Around Our Sunday Table - Lovely Poinsettias

Thou hast given so much to me,
Give one thing more, - a grateful heart;
Not thankful when it pleaseth me,
As if Thy blessings had spare days,
But such a heart whose pulse may be Thy praise.
~George Herbert~

It is hard to believe that here we are at First Advent.

Where did the year go?

As we gather around our Sunday table

it is time for us to stop and reflect

on the many things we have to be thankful for.

That this cold that hit me came when it did -

on a set of 5 days off work,

allowing me to actually rest.

That my hubby is always willing to help with the little things,

making sure the humidifier is always full,

hauling full laundry baskets up and down the stairs,

even making supper if he has too :)

The job the Lord has provided.

It was so unexpected and not in my field

but is true blessing in so many ways.

Being able to Facetime with my daughter.

Visiting with our son who always keeps

the conversation interesting.

Our wonderful new church family.

What are you thankful for today?

 ~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!



I am joining...

The Style Sisters for Centerpiece Wednesday

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For today... Saturday, November 29, 2014

Outside my window...

I am thinking... I haven't had a cold his me this hard in quite a few years.

I am thankful for... Five days off work to get better.

From the kitchen...

~Sunday~
Out for Chinese Food with son

~Monday~
Herb Crusted Salmon, Italian Buttered Pasta, Peas, Baked Zucchini
Pudding Lust Cake

~Tuesday~  
Slow Cooker Enchilada Stack, Fresh Veggie Platter
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Pound Cake

~Wednesday~  
Seasoned Chicken with Baked Veggies, Italian Bubble Loaf, Salad
Cream Puffs

~Thursday~  

Slow Cooker Mushroom Pork Chops, Perogies, Garlicky Green Beans, Turnip, Salad
Pudding Lust Cake

~Friday~
Easy Baked Fish & Chips, Salad
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Pound Cake

~Saturday~

Leftover Smorg

I am wearing...  Black sweat pants and a burgundy sweatshirt with the cutest owls on the front.

I am creating... Christmas napkins

I am reading... "The Fire Seekers" by Richard Farr

I am praying for... My daughter who has one week of school and then exams and my brother-in-law, that his job hunting would be successful.

Pondering these words... "I have glorified You on earth.  I have finished the work which You have given me to do." ~John 17:4   At the end of my life will I be able to say that?

I am hoping... To be better soon.

I am hearing... The air purifier.

Around the house... Still lots to do to get ready for Christmas.

One of my favorite things... A hot cup of coffee on a cold day.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
~Sunday:  Church & Visit Father-in-Law
~Monday:  Luvin' My Home
~Tuesday:  Work
~Wednesday:  Work
~Thursday:  Shopping, Errands & Visit Parents
~Friday:  Luvin' My Home
~Saturday:  Work

Here is a picture thought I am sharing... 

~Coda enjoying the snow~

 ~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!

I am joining...
Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook

Slow Cooker Sweet & Sour Ribs

This is another simple and quick recipe to put together.
The recipe is from "Company's Coming Slow Cooker Recipes".



Ingredients

3 lbs. Meaty pork spareribs, cut into 2-3 rib sections

2 cups brown sugar, packed

1/4 cup flour

1/3 cup water

1/2 cup vinegar

2 Tbsp. soy sauce

2 Tbsp. ketchup

1/4 tsp. garlic pepper

Layer ribs in a 5-quart slow cooker.

Mix remaining ingredients together

and pour over ribs.

Cook on Low for 10-12 hours

or on High for 5-6 hours

until ribs are very tender.



Serves 6.

 ~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!

 

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For today... Sunday, November 23, 2014

Outside my window... Grey clouds are covering the sky and it is cool and windy.

I am thinking... Of how tired I am and wondering if I am fighting a cold as hubby has a cold.

I am thankful for... Cozy blankets.

From the kitchen...

~Sunday~

Roast Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Buns, Corn, Broccoli, Salad
Chocolate Roll

~Monday~  

Slow Cooker Mushroom Steak, Rice, Cheesy Cauliflower, Salad
Coconut Cream Pie

~Tuesday~  

Peppery Halibut, Rice Pilaf, Green Beans, Salad
Mix in the Pan Chocolate Chip Cake

~Wednesday~  

Oven Baked Sausage & Veggies, Buns, Salad
Chocolate Roll
~Thursday~  

Oven Baked Fajitas, Tortillas, Fresh Veggies & Dip
Coconut Cream Pie

~Friday~
Slow Cooker Sweet & Sour Meatballs, Rice, Carrots, Salad
Mix in the Pan Chocolate Chip Cake

~Saturday~

Leftover Smorg

I am wearing...  Brown dress pants & a multi-toned brown dress shirt

I am creating... Albums

I am reading... "Return to Me" by Lynn Austin

I am praying for... My brother-in-law who has a meeting with his former employer tomorrow.

Pondering these words... Don't be afraid to give your best to what seemingly are small jobs.  Every time you conquer one it makes you that much stronger.  If you do the little jobs well, the big ones will tend to take care of themselves.  ~Dale Carnegie~

I am hoping... For more energy.

I am hearing... The air purifier & the dishwasher.

Around the house... Still lots to do to get ready for Christmas.

One of my favorite things... Holidays.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
~Sunday:  Church & Work
~Monday:  Work
~Tuesday:  Work
~Wednesday:  Work
~Thursday:  Luvin' My Home
~Friday:  Ladies Christmas Banquet
~Saturday:  Christmas Shopping

Here is a picture thought I am sharing... 

~My dad celebrating 70 years young~

 ~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!

I am joining...
Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook

Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken

Unfortunately I don't know where this recipe originally came from.

I do know it is one of my hubby's favorites.

Ingredients

2 lbs. chicken breasts (approx. 4)

1/4 cup flour

1/2 tsp. pepper

 1 Tbsp. oil

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 Tbsp. vinegar

2 Tbsp. ketchup

1 Tbsp. brown sugar

1 garlic clove, minced

1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes

1/2 cup cashews

Combine flour and pepper in bag.

Add chopped chicken and shake to coat.

Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat.

Brown chicken, about 2 minutes each side.

Place chicken in slow cooker.

Combine soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, garlic and pepper flakes

and pour over chicken.

Top with cashews.
Cook on Low for 3-4 hours.

Serve with rice.

 ~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!



The Simple Woman's Daybook

For today... Sunday, November 16, 2014

Outside my window...

I am thinking... Of how my dad is turning 70 yesterday and how many things he has been through in his life.

I am thankful for... Family

From the kitchen...

~Sunday~

Multi-Cultural Potluck @ Church
Cabbage Rolls

~Monday~  

Cheesy Tomato Skillet, Garlic Bread, Italian Cauliflower, Cesar Salad
Chocolate Eclair Square

~Tuesday~  

Meatloaf, Roasted Vegetables, Tossed Salad, Cookie & Cream Cake

~Wednesday~  

Sweet & Sour Crockpot Chicken, Rice, Tossed Salad, Broccoli Slaw,
Jelly Roll

~Thursday~  

Beef & Broccoli, Rice, Broccoli Slaw, Chocolate Eclair Square

~Friday~
Asian Glazed Salmon, Rice Pilaf, Peas, Broccoli Slaw, Cookie & Cream Cake

~Saturday~

Leftover Smorg

I am wearing...  Black dress pants, black tank top with a fuschia cardigan

I am creating...

I am reading... "Return to Me" by Lynn Austin

I am praying for... My brother-in-law who got fired from his job of 27 years this week.

Pondering these words... "Right priorities and good time management demand an awareness that today is the only time with which we ever have to work.  The past is irretrievably gone, and the future is only a possibility."  ~Dorothy Kelley Patterson~

I am hoping... For warmer weather!

I am hearing... Inspirational music & the furnace running.

Around the house... Time to think Christmas decorating.

One of my favorite things... Family celebrations.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
~Sunday:  Multi-cultural potluck @ church
~Monday:  Luvin' My Home
~Tuesday:  Work
~Wednesday:  Work
~Thursday:  Optometrist Appointment & shopping for new glasses, visit parents
~Friday:  Luvin' My Home
~Saturday:  Date with Hubby :)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing... 

 ~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!

I am joining...
Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook

Remembrance

Rememberance

(A Hymn for Remembrance Sunday)

~Charles Henrywood~

Grant peace, O Lord, across our strife-torn world,

Where war divides and greed and dogma drive.

Help us to learn the lessons from the past,

That all are human and all pay the price.

All life is dear and should be treated so;

Joined, not divided, is the way to go.

Protect, dear Lord, all who, on our behalf,

Now take the steps that place them in harm's way.

May they find courage for each task they face

By knowing they are in our thoughts always.

Then, duty done and missions at an end,

Return them safe to family and friends.

Grant rest, O Lord, to those no longer with us;

Who died protecting us and this their land.

Bring healing, Lord, to those who, through their service,

Bear conflict’s scars on body or in mind.

With those who mourn support and comfort share.

Give strength to those who for hurt loved-ones care.

And some there be who no memorial have;

Who perished are as though they’d never been.

For our tomorrows their today they gave,

And simply asked that in our hearts they'd live.

We heed their call and pledge ourselves again,

At dusk and dawn - we will remember them!

Voice:

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.

ALL SAY

We will remember them

Slow Cooker Home Style Pork Stew

Ingredients

1 Tbsp. oil

1-1/2 lbs. pork stew meat

1/8 tsp. seasoned salt

1/8 tsp. garlic pepper

2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes

2 cups fresh baby carrots

2 cups pork (or brown) gravy

1/4 cup ketchup

1/2 tsp. dried rosemary

1/8 tsp. ground sage

Heat oil in large skillet over high heat until hot.

Add pork; sprinkle with seasoning salt and garlic pepper.

Cook 3-5 minutes or until browned, stirring frequently.

In 3-quart slow cooker, combine pork

and all remaining ingredients.

Cover; cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Enjoy!

I usually serve this with buns and a salad.

 ~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!



I am joining...

Miz Helen's Country Cottage for Full Plate Thursday

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For today... Sunday, November 9, 2014

Outside my window... The sky is grey and their is a light skiff of snow.  A heavy snowfall warning is in effect for today.

I am thinking... That it is taking me awhile to get going this morning.

I am thankful for... Morning coffee!

From the kitchen...

~Sunday~

Roast Chicken w/Roasted Potatoes & Carrots, Gravy, Buns, Corn, Salad, 

Chocolate Icebox Cake

~Monday~  

Crockpot Sweet & Sour Ribs, Rice, Crockpot Cauliflower & Cheese, Salad, 

Banana Cream Pie

~Tuesday~  

Crockpot Chicken & Biscuits, Salad, 

Chocolate Chip Cake

~Wednesday~  

Pork Chops & Gravy, Buns, Crockpot Carrots, Salad, 

Chocolate Icebox Cake

~Thursday~  

Easy Stuffed Shells, Garlic Bread, Oven Baked Zucchini, Ceasar Salad, 

Banana Cream Pie

~Friday~ 

Cheesy Mushroom Fish Bake, Herbed Pasta, Garlic Green Beans, Mashed Turnip, Salad, 

Chocolate Chip Cake

~Saturday~

Out

Birthday Cake

I am wearing...  Jeans & a green t-shirt with a black cardigan

I am creating... Scrapbook pages, cards, painting a picture and x-stitching.

I am reading... "A Woman's Guide to Making Right Choices" by Elizabeth George

I am praying for... My daughter's budding relationship.

Pondering these words... "Woman can splash the world with the love of Christ...through kindness, caring, touching, meeting needs, and telling of their love for Christ."  ~Esther Burroughs~

I am hoping... That we don't get the freezing rain before the snow.

I am hearing... The fireplace.

Around the house... All is still quiet.

One of my favorite things... Sitting in front of the fireplace in the quiet of the morning with a steaming cup of fresh brewed coffee.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
~Sunday:  Church & Work
~Monday:  Housework & Work
~Tuesday:  Remembrance Day & Work
~Wednesday:  Housework & Work
~Thursday:  Sister-in-law's Birthday, Errands & Grocery Shopping
~Friday:  Home Day
~Saturday:  Dad's Birthday - Supper with parents

Here is a picture thought I am sharing... 

 ~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!

I am joining...
Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook