Happy Halloween



Happy and Safe Halloween to all.  Our yard is full of Halloween decorations as David goes all out.  A few pictures of our front yard and some cute Trick or Treaters. 

 


Double, double toil and trouble;
fire burn and caldron bubble



Hold on, man. We don't go anywhere with "scary," "spooky," "haunted," or "forbidden" in the title. ~From Scooby-Doo



When black cats prowl and pumpkins gleam,
May luck be yours on Halloween.
~Author Unknown

Ready for Trunk or Treat



Crazy Hat day

There is a child in every one of us who is still a trick-or-treater looking for a brightly-lit front porch. ~Robert Brault

 

 

Conclusion of Melanoma and Floppy Hats. Small talk with Sarah

On October 2nd I wrote a post on Melanoma and Floppy Hats.  Yesterday the stiches were removed  from the more extensive procedure of taking a 0.5 cm margin of normal skin surrounding the lesion.  The pathology report came back and all looks wonderful.  Thank you to everyone who sent me emails and words of support.    Apparently, this is more common than I had thought.  So many of you shared similar experiences and I found comfort in knowing that I was not alone. That which we are in need of and seeking will find a way to us.  Thank you for finding me. 

 On a lighter note --- Small talk with Sarah……..

Sarah:  Do you like ice-skating?

Me:  Oh yes, I loved to ice-skate. We would ice-skate every day after school as often as we could. 

Sarah:  Do you like roller-skating?

Me:  Not as much.  I would like to do some of those things with you

Sarah:  you are special, mama

Me:  looking at her inquisitively

Long Pause

Sarah:  You are unique

Me:  Yes, Sarah, I am



"What shape would the world be in today if everyone settled for being average?" --Lucy van Pelt



 

Soup's On - Green Beans and Ham

This is a childhood favorite and so easy to make

Recipe
1 1/2 - 2 pounds fresh green beans
2 - 2 1/2 pounds ham
6 medium potatoes
7 cups water
Better than Bouillon - Ham Base

Place ham (and I also use one ham hock to add flavor) and 7 cups of water in pan, cover and cook one hour.  Remove ham from bone (I use ham slices) and add greenbeans and "Better than Bouillon Ham Base" and cook five minutes.  Cut potatoes into pieces and add.  Cook 20-25 minutes until potatoes are done. 

This freezes really well.  The "Better than Bouillon" adds such a great flavor to this soup.  Add to taste.    

Make some homemade bread and you have a meal. 

So easy - (ham hock in bowl) 

 

 

They also have an Organic Gluten-Free Bouillon

smells great when cooking

 

Halloween Treat Bags

 

 

 

Easy treats to share when using Martha Stewart Crafts

 

(especially when you buy them at 50% off) 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 Add the poem below to make a special Visiting Teaching Treat -- Printed these on 5x7 at Walgreens

free printable from http://libertyslayouts.blogspot.com/2011/10/october-vt.html

 

Be the HERO of your own story

A small authentic moment was shared today with a friend who sold clothing items to a thrift store and books to a second hand store.  The total financial gain was $10.10.  To most of us this would seem inconsequential and not enough to even buy a tank of gas.  For this individual today was as though they climbed a mountain top.  My friend suffers from a social anxiety disorder and the smallest of encounters with the human race can literally stop them in their tracks.  As we drove to the first place I waited in the car as they went in and conducted the transaction without incident except for the intense beating of the heart and sweaty palms.  When it was time to go back into the store they needed a few minutes to gain the courage, strength and composure to accept the offer.  With momentum the next stop was completed with ease.    This person took a risk today no matter how small it was and confidence was gained.  It is with small things that greatness is obtained. 

It is easy to judge or jump to conclusions when we come across something foreign or strange to what we have experienced.  By taking the time to know each other, stand in each other’s space or shoes as you would say, and listen to a view that differs from our own, we begin to open our eyes, and learn new and wonderful things not only about ourselves but others

I asked them, “How does it feel.”  They replied, “I feel great.”   Our fears are not a divine gift but hold us hostage and prevent us from fulfilling our dreams. Banish the doubts and reach beyond the fear.  Within each of us there is a dream waiting to be discovered and waiting to be fulfilled. 

Sometimes we need friends to carry us, guide us and stand beside us.  But in that final moment we stand alone and only we can take that leap as we look within and know the choice belongs to us.  Our hero lies in the depths of our soul and pushes us each day to do the things we feel we cannot.  A simple gift of courage and strength allows us a glimpse of what can be if we open our hearts to see.  At the end of day when we look in the mirror we are and we must be our own Hero.

 What a blessing is was for me to today to witness and be a part of this small miracle.  The moment for this individual is here and gone but leaves a lasting mark and a memory that will change them forever. How can it be described?  It cannot.  Do we find the people we need when we need them?   Do we attract our future and are drawn to that by a similar means?  This person was turning a corner and knew change was inevitable.

http://bitsofwisdom.org/2011/03/03/be-your-own-hero/

 

Happy Girls are the Prettiest

Backward, turn Backward, O Time,

in your flight, make me a child

again just for tonight

                      Elizabeth Allen

Setting:  Bathroom getting ready for Young Women's Meeting and Sarah is looking into the mirror

Me:  Sarah, what are you doing?

Sarah:  Looking at myself

Me:  You sure are beautiful

Sarah:  I know

Me:  How do you know?

Sarah:  Hands held out  "The Mirror"

 

I looked at her with awe and amazement.  Was there a way to capture this moment of how she felt right now --  self-esteem and being strong – knowing who she is – looking in the mirror and loving her image?   Was there a way to protect her from what the world would soon deliver to her in a few years of airbrushed glossy magazine covers and the onslaught of commercials that would make her question her own beauty? 

I stood at the mirror with her and glimpsed into the past --A gangling teenager, crooked teeth, glasses, red hair, freckles and blushing all the time.    Many times I wanted to just hug the wall and disappear.  There were hundreds of awkward moments and feelings of inadequacy. Basically, I was uncomfortable being me and why not as the world around me validated my thinking and feelings.  Scripts were written and played every day that were imbedded into my very being.    

Fast forward many years --- my husband came in the room and said, “when you walked in the door tonight you looked really sexy.”  At first I looked around the room to see who he was talking to because it certainly could not be me.  Once I figured out it was me (since I was the only one in the room) I said, “Really?” 

It takes effort to rewrite a script that you have lived with for so long.  It is like a comfortable sweater that once you put on you do not want to part with it.  This place is easy and soon becomes your comfort zone.  It has taken years to look in the mirror and smile back at my reflection and to honestly say, “I love you and you are beautiful.”  Slowly the script is rewritten and the old sweater is no longer needed or necessary.   There are hints of those old scripts that catch me by surprise but then I remember I am the only one who can change it --I am a Daughter of God. 

To all the beautiful women I know and who read this today.  Cherish yourself, honor yourself, and know that you are beautiful.

 “The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides."  Audrey Hepburn

www.itlooksgoodtome.com

Sweetest Day October 20th Halloween Style

 

 

"Sweetest Day" this year is October 20th.  An original American Holiday founded around 1921 which falls on the 3rd Saturday in October.  A day to celebrate all the wonderful people who make your life special. 

Who makes your life special?

 

 Sweetest Day Celebrated Halloween Style---

 

 

printable from www.kikicomin.com

 

 

 



You've been BOO-ed!

The doorbell rang last night and we opened the door to find a surprise. 

 We had been BOO-ed!  The phantom ghost left a pumpkin filled with goodies.  The note instructed us to share this Halloween Greeting with two other families. 

 

What fun ---- we filled two plastic pumpkins with goodies --left at dark to be sure no one saw us -- rang their doorbells and scurried away.  Now two more families have received a Halloween Surprise of  being  BOO-ed!

 

Have you been BOO-ed this Halloween Season?

 

 two halloween buckets of goodies to share

 

 

here is the link for the handout http://www.beenbooed.com/ive-beenbooed-bw.pdf

 

 



Delectable Chocolate Cake

Darn Good Chocolate Cake from the Cake Doctor Cookbook

Here is my favorite chocolate cake recipe -- the cake is so easy to make - very moist-always a favorite

This is the cake I talked about in the Fall Apple Pie post. I bought a new cake pan and it worked like a charm

Love this cookbook!



Ingredients



You can make a glaze or frosting for this cake and use a pan other than a bundt pan

 

Recipe

 

1 cake mix (devil's food, chocolate fudge) (i use triple chocolate)

1 box chocolate instant pudding (3.9 oz.)

4 large eggs

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup warm water

1/2 cup oil (canola)

1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chips (I use half semi-sweet and half milk chocolate)

 

Place all ingredients except semi-sweet chips  in a mixing bowl and mix well.  Add semi-sweet chips and fold into batter.    Pour batter into desired pan

 

Bake  at 350 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes. 

 

*If using all milk chocolate chips - grease and flour pan well

The entire house smells divine while this is baking



Falling off a swing written by Sarah who is 7

Sarah my daughter wanted to post something on the blog and drew pictures for her story.  This is an unedited version of her story of why you should not fall off the swing.  If you happen to stop by today --- she would be tickled pink if you left her a comment about her story.

Why not to fall off a swing by Sarah ......

This is about why you   should not fall   off of the swing.  Oh  and   by   the  way   Dawns  doter  is   writing  this .Do  not  fall  off   of   the   swing  because   it  hurts.   I   got   a   groing   stran   it   does  hurt   and   it   can   keep   you   from   dance.     It   hurts to run   sometimes   it   can really   hurt    when I’m doing nothing.   I   put an   ice pack on my leg.  Oh   and   sometimes it   hurts   to   walk.  Ibprofen is the pill that I take.  So  that is why you should not fall off a swing.

Have you ever fallen off a swing?

 

drawing by Sarah

 

Neighborly Love

Mondays are RAK on our street

Garbage day on our street means you only have to take the garbage cans to the curb.  Once emptied our neighbor rolls our garbage cans from the street to our backyard where our two rambunctious dogs reside. This in itself is kind and thoughtful.  But he shares the kindness by performing the same act for three other neighbors each week.   It is such a sweet gesture of neighborly love.  I am not sure how long he has been doing this and cannot remember ever thanking him.  So, today we did a  sidewalk chalk drawing and maybe tomorrow a Fall Apple pie.  What do you think?   

Do you have a neighbor who performs Random Acts of Kindness?




inspiration for this from lillightomine.com
 

 

 

 

 

October Giveaway Winner!

Thanks and Congratulations to AubreyLaine for her comment on what is your favorite book and why?   Her favorite Book is "To Kill a Mockingbird."   If you have a minute today read her comment.

Aubrey Laine ---  Email me where you would like me to mail the $25.00 gift card at
alittlehelpnowandthenblog@gmail.com

Have a fabulous Monday from A Little Help Now and Then

Fall Apple Pie

This is my invariable advice to people: Learn how to cook- try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless, and above all have fun!”

                                     Julia Child, My Life in France

True fall weather today -- perfect for baking an apple pie.  Last weekend I volunteered to make two apple pies.  Having never made a successful pie crust this was going to be a challenge.  To my amazement the pies actually turned out quite well. With a success under my belt I ventured making an apple pie for my husband.   

New knowledge for me -- adding vinegar to the dough will guarantee flakiness.    

ingredients for crust - flour,cornstarch, sugar, salt, egg, vinegar, cold water

 

core, peel and slice apples, add lemon juice, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt

  

once pie is assembled brush top crust with an egg/water mixture

 

Fall Apple Pie

  

Truth be told – cooking makes me nervous and stresses me out.  There are some who can look once at a recipe and make amazing dinners.  I look at a recipe and have to read it six times.   My safe list of things to make is short but reliable.  I long to be that woman who looks at a recipe and can add here and take away there and create a masterpiece. 

This past year my safe list of things to make was expanded. There is a feeling of accomplishment and joy when a new dish you are making actually looks and tastes not so bad. 

However, this past weekend I made a cake for a friend as a house warming gift and the cake got stuck in the pan and would not come out – after several attempts and a broken plate in the process the entire mess went in the trash.    I made a roast in the oven and the gravy dried up in the pan.  Oh well, we all have those cooking mishaps but are you supposed to have two in the same weekend?

 

What is your favorite pie? 

 

 

 

Life begins in a garden

A flower garden represents simplicity and harmony with nature. My flower garden is years in the making and always a work-in-progress. One day while antiquing we spotted a ceramic statue of a maiden basking in the afternoon sun. Instantly, I knew she was meant for my humble flower garden as she beckoned for us to purchase her for merely $25.  Each day she welcomes a host of butterflies, hungry squirrels, and fanciful ladybugs.

Leonardo Da Vinci said, "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."

What do you love about your garden?

 

Melanoma and Floppy Hats

When the doctor calls and leaves a message for you to call back it cannot be good.........

Having light colored hair and complexion, freckles, and blue eyes, sunbathing in your youth and using oil (soooo stupid...)  is a bad combination for skin cancer.  In 2009 a mole was removed because it looked suspicious and all was great until 2012 when the mole decided it just could not stay away and wanted to return to a happy home.  So, once again the mole was removed, but this time those nasty little cells decided to mutate and become Melanoma.   The first thing the nurse said is, "Do NOT look this up on the internet."  Really - isn't that what we do - research like crazy and what a plethora of information there is on the internet.  Okay, bad decision.....

The good news is that is was Stage 0.  This basically means the nasty cells were on the surface of the skin and did not penetrate into the lower layers where it then spreads. 

After crying for three days (because having cancer once is bad enough but two times is absolutely ridiculous and totally unacceptable) it all seemed better.  My very best friend (on her own and without my knowledge) researched tons of websites and put together a Cliff Notes version of  Stage 0 Melanoma.  Seriously, who does that???  God sends Angels exactly when we need them and the true blessing is that it was caught in the early stages and they were able to get a clean cut around the mole.

Three weeks later ---  I am wearing sunscreen everyday, sunglasses, a floppy hat, long-sleeved shirts, and having check-ups every three months. 

Today at 2:00 a.m. ---- At twilight, where dreams first dwell, I rememberd a scripture Psalms 27:14.  "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart:  Wait, I say on the Lord." 

He is ever mindful of us --and knows us, remembers us, and comforts us

A little help now and then is not so bad 

To floppy hats and clean health I bid you good day





October Giveaway $25 Barnes & Noble Giftcard - Favorite Book

To be eligible:  Leave a comment on the blog to this question

What is your favorite book and Why?  The best answer wins the gift card.  Winner announced on Monday, October 8th. 

Books should transport us to enchanting places we have never been, take us to worlds where imaginations run freely, touch your heart, bring about action, change, and reflection, allow laughter to our souls, teach us of who we are, who we can be, and place within us dreams to yet be fulfilled. 

When selecting a book it is the cover that determines the purchase for me and tells me that this will be a good book.  This process has yet to let me down. 

For summer reading (for the 2nd grader) we selected a book solely by the cover and found an absolutely delightful story of the Penderwick Family by Jeanne Birdsall   – A summer tale of four sisters, two rabbits and a very interesting boy.  The Penderwick Sisters - Rosalind, Batty, Jane, and Skye take you on their summer adventures, courageous acts, matters of the heart and what is it to be young again.  A remarkable book to read with your children or grandchildren.   

Check out Nest for Celeste by Henry Cole – also a great book to read as a family. 
 
Then make a pretty bookmark with a jumbo paper clip and tie ribbons on the end.  Enjoy!