For this I give thanks

Thanksgiving.


It is a holiday full of food, football and fellowship. Well, at least it is this at our house.


And as we settle in for a great day of delicious dishes and afternoon siestas, I wanted to reflect and name the top ten things I am thankful for this year.


1. My Heavenly Father...who saved a wretch like me. He loves me despite all that I am and by His grace, I am saved.


2. Husband and D-Man...for without them, my world would be duller and cleaner.


3. My family (this includes all of my in-laws too)...you complete the picture and support the D-House through it all.


4. My unbelievable friends...I learn each year what true friendship means as I have those few tried and true friends who hang with me through it all. God bless you!


5. Gas prices...filling up my tank today at $37 versus the $93 it took to fill up back in the summer makes me very thankful.

6. The troops who defend our freedoms and protect our country...you guys and gals rock!


7. My bloggy friends...your consistent encouragement of this blog keeps me going.


8. All things carbs...oh how I love you and will be consuming you today.


9. My health and my healing...this year turned into a strange one with the lawnmower accident, but I am thankful that I am back and back stronger and better.


10. God continues to be in the driver's seat...keep driving us on, Father, keep driving us on.


Happy Thanksgiving everyone and remember to be safe, eat lots and take time to remember all those things you are thankful for this year.

Just when you think you've got it all together

I thought I was back.

Life reminded me there were other things more important.

I've been in Texas for a funeral.

Will be back to almost full speed on Thursday.

Thank you and have a good day.

My Life in Print

WOW!

Has it really been over a week since you graced my doorstep for some real-life, up-to-date Amy blogs?

I am sorry that I deprived you....sorry that I've kept you waiting so long.

How have you been?

(Knock, Knock) Anyone there?

Is this thing turned on?

Do I still have followers?

Doesn't that sound so...cool...Followers? Kind-of like groupies. Sounds so important.

Which I am so not...well, except to my D-Man and hopefully to my Husband (as long as they have good food and clean clothes).

Anyway, I've missed you all. A lot has happened during my time away. So much so that I don't think I can possibly tell you all about it in this one post. So, as any blogger knows, I'll be spreading the love out over the course of several days. What's some time away without some good blog stories?

And, I'll have a really great get-you-in-the-true-holiday-spirit giveaway on Friday. I'll give you a hint...well, maybe I won't.

I will give you some stories to look forward to. They may or may not involve a 3 year old, a 5 foot fall, an emergency room and some stitches. They also may or may not include 4 decorated trees...all in my house. They might even include lessons learned from a week with no computer.

Have I peaked your interest?

Tune in...more to come.

Hello? Hello? Anyone out there?

I'm still here.

Computer still not.

Please don't leave me.

Come back on Monday for lots of updates and a giveaway announcement.

How I wish that I could talk to all of you

We arrived home from Branson last night. We had a great time, but I'll have to give an update later because my computer is still on the blink and I have limited access.

Just know I am here...missing you all and wishing I could talk to you longer.

Just call it the Recap Show

Rachel at Just another Day in Paradise e-mailed me the other day to ask me to follow-up on some topics that I have talked about in previous posts. Rachel, I owe you big because I had absolutely nothing to blog about and this helps me TREMENDOUSLY!

The first question she asked about is our computer. If you'll remember, it got a virus. I sent it to our computer-guru-brother-in-law and he said it was major sick. So sick, in fact, that he was going to have to re-format the entire hard drive. In other words, start over from scratch. Lovely. Just what I wanted to hear. At least he can take care of it for little to no cost.

I hope you don't get the virus. Apparently, it is serious.

The second question Rachel asked was about the Bible study I am currently involved in. I actually have been leading this study for the past 5 weeks and can't believe what an amazing blessing it has been. I don't really know if it is my season in life or what, but every week, God has spoken to me in such a way that I feel so close to Him. I have been amazed and humbled by the fact that God wants to take me "so far" in life that the only way I can explain it is through God.

If you need a study to do, this may be it for you. It is six weeks, uses Priscilla Shirer, Beth Moore and Kay Arthur and I don't think it would disappoint.

The third question she asked is one that interestingly enough has been on my mind a lot lately. She asked if I had ever considered doing some type of online Bible study? And surprisingly enough, I've been thinking a lot about it lately. God has laid this burden on my heart and I'm exploring options to see where to go with it. Pray for me and for this possible ministry.

Rachel, thanks again for the questions. If anyone else has any, please comment and I'll answer them to the best of my ability.

I'm off to pack for our weekend getaway to Branson, MO with Husband's family! I'm sure many blogging stories will be made over the weekend and I'll be back on Monday to share them.

Have a GREAT one!

Works-for-Me: Burritos in a Pan

Here at the D-House, we often times have meals that one can prepare in a flash...and ones that still taste good after they have sat around for awhile. That's just how we roll here at the D-House.

I've always wanted to say "that's just how we roll." Did I pull it off well?

Anyway, I found a new burrito recipe that I think that you all will like. It worked for me last night for dinner and so I am passing on the love. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did. Make it tonight, call me and I'll help you eat it. For more great tips, check out Shannon's site!

Pan Burritos

2 lb ground beef

2 cans red enchilada sauce

1 can refried beans, warmed for easier spreading

flour tortillas

shredded cheese

garlic powder, pepper, salt (to taste)

Brown hamburger meat. Drain. Add 1 can enchilada sauce, garlic powder, salt and pepper to the meat and simmer for about 10 minutes. In a 9x13 pan, spray the bottom with cooking spray and add half of the remaining can of enchilada sauce. Layer the bottom with 3 flour tortillas and then top with half of the meat mixture. Next add shredded cheese and another layer of tortillas (3). Spread refried beans on top of tortillas and top with remaining meat mixture and more cheese. Add one more layer of tortillas (3), pour remaining enchilada sauce and top with cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 and then remove from the oven. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.