tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59876230094195875892024-03-16T05:18:28.776-04:00TheKitchenCookieMarthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09278372045208696075noreply@blogger.comBlogger533125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987623009419587589.post-15378473449185307822016-06-08T11:52:00.001-04:002016-06-08T12:22:02.282-04:00Brownie Bottom Black Forest Cheesecake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've always loved the looks of rich, decadent Black Forest desserts but my husband and I don't enjoy canned cherries that are typically used for them. So for this one I used Red Raspberries for a perfectly delicious flavor combination and we enjoyed a few pieces with plenty left to share with friends </div>
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Crust:</div>
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Prepare 2 (8 inch) Springform Pans</div>
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1 box milk chocolate brownies, divided</div>
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Mix and bake according to package directions. Don't over bake but don't be afraid to bake completely.</div>
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Cool slightly.</div>
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White Chocolate layer:</div>
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16 oz. cream cheese, room temp</div>
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1/3 cup white sugar</div>
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6 oz. white chocolate chips, melted</div>
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2 eggs, beaten</div>
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2 teaspoons vanilla</div>
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Milk Chocolate layer:</div>
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16 oz. cream cheese, room temp</div>
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1/3 c. white sugar</div>
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1/2 cup Hershey's chocolate syrup, more or less according to your taste</div>
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2 eggs, beaten</div>
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2 teaspoons flour</div>
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Pour separately over baked brownie crusts and bake till sides are puffy and have a dry look but the center is still a little jiggly when pan is shook slightly. Approx. 40-45 min? Turn heat off and prop door open with wooden spoon to allow for a slow cool down for another 30ish minutes. Remove and run a sharp knife around the edge and cool completely. Refrigerate overnight. Remove from Springform pan and stack in layers. Top with Red Raspberry Pie filling and Fresh Raspberries.</div>
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Whip for Garnish:</div>
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Cream cheese</div>
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Powdered sugar</div>
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Cool Whip</div>
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Mix and apply with a cake decorator bag and tip</div>
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Be Blessed!Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09278372045208696075noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987623009419587589.post-79423434574345843082016-06-08T10:44:00.000-04:002016-06-08T12:04:35.909-04:00Creamy Coconut CheesecakeHello out there!<br />
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I've been MIA for a long time but I promise I've not been sitting idle! :)<br />
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If you enjoy coconut this one is for YOU!!<br />
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Preheat oven to 300°.<br />
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Crust:<br />
1½ cups Almond Meal<br />
1 cup All-Purpose flour<br />
¾ cup pecan pieces, toasted and chopped fine<br />
¼ cup brown sugar<br />
½ teaspoon salt<br />
7 Tablespoons cold butter<br />
Place all dry ingredients into food processor and give it a whirl. Add cold butter (cut into slices) and mix till crumbs form. Press into bottom and up sides of a prepared 10 inch Springform pan. Bake at 300° for 8 minutes. Remove from heat and cool a bit.<br />
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Place a small dish of HOT water into oven on the bottom rack.<br />
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Meanwhile as your crust is baking--<br />
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48 oz. cream cheese, room temp.<br />
1 can sweetened condensed milk<br />
½ cup white sugar<br />
1 cup sweetened coconut flakes<br />
1 teaspoon coconut extract<br />
6 eggs, beaten<br />
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In Bosch mixer bowl combine the cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and sugar. Beat until smooth and somewhat fluffy. In a separate bowl combine the eggs and extract and beat well. Add to the cream cheese mixture and beat just until combined. Fold in coconut flakes. <br />
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Pour into prepared crust and bake for 50-60 minutes. Center should wobble a little if shaken and the sides should be puffed up and look dry-ish Turn heat off and prop oven door open and allow to cool slowly for another 30-45 minutes. Generally what happens in this part of the process is that the center of the cheesecake will rise up and the top will be nice and flat. <br />
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Remove from the oven and run a sharp knife around the edge. Allow to cool completely. Refrigerate overnight before removing from the pan onto a serving dish.<br />
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Garnish as desired. <br />
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*I've been learning that higher altitude (we are almost 9,000 ft. here) gives food that once acted normal a totally different attitude. Cool Whip for instance doesn't stay nice and smooth so for garnishing purposes like this I fortify it with a bit of cream cheese and powdered sugar so it stays nice and firm. Also baking times vary more for the cheesecakes. So I would suggest if you are 5,000 or higher to watch your cheesecakes closely and go more by how the edges and the center look and act rather than the minutes shown in the recipe. <br />
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Be Blessed!</div>
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Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09278372045208696075noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987623009419587589.post-10583649282936652012015-08-31T11:39:00.001-04:002015-08-31T11:39:29.796-04:00Shelf RoadSo a few weeks ago we braved Shelf Road. What an intense place! In the heart of the mountain. Rugged, beautiful, and just a tad terrifying but not something you want to miss if you have even one adventurous bone in your body!<br />
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And yes, whoever gave it its name wasn't kidding! <span style="font-size: large;">Shelf</span>. Road. Definitely fits!</div>
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An above ground Gold Mine just outside the town of Cripple Creek that looks like a small "hill" on the side of the mountain when viewed from our front windows but up close and personal it is much, MUCH larger than it appears from said windows! </div>
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Happy Monday!</div>
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Be Blessed!</div>
Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09278372045208696075noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987623009419587589.post-89864423010192753112015-07-28T12:31:00.001-04:002015-07-28T12:31:18.513-04:00Thy Word...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #38761d;">So thankful for The Word!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"></span> </div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;">It brings PEACE and worries fade,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;">It breathes TRUTH and lies dispel</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;">It is LIGHT and makes darkness cease</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;">To BELIEVE and TRUST it means</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;">TO CHANGE!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;">♥Blessings!♥</span></div>
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<br />Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09278372045208696075noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987623009419587589.post-26117830460920440952015-07-24T10:02:00.001-04:002015-07-24T10:02:27.955-04:00White Chocolate Strawberry Delight<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Need a quickie dessert for the weekend that will disappear before the Monday diet begins again? lol</div>
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I was in my kitchen yesterday thinking I really should bake something but not in the mood for the usual chocolate chip whatever when I had a flash of brilliance. Why not use the strawberries in the fridge for something besides pie (as easy as it is, I'm not a huge fan of crust making) but for something quick and yummy that I don't normally make? </div>
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Delights are quick and easy but that center part in all of it's sugary glory is always somewhat of a downer. So I had the idea to try it with an extra block cream cheese and dry instant white chocolate pudding. Still a far cry from healthy but not super sweet like usual. It was delicious and yes they, notice I said THEY, ate most of it for supper! Okaay! I had some too, because the cook always needs to taste new things, right? but in this case I could have avoided it because it tasted just like I thought it would. Not real sweet. Delicious. And like strawberries. Ha!</div>
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First of all it's handy when you keep this concoction in your cupboard in a glass jar:</div>
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1 cup clear jel, (cook type)</div>
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2 cups sugar</div>
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2 pkg. strawberry Kool-Aid</div>
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Mix together and store in an airtight container.</div>
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When ready to use mix <strong>¾ cup dry mix</strong> and <strong>2 cups water.</strong> Cook over medium heat until it thickens, stirring constantly.</div>
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Mix one recipe of this and set aside to cool.</div>
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In a 9 X 13 Pyrex pan mix </div>
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1-1/4 cups flour</div>
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1/3 cup brown sugar</div>
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1 stick butter</div>
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until evenly crumbly. Just spread it evenly in the pan, but don't press it in. Bake @350 degrees for 20 min or till edges begin to brown. Remove and fluff with a fork, again spreading evenly without pressing it into the pan. Set aside and allow to cool.</div>
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In a Kitchen Aid mixer bowl mix</div>
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16 oz. cream cheese</div>
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1 box dry instant white chocolate pudding</div>
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with paddle attachment beat until nice and fluffy scraping sides as needed. Add</div>
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12 oz. Cool Whip</div>
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Spread over cooled crust.</div>
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Wash/clean/cut 2 lbs. strawberries and add to the cooled strawberry Danish. Spread on top of cream cheese mixture.</div>
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Enjoy and have a great weekend!</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">♥Blessings to you today!♥</span></div>
Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09278372045208696075noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987623009419587589.post-7955622539470028182015-07-22T11:10:00.000-04:002015-07-22T11:25:34.148-04:00Mercies...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Because of His <em><strong>great mercies</strong></em> </div>
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we are not consumed</div>
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they are<em><strong> </strong></em>new every morning,</div>
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great is<em><strong> His Faithfulness!</strong></em></div>
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<u> </u></div>
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We are coming up on two months since our move from PA to CO. We are enjoying it very much! Lack of humidity, "rat race," (that's usually a choice btw) less traffic, (Serena and I laugh when we go to town and meet 5 vehicles on the road that leads to civilization we comment that 'it's really busy today!) peace and quiet, God's AMAZING unaltered Creation! We feel blessed to be here at this time in our lives. </div>
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Some of you have expressed an interest in 'seeing your house'. We live in a lovely house high in the mountains and we'd love to play host to you and introduce you to some real, raw beauty if you should care to visit. I guess a house parade isn't really my thing and seems unimportant and materialistic to me when you can enjoy things that truly matter like time spent with family or just Nature itself.</div>
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@ "Garden of the Gods" just FWI, those rocks are stupendously huge! Another thing that took me by surprise for some reason. And the park itself is way bigger than I imagined. They all want to go back and do the horseback tour, but after I saw where those horses have to go and the rocks they will climb I think I might hike while they ride... even if it means risking a rattler or two! Shiver!!</div>
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The edge that you see there? That's a cliff! If you ever want or need to get life, problems, or anything else in perspective come visit 'the back forty!" You will be profoundly reminded that <em><strong>"Nothing is</strong></em> <em><strong>impossible for God!"</strong></em> </div>
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I feel that most of the time if we give up on someone or some thing it's because we ourselves lack the care we should have and/or the dedication to prayer that is needed. Or sometimes it's a struggle with unbelief. Or perhaps we know that if who/what we are praying for would change then we would need to change too. And because too often we value comfort and familiar things/lifestyles over more eternal things like souls we lull ourselves to sleep and say that doesn't look like my problem. Admit it, we've all been there or said words to that effect. I have. But friend, the Truth is, if we are not actively praying, encouraging each other, and seeking out The Solution than we are indeed a large part of the problem. God already has the solution, and most of the time all it takes is a sacrifice of pride and agreement with Him. Okay I didn't sit down here thinking to write a sermon, but I guess for what it's worth...</div>
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Awesome!</div>
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This is what greets me most mornings at 5:15 when I get up to pack lunches. I think it's a beautiful and peaceful way to be greeted by a Loving God who not only knows what the day will hold He has it planned out for our good! <br />
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The antelope babies are simply adorable, not to mention tiny! and so much fun to watch!</div>
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The men are enjoying their jobs and Serena and I are slowly but surely finding our way around to important places like the library, thrift store, :) grocery store, etc. while making new friends and meeting new faces. She has been enjoying some riding time with a new friend and someone wondered if we would be interested in boarding and riding a horse that they currently have that is taking up space at their place. YES, of course we will! :) God is Good and has provided many needs along the way and even a few wants like this! </div>
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So far we have seen lots of wild things around our house (or close to) like (I'll start small) turkeys and their babies, a beautiful grouse, lots and lots of hummingbirds (that will soon need a grocery budget of their own!) mule deer, elk, a bear and her cub (I named them Cinnamon and Licorice and for that the kids think I'm crazy, ha), and yes even a mountain lion! I can't say that I'm actually scared of these last two but it does take some getting used to to think we are sharing their mountain! Lin and I took a walk recently out our driveway and noticed ML tracks in the dried mud. The men have instructed me on how to load a gun and I think I could actually bring myself to pull the trigger if need be but so far so good. :) Oh yes 1 Large and long Bull snake and a rattlesnake that the boys were able to overpower, thankfully!! Those two things prolly freak me out more than all the rest put together!! Yuck! Methinks I need to invest in some cowgirl boots to avoid a bite from one of these critters when I go tromping through the meadows and mountains!</div>
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The amount of wildflowers were a complete surprise to me! They are literally everywhere! and lend a peaceful, softer beauty to the rugged landscape. </div>
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our budding nature photographer getting an up</div>
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close of some pretty flowers :)</div>
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She loves it outside in the sun and wind and tags along with her Dad and Brothers when they hike or work outside as much as she can.</div>
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Last but not least, there seem to be a lot of these! Thunderstorms on the mountain top sound different than they do otherwise. Love them!</div>
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Thanks for stopping by and I hope that you have a lovely day filled with the people and things you love!</div>
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♥Be Blessed!♥</div>
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Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09278372045208696075noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987623009419587589.post-70030800865508623002015-07-15T09:53:00.001-04:002015-07-15T09:53:19.584-04:00"Let them give thanks..."<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Let them give thanks to the Lord for His <em><strong>unfailing love</strong></em></div>
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and his <em><strong>wonderful deeds</strong></em> for mankind,</div>
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for he <em><strong>satisfies</strong></em> the thirsty</div>
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and fills the hungry with <em><strong>good things.</strong></em></div>
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Psalm 107:8&9</div>
Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09278372045208696075noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987623009419587589.post-84857468799131799632015-03-03T16:09:00.003-05:002016-06-03T11:33:38.604-04:00Just Snickers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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New to the line up of cheesecakes is this simple but tasty one. No peanut butter like the other Snickers one I have made. Just a lovely, lighter caramel-y cake with chopped Snickers Bars. </div>
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What's not to like about that?! </div>
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For a 10 inch size:</div>
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Turn oven to 300°. Place a small pan of water on the bottom oven rack.</div>
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Prepare Spring Form pan lining the bottom with Parchment Paper, trimming the excess around the outside and lightly spraying the pan sides and bottom with non stick spray. Set aside</div>
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Crust:</div>
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2½ cups crushed chocolate cookie crumbs</div>
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6 Tablespoons cold butter, cut into chunks</div>
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Place into food processor and process until completely incorporated. Press onto the bottom of prepared pan. Bake for 7-8 minutes. Allow to cool slightly.</div>
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For the cheesecake:</div>
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48 oz. cream cheese, room temp.</div>
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1½ cups brown sugar</div>
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6 large eggs</div>
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½ cup sour cream</div>
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1 Tablespoon vanilla extract</div>
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1 Tablespoon all purpose flour</div>
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4-5 fun size Snickers candy bars,</div>
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cut into smallish pieces</div>
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In a mixer bowl ( I use a Bosch) beat the cream cheese and sugar until fluffy. In a separate bowl combine the next 4 ingredients and beat with a hand beater until smooth. Pour into mixer bowl and beat just until incorporated, scraping sides as necessary. <strong>Don't over beat</strong>! Fold in the candy bar pieces. Pour over the baked crust. Place the Spring form pan onto a baking sheet and pop it into the oven for an hour. Sides should look a little puffed and dry and the center jiggle slightly when shook. Turn heat to off and prop oven door open with a wooden spoon handle for another hour. Remove cheesecake from the oven, run a thin, sharp knife around the edge and allow to cool completely before refrigerating. Refrigerate overnight or until cheesecake is cold throughout before removing the sides of the pan and placing onto serving platter. </div>
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Ganache:</div>
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1 cup mini milk chocolate chips</div>
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Heavy Cream, scalded </div>
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and just enough to bring it (barely) to the top of the mini chips</div>
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1 Tablespoon Light Karo</div>
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Caramel extract, to taste</div>
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I wanted this ganache to stay on top and not run down over the sides. If you want it to run, adjust the cream amount. I must say, the caramel extract in this topping really made it special! As in I-could-eat-this-entire-thing-with-a-spoon kind of special! So Yum!! Spread over top and garnish as desired. </div>
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Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09278372045208696075noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987623009419587589.post-41002808968042365222015-02-20T20:25:00.003-05:002015-02-20T20:25:47.553-05:00For Betsy ☺<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">I reached into the bag of potatoes and was greeted by this gal! Ha </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">I thought of </span><a href="http://myfivemen.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;">Betsy</span></a><span style="color: black;"> immediately!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">It's been a while since she 'met someone' in her kitchen. :)</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gD9nNCTmwRA/VOfT8R5yJDI/AAAAAAAAO9A/sAJ1KoA7mGk/s1600/IMG_5956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gD9nNCTmwRA/VOfT8R5yJDI/AAAAAAAAO9A/sAJ1KoA7mGk/s1600/IMG_5956.JPG" height="462" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Yes, I adore them!! </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">After several weeks of absence they are back... and just as beautiful as ever! And the perky little sparrow is pretty cute too! </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCAQyCkwAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DCrq18bnfBpA&ei=SN3nVLiEJI2fyAT694DoBg&usg=AFQjCNHbmPgTgVGg_I9SdqUZFFegYdQ7qg&sig2=DGYh8P0kC8d5fjTPeTL7Dw&bvm=bv.86475890,d.aWw"><span style="color: #1a0dab;">Newsboy - His Eye Is On Sparrow - YouTube</span></a></h3>
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<cite class="_Rm"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Crq18bnfBpA">www.youtube.com/watch?v=Crq18bnfBpA</a></cite></div>
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<cite class="_Rm"><span style="color: black;">And a new favorite song to go with the photo.☺</span></cite></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5pN3WCQllY/VOfT_Zq54KI/AAAAAAAAO9Y/SHFacWPoi6I/s1600/IMG_5998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5pN3WCQllY/VOfT_Zq54KI/AAAAAAAAO9Y/SHFacWPoi6I/s1600/IMG_5998.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;">And the moon! </span><br />
<span style="color: black;">That moon was really cool tonight! Just a 'fingernail' but with the whole moon visible as a shadow? With a planet? and a Star? for company? </span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Yes, very nifty!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fh2fXq_Gq64/VOfUAfcNHAI/AAAAAAAAO9g/5Y6xp3jM04M/s1600/IMG_6003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fh2fXq_Gq64/VOfUAfcNHAI/AAAAAAAAO9g/5Y6xp3jM04M/s1600/IMG_6003.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Stay warm -</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">and be Blessed!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">♥</span></div>
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Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09278372045208696075noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987623009419587589.post-41906054474334837172015-02-03T11:27:00.000-05:002015-02-03T11:45:40.551-05:00Chocolate Almond Mocha Mousse Tart<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2JmNfebkyuA/VNDwsZn5JwI/AAAAAAAAO7w/okGqTUJyc8c/s1600/IMG_5912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2JmNfebkyuA/VNDwsZn5JwI/AAAAAAAAO7w/okGqTUJyc8c/s1600/IMG_5912.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Last week</span> <a href="http://nuts.com/">Nuts.com</a> <span style="color: black;">asked, "Would I like to</span><span style="color: black;"> create</span> <span style="color: black;">a recipe using almonds or almond flour to promote the <a href="https://nuts.com/nuts/almonds/">health benefits</a> of one of my favorite on-the-go snacks?" </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Yes! How could I say no? I love almonds in a lot of things like desserts, salads, snacks, granolas, or just by themselves roasted or raw. They're just yummy. Turns out they are good for you too!</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">I wanted to keep the recipe simple so I decided to use a shortbread crust highlighting almond flour as the main ingredient and using a mousse to cut down on time in the kitchen. The combination of slightly salty, crumbly crust paired with the sweet mousse is perfect. I kept the mocha flavor very mild to accommodate my husbands taste buds. (he likes the smell of coffee but not the taste) so if you like a chocolate mousse without a mocha flavor this is a good one for you as well. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Crust:</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">1-1/3 cups Almond Meal(flour)</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">1 cup all purpose flour</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">6 Tablespoons cane sugar</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">½ teaspoon salt</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">8 Tablespoons cold butter</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Place all the dry ingredients into food processor. Pulse to mix. Cut butter into chunks and throw them in there with the dry. Mix well. Press into the bottom and up the sides of a large (10-12 inch) non-stick sprayed tart pan. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until it begins to brown. Remove and allow to cool completely.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Mousse:</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">1 cup mini milk chocolate chips</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">5 Tablespoons butter</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">4 egg yolks</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">¼ cup powdered sugar</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">2 Tablespoons coffee (Instant is fine)</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">1 cup heavy cream, whipped</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">1 teaspoon pure vanilla</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">In a microwave safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and butter. Stir until smooth and set aside.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">In a saucepan whisk egg yolks, sugar, and coffee. Cook and stir over low heat until it reaches approximately 160°. Stir in vanilla. Whisk in chocolate mixture. Set saucepan into cool water or ice and stir until mixture is cooled. </span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Beat heavy cream and fold into chocolate mixture and spread evenly onto cooled crust. Refrigerate before serving.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">This is actually better if prepared a few days in advance so the flavors can merge.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><u> </u></span></div>
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">I have a few other recipes to choose from that I particularly enjoy along with the tart recipe above, so I'm sharing them with you here.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bOBgA7yKsl8/UMTeFhi2KPI/AAAAAAAANus/0bzcz16EQlU/s1600/feta%2Bblueberry%2Bsalad%2Bwh%2Bchoc%2Btruffle%2Bchscake%2Bhrsradish%2Bchsball%2B019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bOBgA7yKsl8/UMTeFhi2KPI/AAAAAAAANus/0bzcz16EQlU/s1600/feta%2Bblueberry%2Bsalad%2Bwh%2Bchoc%2Btruffle%2Bchscake%2Bhrsradish%2Bchsball%2B019.JPG" height="544" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://thekitchencookie.blogspot.com/2012/12/white-chocolate-truffle-cheesecake-with.html">White Chocolate Truffle</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://thekitchencookie.blogspot.com/2012/12/white-chocolate-truffle-cheesecake-with.html"> Cheesecake</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NhPD8xF3b2Y/UOy5BhAgy_I/AAAAAAAAGDA/Xo2RL3Fz9hc/s1600/the+boys+red+velvet+cupcakes+strawberry+vinaigrette+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NhPD8xF3b2Y/UOy5BhAgy_I/AAAAAAAAGDA/Xo2RL3Fz9hc/s640/the+boys+red+velvet+cupcakes+strawberry+vinaigrette+004.JPG" height="384" width="640" /></a></div>
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Simple Salads</span> <span style="color: black;">with fruit and Almonds</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">and Red Wine Vinaigrette</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SKK-_cbK2yA/UBvmow6yUMI/AAAAAAAAFDM/ypDy3_ONDhs/s1600/dutchmans+pot+roast+clouds+date+snacks+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SKK-_cbK2yA/UBvmow6yUMI/AAAAAAAAFDM/ypDy3_ONDhs/s400/dutchmans+pot+roast+clouds+date+snacks+022.JPG" height="400" width="345" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://thekitchencookie.blogspot.com/2012/08/coconut-almond-and-date-snack-squares.html">Coconut Almond Date Snack Squares</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EIEQn-4LtwI/UStw0SZEocI/AAAAAAAAGV8/J2wWRwgaqSg/s1600/honeyed+coconut+almond+granola+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EIEQn-4LtwI/UStw0SZEocI/AAAAAAAAGV8/J2wWRwgaqSg/s640/honeyed+coconut+almond+granola+005.JPG" height="640" width="618" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://thekitchencookie.blogspot.com/2013/02/honeyed-coconut-almond-granola.html">Honeyed Coconut Almond Granola</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">So be sure to visit <a href="http://nuts.com/">Nuts.com</a> and check out all the health benefits of <a href="https://nuts.com/nuts/almonds/">Almonds</a>. I think you will find lots of great snack ideas and why it's a good thing when you have them in your cupboard. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Enjoy!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">♥♥♥</span></div>
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Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09278372045208696075noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987623009419587589.post-88405167886019440862015-01-28T18:59:00.002-05:002015-01-28T18:59:56.848-05:00Strawberry Lemonade<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VNbs9d8m53U/VMlyk9Hg7SI/AAAAAAAAO6g/iY-H6WemNKY/s1600/IMG_5896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VNbs9d8m53U/VMlyk9Hg7SI/AAAAAAAAO6g/iY-H6WemNKY/s1600/IMG_5896.JPG" height="516" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Who likes a great strawberry lemonade? (raises hand)</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Who thinks boiling water and sugar for a simple syrup is a waste of time? (raises both hands)</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">I've been trying to use up the frozen berries in my freezers and found some crushed strawberries from a while ago and decided to make a kind of Copycat Speckled Lemonade like the kids always get at Red Robin. </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">It's super easy. Super yummy. And takes almost no time to make. </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">For 2 gallons of lemonade place 3 pints of thawed, crushed berries into a high speed blender (I used a Ninja) and blend until smooth.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Using the Country Time Lemonade mix, measure according to directions adding 2 extra scoops per gallon. Fill half full with water. Stir.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3nStZSBlA90/VMlyhA5cYgI/AAAAAAAAO6Q/q0LeQ3Q6mDc/s1600/IMG_5893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3nStZSBlA90/VMlyhA5cYgI/AAAAAAAAO6Q/q0LeQ3Q6mDc/s1600/IMG_5893.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Divide the blended berries among the two gallon containers then fill completely with water. Stir and enjoy.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">♥♥♥</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Be Blessed!</span></div>
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Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09278372045208696075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987623009419587589.post-84717648637177721832015-01-23T20:15:00.000-05:002015-01-23T20:15:04.300-05:00A Birthday, Two Birds, and Natures Beauty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy 16th Birthday to Anthony!</span> </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Where, exactly, has the time been going?! </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">I must say that I am enjoying our teen boys immensely and love the stage of life we are in!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">A few weeks ago I asked Anthony what kind of party he wanted and gave him a few days to think about it and offered 3 different scenarios. After thinking about it he said he doesn't want a party. I will admit I was rather deflated. I mean, what 16 year old doesn't want a party...all about them... but alas he was adamant. No party! </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">So this morning I tried a different tactic. I still couldn't quite let it go. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">I'm a Mom, after all! I love to celebrate my kids! :)</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Me: what are you doing at 2:30 at school today?</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Him: Study Hall. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Me: How many kids are in there with you?</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Him: There's actually quite a few at that time. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">S</span><span style="color: black;">udden realization hits him.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Him: You're not thinking of bringing something are you?</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Me: Oh it crossed my mind.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Him: No Mom, don't!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">So because I generally do what I think I should, (okay, what I want to do) I showed up anyway with Donuts and chocolate milk.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">He had his back turned when I walked in and when he saw me he turned a very deep shade of red and put his head down on his desk. I could tell he was glad I had come and yet... the spotlight. Not really what he likes.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">He did give me his sweet smile and help me serve the treat and thanked me for coming. Being in the spotlight is just not his thing! And that's okay, too.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W07N5u1x0GM/VMLnPj6nEMI/AAAAAAAAO3o/AFHLy0gvhq4/s1600/IMG_5857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W07N5u1x0GM/VMLnPj6nEMI/AAAAAAAAO3o/AFHLy0gvhq4/s1600/IMG_5857.JPG" height="640" width="436" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;">4 maybe 5 years old.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">I think he's debating whether he can sneak a cookie :)</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ri1ChGVgokY/VMLnQhrplhI/AAAAAAAAO3w/lCtnFD6LDUc/s1600/IMG_5858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ri1ChGVgokY/VMLnQhrplhI/AAAAAAAAO3w/lCtnFD6LDUc/s1600/IMG_5858.JPG" height="640" width="466" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;">~ 2015 ~</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--4FmgISIm1k/VMLnMHR0IAI/AAAAAAAAO3Q/ATQd78HdlNg/s1600/IMG_5848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--4FmgISIm1k/VMLnMHR0IAI/AAAAAAAAO3Q/ATQd78HdlNg/s1600/IMG_5848.JPG" height="372" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;">My</span> <span style="color: black;">'glowing' Cardinal friend</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YDox1uYO27s/VLhofx9H43I/AAAAAAAAOxg/sUXreCnvLLU/s1600/IMG_5711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YDox1uYO27s/VLhofx9H43I/AAAAAAAAOxg/sUXreCnvLLU/s1600/IMG_5711.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hPr1aTS5jhE/VLhopF3O6nI/AAAAAAAAOyg/ea43Izhx8T8/s1600/IMG_5727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hPr1aTS5jhE/VLhopF3O6nI/AAAAAAAAOyg/ea43Izhx8T8/s1600/IMG_5727.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;"></span> </div>
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<span style="color: black;">Mockingbird pose</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">♥ this!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x1lS-LU4RlU/VLho8zb4hEI/AAAAAAAAO0o/CEoFOMJibg4/s1600/IMG_5796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x1lS-LU4RlU/VLho8zb4hEI/AAAAAAAAO0o/CEoFOMJibg4/s1600/IMG_5796.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Nature in the Neighborhood</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HNOW0Ee6X5k/VLho-Z5R_zI/AAAAAAAAO0w/0J1IS_g5IeI/s1600/IMG_5800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HNOW0Ee6X5k/VLho-Z5R_zI/AAAAAAAAO0w/0J1IS_g5IeI/s1600/IMG_5800.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Sycamore beauty against a blue, winter sky</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lDCXgwXe-_c/VLho7UWFsNI/AAAAAAAAO0g/XzC5Vysi7Q8/s1600/IMG_5794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lDCXgwXe-_c/VLho7UWFsNI/AAAAAAAAO0g/XzC5Vysi7Q8/s1600/IMG_5794.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;">I was out walking and noticed this in the sky. Reminded me of a bird or maybe the American Eagle symbol?</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">♥Blessings!♥</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">And thanks for stopping in!</span></div>
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Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09278372045208696075noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987623009419587589.post-12700337881424453342015-01-15T20:37:00.002-05:002015-01-15T20:39:44.245-05:00Caption this?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4yywOj7TbOw/VLhomrneK6I/AAAAAAAAOyQ/vgmWalzq_uE/s1600/IMG_5724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4yywOj7TbOw/VLhomrneK6I/AAAAAAAAOyQ/vgmWalzq_uE/s1600/IMG_5724.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Isn't this cute? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">♥</span></div>
Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09278372045208696075noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987623009419587589.post-39009689088303572232015-01-08T10:49:00.000-05:002015-01-08T10:49:46.932-05:00Outside My Window...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">..."I am come that you may have Abundant Life". John 10:10b</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">From the looks of it God intended life to be vibrant and colorful. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Nature... ain't nothin' like it!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hosfk8jQjQg/VK6hvNWEYFI/AAAAAAAAOws/MO9dpYsvSr4/s1600/2015-01-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hosfk8jQjQg/VK6hvNWEYFI/AAAAAAAAOws/MO9dpYsvSr4/s1600/2015-01-05.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;">1,5,9. Blue Birds! They are the real reasons I make homemade suet!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">2. Amazing Moon!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">3. Compatability.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">4. Mocking Bird. I love that the sun brings out the green in it's eye :)</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">6. Beautiful Sunset!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">7. Same sunset, but earlier.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">8. Carolina Wren. I love that these cuties roost in nesting pockets on my front porch every night. They have for years</span>.♥</div>
Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09278372045208696075noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987623009419587589.post-24798574472251455892015-01-08T09:48:00.003-05:002015-01-08T09:49:50.669-05:00.And the winner is...<div class="comment-header" id="bc_0_5M" kind="m">
<cite class="user"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/10433692464087860077" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: #3778cd;">Mary Landis</span></a></cite><span class="icon user"></span><span class="datetime secondary-text"> <a href="http://thekitchencookie.blogspot.com/2015/01/book-review-and-giveaway.html?showComment=1420514253870#c1051750093290255931" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: #3778cd;">January 5, 2015 at 10:17 PM</span></a></span></div>
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I love Dorcas Smucker's writing and would enjoy this book. </div>
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Congratulations Mary! Send your mailing address to <a href="mailto:luckyglicks@gmail.com">luckyglicks@gmail.com</a> and I'll send the book on it's way! </div>
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Thanks to those of you who participated and may you all have a lovely day!</div>
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Stay warm!!</div>
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Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09278372045208696075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987623009419587589.post-27424689470216133682015-01-05T09:48:00.000-05:002015-01-05T10:30:57.365-05:00Book Review and Giveaway<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F0Ul5wCN0B4/VKcmKULq_iI/AAAAAAAAOrM/UzWGBmU4g_A/s1600/IMG_5644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F0Ul5wCN0B4/VKcmKULq_iI/AAAAAAAAOrM/UzWGBmU4g_A/s1600/IMG_5644.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Winter being the perfect time to sit back and read a book or two, I'm giving away a lovely compilation of heartwarming, entertaining, stories by Dorcas Smucker. And lest you think it's just filled with fluff. Not so! Important life lessons and stories <em>about</em> life that are not so funny but are character building are included as well. <br />
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Another plus for me was the fact that it's a thin, easy to read volume, as are the other pieces she has in publication. My book list is always fairly long so I appreciated this especially! Perfect to sit and read as you sip some tea and unwind from a busy day!<br />
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<em>Footprints on the Ceiling is available for $15 per book, postage included. You can mail a check to Dorcas Smucker, 31148 Substation Drive, Harrisburg, OR 97446. US addresses only. To send a copy to Canada or overseas, email Dorcas at </em><i><a href="mailto:dorcassmucker@gmail.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">dorcassmucker@gmail.com</span></a></i><i>. </i><br />
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<em>You can also visit Dorcas here @ </em><i><a href="http://www.dorcassmucker.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">www.dorcassmucker.blogspot.com</span></a> where she shares everyday life with you.</i><br />
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<em>So leave a comment for an entry or comment and share the giveaway letting me know you did and where for a double entry in the drawing. Giveaway ends on Wednesday January 7th at 9:00 p.m</em><br />
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<em>Thank you for participating and have a lovely day!</em></div>
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<em>♥Be Blessed!♥</em></div>
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<br />Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09278372045208696075noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987623009419587589.post-60496130678762527932015-01-04T17:57:00.002-05:002015-01-04T17:57:49.719-05:00Unfiltured Glory...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: black;">From this-</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BLJCDtH8GZQ/VKm97PRXCII/AAAAAAAAOto/n0kTDwuqc5s/s1600/IMG_5664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BLJCDtH8GZQ/VKm97PRXCII/AAAAAAAAOto/n0kTDwuqc5s/s1600/IMG_5664.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;"> To this-</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f4mwjw41qQc/VKm9_qOjBpI/AAAAAAAAOuI/w03SAp7noxs/s1600/IMG_5668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f4mwjw41qQc/VKm9_qOjBpI/AAAAAAAAOuI/w03SAp7noxs/s1600/IMG_5668.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;">To this-</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bSPiuf2MgVo/VKm-DbA3N3I/AAAAAAAAOug/wO8CyOgtCq4/s1600/IMG_5671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bSPiuf2MgVo/VKm-DbA3N3I/AAAAAAAAOug/wO8CyOgtCq4/s1600/IMG_5671.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;">And finally...</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--JK8d4iwfrI/VKm-FhFAv_I/AAAAAAAAOuw/IsmIHPTkmJk/s1600/IMG_5673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--JK8d4iwfrI/VKm-FhFAv_I/AAAAAAAAOuw/IsmIHPTkmJk/s1600/IMG_5673.JPG" height="344" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red;">"There is no one like the God of Jeshurun,</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">who rides across the heavens to help you</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">and on the clouds in his majesty.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">The eternal God is your refuge,</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">and underneath are the everlasting arms.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">Deuteronomy 33:26,27a</span></div>
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If you enjoy reading stop by tomorrow for a book giveaway!</div>
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<span style="color: black;">♥Be Blessed!♥</span></div>
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Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09278372045208696075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987623009419587589.post-4091558510577860502015-01-02T19:07:00.000-05:002015-01-02T19:11:31.025-05:00Free Spirit...<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">Going for an afternoon trot on a beautiful, brisk, sunny afternoon. This is what she loves to do!</span> </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p2avAJu85F4/VKcl_u3OaGI/AAAAAAAAOqM/0Sgm-GpLYFo/s1600/IMG_5632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p2avAJu85F4/VKcl_u3OaGI/AAAAAAAAOqM/0Sgm-GpLYFo/s1600/IMG_5632.JPG" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Christmas was spent in Ohio and the kids enjoyed unlimited time with cousins while Lin and I hung out with brothers and sisters and my Mom. We had a wonderful time! </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">I have two nieces who mentor Serena in her love for horses. Tiana and Rachael. And although she is 10 and they are 15 and 21 they always have time for her and all enjoy each other. She usually ends up at a sleepover at one place or another while we are there.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">This particular weekend they put her on Tiana's big horse 'Princess', set up some jumps and taught her to jump. Scary thought! But she managed to stay on and I fear the 'pony stage' is almost over. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">She does still love her special pony 'Lightening' but also realizes that she will soon be too tall for him so she's in the process of deciding whether to keep him and move him with us to Colorado or not. It would take him months to acclimate to the higher elevation and she would have to wait those months to ride him. So I guess whatever she decides... </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F0Ul5wCN0B4/VKcmKULq_iI/AAAAAAAAOrM/UzWGBmU4g_A/s1600/IMG_5644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F0Ul5wCN0B4/VKcmKULq_iI/AAAAAAAAOrM/UzWGBmU4g_A/s1600/IMG_5644.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;">About a month ago I was scheduled to do a giveaway for Dorcas Smucker's new book "Footprints On The Ceiling" but because of internet issues was unable to do so.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">So if you enjoy heartwarming, true stories about real, down-to-earth families with a wonderful sense of humor, you will enjoy this one! It is easy to read, and hard to lay down once started! I enjoy Dorcas' style of writing and although I have never met her, her books have a way of making you feel like you've made a new friend or perhaps known her for a long time.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Spread the word and stop by on Monday for the belated Giveaway post! </span></div>
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<u><span style="color: black;">♥Be Blessed!♥</span></u></div>
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09278372045208696075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987623009419587589.post-27030032514002810532014-12-29T18:59:00.000-05:002014-12-29T19:38:21.398-05:00Happy New Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YIDS_g0-4B8/VKHkT-5-6bI/AAAAAAAAOoQ/TjtbeR_icaw/s1600/IMG_5609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YIDS_g0-4B8/VKHkT-5-6bI/AAAAAAAAOoQ/TjtbeR_icaw/s1600/IMG_5609.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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A New Year is like a sunrise. It holds the promise of something beautiful. History that we can help shape by reflecting the goodness of a gracious God.</div>
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Because of the Lord's great love</div>
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we are not consumed,</div>
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for His compassions never fail.</div>
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They are new every morning;</div>
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great is Thy faithfulness."</div>
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Have a Blessed and Happy 2015!!</div>
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♥♥♥</div>
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Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09278372045208696075noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987623009419587589.post-83593958247543456232014-10-30T09:34:00.000-04:002014-10-30T09:34:05.521-04:00Foggy Morning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2lufWDLWXWs/VFIyuZm4NjI/AAAAAAAAOnw/x7QvnTpltrc/s1600/foggy%2Bsunrise%2Bpics%2B009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2lufWDLWXWs/VFIyuZm4NjI/AAAAAAAAOnw/x7QvnTpltrc/s1600/foggy%2Bsunrise%2Bpics%2B009.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High</div>
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will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.</div>
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I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress,</div>
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my God, in whom I trust."</div>
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Psalm 91:1-2</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/----TSprgklc/VFIyu6CWquI/AAAAAAAAOn4/SIilT9AooEk/s1600/foggy%2Bsunrise%2Bpics%2B010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/----TSprgklc/VFIyu6CWquI/AAAAAAAAOn4/SIilT9AooEk/s1600/foggy%2Bsunrise%2Bpics%2B010.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I realized after I left to take the kids to school that I should have taken the camera. So after I returned home I retraced some of my 'steps' and took a few photos. I may have to take up nature photography, I kinda like it! </div>
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The mystery and beauty of fog is irresistible to me. Love it!</div>
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♥Be Blessed♥</div>
Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09278372045208696075noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987623009419587589.post-573840516433822762014-10-27T09:48:00.001-04:002014-10-27T11:10:02.256-04:00Power Breakfast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mcpdin_45ek/VE5IN17evdI/AAAAAAAAOmk/lFBCcc7hn_0/s1600/moist%2Bchocolate%2Bcake%2Band%2Bsalmon%2Bbreakfast%2B009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mcpdin_45ek/VE5IN17evdI/AAAAAAAAOmk/lFBCcc7hn_0/s1600/moist%2Bchocolate%2Bcake%2Band%2Bsalmon%2Bbreakfast%2B009.JPG" height="460" width="640" /></a></div>
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I figured Monday morning is a great time to start out with a breakfast of all the good stuff. When I say ALL that IS what I mean. Well, IMO, that is. :)</div>
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Onions and, mushrooms, and garlic sautéed in Avocado and Coconut oils till tender. Add a handful of each Organic baby Kale and Spinach. Continue to saute until wilted. Place on a plate and keep warm.</div>
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4 oz. Wild Caught Salmon, </div>
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cooked and crumbled in the same oils as the veggies</div>
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1 sm. egg, scrambled </div>
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Asparagus Spears</div>
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When finished place on the bed of sautéed veggies.</div>
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Garnish with:</div>
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Avocado Slices</div>
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Seasonings:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-klX0iZ66NXU/VE5IOe06vqI/AAAAAAAAOms/fr0Yu7Zi5Jc/s1600/moist%2Bchocolate%2Bcake%2Band%2Bsalmon%2Bbreakfast%2B010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-klX0iZ66NXU/VE5IOe06vqI/AAAAAAAAOms/fr0Yu7Zi5Jc/s1600/moist%2Bchocolate%2Bcake%2Band%2Bsalmon%2Bbreakfast%2B010.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Dee-licious!!</div>
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Kind of a step up from my breakfast yesterday...</div>
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...wouldn't you say? haha</div>
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Although that cake is nothing to sneeze at!! It's rich and moist in all of it's chocolate-y goodness!!</div>
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(recipe coming soon)</div>
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And yes I was tempted to brew some coffee to wash down All of the above, good and evil, but nope I didn't. You really! should be proud of me! :)</div>
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Have a lovely Monday!!</div>
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♥Be Blessed!♥</div>
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Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09278372045208696075noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987623009419587589.post-76621279462039347762014-10-25T15:07:00.000-04:002014-10-25T15:07:03.209-04:00Ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k2duoTRyWig/VEvwgJzDXRI/AAAAAAAAOlo/CnXg2btB3Rw/s1600/ultimate%2Bbacon%2Bcheeseburger%2B017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k2duoTRyWig/VEvwgJzDXRI/AAAAAAAAOlo/CnXg2btB3Rw/s1600/ultimate%2Bbacon%2Bcheeseburger%2B017.JPG" height="488" width="640" /></a></div>
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Because sometimes nothing else will do but the old time favorites.</div>
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Today is one of those fabulously beautiful Fall days and I was working outside in the yard and 'hungry as a bear' when I came inside. Serena was baking cookies (the men are hunting) and had not had lunch yet either. I had two grass fed burgers in the fridge left over from last nights supper that needed cooking so I decided to make this a treat lunch for us. She preferred hers as a plain bacon cheeseburger on an English Muffin with BBQ sauce and mine had fried onions and mushrooms, bacon and Swiss cheese and Avocado (in place of mayo, YUM!) shredded lettuce and ketchup and mustard on an English Muffin. </div>
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Say it with me, du-licious!</div>
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Have a wonderful and blessed weekend!</div>
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♥♥♥</div>
Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09278372045208696075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987623009419587589.post-90652876011241292522014-10-06T21:05:00.002-04:002016-06-03T11:33:28.742-04:00Caramel Cheesecake<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rUs3MSw_yGg/VDM5wXxEhSI/AAAAAAAAOX4/vuQCkFGbaxA/s1600/caramel%2Bcheesecake%2B006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rUs3MSw_yGg/VDM5wXxEhSI/AAAAAAAAOX4/vuQCkFGbaxA/s1600/caramel%2Bcheesecake%2B006.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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So I had an open can of dulce de leche in the fridge and thought maybe before I/we eat it all with apples (not that that would be so bad but...) I could maybe concoct a rich creamy cheesecake with it? Ahh, Yum!!</div>
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I was originally going to name it after one of my favorite turtle candies (<a href="http://www.coblentzchocolates.com/">Coblentz Chocolate</a> where are you when I need you?!) and really deck it out but decided it's rich and decadent enough without adding MORE caramel and MORE chocolate. And the truth is, it would work with pecans as well and maybe even as a caramel apple cheesecake? Who knows? I decided to leave it plain and make the decision of which piece by piece as I/we go along. </div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">And just for the record, I have no plans of feeding</span></strong> <strong><span style="font-size: large;">this whole thing to me or my family so if you are local and need a dessert, or simply want a taste :) Please do not hesitate to give me a shout out and say you want it. I merely wanted the pleasure of creating and a tiny taste and that's all over with now so , yeah, do stop in!!</span></strong></div>
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I did add cashews to the crust but roasted pecans or even roasted peanuts would be perfect as well, so, there ya have it, I couldn't decide. I could tell you that indecision is unusual for me because I pretty much see things in black and white and know what it is that I want or don't want but this is not one of those important things where it's really useful to know for sure, so... not gonna insist on either/or. Ha!</div>
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Preheat oven to 300°. </div>
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Place a small bowl (ovenproof) of water on the bottom rack. Makes the top of the cheesecake glossy :)</div>
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Crust:</div>
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1¾ cups crushed chocolate cookie crumbs</div>
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¾ cup almond flour</div>
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2/3 cup roasted, salted cashews</div>
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Pulse to chop in a food processor (love my Ninja!) then when it's super fine and the cashews are evenly chopped add 7 Tablespoons cold butter, and mix well. Press into a prepared 10 inch Spring form pan. (By prepared I mean, line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper with the pan apart. Place the outer rim over the bottom and close the clasp. Cut the excess paper off with a scissors and spray the bottom (paper) and sides lightly with non stick spray and wipe excess with a paper towel if necessary). Press the crumbs on the bottom and evenly up the sides about 1 inch. Set aside.</div>
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Cake:</div>
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6 (8 oz. each) cream cheese, room temp.</div>
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1 cup brown sugar</div>
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½ cup white sugar</div>
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1 Tablespoon vanilla</div>
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½ teaspoon salt</div>
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6 eggs, room temp.</div>
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Dulce de leche, to swirl</div>
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In a mixer bowl combine the cream cheese, sugars, vanilla, and salt. Beat on high several minutes until creamy and fluffy. Scrape down sides as needed. </div>
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In a separate bowl beat the eggs. Pour into mixer and mix until incorporated. <strong>Don't over mix!</strong> You know, cracks in the cheesecake and all that if you do. </div>
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Pour half of batter into prepared crust. Drop small dollops of caramel randomly over the batter. Use a wooden skewer to create a swirly effect. Use quick motions and don't stick the skewer too far down into the batter for best results. Pour the rest of the batter over top and repeat with the caramel. Place Spring form pan on a baking sheet and place in the oven. </div>
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Bake for 1 hour or till sides look puffed and dry. Turn the oven heat off and prop the door open with a wooden spoon handle for another hour. This also helps prevent cracks from forming by allowing the cheesecake to cool down slowly. </div>
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Allow to cool on the counter and then refrigerate over night, lightly covered with a tea towel (to absorb condensation) before removing from pan and serving. </div>
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Garnish as desired.</div>
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Blessings to you!</div>
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♥</div>
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Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09278372045208696075noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987623009419587589.post-67103283291248337292014-09-30T21:40:00.001-04:002014-09-30T21:42:47.932-04:00Wedding...<span style="color: purple;">Photo overload...</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">Don't say I didn't warn you!</span><br />
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We were in Ohio for a beautiful wedding on the home farm. The day was gorgeous and perfect for an outdoor ceremony by the big pond. For many reasons this spot is one of my favorite places. But I'm sure I'm biased... :)</div>
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The barn that held the reception was just built in the last few years and isn't used in a typical barn fashion so it was still relatively 'clean' and with a good scrubbing filled the bill quite nicely.</div>
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This wedding was extra special to us. My nephew has been a great friend to all of our boys even though he is 3 years older than our oldest son and 7 years older than our youngest one. When we visit Ohio he was the one who always had time to hang out with them and Trish was a great sport and shared quite nicely! :) I'm sure things will be slightly different (no sleepovers, haha) but the boys were assured that they would still be more than welcome at 'The New Digs'. </div>
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Jordon and Trish</div>
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Could they be any cuter?!</div>
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And every bit as sweet as they are good looking!</div>
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Again... I'm probably biased, but still... :)</div>
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I loved this part!</div>
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A little of the back story. They wanted to do the dove (well, pigeons, really) release but didn't have any so after the rehearsal Jordon and his Dad Joe (black tie on the right) got permission from the neighbors to catch a few of the ones that roost in their barn after dark. Perfect! I'm sure the doves soon made their way home to a familiar perch after being released.</div>
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<span style="color: purple;">~~~~Some Details~~~~</span></div>
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In Memory of Loved Ones who watched from Heaven</div>
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Shout out to my Sister Becky who has amazing artistic talent and wrote the sign you see at the last minute. I keep urging her to quit hiding her talent and do something with it. Someday... :) I think she's working her way in that direction.</div>
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Instead of a regular guest register Trish had a puzzle made of the photo you see and we wrote our names, etc. on the backs of the pieces.</div>
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<span style="color: purple;">~~~Behind The Scenes~~~</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"></span> </div>
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The flowers were beautiful, and done by 'impromptu florist' Andrew Poulson. He did a great job! I was told to give him a hand when he needs it but seeing as I have somewhere around zero talent for that kind of thing and he was quite handy with it all, I would merely check in now and then to make sure his head was still up out of the water and then leave him to it. </div>
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Andrew and another Ohio beauty, :) see? still biased..</div>
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my niece Rachael, Sister of the Groom.</div>
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Terrell, Brother of the Bride</div>
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And this became Serena's new friend. She spent most of the two days he was there hanging out around the pond catching fish with their hands and this monster bull frog. </div>
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Serena was in her glory. I saw a bit more of her girly side this weekend than I usually do. She was totally into the decorating details and everything , well, at least she was when she wasn't around the pond catching frogs. ha</div>
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Making sure Chloe feels taken care of.</div>
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Shawn in his glory as Chloe pretend sleeps, such a cutie!</div>
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You know... the chickens still need feed, even if there's a wedding going on. My brother Dean left for Spain early the next morning and discovered the morning of the wedding that the chicken feed would indeed get all while he's gone so it was business as usual for him.</div>
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Yep, that's us... in all our glory. :)</div>
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<span style="color: purple;">Blessings!</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">♥♥♥</span></div>
Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09278372045208696075noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5987623009419587589.post-52138865166886594762014-09-04T15:37:00.001-04:002014-09-04T15:37:11.321-04:00~ Fog & Divine Appointments<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Posting these for <a href="http://myfivemen.blogspot.com/">Betsy</a> :)</div>
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There's something so appealing </div>
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about a fog that makes a mystery out of ordinary places.</div>
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It's peaceful and gives permission to halt or at </div>
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least slow down from the headlong rush</div>
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that most of us engage in every day. </div>
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I'm convinced we miss many a </div>
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divine appointment </div>
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because of the rush </div>
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of our lives. </div>
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What was your Divine appointment today? </div>
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God will give you one or two or ten every day </div>
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if you ask Him for them.</div>
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I don't feel the need to</div>
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share the specific one I had today,but I did ask </div>
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Him for one this morning and He was gracious and gave one. </div>
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Having conversations with Him is a highlight of my day.</div>
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I refuse to be rushed. </div>
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The possibility of missing something </div>
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He is trying to tell me is too great! </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_izdzwP5ogg/U-lKvtCOXJI/AAAAAAAANgY/OOSlAVwGMVY/s1600/flowers%2Btwo%2Bcheesecakes%2B012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_izdzwP5ogg/U-lKvtCOXJI/AAAAAAAANgY/OOSlAVwGMVY/s1600/flowers%2Btwo%2Bcheesecakes%2B012.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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And just for interest I added a Winter shot of the same place.</div>
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It's warm and muggy today and made me wish for cool/cold temperatures.</div>
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It's almost around the corner and I'm psyched about it! </div>
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How about you? :)</div>
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Have a blessed evening!</div>
<br />Marthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09278372045208696075noreply@blogger.com4