Enjoying Simple Things in Life

Yesterday was a great day in our household. Nothing huge happened, but was enjoyable none of the less. We have learned to enjoy the simple things in life. With the economy situation, we along with many others have had to learn to live one day at a time and to count our blessings of rejoicing in the simple things. Life doesn't have to be full of bells and whistles, kids don't have to have everything new on the market with designer clothing, and we as adults don't have to have entertainment and everything the neighbors have. We went from living in a 4 bedroom, 2 office rooms, full size basement, large kitchen, dinning room, living room, and porch to a very small two bedroom, small living room, small kitchen, tiny eating area, no porch and we absolutely love it!! We are so happy here and even want to buy this place. We do hope to add at least one more room for our daughter to have her own room, but it is a great little house and it fits our needs. We praise God and thank Him everyday for this home. The Lord really blessed us when He brought us here. He gave us a cute little home that isn't hard to take care of and so that gives us more time with our family. He gave us a nice size yard for the kids to play in. He gave us a great neighborhood along with wonderful beauty around us that is like living in the country but yet we are in the city.

I primarily wanted to talk about yesterday. Yesterday was an enjoyable day. To start off with, Baby Boy's tooth finally broke through the skin. That is such a relief to the whole family. lol He really had a hard time getting this last one through. We got to go outside yesterday. The kids really enjoyed that. Baby Boy was happy to see his swing again and was laughing so hard because Sissy was jumping rope and he thought that was hilarious. After hubby came home, we had dinner which I was very nervous about, but excited at the same time. Due to all our food allergies and things, we have to eat strict. I have had to make up so many recipes, it has been crazy. Last night I figured out how to make homemade tomato soup. Now, keep in mind...I am the only one in the family that really likes tomatoes. They always liked eating tomato soup out of the can with sugar in it and grilled cheese, so I wasn't sure how this would go over. To replace the grilled cheese that we can't have, I made my own recipe of butter dips with cheese in it. I put everything on the table and braced myself as we said our prayer and everyone started eating. WOW! WHAT EXCITEMENT! They went on and on and on until bedtime about that dinner and that it was the favorite now. Hubby said he had never had such great tomato soup and that was really worth coming home to. lol I couldn't believe my ears. Baby Boy enjoyed it and started eating mine and Sissy even liked it and wants to have it for lunch today. What a pleasant surprise! The next thing that happened that was a simple thing but so enjoyable is we went on a walk together as a family. We went to Sissy's favorite spot off a trail that goes down by the creek where a tree has formed into like an arched bench. It is very peaceful there. We then walked down to the park and Baby Boy had a great time giggling as he ran to the slide. Sissy had fun as she always does at the park, but this trip was a little more special to her....there was a boy there that was giving her the eye several times. Oh, how nervous that makes mom and dad because all of a sudden she was too big for us and had to walk way far ahead of the parents. So, here we go. We have turned a new corner in our household concerning boys.

Anyway...it was a very enjoyable day and we really praised God for the day he gave us together. We had celebration, praising time, singing, special moments, fun food, most of all....we had each other.

Herbed Tomato Soup

1 large onion

4 tb. margarine

3-28oz of canned whole tomatoes that are peeled

32oz of vegetable broth

2- 15oz. of tomato sauce

2 tsp. dried basil

2 tsp. thyme

dash of pepper

dash of sugar or I use stevia

In a large skillet or saucepan cook onion in margarine till tender but not brown.

In a large pot pour the rest of the ingredients in and then add the onions when they are ready.

Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Cool slightly.

Press mixture through a food mill. (Or, place mixture, half at a time, in a blender container or food processor bowl. Cover and blend or process till smooth.)

Return mixture to the large pot; heat through.

This makes a large amount of soup...enough for a large family or left overs for another meal or freezing. Enjoy!

Butter Dips

1 stick of margarine melted in pan 13" x 9"

Mix 2 cups of flour (self rising)

1 TB. sugar (I didn't use sugar)

1 cup of milk.

Stir together with a fork until dough clings together.

Add shredded cheese to your liking. Mix together.

Turn onto a well floured board.

Roll over to coat with flour.

Pat half inch thick and into a rectangle shape.

With a floured knife, cut in half length wise, then crosswise into 16 strips.

Dip each strip on all sides in margarine and lay close together in 2 rows. Makes 32 strips.

Put into oven. 450 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes.