Thanksgiving

Today is Thanksgiving and I wanted to make a list of the things for which I am grateful this year....

1) A loving Heavenly Father that allows me to have this wonderful chance to be here on earth at this time.
2) My savior, Jesus Christ, who paid the ultimate sacrifice so I could screw up A LOT in mortality and still have an opportunity to be forgiven and return to Him someday.
2) A dear husband, who works hard to take care of his family and loves me in small, quiet ways that astound me.
3) Children who successfully live high personal standards, even though it is not always the popular thing to do.
4) As much as I hate it, I am grateful for my job that pays me a ridiculous sum of money and helps to pay for my farm and travels.
5) My chickens who bring joy, and nourishment, to my life.
6) My returning health, because the alternate is just not much fun.
7) Good, caring nurses (and doctors) at Good Samaritan hospital who constantly amazed me with the level of care they provide in our small community.
8) Good friends, who help make this journey more exciting and entertaining.
9) Homeowners insurance....without it, my bank account would be empty this year.
10) Volunteer firefighters....see #9
11) America, where we can choose our own path and make our own way, at least for now. :)
12) Modern technology that allows me to stay connected with friends and family across the globe.

Wing Night

Well, today was my first official day back to work since my gallbladder surgery and, honestly, it didn't look much different than all my other days of recovery. Me, in a bed, with the addition of a laptop and telephone. Each day I feel a little better but you can still tell without a doubt that someone had sharp objects inside your body cavity.

Bob was a sweet man and drove all the way home from work at lunch to get me something to eat. That is just the kind of guy that he is and I guess we will keep him around.

So after my long, arduous day of maneuvering through hundreds of emails and test files, dinner is upon us again. I just don't have the strength today so it is going to be hot wings and fries, even though I cannot indulge myself. I made some small red potatoes for me in the microwave (trying to be a good girl) and will just enjoy the rest of the family eating their pub feast!

In the mean time, I get to listen to the sounds of Thoroughly Modern Millie wafting through the house as Melanie prepares for her high school musical audition. It is cute today, but ask me again in a month!

Caramel Apple Crisp

As my gall bladder steadily fails, many have asked why I have been in the kitchen cooking so much. Well, the truthful answer is that standing and walking help the pain and so I tend to head to the kitchen where I can relieve the pain a bit and do something constructive at the same time. Even if I can't enjoy all the fruits of my labor because of my illness, I do get joy out of providing delicious meals to my family.

I have been asked to provide one of my latest culinary divinities. Caramel Apple Crisp. I pulled the base of this recipe from Allrecipes.com, which is a website I love, but then added my own twist.

Caramel Apple Crisp

Apple Filling:
5 large or 8 small Granny Smith apples - peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
1/2 cup white sugar
1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup water

Crumb Topping:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup quick cooking oats
1 cup butter, softened and cubed

Caramel Sauce:
1 cup Marzetti's caramel dip

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Toss apple filling ingredients together and place into a greased 8x8 pan.
Pour caramel sauce (you can warm in microwave a few seconds to make it pourable)
over the apple filling.
Spoon crumb topping over the apple filling and bake about 45 minutes. Enjoy!

It's just what mom's do

Well, I had a little delay in updating this blog. It is because I spent a weekend in France helping Elodie move. Elodie, for those who don't know, is a former exchange student of mine. She is now more like a daughter. This daughter was moving to a new apartment and I just had to go help her! It's just what moms do. I would also say it was about time since I have been telling her for years I would come visit.

I had such a wonderful time unpacking boxes and defrosting the freezer in the old apartment. It really didn't matter what we did, just the fact that we were together and had time to talk was what made the weekend perfect. My favorite part (besides eating as much French bread as possible) was when El and I laid on her newly made bed and just talked about life. Nothing could have been more perfect!

I loved travelling through France. I flew into Paris and took a train the city of Nantes, where Elodie lives. 3 hours of traveling across the beautiful farmlands of France. Note to self: Always remember to bring tissues or napkins aboard French trains if you plan on using the facilities.

Many thought me crazy to spend the time and money to go so far for such a simple task. But I say, it's just what moms do.....