Andrea has instructed me to list 5 things that I am addicted to and then pass the award on to 5 blogs that I enjoy and follow.

I am addicted to the following 5 things:

My family

Talking on my cell phone while driving

Food

Reading 18th- and 19th-century novels

Coffee

I am awarding the Fabulous Blog Award to these five lovely blogs:

• Ms. Tee at Delightful Home
• Amy at How Small a Whisper
• Jena at Organized Everyday
• Jen at Balancing Beauty and Bedlam
• Lori at Lions, Tigers, and Boys, Oh My!

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” -  I Thessalonians 5:11

God is gracious. Within months of beginning, He brought a lovely person into my life – Jeannie Cornish. I initially contacted her through our mutual piano teacher. She had agreed to help me with curriculum choices. I was immediately drawn in by her enthusiasm and love for her family and her husband. She was passionate about educating her children. She was passionate about her relationship with her husband. She was passionate about her walk with God.

Jeannie would prove to be a dear friend and a mentor that I would lean on continually as we home-educated our children over the next 15 years. She not only helped us with the academics of home education, but she enthusiastically brought to light social  and moral issues that our young children would face as they matured. Her insight would allow us to wrestle with issues early,  and prepare for controversy that we would face later.

The most interesting factors about my friendship and mentoring relationship with Jeannie were found in our differences. Our children were not the same age. They  were not playmates. We attended different churches and walked in different circles. Most importantly, she was a pioneer and I was merely a settler in the homeschooling movement. Our choices were broader and easier. Yet, she was passionate about helping us to make the most of our decision to home educate our children. She zealously encouraged us to implement ideas and alternatives that were unavailable to her when she began to homeschool her children.

Jeannie was impassioned and enthusiastic, full of wisdom. However, she was gentle, kind, and non-judgemental. She was selfless in desiring the best for our family as we embarked on this adventure of homeschooling.

Her family eventually took a different path. Her chidlren attended traditional schools in the latter years of their education. Yet, our hearts were on the same path. We desired God’s best for our children. The Cornish’s two oldest children are adults now. They are lovely and successful. Most importantly, all three of their children have hearts for God and His Kingdom.

Although we have lived in different states for years, Jeannie and I continue to follow each other’s lives. God blessed me with a mentor when I needed it so dearly and He also gave me a lovely friend in the process. Thank you, Jeannie!

I encourage others to seek wisdom and friendship through mentoring relationships. Sage advice is always helpful. It works for me! For other great ideas, visit Works for Me Wednesday.

“Then [the older women] can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.” Titus 2:4-5

These gatherings are somewhat spontaneous. They always include at least two or three other families. We all relish a savory meal, engaging conversation and the (usually) enchanting voices of our children as they play together.

The impromptu nature of these celebrations allows me to cook on the fly. As I start preparing a meal, the guest list might increase from 15 to 20 or even 30 during the course of the day. I adjust my preparations accordingly.

In order to maintain flexibility  while preparing a meal for an unknown number of guests:

• Prepare an entree that can be served or saved for a dinner later in the week. Ham, pizza, lasagna, and chicken can be fashioned to serve a flexible number of guests. Plan to entertain a larger crowd and reserve the surplus cuisine for another meal.
• Crudites, fruit and cheese platters, and hot vegetable dishes are convenient to prepare and serve and, yet, store beautifully if they are not needed.
• Desserts can offer a bit more of a challenge. I try to keep an ample store of ice cream in my freezer as this always adds a nice touch to any event. I also prepare pie pastry and crumb topping ahead of time. Pies are relatively quick desserts and guests always enjoy freshly baked treats. Cherry pie is a terrific last minute dessert addition. It’s fairly quick, particularly easy when utilizing canned cherries, and always a favorite choice.

Just Cherry Pie

Pastry for one 9-inch pie or tart plate

Crumb topping

2 cans cherry filling ( I prefer Country Style Comstock)

Line the pie or tart plate with the pastry. Pour the cherry filling into the pastry. Generously cover the filling with the crumb topping. Bake at 375 ° for one hour. Shield the pastry with foil or a pie shield after 30 minutes of baking in order to  protect the pastry from over-browning.

Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

“Ponder well on this point: the pleasant hours of our life are all connected by a more or less tangible link, with some memory of the table.” – Charles Pierre Monselet