A Frolicking Good Time!

Oh the joy that comes from the fullness of friendship and a cozy warm meal!

New England clam chowder, grilled cheese and applewood bacon on olive-studded artisan bread. Bagged salad and water in a bottle. Simple.  

Laughter until it positively hurts! Little man toppling off his chair in fits of ridiculous giggles, screaming mercy to catch a breath.

Man child red-faced, with side-splitting amusement and a husband and wife tag team collaborating to give humble welcome.

A board game, a buzzer, a buddy, and organic banana bread. Thanks be to God for what He has done.

Hospitality is not about me. That would be entertaining and that is lackluster because it only reflects the host. Tonight is entirely about you.

What do you need my friend? Shelter, support, nourishment, friendship, prayer? Is it attending to, company and companionship, a listening ear?

Perhaps it is just noise! Because someone who lives alone craves sound.
May our clamor say that you belong here. We are enjoying you being here.

Two teams, a wooden table, a warm fire, fresh flowers. One home crammed full of happy!

A look that says, "Thank you. I've been fed here."

Open your home. Don't be reluctant, be a rescue!


Swinging with you on the porch,
Alis

What's Going Without Saying

He stood looking at his father who was 85

years old

He remembered all the ball games they played

so long ago

Then he put his arm around him and kissed

him on the cheek

He said Dad, it's time I told you what a friend

you've been to me

'Cause when you love someone

You gotta let 'em know

When you're thinking of someone

You need to tell 'em so

Don't know what makes us think

Our minds and our hearts can be read

What's going without saying should

be said

She stood in the kitchen doorway, all grown

up with children, too

Watching as her mama cooked just like she

used to do

She slowly walked up to her and she held her

wrinkled hands

She said, do you know you are the greatest

mom a daughter ever had

No one needs our roses

When the sun of life's gone down

If you're gonna send a message of

your love

Then send it now

I don't believe I've let you hear the things you

should have heard

I don't believe I've truly put my feelings

into words

'Cause to me you are so beautiful, much more

than words can say

But if you don't mind and you've got the time

I'd like to try today

'Cause when you love someone

You gotta let 'em know

When you're thinking of someone

you need to tell 'em so

I don't know what makes me think

My mind and my heart can be read

What's going without saying

should be said

1992/ Paul Overstreet & Jeff Borders

Sweet On You

Good Morning Sweet Friends!

For five years I have been a gift basket specialist and I have never experienced more of a creative rush than when I am sketching a design for a client. I have never crossed an individual who didn't enjoy a basket that was personalized especially for them. My motto has always been, "Passion, not mass production" and I have never created an identical order. Sure, there is a long lead time and I don't take a lot of orders at once, but when a job is on the work table it becomes the job.

A favorite basket design is meant for a young couple on Valentine's Day. It is specifically designed for a couple with young children who cannot afford a sitter. Those couples need special attention. I remember our humble beginnings and not having enough to buy gifts, go to dinner, pay a sitter, buy gas...

The "Sweet on You" basket in the photograph allows a couple to make a nice dinner for two at home. It is flowing with things to eat, a single red rose, a two-piece box of chocolate truffles, pretty tableware, a lovely cd, and more. The recipients will put the little ones to bed, boil some water for pasta, open appetizers and enjoy!

I'm so thankful for the couples who were older than us that took our children in for an evening, or invited us over for a meal. Young love needs to be taken care of. Those young people deserve a little intermission and encouragement.

I'm confident that we all know a couple that could benefit from some of these ideas. I hope that these suggestions are useful to my dear readers. We are all creative. Perhaps there is a basket positioned in a closet waiting to be filled.
How sweet it could be!


Thinking ahead,
Alis




hubpages.com



Domestic Artistry

Public Domain Pictures.net/Sheri

Rise and Shine Ladies!

Not all the children at the party recognized the cake, but my son did. It was after all a perfect replica of a Hoover, hose and attachments included. He had a liking for vacuums and each party favor bag was of course, a vacuum bag full of goodies!

Vacuuming does not feed my domestic appetite as much as all that. Nevertheless, a shiny, fresh-smelling, well managed home offers me much delight.

This book excerpt is encouraging...

"Suppose then you content yourself for the present

with doing in a faithful, quiet, persistent way

all the little homely tasks that return with each

returning day, each one as unto God..."

Suitable tools are part of making house keeping easier. So is a place for those tools where they can be assembled together. A medium size, short sided box works well, or a plastic caddy. The Dollar Tree is well stocked with microfiber cloths, dusting cloths, Woolite products, Spic and Span, and mini-brooms for sweeping bathrooms or entries.

Homemade cleaning solutions are another useful agent. My windows sparkle from a mixture of water, vinegar, and Dawn dish soap. Baking soda does wonders when cleaning linoleum flooring.

Involving your family in the house keeping chores can be challenging so I'd like to share a system with you that I utilized when my boys were younger.

Simply called, "The Dailies." I wrote down every chore which needed to be done on a daily basis on a blank index card. These were taking out the trash,

putting away laundry, cleaning the bathroom mirror, etc. I placed each card upside down on the table and each of us chose three or four. The boys enjoyed a variety and I was able to teach them to do all the basics.

Next we constructed a stack of "The Monthlies." On weekends we each chose one or two from that stack. Those chores were cleaning ceiling fans, wiping down the baseboards, dusting the bookcases, etc. The system was very successful! It is more difficult now that the boys are becoming men because they are required to accomplish work for others as well. That's okay. I am able to even utilize the system alone. It is time for them to start establishing their futures.

As you carry out your homely little tasks today know that "God notices even the most trivial act..." and He delights in your effort.

Have a blessed day,

Alis

Book excerpt from Stepping Heavenward.

When Chocolate Is On The Menu

Public Domain Pictures.net/Petr Kratochvil

Salutations!

A good morning to you! What a crisp morning it is. I could see that the windows on my car were thickly coated in frost when I took WonderDog out. I'm so glad that I don't need to go anywhere this morning and therefore will not have to scrape them with that plastic, noisy, hand tool. No, it's an ordinary day. A school, home keeping, work, type of day. I'm preparing a list and asking God to "help me to carry into ordinary life portions of divine truth."

Tuesdays are a reward for surviving Mondays. In that light, a celebration is in order. The following recipe should compensate your family well. In our home it is important to me to provide heart-healthy treats that will taste good, but not be a detriment to our nutrition.

Warm Chocolate Pudding

1 large egg

2 1/4c. nonfat or low fat milk, divided

2/3c. sugar, divided

1/8 tsp. salt

2/3c. unsweetened cocoa powder

2 Tbs. cornstarch

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Lightly beat egg in a medium bowl. Combine 1 1/2 c. milk, 1/3c. sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan; bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, whisk the remaining 1/3c. sugar, cocoa and cornstarch in a medium bowl. Whisk in the remaining 3/4c. milk until blended. Whisk the simmering mixture into the cocoa mixture. Now pour the mixture back into the pan and bring to a simmer over medium heat, whisking constantly. Pudding will become thickened and glossy. So pretty! (It only takes about three minutes.)

Remove from heat. Whisk about 1c. of the hot mixture into the beaten egg. Return the egg mixture to the pan and cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, until steaming and thickened. DO NOT boil. Whisk in vanilla. Serve warm.

6 yummy servings!

Have you ever noticed what happens when chocolate is on the menu? Young boys grow dark mustaches above their top lip from pushing their chins into deep dishes, grown men ask for seconds and moms, well they just take it all in...

My friends today can be extraordinary! May your portion be just what you needed. Stop by tomorrow, I'll be sipping green tea with lemongrass and waiting to visit with you. Bring a friend.

Warmly,

Alis

Quote taken from Valley of Vision.

Recipe from Eating Well For a Healthy Heart Cookbook.

Past Lost-Getting Closer to Found

Daughters Living Without Mothers

The driver handed me the plastic red rose

and delivered his best sentiment, and I said,

"What's this? A welcome to the No-Mom's Club?"

My memory does not fail me nor does

it erase the unprocessed pieces left to digest.

Time weakens the pointed pain,

but sobering is the lonliness that

strikes my blind sides when I'm not looking.

 And vulnerable.

Season after season has passed

and yet I expect the familiar knock at the door.

I thumb past the address in my book,

and I value drops of perfume left in the

atomizer.

Why should I expect a conclusion to these things?

She is not shrinking, but rather swelling

as I foster that which she taught me,

and I stand in her strength.

I magnify her devotion and loyalty.

Spread her smiles,

her girlish silliness.

And she is walking in beauty...

And I do not need a mother,

but to remember that I am

a daughter.

Words For Everyday

Good Morning!

It is with great joy that I leave you with the lines of Psalm 27 from Nathan Clark George's album, Words for Everyday. Taken right from scripture, these words should be a straight-away to morning worship. Enjoy a delightful weekend with your families.

One thing I have asked of the Lord, that I may dwell in His house all my days.
To gaze upon the beauty of Jehovah Almighty,
And to seek Him in His temple always.

For in that day of trouble He will save,
and He will hide me in the secret place.
He lifts me high on a rock,
and with shouts of joy, I will sing. Yes, I will sing.

Chorus repeats

Teach me all your ways, O my Lord,
And lead me in a path that is straight.
And we must wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart,
And so wait, wait for the Lord.

Chorus repeats
And to seek Him in His temple always.
And to seek Him in His temple always.

Warmly,
Alis

Packing Leaves

Sweet Partners on the Porch,

It's National Hot Tea Month! Let's sit out in the back this morning on the curly topped rod-iron chairs. We'll watch the birds fly to and fro from the nest in the cottonwood tree. We'll watch the sun uncover the mountains surrounding the valley and listen to the neighboring horses, chickens, and dogs wake up. The horses will make several circles in the arena, the chickens will get busy providing fresh eggs to satisfy the sign posted out front, and the dogs will bark through the fences at passer-bys.

Strains of Vivaldi will whisper through the back door and our tea cups will stay full until the chatter pauses. Let's laden the tea tray with buttered breads and jam, scones and fruit...and let's talk.

Let's use linen napkins, stiff with starch just to feel lady-like, and dress the table with a handful of wildflowers to celebrate our friendship. Let's sink deep into the details of the week and describe each moment with vigor as we encourage each other with sisterly love. You are a gift to me...

Then we'll not neglect that one needful thing,

                                  "But one thing is needful:

and Mary hath chosen

that good part,

which shall not be

taken away from her."

Luke 10:42

We'll pray together. Sharing our burdens of mothering, schooling, working, and keeping our homes. The needs of each family member will drop from our mouths and God will listen with open ears. 

Have a peaceful day,

Alis 



Books On Purpose

A Blessed Morning to You!

Elizabeth Prentiss lived from 1818-1878 and blessed us by leaving an inheritance of literary works. Stepping Heavenward-One Woman's Journey to Godliness is an heirloom rich in truth and wisdom! I am absorbed presently in the first few chapters.
The book is complimented by a smart study of Psalms written by a delightful lady in Vermont. The study is free and can be downloaded in PDF format by visiting The Legacy of Home blogspot.com. Please tell her I sent you.

In the opening we are introduced to young Katy and her family. She has just turned sixteen and her relationship with her mother is touchy. Katy begins with," I meant to get up early..." She swiftly communicates a struggling prayer life by statements like, "I fired up in an instant." Or, "I can't make good prayers." And, "It is hard work to pray!"

Mother's parenting is admirable. She desires her daughter to be lovely, loving, and useful and echoes this in her training. She is calm and sensible. "Other people will see your faults but only your mother will have the courage to speak of them." That reminded me of my own mother. She continues to speak words of love to Katy.

Pairing the book with Psalms is brilliant. Psalm 1:2 brought me right back to the importance of internalizing the Word and Psalm 2:6 affirmed that the Lord knows me in an intimate, personal way.

I am eager to join Katy as she grows in her faith and maturity. I would love to be able to share this book with a daughter. It's timeless and applicable!

Many remarks will follow, I'm sure. There is just too much to observe and report in one sitting. The book spans Katy's life and we are certain to glean lesson upon lesson.

Purposefully,
Alis

Dinner Designs

Good Morning!

The weather has been beautiful! I was able to take a power walk with a friend and not wear a jacket. The snow has disappeared and the mud is drying out. Little green leaves are peeking out from the dark dirt. I know it's only January and that winter will return, but I'm treasuring all this sunshine!

I thought I'd share this week's fare in the kitchen. These menus are designed to help us flourish this week and to provide sustenance for the season that we're in. When I prepare a menu there are things that I like to keep in mind.
Can I shop from the pantry and use staples already here? What can I rotate right out of the cupboard? Which fresh foods are in season? How is my budget? Can I utilize eggs, beans, or rice to fill in the gaps? Have I provided a variety and do I have an emergency meal in case our plans change?

Be inspired by these ideas and use them to help you. I will not take the time to type out the recipes, however I will be happy to forward them to you if you leave me contact information.

Sometimes when I hear what other families are eating it jostles my memory into retrieving old favorites.

* Roasted chicken thighs in olive oil,
 steamed organic bunch carrots,  rustic
cheesy-dill bread, and Rocky-Road ice-cream with 10-second Nutella sauce.

* Parmesan-crusted tilapia, sauteed broccoli, rosemary potatoes.

* White Bean Soup, leftover cheesy-dill bread, romaine salad with champagne dressing and shaved Parmesan.

* Whole roasted chicken (great sale at Safeway this week!), mashed potatoes, spring peas.

* Turkey burgers, raw carrot sticks with ranch sauce, white corn tortilla chips.

* Pizza and salad.


We just watched the movie, Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs. If your family's favorite dinner could rain right out of the sky, what would that be? Don't forget to involve them in your menu planning. Their input counts.

"For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things." Ps. 107:9


Happy planning,
Alis

The History of Us

"She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue." Prov.31:26

Salutations!

Although it's a school holiday I wanted to take some time to share about school. There are public schools, private schools, charter schools, home schools, schools on-line, and no matter which school that you've chosen for your family, you are involved in school somewhere.

Growing up I never predicted that I would be involved in home education. It really wasn't until a chance meeting with a friend that I discovered home education. My son was ready to learn at an early age, so when a couple friends organized a science day between a few families I was interested. My friend ignited a spark in me that never burned out. With my husband's support and his tireless ability to raise a family on one income, we have almost reached the end of our journey.

Today we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. A historical hero with dreams, an amazing gift of verbosity, compassion and aspiration for equality. I know that now, but I wasn't much of a history buff back in the day. Home education  completely changed that. A History of Us is a 10-volume series that makes history really fun! It was easy to purchase used copies on-line.

The chapters are short, yet satisfying. We enjoy the political cartoons, photographs, easy-reading style, and personality profiles. We keep a separate notebook to write essays in, homemade crossword puzzles, drawings and vocabulary.

The time I've spent watching my children learn and grow into young adults has been priceless. If you're like me, it's hard to list most of the material things you've gone without. They don't matter. What matters is the history of us- the memories, the tears, the a-ha moments, the laughter, the late nights, the revisions, and the stories. Our story, as part of His Story.

As you take a break from classes today I pray that you'll learn something new about yourself and your students. I pray your eyes would be wide open to the amazing places, time, and people around you. Just think, tomorrow, today will be history.

Swinging with you,
Alis

How To Set The Table- Home Works! Series

Welcome Porch Pals!

I am excited to start a new series with you called, Home Works! Throughout this series my goal will be to provide relevant information that can help you in your home. I would like it to be interactive, so that my readers are participating with their own wonderful ideas. On the days we feature a Home Works! segment comments are encouraged! Please share with us information suitable to the topic and tips that will inspire us to try something new. Each time the teapot is on, at the top of this page, it is a sign that Home Works! is in action.


Today I am providing an acrostic to serve as a reminder of what the family meal table is all about. We are not just feeding hungry tummies, we are feeding souls! I am aware that with older children, working parents, and sports activities, not all families can sit together every night. What would happen if we chose one night a week to implement the knowledge here? I am mindful that some members of our families will mock these ideas and insult our efforts. That's okay. Set a pretty table anyway. Did you notice that "E" had the word "Example" in it? Just be one. Let your family know that there is a place for them should they decide to join you. Speak life into them. Words of acceptance, sweet and soft-spoken. Truth and praises and words that heal. Be without hypocrisy, consistent and not showing favoritism.

Bless the food because every meal is a reminder of His kindness.  



T Training, Teaching and Togetherness

A Affirmation, Anointing, and Atmosphere

B Binding, Building and Blessing

L Loving, Listening and Laughter

E Encouragement, Example, and Enjoyment


This super teaching tool was included in a curriculum that I taught at a homeschooling co-op class for moms. We will refer to it again. I need to find the author's name and the title to give her credit, as it is due her.

There is a worth of information to pass on to you! Here are a few ideas to think about over the weekend.

"If your child was on an extended stay somewhere (mission trip, college, exchange student) would they want a tape recording of everyone at the meal table?"

Describe your table. What is it used for?

What joyful anticipation I have for your thoughts!

Warmly,
Alis

Out In The Fields With God

Out In The Fields With God

The little cares that fretted me,

I lost them yesterday,

Among the fields, above the sea,

Among the winds at play;

Among the lowing of the herds,

The rustling of the trees,

Among the singing of the birds,

The humming of the bees.

The fears of what may come to pass,

I cast them all away,

Among the clover-scented grass,

Among the new-mown hay;

Among the husking of the corn,

Where drowsy posies nod,

Where ill thoughts die and good are born-

Out in the fields with God.

-Elizabeth Browning



Sweet Friends,

I invite you to venture outdoors today. Even if it's only for a few minutes, the fresh air will be rejuvenating! Most of us have spent the winter inside, and the outdoors provide a reminder of the promise that spring will come. We live in an area where there is snow, and so it becomes habit to keep the stove going, shovel the walk, park facing the sun, keep the wood covered... however, inhaling those quick icy breathes of air can be just what our bodies need to get us moving!

"Recreation's purpose is not to kill time, but to make life; not to keep a person occupied, but to keep them refreshed; not to offer an escape from life, but to provide a discovery of life."  Author Unknown

What will you discover today? I'd love to hear about it!

This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad!

Blessings,

Alis

Atleast A Hamster Knows Where It's Going

Happy Wednesday Friends!

We have reached mid-week and the familiar "hump day". In other words, if you've made it this far, the rest of the week gets easier. I start counting how many bagged lunches left to make, how many trips to school, how many more water bottles needed, how many more lessons to teach...until Friday. You see, I'm addicted to order.

That is why when some people compare themselves to a hamster on a treadmill I envy them-at least a hamster knows where it is going!

Chaos is difficult for me. It reminds me that I am not in control. Despite planning, schedules, and routines, I am not the one who orders my day and that can be scary. Unless, I understand the reason for disorder in my life. And I do.

The reason for disorder is to point me to the One whose order is perfect. If my day was left up to me I might miss every place and situation He had intended for me to go.

A Prayer

When my world is unsettled,

Please come.

When my world is undone,

Please come.

When all seems lost to chaos and storm,

Please come

And show me that I am still in the

hollow of your hand.

c.d. baker

Nahum 1:3 says, "In whirlwind and storm is his way." The book I'm currently reading asks this question, "What's keeping me from trusting the whirlwind?"

For me friends, it's insecurity. As women, we desire pledges from those around us that they will not change or suddenly go away. We long to feel guarded and protected. Chaos threatens the security guard I had posted at my heart's gate! It wants to violate my life's boundaries!

However, as C.D. Baker states, "In the end, God is working out all things for good. (See Romans 8:28). This God of whirlwinds and disruption whom we follow will ultimately prove himself to be 'not a God of disorder but of peace'. (See 1 Corinthians 14:33). And that's a comfort."

I will leave us with another question that Baker solicits, "Where do I think God is when life gets turned upside down?"

Nothing extraordinary is upsetting my system right now. I am in a season of much thankfulness for all that I have. Family that loves me, friends that seek me out and a Heavenly Father who is always thinking about me. I am learning to trust Him with all the results.

I do not know what this day will bring, however I am sure of the One who will bring it. "Therefore what looks like chaos never is." (Baker)

Swinging with you,

Alis

The book is 40 Loaves, Breaking Bread With Our Father Each Day.

When "Kid-Friendly" is on the Menu

Good Morning Friends! (Including Little Ones!)

Wake up, sleepy heads! It's time to rise and shine and give God the glory!
I was so blessed last night to discover a love note written many years ago to me from my oldest. It was carefully tucked inside the book that I was reading at the time, Apples of Gold. Such a treasure! Here's what it said,

Great Forever

During hard times I hope she'll look at this letter,

when in the seek of better.

My mom is great, my mom is awesome,

her berry-blue eyes, they are orchids in blossom.

She works so hard,

when in grief, I wish for her to daze at this card.

I could never take her for granted, no not never,

not for worse or for better. It would be too difficult,

considering she'll be great

forever!

Oh My Stars! The tears, friends, that wash a mother's cheek when she receives the blessings of admiration from her children.

I wanted to share the recipe with you for Peachy-Berry Breakfast Cobbler.

Torn from an old Raley's Supermarket advertisement, it has warmed our home and children many times over the years! A bowl of oatmeal, or a healthy muffin makes it a meal.

2 (15 oz.) cans juice-packed peaches, drained

1c. frozen raspberries

1/4c. fruit preserves (we like raspberry)

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. almond extract (don't skip)

dash nutmeg

1c. low-fat granola with almonds

Combine peaches, raspberries, preserves, cinnamon, almond extract and nutmeg in a square 8" pan, sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.

Bake at 325 for 20 minutes. Sprinkle granola over the top and stir. Bake for an additional five minutes.

Have you ever noticed what happens when you make a kid-friendly meal? Your children write love notes, and their smiles are like a post-it, stuck to your heart forever.

"What makes you think your children are secure in your love?"

from Apples of Gold. Something for us to think on today.

Praising Him from the porch,

Alis

Thank you God for the children in my family!

Fresh Fruit

Welcome Friends!

I am so delighted when I can send company off with a little gift. The leftover cake from dessert, a special mug or teacup, perhaps a copied recipe, just a forget-me-not...

When you stop by, I always want to leave you with a treat, because it means a lot to me that you visit!

Today's resource is something I can give to you a little at a time. It is a Calendar of Fruit Seasons. Do you have one? I found this years ago in a book from the library. It is very helpful. (The fruits listed in capitals are at the height of their seasons.)

January: blood oranges, dates, kiwi fruit, kumquats, LAVENDER GEMS, lemons, limes, oranges, papayas, pears, pineapples, TANGELOS, tangerines

February: blood oranges, dates, kiwi fruit, kumquats, lemons, limes, oranges, papayas, pears, pineapples, strawberries, tangelos, tangerines

March: blood oranges, dates, kiwi fruit, kumquats, lemons, limes, oranges, papayas, pears, PINEAPPLES, strawberries, tangelos, tangerines

Try to buy fruit in season. Beautiful produce, in all its color, is such a gift! Try it for dessert.


Round out your morning meal with fresh fruit, such as a tangerine, or "cutie",
some whole grain toast and low-fat yogurt.

Warmly,
Alis

The Three O'Clock Cure

Good Day Ladies!

I have a confession to make. There are days that I become quite cantankerous around three o'clock. My body is tired, my energy is low and there could be casualties. However, we have the capability to use sound nutrition to remedy this predicament!

Cheddar-Apple Quesadillas

1 Granny Smith apple, cored and sliced
4 whole-wheat flour tortillas
1c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese (4oz.)

Preheat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
Fan out the apple slices over the bottom half of each tortilla and top with the cheese. Fold the tortillas in half. Place one tortilla into skillet and weigh down with a plate or soup can. Cook until cheese melts and tortilla is golden. Cut in half and eat.

These are so good on-the-go!
Make sure to use Granny Smith apples for optimal flavor.

No more galloping grumps,
Alis

*recipe from Ellie Krieger

Bert, Brakes, and Blockades

Happy Thursday!

I am reminded this morning of how much we as people are in great need of benevolence. In our bright, busy, bustling lives it is easy to forget to stop and spread tenderness to those around us who are going through various trials.

A few months back on the "anniversary" of the worst day of my life, I quietly left my volunteer work and headed for a cup of soup alone. Unknown to me a network of friends worked together and by the time I arrived at where I was going, one friend had made a blockade in the road and started singing, "Stop in Name of Love." She had a warm note and small gift for me to let me know she remembered my pain.

That same friend, lined my kitchen counters with groceries the night after the horrible accident. She didn't buy random containers of guesses, she shopped for exactly what I would have purchased if I had gone myself. At a time when I couldn't think, she did my thinking for me.

More recently we were informed that my vehicle needed new brakes. Post- Christmas news like that is monstrous to a one income family. However a friend in the business, along with my husband, did the job on a Sunday night at his home garage.

There may be a whole list of people you know that could use a dose of good will. If your prayer book is empty friend, look around. Take a walk down the street.

If time permits today, I challenge you reader to send a note, make a call, or give a small gift of remembrance.

I'm warming up your seat beside me on the bench, can't wait to have tea with you next time!

All the best,
Alis

Post Script:

Do you need another treat in your hostess drawer? I'd like to introduce you to Nestle's Abuelita Authentic Mexican Style Instant Chocolate Drink Mix. This is bueno! So rich and creamy in milk or hot water. It has a ground cinnamon flavor. Because it's Nestle's, it goes on sale when their other varieties of cocoa are on sale. Abuelita can be found at most regular grocery stores. You'll love it. I buy it at Smith's. Plan on approx. $3.00.

I would love to hear about how you respond to today's challenge.

Books on Purpose

Good Morning!

I can't wait to tell you about this book! It's called Stories in Hand, Over 900 Questions to Help You Tell Your Life Story.

It's written by Jessica Sprague, Northridge Publishing, 2010.

This book would make a fabulous gift for parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, or just about anyone else. It's also loads of fun to read through on your own. It brought back lots of memories! Someone who enjoys journaling would have 900 story starters with this book.

We will look at just a couple questions this morning.

"What did you love about your first home together?"

-Our first home was right in the middle of an orchard in California's fertile valley. With almonds on one side, and walnuts on the other, it was spectacular in the spring with the blossoms pink and white. The canal that ran parallel to it made an excellent walking trail. Set at the end of a long driveway, the cottage was quiet and private. Very small, but charming with built in shelves and aged white paint. Cozy!


"What is your family's favorite restaurant? Describe the last time you went there."

-Our family loves to dine at Claim Jumper in the city. We enjoy the lodge-like atmosphere, fireplace, and food. It's been awhile since our last visit. We can't always afford a meal out. I've started a jar in the kitchen for "Claim Jumper Night." Oh my stars! How we will enjoy the evening when it comes. Often the portions are so large, there is plenty of food leftover for lunch the next day.

There are so many fun questions to ask your family in this book. My husband and I sat at our favorite bookstore while I went through the book with him.

I would suggest this book. It's important to feel connected to a family. Recalling memories with your children shows them how much you valued the moments with them from the past. It also reminds us to live in the moment today. The days are fleeting. Perhaps each question could be answered in a notebook and saved for family history. What a fun gift that would make to leave to our children!

Our pre-studies cocoa and UNO game are waiting for me. They are a great way to get the brain moving. And my youngest is flashing some handsome smiles my way! We'll transition into math and history...
Have a memorable day!

Alis

No Risk on Wisk

Greetings!

This is just a shopping tip. Never underestimate buying products from a drugstore. There are several local chains that you could benefit from.

Here is a basic example. I like to use Wisk laundry detergent. With teens, and men, and jeans, and sports, it works hard for me. Walmart's cost is $4.97 per 32 load bottle.

A drugstore had Wisk on sale for $5.00, same bottle size. However, if I spent $25.00, I would get $10.00 back.

Walmart (5 bottles) $24.85
Chain Store (5 bottles) $25.00 - $10.00 = $15.00 = $3.00/bottle

And it got better. If I purchased two beauty tools, I would get $7.00 back. I chose two toenail clippers, one for each boy's hygiene box. Not only did I get my money back, I even earned a few bucks.

By the time I used coupons to purchase toilet paper for $0.39 ea. and Quaker Oats for $0.69 ea. I had spent enough to earn $3.50 more in rewards.

I like paying less for laundry soap.

No wisk, silly wabbit!
Alis

What is Your Home Saying?

Words are weighty. They are powerful. Words can lift, words can crush. They can cause elation, or extreme suffering. As people, we carry a lot of power in our words.

I love words! In fact, I have them all over our home. On a walk through our house last night, these are some of the words the walls said,

"Count Your Blessings"
"Alisa's Kitchen"
"Live, Laugh, Love"
"Comfort and Joy"
"God Bless Us, Everyone!"
"Rejoice"

In our master bathroom, on the mirror, I have a love note that my husband wrote to me when we were dating. It reminds me to "love the man of my youth."

What does the world tell us? Here are a few examples of what the world says,

"You didn't stick to your resolution last year."
"You could have tried harder."
"You're not good enough."
"You look tired."
"Your house is too small."
"You need to work more."
"Now if you had their life..."
"You're old-fashioned."

It is refreshing to come home to a place that speaks positive words. There are times when only the walls speak them. Don't forget to ask yourself, before you say what you're about to say, "How will this affect my soul? Their soul?"

May our words be weighty today. May they carry in them power to restore, to encourage, to bring comfort, and to proclaim life into their receiver.

Swinging with you,
Alis

Zuppa di Pesce

Good Morning!

Happy New Year! Have you had to write the date yet? Did you have to cross out a zero and put a one there instead? For me, a new year is exciting, open to possibilities, turning over a new leaf, and yet... it can be bittersweet. I'm getting older, the boys are getting older. Time is marching on, and it seems to go faster with each passing day. It's like arriving at the end of a great book in a series. There might be three books, and you've read through two.

The new year brought fresh snow with it. White as far as the eye could see. A clean chalkboard just waiting for a story to be written across it. A swing dangling from a frozen tree branch, a parked riding lawnmower skeptical of spring coming. The bird-bath substituting as an ice rink and the row of decorative porch furniture seeking shelter under the covered patio. I put on a pair of boots, grabbed Wonderdog and headed out into deep, dry powder. There is something pristine about fresh fallen snow. And it was so quiet! I got a lot of enjoyment from snapping a few shots with the camera.

It was a perfect day to try Italian Fish Stew. There is a Sicilian tradition called Meal of the Seven Fishes. Italian families savor several dishes on Christmas Eve which are prepared using a variety of fish types, cod, shrimp, squid, etc.
I was introduced to Fish Stew by a family member.

This stew is perfect for using up produce at the end of the week. Almost anything will work. A pound of fish is sufficient, and using up to two pounds will make a hearty meal! It is delicious with crostini or homemade croutons from peasant bread. White wine can be added for a more robust flavor. The stew is very healthy and low in fat.

Here are the ingredients:

olive oil
1/2 c. chopped onion
2 diced carrots
2 diced stalks of celery
2 garlic cloves, minced
28 oz. Muir Glen chopped tomatoes
1/2 red pepper, diced
the rind and juice from one whole orange
1/2 Tbs. sugar
red chili flakes to taste
2c. quality chicken broth or clam juice
1/2c. white wine
a bit of thyme
salt and pepper to taste
a bit of basil
fresh fish 1-2 lbs. (shrimp, cod or both)

The procedure:

1.) Saute the vegetables in 2 tsp. olive oil until tender, but not soft.

2.) Next add the tomatoes, red pepper and orange.

3.) Now add the remaining ingredients (except the fish) and simmer.

4.) During the last few minutes add the fish until cooked through.

Serving bread is important for sopping up this soup.

This soup/stew depending on your choice of thickness has real bite! Something fishy is going on around here. Since last night, I've probably indulged in six cups of this!

Bon Appetit!
Alis