A Latte Moment

Christmas Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 04:01:00 +0000

Since Canadian Thanksgiving has come and gone, this week was time to begin some Christmas holiday decorating.

I invited a few young friends for the day to come help put up the Christmas tree...and what a fun time we had together.

With Christmas tunes playing in the background, we opened all the boxes of ornaments. My favourite part was when I heard squeals of, "Oh! I remember this one!" over and over again.

And then there was the silly singing.

And the power outage...(did we pay the bill? lol)

And finally, delicious homemade apple crisp baking in the oven for dessert.

After supper we all played games until we heard that fateful phrase...."It's time to go now."

Everyone was sad that our fun had come to an end. What's nice is that since the fun has had an early start, we'll have lots more days to celebrate the season.

What will you be doing to celebrate?

Blessings,
Jessica

An Autumn Day at the Pond

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 02:18:00 +0000

Summer Sun!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 02:45:00 +0000

Look What's Coming Up Now....

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 03:01:00 +0000

Sunflowers!
First we cleaned out the sod...

And then on June 16th we added a mound of topsoil
and sowed a shallow row of sunflowers
that I had on hand from the bird feeder...

A few days later, on June 21st, hardy sprouts
began to poke through!!

July 6th

July 22nd

These are the wild ones that fell from the feeder
and were planted by the birds!
They were started about 3 weeks earlier and are
about 4.5 feet tall now.

Today, July 24th

Gus is worried that he won't get to spy

on the neighbour dogs now!

Pretty soon these blossoms will be peeking through!

All the flowers of all the tomorrows
are in the seeds of today.

Things that make you go hmmmmm......

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 15:59:00 +0000

(click on photo to enlarge)

Summer Roses...

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 03:14:00 +0000

They just make 'scents.'

A Fun Garden Idea!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 17:15:00 +0000

Last summer this interesting article about tipsy pots really caught my eye. So last week, with instructions in hand and all the necessary supplies, I headed to the backyard begin my project.

In the corner of our yard is a low spot that is often water-logged and everything I've tried to plant has not survived there. I was so glad when hubby suggested that would be a great location for our new planter.

After pounding in the rebar with a hammer to the proper depth, it was time to thread on the first clay pot. I filled it with soil and then threaded the second one, filling it with soil.

I kept going until all the pots were securely in place.

Then it was time to add the flowers, mini petunias...

mini pansies...

large, showy pansies...

and beautiful bacopa.

Now, on a scale of 1 to 10 I would rate this as a 2 for difficulty (just because I had to pound in the rebar :-) and needed a break with a glass of iced tea.

So, if you're looking for something new and easy to add to your garden, don't be afraid to try this project. I'm sure you won't be disappointed with the results.

Cheers,
Jessica

Congratulations...

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 14:15:00 +0000

To Daisy! Once again she guessed the right answer! SR does indeed stand for Strawberry Rhubarb. I was hoping that the photos of the rhubarb and fresh strawberries would be seen as clues...

Sorry there's no prize, but if you stop by I'll save you a slice! LOL.

I hope you'll stay tuned to see what's new in the garden this week. I'm sure you're going to be delighted.

Blessings,
Jessica

First Day of Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 22:34:00 +0000

And everything's in bloom...

(Click to enlarge)

Can you tell what the S R stands for? Hope you're having lots of summer fun.

Blessings,
Jessica

Backyard Visitor

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 02:22:00 +0000

Hello friends,

I just wanted to share this little beauty that comes to my backyard feeder every day.

(Click on photo to hear audio)

He always seems to have a song and whenever I hear him sing, he brings a smile to my heart. And you know what? I'm sure that's how God intended it.

The flowers appear on the earth;
the time of the singing [of birds] is come,
and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land.
Song of Solomon 2:12

Enjoying the SONshine and all that it brings,

Jessica

P.S. And here's a link that really shows off his song. Click on the 'play' button to hear the sound.

Coffee Break...Updated

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Fri, 28 May 2010 11:22:00 +0000

This week's Coffee Break! is a quiz.
Can you name this mystery cake?

(click to enlarge)

My husband came home from the store the other day and I was surprised to see that he had bought the 'special' ingredients for this delicious cake. Right away I knew he was having a craving!

So last night after supper I whipped up this simple little dessert. But this time I dipped out some of the batter into my muffin tin and then put the rest into the bundt pan. The muffins disappeared so fast it was like I had never made them. I guess that leaves the cake for me! ha ha.

Now, here's few hints of colour.... Green & Yellow...

Have fun guessing,

Jessica

**UPDATE** Daisy guessed the secret green ingredient to be Pistachio! Congratulations! For participating in our quiz today Daisy, you have won a $5 gift card to Tim Hortons! Maybe you should get it to go so you can enjoy your beverage with this delicious cake, eh?

Here are the recipe details:

Pistachio Cake

1 Yellow Box Cake mix
1 regular box of Instant Pistachio Pudding mix
4 eggs, slightly beaten
3/4 cup water
3/4 cup oil
1 cup mini chocolate chips (large ones will sink to the bottom)

Mix all ingredients together with an electric mixer until well blended (about 3 minutes). Pour cake into a greased bundt pan and bake for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. When toothpick comes out clean the cake is done. Allow to cool slightly and then turn out of the pan to cool completely. This cake does not need any frosting, however you may like to add a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. Enjoy.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by to read this week's Coffee Break! Please come back next week for another simple treat to share with your friends and family.

The Danger is Past...

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Wed, 26 May 2010 15:26:00 +0000

of frost that is...Spring is in full bloom in our region and what a sight it is.

(Bachelor's Button - click to enlarge)

However, few things lend itself to more angst to a gardener than the danger of frost. I just read a story the other day about apple farmers being cautiously optimistic about this season following a few tense weeks of worrying that an early frost could wipe out their crop.

(Gerber Daisy - visited by an ant)

A mild spring meant apple trees were about three weeks ahead of schedule, putting them at risk for frost damage.

One wise farmer, David Coburn, said, "In a way, there's not a lot I can do as a farmer. It is in God's hands and we have to leave it at that, and it's looking pretty good."

(Mini Gerber Daisy)

And even though my livelihood doesn't depend on a successful crop, it still takes some planning and a watchful eye over the garden during the spring months.

After consulting the frost calendar for our region this past weekend, I put together a few containers of flowers and purchased my tomato plants. The calendar reported that the danger of frost would be past after May 26th, but there still could be a RISK of frost for two more weeks past that.

Aaahhh. Risk is so much more palatable. I can worry a lot less about my tender plants with the word 'risk.'

Whether it's finding the proper location for a certain flower to thrive, finding creative ways to combat garden pests, or just trying to avoid the risk of minor back injuries, most dedicated gardeners will say there is some risk involved.

But it's been my experience when I sit down at the end of a long day of digging in the dirt, and look over the beauty and fragrance of the garden, that the satisfaction that comes makes it all worthwhile.

(Dahlia)

(Dahlia - one day later in full bloom)

But as David Coburn said, "It is in God's hands and we have to leave it at that."

An Insightful Post

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 02:16:00 +0000

My friend Julie posted the article below today and I was so encouraged after I read it that I wanted to share it here.

It's called, "When Insecurities Come, Which Way Will You Go?"

I have lived long enough to experience all sorts of personal disappointments and disasters. I have experienced being rejected, humiliated and lied to by people that were supposed to have loved me. I have been shocked and disappointed in people I have invested in and loved, and hurt and betrayed by some who have said that they would stand by me and with me.

And I'm not the only one. Many, many other people that I have known over the years have experienced these same things too.

When these things happen, there is always one consistent feeling that comes . . . and that is the feeling of insecurity.

What is insecurity? It is the feeling of not being confident or sure of yourself anymore. It brings with it a feeling of "being shaky" and often causes us to ask questions like, "What's wrong with me?", "Am I able?", "What is my worth?", "Am I beautiful enough?", "Will I ever be enough?" and make statements like, "I'll never", "I wish", and "I need to".

I have noticed that after a woman spends time questioning herself and making general statements about herself, she usually begins to take action and follow a certain direction.

Where do women go from here?

Many go towards sexiness. They feel that becoming more sexy will bring them the confidence that they need to regain. More make-up, less clothes, nights out on the town, and time spent at the salon and with strange men are the things that they believe will help them become more confident and steady during this time.

Some go towards self-centeredness. These are the ones who are going to make sure that no one ever takes advantage of them again by making sure that their needs are now the most important focus of every day. Now is the time to think only about themselves. They do what they want with their time, talents and treasures. It doesn't matter to them how their choices affect anybody else, as long as they are centering their effort around themselves, they believe they are on the right path of regaining their personal confidence and strength.

And few go towards God. They are the ones that understand that life is filled with trials and tribulation, and that in this world they will have trouble ~ but they take heart, because they know that God has overcome the world. They make it their goal to forgive those that have offended them and to stay strong for those who are watching them as they endure the storm of insecurity as it comes. These are the ones that have dedicated themselves to a life lived for God at the expense of a life lived to be loved by others.

I decided many years ago to go towards God when insecurity comes. I have chosen to take the burdens that have overwhelmed me in this life and use them to make a bridge. A bridge that would take me to the feet of God. And as soon as I get there, do you know what I hear? I hear such beautiful things.

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Jeremiah 29:11

"The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee." Jeremiah 31:3

"I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well." Psalm 139:4

"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Hebrews 13:5

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13

Going to God in my times of insecurity has become such a pleasant experience for me over the years, that I have made it my goal to help others learn how to build a bridge to Him so that they can go to him when insecurity comes their way as well.

Insecurity is one of those things that no one wants to experience. Every one of us wants to feel strong and confident and sure. And that is why when it comes, we all run somewhere to help us get rid of it.

When insecurity comes your way, which way will go? Will you go towards sexiness? Will you go towards self-centeredness? Or will you go towards God?

I know what I have decided to do. I have decided to go towards God. I want the world to know that God can be trusted . . . even with something as precious as my insecurities.

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16:33

Good Intentions

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 02:11:00 +0000

This evening I was cleaning out my email inbox. You know, sometimes I come across tidbits and stories that I think, "wow! that's a great thought," and I usually send myself an email containing that quote for use at some unknown future date. And tonight I found several of those emails just sitting around, collecting internet dust.

The following is one of those stories. It reveals well-known characteristics to all of us and in it lies the hope that we all can cling to.

Unfortunately, I can't remember just where it originated but the credit definitely goes to someone else.

====================

I love going to the store early in the morning because there are usually no lines and it’s clean and quiet, plenty of good parking spaces. Early shoppers know how to grocery shop. They understand and adhere to aisle etiquette. They know what they are doing. They are my people.

But this is not about grocery store etiquette. This is about how good intentions wear off around 9am.

On a recent early morning shopping trip, I passed through the bakery area where I saw a mom-type person reach into the doughnut case, snag one with the tissue paper and scarf it down in about two bites. I do not judge her, because who among us has not been overcome with doughnut fumes and passed out in the self-serve case? She had probably gotten out of bed an hour before with the best of intentions to make it a better day, to do better, to treat her body like the temple that it is.

But by 9:30, the morning sun had scorched her good intentions. Resolve dissolved. I get that.

Two aisles before I even got to the photo department, I heard her voice – intense and purposeful and rising like a thermometer. And when I turned the corner there she was. A harried mom with four kids hanging off the cart. She was trying to work the self-service photo print machine and her four kids were trying to work her last nerve. And then she lost it. She bellowed at the source of her exasperation and melted down into a puddle of what appeared to be good intentions.

She had probably gone to bed the night before promising herself that today would be a better day, that today she would do better, today she would be the kind of calm and reasonable mom parenting books promise you can be.

As I was heading towards the checkout with my few things, I met up with a man with sad eyes and a red bulbous drinker’s nose. He wore a defeated expression. He bowed awkwardly and kindly waved me into the line ahead of him, although I had several things in my cart whereas he only had a case of beer.

“Thank you so much sir,” I said. I looked into his eyes and what I saw was the cruelest kind of sad – self disappointment. Had he gotten up a couple of hours earlier with the best intentions to make it a better day, to do better? Yet here he was buying a case of beer at 9:30 in the morning.

Beer is not my thing, but sometimes it’s the doughnut. Or the promise not to yell or be snippy and short with people I love. Or any number of short comings from a long list.

Like those people, I wake up each morning telling myself that today I’ll make it a better day, today I’ll do better. And then the sun rises in the sky.

The early shoppers, the ones with the good grocery store etiquette and a cart full of busted best intentions, they are my people.

Daily, my good intentions fail, but His compassions for me don’t. And therein lies my hope.

* *

It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22,23

You're Next!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:19:00 +0000

'When I was younger, I hated going to weddings.
It seemed that all of my aunts and the
grandmotherly-types used to come up to me,
poke me in the ribs and cackle,
telling me 'YOU'RE NEXT!!!'.

They stopped doing that after I started doing
the same thing to them at funerals.'

Smile!!!

A merry heart doeth good [like] a medicine.
Proverbs 17:22

How To Know When Christmas is Officially Over?

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 21:00:00 +0000

By finally eating the last of the Christmas candy that has been hanging around of course!

I was saving the best for last, homemade chocolate fudge. My 'good' friend Daisy brought us a tin of it in December during our annual Christmas open house. Now that I've gained a few pounds I'm not sure just sure where our friendship lies but I do know that she's a great cook.

Only 11 more months to go and we can do it all over again!!

Blessing,
Jessica

Coffee Break!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 14:06:00 +0000

If you're an avid cook or baker there's one place in town that you just have to visit. It's the restaurant supply store. A few years ago I was looking for a Bunn style coffee maker and heard that the restaurant store had some used models for sale. So we took a drive over to check them out.

What an awesome place. You know how kids like the candy store? That's how I feel when I visit the restaurant store. They have the neatest things.

I remembered the first time I went, they had these really large rubber spatulas. It was all one piece so the spatula part wouldn't work its way off at a crucial time! So since the old ones I had were finally tearing apart I asked my husband to pick me a new one up as a Christmas present.

Well, in case you didn't already know, I have an extremely thoughtful husband. Not only did he buy me a spatula, he bought me two. Yay! But what I really want to tell you about today is the other thing he bought me at the awesome restaurant store. (Did I tell you this store is cool?)

Because my baking sheets were pretty much black from over 20 years of usage, I thought it might be time to get some new ones. So while he was shopping he bought me a giant baking sheet like they have at the bakeries. But the salesman didn't let him stop there. He told him about the new teflon baking sheets. It's just what it says. It's a flexible sheet of teflon that you place on the baking sheet (instead of parchment paper). Anything you cook on it will NOT stick. After removing your items, just wash it off, it's even dishwasher safe! So hubby bought me a sheet to go with the new pan.

Here it is...

I tried barbecue ribs for my first experiment, they always leave a stuck-on mess...

Yep, that's what always happens, black, burnt sauce that I have to scrub and scrub off...

But not this time... look closely at the burnt sauce.. I just lifted it up with a fork. I served the ribs and wiped away the sauce. Awesome!

The sauce did not leak through the teflon sheeting so my pan is as good as new!

Run, don't walk to your nearest restaurant supply store. Buy yourself a sheet and see for yourself. You won't regret it. By the way, this sheet will last for over 6,000 uses. Let's just say....that's a long time.

So remember, the moral of the story is, less time scrubbing, more time doing FUN stuff!

Blessings to you,
Jessica

Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 02:47:00 +0000

Happy New Year to Everybody! Snow is everywhere here and all kinds of snowmen are popping up in our neighbourhood. Our holidays were filled with shopping, parties, warm visits with family and friends, and simple quiet times. I also enjoyed fun visits with our neighbours while delivering their annual holiday treats.

This year I put together gift bags with Christmas tins containing Puppy Chow (a delicious snack made with Shreddies/Chex cereal, chocolate and peanut butter) and decorated jars with Double Chocolate Cookie Mixes. I also slipped in special recipe cards for those treats and our Christmas photo of Gus, the Big White Dog. I've mentioned them before but we really do have great neighbours -- we all look out for one another while still minding our own business, a perfect combination.

So today I'd like to start off with a quote that came across my path the other day. It keeps coming to mind (which is probably a good thing) and has helped make a difference in my life. Perhaps it will in yours.

Be not angry that you cannot make others
as you wish them to be,
since you cannot make yourself
as you wish to be -
Thomas a Kempis

Blessings,
Jessica

January Diet Poem

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 04:05:00 +0000

Author: Unknown

It was the month after Christmas and all through the house

nothing would fit me, not even a blouse.

The cookies I'd nibbled, the eggnog I'd taste,

at the holiday parties had gone to my waist.

When I got on the scales there arose such a number!

When I walked to the store (less a walk than a lumber).

I'd remember the marvelous meals I'd prepared;

The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared,

the cider and cheese balls, the bread and the cheese

and the way I'd never said, "No Thank you, please."

As I dressed myself in my husband's old shirt

and prepared once again to do battle with dirt.

I said to myself, as I only can

"you can't spend a winter disguised as a man!"

So---away with the last of the sour cream dip,

get rid of the fruit cake, every cracker and chip

every last bit of food that I like must be banished

till all the additional ounces have vanished.

I won't have a cookie----not even a lick.

I'll want only to chew on a long celery stick.

I won't have hot biscuits, or corn bread or pie,

I'll munch on a carrot and quietly cry.

I'm hungry, I'm lonesome and life is a bore,

but isn't that what January is for?

Unable to giggle, no longer a riot.

Happy New Year to all and to all a good diet!

The List...

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 04:01:00 +0000

Last Friday evening I participated in an official piano recital and even though I have played piano for several years, this was a first for me. Was I a little nervous? Yes. But in hindsight I realized it wasn't so much a nervousness relating to whether or not I could play the selected pieces perfectly, but rather an excitement about accomplishing something that I had dreamed about for a long time.

I'm sure many of you are familiar with the idea of having a list of 50 -100 things to accomplish in your life before you die, sometimes called a 'bucket list." Well, I've never officially made a bucket list but with the new year approaching I don't think it would necessarily be a bad thing. Especially for those of us who have a continual running list of 'things to do.'

I find January is often a good time to tackle those unseen projects, most of which just need a little 'umph!" to get done. There's something to be said for the newness of the year acting as a catalyst to spur us on to deeds undone.

So, after checking with my heavenly Father, this Christmas I will be outlining some dreams and desires to be attempted in the coming year. I'll probably start out small - like with 10. Some will be easy and some not, but all within reason. Some will be about 'things' and some will be about 'people' and some will just plain be about me -- because I'm just not satisfied with the status quo. I guess you could say that my motto for the new year will be, "Keep Pressing On!"

Philippians 3:14
I press toward the mark for the prize
of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Merry Christmas,
Jessica

Christmas Greetings from Gus...

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 04:02:00 +0000

Coffee Break!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:26:00 +0000

If you have a few minutes to spare this last week before Christmas I hope you'll consider adding today's Coffee Break! recipe to your holiday menu. In fact, it would be perfect for a New Year's get-together.

This past Sunday evening our church had our annual Christmas by the Fireside! This is the time when we convert our church into an informal living room, complete with electric fireplace and furniture. This year everyone gathered around to sing Christmas carols, listen to some beautiful orchestra music, special songs by the children, a funny skit and of course, the Christmas story play put on the the children.

During the intermission, there were lots of treats to sample - our church has some of the best cooks going and everything was delicious.

It was nice to hear so many comments about how relaxing their time was. That is always our goal - just a fun time to enjoy one another's company and to wish each other sincere holiday greetings. I really look forward to this event every year.

So, here is the recipe for this simple holiday treat.

What you'll need:
- 2 8-ounce tubes of crescent rolls*
- 1 8-ounce package of softened cream cheese
- 1/2 cup of sour cream
- 1 teaspoon of dill weed
- 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups of broccoli florets (freshly chopped)
- 1 cup of celery (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup of sweet red pepper (finely chopped)
- Celery leaves

* found in the refrigerator section of your grocery store

First, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Next, remove the crescent roll dough from its packaging (make sure you don't unroll it). Cut each tube into eight slices and then arrange the slices in a circle (about 11 inches in diameter.) I've found it very handy to make your circle on an pizza pan (ungreased 14-inch size works well.)

Then, bake it for approximately 15-20 minutes or until the dough turns a lovely golden color. Cool for 5 minutes or so before gently removing your crescent dough wreath to a serving platter. Then, cool it completely.

In a small mixing bowl, beat the sour cream, cream cheese, garlic powder and dill until nice and smooth. Then, spread the mixture over the wreath and top with the chopped celery, broccoli, and red pepper. You can complete this pretty picture by making a bow with the leftover celery leaves. Serves 16.

Special Note: This appetizer doesn't transport as easily as some so I made the wreath and bagged the dip and chopped veggies to bring with me to the party. It only took a few moments to assemble.

Last, but not least I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and that you'll find joy in the true meaning of the holiday.

With love,
Jessica

Simple Sweet Treats

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:32:00 +0000

Recently I received one of those "Gifts in a Jar" from a dear friend. The recipe was called Chocolate, Chocolate Chip Cookies and little did I know how "dear" my friend was until I requested the secret to that particular jar gift.

The recipe card said to dump the contents of the jar into a large mixing bowl. Then add 1/2 cup oil, 2 eggs and 1 cup of chocolate chips. Mix together, drop by spoonfuls on a cookie sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes. And 'Voila! ' You have delicious cookies.

And delicious cookies they were. I brought a plate to my unsuspecting husband and his friend who were sitting by the wood stove with coffee cups in hand.

After a few bites all I heard was, "Wow! These are awesome."

So, today I share with you the minor detail left out of this recipe. That is, just what was the contents of the jar? It was simply a chocolate cake mix from a box.

Please, please, make these cookies for your family, friends, neighbor's, co-workers etc. They'll be a hit, you won't be stressed with a complicated recipe and you'll be delighted that something so simple could bring so much pleasure.

Here again is the recipe:

1 Chocolate cake mix
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 cup chocolate chips

Combine cake mix, oil and eggs into a large mixing bowl. Stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips. Mix together, drop by spoonfuls on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Avoid overbaking and allow to cool a couple minutes before placing them on a cooling rack.

And don't forget this makes a wonderful housewarming gift when given as a decorated "Gift in a Jar."

Sharing the love,
Jessica

Welcome December!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:12:00 +0000

I suppose my long absence bears a little explaining. The short of it is...many topics, ideas, thoughts and recipes were on my mind to share but it seemed to me that I was just one in the multitude of voices. I kept asking myself the question, "Is what I'm contributing making a difference?"

After having received several inquiries about my absence, I have determined that apparently yes, my humble contributions were making a difference in my dear readers' hearts and lives. I want to take a moment and thank my faithful readers. It warms my heart to know that you've opened your door to me.

So here it is the first of December. There's lots of excitement this time of year centered around one of the most celebrated holidays in the world - the birth of Jesus Christ.

Our church family has already enjoyed a lovely evening with our ladies and their guests singing Christmas carols, Chinese food buffet, sweet fellowship and laughter, gifts and an earnest reminder of what's really important this time of year - Drawing people to Jesus Christ.

One way I plan to do that this year in my neighborhood is by delivering a gift basket to our neighbors. Every year I look forward to gathering a few delights, wrapping them up and dropping them off at homes that directly surround ours.

In fact, one neighbor girl let me know that a special treat of homemade peanut butter cups that I shared with them a few months ago was still on her mind! So I'm planning to include those in their basket.

So, that's what's going on at our house. I hope you are taking the time to really enjoy this Christmas holiday time and all the while remembering that Jesus is the Reason for the Season!

Wishing you blessings,
Jessica

It's Nice to be Appreciated, Isn't It?

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 22:29:00 +0000

In our church we have so many wonderful people, many of whom have volunteered many hundreds of hours of volunteer labor. And because our church wouldn't function nearly as smoothly without their dedication we believe in recognizing their efforts.

So today, my husband and I hosted an Appreciation Luncheon for our wonderful nursery workers. These are the ladies who spend time caring for the little ones in our church, from the tiny infants to the really, REALLY active three-year olds!

I'd venture to say that some days they hazard their lives in order to minister to these young children. Whether it's comforting one who misses their parent or maybe it's just cleaning up those unexpected messes!

Today we simply wanted to acknowledge their dedication and faithfulness (we almost never have a need for a substitute worker) by treating them to a nice luncheon.

Our menu consisted of:

Fresh croissant sandwiches with
delicious deli ham or gourmet chicken,
lettuce, tomato and swiss cheese

Homemade Cream of Broccoli Soup

Sweet Seedless Red Grapes

Raspberry Fizz Punch

Cheesecake

Everyone had such a nice relaxing time together and at the end, our Pastor said that he knew diamonds were a girl's best friend, but he couldn't afford those. So since chocolate seemed to be the next choice, he'd bought a ginormous chocolate bar for us to share! It was Swiss chocolate...so smooth and creamy.

Everyone went home happy knowing they were really appreciated.

And for those of you who have read this far, I'm adding the recipe for the Broccoli Soup. It's great treat for a cool autumn afternoon.

Blessings to you,
Jessica

¾ cup chopped onion

4 garlic cloves, finely chopped

2 small carrots, shredded

4 tbsp butter

2 tsp vegetable oil

Salt & pepper

8 tbsp butter

8 tbsp flour

2 cups milk

4 cups water

4 cubes (or tsp) chicken bouillon

2 large heads of broccoli, chopped

1. Sauté onion, garlic and carrot in 4 tbsp of butter and 2 tsp oil for 5-6 minutes over medium heat until onion is transparent. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.

2. In a large saucepan, melt 8 tbsp butter over low heat. Add flour and stir. Add milk, a little at a time, stirring constantly. Stir for a few minutes more over heat until thickened.

3. In a separate saucepan, bring water and bouillon to a boil. Add broth to the milk mixture, stirring constantly.

4. Cook or steam broccoli in rapidly boiling water for 7 minutes. Add broccoli and cooked vegetables to soup base. Stir well and cook on low 7- 10 minutes, covered. Serve.