SWEET FLAVORED BUTTERS...

IF YOU ARE HAVING ROLLS WITH YOUR THANKSGIVING DINNER, TRY ONE OF THESE FLAVORED BUTTERS... THEY ARE SO EASY TO THROW TOGETHER AND I THINK THEY ADD A LOT TO THE MEAL.

" CRANBERRY BUTTER"

1/2 C. fresh cranberries
1 3/4 C Powdered Sugar
1/2 C butter
1 T. orange juice
Puree cranberries and sugar in blender. Add butter and orange juice, blend til smooth. Place in mold or serving dish and chill til firm.

" CINNAMON BUTTER"

1/2 C Butter
1 C Powdered Sugar
1 1/2 tsp. of Cinnamon
2 tsp. milk
Cream butter and sugar. Add cinnamon and milk, mix well, chill.

" FRUIT BUTTER"

1 C. Butter
2 T. fruit flavored gelatin
Soften butter to room temperature. Add gelatin and blend well, chill.

" HERB BUTTER"

1/2 C. Butter, softened
1 T. dried or fresh minced herbs
Combine herbs and mix well. Shape if desired and chill.
Serve with vegetables or hot bread.

" HONEY BUTTER"

3/4 C Butter
1 1/2 C Honey
1 tsp. Vanilla
Soften butter to room temp. Place all ingds. in blender and whip til well blended.
If you want HONEY-LEMON BUTTER,
substitute the vanilla for 1 tsp. grated lemon zest.

HOPE EVERYONE HAS A WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING

I MOST LIKELY WILL NOT POST FOR S FEW DAYS SINCE MY HOUSE WILL BE FULL OF KIDS..AND GRAND KIDS FOR 4 DAYS. IT WILL BE A BUSY AND A VERY FUN TIME. HOPE YOUR HOME IS FULL OF WARMTH..LOVE..LAUGHTER...REMEMBER TO GET OUT AND GO FOR THAT WALK, IF YOU'RE LIKE ME, YOU'LL NEED IT! :D

" HAPPY TAILS TO YOU "

Just wanted to share something I'm grateful for...our animals! This is our golden retriever Cougar, as a puppy. Such a bundle of love who still thinks he can fit in my lap! We've never had a dog so full of love. He is my walking companion too, how can you beat that!

~Cougar...one year old~
~~~~~~

"Animals in Our Lives "

We aren't house-proud. If we were, we wouldn't abide the scratches on the door frame, the holes in the screen, the darkened shine of worn spots on the chair. We would wince at the mottled carpet and fret at the hair clinging to our clothes.

We don't. If anything, we lovers of animals are a tolerant lot, finding greater value in the unabashed affections of our friends than in immaculate sofas. Shoes can be replaced, but heroic dogs and animals are timeless.

Without animals, our houses are cold receptacles for things. Animals make a fire warmer with their curled presence. They wake us with cheerfulness , greet us with big smiles, protect us, and ultimately carve a place in our hearts and our history. On reflection, our lives are often referenced in parts defined by the all-too-short lives of our pets.
-Paul Fersen-

My horse Mr. Red...see that kind eye? Thats a sign of a good horse!

Our horses...Jeff and Mr. Red...best friends and our riding buddies

My little dog, Bo and the cat Praline....Sun bathers!

Praline was a little wild cat that came starving and begging at my door...so glad I took her in! She loves to play games with me through this chair.

Sage, another teeny-tiny lost baby, found her while I was out walking in the fields..my dog went to see, and her hissing scared him. I found him sitting on her...had to hand feed her..she's a love.

Bo just loves to come to the potty with me...waiting for me to give his toy a toss!

Bo and new kitty Jack. This little guy came meowing up to me as I was out walking. He had been hurt and we've had him now for a month, he limps, which looks to be permanent...he is such a sweet, calm peaceful cat..we just love him!

Praline...having another nap. She loves me to death, follows me everywhere!

This is new kitty Sammie..short for Samantha. She is Jacks best friend, a little wild baby that has come to call our home...her home... We love her!

Bo after his hair cut..he shivers so he has to wear a coat. I'm not a very good groomer but at least I'm free!

These little birds, Poppy and Paisley brighten my home and sing for their supper!

This little mama is doing her thing...best little mom ever!

The bond between people and animals is one of the strongest and most beneficial friendships in history. Now researchers are beginning to learn more about this unbreakable connection. I have noticed that more and more hotels are allowing pets because pets are family and people want to take them everywhere they go. It's comforting, makes us feel safe and it's enjoyable to share everything with them.

My Dad taught me all about animals...how to read what they are thinking and doing. How to train them. How to love them and allow them to love me. I have noticed that my children are loving their pets...it has been passed on.

I think God gave us pets as a little bonus...the frosting on the cake so to speak. I have always believed that; "The outside of an animal is good for the inside of man." Can one really touch or pet an animal without feeling the love?! And their love is so unconditional...they take our neglect and abuse and keep on loving.

The thing that really jerks at my heart is sweet, innocent animals..or children who are neglected. I pray everyday for the " beasts and the children...for they have no voice." God bless them!

" THE BEST HOLIDAY DRESSING "....easy and so good!

Hi there...it's Thanksgiving time....time for all good cooks to get busy in the kitchen. So, I have gathered my helpers and off we go to make the best Thanksgiving dinner ever! But first, before I share the best ever recipe with you, you must answer a question....

" Why did the Pilgrims pants keep falling down?"~~~~"Because they wore their belt buckles on their hats silly!"

Ok...get your sharp knives out (you're a big enough girl, I trust you not to cut your fingers)...and your vintage aprons on...you can chop the mushrooms.....good job!

Oh my, look what we did...good job little helpers...you're all hired! If you kids can do this anybody can right?
Shall we share this great recipe?.... Ok, here goes!

" Holiday Dressing "

Brown: 1 lb. of Sausage
1 onion, chopped
2 Cups chopped celery
Cook til starting to soften.
Add: 2 cups of chopped, fresh mushrooms
a little parsley
then add: (all in the same skillet)
1 tsp. Poultry seasoning
1 1/2 tsp. Sage
1 1/2 tsp. Salt
1/2 tsp. Pepper
Mix this all together and continue browning
Add: 1 package of Craisins
Turn on low

Mix together: 1 cup melted butter
2 eggs...beaten
1 can Cream of Mushroom soup
1 can (10 oz.) of Chicken Broth
Mix this with the browned meat and veggie mixture.

Pour all of this over...
1 loaf (any kind) of bread
that you have broken into small pieces and let dry the day before. Mix together.

Put into a 9x13 pan lined with foil (put a little water in under the foil)
Cover with foil too....Bake 325'-350'..for 1 Hour
Take foil off the last 15 Min. to let top brown.

This recipe always gets the compliments rolling in...
it is so good the day of and the days after too. I hope you'll give it a try, it's so easy and so good!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I love the poem called ... "Home"... by Edgar A. Guest.

It speaks of things I love about a home; about how we appreciate home after we have grown up and left it, how we look back and remember all the good. That it doesn't make a difference how rich we get or how many chairs and tables we have or how much they cost. How is isn't a home until our soul is wrapped around it.

Home is not a place that gold can buy in a minute, before it's a home there's got to be a heap of living in it. There's got to be babies born raised up to be good women and men. Where we find we wouldn't want to part with anything they ever used because it's grown into your heart. Their old high chairs, the playthings, the little shoes they wore, and if you could, you'd leave the their finger prints all around.

How you've got to weep to make it a home, and sit and sigh and watch beside a loved ones bed, and know that death is nigh. These scenes that grip the heart, and when your tears are dried, you find that home is dearer than it was, now sanctified. And tuggin at you always are the pleasant memories that tie our hearts together, forever!

You've got to sing and dance, to romp and play, and learn to love the things you have by using them each and every day. Even the roses 'round the porch must bloom year by year, so that you can remember the one who loved them, and trained them to get that early morning sun .
You've got to love each brick and stone from the cellar to the dome...it takes a heap of living in a house... to make it a home!
~~~~~~~

Well, with all my kids and spouses and grand kids coming, we will have a home full for about 4 days. I'm so excited for them to come.

We have a lovely dinner with the china and crystal set out beautifully. We eat too much and talk and talk, everyone helps to clean up the dishes, it's quite the scene!...Some football is watched...crafts and play for the grand kids, a little target shooting, movies and games in the evening. Then the next day we'll go up into the mountains for those who want to cut a Christmas tree. We have lucked out most years and got into snow..that makes it so much fun!

Sending all of you, all my love, and wishing you a... VERY..HAPPY THANKSGIVING with your loved ones. May your house feel like a home always and forever!

THE WINNER IS.......

THE WINNER HAS BEEN CHOSEN.....COME SEE....

" Oh Sis..have you heard?! ...Over at the Harward's blog this morning...there is a GIVE A WAY AND THE WINNER is to be announced! Oh, I'm so excited...lets go see! "

HI LADIES...ARE YOU READY? HERE WE GO.....

DRUM ROLL PLEASE.......ta ta ta ta ta ta

OH.....I'M SO DOG GONE EXCITED AREN'T YOU?!!!

THE WINNER IS....

FARM CHICK PAULA....at.... THE FRAKER FARM

PAULA... I will get this give a way package off to you in the mail by tomorrow morning!

I hope this will bring you lots of Christmas spirit...from my heart to yours!

To ALL my sweet friends out there who entered...(there were 124) ...I want you to know, that in my HEART.. I would have loved to give this to every one of you!
I love you all dearly!

Please...don't be "down in the mouth" if you did not win....I will be having another GIVE A WAY in the SPRING time!
So , lets continue to get to now each other and be the best of friends! I love you all!

This was the funnest...the most joy filled thing ever! I have so enjoyed getting to know so many wonderful women in blog land...new friends too!

This has filled my heart with the Christmas spirit...thats what giving does! I even put up my Christmas tree last night... (maybe the snow we got helped too)...all my family is coming here for Thanksgiving so I am SO excited for the holidays!
SENDING EACH ONE OF YOU..." ALL MY LOVE "

"HAPPY THANKSGIVING AND MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU"

BIG GIVE A WAY LADIES....come see!

Come dear friends...gather at my home...a big give a way will soon be on it's way to YOU....

This is my first give a way, and I'm so excited about it! I LOVE to give and especially at Christmas time...so I hope you'll all gather around and tell all of your friends...this will be fun!

"CHRISTMAS IN THE HEART"

It's Christmas in the mansion, Yule-log fires and silken frocks;
It is Christmas in the cottage, Mother's filling socks.

It is Christmas on the highway, In the thronging, busy mart,
But the dearest truest Christmas is the Christmas in the heart.

In this give a way package, you'll find block letters that will bring you JOY...

A Santa salt and pepper shaker set to give you shakes of Ho-Ho-Ho...

A Mormon Tabernacle Choir CD...where Broadway's leading man meets the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square. This CD is the current musical masterpiece in a series of highly acclaimed holiday albums. The CD features guest soloist Brian Stokes Mitchell, dubbed by the New York Times as "Broadway's last leading man." His voice is fantastic, you will love him and this wonderful world famous choir that has been called.... "America's Choir.

A little red treasure box with a sweet gift inside....

A Cherry Pin....to match the cherries on my blog and to remind you, that I Love You!

3 cute little darlings to hang on a tree or around your home, to bring you cheer at this holiday time.

Yum...A box full of UTAH TRUFFLES...So very good and Chocolate covered Cherries....So delicious!

A little Apron that I made just for you...it matches my blog also. It has cute detail work on it that I hope you will love!

I hope you will wear it, remembering that I LOVE YOU.. And that it will bring you wonderful moments in your home at Christmas time and all year through!

So...this is the package for my Christmas give a way, also notice the darling little black and white bag..it's so cute!... And one more thing I just had to throw in for your Thanksgiving holiday.....

A beautiful Thanksgiving plate!

I am so thankful for the gifts of the earth and for all of you wonderful ladies out there who come to be my friend.

So now... for the rules of this $90.00 give a way...

1. Click to be a follower of my blog
(but only if you really will, it's not about numbers for me but about friends!)

2. Leave a comment
(anything you desire to say)

3. Tell all your friends about this give a way

I will go to Random.Org to have them randomly pick a winner...the winner will be announced on my blog , Monday November 16th

I will have all of this in the mail to the winner by the week of Nov. 17-19th so you can have it and enjoy it well before Christmas gets here.

I just love you all..you have brought much happiness into my life and I want to give back to you....from my heart...to yours!

" FOR THOSE WHO TRUST HIM "

The other day a little bird flew into my window, I got up and looked at where it went, it was sitting on the porch . My big golden retriever looked at it then went over to it and gently gathered it into his mouth and went and laid on the lawn with it. I went out and got it, it was dazed and tried to fly but could not. I sat on the porch with it on my lap for awhile, finally it tried to fly but couldn't seem to get going, so I picked it up again and tossed it into the air and off it flew, much to my delight!


I got to thinking how much the Savior loves each of us and takes such good care of us. How kind he is to us and to all the creatures he has created. How he loves us and them and even tells us to pray for and be good to our little animals.

I love to sing this song and have a testimony that the words are true;

~Consider The Lilies~

Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow, how they grow.
Consider the birds of the sky, how they fly, how they fly.
He clothes the lilies of the field. He feeds the birds in the sky,
and He will feed those who trust him, and guide them with his eye.

Consider the sheep of his fold, how they follow where he leads,
Tho' their paths may wind across the mountains,
He knows the meadows where they feed.

Consider the sweet, tender children, who must suffer on this earth.
The pains of all of them He carried from the day of His birth.
He cloths the lilies of the field. He feeds the lambs of His fold,
and He will heal those who trust Him, and make their hearts as gold.

He cloths the lilies of the field. He feeds the lambs of His fold,
and He will heal those who trust Him.
and make their hearts as gold.

I have learned to trust Him in my life time...through tough trials I have gone through. I love Him with all my heart, might, mind and soul. I know He is there to take care of us and asks us to take care of each other and all living creatures too. His will... is my will, because...I TRUST HIM.

~ GETTING TO KNOW YOU~ and hoping you'll like me too!

Since I'm kind of new to some of you, I thought I'd tell a bit about me. I haven't had a picture taken of me that I was thrilled about, since about the age of 40, but oh well! I feel fit, healthy and strong. I enjoy walking 3 miles everyday with my dogs, and riding horses, and sometimes I am told that I am beautiful..so that makes me happy!

I love candle lit baths and massages...my husband...my children and grand children...movies...blogging...good food, love sweets...I love to cook...and decorate...diet pepsi with lemon...I love all the holidays...I'm a nature girl, love being outdoors...love my animals; 2 dogs,3 cats, 2 parakeets, 2 horses, which I love to ride... and a few chickens! I'm a homebody, like to read... love the comfort of home! I have done my share of traveling, favorite trip was an 11 day trip to Israel. But I don't have an urge to travel the world.
I love my Savior Jesus Christ, and Heavenly Father...I need to live peaceably with my others, I love peace. I hate confrontation...and mean-girls, big or little! It was very important to me as my children grew up that they were kind and not part of the mean crowd. I can usually get along with everyone and choose to love...I'm a whimp, I can't stand to hold grudges because it hurts me more and I don't like to hurt! I don't like deep water, it scares me and I don't like tennis! I love being in touch with my family and the grand children are the love of my life! I love babies and will never get over wanting more! Both of my parents have passed away and I have had two brothers die of cancer, one would have been 50 the day of his funeral and the other 53...miss them to this day. I don't ever want any of my children to die before I do...I want us to just live on together forever... and I believe we will in this life and the in the life to come.

Here I am at age one....a little chubby cheeked baby! See that deep-day dreamy look in my eyes...thats me! I have an eye that sees clearly, situations and people. I grew up on farms all my life, I had a wonderful childhood of play...loved animals...in 6th grade I broke both my arms, at the same time by being a tomboy...I loved playing in our big red barn...riding my horse "Rusty". When I was 12, my Mom went to work, and it was then that I grew up. I drove tractor for my Dad, cooked the meals, did the washing. On saturdays, Dad took me and my little sister to town for the day for lunch and a movie. We were poor farmers but we were taken care of and loved, I have wonderful memories of my childhood. It took me years to get over my first love but after meeting Ron, I did.

Not quite all, but most of our family about 3 months ago. Our 19th grand child was born 3 mo. ago, thats what it's all about! Now you can see why I was a stay at home Mom as they were growing up....many times I thought it might be easier to go get a job, but who would have watched over them...except a Mom?! They would have over-run the neighborhood everyday if I hadn't been there to meet them with a "Cookie and a Kiss." Loved it!

Ronnie and I at a parade this past Summer...we live in a "little corner of Heaven"

My sweetheart and I as we got married in 82'...he was 39 and I was 32...he had been given custody of his 3 children and I brought my 3 adopted children. We were a his/hers family....within 7 months I was pregnant, after trying for 13 years in a previous marriage, going through every fertility treatment possible. We had 2 together and raised a family of 8 children on a constant basis..(hardly any visiting to other parents). My first husband was killed in an industrial accident two years after Ron and I were married, so it's been a full..busy life to be sure.

I have sung all my life, a little odd since I don't even read notes! But I love to sing, came from a family of beautiful voices. I have sung the leads in several musicals, this is how I looked (big hair and all) in 86' when I sang the lead in..."The King and I". This one was my favorite, it was held outside at a place called, the Hollow. Every night 400 to 500 people came with their blankets and goodies to watch. It was so much fun, but I was pregnant and after 4 months, I just about couldn't fit in those tight dresses anymore.

" Getting To Know You, getting to know all about you...

Getting to like you, getting to hope you like me...
Getting to know you, Putting it my way, but nicely...
You are precisely, My cup of tea!

Getting to know you, getting to feel free and easy..
When I am with you, getting to know what to say.
Haven't you noticed? Suddenly I'm bright and breezy..
Because of all the beautiful and new things I'm learning about you
day.. by..day.

I hope you have had fun "getting to know me"...I love it when bloggers tell something about themselves, it helps me to feel like I know them and it makes me love them so much. I feel like I am meeting the most wonderful gals here and I consider you my friends. Hope to... "get to know you"... more as time goes on, you are teaching me so many wonderful things and renewing my faith, that there really are SO many great women out there in this old world. Love you all, Julie