Drinkin' from my Saucer

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Thought I'd just share a nice poem. :)

Drinkin' from my Saucer

I've never made a fortune

and it's probably too late now.

But I don't worry about that much,

I'm happy anyhow.

And as I go along life's way,

I'm reaping better than I sowed.

I'm drinking from my saucer,

Cause my cup has overflowed.

Haven't got a lot of riches,

and sometimes the going's tough.

But I've got loving ones around me,

and that makes me rich enough.

I thank God for his blessings,

and the mercies He's bestowed.

I'm drinking from my saucer,

cause my cup has overflowed.

I 'member times when things went wrong,

My faith wore somewhat thin.

But all at once the dark clouds broke,

and sun peeped through again.

So Lord, help me not to gripe

about the tough rows that I've hoed.

I'm drinking from my saucer,

Cause my cup has overflowed.

If God gives me strength and courage,

when the way grows steep and rough.

I'll not ask for other blessings,

I'm already blessed enough.

And may I never be too busy,

to help others bear their loads.

Then I'll keep drinking from my saucer,

Cause my cup has overflowed.

Dave & Jeny

I had the privilege of taking Dave and Jeny's family pictures - lucky me! ;) They are such a beautiful family! Here are a few of my favorites. :)

Don't they both have amazing eyes?!

I have to smile every time I see Emy's expression and pose here! :)

Awwww....
Another look at those blue, blue eyes!

I just could not get over how cute this outfit was on her!

Thanks for letting me take your family pictures! You guys are a lot of fun, especially with such a beautiful little girl! :)

Butternut Squash and Cannellini Soup

I've never been a fan of squash, or yams, or sweet potatoes - just ask my mom! ;) But last week I decided to make a go of it and use it in a recipe. My goal was to disguise it as cleverly as possible. :) So this post is dedicated to you, Mom! ;)

I finally found a recipe for Butternut Squash and Cannellini Soup with Bacon that I thought looked promising. I got the recipe from here but changed it up a bit to the way I wanted.
Here's my version:

BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND CANNELLINI SOUP with BACON
6 thick bacon slices, chopped
1 1/2 cups chopped onion
6 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups low-salt chicken broth
4 cups 3/4-inch cubes roasted, peeled butternut squash (from one 1 3/4-pound squash)
3 15-ounce cans cannellini (white kidney beans), undrained (you can find these beans at Trader Joes)
1 14 1/2-ounce can diced tomatoes in juice, drained (Italian-style is a good option)
1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
Savory - just eyeball it
Cumin - eyeball it
Curry - same as above. :)
Chives for garnish

Split and roast whole squash at 375 for about 45 min.
Meanwhile, saute bacon in heavy large pot over medium heat until crisp, about 4 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Add chopped onion and garlic to drippings in pot; sauté until golden, about 10 minutes. Add chicken broth; bring to boil. Stir in butternut squash, 1 can cannellini with liquid, drained tomatoes, and fresh rosemary. Cover and simmer until butternut squash is tender and flavors blend, about 15 minutes. Puree entire soup with immersible hand blender. Add 2 cans cannellini beans. Cook until beans are thoroughly warmed. Season soup with salt and pepper.

Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped bacon and chives. Enjoy - it's delicious! :)

I gave Emily some of this soup and made her try to guess what was in it (she's not a fan of squash, either). I don't remember all of her guesses, but I know not one of them was squash....and she liked it! Mission accomplished!

Butternut squash muffins are also amazing, too! Especially recipes with lots of spices! Yum!

Breathtaking Crater Lake

If you've never visited Crater Lake, you should put it near the top of your list - it really is breathtaking! We had the opportunity to visit it again with our family while we were in Southern Oregon. The first time we went was on our honeymoon and we stayed in the rustic lodge....did you ever hear that story...?? Well, apparently, in the summer months it is super busy, and it's recommended to get reservations far in advance. But we were just kinda winging it during our trip and didn't make and reservations for anything! We got there around 4 pm, which was the latest time you could check in for the night and they had just two tiny rooms left. The person in line behind us took the other room. :) Whew - an answer to a prayer that hadn't even been requested! :)

Anyways! Back to our current trip.... :)

Kate walking with help from Mommy along the rock wall near the Rim
"Beautiful view, eh cousin?" ;)

Nah, I bet they're just interested in this cute little ladybug. :)View from the observatory

I think this would be a great sledding hill during the wintertime! ;)
Looking out toward Klamath Falls area

Our destination was right at the tippy-top. Can you tell I love me some sunflare? ;)
Starting up the hike

At the top - I think this used to be some kind of lookout for spotting forest fires

Dave and I up at the top

Sarah :)

See those little toy cars - that's where we started the hike. :)

The Google car that takes pictures of the street view on Google Maps - who knows, maybe one day you'll see the group of us on that website someday! ;)

Philemon with his Auntie.

Spires - these this are so neat - and huge, too!

Driving on the way back to Klamath Falls

And one last panoramic look at the beautiful Crater Lake!

Golfing

Okay, back to a little bit of our trip to Southern Oregon! At the resort there was a beautiful golf course - some of us brought along our golf clubs and spent a lot of time at the driving range and putting green!

A small part of the golf course in the morning light.

Another frosty leaf! :)

I can't remember what this practice area was called - a chip and putt something.... Anyways - it was great practice - I spent a lot of time in the sand pit! ;)
Susie taking a swing at the ball Kate's ready to play, with a ball in both hands! :)
Down at the driving range

A column of dirt flying up just after the ball was hit (the flying one on the left)

A beautiful Family!

I got the chance to have a short session with a beautiful family that we are good friends with! They are the most photogenic family ever - even with 5 kids, everyone was ready to put a big smile on their face for pictures! :) Here's a little peek at a few of my favorites. :)

Awwww...sisterly love - Rebecca (she was our flowergirl in our wedding) and Naomi

Rebecca and Hannah

The whole family!

There was still some beautiful fall colors and fun leaves hanging around! I think this is my favorite family picture of them. ;)

And a parting shot that is sure to bring a smile to your face! :)

I'll have the rest of the pictures to you soon, H. family! :) Thanks so much for

letting me take your family photos! :)