Froelich's Frolics

Along with the Oroe Truffles, I made some chocolate chip cookies. These are the chocolate chip cookies I have made in a while. They truly are ULTIMATE. I found the recipe on the back of a Gold Medal flour sack. If you like chocolate chip cookies, try making these. Source: bettycrocker.com via Vanessa on Pinterest

I made these Oreo truffles on Christmas Eve to take to my Grandma's house for Christmas. They are super easy to make, and taste very, very good. I ended up taking the leftover truffles to work with me on Monday. Everyone that tried them, loved them. Source: thecapitolbaker.com via Melissa on Pinterest Oreo Truffles 1 package Oreo cookies 1 (8oz) package cream cheese, softened 1 package of almond bark or melting chocolate Crush Oreos in a food processor or food chopper until crumbled very fine. Mix Oreos with cream cheese until a soft dough forms. Roll dough into 1 inch balls. Chill in freezer or fridge until firm. Dip Oreo balls into melted chocolate and place on wax paper lined cookie sheets. Chill again until hardened. Enjoy!

I got this candle today from Carl. I am burning it tonight, even though I am breaking my rule of not burning a new scent until I have burned the old candle completely. It smells soooo good! It is from Bath and Body Works.

From our home to yours, Merry Christmas!

I found this on another blog and decided to try to make one for our Christmas cards this year. I wanted to get more fancy ribbon, but we were in a hurry and didn't have the time to look around. I liked how it turned out though. I also like that I can just hang this on the Christmas tree and our cards are always in sight, instead of being put in a box. I love getting Christmas cards. I hate how it seems to a tradition that is dying out. I pinned the link to the instructions to Pinterest, so here is the picture. Source: brodyfrancis.blogspot.com via Vanessa on Pinterest

I heard this song while watching a wedding recently, and then again at the Christmas Program at Union Bible College. I love the words. This is my prayer. I want to have the presence of Jesus near to me and my loved ones this Christmas, for that is the best gift to have. Without Jesus, we wouldn't have Christmas at all.

This is one of my favorite carols.

Nobody sings this song like David Phelps...

Source: homeiswheretheholmansare.blogspot.com via Vanessa on Pinterest Crockpot Italian Chicken: 4 chicken breasts, 1 packet Zesty Italian dressing seasoning, 1 8 oz. cream cheese (softened), 2 cans cream of chicken soup; Cook on low for 4 hours. If sauce is too thick, add a little milk. Serve over pasta. We tried this a couple of weeks ago and really liked it. It is super easy, and tastes really good!

Count Your Blessings by the Collingsworth Family

I am so thankful for the change that Jesus made in my life. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. II Corinthians 5:17

I loved the way these clouds looked tonight as I was leaving work...

Continuing with the "Thanksgiving" themed songs, here is "Thank You Lord, For Your Blessings On Me" performed by Gordon Mote and Jason Crabb.

Today is 11-11-11. Veteran's Day. Do you have any veterans in your family? I do. My husband, my father, my uncle, and my grandpa were all Veterans. I know at least one of my Grandpa's brothers was in the service as well, maybe two of his brothers.  I think a couple of my Grandma's brothers served in the miltary as well. My Dad, uncle, and Grandpa were all in the Army, and my husband served in the Air Force. Grandpa served during World War II, and was overseas in Germany. He talked about his time in the service a lot, especially as the Alzheimer's progressed. Sorry, these photos are old, and not in the best condition. Grandpa Miller Dad and my Uncle Don served in the Army during peace time, as my Dad called it. They Dad was stationed both went to different countries, my Dad to Panama, where he met and married Mom, and my uncle in other countries. Uncle Don spent more time in the service than my Dad did. My Daddy Uncle Don with Grandpa and Grandma Miller ...

Here are some of the things we have done lately... After my birthday at the beginning of October, we went to an IU football game...they lost...:( It was a fun experience though. We went to our nephew's flag football game. It was pretty cute. :) Carl and I took two of my Junior Church kids to Toys R Us and McDonald's one Saturday. It was a special prize for learning memory verses. We went to my Grandma's annual bonfire and hayride. I always love going to that. It is one of my favorite things about Fall. We went to a Booth Brothers concert in Bluffton, IN. We love the Booth Brothers. We made a quick trip to Brown County State Park. This was the last Saturday in October, so a lot of the leaves were already off the trees. There were still some beautiful places down there though. Life is busy...sometimes too busy. I have to constantly remind myself to take time for the important things in life, and not to worry about the small stuff. Easier said than done someti...

I made these 2 ingredient Pumpkin Muffins this weekend. They are super easy and super delicious. Even Carl kinda liked them and he doesn't like pumpkin. Source: sweet-verbena.blogspot.com via Vanessa on Pinterest 1 box yellow or spice cake mix (I used a spice cake mix) 1 15 oz can of pumpkin Beat together cake mix and pumpkin with mixer. Fill muffin liners 3/4 full. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. Enjoy!

During the month of November, all my Music Mondays will be songs on the theme of giving thanks. This one is by Charlotte Ritchie. It is called "In Everything Give Thanks." It reminds us that we can always find something to be thankful for, even in what may be considered bad situations.

This scarf how-to has been floating around on Pinterest for quite a while. I thought I would try to make one. It turned out to be very easy. (Which is good, since I get to teach others how to make it at our next church Ladies Night...) All you need is an XL or XXL  t-shirt, a paper plate, pen, and a pair of scissors. Lay your shirt out on a flat surface. Take your plate and lay on your shirt and trace circles. You want to get at least 8 circles, preferably 10 to 12. Once you have traced circles, cut them out. Once you have all the circles cut out, cut the circles into spirals. I'm sorry, I don't have a picture of that. When you have all the circles cut into spirals, stretch the spirals out to make ruffles. I had 13 circles that I stretched out. I took an extra piece of t-shirt fabric and tie them all together. This is my finished product. I plan on wearing it tomorrow. Here is the link from Pinterest. (Click on the photo) Source: thediydish.com via Vanessa ...

I know the video is not the best, but it was the best I could find of this song. I heard this for the first time with my cousin Jennifer and her boyfriend Nate. I fell in love with it the first time I heard it. The album version has Mark Bishop, Lauren Talley, Ivan Parker and Jon Mitchell singing. I guess Ivan wasn't there the night this was performed. This video was from National Quartet Convention. I didn't record this. I found it on Youtube. My Name Is Jesus Mark Bishop Possum Run Music/BMI • Chris White Music/BMI • Asheville Music Publishing/BMI My name is Matthew You might have seen me Preaching and singing on these dusty streets Just one of many who were following Jesus We were all witness to miraculous feats Maybe you just heard last week they took Him On Friday my Lord was hung on a cross It’s been three days now and I feel so empty It’s Sunday morning and I feel so lost My name is Mary My heart is heavy I’ve cried so much, I can’t cry anymore How...

This week, the song that I have been enjoying is by The Collingsworth Family. It is called "Tell The Mountain" and is on their latest album, Part of the Family. Here is a video of the Collingsworth Family performing the song. Lyrics: Words and Music by Lee Black, Sue C. Smith and Keanna West Verse 1 In the foothills of sorrow Looking up from the valley of fear You can see doubt off in the distance And you’re about to lose heart right here Don’t ever give in, don’t ever give up God is with you and you’ll overcome Chorus The mountain will tell you That you can’t make it over It will try to convince you That it’s way too high Though you feel defeated Know that God keeps His promise So you tell the mountain Just how big your God is Verse 2 Just try to remember All the trials He has brought you through When His power gave you strength for the journey The very hour you needed it to So don’t be discouraged, ‘cause time after time God’s never failed ...

This is actually cooking right now. It smells sooo good, making me very hungry for lunch tomorrow. This is from the Gooseberry Patch "Super Fast Slow Cooking" book. So Easy Slow Cooker Pot Roast 3 to 4 pound chuck roast 1 (10-3/4 oz) can tomato soup 1 (10-3/4 oz) can cream of mushroom soup 2 (16 oz) cans whole potatoes, drained 2 (14-1/2 oz) cans sliced carrots, drained (I use whole baby carrots) Mix together all ingredients in a slow cooker. Cover and cook on low setting for 7 to 8 hours. So easy and tastes so good, even warmed over the next day. I usually cook it one afternoon/evening, and we have it for lunch the next day.

This is a day late, but I have been loving this song lately. I know it is an old song found in many hymnals (known as One Day), but Casting Crowns puts their own twist on it.

EDIT: These turned out great! They were very good. I found this on Pinterest. They look very easy to make, so I am making them this Saturday for my Grandma's annual hayride and bonfire. I will let you know how they turn out. Source: dinnerwiththedonnells.blogspot.com via Vanessa on Pinterest

"A Masterpiece of Mercy" -- performed by the Booth Brothers A Masterpiece of Mercy He knew what I was when He made me. He saw the sinner I’d become. Yet He knew He had grace that could save me. His latest work of art had just begun. He started with an old dirty canvas. My sin had left me tattered, bent, and marred. Then this artist turned His light upon my sadness, And began to wash away the blackest part. When all the stains were gone He started painting With colors that I’d never seen before. Then with joy He was ready to display me, To show the world what the Cross was for A masterpiece of mercy; a miracle of grace When the master sees one hurting And wipes the pain away. The canvas of the artist Becomes a holy place For a masterpiece of mercy; a miracle of grace. Now I’m getting ready for Heaven. Every day just makes me want to go. But the artist hasn’t stopped; He’s still painting, And when He’s finished, He will take me Home. A masterpie...

I am going to try something new. Every Monday, I will do a post about a song that has meant a lot to me that week, or a music video that I liked. This week: This video isn't the best, but I love this song by Legacy Five. It is on their latest CD, A Wonderful Life. The song is called Ask Me Why. Here are the lyrics to the chorus: Ask me who, and I'll tell you it's Jesus. Ask me how, and I'll say it's the blood. Ask me where, and I'll take you to Calvary. Ask me why, and I'll tell you it's love. So simple, but so true.

Saturday night, Carl took me to the Gaither Family Fall Fest concert in Anderson, at the Reardon Auditorium on the campus of Anderson University. The performers were Woody Wright, who, along with Gloria Gaither, hosted the concert, The Brown Family, The Nelons, and Jason Crabb. It was a great concert. Our seats were only 5 rows from the front. Woody Wright sang a couple of songs to gt things started. Then, he introduced the Browns onto the stage. They did an outstanding job. We had never heard them in concert before, and were pleasantly surprised at how much we enjoyed them. The kids are amazing on the violins. The Nelons were next. I loved the songs that they sang. Kelly Nelon told a story about her daughter, Amber and American Idol. I guess Amber was able to audition and made it pretty far. When she was in front of the main three judges, Jennifer Lopez asked her if she would be willing to dress more seductively, and to sing only secular songs. Amber answered that she would not be...

Today is my birthday! I still act like a kid, and I get all excited for my birthday every year. A friend of mine and I say that we celebrate our birthdays all month long. Her birthday is also in October. I am blessed with family and friends that treat me so well. I don't deserve such good friends and family in my life, but I am thankful for each and every one. Even if I didn't get a sing gift, I am blessed beyond measure! Speaking of gifts, though, I did get a lot of those. Carl spoiled me as always. He took me to a Jason Crabb concert in Anderson this past Saturday. Today, he gave me a gift set and a candle from Bath and Body Works, some pretty fall flowers, tickets to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra with Joshua Bell in June, and tickets to see the Booth Brothers later this month. The Booth Brothers are one of my favorite Southern Gospel groups, number 2 after the Gaither Vocal Band. :) I also got some money from Mom, my uncle, and my in-laws, and a gift card to ...

Our second day at NQC started with a showcase featuring Dr. David Jeremiah. We got to the Expo Center around 10AM and the showcase started at 10:30. The Hoppers sang a song before Dr. Jeremiah spoke. His message was from Revelation 2, where God is speaking to the church at Ephesus. The church that had lost its first love. Dr. Jeremiah gave an excellent message. It spoke to me. As Christian workers, we tend to get SO busy working for God, that we forget the REASON we do what we do. (At least, that is what it is like for me.) I have had to ask God to forgive many times for getting too busy doing good things, and not taking the time for Him. After hearing Dr. Jeremiah, we made our way to Freedom Hall for the Bill Gaither Sing A Long. The stage was packed with Southern Gospel artists. There were several great songs sung by the whole group, including the audience. A highlight was when Bill Gaither had Mosie Lister join him at the front of the stage. The crowd gave him a standing ovat...