BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE!

BrRrRrRrRrRr are you ready for some really cold temps? Mind you, today it was 70! The rain is arriving as I type, then this is what we are expecting the next couple of days......

Told ya!! I absolutely love the cold weather...my knees, not so much...plus I have a nasty cough/sinus infection....so that doesn't make for a happy combination! But it is what it is. Even my ears hurt and I have not had an earache since....well I don't even know when! Doctoring myself with Nyquil and breathing treatments...praying I feel better tomorrow. I have been in and out of bed all weekend. So stay warm folks...and stay indoors if you have that option!!!!

What an awesome way to start off our new year with a BIG win last night from our New Orlean's Saints! And they said we couldn't win on the road...in the elements...HA! Now onto Seattle. I hope the momentum keeps up and we go all the way to the Super Bowl! You will never find more true blue fans than our Saint's Fans! I know its a team effort but it sure helps when you have leaders like these two...

 

GEAUX SAINTS!

BLESS YOU BOYS!

So have you made some new years resolutions? I only made one and that is to try not to worry

so much anymore...I told my kids my new motto is "It's not my worry". They don't think I can

stick to it....because they know how much I worry. But I am determined to do it!

Resolutions never really made much sense to me...because we normally make some that

are unrealistic, so we set ourselves up for a let down and failure. So if you do make

a resolution...make it attainable or resonable.

You can do it!!!

This is going to be a HUGE year for me...

I will be turning 60 <gasp> in 4 months from now.

How the hell did that happen???? I remember turning 40 like it

was yesterday. So much has changed in my life since I was 40!

Some good...some not so good...some very sad.

But it has all made me who I am today, and quite honestly,

I cannot change a thing, so

60 here I come!

Since we still have lots of football left to watch...

here is a tasty dip to make for your tailgate parties!

Jalepeno Popper Spread

 

Ingredients

2	packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1	cup mayonnaise
½	cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
¼	cup canned chopped green chilies
¼	cup canned diced jalapeno peppers
1	cup shredded Parmesan cheese
½	cup panko (Japanese) bread crumbs
	Sweet red and yellow pepper pieces and corn chips

Directions

In a large bowl, beat the first five ingredients until blended; spread into an ungreased 9-in. pie plate.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese; top with bread crumbs.
Bake at 400° for 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned.
Serve with peppers and chips.
Yield: 16 servings.

The Grinch and EggNog Cake

Rather smart man...the Grinch! I think he was absolutely correct in that thinking! It's something we should all remember during the holidays. We all get so caught up in the hustle and bustle, shopping, wrapping gifts, cooking, more shopping, parties and even more shopping...whewwww by the time THE day arrives, we are worn out....and probably a lot less $$ in our pocketbooks! But the spirit of the season is giving .... so we give! And then we delight in the joy in the faces of those we give to...so it comes full circle, bringing us joy as well.

I remember Christmas' of past when we were children...we gathered at my MawMaw's house, the excitement building all day. We would all groan because they made us sit down and eat before opening gifts...we were too excited to eat, but did as we were told. The gifts under the tree were overwhelming, and not a one of them had a name on them! MawMaw knew exactly which present belonged to who. We all got the normal socks, slippers, pj's etc, and of course a book of lifesavers! One year we each got a yard stick that had bubble gum all along one side...we thought we had struck gold!!! You see, we didn't have expensive extravagant gifts, but we were so blessed and felt so rich...

and we were rich, in love, in family, in togetherness and in faith!

That's what its all about!

 Things were so much simpler then.

Thank God for memories!

I hope the coming week brings you peace and you remember to slow down,

and remember the true meaning of

Christmas.

EGGNOG CAKE

Ingredients

1/2 cup sugar

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup canola oil

1 cup eggnog

3 eggs

1 Tablespoon rum extract

1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

 

1 teaspoon salt

 

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

2 1/2 cups flour

For the glaze

1 1/4 cups powdered sugar

3 Tablespoons eggnog

dash of nutmeg

mini chocolate chips for garnish, if desired

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the sugars, oil, eggnog, eggs, and extract until well combined. Sift together the baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, cloves, and flour. Slowly beat the flour mixture into the egg mixture. Do not over beat.
2. Spray a 10 inch bundt pan with non stick baking spray. Gently spoon the batter into the prepared pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 55 minutes.
3. Cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. If needed, level the bottom of the cake with a sharp knife before placing on a serving tray.
4. Stir together the glaze ingredients. Spoon over the top slowly. Let set for a few minutes. Top with mini chocolate chips if desired. Cut into 14 slices.

EGGNOG CAKE

YES...we also had one of these....

Heart on my Sleeve and Warm Apple Cake

Hurtful words....oh how they sting. And once spoken, you can say I am sorry, but you really cannot take them back. I know I have done my share of saying hurtful words, and I am ashamed that I did. Altho I do tend to wear my heart on my sleeve, so I allow my heart to be wide open most of the time. Given the choice, I think I would rather wear my heart on my sleeve than be cold hearted and stand-offish. I seem to be wearing my heart on my sleeve today, not sure why...but I need to shake it. Its a beautiful day outside, fall is in the air, my favorite time of the year. What is your favorite time of the year?

I think I know what has me feeling this way....my baby girl is leaving on Monday for 8 days in Jamaica!Yes...the child who is deathly afraid of elevators, is flying to Jamaica! I am so excited for her, yet so worried. I know I just need to put it in God's hands....He will take care of her!!! She has never been away from home for that long...Lord help me LOL. You would swear she is a baby...well she is MY baby, even though she is 22!!

Isn't she pretty? Yeah, I think so too! Have fun in Jamaica Addie.....have the time of your life! This is the resort she is going to....
JAMAICA ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT

I think my girls at work love me...look what they picked up for me the other day....yep they do listen when I talk! Thanks Kristy and Angelique!!!

I love these and search for them every Halloween!

YUMMY!!!

Speaking of Caramel Apples...here is a tasty recipe for you to try. 

MOIST CARAMEL APPLE CAKE

 

1 pkg.  cake mix
1 pkg.  JELL-O Vanilla or French Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding
1 cup water
4 egg
1/3 cup oil
3 Granny Smith apple (chopped)
20 KRAFT Caramels
3 Tbsp.  milk

Directions

1.Grease and flour 12-cup fluted tube pan or 10-inch tube pan.  Beat first 5 ingredients in large bowl with mixer on low speed until blended.  Beat on high speed 2 min.  Stir in apples.  Pour into prepared pan.

2.Bake 50 min.  to 1 hour or until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean.  Cool cake in pan 15 min.  Loosen cake from side of pan; invert onto wire rack.  Gently remove pan.  Cool cake completely.  Transfer to plate.

3.Microwave caramels and milk in microwaveable bowl on HIGH 1-1/2 min., stirring every 30 sec.  until blended.  Cool 10 min.  or until slightly thickened.  Drizzle over cake.

THE LITTLE THINGS

I know we have all heard the saying "it's the little things in life that are important"...and altho we believe that, it isn't until you actually experience one of those "little things" that you truly appreciate that saying! Let me explain...over the past couple of years, our family ( my siblings ) have had our share of ups and downs...more downs that I care to admit. Far too often we let pride get in the way, we kept things inside instead of speaking up and addressing the real issues, we felt like "its her/him and not me", we held grudges, we hurt one another thus hurting ourselves and sad to admit, we gossiped about one another to the others. I know that no family is perfect and siblings all have thier share of disagreements. This past weekend, my older (haha) sister Becky and my brother Randy planned a weekend get away for us, our spouses and our Mom. We visited our tiny coastal town of Grand Isle, La. 

We stayed at a very nice and spacious "camp" that lacked nothing...on the beach...it was beautiful! 

I will be the first to admit that when this was originally planned, I thought, "oh Lord, all of us together in one camp for 3 whole days?" But let me tell you...it was perfect. It was just what we all needed. We reconnected, reminisced, laughed and ate like H.O.G.S ! Not one ugly word was spoken, everyone had a smile on their face all weekend...it was the best! I love my siblings so much and was so glad to be able to have that time with them. We are so blessed and sometimes we forget that. The past is just that...the past. We are all getting older and we need to get every single bit out of our lives that we can...while we can. And I feel we did just that this weekend.

 We watched the sunrise and the sunset...

we just sat outside and enjoyed the gulf breeze..

.we had a sing along compliments of my brother in law Vincent...

we took a few family photos...

 Mom with the 5 of us

 

The brother-in-laws with Lisa, our sista!

 

 The brother-in-laws! Crazy bunch!!

 The five of us with our "Daddy Blankets"

My sister, Roxane made these for us using Daddy's shirts.

One of our most prized possessions!

(The 5 of us with our spouses)

and we all felt my Dad's presence there with us!

 This is a picture of my Daddy in Grand Isle many years ago.

That is his original hat and camera that he was wearing in the picture.

 And here is Randy wearing Daddy's hat and camera...he looks so much like our Daddy!!

It doesn't get much better than that! I am so proud to call them my siblings and I love their spouses very much! My heart is content....everyone should feel that...all the time. Don't let a day go by without letting the special people in your life know how much they mean to you. Will we still have our ups and downs? I am sure we will, but I think we all have a new appreciation for "family"and I don't think we will allow unimportant things to come between us again.

Mom and Dad.....ya done good!

My Dad

Well Daddy, we made it through another year without your physical presence, but Lord your presence is felt daily for all of us! We all miss you terribly, yet we all know that you are finally "home" with no health issues...no worries... no pain....and the awesome love of our Lord Jesus Christ...how awesome is that?
Our memories serve us well and will sustain us, until we meet again. I love you Daddy!

Saturday and Corn Dip!

Don't you just love quiet Saturday afternoons? I sure do! Almost everyone from La is waiting for LSU kickoff tonight, sporting their purple and gold. Tiger fans take their football very serious...just as Saints fans do!  I am so ready for the regular season to begin....and I just know we will squash those dirty birds in our Superdome!!Eeeeek...cannot wait!

What are your plans for this Labor Day weekend? Its hot here, no rain in sight...typical south Louisiana August/Sept weather. Which can only mean one thing...I am spending my weekend indoors in the AC! I do not sweat well. Tomorrow morning we are heading to Cypress Bayou Casino for a little gambling..spending the night and just having a little bit of fun for Addie's 22nd birthday! Might even have a nice juicy steak at Mr Lester's!

Whatever you are doing this weekend, be safe...and have fun!

Here is a little appetizer that is simple to make and is HUGE on taste...perfect for a 

FOOTBALL party!!

MEXICAN CORN DIP

• 1 can Mexican corn, drained
• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
• (if you don't like black beans, just use 2 cans of corn, drained)
• 1 can diced green chilis
• 1/4 c. diced red bell pepper
• 1 tsp. onion powder (or 1/4 chopped onion)
• 1/2 c. mayo
• 1/2 c. sour cream
• 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Serve with Fritos corn chips and/or tortilla chips

Mix all ingredients, let cool for a couple of hours...overnight is even better. Serve with Fritos or tortilla chips! 

20 YEARS AND PEANUT BUTTER CAKE BARS

20 years ! That sounds like such a long time doesn't it? It does to me also...unless you are talking about 20 years since your child has left this earth...then 20 years seem like yesterday. You remember every detail so vividly...like it was yesterday! But thank God that the good memories are so much stronger than that intense pain was those first few years. Yes, a hole was left in our hearts but as time goes by, that hole is filled with other wonderful things...such as memories, our other children and our sweet grandchild. I read something the other day and thought...OH how true this is!

You can shed tears that he is gone,
or you can smile because he has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that he'll come back,
or you can open your eyes and see all he's left.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see him,
or you can be full of the love you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember him only that he is gone,
or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind,
be empty and turn your back.
Or you can do what he'd want:
smile, open your eyes, love and go on.”

So I choose to smile, open my eyes, love and go on. He will forever be a part of me and one day we will meet again, and I will get one of his great big bear hugs...what a glorious day that will be! I love you Joshua!

 

Can you believe that school is ready to start?? Seems like summer just started.I can tell you this much, I SO do not miss the back to school shopping!! Been there...done that!

BUT my sweet grandson will be starting a new adventure at day care!

He has been with a private sitter since he was 6 weeks old and she has been

so good to him....but the time has come for him to attend daycare!

I know he will do just fine, he is such a sweet boy and so smart already (yes I know every grandparent thinks that their grandchild is the best and the smartest...difference is...Mine IS! LOL)

He is growing up so fast.

We have been so blessed!

He went from this....................... to this it seems overnight!

 

Good Luck on Monday Joshua...Ya Ya loves you BIG BIG!

 

A little back to school snack recipe!

Peanut Butter Cake Bars

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup butter, softened
• 2/3 cup Jif ® Creamy Peanut Butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 4 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 package (11-1/2 ounces) milk chocolate chips

Directions

• In a large bowl, cream the butter, peanut butter, sugar and brown
• sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Beat in vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt;
• gradually add to creamed mixture. Stir in chocolate chips.
• 
  
• Spread into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for
• 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes
• out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Yield: 2 dozen. 

PEANUT BUTTER CAKE BARS