Author Archives: ~~Rhonda

Living in a small town, I share my life with my husband Russell (married in 1977), five children (one still at home), and six cats (one indoors, the others outside).

I teach an online class called “The Christmas Notebook” which is about all things holiday prep. The many facets of celebrating Christmas comprises one of my favorite hobbies. Other favorite things include gardening, reading, cooking, and scrapbooking.

menu plan monday ~ january 9, 2012

My side of the family came over for our family Christmas party yesterday. The party had been scheduled for December, but my mother was hospitalized the day before we were to have the party, so we canceled. She passed away a few days later. We missed her at the party, but were glad for the […]

savoring every cup

D&J gave me a package of Ballard Blend coffee from the Java Bean Coffee Company for Christmas. It’s the best coffee I’ve ever had. Seriously. It’s organic, fair trade and salubrious, no less. Or so they say. …I had to look that one up… This morning I brewed a pot and now I’m down to […]

small group tour

Each year, we host a large number of people during the holiday season. The annual Christmas Open House is a big draw, as well as the house concert with Nathan George and friends. My family will be here next Sunday for our Christmas party. That’s another large group. We also host small groups from time […]

menu plan monday ~ january 2, 2012

We enjoyed keeping the twins overnight Saturday and are looking forward to having all three grands here for an overnight Tuesday. Last week, the girls were here and the twins had a ball playing games on their aunt’s phone. Everything is an adventure for them. And lots of fun for us. Here’s the menu for […]

Christmas day

We had a very good Christmas Day. Our son’s family came over around 1:00, and we enjoyed watching the grands open gifts. I told DDIL that it didn’t look like so many gifts when I ordered them… :-} As our family tradition dictates, DH opened the gathering with a reading of the account of Christ’s […]

happy birthday, my sweet

Happy birthday to my wonderful husband! Right now, he’s riding 57 miles on his bicycle for his 57th birthday. I don’t have a picture of that, so here he is making bread on Christmas Day. He’s a man of many talents. And he makes delicious bread. ~~Rhonda

Christmas menu

We kept the menu easy for Christmas Day. As it turned out, we had this around 5:00, after an afternoon of opening gifts. Three Cheese Spread with Pita Chips and Crackers Bisquick Sausage Balls Simple Marinated Shrimp This was delicious. Veggie Tray with Parsley Dip We didn’t care for the parsley dip. We had some […]

one more sleep till Christmas!

May your Christmas be bright and happy. And may you always remember the reason we celebrate. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11 ~~Rhonda

two little monkeys

The grands spent the night Tuesday. Cheered me up a lot. I gave the twins these hats that were supposed to be for Christmas. They love them! ~~Rhonda

we miss you, Mom

This has been a difficult week. My mother passed away Tuesday morning. The evening before, one of my dearest friends from college also passed away. Today is visitation for my mother and tomorrow the funeral. We appreciate your prayers for our family and for the family of my friend, Lynn. I wish I had more […]