Blessings..

Happy New Year everyone.. 

Welcome to the Blessed Hearth this evening.. 

I am so glad you dropped by.. 

I am sorry that I have not posted very much lately.. 

Time just seems to slip by and another day is over and I have not put the effort necessary into posting.. 

I just told Terry that starting tomorrow if the Lord wills I shall strive to do better.. 

I did buy a book from Chapters that has inspired me for the Winter and I will share it with you all. 

It is just about being home and making an effort to get some simple special touches for our homes and our lives... 

We had a lovely Christmas and our New Year's family time was wonderful... 

The grandsons and Shonda , Dave and Dustin were all here for New Year's eve and overnight to the next day.. 

They had fun times playing the game Catan.. 

Or I think that is what it is called.. 

A very serious game, though.. smile.. 

We had a Chinese supper later in the evening ...

Chinese.. 

Egg Rolls and Plum Sauce 

Chinese Soup and a Chinese Salad

Fried Rice with Bacon

Apricot Chicken 

Desserts... 

We had been without hydro the day before so I had double the work before everyone arrived so I was zonked, shall we say.. I went to bed before midnight.. 

This old gal isn't what she used to be but our dear daughter was such a help and it was all good.. 

The next day I arose (smile) at 6 am to put one of our turkeys we raised this summer into the oven... 

And on with the day.. 

Everyone arrived.. 

Trevor and Tammy had a night out alone and arrived on New Year's Day with Tim Hortons coffees for everyone..  

There were 14 of us..

My dear Mom... 

She loves all the kids and her and Gerald have a great time with them all.. 

They sure are growing... 

Such special young men.. 

Not because they are ours but just because they are.. 

I am so glad they walk with the Lord and are carrying the torch forward... 

Their grandparents sure do love them.. 

Just like you do yours, eh! 

Shonda and I had some time together while the guys played the game ....

There are a lot more pics but I won't bore you with them all and will get back to normal posts next time.. 

This is a Chinese salad we like.. 

Chinese Salad.. 

2 or 3 cups of cooked raw rice, cooled.. 

Chopped veggies to suit.. 

Mushrooms, green onions, red or green peppers. celery, parsley and then a handful of roasted peanuts or whatever kind you like..

You can also add a couple of cups of spinach if desired or even some fresh beansprouts.. 

The dressing.. 

2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon soy sauce 

1 garlic clove minced

 1/2 tsp. sugar

6 Tablespoons olive oil 

salt and pepper to taste

Mix with salad at least a half hour before eating.. 

Anyway, dear hearts this is all for tonight.. 

So blessed in the past year and looking forward with joy to this new one.. 

God has been faithful and I am glad He is holding my hand.. 

God bless sweet friends..