I was in Walmart a while back--a place I desperately try to avoid--mainly because when I go in for a loaf of bread,
the store takes over my mind and I come out with $150.00 worth of stuff that had never been on my original list!
I'm sure no one else has EVER experienced this...
I was in my usual rush...running from home to work...
when I walked by the mens clothing section, and
a red windbreaker stopped me in my racks.
You see, for so much of my life, my Daddy wore
a red windbreaker throughout the fall and winter.
I remember it even more vividly in the last 3 years of his life.
He was diagnosed with a lung disease and I was constantly
taking him to doctor appointments and to get lab work.
He would always get very cold, so we finally decided we'd
leave the red jacket in his van so we would always
have it with us when he needed it.
Daddy also liked Cardinals and they played often in the yard.
After he passed away and I went back to work,
After he passed away and I went back to work,
there is a long hall in the building I worked in that
had windows all the way down the corridor.
For about 2 weeks after he was gone, and I walked down that hall, a cardinal would fly from window to window
as I walked to the other end. The little bird was always
a great comfort to me during that sad time.
Well, in Walmart, I just stood there, holding onto the sleeve
of that red jacket, tears streaming and remembering Daddy.
I don't know what we did with that jacket after he was gone,
but at that moment, I wished I would have kept it.
It took all I could do to let go of that sleeve and not buy it that day.
Even though it was sad, I'm glad I was able to stop for a moment and remember. Just like now when I see Cardinals playing I always smile and tell Daddy I love him.
I'm so very glad God gives us little reminders of what's
precious in this hectic busy world.
Take some time to reflect on some precious memories this week
of ones you loved that aren't here anymore.
More importantly, spend some time with the ones you love that are here now--there are no guarantees in any of our lives.
We need to cherish what and who is important now.
That way we'll have special times to look back on later.
Sharing pictures of great memories with my family this past year...
Me, Paige and Daniel
Daniel, Paige and Amy
Granny and Kaia Laughing--Always!
Christopher and Kaia
Chistopher, me, Daniel, Jessica and Kaia
Jessica, Amy and Baby Noah
Wanting to also share my signature pound cake recipe today.
It turns out perfect every time and it oh, so delicious.
It's easy to bake and share with family and friends
for any occasion.
Fried Pies & Fireflies Signature Poundcake
3 cups cake flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup butter flavor Crisco
3 cups sugar
5 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp almond extract
1 tsp coconut extract
Cream the butter and butter Crisco on high speed for 6 minutes.
Reduce speed and add the sugar gradually.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well.
(Ok, I think we're going back to normalcy now...as if...)
Isn't this just yummy looking??
I bet you can't wait to lick the bowl!!!
It's my very favorite part!! :)
Anyway, get the paddle out of your mouth and
pour the batter into a well greased and floured bundt pan.
Isn't this just yummy looking??
I bet you can't wait to lick the bowl!!!
It's my very favorite part!! :)
Anyway, get the paddle out of your mouth and
pour the batter into a well greased and floured bundt pan.
Bake 325 degrees for 45 minutes.
Then cover lightly with foil and bake additional 45 minutes
and test with wooden pick for doneness.
Cool in pan 20 minutes and turn out of pan and then
back over onto plate to cool.
It will turn out perfect like this, your whole house will smell wonderful and your family will love you forever!
(It's extra yummy warm and spread with butter..just saying...:)
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