I am grateful for simple yummy recipes.

My friend had a baby last week, so I decided to bring her dinner.  The problem was that I looked in my fridge and the only thing I could find were some frozen chicken breasts.  So I leafed through my plethora of recipe books to find a simple chicken recipe with the least amount of ingredients.  And low and behold I found this:

Shredded BBQ Chicken  Sandwiches
1 (4 pound) bag frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 (16 ounce) bottle BBQ sauce (I used Sweet Baby Ray's Barbecue Sauce)
1 cup water
2 dozen hamburger buns

Place frozen chicken breasts in crock pot.  Pour barbecue sauce and water over top and cook for 5 hours on high heat.  Before serving, shred chicken with two forks to pull it apart and mix in sauce well.  Spoon onto buns or rolls.


This meal was a hit!  It was quick, easy and fed a ton of people.  I served it with carrots and dip, potato chips, and a fruit salad made up of pineapples and strawberries.  HEAVEN!

I am grateful for Pack meetings.

A few weeks ago, we went to a long term care facility for our pack meeting.  Our goal was to cultivate within our cubs more compassion and empathy for their fellowmen, and gratitude for their abilities.  During this activity we invited our cubs to visit with and read to the younger patients, and it was humbling and beautiful to watch this service take place.  I kept wondering to myself, "Who really is receiving the service, us or them?" 

While we were there, we met a boy who was unable to move and would tremor frequently.   Despite his physical limitations, he lit the room with his brilliant smile and jolly spirit (he even broke out in singing "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow" for us).  I observed that this boy was physically limited, but not spiritually.  He was thoughtful, extremely intelligent and wise.  At the end of our visit, he stated in a slow measured voice, "It is proven that you heal faster when you have a good attitude."  I sat there in awe!  His words were profound and sank deep within my heart, and I said a prayer thanking my Heavenly Father for allowing us to come in contact with such amazing souls. 

I am grateful for simplicity.

We came to this earth to learn how to say three things: 

I love you

I thank you

and

I forgive you!


(Thank you Sis B. for teaching me this.  
I love you and miss you!)

I am grateful for "popcorn popping on the apricot tree."

SPRING HAS ARRIVED!

Click here.

I am grateful for California sand.

Every time I get into my vehicle, 

I notice California sand ground deeply into my floor mats.  

This normally would bother me, but instead 

I can't help but smile and daydream of our 

recent family vacation to the golden state.
And I figure vacuuming out the suburban can wait.

I am grateful that my son finally went to school.

My four oldest children got braces on Monday.  What was I thinking?  Everyone seemed to be okay with it, except for the youngest one.  He refused to go to school for two days.  The Orthodontist put a fancy device on him called a lip bumper, which wasn't helping.  I finally called the Orthodontist and asked for it to be removed.  Sheesh.  Parenting is harder than it looks.

I am grateful for sock monkeys.

I was inspired by this girl to make sock monkeys.  

Don't look too closely because 

I have A LOT to learn about hand sewing, but I am having fun!

My first sock gorilla/duck.  

(I accidentally bought ankle socks)

My 6 year old took this little beauty to show and tell on Friday. 
I am sure the other kids were green with envy. ;)

I made this one for my youngest son today. 
I am learning how to make straighter stitches ... EXCITING!  

I know, I am a nerd.

I am grateful for German pancakes.

My 13 year old son came home from school and announced, "I will make dinner tonight."  

He might as well have told me that I had won a million dollars!

And to top it off, it was delicious!!!

I am grateful for compliments.

Last night I climbed into bed and discovered my little four year old, who had been sick all day, hidden under the covers.  I thought he was sleeping so I quietly moved toward him and gently kissed his forehead.  I quickly realized that his fever had returned, and it was raging.  As I laid there trying to figure out what to do to help him, I heard his weary little voice say, "Mom, you are so cute."

Ahhhh, that boy knows how to melt my heart, even when he is in a delusional state.