Look at our "happy" home-grown produce!

     Take a look at these smiling little peppers from our garden! Honestly, I cut these open and this is what I saw........totally untouched, folks! Cute little guys, almost hated to eat them, but boy, oh boy, they were tasty! God does  have a sense of humor and this made me smile!
     I am proud to announce my lovely daughter's blog. Please go visit her:  www.rachelsews.blogspot.com
and don't forget to leave a comment...thanks!
     Happy Belated Anniversary to Grandma Soupie and Grandpa!

God's Delights

     "Thus saith the Lord,  Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord."    Jeremiah 9: 23-24 (KJV)

The Birthday Girl and Cousins

Left to right
Rachel, Megan and Lauren
and Hannah (bottom)

     Had to say that my oldest girl is now 14.....boo hoo for me but she is growing up and that is what these kiddos seem to do best. Rachel Ann is a blessing to me. She surprised me from the get-go! I had it all planned out that we would have all boys, no pink for me, I had grown up with 3 older sisters and always wanted a younger brother....ha ha. God knew better, didn't He?
     She has kept me on my toes and given me a run for my money with her loving to take off at break-neck speed if I'd let her out of the stroller for a moment, has always had the ability to make some really funny faces to make me laugh and has just been an all-around-sweetheart!
     Rachel can make a mean biscuit from scratch in a jiffy, doctors up a bowl of popcorn beyond belief and does the dishes like a pro. She can draw things so they look like what she intended (she didn't get THAT from me!), wants to sew her own vintage wardrobe and wear penny loafers! She even shares her b-day chocolates with everyone...she is a gem and a keeper for sure! And on top of all that she has a heart for Jesus.... Yes, indeed, I am blessed to be her mother and friend!
                                  Happy 14th Birthday Rachel Ann( a day late).....Love you!

If you happen to be at my house and see me stuffing something in my mouth.....it is most likely one of these No-Bake Energy Bites (original recipe from Smashedpeasandcarrots.blogspot.com) So quick, so easy, no oven needed and best of all, fairly good for you in the healthy category! I consider chocolate to be the fifth food group...ha ha!


                  No-Bake Energy Bites 


       Mix all of the following ingredients together in a bowl thoroughly. Using a cookie scoop, form into balls.Ready to eat now or after refridgerating until chilled

• 1 cup oatmeal (I use Bob's Red Mill brand)
• 1 cup shredded coconut, unsweetened
• 1/2 cup flaxseed meal
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup peanut butter or other nut butter
• 1/3 cup honey (raw if you have it)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract        

Aaaaah....garden fresh tomatoes!

                      Howdy faithful blog reader(s)! I know there is at least one of you out there....
The 4th of July came and went. We did indeed have us a party with my sisters and their peeps, it was a very nice day, cool weather, good food, good company and wonderful fireworks from my very own front yard! Now, you may be asking yourself, are not fireworks illegal in my city? Yes, m'am, that is correct! Then how did I just so happen to plop down in my loveseat with my hubby and oooooh and ahhhhh without driving in the car and fighting the crowds? For some reason, unbeknownst to me, there are some who are allowed to put on HUGE displays within the city limits, without ANY fines, fees or punishments whatsoever. I do not question the perspective of the proper authorities in their ignorance but just sit back and enjoy the celebration. It really was incredible!!!!I'm not talking about sparklers, or little popping noises .Some of these fireworks were very impressive. At some point in time my photographer, who seems to be on a brief hiatus at the moment,  will download some of these impressive, monstrous displays of  illegal color and I will share them with y'all. But for now, I will talk about our tomatoes.......since I do have a  photo of pretty, red tomatoes!
           So, we've got tomatoes goin' on here! Some sort of cherry-type that maybe cross-pollinated with a larger type and voila, I am happy! Mainly because I  do not buy tomatoes unless they are home-grown delicious! And these are good and we will have lots of them.....And combined with my neighbor's wonderful HOT Peppers, which I made into an incredibly mouth-burning experience(see my post on hot sauce), and a beautiful onion provided by Farmer Jeff, I made some pretty good tasting salsa today.... tomatoes + onions + hot sauce = Yummy! Really good on Rice and Lentil Casserole( a staple in our diet around here). So what is your favorite type of tomato? How do you use all of your tomatoes? Please share!!!!