Band of brothers

It seems that every time I watch the news, there's nothing good to be heard.  However - this is a good news story - about some young kids rallying around a younger boy who was being bullied.  Take 2 minutes to watch this.  I know you'll enjoy it!

Cooking Thursday

It's a busy time of year, lots of places to go, things to do and not much time for cooking or baking on top of what you already need to do. Usually I post a recipe on Thursday, but todays is more of a product review.

Best Brownies

1 box Ghirardelli brownie mix
oil, water, eggs as instructed on package

Prepare brownies as instructed on package.  Enjoy the absolutely yummy brownies you made in a short time!

*These are my favorite boxed brownies.  Yes, they cost more than Betty Crocker, but they are so much better!  Buy them when they're on sale and enjoy.

Wordless Wednesday

 

Same spot, different date

When I'm doing my medication pass in the morning, I often take note of what it looks like outside through a door at the end of the hall.  When I think it's looking pretty, I stop and take a picture.  I noticed I had a few pictures of the same scene over the last few months.  It struck me that God changes the scene in different seasons, but it's still pretty!

September

 

October

 

November

 

December


It's the same with people.  There's a different beauty to be seen in all the different seasons of life.
 

Oh, Christmas Tree...

Our Christmas tree is up!  We have lots of ornaments that we put on because they're pretty, but there are also plenty that have lots of sentimental value.  I thought I would share a few with you.

Here's the finished product!

These bells have been hanging on every tree we've had since we've been married.  They were on our wedding cake 32 years ago.  I read a tip from someone back then, who said to save your cake bells (most every wedding cake back then had them) and hang them on your tree. I thought it was a good way to use them and here they still are!

My Mom had this ornament made for us in 1996.  She passed away in 2003, and it's always nice to see this and remember her.

 

This ornament always makes us laugh.  The first time I met Bob's mom and sisters, they were working on ornaments for a charity sale.  These were from a kit and we laughed as we made them, because  we thought they were so ugly.  Of course, his sister bought one and gave it to me for Christmas that year.  It's always hung with a smile - on the back of the tree!

Andy made this little pasta angel when he was about 6.  It's another one that makes us smile!

 

Bob's sister-in-law made cross stitched ornaments for all the kids in 1989.  The other side of this holds a photo.  She passed away in 2008 after fighting cancer and this one also brings back good memories of her.

 

This one was given to me by the daughter of one of my residents who has since passed away.  She had severe Alzheimer's, but when she was younger she made lots of these bells.  I'm honored to have one and to think of her when I see it.

These are some of Bob's carved Santa's.   I love the individuality of each one, and seeing the evidence of the talent God has given him.

 

Laura made this in Sunday School when she was 6.  It makes me smile, and is a great reminder of the real reason we celebrate!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm taking a little break for the rest of the week, and wanted to wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving!  I'll be working on Thanksgiving but will have Thanksgiving supper after I get done.
Hope you all have an enjoyable day!

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever."

1 Chronicles 16:34

Tip for Tuesday

Here's a tip I use when I have lots of cooking to do on a day, like days I make a bunch of freezer meals. 
To save time when you're going to have a long day in the kitchen, prepare your pasta the night before.
Just boil the pasta as usual, drain and rinse it.
When it's cool, place it in a ziploc bag and refrigerate.
The next day, when you're ready to use it, put it in a colander and rinse with hot water.  The pasta will look just like it did just after you boiled it and you can use it as you usually would.