Just a Thought

We have had a visitor the last few days.  As much as I enjoy seeing a hawk on my fence post, it also reminds me that we will need to protect future chickens.  I am looking forward to bringing the animals back on the farm this coming spring. 

grace and peace,
julie

Tired Dogs

This is the way we all felt today.  We were all tired from the Thanksgiving celebration.  We had a wonderful time with family, and I am thankful for the opportunity to spend time with everybody.  After our family left, we celebrated Joshua's 18th birthday.  We then decorated the Christmas tree so that our oldest son could be a part of that fun before he went back to college.  We crammed a lot of fun and food into a few days.  I think we all need to go back to work and school so we can rest up for Christmas! 

grace and peace,
julie

Let the Cooking Begin!

The groceries are all bought and put away for the big upcoming Thanksgiving week.  After I got home from work today, I began to cook for Thanksgiving.  I made and froze the pie crusts.  I made an ice-cream cake and oreo balls.  I also made a double batch of fresh cranberries.  Tomorrow will find me cooking for every one's arrival on Wednesday.  Pulled BBQ Pork Sandwiches, Potato Salad, along with Baked Beans will be filling up the plates for Wednesday's dinner meal.  I will also be making fudge for my niece and an Apple Cake for my mom.  Michael offered to cook tomorrow night's supper so that will free me up to spend another evening for cooking ahead.  I want to get as much done ahead of time as possible so that I too can enjoy being with all of our out-of-town guests.

grace and peace,
julie

Friday Night Fun?

As you well know, Thanksgiving is just around the corner.  I have always loved this holiday.  My family will be coming to our house this year to celebrate Thanksgiving so I have lots of things to accomplish before the big day.  I have already planned the meals for next week, and I have also made out the shopping list.  Now I have to do the shopping so I can get started with some precooking over the weekend.  Michael offered to shop with me this evening.  He must be hungry or else he probably wouldn't  be so quick to suggest going with me.  I don't care what the reasons are behind his offer.  I just need extra muscles and hands to push the second shopping buggy!

grace and peace,
julie

The Last Time

Recently our son's high school football team celebrated Senior Night. 

Then he took the field for the last time.  I can't tell you how much I enjoyed my freshman #28 and my senior #54 playing the game of football together.  There is something so special about watching my two boys play together and encourage each other.

 Josh, #54, had a wonderful football season.  I am pleased with all that he has accomplished on and off the field this past year.  I am pleased with the new coaching staff.  I am thankful for each and every one of the coaches that have poured into my boys' lives.  I am especially thankful for the one who took Josh under his wing when we first moved here.  That man really has no idea just how much of a difference he made ( and is still making)  in Joshua's life.  My heart will forever be grateful. 

I know many people do not value sports, but for our family sports has had a wonderful impact on each of our children.  Yes, the kids have learned how to play the game, but there has been so much more to it than just learning a game.  There has been the wonderful aspect of learning character and having the opportunity to apply that character when there is adversity.  Sometimes my children have missed the mark, and I am thankful for each coach that has been there to point them back in the right direction.  I am thankful that my children have had the opportunity to play a game and learn so much.

grace and peace,
julie

Happy Veterans Day

What does a veteran look like?  They are fathers, husbands, brothers, sons, and friends.  They are mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, and friends.  They come in all shapes and sizes, but they have one thing in common.  A desire to serve our country and protect our freedoms. 

Thank you always seems like such a cliche thing to say on Veteran's Day.  However, it is all I have to give to the people who have given so very much for me.  Then I realized just recently that I have more than just words on my lips.  I have actions.  I watched my 14 year old son do something that brought me to tears in Walmart several months back.  As we were checking out the groceries, he walked to an elderly man sitting on a bench wearing a hat that said he was a veteran.  Jacob went up to the man and shook his hand and said, "Thank you for serving our country."  The man smiled, and at that moment I knew I had more to give to a veteran than just a thank you.  My husband and I have passed on the value of veterans to our children. 

Many of you know that my husband served almost 12 years in the Navy.  At times it was hard, but I am so thankful for all that time taught us as a couple.  I am so thankful for the friendships that were formed from those days of being in the military. Many of those friendships still remain today.  I am so thankful for the job/career that the Navy trained my husband for today.  I am so very thankful that I was a Navy wife in those early years of our marriage.  I know the cost, and I am still thankful.

grace and peace,
julie

BonFire Nights

Missy has been busy lately enjoying bonfire nights.  She is always excited when it is time to make the fire because she knows that yummy food is sure to follow.

She is very helpful when it comes to choosing the right piece of wood for the fire.  She wants to make sure that her hot dogs and marshmallows are cooked to perfection.

Smelling the wood to decide which piece to choose...

It appears she is hiding something in her mouth.  I bet she got into the marshmallows!

grace and peace,
julie

Catching Up

I have spent the last few days catching up on some of the things that have gotten behind in my world.  At the top of my list, I wanted to get outside and enjoy nature.  I love being outside any chance I can get, and  being in a school building all day has been different for me.  I miss the beauty of the outdoors, and the feeling of calm that comes with nature.  Michael and I stole away for a bit Sunday morning and we spent some time outside.  It was a much needed treat for me.

I also didn't realize how far behind on things I was until I started to try and catch up on those things!  Wow, many daily things have been left undone so I am thankful for the extra cleaning that has happened around our house this week.  I also have spent time grading papers and recording grades.  I felt like a huge burden had been lifted from me when I had completed that task.  I try my best to stay on top of the grading, but sometimes it does get the best of me. 

I have enjoyed my time in the kitchen and my kids have enjoyed the results.  I felt like I had gotten behind on the nice meals for my family.  Jacob was setting the table the other evening and he wanted a tablecloth.  I didn't have one clean and that seemed to bother him.  I am glad that my boys want things to be nice when we come to the table together.  It is something that they all value because I have valued it over the years. 

Well, speaking of family dinner, I must go and make Chicken n Dumplings, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Yeast Rolls, Sweet Tea and maybe something for dessert.  Hope you have a blessed day!

grace and peace,
julie

Fall Break Cooking

Our school is on fall break this week.  My husband took vacation time and we are enjoying time with the kids.  Matthew, our son at ETSU, didn't get the same fall break as our school.  He is due to come in the last part of October.  It has been awhile since we have seen him, and I am ready to hug his neck. 

Michael and the boys are enjoying the time deer hunting.  We are all enjoying some relaxing time.  I am also taking this opportunity to catch up on some school work as well as house work.  It amazes me at just how quickly  a house can get undone!

I am also enjoying being in my kitchen.  I am making the dishes that take extra time that I don't have during the school week.  I am also enjoying baking pies, breads, and cakes.  Fall has always been my favorite time of year to cook.  I am thinking about Thanksgiving and looking for ways to do things early so that I can enjoy hosting my whole family while also working a full time job.  I think I have some plans that I will share a bit closer to the time. 

Today, I will be grinding wheat and making whole wheat bread for our neighbor.  He brought his team of horses and his disc to prepare the big garden for winter.  I know he likes my cinnamon raisin bread so I will be making some for his family as well as ours.  My recipe is on the sidebar if you would like to try it for yourself.  If you want to try a banana bread that is wonderful, check out that recipe on the sidebar too.  The banana bread is the one that is in the above picture.  Happy cooking and baking!

grace and peace,
julie

Football Mishap

Guess where we were last night?  If you answered, "Children's Hospital in Chattanooga", you are correct.  Jacob was knocked out while making a tackle during the football game which required a trip to the hospital.  It was determined that he had a concussion, but he will be just fine with a few days of rest. 

Let me just say that I was beyond impressed with the hospital.  The facility was wonderful and the nurses were amazing.  They covered Jacob with stickers and had a great time with him.  This made him much more relaxed for his CAT scan and his x-rays.  They brought him little sprites and everything.  When we first got to the Children's Hospital, he was still a bit disoriented.  All the patients were little and dressed in their jammies.  He sat down beside me and asked me why we brought him there with all the little people.  I assured him he was in the right place.  After spending just a few minutes there, he realized that he was in the right place.  I am so thankful for the care, and for the people who serve in that profession.  I am also thankful for insurance and that my child will be alright.

grace and peace,

julie

Hope's Concern

Hope came home yesterday evening from basketball practice and opened the refrigerator to get something to drink.  As she stood in front of the open door, she looked confused.  She then said, "What's wrong with the refrigerator?"   I asked her to explain what she meant, and she responded, "There is nothing in here.  It is just empty and clean!"   This pretty much sums up my pantry as well as my refrigerator.  However, my canning pantry is stocked full to the brim with garden produce.  Somehow my kids don't want to snack on canned jalapenos!

This all leads to my morning be full of grocery planning and shopping.  I have been putting this one off for as long as possible, but alas we have no more meat in the house.  There isn't even a morsel of chicken because the last three meals have consisted of chicken.  My husband was gracious about it last night, but not happy since chicken isn't one of his favorites.  He tolerates it, but that is about all.  It was a good thing that I had a pan of homemade yeast rolls on the table!

Well, I am off to spend more money than I would like at the grocery store.  On the up side of things, maybe Hope won't be worried about the refrigerator once it is full again!

grace and peace,
julie

Garden Vegetable Pie (Quiche)

My fall garden is full of broccoli plants.  I think there are over 70 of them out there!  We love broccoli, and fresh from the garden broccoli is in a class all of its own.  My family loves broccoli steamed with a sprinkling of cheddar cheese, but they also like broccoli in casseroles.  Here is a quick and easy dish to serve for a brunch or as an easy supper with a salad or a soup.  The easy part is that you don't have to make a traditional pie crust for the quiche.  The best part is that it tastes great.  By the way, I have substituted zucchini for the broccoli in the spring when we had zucchini coming out of our ears.  It was wonderful that way too.  Hope you enjoy!

Garden Vegetable Pie  (Quiche)

1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup all purpose flour
3 eggs
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups chopped broccoli
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1 medium carrot grated
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Blend milk, flour, eggs, salt, and pepper.  Stir in rest of ingredients.  Pour into a greased deep dish pie plate.  Bake about 40 to 45 minutes in 400 degree oven or until set and brown. 

grace and peace,
julie

Sunday Scripture

"The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him."

Lamentations 3:25

Fall Garden

We have had our fall garden planted for several weeks now.  I love fall gardens because the bugs aren't usually a problem.  Our fall garden is always just an eating garden...no canning required!  This is also another reason to love gardening this time of year.  We have broccoli, cabbage, collard greens, lettuce, and cauliflower planted.  I meant to plant peas and spinach, but I forgot to pick up the seeds. 

God and the rain brought back our flowers these past few weeks.  I am enjoying the last few bits of color that these flowers are bringing in our world.  Hope y'all have a great weekend.  You can find me in the herbs pulling the weeds!

grace and peace,
julie

First Day of Fall

Our second grader came home from school today and reminded me that today is the first day of fall.  I am so thankful to see the heat of this past summer melt away into the cooler days of fall.  Tonight we will be enjoying our high school football game.  The cooler weather makes for a much more enjoyable football experience!  Our oldest son will meet us at the game so I will get to wrap my arms around him.  I am looking forward to seeing him even if it is just for the game. 

On Saturday, we will be throwing a birthday bonfire to celebrate Hope's special day.  That day will find me cleaning house, grocery shopping, and making food for the party.  I plan on keeping things simple for the bonfire, but I do want to spoil the kids that come a bit.  I ordered a birthday cake from a bakery because Hope asked for a bakery cake.  She shares my love of bakery cakes!  Dessert will be the simple part.  I plan on serving hot dogs that the kids can roast over the fire.  I guess that counts as simple too.  I will have a crock pot full of Pulled BBQ Pork along with another crock pot of Cowboy Beans.  She has asked me to make my Chicken Salad, which doesn't go with anything else on the menu.  I will oblige her since it is her 13th birthday.  Otherwise, I would throw that idea right out the window!  I will also serve Hot Apple Cider, Hot Coco, and a few appetizers.  Of course there will be fixings for Smores.  

I am looking forward to spending some time hosting a get together for her friends.  Since I am at the high school, I don't get a chance to spend as much time with Hope's friends as I would like.  This will be a great opportunity to enjoy seeing some kids I haven't seen in awhile, and it will be fun doing something big to celebrate Hope's birthday!

grace and peace,
julie

Happy Birthday, Hope Shalom

It is hard to believe that our baby girl is celebrating her 13th birthday today.  Once again, our house has three teenagers!  We are going to really celebrate her birthday this weekend with a good old fashion bonfire and friends.  Josh did check out of school today to go pick Hope up from her school so he could take her out to lunch at a local restaurant.  I am thankful that he was able to do something special with her on her actual birthday.

Happy Birthday, Hopie Shalomie!!!!

grace and peace,
julie

Hot Apple Cider Recipe

Before you attempt to make my Hot Apple Cider recipe, you need a cold, dreary day like the one in the above picture.  This is the perfect setting for a nice cup of cider.  Hope you enjoy!

Hot Apple Cider

Place 18-20 whole cloves and 4 cinnamon sticks in a cheesecloth.  (On occasions that I haven't had a cheesecloth, I have just placed the cloves and cinnamon sticks in the cider without putting them in the cheesecloth.  When it is time to take them out of the liquid, I use a slotted spoon. It is a bit more trouble, but it works when I am in a pinch).

In a large stock pot, add 1 gallon apple cider, 1cup mild honey (This makes the cider very sweet.  If you don't like things very sweet, you may want to cut back on the honey), and 1/2 cup orange juice.  Add the whole cloves and cinnamon sticks. 

Heat slowly until hot. Simmer 30 minutes.  Let stand 2 to 3 hours before serving.  After an hour, remove spices so the cider doesn't get bitter. 

I sometimes make this cider in my crock pot if I am hosting a large gathering.  Refrigerate any leftovers.  Reheat to enjoy.  Take a mug of Hot Apple Cider to the front porch with a good book and enjoy the beauty of fall!

grace and peace,
julie

Fall Treats

Fall has to be my favorite season of all, but I say that about every season.  There are so many things that capture my heart during the fall:  the crisp weather, the outside beauty, and of course the food!  I love the smell of hearty soups and stews simmering on the stove or the aroma of fresh baked bread in the oven.  Who can resist a slice of apple pie and a cup of coffee? 

One of my favorite quick snacks for fall is to combine candy corn and peanuts in a pretty serving dish.  Everybody loves this simple sweet and salty treat.  The English Mastiff that lives here especially likes this combination so I have to make sure it is out of her reach!

Don't be fooled by her sleepy eyes.  Trust me she is watching and waiting for us to leave any goodies unattended for her consumption.  She finished off a bowl full of jolly ranchers recently.  On the upside, she did have fresh fruity breath!

Next post, I will share our family's fall apple cider recipe with you.  Our second son loves this warm concoction so much that I keep it made up and stored in the downstairs refrigerator.  All he has to do is heat it back up a cup at a time.  When the outside temps recently dropped down into the 70's, Josh was asking for me to make Hot Apple Cider for him!

grace and peace,
julie

Fall is in the Air

We finally had a break in the heat this past week.  I was so thankful to see rain and cooler temperatures.  Our grass was thankful too!  This past week has had a fall feeling to it.  I have been celebrating the feeling of fall by burning candles and baking treats.  This morning I made homemade cinnamon rolls for breakfast.  This afternoon I made yeast rolls and a peach cobbler.  Since I have started working, I find that I enjoy baking on the weekends.  I don't have time during the week to bake much, so I take advantage of the extra time I have on the weekends.  My kids are very appreciative of the weekend treats. 

I have also spent a large portion of my weekend time sitting on our front porch enjoying the breeze and grading papers.  The hummingbirds have been in full force these past few days.  I guess they too are enjoying the fall weather!

The cooler weather also made our Friday night football game more enjoyable.  We played in Knoxville so Matthew was able to drive down to watch the game with us.  One of Joshua's friends also came down to watch the game and to spend the weekend with us.  I love it when friends from Greeneville come and spend time with us.  We spent ten years getting to know the kids from Greeneville, and I miss them now that we have moved. 

Well, it is time to prepare for another week.  Bedtime is calling my name for sure!  I hope you have a blessed week.  Let's not get so busy that we forget to enjoy the journey!

grace and peace,
julie

Remember the Moments

The last month has been pretty much a blur in my world.  Going to work has eaten up more brain cells than I have to offer.  I sent the 7 year old to school without studying his spelling words.  I didn't even think about it until the day after the spelling test.  I sent the 14 year old to school without any lunch money.  He came asking me for some money at school and I had none. I had to send him to find his brother to give him some money.  Which reminds me, I still owe that 17 year old $25 for a parking sticker.  I find myself forgetting to lay out the meat for supper, and I seem to be always  behind on the laundry.   I am enjoying my new job, but I am having to adjust the way I do things on a daily basis. 

As I was working on the computer this afternoon, I realized that it was September.  Keep in mind that it has been September for the last four days, but it startled me to realize that August had already passed.  Then I remembered that I forgot a very special day.  I haven't forgotten this day for the last 5 years.  This was the first time, and I was saddened a bit that it could slip my mind so easily.  It also scared me because I don't want to let the memory of a father be forgotten.  It has been six years since my father went to be with the Lord...six years since I heard his voice...six years since I saw him smile...six years since I heard him say, "Julie Bell".  

I know that forgetting to pause and mark the day of his death doesn't really mean much in the grand scheme of life.  I know that just because I got busy and forgot the day doesn't mean that I will get busy and forget him.  I also was reminded of a card that was given to me this summer by an  old friend.  The front of the card read,  "We do not remember days, we remember MOMENTS."  I hold those moments with my father close to my heart, but I can't tell you what days we shared them.  The same holds true with other people in my life.  I may not remember the days, but I most certainly remember the moments. 

grace and peace,
julie