For Monday, March 24th, 2014

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

MONDAY, MARCH 24TH, 2014

89 DAYS UNTIL SUMMER!!!

Sunrise:7:25 am

Sunset: 7:45 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

Today, March 24th, we celebrate National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day. Who needs a reason to eat raisins, especially when they are coated in chocolate.  Chocolate covered raisins are a fairly 'good for you' snack.  Raisins are a good source of fiber, potassium, iron, calcium, and certain B vitamins. They are also low in fat and cholesterol and contain antioxidants. If you were to eat raisins covered in dark chocolate they'd be even better for you since research has found that eating a small amount of dark chocolate each day is good for your heart.

If you can't see the Bright Side, polish the dull side

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Chemically speaking, chocolate really is the world's perfect food. 

Micheal Levine

When I was a child it was always a big treat to get a small box of raisins to snack on.  When my children were young I gave them the little boxes as a treat too.  One of the biggest benefits of eating raisins is that they’re a quick, easy and tasty way to get some of your daily recommended fruit servings and you meet your daily requirement for iron which supports your immune system

I found this Oatmeal Cookie recipe using chocolate covered raisins so I thought it would be a good day to share it with you.

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup rolled oats

1 teaspoon salt

 1 teaspoon baking soda

1-1/2 sticks butter, softened

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

 1/4 cup milk

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

 1 egg

2 cups chocolate covered raisins

Preheat oven to 375.

Whisk together flour, oats, salt and baking soda; set aside. In your mixing bowl combine butter and both sugars; beat until smooth and creamy. Mix in milk and vanilla extract. Add egg and beat until thoroughly combined.

With your mixer on low, slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture; beating until well combined.

Stir in the chocolate covered raisins. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls, at least 2 inches apart, onto ungreased baking sheet. If you want a soft and chewy cookie, bake for 8 to 10 minutes. If you want a crispier cookies, bake for 11 to 13 minutes. Cool on baking sheet for a few minutes. Place on wire rack to cool completely.

Makes about 3 dozen cookies.

The pictures today are of some of the sights here at DS#4’s house.  I am having a wonderful visit.  Our Sunshine Boy has been practicing up for a talent show and I’ve been blessed to hear him singing this week.  He is so good.  Actually the whole family sang along with him the other night and it sure warmed this grand’ma’s heart to hear them.  

I hope your Monday is off to a great start!

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Anything tastes better dipped in chocolate

I have counted at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for a little over a  year and have now reached 1500 gifts.  On my way to 2000.  I'm not stopping, but will continue on counting.  There is always, always something to be thankful for.

1514. for raisins and oatmeal cookies

1515. for a grandson that is not afraid to share his gift of singing with others

1516. for all my wonderful grandchildren, they are all stars in their own right

Enter into His courts with thanksgiving — and in His presence is fullness of Joy!

PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS

Please pray for God's protection of

our troops and HIS wisdom for their

commanders.

Lord, hold our troops in

your loving hands.

Protect them as they protect us.

Bless them and their families for the

selfless acts they perform for us

in our time of need. I ask this in the

name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters

and Paramedics and EMT's

GOD BLESS YOU !

I have this theory that chocolate slows down the aging process….

It may not be true, but do I dare take the chance?

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma