ZERO calorie cookies

I thought these were so cute !

NO CALORIES

REALLY !!!

I found this tutorial at Jenny's :

"Lipstick and Laundry" blog

Today I have to run a few errands

so I am going to try and get the felt and give it a try

I think these would look so cute

on a pretty tray, or plate..

let me know if you make any--

~~Deby

thanks Jenny !

Thank you bloggers

It's early here...

I am thinking....what should I write ?

....my mind is tired...

SO....I will keep it simple....this Saturday morning:

Thank you, to those who read my blog.

Thank you, for those who comment, bloggers love comments !

Thank you, to those who have prayed for me. Some of you I have never met.

I am thankful for this thing called BLOGGING, that has

filled a part of my life....I am thankful for YOUR BLOGS

your writings, ideas, pictures and a peak into your world

GOD IS GOOD

I am Thankful,

~~Deby

Take a stroll down memory lane

Aren't you glad when you have your camera with you ?

This was take awhile back on a outing in Port Townsend, WA.

This poor little doll *lost her head*
I thought this was so funny...
My daughter still has her CB doll
My daughter is in her 30's !!
Me in a GIFT shoppe..
is that cute or what?
NOT me.....the GIFT

My beloved and I on a Anniversary dinner
in Alki beach..a few years back
The MOST WONDERFUL food...
pricey...we had won the dinner at a
job function of my husband's... so for us, FREE

JUST THE TIP
View..of Seattle from Alki beach..
it was a wonderful evening..
...thanks for the little stroll with me..
this warm summer evening.
~~deby

PINK, it shall be

Hey, these pics were easy to find

just google Pink Kitchens
hmmmm...these floors would not work for me
think I would have to play hopscotch ...
Did you do that as a child?
I did...think you would have to call 911
if I tried it right now !
nO...that is nOt me!!

this one doesn't look friendly

enough for my taste..

Isn't this sweet???

I am sure she is baking something yummy?

and yet more...

BUT WAIT

WHAT ?????

You will have to wait a bit...

my kitchen is in the process...

GUESS what color?

My sister Lisa has been the "paintress"

I am so thankful...

~~deby

How I light my home

We have been having a couple dark days here

in the Pacific Northwest...even thunder and lightening

in some parts...it sure has made my house darker..

What's a girl to do ?

(Tiffany light bought from Craig's list)

Well...I love lighting..little lights here and there

they seem to just make your mood brighter.

I use low voltage, or those FAKE candles

from JoAnne's or Michaels (coupons of course)

or real candles !!

(mirror is not hung and I am still not sure yet !!)

A little here a little there...

placement of any or all, always subject to change..

upon whim...or need of a different look!

A new favorite lamp...yard sale:

$6.00
By my recliner...
As you can see
my Ott-lite is to the left...
for reading
~*~*~*~*~*~
I had to miss church again yesterday,
I had some reaction to my pain shot--or something...
WELLLLLL....before I got into my Bible study
I thought, I need to do these little lights for me.
Oh ..I kept them on all day..
I also use mini-lights, especially on my ficus trees.
I like the feeling lighting gives, like when you go into
a restaurant or a great gift shop...or tea room.
It is easy to do..and can be cheap...and EVEN
in the summer can make all the difference.
Any hints ...for what you do?
This is all apart of the Joy of Homemaking for me.
~~deby

Reasonable ?

Romans 12:1-2

~~~~

I consider these scriptures, which are favorites of mine.

When I read that it is a *reasonable* service

I think, ....reasonable... it is doing what is

*right*..

....what is expected, what I should do.

I think that is REASONABLE

Just my thoughts this Saturday morning in

our sunny Puget Sound.

Have a great Lord's Day...

~~deby

for a spicey life

I have been using this recipe for Season Salt
for years now.
I give it as gifts.
You can use it on ANYTHING.

We use it every morning on our omelets !

It is great on steak, fish..

you name it..you can also tweak it a bit !!
I try to buy organic herbs.
ALSO I have used, Sea salt, pickling salt,
low sodium salt.,they all work
~~ooOoo~~

"Season Salt"
1 cup Salt
2 tsp. Black pepper
1 TBSP. garlic granules or powder
2 tsp. onion granules or powder
1 TBSP Sweet Paprika
1 tsp. Cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. pasilla pepper or chili powder
1/2 tsp. Lemon Peel granules (optional)
I mix and store it in a zip lock

~~*~*~*~*~*~~
EVERYONE loves it
and guess what NO msg.
You know what is in it.

~~ooOoo~~
I found this recipe in a cookbook called:
Battling the "MSG MYTH"
I have used this recipe on my blog with the author
Debbie Anglesey's Permission
I think this book and all of it's information is a asset to
any kitchen.
Here is her web site
~~ooOoo~~

ALSO...

Lori ,of a

"Frugally Old -Fashioned Homemaker"

has a great post on salts and mixes

with many links

Go have a look

~*~*~*~
and Remember:
Colossians 4:6
Let your speech be alway with grace,
seasoned with salt,
that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

~~oOo~~
BTW:

yes ,this is a partial re-post

but with this time of year and frugal living becoming

more of a necessity, I thought it was worthy

of sharing again

Giveaways..thoughts and a win !

I love giveaways...

why not?

I love to host them and once in awhile

I win one...

Recently I entered one at

Rose Chic Friends

I was blessed to win these lovely things from Lorena.

Oh all of this will fit in at my home.

There was also a sweet notebook,

but I have started using it and it is not in the picture.

(btw...the sugar and creamer are mine)

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

Giveaways, blog candy,

whatever you call it...

a fun way to be a blessing to others.

~~Deby

oh...on my sidebar, my sister is

having a giveaway...

a JoAnne's gift card !!!

Be Careful

A reminder for me,

for you ??

Psalms 19:14

Let the words of my mouth,

and the meditation of my heart,

be acceptable in thy sight,

O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

~~~~~oOo~~~~~

O be careful little mouth what you say
O be careful little mouth what you say
There's a Father up above
And He's looking down in love
So, be careful little mouth what you say

~~O~~

last verse of children's song:

you can hear it here and see the rest of the words:

"Be Careful"

~~~deby

a hometown parade !!! Happy Birthday Matt

A local small town parade, last weekend !!
So thankful for those who serve
who sacrifice
Yes...a real army marching band,
it brought goose-bumps !!
Our local Navy band
These veterans were so wonderful !!!
Thank you for serving~
********
America’s Biblical Heritage
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”
Genesis 12:1–3
America has been blessed because America has blessed God.

Despite what many people want you to believe today, America is a Christian nation. America was founded on the principles of God’s Word and many of the early leaders of our land recognized the importance of the Bible in founding the nation. Notice a few quotes from early American leaders:

“It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ!”—Patrick Henry

“The highest glory of the American Revolution was this: that it connected, in one indissoluble bond, the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity.”—John Quincy Adams

“Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers and it is the duty as well as the privilege and interest, of a Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.”—John Jay

“Do not let anyone claim the tribute of American patriotism if they ever attempt to remove religion from politics.”—George Washington

The biggest tragedy of our day is the act of overlooking the spiritual base of our nation. Overlooking our biblical heritage leads to the election of leaders who have no respect for God, the Supreme Ruler of our nation.

While our nation is not perfect, I praise the Lord for its spiritual heritage. No other nation in the world has a history so based on the Bible as America does. No other nation can point to a spiritually moral foundation like we can. Praise God for that!

God has greatly blessed America because our Founding Fathers established our nation on biblical principles. Never forget in this day of compromise that God blesses those who follow the principles of His Word. Our nation is great because throughout history Americans have blessed God.

As you celebrate our national Day of Independence,
take time to thank God for His blessings on our nation.
We would not be the great nation we are today were it not for God.
Also, remember God promises to bless those who follow Him and His Word.
Renew your commitment today, like our forefathers did with the founding of America,
to base your life on the principles of God’s Word.
*******
I get this devotion sent everyday
from Paul Chappell to my email.
Here is thelink.
They are
ALWAYS a blessing
****
HAPPY Birthday
to our oldest son
MATT
our firecracker baby.
He was born on my due date !
Now married to Gina
and a Southwest Airlines Pilot

A few snippets from my week

We were blessed with the opportunity

to buy a 25# box of

Bing Cherries for $25.00 (thanks Lisa)

I froze most of them..

thought they looked pretty in this

Yard Sale Milk Glass container

This morning took the knobs off of my stove

one of those projects I forget to do

Knobs soaking in amonia and soap.
I love this black sink in this house.
I didn't think I would at first..
it is easy maintenance !!
Finally got a podiatrist appt.
He wants me to wear this removal cast to imobilize
my left foot and ankle.
He *thinks* I have a peroneal tendon tear or
something. I am waiting to get a MRI...
Now those of you who know me...do
you think I am wearing this ALL the time ?
so...just a few snippets of
life in our neck of the woods...
So what is new with YOU ???
~~deby

Double Rainbow

Our daughter and her family

have left the Pacific Northwest (sad Nana, here)

Driving through New Mexico

she got this picture of the double Rainbow.

You might need to click to enlarge the picture.

They are taking the southern route to get to the east coast.

Stopping to visit here and there.

Please pray for them as they return for one more year

at their east coast assignment.

~-~I already miss them.~-~

~~deby

The Winners Are

Thank you...

thank you...

all of you sweet ladies !!!

FIRST Prize

is:

Diane (Tomato Soup Cake)

The other 4 are:

Martie (Hitting the High Notes)

Karen (Angels Watching Over Me)

Becky Terry(Morning Mist & Scattered Clouds)

and yes....

Myranda(I guess persistance pays)

I did the drawing through

Random.org

and then lots and lots of counting....

thank you...

NOW would you email me

your addresses...

please...

My email is on my profile page

meet Myranda

This is my sweet niece, Myranda

and her beloved, Luke !

Cute couple, huh ?

NEWLYWEDS

WELL

she has taken

the challenge of my GIVEAWAY

to a new level

scroll down and see....

look at ALL of her comments !!!

I love creativity...

either way,

Myranda...

your Auntie

will have something special for you...

oh yes I will...

love you...

Because you asked

Because many have inquired

These are the GLH books

I don't have yet:

Because of Stephen
The Chautauqua Idyl
A Little Servant
Pansies for Thoughts
The Parkerstown Delegate
A Personal Influence

Now this is a picture of the "Narrows Bridges"

they connect parts of our beautiful

Puget Sound.

I drive on them to go visit family...

They are beautiful ...

they can be intimidating at first.

You get used to them

job accomplished...whew !!

I printed up the list of Grace Livingston Hill books

and today put them in ABC order

I double-checked

I am missing 6

I also have a few by her daughter and Isabella Alden

I find many in Thrift Stores and Craig's list.

This past weekend, I picked up a lot
of 70 of them from CL's. Cost $20.00
These are books that touch my heart.
I feel like I do not waste time
when I read her books.
I also love to give the extras away
oh...when you find them
pick them up..
you will be blessed.
~~deby
btw my giveaway
under this post is still going on...
~*~*~*~
oh..the picture in the frame.....
was from my sister, Trudy !!!
She knows I love purses and sent me this card.
I couldn't resist framing it

500th post giveaway--

Yes....this is my 500th post GIVEAWAY

NO

That isn't the prize

This PINK beauty was parked

next to us at our local

home improvement store.

Couldn't RESIST taking a picture !!

These are the prizes....

5 of them

The center one is the grand prize

Each package

includes a APRON, a Book and

a GRACE LIVINGSTON HILL BOOK

I will draw randomly
Now...the RULES
ALL COMMENTS
since May 2nd will count
YOU can go back
IF you didn't comment on a post.
~*~*~*~
YOU can comment on this post
as many times as you want...
(feel free to get creative !!)
You know how this goes---JANEY
IF you post it on your blog
tell me...I will give you 5 more tries
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The winners will be chosen
soooon....
not today----not tomorrow...
one day...I will announce
they have been chosen
the comments on this post will be closed...
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
now if you don't have to have a blog
to comment , you know...
I take anonymous
BUT I need you to sign your name....
and a email address in case you win.
HOPE this all makes sense...
it does to me (LOL)
~*~*~*~*~
A BIG THANK YOU
FOR READING MY BLOG !!!!
~~deby

I love this

Psalms 94:18

When I said,

My foot slippeth;

thy mercy,

O LORD, held me up.

my new habit

My new habit---

All flavors--

I am partial to the Ranch and Nacho Cheese

My special little dish--

one side for the seeds--one for the shells !!

Found at Salvation Army.. only .99

now...

WHY ????

I am off all white sugar to include white flour.

I needed a snack...

my daughter who has lost tons of weight

eats these...my sister, Lisa has eaten

them for years.

So I gave them a try...at first my husband

called them a *nAsTy HaBiT* ????

NOW...HE joins me...

they are full of good things

and keep me satisfied.

I am sure there are some out there

that are a healthier version....feel free to

send me any links..I do like the roasted...

IN THE SHELL

and boy some of these flavors are yummy.

I do not SPIT out the shell as some

(that would not be LADY-LIKE)

I try to be tidy...and

they are much better than

BON-bons !!!!

~~deby

do you have a healthy snack to share ???

Stitchery and life

Look at this book I just bought.

It is WONDERFUL--

there is much information in it written

from a woman's love for stitchery

In the back, is this envelope

with some iron on patterns.

What a BONUS !!!

Guess what????

A COPY of this book is going to be in my

500th post giveaway

..think this is post:

497

and you might want to check the hint I left

on my sidebar....

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Now where have I been lately.

Let's see:

Last week my sister and her 5 kids were here and Lisa

painted...and painted for me..

We made laundry soap and hand soap

and she did some projects in my house....

it was a most busy and fun week.

NEXT:

We had family committments....graduations

and soon a farewell party is coming for my

daugher and her husband who will be returning to the EAST coast.

(This is one SAD Nana and Papa)

THIS WEEK:

I am starting some sewing classes, scheduling

dentist appointments (hate them), back injection appt.

etc.....and then want to start a decoupage project in my home.

Life has been busy...and yet times that old fatigue monster

will just get the best of me.

How are all of you???

Will try to get around and visit more

I MISS YOU !!!

~~deby

Here is my painting

This is the one I purchased.

It is a lovely watercolor.

I will find a place for it, I am sure.

I haven't hung anything up, yet....

One day...all will be settled

and I will cherish this painting

Betty did.

~deby

Strawberry stitching

I think this is sooooo CUTE

If you click here...you can download the pattern

FREE !!! Plus browse their website

for other FREE patterns..

I am on "Bird Brain Designs" email list

and enjoy their creations.

Hope you do too.

~~deby

meet Betty

There is a lady in my church *Betty* who is

artist. She works in oils, watercolors,ink,

pottery and carving.

She recently had a ART show in her garage,

it was also a sale.

These pictures do not even do justice to her work.

Some of her work she has turned into cards.

My husband allowed me to purchase a painting
you can't see it from here...it will have to be
another post.
~~~NOW~~
Betty is in her 70's-
she is a widow. She also
gardens--she has a huge vegetable garden,
she then cans her harvest.
She has the most beautiful lawn and flowers.
She sews, embroiders, her home is
beautifully maintained.
She is my friend and welcomed me
for a great visit yesterday with homemade ice tea
and sweet fellowship.
I am inspired when I am around her
and want to learn from women like her.
She embraces her homemaking.
I hope you can find someone older that you can learn from.
~~deby

a *Grace Livingingston Hill* find

I found this book, "Rainbow Cottage"

recently from a thrift shop.

It was $2.50.

It is hardbound, and a publish date of 1934.

I finally read it and enjoyed it so much.

WHAT, I like about her books is this,

when the characters in her book get saved,

there is a CHANGE in their LIFE, in many areas

She gives many examples of what happens when the

Lord takes ahold of their heart

I don't see that so much in books today.

I like some of her books better than others.

I am so encouraged by the way she weaves the gospel

into her stories and the way lives are CHANGED !!!

These are the last line from the book:

"Jesus may come to-day,

Glad day, glad day !"

~*~*~*~*~

Oh, that we would anticipate,

and live like today is our last day.

This book, written so long ago...

....we are even closer

PERHAPS today

"JESUS MAY COME TODAY"

from my secret sister

IS this beautiful ?

It is a gift from my Secret Sister.

She made it, I LOVE it..

IT seems like she did it on some

kind of foam board.

NOW...If you know who my secret sister is..

tell her how much I love it.

I know some ladies from my church read my blog...LOL

When I find it out who she is, I hope she can teach me

how to make these...

When we finally get ready

to hang pictures and decorate in our house

this beautiful piece

will have a place of honor...

~~deby