Home Happenings

Greetings from HomeHaven! Hope you had a wonderful Holiday. WONDERFUL.

We didn't celebrate Thanksgiving at home this year. With a torn up Kitchen, it was a sweet blessing to not have to prepare a meal.


I had a GREAT THANKSGIVING with family in Oklahoma. After my sweet hubby downloads or uploads (which ever it is) the pictures, I will post some and away we go. We had the best dinner to celebrate Thanksgiving. While I got to bottle feed the newest little Grandson, my daughter-in-law, Shell prepared a feast! What a deal!!! As I sat there holding the little guy, a fantastic meal was prepared. My daughter pitched in and helped Shell as I got to continue feeding, holding and trying to burp such a sweetie. Shell had an apron on and she said she doesn't wear aprons, but was wearing one just for ME! Now that's sweet. I have a picture to prove it.

Our menu was:
Smoked Turkey
Chicken and Dumplings
Cranberry Sauce
Olives and Sweet Pickles
Dinner Rolls with Butter
Green Bean Casserole
Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Dressing
Corn

Desserts:
Doubled Layer Pineapple Cake
Cherry Cheese Cake
Pumpkin Pie with Whipped Cream
Sweet Potato Pie

Beverages:
Iced Tea
Hot Coffee


The Fellowship and Food was wonderful. Sooooo good!

WE GIRLS ventured out on BLACK FRIDAY and had such fun shopping. Daughter woke me up at 4:40am and we were out the door shortly after 5. Hubby and Tall son remained home to watch over the children. THE MEN would get to go to a movie later in day to witness the end of the world in 2012 and WE GIRLS would go to the Mall with the children.

Back to shopping early in the morning...As we drove past Kmart on our way to Walmart, there was a L O N G line out front of Kmart an hour before they even opened the doors. These brave souls stood in the dark and cold to be the first to enter the store. Some places give out tickets to those up front that are after a huge savings on a TV or other electronic item that the store only has a few of.

Once at Walmart I dropped THE GIRLS off so they could begin shopping while I found a parking place way out in the lot. I have never seen so many shoppers in one place. Certain aisles were so crowded you couldn't move. I needed to find a FIND THE PRICE SCANNER and there was a long line even there, not to mention the Ladies Bathroom (one of the most popular locations for Lady Folk anywhere). Some aisles were a refuge from mankind where NOBODY was looking.

As I made my way down one aisle, THE GIRLS were making their way toward me with their arms full of spoils and greeted my shopping cart which I always enjoy pushing when seeing the sights. I could see all over their faces that they were determined shoppers and serious about pressing in to get what they had set out to get. THEY...WERE ON A MISSION. They emptied their arms and were off again! Isn't it encouraging to see such young women that want to get the best price for the items they need and are willing to shop til they drop???

I have never seen so many people shopping in one place before. Couldn't help but think...look at all these virtuous women (and even some men) shopping to save money for their families! Grins. Walmart had real Police Officers available to keep things orderly. I was blessed to see that basically everyone was civil and courteous.

I was pleased with the buys I made and yes, I would do it again.
I'd walk away with 2 oversized containers of jumbo sized building legos for my Grandma STASH of toys for when the Grandkids come to visit and to use while babysitting. These tubs were priced at $9 a piece so I bought 2 of them. Some PLAY DOUGH which is usually a Hit with the little ones. A can of flavored popcorn which I meant to share with everyone, but it managed to stay in the car til we unloaded at homehaven. These kind of treats make the home more enjoyable. Yes, they do!

It's Spiritual Time when I can buy a couple of books...one by Joyce Meyer and one by Beth Moore. Joyce's is THE SECRET TO TRUE HAPPINESS. I know the secret, but have wanted to read her book and at $4.99 I was HAPPY! Beth's A 40-DAY DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL will be a good read for only $4.99 as well and again I say I was HAPPY!

Also bought a packaged deal on SIMPLY PIANO with a book and DVD by Robyn Payne at $6.99. I have loved to play the piano since I was a young child. I play by ear and hope by the time I'm 60 I will be able to read sheet music, play the piano and speak fluent French! Yes, I still have dreams and desires at 54 that have nothing to do with another soul. Imagine that? Still alive and KICKIN'. That deserves a huge Hallelujah. Though my outside package has mucho challenges, my SPIRIT is alive and well!!! AND I think this is what the LORD wants for HIS CHILDREN. ALIVE AND WELL. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Next, I bought a couple of little books for my girls for a reminder of our day together. Also, a set of 6 INTERNATIONAL demitasse spoons that are dishwasher safe...never needs polishing...they match my formal silverware pretty well. Great buy at $4.99 with a 25 year warranty.

Santa Hats were bought at a local dollar store for a Grand Photo Shoot of the Family. Now this was a riot! It is next to impossible to get 4 little ones to smile at the camera at the same time. It was great fun and I managed to get some cute pics that I'll post soon. Ferrero Collection of fine assorted confections were bought! Uh huh.

On Saturday Morning, we had the fabulous PHOTO SHOOT!!! This was fun. Santa hats on most and smiles on all. Pics to follow.

We'd head home on Saturday to avoid bad weather that was suppose to blow in and hopefully travel with less traffic then stopped off to see my folks and a brother. We ate supper with them and had left over Birthday Cake of my Dad's.

Onward to our Haven to unload, unwind and sleep. Our old stone house had very little heat left on so we'd return to a family room being 56 degrees. That's not too bad with the outside temps being 32.

Praying we don't have to run the radiators yet. Hallelujah.

I am so Thankful that we had a very pleasant trip there and back in great weather, no auto problems, no wrecks. Thankful for Family, Food and Fellowship. Thankful to be able to spend Thanksgiving with Loved Ones. Thankful for health and well being. Thankful to be able to return home and all is well.

God richly Bless you as we enter into the month of December. It's the most wonderful time of the year!

~Deanna still counting her blessings and thinking on the good things of God~

Be Thankful

Thanksgiving

Beloved,

November Blessings to you from HomeHaven

that's comfortably nestled in the Flinthills! May you have a wonderful week and especially a pleasant Thanksgiving Day!

As this week progresses, there's a great deal to do. I'll be taking a breather from my Blogging Posts this week and return after Thanksgiving with bells and whistles on.

I'm so thankful that you're my BLOGGING FRIEND. I love ya!

Wishing you a very Happy, Happy Thanksgiving!

God Richly BLESS YOU.

Love,

~Deanna~

Historical Statement: 1789 Congressional Proclamation

There shall be "a day of public Thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God..."

Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. HomeHaven Hello to you this special time of the year in which we can give Thanks for the many blessings God has so richly given us.

In our abundance may we not forget to be thankful and praise the Lord about His MERCY and His GOODNESS to us.

After you've decided where you will be celebrating Thanksgiving, if at home or hosting a gathering, next decide who to invite. If going to another's location, what will you fix to help out?


Decide who to invite and what the menu will be as well as how you're going to decorate.
Locate the dishes, cups 'n saucers, silverware, stemware, glasses, table service, cookware, serving dishes, and all the items you'll need to have a pleasant meal.

Gather up and locate those recipes you want to use, and make out a grocery list. Seating arrangement will be how? Don't forget the tablecloths, napkins, and glorious centerpieces. Candles needed? Where's the candlestick holders? Do you need to send invitations, email, give a personal invite or make phone calls? Don't forget to fill the salt and pepper shakers.

We're off to a good start.

You may want to deep clean your home in early November then a week before the BIG DAY, do a quick once over.

Fixing salads, pies and other desserts a few days before the actual meal, sure cuts down on the stress. Now to just keep others out of these!

Did you know that God loves you more than a turkey?
Yes, He does!
Did you know that He delights in blessing you when you deligently seek Him? Yes, He does!
Did you know He rewards those who seek Him? Yes, He does!

May you have a blessed Thanksgiving Holiday.
God richly bless you!
~Deanna~

8th Birthday

Guess who just celebrated her 8th Birthday, November 19th???

May you have a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Grandma loves you very much.

Happy Birthday, Sweetie and many more!

Wild West Wednesday and General Merchandise

Hello you wild west lovers! On Wednesdays, I continue sharing pictures of my visit to Wichita, Kansas as I toured The Old Cow Town Museum. I enjoy the modern conveniences of 2009 and yet I love the simplicity of what is portrayed in the homes and businesses of yesteryear. Especially delighted in not driving the interstate once in Cowtown. I have mixed feelings about both time eras. I like antibiotics and when visiting a Dentist being given a anesthetic to numb the drill. I would imagine that thinking the way things were done is on the lines of being overly romantic and not as realistic as they were. The best of both worlds is actually what I'm seeking.

Turning back the time machine...Before reaching the General Merchandise and Meat Market, some of the sights might have looked like these.

We have arrived at the General Merchandise Building. Need to pick up some badly needed supplies before heading home. Let's see what's inside.

Now, I wish I had walked more about the store while taking photos. I didn't stay long. A Gun Fight in the street was about to take place around 4 in the afternoon. Next week I think I'll post pictures of this.

One more stop for the week was the Meat Market. Before the prairies were settled, water was scarce as were trees. Herds of Buffaloes roamed the vast open lands and lived off of Buffalo Grass.

Back in the day, while in town, you might have stopped off to have a cold drink like a Sarsaparilla. We were fortunate to have one straight from a refridgerated cooler. Since it was around 90 degrees the day we visited, this cold drink was mighty refreshing. If I were to do a Root Beer Review, it would have hit the spot and got a 10 plus rating.

Have a blessed week as you prepare for Thanksgiving.

I'm so thankful for cold drinks on hot days and hot drinks on cold days.

Thanx for joining me for Wild West Wednesday!

~Deanna~

GRANNY NANNY CHRONICLES

Early Childhood Developement from the GRANNY NANNY CHRONICLES cannot take complete credit for this Blessing Mix, but I'd like to! Hehehe.

Blessing Mix Recipe:


BUGLES represents the HORN OF PLENTY which celebrates the ABUNDANCE of the Season.




PRETZELS represents ARMS FOLDED in Prayer THANKFUL for our Freedoms.




CANDY CORN represents the PILGRIMS first Winter and REMEMBERING the scarcity of food.




CHEERIOS represents the PROMISE of the future HARVEST.




RAISINS represents the HARVEST gifts from BOUNTIFUL LAND.






M & Ms represents REMEMBERING the LOVE of our Friends and Family and how it sweetens our lives.



A fun dish to mix together with a young child and then enjoy sharing what the items represent.
May we eat this in good health!

Have a Blessed THANKSGIVING.
~Deanna~

Thrifty Treasures

Blessings to you and Hello from the Kansas Flinthills. If you don't know it by now, I enjoy JuNkIn for ThRiFtY TrEaSuReS! These 2 decorative white dishes are now companions to some other dishes that hang on the Diningroom Wall.



The Gold rimmed dish is one of President "IKE" Eisenhower's childhood homes in Abilene, Kansas that he lived in. The house is located at the President Eisenhower Museum. Maybe next time I tour the house, I'll blog about it. Though the house is small, it has a very comfortable feel to it.







These 3 Culinary Colors BAKEWARE DISHES from HOUSEWARES INTERNATIONAL, USA are in Harvest Gold, Avocado Green and Rust. They're oven, microwave and dishwasher safe.

MORE USA made white Corning Ware bakeware to go with the other pieces I've harvested. AND for lots of reasons, I like glass.

For a few dollars, I was thrilled to purchase this off white USA Pottery Vase.

When thumping this stemware, she chimed beautifully and I hope to use these brass candlesticks on the Thanksgiving Tablescape I'll soon create.

I hear Christmas music coming from upstairs that my daughter is playing, "I'll Be Home For Christmas." She and Toddler have been decorating their upstairs Apartment for Christmas! I bought these 2 Santa mugs and little bread dish to get me in the mood and they help, but it's nothing like hearing Christmas music drifting downstairs to set a mood. It snowed lightly today. Maybe hot chocolate could be fixed and these mugs used.

Soon it will be Ho Ho Ho...Merry Christmas!!!

First may you have a most blessed Thanksgiving. Have you got your menu planned and dishes located???

Luv u,

~Deanna~