Yesterday as I was relaxing at the end of the day (waiting for Hubby to come home from work) I was thinking about the little things I’m thankful for. So I snapped these pictures from where I was reclining. True, simple pictures of home.

It was late afternoon and the light was dancing on the walls and I was thankful for a clean apartment, the clothes were all clean, sheets were changed and I felt so ready for Hubby to get home as I was ready to begin this weekend with him. But at the end of the day, when I stop and think about it, it’s not home and everything in it that’s such a big deal, it’s whose in this house that makes it home. Family no matter how big or small is truly what makes a house a home. And no matter where our path may lead, home is wherever we are.

• 6 Apples
• 16 oz Cool Whip – The large size tub
• 20 oz Can Crushed Pineapple – I bought 2 cans but only used 1
• 1 Pack Instant Butterscotch Pudding – I use 2
• 1 Cup Nuts – More or less however you like – I used lots of chopped pecans

This is the little salad I made to take to the party this evening. It’s one of those very easy recipes to whip up on a Saturday morning and pop in the refrigerator and it’s ready to go when we head out this evening.

I thought it would be fun to snap some pictures as I went.

The Ingredients:

6 clean apples

All cut up and rarin’ to go

Cool Whip – Crushed Pineapple – Butterscotch Pudding (instant) – Nuts

I’ve already dumped the Cool Whip and now pouring the can of crushed pineapple, juice and all.

Pour in the Butterscotch Pudding mix – This is my favorite part in this salad – I use 2 packs for more Butterscotch goodness. To me it adds what seems to be a caramel flavor.

Add the nuts. I’m not stingy, I don’t measure, I just dump in a lot!

Give that mixture a good mix with a spoon.

Then pour the goodness over the apples and mix well to coat all the apples.

Note to self: Mix the Cool Whip blend before chopping the apples. My apples turned a little brown but hopefully no one will notice now that they are all hunkered in.

Unfortunately all my large pretty bowls are in storage so I’ll just have to use the same large mixing bowl. I wiped the sides down and here we have an apple salad.

Cover and refrigerate

Now I too can chill now that my dish is ready.

Today my friend Tanya

from Sunday Baker is remembering her son Colin. Today would’ve been his 14th birthday. To read her heartfelt post click on her name (above) to read her birthday wish. To help commemorate Colin and honor his memory, my candle is lit and will remain lit throughout the day and evening.

The warm soft glow is a gentle reminder of Colin

and a mother’s (Tanya’s) loving words.

And this candle that stands so tall is a reminder of Colin’s Journey

I’ve taken so much time away from blogging! It’s a sign that I’ve been very busy and that I need to get back here to let everyone know I’m still here. After being away for so long, it’s hard to get back into the motion of things but I’m ready to poke my head out.

Our little corner of the world has been a beautiful mass of snow since Christmas and I’ve so enjoyed this winter more than ever. But I’m ready for a break in the weather. For one, the builder has not touched our home since the end of December. It was too cold to pour the footer and everything came to a screeching halt. The builder says they will resume the project the first of March. And number two, I’m ready to move into our home like yesterday…Is it done yet? So as much as I’ve enjoyed the winter and the pretty snow, it’s okay if it goes away for now. It’s a sign that construction will recommence!

Here’s my little desk aka the end table right next to my recliner. I enjoy keeping inspiration in front of me, this is the source of what I’m currently drawing as my background for now. It’s a sign that I like to constantly study my subject even when I’m not drawing.

I just love the way advertising has a way of reeling me in. The thing is – this page is just where I stop. I know exactly what I would do if I had a box of those in the house. Let me be very clear that I could not just eat one! That’s my sign to leave the box on the shelf.

New growth amazes me. The little poinsettia my neighbor gave me after the holidays is still flourishing. I love that word flourishing – flourishing with new little leaves, isn’t she so cute? I think it’s a sign that she likes me.

I wrapped up my little pansy project a few weeks ago and this little thing is currently on her little voyage to India. It’s a sign that I keep my word but a very poor way of executing this on time. I still remember Hubby telling me that I was biting off more than I could chew at the time.

Our days have gotten just a bit busier as we’ve been meeting with our builder more often. We had a meeting with her last week and we have another little meeting this evening. We’re delighted with the progress and we are right on schedule with deadlines and where we need to be at the moment. It’s a sign that we’re moving in the right direction.

Valentines day is a fun day but no different than any other day of the year. I’m blessed with a man that truly treats me like his valentine daily. When asked by a friend if I got anything for valentines, I replied, yes, I have him and hubby replied we celebrate valentines every day in our house. We did enjoy a nice dinner and I had my chocolate for the first time this year! I selected a huge chocolate chip cookie with warm fudge in the center with a dollop of ice cream drizzled with fudge and Hubby had the key lime pie. It’s a sign to eat like that occasionally as I was up a ½ pound the next day. However, I’m celebrating nearly a 40 pound weight loss and I wouldn’t trade those little up’s on the scale for all the tea in China.

I’ll try to remember the signs out there as some of them can be very deceiving and others pointing the way ever so clearly. Sometimes it’s necessary to stop and adjust for the moment but most importantly see the good and enjoy the path with a thankful heart.