Gratitude Journey : November 24

a clean front room: have you ever seen my front room? did it suck you into the vortex?  well, most people don't even know it exists... because the double french doors are always closed. This rooms turned into my catch-all storage room and it got pretty awful in there for a while.

All the Christmas bins, junk boxes, extra food storage buckets and containers were cleaned out of the coat closet to make room for ... amazingly enough... coats. And I threw it all ... yes, in the front room. Anyhoo... the past 2 weeks though especially today I conquered the front room to make way for the Christmas tree. I wish my entire house (especially my closet) was as tidy as that front room. It would be a breath of fresh air.

Anyhoo... even though it was a killer day with a grouchy mom who didn't want to make decisions about what to chuck and where to store things, I'm so grateful that front room is clean. It now needs some tlc, like some paint and more decorations. I want to turn it into the heritage room and hang some family photos and Norwegian trinkets. Now, let's keep it clean! Now - to conquer my closet so I can be grateful for that to be tidy....


jimmy: after all, he endured my whining and indecision about what to do with all the junk in that room. he watched the tots all day so i could work kid-free. he made lunch. he even made a delicious dinner. and he was nice despite my sour mood. he is a very good man.


heat and a solid home: it's chilly 'round these parts. we had a mini snowstorm come through last night (nothing like Idaho Blizzards though). Even though our windows are a little drafty, I'm so grateful we have a good home. I know there are people all over the world who would think we live in a castle to have carpet, a bolted front door, insulation, windows, a heater, running water, etc. We are blessed.


caramel popcorn: as a family, we love eating popcorn and watching a movie. tonight i splurged and made Golda's Caramel Popcorn which is a recipe my sister Carol shared with me. It is tasty and gooey and "eeeeewicious"!

Caramel Popcorn - The Best Ever
from: Golda (shared by Carol Reed)

2 cubes margarine or butter
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup karo (light)
pinch salt

Melt butter in saucepan. While melting add brown sugar, karo syrup, and salt. Bring to boil over medium heat while stirring with a wooden spoon. Boil 2 minutes. Pour over popped corn.