'The Baby' Is No Longer A Baby...

...Savannah, my only grandbaby, turned 12 years old yesterday. And though she really isn't a baby anymore, she'll always be this Granmommy's baby...



























Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6

Thanksgiving Food and Thoughts

I have several fancy-schmancy bundt pans, and today I chose to use 'The Rose.' Somehow, the food just seems to little taste better when the table is pretty, the candles are glowing and a few special touches are added here and there.

Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Buttermilk Icing

1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups canned solid-pack pumpkin (15 oz can)
3/4 cup buttermilk, well-shaken
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs

For icing:
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons buttermilk (well shaken)
1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar

Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter bundt pan generously, then dust with flour and knock out the excess.

Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, ginger, cloves and salt in a bowl. Whisk together pumpkin, 3/4 cup buttermilk, and vanilla in another bowl.

Beat 1 1/2 sticks butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer at medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes. Then add eggs and beat 1 minute. Reduce speed to low and add flour and pumpkin mixtures alternately in batches, beginning and ending with flour mixture and mixing until batter is just smooth.

Spoon batter into pan and smooth top. Then bake about 45 to 50 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick or skewer inserted in center of cake comes out clean. Cool cake in pan on a rack 15 minutes. Then place rack over cake and flip the cake onto rack. Cool 10 minutes more.

For icing:
While cake is cooling, whisk together buttermilk and confectioners sugar until smooth. Drizzle icing over slightly warm cake, then cool cake completely.

Thanksgiving was rather simple around here this year. Jarad couldn't come home, and because I must work tonight I was not be able to go to my Daddy's house, the place we usually all gather for the holidays. So it was just me, Justin, Savannah, 2 of my clients and Andi, of course, who scampered around the table in search of whatever may have landed on the floor. A friend stopped by and brought a pumpkin pie, and another friend came bearing the biggest, prettiest poinsetta I've ever seen. I'm wonderfully blessed to know a handful of folk I can truly call 'friend.'

Regardless of how many or how few gathered around my table today, I know have much to be grateful for. I'm thankful to know and serve the one and only living God---the God who allowed me to be born in this wonderful country of freedom and plenty. May I never forget that my plight could have been much, much different. I have a wonderful family, a precious grand daughter, a sweet place to call home, and the ability to make a good living. I walk in good health and I'm free to gather with believers and worship God any time I so desire. God is good. All the time. And I am thankful.

Outside My Window...
...the sky is gray and it is cool this morning. It has been raining lightly, on and off, for the last couple hours. Not enough to flourish the garden, but just a little kiss for the flowers, with the promise of more to come.

I am Thinking...
...that in the blink of an eye Christmas will be here and I have done virtually nothing to prepare. Zero. Zip. Nada. I usually try to get a head start on my shopping, especially if I have taken a nice trip during the year, because that's often a good way to find unique gifts. Last April I was in Yellowstone and the midwest, but I was so mesmerized by the magnificent mountains that shopping was the last thought on my mind.

I am Thankful for...
...this morning I am thankful for my ability to generate a good income. With the economic state such as it is and nationwide financial uncertainy looming ahead, I am
grateful that I can feel secure in my career. Chances are slim that births will slow down and seasoned L & D nurses are few and far between.

From the Kitchen...
...it's soup day around here and I think today's selection will be corn chowder. My recipe includes potatoes, carrots and smoked ham and it's so wonderful it will knock your socks off!

I am Wearing...
...flannel p.j. bottoms, an oversized tee shirt and some warm, fuzzy socks. Oh, and my hair is pulled up and secured with a yellow pencil because I wasn't motivated enough to get up and get a clip. Lookin' good, I tell ya! Glad the one that matters isn't stopping by this morning...

I am creating...
...still making Santa caps. My goal is to have one for every delivery I have from now until Christmas. They're precious! I'll post a pic later.

I am going...
...nowhere but the routine this week...work, church, Central Market, Sams, Target, and I just may try to pick up a gift or two Friday if there is something unique that I feel is worth fighting the crowd for. Chances are slim I'll be that taken with any given item so I just may try to do a little shopping beforehand.

I am reading...
...I'm still enjoying reading 'The Message.' God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. Psalm 23

I am hoping...
...at this point my hope is tucked in a little secret place in my heart, therefore, it is secret!

I am hearing...
...'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' from the Eva Cassidy 'Songbird' CD

Around the House...
...are indications every where that Savannah is here! A tennis shoe here and there, a Twilight CD in the stereo, empty Dorito bags and Dr Pepper cans in the bedroom waste basket and it seems that someone has been in my jewelry box...

One of My Favorite Things...
...is getting into my car when it is squeaky clean with 'armor-alled' tires and shiny wheels and sparkling glass and the hint of vanilla in the interior.

A Picture to Share...
...14 going on 20, with my friend Gayle...her twin Dayle took the pic. Guess which one is me?


fast-forward, uh, a few years...

Dayle and Gayle (on the right). Aren't they cute?

A Great Fall~Holiday Recipe...


Gooey Butter Cake

1 Golden Butter cake mix

1 egg

1 stick butter

Combine the cake mix, egg, and butter and mix well with an electric mixer. Pat the mixture into the bottom of a greased 13x9 pan.

Topping:

1 8 oz. package of cream cheese, softened

1 stick butter

2 eggs

1 teaspoons of vanilla

1 16 oz. box of powder sugar

Beat cream cheese until smooth, add eggs, vanilla and butter and beat together. Add powdered sugar and mix well.

Spread topping over cake batter and bake for 40-50 minutes until top is a golden brown.

Cool and cut into bars.

The most wonderful of all things in life, I believe,
is the discovery of another human being with
whom ones relationship has a glowing depth,
beauty, and joy...

The innner progressiveness of love between two
human beings is a most marvelous thing; it cannot
be found by looking for it or by passionately
wishing for it. It is sort of a Divine accident.

Sir Hugh Walpole

Feeling A Little Romantic This Morning....

Sonnet XVII
Pablo Neruda

I don't love you as if you were the salt-rose, topaz
or arrow of carnations that propagate fire:
I love you as certain dark things are loved,
secretly, between the shadow and the soul.

I love you as the plant that doesn't bloom and carries
hidden within itself the light of those flowers,
and thanks to your love, darkly in my body
lives the dense fragrance that rises from the earth.

I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where,
I love you simply, without problems or pride:
I love you in this way because I don't know any other way of loving

but this, in which there is no I or you,
so intimate that your hand upon my chest is my hand,
so intimate that when I fall asleep it is your eyes that close.

When Patch read this sonnet to Corrine in the movie 'Patch Adams,' I thought it was just about the sweetest thing I had ever heard. I wanted to know more about it, but finding it was difficult because all I could remember was the last line. Thanks to Google and Amazon, I located the work and within just a few days had my own copy of 100 Love Sonnets, a book of sweet, heartfelt sentiments inspired by the love Pablo Neruda felt for his wife, Matilde.

For Monday, November 17, 2008

Outside My Window...
...it's cold outside...at least by Texas standards! Though it's only 40 degrees, the 92% humidity puts quite a little nip in the air. It should be warm and sunny before long, great weather for some yard work!

I Am Thinking...
...how wonderful my day after New Year's celebration will be! Countin' the days 'til I can get out of Beaumont town and spend some wonderful, quality time with a wonderful, quality friend!


I Am Thankful for...
...Savannah, my sweet little grand-daughter. She spent most of the weekend with me and we had a great time Saturday evening perusing Barnes and Noble, choosing selections to add to her beloved book collection.

From The Kitchen...
...homemade split pea with ham soup is on the menu today. Monday is usually always soup day around here. Most weeks, anyway.

I Am Wearing...
...loose fitting gray Danskin exercise pants, a red long sleeve tee shirt with a Portland Oregon logo on the front and New Balance runners. Did I mention I just did 2 miles at the track? Clarification: I walked, didn't run!

I Am Creating...
...I'm crocheting sweet little Santa hats for all 'my babies' born in the month of December. Considering the exceptionally large number of births we've had in the last couple months, I better get to clicking some needles quickly!

I Am Going...
....to Joann's as soon as the store opens. My good friend recently found a beautiful antique dining room set and I am going to add some plush padding to the chair seats and recover them in a beautiful tapestry.

I Am Reading...
...'The Message'...the New Testament (with Psalms and Proverbs) in contemporary language...'You did it: you changed my wild lament into whirling dance: You ripped off my black mourning band and decked me with wild flowers.' Psalm 30:11

I am Hoping...
...that the God of second chances will shower His marvelous grace and mercy on the economic situation of this nation. I heard on the morning news today that Citicorp is laying of 53,000 employees. My heart goes out to these families who desperately need our prayers.

I Am Hearing...
...a gift from someone near and dear to my heart...'Bathtub Music'...a soul stirring, heart touching cd full of phenomenal selections. I absolutely love it.

Around The Cottage...
...much of today will be spent working in the front flower beds. I have 70 tulip and 50 daffodil bulbs I must plant soon so I can have a beautiful yard full of spring blossoms on Easter.


One Of My Favorite Things...
...the sights, sounds and fragrances of all things 'holiday'


A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...
...nothing firm on the agenda as of yet. I know for sure there's much to be done on the homefront in between catching babies.


A Recipe To Share...



Breakfast Hashbrown Casserole

5 large eggs
1/2 c milk
1 1/4 c frozen hashbrowns(small cubed)
1 c grated tex mex cheese
1 roll of pan sausage, browned & drained
1/3 red pepper, chopped
1/3 green pepper, chopped
1/4 c green onion. chopped
salt, pepper & seasonings to taste

Preheat oven to 350
Add milk to eggs and blend well.
Add all other ingredients.
Pour into well greased 8x8 pan
Bake for 30 min or until knife inserted comes out clean.

A picture to share...


An attempt at oil painting in the beginning days

Home

Wonderful music is playing, scrumptious candles are burning, fresh flowers are on the table and dinner is gently simmering. The atmosphere is quiet and relaxed. My heart is full and my soul is content. The latest holiday magazines are on the old trunk/coffee table and a cozy throw is draped over the arm of the chair. I dearly love all things ‘home’...the place which should gather you up like a cashmere blanket, soothe your hurt feelings, and prepare you to go back in to the world and fight dragons.

Because I’m a nester, after spending an entire day making decisions and dealing with sometimes cranky people, I can hardly wait to get home. And when I come home I want my house to feel secure and beautiful, sort of like the way you feel when you get into a bed piled high with fluffy pillows—you just feel safe.

Like with most people, the heartbeat of my home is in the kitchen—-the place where my guests and I always end up. It has lots of natural light and just outside the breakfast room window is a lovely birdbath and a bird feeder where the cardinals and blue jays routinely gather for daily meals. Many are the secrets and hopes and tears and fears that have been shared at my kitchen table over a cup of tea. Mercy.

What few realize is that what makes a home feel warm and cozy and casual doesn’t just happen, but is actually quite deliberate. The key is finding what works for you and what appeals to all the senses of those who enter your world. But more than being captivated by delicious aromas and beautiful flowers and rugs, when entering my humble abode I want those whom I love to feel my warm embrace, which I hope will make them feel right at home. I want my guests to feel as comfortable as if they are family, a feeling that will always make them want to come back for more.

I Am More...

I'm more...Open than Closed.

I'm more...Up than Down.

I'm more...Work it out than Give it up.

I'm more...Staying up late on Friday night than sleeping in late on Saturday morning.

I'm more...Dr. Phil than Oprah

I'm more...Marble Slab than Maggie Moo's.

I'm more...Cheddar’s than Applebee’s.

I'm more...Smooth Jazz and Oldies than the new stuff.

I'm more...Tea than soda.

I'm more...Hot tub than Pool.

I'm more...Pedicure than Manicure.

I'm more...Seafood than Steak.

I'm more..."Where will we go eat?" than "Where will we go hike?"

I'm more...UT than Texas Tech.

I'm more...'au naturale' than 'made up'.

I'm more...Snow than Sand.

I'm more...Beth, Micki and Dee than Lindsey, Brittany and Paris.

I'm more...Makeup off than Makeup on.

I'm more...Thrifty than Impulsive.

I'm more...Foot massage than Back massage.

I'm more...Crochet than Knit.

I'm more...Giver than Taker.

I'm more...Selfless than selfish.

I'm more...Southern Living than Cosmopolitan.

I'm more...Granmommy than Saturday night with friends.

I'm more...Tender than tough.

I'm more...Brave than bitter.

I'm more...Courageous than Cowardly.

I'm more...Laughter than Tears.

I'm more...Fun than Boring.

I'm more...Loyal than Intrigued.

I'm more...Dog than cat.

I'm more...Mountains than desert.

I'm more...Trusting than Paranoid.

I'm more...Make you happy than Make me happy.

I'm more...Mom than I ever thought possible.

I'm more...Thankful than Thoughtless.

I'm more...Loved than lonely.

FOR MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2008...

Outside My Window...
It seems that it's going to be another absolutely beautiful fall day, just like the weekend was. It's cool and crisp, perfect for a nice morning bike ride, and I will probably have to wear a light jacket if I stay outside very long. I love this time of year!

I Am Thinking...
About some wonderful plans I have for the first of the year. I can hardly wait to spend some special time with a friend who is near and dear to me. I'm counting the days!

I Am Thankful For...
My unmovable and unimaginably strong faith! I will go to God for anything and everything, regarless of how large of small, because I believe what's important to me is important to Him too. He's proven that to me time and time again.

From The Kitchen...
On the menu today is my wonderful, homemade chicken soup. It's a winner!

I Am Wearing...
Still in hospital scrubs right now. We had an extra busy shift last night which included 2 unscheduled c-sections, and those take a lot of time. I'm really tired. I'm about to hit the tub and change into something cozy and take a nap.

I Am Creating...
Right now I'm crocheting 100% organic cotton dish cloths. Once you try them you'll never use anything else...these things are just that wonderful! I've given away dozens of them and people are always happy to receive them.

I Am Going...
To the eye doctor as soon as I can get in. Hopefully, it will be this week. I lost my good glasses during the hurricane clean-up and I need to replace them as well as have a contact exam.

I Am Hoping...
That my banged up retirement account heals quickly and thrives for the happily ever after.

I Am Hearing...
The Early Show. They're showing some old footage and playing Little Anthony and the Imperials singing 'Going Out Of My Head.' Sweet song.

Around The House...
I see countless things that make a house a home. Lots of fluffy pillows, nicely framed art, books for 'arm-chair' travel, wonderful aromatic candles and lots of other treats to make my guests feel special.

One Of My Favorite Things...
Is surprising those I love with wonderful little things I find which make me think of them. These little gifts don't have to be costly or fancy, just special tokens, often with a little sentiment attached.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...
Nothing big or exciting is on the horizon at the moment. I'm working on cleaning out and reorganizing some closets and storage areas and, I almost forgot, I have 70 tulip bulbs and 50 daffodil bulbs I need to plant now in order to have a pretty showing this spring.

A Picture To Share...


I love vintage linens. I can't help but wonder about their history and the stories they could tell.


A Neat Recipe...




Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog Biscuits

2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

2 eggs

1/2 cup canned pumpkin

2 tablespoons peanut butter

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Combine the flour, eggs, pumpkin, peanut butter, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add water as needed to help make the dough workable, but the dough should be dry and stiff. Roll out the dough until it's half an inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut into shapes. Bake in preheated oven until hard, about 40 minutes.

Andi loves me twice as much as usual when these come out of the oven!

The masses have spoken and now we await the upcoming crowning of this country’s next king. And though I have never hidden my feelings about not wanting Barack Obama as this nation's next President, I know that I am called to honor and respect the office regardless of who dwells within. Like countless others, I'm having a difficult time forcing myself to follow through with that challenge right now.

How, I ask, are we to stand firm in our own convictions and not abandon everything we believe, yet still respect the views of Obama? This comes as a deep struggle for me, as it should for all who claim to be blood bought christians. Acclimating to Obama’s views would mean abandoning everything we stand for and every conviction God has placed within our hearts. How do we rectify this problem? With so many questions and so few answers, my head is spinning.

In Romans 13:1, Paul proclaims that "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." (NIV). Armed with this knowledge, we know there is no option but to respect the office of the president-elect. Did God specifically place Barack Obama in this office? I don’t know. But I do know that He allowed it to happen. And I also know that the word tells us this: "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.” Romans 8:28 (NIV). This passage alone assures me that though every event which will occur and every decision which will be made on behalf of this nation may not be good, the end result is they will all blend together for a good outcome for God's people.

So, today I pray that God will use Obama for His glory and that He will guide his heart and actions. I pray that God will convict Obama on his stance regarding abortion and marriage. I pray that God will use His servants to uphold a high moral standard for our nation and that He will guide Obama’s heart in making critical decisions and choosing necessary actions.

I pray that God will build a wall of protection around Obama that cannot be torn down. I pray that some less than stable person, disillusioned by the election results, will not take matters in to his own hands. An assassination attempt is the last thing our country needs right now. We may not believe in his proposed change, but our soon to be president is someone’s father and someone’s husband and I care about his safety.

No, the man I wanted did not win. Am I mad? No. Am I sad? No doubt. But no matter what feelings may come and go, we will have a new President. And I will respect the office and position that he holds. I will pray for the office and speak life over the office. It is the system that God intended for our nation and I will pray over that system no differently than I would pray had McCain won, Palin won or Elmo won. The office is to be respected. Period.

The only thing that matters now are my prayers. And he most certainly has them. I am honored to give them. As good and lengthy as they are. And sometimes as short and shallow as they are. But what I have, give I thee. I can't say I'm going to hang Joe Biden's picture in my house or send a Christmas card to the White House, but I am going to obey God's word. My life is good and my future is bright. My home is cozy and warm and I have a few dear friends who love me unconditionally. I have precious neighbors who watch over me and my home as if it were their own. I am thankful for my life here. In this country. In this land. And I am thankful to God for it. May He find me faithful in it, as well.

So, today I have hope. And my hope is that through it all, Obama will be a positive change for our country. We need change, no doubt, I’m just not yet convinced that he is the change we need. But through God, all is possible, and one thing I am sure of is that He is still on the throne, and He is our source. Through Him, we will make it through the next 4 years.

FOR MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2008

Outside My Window...
it's a gorgeous autumn day! The windows are open and the wonderful scent of fall is permeating my little domain.

I Am Thinking...
it's my time for favor. Actually, within my being I know it's my time for favor. God's favor. He knows the desire of my heart and He's creating something phenomenal and unimaginably wonderful from that. More later.

I Am Thankful for...
...every mountain and valley and heartache and disappointment I've ever endured. They have served to make me extremely grateful for the good times.

From The Kitchen...
...tomato basil soup is on the menu today and if time permits, I'll make a nice loaf of sour dough bread to go along with it. While in Montana last spring I visited Chadz, a quirkly little coffee house/cafe that served the best rendition of this soup I've ever had. I dropped them a note in the mail a few weeks ago and, lucky for me, Chad wrote back immediately, sending his recipe. Can't wait to try it!

I Am Wearing...
...hospital scrubs, which indicate there's gonna be a lot of work going on 'round here today. Upstairs, downstairs, in the yard and in the garage! The cleaning demon has latched on to me in a big way today!

I Am Creating...
...caps for pre-term infants in underpriviledged countries. As an L & D nurse, I am keenly aware of the necessity of maintaining the body temperature of these tiny people and little warm caps are essential.

I Am Going...
...nowhere special today, but Thursday I am going shopping in Houston with a group of girls from the hospital. It's a November ritual that we look forward to and we really love this little get-away! Nothing like a little 'girl time!'

I Am Reading...
...I'm about to start something new and at the moment I'm not real sure what it will be, though I have a pretty good idea. It has to do with the heart :-)

I Am Hoping...
...that my future will be so bright I'll have to wear sun glasses even in the house!

I Am Hearing...
...CNN talk about, guess what/whom? Obama and McCain. For a real eye opener, watch this...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odsDYodanxQ

Around The Cottage...
...it looks and feels and smells like fall! My absolute favorite time of year.

One Of My Favorite Things...
...is spending quality time with one who is near and dear to my heart.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...
...Because I work the best schedule in the world, I have several days off every week so I think I may go spend some time with my Daddy. And I want to go to the cemetary too. My mom was buried 14 years ago today and I want to take some fall flowers to her grave.

A Recipe To Share...

Spiced Tea Mix

1½ cups of orange breakfast drink (like Tang)
¾ cup instant iced tea mix
1½ cups sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground ginger

Add 3 teaspoons of mix to a cup of boiling water. Garnish with a lemon or orange slice and add a cinnamon stick to stir. Makes about 4 cups~