Merry Christmas

 Merry Christmas to All

^{Luke 2:8-12; NIV}
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

I was blessed on Sunday Eve to see my son Ian, his girlfriend Erin, my daughter and her family for Christmas fun and celebration.

 Christmas Eve at great grandma's house, the cousins shared a little bit of time.

 Family dinner, fun and laughter

My daughter Jasmine, Granddaughter Zeely Jade and myself at our home. 
Zeely decided to show her love to us (in her own way) in this picture. She grabbed on tight and had a genuine smile of love. I am one blessed mom and grandmother.
 Proverbs 17:6 Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children. 

  

It's Christmas Cookie Time

Are you like me and you love to bake cookies? Doesn't it make Christmas time feel like Heaven? I truly am a cookie monster.

Whether you are baking regular or normal cookie recipes, or the gluten-free variety for family members, the Amish Drop Sugar Cookie and the Sugar Cookie Pumpkin Bar recipes are a must try.

Both recipes can easily be converted into  a gluten-free cookie.

 BOTH RECIPES ARE ON SEEKYT

                                              
This post linked to: Frugal Food Thursday

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Whether you consider a pumpkin to be a vegetable or a fruit is of little importance, what you make with the pumpkin is. Using pumpkin in recipes adds so many vitamins and moisture, however, adds little calories. It’s a oh my goodness, win-win situation.  Carving pumpkins for Halloween is fun however; the pumpkin cinnamon roll is one of the recipes you will want to make our family for a healthier breakfast alternative.

For the recipe for Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls pop on over to Seekyt

Halloween: Safety First

My nephew and niece as Bi-Polarism

Whether you are an adult going to a costume party, attending Light the Night or a child going from door to door trick or treating, it's Halloween: Safety First.  As parents or grandparents it's our job and responsibility to keep our children safe!

2 of my grandsons a few years back.

Common sense should tell you to purchase flame-retardant costumes that are roomy enough to allow a child to dress warmly, however, not too big as that could cause your child to trip or brush against a lit Jack-o-lantern. Also, take into consideration the color of the costume, the lighter in color the better for the visibility of the child. If the child is wearing a mask, instead of makeup, test it out before hitting the streets so you are certain the child can see in all directions well. 

Light the Night; couple of years ago

For years and years this treats inspection has been advised:

1. An adult should check all treats before they are eaten. Explain why this is important to children. 
2. Only eat treats in original, unopened wrappers. Throw away candy if wrappers are faded, have holes or tears, or if the candy has been unwrapped. 
3. Check fruit and homemade treats for punctures or contamination. Allow your child to eat such items only if from someone you know and trust. Fruit can be cut into sections to check for sharp objects. 
4. Consider giving non-edible treats such as stickers, crayons, coins etc.

 More trick-or-treating advise:

1. Feed children before trick-or-treating and give them some candy from home while trick- or-treating to avoid the temptation to eat from their bags.
2. Carry a flashlight or glow sticks, wear reflective clothing or tape, and watch for cars. Try to finish before dark.
3. An adult should accompany young children, and visits should be limited to familiar well-lit homes.
4. Avoid barking dogs or other upset animals.
   
   • Portions of this information came from Halloween Safety; MnPoison.org
     
     • Read more about Light the Night  on Seekyt

 

    

Fall Cottage Time

Usually when I visit the cottage in the fall there is vibrant colors. This year the weather being very strange and dry the leaves changed at a different rate. As you can see with my busy fall I have missed the peak season of the leaves turning here on the island of Dewart Lake. 

One good thing is the tree across the lake is still Orange and color rich. I get to enjoy the beauty of the cool blue lake from my living room window. 

I can also enjoy the birds on the lake. I did spot the eagle yesterday, however, with my camera acting up I did not have a chance to capture a shot. 

Thank goodness this Heron was not in a hurry, it was not letting the cool lake water distract him, while I got my messed up Canon camera  to get this picture.

Digging Potatoes with Grandpa

While Grandpa used the fork, she used her hands

Grandpa loves gardening, potatoes and sweet potatoes are one of our biggest crop, therefore, when the grandchildren want to  help dig potatoes he is glad to show them how it is done.

Digging potatoes with grandpa is an annual event, 3-year old Zeely Jade was here last weekend so it was her turn to help.

Look at this big sweet potato

At first Z didn't get the hang of the potato fork, however by  the time they got done with the sweet potatoes and headed to the white and red potatoes she was a pro.

She's got a handle of the tater fork.

Gluten-free Zucchini Pineapple Bread

Zucchini from the garden

When it comes to making breads and or meals, it is great to have an organic garden to get your supplies. For our family, the garden ends up in canning jars or freezer bags to use all year long. Since I have many family members either gluten or wheat intolerant I use zucchini for bread recipes.
Gluten-free zucchini pineapple bread is yet another quick bread people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease can enjoy. Gluten-free zucchini pineapple bread, because of the low calorie pineapple, is very high in vitamin C and Manganese. Pineapple is also a great source of vitamin B6, Copper, B1, folate and fiber.

According to the Worlds Healthiest Foods, “Excessive inflammation, excessive coagulation of the blood, and certain types of tumor growth may all be reduced by therapeutic doses of bromelain when taken as a dietary supplement. Studies are not available, however, to show these same potential benefits in relationship to normal intake of pineapple within a normal meal plan.”

The summer squash zucchini provides in 1 cup, a mere 18 calories yet contains 32% of your daily vitamin C. Zucchini also provides a variety of other nutrients right down to omega 3. WHF also explains, “No category of health benefits from summer squash is better researched than the category of antioxidant benefits. As an excellent source of manganese and vitamin C as well as a good source of vitamin A (through its concentration of carotenoid phytonutrients), summer squash provides us with a great combination of conventional antioxidant nutrients.”

Therefore, making gluten-free zucchini pineapple bread for the gluten intolerant in your family is necessary.

A popular blend of gluten-free flour is Bob Red Mills, the all-purpose flour contains; garbanzo flour, potato starch, tapioca flour, sorghum flour, and fava. I think that is why it is so good for breads and cookies. Most prepackaged gluten-free cookies and such start with the gritty rice flour.

Ingredients for making gluten-free zucchini pineapple bread:

• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt 2 cups rice flour
• 2/3 cup potato starch
• 1/3 cup tapioca flour
• 3 tsp xanthan gum

 *I prefer to use Bob Red Mills all-purpose flour instead of purchasing all the individual flours.

Directions for making gluten-free zucchini pineapple bread: 

Gluten-Free Zucchini Pineapple Bread

Mix the following in a large bowl:

• 3/4 cup oil
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 eggs, large
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Add :

1. 2-cups zucchini, shredded
2. 1-20 oz can crushed pineapple drained completely
3.  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
5. Pour the mixture between 2 greased loaf pans.
6. Bake approximately 55-65 minutes, until golden brown and when a tooth pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the gluten-free zucchini pineapple bread rest in pans for 5 minutes.
8. Cool on a rack or cutting board, slice and enjoy.

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

No doubt you've seen pumpkins in fields, in grocery stores and at road side stands for sale. Maybe you are like we are and have grown your own. What are your plans for the pumpkins? Are you making pies, breads, sweet and easy pumpkin whip, pumpkin cake doughnuts or simply carving for Halloween? Whatever you make out of or do with the pumpkins don't forget to save the seeds for roasting. 

Pumpkin seeds not only taste good but they are also good for you. If you've never toasted or roasted pumpkin seeds that's OK there is always a first time.
To Read More: Seekyt

This post linked to: Frugal Food Thursday

It's Pumpkin Time

Grand daughter in 2009

 It's pumpkin time once again in Indiana. How do you plan on using your home grown pumpkins? Are you going to make pumpkin bread, Pumpkin soup, Pumpkin pies or simply going to carve a face into it?

Ex-Large pumpkins are great for carving a jack-o-lantern, however, they can still be used in baking.
If you do use a large pumpkin to make some holiday pies, what do you do with the rest?
The answer is freeze it for making other recipes later on in the year. 
Read more: Freezing Pumpkin

       

Goats Goats and More Goats

Goats, goats and more goats.
So many goats, as well as other abandoned animals have been rescued, given a home and loved by my big brother John and my sister-n-law Sue.

Casey's General Store ran a contest and with the prize being $5000.00, Sue declared  herself the Crazy Goat Lady.
Many entered the contest, however, Sue along with 2 others are in the top 3. All 3 are talented and or famous in there own right. My thoughts are; anyone that can love animals as much as they do, rescue abandoned animals no one else wants, they will love their fellow man. Who better should be named Casey's Famous Person? Please consider voting daily for the crazy goat lady.

To read more on Seekyt: Crazy Goat Lady-Animal Rescuer

Family Fun with the Grandsons

Myself and 3 grandsons

Proverbs 31:28-29 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.”

Youngest 2 grandsons

Oh how I feel blessed to share my cottage and weekend with my boys. It has been a month and I missed them so much. This is only the second time they have been at the cottage this summer.

They do love each other

Found coat in closet

The oldest grandson is now 10-years old and once came with me all the time. He actually helped grandpa build the railing for the deck. We found this coat in the closet in case we needed it as it was very breezy afternoon. It was, I believe, a size 4 and he wanted to see if he could still wear it. It still kind of fit and gave us all a smile. Family fun is so much fun, it makes a grandma so happy.

Kristin and Eric Larrew's Wedding

Dave and Kristin

On September 1, 2012 my grand daughter, Kristin Schwartz was united in marriage to Eric Larrew. With Hurricane Isaac hitting Louisiana forcing heavy rains to head north, the planned outdoor wedding made the Facebook pages with a late breaking news bulletin. The Larrew wedding was now being re-planned and headed indoors.  

Z putting down feathers

Our 3-yr old grand daughter was the feather girl.  Instead of going up the aisle just once, she did it a couple of times. She knew she had an important job to lay down the feathers so Kristin would have soft things to walk on. She would have kept going if I had not stopped her. She had plenty of feathers left.

Kristin looked beautiful as her dad, David Wayne Schwartz 11, my son-n-law; walked her down the aisle of the Martinsville Church of the First Born.

The Big Kiss

As Eric and Kristin shared their first kiss, the whole congregation looked on and cheered. The wedding, despite the weather and change of venue, was great.

Here for the first time is  Mr and Mrs. Eric Larrew.

Kristin and Eric Larrew

Read about Wedding Cupcake Stands on Seekyt

31st Annual Sisters Camping Trip

We decided very last minute to spend our 31st Annual Sisters Camping Trip in Alamo MI at Spring Lake Resort. Right before we left the campground Sunday, we remembered we hadn't taken our annual picture. Sister Anita grabbed a lady to take our picture. 
We had a pond in front of the camper that looked more like a swamp and this frog was setting on the edge trying to hide from us. 
We played a game, I believe they called Hillbilly Golf. 

If you play Hillbilly Golf be careful, several games later the balls landed in the tree creating a new adventure called how do we get it down.                    

Angie thought using Trish's shoe to knock down the ball was a good thing to try. Oops, now we have 2 things to retrieve.



After Anita attempted to ride Angie's back to knock the balls down with a broom, we decided using the truck to boost her up higher was the best thing to try. The balls for the game (and Trish's shoe) were retrieved and the girls played a few more rounds. I did play one round, however, I am not good. Fun was had by all, especially the good sales at yard sales and Good Will. Oh, we did knitting, crocheting and relaxing too!

Gluten-Free Peach Bread

Summer time and all the fresh fruit and veggies are a bakers dream. Recipes, whether it be the made with regular all-purpose or gluten-free flours are being baked. One great recipe, for example is Gluten-Free Peach Bread. My peach bread recipe is a low sugar power packed dessert for people that are gluten intolerant or has celiac disease. 

Read more on Seekyt

 
This post linked to Frugal Food Thursdays

Weaver Annual Family Camp

My 4 biological grandchildren

This year we had our annual family campout August 2-5, 2012 at Hoffman Lake Campground in Warsaw IN. Although we weren’t exactly thrilled with the rudeness of some of the seasonal campers and the management of the campground, we loved being together. 

Cousins don't always share!

Daddy loves giving rides to his baby girl

Z enjoyed the 4 wheeler

Big brother loves his Sis

Our campouts began in 1997, the year our father passed away. We did not go very far, in fact we camped out in mom’s backyard. We have been to four different campgrounds trying to find something that fits the needs of all. Since I believe we agreed never to return to Hoffman Lake Campground, we are once again in search of a place for my big family to go.

So So Sorry

This Indiana summer has been so hot and dry. My husband and I find ourselves watering our big garden daily. I am praying we get a harvest for all our hard work. Between the dry conditions, and the bugs that's laying eggs on all our squash plants, so far it's proven to be our worst garden since we moved in our home in 1991.

However, we praise Jesus for everything he does for us, and are praying for our neighbors who are farmers, and their lives depend on a good harvest. 

With all that said, I am so so sorry I had  not posted to my blog for a while. We've been a tad preoccupied.

Exploring Northern-Central Kentucky

Greeted by Baby Girl

Since my husband is on vacation or shut down in the RV business we once again headed south to visit my daughter and family. My 3 1/2-year old granddaughter was counting down the days. Sis said she asked numerous times throughout the day about when we would get there. She came out greeting us with I love you grandma! Aw how it can melt a grandma's heart.

 As it was so hot, we soon decided to cool off in the kiddie pool. Trust me, it was good enough for me, I cooled off. 


Saturday morning we decided to explore KY. We headed to the Swope's Auto Museum in Elizabethtown first. It is an awesome free car museum. If you are planning a vacation this should be on your to do list. Here my husband is looking at the trunk saying his mom has one in the garage much like it. Of course baby girl had a hard time not wanting to touch all the cars however for 3 1/2-years old she did very well. 

Here she is posing with my daughter or her mom. After the museum we headed to historic Bardstown KY. We started with a picnic and proceeded to walk to see the town. We did get warm so stopped to have a cone at Baskin Robbin's. As it was warm, Z's chocolate cone did not last long. She did get quite a bit of chocolate on her face.

Trail guide in tap shoes

Let's go!

Sunday after church, lunch, nap and Nascar race we decided to check out Taylorsville lake. When Z heard we were leaving she was ready to go tap shoes and all.  With her walking stick she points out we were on the red path. Trust me, she was looking for the red to keep us on track. She had one minor incident with the tap shoes putting her on her bum but did not let it stop her. She made a wonderful trail guide.

Walked 1.5 mile red trail and picked pine cones

Monday morning as we were packing up to leave, even though baby girl was reluctant, we stopped to look at the blue Morning Glory she planted from the seeds we purchased for her last trip south. Then I noticed she had grabbed the olive can and that's what she was eating for breakfast. Grandpa was spoiling her, by purchasing them and taking them, knowing she loved them.

She tried to stow away

Well heading home is rough, however, it has to be done. I didn't shed a tear in front of her as she didn't want us to leave or she wanted to go with us, but man my heart was breaking.

Grandpa and Grandma ready to leave!