Cookie madness

This week I decided Quinlynne was going to decorate sugar cookies for Christmas. I invited our neighbor kids over to help. I tried a new icing recipe, and I'm not sure if I'm a huge fan. I usually use more of a frosting....but I opted to go with an icing on this.

I totally can't stand making messes, so I just had to sit back and tell myself "it's all good" as Quinlynne was mixing two or three colors together on a cookie...with the sprinkles in there, too. What matters is- they had a good time.

Aren't these just the ugliest cookies you've ever seen? I'm sure they don't taste any different than ones that are beautifully decorated. Of course, to Quinlynne- they are beautiful and she was very proud of her hard work. Which, of course, makes me very proud of her end product as well.

After cookie decorating I parked the kids in front of the tv to watch a great Christmas show, a great family show with high standards..."King of the Hill". I absolutely love that show and have passed it along to Quinlynne! What great parenting skills.

Retro

OK, I was looking at pictures of myself on Facebook...pictures that other friends have posted. I want to share with you....

Isn't that hilarious? That is a group of my friends when we were in the 8th grade. It must have been a Friday because we wore all black on Fridays. It was our thing...Let's see- there's (starting in the back) Alicia, Mandy, Me, Amanda, Bil, Sara, & Chris. In the middle it's April, Rachel and Judy. Then, in the front it's Jennifer, Kelli, Brenda and Lauri. No last names- because the majority of them have changed. Then, there's this beauty.

I think this is the summer before we started 9th grade....but not sure. That's Bil, Lauri and myself. I LOVED that shirt, it was Out Back Red. Anyone else remember that brand? Also, a little FYI- Bil is the first boy I ever kissed!

Love starting the day with a chuckle

So, I was supposed to go to Tahlequah tomorrow morning for an annual thing to determine child support. I get a phone call this morning from the Tahlequah Child Support Office saying that burro (dumbass) called and wanted to do his portion over the phone and that I could too if I wanted to. I said that was fine. The first thing the lady said was "He wants to know if you want to waive any of the $17,000 in back child support that he owes,". I actually stifled the laughter and said "Um---no,". Then, throughout the entire thing that just kept coming back to mind and I was giggling. I finally apologized and the lady said "Well, glad I could start you off today with a laugh,". That you did, my friend! I mean, did Burro/Donor/Idiot really think that I'd waive that??? No- my kid doesn't need shoes, or clothing, or food..... what on earth was he thinking? He can be such an idiot- NOT the brightest bulb in the socket.

A picture that makes me chuckle

OK, this is a picture of Quinlynne I took in February. Every time I look at it- it just makes me chuckle. Look at those cute little legs!

This next pic was taken the same time as the above picture. We were in McKinney, TX visiting my friend Mia and her daughter and husband. Quinlynne just couldn't resist the temptation of the doggy door any longer. She had seen Tzigan (the dog) going in and out and had to follow suit. Kids are good for a few laughs at times.

The Dangers of Snow Days

Quinlynne's school is closed when Broken Arrow Public Schools is closed. Thanks to our rural areas (our street included) Broken Arrow Public Schools were closed today. I had an interview today that was originally scheduled for 10:30. I really didn't want to go down my road until a few more cars had made the trek and paved a way for me. I rescheduled my appointment and asked the kids across the street if they'd watch Miss Q. Of course they could!

I had Quinlynne go in her room for about 30 minutes before it was time for me to leave for her to have some quiet time. Well, I get ready and go to her room to get her snow boots on. THIS is what I find.

The child had her water bottle out, her comb, and two different styling products. She did something very similar a few nights ago and I couldn't 't find exactly what it was she had used. This is water, Bouncy Creme by ISO, and Curls Rock by Catwalk. Yes- it's scary, isn't it?

Doesn't it bring to mind that scene from "Coming to America" when all the Soul Glo family members get up from the sofa and there's a huge grease mark where their heads were? I mean- yuck- look how gloppy it is! So- when stuck indoors- do not let Quinlynne have any alone time in her room. And she totally looks at me like I'm in the wrong for interrupting her time in her sanctuary. Pardon me!

Tyra Banks- watch out!

Quinlynne, that little sweetheart of mine...she is totally into "posing" for the camera now. Saturday night I was getting her ready for bed and she discovered she had a new pillowcase. How neat it is that she gets to sleep with Santa Claus right there beside her! So of course, she had to climb up and grab the pillow so I could take her picture with it.

Have I ever told you how much she likes nightgowns? She calls them "Jammie Dresses". She really likes this little white number with the red satin ribbon and the matching robe. I think she looks adorable in it- but judging from her pose in this picture, she must think she looks H-O-T! Doesn't she look like she thinks she's on the runway in Milan modeling Victoria's Million Dollar Bra?

New Blog

Hello everyone! I have started a new blog and I won't be posting on this one any more. I got tired of the www.shanquin.blogspot.com name. So- I've changed to www.meandcurlyq.blogspot.com. So, you have to come check me out!

Trying to get it up and running

I'm trying to get this blog up and running. I decided I didn't like the shanquin.blogspot.com name anymore. So- I'm trying to import everything from the old blog to this one. Wish me luck!

She participated!

Quinlynne had a Christmas Program at her school tonight. (I didn't even know about it until I got a "Christmas Program Reminder" that was sent home with her on Monday! ack!) So, I had her dressed in "Sunday best" and at her school at 6:30 this evening. I had no clue what to expect. I had been asking her what she was going to do in her program and she never would answer. The kids (ages 2-4) were so cute walking into the chapel. Quinlynne's class had their turn and I just didn't know how she would do....would she stand there like a bump on a log, or would she actually participate?

I had my doubts as she was walking in...she looked too ornery.

But she started participating, even with the hand motions to "Away in a Manger"!

She even did the big gesture at the end of the song! Ah- it does a mother's heart good when her sometimes "horned" child acts so angelic and participates!

Quinlynne was SOOO excited that her Uncle Charlie came. She had to tell all the kids standing around her on the stage that he was there!

Quinlynne and her Miss Sarah. This is Quinlynne's teacher- one of the ones Q cries for when we leave school.

All in all, I was so proud of my Little Angel. She was excited to sing the songs she'd been preparing. I hope she does this well in her first Primary Program that will be coming up way too soon, since she'll be a Sunbeam starting in a few weeks!

Shiny Happy People

Monday night my friend Brenda & I took our kids (minus Baby Seth) to see Christmas lights at our local Bible College. They have so many lights it's.....I have no words. We let the kids run wild and I think they had quite a good time, even though it was a bit warm for the Christmas mood (65 degrees) and it started raining on us.

Brigham, Quinlynne & Hunter posing in front of some shiny lights.

Brigham & Quinlynne found lots of different colors- I think Quinlynne was looking at the lights dancing in the background and Brigham was just being "cool".

Quinlynne just wanted to be the "center" of attention.

It's been nice having Brenda and her boys here. It is great to have our kids get to know one another. I told Brenda that it's so odd that our kids don't just know who Shandolynne or Brenda are- since she and I have been such an integral part of one another's lives for...25 years now. So- it's been nice and I'll continue to enjoy it as long as we can!

The Increasingly Difficult Mrs. Claus

Each Christmas of Quinlynne's life I have had an adorable Mrs. Claus dress for her. I tell you, it's getting increasingly difficult to get cute pictures of her in them. Please enjoy.

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

We put our Christmas Tree up last week. It's a chore of love, that's for sure! Since my back was bothering me so badly, I was not able to hang the decorations. I did however, assemble the tree and hang the lights and the silver beads. I just LOVE the way the Christmas Tree looks each year. There is something magical about them, do you agree? Even when I have lived all by my lonesome, I always put a Christmas tree up to enjoy. Christmas trees are always an interesting and personal thing. Like- do you have a theme for your tree, or is it a mish-mosh? Do you abhor icicles or do you rain them down onto the tree from the ceiling fan? Clear lights or multi-colored lights? In our family our tree is decorated with a conglomeration of ornaments that have been collected over the years. You see, each person in our family gets an ornament each year that has significant meaning for something that person is into at that time. For instance- I have in my collection Barbie, Cookie Monster, ballerinas, an OU Sooner Schooner, etc. For my own family (Quinlynne and I) I have a beautiful letter "Q" that I hang and I got an "S" to match it for myself. (Have I ever mentioned how much I love her initial????) I also have a silver circular picture frame ornament from Restoration Hardware that I put a picture of Quinlynne in each year. Some people have a color theme for their tree- some people put bows all over their tree, some people put "snow" on their tree, and I could go on and on. Share with me what you do with your tree! I think it's neat to hear these sorts of things.

Anyhow, so our tree went up. Quinlynne apparently decided she needed to make a contribution to the tree. And this is what it was: a pacifier. She took that cute little thing she had been playing with and hung it on a branch, then turned around and told her Grandi and I "DON'T touch it". She has heard that enough already....maybe she'll catch on. Anyhow- I thought it was humorous and I had to take a picture.

Also, another tradition under our tree is Santa. The Sleeping Santa always goes under the tree and either Aaron or I got to put him there. This year Quinlynne had the honor of placing him under the tree. Santa is a tired man! I always look forward to seeing him under there. Share with me neat and interesting things in your family tree traditions!

Pumpkin Patch 2008

Every year we go to Carmichael's Pumpkin Patch in Bixby, OK. The Hoffman family has gone there for forever- even have pictures of my brother and I there when I was in Middle School! The first year Quinlynne was with us (2005), Aaron came home from OSU so he could be there for Quinlynne's first Pumpkin Patch trip.

Each year pictures with Quinlynne and the Pumpkin Patch have gotten harder and harder. Does she actually think we're there for her to have fun???? NO!!!! We're there for picture ops! lol So, I did get just a couple of cute ones this year. Quinlynne had a ball climbing on the pumpkins, trying to make friends with all the other kids there, and chasing a turkey that was wandering around. She finally helped pick pumpkins for us (we get a pumpkin to represent each person in our family), and we headed on out. Oh yes- Uncle Charlie and Aunt Connie met us there just as Quin was riding her pony. She thought she was just IT!

Afterwards, we went to eat at the Chinese Buffet at 141st & Memorial. That has also recently become part of the tradition. Yummy!

ONLINE AUCTION

As you may know, (really- I have no clue who really reads my blog....but I like to pretend I've got a following all over the country!) we are having an online auction. The proceeds from this auction will be going directly to the Summers family. This auction is being hosted on my friend Sally's blog. SO- go check it out! Here are the things my mom and I are donating, that I have a picture of.

One item is a grapevine Christmas wreath. The other is a great 45" x 45" baby blanket, one side is flannel, the other is 100% cotton. So- go to Sally's and check it out!!!

Singin' in the Rain

Again, these are some pictures that I found and I needed to share. In the beginning of August we went to visit my brother and his wife in Independence, KS. It's a nice little town with some very quaint older homes. We enjoyed our time there, and spending time with the fam. While we were there, however- it turned off rainy and with some much cooler than normal temperatures. We did NOT complain! My brother has a great front porch with a porch swing and I took advantage of the rainy weather to go out to the porch swing and read a book. So relaxing! Then, Quinlynne came out and decided she was going to play with the umbrella in the rain- from the porch. So, here are some cute pictures I snapped from that!

Step back- ELECTION 2008

OK, so I know we're all so thankful that the 2008 Presidential Election is over. However, since my camera and computer were not working during that time- I'm finally getting around to posting about it.

An area bakery (Merritt's) held an unofficial poll between McCain and Obama by selling sugar cookies decorated with each candidate's name. A tally was kept of how many cookies of each candidate was sold- and that is how the total was computed. (Did any of that make sense?) I just HAD to participate. ANY excuse to patron Merritt's! I went down and bought cookies for the candidate I supported- and one of the candidate I did not support- because I needed it for the scrapbook page I'll eventually get around to.

We talked a little about the election with Quinlynne. I doubt she'll retain any of that- but I at least tried. Then- I let her go to town with the cookie of our man.

Election morning dawned and I HAD to go vote before I went to work. Our local voting place is the Elk's lodge across Highway 51. The last Presidential election I left the house about 45 minutes earlier than I normally did- and I was still an hour late for work. That was not going to happen to me this time. I left the house and was in my car outside the Elk's lodge at 5:30. I was the 5th person in line!!!! When they finally opened the polls, and I got to cast my ballot- I was the 4th ballot cast! I was so darned proud of myself and knew that my maternal grandparents were very proud of me for sacrificing just a little to take advantage of my right to vote- after all that has been sacrificed for that right. I got to thinking as I was waiting- how thankful I was/am to those women who took part in the suffrage movement and stood up so they, and other women would have the right to vote. Thank you, ladies. I'm proud to be an American Woman!

Which witch??

I'm FINALLY posting a picture or two of Quinlynne on Halloween. She was an adorable little witch. Her hat kept on coming off, so she'd go up to people's doors and they'd think she was just a princess. WELL, she IS my princess- but that's not what she was for Halloween. We went to Tammie's mom's neighborhood in Owasso with Tammie, Elijah & Bryce. Quinlynne kinda pooped out on me after her pumpkin was full- she decided to just lay down on the grass. I admit- her pumpkin was a bit heavy.

Amusing???

Last night mom and I were in charge of a Bridal Shower for a friend of the family....that we've known literally, since we moved to Broken Arrow in 1983. The bride, April, had a good time- at least she looked like she was having a good time. April's big sister is Brenda, my good friend. Brenda arrived in Broken Arrow with her 3 boys fresh from Arizona this Wednesday. I was so excited to see her. I am super duper excited to get my hands on that newborn of hers, Seth. I told her that I'd dug out my baby sling and washed it. I told her that I'd gone out and dug out the baby sling and put it in the laundry. Mom had been looking at me strangely and asked what I was doing. I informed mom I was going to wash up the ole baby sling so when Brenda and I go out with the kids, I can wear Seth around. Brenda, I think, thought that was hilarious and amusing. I told her that I had to live vicariously and use her newborn. I can hardly wait to get my lips on those adorable cheeks of his! Just so if you see me out and about- I have not been hiding a pregnancy and I did not adopt- I am hogging Seth!

Duane Summers

Hello all. I thoguht I would let you know that Duane Summers passed away today. I spoke briefly with Becky's mom, and she is the one who let me know. She said it was a very sweet and peaceful passing. Please continue to keep the Summers family in your prayers. They will definitely need strength from our Heavenly Father in the coming days, weeks & months. Also, please consider the Garage Sale and the Silent Auction I previously mentioned. Anything at all to help support this beautiful family would be greatly appreciated.

Info for the Summers family

SUMMERS’ BENEFIT
GARAGE SALE/BAKE SALE
All proceeds will go to the Summers Family.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
7:00AM- 3:00 PM
1701 Hickory Ave, Broken Arrow
Please donate baked goods and gently used items to sell.
All items will be donated to Goodwill after sale.
Drop off items Saturday morning or contact
Heidi Roberts for further info: toddandheidiroberts@hotmail.com
H: 286-7075 C: 978-6003


Summers’ Benefit
Silent Online Auction
All proceeds will go to the Summers family.
December 1-3, 2008
Monday-Wednesday
Please donate new items
or a service to be auctioned.
(example items: handmade items; event tickets; gift baskets; craft items; services i.e.: baked/cooked goods, babysitting, yard work, home maintenance, floral arrangements; Professional Services i.e.: painting, haircuts, carpet cleaning, haircuts; 72 hour kits; cookbooks; etc.)
To bid on items go to: www.sallyrollins.blogspot.com
To donate & participate, please contact:
Sally Rollins at sally.rolllins@gmail.comDanielle Olaveson at daosunshine@hotmail.com

More prayers needed

I know I've told some of you about the Summers family. This family is a beautiful family that is in my ward at church. Becky and Duane have 7 beautiful kids.

You can read Becky's blog here. Their oldest daughter, Molly, is the wonderful young woman that went with us to watch Quinlynne when I went to the Dallas temple in June. A little over a year ago, Duane was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer. The doctors did not give him much hope, but he decided to fight it, and his body responded miraculously to the treatment and he went into remission. What an answer to many prayers. However, recently, Duane found out his cancer had come out of remission and he began the fight again. Duane is not doing very well, his body is not responding to treatments. My heart breaks for every member of the Summers family. Becky refers to Duane as "my Love, my Life, my Hero"- and she's not just being sappy; she truly feels this way about her eternal companion.

(You can read about Duane's cancer battle here.) So, in order to try to help the family out just a little, we will be having a garage sale next weekend. I am not positive of the details yet, but as soon as I know, I'll pass the information along. Also, we will be having a silent auction, hosted on Sally's blog. I pray these things will be a success. If you could keep this family in your prayers, I'm sure they will be able to feel it and will be so appreciative.

More oldies

I have decided to enlighten you all a bit more with pictures. Quinlynne was the apple of my dad's eye. During a time when he was so sick, she gave him reasons to smile- and kept him from going stir crazy when he was stuck at home. When she got a little older and he got a little stronger, she started going places with him- just the two of them. She sure did think she was big stuff when they got to that stage. Anyhow- here is a picture of Quinlynne Lucille with her Poppa after a bottle. She was about 8 months old there. Don't they have the same smile??

Two weeks after Quinlynne's 1st birthday, my parents took Quinlynne with them on a trip to Idaho. They were only supposed to be gone 2 weeks. 23 later, they came home. I was a little bitter. Anyhow, I was worried about them taking her with them because I just knew mom would end up having to do everything and all of the work. Mom said that dad took care of Quinlynne more than half the time. I don't know if Quinlynne will ever remember the time she spent on that road trip with her grandparents, but I know my parents will. Idaho is where my dad is from, and he still has some family and old high school friends there. He had an absolute great time and I don't know how he made it home b/c his head was so big from everyone telling him how much that baby looked like him. Mom said it was quite an enjoyable vacation for them, and they took lots of pictures. Here is one of my favorites.

Isn't that just adorable? That's my dad, ever the truck driver- with his new little name-sake to teach about the United States as they journey through it.

Bring it on

We FINALLY got a computer up and running in the Hoffman household. Thank goodness! So, after a new hard drive...and info from the old on transferred over (including pictures), I was looking at some of the pictures stored. (Don't worry- I DO have the majority of them burned onto a disc, so all would not be lost if something terrible happened to the computer.) I think I'll be posting some new pictures and some old pictures of Quinlynne on here- because this will be fun for her to look at one day....right? OK, this first set of pictures may show you what a sick little momma I am. Quinlynne was 9 1/2 months old in these. She was just learning how to climb up into her rocking chair.

She made it up there and was sitting straight.

Then- she face planted into the carpet. I don't know how I caught it on camera, but I did and it's pretty amusing.

Is it wrong of me to have laughed at this? Is it even more wrong to publish it for the world to see??

Thus Sayeth

OK, apparently in school, Quinlynne has been learning about good choices and bad choices and how when we make good choices it makes Jesus happy. When we make bad choices, Jesus is not happy. A few weeks ago I was watching CSI:NY and before I could get the channel changed, the bad guy on TV had executed like 6 teenagers. Quinlynne, of course, was watching. She turned and looked at me and said "Oh now, that was a real bad choice." Me: "You're right, that was a really bad choice. Let's see if Sesame Street is on."

Well, Sunday night/Monday morning I was awakened by Quinlynne at about 4 in the morning. Apparently her PullUp was not on right and she had wet the bed, and herself. So, I get up and go to her room and make her get naked and change clothes, without waking myself up too much. I give her a nightgown and she says "It's not too chilly for a jammie dress, Momma?" Cracked me up. So- I take her to my bed and just put her in there so I don't have to strip and remake her bed. First she wants to watch Strawberry Shortcake and her shows. I have to tell her that it's not time for TV, it's time for us to be sleeping. Then she wants her cup. Again, I tell her it's time for us to close our eyes and sleep. About 30 minutes later I wake up, and there is this pair of big brown eyes about 2 inches from my face. This is what the mouth connected to those eyes is saying "Momma- Jesus wants me to have my cup." I repeat her and say "JESUS wants you to have your cup?" She says "Yes. That'd be a real good choice." I was stuck between yelling and laughing. I just went back to sleep.

Fowl deal

OK, don't know if anyone knows this, but we have been without a stove for over a week now. When we were at the fair mom purchased a new Maytag gas stove and a Maytag Microwave ventahood. She got an amazing deal on them both. We have really needed a new stove for quite a while, as one of the burners has not worked since about six months after we moved into the house...in 1990! The kind of stove we had was one that was built into the cabinetry- not a stand alone. So, Uncle Charlie had to get that out by ripping out some wood. Then, he gets the stove out to realize that the "plumbing", if you will, is not configured for gas or electric. So, he's going to have to run a gas line for our new appliance. Then, he was going to have to cut out the back part of the counter top so the new stand alone stove can be pushed back against the wall. Another snag- apparently the lip/lining thing between the backsplash and the countertop is UNDER the counter top, so when you try to remove it- it rips up part of the countertop along with it. Mom said "I was planning on getting new countertops- but I hadn't planned on HAVING to do it right now." Also, the storage cabinet above the ventahood also has to be cut out, because the new microwave/ventahood combo will take up more space than the old one. Yes- my friends, it has been interesting. Long story short- we have not been able to cook in our kitchen in over a week. You don't realize how you take your stove for granted until you don't have one. Yes, we still have the crock pot and the microwave and the electric skillet- but every time I have gone to use it, Uncle Charlie has been in there working....so that means it's dirty and dusty and as Granny said "That's a one-man kitchen....and I'm just gonna let you be that one man." Last night I was finally able to get out the electric skillet and make some chicken, and nuke some mashed potatoes, and I made some oriental salad.....it was so great to have the smell of food in the house! I do hope to be able to cook my little heart out soon!

FYI

We have been without computer access at the Hoffman household for a few weeks now. So- I promise- as soon as we get the situation rectified- there will be better, more interesting posts. We have gone to the Pumpkin Patch, the Fair, and a few other fun things. Can wait to share them with you all!

Florence Nightengale?

Well, some of you may already know this. However, I'll go ahead and publish the news. After much trial, tribulation, frustration and heartbreak..... I will be starting Nursing School in January. I was accepted into the Spring 2009 Nursing School at Tulsa Community College. Two years of school and I will finally be able to work as Registered Nurse. (Assuming that I pass the State Boards, of course.)

Along with the acceptance package there was a letter to the family, friends and loved ones of the nursing student- telling them what they should expect and how they can help. I'll be making hundreds of copies of that to give to people! tee hee

So, I know that the next two years will be torture and Hell- but I'm expecting it and it's such a small price to pay for what I really want to do. Hopefully- I'll do well!

New Doctor

So, I got a letter a few weeks ago saying that Dr. Smith was no longer with South Tulsa Maternity & Pediatrics, so Quin's records had been transferred to another practice. I was a little confused because Dr. Smith was not her PCP. Anyhow, after Quinlynne's visit to the ER with her bladder infection it was time for a follow up with her PCP. Long story short, I had to look all over for a new PCP, and it turns out I was able to get in with a doctor in the practice where the original letter said her records had been sent. Her new PCP is a very nice man. When I took Quinlynne in for her follow up, I was so impressed with how caring, questioning and what a good listener he is. Mom took Quinlynne to the doctor today (she has green snot and again about her bowel issues) and Mom was quite impressed with him, too. I am keeping my fingers crossed that my first impression of this new doctor was a correct first impression!

Prayers of Comfort needed

Many of you may have heard me talk about my friend, Brenda. Brenda is pregnant with she and her husband Matt's 3rd baby....another boy! Brenda is scheduled for her c-section a month from today on October 8. She has been experiencing a few difficulties with this pregnancy- so she's been in my prayers an extra amount. Brenda and the boys are scheduled to come to Broken Arrow for a few months while Matt finishes film school in Los Angeles. After Matt finishes this schooling, the whole fam is moving to Hollywood...Santa Clarita I think. I have been having a feeling that Brenda needs me- and I had just talked to her about coming out to help her pack up the house, help with the last minute things for the baby, etc. She is busy making her sister's wedding announcements- so she said she was concentrating on that first- then she would work on the house.

Mom came home from church yesterday with terrible news. Matt was on his way home from LA (he has been going out there every other weekend to work on some film stuff and the guys he's working with have been coming to AZ on the other weekends) and he was killed in a car accident. Apparently there was a tractor-trailer that had just overturned in the highway, so there were no markers or lights. An SUV had also run into the trailer, then Matt did. My poor, poor friend. Brenda's mom was able to fly out Sunday evening, and Brenda's brother and sister in-law do live nearby. They were able to be there with her yesterday. I don't want to call her, as I know how terribly, terribly busy it is when someone in your household dies. I need to be there for her. I do love my friend so much. I know this is awfully cliche-ish, but she is closer than a sister to me.

She and I were just talking on Saturday about different people's situations and how reading about them on their blogs, or other places, really puts your problems into perspective. She was saying how at least her "trials and tribulations" were not leaving any scars. (In reference to the Nielsons in Mesa, AZ...have you read about them?) So, if you could please keep my friend and her family in your prayers- at least for comfort- I know without a doubt that our Father will hear them and His arm around her to comfort her.

yummy dinner

OK- I know this is so strange, because I am taking pictures of my food. However, I made a very pretty dinner this week. I grilled chicken, then put sauteed mushrooms and onions. I then placed fresh spinach leaves, the sauteed vegetables and melted meunster cheese on top of the chicken.

I also fried some okra. Now normally, my fried okra has chunks here and there- but this turned out quite pretty as well. The okra was nice and tender and fresh....yummy! We also had some toasted sour dough bread. All in all- I obviously thought it was picture-worthy. I think myGranny would have even been proud of the okra!