Go Say I Love You To Those You Love

I haven't been in the mood for blogging lately, because my thoughts have been dreary. I try to keep my blog upbeat. But I decided I could still make it beneficial.

I recently was connected with one of my old and dear best-friends. We were there for each other through the most difficult times and age of a person's life. And we were inseparable. I am very thankful that she was there during those times.

We reconnected about 11 years ago and she helped me through my morning sickness with my first child. I thought I was possessed, because it was terrible. We were both prego's at the time. But that is another story. Times were not easy for either one of us back then.

Now we are both at a new place. It was fun to hear her laugh again, silly names, and sweet tone.

But things can change in a second. When God blesses our day, moment, second - we should cherish it with all of our heart. Because we don't know what God's plan is and things can change unexpectedly. So tell your husband, children, parents, siblings friends, etc... you love them when you can, because it might be the last chance that you have.

This past week, I have asked God, "Why? It seems so unfair to take the love away from my dear friends life! He was the best thing for her." Well, God had answered this question 4 years ago.

In 2005 we were in a car accident that was very traumatic for our family. We were T-boned and very lucky to be alive. Our lives flashed before our eyes and in the moment we were certain someone was going to die. (This is my testimony of testimonies and I will have to post it another time.) This accident left us angry, confused and blessed at the same time. We were angry and wondering why God would do this to us? The answer arrived in a daily devotion we received by e-mail from God's Daily Promises. I lost it, but know it is:

Romans 8:28
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (NLT)

God's Daily Promises added (from memory) - No matter how unfair or unjust things are, God is in control and has a reason for it.

More then anything, I remember "No matter how unfair and unjust life can be - It's God's PLAN! and things will be better for us in the end." This became our verse for the next couple of years and kept us comforted through the loss of beloved family members that passed on in 2005 - 2008.

Now, go say "I LOVE YOU!!!" to those you love. And if you can, give them a strong HUG!

Potato Candy Recipe for St. Patty's Day

I found this recipe for Potato Candy at this Irish Food web site. Very easy to make. I am going to teach the girls to make them tomorrow.

Of course, I adapted it, more out of budget of what was in the house at the time. The kids loved it, but Pat didn't like the potato texture in his candy. I didn't measure anything, I went by taste.


Potato Candy

Baked Potatoes
Butter
Vanilla
Powdered Sugar
Sweetened Flaked Coconut (optional) - You could even try Ground nuts
Cinnamon mixed with Sugar

Step One - I baked the potatoes until the skin starts to pull away from the potato. Allow it to cool enough to peel the skin off.

Step Two - Mash or mix with a blender the potato and add enough butter until it resembles a thick mash potato. You could also use left over mash potatoes if you like.

Step Three - Mix in your vanilla, powdered sugar and coconut (or whatever you decide to add). Should be sweet, and able to form balls.

Step Four - Place in the refrigerator to chill.

Step Five - Form balls in the shape of potatoes and roll in a cinnamon and sugar mixture. Now they should look like a potato. To make the potato darker, use more cinnamon in your cinnamon and sugar mixture.

Step Six - Eat and enjoy!!!!!!!

Happy Saint Patty's Day!!!

New Recipes That I Am Trying

I am a bit adventurous this week. I decided to try out as many new recipes that I can this week. So here is my plan, printed out and all ready to go. I believe I have almost all of the ingredients. 8) All of these are either gluten free/dairy free or adaptable to gluten free/dairy free. And of course - pork free.

New Breakfast Dishes I Am Trying.
-Baked Oatmeal (Kids didn't like the older recipe that I tried- too sweet)
-Crock Pot Oatmeal (different one than what I usually use)
-Oven French Toast
-Universal Muffin Mix (need one that is versatile)
-Mini Baked Donuts

New Lunch Dishes I Am Trying
-Glass Noodle Soup (recipe from Jeanette)
-Greek Risotto

New Dinner Dishes I Am Trying.
-Chicken and Artichoke Casserole
- All In One Saucy Pasta (recipe from Heather - Love those easy ones!)
-Beef Taco Skillet
- Chinese Fried Rice (adapting from Jeanette's Mushroom Chicken, which has been a life saver, thanks)
-Saucy Mac Skillet
-Scalloped Potatoes with Salmon

New Desert Recipes That I Am Trying
-Wacky Cake (already made it once but I am going to add more chocolate and sugar)
-Vegan Cheesecake (A dairy free girl has got to do what a dairy free girl needs to do!)
-Angie's Boat Brownies