Do You Have Room?

Please click on this beautiful and meaningful song below, and sit back and sing along with the words...

                                                             Do You Have Room?
They journeyed far, a weary pair, they sought for shelter from the cold night air.
Some place where she could lay her head, where she could give her Babe a quiet bed.
Was there no room? No corner there? In all the town a spot someone could spare?
Was there no soul come to their aid? A stable bare was where the family stayed.

Do you have room for the Savior, and do you seek Him a-new?
Have you a place for the One who lived and died for you?
Are you as humble as a shepherd boy, or as wise as men of old?
Would you have come that night? Would you have sought the light?
Do you have room?

A star a-rose, a wondrous light, a sign from God this was the Holy night.
And yet so few would go to see the Babe who came to rescue you and me.
This Child Divine is now a King. The gift of life to all the world He brings,
And all mankind He saves from doom, But on that night for him there was no room.

Do you have room for the Savior, and do you seek Him a-new?
Have you a place for the One who lived and died for you?
Are you as humble as a shepherd boy, or as wise as men of old?
Would you have come that night? Would you have sought the light?
Do you have room?
Will you come tonight? Will you seek the light?
Do you have room?

Do You Have Room? Lyrics by Shawna Belt Edwards, Sung by April Meservy

Happy Thanksgiving Day

Most of All

Thanksgiving Day brings to mind the blessings in our lives
that usually go unnoticed:
a home that surrounds us
with comfort and protection;
delicious food, for pleasure
in both eating and sharing;
clothes to snuggle up in,
books and good entertainment
to expand our minds;
and freedom to worship our God.
Most of all we are thankful
for our family and friends,
those treasured people
who make our lives extra special.
You are part of that cherished group.
On Thanksgiving, (and every day)
we appreciate you.

Happy Thanksgiving!

By Joanna Fuchs

Thanksgiving Prayer~Thanksgiving Song

Pig Pickin' Cake

Today is my great niece Elizabeth's 11th birthday. Happy birthday, Lizzie! We decided to celebrate by making a Pig Pickin' Cake. "WHAT IS THAT?" you say! Pig Pickin' Cake is a local favorite here in our town in Northern California, and don't worry, the title does not cast aspersions on the person eating it. This cake is a grand tradition that originated in the south, enough said!! In order to better explain the history of this wonderful dessert, I'm going to About.com to give you the whole explanation as well as the recipe...then you can look at Lizzie's creation as we made her birthday cake. Click on this link:

Pig Pickin' Cake a.k.a. Mandarin Orange Cake a.k.a. Sunshine Cake

Now you know the whole story about Pig Pickin' Cake. You can buy one here in our town by The Cake Lady, or you can make your own and save a bunch of money!

Pour a Pillsbury Moist Supreme Classic Yellow Cake Mix into the mixer bowl. Chop fine an 11-ounce can of mandarin oranges and put in the bowl with the juice, or simply process in a food processor with the juice, then pour into the bowl. There should not be any large pieces of fruit in the cake. Crack four eggs into the bowl and add 1/2 cup of vegetable oil.

Beat for two minutes with the mixer.

Pour into three greased and floured 9 in. cake pans, and bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. I'm glad I checked the cakes at 20 minutes because they were done!

Let the cakes cool for an hour or two, then you are ready to put the frosting together.

Put an 8-ounce carton of frozen whipped topping in a bowl. I had bought a second one and added about half of it as well, just to make sure I had enough, and I'm glad I did, as all of it was used to frost the cake.
Stir in an 8-ounce can crushed pineapple with the juice. Add and stir in a 3.4 ounce box instant vanilla pudding. Stir well until ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Start frosting the layers and build that cake. Lizzie is left-handed and it is fascinating watching her learn how to spread frosting around! Didn't she do a wonderful job?

I can hear you asking, "Is it as good as The Cake Lady's?" The answer is, "I don't know because Lizzie liked the looks of it so much she took the whole thing home!" She promised to bring us some tomorrow, though... :D

Happy 11th birthday, Elizabeth!

Note: The cake is delicious. The cake layers are a pretty light golden orange color inside and are very moist and very tasty! The frosting is light and yummy with tiny pieces of pineapple...and it is just as good on days two and three as it is on day one!! The ingredients cost about $10.00 which is less than it costs to buy the cake, and it is very easy and quick to put together. All in all I give it 5/5 stars!! *****

Welcome Baby Sophia Grace

On Friday, July 29, 2011 the world welcomed little Baby Sophia Grace. She was born in the Bay Area to her loving parents, Claudia and Rocky. Looking on is her honorary Auntie Olivia! 

Sophia decided to come into the world a week or two early, so she is catching up on her sleep all snug in her blanket and cap. Sleep tight, little one. Welcome to our world!

Happy Fourth Of July

                                                   God Bless Our Troops Around The World

Grady and Marianne's Wedding ~ June 25, 2011

Grady, our son, and his fiancee, Marianne, were married on Saturday, June 25th, 2011 at the Garden Vineyard outside Portland, Oregon. Everything about the day was gorgeous: the bride and groom and all the family and friends, the setting, the food and wine, and especially the weather! We were so blessed with a day full of sun...as I receive more candid shots I will post them up to share with everyone.

Happy Mother's Day

                                                                  Mother's Love
                                                               ~Author Unknown


                                               There are times when only a Mother's love
                                                        Can understand our tears,
                                                        Can soothe our disappoints
                                                         And calm all of our fears.


                                               There are times when only a Mother's love
                                                         Can share the joy we feel
                                                  When something we've dreamed about
                                                            Quite suddenly is real.


                                               There are times when only a Mother's faith
                                                           Can help us on life's way
                                                     And inspire in us the confidence
                                                          We need from day to day.


                                                For a Mother's heart and a Mother's faith
                                                        And a Mother's steadfast love
                                                        Were fashioned by the Angels
                                                            And sent from God above.