Pies, Treats, and Jam, Oh MY!

It's been a busy few weeks,

which is why it's been a little quiet here in my blog.

Life has been filled with baking,

volunteering, celebrating Thanksgiving, 

class with the Murphy boy, and, of course,

my actual job, teaching.

Whew, it's been busy, but a good busy.

It's crazy to me that December is going to quickly!

I can't believe that it's the 9th.

It just snuck up on me, and the other day it hit me

that I hadn't even thought or put out my holiday menu for Christmas!

Eek!

So, here it is and there are some delicious new additions.

Holiday Time!

This Happy Girl is baking up a storm for the holidays. 

Phase one of baking starts this week! 

Let me know if you need a treat for your celebrations. 💖

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What is on the Holiday Menu?

Here it is!

HOLIDAY PIES: Classic, Vegan, or Gluten-Free

Apple Pie- The Classic ($20) V or GF

Apple Spice Cider Pie ($20) V or GF

Apple Maple Bourbon Pie ($20) V

Dutch Apple ($20) V or GF

Sour Cream Blueberry Pie ($18)

Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie ($20)V or GF

Triple Berry Pie ($20) V or GF

Dutch Berry ($20) V or GF

Bourbon Pecan Pie ($20)

Chocolate Cream Pie ($18)

Coconut Pie ($18) GF

Funky Monkey Pie ($18)

Spiked Key Lime Pie ($18) GF

Cookies and Breads

Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies- Large Order ($15)

Molasses-Ginger Cookies-Large Order ($15)

Chocolate Crinkle- Large Order ($15)

Peanut Butter Chip- Large Order ($15))

Baklava- Large Order ($15)

Cranberry-Orange Bread, glazed ($10)

Coconut Rum Bread, glazed ($10)

Homemade Jam:   $3 each

Strawberry               Apple Butter 

Boysenberry             Pear Butter

Marionberry             Blueberry-Lime

Raspberry                 Triple Berry

What is Funky Monkey Pie?
Well, it's mostly just delicious!
It's my classic pie crust, layered with cookie butter, sliced bananas, and caramel.
As if that's not enough,
then it's topped with melted dark chocolate and fresh whipped cream.
See....YUM!

What is Spiked Key Lime Pie?

It's a classic Key Lime Pie spiked with tequila. 

I was going to call it Margarita Pie, 

but thought that I'd keep it simple.

All treats will be available for pick-up on either Monday, December 22, 2014 

after 2pm at my house or meet me at Kraxberger Middle School at noon.

(If you need treats sooner, please let me know! I'm baking for the next couple weeks.)

Payment: Cash, checks, or credit card through iSquare.

Please make all checks payable to Fences For Fido.

                 

Happy Birthday to The Murph

Five years ago this guy was born.

His early months were more than a struggle.

He was born into a hoarder house,

so bad that he got really sick.

But this guy does not give up.

He's stubborn, and that stubbornness helped him survive.

I like to say that he survive so that he could save me.

This was definitely a case where he rescued me,

not the other way around.

Sure, people would say, "Wow, that's great that you rescued him!"

but he and I knew the truth...

My heart was saved by his four little busy paws.

To read the entire story, check out these previous blog posts.

Even Wonder Woman Needs a Sidekick

Happy Rescue Day

To celebrate this sweet guy, here's a look back a a year in the life of a Murph.

Murphy is 5

I love you more than you know Murphy!

And every day I'm thankful that you saved me.

Lucky Girl

I'm not sure how I got to be so lucky...

Do you ever wonder about that too?

My students during our class meeting this week,
wanted to share what they were doing for Thanksgiving
and the things that they were thankful for in their lives.
The first share was easy...filled with food, family, and football watching.
The second share was more difficult and definitely understandable
if you knew some of the worlds that they live in.
Some gave silly answers about socks, phones,
and the caramel lollipop in their binder,
while others actually said family or friends.
It's not always easy to see the good in your life
when it isn't really that great to begin with.
I guess I've always been one to look at the bright side.
You're probably shocked by that,
but it's true...I only get "humbug" at certain things,
and in those cases run away.
Seriously, it's best for both of us if I'm alone. (Ha!)
But I'm a glass is half-full kind of gal.

When it got to my spot in the circle to share what I'm thankful for,
it was easy.
I'm so thankful to my people.
Yep, they're mine and they're all around me.

I often look around and see the people that are in my life
and smile big.
They fill me up with all that I need.

Seriously, how did I get so lucky?

When I look around myself
I see;
-faces with the biggest, most loving smiles
-arms ready to embrace you in hugs that make you feel special
-hands that want to help others
-willing hearts that see needs and work to make those needs less
-people of action, not just talk

I hear;
-laughter, unashamed at it's volume and duration
-kind and encouraging words
-whispers of love to animals that drink in every syllable
-instructions to make things better
-decisive decisions that weigh the best interest of others
-knowledgable expertise

I feel;
-encouragement
-belief that things are and will be okay
-happy
-endless joy

AND LOVE.  So much love.

See, I'm really lucky.
I know it and I'm thankful for it all.
What are you thankful for?
Unsure?
Just look around you, it's there.
And it doesn't have to be big.
Often the best things in the world are in the items
we can own and hold,
it's in the people and how they impact your life.

Wishing you love and peace this Thanksgiving.