Wonderful!

It's been another wonderful weekend. Friday night was our Christmas dinner party at church and we had a blast! We played a fun game and ended up getting a few treats for Christmas. Saturday I cleaned while my husband headed out to the auctions and then Mexican at our fave. It's becoming a tradition with us!  Today we had church and relaxed this afternoon.  Mr. Amazing Grace preached tonight and now I'm making the most delish (and easy) Mexican bean dip for dinner.  I grew up with this wonderful treat!

Mexican Bean Dip

*1 Package of Cream Cheese

*1 Can of Refried Beans (the ones with jalapenos make it extra great!)

* 1 bag (really, as much or little as you like)

-Preheat the oven to 275 

-Spread the cream cheese on the bottom of a glass baking dish (I like to set my cream cheese out for about 10, so it is soft and easy to spread)

-Spread the refried beans on top

-Sprinkle the cheese all over the top

-Bake for 14-17 minutes (until the cheese is golden)

-Let cool for about 5 minutes before serving

*This recipe sounds too good to be true, but I promise it will be a hit with any crowd!

Here's a little bag that I think is beyond fantastic...Imagine how perfect this would be to carry all of my work accessories!

Beach

Recently we took a trip to the beach with our family and I've found myself thinking about it everyday since. Life is so easy at the beach.  The waves are so peaceful and the ocean is so big. It makes you feel small in the best type of way.  Whenever I think of the way the sand feels underfoot and the smell of the beach air with the sound of the waves crashing all around, I am reminded that the world goes on around us even in the midst of a storm.  This thought makes me smile and feel such a sense of peace in the midst of the busy holiday season. So, be encouraged and remember to focus on the peace of this season.   

And God's peace shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4: 7

Christmas Cooking...

One recipe that I especially love to make at this time of year are Sausage Balls.  They are easy and so delicious.  I can mix up and bake a whole batch of them in about 45 minutes.  These are especially good if you can get your hands on some fresh sausage and spicy Mexican cheese.  The fresh sausage adds a wonderful flavor and the cheese just gives it some zip! My husband absolutely LOVES these. OK, here's what you'll need:

Ingredients

• 1 (1-pound) package ground sausage

• 3 cups baking mix (recommended: Bisquick)

• 4 cups grated sharp Cheddar

• 1/8 tablespoon pepper

Dip:

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon mustard

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a baking sheet with vegetable oil cooking spray.  Combine all ingredients in a large glass bowl. Mix well with your fingers. The mixture will be very crumbly. Form into 1 inch balls, squeezing the mixture so it holds together, then rolling it between the palms of your hands to form balls.  Place the balls on the baking sheet. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. To prevent sticking, move the balls with a spatula halfway through cooking. To make the dip, combine the mayonnaise and mustard. Serve with sausage balls

Courtesy of Paula Deen

 "For where your treasure is, there your heart is also." Matthew 6:21 (NIV)

Weekend Recap...

We had a fantastic weekend! Friday night started off right with a trip to our favorite Mexican spot then we picked up some videos for a night by the fire.  Saturday we woke up to snow, which was such a treat! We both enjoyed the beauty of the season and then set out for some errands. After returning to home, we put the finishing touches on some Christmas decorating and I made some Chex Mix for another night of movies. It was perfect and cozy!

December..

Today was a wonderful day. December is finally here! The weather was cool and crisp and the excitement of the holiday season was all around. Last night we put up one of our Christmas trees and I couldn't help but smile ear to ear knowing this is my first Christmas with Mr. Amazing Grace! We decided on a rustic tree with western themed ornaments and next we are working on a tree with more sentimental ornaments. This is such a fun time of year!

These are a few pictures that always make me smile. Our dog, Max, is a mini daschund, and we love him dearly. He loves to roam with the cows and chase our chickens! And the picture of my laundry drying on the bluff just makes me feel so peaceful and calm. There is nothing like freshly hung and dried laundry! It is so fresh and soft.  The picture of the pie is so special to me because it was my first attempt at baking a homemade pie. I love taking a passed down recipe and incorporating it into my cooking.  The pie was strawberry and it was delicious! 

I hope your day was wonderful and I can't wait to share our Christmas decorating photos with you tomorrow night!

All men have a sweetness in their life. That is what helps them go on. It is towards that they turn when they feel too worn out.-Albert Camus

Amazing Grace Cabin..

Light a cozy candle, pour a cup of tea and come in for visit.  This is Amazing Grace Cabin, and I'm Mrs. Amazing Grace.  Our home is nestled in the gorgeous mountains of North Georgia where we are surrounded by the beautiful countryside.  

Growing up I never dreamed that I would live in a cabin, much less on a farm! But I love my life and hope you enjoy sharing in our adventures! Everyday holds new surprises and countless blessings. 

Welcome to our home...

Proverbs 10:22 
The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.