Happy Birthday LauraJune Lynnette!!!

11/27/09 was Grandgirl's 3rd Birthday!!!!
~Happy Happy Birthday LauraJune Lynnette!!~

Son-Day: "Zephaniah 3:17"

~God Bless~

Spiritual Sundays

Happy Thankgiving

~Happy Thanksgiving~
~to one and all!!~

Silly Video: Blue Day Book

Son-Day: "Mighty To Save"

Kenaf Hibiscus

One plant that really did well for me this year was this new to me plant, Kenaf Hibiscus.

The seeds I bought were few, so I was really excited when these two plants grew and flourished. No extra water or fertlizer. They fell over, but kept right on growing. One plant has more "pot" looking leaves, the other plant has more heart shaped. I'll be keeping seeds from both. Because growing a plant that looks like a pot plant (especially in my county) is a major concern of mine, I'll be planting the heart shaped leaves next season, if my seeds ripen. Below are the two plants, one in front of the other. Well over 20ft tall, with beautiful huge light yellow flowers.
My online research shows this plant is used for its oil (seeds), fiber (stalks), and food. Much research is being done to see if it warrants replacing the tree paper industry. VERY easy to grow.

Below information taken from:

About the Kenaf Plant

Tomorrow's Paper Today Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Kenaf revolution underway. Buyers exercise power of purchasing. Public approval ratings up. Fiber of the future available today! Kenaf cannot run wild across the country like a weed, because in almost all parts of the U.S., kenaf seeds cannot mature. Kenaf is a 4,000 year old NEW crop with roots in ancient Africa. A member of the hibiscus family (Hibiscus cannabinus L), it is related to cotton and okra, and grows well in many parts of the U.S. It offers a way to make paper without cutting trees. Kenaf grows quickly, rising to heights of 12-14 feet in as little as 4 to 5 months. U.S. Department of Agriculture studies show that kenaf yields of 6 to 10 tons of dry fiber per acre per year are generally 3 to 5 times greater than the yield for Southern pine trees, which can take from 7 to 40 years to reach harvestable size. While the flowering can last 3 to 4 weeks, or more, per plant, each individual flower blooms for only one day. The stalk of the kenaf plant consists of two distinct fiber types. The outer fiber is called "bast" and comprises roughly 40% of the stalk's dry weight. The refined bast fibers measure 2.6mm and are similar to the best softwood fibers used to make paper. The whiter, inner fiber is called "core", and comprises 60% of the stalk's dry weight. These refined fibers measure .6mm and are comparable to hardwood tree fibers, which are used in a widening range of paper products. Upon harvest, the whole kenaf plant is processed in a mechanical fiber separator, similar to a cotton gin. The separation of the two fibers allows for independent processing and provides raw materials for a growing number of products including paper, particle board, animal bedding and bioremediation aids. At the end of the growing season, the kenaf plant flowers. After blooming the flower drops off, leaving a seed pod behind. In almost all parts of the U.S. the seeds can never mature. Because of their African origin they require an additional 60-90 days of frost free conditions to reach the point of germination. This means kenaf cannot run wild across the country like a weed. It also presents some interesting challenges for developers to insure a consistent supply of seed for next year's crop. Much research work is being done in the area of seed development, with leading edge companies like Vision Paper developing innovative and environmentally sound solutions. Illustrations by Heidi Smith All art © 1998 Vision Paper

Have a great weekend!!!!
Go to My Romantic Home for more Show and Tell today:)

Baking Snake

I saw this adorable "Snake Bread" recipe on Paula Deen and thought it way too cute not to try.
So, Friday eve, when I had some grands it was the perfect time to try it.
Ingredients are:
lunch meat, cheese, mustard, crescent roll dough, and egg, and a little dusting flour

Here are my big helpers, grand David and LauraJune in front;
Kobe, who I babysit, in back.
They are excited about the paintbrushes and the flour:)
{This is when LauraJune noticed I was taking pictures and quit smiling. She also took her ponytails down, so she has a cool hairthing going.}
I gathered the ingredients, and floured my island.

Oh, the fun they had painting with the flour. :)

Fun, fun, fun.

Then we spread out the crescent dough of two small cans, and patted all the triangles together to make one solid sheet.
I decided this needed to be done on a movable flat service to be able to move it if I needed AWAY from my helpers.

We painted on mustard.

(Notice Kobe's face??? Big mouth full of mustard:)

Next, we put a layer of lunch meat.
Next time I'll put more on.
Of course, we needed a taste test of the ham.
It passed inspection:)

Sprinkled some cheese.
(Another taste test:)

Roll it up, and paint with colored egg wash.

Then we popped it into the oven.
Make sure you turn on the oven light to really enjoy the view of your Snake baking:)
(Kobe's mom came, so he had snake the next day for lunch)

Ta Da!!!

Look how intense they are!!!
So excited about the carving of the snake...

Actually they were more excited about the grapes we had with the snake!
Snake eggs maybe???

They even folded their little arms to hurry up the prayer:)
Darling...

We put grapes on for the eyes.
Because it was crescent bread it was really rich.
Next time I'm going to try a pizza dough, more lunch meat and not so much mustard.
I'm thinking this could also be done in a cinnamon roll way for a sweet snake.

Hubby said it looked more like a worm.
Either way, mmmmmmmmmmm, delish!!!

Ingredients

• 1 can crescent rolls
• Flour, for dusting
• 4 tablespoons spicy mustard
• 10 ounces thinly sliced ham
• 10 ounces thinly sliced salami
• 10 ounces bologna
• 12 ounces Monterey Jack, grated
• Liquid food coloring
• 3 egg yolks
• 2 whole cloves
• Toothpicks
• 2 small pimiento-stuffed olives
• 1 (1-inch) strips jarred roasted red peppers

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Line a cookie sheet with foil. Grease the foil and set aside.

Dust a flat surface lightly with flour. Spread out the crescent dough — do not separate. Pinch together the seams so that you have 1 piece of dough. Roll out to make a large rectangle. Make sure the dough is not stuck to the surface at all.

Brush the dough with the mustard, leaving a 1-inch border. Layer the meats down the center of the rectangle, leaving a 1-inch border on either end. You can feel free to use your favorite cold cuts.

Top the meats with the cheese. Fold 1 side of the dough over the filling, lengthwise. Then, fold the other 1/2 over and press the seal the filling inside. Take 1 egg yolk, and beat lightly with a fork. Brush the egg yolk over the top of the dough. The yolk will act as the glue to hold. Fold the dough in 1/2 again lengthwise. Pinch the seam with your fingers to seal. Press the outside of the dough to make sure everything is sealed tight and to make an even thickness for the body of your snake. Taper 1 end of the dough to form a tail shape. Form the other end into a head shape.

Beat the 2 remaining egg yolks together. Transfer to 3 separate small bowls. Add some food coloring to each bowl — whatever colors you like! Using a clean paintbrush, "paint" the snake with the egg yolk/food coloring mixture.

Transfer the snake to the foil lined sheet tray. Form into an "s" shape so it looks like the snake is slithering. Insert 2 cloves into the head to look like nostrils and 2 stuffed olives for eyes. Create a mouth or tongue with the roasted red peppers. Bake the snake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Homemaker Monday's at: 11th Heaven's Homemaking Haven

"O Praise Him"

O Praise Him
David Crowder Band

Turn your ear
To Heaven and hear
The noise inside
The sound of angels
The sound of angel's songs
And all this for a King
We could join and sing
"All to Christ the King!"

How constant
How divine
This song of ours will rise
Oh, how constant
How divine
This love of ours will rise
Will rise...

O praise Him!
O praise Him!
He is Holy!
He is Holy, yeah!

Turn your gaze
To Heaven and raise
A joyous noise
Oh, the sound of salvation come
The sound of rescued ones
And all this for a king
Angles join to sing
"All for Christ the King!"

O praise Him!
O praise Him!
He is Holy!
He is Holy, yeah!

How infininte and sweet
This love so rescuing
Oh how infinitely sweet
This great love that has redeemed
As one, we sing...

"Hallelujah!
Hallelujah!
He is Ho-ly!
He is Ho-ly!"

O praise Him!
O praise Him!
He is Holy!
He is Holy, yeah!

"Hallelujah!
Hallelujah!
He is Ho-ly!
He is Ho-ly!"

O praise Him!
O praise Him!
He is Holy!
He is Holy, yeah!

Oh la la la la la la...

~God Bless~

Camera Critters: Fat Cat

Froggee is not as fat as she looks, check out how she's sitting.
Silly kitty...





Did you know that Sesame Street is 40 years old?
I'm 43 and grew up with Sesame Street.
Says a lot.
(You read between the lines:)


Check out Camera Critters to join in or see others:)

"Cherish Is The Word"

New Grandboy
Jeremiah Nolan Taylor McFadin
one month on 11/12/2009

"Despite the changes which come into our lives and with gratitude in our hearts, may we fill our days—as much as we can—with those things which matter most. May we cherish those we hold dear and express our love to them in word and in deed."

--Thomas S. Monson, "Finding Joy in the Journey,", Liahona, Nov 2008, 84–87

And I do, Cherish you, Cherish is the word...

Thankful Thursday: Veterans Day

Because it is so moving, I am re posting this video.
This young man adds his amazing voice.


Recently my son, Eric, returned from four years active duty in the Navy.
Currently my son, DJ, is overseas in Afghanistan, serving with the Army National Guard, as a paralegal.
My daughter-in-law, April, is preparing to leave for overseas with the Army National Guard, as a medic.
My son, Mike, is a reservist with the Army National Guard Reserves, as a medic.
My son, Taylor, will be leaving this month to begin basic training in the Army.

Many of my family has served this country.
I'm sure many more will.
I praise those who did, in whatever capacity.
I pray for those who are.
I pray for those who will.
God bless them all.
I pray that we, the blessed, will remember our freedom isn't free.

"A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself."

Joseph Campbell


Thankful Thursday: Grace Alone...

WW: Add Your Own Caption ;)

Wordless Wednesday

Happy 3rd Birthday Audrey!!

~~Happy Happy Third Birthday
Grandgirl Audrey Madison!!!~~

Happy Birthday Hubby Dear!!!

~Hubby turned 47 on November 8th!!!~
~Happy Birthday Sweetheart!!~

Son-Day: "Slow Fade"

Slow Fade by Casting Crowns

Be careful little eyes what you see
It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade

Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day

The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you're thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day

Oh be careful little eyes what see
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little eyes what you see...

Spiritual Sunday

Red Dragon Fleece Flower 11/09

I so love plants from this family

I love these colors together, especially on one plant...
Tiny, delicate white blooms...

Since it is sterile, it won't re-seed all over like regular fleece flower...
I'm amazed at how well it filled in this spot...

It's hardy here, and lasts through the winter with mild freeze damage...
Loves water, but will do well without...
New growth in cooler weather is this brilliant purple and reds...

Brilliant...

Persicaria microcephala 'Red Dragon'

(per-si-care' ee-ah my-crow-ceh' fal-ah)

Common name: Smartweed, Knotweed, Fleeceflower

Family: Polygonaceae (Buckwheat)

Height x width: 24" x 30-40"

Growth rate: vigorous but not invasive as many other relatives (sterile so not seed invasive, non-stoloniferous so not root invasive)

Foliage: main feature of this cultivar, being deep burgundy in early spring with dark and mint or white-edged center ("chevron"); in summer may be a blend of burgundy, red and silver; color varies with temperature, being more intense in sun and heat; elongated heart-shaped 1-1.5" wide and 3-4" long; dark red stems and often pink central vein

Flowers: none significant

Hardiness: USDA zones 4-9

Soil: tolerates most including heavy clay

Light: sun or shade

Pests and problems: none significant

Landscape habit, uses: clump-forming; borders, accents, mixed containers, massed; effective combined with silver foliage such as Silver Mound Artemisia, yellow flowers such as from Coreopsis

Other interest: originated with Crystal Palace Perennials in Indiana, being introduced commercially through PlantHaven

Other culture: low maintenance

Propagation: cuttings, but license required for commercial propagation

Sources: Crystal Palace Perennials (IN), Shady Oaks Nursery (MN), for list of wholesale sources contact PlantHaven

Happy Birthday Halloween Baby!!

~Happy 24th Eric!!!!~

Son-Day: "I Wish"

I Wish
Point of Grace

I wish I didn't feel so helpless
I wish I didn't act so selfish
I wish I didn't wring my hands night and day
My hair was a little bit smoother
My jeans fit a little bit looser
And I always knew the right things to say
And I wish I wouldn't hide what's been going on inside
And I wish you wouldn't get scared and run away


I wish I was doing better
With all the things that matter,
I guess I got some learning to do
I wish everyone had someone
To hold em and to love em
The way I'm always gonna love you
I wish wishes came true

I was there was a cure for cancer
I wish somebody had an answer
And all God's children, never got hurt
I wish Eve never bit that apple
You men never went to battle
And I didn't get so mad at the world
I wish I was more like Jesus
And could pick up all the pieces
And make a better life for my baby girl


I wish I was doing better
With all the things that matter,
I guess I got some learning to do
I wish everyone had someone
To hold em and to love em
The way I'm always gonna love you
I wish wishes came true

For everything I am wishing
I know someone up there is listening
So, I say my prayers when I go to bed
Ahh, ahh, ahh
Oh pray my wishes come true
Oh


I wish I was doing better
With all the things that matter,
I guess I got some learning to do
I wish everyone had someone
To hold em and to love em
The way I'm always gonna love you
I wish wishes came true

I know wishes come true
I wish, I wish

God Bless...