Spirit leads.'

I sat amazed. My homeless friend was not homeless. He was on a mission and lived this way by choice. The question burned inside for a moment and then I asked 'What's it like?'

'What?'

'To walk into a town carrying all your things on your back and to show your sign?'

'Oh, it was humiliating at first. People would stare and make comments. Once someone tossed a piece of half-eaten bread and made a gesture that certainly didn't make me feel welcome. But then it became humbling to realize that God was using me to touch lives and change people's concepts of other folks like me.'

My concept was changing, too. We finished our dessert and gathered his things. Just outside the door, he paused He turned to me and said, 'Come Ye blessed of my Father and inherit the kingdom I've prepared for you. For when I was hungry you gave me food, when I was thirsty you gave me drink, a stranger and you took me in.'

I felt as if we were on holy ground. 'Could you use another Bible?' I asked.

He said he preferred a certain translation. It traveled well and was not too heavy. It was also his personal favorite. 'I've read through it 14 times,' he said.

'I'm not sure we've got one of those, but let's stop by our church and see' I was able to find my new friend a Bible that would do well, and he seemed very grateful.

'Where are you headed from here?' I asked.

'Well, I found this little map on the back of this amusement park coupon.'

'Are you hoping to hire on there for awhile?'

'No, I just figure I should go there. I figure someone under that star right there needs a Bible, so that's where I'm going next.'

He smiled, and the warmth of his spirit radiated the sincerity of his mission. I drove him back to the town-square where we'd met two hours earlier, and as we drove, it started raining. We parked and unloaded his things.

'Would you sign my autograph book?' he asked. 'I like to keep messages from folks I meet.'

I wrote in his little book that his commitment to his calling had touched my life. I encouraged him to stay strong. And I left him with a verse of scripture from Jeremiah 'I know the plans I have for you, declared the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you a future and a hope.'

'Thanks, man,' he said. 'I know we just met and we're really just strangers, but I love you.'

'I know,' I said, 'I love you, too.' 'The Lord is good!'

'Yes, He is. How long has it been since someone hugged you?' I asked.

A long time,' he replied

And so on the busy street corner in the drizzling rain, my new friend and I embraced, and I felt deep inside that I had been changed.. He put his things on his back, smiled his winning smile and said, 'See you in the New Jerusalem.'

'I'll be there!' was my reply.

He began his journey again. He headed away with his sign dangling from his bedroll and pack of Bibles. He stopped, turned and said, 'When you see something that makes you think of me, will you pray for me?'

'You bet,' I shouted back, 'God bless.'

'God bless.' And that was the last I saw of him.

Late that evening as I left my office, the wind blew strong. The cold front had settled hard upon the town. I bundled up and hurried to my car. As I sat back and reached for the emergency brake, I saw them.... a pair of well-worn brown work gloves neatly laid over the length of the handle. I picked them up and thought of my friend and wondered if his hands would stay warm that night without them.

Then I remembered his words:

'If you see something that makes you think of me, will you pray for me?'

Today his gloves lie on my desk in my office. They help me to see the world and its people in a new way, and they help me remember those two hours with my unique friend and to pray for his ministry. 'See you in the New Jerusalem,' he said. Yes, Daniel, I know I will...

'I shall pass this way but once. Therefore, any good that I can do or any kindness that I can show, let me do it now, for I shall not pass this way again.'

Loving being Carly the Cutie's mom!

I can not say enough about how much we are enjoying Carly! She really is a cutie and we love her with all of our hearts. Carly has brought our lil family even closer together. 

She fits in perfectly and has even gotten to know the cats. Harley doesn't mind Carly too much and they will both take naps in my lap at the same time. Seriously melts my heart. Harvest is not so sure she likes Carly, but she has not tried to beat up the puppy so I think we are okay. Tiger .... he loves being in the garage and not dealing with ANY of them.

I do have to say it is a good thing that Carly is as wonderful and as loved as she is. Last night she reminded us that sleepless nights are not just for infants and toddlers; but for 9 and 1/2 week old puppies, too.

Here is a cute video of precious Carly being too cute!

Carly the Cutie is HERE!!!!! Oh my goodness we adore her so very much. I'd blog more about her; but (a) life with a puppy is hectically hilarious and I just don't have time at the moment; and (b) life with a puppy is satisfyingly exhausting and I can barely spell let alone tell you all the details of sweet Carly.

Lets just say that I (we!) adore her and if there was any doubt in my mind about her it completely vanished at the airport when I saw her cuteness as she was energetically prancing in her crate waiting to be held by us. ADORABLE!

Here are a few pictures of our beagle baby:

Do I drink from the purple bowl; or swin in it?

Puppy LOVE! A lil snuggle time.

Oh! Mommy loves you Carly the Cutie!

I am one SUPER cute puppy!

What?? You lookin at me? yes, I am cute!

We're EXPECTING!

Russ, Manda and I are eagerly anticipating the arrival of our newest family member on Friday, March 16.
I know, this may be a total surprise ~ after all you probably had no idea that we were expecting.

Neither did we.

How did we not know we are expecting?  Am I dense? Clueless? Are we crazy?  Russ is (almost) 55; I am (almost) 45 and our daughter is 19. It was just this week that we discovered that we will be adding to our family.

We could not be more thrilled and can barely contain our excitement and joy.

Do we even have a clue as to how are lives will change having a baby in the house? The sleepless nights? The worry that we are nurturing, properly caring for and properly loving this new part of our hearts?

Well, we are not crazy. I am not usually too dense and I try not to be clueless.

In our defense, we "knew" in our hearts that we were expecting. We may not have expected it to be this soon. But this is the right time, and by March 16, we will be ready. And we know our new baby is a girl. Her name is Carly.

   (photo courtesy of Rhonda K. Smith of Pine Forest Kennels)

Isn't she jus the CUTEST!!!!   Carly is a Beagle!  We love beagles and have been missing being a beagle family since our Sweet Kodi Girl passed away 3 years ago at nearly 17 years of age.

Finding a beagle pup is NOT easy; and finding a HEALTHY, HAPPY beagle pup raised by a RESPECTIBLE, HONEST, CARING wonderful breeder is even harder. But we are thrilled to say that we found Pine Forest Kennels  

Rhonda K. Smith is the amazing breeder who sees her beagles as family 1st and breeds them to share the love of beagles with others. Yes, she is a breeder. But she is NOT a puppy mill.

Carly will be 8 weeks old and ready to come to California on Friday, March 16.  She'll arrive on a Delta flight and we just can not wait to snuggle her and love her in person. We already adore her!

Once we get her home I 'll get lots more pictures and share them with you.

Welcome, Carly!!! We love you!

Cookie Monster



Poor Cookie Monster - Everyone wants to delete the cookies.


Can you image how the poor Cookie Monster must feel? He must feel horrible; like his whole world is crashing around him and there is just nothing to look forward to.

I wonder how many times our words are misunderstood and how mant times we accidentally bruise someone's heart and emotions?

Sometimes it is not what we say; but how we say it. And other times it is because we didn't think before we spoke. Contrary to the children's rhyme: words CAN and do hurt.

I have a friend who is currently battling depression and despair that stems from her childhood and her marriage to the wrong person. She can't get past the bruised feelings and damaged emotions. I pray for her daily but ~ I worry that she'll never rise above the pain and suffering. Her self confidence is her choice and she can choose to rise above the words that have shaken her foundation. She just does not believe she can.

We all need to remember that kind words and a gentle voice can bolster a person's self confidence.

Can we all make a vow to take just a second and pause before we open our mouths? We may not mean the hurtful words that are spoken but once they have been spoken it is hard to take them back.

May your day be filled with laughter and happiness; your heart beat with joy and may you know that you are loved and respected for the person that you are. God created you; you are perfect.

Senior Banking ..... PRICELESS!!!!!!

This was forwarded to me from my mom who is a savvy senior in and of her own right. I could not help but share it.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------


Shown below, is an actual letter that was sent to a bank by an 86 year old woman.

The bank manager thought it amusing enough to have it published in the New York Times.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------


Dear Sir:



I am writing to thank you for bouncing my check with which I endeavored to pay my plumber last month.



By my calculations, three nanoseconds must have elapsed between his presenting the check and the arrival in my account of the funds needed to honor it..



I refer, of course, to the automatic monthly deposit of my entire pension, an arrangement which, I admit, has been in place for only eight years.



You are to be commended for seizing that brief window of opportunity, and also for debiting my account $30 by way of penalty for the inconvenience caused to your bank.



My thankfulness springs from the manner in which this incident has caused me to rethink my errant financial ways. I noticed that whereas I personally answer your telephone calls and letters, --- when I try to contact you, I am confronted by the impersonal, overcharging, pre-recorded, faceless entity which your bank has become.



From now on, I, like you, choose only to deal with a flesh-and-blood person.



My mortgage and loan repayments will therefore and hereafter no longer be automatic, but will arrive at your bank, by check, addressed personally and confidentially to an employee at your bank whom you must nominate.



Be aware that it is an OFFENSE under the Postal Act for any other person to open such an envelope.



Please find attached an Application Contact which I require your chosen employee to complete.



I am sorry it runs to eight pages, but in order that I know as much about him or her as your bank knows about me, there is no alternative.



Please note that all copies of his or her medical history must be countersigned by a Notary Public, and the mandatory details of his/her financial situation (income, debts, assets and liabilities) must be accompanied by documented proof.



In due course, at MY convenience, I will issue your employee with a PIN number which he/she must quote in dealings with me.



I regret that it cannot be shorter than 28 digits but, again, I have modeled it on the number of button presses required of me to access my account balance on your phone bank service.



As they say, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.



Let me level the playing field even further.



When you call me, press buttons as follows:



IMMEDIATELY AFTER DIALING, PRESS THE STAR (*) BUTTON FOR ENGLISH



#1. To make an appointment to see me



#2. To query a missing payment.



#3. To transfer the call to my living room in case I am there.



#4 To transfer the call to my bedroom in case I am sleeping.



#5. To transfer the call to my toilet in case I am attending to nature.



#6. To transfer the call to my mobile phone if I am not at home.



#7. To leave a message on my computer, a password to access my computer is required.



Password will be communicated to you at a later date to that Authorized Contact mentioned earlier.



#8. To return to the main menu and to listen to options 1 through



#9. To make a general complaint or inquiry.



The contact will then be put on hold, pending the attention of my automated answering service.



#10. This is a second reminder to press* for English.



While this may, on occasion, involve a lengthy wait, uplifting music will play for the duration of the call.



Regrettably, but again following your example, I must also levy an establishment fee to cover the setting up of this new arrangement.



May I wish you a happy, if ever so slightly less prosperous New Year?



Your Humble Client



And remember: Don't make old people mad. We don't like being old in the first place, so it doesn't take much to piss us off.

Pinterest - find your interest!

Flowers in Bloom - from a Stampin' Up! SU4Me Challenge

Simple All Occasion card

   

     



Pinterest ----- Any one besides me getting "addicted" to this awesome site?  I love all the great ideas, thoughts, tips, tricks, ideas, memories, inspiration and dreams that are so easily shared!



When I first "heard" about Pinterest I didn't think I would be interested in this relatively new social outlet. Boy, was I mistaken. I have total interest in Pinterest! I've created boards for things I like: food, stamping, organization, cats & dogs, etc. I've learned that I'm not an odd duck; that others like the same random stuff I do.

I'm particularly drawn to hand stamped cards, memories of childhood and food. I've made a small effort at uploading some of my own pins also and not just pinning others pins. I am flattered to have several people re-pin some of the cards I shared. There are so many talented, interesting people in the world.



Big Shot Cup Cake Card using Designer Papers



Go check out Pinterest  I am sure you'll find a passion to pin. If you need an invite let me know!

Happy pinning!!!

Under Construction

You'll notice some changes and weirdness going on for a bit; but when the dust settles it will be beautiful.

So grab your hard-hat; pull up a chair and enjoy visiting.

Update:  I'm loving the new background - we're still messing around with the layout and header. Don't get rid of your hard hat yet.

Christmas dream come true

Amanda has been wanting a KITCHENAID for what seems like forever. And, knowing how much she enjoys baking, cooking and creating tasty treats in the kitchen my hubby and I really  wanted to make that wish a reality.  But .... they are so expensive! 

I entered every contest possible to win one; but alas someone else hoping, wishing and dreaming of owning a wonderful KitchenAid took home each prize. 

My husband and I decided that even though we usually do not do retail Christmas (meaning we do NOT shop for our immediate family: My husband; my daughter and myself at Christmas time) and gifts that are given between the 3 of us are supposed to be handmade or other. (I always ask for the same two items: 1) that we decorate the tree together as a family; and 2) that we embrace and enjoy our family and friends during the Christmas season and enjoy special meal times together.) ......that although we don't do retail Christmas --- having a KitchenAid would be a dream come true for our 19 year old.

She is not a needy type of girl. She shops at WalMart and thrift stores; doesn't do name brands just because they are name brands and puts value in people and happiness. She is a great student and is doing really well in her first year at Sac State. (yes, I am a proud mom!)

So we decided that her dream needed to be come a reality!

Here is her reaction:
 

She was so excited!!!! And, she has used it every day since Christmas! She has baked butter cookies and pumpkin bread; made salad dressings and pancake mixes. We are so glad we made the investment in her passion for cooking.

Quick and tasty recipes

Here are 2 Quick and Tasty  (EASY!) Recipes:

Vegetable Alfredo:

Heat frying pan; add a teaspoon off Olive Oil; sautee Asparagus, yellow onions, mushrooms, zucchini and spinach. Add in alfredo sauce and heat till warm. Serve with freshly grated romano sprinkled over the top. Add a side of your favorite salad: Spinach and tomato is our favorite with this; and a slice of toasted french bread.  Delicious and super easy. Left-overs for lunch the next day are easily reheated.

Sausage Stuffed Won Tons

 Heat frying pan; add 2 pounds sausage. (I like Jimmy Dean, but YOUR favorite sausage will be perfect.) and brown completely. Add Marscipone cheese (small container) 2 cups of Bread Crumbs (Progresso or Panko crumbs both work well in this recipe) Season with fresh Garlic, Parsley or Italian Seasoning. If you would like add 1 tablespoon of Chardonnay. Stir together. Mixture will be chunky but creamy.

Line mini muffin pan with won ton wrappers.  I prefer the square ones but the store was out of them so I settled on the round ones. Seriously, there is no difference; it was just me being picky.  But I digress.

Fill each won ton with a small scoop of the warm sausage mixture. Top with grated cheddar cheese and bake for 10 - 15 minutes at 325*

We made 3 pans of these and they were GONE in under an hour when I took them to work. (and there were only 6 of us in the office that day.)

Enjoy!

More easy and tasty recipes to come.



I admit it .....

I totally enjoy the Twilight Saga.
I enjoyed the books
I've seen each movie in the theater at least 2 times
My daughter and I own each DVD (that has been released)

and ..... I was totally excited to see this:

YES!!!!!! Coming to DVD on February 11!  We'll have to add this to our collection. I can't wait to see it again. Breaking Dawn (part 1) has been my favorite Twilight Saga movie to date.

Of course, I am anxiously awaiting the release of Part 2 to the theaters in November of this year. (even if that means my precious daughter will be 20!) Yikes. Yes, that is right - so far each of the Twilight movies have been released to the theater on her birthday weekend.

Yes, I am a Twilight fan. I admit it.