oh so easy comfort foods

I recently picked up a magazine with slow cooker and casserole receipes. I thought I would share one with you every now and then. This one sounded really good. Mom, Grandma Ricks use to make Salmon Loaf, I loved it. Please let me know if you try it and how it is.

salmon loaf
2 eggs lightly beaten
2 cups seasoned stuffing croutons
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup grated Parmesan chees
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1 can (14-3/4 ounces) salmon, drained, bones and skin removed

In a bowl, combine the first five ingredients. Add salmon and mix well. Transfer to a 3 sq. slow cooker coated with cooking spray. Gently shape mixture into a loaf. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until a meat thermometer reads 160 degrees. Yield: 6 servings

Tip in the magazine: some people like to remove the bones from canned salmon, but they are edible and can add calcium to your diet. If you don't like the texture, mash the drained salmon in a bowl with the back of a spoon. The bones will disappear in seconds.

Read, Learn, Grow

I have a friend that is studying in Israel. Her blog is linked to mine as "Shan's Story". Her writings are very interesting. I am looking forward to learning more about this holy place. I challenge each of you to read her writings and we can all learn together. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

SO THIS IS LOVE

Mackensie funny: She leans into me and whispers, "Grandma, I don't think I'm going to have children". Inside I'm shocked and disappointed, all she's ever talked about is being a momma. So I ask her why? She says, "Well, you know that I'm going to marry Daddy, and Daddy can only have children with Momma". I agree with her but mention that she might find someone she loves when she gets older. She says, "No I won't. Grandma, you know I love my Daddy very, very, very, very, very. very much". You can't argue with that!

She has been a little under the weather lately. Cough and cold time. No one hates their child to be sick, but you sure do love all the snuggle time! She loves to lay on her daddy on the couch and watch TV. Daddy will even watch cartoons with you if you're sick!

Snow Day Fun

What's more fun than snow? Having your Daddy home to play with you in it!

Yes, Mackensie, Santa doesn't bite!

No problems this year! What a difference a year makes. Austin didn't really want to sit on Santa's lap, he is 11 after all. But he'll do just about anything for his little sister. Mackensie had no fear this year, she really has turned into a "brave Ricks girl". Happy Holidays everyone.

GOOD THOUGHTS

This should probably be taped to your bathroom mirror where one could read it every day.

You may not realize it, but it's 100% true.

1. There are at least two people in this world that you would die for.
2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.
3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.
4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.
5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.
6. You mean the world to someone.
7. You are special and unique.
8. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.
9. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.
10. When you think the world has turned its back on you take another look.
11. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.

Christmas Fun

Every year I give my grandchildren an ornament. It's a tradition my mother started with her grandchildren. I decided this year to make them Christmas pillow cases. So, on Thursday I had wrapped them and put them under my tree. Mackensie is sooooo into it this year and was really curious about the gifts. She ask me, " Grandma did you get Austin the same thing you got me?" I told her yes. About 5 minutes later she said, "How about you tell me what you got Austin, I promise not to tell him". She also ask her Daddy if he knew where Mama was hiding the presents, he told her yes. She whispered to him, "why don't you tell me and I promise I won't tell Mama you told me". She cracks me up! Don't know what I'd do without her, the older she gets the more precious the time. As you can tell from her picture, she isn't a baby any more.

This year I am increasingly grateful for my family. No gifts are necessary, just spending time together seems to bring us even more happiness. I wish the same for all of you. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!