Welcome friends...thanks for coming by. We're seeking beauty in all of creation... in our faith and our families; our art and our music; our crafts and kitchens, and even in our own backyard. We'll share a poem or a recipe, a picture or a memory; maybe a dream of how we wish our life could be. And though we acknowledge that the world can be harsh, we're keeping it pleasant in our little corner; endeavoring to keep the words from the Book of all Books: ...Whatsoever things are lovely; think on these things.

I so enjoy hearing from you...so leave me a comment; it'll make my day!

Photo: Bee and thistle: Taken high in the Cascade Mountains where there is a bee buzzing on every thistle. by Debora Rorvig

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

A Recipe, A Remodel, and the Rewards of Motherhood (just not in that order)

Lots of good things are happening around here. We just celebrated our 23rd wedding anniversary, followed by a really nice Mother's Day. The remodel is in full swing and I found a recipe with just two ingredients that only takes a couple of minutes to mix up!

The Remodel

The bathrooms half-done and partly functional. We only have one bathroom, plus a toilet and sink in our laundry room; so taking out the tub meant that we had to take what mom used to call 'spit baths'. That gets old. So Dean, our contractor, took pity on us and was nice enough to install the new tub right away so that we could at least take a bath. The past few mornings we've been tippy- toeing across the cardboard that covers the new tile (which will be grouted after the walls are finished and painted) and soaking in our roomy new tub while viewing exposed plumbing and walls. I decided to think it rather avant-garde; like those swanky city lofts with the pipes running across the ceiling...well almost like that...in my imagination anyway! So as it stands today, the tub is in, the tile is laid, and the walls were texturized this afternoon. Tomorrow we paint, and after that-the grouting. Then the vanity, lights, and fixtures will go in. Hope to be done by Sunday.

'Avant-guarde' ??? The big tub isn't shown, it's just to the right. More pictures are forthcoming.



The Rewards of Motherhood
My biological kids all live out of town, but they don't forget me on Mother's Day. Some pretty tulips arrived from son, John and family.  Sam and Heather and their families each sent me beautiful, sentimental e-cards. Don't you love those e-cards? I have an account with Jacquie Lawson (a talented British artist) that allows me to send all the e-cards I want for one whole year. With a passel of grandchildren this is a life-saver. That year-long deal allows me to send cards on those less-important holiday that I normally don't acknowledge. The link to her site is www.jacquielawson.com. But can you guess what made me that happiest on Mother's Day? It wasn't the flowers or cards, or the yummy brunch that Kelly took me to. It is seeing that my grown children have grown up to become even better people than I dreamed. That's the real reward of motherhood-having great children. So hang in there, all of you young mothers. Keep loving them, making them behave, and praying for them. Your reward is coming- trust me.



The Recipe

And finally, I came across the easiest recipe ever last week. Thought I'd share it with you. It's for seasoned creamed cheese spread. I served it on fancy little sandwiches with thinly sliced cucumber at the Royal Wedding Brunch I attended. But oh, my goodness... this stuff is fantastic on toasted bagels. It takes all of my self control not to eat one (or two) of these for breakfast every morning.




Savory Creamed Cheese Spread

A tub of whipped creamed cheese
A packet of dry italian salad dressing mix

Directions: Stir the creamed cheese to soften a bit. Dump a little of the dressing mix in it and stir. Taste. If it's great, stop. If it's not, add more dressing mix. Repeat the process until you are happy with the results. Serve on bread, bagels, crackers, or as a veggie or chip dip.

Don't blame me if you eat more than you should...you were warned!


5 comments:

Chris at Red Gate Farm said...

Oh that bagel spread does sound delish! Thanks for sharing the "recipe" with us.

I can't wait to see the final pictures of your new bathroom, although I'm sure you're more than ready too!

~Chris

Linda O'Connell said...

Debora,
This post was a three for one. Thanks for the recipe, the motherhood chat and oh my! I know what it is like to remodel! You'll be pleased when it's finished.

ellen b. said...

amen to having the best reward in seeing your adult children thrive. Sounds like a great recipe...

Anneliese said...

It was nice to be here today and catch up! I look forward to seeing pictures of your bathroom whent it's done.
Love what you said about the rewards of motherhood... what you siad is so much to be thankful for. Kids who have grow up to be great adults. What better gift could we ask for.
And thanks for the recipe! Sounds nice and easy!

Anneliese said...

I came back because I realize you lost your comments too ...
Yes, the greatest reward of motherhood, the best gift, is to see your grown children become good adults...your friends.
That dip looks great and I look forward to seeing your bathroom finished.

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