Missing In Action

Greetings, Sweet Sisters!

I just wanted to let you know that due to a fatal computer crash I have, for the most part, been missing in action as far as my blog and Facebook are concerned. Life's been busy and I've got much to share. I am, however, in the "getting to know you" process of a new computer and, hopefully, will be back in the swing of things soon.

While I'm here I'd also like to thank everyone who has sent cards and letters to my Aunt Linda, and would like to encourage others to do the same. She was recently sent home from the hospital on hospice and messages of love, hope, and encouragement go a long way to lift the spirits of one who is, for the most part, confined to the bed. For those that are interested in doing so, please, send cards, letters, and messages of hope to:

Linda Lemmons
 c/o Rebecca Knox
 209 S. Paine St.
Liberal, MO 64762.

Aunt Linda likes irises and collects angels. Thanks so much!!! And may God richly bless you for your kindness!

Well, that's it for now. You all have a great evening and I'll be with you again soon.

God bless all here!

All My Love,
~Rebecca

It's That Time Of Year Again

It's a beautiful, sunny day here in southwest Missouri in mid-January and an annual event that brings tears of joy to my weary spirit is occurring even as I type this. Amidst trials and tribulations hope blooms anew and the promise of spring is whispered. My little purple crocuses are blooming once again, and even the honeybees were out!

I'm Asking For Your Help With Something Special

Dear Ladies,

I'm writing to ask a favor of you. I have a very close and dear-to-me aunt that has been sent home from the hospital on hospice. I have decided to surprise her with a card shower and I am asking for your help. If you are willing to do so, please, address any cards, letters, and messages of love, hope and blessing to her in care of myself, and I will hand deliver them to her. Please address as follows...

Linda Lemmons
c/o Rebecca Knox
209 S. Paine St.
Liberal, MO 64762

Aunt Linda loves irises...especially purple ones and she loves her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with all her heart. She's been a blessing and encouragement to so many people over the years, including myself, and I'd like to do something really special for her while I can. Thank you so much in advance for helping me out with this! It means a lot!

All My Love,
~Rebecca

Clean-Up-The-Leftovers Pizza?

In an earlier post I shared my intent to plan January's menus around what's on hand and, thus far, I've done pretty well with it. But I had to tell you about what I did last night.

Now, granted, when I tell you about it it is going to sound absolutely repulsive. Even as I was making it I was thinking, "Yuck!", but I have to say, what I did turned out to be absolutely delicious and, even my son who, truthfully, was afraid to even try it at first, agreed that it was one of the best pizzas I have ever made!

I started with my usual recipe of homemade pizza crust. Then I topped it with the following...

- leftover pasta sauce from Friday night's spaghetti and meatballs
- a generous dash of oregano (to give it that distinct 'pizza' flavor)
- one can of sliced mushrooms, drained
- about a 1/2 cup of Saturday night's butter and garlic penna pasta (I took scissors and cut each piece of penna into 1/4-inch slices...what made me think of this was the fact that I've actually seen 'macaroni and cheese' pizza advertized...I've always thought, "Pasta on top of pizza? Gross!" but it was actually quite tasty! And the wheat pasta that we use holds up very nicely.)
- Sunday afternoon's leftover turkey Italian sausage and roasted Italian-seasoned potatoes (sliced thin...there was only about 4 1 1/2-inch pieces of the sausage and about the same number of  and size of potatoes)
- a couple of handfuls of mozzarella cheese
- and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan

That's all there was to it! A lot of leftovers used up out of the fridge, a lot of empty dishes in the sink, dollars saved, and a delicious and unusually flavored pizza that was very filling...AND there were enough slices leftover from that for lunch today!

I determined to be creative after the first of the year and this was one of the boldest steps I've taken thus far. It encourages me to be even bolder in the days ahead!

Have a blessed day, Sweet Ladies!

All My Love,
~Rebecca

Taking Charge In The New Year And A 31 Day 'Use-It-Up' Food Challenge

2012 been one of the worst years (if not THE worst year) that my husband and I have had yet. It started off badly and went steadily downhill all the way. I won't go into all the gory details, but will happily proclaim that I'm glad to see that it's almost over! I pray that 2013 is better. :)

I've got tons of stuff that needs doing, but getting anything done has, at best, been slow going for months and neglect on every front seems to have become the norm. I am hoping to take back some control over my life in the days ahead and I am beginning today!

The main thing that I have accomplished today has been to take down all the Christmas decorations and with, my husband's help, put it all away for another year. As I was taking down and sorting through, I took the time to pull out things that are no longer needed and/or wanted and have started a garage sale box. I will add to it as time goes on and plan a big sale in the spring.

Now I'm getting ready to work on menu plans. My plan is to, throughout the month of January, buy only that which is absolutely necessary (fresh produce, milk, bread, etc.), concentrate on using up as many things as I can out of what we have on hand (fridge, freezer, and pantry), and eliminate all unnecessary eating out. That should, not only clean up things that have been hanging around for a while, but save a lot of money over the course of the month, too. I'm anxious to see how it goes!

This challenge is really to myself, but would anyone else like to join me in this little adventure? If so, come on and let's go for it! I'll be sharing along the way and would like to hear from anyone else that might take me up on this challenge, as well!

Until Next Time...
~Rebecca

Another Loss At Christmas Time

At approximately 1:00 this afternoon my beautiful and beloved friend, Robin, went home to be with her precious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I talked with her just a few days ago and she told me that this was it. She said she wasn't afraid and that she was ready to go home. She said that wanted to see her dad. 

What I hate most is that I never made it down to Tennessee to see her. Ever since they moved I've wanted to go visit, but, financially, it just never worked out...and I know that if it was meant to be the Lord would have made a way, but I hate it that I never made it. At least we've stayed in touch...phone calls, letters, cards, texts...each and every one precious and treasured.

Rest in peace, my dear friend, for all is well! I will forever treasure the many memories that the Lord allowed us to share...our 'backdoor' relationship, our 'R & R moments', blueberry pie and tea at midnight, homeschool field trips, burning picnic tables, backyard bonfires, all of our many chicken, calf, and cat escapades, hide and seek after dark with the children, spider sniffs, hiking trails, climbing rocks, getting lost, going in circles, and so much more. You were one of the greatest blessings God ever brought into my life. I love you so much, Robin...my beautiful and beloved 'sister-by-heart'! I will see you again soon! ♥

Does anyone have any ideas of something we can do for the family long distance? If so, please, e-mail me at proverbs31heart@yahoo.com. Thanks so much! 

~Rebecca