I AM RICH

I met Bill at 18, engaged in 2 months and married 8 months later.  Many said it would never work.  Even my parents took a while to accept him.  Never once, has our love ever failed.
When I look back, I realize we had some core values - given to us by our wonderful Christian parents.  We were very lucky that way.  To have both parents together, that loved us and loved each other.
Other thoughts come to mind: God was the center of our lives.  Oh, we had our ups and downs in our faith but we attended church and read His Word.  I never saw a man where his love was so strong - I am still amazed over Bill. There is nothing he would not do for me. (I learned to be careful about that - cause he never said no, lol)  *smile*
It went without saying - we never had a "girls" or "boys" night out.  We did everything together -still do.  Just like our parents.
One very important aspect of our marriage is - we NEVER talked trash about our spouse to "anyone" at work etc.  We "respect" each other.  Even when we disagreed/disgusted with something - we never bad mouthed the other.  I think tearing down another person, especially your spouse is extremely harmful in a marriage.  Swearing? That was a no no to me.
I know we are probably rare when it comes to this - but it is the truth - we have never, ever had a yelling argument.  Maybe it's because I saw that in other marriages and I never wanted that in ours.  Bill, had a very quiet loving father and he was raised to respect women.   Oh don't get me wrong, we have disagreed but my method?  I shut up till I could "prove" my point and gently - when the time was right - reminded him, lol.
But, I have always respected my husband and when he spoke with authority - I listen.
This year it will be 43 years.  Oh man, what a book I could write about our adventures in raising children, lol.   There is so much to tell and share.  I hope someday, my children/grandchildren will read my words that I have laid down here from my heart.   Through all the trails and tribulations, we have endured  - I AM RICH.

Bill's HomeMade Bread

Don't know why exactly; but Bill has always loved making bread.  His mother did.  My mother did.  We come from a long line of bread baking. Buns. Cinnamon rolls.  And I love to make scones too.  In our retirement years; we have learned to stream line our baking; although Bill not only bakes for us but our neighbors - Britton and Jason, lol.  We have been asked to write it down - so here it is:

First of all there are a couple of comments. Some people do not mind bread made in a bread machine - it's ok; but we prefer the homemade kind. Now if you ever do become serious about bread baking it is really not that hard at all. After I retired; as a gift to myself - I bought a Viking 7 qt. Mixer. (Higher quality that Kitchen Aide) - of course, at the time they were $500. Ouch!

Anyway, I am digressing - reason being, that it was getting harder for Bill to punch the bread and this made it so much easier.

Now, I searched around to find the perfect recipe for this mixer (as the recipe we used to use was 16 cups of flour and too large for this mixer) and I found this one was the best. It makes 3 perfect loaves every time. I will list the ingredients and then explain our method.

Bill's White Bread

3 cups warm water

3 Tablespoons active dry yeast

3 teaspoons salt

4 Tablespoons vegetable oil

1/2 cup white sugar

8 cups "unbleached" flour (most important item must be unbleached)

In mixer, put 4 cups flour, salt, yeast and sugar. Turn on mixer a few minutes to incorporate all ingredients.

In a separate bowl, put 3 cups warm(on the hot side) water and 4 Tablespoons of vegetable oil.

Then pour wet into dry and mix well. Stop once to scrap down sides. Should be a sloppy mix. Let it sit for about 20 to 30 minutes. Then add the remaining 4 cups of flour, ONE AT A TIME. Then allow the mixer on usually medium speed, knead the dough for 10 minutes. (put on timer if needed, don't' guess)

Take the dough out and spray bowl with non stick spray and return the dough to bowl. Cover with towel and let raise to double in size. Usually takes about an hour - depends on the weather, lol.

Remove, divide into 3 equal parts. Bill uses a scale. Spray ahead of time, 3 loaf tins. Form into the logs and place in tins. Cover with a towel to raise. This usually takes about 1 1/2 hours. Bake at 350* for 30 minutes. Once removed, we butter the tops. Cool. Bag. The next day, we slice and freeze them.

Molasses Bread: Only difference is: add 1/2 cup Molasses and ONE extra Cup of flour. Yum!!

**We get our Unbleached flour from the Amish Colony here; but you can buy unbleached in the store if you really look for it. I would recommend you search around for some. IF you use regular flour - two things happen, drier/heavier bread. There is big, big difference

A Very Special Christmas Gift

Christmas 2011 was weird!  One of the very few times in my life - there was NO snow. Of course, it was nice; but weird.  I wanted to share about a unique gift we were given this year.  Let me explain.  Each year, since we have lived here in Iowa - our son in law's family has always included us in their entire family Christmas Celebration.  They are a very loving family - and welcome you as "family".   Fred and Ellie give gifts to everyone; even us, lol.  This year when their children gave them an envelope to open; we were handed the "same" white envelope from Jason and Britton. What?  Why?

   We were so surprised and thrilled.  They gave us a very special gift - a weekend away, doing something both couples love to do - explore museums, spend time together, laugh and relax.  Of course, now we have yet to "set a date" - but we will!!

A Goal Without A Plan Is Just A Wish

Recently, I read this quote: A Goal without a plan, is just a Wish.  It made me think and reminded me of my New Year's goal of blogging.  I HAVE A PLAN!  *smile*

 

Red Stained Fingers

   I remember being so excited when berry picking time arrived.  Oh yes, we had the raspberries and strawberries in the garden but what could more exciting then picking "wild berries" along the river trees?
Sharon and I would cover ourselves with insect spray; strap on a belt to hold our buckets and follow Mama with her friend Glenice........
   Sometimes, when I was very young, I can remember Grandma Fitzpatrick coming along too.  It was an adventure of sorts.  Walking thru the planted fields; following cow paths; walking thru tall grass to search for "lost treasures".

   We would pick plums and chokecherries.  We loved to see who could pick the most or find the BIGGEST one of day.  When we got home Mama would wash them and check for sticks or maybe even bugs, lol.
I loved that day as the kitchen would smell so sweet and fruity as she made the jams and jellies.

Now that I still have strawberries in my own garden................I think of times like these.
 

Fitzpatrick 50th Wedding Anniversay

When going through some old photos a while back; I found this old one taken in the St. Vincent Evangelical Free Church basement during my grand parent's 50th wedding anniversary. That is me standing in the middle against the post with a blank look and my cousin, John Jr next to me.  I do not know who else is in the picture, maybe you do?

Funny how pictures can take us back in time......

It's moments like these

this was written on the date below from a past blog called: god's gift

sunday, august 10, 2003

Moments

It's moments like these:

On Saturday night, Taylor asked me if there would be Communion tomorrow.
I said "yes", why?
Taylor said, "The last time I was in Children's church and never got to take it."
Out of curiosity and her self awareness, I asked her why she wanted to take it.
Taylor said, "Because I feel blessed".
I said, ok, I will make sure you can.

During church on Sunday morning Pastor Gary asked for any prayer requests; Taylor raised her hand and without prompting from me; asked for prayer for her Grandma in Chicago and for an elderly man, Alvin Grosz (76, heart attack, been in hospital for 6 weeks now, not doing good).

It's times like this that God confirms to me that children are a blessing and I am so lucky to have God blessed us with her.

A Gift From Heaven

I’m sending you a child, God said,
to take care of for me.
You’ll need patience and understanding
‘cause this child cannot walk you see.
You’ll learn the beauty of a smile,
you see, her learning will be slow
but with the love that you will give
I know that she will grow.

This child will bring you pride and joy
with each new thing she learns
though there will be times she brings
you worries and concerns.
But you’re the kind of parents
that I know can make it through.
That is why I’m sending her
to the two of you.

The lessons she will teach you
not everyone will see,
because she will also have
what’s known down there as CP.
Her learning will take effort
and progress will be slow
but the love and joy she’ll bring you
few "normal" kids' parents know.

I’m not sending her because you’ve sinned,
nor to punish you,
I’m sending her to you because
I know you’ll love her too.
This child is a special child
I wouldn’t place just anywhere,
I want her with a family
I know will take good care.

And after searching wide and long
the whole world through and through,
I decided that this gift of love
would be sent from heaven to you.

A POEM BY Fran M. WEBB