Christmas Notebook

We are thankful we came through the storms last night without mishap. We were up till after 1:00 a.m., though, keeping tabs on the weather. We were ready to dash to the basement if need be, but, needed not. We were grateful our oldest daughter was home with us, and not at her apartment where she doesn’t have a basement refuge. Our middle daughter and our son and his wife live an hour plus north of us and they were without power, but no damage to themselves or their homes. Thanking God today for His gracious care.

I know some families in Kentucky did not come through the night with their homes and possessions intact. We are grateful there were no deaths, though. Thanking God for that. When I look around my home, I see so many things that mean a great deal to me, but none of it is worth anyone’s life.

Today I’m grateful for my “things” but am holding them lightly. I am most thankful for the memories they evoke, the feeling of home they give me, the sense of history and family I feel when I’m here. But that’s all with me, whether the possessions are or not.

These fragile bits of pottery and glass are from DH’s grandmother and my grandmother. I would hate to be without them. But they are just trappings for the now. They are expendable.

I love to cook and bake and make dinner for my family. I’m thankful we have our home and our family so we can enjoy sitting down to a meal together. But we could eat sandwiches from a disaster aid truck and be grateful in the moment, if we were still together.

I’m hoping you are aware of your blessings, as we are aware of ours. Count them, appreciate them, and thank God for them.

Here’s our menu for the week.

Monday
Homemade Pizza with Sausage and Portobello Mushrooms
I use the linked recipe (minus the egg) and make the pizza on a cookie sheet.

Tuesday
Penne Pasta with Chicken and Mushrooms
Green Salad
Corn
Steamed Sugar Snap Peas
Homemade Rolls

Wednesday
Chicken and Dumplings Soup
I’ll add chopped celery and carrots to the simmering chicken.

Thursday
Pork Chops over Potatoes in the Crock Pot
Green Salad
Corn
Steamed Green Beans

Friday
Tacoritos made with Chicken
Tortilla Chips
Served with / Shredded Lettuce, Tomatoes, Shredded Cheese and Sour Cream

Saturday
Fridge Food

Sunday
Julie’s Fake Baked Ziti (with Italian Sausage added)
Garlic Bread
Green Salad

You’ll find more menu and recipe ideas at Menu Plan Monday.

~~Rhonda