Why do some people (especially grandparents) drive for hours through all kinds of weather and traffic just to see some people in a different city and state?
This chubby cherub is one good reason. Bright eyes and a big toothless grin are the reward to anyone who will just give him a bit of attention. Baby Paul is the ruler of the household presently. But who can resist his charm? His demands are actually few; a dry, clean bottom, a full tummy and his people nearby. Especially his people. The more the merrier. As long as he is surrounded by chatty, happy people this child is satisfied.
This delightful toddler is another good reason. His excitement overflows at the sight of Gramma and Papaw ascending the stairs to his home. His joyful laughter is heart melting. This boy is definitely all boy. If it has wheels he is interested. His mother jokingly says that 'Sammy wants to be a car when he grows up.' It is awesome to watch him examine each part of the vehicle closely. We could just sit for hours and watch this boy play with his cars, trucks, semi's and trains. But he also loves books. I believe he will be an avid reader. Sensitive, perceptive and lovable all wrapped up in one little boy, that's Sammy.
Yes, we do drive for hours to see these two boys. It's worth every minute and every mile. And as we visit with them we also get to visit with their parents and other family members that live in the area.
While we return home exhausted, we are always looking ahead to the next visit. As long as we are able, we will defy the distance to spend some time with the ones we love.
And an added reward is our welcome home by the no less awesome grandkids right here in our own home town. No matter how near or how far away, grandkids are the spice of life when all your children are grown up and out of the house.
Families are a gift from God. Treasure them!
Hi! I've been busy lately with a number of things. Check out Crafty Reny to see some of the card challenges I have entered if you like crafty stuff. But I've been doing a lot of reading this past week as well. I just finished a great book by Dr. Richard Bernstein called Diabetes Solution. One of the main reasons I watch the carbohydrates that I ingest is because I tend toward high blood sugars if I don't. Since I love to eat, I am always thrilled when I find a new recipe that fits my diet preferences, so this week Dr. Bernstein came through for me in a big way!
What you are looking at is 'cheese puffs'. A slice of american cheese placed on a piece of freezer paper, waxed side up in the microwave for approximately 50 seconds makes this light, puffy, crispy snack. This can be used in the place of toast or bread or as a chip substitute when you want something crunchy to eat with your favorite dip. I'm sure there are a host of other ideas for using this yummy snack as well.
So, I used it as toast this evening. I love bologna, and I placed my bologna between 2 cheese puffs, added a little mayo and WOW! It was just stinkin great!!! Kind of like a toasted cheese with bologna and mayo sandwich. I didn't miss the bread and I eliminated a bunch of carbs this way. And no blood sugar spikes! I feel healthier already.
If you try this, please leave a comment and let me know how you used this delicious treat.
Blessings!
Reny
We are the proud owners of 2 new skillets! You know, sometimes it is just time to get rid of some of the old worn out stuff and replace it. Today was that time for some very used skillets. I'm not sure how much of the non-stick coating we ate, but enough of it was gone that the skillets were no longer non-stick.
I guess I'm just getting too old to put up with mediocre cooking utensils these days. I want to enjoy cooking and I want the food to turn out right. And I think these new T-fal skillets will do a great job.
And the timing for these skillets is perfect. Since I ended my relationship with the 17 day diet, I will be doing more frying and sauteing. I am looking forward to that.
I was feeling a bit sad about having to give up yogurt again. As far as I knew yogurt was not a low carb option. But I just found out that I can make low carb yogurt! I found the recipe on Hold The Toast and I can't wait to try it.. It is even easier than the crock-pot recipe! So, if you're a low carber, go on over to Dana Carpender's blog and find all kinds of great low carb recipes.
As far as my progress on the 'weightier' issues of my life, it's too soon to tell for sure, but it looks like the scales are showing some decline! This is encouraging! I am still getting on the treadmill almost daily and working out with weights one or two days a week. I should probably concentrate more on the weight training, but with the way I work it's just too difficult. But I am determined to stay with the treadmill as many days a week as possible. Maybe I'll be able to do more of the weight training after retirement. In the meantime, I'll just do what I can. And I've noticed that even the little bit I do is making a difference.
Blessings!
Reny
Parting is such sweet sorrow. Alas! I have come to the realization that you and I are not meant to be together. It has been a short, whirlwind romance, but you have let me down. Or perhaps I have let you down. Never-the-less I find myself disappointed once again. You promised me quick results. All I had to do was follow you without wavering. I tried my best. I really did. I was as faithful to you as I knew how to be. It should have worked out for us. There should have been at least some mild results. And perhaps there were. Perhaps I gleaned more from our relationship than I first thought.
Because of you I now know how to make some delicious home-made yogurt and some wildly nutritious kale chips. I now know that eating carbs too close to bedtime is a bad idea. I understand the importance of drinking gallons of water, though I had a bit of trouble with that one.
I know I'm a better person for having known you, and I only feel mildly chagrined that I gave you so much of my hard earned money. (I have always been generous to a fault.) But now it is time to say good bye. I have found another that delivers far more than you have in our brief courtship.
Hello Treadmill.... I love you!
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