Friday, November 20, 2009

Wonderful Holiday (or anytime)Appetizer

HARVARTI CHEESE WITH CARAMEL SAUCE


1 # or larger Block of Havarti Cheese
Cut in small squares like a Blooming Onion

CARAMEL SAUCE
1 1/2 Cups Brown Sugar
1/4 to 1/2 Cup Half and Half
1 1/2 Tablespoons Jack Daniels
1 Tablespoons White Corn Syrup
1 Cup Walnut Pieces (Chopped)

Cook over low heat. Stir until it reaches a boil, let sit at room temperature until it thickens. Pour over cheese 30 minutes before serving.

Serve with Water Crackers or Ginger Snaps

Wonderful, fabulous, delicious!

Sauce would be wonderful served warm over ice cream. Yum!

My family was eating the leftover sauce out of the saucepan with spoons when I left home with this.

I will be doing Thanksgiving with my family this Sunday as I am traveling to No Georgia on Thanksgiving day to visit DH side of the family.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Melinda

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Unique Gift Idea!


These would make the coolest Christmas, Birthday or wedding gift. These are made from actual photos of items taken around the world, then the artist uses them to create a name or saying.



Visit the artist at www.allisonsletters.com to create your own unique picture!

Melinda

Monday, October 5, 2009

Fabulous Fall Dessert

I don't know about you, but sometimes I like to try something new. This is an absolutely wonderful, delicious, fabulous fall dessert. I'm not kidding, this stuff is great. Try it out on your family!

Carrot Cake Cheesecake

Cheesecake

16 ounces cream cheese (at room temp)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon flour
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla

CARROT CAKE

3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 dash salt
1 (8 1/2 ounce) can crushed pineapple, well drained with juice reserved
1 cup grated carrot
1/2 cup flaked coconut
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

PINEAPPLE CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
2 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon butter, softened
1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon reserved pineapple juice


Make cheesecake,
In large bowl of electric mixer, beat together 2 pkgs cream cheese and 3/4 cup sugar until smooth.
Beat in 1 tablespoon flour, 3 eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla until smooth.
Set aside.

Meanwhile prepare Carrot Cake:
In large bowl, combine oil, 1 cup sugar, 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla, blending thoroughly.
Stir in 1 cup flour, baking soda, cinnamon and dash salt, mixing well.
Stir in drained pineapple, carrots, coconut and walnuts.

Spread 1 1/2 cups carrot cake batter over bottom of greased 9-or 9 1/2-inch springform pan.
Drop large spoonfuls of cream cheese batter over carrot cake batter; top with large spoonfuls of remaining carrot cake batter.
Repeat with remaining cream cheese batter, spreading evenly with a knife.
Do not marble with a knife.

Bake in preheated 350 degree oven 50 to 65 minutes or until cake is set and cooked through.
Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate.

When cake is cold, prepare Pineapple Cream Cheese Frosting.
In a bowl of electric mixer, combine 2 oz cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, 1 tablespoon reserved pineapple juice and dash of salt.
Beat until smooth and of spreading consistency.
Frost top of cheesecake.
Refrigerate 3 to 4 hours before serving

Final step, prepare for applause and cudos!!!!! That is if you decide to share it!

Enjoy!

Melinda

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Another cute Halloween Food Idea!


Halloween Hats – Witches Hats
32 Hershey's® Kisses® milk chocolates, unwrapped
1 package (11 1/2 ounces) fudge-striped shortbread cookies (32)
1 tube (4.25 ounces) orange or red decorating icing
Attach 1 chocolate candy to chocolate bottom of each cookie, using decorating icing.Pipe decorating icing around base of milk chocolate candy.
So Cute! (photo upper left hand corner)

Fun Halloween Treat!!!



I've been finding the cutest Halloween food items this year. For the next few days I'll be posting a couple of them. First up, Witches Hat!!

Witches Hat

2 ounces semisweet chocolate
Chocolate-rolled sugar ice cream cone
Candy pumpkins
Waxed paper
Purchased unfrosted plain or chocolate cake doughnut
Canned chocolate icing
Nonpareils or sprinkles
Orange, yellow, and green Starburst candy or candy-coated gum (we used mini Chiclets)
Directions
1. Melt semisweet chocolate according to the package instructions. Holding the open end of the cone, dip the bottom half at an angle into the melted chocolate. Immediately press candy pumpkins into the chocolate. Place the cone on waxed paper and let sit until the chocolate sets.
2. Frost the top and side surfaces of a doughnut with icing. Sprinkle icing with nonpareils or sprinkles. Center the open end of the cone on the frosted doughnut. Use a sharp knife to cut candies or gum pieces into quarters and adhere them around the bottom of the hat with icing.

Wouldn't this make a cute class party favor for your kids?????


Melinda

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

www.ovariancancerawareness.org



I lost my Mom to this disease and now have a friend who was just recently diagnosed, she started her chemo on Monday.





Please remind your friends to visit the ob/gyn annually, and to know the systems. bloating, constipation, frequent urgent urination, fatigue and back pain. Visit the Ovarian Cancer Awareness website for more info.


Thanks!

Melinda

Friday, July 10, 2009

15 Ways to Charm a Southern Belle

Being raised in the south used to come with "standards". Young men were taught how to be Gentleman, and I'm afraid that is falling by the wayside. It's never too soon to start teaching boys how to be gentlemen.

There's an article in this months Southern Living Magazine that tell is like it is, it's by Amy Bickers and it's titled "15 Ways to Charm Her". Here's the list.

#1 Stand up for a lady: Actually this doesn't just involve chairs!
#2 Know that the SEC has the best football teams in the nation
#3 Kill Bugs: Paraphrasing Suzanne Sugarbaker "Men use Women's Lib as an excuse not
kill bugs for you.
#4 Hold doors open: Ladies go thru first!
#5 Fix things or Build Stuff:
#6 Wear Boots Occasionally: Not the fancy ones, we're talking about mud-crusted,
I could have just come in from the field boots.
#7 TAKE OFF YOUR HAT INSIDE!!!!
#8 Grill Stuff
#9 Call us: If you want to ask us out, don't text & don't email, pick up the phone and call us.
#10 Stand when we come back to the table: Just a little half stand is enough to make a
girl melt.
#11 Pull out our chairs: Wait, that's not all, scoot them back in before we hit the floor.
#12 Pay the tab on the first few dates: If you ask me out, you pay, if I ask you out, you pay.
#13 Don't show up in a wrinkled, untucked shirt: Care about your appearance, but don't
look like you spend more time in front of the mirror than we do.
#14 Never get in bar fights: You don't look tough, you look like an idiot.
#15 Know how to mix our favorite cocktail, just the way we like it.

Guaranteed to make a Southern Belle swoon!

Melinda

Wednesday, June 24, 2009



Enough said!

Melinda

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

GOOD TO KNOW!


You can make your own custom color chalkboard paint by following these instructions from Lowes Creative Ideas magazine.


To make custom-colored chalkboard paint, pour 1 cup of satin latex paint into a container. Then add 2 tablespoons of white unsanded tile grout. Using a paint stick, mix thoroughly. If the mixture becomes too thick to brush on, add a tablespoon of water, and mix again.
I love this idea of writing on flowers pots, this would be really cute for herbs.
Melinda


Sunday, May 31, 2009

Woodlawn United Methodist Church













This is the church I was raised in, accepted Christ and was Baptized in, and got married in over 30 years ago.



Today it burned to the ground.

Built in 1912, it was a gorgeous structure, the interior was as beautiful as the outside, it had a fabulous antique pipe organ, and now it's all gone.




I didn't realize what this church meant to me until I saw it go up in flames. I have shed many tears this afternoon, as I remember how special this church was to me.




Please remember this church family in your prayers.



As the pastor, Larry Horn, stated today on the news, "today is Pentecoste, the birthdate of the church, today Woodlawn United Methodist Church, was born again."




Melinda

Friday, May 8, 2009

Happy Mothers Day!

As we approach Mothers Day weekend, I again feel the loss of my Mom as if it happened yesterday. I find myself missing buying a present, planning a nice dinner for her and making her feel special, I only hope I did that to my best ability while she was still with me.

This Sunday I will take her flowers to her grave and tell her how much I love her and how I had not idea how much I would miss her, but I will also tell her how fortunate I was to have a Mom like her. Thanks to her I had a wonderful childhood, and as an adult, she became my best friend. I now realize the sacrifices that she made for us in order to give us the best.

So this Mother's day if you're lucky enough to still have your Mom, give her an extra hug, tell her how much you love her because one day you won't be able to.

Happy Mother Day Mom, I love you!

(In loving memory of my Mom, Dorothy M Hodgens)

Melinda

Monday, April 27, 2009

Tuesday Morning Deal!




Look at this terrific two tiered basket that I got at Tuesday Morning for $9.99, including the liners!
I plan to give this as first prize at Bunco next week, which I am hosting, that is, unless I just can't part with it after a week.

It's got a yellow Gerber daisy, pink begonias, peach verbena, hot pink Wave petunias, verigated monkey grass and a couple of different kinds of vines, one has white flowers and the other will have blue flowers on it.
I plant to add a few dangling sparkly stones to finish it off and I think it will be a fabulous grand prize for about $25.00. I know I would love to win it. I may have a problem parting with itwhen Bunco gets here in a week.
Tell me what you think, would you like this as a prize or should I rethink it?
I've shopped Tuesday Morning a couple of times lately, and have loved what I've found.
Check it out!
Melinda



Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Girl Trip!


I'm doing something next weekend that I have not done since I got married 30 years ago, I'm going to the beach with 6 of my high school girlfriends. GIRLS RULE!
Lucky me, one of my best friends moved from Birmingham to Gulf Shores several years ago and built a house with guest quarters, so she could have friends visit.
We are currently planning our 35 year reunion High School reunion for June and we are having a "committee" meeting, (that's what we're calling it), at the beach! My family is not sure what this means, they think I'm revolting, they're worried (good). Never mind that every year my husband goes on a boys only fishing trip, my daughter goes several times a year with her friends, but let Mom say she's going to do this, well, it's UNUSUAL. I haven't been to the beach in six years and nothing is going to stand in my way this year.
I guess they think we're going to sow a few wild oats, (hey, I still have a few, somewhere), or should I say we'll do what 52 year old women at the beach do. I'm sure we'll have a couple of late nights, sit on the beach and do a lot of gossiping (I mean planning) and enjoy a few frozen drinks as we discuss the reunion details.
WHOO HOO!!!!! Look out Gulf Shores, six fabulous wild woman are headed your way!
Melinda

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Easter Dessert!

I've been searching high and low for something "new" for Easter Sunday, and I think this might be it. There is a very popular catering company in Birmingham, called Ashley Macs, and this is their recipe.

Ashley Mac's Coconut-Caramel Pie(yields 2 deep-dish pies)

1/4 cup butter1 (8 ounce) package flaked coconut
1 cup chopped pecan halves8 ounces cream cheese
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
16 ounces frozen whipped topping, thawed
2 deep dish (9-inch) pie shells, baked
1 (12 ounce) jar caramel topping

Melt butter in a large skillet. Add coconut and pecans. Cook until brown and set aside. Combine cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk in a mixing bowl. Beat with mixer until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Layer ¼ cream cheese mixture in each pie shell. Drizzle caramel topping (about half the jar) on top of cream cheese mixture in both pies. Sprinkle half coconut mixture on top. Repeat the layer, beginning with the cream-cheese mixture.

Freeze. Serve frozen.

I love anything that is eaten frozen. Sounds yummy doesn't it?

Happy Easter!

Melinda

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Love it!

A woman was sitting at a bar enjoying an after work cocktail with her girlfriends when Steven, a tall, exceptionally handsome, extremely sexy, middle-aged man entered. He was so striking that the woman could not take her eyes off him. The young-at-heart man noticed her overly attentive stare and walked directly toward her.. (As All men will.)

Before she could offer her apologies for staring so rudely, he leaned over and whispered to her, 'I'll do anything, absolutely anything, that you want me to do, no matter how kinky, for $20.00... On one condition' Flabbergasted, the woman asked what the condition was. The man replied, 'You have to tell me what you want me to do in just three words.'

The woman considered his proposition for a moment, And then slowly removed a $20 bill from her purse, which she pressed into the man's hand along with her address. She looked deeply into his eyes, and slowly and meaningfully said....

'Clean my house'

Wow, imagine getting your house cleaned for just $20.00!
(OMGosh, I now know exactly how old I am!)

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Raising the porch swing to new heights!


Close you eyes, feel the gentle back and forth swaying, relax and rewind, ceiling fan blowing above your head, the sound of crickets in the background, as you take a nap on this SWINGING PORCH BED! OMGosh, I've got to have one! Somebody find me a carpenter, quick.
Melinda

Friday, March 20, 2009

Another Who Knew Moment!

Did you know that by savings your coffee grinds and tea bags, and using them as mulch around hydrangeas, it will change the ph of the soil, and make your pink blooms turn blue.

Wow!

It's amazing what you learn from reading isn't it.

Melinda

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Who knew!!!!

'Water Displacement #40' or WD40, as we like to call it.


The product began from a search for a rust preventative solvent and degreaser to protect missile parts. WD-40 was created in 1953 by three technicians at the San Diego Rocket Chemical Company. Its name comes fr om the project that was to find a 'water displacement' compound.. They were successful with the fortieth formulation, thus WD-40. The Convair Company bought it in bulk to protect their atlas missile parts. Ken East (one of the original founders) says there is nothing in WD-40 that would hurt you.. When you read the 'shower door' part, try it. It's the first thing that has ever cleaned that spotty shower door.. If yours is plastic, it works just as well as glass. It's a miracle! Then try it on your stove top ... Viola! It's now shinier than it's ever been. You'll be amazed.

Here are some other uses:
1. Protects silver from tarnishing. 2. Removes road tar and grime from cars. 3. Cleans and lubricates guitar strings. 4. Gives floors that 'just-waxed' sheen without making them slippery. 5.. Keeps flies off cows. 6. Restores and cleans chalkboards. 7. Removes lipstick stains. 8. 20 Loosens stubborn zippers. 9. Untangles jewelry chains. 10. Removes stains from stainless steel sinks. 11. Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill. 12. Keeps ceramic/terra cotta garden pots from oxidizing. 13. Removes tomato stains from clothing. 14. Keeps glass shower doors free of water spots. 15. Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors. 16. Keeps scissors working smoothly. 17. Lubricates noisy door hinges on vehicles and doors in homes. 18. It removes black scuff marks from the kitchen floor! Use WD-40 for those nasty tar and scuff marks on flooring. It doesn't seem to harm the finish and you won't have to scrub nearly as hard to get them off. Just remember to open some windows if you have a lot of marks. 19. Bug guts will eat away the finish on your car if not removed quickly! Use WD-40! 20. Gives a children's playground gym slide a shine for a super fast slide. 21. Lubricates gear shift and mower deck lever for ease of handling on riding mowers. 22. Rids kids rocking chairs and swings of squeaky no ises. 23. Lubricates tracks in sticking home windows and makes them easier to open. 24. Spraying an umbrella stem makes it easier to open and close. 25. Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards in vehicles, as well as vinyl bumpers. 26. Restores and cleans roof racks on vehicles. 27. Lubricates and stops squeaks in electric fans. 28. Lubricates wheel sprockets on tricycles, wagons, and bicycles for easy handling. 29. Lubricates fan belts on washers and dryers and keeps them running smoothly. 30. Keeps rust from forming on saws and saw blades, and other tools. 31. Removes splattered grease on stove. 32. Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging. 33. Lubricates prosthetic limbs. 34. Keeps pigeons off the balcony (they hate the smell). 35. Removes all traces of duct tape.. 36. Folks even spray it on their arms, hands, and knees to relieve arthritis pain. 37. Florida 's favorite use is: 'cleans and removes love bugs from grills and bumpers.' 38. The favorite use in the state of New York , WD-40 protects the Statue of Liberty from the elements. 39.. =2 0 WD-40 attracts fish. Spray a little on live bait or lures and you will be catching the big one in no time. Also, it's a lot cheaper than the chemical attractants that are made for just that purpose. Keep in mind though, using some chemical laced baits or lures for fishing are not allowed in some states. 40. Use it for fire ant bites. It takes the sting away immediately and stops the itch. 41. WD-40 is great for removing crayon from walls. Spray on the mark and wipe with a clean rag. 42. Also, if you've discovered that your teenage daughter has washed and dried a tube of lipstick with a load of laundry, saturate the lipstick spots with WD-40 and rewash. Presto! The lipstick is gone! 43. If you sprayed WD-40 on the distributor cap, it would displace the moisture and allow the car to start.


Bet you didn't know this!
The basic ingredient is FISH OIL.

I've tried everything else on my old stiff knees, might as well give this a try.

Smiles,

Melinda

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Happy St. Patty's Day!


May there always be work for your hands to do...

May there always be work for your hands to do
May your purse always hold a coin or two;
May the sun always shine on your windowpane;
May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain;
May the hand of a friend always be near you;
May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.
Melinda

Monday, March 16, 2009

Lemon Tea Cakes!


My Mom used to make a little cookie she called a Tea Cake. Very easy to make, just flour, butter and sugar. When I saw this recipe on Crisco's site, http://www.bhg.com/recipes/collections/crisco/ I had to try it and they were fabulous.

3 1/4 cups All Purpose Flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup Crisco® Pure Vegetable Oil
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
2 teaspoons lemon extract
Granulated sugar
Directions
MIX flour, baking powder and salt in small mixing bowl. Cream butter, granulated sugar and powdered sugar in large mixing bowl. Blend in oil, eggs, lemon peel and lemon extract. Stir in flour mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.

HEAT oven to 350°F. Shape dough into 1-inch balls Place 2 to 3 inches apart on ungreased baking sheet. Flatten to 1/8-inch thickness with bottom of glass dipped in granulated sugar.
BAKE for 10 to 12 minutes, or until edges are light golden brown. Remove cookies from pan immediately. Cool on wire rack.
VARIATION
LEMON CRISPS: Follow recipe above, except shape dough into 3/4-inch balls and flatten to 1/16-inch thickness with sugar-dipped glass. Bake 7 to 9 minutes, or until edges are light golden brown.
Of course, I'm a lemon freak, love, love, love any lemon flavored and these did not disappoint. These are a fabulous spring cookie. You could add a few drops of pastel food coloring and these would be wonderful for Easter!
Enjoy!
Melinda

Thought for the day!

We're fools whether we dance or not, so we might as well dance. ~ Japanese Proverb

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Jesus Loves Me!

This has always been a favorite childrens song, but someone sent me an updated version for us older folks,

JESUS LOVES ME>>>>

Jesus loves me,this I know,>>
Though my hair is white as snow>>
Though my sight is growing dim,>>
Still He bids me trust in Him.>>

(CHORUS)>> YES,JESUS LOVES ME.. YES, JESUS LOVES ME..>> YES, JESUS LOVES ME FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO.>>

Though my steps are oh, so slow,>>
With my hand in His I'll go>>
On through life,let come what may,>>
He'll be there to lead the way.>>

(CHORUS)>>

When the nights are dark and long,>>
In my heart He puts a song.>>
Telling me in words so clear,>>
'Have no fear for I am near.'>>

(CHORUS)>>
When my work on earth is done,>>
And life's victories have been won.>>
He will take me home above,>>
Then I'll understand His love>>

(CHORUS)>>
I love Jesus, does He know?>>
Have I ever told Him so?>>
Jesus loves to hear me say,>>
That I love Him every day.>

Take a moment and sing this. It'll lift you're spirits.

Melinda

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Much needed words of wisdom!

I don't know about you, but turning on the news depresses me to no end. However, today while reading the comments on someone's blog (don't remember which one, I am at that age when you memory starts going) I read these words that gave me some perspective.

"God is still in control, no matter who's in Washington!"

Doesn't that just say it all!

Amen!

Melinda

Friday, March 6, 2009

Finished at last!


The contractor has packed up his tools and vacated the premises. I love my new kitchen, it turned out just as I had planned. My husband made the Welsh Dresser for me when we were first married 30 years ago.
There is still some fluffing and adjusting for me to do. I have to do something with the windows, but I think it turned out pretty good. I had a budget of $10,000 and I managed to stay in it.
That includes the granite and all new appliances, hardwood floors, new light fixtures, plus 7 recessed lights , removing the bar and making an island, and moving 3/4 of the wall between the kitchen and den.
So here's proof that you can make a big change without big bucks.
Melinda
Ps, the $10,000 doesn't include the new table and chairs I've got my eye on. Just don't tell my husband.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LINDSAY!


My baby turned 20 on March 1st. I cannot believe it.
She is a lovely young woman and I am very proud of her.
Time really flies!
Melinda

Monday, March 2, 2009

Announcing the Death of Common Sense

My parents told me about Mr. Common Sense early in my life and told me I would do well to call on him when making decisions. It seems he was always around in my early years but less and less as time passed by. Today I read his obituary. Please join me in a moment of silence in remembrance, for Common Sense had served us all so well for so many generations.

ObituaryCommon Sense Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm, life isn't always fair, and maybe it was my fault.Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not children are in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job they themselves failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer Aspirin, sun lotion or a Bandaid to a student, but could not inform the parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became part of a state requirement in public places; churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar can sue you for assault..Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason. He is survived by three stepbrothers; I Know my Rights, Someone Else is to Blame, and I'm a Victim..

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.


Melinda

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

More kitchen pictures











Melinda



KITCHEN, BEFORE AND AFTER

Kitchen before:
I was beginning to think this day would never come, but we're finally finished, and it was WORTH IT!! This is the after picture. So what do you think?


Melinda


























Thursday, February 12, 2009

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Don't Leave it on the desk!

This is kind of wordy, but I think it's worth the read.



DON'T LEAVE IT ON THE DESK
There was a certain Professor of Religion named Dr.Christensen, a studious man who taught at a small college in the western United States . Dr. Christensen taught the required survey course in Christianity at this particular Institution. Every student was required to take this course his freshman year, regardless of his or her major.Although Dr. Christensen tried hard to communicate the essence of the gospel in his class, he found that most of his students looked upon the course as nothing but required drudgery. Despite his best efforts, most students refused to take Christianity seriously.

This year, Dr. Christensen had a special student named Steve. Steve was only a freshman, but was studying with the intent of going onto seminary for the ministry. Steve was popular, he was well liked, and he was an imposing physical specimen. He was now the starting center on the school football team, and was the best student in the professor's class. One day, Dr. Christensen asked Steve to stay after class so he could talk with him. 'How many push-ups can you do?' Steve said, 'I do about 200 every night.' 200? That's pretty good, Steve,' Dr. Christensen said. 'Do you think you could do 300?' Steve replied, 'I don't know.... I've never done 300 at a time.' 'Do you think you could?' again asked Dr. Christensen. 'Well, I can try,' said Steve. 'Can you do 300 in sets of 10? I have a class project in mind and I need you to do about 300 push-ups in sets of ten for this to work. Can you do it? I need you to tell me you can do it,' said the professor. Steve said, 'Well... I think I can...yeah, I can do it.' Dr. Christensen said, 'Good! I need you to do this on Friday. Let me explain what I have in mind.'

Friday came and Steve got to class early and sat in the front of the room. When class started, the professor pulled out a big box of donuts. No, these weren't the normal kinds of donuts, they were the BIG, extra fancy kind, with cream centers and frosting swirls. Everyone was pretty excited it was Friday, the last class of the year, and they were going to get an early start on the weekend with a party in Dr. Christensen's class.

Dr. Christensen went to the first girl in the first row and asked, 'Cynthia, do you want to have one of these donuts?' Cynthia said, 'Yes.' Dr. Christensen then turned to Steve and asked, 'Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Cynthia can have a donut?' 'Sure.' Steve jumped down from his desk to do a quick ten. Then Steve again sat in his desk. Dr. Christensen put a donut on Cynthia's desk.

Dr. Christensen then went to Joe, the next person, and asked, 'Joe, do you want a donut?' Joe said, 'Yes.' Dr. Christensen asked, 'Steve would you do ten push-ups so Joe can have a donut?' Steve did ten push-ups! , Joe got a donut.
And so it went, down the first aisle, Steve did ten push-ups for every person before they got their donut. Walking down the second aisle, Dr. Christensen came to Scott. Scott was on the basketball team, and in as good condition as Steve. He was very popular and never lacking for female companionship. When the professor asked, 'Scott do you want a donut?' Scott's reply was, 'Well, can I do my own push-ups?' Dr. Christensen said, 'No, Steve has to do them.' Then Scott said, 'Well, I don't want one then.' Dr. Christensen shrugged and then turned to Steve and asked, 'Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Scott can have a donut he doesn't want?' With perfect obedience Steve started to do ten push-ups. Scott said, 'H EY! I said I didn't want one!' Dr. Christensen said, 'Look! this is my classroom, my class, my desks, and these are my donuts. Just leave it on the desk if you don't want it.' And he put a donut on Scott's desk. Now by this time, Steve had begun to slow down a little. He just stayed on the floor between sets because it took too much effort to be getting up and down . You could start to see a little perspiration coming out around his brow.

Dr. Christensen started down the third row. Now the students were beginning to get a little angry. Dr. Christensen asked Jenny, 'Jenny, do you want a donut?' Sternly, Jenny said, 'No.' Then Dr. Christensen asked Steve, 'Steve, would you do ten more push-ups so Jenny can have a donut that she doesn't want?' Steve did ten....Jenny got a donut. By now, a growing sense of uneasiness filled the room. The students were beginning to say 'No' and there were all these uneaten donuts on the desks. Steve also had to really put forth a lot of extra effort to get these push-ups done for each donut. There began to be a small pool of sweat on the floor beneath his face, his arms and brow were beginning to get red because of the physical effort involved.

Dr. Christensen asked Robert, who was the most vocal unbeliever in the class, to watch Steve do each push up to make sure he did the full ten push-ups in a set because he couldn't bear to watch all of Steve's work for all of those uneaten donuts. He sent Robert over to where Steve was so Robert could count the set and watch Steve closely. Dr. Christensen started down the fourth row. During his class, however, some students from other classes had wandered in and sat down on the steps along the radiators that ran down the sides of the room. When the professor realized this, he did a quick count and saw that now there were 34 students in the room. He started to worry if Steve would be able to make it. Dr. Christensen went on to the next person and the next and the next. Near the end of that row, Steve was really having a rough time. He was taking a lot more time to complete each set. Steve asked Dr. Christensen, 'Do I have to make my nose touch on each one?' Dr. Christensen thought for a moment, 'Well, they're your push-ups. You are in charge now. You can do them any way that you want.' And Dr. Christensen went on.

A few moments later, Jason, a recent transfer student, came to the room and was about to come in when all the students yelled in one voice, 'NO! Don't come in! Stay out!' Jason didn't know what was going on. Steve picked up his head and said, 'No, let him come.' Professor Christensen said, 'You realize that if Jason comes in you will have to do ten push-ups for him?' Steve said, 'Yes, let him come in. Give him a donut.' Dr. Christensen said, 'Okay, Steve, I'll let you get Jason's out of the way right now. Jason, do you want a donut?' Jason, new to the room, hardly knew what was going on. 'Yes,' he said, 'give me a donut.' Steve, will you do ten push-ups so that Jason can have a donut?' Steve did ten push-ups very slowly and with great effort. Jason, bewildered, was handed a donut and sat down.

Dr. Christensen finished the fourth row, and then started on those visitors seated by the heaters. Steve's arms were now shaking with each push-up in a struggle to lift himself against the force ofgravity. By this time sweat was profusely dropping off of his face, there was no sound except his heavy breathing; there was not a dry eye in the room.The very last two students in the room were two young women, both cheerleaders, and very popular. Dr. Christensen went to Linda, the second to last, and asked, 'Linda, do you want a donut?' Linda said, very sadly, 'No, thank you.' Professor Christensen quietly asked, 'Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Linda can have a donut she doesn't want?' Grunting from the effort, Steve did ten very slow push-ups for Linda. Then Dr Christensen turned to the last girl, Susan. 'Susan, do you want a donut?' Susan, with tears flowing down her face, began to cry. 'Dr. Christensen, why can't I help him?' Dr. Christensen, with tears of his own, said, 'No, Steve has to do it alone. I have given him this task, and he is in charge of seeing that everyone has an opportunity for a donut whether they want it or not. When I decided to have a party this last day of class, I looked at my grade book. Steve here is the only student with a perfect grade. Everyone else has failed a test, skipped class, or offered me inferior work. Steve told me that in football practice, when a player messes up he must do push-ups. I told Steve that none of you could come to my party unless he paid the price by doing your pushups. He and I madea deal for your sakes.' 'Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Susan can have a donut?' As Steve very slowly finished his last push-up, with the understanding that he had accomplished all that was required of him, having done 350 push-ups, his arms buckled beneath him and he fell to the floor.

Dr. Christensen turned to the room and said. 'And so it was, that our Savior, Jesus Christ, on the cross, plead to the Father, 'Into Thy hands I commend My spirit.' With the understanding that He had done everything that was required of Him, He yielded up His life. And like some of those in this room, many of us leave the gift on the desk, uneaten.'
Two students helped Steve up off the floor and to a seat, physically exhausted, but wearing a thin smile. 'Well done, good and faithful servant,' said the professor, adding 'Not all sermons are preached in words.'

Turning to his class, the professor said, 'My wish is that you might understand and fully comprehend all the riches of grace and mercy that have been given to you through the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He spared not only His Begotten Son, but gave Him up for us all, for the whole Church, now and forever.

Whether or not we choose to accept His gift to us, the price has been paid.' 'Wouldn't you be foolish and ungrateful to leave it lying on the desk?'

Melinda

Friday, February 6, 2009

KITCHEN REMODEL UPDATE

Well, the wall has come out, the old floor has been pried up, and the new sheetrock on the ceiling has been installed. It's beginning to look like a new place! The new appliances are bought and waiting for installation. The granite has been picked out and paid for, as have the new hardwood flooring.



I love, love, love the wall being gone. Wish I had done it years ago!



It's just a matter of a few days until I have my new dream kitchen.


That is if the carpenters, electrician, painter and plumber will show up and work a full day.

What is it with them getting on the job at 9:00 or so and checking out at 2:00, and they will under no circumstances work on the weekend. Wish I could work those hours. But I'm at their mercy and they know it.



This is a true test of patience, but it will be worth it.



Photos to follow!




Melinda

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Betty says hello!


I have a close personal friend, her name is Betty Crocker. Betty and I go way back, and I mean way back, back to the days when I was learning to cook.
Now, Betty's a lot older than me, but somehow she never seems to age or gain an ounce, from the delectable foods she manages to help me put on my table. I, on the other hand, have not been so lucky. I am definitely showing my age and I am working on the weight issue. (Hello Curves!)
But she's always there when I need something special for my family, whether it's a casserole, a cake, a cooking lesson, or cookies.
Today she shares a very special recipe for the lemon lovers amongst us.

Lemon Creme Bars


1/2 cup cold butter
1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker® oatmeal cookie mix
1 egg
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated)
2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
1/4 cup lemon juice


#Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottom of 8-inch square pan with cooking spray.
2.
In large bowl, cut butter into cookie mix, using fork or pastry blender. Stir in egg until mixture is crumbly. Press half of cookie mixture into bottom of pan; bake 15 minutes.
3.
In small bowl, stir condensed milk, lemon peel and lemon juice until thick. Spread over baked crust. Crumble remaining cookie mixture over top.

Bake about 25 minutes longer or until light golden brown.

Refrigerate 30 minutes or until set. For bars, cut into 5 rows by 5 rows.

Store covered in refrigerator. (if there's any left)

High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): Heat oven to 375°F.

I can already hear you smackin' those lips.

Thank you Betty!


Melinda

Monday, February 2, 2009

Laugh for the day!

Although I didn't vote for Barack Obama, he is now my President, and I will honor and respect his position, I swear, I promise, but after I share this!


"That Obama Dude keeps talking about change....."



"I've been thru the change, and trust me
YOU DON'T WANT TO GO THERE!!!!

Can I hear an AMEN!!!!!



and




Aretha's hat is the hit of the season! It's showing up everywhere.

Don't hold it in, go ahead and laugh! Laughter is good for the soul!

Melinda







Ya learn something new everyday!




I had to go into the kitchen and check this out for myself.


Whoever looks at the end of your aluminum foil box? You know when you try to pull some foil out and the roll comes out of the box. Then you have to put the roll back in the box and start over. The darn roll always comes out at the wrong time.Well, I would like to share this with you. Yesterday I went to throw out an empty Reynolds foil box and for some reason I turned it and looked at the end of the box. And written on the end it said, Press here to lock end. Right there on the end of the box is a tab to lock the roll in place. How long has this little locking tab been there? I then looked at a generic brand of aluminum foil and it had one, too.

I then looked at a box of Saran wrap and it had one too! I can't count the number of times the Saran wrap roll has jumped out when I was trying t o cover something up.


I'm sharing this with my friends. I hope I'm not the only person that didn't know about this.
Melinda


Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Choices, choices, aaghhh!



I need your help. Which granite do you think would look best in my kitchen?
Tuscan Brown



See my kitchen in previous post, have glazed off white cabinets, will be installing stainless appliances and a light color hardwood floor.

I can't make up my mind.

Help, help, me bloggers!!

Melinda

Renovation Reality has set in!

Let's see today is Wednesday, work was suppose to start on Monday. Has it? Heck no, nobody has bothered to show up. Guess once you make the committment to the contractor he takes his sweet time.


I am sooooooooo frustrated. It's been two weeks and the roof is not completely repaired much less new shingles installed. Monday and Tuesday were absolutely beautiful days here in Birmingham, but no roof work was happening at my house. Builder promises they'll show tomorrow if it's not raining, guess what, weather forecast is rain. Wonder if they can work inside when it rains, hah, I doubt it.


I think I'll take some advice from Bear, just go back to bed and CHILL!!!!!
Melinda

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Bye bye 1970's kitchen!


Tomorrow the builders will start renovations in my kitchen. The bar will be removed to make way for a center island. I will be getting all new stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and hardwood floors. I am so excited and confused and worried. Am I making the right choices for my countertops and floors? I have looked online, offline, snooped in new houses, gotten opinions, but when it comes down to it, it's my choice.
The one major change I am sure of, this wall is coming down!!! At least the part between the blue tape. That will open the kitchen to the den and make it more of a cohesive place.
So these are the before photos, can't wait to show you the after!
Melinda

Friday, January 23, 2009

Love this arrangement and color scheme!


This is from Southern Living. I love the browns, and blues onthe sofa and pillows. Plus the prints with the white platters hanging with them are calling my name.
I am trying to figure out how to incorporate blue back into my house. Years ago the entire house was blue and I have spent a lot of time changing it. Now I want to go back? Are you kidding me? The new aquas hues mixed with the browns are catching my eye lately.
Since I'm in process of redoing my kitchen, if I incorporate blue in there, in means I will have to rethink the rest of my house. Fortunately, my basic furniture and walls are neutrals, so I'll have to ditch the greens and start moving in the aquas.
I want to give a special thank you to my sister-in-law, Sallywhite at http://brickhousebrownshutters.blogspot.com/, she's the one that gets me started on all these changes. Geeez Sally!!!!
Guess it's true when you update one room, you mess up the rest of them.

Melinda

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Cosmetic Class Action Suit

In order to settle a class action lawsuit for overcharging on cosmetics, Macy's is giving away $175 million in free cosmetics.

You have to go into the store in order to receive yours, but they are giving away good stuff.

Boucheron, Chanel, and Ralph Lauren perfumes, Clinique Moisure Surge, Estee Lauder Advanced Night repair, L'Oreal mascara. Go to http://www.cosmeticssettlement.com/ for full list.

These are not sample size, they are full size. It also applies to Dillards and Nordstroms.

Check it out!

Melinda

One Nation Under God!



Dear Lord,

Please lay your loving hands on President Obama's heart and lead him to make the best decisions for our country. In God We Trust!

Melinda

Friday, January 16, 2009

Be still my heart!


I covet this rug from Pottery Barn so bad for my family room. I just love it!
Melinda


Thursday, January 15, 2009

Today's Quote!

If you don't have the time to do something right, where are you going to find the time to fix it?

Stephen King

This definitely applies to me now. I am impatient to get my roof replaced and move on to my kitchen remodel. Yesterday I went to pick out the roof shingles, and I was torn between Heathered Wood or Driftwood. Think I'll go with Heather Wood because my house is yellow brick with brown tones, and it has more of a brown tint. The Driftwood is more gray.

I've been planning these changes in my head for years, and I'm having trouble being patient, now that it's time to implement them.

I will be posting photos of the current kitchen and of the remodel as it progresses. My big issue now with the interior will be what color to paint the kitchen.

Have a good day!

Melinda

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

FREE BOTTLE OF SUAVE SHAMPOO

Hurry, you have to register before midnight tonight.

http://www.suave.com/nomics/index.html


Melinda

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Much needed laugh!

The talking dog.

A guy is driving around Wadsworth, Ohio and he sees a sign in front of a house: "Talking Dog For Sale." He rings the bell and the owner tells him the dog is in the backyard. The guy goes into the backyard and sees a Labrador retriever sitting there. "You talk?" he asks. "Yep," the Lab replies.

"So, what's your story?" The Lab looks up and says, "Well, I discovered that I could talk when I was pretty young. I wanted to help the government, so I told the CIA about my gift, and in no time at all they had me jetting from country to country, sitting in rooms with spies and world leaders, because no one figured a dog would be eavesdropping. I was one of their most valuable spies for eight years running."

"But the jetting around really tired me out, and I knew I wasn't getting any younger so I decided to settle down. I signed up for a job at the airport to do some undercover security wandering near suspicious characters and listening in. I uncovered some incredible dealings and was awarded a batch of medals. I got married, had a mess of puppies, and now I'm just retired."

The guy is amazed. He goes back in and asks the owner what he wants for the dog. "Ten dollars," the guy says. "Ten dollars? This dog is amazing. Why on earth are you selling him so cheaply?"

"Because he's lying, he never did any of that stuff."

Melinda

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Sounds awful, but taste yummy!!!!!!!

Deep Fried Ham instead of turkey!

Trust me, this is absolutely delicious.

Not a fresh ham, but a regular old cured ham, or honey baked ham, even sliced hams work.

Ingredients
7 to 10 lb ham
marinade, (optional, anything injectable)
peanut oil (for your deep fryer, aprox 5 gallons, less for a larger ham)

Directions:
Thaw ham completely and pat dry

(When deep frying moisture on surface will cause a lot of oil popping and splatering, be careful)

Place the hame in the steamer basket that comes with turkey deep fryer and carefully and slowly lower the basket into the hot oil. 350 to 375 degrees

Stand back, there is a lot of moisture in the ham.

Cook the ham about 3 1/2 to 4 minutes per pound.

If the oil cools down, just watch the temp and adjust your cooking time.

WORD OF WARNING, this looks like a big deflated black tire when it comes out of the oil, but not be scared, the inside will be pink and luscious!

This was so good, all of this ham was eaten.

Melinda

Thursday, January 8, 2009

A very special thank you!

Thank you Joanna Brittain a Southern Girl Blog Designs for my new blog design.

You'll never know how much I appreciate this gift!

If you're interested in having her help you, please give her a visit at http://momof2andwife.blogspot.com or http://thissoutherngirlsnest.blogspot.com

Melinda

God's Sense of Humor!

Somehow I know that God is on this one!



We have been in desperate need for a new roof and I was planning on buying one as soon as I sold my Mom's house. As you know, I now have a contract on it and are planning to close on 1/15/09. Being that the roof was a major priority, I had started on Monday calling roofers to drop by and give me estimates. I've been praying for a major hail storm so insurance could buy me the new roof, but no such luck.



January in Alabama is usually one of the coldest months, but last Tuesday the temp here was 69 degrees, which means storms are headed our way. True to form they arrived at 3:13 Tuesday and huge Hickory tree fell on my house.


I had also been planning to renovate my kitchen, which is the room right under this tree. So not only did God answer my prayer about the roof, he also is helping me out with the kitchen. But he's doing it his way.

So although this is going to a major hassle, it's also a double blessing, and I recognize it when I see it.

Melinda

Monday, January 5, 2009

How do I let go?

I am in the process of cleaning out my Mom's house, as it appears this sale is actually going through. My husband says I cannot bring anything else to our house!!!

However, I'm having trouble letting go of things that generate memories of my parents lives and our childhoods.

Dishes, I do not need anymore dishes, but I have boxed up Mom's wedding china, the clear glass party plates she so adored, her iron skillets that produced such fabulous cornbread. I cannot and will not let someone else take these items from me. I can remember all of the wonderful Thanksgivings and Christmas dinner that we served on her china, all the times we used and loaned out the clear party plates, and the iron skillet produced wonderful cornbread on almost a daily basis. I am not capable of making her cornbread, there was no recipe, she just made it. Hopefully, the iron skillet will magically produce it for me.

Then there is her fur coat. I know fur is not politically correct, but in her eyes, having a mink coat was one of the best things that ever happened to her. I cannot wear it, neither can my daughter, but I guess I will keep it and when I'm missing her, wrap myself around it.

She apparently saved every card that her children and grandchildren gave her for the past 20 years. Throwing them away seem so callous. They meant so much to her, shouldn't they mean the same to us?

Somehow having these things will comfort me. But I think my daughter summed things up, pretty well.

She said, "Mom, when you take all of this stuff to our house, I'll just have to go through it in 30 or 40 years". She's right, she will, but I hope she has as much trouble letting go as I'm having. It means you had a wonderful, loving family, and you're full of love because of these memories.

Sorry, Lindsay!

Melinda