Thursday thoughts . . .

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Faith . . . is it a holy thing which we keep just for special days??? Is it only something we think about when we need our hearts and hope raised up??? Is it something to be added to the joy, strife and pain which is the common stuff of life???

Perhaps it is the secret yeast . . . the yeast that makes the bread of our lives raise . . . the power of God at work in us, that which glorifies homely tasks and daily duties . . . which helps our daily lives to glow and become more what they are meant to be.

This leaven called faith . . . this secret yeast . . . without it we are only lumps of dough, without flavour or substance. We need to tip it out onto our breadboards daily, working it into everything we think, do or say . . .

Where would I be without mine??? I daren't hazard a guess . . . I only know that I need mine daily. It's the stuff that keeps me going.

Source: flickr.com via Marie on Pinterest

Sometimes I lay in bed at night alone with my thoughts going round and round about my head . . . family, health, the economy . . . but mostly just family, and my heart just aches. It is the time of day that I cannot bury my thoughts beneath the quilt of busy-ness, or tuck them into hidden corners. Tears often fall . . . I know I have my Todd by my side, and I am ever grateful for his presence in my life . . . but he is a man. How can he ever begin to understand that part of my heart that is reserved for being a mother and the keen loss that it feels every single day of my life. I daren't talk to him about it . . . he only gets annoyed. He does not understand . . .

This is where my faith comes in . . . I must trust in all the promises of the Lord, and lay my heart at His feet. I know that He shares my burdens . . . always, that He loves . . . always . . . He does not judge me and find me wanting, as the frailties of the human heart might do. His forgiveness is complete and through Him, though my sins be they as scarlet . . . are washed as white as snow . . . let this be enough, it must be enough. As many times as I may beat myself with the guilty stick, I need to remind myself to . . . just . . . let . . . go . . . and yet, my heart still aches. I do not know how to make it stop.

Thank you for indulging me this morning . . .



My latest piece . . .

“Think of the purest, most all-consuming love you can imagine. Now multiply that love by an infinite amount—that is the measure of God’s love for you. God does not look on the outward appearance. I believe that He doesn’t care one bit if we live in a castle or a cottage, if we are handsome or homely, if we are famous or forgotten. Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God love encompasses us completely. He loves us because He is filled with an infinite measure of holy, pure, and indescribable love. We are important to God not because of our résumé but because we are His children. He loves every one of us, even those who are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken. God’s love is so great that He loves even the proud, the selfish, the arrogant, and the wicked. What this means is that, regardless of our current state, there is hope for us. No matter our distress, no matter our sorrow, no matter our mistakes, our infinitely compassionate Heavenly Father desires that we draw near to Him so that He can draw near to us.”
― Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Inspiration for my heart . . . these words they comfort me.

and in the kitchen . . .



*Bread Bowl Meatball Sandwiches*
Serves 6Printable Recipe

Crispy bread roll bowls with a delicious meatball filling! What's not to like?

6 large crusty bread rolls
18 frozen cooked Italian meatballs, thawed
3 cups frozen bell pepper and onion stir fry strips
3 cups Italian Tomato pasta sauce
6 TBS shredded fresh Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 TBS chopped fresh basil or parsley

Preheat the oven to 180*C/350*F/ gas mark 4. Place your bread rolls on a baking sheet.

Combine the meatballs, pepper and onion mixture, and pasta sauce in a large saucepan. Cook over medium heat until heated through, about 15 to 18 minutes. Stir occasionally. Stir in Parmesan cheese. blending in thoroughly.

Place the bread rolls in the oven to heat and crisp up, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the oven. Using a sharp knife cut a small portion off of the top of each roll. Using the bowl of a spoon, lightly press the centre of each roll down inside to form bread bowls. Place each bowl on an individual serving plate. Spoon the meatball mixture into each, dividing it equally. Sprinkle the tops with mozzarella cheese and some basil. Place the top of each bread roll on the plates as a garnish. Serve immediately!

These go well with a side of fresh coleslaw and pickle slices!



Over in The English Kitchen today, something healthy . . . a delicious Buffalo Chicken Salad, with a scrummy low fat Blue Cheese Dressing!

Wednesday Thoughts . . .

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I cannot pretend to know a lot about American Politics. Having grown up in Canada and having experienced the Parliamentary System my whole life, it is somewhat of a mystery to me. What I have observed though is that it takes an awful long time to elect someone as President of the US of A. It seems to go on for several years before they actually are elected and it seems that almost as soon as one is elected, talk begins about the next one.

I do know as well, that although he is not a man I would have voted for, I was pleased a few years back when it became a reality that a black man became President of America. That showed the world that America had come a long way since it's earlier history. I didn't and don't agree with Obama on many levels, but that has nothing to do with the colour of his skin. I happen to have thought for a long time that Colin Powell would have made a great President. The colour of a man's skin should be irrelevant. Surely it should be "the best man for the job." End of.

Source: gypsypurplehome.tumblr.com via Marie on Pinterest

I am watching with great interested this latest Presidential race, not the least because there is a Mormon man running for the head of the Republican Party, a man called Mitt Romney. Of course I am interested on a variety of levels, religion being only one of them. I am a Mormon, and of course this is a big thing to me.

What astounds me however is the number of people who are against this man, quite simply because he is a Mormon. Surely this shouldn't be an issue??? Surely it should not matter any more than it did that President Obama was black and had potential Islamic leanings??? (I know that this was proven not to be true, or at least I think it was.) Why should a man's religious background come in to it at all??? Why should it matter that he is a Mormon, any more than it should matter that he is Evangelical, Catholic, Muslim, Jewish, or an Agnostic or Athiest???? I would think that the most important things would be that he is honest, law abiding, upstanding, decent, a man of great integrity and character and that his policies and goals be what will be in the best interests for America and Americans???

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I know I am a Brit/Canuck, and I don't really get a say in any of this, but the election of the leader of one of the most powerful nations in the world is a matter of interest around the world and to all peoples . . . I am willing to concede even that I am a bit biased because he is a Mormon . . . but I will also say that in having looked at all the Candidates, surely it is evident that America could do a lot worse than to elect a law abiding, man of character, decency and integrity, with nothing but the best interests of America and it's people in his heart and motives. A man who has maintained honesty and truth in all of his dealings, with no hint of scandal attached. A man loyal to his wife and his family and his country. A man who wants nothing but the best for his country because he understands that in working hard and providing the best for his country, he does so for his family and all the other law abiding, decent, honest and hard working people of America.

I think it's really sad that a Nation can pat itself on the back for having evolved enough to be able to elect a black man as President and then turn around and be against another man simply because of his religious affiliation.

Just sayin' is all . . .

Source: weheartit.com via Marie on Pinterest

Here is a delicious family comfort meal that my children always loved me to make when I was growing up. I loved it too, mostly because it only involved getting one pan dirty. I didn't have to cook the macaroni first, or fry the meat in another pan or anything. It all happened right there in the one skillet. A bit of cheese melted on top is a wonderful addition.



*Chili-Roni*
Serves 6 to 8
Printable Recipe

This is a real family favourite. I haven't made it in years, but when I did make it my children were always very pleased!

1 pound extra lean ground beef
2 medium onions, peeled and chopped
1 cup chopped green pepper
1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1/8 tsp paprika
1 can (28 ounces) whole tomatoes, undrained
1 can (15 1/2 ounces) kidney beans, undrained
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce

Cook and stir the ground beef, onions and green pepper in a 12 inch skillet until the beef is brown and the onions are tender. Drain if necessary. Stir in the remaining ingredients, breaking up the tomatoes. Heat to the boil, then reduce heat to a simme Cover and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender. Serve hot.

Note: You can omit the macaroni and just cook uncovered vur about 45 minutes or until desired consistency. Then you have chili. Serve with cooked rice.



Cooking over in The English Kitchen today, some delicious Maple & Mustard Glazed Chicken Thighs!

Winter memories . . .

Source: flickr.com via Marie on Pinterest

One of the things I really loved to do as a child in the Winter time was to play out in the snow. We spent 6 years in Manitoba, living in a small town next to Lake Winnipeg, called Gimli, and it was very cold there in the Winter, with lots and lots of snow . . . but I can't remember ever feeling the cold. Perhaps children do not feel the cold like adults do . . . I am sure it was often -27*C or -30*C or even colder . . . with any wind chill added, that would have been very cold indeed. Our breath would puff around in the air about our heads like little chilly frozen winter clouds . . .

I do remember being bundled up within an inch of my life though, so much so that it was a wonder that I could move about with any freedom at all. There would be the ski pants, which were thick and insulated . . . the lining quilted and filled with stuffing of some sorts, probably wool . . . a thick wool coat, also lined with a quilted and stuffed lining. A thick wool cap with ear coverings would be on my head and a wool scarf would be wound about my neck and face . . . on really cold days only my eyes would be exposed, because . . . well, you needed to be able to see where you were going. I would have on my wool stockings (of course) and several pairs of socks and shoes and then my feet would be stuffed into these brown plastic winter boots, which were also lined and had wooley fur cuffs around the top of the insides . . . to keep snow from getting down into there I presume. On really cold days, two pairs of mittens were essentials to keep the hands from freezing. Thus attired, I would be set to go and could spend several hours outside playing with my friends.

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And play we did . . . oh what fun we would have, making snowmen and building snow forts, slipping and sliding on the frozen smooth roads which were pounded down to a lovely slippery surface by the many cars that would pass over them during the week . . . just perfect for sliding on. I can remember running as quickly as I could and then sliding . . . seemingly gliding across that smooth surface for miles . . . but it was probably only inches. You know children's imaginations . . . I remember one of the neighbors building his children a real live igloo in the back garden one year. What a magnet that was for the neighborhood kids. I can remember sitting inside it's icy coolness and looking up at the sky through the hole in the centre of it's roof. It seemed just like a magical place . . . all cool . . . and eerily quiet inside . . . the light tinted mysteriously blue . . .

The snow seemed to sparkle back then . . . it's surface glinted like a million diamonds underneath the light of the sun. It would get very hard on the surface and you could walk along it's hard crust without falling down into it. You could punch down into it if you tried really hard . . . which was a game in and of itself . . . I can still remember the sound that my boots would make when they punched down into it. It was a magic world . . .

Source: conversationpieces.co.uk via Marie on Pinterest

Often a neighbor would have built a snow slide in the back garden for all the neighborhood kids to use to slide down. This involved shoveling and stacking all the snow up into a huge mound. . .with one side angled at the perfect angle for a sled to slide down with some speed. That side would have been watered . . . along with a good length of snow in front of it, in order to get the most speed and length possible from such an endeavor . . . we lived on the prairies . . . there were no real hills to slide down. Improvisation was the order of the day. Once frozen solid it was like a huge icy slip and slide, that was just wonderful to slide down and across.

I can remember always envying the children who had what we called a flying saucer . . . a big metal disc sort of shaped like a flat bowl, with two leather or fabric handles at the sides to hold on to. Kind of like a big aluminium frisbee. These flew like the clappers and twirled you around at the same time! We had to make do with a flat piece of coloured plastic . . . I forget what they were called now . . . but I know that they were cheap and colourful. The exhilaration of sliding down was fabulous, and I can't remember there ever being any arguments. Everyone seemed to wait their turn and get along with each other.

Source: kevinandamanda.com via Marie on Pinterest

Other days we would go skating at the outdoor rink. In those days you could have an outdoor rink. There was none of the freezing and thawing that makes it almost impossible nowadays. The ground froze in November and stayed frozen right through to the spring. I lived on an airbase and long about the end of October the base would put up a fenced in area just outside of the school. It seemed huge, but probably wasn't much larger than about 3 back gardens . . . once the snow began to fall and the ground began to freeze, they would flood it with water, which would then freeze and provide the perfect surface for ice skating. They even strung electric lights across so that you could see at night. There were several covered shacks erected nearby, with seats in them so that you could put your skates on right on site . . . nobody ever worried about anyone stealing their boots. It just didn't happen back then. I can remember skating for hours on Saturday afternoons. It was so much fun!! All my friends would be there too.

It is no wonder there were not many overweight kiddies in those days . . . we all spent our days outside, winter or summer . . . playing and running and just moving about. Hot or cold . . . it made no difference. We very seldom were indoors. I can still remember how in the wintertime everyone's cheeks would be so red and cold when we came back in from playing outside . . . how the inside of our scarves would smell like wet wool . . . and the line my mother always kept up which stretched from the furnace in the utility room to the wall . . . which is where all the mittens and scarves, caps and extra socks would be hung to dry until the next time. Our heads would be all sweaty from all the exertion of play and extra layers of wool. It always felt extra warm and cosy indoors after having been outside . . . looking back with my rose coloured glasses . . . it felt like family should feel . . . warm and safe and right. I have no other explanation for it . . .

Source: fotocommunity.de via Marie on Pinterest

Oh, I have enjoyed going back in my mind and thinking back on those days this morning . . . thanks so much for humouring me. I would love to hear about your childhood winter memories. Please do share!

We were not in town for very long yesterday. All of a sudden my knees which have been doing so very well for these past 6 months gave out and I was in agony. It was all I could do to hobble back to the bus. I will be calling the Doctor tomorrow to get an appointment for more shots. I was in serious pain and still am today. I'm ok sitting, but it's when I get up to move that it starts . . . it's quite difficult going up and down the stairs . . . I kept the wheat bag on it all evening and in bed, and am going to go and heat it up again so that I can apply it once more. I have had a good run of relatively painless movement these last few months so I mustn't complain . . . hopefully a couple more shots will knock it back for a few more months. I do so want to go to my daughter's wedding in July, but cannot imagine being able to manipulate the airports and sitting on an airplane for the 6 hours it requires with knees like they are right now. I will be going on my own so Todd will not be with me. I will be staying off my feet as much as possible today!

Here is a delicious and easy supper that even my pasta hating husband enjoys, from time to time that is . . . he grumbles a little bit . . . but he tucks in anyways, and often has seconds. It's very simple to make and very tasty! From the Big Blue Binder, of course! (Only the best recipes are in there!)



*Cheeseburger Spaghetti Pie*
Serves 6
Printable Recipe

All the flavours of your favourite cheeseburger baked in a spaghetti crust.

For the Crust:
6 ounces uncooked vermicelli or spaghetti
1 large free range egg
1 TBS prepared mustard

For the filling:
1 pound extra lean minced beef
1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
1/2 tsp seasoned salt
1/2 cup cooked real bacon pieces (about 4 slices)
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup finely grated cheddar cheese
9 burger slice pickles

Preheat the oven to 180*C/350*F/ gas mark 4. Spray a 9 1/2 inch glass pie dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Drain well. Beat the egg and mustard together in a large bowl. Toss in the cooked pasta. Toss together to coat evenly, then press the spaghetti mixture into the prepared pie dish, pushing the mixture up the sides to form a crust.

Crumble the meat into a large nonstick skillet. Add the onion and sprinkle with the seasoned salt. Cook over medium high heat, stirring frequently, until the meat is no longer pink. Drain well. Stir in the bacon and tomato sauce. Spoon this mixture evenly into the spaghetti lined pie dish. Sprinkle with half of the cheese.

Bake for half an hour. Top with the pickle slices and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Bake for an additonal 10 to 15 minutes, or until thoroughly heated and the cheese is melted. Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting into wedges to serve.

I like to serve this with a nice tossed salad on the side and some crusty french bread.



Over in The English Kitchen today, a delicious Apricot Bread Pudding.

Now and then . . .

Source: flickr.com via Marie on Pinterest

Now and then . . . in between all the grim and grey days of winter . . . in between all the storms and gales . . . God sends us a golden beautiful day, with bright morning skies of blue which are so beautiful to behold. It is only because of the dull days they are sandwiched in between though that we really can appreciate them for the little gems that they are!

Source: pixdaus.com via Marie on Pinterest

Now and then . . . in life's darkest times . . . times of sorrow and distress . . . in between tears and dismay . . . there will come a flash of happiness . . . loving words from much beloved friends, tender smiles, gentle hugs and kisses . . . these too, making everthing seem worth while and oh so very appreciated. Joy felt amidst sorrow is double joy, I think . . .

Source: zsazsabellagio.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

Now and then . . . we're given glimpses of a perfect love . . . breaking through out hearts like shafts of sunlight from above. A sudden glory fills our sky and our hearts are filled with an unseen presence . . . we know who it is. His name is engraved upon our hearts . . . his presence fills our lives with joy and peace. His arms help to carry us when we are down . . . when we feel like we just can't move forward any further . . . He lifts us up and helps to shoulder our burdens. Oh, now very grateful I am . . . that He sees this little sparrow fall . . .



This was one of my favourite hymns when I was a child. You know . . . I was thinking last night in bed, as you do . . . and I cannot remember a time when I did not feel the Lord's presence in my life. I may not have always enjoyed the close relationship that I enjoy with Him now . . . but that was because of me. I have always known He was there though, and I am grateful for that.

I did another painting yesterday afternoon. I have always held a certain fondness for Alice in Wonderland. I know a few years ago when the movie came out lots of people were painting her. As usual . . . I am a bit behind the times . . .



What do you think? Todd really loved this. I am thinking that I may do a whole series of storybook girls. Sounds like a plan.

The gas people pushed a note through the door yesterday afternoon saying that they want in to our house by 8am this morning and then off and on all day. We have to go out this morning though as Miztie has an appointment with her groomer and so we won't be available for part of the day. They'll just have to work around our absence. We sure won't be letting them in without us being here. Another day where I will have to prepare our meals around the gas supply being interrupted. Such is life. These little interruptions are what makes it so exciting!

Here's one of our favourite meals. A delicious Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry. You don't have to use Beef if you don't want to. You could also use pork strips or chicken strips. All are equally delicious in my opinion!!



*Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry*
Serves 4-5
Printable Recipe

This is one of our favourite quick suppers. You can't beat a good stir fry. You can use any vegetables which you wish, or that you have on hand. I find also that you can often get a good stir fry vegetable mix at the supermarket already packaged up, which makes it even easier. (It's often cheaper as well to just buy a bag of the mix, rather than all of the vegetables on their own.)

For the sauce:
1/3 cup water
1 TBS cornstarch
2 TBS soy sauce
2 TBS runny honey
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/3 tsp salt
1/8 tsp cinnamon

For the stir fry:
2 TBS oil
3/4 pound of less beef sirloin
(Freeze slightly, then cut into paper thin strips,
about 2 by 1 inch in size)
2 cloves of garlic, peeled and chopped
1 1/2 pounds (about 6 cups) assorted cut up fresh vegetables
(Snow peas, cauliflower, carrots, broccoli, mushrooms, onions, peppers, etc.)

Blend all the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl. Set aside.

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium high heat. Add 1 TBS of the oil and heat until it ripples. Add the beef and garlic. Cook and stir 3 to 4 minutes, or until browned. Remove and reserve the beef and any liquid which has accumulated in the skillet.

Add the remaining 1 TBS of oil to the same skillet. Once again, heat until it ripples. Add any firm vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, carrots) and cook, stirring, until the vegetables are slightly limp. Add the less firm vegetables (onions, peppers) and cook and stir for 2 to 3 minutes. Add soft vegetables (mushrooms, bean sprouts, snow peas) and cook for 1 to 2 minutes longer, until all vegetables are crispy tender. Return the beef and any juices to the skillet. Stir in the sauce mixture. Cook and stir until the sauce is bubbly and thickened. If you are using tomatoes, stir in and heat until warm.

Serve the stir fry with hot cooked rice or Chinese noodles if desired. Delicious!



Cooking in The English Kitchen today, Crunchy Tuna Wraps!

The Simple Woman's Day book . . .

FOR TODAY, January 10th, 2012...

Outside My Window...
All is calm, and dark, and somewhat cold. We've really had a very mind winter so far this year, and I dare say . . . with a LOT of wind. No snow as of yet. My mom says they haven't had a lot of snow either. Snow one day, rain the next so nothing stays. She says the ground isn't even frozen yet, which is very unusual for Canada in January!

I am thinking...
I got an e-mail from my daughter this morning wanting to know what colour I would be wearing for the wedding. That is the first time I have been asked that question. I don't know what to say. I haven't even begun to look for a dress yet. When I do though, it will probably be either blue or pink, because those are the colours I like and that look best on me.

I am thankful for...
The Holy Ghost in my life. It helps to guide me and helps me to make right choices most of the time. I know it may sound a bit corny to some, but it's true. I am so grateful for it's presence in my life. I don't know how anyone copes without it!

From the kitchen...
There is not an awful lot . . . leftover cookies I think. I am trying hard to be good.

I am wearing...
Turquoise Nightie, grey and pink jim jam bottoms, slippers and robe. Yes, I know it is a bit of an odd mix, but meh . . . it keeps me warm.

I am creating...



I think I am finally getting the art of shading hair properly!! What do you think??? I sat down and did this little lady yesterday afternoon after Todd got home from town. I never know what I am going to paint when I first sit down. I sit for a few minutes, plug in my Walkman and let the music speak to me and then, and only then does my pencil begin to move on the paper. What comes out comes out. I think she looks quite relaxed and reflective.

I am going...
I have an appointment this afternoon on the other side of town and then tomorrow the council is coming for another appointment for our shower. I think this is the final approval. (Fingers crossed it goes through!) I have invited some friends for lunch on Thursday. Todd has a hospital appointment on Saturday for his hearing, and I think an old missionary who is now home from his mission is coming to stay with us for a few days. I can't remember the exact day he arrives, but it will be nice to see him again! He was a nice lad! He has come back to be a witness in a trial over here. Apparently he witnessed a crime when he was on his mission. I had told him did he ever need a place to stay we had a room, and you know how the rest goes!

I am reading...




(watch the trailer, it's good)

Sadie, by Rebecca Belliston

Sadie Dawson thinks she has the perfect life until one Christmas Day when a misunderstanding leads to a brutal event that changes everything. Terrified, Sadie flees her boyfriend's wrath, two FBI agents, and her "perfect life." Lost in a Montana snowstorm and desperate for refuge, she's rescued by four guys on their annual holiday ski vacation. But even as her physical wounds heal, Sadie wonders is she will ever be able to escape the clutches of her wealthy and determined boyfriend. While her heart tells her there is more to a perfect life than diamond necklaces and elegant dinner parties, Sadie doesn't know who she can trust. And just when her heart settles, she finds herself abandoned by the one person who swore to protect her for a religion she doesn't understand. Will she have the courage to follow her heart and find the life that is perfect for her?

I am loving the strength and personalities of the characters in this book. It has caught my interest and kept it, a real page turner. Plus it is wonderfully refreshing to be able to read a "Romance" novel which is wholesome and doesn't have any nasty colourful bits. I highly recommend! (On a side note, she is also the daughter of Gerald Lund, author of a bazillion great books, my favourite of which is called Divine Signatures.)

I am hoping...
I was greatly relieved last week to find out that Todd only has Blepharitis in his eye, not a detached retina. Our eyes are so very important. I have often thought about had I to choose one thing to give up . . . sight or hearing . . . I would rather lose my hearing than my sight. You can feel sound if you need to . . . but I know of nothing that would take the place of my eyes.

I am hearing...
Nothing much. Mitzie is eating her breakfast in the kitchen. The keys are tapping. All is quiet outside. A very normal morning.

Around the house...

Source: marthastewart.com via Marie on Pinterest

The ideas that people come up with for storage are amazing to me. I don't know why, but my brain just doesn't work that way. I can think of a hundred ways to mess some place up, but to tidy it and organize it . . . I just have no clue. This idea here is from Martha Stewart and shows you how to organize and store your bedding. Just keep sheet sets folded tidily inside one of the matching pillow cases! It's such a simple idea and yet . . . why didn't I think of it????

I am looking forward to ...
I have a darned cold again, with the cough. I don't think I have ever really shaken it 100%. It just keeps coming back. Most annoying. I am looking forward to a day, hopefully in the not too distant future when I will no longer have it!

If I could change one thing it would be ...
That I could lose some of this extra weight I carry around with me. I know the solutions . . . but I can't seem to take hold of them. I wish I didn't like food so very much, or that I was one of those lucky people who never seem to truly feel hungry, instead of someone who lives, breathes, sleeps and EATS food! I'm almost always hungry, or at least thinking about my next meal.

One of my favourite things...
Is discovering new things . . . new ideas, new concepts, new books to read, new pictures to paint, new friends to make, etc.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
A bit of work . . . a bit of play . . . and everything in between!!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Source: flickr.com via Marie on Pinterest

Perhaps it would be a good idea, fantastic as it sounds, to muffle every telephone, stop every motor and halt all activity for an hour some day to give people a chance to ponder for a few minutes on what it is all about, why they are living, and what they really want.
~James Truslow Adams (1878 - 1949)

We lead such busy lives. I think it would do us each some good to find a quiet space each day, even if only for 5 or 10 minutes to just stop and reflect on what life is really all about. We might be terribly surprised at the answers we get!

As a closing thought I would like to leave you with this:

"Mistakes are part of the dues one pays for a full life."
~Sophia Loren

(I had no idea she was so deep!)

And there you have it . . . my day book for this week. Don't forget to hop on over to the Simple Woman to check out the other day book entries! (Or better yet, do a simple day book entry yourself! It's not that hard and I am betting you would enjoy it!

Here's a tasty meal that I often cooked for my kids when they were growing up and now cook occasionally for the missionaries. What young person doesn't love burgers and since I am young at heart, I love these too. They're very scrummy indeed and a wonderful once-in-a-blue-moon treat!



*Easy Cheesy Topped Burgers*
Serves 4 to 6
Printable Recipe

Delicious open faced burgers topped with full on cheese flavour! Cheese, Bacon, Onion . . . What’s not to like about these! You know you shouldn’t . . . but you will anyways. . . go ahead, enjoy!

2 ½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese
8 slices cooked smoked streaky bacon, crumbled
1 cup chopped spring onions
1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 TBS tomato catsup
3 tsp hot pepper sauce (Optional)
12 minced beef patties (3 pounds)
Bread or hamburger buns, if desired

Heat gas or charcoal grill, or oven grill. In a small bowl mix all ingredients except for the beef patties.

When the grill is heated, place frozen patties on the grill. Cover grill, and cook over medium heat 4 to 8 minutes, turning once, until the patties are nicely browned and cooked through.

Carefully top each patty with about some of the cheese mixture. Cook, covered, for 4 minutes longer, or until cheese is melted. Serve on toasted bread.



Cooking in The English Kitchen today, a delicious Chunky Puy Lentil and Veggie Soup!

Thoughts to end a year on . . .

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“It’s a valuable exercise to close your eyes every once in a while and think, “What is the most wonderful moment I have lived through during the past year?”

It might be part of a grand event or a very simple moment, perhaps a brief interaction with another person. The grand or the simple, it doesn’t matter. Just remembering will lift your spirits, and warm feelings will fill your soul.” ~Marjorie Pay Hinckley

Just a simple thing to do, and no more fitting time to do it than at the end of a year, with the promise of the new year to come sitting before us, full of wonderful experiences waiting to be held.

I have wracked my brains this morning to come up with one wonderful moment during the past year that stood out above the rest. I've had such a wonderful year, filled to overflowing with lots of blessings . . .

I was deeply saddened earlier this year when we lost our Angie, of course . . . that broke my heart . . . and then when Lura was in a near fatal car accident my heart was taken to the brink, yet again. Thankfully she was saved and, although it has been an excruciatingly painful year for her, she is well on the mend now and lives to bring us yet more joy, which is a great blessing to me. I don't think my heart could have borne the loss of another dear friend . . .

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I suppose it has been a year of small and simple blessings and moments to treasure. Moments spent in the garden with Todd, growing our own veg and fruit. Managing to raise tadpoles into 4 full grown frogs! Our fish having babies. Moments spent playing with Mitzie and enjoying all of her puppyish enthusiasm and vigor. Times spent with good friends . . . those are always sweet. Seeing my stamp designs as actual rubber stamps! Being called onto the Relief Society Presidency . . . a calling that I absolutely love. The birth of my first Granddaughter. Teaching moments with the Missionaries . . . feeding the missionaries! Real time Video visits with my grandsons. My visit to Jimmy's Farm on a sleepover in July with Julie, and being able to spend some quality time with her, and us being able to meet Jimmy and tour his farm together. Getting to go to a fun Craft Workship with Sheilagh and Trish in August, and meeting some lovely talented ladies. Visiting Cumbria in September with Todd, Mitzie and Hurricane Katrina. Celebrating eleven years of wedded bliss together at the Temple in November. Finding out that I did not have cancer! That was a biggie. My dad surviving and having his pacemaker fitted and finding out he didn't have cancer as well, another huge blessing . . . and interspersed between all of these big moments that stand out was hundreds of smaller moments which were equally as special and as blessed.

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There is nothing there that is spectacular . . . we didn't win the lottery or anything . . . or did we??? Our year was filled with an abundance of every day joy, the sweet lightly mixed with the bittersweet, with a bit of fear and anxiety thrown in for good measure. The truth is that every day joys are the best joys of all and the things which bring us the happiness and peace that lasts forever. They are the most valuable of all. True joy comes from finding happiness and contentment in simple things, every day things . . . the stuff that lives are built from.

"Contentment is a pearl of great value, and whoever procures it at the expense of ten thousand desires makes a wise and happy purchase."
~Balguy

I do believe that yesterday I painted the best picture that I have ever painted.



What do you think??? I love the expression on her wee face . . .



Sometimes I surprise even myself. Of course this is available as a card or a print. I think I will frame a print of this myself for in our living room. I am so grateful for the ability to create these little paintings and drawings . . . and I am so grateful for the joy which I feel in having the time and being able to do so. Had I still been working fulltime, I'd never have been able to explore my talents thusly so . . . another silver lining to that cloud. ☺

My mom always cooked us a ham at the New Year. It is hard to break with a tradition that goes back to your childhood, I find. We will have ham too! A butcher over here explained to me that a ham is only a ham once it's been cooked. Before that it's gammon. It doesn't really matter what you call it I think . . . just so long as it takes good and this tastes like a mightly delicious ham to me! No after cooking picture I'm afraid . . . the lighting was just too poor. You'll have to take my word for it when I tell you it was absolutely fabulous darlings!



*Festive Spiced Ham*
Serves 8 to 12 with leftovers
Printable Recipe

This is the perfect ham for your celebratory dinners. It smells incredible when it’s cooking. Once finished, it’s mouth wateringly delicious with it’s spicy crumbed coating being the perfect finishing touch!

6 to 8 pound smoked or unsmoked boned gammon
1 onion and 1 orange, halved and studded with 12 whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick, broken in half
4 bay leaves
6 juniper berries, bruised coarsely
500ml can of sweet cider (2 cups) (I used apple juice quite successfully)
2 oranges quartered

GLAZE:
6 TBS clear runny honey
Zest of 1 orange and 2 TBS fresh orange juice

TOPPING:
2 ounces fresh white bread crumbs
A large knob of softened butter
A handful of parsley leaves, chopped finely

Put the gammon into a large pan along with the orange and onion halves, the cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, juniper berries and the apple cider. Add water to cover and then bring slowly to the boil. Cover loosely and reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for 20 minutes per pound, plus 20 minutes. Keep it topped up with water so that it remains covered at all times.

Pre-heat the oven to 220*C/450*F. Remove the gammon from the cooking water and let cool slightly. (Reserve 4 TBS of the cooking liquid) Taking a sharp knife cut away all the skin, leaving a layer of fat. Put it into a large roasting pan along with the quartered oranges, arranging them around the ham. Drizzle the reserved cooking liquid around. Mix together the honey, orange zest and orange juice. Brush some over the ham and the oranges. Bake for 15 minutes. Brush with some more glaze. Bake for 15 minutes longer, basting two or three times until golden and starting to char in places. Remove from the oven and let sit while you make the topping.

Spread the bread crumbs on a baking sheet and put into the hot oven for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often until golden brown. Remove from the oven and mix together with the softened butter and the parsley. Brush the ham once more with the glaze and then sprinkle the warm crumbs over all, pressing them slightly so as to make them adhere. Serve garnished with the glazed orange wedges.



Over in The English Kitchen today there is a delicious Cranberry Swirl Breakfast Cake baking!

“You can't go through life on "Borrowed light.”
― Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Marie's Sunday Six

Surely my biggest Smilemaker this week had to be finding out I didn't have Cancer. It's pretty hard to top that, let me tell you! When I was waiting to find out if I did or didn't have it I had a pretty scary couple of weeks. I was trying to be very optimistic, of course . . . positive thinking and all that . . . but I couldn't help but try to prepare myself for the worst, just in case. It would be devastating to not be prepared for the worst at all, even in the smallest way. One thought that came to me frequently was the sadness that I would never really get to know these six very special people in my life. The thought of each of them surely brings a smile to my face every minute of my every day!



These are the three pirates in my life . . . Daughter in Law Anne, and grandsons Gabriel (eldest) and lil Luke. They are my oldest sons family. My eldest son has taken the efforts to come and see me each time I have been home, and we have skyped on several occasions so I could talk to the boys. It's a lot of fun skyping when you live so far away. Almost like being together, except you don't get to pinch cheeks and plaster slobbery kisses all over their foreheads!



Gabriel is the oldest at 5 1/2 now. He's in his first year of school and also goes to Beavers, which he really enjoys. He is a sweet sensitive little boy who is filled with curiosity and the joys of life. I find him quite, quite interesting and love seeing the world through his perspective. He's outgoing and gregarious. He reminds me a lot of my son, his father, when he was a boy. Life was always new and exciting! You never knew what was going to be next on the agenda!



Luke is the younger brother and will soon be two. I don't really know him very well, but he seems a sweet little boy too. I think he is also very sensitive and engaging. He likes to eat too, because most of the pictures I have of him he is eating in! I can tell he really looks up to his elder brother because in all of the pictures that they are together in . . . he is looking over at him with love and glee.



These are Doug (my middle son) and Kayla's boys, my other three grandsons . . . Jon is the eldest (5), followed by the little redhead of the family, Josh (3) and then baby Jacob, who just turned one. Three very different and no less loveable boys. I have been able to skype with them as well and the last time I was home to Canada I got to finally meet Jon and Josh for the first time. It was lovely!



Jon is the oldest and is also in his first year of school. He is a little treasure! So full of life and a bit of a ham as far as I can tell from the videos and photos that I have seen. He is very sweet and protective of his younger brothers. You can tell he takes the big brother position in the family very much to heart! He loves music and zoo animals.



Josh is three and the only red head in our family. I just adore his pretty blue eyes. He is very shy and sensitive as well. I am sure he really blossoms when he is around people he knows and trusts, but he doesn't know me very well at all and mostly just clung to his father's pants when we were at their house two summers ago. Mind you he was only about 18 months old then, so it isn't a surprise that he was a bit shy with us. He seems to be a thinker, a sweet little boy.



Jacob is my youngest grandson and just turned one year old on the 16th of November. He's just beautiful. He looks so much like his father, our Doug, that they could be twins! Right from those big baby blues to that curly mop of golden hair. Our Doug had a mop of curls just like that! I don't know very much about him, but he seems to be a very happy boy and an enjoyer of all that is around him. I got to see a video of him walking last week, and there is also a photo of him helping to sweet his other nan's floor. That broom looks ever so tall next to him. He seems a delightful little chap and I look forward to getting to know him and his brothers much better as they get older.



This is my youngest Grandchild, Maryn, the only girl in the bunch and the daughter of our Amanda and her husband Tom. I have not been able to get to know her at all. She will be a year in February. My youngest daughter is somewhat estranged from me, but I do get to see pictures of little Maryn on the computer. I think, quite naturally, she is just the cutest little Ladybird that I have ever seen!



She looks very intelligent and inquisitive to me, and very sweet too! I do so hope that I will be able to get to know her as she grows up, but in the meantime I do enjoy seeing the pictures of her as she grows, so very much. There is a little girl in our Ward who was born around the same time and so I look to her and imagine how much little Maryn has grown and some of the things that Maryn must be doing now.

Hopefully next summer I will get to meet both her and Jacob. Those are the only two of the grandchildren that I have not had the opportunity to meet in person yet. Grandchildren are wonderful little creatures. They are better than children in a way because you feel like you can freely spoil them . . . and they are your last chance to give some loving back to your own children. When my own children were growing up there was not a lot of time, there was so many of them . . . and not a lot of cash either. I may not get to see my grandchildren very often but I try to reach out to them as best as I can. I like to think of myself as the Present Granny. I do not get to spend time with them, but I can send them little treasures in the post and hopefully they get as much pleasure out of receiving them as I do in sending them!

Anyways, six BIG reasons to smile and to live for! My smilemakers of this last week in November, 2011! Many thanks for indulging this proud and thankful Grandma!!

I was busy most of yesterday but then later in the day I had an opportunity to go into my craft room and put my paints to paper again. This is what I came up with:



I think that I like her a lot . . . even more though . . . I like the words that inspired it. We are all beautiful creatures of light. Some of us may not be able to see our light, but it's there all the same. Sometimes we just need a little reminder of who we are and what we are.

Here's another recipe from my Marie's Muses Archives. It's a delicious steak with an even more delicous mushroom and stilton sauce. I often toy with the idea of becoming a vegetarian, but the thought of never having another steak always stops me. I do so love a good steak!



*Beef Steak with Stilton Mushroom Sauce*
Serves 4
Printable Recipe

This to me has to be the perfect way to cook a steak. Tender, juicy and accompanied with a delicious sauce full of the flavours of mushrooms and tangy stilton cheese. Yummy!

4 (6 ounces) Strip Loin Steaks (You may use other steaks, as long as they are suitable for grilling)
2 tsp chopped fresh tarragon
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
5 TBS butter
8 ounces sliced mushrooms
1/3 cup dry red wine
½ cup sour cream
3 ounces Stilton or other bleu cheese, crumbled

Rub the steaks with the chopped tarragon and the black pepper. Take a large skillet and heat it over medium high heat. Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in the skillet until it is foaming. Add the steaks and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side or to the desired degree of doneness. ( 2 minutes each side for medium rare) Remove the steaks to a warm plate and keep warm while youmake the sauce.

Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Add the mushrooms and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they are tender. Add the wine, reduce the heat and let itcook for another 1 to 2 minutes to deglaze the pan. Stir in the sour cream and ¼ cup of the cheese. Cook, stirring, until the cheese melts. Season to taste with some salt and pepper.

To serve, drizzle the sauce over the steaks and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. You can garnish with sprigs of tarragon if you wish.



I'm having a Mincemeat Fest over in The English Kitchen today and these scrummy Mincemeat Rolls are on the menu!

“God knows that some of the greatest souls who have ever lived are those who will never appear in the chronicles of history. They are the blessed, humble souls who emulate the Savior’s example and spend the days of their lives doing good.”
~Dieter F. Uchtdorf