Addie's Angels

My daughter, Sissy, and I had the most blessed opportunity to meet another little girl named Addison and her grandfather at Chick-fil-a today. This beautiful little girl is only four years old right now, but boy is she mature! Her golden curly locks reminded me of my niece's hair.

Sissy asked Addison's grandpa what happened to her arm because, you see, as he so eloquently stated, "She was born without it. God made her special." And that he did! Her "difference" definitely doesn't slow her down. 

Can you believe it?!? We met THE Addie from Addie's Angels (facebook or website).

What an honor! She is radiant just as I would imagine an angel would be! If you are searching for a cause to donate towards, this young lady and her family are reaching out in order to help others with similar situations. Their facebook description states:

"Non-profit organization benefiting children who have lost the use of one or more limbs, or have limb abnormalities. Addie's Angels is maintained by Bill & Amiee Gallagher, and was named for their daughter, Addison Claire Gallagher."

If I remember correctly, Addie is in the process of being fitted for an electronic arm and hand! How awesome that will be for her. 

I do hope that she remembers these few things:

* God may have "made her special", but she's no different from you and me.

* She is in a position where she and her family have helped and will help more people than they will EVER know.

* She is a daughter of an awesome and almighty God and He is King, which makes her a Princess!

I am truly grateful that I was blessed by this chance meeting! Had I been on time to meet with my friend, I probably would've missed this opportunity (1 point for procrastinating). 

Addison Gallagher, her family, and all of God's Angels aka Addie's Angels from this point forward will be in my prayers.

I hope we meet again Addison and Grandpa!

Wheat Free Life by Michelle Badger

I love checking the mail and finding packages that are addressed to me. It doesn't matter that I ordered and paid for them. It's like Christmas --- or my birthday! I get to unwrap a special item.

The newest of my presents to myself is also a wonderful addition to my cookbook library:

Wheat Free Life by Michelle Badger

I have merely glanced in it, but I came across some really exciting new recipes. Plus, it includes an inspiring story which is pushing me to change my cooking / eating habits. Oh, and she includes the shopping lists too! How sweet is that?

I am so excited and I will definitely add more as I test the recipes in it! I can't wait.

Thanks Michelle, for the time, effort, energy, and love that you put into making this book in order to help people like me!

Mother's Day 2014

I wanted to do something nice for my VT ladies on Mother's Day. Simply because mothers don't really get vacations or time off. Sundays are hectic days for those of us who forget to use Saturdays as the "day we get ready for Sunday". So to help tomorrow, which is Mother's Day as well as a Sunday, be a little less hectic, I chose to try this simple idea I found on Pinterest:

 

She even offers the printable for FREE!!

 

I completely forgot to get cups and napkins, but I went with plates, bowls, spoons, and forks. Plus, the ribbon is adorable, but my plates and bowls don't match so the coordinating ribbon was out of the question. Generic Ziploc bags saved the day! The larger bag is the gallon size and the smaller silverware bags are the snack size. I would love to have had cellophane or saran wrap with which to wrap it up. Anyway, here's my version:

 

 

 

 

I hope these help my ladies and give you an idea for your friends, neighbors, or VT ladies. It's a quick and easy gift idea. You might even have these items in your pantry already!



Fruit Pizza

Amanda here again, and have I got a treat for you!

Fruit Pizza

If you haven't had it before, try it out! It's yummy and it has fruit! Win, Win right?


I cheated some with my recipe today as I did not use a homemade cookie crust. But why bother with perfection when Miss Betty Crocker has already made the perfect cookies right!


Ingredients:
2 Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mixes (or your favorite)
Ingredients called for on Mix - (2 eggs, 2 sticks of butter softened)
1 package 8oz cream cheese - softened
about 3 cups of Powdered/Confectioner's Sugar
Fruit - Strawberries, Kiwi, Banana, Pineapple (also try with blueberries! or any other fruit you enjoy)


I started with two bags of Betty Crocker's Sugar Cookie Mix.
Make as directed (my bags called for 1 egg and 1 stick of butter each)

Take a large cookie sheet with sides, spray with Pam or other cooking spray. Spread cookie dough onto pan until it fills the pan.

Bake as directed (375 for about 15 minutes). Allow to cool completely.


While this is baking/cooling, take the softened cream cheese and place into a mixing bowl.
Add about 1/2 a cup to 1 cup of powdered/confectioner's sugar to the bowl at a time. Mix using hand mixer until all sugar is incorporated. Continue adding until the taste is a bit on the sweet side. I used about 2 1/2 cups of sugar.

Wash the strawberries. Cut up strawberries, pineapple, kiwi, and banana.

Once the cookie is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese mixture over the top.

Place cut up fruit on top of the cookie and cheese spread.

Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Cut & ENJOY!!!



Also try Personal Fruit Pizzas...instead of making one big cookie, follow the recipe on the cookie dough to roll out and cut cookies. Cut them either into fun shapes or just into circles. You can also allow the kids or guests to put on their own fruit!


Let us know what kind of variations you try!