Our family has not taken a photo together, well-groomed anyway, since before the oldest grandchild was born.  That took place almost seven years ago!  So, the shots above are long overdue.  So much has changed.  Christi and Matt have been added to the pack through marriage and four grandbabies have been born.  It is hard to believe all that has taken place.  It leaves me at a loss of words, so I will end this by saying, "I am thankful."

(Too bad the top photo is tilted.) 

I Smile Every Time

It is true!  Every time I see a hot air balloon, I can't help but smile.  It isn't a regular smile but "I just stepped out of my world for 15 seconds, gazing upon something beautiful and felt a smile on my face from the peace I feel in the depths of my being" kind of smile...pretty intense.  I love it and fortunately I experience this at least once a week.  When we moved several years ago to the home we are currently in, I noticed these floating mood enhancers and became surprised at their frequent appearance.  Anyway, several days ago, my first look to the outside world before leaving for work is what I am sharing with you now.  The sun was still in its early ascent, the Fall leaves changing, starting to descend and the crisp morning air prickly on my face.  Just lovely!

This experience makes me feel loved actually.  Apparently, because of the physiological and emotional response, I really like hot air balloons.  Even better, I get to see them all the time.  With having such a rough past couple of years, I can't help but think that these cross my path on purpose.  They truly pull me out of myself and alter my attitude.  It's amazing though, if I lived Truth, I might have a different outlook on life all the time.  Imagine that!

Three Years of Dancing

My husband and I have been married for three wonderful years today!  I am so thankful for him.  I am thankful for his dedication to our marriage, to our children and honoring them, to our families and friends, his work and the community.  I am thankful that he is forever seeking growth within himself, encouraging the same for me and searching for growth as a union.  I am thankful that he hands all this over to God.

I love you Matthew!

(Photos courtesy of Visual Cadence)

Rosemary Chicken Rub

2 tsp salt and pepper

2 T parsley

2 T oregano

2 T basil

2 T rosemary

4 tsp butter

Combine all the dry ingredients, toss on the bird that is already in the crock pot, add tabs of butter to the top of the chicken and cook on High for 5 hours.  I did add some garlic to this recipe and thyme.  It is the first time I have used this recipe and overall I enjoyed it.  When I make it again, I will reduce the salt a little bit (don't tell my husband).  Also, after the chicken is cooked, removed from the crock pot and cooling, remove the meat from the bones.  Add the bones and skin back in to the crock pot along with 5 cups of water and let the broth cook on Low overnight.  Come morning, your house will smell amazing and you will have homemade chicken broth.  Yummm!

Strawberry Craziness

This beautiful work, Strawberry Whoopie-pie, was a sweet and a coma inducing treasure we enjoyed at The Brick Store in Decatur, GA.  When a friend and I ordered it to share, we thought we might get a conservative sized sweet.  Instead, we received this monster that took three separate meals to devour.  All this to say, I recommend you order one!