My Joys...

Just popping in real quick

to say Hello!

This blogging thing is getting harder and harder for me to do.

I'm not sure how much I'll get on, but you may see me more

on Instagram and Facebook these days.

Somedays, to actually sit physically at the computer, is really hard!

I have this thing called squirrel disorder and I have

 been easily distracted by many things all at once!

Watch out, it is contagious!!

Any who, with December now here, I am oh so busy,

which I'm sure you are all too!

But I am so grateful to be busy...

Yes, busy can be so overrated, but non the less I am grateful.

The Joys of the Christmas season are wonderful.

I've been blessed with many great things.

I've had many gatherings all ready with friends and family.

Lots of sweet treats made to share.

Many days of laughter and cheer.

Watched a few sappy Christmas movies.

Watched several funny Christmas movies.

Wrapped many gifts.

Reading and enjoying the day with my boys!

Going here and going there.

I am so thankful for all these Joys!

And my biggest Joy of all is the love of Jesus Christ 

and all that this holiday season stands for!

After all, Jesus is the Reason for the Season!

I hope you all have a Very Merry Christmas 

and a Happy New Year!

Thank you so much for reading my blog,

it still means the world to me!

Hugs,

AMY

I Am In Awe...

Well Hello!  How are you today?

I am still amazed at how fast the days are going.

And I am still trying to process that it is now December.

DECEMBER! 

Seriously?!

How is it December all ready??

We had family here for most of November

which was nice and very busy.

Then Thanksgiving came around...

That was nice and it was even nicer to

 have family here to celebrate with.

And, well it's kinda been a blur from then.

And now we are in December!

My middle sons birthday is in a few days

and he turns 11!!

Seriously...time is flying!

Yes, there is still green in these pictures

as I took them I think in late Spring, early Summer.

Aren't they pretty?

This was one of the nature walks

 I took with my boys.

Not very far from our home.

I loved this little area as the sun was

 getting ready to set for the evening.

I just thought it was so amazing!

The detail of the sun through the trees

to the reflection of the water...

Wow...just wow!

And then the sun sets and it's even more glorious!

We are so blessed to have a Creator that

 gives us all these amazing gifts to witness 

each and every day.

I don't know about you but I am in awe.

I am in awe at the love my Heavenly Father shows me daily.

I am in awe at the Joy He gives me.

I am in awe at the Grace He has for me.

I am in awe that I am His daughter.

And I am in awe that we can witness His great gifts

each and every day we are here!

Who wouldn't want to share that with the world?

So, as the month of December carries on

I hope you all take the time to slow down

and thank our Heavenly Father for all the

 gifts and treasures of every day.

For these days seem to be fleeting...

Thanks so much for stopping by...

Until next time...

Be Blessed,

Easter Blessings...

Well, Easter is almost here...

The weather is beautiful!  

I'm still praising and thanking God for the wonderful

 moisture we have received.  

Our fields are turning green and

 little speckles of Spring flowers are in bloom.

Easter preparations are being planned...

Something simple, yet delicious.

And we must have dessert!

Do you have Easter plans?

Easter is a time to give Thanks to Jesus

 for all that He has done for us.

It's not just about the colorful eggs we dye

and all the Easter baskets we fill,

Easter has a bigger purpose.

Easter is about the one who died on the cross

for you and for me.

It's a time to celebrate!

It's a time to celebrate JESUS!!

Celebrate Jesus,
Celebrate the Risen Lord.
Celebrate Jesus,
Celebrate the Holy One.
He is risen,
And He lives forever more..
Celebrate His resurrection,.
Come on celebrate the resurrection of our Lord.
Jesus is risen,
Death cannot stop Him..
He is the King of kings,.
And the Lord of lords.
Celebrate Jesus,
Lord of all.
By Lim Tianyi 

He is not here: for he has risen, as he said.

Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

Matthew 28:6

Thank you Jesus!

Thank you Jesus for loving us so much

that you died on that old rugged cross for us.

Thank you Jesus!

BE...

May you each be Blessed this Easter!

Thanks so much for stopping by....

Hugs & Blessings,

New Year Blessings...

Christmas is over and the New Year is almost here!

Where has this year gone?

We had a wonderful Christmas spent 

with family and friends.

Lots of food, laughter and fellowship!

I decided to take down my tree and decorations

so I can bring the New Year in with a 

clean and tidy home.

It's always so sad to wrap and pack up the ornaments.

It took me all day to get everything packed and cleaned

and put back into order.

  I'm still working at trying to finish the laundry,

but that is a never ending task.

(Smiles)

Do you have any big plans to ring 

in the New Year?

We will be gathering at our friends home

for a small New Years Eve party.

I'd like to be in bed by 12:01!!

May God bless all of you and your families

in this new year to come!

Blessings and Hugs,

A Fragile Gift...

With Christmas almost here,  I wanted to share

a precious story I read in my Daily Bread devotional.

It's very fitting for the season we are in.

Enjoy!

************

When we give a fragile gift, we make sure it is marked

on the box that contains it.

The word FRAGILE is written 

with big letters because

we don't want anyone to 

damage what is inside.

God's gift to us came in the most fragile package:

A BABY.

Sometimes we imagine Christmas day

as a beautiful scene on a postcard, 

but any mother can tell you it wasn't so. 

Mary was tired, probably insecure.

It was her first child, 

and He was born in the most

unsanitary conditions.

She "wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, 

and laid Him in a manger, 

because there was no room for

them in the inn."

A baby needs constant care.  

Babies cry, eat, sleep

and depend on their caregivers.

They cannot make decisions.

In Mary's day, infant mortality was high,

and mothers often died in childbirth.

Why did God choose such a fragile 

way to send His Son to earth?

Because Jesus had to be like us 

in order to save us.

God's greatest gift came in the fragile

body of a baby, but God

took the risk because He loves us.

Wow...Just Wow!

The more I read this the more the tears flow!

Let us be thankful this Christmas season 

for such an amazing gift,

Jesus...

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

2 Corinthians 9:15

Blessings to you and yours....

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Happy Thanksgiving & A Recipe...

Can you believe Thanksgiving is almost here?

I can't!  Seriously, how did it get here so quickly?

Do you all do the Thanksgiving hosting

 or do you travel somewhere?

We stay home and have a simple

 gathering at my in laws.

My MIL, Roxy has always made the turkey,

it's her specialty!

I'll be helping prepare the meal 

and of course the dessert!

My mom and my aunt will be coming out this year

to celebrate with us.

Most of my family is scattered all over, 

so it's hard to get everyone together.

I believe we will be doing the turkey, mashed taters,

 sweet tater casserole,green bean casserole, 

gluten free stuffing and stuffing for the non-gluten free eaters,

cranberries and some type of roll.

And of course pie...pecan and a pumpkin

and hopefully my auntie's famous cheesecake!

What all do you do to prepare for the big day?

Well, I hope whatever you do, 

you enjoy yourselves and your company

and you are BLESSED!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

How would you like another great recipe?

After all, isn't that what I do best?

Roxy and I baked up some gluten free scones the other day

and oh my goodness...they turned out delicious!

Like, I can't eat just one...

Of course if you aren't gluten free,

 just add in the flour of your choice

and bake away....

So, this is my own creation of a recipe 

and I think I've posted it before

but, I didn't want to search for the recipe,

so I'm gonna give it to you again in the Gluten Free version.

Enjoy!!

Sweet Scones

1 cup Einkorn Flour

1 cup of coconut flour, oat flour and potato starch*

(*This just needs to equal 1 cup)

2 Tbsp. green banana flour

1/3 cup brown sugar

1 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1 stick butter, cold and sliced

1 egg

1/2 cup coconut milk or any type of milk or yogurt

1/4 tsp. almond or vanilla extract

1/4 cup toffee bits

1/2 cup chocolate chips

1/4 cup of dried cranberries or coconut

(You can use the basic recipe and add in the flavors you crave)

Combine the flours, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

Using a pastry blender or your hands and

combine the sliced butter until it forms into pea sized crumbs.

 Stir in the chocolate chips and coconut

 or your desired flavor combos.

In another bowl, stir in the coconut milk, 

the egg and the almond or vanilla extract.

Add to the flour mixture.  

Stir just till combined.

On a lightly floured surface, place your dough.

 Create 2 mounds with the dough, no more than 1/2 inch thick.

 Cut each circle of dough into 8 slices. 

Place on an un-greased cookie sheet.

Lightly sprinkle with sugar if desired.

Bake at 400 degrees for about 13-15 minutes 

or until they are lightly brown.

For my flavor combos:

I made one batch with chocolate chips and coconut

and the other batch with:

white chocolate chips and dried cranberries

I've also made orange cranberry

chocolate chips and toffee bits

strawberries and cream

just to list a few...

Also just to let you know the Einkorn flour is organic 

and it has a less amount of gluten for 

those that have gluten sensitivities. 

I am able to eat this flour and it doesn't bother me.

This is the Chocolate Chip and Coconut Scone...

And this one is the Dried Cranberry

 and White Chocolate Chip Scone...

Roxy made hers batch with the 

Toffee Bits and Chocolate Chips.

Experiment and see what flavor combos you can create!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Now, ain't this the truth!

HAHA!

BE BLESSED!

Easy Cashew Brittle...

Hello!  How are you?

I've been busy, but I think we all are this time of year.

Running here and there, doing errands, 

school, chores, baking, cooking

the list is endless...

But in the mix of all the busyness

I have been doing a little baking.

I'm getting my flow on cooking Gluten Free

so that right there is huge!

In the midst of all the changes,

I found this super easy brittle recipe.

Do you like Brittle?

I do!

It's sweet, a bit salty and I love the crunch!

Now, I'm sure you have had peanut brittle.

But, this brittle is made with cashews!

Here's the recipe if you'd like to give it a try.

Microwave Nut Brittle

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup corn syrup

1 Tbsp. butter

1 tsp. vanilla

1 cup cashews or nuts of choice

1 tsp. baking soda

In microwave safe bowl, mix together sugar and corn syrup.

Microwave for 5 minutes.

Add in butter, vanilla and cashews.

Microwave for 1 minute longer.

Stir in baking soda and immediately spread

 mixture onto buttered parchment paper.

Cool for 30 minutes to an hour.

Break into pieces and enjoy!

With the holiday season upon us, 

this would make a great gift!

I hope you have a delightfully sweet week!

HUGS,

Another Year...New Adventures...

Hello All!

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas!

We sure did, it was quite nice!

We didn't get snow, 

so it just seemed a bit odd without 

the fluffy white stuff outside.

The boys loved the warmer 

weather since they got new bikes!

I can't believe it's almost 2016!!

How did this year fly by so quickly?

Do you all do anything special to ring in the New Year?

We got invited to a friends house this year.

As long as we are all feeling well and up to the drive

we will head out of town for the count down!

Do you celebrate the New Year with new Resolutions?

I don't really do those as I never really stick to them.

But...

I do ask and seek from the Lord

 for a new word for the New Year, however...

And this year it's Renew.

This really can be a wide range of things.

I'm thinking maybe along the lines of:

Renewing a stronger walk with the Lord

Renewing my health

Renewing My Strength

Renewing my family relationships

Renewing my friendships

Starting over and beginning with a brand new start

or a new adventure...

I'm sure there are plenty more I can think of, 

but for now this will have to do.

May God richly bless you in this New Year

and may you seek Him more now, than ever before!

Happy New Year from my family to yours!!

In His Grace,

O Holy Night...

O holy night...

The stars are brightly shining

It is the night of our dear Savior's birth

Long lay the world in sin and error pining

Till he appeared and the soul felt it's worth

The thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices

For yonder brinks a new and glorious morn

Fall on your knees...

O hear the angel voices

O night divine

O night when Christ was born

O night divine

O night, O night divine

O Holy Night...

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas

and a safe New Year!

And just remember what the true meaning of Christmas really is...

Our Savior is Born!

He is alive!

Rejoice!!

Blessings and Hugs,

Gluten Free Chocolate Fudge Zucchini Brownies...

Can you say...

Gluten Free Chocolate Fudge Zucchini Brownies

THREE TIMES FAST??

Wow... that was a mouth full to type, I mean say!

With Christmas fast approaching

I thought it would be good to start 

sharing a few sweet recipes

just in case you like to bake for others...

I mean, isn't that what we do??

I make sweet treat platters for my hubby, mom, auntie, 

and father in law to take to work to share....

So, I always like to include a thing or two

 for people that eat gluten free.

I have personally tried this recipe and

 they are melt in your mouth GOOD!

I honestly think these brownies 

can be a more healthy version...

but don't tell anyone I said that!!

Shhhh!!  Mums the Word, Okay?

Okay... now for the recipe!

Gluten Free Chocolate Fudge Zucchini Brownies

1/2 c. shredded zucchini

1/3 c. applesauce

1 c. plus 2 Tbsp. water

2 tsp. vanilla

3 Tbsp. ground flax meal

1/2 c. plus 2 Tbsp. coconut oil

3/4 c. baking cocoa

1 c. coconut flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. baking soda

3/4 c.  plus 2 Tbsp. sugar

1/2 c. chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350. 

In a large bowl whisk the first 6 ingredients and let set for 5 minutes. 

Combine all other ingredients in a separate bowl and stir till combined.

 Pour the dry into the wet.  Stir well.  

Pour and pat brownie mixture into a greased 9x13 pan.  

Bake for 19-20 minutes. 

Take out of oven and pack down brownies with a spatula. 

Let cool for 15 minutes.

For the Glaze:

1/2 c. baking cocoa

2 Tbsp. maple syrup

1/2 c. coconut oil, melted

Mix together to form a sauce. 

Spread over your cooled brownies.

 Place the brownies in the fridge for 15-20 minutes. 

If sauce is still liquidy on top of brownies,

 tilt pan back and forth and place back in fridge.

The chocolate sauce will transform the 

brownies into a light fudgy frosting.

Happy Baking Friends!!

And Remember:

Jesus is the Reason for the Season!!

Hugs & Blessings,