December 24, 2010

Together Again…and growing!

Christmas 2010

Left to right, Older Crowd: Melissa, Caleb, Jessica, Tiffany, Ben (Hector), Me, James, James VI, Jill (Schroeder), Daniel (Blanchard), Christa.

Left to right, Little Ones: Abigail, Joshua (grand baby), Emma, William, Virginia Grace

It has been great having everyone home for Christmas. Married daughters, soon-to-be-married son, and of course, our sweet grandson. Tiffany is 5 months pregnant, so seeing her and her not-so-big belly was a real …

December 21, 2010

Tradition! Tradition!

With Christmas fast approaching, and our married children (and grandchildren) coming “home for the holidays,” I am reminded of the many family traditions we have established over the years. Some we joke about, and others we all fiercely protect! There are special meals and recipes we use only during this time of year. There are songs …

December 10, 2010

Healing Scents at Hearth and Home

It is amazing how difficult it is to do even simple things when your head hurts. Even speaking kindly takes super human effort! But the day to day tasks are the hardest.

I was feeling this way today. I had a headache that continued to grow in intensity with waves of nausea hitting me off and on. I just wanted a dark room with peace and quiet. Of course, that’s …

December 6, 2010

Examine the Fruit

“He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. (1 John 2:3-6)

Here we are taught to walk in …

December 2, 2010

Spinach Seafood Bisque

Depending upon where you live, and what is easily accessible (and affordable), you could substitute shrimp, lobster, or scallops for the crab meat. I have found that a good combination is lump crab meat and fresh shrimp (chopped). When we lived on the Gulf Coast, this was easily accessible.

Serves: 6

3 cups fresh chopped spinach
1 1/2 pound lump …