While the official first day of summer isn't until June 21, I think it is safe to get out the flip-flops, grab a beach towel and jump into my favorite season of the year. I have always been a sunshine girl who loves the long summer days, the taste of fresh fruit, family reunions, being outside, and grilling. And did I mention the fireflies! Talk about magical. I have to admit, one of the coolest things about moving from CA to TN is seeing those light up as they dance around in the ... View the Post
Baptist Girl’s Look at Lent part 1
Growing up in the Baptist tradition, I had never been exposed to Lent or the rich history and traditions surrounding the Lenten Season. To be honest? I feel a bit cheated! Advent and Lent are traditions that lead up to the two most important calendar days in the life of a Christian. Christmas and Easter. For me, Easter was all about everything that could be crammed into one Sunday. Decorating eggs and learning about palm branches. Singing songs that included Hosanna and "The Old Rugged ... View the Post
The Sweet Taste of Summer!
I love the tastes of summer! Whether it is hamburgers being grilled, fresh corn salad, or a perfectly ripened watermelon. But one of my favorite all time recipes is the classic Strawberry Shortcake! I am not sure if I love it because the sweet berries burst with flavor, the buttery shortcakes are topped with whipped cream, or because I can't savor a serving without thinking of my grandmothers kitchen. Because so many of my memories are tied around food and the hands that helped to create ... View the Post
Learning, Loving, and Putting the GRAND in Grandparents. What is your legacy?
A few years back I wrote a story for the Colfax Record about grandparenting and interviewed people who had just become grandparents for the first time. When I asked a friend, Dena Saunders, what kind of a legacy she wanted to leave for the next generation it didn't take long to respond. "I want to be known as the Grandma who prays," she said. "If my grandkids have something that comes up in their lives I want them to know they can always ask me to pray with them and for them." I thought ... View the Post
Shattered From The Inside Out
The Christmas Fudge was perfect, the tree decorated, cookies baked, and we were full of expectation for a wonderful time together. All six of our children were coming home for Christmas, along with spouses and our two grandbabies. We couldn’t wait. I was making dinner when my husband John went out to get the mail, returning with assorted Christmas cards, fliers for local businesses, and a letter from our youngest daughter. “Dear Mom and Dad,” he began, after opening the small white envelope. ... View the Post
Breakfast for Dinner! Carrot Bran Muffins
Breakfast isn't just a morning meal! In fact, our family loves having breakfast for dinner. Sometimes we have an egg frittata filled with thinly sliced potato, broccoli, sausage, onions and topped with cheese. Cooked like a crustless quiche, this egg dish is filling and nutritious. But, what I really love about making breakfast for dinner is that I can make a big batch of muffins to be eaten the following day or two. Perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts or those soccer mornings where ... View the Post