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How to Write a Haiku Poem

2012-03-16T12:55:00.002-05:00

The Huntress

Deep growl, a warning...

Twitching, crouched like a lion

Pounce! Squeak! Ahhh...dinner!

by Donna C. Rodgers

Long time no see! Hope this post finds you all well and busy. With spring approaching, I thought you might enjoy this little exercise in poetry writing that I'm doing with my middle school girls co-op class.

I've never written a Haiku poem until today. What an appropriate way to celebrate spring!

The instructions I sent the girls are below.

Enjoy!

Hi Girls,

This week's assignment is both simple and challenging. Writing a three line poem called a Haiku.

1. Read a little bit about the elements of poetry, at this link. Elements of Poetry. (Each week I will give you new topic about poetry to read on your own.)

1. I would like you to finish the Haiku poems you started in class. Please email it to me if you can, and I can go over it and suggest changes if you would like.

2. Draw or print a picture to go with it.

3. Then I'd like you to write one on a different subject.

4. I believe, what you need most to do, is FOCUS on some SMALL part of the topic.

TOPICS Possible focus (pick only one or two)

Spring weather change, tree getting leaves, bees in the redbud tree, mother bird feeding chick, turtle sunning

Birthdays the taste and lighting of a cake, the gift and it's opening, the party guests, breakfast in bed, getting older

Beach a hermit crab changing homes, the action of waves on the sand, footprints, kite flying, ships on the horizon

flowers bud, opening, visitors, picking and giving to mom, gracing a vase

New Jewelry sparkles, dangling, gift from a friend, handed down from Grandma, light shimmering

Vacation no more books! packing and on the road, anticipation, grand views, music on the radio, maps

5. See how picking one or two smaller parts of a BIG topic gives you something more to write about?You are really describing the event like a riddle.

Don't mention the main topic except perhaps as the title. That way you leave the reader guessing. :) This adds that element of surprise.

Here's how to do it.

a. Pick your favorite hobby, favorite color, animal, place, memory. i.e. cat

b. Then list several things you like about the topic. (appearance, sounds, feelings and sensations, disappointments, triumphs)

i.e. affectionate nature, piercing eyes, rumbling purr, soft supple fur, elegant and aloof, great hunters, nursing kittens

c. Now pick ONE of those things you would like to FOCUS on. i.e great hunter (my least favorite part)

d. list words about that topic. twitching tail, warning rumble, piercing gaze, the crouch, springing into action, the pounce, the offering of the mouse on my doorstep, delicate cleaning of paws after dinner

e. Perhaps find a logical order for the three sentences i.e. what you hear, then see, then the result

f. Now try to say those things within the proper Haiku pattern.

1st sentence 5 syllables

2nd sentence 7 syllables

3rd sentence 5 syllables

Here's my 'rough draft' on Cats (I've never written this type of poem...but I'll give it a go. :)

Growling, rumbling, warning

Tail twitches, crouches, pauses hidden

Pounce! dinner! Happy purring.

As you can see, there's too many syllables here. So I'll try to get rid of some words.

Deep growl, a warning

Twitching, Crouched, Hidden

Sudden pounce! Squeak!, Ahhh...Dinner! (Oops got my 5-7-5 mixed up.) This is 557.

Now for a title... How about 'the huntress'?

The Huntress

Deep growl, a warning

Tall grass twitching, Crouched, Hidden

Pounce! Squeak!, Ahhh...Dinner!

Optional: Add a Simile

I can't wait to see what you come up with. :)

Happy writing!

Mrs. Rodgers

Brighter Days on the Horizon!

2012-03-03T18:52:00.000-06:00

Today, I found myself actually WALKING QUICKLY through a room to go do something. I felt like my old self almost!

I was able to turn the key in the ignition, drive with BOTH HANDS, carry a bag with applesauce in it, hold a pan while scrubbing, and open the deck door. (It's a spring loaded lever type.) I don't have to keep it elevated at all. These are HUGE accomplishments. :)

Ladies, I think I'm about to move back into type A mode! Yippee! Hope that means you'll hear from me more often. When I can get things done, I can do things to post about! :)

The cold is almost gone, and I've spent the day grading papers. Suddenly, I'm seeing messes everywhere. Is it spring fever? I hope so!

Hope you are having a wonderful week too.

PS. And Yes..I CAN Hula Hoop!

I'm Under the Weather, but the Flowers are Just Fine

2012-02-29T13:01:00.001-06:00

I wanted to pop in and send a little note to you all. I'm sick with a bad cold so this will have to be short. :) I did want to let you know that between Rebekah's relentless 'encouragement' (lol) and my own determination, a great menu plan, and some challenging exercise, I've lost a lot of weight.Yippee!

I was just so surprised! The recipes from the Biggest Loser book are really yummy and make the transition to clean eating almost painless. I have to cook more, but frankly, my health and fitness are worth it. I promised her not to tell you how much weight, until she gets to write her own post.

I am more encouraged about the thought of being able to truly get back to a normal weight than ever before. Hope is what I needed most. :)

On another topic, the flowers are blooming beautifully here. :) I couldn't resist sharing them. The tulips I planted last year (gifts from hubby) finally bloomed, along with our white bushes, whose name I don't know, and our camellias.

In spite of my bad cold and misery, I could still manage to enjoy the fresh breezes from the deck and smile at the spring green of our tulip tree and palm trees. The tulips are gone, but the fresh green leaves brightened my day. What a glorious color!

Rebekah is busily planting zinnias, marigolds, and some mystery seeds from our good friend, Laurie. Her pansies and my Christmas bulbs are doing very well.

Since she can't whip me into shape and keep me going on lunges and stretches, she's taking it out on her poor garden. She's feeling better but I'm not there yet, so I'm glad she's expending her energy outdoors. LOL! She always needs a project to manage. For the moment, I'm off the hook. :)

My cast is off, and my wrist is stiff as anything. I missed the first therapy appointment today, due to the cold, but I've been doing exercises anyway. It feels like I have arthritis or something. My whole hand aches, but when I work it, it begins to feel more normal. I'm still very limited in the work I can do around the house, which still slows me down terribly. I don't have a lot of spare time, but I'm getting more done than at the beginning, so that's good news. I'm SO glad the cast is off!

With a house sale looming, and a move, I've decided to at least de-clutter a box or bag a day in the potting shed. There are so many things we've kept because we 'might' need them, and now, I feel the freedom to get rid of them. It's amazing what you can accomplish in one room, one box at a time! You should try it. :) (Salvation army is gonna love us! )

We have lots of yard work to do, but I won't get to do much of it, sadly. It's feeling gloriously fresh and springy outside, but my job will be supervisor to the work crew. :) Guess I'll just have to get over it. LOL! (Gee....where is that cup of tea and lawn chair?)

Our next craft project in co-op is quill pens, but that won't be till next week. Hopefully, I'll get to feeling better soon and can post our corn husk doll project and the quill pen one too.

Thanks so much for visiting while I've been under the weather...I'm looking forward to normal life one day soon! Your cheery encouragement on my weightloss journey is priceless. Thank you!

My Mom is the Biggest Loser!

2012-02-23T19:11:00.000-06:00

For those of you who thought this is my actual opinion of my mother, shame on you. I love my mother dearly and she is about as far from being a loser as you possibly could be; until now. You see, my mother is starting our version of "The Biggest Loser" challenge.

The Coach

As her coach, mentor, dietician, and #1 fan, let me introduce myself; my name is Rebekah Rodgers. Since I was big enough to walk, I have led a fairly active/healthy lifestyle; developed a pattern of habits that cultivate healthy eating choices, active hobbies, and determination to stay fit. At 21 years old, I still maintain those habits.

But my Mother has spent the last 20+ years taking care of five kids, a house, and husband. Somewhere along the line, she neglected to take care of her own health and wellbeing. That's where we find ourselves today. She has decided to make a change right now to save her health and live better.

The Biggest Loser Challenge

For the next 6 weeks (or however long it takes) Mom will be following the diet plan and exercise routines outlined in "The Biggest Loser" by Cheryl Forberg (and others). In order to motivate her to stick with the program, I have decided to diet and exercise with her through all 6 weeks.

We have four charts on the fridge: water intake, diet check, exercise check, and weight progress. I also had Mom put up a picture of her goal -- herself nearly 20 years ago -- as well as a list of excuses she's made since then that got her so far away from her optimal weight.

- For water intake, we aim for 128oz of water a day in four 32oz increments.

- Our diet plan follows the 1,200-1,500 calorie balanced meals listed in the book. (Note: 5 small meals a day makes a huge difference in hunger and cravings.)

- Exercises vary each week in type and intensity but in addition to the workouts, we walk 30-45 minutes outdoors. Mom's favorite warm-up is hula hooping while listening to Country music.

We are currently on Day 2. Weight progress = -1lb

Quote of the day:

Mom: "What?? I can't run!"

Me: *rolls eyes* "If one of your children got hit by a car, would you walk to their aid or run?"

Mom: "... I guess I can run."

Lesson learned: You CAN exercise beyond what you think you can. You'll never know your limits until you push them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here's where I need your help. Mom needs all the motivation, support, encouragement, (and prayers) you can give her. Comment below and let her know you're cheering for her!

Valentine's Day Isn't Just for Couples..

2012-02-14T15:43:00.003-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day to you..and all of those you love!!

Our celebration is in full scale production. :)

Rebekah, my dear daughter, started it off with a box of chocolates sneakily deposited on everyone's pillow. The boys all heartily approved of this nice gesture. LOL!

Then I headed off to the local store for a special arrangement for her. Until that someone special arrives on the scene..Daddy is still her favorite Valentine. :)

Hubby wrote the sweetest note to her. What a guy!

I'm writing love notes to the kids to leave on their pillows this evening.

Together, Rebekah and I made a Valentine's brunch for the family with heart shaped scones..sweetened strawberries..and Passion fruit tea.

Simply delightful!

(Even Percy, her dog got a scone. Shhh! Don't tell Dad!)

We watched a little bit of Emma..the perfect Valentine's Day movie..for sure!

This evening, Hubby and I will be going out to dinner at the Chili's where our daughter works.

She wants to be our waitress tonight.

For us this day is as much of a family event ...as a couple one.

We must not be the only ones who think so.

At the country market..I overheard a good ole' country boy loudly proclaiming he wanted something PINK for his mother-in-law. It sounded so funny coming from him. LOL!

He picked out the absolutely pinkest flower arrangement he could find.

Turns out his Mother-in-law is 91 years old!

She was in a nursing home and he was getting ready to go visit her.

"Nothing makes her day better than something really pink", he declared.

"I'm giving you a new commandment: Love each other in the same way that I have loved you. John 13:34

Sure hope you find someone out there to show how much you care.... with a little pink today.

Do the Next Thing

2012-02-10T11:23:00.000-06:00

Hi Dear friends,

While I had the chance, I thought I'd share one more post. Guess I spoke too soon when I said I didn't have any organizational gems to share with you.

This one has gotten me through more trials and difficulties than any other.

Elisabeth Elliott, whose husband was killed after only two years on the mission field, by Auca indians' first shared this priceless quote with me many years ago at a conference. Her wisdom is timeless and tested.

She shared this poem in her book The Shaping of a Christian Family..and in many of her talks.

How do I know this principle will work for you? It's simple. I've lived it out and tested it for myself.

...when I was a young mommy with five sick babies (all at once), when I went through homeschool burnout at age 40, took care of my granny with alzheimer's for a year (along with four children), cared for a 70 year old almost homeless/eccentric man recovering from a heart attack for a year (along with five kids) and nursed hubby through chemo...

Her quote...and this poem..got me through the day...and another day...and another...and many more.

In my book, a broken wrist is a pretty mild sort of trial compared to the challenges of the past...but the principle works just as well.

(photo by Rebekah)

Do the Next Thing

From an old English parsonage down by the sea
There came in the twilight a message to me;
Its quaint Saxon legend, deeply engraven,
Hath, it seems to me, teaching from Heaven.
And on through the doors the quiet words ring
Like a low inspiration: “do the next thing.

Many a questioning, many a fear,
Many a doubt, hath its quieting here.
Moment by moment, let down from Heaven,
Time, opportunity, and guidance are given.
Fear not tomorrows, child of the King,
Trust them with Jesus, do the next thing.

Do it immediately, do it with prayer;
Do it reliantly, casting all care;
Do it with reverence, tracing His hand
Who placed it before thee with earnest command.
Stayed on Omnipotence, safe ‘neath His wing,
Leave all results, do the next thing.

Looking for Jesus, ever serener,
Working or suffering, be thy demeanor;
In His dear presence, the rest of His calm,
The light of His countenance be thy psalm,
Strong in His faithfulness, praise and sing.
Then, as He beckons thee, do the next thing.

It's hard for us Type A's to limit ourselves to just one 'thing' a day. Still..that is what I must rejoice in. Lord help me to celebrate that one thing.

This week, I deep cleaned the kitchen, got the laundry caught up, taught school, took two walks, did only ONE blog post (sniff ) left two comments, and today we are buying groceries. In my book, that's a very short list...only a day's worth LOL! Still need to do the budget and grade school papers.

As Elisabeth Elliot said, "Just do the next thing." It is enough.

I'm thankful that I can do so much and that my family is carrying the rest. :)

I do hope that this poem and little nugget of truth can encourage you if you are having a hard time getting your daily work done.

Bursting and Budding in the Sunshine

2012-02-09T16:09:00.001-06:00

Everything's budding and springing up around here! I had to share a few more photos of all the pretties popping up. :-)

I am just getting back into the swing of things so I don't have any great organizational gems to share this week, but I am feeling much better today. The laundry doesn't look quite so daunting. I tackled the kitchen with cleaning gusto--albeit with one hand.

School is going well as my youngest son and I tackle the intricacies of negative exponents and the proper use of turn signals and right of way courtesies. He drove me to our little country market yesterday with no major mishaps. (Hurrah!)

The best news is that I have yet to take any medication for pain today. My last pill was at 5am. That's nine hours ago! I really think my arm has turned a corner in the healing process. I've felt so optimistic today and more able to focus on work.

This morning, I just had to grab the camera to get a few photos of all the pretty buds pushing there way up through winter's deadfall...

These bulbs were replants from last year's tulips and daffodils that hubby brought home to me from the grocery store! I'm so happy they survived the summer's drought and long winter rains. Looks like they need some thinning out.

These little green onions were an impulse buy at our local feed store. We are basically growing a salad garden. I love green onions!

Rebekah and I are making good use of our small flowerbed.

We have lettuce, onions, and basil growing ...

and tomato plants in the windowsill waiting for warmer temperatures before making their debut.

It always surprises me when I get down on my knees in the dirt to admire the beauty of Spring's first growth.

Even the weeds boast of tiny beauty...deceptively so I think...We don't want these pretties spreading do we?

I'm so amazed and enthralled at the exquisite beauty of things that go so often unnoticed by most of us in the busy hustle and bustle of daily life..

How the Lord must have enjoyed planning and lovingly creating each flower of the field.

How appropriate that we take a moment today to admire His handiwork.

Song of Solomon 2:12 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;

Hopefully, I will be able to start visiting you all...If my wrist will hold out. Why the mouse causes so much pain I don't know, but it does.

How I've missed your posts! I do hope you are all well and not letting winter's gloom get you down. Spring will be there before you know it! Have a lovely week!

Glorious Hints of Spring

2012-02-04T18:35:00.000-06:00

Isn't it amazing how much beauty we can see when we are forced to slow down?

I honestly cried with frustration..in fact I've done it several times this last three weeks..because I couldn't 'do' what I needed (or was that wanted?) to do.

But I knew in my heart that the Lord knew just what I needed...to slow down.

Once I got over my little pity party...I began to truly listen...to reflect... to thank Him for this inconvenient... yet perfectly timed interruption to our lives.

Today I worshipped...often. I had plenty of time.

When is the last time that you can recall having plenty of time. It's easy. Just cut out the fluff.

Everything I do takes twice as long, so it seems odd to feel that I have excess time, but I do.

There are so many frivolous activities..time wasters.. that I can't do comfortably now. And there are many fun projects that I simply can't do. Sniff!

But I do have time to drink in the beauty of God's creation..and to admire his handiwork.

However busy you might be.....why not take a moment to sit quietly and reflect on God's goodness today.

A little walk or peek out the window might be just what the doctor ordered. :-)

FlyLady Baby Steps to The Rescue!

2012-01-31T10:32:00.000-06:00

Source: sunsurfer.tumblr.com via Suzanne on Pinterest

Flylady to the rescue!

Today, I woke up and knew that it was time to get back to work. The vacation is over and I need to carry on..with or without a working right hand.

Suddenly those baby steps to a clean home look a lot bigger...

(Meet Baby Lillie!)

Still... they are the only thing that makes sense in my situation. I started to panic at the sight of all the mail and laundry (try folding anything one-handed--Not!)..and unpacking.

Then I remembered that my morning routine was all I needed to worry about:

shower
devotions
a load of laundry
start the meat defrosting
keep the sink shiny
pick up for a few minutes
sweep
take out the trash
open a few bills
answer emails

Source: scribd.com via Laura on Pinterest

We'll be just fine. This is do-able!

Now the real question is...can I still hula hoop???

Recouping at a Cozy Mountaintop Retreat

2012-01-22T14:39:00.000-06:00

I must say that if you have to break a wrist and need a quiet and cozy place to recoup, then Robin's home is the place to be.

Next week, we'll be back at my son's home and cuddling with the grandkids. By that time the pain and swelling will be minimal. We will do a little sight seeing in Seattle, some shopping, visit Tim's brother and sister-in-law, and we'll celebrate Lena's birthday. So fun!

For now, I'm dealing with the challenges of dressing, writing, typing and even sleeping with one hand. The constant dull ache and swelling bothers me very little during the day, but starts to get to me at night.

My next DIY project will be a giant pillow with the exact right height and shape to keep your arm elevated while you sleep. Anyone got a huge roll of duct tape I can borrow? LOL.

Elevation--all day, every day, is my constant challenge and will be for several weeks.

In the meanwhile, I am enjoying the most amazing views in the mountains overlooking the John Day river valley. All of this view is seen from the comfort of a recliner next to a cozy fire through picture windows of giant proportions! You can actually SEE the snowstorms coming from across the valley! It's like being in a snow globe! Enchanting!

Robin's home is bright and cheery and spacious. She waits on me hand and foot. Hot tea, coffee, magazines, ice packs, an extra pillow, fuzzy blanket or a pill (only at the proper time of course) are just a whisper away. She loves taking care of people and here I am...an invalid dropped right in her lap like manna from heaven. LOL!

Still, Hubby has to work ALL day long with boss and co-worker. Working together is not something they get to do very often..and the hours are invaluable to them. So I miss him..and the kids...and bloggy friends..and my church friends. Cell phones don't work and internet is sketchy. It's hard not to feel a little lonely.

On the bright side, we're driving back to Seattle tomorrow. Soon we'll be with family again...and cell phone reception. Who-hoo! I'm supposed to get a cast if the incisions have healed up properly right before we fly back to Texas. We hope that will be on the 28th.

If you could send up a little prayer for those stitches and not getting bumped on our space available flights, I'd be so grateful. Trying not to get too homesick..but when you are hurting, it's a little hard not to miss your own bed and pillow. Don't worry--I'm counting my blessings.:)

You, my friends are high on that list. Thanks for you sweet notes. :)

Surgery Today

2012-01-16T10:59:00.003-06:00

Hi friends,

Just wanted to let you know that surgery is at 1:30pm pacific time. That's 3:30 Texas time. I sure don"t care for anesthesia. It's out-patient surgery . Btw for those who were wondering,I broke my right wrist. I'm left handed so that's good news. They are putting in plates and pins to reattach the ends of the bones that broke off. The cast won't be put on for a couple of weeks. I'll have a splint at first.

No driving or washing up for six weeks! Yipes! Sounds like life will be different around our house for a while. We are heading to oregon tomorrow so I'll be recouping at Tim's boss's house. Thanks for everyone's prayers. Here's a sweet photo my son took of Lena. I have photos of the kids but can't post them yet. I'll share them soon. The snow here is goreous!

xo Donna

On a 'Break'.....Literally!

2012-01-12T22:08:00.001-06:00

credit

Two days ago we arrived in Seattle for our visit with the kids and grandkids. Yesterday morning i slipped in my fuzzy socks and landed on my wrist. It's broken pretty badly and I'll have to have out patient surgery this coming Thursday to get one of the bones in the proper place.

I'm typing this with one hand. :) I'm afraid it may be awhile before i can type again. Just wanted you to know where I was. When the pain subsides I'll try to update you. I'll be in a cast for six weeks.

Sadly, i had to cancel my trip to Maria's in Vancouver. We're so disappointed.

The bright side is that I'm still getting to cuddle with the grandkids and visit our kids.

The pain is pretty severe and the medicine makes me groggy...but hopefully things will get better quickly.
Be assured that I'm resting in the Lord's peace. Somehow this will all work out for the best.

Hubby drove us to his childhood home in Issaquah and to Snoqualmie falls. Inspite of the pain, I couldn 't help but be awestruck by it's majestic beauty. Thought you would enjoy seeing it.

Have a lovely week. I'll catch up with you as soon as I'm able.

Happy Homemaking!

Donna

Celebration, Resolution, Moderation...a Recipe for a Happy New Year

2012-01-03T11:19:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year friends! We're packing for a two and a half week trip to Washington to visit our kids and grandkids so our vacation will be longer than most. We'll be taking school 'on the road' too. I'm not sure how the posting will go with grandchildren nearby. (I'm so excited!)

I'm also looking forward to visiting Maria Killam of Color Me Happy. She lives in Vancouver, BC which is just a short bus ride from Seattle. (Well--four hours isn't too bad. :-) Who would have ever thought I'd actually make it to her house! Yippee!

I hope you all have had a wonderful Christmas and have an even more wonderful New Year! Thoughts of New Year's Resolutions were floating around in my head and I couldn't help but mention the topic.

The fact is that I'm not too big on 'resolutions'. For me, this year has been one long resolution. LOL!

Still, it's wonderful to reflect on all that we've been able to accomplish this year...

de-cluttered home
a small weight loss and better eating habits
exercising more consistently
90% of our debt paid off
new school program for our youngest child (the last one still in homeschool)

Tim and I have purposely slowed down to spend more quality time with family and friends. We've talked on the phone with our adult children more and mended some bridges too. I would say that was the most important thing that happened this year. Loving each other. It's what we care about most.

Really, the things that have already happened are the things that most of us would want on our list: more spiritual, physical, relational, and financial peace and wholeness.

A new year is a great time to reflect on our progress towards a life lived purposely and to renew our commitment to those goals.

If there is any one thing I would encourage you to do this month, it would be to make a list of all that you HAVE done already. Celebrate those things first...Then..make a list of things you would like to see work on for this coming year.

Source: google.com via Pao on Pinterest

If I WAS to make a list it would be to

pray more
love more
write more
eat less
move more
and sew a LOT more!! (Who-hoo!)

My hope for this year, is to continue doing what I was last year...but more faithfully. Sadly, I'm a pretty naturally undisciplined person, and I've decided that I will always be striving to improve.

Procrastination is still my most decided weakness..though that seems to be on the decline too--hence the most awesome Christmas ever! Next year--I'm starting in July! (Just kidding.:o)

It's called growing up... but I have a sneaky suspicion I will be 'at it' till I'm 80. (Ah well..)

Source: radmegan.blogspot.com via Kate on Pinterest

Just remember...the Tortoise got a lot further down the road than the hare! Don't beat yourself over the head for what you haven't done this last year...

Just keep movin' along the right track and a year from now, you'll be celebrating too!

4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phillippians 4:4-7

May you be blessed in every way this coming year...

Happy Homemaking...

Donna

An Elegant Christmas Dinner (Bonus: How to Cook the Perfect Roast)

2011-12-22T12:33:00.000-06:00

Source: southernliving.com via Donna on Pinterest

It's four days until Christmas. Have you got your Christmas dinner planned and purchased? I'm so glad my daughter 'encouraged' me to get out in the fray and get our grocery shopping done. It's hard to get around in so much traffic.

Every year, I've done a very simple, and frugal Christmas dinner with time-tested favorite dishes that our family loves. If you are short on time and energy or are on a tight budget...click here for the perfect Christmas dinner for you.

However, due to the fact that we started so early on our Christmas prep, I'm done!! Yippee! So I want to cook a very SPECIAL Christmas dinner. An elegant one in fact. I spent a lot of time hunting for the BEST recipes from the most trusted sources to put together our Christmas dinner this year.

Source: google.com via Donna on Pinterest

Who Do I Trust? Cooks Illustrated, Southern Living, and Martha Stewart. They aren't the only ones, but these are some I've come to depend on. Still, you do have to subscribe to get much out of Cooks Illustrated (they block you out after hunting for two or three recipes)...and for my birthday, that's just what I'm doing.

Our Christmas Dinner Menu

Slow Cooked Roast Beef with Horseradish Sauce

Potato Gratin with Rosemary Crust

Green bean Casserole (for the boys)

Greek Salad

Spinach Dip with Blue Cheese and Bacon

on Crusty Frenchbread Slices

and

Grasshopper Pie

Source: simplyrecipes.com via Donna on Pinterest

Slow Cooked Roast Beef with Horseradish sauce

I love Cook's Illustrated because the TEST every recipe. They are the 'Consumer Reports Group' for foodies. Their article on how to properly roast a cheap cut of beef was fabulous!

Thanks to them, my roasts are defrosting as we speak and will be aging in the fridge for the suggested four days. (You don't have to age it. Their recipe will make your roast taste great without doing that.)

I got the horseradish sauce recipe from Martha Stewart's website because she always using quality ingredients. Yes, they cost more...but they also taste heavenly. If we are going to splurge on delicious recipes..Christmas is surely the time to do that. :o)

Potato Gratin with Rosemary Crust
Southern Living has great holiday recipes including Top 5 Main Dishes for Christmas. They also had holiday side dishes and that's where I got this recipe from. We are going to put it on a cake stand too. It includes both white potatoes and sweet potatoes plus a special cheese and other goodies. It should taste FABulous!

Source: marthastewart.com via Donna on Pinterest

Green Bean Casserole and Greek Salad
For veges, we will make a traditional green bean casserole. It's the only time of year my boys get 'doctored up' vegetables...and I don't want to disappoint them. But Rebekah and I are trying to control the damage to our waistlines by adding a lighter side dish.

Hubby and I once went to Ya Ya Mia's on a business trip and devoured their Greek salad. We had never tasted anything so good! So I'm trying a recipe from Martha Stewart. Tim will be so surprised and pleased. He loves Greek food.

Source: marthastewart.com via Donna on Pinterest

Spinach Dip with Blue Cheese and Bacon

I wanted to make creamed spinach and bacon, but Rebekah begged, "Please let us have spinach dip. It's Soooo yummy...and I'll make the crusty bread!" So I gave in. :o) We're making Spinach Dip with Blue Cheese and Bacon from Cooks Illustrated. If you get locked out then try Martha Stewart's website. She has that one too.

Source: google.com via Donna on Pinterest

Grasshopper Pie...Hubby's Favorite
It's embarrassing to think that Hubby's been 'hinting' for 25 years that I ought to make this. It's his favorite pie and I don't think he's eaten any anywhere in all this time. Poor hubby!

Why the delay? Well the recipe calls for Creme de' Menthe which is expensive and has to be purchased at a liquor store. For years, I've been too embarrassed to go get it. Now I'm not so squeamish..so I picked up a bottle last week. It should make a LOT of pies! LOL!

At any rate, this will be my first time to make grasshopper pie. Pioneer Woman has a munch simpler recipe, but if I make it..I want to make it extra special, so I'm trying Martha's which calls for better quality ingredients.

Either way, I'm looking forward to tasting this. Chocolate and Mint...How can we go wrong? :o)

So that's our Christmas dinner in a nut shell. If you are looking for more ideas, be sure to check out Southern Living's Top 5 Main Dishes for Christmas. They have some great suggestions!

Happy Homemaking...

Donna

Make a Fabulous Online Photo Album with a 'Scrapbook' Feel

2011-12-19T11:44:00.001-06:00

Can you believe that it's almost Christmas! I do hope you have most of your shopping and wrapping done! We bought our Christmas dinner last night and the stuff for the kids stockings.(Hope I can share the menu with you tomorrow! Yummy!)

Today, I'm doing my very last two things on the list...addressing some Christmas cards for local friends and arranging the dropping off of an Angel Tree Gift to a young teenager whose mother is in prison. That was the main way that our church ministered to others this Christmas. :o)

Gift Idea: Online Photo Album

Before I get to work though, I thought I'd share one last gift idea--an online photo album. I mentioned this on my Christmas list in November. Every year we make a photo album for my hubby's parents who live in Washington DC.

If you would like to try this, there is still time at Shutterfly to make one and get a huge discount. The deal is over today though. Still..this would be a great gift--deal or no deal.

Easy Option

If you are in a hurry, try the 'easy' mode. But be forewarned. You can't customize the size or shape of the boxes (which is bothersome if you have a photo with low resolution in that particular shape). And you can't add more than four photos per page. Still-- it is quick!

Custom Option

The other option is the custom one. You can add as many photos as you like and change just about everything, which is why it took me so long to make my album. LOL!

I spent a LOT of hours on this..but it's our annual family year book, so it's worth it to me.

I love being able to get that 'scrapbook' feel without actually doing the scrapbooking! No fuss or muss!

Tips

Yellow Triangles - The little warning marks don't show up when the book publishes of course. These tell you there are typos or that the photo is too close to the edge or may be blurry when printed.
Be careful to make sure none of your photos are too low of resolution. You will regret it when you get the book. The picture WILL be blurry.
Save often! It has auto save..but my java plug in crashed a couple of times and I lost a lot of work.

Don't change the cover or style midway through if you have done a lot of arranging you don't want to lose. It will mess the whole thing up! Play with it a while before you start doing a lot of detail writing or embellishing.

Try to gather as many photos as possible from your various folders. It's a lot easier than hunting mid-way through.
Make an outline of events you want to include.

If you have the option, don't pre-fill...instead choose to put your uploaded photos in a photo bar. Just drag photos to a page for each event without doing any detailing (text or embellishments). Keep sorting and dragging till all of your photos from the bar are gone. Now each page has all the relevant photos grouped for that event and you can go back and fuss with them or even add a page if necessary.

Have fun this holiday season with a heart-warming photo album. It's a great way to end the year!

Happy Homemaking...

Donna

Comin' Home's Top Ten Picks for Christmas Gifts $20.00 or Less

2011-12-16T01:10:00.002-06:00

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The Christmas countdown has begun..hasn't it? It's only ten more days till Christmas! If you didn't start my 'Get Ready for Christmas in Seven Days plan', you may be a little stressed out right now.

Don't worry though, there's still plenty of time to get your list finished. If it's been 'one of those years' where life has thrown a few monkey wrenches into your holiday preparations, perhaps this list of my favorite gifts (either ones I purchased or received) will help alleviate some pressure.
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Gardening in the Winter

2011-12-15T21:05:00.004-06:00

I know...for many of you there won't be any gardening for awhile. But in Houston, the growing season is almost ALL YEAR. In fact, if you check the back of the seed packets, planting starts in January!

Having gardened north of Dallas most of my childhood, my internal gardening clock is set to their schedule...April for planting and possibly later. So I always feel so BEHIND.

But Houston is a gardener's dream. My sweet friend Laurie, who is an avid gardener and doesn't live far from me, is still serving tomatoes out of her garden!

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Christmas Store for Class Motivation (quick update)

2011-12-13T11:11:00.000-06:00

Hmm...what should I buy with these hard earned tickets? This was the question my girls were pondering over as they shopped at my 'Christmas store'.

You may recall that I talked about holding this store of goodies, purchased on clearance and even while on vacation, for the girls in my writing class at my son's homeschool co-op.

Our Trees... Ablaze with Vibrant Color

2011-12-09T22:32:00.000-06:00

A miracle of color happened at our house this year....

In all the time we have been living here...only one of our trees ever turned a truly vivid color. In fact, the trees here in Texas..especially near Houston, just don't do that, at least not like they do further north.

Please Pray for My Blogging Friend Kerrie and Her Husband, Bill

2011-12-09T14:37:00.001-06:00

Dear Friends,

I don't often do this, but after reading Kerrie's update on her husband Bill's website at Caring Bridge .org http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/billmarquart, I thought today it was time to start.

You see..Kerrie's husband Bill has cancer. You can read more about his journey and hers on her profile at Two Happy.

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How Clean is Clean Enough for Company? A Reader Writes...

2011-12-07T11:10:00.007-06:00

Dear Donna....
I found your blog a few weeks ago and I have sooo enjoyed it.I did the DEEP clean the first of Nov. We had a big get together here the week before Thanksgiving.

My husband told me he hates having people over because I go crazy getting everything spic and span. I told him all this needed to be done anyway and having people over is a good excuse to get it done. He tells me I'm too clean--that there was no reason to deep clean before people come over.I should just clean after they leave because it is going to be dirty then with all the kids running in and out.
Source: organizedhome.com via Penny on Pinterest

Has 'Just for Now' become 'Forever'?

2011-12-04T23:15:00.003-06:00

Source: attackofthecute.com via Becca on Pinterest

Isn't it amazing the things you notice about your home the day before company arrives? Sometimes I wish I had a pair of 'company's coming' glasses that I could don on cleaning day. :o)

We have company right now! On Thursday, we're also having a small party, so I'm definitely seeing our home through 'new eyes'....
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Making Fabric Crib Wall Art: The Story of Samantha's Flowers

2011-12-03T17:08:00.003-06:00

Once upon a time there was born a very special baby girl... She had a cherry red bumper and a deep pink and orange bedside lamp but as yet, nothing adorned the wall above her crib.

So her fairy grandmother waved her magic wand...and blew some of the bright little flowers off of her dress...and onto the wall.... with a kiss.

Well... no... that's not exactly how it happened. (Tee-hee!)

Gourmet Cookie Mix in a Jar Recipe-Yum!

2011-12-02T09:44:00.009-06:00

"If I don't LOVE it...I don't EAT it." So said the food critic in the enchanting movie, "Ratatouille" which was all about the art of cooking.

My skinny friends have this same motto..hence their constant quest for the 'perfect' cookie recipe.

I think I've finally found one they won't be able to resist!

Why don't you try one of them and see what you think?

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What are You Thankful For? (New Grandbaby Photo!)

2011-11-25T19:30:00.005-06:00

That's an easy question for me to answer! Still, I'm glad we have a holiday that reminds us to 'Give Thanks'. We had a wonderful dinner with some church friends. It's our first time to share Thanksgiving dinner with someone other than family and it really was a special day.

Debbie and I were surprised and delighted to see how well our table decor complimented each other's. I had to use green & white gourds since the stores were all out of orange mini-pumpkins..and the only tapers I could find were burgundy. I didn't know she had burgandy napkins and green table cloths. Her dishes and goblets were lovely.

Isn't this just perfect? We were both so pleased.