The Joys Of Family and Hearth

We (my oldest daughter and I) make the meal plan usually on Saturday.. So this week the plan is: Saturday: Seasoned Chicken Sunday Dinner: Comfort BBQ Meatballs, Green bean Casserole and Mashed Potatoes. Monday: Potato Soup Tuesday: Sausage, Pepper and Onions Sandwiches Wednesday: Pasta Night! Thursday: Baked Chicken Thighs, Veggies and Noodles Friday: Pizza Night.

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.” 1 John 4:9 NIV 

I have a confession, I am obsessed with dishes. I just love them! I change my dishes out seasonally.. I love old dishes, new dishes, vintage, clear, decorated, china, fiestaware, you name it.. I love one or multiple patterns! :) So today is a georgous day, I'm talking at least 65* today.. To which I am ever so Thankful, I was able to hang 4 loads of laundry on the *new* clothesline hubby built for me. OK so back to dishes, I put away my winter dishes... I was given a *new* set of dishes from my mom.... How cute are they????? Love them!!!!!!!!! And then these are what I usually have out in spring.. so I added them to the cabinet as well. It's all washed and put away.. waiting for tonights supper of Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup! From My Bella Cucina to Yours!

Having a place to go - is a home. Having someone to love - is a family. Having both - is a blessing. ~Donna Hedges So The Mr. and I have been longing to go back to our roots, you know.. who we were before..... not in a negative way, but in a positive way. Ways that seem to have gotten lost over the past few years, due to life's circumstances. Growing up, until My grandmother passed 17 years ago, it was known fact that you went to Grandma's for dinner on a Sunday afternoon. You just went.. You didn't need an invite, you weren't reminded, you did need to bring anything, you just went. Reflecting on that for me brings me back to such a special time, that while living it, you unknowingly take for granted. Not in a selfish way, but you think that this is the way it will always be. And then you lose the person who did it all. The one you went for. And then you struggle to find the new you, in all of it. As does each of the other family members in the process, and yet

Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. Pslam 34:14   

a sneak peek at the cakes Above is a sneak peek at some of the cakes that were baked for our annual Valentines/Birthday party. There was actually 18 heart shaped cakes and dozens of cupcakes! :) We had choices of vanilla, chocolate and red velvet. The Open House Party started at 10:30 am with the arrival of one of my bestest buddies, Shanna and her 7 children. She made a massive amount of pancakes!!! We spent a good hour visiting, and had a blast talking about our upcoming gardens this year, and our journey to self sufficiency. Shanna and her youngest Seth Abigail the only girl in Shanna family! Daddy made sure he got his girls some roses and another bouquet of beautiful flowers. To help with the celebration. The lunch part of our day consisted of little heart shaped ham and cheese, turkey and cheese sandwiches, tomato soup, turkey soup, and pizza muffins. Roses from Daddy sweet marshmallow treats The girls doing Valentines Crafts Cindy holdi

My Dearest Emma, It's hard to believe that 7 years ago, and 11 days OVER my due date. A perfect little Angel arrived on Valentines Day! :) We lovingly call you #4, Emmie, or Emma-Leigh Rosie! You are a ray of sunshine around here. Always smiling, singing, dancing, laughing and assisting everyone you can. You ALWAYS know where to find the things the rest of us lost! You love to read and play games, and I love watching you read. :) Your my table setter, go getter, lovie girl, who NEVER wears her shoes!! Your heart is pure, and I love listening to you pray. Happy Birthday to my sweet, loving, barefoot girley girl!!! Love Mom!

Ok, so my step-father is a huge football fans and a lover of the Giants, sooo for super bowl Sunday we pulled out all the stops, and step up the big screen in the neighbors yard at my parents house.  The moon coming up... beautiful isn't it?  My dd and my stepfather, and MY bad picture taking...  The little ones around the fire.  The game, on the big screen.  We're bundled up and staying warm!!! We had a total blast, hanging out outside to watch the game. The little ones were in and out all night. We had a feast of Chili, Ham and Cheese melts, cheese dip, crab and avacado dip, the dips were so warm and so delicious. And our fill of soda and warm coffee. 

Proverbs 21:  19 Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife This was me, for a few months now. You see after we left our old church my husband was hurt, I mean hurt beyond any hurt. And luckily we were welcomed in by friends of ours at another church that really helped us heal. These people were awesome, and supportive. However that church is a full 50 + miles from our home. And the drive was getting to my darling hubby. But *I* said, we have to go.. we MUST be in church, little quips and little things said here and there, and what would my lovely husband do, he would go to appease me. Don't get me wrong, my hubby loves church and loves the people, but it was stressing to him. Hubby works an hour away during the week, and travels then. Then Saturday comes and we're rush to do this, that, and the other thing.. Fixing the house, outside commitments, helping friends, more driving, more mess in our own home sometimes.  Which we would then have to c