New Year

Wow! I finally have a chance to write in my blog! I have missed writing, and people who love to write, need to write. Writing is therapy for me.
I enjoy sharing my love and joy of Jesus Christ and it is almost like I can shout about Him in my blog!
Christmas is a beautiful time for family to gather and enjoy the gift of giving. My dream is to have a Christmas gathering including Vin's Mom and Dad and siblings so Cohen can celebrate with both sides. Maybe with a little planning we could make it happen!
I know how much Vin misses them; and I love him for putting up with all of us! He is a special addition to our family and we could never enjoy Christmas without him.
Another special addition is Quinn's girlfriend Katy. She is a true angel and fits right into our family! It was soooo fun having two new angels with us this year. [Cohen and Katy.]

I have a couple of New Year resolutions. They both include change.

Talk to you next year!
Love and peace and joy in Him.

Peace at Christmas Time

I find no matter what proble life throws at you; it does not feel as difficult at Christmas time.
Turning on the radio and listening to the enchanting Christmas songs, the lights and decorations every where you go; it is a peaceful feeling.

I am trying to live by the rule to take life one day at a time. Life on earth is truly a gift and the thought of wasting precious time being upset and sad just seems wrong.

A beautiful blessing is holding my baby Cohen and looking into her bright happy blue eyes. Her soft sweetness takes my breath away! How can I let anyone bring me down when I have such a love in my life?! She is my angel. She is my gift from God.

Merry Christmas.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

SugarnSpice and all Things Nice

It is nice to be on my computer reading and writing! I have missed it very much.
CHRISTMAS, CHRISTMAS, CHRISTMAS, I LOVE IT!!!!!
I have almost all of my shopping done and am beginning to wrap presents today. I have learned over the years to prepare in advance all that is possible. It makes for a much more relaxed and enjoyable Christmas.
I do not want to lose face of the true meaning of celebrating our Savior's birth and shedding light on Him. Jesus is the reason for the season!

I am looking forward to spending time with family, especially my Ryder guy. I miss him and love being with him.

I am enjoying my baking business! I love it!
I am making the "creme brulee" for Alessandro's and it is the best ever! I hope if you read this, you will visit Alessandro's and try the 'creme brulee'!

My darling daughter just called and asked if I can babysit Cohen for an hour at 4:00 today; time to finish projects and get back to work.

God bless,
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

CHRISTMAS

It is officially the Christmas Season!
My most joyful time of year. The opportunity to celebrate the birth of our Savior consumes me;
the wonderful feeling of love and good will toward men.

I am enjoying baking this morning and I have my Christmas decorations spread out all over the floor in front of the fire place. I have Christmas music playing and love and peace in my heart!

Love and peace and joy to God and Happy Birthday to Jesus Christ our Lord!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

SUNNY SUNDAY

What a beautiful sunny Sunday!
I woke up and thanked Jesus for my life as I opened my blinds to a pretty frosty wonderland.
It seems very Christmasy outside and puts me in the holiday baking mode.

Thank you God for a wonderful day; I promise not to let anything negative take it away from me.

Love and peace! xo

Saturday at Cohen's House

I'm babysitting my Cohen girl. She is sleeping right now so I am taking the time to write.

My baking business is called SUGARNSPICE and I am now licensed by the State to proceed.
Soon my web site will be complete at www.sugarnspice.org!
My specialty is that I focus on natural organic non-trans fatty ingredients low in fat and sugar.
It is all about healthy baking and tasting delicious; so yummy that one cannot eat just one cookie or just one bite of any my deserts!

Best of all, it is something I truly love and enjoy doing! I am very excited about SUGARNSPICE and will keep you posted as we progress.

xo

SUGARNSPICE

IT IS OFFICIAL!!!!! SUGARNSPICE BAKING COMPANY BECAME LICENSED TODAY!!!!!!

WE ARE READY TO LAUNCH!!!!!!

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

I will tell you more tomorrow.

God bless.

Solitude and Prayer

I have been spending a lot of time alone at home working on projects. I feel good about the progress I have made and now I look forward to having some free time!
The quiet solitude was much needed, as I felt I needed time alone in prayer.

Today the rain is gentle outside my door and the warm fire I made inside seem to be in harmony together. I love the quiet and the peace of mind it offers.
I have been reflecting on all my many blessings and praying for the millions who are without.

I have been thinking a lot about my friends and loved ones who are non-believers and it has been weighing heavily on my heart.

The meditations of my heart belong to God. The more I spend in prayer, the closer He becomes and I feel His presence all around me. The warmth of His embrace, the strength in His calm voice.

It is very simple really; to know God. His miracles are all around us. Just open your heart and let Him come in. Take some time to think of Him.

xo

Strwaberry Rubarb Pie

My daughter Kesha makes THE BEST PIES ever!
Last night after dinner at Kwan's with my Mom and Dad; Quinn and Katy and I were invited over to Vin and Kesha's for home made strawberry rhubarb pie!
I can't wait until she makes another one; I think I will ask her to make one for our Thanksgiving dinner. It is YUMMY!

I am so proud of myself! I dug into my junk room yesterday and totally organized it. I am happy to say it cannot be called my junk room any more! It took me all day, and I gave up swimming and hiking to do it, but it was worth the sacrifice. After a year of living in this house and always unloading everything in it, it was a mess! It had boxes that had never been unpacked from moving in, and everything else that didn't have a place!

This morning I am going to make a big bucket full of HOT Murphy's Oil soap and scrub everything. That is the finishing touch to my deep cleaning. I wash all my cupboards and floors and anything else in my path with it.

Time to go get started!

xo

The Calm After The Storm

Wow! We had a storm yesterday! We lost power too! I enjoyed watching the wind blow from inside my house in front of my fire place. It was a good time for thoughts of soldiers and prayer for their safety and well being. The storm made me appreciate my warm home, and think of others who are less fortunate.

This morning it is calm and cold and crisp outside. I have a pot of vanilla and cinnamon simmering on my stove. It smells soooo good!
I have lots of ambition to clean my house and get organized for the Holidays. I made creme brulee for Thanksgiving this morning and have it in the freezer. Next I am going to make some low fat deserts. I have a recipe for a pumpkin custard that is very low fat and made with very little sugar.

I am ready to start decorating and baking for Christmas! I love Christmas time and want it to last as long as possible. This year will be Cohen's first Christmas..............What a gift to have an angel in the family at Christmas time.

xo

Love Thy Neighbor

He is back! The neighbor who lives right next door. He and his wife went on vacation for a week and it was great for me! I was able to go outside first thing in the morning in my P.J.'S and not have to worry about seeing anyone.
I'm a private person and I do not feel comfortable seeing or talking to neighbors first thing in the morning with only P.J.'S on!!!!!
I learned my lesson a year ago when I first moved in. I woke up, made my coffee, and went outside to enjoy the perfect morning. My porch seemed safe and peaceful, but when I decided to walk over to the side of my property that is attached to His to look at my plants, SURPRISE, there he was! He wanted to know immediately why I was up so early! I wasn't really even awake enough to talk but gave him some quick answer and ran back to safety on my porch!!!!!!

I'm a swimmer. Before hitting the pool I wet down my hair and put a special conditioner on it to protect it from the strong chlorine, [blonds can turn green from chlorine] and then slick it up into a tight bun that will fit under my swim cap. I feel like I look like Mrs. Potato Head and really wish not to see a sole as I go straight from my car to the pool and home again.
Wouldn't you know it; as I was leaving to go swim He came running toward my car, motioned for me to stop and roll down the window so he could talk to me!!!!!!!!
I can't count how many times I had to see him after my swim when I was drenched with chlorine and just wanting to get inside to take a shower before my skin began to dry up!
I finally solved that problem when I was able to make room in my garage to park my car. Thank God for the invention of the automatic door opener. I push the button way down the street and the door is open and ready for me to zip in and then close behind me.

When I work in my yard I like to go outside grubby with no make up and not a care if my hair looks like I stuck my finger in a light socket..........I have blond eye lashes and without mascara I look totally different then with..........so without, I am not comfortable seeing or talking to neighbors!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just want to go outside and look like a wreck and do yard work!

I feel it is getting harder and more difficult all the time to "love thy neighbor."
In biblical days when one's neighbor's tent was a foot away and there was no such thing as mascara and pools full of chlorine, people had to love one another and depend on each other to survive. I think neighbors were more like family. The women most likely were not girly girls like me either. I am high maintenance and depend on my hair dryer and modern day beauty tools. Women of the biblical days were much different. Perhaps like the earth mama's who exist today? They probably did not care what they looked like, and could love a neighbor who wanted to greet them first thing in the morning, or wanted to hang around while they did their outside work?

Now there is the neighbor who wants to play his stereo TOO LOUD all night, such as the case next door to Vin and Kesh, and then there is the neighbor who never cared if his cat or dog took a dumb in your beautiful well kept yard, such as the case next door to my Mom and Dad...........

I hope God understands. I do love my nosey neighbor. He does have a kind heart and truly cares about me, but there are times when I can't love him and just wish he would go away.......like the week he was on vacation. I loved my privacy more.

Anyway, just had to vent about it. I feel much better now.

xo

Sunny Saturday

I just returned from being gone over night. [a rare experience for me.]
When I walked in my house it smelled stuffy and funny! I cannot stand stale smells! I immediately opened the whole house up and let the fresh air come through. After I air it out I will make a big rip roaring fire and take the chill off. I am addicted to natural smells of lavender and cinnamon, vanilla and nutmeg and apples and oranges and lemons!!!!!!!!!! I think the smell thing must be a strong gene that runs in my family because my Mother and Daughter are the same way!
I just put a pot of vanilla and cinnamon on the stove to simmer and it will make my house smell yummy.

I am making a wonderful lunch. I found the recipe in one of my health food magazines.
It is onions and peppers and shrimp simmered together in a skillet with a touch of olive oil, seasoned with ginger, garlic, and light soy sauce. Next you add tofu and blueberries and pine nuts. [You do not have to add blueberries.] Blueberries are not in the recipe but I add them to almost everything as I am a blueberry fanatic! Anyway, it's delicious and low fat.

I love to eat. But only healthy foods. I alarmed a couple of family members with my last posting when I said I didn't eat because of the shopping thing and wanting to lose another 10 pounds.
I do want to lose 10 pounds, but I would never starve myself to do it. I mentioned it because I NEVER go without eating and it was amazing to me that I did! Honestly, my blog is my journal of thoughts written for no one other than myself and God. I forget that there are actually people who read it!

God bless.

Too Much Fun

I have been having too much fun!
SHOPPING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
With my two best shopping buddies Kesha and Cohen.
Yesterday we hit the Anniversary sale at Nordstrom. We got there at 10:00 AM and were lucky enough to have my daughter Cim who is manager of B.P. show us the great buys. First she led us to the 7's [the best fitting jeans on earth] and helped us find our sizes in the middle of a bunch of crazy women who were frantically grabbing them up as fast as they could! The jeans are called "Skinny Jeans" and are $189.00 a pair. They are now on sale for $89.00! But there are none left at Salem's Nordstrom; however Cim can call another store and order them, like she did for me since my size was all gone. These jeans are of the finest quality and are made to wear with flats, or tucked into Ughs or boots.

I was all ready to do house hold chores today and nothing else when Kesh called me and said she and Cohen were headed to Portland to IKEA.......I couldn't resist and away we went! I had only been to the one near Seattle and have been wanting to go to the new one by the airport.
It is HUGE! The prices are really great-really low! There is everything imaginable for furnishing a home. We had too much fun! The little food court is nice too. I had potatoes and Swedish meat balls with cranberries and a yummy sauce for $4.99.
That was all I ate all day! I love it because I am wanting to lose another 10 pounds and not having time to eat is a plus! Yesterday I had coffee before leaving for Nordstrom and didn't eat until later that afternoon when I came home........I popped a Lean Cuisine in the microwave and ate it right before I went out to rake leaves.
Now I'm enjoying a glass of organic elderberry wine along with some soft music by Michale Bolton; perfect for relaxing after two long days of shopping.

I think I will take a hot shower and give myself a facial............I love being alone and having the house all to myself. Not totally alone; my Jesus is always with me.

God bless and good night.

Love To Write

I LOVE to write. I wish I could live the life of a writer! I would hang-out in mountain cabins and ocean bungalows with my lap top and type writer.
Oh well, dream on. I am lucky if I can find the time to write in my blog!

Last week was very fun. Halloween was great at Cohen's house. I got to be a kid again and enjoy the fun and innocence of Halloween.

I did some good hikes and enjoyed the colored leaves falling all around the ground. It is too neat, all the variations of leaves and color.
Did you know science can't figure out why the leaves on trees turn color? They have a couple of guesses but nothing they can prove.
The changing of color is a gift from our God. If one is lucky enough to live in a place on earth where it occurs it is a wonderful, enjoyable treat!

Speaking of leaves. I'm going to go outside now and do some raking in my yard before it gets dark. It gets dark sooo early now!

God bless.

Happy Halloween!

I keep forgetting today is Halloween!
I was reminded when I went to Costco this morning and everyone was dressed crazy and had purple and pink colored hair!

Too many things to do today that I want to get over with! I had a 10:15 dental appointment and now I have another appt. at 1:30 for my teeth cleaning. I had an appt. yesterday morning to see my new dentist but when I got there the receptionist told me the dentist had called in sick and I needed to come back tomorrow! Not a good first impression for me but we will see how it goes after the cleaning part. I chose to switch dentists because this one offered free teeth whitening for new patients.

I have to deal with Comcast today too! My lap top is all messed up and won't let me go online. Last time it happened I was on the phone with Comcast for an hour! Not fun.

I'm just looking forward to spending the evening with my little Cohen and am anxious to carve my big pumpkin..........hopefully I'll have time.

Anyway..........Happy Halloween!

God bless!

My BEAUTIFUL Mother

I have the most beautiful Mother!
I am so very lucky to have her!
I visited her briefly yesterday and couldn't help but notice how her beautiful face is always so pretty and dewy looking! She doesn't have to wear a any make-up at all to have this look!
She is wise and kind and gentle and soft spoken.

God sent an Angel to tell me not to worry about her. Although she is in her 80's, she has the life and soul of someone 20 years younger and will be on earth with me for many, many years to come.

I love the comfort she always gives me and God knows I can't ever live without her.

I'm happy she takes good care of herself since I know she still has a long life ahead of her.
She and I and Cohen will be shopping at Nordstrom together 10 years from now and Cohen is going to want everything she sees! I look forward to the times now, and the good times ahead.

I love you Mommy!

Blue Sky/Sunshine

Wow! What beautiful weather! We are blessed!
I just put all my Summer wear away last week; now I want to get some of it out again!

I enjoyed a long walk today. I needed to get fresh air and clear my mind of thoughts that have been heavy, questions without answers.

I took time out this morning to read my new People magazine. It had two articles on two famous women I admire, Faith Hill, and Heather Locklear. I think they are both just simply gorgeous and interesting.
The article said to Heather, "you just turned 46. What are your secrets to still looking fabulous?
She answered, "I stay out of the sun and sleep in soft sheets! I try to stay positive and stay around happy people, positive people like my daughter.

I am finding out being around the right kind of people, happy, positive people like Heather said, is very important. I know I learned a lot of life lessons this past year and one of them was the people I allowed in my life.
I prefer to stick with the happy, positive people and stay as far away as possible from the downers.

OK, it is time to bake SNICKERDOODLES!

God bless!

Living a Life With Christ

It's like the Sun is Shining when the rain is pouring down.

Peace

Today I am enjoying the peacefulness of the wind.
I love it!
I went for an hour hike and felt the bluster of the wind all around me and in the trees; the noise was incredible, and the smell of the Fall leaves in fresh rain is purely joyful.

I prefer peaceful quiet places surrounded by nature over man-made places.
The city can be fun, and I like to visit people places, but my favorite place is where I can find peace and tranquility in harmony with Jesus.

I enjoy being alone in prayer when I can talk to God and pray for my children and family.
I like to concentrate on each one of my child's needs and in prayer ask for God's help.
I was told once by a minister that he thought God always answers a mother's prayers first!
I like thinking it is true!
I always pray for safety for my children and little baby Cohen.
God knows I could never live a day without knowing they are safe; with His grace he always protects them.

Peace and prayer go together.
It is amazing how fears and worries can be comforted with just a little peace.

God bless,
Peace!

Loving The Rain

I love the Rain! I love the smell of it; and the way it makes me feel safe and secure when I am cozy inside.
I love the sound of it, the pattern it makes when it hits the roof and the ground.
I love to bake and create yummy foods when it's raining.

I do not think I would enjoy living somewhere without Seasons; or a place that had little rain fall.

Salem is very beautiful this time of year. Oregon is a beautiful State.

I hope we get Snow this year!

God bless!

God Dwells in His Creations

I just returned from four days at Diamond Lake. I stayed in a cabin that looked out over the lake and Mt. Bailey. I was only 20 minutes from Crater Lake and spent two days there as well.
I was surrounded by the natural pure beauty of God's creation. I hiked places that had very little evidence of humans and enjoyed my most favorite of God's creations [beside Cohen and my children and family and friends.]
Trees as far as the eye can see blended into blue sky, and lakes with water so pure one can see through it. Top it off with huge snow capped mountains and clean wonderful fresh air and it is my piece of heaven.

I went hiking alone and could feel God's presence every where. In the stillness of the purity that surrounded me I felt God embrace me with His loving warm touch. Thoughts and fears that had bothered me were lifted away and my heart was filled with gladness and answers to prayer.

At night fall I watched the sky open up over the mountain pouring a blanket of light onto the lake that shimmered with moon light and magical bright star light. It is a sensation I will never forget and an experience I will miss until I seek God's beautiful dwelling place again.

I am very thankful for all God's blessings and the freedom to explore.
xo

Gentle Fall Breeze

I just came in from spending a couple hours outside.
It is a perfect Fall evening, cool, with a soft gentle breeze that seemed to rise up and then disappear just as quickly as it appeared! One minute there is a rustle from the leaves on the ground and in the trees, and I feel the soft touch of wind in my hair and on my face, and then it is gone and there is quiet stillness.
The crickets are singing and the smell of Fall is everywhere. I love it!

It is quiet time with God. Peaceful tranquility from the noise and distraction of daily life.

I hope everyone can take an hour or two once in a while to sit back and enjoy The Fall in the evening.

God bless, xo

Trees are of God

I love trees.
I enjoy all trees and think they are one of God's most spectacular creations; especially the giant firs and pines. Nothing compares to the wonderful fragrance they give, or the soothing noise when they interact with the wind.

I was very saddened on Tuesday September 25, 2007 as I had to endure the death of a giant fir tree.
For no good reason at all my neighbors had the strong, healthy beauty cut down. The wife of my neighbor man said it obstructed her view of the neighbors across the street.
OK! I can't handle it! Yes, we all should love our neighbors but that doesn't mean we can't love are privacy too!

THE NEXT TIME YOU TAKE A BREATH OF FRESH AIR, THANK A TREE.
From the boreal forests of the north to the equatorial rain forests of the Amozon, our daily lives would be much different without trees. They clean the air by "inhaling" poisonous carbon dioxide and "exhaling" life-giving oxygen, and provide habitats for the world's animal, insect, and plant life.
Unfortunately, the threats to rain forest survival are real-deforestation is an all too common result of human activity. Is it in part causing global warming? I think it could very well be a contributing factor.

Think about breathing. Only plants produce enough new oxygen to support life on earth. In one year an average tree takes in some 12 kilograms [26 pounds] of carbon dioxide and releases enough oxygen to keep a family of four breathing for a year.
In fact , rain forests alone generate 40 percent of earth's total oxygen.

PLEASE!!!!! Think twice before you think about killing a tree.

I know I am extreme when it comes to the gifts our Creator has designed and made for us. Our Father God is the greatest artist I have ever known, and His creations all have purpose.

I feel blessed that I can enjoy a peaceful surrounding of trees and wild life here in Oregon.
So many natural beauties to be thankful for.

I love you God. Thank you for trees.

Life In Christ

The River Fest was great!
I especially enjoyed hearing Salvador play and sing. They sing "How Far is Heaven?" and "Shine Like the Moon."

LORD LET ME SHINE. SHINE LIKE THE MOON. A REFLECTION OF YOU IN ALL THAT I DO.
LORD LET ME BE A LIGHT TO YOUR TRUTH.

LIFE IN CHRIST,

XO

Great Weather

What a beautiful day!
Yesterday the weather channel called for rain today. I knew God would change it! He is not going to let anything disrupt His River Front Fest!

See you there!
xo

RIVER FEST

I am very excited for the River Fest tomorrow and Sunday. I want everyone I know to go!
People have told me there might be as many as 50,000 people attending!!!!!
I can't imagine!
I pray for this wonderful event and all who attend.
I pray people will experience the love and joy of our Savior Jesus and accept Him into their hearts.
xo

P.S. THE EVENT IS FREE; SO GO!

JESUS

KNOW JESUS, KNOW PEACE.

NO JESUS, NO PEACE.

I saw that on a bumper sticker on the car in front of me when I was stuck in traffic the other day.
It is so very true and simply said.

My Cohey

I missed my Cohen yesterday and needed to hug her and look at her beautiful face. I dropped what I was doing and drove straight to her house.
She was playing with one of her favorite toys when I walked in. As soon as she saw me she gave me the biggest happy smile ever!

Words can't describe what she means to me. I love her so very much. Her innocence and loving spirit, her warm smile and sweet little voice. I feel so blessed to have her in my life.

I Thank God for her every day.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Cozy Fall Day

It feels like Fall today.
I feel like curling up on my favorite couch with a bowl of tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich to dunk in it. Top it off with my most comfortable P.J.'S and a good movie and I would be a happy camper! The movie "Gone with the Wind" would be great!

Oh well, dream on; I have an obligation this evening to be else where!

Love and Peace, xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Creme Brulee and Chocolate Truffles

I just made the most delicious CREME BRULEE and CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES!
They are fabulous together.
I have found the key to making the creamiest Creme Brulee is not to skimp on the egg yolks and use real vanilla bean. [ A tip from my wonderful daughter/cook Kesha.]
I use the thick yummy organic heavy cream.

I can't wait to have family and friends over for desert!

Have a wonderful night!

God Bless. xo

QUINN

I JUST RECEIVED A TEX FROM QUINN. HE IS BACK IN THE USA!
HE IS AT THE L.A. AIRPORT WITH A LONG LAY OVER AND WILL ARRIVE IN PORTLAND TONIGHT AT 9:30 PM.

PRAY FOR HIS SAFE AND SOUND RETURN BACK TO US.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

My One True Love/The Man in My Life

Tuesday August 21, 2007

Sitting by a foggy window. Staring at the pouring rain. Falling down like lonely tear drops;
memories of love in vain.
These cloudy days, they make you want to cry. It breaks your heart when someone hurts you,
and you do not know why?

I can see that you have been hurt. I have been lonely too. I have been lost and searching, looking for someone like you.

These cloudy days, are coming to end:

My Love said, "I will never make you cry. I will never make you blue. I will never turn away. I will never be untrue. I know a place where we can go where true love never dies. There will be no more cloudy days and no more stormy nights. I believe in second chances. I believe in angels too. I believe in new romances. I believe in you."

I LOVE YOU JESUS! MY ONE TRUE LOVE/THE MAN IN MY LIFE.

Cookies for God

I am loving these cool mornings.
I have been baking cookies every morning, and pies and creme burlee! Today I am going to deliver some Light Lemon Shortbread cookies to a couple of friends who are hooked on my recipe.

Baking is an art to me. I enjoy creating yummy things for the tummy! No, I "have a passion for creating yummy things!!! It is fun when you love doing what you do.

Speaking of yummy things; My Mom and Dad and I recently went to lunch at Alessandro's. They have "the best salads ever!" The bread is soooo good, and comes with a pesto dipping oil. OK, I am getting hungry now and will have to go their for lunch again. They are opened for lunch at 11:30-2:00 and dinner at 5:30.

My timer just went off. My last batch of cookies are done!

God bless.

My Morning Friends

Thank you God for my Morning Friends.
Every morning when I wake up I make my coffee and go outside. With my cup of yummy Starbuck's in hand I'm out my front door to spend quiet time and prayer with my Morning Friends.
All Summer they have been here for me. Greeting me with love and trust. The Mother Deer and her baby Fawn. They choose to eat breakfast in my front yard and fill-up on the black berries that line the front of the woods. So peacefully they comfort me in grace and innocence.
The Little Humming Bird who has her breakfast from my giant fuchsia is always in a hurry and says a quick "hello" and disappears before I have a chance to talk to her! All the same, my morning would not be complete without seeing her pretty self each day. Chubby Squirrel and his gang are very friendly and like to chat. They are never in a hurry and sometimes do not go away for days. They have a special bond with all the Birdies that sing to me every morning. I think the Birdies are giving Chubby Squirrel and his gang voice lessons. Nobody has the heart to tell Mr. Blue Jay he can't carry a tune, even though he likes to sing all morning!

Thank you Father God Creator for all my Morning Friends. My gifts and blessings are over flowing!

I love you!

September 11, 2001

There is a hole in the world tonight.
There is a cloud of fear and sorrow, there is a whole in the world tonight; don't let there be a hole in the world tomorrow.
They say that anger is just love disappointed, they say that love is just a state of mind; all this fighting over who will be anointed....................How can people be so blind????????????????????

They tell me there is a place over yonder, cool water running through the pure white sand.......
Until we learn to love one another, we may never see the promise land.

There is a hole in the world tonight.
There is a cloud of fear and sorrow.
There is a hole in the world tonight;
don't let there be a hole in the world tomorrow.

ALESSANDRO'S

I woke up this morning craving the bread and salad at Alessandro's! I'm not a traditional breakfast eater so it does not seem odd to me. Who says we have to eat bacon and eggs/cereal/pancakes for breakfast? Who in the heck started that tradition? It is almost dictatorship to me.
Anyway, if you have not had the pleasure of dining at Alessandro's Ristorante and Galleria you are missing out! They are open for lunch between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm. It is very affordable and a great atmosphere. Dinner is a wonderful experience at Al's; if you are in search of a romantic night out, it is the right place. Friday and Saturday nights there is music, jazz and piano. It is very pleasing to the ear. Dinner starts at 5:00 pm.

It looks like today I will have to avoid my craving because my son Ryder is in town and it is family tradition that the whole gang meets at a pizza parlor that we have been going to for years.

[we will miss you Quinn.]

I am not the only one in the family who loves the bread and salad at Alessandro's....every fanily member of mine who has dined there is hooked too!

Bundle of Joy

Last night was girls night out, so Cohen and I and Kesh began our evening with "never ending pasta and salad" at The Olive Garden. Cohen is a people person and enjoyed watching the large party of people sitting near us. She soon drew a crowd herself when two kids from the party came over to peek at her and say hi!
After stuffing ourselves we decided to walk it off by doing some shopping at Macy's. Cohen bought two new outfits that are going to look beautiful on her. Hopefully she will model them for us.
Shopping is tiring so we decided to go to Cohen's house and hangout in her fun room. We enjoyed a lot of laughing and singing and playing with Cohen's toys.

My little Cohen is my complete Bundle of Joy. She makes being a grandma the greatest thing on earth. GRANDMA!!!!! I can't get over loving being called grandma!

Romans 12:18
"If it possible as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone".

That is what I plan to do for the labor day weekend. Live in peace and joy and love life.

Stary Night

Last night I was outside at 10 PM and it was the most beautiful night. My home is in a private area surrounded by trees. The smell of pine and fir trees are sensational. The sky was a dark midnight blue complimenting the thousands of bright stars. The moon shown a sprinkle of light, enough so I felt comfortable being alone. Crickets were singing loud and clear composing a soothing song. The summer breeze was soft and complimentary of the sent of the trees.
Wow! Who could ask for anything more. These special gifts from God were free for me.

When you give your heart to God, he loves you a million times over and surrounds you with his beauty and grace. Last night was just the right gift I needed to soothe my soul. How comforting it was.

Oh What a Week!

Oh what a week I have had!
I have always heard people say that "the closer you are to God, the more evil wants to attack".
I just could not see how it could be, and NEVER wanted to give evil the time of day!

I do believe what my Mother has always said to me growing up as a little girl and into my adult life; "something good will always come out of something bad". "Just wait and see".
She has always been right!
I thank God for blessing me with such a loving kind Mother. Her wisdom and strength has helped to mold me into the person I have grown up to be.

We all need to read Kesha's post that she wrote yesterday. I believe it is God speaking through her.

As she said, "who would want to live a life without joy"?
NOT ME!
We as Americans have a choice in life. We can choose to be around people who do not want to live a Christ filled life and take the risk of being hurt, unhealthy, and depleted of joy.

I CHOOSE JOY IN A LIFE WITH CHRIST!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

God bless you today!

I Love My Family

I can't say enough how much I love my family and thank God for them.
My mother is so special. I can talk to her about any subject and she listens with a caring ear.

My Grampy [Dad] is always there and would do anything for me.

My son-in-law is a true gift from God. He is an amazing young man with the biggest heart and takes such good care of his family.

My two sons Ryder and Quinn are a true gift as well.

My daughter is not only beautiful to look at; she is honest and kind and my best friend.

Words can't describe the purity and freshness and innocence and beauty of little Cohen.
She makes all the bad things of the day melt away with just one smile.

I love my sister and my brother-in-law and am thankful for how special they are.

Sometimes it just feels good to shout about it!

I LOVE MY FAMILY. THEY ARE ALL GIFTS FROM GOD.

August Rain

My tears have been falling like the August rain.
When darkness tries to over come;
my Savior shines his beautiful light and opens his arms of warmth and comfort, embracing me.
My fears fall away from me, and will disappear like the August rain.

Ocean Beach, Mountain Air, and City Fun

People always ask "how can you stand Salem?" It's easy for me because I enjoy the fact that Salem is centrally located and any direction I choose to drive I will end up somewhere different in less than an hour.

My favorite in the Summer is the Coast. I get up early and head that direction, enjoy the solitude and scenery of the drive and before I know it I am smelling the fresh sea air and walking on the beach.
Sometimes I go in the early evening and it is still light out when I return. [The greatest feature of Summer.]

Another favorite is Silver Creek Falls. It doesn't take any time at all to get there.

Four times a month or more I drive to "Bridge Port" near Lake Oswego for shopping and dining; it is only 32 minutes away Monday thru Wed. Later in the week the traffic is heavier!

God bless,
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

ALL ABOUT HIM

So simple to do, loving Jesus. Every breath you take every move you make, every time you blink every thought you think.
Know Him; think of him nailed to the cross dying so that you may live.
Only THE FATHER knows when he will return;
like a thief in the night.
Prepare your heart; it is ALL ABOUT HIM.

I do not know where I would be without my SAVIOUR?
My strength comes from Him.
When I start to fall, He picks me up.
When I feel the weight of life on my shoulders He shows me the cross, and my spirit is renewed.

ONLY MY SAVIOR WAS BRUISED AND CRUSHED.

Quiet Time with God

Yesterday I ran errands. Out and about in traffic; and it seemed everywhere I drove, they were working on the roads with the hot smell of tar and LOUD noise from the machines spreading the tar; not to mention, for some reason the people who stood in the road directing traffic all smoked and you could smell it if your window was down.
The smell of tar and smoke and all the traffic rattled my nerves!

I was listening to K-Love as I always do and the lyrics "I'm coming back to the heart of worship, and it's all about You Jesus; I'm sorry Lord for the things I have made it, when it's all about You,
it's all about You, Jesus."

I started looking at all the people driving in their cars, in a hurry to get where they are going. People honking at others, the smell of the tar, the loud noises of traffic and machines.............

I began to look at each person in the cars around me and wondered "how many of them were giving Jesus the time of day.

"You shall not share Your glory with another; there is no other".

I decided I had enough and needed to go somewhere peaceful. With Jesus on my mind I went home and put my tennis shoes on and went to a place where there was a huge corn field. The country air was filled with the sweet smell of wild flowers and black berries.

Above the corn field there was a ceiling made of white puffy cloud coverage. There were two long open places in the white clouds which opened up to a brilliant blue coloring of sky peeking out.

All was quiet except for a few geese flying over the field on their way to a pond.

Every time the cool breeze tickled my face I smelled the aroma of the black berries and the wild flowers.

I spent a couple of hours there in prayer and peaceful thinking. I could feel the presence of Jesus and his warmth.

I hope everyone can take time out of their busy day to give Jesus the time of day.

A wonderful way to start the day

A wonderful way to start the day........Walk the walk, and talk and talk. There, I fixed my typo from the last post!

Walk the Walk

Good friends are such a blessing. My good friend Linda and I went for a huge walk this morning.
We walked and talked, and talked and walked.
I wonderful way to start the day.

Words and Phrases

I was talking to my friend Roger last night and I wanted to tell him something. I said " I want to put a bug in your ear". He said "I don't like bugs"! It made us laugh and I asked where do all those weird little phrases come from? Who invented them? I have been saying a lot of them since I was a child because my Mommy said them to me, and my Grandmother said them to her!

I was told one night by a guest that I was as cute as a bug's ear. I must not be very cute if I look like the ear of some bug! Bugs are ugly and creepy!

What about the saying "opposites attract"? If they do, they shouldn't. Life is miserable when you hook up with someone opposite of you. Someone who loves to sit all day and watch TV with someone who loves to be on the go and outdoors........not good!

Time to get ready for church; I am going to New Harvest today. I get to hear Vin play and sing and see my Cohen and Kesh!!!

Cohen

My little granddaughter Cohen is too amazing! I spent the evening with her, and her Mommy last night while her Daddy was gone working late.
I just love her more then I can say! She is truly God's gift.
When Vin came home he was able to make her talk and laugh soooo much! He has a special way of getting her to laugh out loud and talk; it is the cutest thing I have ever seen.

The words joyful, innocent, angel, sweetness, love and beautiful describe my baby Cohen.

xo

Vanilla Moons and Chocolate Covered Stars

Imagination is fun! [pure innocent imagination when you can create something in your mind, and make it materialize.]
I did just that! I created a recipe for Vanilla Moons and Chocolate Covered Stars!!!

I have been a night owl this past week and driving home at night "The Moon" has been huge and full, looking like it is a huge vanilla wafer. The stars have been bright and beautiful, and a few that I saw next to the moon looked as if they were covered in chocolate.

The Summer sky is a light show at night. If you can, take the time to lay in a lawn chair one night and look up at the sky...........you will be amazed at what you see. When was the last time you saw a shooting star?

The wonders of our Creator never stops! The Angels play in the sky on Summer nights.

Wild Flowers

What an amazing time of year. It is so lovely outside tonight; actually this morning, it is Wed. morning already.

I went walking the other day and the wild flowers were everywhere and in all colors. I would love to have a place where all that grew were wild flowers!

God bless!

Wonderful Day

I went to New Harvest church this morning and it was very nice. Pastor Barry is GREAT!!!!
I loved being there with my best friend Linda and my Kesh and Cohen. Not to mention Vin leading the music.
The best part was the Pancakes House afterward; just kidding!

Sunday Morning

What a beautiful morning! I had my coffee outside at 7:00 AM and enjoyed two little squirrels playing tag right in front of me. I have a whole forest of trees in front of my house and it is a squirrel sanctuary. Lots of birdies and deer too!

I am looking forward to going to Vin and Kesha's church this morning. I am picking up my friend Linda to come along; and afterward we will all hit the "Pancake House" together........yummy!!

Trusting

How wonderful life is while your in the world........I cannot imagine life without Christ???????

I see the blessings and protection and health and fun and love that all comes from Him.

Learning to be calm and take each day as it comes is a good gesture. Anticipating causes such anxiety.
I'm not saying we shouldn't jump for joy and be vibrant; I'm talking about the 'fretting" type of anxiety that causes worry and stress.

I am off now to seize a beautiful "Christ" filled day!








'

Writers Block

I can't wait until Tuesday July 24th. Until then I can't help but have writers block.

My family knows what I am dealing with this week, so I won't explain.

I miss everyone.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Gentle Breeze

I had a happy day with my two girls yesterday. Kesha and Cohen came over and we filled a play pool up with cold water and centered it in the 90 degree sun on my deck. Kesh and I were in and out of the pool while Cohen stayed in the shade and enjoyed the gentle breeze tickeling her face. It felt good to get some sunshine and fresh air.

At 5:00 pm I went for a walk at one of my favorite places. I was thinking it might be too hot to go, but went anyway. It was wonderful. The same gentle breeze that kept Cohen cool followed me through-out my walk while I enjoyed a huge field of wild white flowers while a little white butterfly danced along side of me until she decided to disappear into the field of flowers.

It is so fascinating how God has created every living thing to live in harmony. The little white butterfly was safe in the field of white flowers as she blended right in.

How joyful life is when we take time to count our blessings.

I enjoyed the heat yesterday with the refreshing cold water and the gentle breeze; but had to say a prayer for all the soldiers in Irac who are forced to be in the sweltering sun fighting so I can have the freedom to play.

When I keep thoughts of people who are suffering and are less fortunate than I, I can endure my own misfortune much easier.

I am blessed with the most beautiful children. I love my Ryder, and my Vin and Quinn and my girls Kesha and baby Cohen.
So thankful for them.

God bless!

Creator

Holy, Holy, Holy. Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty, is the Lord God Almighty.
Unexplainable. No words to describe; the wonder of Love. the Power.

Today is peaceful, and joyful after a long weekend of difficulty.

We are sooo fortunate here in the North West to have this beautiful weather while other parts of the Country are experiencing such tragedy.

Take in every moment and enjoy every day.

Live Every Day in Him

I woke up this morning with a little bird outside my window singing the cutest song; I made my coffee and went outside and sat on my porch and watched the day begin and thanked my Jesus for loving me and giving me life.
I thought of my children and grand daughter and parents and said a prayer for them. Wanting Vin and Kesha and Cohen to be home safe; hoping that Quinn is OK in Mexico; and praying that Ryder is safe and happy; and my Grampy and Mommy will have a wonderful day today.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
Loving, living every day in Him.

Art, Love and Life

Wow, today is going to get up in the 80's! I am going to go hiking on the trail near my house; I wish I could go swim at the Court House, but can't until my arm is completely healed from the sprained muscle. I can tell it is getting better from lack of use but it is really hampering a ton of things I want to do!!!!!

I just thank God for all his blessings in my life and know all will just get better.
Loving and trusting in Jesus xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxxoxoxoxoxoxoxox.

I did some art work for Alessandro's over the weekend to advertise a blueberry drink we are featuring and am excited to share it with Roger.

I love art, cooking and baking and writing, and caring for the beautiful plants in my yard; but most of all playing with my grand daughter!
She has become my new found love!

God Bless!

Sunny and Monday

It is another beautiful Summer morning; but I do not like Mondays. The rain was refreshing yesterday, just enough to make everything smell clean and water the flowers and lawn.

I will be glad when Monday is over; I miss seeing my family and holding my baby Cohen.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Sue and Steve's Wedding

It was fun getting out today and going to Sue's wedding. Linda picked me up and we met Peggy there. Sue looked beautiful! The setting was very nice, out in the country at Steve's brother's house.

Afterward Linda and I went to her apartment and then to Peggy's and then to Alessandro's to see Quinn. It was Quinn's last night at Alessondro's; I will miss working with him and hanging out at his bar!

Bruce will be leaving tomorrow. I will miss him. He is special and I feel like we have known eachother all our lives. He is a wonderful in-law and I love sharing are beautiful grand daughter together. I will keep him in prayer and pray for a safe journey back to Canada.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Tuesday

I am so blessed with the most wonderful children and grand baby!

Welcome!

I made this for my mommy and she will like it! Read on readers!


love kesh~