I'm here

I'm sorry to be gone for so long. I had a staph infection. It was the bad kind too. I was even in the hospital for awhile. I'm doing better now, still on medicine and still very tired. I did get a lot of cross stitching done in November! I hope to post pictures soon. I'm not making any goals for December because I'm just not up to doing anything right now. January I will make new goals. I will be back in a day or so with my pictures!

Goals

I've seen this on quite a few blogs and thought it might help me get more stitching done if I actually have some goals in writing. So here are my goals for November:

November Goals:

1. Finish Holly's TN ornament
2. Stitch Noah's TN ornament
3. Stitch Val's TN ornament
4. Stitch along ornament with Quaker Inspired http://quakerinspired.blogspot.com
5. Finish Kay's Pillow
6. Finish Angel Ornament
7. Start planning village layout for this group stitch along http://memyselfandirrs.blogspot.com
8. Stitch Penguin ornament
9. Continue stitching on Noah's wolf
10. Post pictures on the blog!

So that's my list. We'll see how I do.

And I think I will make progress because I just became a part of this group http://letsstitchtoo.blogspot.com and I think having a committment to stitch every Friday evening with my friends as well as the weekly challenges will keep me motivated. I'm pretty excited.

Thirstin' for the Word Thursday

I think this verse is so appropriate for today. It seems like there is so much to be concerned about. What ifs and uncertainties seem to be crowding my mind. One thing I can be sure of.....

"You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word." Psalm 119:114

update

It's been awhile since I've posted. Let me see if I can give an update and then hopefully get back on track.



Noah is doing well in school. He just gave a report on John Cabot - he did Explorer Jeopardy. I think he really enjoyed the assignment. He is also enjoying reading much more than he has in the past and I'm very excited about that.



We saw the movie, Fireproof. I thought it was a wonderful movie and would certainly recommend it. In fact, I wouldn't mind seeing it again!



Yesterday, I had an appointment with a new physician and had several test. It will be three weeks before I have any results, but hopefully the problems will be identified and I will feel better soon.



I haven't done a lot of cross stitching lately. I just haven't felt like it. I did make a bookmark for a special friend, Marilyn, for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Marilyn is a survivor as well as a treasured friend. I also made a scissor fob. My husband said it looked like a wonderful new dog toy. I started making a tin finish - I have the pattern finished and was doing the assembly work but was discouraged by remarks from my husband. So it is still sitting on the dinning room table unfinished. No pictures since it's my husband's camera. Sorry.



If you have little ones - or not so little ones - and are looking for an easy treat - try this one. The directions can be found here.

It's easy and delicious. And fun! Noah loved them.

A Meme

Wanna Play? Here are the rules:

Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each of the following questions.

They have to be real places, names, things. nothing made up!

You can’t use your name for the boy/girl name question.

Tag at least 5 people to play along

1. What is your name? Sherry

2. A 4 Letter Word: Star

3. A Boys Name: Sawyer

4. A Girls Name: Samantha

5. An Occupation: Soldier

6. A Color: Sage Green

7. Something you wear: Skirt

8. A Beverage: Strawberry Shake

9. A Food: Strawberry Shortcake (see a pattern here?)

10. Something found in the bathroom: Soap

11. A place: Seattle, WA

12. A Reason for being late: Sleep late

13. Something you shout: Stop

14. Now tag five others: Trina, Meari, Elise, Nicole, Rachel

Recipe

Apple Pie

4 cups thinly sliced peeled apples
Oatmeal Pecan Crust (below)
3/4 cup sugar
1 TBSP cornstarch
1/4 Tsp salt
1/2 cup water
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Oatmeal Pecan Topping (below)

Arrange the apple slices in the Oatmeal Pecan Crust. Combine the sugar, cornstarch and salt in a saucepan. Stir in the water and bring to a bowl over medium heat. Stir in the vanilla. Spoon evenly over the apples.

Crumble the reserved Oatmeal Pecan Topping over the apples. Bake at 375 degrees for 40 minutes, covering with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking time.

Oatmeal Pecan Crust and Topping

2 cups White Lily Flour
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/3 cup chopped pecans
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup (1 and 1/2 sticks) butter, melted

Mix the flour, brown sugar, oats, pecans and salt in a large bowl. Add the butter and mix well. Reserve 1 packed cup of the mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture over the bottom and side of a 9 inch deep dish pie plate.

Family Happenings

Things are going well for Noah at school. He just received his first 6 week report card and he made 3 A's and 2 B's. I'm so proud of him. He is having so much fun this year. This weekend is his school's Fall Festival. I'm taking Thursday off to cook for the Bake Sale!

I'm continuing to have almost constant headaches. So I'm really not getting a lot done other than work and taking care of the family. I have an appointment in 3 weeks to see a new physician and I'm hoping that will bring so relief.

I recently made an apple pie that was very good. I seem to always have trouble with pie crust but this one was not a typical pie crust and it turned out well. I will post the recipe tomorrow since I don't have it with me at the moment.

Me, Myself and I Round Robin

Yes, I too have joined the group found here. Thank you so much Vonna for allowing me to join in the fun! This is the first time I have been part of a round robin. And my first time at trying to arrange a layout like this. I am having nightmares that I begin stitching only to realize my material is too small. That would be just my luck. What's the old expression - measure twice cut once. You can bet I'll be measuring and measuring again and again. My village will be an inspirational village and I can't wait to begin. However, we don't start stitching until December 31 so there is plenty of time for you to join us as well. Come on over and sign up!

I know I need to post a picture of my "red project". I'll have to ask my husband if he will assist me since he has the camera. That's why I don't have a lot of pictures. Maybe I can get one of my own. That would be nice.

My thoughts and prayers are with everyone in the path of Ike. Please be safe.

Thirstin' for the Word Thursday

I've been doing a study about having a spontaneous lifestyle of prayer. These two scriptures are very familiar but I'm struggling to not just see the words or read the words but to LIVE the words.

James 5:16 "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."

Philippians 4:6 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made to God."

Anyone that knows me knows I worry, a lot. In fact, it has earned me the nickname of "worry wart" or just "wart" from my husband. "Be anxious for nothing" that's a tall order for me! I would say impossible except with the help of the Lord. I look forward to finishing the study and seeing the growth.

Book Recommendation

Noah and I have been reading The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. What fun! Of course, I read it when I was young. But to read it again with him has been so much fun. When Tom fed the medicine to the cat...you should have heard Noah laugh!!!! What, you don't remember that? Maybe you should reread Tom Sawyer!

Recipe

Blue Ribbon Almond Roca Cookies

Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup butter, room temperature
2 eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 package toffee bits
1 cup coarsely ground almonds
4 ounces milk chocolate
1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer, blend sugars together on medium speed. Add butter and mix to form a grainy paste. Add eggs and vanilla and mix at medium speed until light and fluffy. At low speed, slowly add the flour mixture and then the toffee bits. Mix until just blended; do not over-mix.
Place ground nuts in a small bowl. Using hands, roll balls of dough into 1 to 1 1/2-inch balls, then roll in the ground nuts. Place on cookie sheets several inches apart. Bake approximately 22 minutes and then transfer cookies to a cooling rack.

Melt the chocolate with the vegetable oil in a double boiler or in a bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Drizzle melted chocolate over cooled cookies. Place cookies on a cookie sheet and place in freezer or refrigerator until chocolate is firmly set.

Family Happenings

Noah and Tom went fishing. They didn't catch anything, but they had a great time. It was on a friend's farm. Noah got chased by a goat and he thought that was exciting!

We've already had open house at Noah's school. We were able to see some of Noah's work and talk with his teacher. The first PTA meeting was that night as well. The first parent/teacher conference is tomorrow. Noah's teacher has been teaching for 16 years. There are only 23 students in his class this year. She is new to our school but she says things have been great.

New Project

I'm almost done with my "Red Project". I'm hoping to finish it this weekend since it's a long weekend. Of course, I will post a picture. But I have found my next project. SSSSHHHH! It's a secret from Noah. He has recently started to love wolves and I found this on clearance at Hobby Lobby. Do you think I can do it by Christmas? And keep it a secret?

Book Recommendation

I read this book for the first time when I was in high school. If you have somehow missed it, I highly recommend it to you. In fact, when I was searching for the cover to post I noticed that the new edition has information from the author that tells what was going on in her life and how this book came about. Although I still have my old copy from we won't say how many years ago, I may just have to purchase a new copy! This really is a must read.

Saucer-Size Oatmeal Cookies

This is the cookie recipe I used last year for our Fall Festival and I have been asked to make them again this year. I love these cookies. I found the recipe in a book called Perfect Recipes for Having People Over by Pam Anderson.

1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
3 cups old fashioned oatmeal
2 large eggs
3/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
14 TBSP unsalted butter, melted
2 TBSB vegetable oil
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup chocolate chips or 6 oz bittersweet chocolate, cut into small chunks

Adjust oven racks to highest and lower middle positions and heat oven to 350 degrees. Line two large cookie sheets with parchment paper.

Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and oatmeal in a medium bowl. Beat eggs, salt and vanilla in a small bowl. Mix butter, oil, and sugars in a large bowl. Stir egg mixture into sugar mixture until smooth. Stir in flour mixture, then stir in cranberries and chocolate.

Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup or a 3 TBSP spring action ice cream scoop, scoop 6 dough balls on each of the cookie sheets. Bake until golden brown, 16 - 18 minutes, switching positions of sheets and turning them around after 12 minutes. Use a metal spatula to transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool. Repeat with remaining dough.

Cooks Note: When I first made these all I had at home was white chocolate chips so I used those instead. I LOVED it and that's what I always use.

Family Happenings

Things are beginning to settle down here.

Noah is having a great school year. He likes his teacher. A few of his friends are in his class but not his best friend. And that's probably a good thing! He has already brought home awesome test scores. They are doing their first fund raiser. And planning the Fall Festival. I've been asked to bring the same cookies I brought last year. I loved them. I'll post the recipe this week. So check back. I'll probably also make some chocolate cheesecakes for the festival. And it hasn't even been a month yet. It's off to a fast and furious start.

Work has been crazy crazy. It always is this time of the year. From July 4th until Labor Day we work long hours and are just ready to drop dead. I'm so glad to see the light at the end of the tunnel for this year! Maybe now I'll be able to post more.

Sunrise Breakfast Casserole

Sunrise Breakfast Casserole

2 packages of sausage
9 eggs
3 cups milk
1 1/2 tsp ground mustard
1 tsp salt
1 package hash browns, thawed
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Crumble and cook sausage and drain.

In a large bowl, combine the eggs, milk, mustard and salt. Add the hash browns, cheese and sausage and mix well. Pour into greased 13 X 9 casserole baking dish. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Remove and bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Family Happenings

We went on a short vacation to Nashville. It was wonderful! Noah had so much fun swimming, goofing off and exploring. He also loved the water park. Fun stuff. Wednesday he has a short orientation for school and then believe it or not, Friday is his first full day back at school for the year. Fourth grade here we come!!!!

The one sad event, the husband of one of my best friends died Friday. The funeral was yesterday. Please say a prayer for Becca and the children, Jessica and Drake.

Book Recommendation

If you love to bake, I would recommend Desserts By the Yard by Sherry Yard. The recipes range from easy to challenging and the pictures are amazing!

Kublai Khan's Stir Fry with Fiery Walnuts

Fiery Walnuts:

2 tsp. vegetable oil
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/8 tsp. salt
3/4 cup walnut halves

Stir Fry:

1 pound boneless tender beef steak
2 TBSP plus 1/3 cup Kikkoman's Stir fry sauce
1 tsp cornstarch
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 TBSP vegetable, divided
1 onion, cut into 3/4 inch chunks
2 large carrots, cut into julienne strips
1 pound fresh spinach, washed and drained
1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced

To prepare Fiery Walnuts, combine oil, cayenne pepper and salt in a small skillet; heat over medium heat until hot. Add walnut halves. Cook, stirring 1 minute or until walnuts are coated. Turn out onto small baking sheet; spread out in a single layer. Bake at 350 degrees for 7 minutes or until golden. Cool.

To prepare stir fry, cut beef across grain into thin strips. Combine 2 TBSP stir-fry sauces, cornstarch and garlic in a medium bowl; stir in beef.

Heat 1 TBSP oil in large skillet over medium high heat. Add beef and stir fry 1 and 1/2 minutes; remove. Heat remaining oil in same pan. Add onion; stir fry 2 minutes. Add carrots; stir fry 1 minute. Add spinach and mushrooms; stir fry 2 minutes or until spinach is wilted. Add beef and remaining stir fry sauce. Cook and stir only until beef and vegetables are coated with sauce and heat through. Remove from heat; stir in Fiery Walnuts and serve immediately.

I serve over rice.

Also my husband does not like Walnuts so I use Pecans.

This Week at Our House

First, let me thank you all for praying. No more nightmares this week! I'm so thankful.

We saw Journey to the Center of the Earth. Noah loved the 3-D effects. And it wasn't as scary as I thought it would be. I'm not a scary movie type person.

Noah lost a tooth yesterday.

Red Project

My friend, Trish, is working on a huge project all in one color and she inspired me to work on a project in one color. I don't think I've ever done that before. Mine is much smaller than hers. And I'm really enjoying it! I've included a picture so you can see my progress so far, which isn't much. Hopefully you'll check back to see how I'm coming along. Thank you Trish for inspiring me!

And I know the picture is not that great, but it's the best I have at the moment. Hopefully next time my husband can get a better one!

Thirstin' for the Word Thursday

This has been a difficult week. We have a water leak somewhere at our house outside. After much digging my husband is pretty sure it is under our concrete driveway. So we are still trying to get that repaired. Then the faucet in the kitchen breaks. I have had nightmares for 3 nights in a row. Work has been very stressful. Boy do I need to dig into the Word for some strength. These are the verses that have kept me going this week.

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you." Isaiah 43:2

"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8

"My life dissolves and weeps itself away for heaviness; raise me up and strengthen me according to [the promises of] Your word." Psalm 119:28

God is faithful and His promises are true. I'm so thankful for the strength He gives us when we ask. Let us remember to express our thankfulness and praise Him.

Book Recommendation

You know scripture tells us to hide His word in our hearts and to meditate on it day and night. One way is to surround ourselves with it. And this book gives you wonderful creative ideas of how to do just that. I am amazed at all the wonderful projects Jeanne Winters came up with. They don't seem to be that hard either. The only problem I have is deciding which one to attempt first. I love them all. If you love crafts I would certainly recommend this book. It will add beauty to your home and to your heart. God has indeed blessed her and I hope she has other books with even more ideas. It's on my list of to dos to find out! I am so thankful that she was willing to pass on her knowledge and creativity.

Grilled Chicken Salad

This is great this time of the year with all the grilling going on. If we have leftovers after a get together this is what I make. Great to take to work for lunch!

Ingredients:

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, grilled and diced
1 red onion, diced
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup celery, diced
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
2 TBSP Old Bay Seasoning
2 TBSP Dijon mustard
1 TBSP lime juice
salt
pepper

In a large bowl stir together all ingredients until well combined. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

This Week at Our House

Not much was happening at our house this week. I guess we've hit the lazy dog days of summer. Since I don't really have much to report on the family I thought I'd leave you with a tip for your family. The home is so important - I believe as women we are called to make a home that is a retreat for those we love. I look forward to finding tips to help me create such a home. So here is one for you.

Hang a bulletin board above your washing machine filled with pictures of family and friends. Their faces will brighten your day as they remind you that you're loved and lighten their load as you pray for them.

Thirstin' for the Word Thursday

Matthew 11:28 from The Message

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

I don't own a copy of this version of the Bible, but this verse from this version really speaks to me. So many times I run around trying to "do the right thing". Even when we go on vacation I'm guilty of not really taking a vacation. I stick in so many have to dos that we are even more tired when we come home than when we left. I know I need to let the Lord show me how to take a REAL REST. I need to LEARN THE UNFORCED RHYTHMS OF GRACE. And I certainly need TO LEARN TO LIVE FREELY AND LIGHTLY. I'm still praying for the Lord to help make this one a reality in my life. When I'm running around exhausted wondering what's going on, I'll go to my quiet place and reflect on some of favorite verses and pray. You guessed it, this is one of those favorites.

Library Visit

I remember as a child being so excited for those Saturday visits to the library. Not much has changed - except I'm older. I'm so blessed to have a wonderful library with a great staff - friendly and helpful.

I wanted to share with you a book that I read recently. The Wednesday Letters by Jason F. Wright. I LOVED this book. Mr. Wright is an excellent author and will go on my list of favorites. I know he has a least one other book and I'm looking forward to reading that one as well. I recommend this book if you are looking for a good read. This is from the back cover

Their story began with one letter on their wedding night.

I made a promise today at the church and I'm making another promise here tonight. I'm going to write to you every week...And Laurel, I will always stand by you. No matter what. We're in everything together. No secrets. No surprises. And I will always be true. In every way...Jack

It ended with a final letter before either one had a chance to tell their children the truth. Soon the Cooper children discover thousands of 'Wednesday Letters,' clues to a family secret that will bring them face-to-face with a life-changing moment of truth.

Paula Deen's Broccoli Casserole

I love Paula Deen. I say with a laugh that when I grow up I want to be her. (Who cares that I'm already 40??!!). This is easy and SO good. Try it for your family.

2 (10-ounce) packages frozen chopped broccoli, cooked and drained
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup grated sharp cheddar
1 (10 3/4-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups crushed crackers
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 13 by 9-inch baking dish with vegetable oil cooking spray.

In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli, mayonnaise, cheese, soup and eggs. Mix well with a metal spoon. Place the mixture in the prepared baking dish. Top with the crushed crackers and pour the melted butter evenly over the crackers. Bake for 35 minutes or until set and browned.

One of My Many Blessings

This is my son, Noah. He's 10 years old. He is really enjoying his summer. He finished third grade in May. The West Highland Terrier with him is Riley. He's 9 months old and is a handful! We have two other dogs also. At school, Noah really likes math and sports. At home, he loves games, cartoons and playing with his friends.