The Mary Poppins of our Christian Home

“But thanks be to God! He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57 (NIV) Are you anxious with Thanksgiving right around the corner? Don't be! Make your list of things that need to be done and do them in a timely manner so that you aren't stressed over Thanksgiving. This is especially important if you are preparing for a large number of family members. Here are some tips to add to your list to make things go smoother. Turkey tips: If buying a whole turkey you need 1 pound per person. For a boneless breast plan 1/2 LB per person. Thawing: Frozen turkey needs 1 day in the fridge for every 4 pounds....so refrigerate a 12 LB turkey for 3 days. Basting: It can help the turkey brown evenly but the opening of the oven door can prolong baking time. A better way to keep it juicy is to pour some warmed broth over the carved slices. Bread: Make the dough for your bread or rolls at the first part of the week. Allow the dough to rise fully once, shape it,

Well, that is what a friend told me this week. She asked me how I did all that I did and make it look so easy. Some days, I think, "It is anything but easy", but I did share some tips with her that seem to help out. I look at staying at home, my job. And just like any job you have hours that you work, tasks that have to be done, and projects that need to be seen to. My job just happens to be taking care of a house, husband, & 3 children. Everything that needs to be tended to gets put on my calendar, if it isn't on my calendar it is not a high priority. When school starts, I take my calendar and put the school year on it. Because I am VP of our Elementary PTO, those meetings & events are added, so is Dance, Piano, Guitar, & any other child function that comes up. Yes, I even have a day set aside for our date night... If I didn't it would get overlooked & let's face it, we need to keep an intimate relationship with our husbands. They need t

Just a few ideas for your upcoming Thanksgiving Dinner. Or any event this month! SPICE PUMPKIN CUPCAKES WITH FROSTING Makes 24 cupcakes. 1 tsp grated orange zest 3 cups powdered sugar 15 oz can pure pumpkin 1 cup sugar 1/4 tsp ground cloves 1 tsp baking soda 2 tsp ground ginger 1/2 cup sour cream, room temp 1/2 cup molasses 3 large eggs 1 cup + 6 tbs unsalted butter, room temp 1/2 tsp kosher salt 2 tsp baking powder 3 cups all purpose flour HEAT oven to 350°. Line two 12 cup muffin tins with paper liners. In a bowl, whisk together ginger, flour, baking soda, baking powder, cloves and salt. Beat 1 cup butter and sugar in a bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs. Beat in pumpkin and molasses. ADD flour mixture, mixing until incorporated. Divide batter among muffin cups and bake until done, 25 min. Let cool 5 min. in pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. MAKE FROSTING---Beat powdered sugar, sour cream and remaining butter in a bowl until smooth. Increa