Hanging On By Our Fingernails!

Thanksgiving Desserts

2012-01-16T11:42:00.001-06:00

Yes, I am very aware of the date...and the lack of posting. But, I promised these recipes from Thanksgiving, so:

Crock Pot Morning Casserole
1 - 32 oz bag frozen has brown potatoes
1 lb. of bacon diced, cooked and drained
1 medium onion, diced
1 green bell pepper diced
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar
1 dozen eggs
1 cup milk
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper

Place a layer of the potatoes on the bottom, followed by bacon, then onions, pepper, and cheese. Repeat and end with cheese. Beat the eggs, milk and salt and pepper together. Pour over the layers, and cover turn on low. Cook for 10 hours.

***I liked the convenience of this recipe (found on Pinterest). I will say it is bland, very bland. I used red bell pepper, and in the future I will use sausage for more flavor.

Layers before cheese.

Everything in, and ready to cook.

I said this earlier, I liked this, but it needed more uumph.

I will add dried mustard (like in regular breakfast casseroles), and sausage.

No Bake Cookies (pinterest)

2 cups sugar

1 stick butter (unsalted)

3 Tbsp. cocoa powder

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup peanut butter

1 tsp vanilla extract

3 cups oatmeal (old fashioned rolled oats, not instant)

Mix the sugar, butter, cocoa, and milk in a medium saucepan. Bring to boil, and boil for 1 minute. Add the peanut butter, and vanilla. Mix quickly until peanut butter melts, then add oatmeal and mix until blended.

Drop by spoonfuls on tin foil (I used parchment), and allow to set and cool completely.

Depending on the drop size, will make 2 to 3 dozens cookies.

These are highly addictive, and yummy.

Sensational Double Layer Pumpkin Pie

(My mother's recipe)

4 oz of cream cheese, soften

1 T milk

1 T sugar

1 1/2 cups thawed cool whip topping

1 Keebler Ready crust (this was the recipe. We ended up making a GF pie crust from Red Mill all purpose, and butter - pre bake.)

1 cup milk

2 pkg 14 oz jello vanilla instant pudding

1 can pumpkin (16 oz)

1 t ground cinnamon, ginger, cloves (I used pumpkin pie spice - it was nice)

Mix cream cheese, milk and sugar in a large bowl until smooth. Gently stir in whipped topping. Spread on bottom of crust. Pour 1 cup milk into bowl. Add pudding mix. Beat with whisk until well blended (mixture should be thick). Stir in pumpkin, and spices and mix well. Spread over cream cheese layer. Refrigerate a least 3 hours to set. Garnish with additional whipped cream and nuts if desired.

Forgot to take pictures of the process (and I had a helper), but as you can see,

the crust turned out nice. It was a yummy, different pie for Thanksgiving.

Slush (this has many different names, but this is what my Mom called it)

1 cup flour (once again, Red Mill All Purpose)

1 stick butter (unsalted)

3/4 cup chopped pecans

1 8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup confectioners sugar, sifted

1 8 oz cool whip

2 packages chocolate pudding (you can use any flavor here, but my favorite is chocolate)

2 cups milk

Pecans, and shaved chocolate for topping

9x9 pan - melt butter in pan in a 350 degree oven. Once melted, add flour and nuts. Pressed down, carefully, to make the crust. Bake until golden brown (about 15 minutes). Cool.

Beat cream cheese with sugar until creamy. Fold in cool whip. Spread on the cooled crust. Mixed pudding and milk (should thicken), pour over cream cheese. Spread remaining cool whip on top. Sprinkle with extra pecans and chocolate shavings if you have them.

Once again, no photo's of the process, but this is as yummy as this looks.

Always, a favorite of mine, and crust turned out just as yummy.

I will say, that with the GF flour, you may want to use 3/4 cup instead of a full cup.

It was a little doughy for me, but everyone loved it.

So, there you finally have them. Sorry about the delay, too many things going on, as you are aware.

Enjoy!!

Love,

Jerry Ann

Answers...

2012-01-13T21:46:00.000-06:00

I have been praying for answers for a long time now. I think we all do, in all aspects of our lives. I have been diagnoised with Lupus in May of 2008. Lots of steps in that direction, and more confusion. Yesterday I was diagnoised with Sjogrens Syndrome, and Raynauds. My new doctor is wonderful and ended my session with "you are weird." Really? I have known that for a long while. I start Methotrexate tomorrow, and I am terrified. Terrified of what it will do to my body, and terrified what this disease has already done to my body and mind. I am positive to everyone, the majority of the time. God has provided me with a tremendous peace, and I do my best to portray God's peace. It is so hard. Hard. I so want to scream, and kick, to be mad at God. Today, I had a precious friend call just to check on me. She cried when she heard what I am going through. I was strong with that conversation, but the moment I hung up, I cried. Terrified once again. I believe that I am saved by grace, and will be healed completely. There are moments of doubt when I try to control, but I come back to rejoicing in the Lord. Always. Phil. 4:4. Answers are only the beginning. Blessings. Jerry Ann

Smells Continued...

2011-12-16T08:21:00.000-06:00

Okay...

Mine is cinnamon rolls baking on Christmas morning. Mom never hand made them, so I don't have to make them. I do buy the yeast kind to bake. They rise up so very yummy, and then the icing. Perfect for Christmas morning.

As a parent coffee is more important these days, but oh, that cinnamon.

Blessings.
Jerry Ann

Smells

2011-12-13T22:06:00.000-06:00

What is your favorite smell or smells at Christmas time?

I have many...but that will be a later post.

Trying to post more...try to keep up. ha.

Happy Tuesday.

Jerry Ann

Thanksgiving Thoughts and Recipes

2011-12-03T17:58:00.001-06:00

Wow...it has been forever...I am so sorry.

Lots of wonderful things were cooked for Thanksgiving, but the main reason for the holiday for us is family. Whether or not you are truly family doesn't matter. Just grateful for friends, family of friends, and my precious family.

Carmen was home all week from Auburn, and Tori was here from Spring Hill. Stephen was at school until Tuesday, and spent the night with a friend. So he finally made it home on Wednesday evening.

I am still trying to eat healthy, and so far lost 9 pounds. Healthier foods have been key in this life style change, and we reflected it at Thanksgiving as well. Carmen actually complained when I told her that I wasn't making my Dad's oyster dressing. So, I ended up making it, and it turned out just like his. I have tried in years past, but has not turn out right.

This year it was perfect. We made tons of gluten-free items for Tori, and what we made, the rest of the family enjoyed without realizing the difference.

Top Right: cranberry sauce (out of can), pink stuff, pickled okra, olives,

mashed potatoes, turkey, gluten-free dressing.

Top Left: Giblet gravy, green bean bundles, oyster dressing, carrots and parsnips.

It was really good, for us anyway.

Pink Stuff:

1 cup small curd cottage cheese

1 small cool whip (lite)

1 small can fruit cocktail (in water or light syrup)

1 can mandarin oranges

1 can pineapple tidbits

1 regular package sugar free jello - I used raspberry flavored.

Drain fruit, pat dry if needed. Mix jello with cottage cheese, fold in cool whip. Fold in fruit, and chill for at least one hour.

Carrots and Parsnips:

Peel and cross cut carrots (large bag), and parsnips (there were 4 med-large). Try to make as even in size as possible. Toss in 1 tablespoon of olive oil with leaves from 4 thyme, add salt and pepper to taste. I roasted on the top rake while the turkey was finishing for 1 1/2 hours at 350 degrees. Serve hot.

Green Bean Bundles:

2 pounds of whole green beans. Boil in salt water for 4 to 5 minutes. Pull out, and place in separate bowl with ice (to stop cooking). Cut center cut bacon in thirds (not cooked). Take 5 to 6 green beans and place in the center of a single slice (1/3) of bacon. Roll (stretch if needed), and place seam side down in casserole dish. Repeat until all green beans are rolled and placed in dish. Add 1 1/2 cups of beef broth to bottom of dish. Sprinkle the top with brown sugar (1 tablespoon - to 2 tablespoons), and pepper. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until beans are fork tender.

Oyster Dressing:

Saute 2 yellow onions, and one full stalk of celery (with the leaves for more flavor) in some olive oil. Add salt and pepper, and cook until translucent. Add parsley (about 1/2 cup), and stir. 3 days before cooking, bake cornbread (I used Jiffy corn muffin mix), and biscuits (1 sheet pan - side by side). Leave out to dry out (cover with tea towel if needed). Crumble into mixing bowl, add onions and celery. Mix well. Add dry sage to taste (we use a lot), and more salt and pepper if needed. Chop 2 pints of oysters (drain), and add to bread mix. Use broth from neck, and onion tops. I also used some chicken broth until soaked into the bread. stir until thoroughly mixed. Spread into casserole dish and bake until top is brown and crusty.

Tori's Stuffing:

Tori's mom sent her a care package to our house with some yummy jams, jellies and croutons for dressing that was gluten-free. I did the same thing with hers as I did the oyster dressing without the cornbread, biscuits or oysters. She really enjoyed it, as did David (apparently he doesn't like oyster dressing).

Sorry to say that I only took pictures of the crock pot breakfast casserole and desserts which I will post later this weekend.

I hope your Thanksgiving was as enjoyable as ours.

Blessings,

Jerry Ann

Memory Verse #19

2011-10-17T21:12:00.000-05:00

I know...I am way behind...but...and, I have borrowed from Beth...

“I continually look to the Lord for help, for He will free my feet from the enemy’s net.” Psalm 25:15 The NET Bible

Have a good week.
Blessings,
Jerry Ann

Steve Jobs

2011-10-05T19:45:00.001-05:00

"Your time is limited, don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma, which is living the result of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinion drown your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition, they somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary."- Steve Jobs

I have this quote on my Facebook profile. "Your time is limited" speaks volumes to me especially not having any parents or grandparents left to love on. Love on your family. Don't waste it on trivial things. Be still, and listen.

Our time is limited. Are you doing what your best everyday?

Do your best. Encourage.

Share Christ's love. Love one another.

RIP Steve Jobs

Blessings.
Jerry Ann

Finding Joy

2011-09-07T07:44:00.005-05:00

I have never been busier, much to my dismay--ha. I love that I have an opportunity to work with preschoolers and children. Loving on them is easy. Time management is harder. I have to be organized with daily activities, and events. Big events seem to come easier than the day to day tasks. I seem to lose the little things lately. Too many interruptions to maintain concentration and completion of the tasks.

Time. Hurdles. Joy.

It seems that finding joy brings many hurdles. I am trying to discern the hurdles, and joy always surprises me.

Find some joy today.

Blessings.

Jerry Ann

Fried Okra

2011-08-07T17:50:00.002-05:00

My parents used to have a moderate size garden. They had tomatoes, green beans, onions, yellow squash, and okra. I hated picking the okra. Everything about it was itchy.

My mom used to take that itchy stuff, and make the best fried okra.

A little corn meal, little flour, salt and pepper, and fry it in canola oil in an iron skillet. I have my mother's iron skillet. I was gifted with garden fresh okra a couple of weekends ago. So...what else was I supposed to do?

I heated up the skillet with the oil until the oil smoked just barely.

The okra was already cut (nice!), so I added it in batches

with flour, corn meal, salt & pepper.

I used a zip baggy so that I could mix it well.

Fry until golden (or darker) brown, stirring occasionally.

Okra with rice, sliced tomatoes, London Broil, and broccoli.

It was yummy!

And, a lot like my Mom's.

Enjoy!

Purses

2011-07-22T14:38:00.003-05:00

I love purses. All different kinds. They can be large, small (not too small), leather, cloth. It doesn't matter the color or brand.

That is all.

I needed the world to know.

=)
Blessings!

Beginnings Continued...

2011-07-10T22:25:00.003-05:00

I say in the title continued, mainly because I am tired of all of the endings.

I was on vacation last week (my staycation), and accomplished a lot , but not near what I wanted to. But it is back to the daily grind with a little change.

My biggest accomplishment, I believe, are my children. Carmen left today for Camp War Eagle (Freshman orientation), at Auburn. It is the beginning of her being away from home. It is the beginning of just Stephen and I as far as school is concerned.

But a wonderful new beginning for her. She is truly excited, and for me it is bittersweet. I am so proud of her and what she has accomplished. Sad because she starts a new chapter in her life, full of adventure and without us. Truly the beginnings of adulthood.

Carmen at 2 (daycare picture), and one of my favorite photographs of her. Carmen's smile is contagious. And, isn't just like parents to remember them young and sweet. One of my favorite commercials is a little 3 or 4 year old getting ready to back out of her driveway, and her Dad sees her like that. But in reality, she is a grown woman. And the Dad just watches her go.

I believe her smile still is contagious. She is going to have a great time at Auburn. I also believe that we have raised her with a sweet spirit of fellowship and love. I pray that God places in her path godly friends that are strong in their convictions.

He has blessed us with such a precious gift. I love the woman she has become, and look forward to hearing of her beginnings.

Have a wonderful week.

Blessings.
Jerry Ann

Menu's and Diets

2011-07-07T19:33:00.002-05:00

Trying...needs to be thrown out the door. Diets are just that...diets. We (Carmen and I) have decided to go through our pantry and throw out what needs to go...some of this stuff has been in there since we moved in (6 years ago), and needs to go. Other stuff we just don't use, haven't used, will not use.

Change in mind set...not something so restrictive that I feel like I am punishing myself when I blow it, then justify it by saying it is okay today. But it is a daily battle. Constant. Consistent. Healthy.

One cookbook that has been changing the rules is Rocco Dispirto's Now Eat This Diet.

I purchased it at Books-A-Million about a month ago. It has sat on the desk, or by the couch for that long as well. Carmen picked it up today, and asked if we could try some of the recipes. Absolutely. Not that I want to do all of the diet...never do...but some of the changes he makes are awesome, and completely doable. What I need to concentrate on is portion size. It has always been my downfall.

Okay, my plan is to work on this over the weekend. Pantry is cleaned out, and fresh veggies are in the fridge...now to plan the menu for next week.

I will keep you updated on this plan of mine...

Blessings.

Baby Bok Choy

2011-07-07T11:21:00.001-05:00

The other day I was craving something fresh, crisp and not a salad (too many of those lately). So, I asked David to get us some on one of the grocery runs.

I used 5 smallish Baby Bok Choy, and rough chopped them.

Heated a pan with some canola oil, added 1/2 cup chopped onion,

2 tablespoons of garlic, and salt and pepper.

Cooked and drained these Japanese noodles...

Carmen helped!

Sauteed with some soy sauce, and chicken broth - 1 cup.

(I thought it needed a little something, so I added the broth and steamed it.

It made the flavor deeper.)

Tossed the noodles in, and yummy.

Fresh, crisp, and not a salad ---but so good.

Enjoy!

Cute Stuff

2011-07-07T11:04:00.003-05:00

I am on vacation this week, and it has been somewhat okay. We have an older vehicle that needed belt repair for a long while, and this week the battery decided it was time to stop working as well. Repaired to the tune of $420 later. But I am not going to let that ruin my time off...too much to do...and do it joyfully.

This is what some call a staycation...staying at home while I have vacation from work (bonus - I am not sick). I have goals, and a list of priorities to accomplish this week. Weekends never seem to be long enough for my organizing, and the week just piles stuff back up. So it is a never ending circle it seems.

Anyway...one of the goals this week was to empty out my pantry. I knew it was bad, but really had no idea how bad it truly was. Jar of Alfredo sauce: expiration Feb 2006! Yep, that plus a lot more. 2 large black garbage bags full, and some time later = organized. For the moment anyway. I had the kids help, and hopefully that will play into keeping it for longer than 3 days.

NOTHING on top of the refrigerator!!! I love that.

A two drawer system (that I found in the garage), and some other tubs (that I can't find the lids) organized the chips and pasta. All of my baking ingredients are on one shelf (sugars, cocoa, marshmallows). It may not look like much, but, oh what a beautiful sight it is for us.

I also added a cutie to my scrap closet.

This was a bonus Decor Elements from Stampin' Up from a couple of months ago. I LOVE their design and ease of application. If you need anything from Stampin' Up - Julie is great - and you can find her here:

www.craftasticpassion.com

But isn't it the cutest! Most people won't see it, but I do from where I sit in the office. I need to get some small chalk and a chalk ledge so that I can get some great use out of it.

Well, back to it...still have more to get done...and it is already Thursday! Have a great day.

Blessings.
Jerry Ann

VBS Part 2

2011-06-19T17:13:00.000-05:00

Well, we all survived...and it was good. This vacation Bible school was "Big Apple Adventure...where life and faith connect" by Lifeway. This was one of their best vbs productions. It was fun filled, modern music, and energized. The kids loved it, and we were well organized (even though I was panicked most of the time).

My daughter, Carmen painted most of the "sets," and she did a great job. She ended up helping the majority of the week with registrations to records, to being the Missions leader on Friday. I am so very proud of her.

We have had a wonderful vbs director for about 8 years, and she really has her stuff together. So, that made it easier, although my self-confidence really sunk low.

Speaking in front of people is never easy, and with kids I am more comfortable. I was panicked about this I think beginning on Wednesday. Our temperatures during the week averaged around 94, and no clue what the heat index was, but it was hot. Running around all week, even with the sections being inside, it was really tiring. I did try to rest when we got home, but there were things that needed to be done each day in preparation for the next. Friday was the worst. We hosted a family fun night and hot dog supper. Cooking 300 hot dogs, and 100 hamburgers was easy due to some wonderful volunteers. But for me - exhausting.

The best part was that we had children bouncing to areas (snack, music, recreation), and most importantly Bible Study. Thursday was a great day for me, considering a 3rd grader came beaming about accepting Christ the night before. He was walking on air, and Christ shown through. I was humbled, in awe of the joy that came through him so easily.

The week ended, and I crashed - hard. It was worth it. I was honored to be a part of a great week.

Blessings.

Turkey Salad

2011-06-18T21:07:00.001-05:00

Cooking lately for me has been nil, but a salad isn't really cooking right?

I purchased some already cooked, oven roasted turkey at Sam's Club (super convenient, and really good flavor).

They come in medallions so I just chopped them a little bit.

I sliced a sweet onion, and sauteed it in olive oil.

I chopped a couple of slices of prosciutto (yummy), and added it to the mix.

It wasn't just right...so a spoonful of minced garlic.

Added it to a spring mix.

I found in the refrig (yes found) this peanut ginger dressing,

and it really made it refreshing.

Not heavy, too strong, just right.

So not to bad for not "cooking"...eh?

Enjoy!!

VBS

2011-06-07T16:43:00.000-05:00

Our vacation Bible school began yesterday...and I am officially in charge. I have been doing fine until yesterday - ha. I am a good organizer, getting supplies, rooms ready, ordering what is needed, etc. Getting up in front of people (even the majority of them children) really makes me nervous. I have so far survived two days, but I have a great official director who has done this for years, and she makes it look very easy.

I will post pictures hopefully tomorrow, but I just wanted to update all of you of our happenings.

Oh, and cooking has been placed on hold for the week. I plan to work up my menu (and grocery shop) next week so recipes should come along shortly.

Have a blessed week.

Jerry Ann

Endings and New Beginnings

2011-05-31T12:11:00.001-05:00

I am so sorry that I haven't posted in a long while. We have been busy with Carmen and Stephen's graduations. Finally have a moment to post some pictures of all of the events that have kept us occupied for the past several weeks.

First was Stephen's graduation. He has attended Liza Jackson Preparatory School since Kindergarten. This hit me emotionally far more than I realized it would. Alex, and Nico have been consistent friends through middle school, and we are thankful for their friendships. Stephen is going to be (hopefully) the Stylemarchers at Choctaw High next fall. He has had a rough year, but survived, and we are all truly thankful.

Carmen graduated with Cum Laude Honors, National Honor Society, French Honor, International Baccalaureate program, Yearbook staff, Wheelettes Service Club, Indian Scholar, and Anne T. Mitchell Award recipient for 4 years. Lots, that meant she worked hard (not really - she is really gifted in a lot of areas, which irritates me and Stephen.) and awarded for her work.

Carmen will be attending Auburn in the Fall, with some scholarships (Yeah!!). We are transitioning this summer (I guess), and will be busy with getting her ready to be on her own.

So, again, thank you for your patience. I will be updating more now (hopefully), but haven't been cooking, let alone time for posting.

Have a great summer!!
Blessings.

Black Bean & Corn Salsa

2011-05-03T07:47:00.002-05:00

Tory came for a visit last weekend. She is a gluten-free girl, as is her sister Serenity. She makes herself at home here, and I am truly thankful for that. She normally makes peanut and chocolate chip cookies, but this weekend was shorter. She likes Mexican type/flavored food, and we had some fiesta cheese, and corn tortillas.

I thought about doing a little something extra for her, so I came up with this:

I drained and rinsed a can of black beans, and corn.

Added 1/2 chopped onion, and some red pepper.

Also added a little bit of cracked black pepper,

Added a little bit of garlic, and some lemon juice (to add a little freshness).

Tory ate on this all weekend, and she said she really enjoyed it.

Carmen made some fish tacos with it, and some of the leftover mackerel that we had.

Just a tortilla filler, but it turned it into something special.

Enjoy!

Spanish Mackerel & the Gulf

2011-05-02T07:09:00.003-05:00

Stephen had the pleasure of going fishing with our friend Tommy and his son Larkin.

They caught about 10 Spanish Mackerel's, and brought all of them home for us to eat.

Tommy sent this picture via his phone, blurry, but still a good photo of the boys.

Tommy filleted the mackerels that they caught for us.

We kept them cold until ready to cook that afternoon.

I rinsed them, and patted dry.

I used garlic infused oil, pepper, and lemon juice, and let marinate for about 1 hour.

I placed them on parchment paper on a baking sheet, and broiled for about 12 minutes.

The mackerel turned out moist, and really flavorful.

I served it with some sauteed kale and Pancetta.

It was really yummy.

Fresh fish is the best, especially from the Gulf.

Enjoy!!

Memory Verse #9

2011-05-01T00:01:00.005-05:00

Yes, I missed #8, and to be honest, I won't go back to it.

I am using Beth's this time. It spoke volumes to me this week.

So...Memory Verse #9:

"Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!" Psalm 27:14
The Net Version

I must say, that this version was the only one that used the wording "rely." Most of the others used wait, and that is fine, but more fitting for me this week is rely. To rely: 1. to be dependent (on) 2. to have trust or confidence (in).

I can rely on Him today, and tomorrow, for many things, for ALL things. To be dependent upon Christ is easy, to have trust or confidence is easy as well. Not in our brothers and sisters, they can help, but to rely on Christ, His strength, awesome.

Have a blessed week my loves.

Blessings,
Jerry Ann

The Gulf -

2011-04-23T07:50:00.000-05:00

Carmen and I last weekend on our beach.

The beach is beautiful this time of year.

I keep expecting oil to show up, but it hasn't.

The water is still a beautiful green/blue and the sand is

still as white as ever.

I love this place.

I love just sitting, and listening to the waves roll onto the beach.

Love the Emerald Coast.

You should come for a visit.

Enjoy!

Sauteed Pancetta with Kale and Pasta

2011-04-22T11:09:00.002-05:00

I realized the other day, that I haven't posted a recipe in a while. Sorry. I also haven't been cooking, which explains it, eh?

Oh, well...one of our favorite (kids and I) dishes is pasta. Sometimes all we do is add olive oil, salt and pepper, oh, and Parmesan cheese. But, this is my new favorite way (especially when Kale is fresh, and the Pancetta is on sale).

Chop the Pancetta that has been thinly sliced. Add to a hot pan, begin sauteing until edges are brown. Add one sweet onion sliced, and 2 to 3 cloves of garlic. Once the onion is translucent, add the kale. I have to add a pan full, stir, and let it wilt some before adding the rest of the kale (I typically use a 1/2 bag of kale). Once the kale is wilted (this is your preference on how wilted), add to cooked pasta. Salt and pepper to your liking, and add cheese.

This serving of pasta is artichoke and ricotta filled tortellini.

The salt from the shaved Parmesan, and the slight smoke flavor from the

Pancetta was wonderful with the bitterness of the kale.

This is truly one of my go to suppers.

Enjoy!

My Baby Girl's Senior Year

2011-04-18T22:06:00.000-05:00

I wanted to do something special with Carmen for her High School Graduating year. She didn't care for the traditional school class rings, nor did I, only wearing mine for my Senior year in High School. I considered it a waste of money, and not something to carry with you forever. She did agree with me, but wanted to have something to symbolize her high school years.

I love Tiffany & Co. (what girl doesn't?)! We looked online (their site is really wonderful), and had chosen this one but in pink sapphire instead.

We traveled to Atlanta this past weekend, just Carmen and I, for a whirlwind trip. I thought that it would be special for her to have time with me (and selfishly - me too), and for her to "shop" at Tiffany.

We went into Tiffany & Co, and went to the counter where her "ring" should be. Tried on several, and then discovered that they didn't have the pink sapphire in stock. They could order it for us, and ship it, but that isn't why we traveled all the way to Atlanta. (Yes, I know that it isn't that far of a drive, but driving longer than 2 hours for me is difficult and terribly tiring.) Carmen really did want to be wearing her ring that very day. It was disappointing, until I pointed out that her high school color was green, and they had that in stock.

Yep!

The box and the bag.

I truly think that Carmen would have been just as happy with just these two items.

Opening (excuse the quality of the photo - in a restaurant)!

Love her expression.

Do something special, and out of the ordinary for your children. It doesn't have to be all the time, just once in a while. (oh, and it was actually cheaper than the traditional class ring.) It really speaks volumes for communication, and love.

Blessings.

Jerry Ann

Memory Verse #7

2011-04-01T22:50:00.000-05:00

“Your heart’s been in the right place all along…You’ve got what it takes to finish it up, so go to it. 2 Corinthians 8:10-11 The Message

Too tired today to post more...attending the Priscilla Shirer Going Beyond Simulcast...and it has been a long day, but a fruitful one....and more tomorrow.

Happy April....
Love,
Jerry Ann