COFFEE BREAK

Today is the first Monday we've had off in months!  No homeschool co-op (even though we enjoy it); no doctor's appointments (I had surgery in September); no company coming over (of course we love it when they come!); and no hubby home (again with the love, though).  In fact, I am so excited for this week, I can hardly stand it!  So much to be THANKFUL for!!  AND so much to do!!  Yet I was reminded that Being Still...Taking a Coffee Break...is not a waste of time.  It is an investment in my day.  Every time I skip this stillness of my soul in the morning, the rest of the day is often chaotic and unproductive.  Mornings are hard.  I get it.  I also know that life is short, and skipping coffee with Jesus can open the door to mistakes, regrets, and discouragement.  Nobody needs that!

This year, Thanksgiving Day will be simple and sweet.  It'll just be the six of us and Mom and Dad.  We are making the main dinner this year for the first time....Mom has been fighting breast cancer for almost a year, and chemotherapy is an unkind companion along the journey.  Thankfully, Mom has been spared many of the most dreaded side-effects, but the nagging fatigue is ever-present.  This verse continually passes through my mind, as I think of and pray for her.  We cannot heal ourselves...that job is God's alone!  But we can be still in His presence. Life is a precious gift.  And it can sometimes be short.  I am so thankful for God's fighting on behalf of my mom right now, and I don't want to take it for granted!

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After relishing a few extra moments with my pillow this morning, my first stop was caffeine.  If you know me at all, you know how much I love my coffee...even if on crazy days it takes a never-ending cycle of reheating in order to get it done! ☺

Coffee creamer...this is an area of my life that I have had a death-grip on.  I have tried all sorts of bullet-proof coffees, Trimaccinos, half & half or cream/extract/stevia combos.  So far, none of them have been *bad* but none have really floated my boat, either.

Trim Healthy Mama has two new books out!  The original book was awesome, weighing in at over 600 pages.  I love it and still have it!  However, these new books are so very user-friendly.  The plan itself is in the first book (below - left), while the cookbook (below - right) has over 300 recipes, complete with color photos!  It's wicked awesome! ♥

So today, I was finally ready to try something new (again) for my coffee.  I love peppermint mochas this time of year (I am NOT a pumpkin fan in beverages!  GAG!)  Using the new THM Sweet Blend
I made a batch of peppermint Skinny Chocolate (S) disks.  It comes together in a cinch, and I can find most of the ingredients I need from any grocery store.  Thankfully, we have a Trader Joe's nearby!  I ♥ TJ's!

 If you don't like to use coconut-flavored coconut oil, you can purchase refined (unflavored) CO at most any grocery store!

(See the Peppermint Mocha creamer in the background?  That will hopefully fade more into the distance if this can make up for the flavor!) ☺
I plopped one of these into my coffee, along with a swirl of cream and YAY!  Although I'll probably still enjoy my other coffee creamers from time to time, this was perfect today! ☺

MOCHA-MINT SKINNY CHOCOLATE (S)
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INGREDIENTS:
1/2 c. coconut oil (melted)
1/4 c. cocoa powder
2-3 tsp. ground THM Sweet Blend
teensy pinch sea salt
Peppermint extract

DIRECTIONS:
Melt coconut oil until liquid.  Add cocoa powder, ground THM Sweet Blend, and salt, stirring well.  Add 2-3 drops of peppermint extract (or about 1/2 tsp), stir and taste.  Adjust to desired sweetness/flavor profile.  Pour into molds, onto lined plate, or into ice cube trays.  Freeze until solid.

~Blessings and Peace in Stillness (& a great cuppa coffee) from our home to yours!

SPECIAL OCCASIONS

LIVE ♥ LAUGH ♥ LOVE

Those are some of my most favorite words...They are written on a coffee cup, a wall hanging, an over-the-door thingy, my cell phone wallpaper, and even embroidered on a pillow!

Yet, I struggle daily to implement them...what do they really mean?

♥ LIVE~to be present in the moment; intentional with affection and attention; to engage in active listening, thoughtful responses, and careful contemplation.  What captures our attention most?  Social media?  Our personal goals?  Self-consciousness?  Self-indulgence?  Or the needs of others?

♥ LAUGH~laughing is an intimate glimpse into what makes one "tick."  What we find humorous is often a reflection of our character, as well.  Do we snicker at the expense of others?  Do we find ourselves guffawing at risque humor?  Can we giggle at our own mistakes and foibles?

♥ LOVE~I Corinthians 13 defines love for us... Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails.  Do we struggle with patience?  Are we quick to forgive?  Do we struggle with envy?

If I am honest, I know that I am struggling on a daily basis with these three "L" words.  I am far too easily distracted by the *ding* of a received text.  I am focused on myself and my circumstances far more than on the needs of others, at times. I find myself slogging through a day, rather than truly LIVING!

I don't laugh nearly as much as I could.  Sometimes I allow the weight of the world, or concern over a loved one, or preoccupation with a problem to cloud my vision and steal my JOY! 

My love can be stale and dry at times.  If I have emotion, but not action, it is sentiment and not love.  When I turn into "Momzilla" because someone has forgotten to clean up their mess for the eleventeenth time, it is not LOVE!

But you know what?  There's one more exquisitely lovely word that I am learning to treasure, too:  GRACE!

G: God's
R: Riches
A: At
C: Christ's
E: Expense

Jesus paid it all!  When God looks at me, He sees me as cleansed, righteous, and redeemed BECAUSE OF JESUS!  Grace is the warm fuzzy socks on a cool evening.  It's the cup of hot coffee in the dawn's early light.  It's the squeezy-hug you get from a loved one.

GRACE.  My newest and sweetest friend.  I'm looking forward to growing old with you. And thank you for reminding me that you've been here all along.  I don't want to wait until a special occasion to remember you.  Being alive in Christ is a Special Occasion!

~LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE, and GRACE from my heart to yours! ♥

SOUTHWESTERN SLOW-COOKED SIRLOIN (S)

I love my crockpot!  I know I've mentioned that at least a bajillion times, and yet... *sigh*...the thought of having my meal hot and ready at dinner time almost makes me feel like I have a butler! (almost)

This is a delicious dinner and such a snap to prepare!  This dish came together because of my love of Southwestern flavors...and crockpots...and because I already had all the ingredients.☺

SOUTHWESTERN SLOW-COOKED SIRLOIN (S)

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INGREDIENTS:
6 sirloin steaks
1 bag frozen peppers OR peppers/onions
2 cans tomatoes/jalapeños (Ro*Tel style)
McCormick Montreal steak seasoning


DIRECTIONS:
1.  YOU'LL NEED...

6 sirloin steaks (our local butcher), 1 bag frozen peppers (Trader Joe's), 2 cans tomatoes/jalapeños (Ro*Tel style from Fred Meyer)
 

START BY: Layering steaks inside, leaving some room, and sprinkle seasoning on top of meat...

ADD 1 can tomatoes, the bag of frozen peppers, and top with second can of tomatoes...

Cook on low 7-8 hrs (or high for 4-ish hours)...

Serve with hot buttered noodles, rice, potatoes, or whatever suits your fancy!  I was out of rice (which is definitely more Southwestern-y) so we had buttered [Dreamfield's] rotini, and it was rather tasty!  Muy Delicioso!

For all you Trim Healthy Mamas, this is an S dinner...including the [Dreamfield's] pasta!

Of course, if it's a wee bit spicy for you (like it was for my youngest), you could always top it with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt dip:

~Happy "not-Swiss-steak-but-Southwestern-sirloin" dinner to you!

MOM'S FAMOUS BAKED CARAMEL CORN

THIS.  This is the Best Caramel Corn Recipe Ever!

This recipe has been around for years, and years, and years...
Some people may or may not have been known to down copious amounts of this golden goodness straight from the roasting pan...late at night...while reading their favorite novel.
Or so I've heard...

This stuff is deliciously delightful and easy to make.  You can enjoy it sticky or crunchy...very versatile!  You can even stir peanuts into the mix...it makes it kinda "fiddley-faddle-y"!


MOM'S FAMOUS BAKED CARAMEL CORN 
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Ingredients:
1 cup butter
2 cups brown sugar
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 cup corn syrup (light or dark...or even 1/4 cup of each)
1 tsp. vanilla (or caramel) extract
6 quarts popped corn (approximately 1 1/2 cups unpopped popcorn)


Directions:
Pop popcorn.

Melt butter in saucepan over medium-low heat.  Stir in brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt.  Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.

  Boil without stirring for 5 minutes.

  Remove from heat.  Stir in soda and vanilla (or caramel) extract.  Gradually pour over popped corn, mixing well.  

 Turn into 2 large baking pans (or large roasting pan).

  Bake in 250 degree oven for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.

Remove from oven and cool completely.  Store in tightly sealed container.
Or eat right away................

P.S.
It's also super delicious to eat in its sticky state, in case you don't want to wait that long!  You're welcome! 

~Tasty treats from our home to yours!

MACY'S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE BACON MAPLE PRALINE PULL-APART BREAKFAST ROLLS

I know, right? 

We have a "pull-apart breakfast rolls tradition" in our house for Thanksgiving morn.  My kids count on them every year.  While we watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.  While everyone wears flannel jammie pants and drinks coffee (or cocoa).  We sit, and eat, and drink...enjoying the smells of the future feast as they begin to waft through the house.  Last year, we decided to kick it up a notch, and *BAM!*  It was A-MA-ZING!

Introducing.....

MACY'S-THANKSGIVING-DAY-PARADE-BACON-MAPLE-PRALINE-PULL-APART-BREAKFAST-ROLLS (it's a mouthful, isn't it?)  ☺

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Here's what you're going to need:

Bundt OR tube pan
Non-stick cooking spray
a covering to let the rolls rise (damp tea towel, plastic wrap, etc.)

Ingredients:
1 bag frozen Rhodes rolls (20 ct)
1 large pkg. Jello cook and serve pudding (vanilla OR butterscotch)
1 1/2-2  c. chopped pecans
1 c. real bacon crumbles (I use Kirkland brand from Costco)
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2-1 tsp. cinnamon (optional)
1/2 c. maple syrup
1/2 c. butter, melted

 Directions:

1. The night before; GENEROUSLY grease a tube or bundt pan.  (I use spray coconut oil and I line an angel food cake tube pan with foil to keep the butter from oozing out).
2. Melt butter, and mix with maple syrup.
3. Sprinkle about 3/4 cup chopped nuts into the bottom of the greased pan.
4. Add approx. 1/2 cup bacon crumbles on top of nuts.
5. Mix 1/4 c. brown sugar, 1/2 tsp cinnamon (if using) and sprinkle into bottom of pan over nuts and bacon.
6. Place the frozen rolls into the pan around and on top of each other over the nuts/sugar/bacon mix.
7. Sprinkle the dry pudding mix over the rolls, then sprinkle remaining brown sugar over the pudding mix.
8. Sprinkle remaining 3/4 cup chopped nuts and 1/2 cup bacon over the brown sugar.
9. Drizzle the melted butter/syrup mixture over all.
10. Cover with a damp tea towel, or place a piece of plastic wrap that has been sprayed with non-stick spray *very loosely* over the top (but don't secure/wrap).
11. Allow to rise overnight at room temperature or about 8-10 hours.
12. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
13. Bake for 22-25 minutes (baking times vary, so watch closely), until gold and bubbly!
14. Remove the pan from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
15. Turn the pan over and invert onto a serving plate.
16. Serve by pulling apart chunks with a fork.  Or your fingers.  Or whatever...I won't judge!

~Happy Ooey-Gooey Thanksgiving Breakfasting from our home to yours!

30 DAYS OF THANKFULNESS

Much has happened in our family lately that has given us a run for our money in the "give thanks in all circumstances" department.  We have been keeping busy with school, chores, family gatherings, and Bible studies; we have also had our share of health concerns, home repairs, and financial challenges. If we find ourselves continuously complaining, our focus is likely on our comfort rather than our Calling.  We must be INTENTIONAL about praising God and giving thanks!

 I THESSALONIANS 5:16-18 says~

"Rejoice always, 
pray continually,
give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

In an effort to prepare my heart for Thanksgiving every November, I strive to make a list of 30 (at least) Days of Thankfulness.  Here's my list so far.


30 DAYS OF THANKSGIVING (2015):
DAY 1~La Famiglia! This family God gave us is a crazy, loud, sweet, sacrificial bunch!! 
DAY 2~A delicious, hot cuppa coffee with cream, cocoa powder, and cinnamon!
DAY 3~Daughters who bless us with their awesome talents...like pumpkin scones with cinnamon glaze!
DAY 4~ Being married to my best friend is awesome! We don't always see eye-to-eye (he's a lot taller), he puts up with my corny jokes and even laughs (most of the time). He makes me coffee, brings an occasional bouquet of flowers, and loves to surprise me (even though he usually gives it away accidentally)...I'm so thankful God blessed us with this journey together!
DAY 5~ We are so thankful God blessed us with our 4 Little Women! When the doctor told us we may never have children, we cried. And we prayed. And God chose to bless us with His gracious miracles. Though we have children waiting for us in Heaven, the ones God shared with us here are our earthly riches, indeed!
DAY 6~ My parents, who faithfully live out their marriage vows with grace...for better or worse, in sickness and in health...I love you, Mom and Dad!
DAY 7~ I am so thankful for my besties/blessed sisters! I'm loving growing older with you wild and crazy gals!!
DAY 8~ Today I am thankful to be able to live in this cozy house, where my grandparents used to live, and where we Live, Laugh, and Love!  This has been a hospitality house over the years...many special memories, family holidays, visits with friends, meals around the table, cups of coffee, and much laughter here!
DAY 9~ These kiddos are such fun & entertaining blessings! Having nieces and nephews and a "Cousin Club" 10 members strong is pure awesomeness!
DAY 10~ So THANKFUL for the privilege and blessing of being born in America with liberty and freedom we cherish so dearly! We are undeserving of so much bounty, but ever so thankful!
DAY 11~ What can I say about our Veterans that hasn't already been said today? In the words of George M. Cohan [composer of "She's a Grand Old Flag," "Yankee Doodle Dandy," "Over There," and many other patriotic songs], "My mother thanks you, my father thanks you, my sister thanks you, and I thank you..." including our own family...Daddy, Grandpas, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and friends who have served! 
DAY 12~ I'm thankful for humor and laughter!
DAY 13 ~Today, I am thankful for the truth and comfort of God’s Word!
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." ~Philippians 4:4-9
DAY 14 ~ Today I'm thankful for the OMNIPRESENCE, OMNISCIENCE, OMNIPOTENCE, and LOVE of God!!
DAY 15~ God hears and answers our prayers! He is intimately involved in the affairs of men and governments! He sustains the universe with the same power that created it. God works through people and nations in great events and unnoticed details. All His actions demonstrate the gravity and brilliance of His justice and goodness.
DAY 16 ~ FREEDOM is never free...it always has bloodshed as the pricetag! Thank you, Jesus, for shedding your blood to set us free from sin's deathgrip! And thank you, veterans, patriots, and defenders of liberty! {"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."~Galatians 5:1}
DAY 17~ So thankful that we can KNOW where to find the TRUTH, even though the world around us is full of conflicting voices, beliefs, and ideologies!
TRUTH =Honest, correct, authentic, fact
HONESTY=Speaking the Truth
KINDNESS=Speaking the Truth in Love
DISCERNMENT=Speaking the Truth Wisely
DAY 18~ I am so thankful that HE IS....
The Breath of Life,
The Passover Lamb,
Our High Priest,
Living Water,
Bread of Life,
The Lion of Judah,
The Lamb of God,
Our Savior,
Our Shepherd,
Our Mediator,
Our Salvation,
The Way,
The Truth,
The Life,
Our one and only way to Heaven,
The Alpha,
The Omega,
Our Everything....
DAY 19~ Our pets!  They keep our house wild, noisy, cuddly, and entertaining.  Two pugs and two Siamese kitties are more than enough! 
DAY 20~ So thankful for the Voice of Truth reminding us of 1 John 1:9 ~ "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
DAY 21~THANKFUL that God is our Helper and our Sustenance! {Behold, God is my helper; The Lord is the sustainer of my soul. ~Psalm 54:4}
Thank you, Lord!
DAY 22~ No matter how good the words of men sound, no matter how the promises of men fail, I am so THANKFUL that God's Words are ALWAYS good and true, and His promises NEVER fail! Don't live as those who have no hope! Our hope is found in Him alone!  
DAY 23~

 So let me ask you:  WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR????

Thanksgiving Blessings from our home to yours!