When was the last time someone asked you to pray for them? Did you say yes, only to say one little quick prayer? Did you really pray a sincere prayer several times?
Often in our lives we get these request. Often it is our best intentions to really pray but only say a quick prayer and hope it was enough. Often we get upset when our prayers aren't answered in the way we prayed for. Sometimes that is what makes us not pray like we should. Have you ever wondered if praying really works? Of course you have... we all have. The answer is YES!
Rather you believe in praying or not is totally your business. I, myself, am a firm believer in prayers. I have seem what can happen when lots of prayers go up. I am also guilty of not praying like I should sometimes. There are times when my prayers are more like conversations with God. Then there are those times when I have those deep soul cleansing crying prayer. Those seem to occur when I am at my wits end and frustrated with myself, life or people. When I'm done I feel better because I have then turned it all over to God to let Him handle it. God wants us to turn over our concerns, worries and troubles to Him and trust in Him, let Him deal with it. That is the hardest thing for us to do. Yes we are all guilty of it.
So the next time someone ask you to pray for them or someone in their family take a second and ask yourself if you were in their position and in need of prayer wouldn't you want someone to pray for you? Sometimes we aren't sure how to pray for them or what to pray for. That is when you pray for God to provide whatever it is they need... He already knows. The same goes for you... He already knows your needs and concerns.
Let go.. Let God!!
If you are ever in need of prayer please feel free to ask.
Love and hugs..... Kathy
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Edited to add my sisters comment... she makes some really good points!
I AM BLESSED by a Prayerful Sister! Amen!
It's so funny that you wrote about this because I just got through reading "Don't Bet Against Me" by Deanna Favre and it was such an inspiring book. It was so deeply moving. But in her book she speaks about prayer. We so easily get frustrated when God doesn't answer our prayers the way we want and in the timely manner that we want. So, yes, we stomp our feet, cross our arms, huff and puff...And just give up.
Too easily is it to forget....wait a minute. God answers all our prayers. It's not our choice to decide how He answers them. He sometimes says...YES! immediately. Then there are times that He says...Maybe! Give me some time to think about it. Then there are other times that He tenderly says No! Not at this time, that's not what I would have for you. He answers ALWAYS!
He knows all things and sometimes just as we tell our children no, because we know it's for the best, He tells us no. Why? Because the outcome sometimes isn't what they see and we already know. Why? Because they are our children. Just as we are God's children.
When I look at God answering prayers as answering to our children's wants and desires...I think WOW! I know why sometimes NO is the final answer! Sometimes it's devastating. But OH He is a Promising God. He never leaves us..just as we never leave our children. He loves us unconditionally, although I am sure there's often times He's thinking, "What in the world were they thinking?" or "I just don't know about that child!" or "This child is going to be the death of me?(hehehe)"
We as parents get frustrated but God instills in us Patience. And when used PROPERLY it truly does work. Then, like God, we are able to say, "I know they will make the right decision", or "That child is difficult, but Oh how I love him/her" or "This child means the world to me and I want what's best for him/her." So thinking of it that way I have completely learned to believe in God's love for His children and I have learned the true meaning of Faith.
I trust God with my life. He knows my needs and my desires and he distinguishes between the two for me. It's taken me quite some time to get to the point I am at in my life. I grow daily, and I have plenty room left to grow. But now, I see things the way God would have me see them. And boy it sure makes life so much richer.
I love what you wrote Kat, and it only reminds me of just how much alike we truly are. I am thankful for that. You have a HUGE heart! Big enough for all of us, and in that I find some of my richest blessings. I love you and I know you know just how much. Well written...Bravo to you!
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Bless his pointy head...
Bless whose pointy head? My husband's!
Why??? Because I swear sometimes I think that man is going to drive me insane.
I'm still having some problems falling asleep at night. I have tried every thing short of taking medicine. I don't want to take medicine unless I absolutely have too. Which is why I started blogging. To help free some of the clutter out of my mind.
I know my husband has my best interest at heart and I know he loves me, BUT this man's cure for insomnia is to lay in bed till you fall asleep. I swear sometimes he must think I'm a dumb brunette and in need of his guidance. He sometimes thinks he has to tell me what I need to do and when to do it and how. Some days I let him stroke his ego (only because I'm too tired to argue) and then there are those times the hounds are unleashed. This is the same man that years ago I thought was cute as a button (I still think he is handsome), who made me laugh a lot (at a time I really did need to laugh) and at the time helped restore my faith that not all males were jackasses!
At times this man is the most stubborn hard-headed man I know. Throw in the fact that he only hears half of what I say. Selective hearing I think its called. I should have realized he was a stubborn hardheaded man who doesn't listen during our first conversation. Which I kid you not went exactly like this...
David - Hi I'm David. I work PR here. (huge grin)
Me - Hi David. I'm Kathy. (polite smile)
David - So Kathy, you married?
Me - No
David - You engaged?
Me - No
David - Got a boyfriend back home?
Me (a little annoyed at this point) - No
David (still grinning) - Good
Me (more annoyed) - Look David, I'm not interested. I left Mississippi to get away from guys for a while and start a new life. Don't you have some place else you need to be or work to be doing?
David (still grinning) - Yeah ... I will see you when I get back!
Strike 2!! Did he not just hear what I said??
Needless to say about 6 weeks after that first meeting I married him. Here it is nearly 21 years later and we haven't killed each other yet. We have experienced life's highs and lows. Each day brings new things to enjoy or deal with.
Marriages come in all styles. Some seem fairytale perfect. Some have more trials than triumphs. Some seem to fit like an old pair of leather gloves. But if you look closely at the gloves you will see fine cracks in the leather, worn spots, shiny spots and even a few dirty spots. All of this doesn't mean that the gloves aren't good anymore. In fact it just means they have with stood the test of time. They have seen their share of work, happy moments and survived the hard times.
No marriage is perfect. Marriage requires work. Marriage requires dedication. Marriage requires imagination. Marriage requires a sense of humor. Marriage requires LOTS of patience. Marriage requires love and friendship. Marriage also requires this from BOTH partners. When there is only one trying to keep it afloat it is very hard. Its very frustrating. Its very tiring. Sometimes it requires stepping back a bit and taking a look at the whole picture. Sometimes its not as bad as it seems. Sometimes it may take throwing a hissy-fit. Sometimes it may take a rolling pin. (just kidding) But you get the idea.
No our marriage isnt fairytale perfect... but like the old gloves its surviving. So yes bless his pointy head... he still loves me!!
Why??? Because I swear sometimes I think that man is going to drive me insane.
I'm still having some problems falling asleep at night. I have tried every thing short of taking medicine. I don't want to take medicine unless I absolutely have too. Which is why I started blogging. To help free some of the clutter out of my mind.
I know my husband has my best interest at heart and I know he loves me, BUT this man's cure for insomnia is to lay in bed till you fall asleep. I swear sometimes he must think I'm a dumb brunette and in need of his guidance. He sometimes thinks he has to tell me what I need to do and when to do it and how. Some days I let him stroke his ego (only because I'm too tired to argue) and then there are those times the hounds are unleashed. This is the same man that years ago I thought was cute as a button (I still think he is handsome), who made me laugh a lot (at a time I really did need to laugh) and at the time helped restore my faith that not all males were jackasses!
At times this man is the most stubborn hard-headed man I know. Throw in the fact that he only hears half of what I say. Selective hearing I think its called. I should have realized he was a stubborn hardheaded man who doesn't listen during our first conversation. Which I kid you not went exactly like this...
David - Hi I'm David. I work PR here. (huge grin)
Me - Hi David. I'm Kathy. (polite smile)
David - So Kathy, you married?
Me - No
David - You engaged?
Me - No
David - Got a boyfriend back home?
Me (a little annoyed at this point) - No
David (still grinning) - Good
Me (more annoyed) - Look David, I'm not interested. I left Mississippi to get away from guys for a while and start a new life. Don't you have some place else you need to be or work to be doing?
David (still grinning) - Yeah ... I will see you when I get back!
Strike 2!! Did he not just hear what I said??
Needless to say about 6 weeks after that first meeting I married him. Here it is nearly 21 years later and we haven't killed each other yet. We have experienced life's highs and lows. Each day brings new things to enjoy or deal with.
Marriages come in all styles. Some seem fairytale perfect. Some have more trials than triumphs. Some seem to fit like an old pair of leather gloves. But if you look closely at the gloves you will see fine cracks in the leather, worn spots, shiny spots and even a few dirty spots. All of this doesn't mean that the gloves aren't good anymore. In fact it just means they have with stood the test of time. They have seen their share of work, happy moments and survived the hard times.
No marriage is perfect. Marriage requires work. Marriage requires dedication. Marriage requires imagination. Marriage requires a sense of humor. Marriage requires LOTS of patience. Marriage requires love and friendship. Marriage also requires this from BOTH partners. When there is only one trying to keep it afloat it is very hard. Its very frustrating. Its very tiring. Sometimes it requires stepping back a bit and taking a look at the whole picture. Sometimes its not as bad as it seems. Sometimes it may take throwing a hissy-fit. Sometimes it may take a rolling pin. (just kidding) But you get the idea.
No our marriage isnt fairytale perfect... but like the old gloves its surviving. So yes bless his pointy head... he still loves me!!
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
A sad day...
Today was going along so well then sad news came.
My sister had a friend whom she went to school with murdered this summer. Husband reported her missing the day after she supposedly left home on foot. Her body was found in a shallow grave 100 days later about a mile from home. Husband has always been the prime suspect all along but the law enforcement in our home town took their time and apparently have built a strong case against him. He will be arrested and charged for her murder tomorrow. Oh don't worry he will not run because he sits in jail in a neighboring county. That all seems like it would be pretty good news huh... to know that the family will finally have some answers and that the person who caused this young mothers death will pay for their crime. The extra sad part about this is the couples two yr old was home during all of this and apparently was witness to this. I'm afraid there may be more sad news in days to come as all the evidence the law has against him is revealed.
Tonight in the news it was reported a man in South Alabama threw his four children ages 4 months to 3 yrs over a bridge into the waters below. How sad and tragic.
Then there is the guy in Florida that pour hot grease on a 17 month old then used a hair dryer to burn his skin off because he would not stop crying and whining. They need to pour hot boiling grease on him and then burn his skin off too and dare him to cry and whine.
My mind drifts back to what my sister asked me today.... How could someone do this to
someone they loved?? How?? Why?? Why did I even bother watching the news tonight?
Such sadness today. Now its time to kiss my child good night and give thanks for the good things today and pray for those who have dealt with such sadness today.
My sister had a friend whom she went to school with murdered this summer. Husband reported her missing the day after she supposedly left home on foot. Her body was found in a shallow grave 100 days later about a mile from home. Husband has always been the prime suspect all along but the law enforcement in our home town took their time and apparently have built a strong case against him. He will be arrested and charged for her murder tomorrow. Oh don't worry he will not run because he sits in jail in a neighboring county. That all seems like it would be pretty good news huh... to know that the family will finally have some answers and that the person who caused this young mothers death will pay for their crime. The extra sad part about this is the couples two yr old was home during all of this and apparently was witness to this. I'm afraid there may be more sad news in days to come as all the evidence the law has against him is revealed.
Tonight in the news it was reported a man in South Alabama threw his four children ages 4 months to 3 yrs over a bridge into the waters below. How sad and tragic.
Then there is the guy in Florida that pour hot grease on a 17 month old then used a hair dryer to burn his skin off because he would not stop crying and whining. They need to pour hot boiling grease on him and then burn his skin off too and dare him to cry and whine.
My mind drifts back to what my sister asked me today.... How could someone do this to
someone they loved?? How?? Why?? Why did I even bother watching the news tonight?
Such sadness today. Now its time to kiss my child good night and give thanks for the good things today and pray for those who have dealt with such sadness today.
My love of music
Music has always been a major part of my life. Back when I was young we didn't have cable so there were only a few channels available on the tv. Wow does that statement make me feel really old. Anyways, I don't know who was the one responsible for my love of music but for as long as I can remember its been there.
When I was very young my parents bought an old antique piano with hopes I would learn to play. Took lessons but never really caught on to it. I do have two cousins that could play anything by ear. It was their God given talent. One still plays to this day the other never pursued it.... what a waste. I remember sitting and listening to Jackie play and would sit as long as she played. I can still see and hear her in my memory bank. One of these days I hope to hear her again.
Growing up we had all the necessities and not much luxuries so I was grateful for the clock radios we had to have. There was one in each room and even in the barn. Yes music seemed to help sooth the animals and make chores a little less chore-some. There was also little handheld radios that I carried everywhere. No mp3s back then and no earphones. Boom boxes were too expensive. So were the big stereo systems. Those were luxuries.
One of my fondest memories is listening to the radio in the car. I remember how momma, my brother and I would sing along to what ever was on the radio and sometimes hearing my brother say... "Can you sing to yourself?" ha ha NO I cant sing to myself and wasn't given a beautiful singing voice. As momma always said... I couldn't carry a tune with a water bucket on my head... but oh how I love to sing!
My love for music and my horrible singing voice was one of the first things I had to warn boyfriends about. If they could endure that... they must have really liked me or learned to tune me out!
Oh how I loved when my son was born and I could sing all the lullabies I knew. Bless his heart he didn't know his momma couldn't sing... he just smiled. Nowadays... well I think he has figured it out, but doesn't say too much about the sound. He does however comment ... "Momma do you know every song on the radio??" "Of course she does." is hubby's response. Its one area my son thinks I'm smart in. hahaha I love to catch them both off guard and sing a song in a funny way or change it somehow. BOTH will tell you my version of Elvis' Blue Christmas is much better than his!! And how they will never forget the first time they heard my version. I tell ya it sure turn Joshua's sour mood around quickly!! Oh how I hate that song.
Music can be a wonderful way to cure what ails ya. There is even harp music that some people swears helps them heal. Music can sooth the savage soul. It can lift the deepest spirits. It can get your rear in gear to exercise. It can help you celebrate. It can help you mourn. It can even help you feel closer to God. Music can help you express what your soul feels.
What music is your soul playing today???
When I was very young my parents bought an old antique piano with hopes I would learn to play. Took lessons but never really caught on to it. I do have two cousins that could play anything by ear. It was their God given talent. One still plays to this day the other never pursued it.... what a waste. I remember sitting and listening to Jackie play and would sit as long as she played. I can still see and hear her in my memory bank. One of these days I hope to hear her again.
Growing up we had all the necessities and not much luxuries so I was grateful for the clock radios we had to have. There was one in each room and even in the barn. Yes music seemed to help sooth the animals and make chores a little less chore-some. There was also little handheld radios that I carried everywhere. No mp3s back then and no earphones. Boom boxes were too expensive. So were the big stereo systems. Those were luxuries.
One of my fondest memories is listening to the radio in the car. I remember how momma, my brother and I would sing along to what ever was on the radio and sometimes hearing my brother say... "Can you sing to yourself?" ha ha NO I cant sing to myself and wasn't given a beautiful singing voice. As momma always said... I couldn't carry a tune with a water bucket on my head... but oh how I love to sing!
My love for music and my horrible singing voice was one of the first things I had to warn boyfriends about. If they could endure that... they must have really liked me or learned to tune me out!
Oh how I loved when my son was born and I could sing all the lullabies I knew. Bless his heart he didn't know his momma couldn't sing... he just smiled. Nowadays... well I think he has figured it out, but doesn't say too much about the sound. He does however comment ... "Momma do you know every song on the radio??" "Of course she does." is hubby's response. Its one area my son thinks I'm smart in. hahaha I love to catch them both off guard and sing a song in a funny way or change it somehow. BOTH will tell you my version of Elvis' Blue Christmas is much better than his!! And how they will never forget the first time they heard my version. I tell ya it sure turn Joshua's sour mood around quickly!! Oh how I hate that song.
Music can be a wonderful way to cure what ails ya. There is even harp music that some people swears helps them heal. Music can sooth the savage soul. It can lift the deepest spirits. It can get your rear in gear to exercise. It can help you celebrate. It can help you mourn. It can even help you feel closer to God. Music can help you express what your soul feels.
What music is your soul playing today???
Friday, January 4, 2008
Dare to be different
Ever feel like this?? You look just like every other normal person but on the inside you know you are different and sometimes it just feels good to let it show. The freedom to be the real you. To act goofy and silly and not have to worry what others think. To have up moments and down moments and not have to explain them. Oh to be like the owl in the picture.......... LOL
Me and my Momma
Kathryn Lenelle Lipe Cuevas
1941 - 1989
One of the last pictures of my Momma and Me.
My wedding October 1987
I am so much like my Momma that at times its pure scary. I look like her. I think like her. Same build (although shorter). Hate taking pills. Love a good joke. Hard working. Love for baking. So on and so forth.
I lost my Momma to cancer in 1989. She was only 47 and I was only 24. She bravely fought it to the end. I know she had to have been scared but she never let us know. In my eyes my Momma was the strongest, bravest, smartest woman I have ever known. She was... IS... my hero!
I had the perfect Mom. Although I know at times she may not have thought so. With us being so much alike we often butted heads. At times it seems I got my rear spanked or my mouth popped weekly. I do admit to being a mouthy child. Not the back talking kind but the lawyer kind. You know ... stating my case long after I was told to shut up. More times than not, I was punished for the acts of my brother than my own. The lawyer child would came out and I would talk fast trying to state my case. But I always knew my Momma loved me... Always.
She worked sometimes 7 to 7, 7 days a week to make ends meet. She always found ways to spend free time with us. If my brother or I needed some private time with her we would catch her in the tub and talk away. She never complained... she would give us her undivided attention, no matter how long it took. I could talk to my Momma about anything. No subject was off limits. I could ask any question and she would answer. Even after I moved away I could call her anytime, she was always there with an answer, a laugh or the reassurance I sought.
Like I said earlier, Momma and I are a lot alike. As I was in the kitchen last night preparing supper, I got to thinking about my Momma. It occurred to me that our lives have taken almost the same paths. We have experienced a lot of the same life dramas and traumas. I stood there wondering if what I am dealing with in my life is what she dealt with too. Then I knew there may be one thing my Momma and I may not have in common. I don't feel I am mentally as brave as she was. If I was, I wouldn't have allowed things to get the way they are in my life. Then I wondered... maybe some of the decisions she made in her life were made because she felt the same way and felt that they were the only way to fix it and get control of her life again. Once she made those decisions she lived with the consequences of those decisions and she did so bravely. I'm not that brave... yet. Will I ever be????
Oh how I wish I could talk to my Momma... I need some of her reassurance and a hug!!
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Winters first visit...
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Winter has come to the south for a visit today. .
How long will it stay is anyones guess.
Im sure its a short visit and will return again for a longer stay.
The sun is causing the icy frost to come alive and give a sparkling show.
Oh how I long to crawl back in bed and enjoy the warmth it would provide.
But I must dress in warm clothes and brave the chilling winds.
No flip flops and shorts today my friend.
Winter has come to the south for a visit today. .
How long will it stay is anyones guess.
Im sure its a short visit and will return again for a longer stay.
The sun is causing the icy frost to come alive and give a sparkling show.
Oh how I long to crawl back in bed and enjoy the warmth it would provide.
But I must dress in warm clothes and brave the chilling winds.
No flip flops and shorts today my friend.
Joshua - from my baby to manchild
How did the child I gave birth to, what seems like only a couple of years ago, suddenly become the man-child he is today??? Where did the time go?
This morning I went into my sons room to give him his list of chores for the day, last minute instructions and tell him I loved him, then I saw it..........
HAIR UNDER HIS ARMS!!
Then I noticed the hair on his lip is darker!! What!!!!!!!! Oh my heavens.... what do I do now??? Am I totally ready for all of this?? Granted he passed me in height several months ago. His voice has been going through its changing stage for a couple of months now. He is out of little boy pants sizes and into the grown up pants. His feet are huge. His appetite is even healthier than before. He reminds me almost daily he is almost a teenager. His exploration in these new changes and finding his place in life has created a test of wills (his and mine). He was a strong willed child as a toddler. Then there was that phase of shyness when he entered school. Now the strong willed child has resurfaced.
Part of me wants to scream bring back that little child that nursed at my breast. Bring back that little child that relied on his mom for everything. Bring back that little child that loved to crawl up in my lap when he was unsure of things. Bring back that little child that used my hair as his security blanket. Bring back that little child what wasnt embarrassed to hold my hand. Bring back that little child that hugged and kissed me for no reason at all. Bring back that little child that wasnt too cool to say he loved me.
Lord help me to be the mom he needs me to be right now. Help me to help him grow and find his place in this world. Give me the strength I need to get through the really tough days. And Lord, please slow time down so I can squeeze as many memories as I can from his childhood. For it will be those memories that carry me through the days when he is grown and on his own.
What is your talent and purpose?
Have you ever wondered what your God given talent was or what your purpose in life was and how you were suppose to use it to better mankind?
There are those who have a musical talent, artistic talent, speaking talent, athletic talent and so worth. There are those who are naturals in the medical field, finance field, culinary field, electronics field, automotive field and so on. There are people who knew from an early age what they wanted to be when they grew up. There are those who stumbled into their talent/field by accident. There are those who are still searching for their talent and/or their purpose in life. Which is where I seem to fall.
Then I got to thinking... How does one find their purpose or what their talent is? Where does one look for ideas? Who do you ask? What if one has a talent or purpose they arent using for a greater good, does one lose it? Does everyone have one? What is my purpose and talent? What if my purpose is to scrub toilets for others and my talent is the gift of gab??? Oh my....
One thing is for sure... if you ask God...you better be ready for the answer!! There is no arguing back with him!
There are those who have a musical talent, artistic talent, speaking talent, athletic talent and so worth. There are those who are naturals in the medical field, finance field, culinary field, electronics field, automotive field and so on. There are people who knew from an early age what they wanted to be when they grew up. There are those who stumbled into their talent/field by accident. There are those who are still searching for their talent and/or their purpose in life. Which is where I seem to fall.
Then I got to thinking... How does one find their purpose or what their talent is? Where does one look for ideas? Who do you ask? What if one has a talent or purpose they arent using for a greater good, does one lose it? Does everyone have one? What is my purpose and talent? What if my purpose is to scrub toilets for others and my talent is the gift of gab??? Oh my....
One thing is for sure... if you ask God...you better be ready for the answer!! There is no arguing back with him!
the brain is a funny thing...
The brain is a funny thing... well mine is.
Some days my brain seems to run ninety mile an hour with all kinds of creative ideas and projects. Some days it is filled with stress and worries. Some days it doesnt seem to wanna work at all (those are referred to as blond moments.) Some days it seems to have a hard time deciding what it wants to settle on and runs all over the place.
Today it was all over the place. If I hadnt been so busy with work and had sat down and wrote down everything I was thinking about it would have been several pages long. Those days can be confusing at times. So many things I want to do or get done. Some things that need further concentration or research. Some creative ideas bounced around in there too.
I love the creative ideas. I love the challenges they sometimes bring. I love figuring out how I can incorporate them in to my home or for others. I love to think of ways to accomplish them without spending too much money. Etc....
When I came home this afternoon I couldnt wait to write some of my ideas down before they were lost in the cluttered mass of my brain. I logged on to the internet for a quick check to see if my sister had sent a message that she arrived home safely since she didnt call. There waiting was a quote from a friend that said... " She lives only for the narcotic moment of creative bliss..." Well my brain read it too fast and wrong... I thought it said... "she lives only for the NEUROTIC moments of creative bliss..." I thought how funny to receive that quote today and had a good laugh over it. Then I read it again and couldnt decided which quote actually fit. LOL
Some days my brain seems to run ninety mile an hour with all kinds of creative ideas and projects. Some days it is filled with stress and worries. Some days it doesnt seem to wanna work at all (those are referred to as blond moments.) Some days it seems to have a hard time deciding what it wants to settle on and runs all over the place.
Today it was all over the place. If I hadnt been so busy with work and had sat down and wrote down everything I was thinking about it would have been several pages long. Those days can be confusing at times. So many things I want to do or get done. Some things that need further concentration or research. Some creative ideas bounced around in there too.
I love the creative ideas. I love the challenges they sometimes bring. I love figuring out how I can incorporate them in to my home or for others. I love to think of ways to accomplish them without spending too much money. Etc....
When I came home this afternoon I couldnt wait to write some of my ideas down before they were lost in the cluttered mass of my brain. I logged on to the internet for a quick check to see if my sister had sent a message that she arrived home safely since she didnt call. There waiting was a quote from a friend that said... " She lives only for the narcotic moment of creative bliss..." Well my brain read it too fast and wrong... I thought it said... "she lives only for the NEUROTIC moments of creative bliss..." I thought how funny to receive that quote today and had a good laugh over it. Then I read it again and couldnt decided which quote actually fit. LOL
Holidays and Food...
Whew... its finally a new year. The holidays have come and gone. I survived!! Everything got done with the exception of two pies not being made. I dont think anyone noticed. I was tempted to make one of those forgotten pies for New Years but a quick step on the scales put a halt to that!! There of course was lots of food, desserts and goodies over the holidays... as evident of the final remains of leftovers emptied into the trash can.
Why do we over-cook for such occasions? Why do we think that we must cook for 3 or 4 days to prepare for just ONE meal? It has to be a southern tradition or something, because for as long as I can remember my family has done this year after year after year and the traditions carry on still to this day. It just wouldnt be right to not have certain things each year. For instance, my crew will not eat anyone elses dressing but mine... including my mother-in-law!! Spoiled they are!! There is usually a small turkey. There is usually 2 hams because someone doesnt like the honey baked ham mom in law buys because she doesnt eat turkey or chicken. There is usually 4 or more dishes of family members favorite sides. There is usually 2 or 3 cakes, 2 or 3 pies and plenty of homemade goodies and treats. All this for one day!! And this side of the family isnt that big. Now my side of family is another story... double everything!!
The only reason I can come up with for all this excess of food is, its a celebration and southerners love food and love a good get together. At Christmas we celebrate the birth of the Christ child. We also celebrate the renewing of family ties and the bonds of friendship. At Thanksgiving we cook to show our gratitude for the blessings we have received through out the year. At Easter we cook again in rememberence of the sacrifice God made for the forgiveness of our sins. In the days of old, food was all people had to give, there wasnt money for buying gifts.
For this southern belle, my holiday baking starts before Thanksgiving and doesnt end till Christmas Day. There are the things needed for the Thanksgivings meal and desserts. Even if we are going out of town. I always have to take something or leave something for mom in law if she isnt going with us. Once that is done then starts the baking of candy and goodies and the 2 dozen or more of the now famous rum cakes for clients and friends. Then theres the request for 2 sweet potato pies that I get paid to make because the wife can not get hers to taste like mine using my recipe. There is now the addition of a couple of red velvet cakes that a special friend threatens her family with bodily harm if they take a piece without asking.
Some have asked me why I do all that and how do I manage to get it all done with work and shopping to be done, its simple I love it!! If you know me, you know I love to cook and bake. It was something that was created in my DNA many generations ago. It wasnt the gourmet food type DNA, but the old fashion comfort food type. As the old saying goes, everything taste better with love sprinkled in it. You can bet, if I made it... there is love in it.
Why do we over-cook for such occasions? Why do we think that we must cook for 3 or 4 days to prepare for just ONE meal? It has to be a southern tradition or something, because for as long as I can remember my family has done this year after year after year and the traditions carry on still to this day. It just wouldnt be right to not have certain things each year. For instance, my crew will not eat anyone elses dressing but mine... including my mother-in-law!! Spoiled they are!! There is usually a small turkey. There is usually 2 hams because someone doesnt like the honey baked ham mom in law buys because she doesnt eat turkey or chicken. There is usually 4 or more dishes of family members favorite sides. There is usually 2 or 3 cakes, 2 or 3 pies and plenty of homemade goodies and treats. All this for one day!! And this side of the family isnt that big. Now my side of family is another story... double everything!!
The only reason I can come up with for all this excess of food is, its a celebration and southerners love food and love a good get together. At Christmas we celebrate the birth of the Christ child. We also celebrate the renewing of family ties and the bonds of friendship. At Thanksgiving we cook to show our gratitude for the blessings we have received through out the year. At Easter we cook again in rememberence of the sacrifice God made for the forgiveness of our sins. In the days of old, food was all people had to give, there wasnt money for buying gifts.
For this southern belle, my holiday baking starts before Thanksgiving and doesnt end till Christmas Day. There are the things needed for the Thanksgivings meal and desserts. Even if we are going out of town. I always have to take something or leave something for mom in law if she isnt going with us. Once that is done then starts the baking of candy and goodies and the 2 dozen or more of the now famous rum cakes for clients and friends. Then theres the request for 2 sweet potato pies that I get paid to make because the wife can not get hers to taste like mine using my recipe. There is now the addition of a couple of red velvet cakes that a special friend threatens her family with bodily harm if they take a piece without asking.
Some have asked me why I do all that and how do I manage to get it all done with work and shopping to be done, its simple I love it!! If you know me, you know I love to cook and bake. It was something that was created in my DNA many generations ago. It wasnt the gourmet food type DNA, but the old fashion comfort food type. As the old saying goes, everything taste better with love sprinkled in it. You can bet, if I made it... there is love in it.
Tis the season...
Friday, November 30, 2007
Ok so how in the heck did the holidays get here so fast this year?? Were we not just celebrating Easter?? Why the heck are radio stations playing Christmas music 24/7 BEFORE thanksgiving?
Its now normal for Christmas decorations to appear in stores BEFORE halloween. If you decide to buy new decorations to add to your collection you better get them before Dec 1st or it will be slim pickings. Of course I have been collecting decorations for about 20 years now and this year I decided I wanted to decorate the tree totally different than from years past. Yes I really do have enough ornaments to decorate atleast 5 different trees... there is the train theme, the fishing theme complete with 2.5 inch real bobbers, the old fashion ornaments, the snowmen ornaments and lets not forget the nearly 100 snowflakes that now hold the place of honor suspended from the ceiling to create the winter wonderland feeling in the deep south. Anyways, back to where I was going with this... All the pretty colored balls are gone or broken, left are the ones that must be meant for people who are color blind or spent way too many years doing acid. In the end, I was able to get a few to add to the ever growing collection of Christmas decorations. I can't wait now to see what I might find at 75% off after Christmas. LOL
The next two days will be spent decorating the tree and house. Sunday will the the "granny invasion" where we will descend on mom in law and force her to put up her decorations 2 weeks before she is ready too. Its another tradition that my son loves. Which is the main reason I do what I do each year at this time. Create memories that will forever fill my child's memory bank. Some are silly... some are serious but all in all it just wouldn't be Christmas without them. Then it will be on to the baking and candy making... oh and the shopping. Oh how does my pre-Christmas pray go... Dear Lord up above please help me to remember that it always gets done and to never forget the real meaning behind all this madness.
Ok its time to crank up the Christmas tunes and get busy.
Ok so how in the heck did the holidays get here so fast this year?? Were we not just celebrating Easter?? Why the heck are radio stations playing Christmas music 24/7 BEFORE thanksgiving?
Its now normal for Christmas decorations to appear in stores BEFORE halloween. If you decide to buy new decorations to add to your collection you better get them before Dec 1st or it will be slim pickings. Of course I have been collecting decorations for about 20 years now and this year I decided I wanted to decorate the tree totally different than from years past. Yes I really do have enough ornaments to decorate atleast 5 different trees... there is the train theme, the fishing theme complete with 2.5 inch real bobbers, the old fashion ornaments, the snowmen ornaments and lets not forget the nearly 100 snowflakes that now hold the place of honor suspended from the ceiling to create the winter wonderland feeling in the deep south. Anyways, back to where I was going with this... All the pretty colored balls are gone or broken, left are the ones that must be meant for people who are color blind or spent way too many years doing acid. In the end, I was able to get a few to add to the ever growing collection of Christmas decorations. I can't wait now to see what I might find at 75% off after Christmas. LOL
The next two days will be spent decorating the tree and house. Sunday will the the "granny invasion" where we will descend on mom in law and force her to put up her decorations 2 weeks before she is ready too. Its another tradition that my son loves. Which is the main reason I do what I do each year at this time. Create memories that will forever fill my child's memory bank. Some are silly... some are serious but all in all it just wouldn't be Christmas without them. Then it will be on to the baking and candy making... oh and the shopping. Oh how does my pre-Christmas pray go... Dear Lord up above please help me to remember that it always gets done and to never forget the real meaning behind all this madness.
Ok its time to crank up the Christmas tunes and get busy.
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