Ed. Note: I apologize for taking so long to post an update. The past three days have been eight shades of crazy and I have had very little computer time. The good news is the laundry is done.
(Fooled you! It isn’t really.)
Last Saturday, my 5-year-old made me a card which read:
Happy Birthday, Mom. I hope you have a good birthday with good presents that you like.
It was, as it were, her self-fulfilling prophecy.
I did I did have a very good birthday.
(I’m the short one on the right.)
And yes, there were presents that I liked.
I would like to thank you for all your kind words and well-wishes. My husband and boys were gone on my birthday (Drat those Boy Scout overnights!) and it cheered me no end to hear from you. Thank you thank you thank you again, and hey! Thank you, too, to all you Facebook people! You make me want to spend more time over there!
It’s a big confusing world, that Facebook.
It tends to frighten me.
Now then. In order to properly express my gratitude, I would like to give away a copy of Lisa Hendey’s awesome book, The Handbook for Catholic Moms: Nurturing Your Heart, Mind, Body, and Soul.
(For a sneak peek, you may download a copy of Chapter 1 here.)
A while back, I asked Lisa if I might review this book on my blog. She was gracious enough to send me two copies—one to keep and one to give away—and so that is what I’m doing.
This book delivers everything the title promises. Pick a section—any section!—and find yourself nurtured, encouraged, and blessed. Lisa’s writing style is warm and conversational—almost as if (and this is Very Important to me) you are having a good heart-to-heart over a great cup of coffee.
Or should that read, a great heart-to-heart over a good cup of coffee?
Is there a difference?
Lisa is the creator of CatholicMom.com and a blogger at Faith and Family. She is a gal who really knows the faith but—even more importantly—she lives it. Her witness to the beauty and strength of our vocation as Christian mothers is so encouraging. She loves what she does—that’s clear—but she also knows how to share that love.
Oh, and have you given a listen to her Catholic Moments podcasts?
I’ve said this time and time again: we really need to stick together. Our job as moms is MONUMENTAL and can be, quite frankly, a bit overwhelming. (Okay, a lot overwhelming.) The good news is there’s strength in numbers…and this strength comes from solidarity.
And that is all I have to say about that.
Except…not really.
Now for the fun part! If you’d like a chance to win this wonderful book, just leave a comment on this post telling me your favorite fall recipe. Links are encouraged but not required. (We’re baking these today!)
Comments will be open until Midnight (CST) tonight and the winner, announced tomorrow.
Happy baking! And congratulations on being handpicked by God to be the very best mom for your children.
I love Lisa Hendey's podcasts, though I don't get to listen very often.
My favorite fall recipe has to be pumpkin nut bread. With lots of butter!
I just wanted to say I love you. I am already reading this book and I'm baking my first loaves of light and fluffy 100% fresh-ground whole wheat bread, so I'm good. 🙂
your bday card from your 5 is too cute. little do they realize that they are the best presents!
we will try anything pumpkin in our house!
My favorite for fall is anything with pumpkin, pie, muffins, cookies, bread. As long as it's got pumpkin I'm good.
My favorite thing to drink (besides coffee, of course) during fall is hot apple cider with a cinnamon stick oh and fresh home made pumpkin seeds roasted with Lawry's seasoned salt.
My favorite fall recipe? Hmm, probably my roast Turkey with a side of Bakers Square French Silk Pie. Yumm!
Let me try this one more time, I'm having problems with my links:
I don't know if it's our absolute favorite, but it is our newest favorite since making it yesterday on a whim…
Apple Cake with Butter Sauce
A single batch only makes a pie plate's worth of cake but it was enough for everyone to have a slice but I recommend halving the sauce recipe and even then, you will have some left over. It was spongy and warm and delicious!
My favorite fall supper is chili and cornbread. I also love to bake anything with pumpkin. Pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting and pumpkin bread would be top on that list.
My favorite recipes are always things that our whole family will eat, including two 1 1/2 year olds. So these days it's Squash/Sweet Potato/Apple soup in the slow cooker.
Glad you had a wonderful birthday. We love the switch from grilled food to fall – roasts, stew, soups, etc. Yuumm.
One of our favorites is pumpkin dip served with gingersnaps, graham crackers, apple slices.
1 8 oz block softened cream cheese
1 cup confectioners sugar
1 15 oz can solid pack pumpkin
1 Tbsp pumpkin pie spice
1 Tbsp cinnamon
1 tsp orange juice
Mix the sugar and cream cheese til smooth. Add pumpkin mix till smooth. Add spices blend and chill before serving.
Makes a lot of dip so we usually 1/2 it.
A trick question?! We have to choose one favorite fall recipe… That's a tough one, but I think I'll
say pumpkin bars, and bread, and muffins. 🙂
So glad you had a happy birthday!
Hi! Favorite fall recipe: Ruth's Chris sweet potato casserole. Yumm… advertised as a side dish, but it really is a dessert. http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/333489
The book sounds like just the 'pick-me-up' I need right now! Our favorite fall recipe is apple pumpkin butter: http://creamerchronicles.blogspot.com/2008/10/apple-pumpkin-butter.html
Your words about being handpicked by God to be the mother of my children kind of took my breath. Wow. It is an awesome responsibility, and one I feel inadequate for so much of the time.
I don't think I really have any fall recipes. Here's an easy soup recipe, though:
Put in your crockpot some frozen meatballs (amount your choice), a package of frozen ravioli, and a bottle of spaghetti sauce. Add a little water as needed. Cooke on low for a few hours and serve with hot bread. Yummy and easy when you need something easy!
Glad you had a good birthday! I am always encouraged by your blog. My favorite fall recipes are anything pumpkin but I usually end up making EVERYTHING zucchini because I always plant too much and can't seem to give it away!-trish
I love squash…so anything with squash as a side dish!!
I love Fall and all things pumpkin along with cranberry nut bread. Also, love the spiced cider.
A simple potato soup – onions garlic potatoes and milk.
We have so many favorites at this time of year… we just had fresh peach pie and pear crisp. But, I think all of us really enjoy that first bowl of garden vegetable soup, usually paired with a side of buttermilk biscuits and served on a cool Fall day.
My current favorite is the Pumpkin Spiced Latte : http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Pumpkin-Spiced-Latte/Detail.aspx
And your blog is great!! 🙂 God bless!
I'd like the book to give as a Christmas or Birthday present to my mom. I'm homeschooled and I think she makes a pretty good wheat-free pumkpin bread.
I love reading the moms at Faith and Family!
Happiest belated birthday — I have not been reading much, as I am attempting to be off the computer more than on these days — I am glad to hear it was very good. 🙂
I love squash, all things pumpkin – soups, pumpkin seeds, caramel apples — oh Autumn – how I enjoy thee! 😀
^^ oh, I think she could really use the book. We kids put her through alot 😀
Oh, I'd love to win a copy! 😀
My favorite fall recipe is Pumpkin Pie. I use the recipe on the back of the Libby's canned pumpkin, but instead of all the separate spices listed, I use Penzey's Pumpkin Pie Spice spice mix. I also use more than the recipe calls for. I love the taste of the spices with the pumpkin.
We also make a pumpkin bread using the same spices. It is so yummy!
We love baked delicata squash around here in the fall. Haven't gotten any yet, though so I'm glad you made me think of it. Very simple recipe:
1 delicata squash
1-2 Tbsp. butter (or use olive oil)
salt and freshly ground black pepper
Cut off the ends of squash, cut in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds. Leaving the skins on, cut the squash into 1/2-inch wide lengths. Place these on a baking sheet, dot with butter (or drizzle with oil), and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Roast at 375 degree F. oven until soft. This is the basic recipe. You can add herbs, spices or honey to it if you wish.
Lisa Hendey is a blessing!
Pumpkin scones!
Ooooh, a favorite Fall recipe! You mean I have to chooooose?! 😉
My fav is sour cream pumpkin cheesecake! Beats a traditional pumpkin pie any day!
http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Pumpkin-Cheesecake-with-Sour-Cream-Topping
Favorite fall recipe? I can't choose. I love anything that makes the house smell warm and yummy. A couple of days ago that meant homemade applesauce in the crock pot for ten yummy hours. Before that it was a pork roast. Today it's homemade onion bread. Tomorrow … chili and cornbread.
Oh, and for all you pumpkin fans … we're trying pumpkin oatmeal on Friday!
Wow, sounds like a great book. We love fall desserts…my mil makes a great apple strudel and we found a great pumpkin muffin recipe.
God Bless
My favorite recipe is Buffalo Chili.
1 lb. ground bison meat
1 can black beans
1 can kidney beans
1 can garbanzo beans
1 diced onion
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can diced green chilies
chili powder
cumin
garlic powder
salt pepper
Brown buffalo meat with onions, seasoning meat to taste while cooking.
Rinse beans and add. Add tomatoes and chilies.
Stir it all together and allow to simmer 30 min and enjoy with cornbread!
Thanks for the chance to win the book, Margaret!
My favorite fall recipe is good old-fashioned pumpkin bread. Oh, and it's not a recipe, but I also like pumpkin spice lattes and Trader Joe's pumpkin butter.
I'm a fan of anything pumpkin, too! I have a great recipe for pumpkin biscuits that is usually a hit, and we always love pumpkin-chocolate chip muffins here. Thank you for hosting!
oooh, I would love that book. I have some cinnamon/plum tea that when made using cider instead of water is delicious!
Favorite recipe?
Apple crisp. Yum!
Thanks!
Gotta love pumpkin bread! We also really enjoy Lutsen Resort's(MN) Recipe for Wild Rice Soup. The kids are already excited for tonight dinner.
They have been lurking around and know what we are having. Hope to read that book too!!!
Cheri
Pasta Fagiole is one of our favorites – what can I say, I'm Italian! By the way, my name is Margaret Mary, too!!!! Does that count for anything ;0)!! I read your blog every day and it is one of the highlights of my day!!!! Many Blessings!!
Our favorite is Pumpkin Chip Cookies. Use your favorite pumpkin cookie recipe and zing in a big paw full of chocolate chips. YUM!
I am checking my google account. Sorry for the extra entry.
Something yummy to warm your tummy!
Chicken Pot Pie
1 can Cream of Potato Soup
1 can Cream of Chicken
1 16 oz can Veg-all, drained
2 cups cooked chicken, cubed
¼ c milk
¼ t thyme
¼ t pepper
Chives and onions to taste
1 c shredded cheddar cheese
2 pie crusts
Combine first 8 ingredients. Pour into pie crust. Top with cheese and crust. Bake uncovered 375 for 50 minutes. Cool 10 before serving.
Freezes very well. I usually double the recipe and keep one for later. If cooking frozen, be sure to adjust the time you cook it. I usually pull it out of the freezer the day before I want to make it. Enjoy!!
I also use this recipe with my leftover pot roast and gravy. Its very yummy as well. Substitute the roast for the chicken. I add cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken, fyi.
Ooooo! My favorite fall recipe is sweet potato pie, which can be found here: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Sweet-Potato-Pie-I/Detail.aspx
I make my own pie crust. It's a nice change from pumpkin . . .
~Sincerely,
E from C
It is so hard to pick one favorite fall meal. We love fall foods! Chili and cornbread, squash, and beef stew are all on the menu this week as being picked for first fall meals. High today was 76F Woop! Fall is here. We won't talk about the rest of the week being back into the 80s.
God Bless,
Michelle
Hey Honey, my favorite, that I can't have anymore (because of the egg allergy) is pumpkin mousse. I do love apple crisp tho' (no eggs!)
Reading all these yummy fall recipes makes mouth water. Yum!
My favorite is probably pumpkin muffins…or my grandmother's apple cake…or "meaty cornbread"…or s'mores over a campfire on a crisp evening.
Happy belated birthday!
Pumpkin bread! Thanks!
Hi Margaret!! I hope I get lucky enough to win Lisa's book – it's on my wish list 🙂 If not I will make up a big pot of my favorite fall comfort food… fabulous Corn Chowder – and drown my sorrows. God bless!
http://soulsarefed.blogspot.com/2010/10/corn-chowder.html
I love Lisa's podcasts……I just love your blog,especially your very cute photos of "George".
My favorite fall recipe is good, old fashioned pumpkin pie!
I would love to win a copy og Lisa's book. 🙂
When it is fall here in the midwest, our family loves soups and stews. Chili, spicy sausage and kale, beef stew, and seafood bisque are our favorites. thank you so much!
I pick pumpkin muffins. Gluten free of course! We love pumpkin!
I love it when the weather is cool enough to make soups. My favorite is good old chicken noodle soup!
Thanks for doing this giveaway and for all of your encouragement for moms.
Laura
A Kansas Mom
I am far too indecisive to choose…so one of my favorite savory fall foods is butternut squash soup, and one of my favorite sweet foods is pumpkin bread with chocolate chips. (Actually, I think most baked goods taste better with chocolate chips!)
God bless,
Kelli
Yes, yes … PLEASE! I'd love, Love, LOVE a copy!
Oops! I got so excited, I forgot to post my favorite fall recipe. Tough to decide, but I have to go with apple crisp … I just had an awesome one tonight while visiting a small rural parish in SW MN. YUM!