Helpful Hint and a Recipe

Ok, first of all let me just say, I AM SO GROSSED OUT! I made Michelle's Broccoli Soup recipe before I watched this video, therefore I did not clean the leeks properly. I wonder how much dirt I actually ate? Oh well, at least it was cooked, right? EWWW! If you've never cooked with leeks before.....trust me.....you'll want to watch this video! (Click the x, in the bottom right hand corner of the video, to get rid of the google ads)
(Remember to pause my music player, on the right, before you click on the videos)




This Leek and Potato soup looks good and very simple to make. I just might have to give this recipe a try.

Worship and Praise Sunday ~ Grace

****(pause my music player, over to the right of the page, before clicking on the video)

This week I'm sharing........Grace by Laura Story. It is one of my favorite songs and I've probably listened to it a million times! Ok, maybe I'm exaggerating a little bit, but seriously I love the words, it has such a great message. We all need grace!

Please make a visit to Brittany's blog at Sweetnothings, to listen to all of the other great songs that are shared. While you're there, check out Brittany's instuctions, if any of you would like to link up and share your own video or lyrics.

Flashback Friday

The Robert's Family! This had to have been 1985 on Christmas Day. Andy's mom and dad in front, with Jim, Dick, Anita,Dave, Nancy, Steve, Julie and Andy. (You can click on the pictures to enlarge and see a closeup!)

This is all eight Robert's children with their spouses, plus Andy's nephew Mark & Kim, on the far right.

Robert's family with the grandkids! My two babies weren't born yet.....I had already had two miscarriages by this time, but thankfully I got pregnant with Michael, soon after this photo was taken. Sorry, these last two pictures are pretty blurry.

20 Things You May Not Know About Me...

• My nickname is DJ (my first and middle initials)
• It drives me crazy when people call me Debbie....hellooo....my name is Debra!
• I love my husband and my kids so much, it almost hurts!
• My heart still goes pitter patter when my husband walks into the room
• When my kids need to talk, I will stay up until wee hours into the morning listening
• I put cayenne pepper on pretty much everything I eat (must be the cajun in me)
• I add cayenne pepper to melted butter and pour it all over my popcorn
• I love walking on the beach, playing in the water, and looking for sand dollars
• I marvel over a beautiful sunset or sunrise
• I love planting flowers in my yard, to admire and enjoy
• If I wouldn't gain weight, I would eat pie, cheesecake and pastries everyday
• I miss my mama's southern cookin'.....gumbo, collard greens, chicken ~n~ dumplins etc.
• I'm a night owl and I don't like to get out of bed in the morning
• My favorite candy is cinnamon bears and cinnamon hard candies
• My favorite pies are banana cream and pumpkin
• I love spinach and could eat it with every meal
• The only fish I will eat are...halibut, bass, catfish and sturgeon
• I will not eat liver, oysters, clams, shrimp, anchovies or cooked mushrooms
• I am very sentimental
• I can't wait to be a grandma someday

Wordless Wednesday

Helpful Hint ~ Easy Way to Peel a Potato

****(pause my music player over on the right, before clicking on the video)

This is so cool! My friend Elsie, sent me this video the other day and I just had to share it. (Thanks Elsie!) I haven't tried this yet, but trust me, I will! I love potato salad, but I don't like peeling the potatoes, so this will make it that much easier. If any of you try this, please leave a comment, letting us know if it's really as easy as it looks on the video.

Worship and Praise Sunday ~ What Do I Know of Holy

***(pause my music player over on the right, before clicking on the video)

What Do I Know Of Holy by Addison Road

I made You promises a thousand times
I've tried to hear from Heaven
But I talked the whole time
I think I made You too small
I never feared You at all, No
If You touched my face would I know You?
Looked into my eyes could I behold You?

(CHORUS)
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
So What do I know? What do I know of Holy?

I guess I thought that I had figured You out
I knew all the stories and I learned to talk about
How You were mighty to save
Those were only empty words on a page
Then I caught a glimpse of who You might be
The slightest hint of You brought me down to my knees

(CHORUS)

What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of wounds that will heal my shame?
And a God who gave life "its" name?
What do I know of Holy?
Of the One who the angels praise?
All creation knows Your name
On earth and heaven above
What do I know of this love?

(CHORUS)

What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of Holy?

I love this song and listen to it often.......the words speak volumes to me! Please visit Brittany's blog, over at Sweetnothings, to link up and share your songs.

FLASHBACK FRIDAY - Where are the Poofy Sleeve Police when you need 'em?

Summer of 1984 ~ Andy and I with Scooter, the little kitten he surprised me with! This was a month or two before we were married, so he had to keep her at his apartment and take care of her for me. Trust me, this was BIG because he didn't really even like cats. Wasn't that sweet of him?

I look like I was in deep concentration about somethin'. Must have been those POOFY SLEEVES! I'm so glad they aren't in style anymore....I mean really.....us gals with broad shoulders, should have been banned from wearing them!!!

Here is a picture of Debbie and Scooter! T.K. took a bunch of pictures that day, which she put into a photo album and gave to us as a wedding gift. I still have it! In fact, Andy and I just looked through it tonight, reminiscing.

Scooter was the coolest cat! She was a bit weird, how she loved to sit on my shoulder, while I walked around the house, though. I tell ya, she had great balance! Sometimes she would even ride along with me....sitting on my shoulder.... in my little volkswagon bug. I wonder if people thought I was nuts? After awhile, she got too heavy for me to carry on my shoulder, so she learned to be satisfied with sittin' in my lap.

Light A Candle...

This is a sweet little card my husband gave me a few years ago. Notice the two candles.....and if you're wondering what happened to the candle on the right....well ask my daughter! (click on the picture to enlarge, if you have trouble reading what it says).

This is what he wrote inside.....Debra, When you feel as if you need to hear I love you, Light a candle, so that I can see. I Love You, Andy

So guess what I did on Tuesday night girls? Yep, that's right....I lit a candle!!! I was really struggling with some things that day and all I needed was, some nice long hugs and an, "I Love You," from my husband, to make it all better. Seriously, he always makes me feel better, no matter what I'm struggling with! I'm so thankful for such a wonderful, loving husband and the best friend I could ever have!

Wordless Wednesday

Helpful Hint

NO MORE SCRUBBING! Ok, girls you know what a pain it is to have to scrub those pots and pans, right? I hate it when the food sticks to the bottom of the pan and I'm left with that cooked on gunk, that will only come out, after soaking and scrubbing. Well are you ready? Here's the trick........put enough water to cover the 'cooked on gunk', add one drop of dish liquid and bring to a boil. If it's REALLY cooked on, then boil for a few minutes and then voila, the pan comes clean!

I do this all the time and it really works. I'm all for anything that will make my life a little easier and it really doesn't take much time to do it. I just stick it on the stove, turn it on high and by the time I'm finished cleaning up the other dishes, my pan has come to a boil. Give it a try! ***(Don't add more than one drop of dishliquid or the the suds will boil over!)

Worship and Praise Sunday

****(Pause my music player over on the right, before clicking on the video!)

I love these words...

Nothing can take me from your great love
forever this truth remains
I belong, I belong to you, I belong, I belong to you

This is one of my favorite songs that Kathryn Scott sings. I'm so thankful that I belong to Him!

Please visit Sweet Nothings and check out all of the other great songs. There you will also find instructions, if you want to join in on the fun.

Flashback Friday

This is a picture of my mother and I with Clint Walker in 1976. This was such an exciting day, as we watched the filming of a movie, starring Clint Walker, Slim Pickens and Charles Bronson! Those of you, who grew up watching westerns like I did, will know who these actors are. The movie was called, "White Buffalo." I've probably seen every movie Clint Walker has made, but I have to say, the movie "Grizzly," is probably my all time favorite!

My sister Terri Lynn and Clint Walker!

Here I am with Slim Pickens.....he reached down and started waving my hand for the picture. It was fun to later watch the movie, knowing that I was standing right beside that stagecoach, only about 8 feet away while they were filming the scene.

That is Charles Bronson sitting in the chair, while taking a break from filming.


***(Pause my music player at bottom of page before you click play on these videos!)

This is a cute little clip of Jack Benny and Clint Walker. (Look how tall Clint is! He is 6 '6)

My Heart Is Aching...

My dearest Sally, told me tonight that her doctor informed her yesterday, she only has possibly 5 months or less to live. After 9 years, since the first time she was diagnosed with cancer, she is losing the battle. My heart was aching, as I talked with her, prayed with her and cried with her. I told her that even though I selfishly don't want to lose her, the Lord knows best and He has decided that He wants her with Him. She has been quite a witness and an inspiration to me and everyone around her and I can't wait til she meets Jesus face to face and hears Him say, "Well done thou good and faithful servant." I know she will have many rewards, for the way she has honored Him and glorified Him, here on this earth!

Mom Sally holds a very special place in my heart! (she doesn't have any children, but she has always called me her daughter and I in turn, call her Mom Sally.) There is so much more I could say about this special lady, but seriously, there's just not enough room on here to say it all. Here are some pictures that Mom Sally shared with me awhile back, plus a few snapshots that I have taken of her.


I scanned this picture from her passport.....she was 27 yrs. old! Isn't she beautiful?

Pete and Sally! I think this might be on their wedding day, but I can't remember for sure.

Pete and Sally!

Another great picture of Pete and Sally!

1997 at Pete's Graveside service. Sally insisted that we take a picture with her by his casket. She has missed Pete terribly, since he went to be with the Lord!

Sally and Salvacion!

Mom Sally and me!

Christmas Eve 2007........Sally is still just as beautiful as ever!

Pedro Briones, February 1929. (Sally will see you soon, Pete!)

Wordless Wednesday

LOOKING FOR RECIPE!

Does anyone have a good recipe for Cream of Broccoli Soup? I'm looking for a recipe that doesn't have velveeta cheese in the ingredients. I like velveeta, but it's just a little too cheesy for me, so I'd rather use cheddar cheese or even use no cheese at all. If any of you bloggers out there, have a recipe you'd like to share, I would really appreciate it. :o)

Worship and Praise Sunday

***(Pause my music player over on the right, before playing the video)

Captivate Us

Your face is beautiful
And Your eyes are like the stars
Your loving arms they draw me near
And Your smile it brings me peace
Draw me closer oh my lord
Draw me closer Lord to Thee

(chorus)
Captivate us, Lord Jesus
Set our eyes on You
Devastate us with Your presence
Falling down
And rushing river, draw us nearer
Holy fountain consume us with You
Your voice is powerful
And Your words are radiant bright
In Your breath and shadow
I will come close and abide
You whisper love and life divine
And Your fellowship is free
Draw me closer O my Lord
Draw me closer Lord to Thee

(chorus)

Let everything be lost in the shadows
Of the light of Your face
Let every chain be broken from me
As I'm bound in Your grace
For Your yoke is easy, Your burden is light
You're full of wisdom, power and might
And every eye will see You

(chorus)

This song speaks to me, because there are so many meaningless things that captivate us, when we should set our eyes on Jesus and be captivated with Him.

Now hop on over to Brittany's Sweet Nothings and check out all of the other wonderful songs!

Flashback Friday

Ok, so just to let y'all know.....wishing upon a star does not work! At 3 years old I wanted a horse and I remember asking.....no begging for one and I remember my mother telling me to wish upon a star. Well, night after night I stared out my window into the sky, wishing upon that star for a whole year, until one day when my dad brought home Gypsi the shetland pony. At first I was thrilled and so excited, but wait a minute, that's not what I wished for! I wanted a REAL horse.....a BIG horse! Well, needless to say I was still very excited and I couldn't wait to ride her, but there was one little problem. I was frustrated because my dad wouldn't let me ride her all by myself....he insisted on leading us around the yard with a rope. I mean after all, I WAS only 4!

So for awhile I enjoyed being led around the yard on her until one day on the fourth of July. I remember it like it was yesterday.....we had relatives over that day and I decided to sneak outside and ride Jypsi all by myself. I turned the water bucket upside down, stepped up on it and hopped on top of Jypsi. Can you guess what happened next? She took off like a bolt of lightening and I held on to her mane as long as I could, until I finally fell off. So I'm lying there on my back, when before I knew what was happening, she came running back toward me and stepped on me right between the eyes! I wish my parents had taken a picture of my black and blue little face. Well, that was just the start of the nightmare....

I felt pretty good about being lead by a rope from then on.....ok, truth is, I didn't learn my lesson yet! One day, she was laying down in the shade and I decided, hey I don't even need a bucket this time.....so I slowly snuck up to her and sat right on her back....it was easy as pie. She jumped to her feet and this time I only made it a few feet before falling off. I guarantee you, I didn't lay there long enough for her to trample me, this time!

Jypsi turned out to be the meanest little pony in the whole world. She kicked me and bit me and would literally charge after me and chase me down. I thought I would have her teeth marks on my stomach permanantly! Look at me in this picture....by this time I was pretty irritated with Jypsi....don't I look like I can take her?

Here is my brother trying to stop her from chasing me and trampling me. She proceeded to get away from him and chased me around the side of the house where I leaped onto the bench swing. Whew! That was close! This was pretty much a daily occurrence, so finally my dad got rid of her and when I was 5 yrs old, he brought home a stud horse named Jo Jo. Well, girlfriend I learned to ride that horse all by myself and he only bucked me off once! I was a tough little cookie, so honey I got right back on that horse.....there would be no wimpin' out from this little half pint.

We had many horses after that and I didn't even have to wish on a star for them. I have more horse stories and pictures, but I'll have to share those another time.

(Listen, for all of you out there who would like to join in with Flashback Friday, it's fun! We all have old photos we can share and I'm sure a many of them have a story to tell. I'm not sure I will mess with the Mr. Linky thingy, unless y'all think I should. If there are enough of you who are interested, then I will do Mr. Linky, so we can all join in on the fun. Just let me know!)

Helpful Hint

I decided to share a little helpful hint today that has rescued me a many a time! Y'all know what happens when you're in your own little world and you forget about your clothes in the dryer, right? Come on now.....I know I'm not the only 'space cadet' in this here bloggersphere! You all know what I'm talkin' about.....you put the clothes in the dryer, shut the door, punch the settings, push start and then you go about your business and wait for the buzzer/beeper to go off. By the time you realize that you've completely forgotten about the clothes and didn't here the dryer go off, it's too late. What are you left with? A huge wrinkled mess of clothes!

I know, I know, you're thinkin'......hey not to worry, I'll just fluff these puppies, but we all know that doesn't always cut it. There are some types of material that you can never get those wrinkles out of, even if you try to iron them, so you might as well just start all over and rewash them. Well, what I'm about to tell you will totally rock your world! No more starting over and rewashing your clothes girls. Here's the trick......you take a dish towel (I always use a linen towel, so I won't get lint on my clothes), wet the towel, wring it out a little bit, toss it in the dryer with your now-dried-wrinkled mess and turn on the dryer. It's that simple! By the time the dish towel is dry, the huge wrinkles will be gone. If you don't have a linen dish towel, you can even use a cotton pillowcase, to do the trick. I do hope this little 'helpful hint' will make your life a little easier! Next week I'll be sharing another one that I truly cannot live without! Trust me, you don't wanna miss it, so be lookin' for it. :o)

Wordless Wednesday

* (click on picture to enlarge)

Just call me Pinnochio!

I AM HORRIFIED! I read an article one time that said our ears and nose will never stop growing. "What? Are you serious?" said I. I mean, is this some nightmare that I'm in? Ok, 'fess up girls, let's admit it, we all have a feature that we despise. For me it has always been my nose. You can ask my family....I won't let them take a profile picture of me and if they do, it always gets deleted. Of course, that's the great thing about digital cameras, now isn't it? (I know what you're thinking....SO VAIN....right?)

Anyway, the other night I was looking through photo albums and I came across this photo of me in the sunglasses and I thought, "Hey my nose doesn't look too bad in this pic." Then I remembered that article I had read, so I decided to compare some of my pictures over the years. I let out a gasp, as I said to my daughter, "OH NO IT'S TRUE......my nose HAS grown!" She replied, "It has not!" Then I held the first pic up to my face to show her the difference and she said, "Oh my gosh!" Well folks that says it all! You might as well, just call me Pinnochio!


Just look at this cute 'little' nose! I believe this was taken in 1984. It must have been in the summer because I have freckles...the sun always brings them out. You can tell I don't lay out in the sun anymore because you can't even see any freckles on my face now.

I can't believe I'm posting this picture.....Look at that nose! My, has it grown!

Another nice view of my pinocchio nose! You may notice that I didn't post a recent picture, mainly because I don't have a recent picture of my profile and also, because I don't even want to KNOW how big my nose is now. lol

BLOGGY GOODNESS!

Hey y'all, there was some down right bloggy goodness goin' on in my little bloggy world yesterday, so I just have to tell! First of all, out of the goodness of her heart, Brittany -aka new blogger buddy, helped me out with a little blogger 101. Trust me, this was much appreciated because nothing frustrates me more than, not being able to figure something out on the computer. I mean seriously, doesn't this frustrate you too? Especially when it turns out to be something as simple as pie and you think, why in the world couldn't I have figured that out? Well, guess what? Brittany's bloggy goodheartedness, spurred me on to tackle something I've been wanting to do for awhile now.

I've been wanting to change my template to 3 columns, but was too afraid that either I wouldn't be able to figure out how to do it, or that I would lose all of my posts and stuff, so I just kept putting it off. Well, to my surprise I decided to tackle it today, with a little help from the internet. I found a great website that gave me simple step by step instructions on how to back up my template and widgets, so I wouldn't lose all of my info., but my computer wouldn't cooperate. It kept telling me it couldn't find my notepad, which I had to have, to save it to.

After more time than I would like to mention, I finally wised up and decided to use my husband's computer and believe it or not, it only took me about 2 minutes to back up my template and widgets. It was a longer process changing the template to 3 columns, but that was just because I was so nervous and scared that I was going to mess it up. Oh man let me tell you how excited I was when it worked! I wanted to do a victory dance for sure!

We have a friend that always says, "It's all good!" Well girlfriends, let me tell you somethin'.....yesterday for me, "It was all bloggy goodness!"

Worship and Praise Sunday

Just the other day I found a new blog that sparked my interest. Right away I noticed that this new blogger buddy (hope she doesn't mind if I call her that) and I have something in common....we both adore music and love singing at church!

I was so excited to see that my new blogger buddy, Brittany has started WORSHIP AND PRAISE SUNDAY, where we all upload a favorite worship song to share. My husband and I are always on the lookout for new songs to introduce to our church, so this will be so awesome! I've been trying to figure out a way of sharing songs with other bloggers and to my surprise....Brittany came up with this fantastic idea. Thank you Brittany!


****(Pause my music player at the bottom of the page before playing the video)



This is one of my favorite songs because His grace still amazes me! I hope y'all will listen carefully to the words because seriously....they say it all! I love Phillip, Craig and Dean, they really have some awesome songs.

I do hope more of you bloggers, from this vast and wide blogging world, will start joining us every Sunday with YOUR favorite worship and praise song! Please hop on over to Sweet Nothings for further details.