Gifties

I love to give gifts.

Big gifts are okay, but I love the little, multifaceted kind that you put in a stocking or a gift basket or bag. There is just something about finding that perfect token that tells the recipient that you've paid attention. You know them. You thought carefully about what to give them and you nailed it!

You can tell by the look on their face.

One year, for my BFF's birthday, which is just days before Christmas, I gave her warm, snuggly jammies, a bottle of wine, good quality chocolates, and bubble bath and lotion. The gift had meaning because my dear friend was going through a really tough time health wise. The gift screamed, "RELAX"!

She loved it.

Gifts don't have to cost a lot of money, but they should be the right gift for the right person.

My children are both creative, so paper, pens, journals, books, and art supplies are perfect. As are chocolates. It wouldn't be Christmas without a little a chocolate. Each year I fill their stockings with small items that are individually wrapped. It's so much more fun to open several tiny little gifts. Now that they are adults, I look forward to filling their stockings with useful items as well as oranges. As with chocolate, it wouldn't be Christmas without an orange in the toe of a stocking.

My Beloved doesn't really understand me and all my fussing when it comes to gifts. He doesn't understand my need for ribbon and glittery paper. It is beyond him why any human being uses tissue paper. Don't even get him started on cards..."waste of money..."

All he knows is that it makes me happy to give and others happy to receive.

We are perfectly paired that way.

So, even though the holiday itself is just mere days away and I'm not ready, I'm not worried. Things will get done and I'll spend the day with the ones I love best.

Merry Christmas!

Smoochie!

My Boy has returned home to the little green house on the corner. He brought with him wonderful silk scarves from India, a beautiful hand-carved shell for his father, and an ornate journal for his sister.

He also brought back an intestinal bug and a mighty nasty cold.

It's good to have him home, sickness aside. Being the Mommy that I am, I have scheduled a doctor's appointment for later this afternoon for him. It's good to be a mommy.

Right now, he's sleeping on the sofa.

Girl is at school and just aced her mid-term math exam. That's my girl! I hid a little hand made Valentine in her lunch. Of all the family that live in this house, she's the one who will most appreciate a Valentine card.

I phoned Beloved after dropping Girl at school and told him Happy Valentines Day. We had both forgotten early this morning. We aren't really into the big Valentine thing. It's not that big of a deal. I know he loves me because:

1. He installed a new kitchen faucet over the weekend and didn't lose his temper once (those little home chores are such a joy, aren't they?)

2. He goes to work every single day.

3. He makes me go lay down when I look tired.

4. He listens to me prattle on about everything.

5. He purchased life insurance so if he bites it, I'm still taken care of.

6. He makes me laugh.

7. He tells me I'm beautiful (esp when I am not).

8. He takes out the trash.

9. He told me, after my recent surgery, that he doesn't want my job (meaning taking care of all the little things).

10. He let's me put my freezing feet on his legs and he never complains.

All of this is worth far more than some stupid card from Hallmark. These things won't fade like roses, or add inches to my waistline like chocolate. These are real, tangible acts of love.

So, Beloved, smoochies to you big guy.

The Year in Review

This picture greeted me this morning in my feed on Facebook. It's still difficult to wrap my head around the fact that boy is in India and has been since late November. One has to admit that this picture is epic.

Why, that's my little boy right there in front of the Taj!

Weird!

Of course I'm still getting use to the fact that we are now home owners. There it is, the little, green house on the corner. Astounding!

What's even more amazing is the way it looks on the inside! Hard wood floors make it feel like it belongs to another family. Sometimes I just sit and look around and wonder at it all.

I hope I never get over this feeling of gratefulness.

This year Beloved and I celebrated 23 years of marriage. I'm doing everything I can to keep him alive. Seriously, I'm never dating again!

Trying to keep him alive is proving a challenge since his family history runs through his blood stream and keeps us on our toes. After the last little SHOCK that the doctor sent our way, I started thinking about what's important and realized that we should do all the fun stuff we can.

You know what I mean? See the places we want to see. Do the things we've always meant to do. Remembering not to take days for granted.

That little blondie girl of mine graduated this year. She wrote her first piece of music for the piano. She registered for college. She may have drunk her weight in coffee. In the last two weeks she's had interview one and two for a local business.

Where has the time gone?

Beloved still works for the utility company. That makes ten years this year. He got his dream job and all is well. The new house also gave him a man cave...him happy.

Curves is still my employer and I'm thankful for it. I've made good friends there and kept moving. Two very important things in a girl's life.

It's nice to look back and remember all the things I've been so blessed to be a part of. I know that 2011 is bringing some pretty big changes too, and I think we be ready for them.

So, what happened to you this year?

Learning Curve

It's been an interesting holiday.

I missed my boy. He phoned early Christmas morning though. He shared what he'd done Christmas day and how the Mennonite's, who are staying in the same neighborhood, brought them Christmas cookies. Since we have only heard good things from him about India, I asked if he wanted to come home, or if he planned to extended his stay and continue his work there.

"Oh no, I want to come home so bad! I'm here mentally and in it for the long haul, but I can't wait to come home."

I assure you that I was happy to receive that gift of good news!

We've had a house guest since early in the week. We were so happy to share our home and hoped that she would have a happy holiday with us. It hasn't turned out that way and I think I've learned an important lesson: you cannot make other people happy.

This is a struggle for me, because frankly, I like to be the hostess with the mostess. I like to show people a good time. But this year I have learned that all the baking, running around, and crafts to not ensure a Merry Christmas. Nor does a church service, or the simple truths of God.

Which leads to my new understanding of people and my expectations of them and me. Basically, I think I need to get over myself and just let it be. In all honesty, I thought I had, but yesterday proved to me that I really hadn't. It wasn't a beautiful, peaceful day filled with good food and fun and games. It was a day that produced a bunch of work and I'm pretty sure no one had a good time.

Sigh.

I'm thankful that Christmas isn't really about all that. Not really and that if I keep in mind that Jesus is the reason for the season, than it was a good day!

I'm a slow learner.

But I get there eventually!

It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

God became man.

It sends a chill down my spine. Not only because it's so outside of my pea brain to understand the concept, but also because I still grapple with the "why"?

Okay, I mean, I totally get WHY...but why?

Why me? Why you?

I guess I can't really speak for you because, well, I don't know you, but I KNOW me.

Know what I mean?

I've heard it said that if I was the only person on earth, that Christ still would have been born and died for me. It boggles the mind. I'm so not worth it. I'm petty and angry and sarcastic. I want things my way. I curse and grumble. I find very little good in me.

And yet...

C.S Lewis once compared God becoming man to man becoming a toad for the sake of toads everywhere. Ridiculous I say!

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."

Many people don't really have a problem with the infant Jesus as he lay so peacefully surrounded by shepherds and kings. He's not threatening and he's easily dismissed. Yet, one must remember the Cross at Christmas too. The blood and gore and the striking inhumanity of it all.

Why me? Why you?

Why not?

She will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." Matthew 1:21

"And Jesus cried out with a loud voice and breathed His last" Mark 15:37

..."But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus...Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they (the angels) said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen!..." Luke 24:2, 5

God's gift is not the tiny infant so helpless and small.

The gift is Jesus, in full glory, brimming with hope and salvation for all who accept the gift of life.

The package, which I'm not worthy to receive, isn't tucked under your Christmas tree this year. You won't find it hidden in the closet or bundled in some stuffy church service.

The package is Jesus, available year round. It's the perfect gift for those of us who have everything...and nothing.

And even though I come with dirty hands and face, sin stained and ugly, I know Jesus smiles and holds out this wonderful gift to me.

And to you.

Merry Christmas

Firsts

We had our first snow fall at the little green house on the corner. While there wasn't much snow, there was a bitter, biting cold that settled in the neighborhood and made us all thankful for our heated homes. Thankfully, the rain brought forty degree temperatures and a return to normal Pacific Northwest weather.

We also celebrated our first Thanksgiving in our new house. We are so thankful for those who shared the day with us, even though the only family who showed up was FIL. The table was beautifully decorated by Girl and Boy was home to share his hysterical stories from Idaho and Utah.

We will be hosting our very first overnight guest for Christmas. Since family doesn't seem to be a big priority any more and Boy will be in India, we decided to invited a single lady who lives out of state and has no family. She was thrilled to accept our invitation and we are looking forward to her visit.

I took my first Zumba class and let me just say that if you haven't tried Zumba, you simply must! So fun and such a great workout! I cannot wait to share it with the ladies at work.

Beloved received the largest paycheck of his career. We celebrated by paying our bills.

We also participated for the first time ever in Black Friday. Since Boy is heading out of the country in a smattering of days, we opted to give him his Christmas present early. Thankfully, there was an awesome buy on a very nice digital camera that is perfect for traveling. I just want to say that Black Friday shoppers at Target are insane, however, the shoppers at Home Depot were totally cool.

I should also mention that the Home Depot staff were pleasant and so helpful. They passed out maps with the location of ALL the Black Friday specials and they served coffee, cocoa and pastry to the folks standing in line. They even opened before their advertised 5:00 am schedule.

The entire event took us exactly one hour to complete.

The last first to share has to do with Boy and Girl taking off to hang out together. Ahhh...So sweet! Just don't tell them I said so!

It's Hard to be Blue

I took the two days I was supposed to work this week off. I wanted to be here for the boys. I'm so glad I did. I had forgotten what it takes to survive with a three-year-old in the house. Boy am I tired.

Don't get me wrong, he's awesome! He makes me laugh. He helps in the kitchen. He's always busy, busy, busy. He has a stubborn streak a mile wide, but thankfully, that really isn't my problem.

See, I did learn a thing or two from the Wee Girls when they tormented me. It's true, some battles are best left for others to fight.

The fourteen-year-old knows more than anyone...ever. has. at. any. time. in. history.

So, if you have any questions, just send them my way. He's sure to have an answer within a nano second. In fact, I'd be willing to bet that he already knows what you are going to ask! Ha!

My Boy is home and when Game Master mentioned that he'll be able to get his drivers permit in a couple of months, Boy's mouth fell open. He later admitted to me that fifteen seemed a whole lot older when he was fifteen. Funny that. Boy also asked if he was a know it all at the ripe old age of fourteen and I assured him that he was. "It's a stage," I said.

I didn't bother to explain to him that the next stage involves not only knowing everything, but also having a healthy share of arrogance and bravado.


Ya just gotta love young men.

Having all this testosterone in the house is a nice change from only have Girl around. It's louder and messier, that's for sure. But it's also filled with plenty of laughing and teasing.

Good times.

I'd rather have that than silence...which is what has been happening online for the last couple of days. It means that Soldier Mommy is on a mission.

Radio silence

Thinking about her, out there in the sand, doing whatever it is she does, makes my stomach feel all wobbly. I want her home. Now.

With only a couple days until Christmas, I've started baking. I've never baked this late in December, but here we are. There's plenty to do and yes, still shopping to finish, but all in all, it's a grand thing.

I think about the type of baking my Omi did, you know, back in the day. I miss her. Every once in a while I wonder if my mother thinks about me. Or my father. I wonder if Golden Child found a job or if Baby's still drinking.

Not that I plan to ever spend another holiday dinner with any of them, but I wonder.

And even as I sit here, feeling a little blue about it all, there is a little boy with a huge smile staring at me. He's just waking up and every time I look at him he closes his eyes - pretending to sleep.

It's hard to be blue around Mister Smiley.

Semi-Wordless Wednesday

In a matter of days, these two dudes are going to invade. See, they have on their war faces. I cannot wait to do Christmasy things with them!


Christmas with the boys! The only thing that would make this Christmas better, would be if she were here too.



Can we do Christmas in July this year?

Things Left Undone

In case you haven't noticed, today is August 7th. That's near the beginning of the end of summer. Where did it go? Did you take it?

I'm just wondering because I haven't been to the beach yet. There hasn't been any serious summer fun happening around here. I've been racking my brain trying to figure this all out.

I think I've found the problem.

Every summer, when my Boy and my Girl were wee little people we would chop up a watermelon, grab a great book of epic adventure, a sheet, and head for our green, grassy backyard. There, laying in the shade of Locust, Cedar and Fir trees, we would read and spit watermelon seeds for a couple hours. It was the perfect way to pass a warm summer afternoon.

Boy and Girl grew up.

Then we invited the Wee Girls to share our home and we spent summer months in the tiny purple pool. Popsicle juice slid down their chins, staining their bathing suits, as we passed the afternoon away.

Then the Wee Girls were returned to their Biological mother.

Last summer, I went to work at the gym.

This summer has been spent with a short visits from the Singer and the Stalker. There were weeks of house-sitting, two months of yard work, a sickie, and work. There simply hasn't been enough fun.

I haven't dug my feet in the sand or felt the salty spray of the sea. No swimming, no evening strolls, and very little sleeping late.

And it's almost over!

Boo hoo hoo!!!

It's the summer of cake and I've haven't baked enough cake!

There are too many things left undone. So, I've decided to freeze time. I hope you don't mind. I'll be taking a few days towards the end of the month and by golly time will NOT pass.

I will sleep late.

I will sift sand through my fingers.

I will scoop up sea foam.

I will buy new sunglasses.

Summer will not end until I have seen the ocean, baked a cake, slept late, spent the entire day with my feet buried in the sand, and eaten Moe's Clam Chowder.

Whose up for a beach trip?

Happy 4th

The time is now near at hand which must probably
determine, whether Americans are to be, freemen, or
slaves; whether they are to have any property they can
call their own; whether their houses, and farms, are to
be pillaged and destroyed, and they consigned to a State
of wretchedness from which no human efforts will probably
deliver them. The fate of unborn millions will now depend,
under God, on the courage and conduct of this army -- Our
cruel and unrelenting enemy leaves us no choice but a brave
resistance, or the most abject submission; this is all we
can expect -- We have therefore to resolve to conquer or die...

-George Washington on July 2, 1776, from his headquarters in New York. This is, of course, only part of the original order written.

Oh...and to the person who commented on the previous post in a negative tone...I don't publish anonymous comments. Be a man and sign your name. Of course you have the freedom to not sign your name, just don't expect me to publish it. Snicker.

Oh...and it's my blog; conservative, snarky, sometimes a wee bit whiny, but it's mine and I can ramble on about anything I want to. That's part of the beauty we celebrate today. The freedom of speech. The freedom to ramble on about injustices, real or imagined. The freedom to call for the dismantlement of North Korea.

It's all about freedom baby. Enjoy it. Celebrate it. Protect it.

And He Became a Most Excellent Father

I married a man who did not want children.

"The world," he intoned, "is a wicked place. I cannot bring children into this world and see them suffer."

Yawn

I, on the other hand, planned on having oodles and oodles of children. I didn't do drugs in high school...because I wanted healthy babies. I didn't sleep around...because I wanted healthy babies with the right guy.

Oodles and oodles of babies...

It's a story I've told before. The buying of Boys birthright. Beloved had other plans but also had a desperate longing for a certain piece of stereo equipment. It's a weakness he has to this day.

I bartered for a baby.

He got his speakers.

I got my baby.

And I proved that I was right. He made a wonderful father.

Maybe not a first. He was so young. So immature. We were, after all, in our very early twenties and he didn't want children, remember?

But time passed and I marvelled at this man who didn't want children. This man who was so over-protective that he made me look like a welfare mother. He was the man who held Girl after a long days work because her hours of screaming were turning me into a raving lunatic. He was the man who took Boy to breakfast every Saturday with the guys so that he could listen and learn.

He had tea parties with Girl and her friends.

He taught Boy to shoot a bow.

And every night he read the Bible to his children as I sat by listening and smiled to myself.

He made an excellent father.

This man who did not want children danced with his Girl at the Father/Daughter Ball, even though he doesn't like to dance. This man who prays that the Lord will guide his Boy along paths of righteousness.

This man who did not want children became a most excellent father.

Happy Fathers Day my Beloved.

Oh, and you can admit it, I was right!

Valentines Day - Bah Humbug!

It’s coming…

Every year, around this time, it happens…

Valentines Day

I’m a romantic girl at heart. In high school I dreamed of that tender moment when someone would send me flowers. It happened on my sixteenth birthday. Awwww; except it was my father who sent them. I walked around the rest of the day telling everyone they were from someone else. That’s right, I lied about my daddy sending me flowers.

I had a boyfriend at the time. He was a real cutie, only not so romantic as to send me flowers. He was the one I thought I’d marry (I’ve been an idiot girl for a long time you see). If I remember correctly he did give me flowers and a little stuffed bear type thing (I still have no idea what it was!) and we named it Cecil. He dumped me a month before my senior prom, was sleeping with one of my friends, and went on to become a rather famous make-up artist.

I recovered from my broken heart and stumbled upon Beloved. Truth be told, I didn’t like Beloved much. I thought he was a JERK. It’s true. When he asked me out, my mind screamed, “NO WAY JERK!” however my mouth said, “Okay…” To this very day I do not know why I said yes. Snicker.

Long story short, we’ve been married for twenty-one and half years. He’s been a good husband and a great father, but he is not a romantic guy. Oh, sure, he’s had his moments. The anniversary ring on my left hand sneakily purchased on an outing with Boy (Beloved took Boy with him to show him how to shop for jewelry – awwww) and presented in a way that made me cry attests to this.

Yet, in my foolish woman’s heart I sometimes wish he was more…more…romantic…

I listened with rapt interest to a lady at the gym whose sweetie sent flowers to her office to celebrate their one month anniversary (dating anniversary that is). He’s talking her some where special for Valentines Day and hinted that she might want to wear a dress. Shucks, that’s sweet. She’s all a dither, let me tell you. Of course, I am totally sucked in and can’t wait to hear the details.

Yes, I know they are still dating each other representatives. They haven’t been crabby with each other in the morning, or confessed that they really hate wheat bread, or that she has a fear of dogs, including his Mastiff. Nope, right now they are in that blissful place of ignorance.

For me, Valentines Day is the day I buy candy for my household. It’s the day I used to make paper hearts with the children for their party at homeschool group. Sometimes we baked heart shaped cookies or little cakes. But, the children have grown up. Boy is on his own, Girl is busy with this or that and Saturday will find both Beloved and me working at our respective jobs.

We’ll be tired. We’ll be broke. It’s just another day after all.

Yet somewhere in my little idiot girl heart, I dream of starry-eyed romance.

Yeah, I know what you’re thinking, “Why don’t YOU do something romantic for Beloved?” I have, in the past, but you have to understand that he’s not a romantic guy. He appreciates the effort, but he’s a logical, practical, no-nonsense kinda guy. Frankly, I think it’s lost on him and it’s not his fault. It’s just who he is.

So save your candy hearts, your sappy love poems, and your gooey chocolate for someone else. We’ll have none of that here. Instead we’ll probably watch an old episode of Stargate SG1 and go to bed early. After all, he’ll be tired after working a sixty hour week.

Wait! That’s pretty darn romantic isn’t it? Having a job in this economy?! Working overtime in this economy?! What a guy!

I’m just all choked up over that. Sniffle, sniffle, sniffle.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Two feet of snow

No power

No running water

But more family time than you can shake a stick at. There's lots to tell, including how to bbq prime rib, the tale of moving cattle when the snow is up to your thighs, and how to survive spending too many hours with your father-in-law without killing him.

For now, I wish you all a most joyous Christmas!

Sehr Gut!

Three faces pressed against the window pane, waiting. As the oldest and perhaps bossiest, I claimed the center of the large picture window in my parent’s living room, leaning over the sofa, eyes peeled. Waiting. My brothers, Golden Child and Baby, shoved and wrestled with each other. They were too impatient to sit and stare. Waiting. Our mother would remind us that, “She’d get her when she got here!” and urge us to go find something to do. Yet, we ignore her. There was no way we were leaving that window until we saw the headlights of her champaign colored Thunderbird pull into our driveway.

Our Omi was the queen of kitchen. She truly was. The backseat and trunk of her car overflowed with packages and tins filled with cookies, candies, Stollen, and other delectable treats. There were muffins and rolls, all made from scratch. There would be pies to please every palate; sausages and hams to fill breakfast plates to over flowing and her good, strong German coffee (otherwise known as Folgers). As children, Christmas plus Omi equaled food a plenty.

I suppose that is why I bake so much this time of year. The longing begins in early November, as I pour over cookbooks and websites, looking for that new cookie recipe. I cannot imagine a Christmas without a minimum of eight different types of goodies. The sugar cookie, a recipe handed down from my Omi, is standard fare but I do not bake the Stollen. I don’t like it. I never have. It’s fruit cake in bread form and even though Omi assured me (repeatedly) that it was, “sehr gut,” one bite told me otherwise.



This year my baking is behind schedule. I’m still getting use to working part-time and trying to keep the household running smoothly to have done much baking, but last night I happened upon a new recipe to add to my collection. I found it over at The Pioneer Woman (click here) and baked up a double batch faster than you can say Werden sie noch getan? (Are they done yet?). These Spicy Molasses cookies are beyond good and believe me, you will not be disappointed. But be forewarned, make sure that you place the bulk of these yummies in your freezer, or they may all disappear before Christmas arrives.



Entschuldigen Sie mich bitte. Ich habe etwas Backen, um zu tun. (Please excuse me. I have some baking to do.)

Before I get back to my kitchen, I’ll leave you with some lovely Christmas websites.


http://www.christmas-cookies.com/

http://christmasyuleblog.blogspot.com

http://www.christmasincyberspace.com

http://www.joyofbaking.com/ChristmasBaking.html

http://www.bloggingtips.com/2008/12/01/the-festive-toolbox-decorate-your-blog-for-christmas/

Fröhliches Weihnachten (Merry Christmas)

In the Company of Strangers

Over the years, Beloved has attended several company "holiday" parties; both formal and informal. Yours truly has been coerced into attending said party regardless of the fact that I had nothing to wear. This year, it was my turn. Muuuaaahhhhh!

The gals at the gym are having not one, but two employee parties. The first is only for our gym and does not include bosses, okay, well it includes a boss but she's one of us. If you get my meaning. NO family invited.

The second party is being hosted by the owners, at the owners house, and will feature both owners. Now, don't get me wrong. I have very nice bosses, but they're still bosses aren't they? The icing on this little bit o' holiday cheer is the fact that Beloved was invited to attend.

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

"The gym Christmas party is on Sunday. Do you want to go?" My eyes batting, smile flashing, innocence incarnate.

"Christmas party? Hmmm...let me think...will there be strangers and awkward conversation?" Sarcastic snickering follows.

"Yes! And I promise it will be even more uncomfortable because they do something called a "Musical Tradition" and they have a Wacky Gift Exchange Game for adults. You ARE an adult still, right?" Hands clapping, I danced around the living room, imagining the scene as my Beloved shifts uncomfortably in his recliner.

I noticed that his eyes slid over to the calendar hanging on the wall. He's looking for a way out!. My mind screeches. Twirling gracefully in front of said calendar, I smirk and say,

"You owe me..."

His smile faded. He remembers. His memory flashes back to a scene some years ago at the MAC Club when his drunk boss kept telling Annie how good looking she was and that RED really was her color. Another scene flashes before his eyes and he sees a very pregnant (and none to friendly) Annie telling one of his co-workers to kindly remove her hand from Annie's belly before Annie is forced to BITE IT OFF! Grrr!

"Sure. Sure. I'll go. It would be nice to meet the people you work with." He uttered those words so sincerely that I believed him...for about three seconds.

"It'll be fun! There will be food! I'll get a bonus and I promise I'll share", I squeeze his arm, kiss his feverish forehead, and skip to the computer to check my email.

"There's been a change to the Christmas party,"the email reads, "We've decided to make this an employees only party due to space. I hope you understand..."

Beloved's face blooms into a smile only seen once before; the year 1976 and the Portland Trail Blazers had just won the championship. He rises from his chair, does a small pirouette, bows, and skips, laughing down the hall.

He's off the hook!

Remember to comment to be entered into the drawing for the Christmas sockies (pictured below)

Socks for Christmas Drawing

In the past my Christmas list has always began with a house and ended with socks. I've never gotten either one. One would think I'd be swimming in socks, since I request them for every birthday and every other gift giving holiday. Sadly, this is NOT the case.

I just really want some socks.

I'd take a house too, but I'll settle for socks.

White, black, brown. Striped, checked, with frogs. Doesn't matter. I just want socks for Christmas.

What do YOU want for Christmas?

Leave me a comment telling me what you want for Christmas and I'll draw a name and send ONE lucky winner a pair of socks!. The more you comment on my blog this week (beginning today Saturday, December 6) the more times I'll enter your name.

Make sure to include a link back to your blog or an email. I'll draw on Friday, December 12th.

Bet no one else is giving away socks. Ha! I'll take a picture of the socks I'll give away and post it this week.

Let Freedom Ring

Patriotism is easy to understand in America. It means looking out for yourself by looking out for your country ~ Calvin Coolidge



I am an American. I am the daughter of an immigrant. I am a conservative. I am a Christian. I am an educated woman. I own a gun. I know how to use it. I am opinionated and more than likely you’ll know exactly where I stand.

I believe you have the right to be a liberal. I believe you have the right to worship whichever god you wish. I believe you have the right, regardless of color, creed, or religion, to an education. I believe you have the right to own or not own a firearm. You have the right to your opinion and to share it.

And I have the right to disagree with you. That's the beauty of the freedom.

I love this country and what she stands for. If you disagree, you’re free to leave it or you're free to stay and complain. That’s what freedom is all about.



Today, of all days, I thank those who have served and currently serve as a soldier in this country’s service. You are my hero and I am forever in your debit.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY

Barrie Summy invited me to join her recipe round up for the 4th. So, here ya go!

Layered Chicken Salad

4 to 5 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
1 med. cucumber, thinly sliced
1 cup fresh bean sprouts
1 can (8 oz) sliced water chestnuts, drained
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
1 pound fresh pea pods, halved
4 cups cubed cooked chicken
2 cups mayonnaise
1 T. sugar
2 tsp curry powder
1/2 tsp ground ginger
Cherry tomatoes and fresh parsley sprigs, optional

Place lettuce in the bottom of a 4-qt. glass salad bowl. Layer with cucumber, bean sprouts, water chestnuts, onions, pea pods and chicken. In a small bowl, combine mayonnasie, sugar, curry and ginger. Spread over top of salad. Garnish with Cherry tomatoes and parsley if desired. Cover and chill several hours or overnight. Yields 8-10 servings.

Frozen Key Lime Pie

For the crust:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (10 crackers)
1/4 cup sugar
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:
6 extra large egg yolks, at room temperature
1/4 cup sugar
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
2 tablespoons grated lime zest
3/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (4 to 5 limes)

For the decoration:
1 cup (1/2 pint) cold heavy cream
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 tsp. Pure vanilla extract
Thin lime wedges

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

For the crust, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and
Butter in a bowl. Press into a 9-inch pie pan, making sure the sides and the bottom are an even thickness. Bake for 10 minutes. Allow to cool completely.

For the filling, beat the egg yolks and sugar on high speed for 5 min, until thick. With the mixer on medium speed, add the condensed milk, lime zest, and lime juice. Pour into the baked pie shell and freeze.

For the decoration, beat heavy cream on high speed until soft peaks form. Add the sugar and vanilla and beat until firm. Spoon or pipe decoratively onto the pie and decorate with lime. Freeze for several hours or overnight.

If you have concerns about raw eggs, combine the yolks with 1/2 cup of the lime juice used in the recipe in a double boiler. Whisk constantly over medium heat until the mixture reaches 140 degrees. Use in place of the raw egg yolks, remembering to add the remaining 1/4 cup of lime juice to the filling mixture along with the condensed milk and zest.

Serve Frozen

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