Valentine's Tea

Abigail, Autumn, and I welcomed 24 young ladies and women into our home today for a tea to celebrate God's love for us. The younger women participated in a button swap and read Scripture verses pertaining to love.

On the menu:

Vegetables and Dip

Organic Cherry Gelatin

Ham and Potato Quiche

Pasta Fagioli Soup

Broccoli and Cheese Soup

Wrapped Lil Smokies

Chocolate Dipped Marshmallows

Pink Coconut Ice

French Vanilla and Chocolate Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting

Assorted Teas

Chocolate Biscotti

Autumn has taken to bringing a platter full of treats each time she and Jon come to visit. We all approve!

Quiet Retreat

Several weeks ago the girls and I were on the way home from a wedding dress fitting. We were driving along a back road when we passed an expansive estate surrounded by lush green trees and shrubs. It was rather difficult to see from the road, but we noticed an "Open" flag hanging in the driveway. Not being from that area, I wondered aloud as to what the place might be. That weekend, I mentioned it to my friend. She informed that it was a gift shop, surrounded by beautiful gardens, and that the owners lived right there in a separate house. 

Last week, after Autumn's second fitting, we stopped by. We had a wonderful time walking along the wooded paths, taking in all of the scenery, but none of us had brought a camera. This week as we headed out for another fitting I remembered to throw my camera in the car.  

From the minute you step out of the car, beauty abounds. Small patches of edibles are worked into the landscape, and there are flowers everywhere. 

As there is no sign that actually says "Gift Shop" or "Store" or anything of the sort, I was filled with trepidation as we exited the car. I felt like we were trespassing, and because there were many paths to take, and not a sign in sight, we had no choice but to forge ahead. 

Not only are the grounds beautiful, but you are truly welcome here. As we entered the gift shop, we were greeted by Lucille. She has lived here for 53 years. She assured us that we were indeed welcome to wander wherever we wished. "Nothing is roped off, take your time, enjoy!"

Enjoy, we did! What a peaceful place! As you pull into the drive, the gift shop is on the right. There are gardens and landscaped paths that are carefully thought out. The shop is hidden from view for the most part, nestled in beauty. 

To get to the house, you must walk through an open garage, and over a wooden bridge. It can't be reached by car. This is a side view of the house from the bridge. 

Can't you imagine taking tea here, or settling in with a good book? 

 We wandered past the main house on a rambling brick walk, rounded the corner and discovered this; a one room schoolhouse turned guest home. 

What a clever door knock!

A peek inside: I'd be happy as a guest here!

Walking back toward the gift shop, we get to cross over the bridge again. So enchanting! Although, carrying groceries to the house in the rain or snow might not seem so wonderful!

The serene nooks and crannies seem to be endless. Lucille has six children, and my girls certainly thought them blessed to have grown  up in such a wonderful place. 

Until we saw this guy, that is!

Lucille encouraged us to walk out behind the gift shop as well. 

We were glad that we did.

We walked down the path to the overlook...

and caught a glimpse of the river that looked a brilliant emerald green. 

Once back in the gift shop, we told Lucille of the snake that we had seen, and showed her the pictures on the camera. She said that she hadn't seen a snake in years, probably due to the fact that she has two large dogs that wander everywhere with her. Except that they were busy sleeping on the floor of the gift shop! 

We were blessed this day, more by the quiet graciousness of a woman who was eager to share with others what she has been blessed with, than with the beauty that surrounded her.

Spring Sing

For the last four and months we've been practicing song after song on Sunday evenings in preparation to visit an assisted living facility. Tonight was the big night for our "Spring Sing". Despite the fact that practice doesn't always make perfect, we had fun, and the residents enjoyed themselves immensely. 

Our program was divided into two halves: a spiritual section in which we sang six or seven songs proclaiming the redeeming love of our Savior, and a secular section in which we sang many songs from the 1920's and '30's. The secular half also featured some dancing, and quite a few costume changes. 

At the conclusion of the program, several young women in our group handed out crochet flower pins that they had made themselves to the women in the audience. Jon and Aaron were dressed like vendors in a ballpark and served homemade crackerjack and cookies that were decorated like baseballs. 

What a worthwhile evening! To see the smiles on the faces of these elderly people, to watch them singing as they recalled these songs that had been popular in the days of their youth, made each practice so worth the time. Perfect? No. There were plenty of mistakes, but I dare say not one of those residents cared. 

Double Digits

My baby turns 10 today. Where does the time go? Happy Birthday, Abigail!

We celebrated with a party on Saturday for both girls. We've never done that before, as we've always kept their birthdays separate, even though they are just 5 days apart. A party for two girls? That meant we had 17 guests ranging in age from 6 to 18. And they were all perfect little ladies!



Turns out, I've been under the weather so cupcakes were iced while the guests were playing games. Lunch was kept very simple: grilled hotdogs, veggies and dip, chips, lemonade, and cupcakes.

Party favors were simple too. And oh, so cute! The girls and I crocheted 24 flowers and turned them into pins for the guests. You can find the post with directions for crocheting these flowers here.


Later that evening we had two different families for supper and games. The girls got the house in top shape after the party with the help of one of their friends. Floors were scrubbed on hands and knees, bathrooms freshened, etc. I concentrated on making supper while they did the heavy labor. You'd have thought it was my birthday!

Long Cool Drink

My parents have traveled safely back to their home in Pennsylvania, but before they left we enjoyed a Summer Pops Concert put on by the local orchestra in which Autumn has a part playing her cello. This was her first concert and she had a wonderful time. I was surprised that she wasn't a bit nervous. It was wonderful to see the broad grin on her face.

Yesterday we enjoyed being in the Lord's house for worship in the morning and Bible study in the evening. It's always a privilege to gather with the saints. God's word spoke to me especially during morning worship when we read Colossians 1:9-14. I've been feeling rather weary, and these particular verses felt like a long cool drink to my soul.

9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. 13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

Today was a busy one, but I got much accomplished. I baked 6 loaves of zucchini bread and a loaf of banana bread. I also baked two chickens in the crockpot and then turned them into Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole. LOTS of casserole. I actually baked the chicken in the crockpot outside on the deck overnight so as not to heat up the house. It worked beautifully despite my fears that a raccoon or some stray dogs would be all over my deck attempting to rip the crockpot open.

Why lots of casserole? Some for our family supper, and some for my friend Rachel's family supper as well. I'd love for you to join me in lifting her family up in prayer. Rachel's sister Jeannette gave birth to her 5th baby, Samuel, nearly two weeks ago but is extremely ill with Lyme and Addison's diseases . She's much too sick to care for the baby and Rachel has taken on his care. She's nursing him as well as her own 13 month old, and caring for her other three children. They all need prayer; Jeannette and her husband, Rob, along with Rachel and her husband, Patrick.

I added some Jello with pears to Rachel's dinner along with a loaf of zucchini bread. I was thankful to have just enough to also fill a small casserole dish for the freezer. I have a friend who is due with her second child in September, and this will make a great gift to them as well.


In lighter news, Abigail walked to the mailbox and came back with a fantastic bouquet of deliciously aromatic honeysuckle this afternoon. It's on the kitchen table, and smells delightful as the wind blows through the open windows.


The air is much cooler today than it has been and we received some much needed rain. What a treat!
I hope that you are having a good start to your week.

How Did It Go?

I just KNOW that you are all dying to find out how dinner with the Boss went on Monday. So, here's the scoop...

With the help of my brood, I was able to get the house into good shape. We were BUSY, though! Collin took care of the porch, put chairs away for the winter, emptied garbage cans, and did various tasks that I asked of him. Abigail scrubbed baseboards, and floors, went through old magazines, and organized. Autumn scrubbed bathrooms, and dusted the living room. I tore the laundry and dining rooms apart from floor to ceilings. I scrubbed, dusted, and swept. I also made homemade spaghetti sauce with meatballs, and Coffee Creme Brulee. I showered, talked to my mom on the phone, and was dressed with 20 minutes to spare. Whew!

Dinner was a huge success, but dessert was even bigger. Verne's boss introduced him to Creme Brulee several years ago during a business dinner. Verne raved about it, and I was determined to be able to make it for him. That very year, I surprised him with this special dessert for his birthday. He requested that I make it for Monday evening.

It touched my heart when Verne's boss acknowledged that he was impressed that my husband had expressed his like for this dessert, and that I had set out to be able to make it for him. What do your actions say about how you feel for your family?

Visit Mama's Fixins to find the Creme Brulee recipe!


An excellent wife who can find?
She is far more precious than jewels.
The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life.
Proverbs 31: 10-12

Fabulous Web-site !

Yesterday as I was visiting Monica's blog, The Homespun Heart, I clicked on a link that she had listed for a cute idea. I got more than one cute idea, and I thought that I would pass this amazing site onto all of you as well. When you get there, just click on any of the layouts for great recipes and entertaining tips, crafts, and more.

Preparations

Grandma will celebrate her 83rd birthday on Saturday. For those of you who are new, Grandma lives with us. The entire family is excited. We're having company coming in tomorrow afternoon to spend the weekend. And Grandma doesn't know it!

When Grandma moved in with us last year, she knew that she wouldn't be seeing other family much. We live six hours away from our closest relatives. Tomorrow, Grandma's oldest son and his wife are coming from the north, and my cousin, their daughter, is coming from the south. I can't wait to see the look on Gram's face when they arrive!

I've still been busy spring cleaning. I have only the boys' room left. It won't get done until next week. I've been slow this year because of a bit of bronchitis. After a major grocery trip yesterday, I worked hard cleaning our entire living room from floor to ceiling. Washing walls, moving heavy furniture, scrubbing the hardwood on my hands and knees. It looks and smells wonderful. I'm sore today!

So, I've been busy planning out menus for the weekend. Friday evening will be:

Baked Ham
Baked potatoes
Garlic green beans
Tossed salad
Rolls
Apple Pie

Saturday's Menus starting with breakfast:

Choice of homemade granola or muffins
Fresh fruit
Coffee
Tea
Juice

Lunch:

Turkey salad with pecans on croissants
Vegetable tray
Iced tea
Lemonade

Dinner:

Chuck roast
Roasted potatoes and carrots
Applesauce
Rolls
Ice Cream Cake for the Birthday Girl

Sunday's menu's beginning with breakfast:

Coffee cake
Oatmeal
Fruit
Coffee
Tea
Juice

Lunch:

Cabbage, Bacon, and Noodles
Rolls
Leftover desserts
Iced tea
Lemonade

Our company will take leave around 3 pm on Sunday afternoon.
Today I get to have lunch with friends and relax.

What's for Supper Wednesday

Last night, Verne asked me if I would mind having company for supper tonight. Of course I didn't mind; I love company! He was working with a colleague who is away from home for the next three nights, and Verne thought that he would enjoy a home-cooked meal.

Not having ever met this man before, I was stumped at what to make. I finally did decide on the menu early this morning, and then needed to set to work to make it happen. We would have baked chicken, homemade stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, beets, rolls, and apple pie for dessert.

Baked Chicken -This was the easy part! Throw breasts, thighs, and drumsticks in a baking dish. Bake for 1 hour at 425. That's it! The skin gets nice and crisp, the inside stays juicy.

Celery Stuffing

6 c. chopped celery
1 1/2 c. chopped onion
2 c. margarine
3 loaves stuffing bread (I cut up three loaves of Texas toast)
2 1/2 tsp. poultry seasoning
1/2 tsp. pepper
2 tsp. salt
1 c. water or chicken broth

Melt margarine. Saute celery and onion until tender. Add seasonings. Pour over bread, mix well. Add water or chicken broth a little at a time. Bake 1 hour. I put this on high in the crockpot for 2 1/2 hours. It was delicious!

ETA: Yes, this is a large recipe, BUT freezes very well pre-baking! You could make a recipe, keep some to bake for your meal that day, and freeze the rest in whatever portion sizes you choose! For our large family, I bake it all. Yes , there are leftovers, but that's fine with us.

Never Fail Pie Crust

3 c. flour
1 tsp. salt
1 1/4 c. shortening

Blend with a pastry blender until fine and crumbly.

1 tsp. vinegar
1 egg, beaten
6 Tbls. COLD water

Mix well, and add to dry ingredients. Blend with pastry blender until no longer sticky, but do not let it get dry. Roll out about 1/2 recipe at a time onto a heavily floured board until 1/8 inch thick.



Apple Pie

Peel 6 large, firm Granny Smith apples. Core and slice.
Make a recipe of Never fail Pie Crust. Roll out the bottom crust. Sprinkle 1 tsp. of flour into pie pan. Place bottom crust in the pan. Sprinkle with about 1 Tbls. flour. Mix 3/4 c. sugar with about 2 Tbls cinnamon. You may adjust the amount to suit your taste.
Place a layer of apples evenly over the bottom of the crust. Sprinkle the apples with the cinnamon mixture. Continue layering apples and cinnamon mixture until the apples are level with the top of the pie crust. Dot with 2 Tbls. butter. Roll out the top crust, and drape it over the pie. Crimp the edges, and cut several vent slits in the top. Brush crust with melted butter. Bake the pie in a preheated 425 degree oven for 10 minutes. Reduce the heat to 350, and bake 30-40 minutes longer until apples are tender when pierced with a skewer, and the crust is browned.


Pie Crust Pinwheels

Roll out the leftover pie crust. Brush with melted butter. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Cut into rectangles 1 1/2 - 2 inches wide and 5-6 inches long. Roll. Place on ungreased cookie sheet, and bake at 375 for 15 minutes.

A delicious dinner was enjoyed by all! Check out the following slide show for a tutorial on making homemade apple pie...

House Guests

I just love having company and practicing hospitality. For me, it is a way to show others God's love. Our homes are generally very private places. We do not invite just anyone into them, but when we do, we should take care that our guests feel welcome.

I love to serve good food for my guests. I always inquire as to their dislikes and any food allergies that they may have. Most of the time, people are afraid to speak up because they do not want to be burdensome. As the hostess, I would much rather prepare a meal that I know my guests can enjoy than to work all day and have someone not be able to partake in it.

Here are some tips if you are intimidated by the very thought of inviting someone into your home:

1. Don't fuss. Make your guests feel welcome and at home. Do not put on a show. Be who you are and ENJOY your company.

2. Most people are thrilled to sit and relax in a calm atmosphere. Do not feel like you must *entertain* your guests. Good conversation goes a long way. This is particularly true if you are hosting guests overnight. They may be tired, and wish for some *downtime* rather than going from activity to activity.

3. If your guests offer to help in the kitchen, with the dishes, etc., let them. Fellowship can be sweet as we work together.

4. Food does not have to be *fancy* or expensive to be enjoyed. Stick to your budget, and to your tried and true recipes. Make something that you have confidence in. Don't forget to ask your guests about dislikes and allergies.

5. Make it special! Does this seem to go against tips one and four? Well, being yourself and sticking to your budget are definite on the *do* list, but that does not mean that we shouldn't show are guests that we are thrilled to have them in our homes. Don't be sloppy. Do the best with what you have does not mean to not put forth any effort.

6. Keep a journal. This doesn't have to be anything formal. It can be as simple or elaborate as you like. You may wish to write down who came, for what occasion, what was served, etc. I keep a guest book. We always ask our guests to sign it at the end of their visit. I have done this for about 6 years now. I wish that I had started it when we were first married. It's great fun to look back through our book and see how long it has been since we have entertained, who was over last, etc.

Tonight, we are hosting some very dear friends along with their five children. They will be joining us for supper, and then spending the night. We are a stop on their moving trip from one state to another. I am looking forward to giving them a place to be refreshed after the hustle and bustle of packing, etc.

Dinner for 14! I am keeping it simple, but satisfying. After consulting with my friend, I learned that her children can be picky eaters. I also know that her husband was/is a vegetarian. My crew loves meat, and will eat anything put in front of them. I'm serving hot dogs, salad, and homemade soups; potato, and chicken noodle. Autumn made chocolate chip cookies for dessert. That ought to cover everyone.

Recommended reading: Edith Schaeffer's The Hidden Art of Homemaking