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!