happy halloween

Wishing you only treats!

it's okay to pray

Young Boy goes to a little Christian school where they have Preschool - 8th grade. It's the same school that my sister & I went to, my dad went to and my grandparents went to. Hmm, that might sound a little backward to some...but to me it's history, it's life in a small town. It's family and community.

Yesterday, they had an "around the pole" morning. Any kids that would like to are invited to come in a few minutes early, stand around the flagpole outside and have a morning devotion. It was too cold to be outside yesterday, so the kids gathered in the gym.

It dawned on me as I was listening. What a great thing for all of these kids to know that it's OKAY to pray. I've never been a 'preachy' kind of soul, but I do believe that it's a good foundation and I KNOW that it's something I still carry with me every day. What a blessing this church and school has been to my family.

i wonder how many mints...

This is Lucia.

And these are her mints.

Lucia is my grandma...my dad's mom, my son's great-grandma. She has 5 sons and her favorite color is pink. She's German, frugal, likes to gossip a little and ALWAYS sends a card (with cash in it!) on your birthday. She belongs to Ladie's Aid at church where she's on the Sunshine Committee. She's a sweetheart and I'm lucky (as a grown-up) to have a Grandma like her.

Ever since I was little, Grandma has made mints. Sometimes cream-cheese softy mints dusted with sugar and sometimes candy-color chocolate mints (flavored with wintergreen and spearmint.)

Got an occasion? Call Grandma for mints. Got a color scheme? Just call Grandma. Need a special-shaped mint? Just call Grandma...she's got roses, crosses, bunnies, diploma, mortar boards and daisy-shaped molds for any occasion.

This weekend we went to a baby shower for my cousin's wife. She's having a little girl and the baby's room will be pink & chocolate brown...hence, the baby bootie mints. Graduations, weddings, anniversaries, showers...it makes me wonder how many mints Grandma's made in her lifetime? Lots of memories in those little mints...

taco soup time

Chilly fall days call for Taco Soup at our house! I live with 2 very picky eaters, and this is something we ALL love. Seriously...it's THAT yummy (and even better the next day.)

Taco Soup
~1 lb. ground turkey
~1 box chicken broth
~2 cans petite diced tomatoes with green chiles
~1 can Great Northern beans, drained & rinsed (get the regular kind, NOT the pork-flavored kind, trust me.)
~1 can black beans, drained & rinsed
~1 can yellow hominy, drained
~1 can white hominy, drained
~1 env. Ranch dressing seasoning
~1 env. taco seasoning
~Garnish: shredded Cheddar cheese & baked tortilla chips

Brown ground turkey and drain. Add turkey and all other ingredients to a big pot and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to simmer. Simmer for 20 min. to a couple of hours, stirring every so often. To serve, top with shredded Cheddar and tortilla chips. Enjoy!

karate kid

It pains a mother to watch these things...yep, that's Young Boy on the bottom. My little grappling karate-kid. He smiled through most of the match. Love you, boy!

new goodies on etsy

Went antiquing with my sister on Saturday. She got a little giraffe scooter (an "emotional" purchase, as she called it...she had one like it when she was little.) I got a few new baubles, so look for the new goodies just posted on etsy. Have a great week!

button bracelet giveaway

The awesome, Sylvia over at A Tad Bit Prudish blog is giving away a cupcake studio bracelet! Just visit and comment to enter. Thanks, Sylvia!

the pumpkin patch

Visited the pumpkin patch yesterday (along with every other resident of our county, I think :)

Young Boy is growing up...instead of playing in the straw and petting the animals, he wanted to load up all the pumpkins and pull the wagon around. (Thanks, J! You're a sweet kid!)

north market artisan sunday

My sister & I will be selling our wares at the North Market (in Columbus) tomorrow...stop by & see us if you're in the area. Happy Weekend!

young boy goes to camp

Young Boy went to camp (with the 5th and 6th graders) today. It's his first "real" time away from home, without Mom or Dad. He was sooo excited last night, jumping around, packing big garbage bags, making a list for the morning and then not able to sleep. Made me remember when I was little and longed for a taste independence, but was still scared to death.

Even though he was a little skunk this morning ('cause he didn't want me embarassing him when I dropped him off!) I'm missing my sweet boy so.