by Jeanelle on February 2012
Start a Love Tradition Today
My surfer hubby and I began a sweet love tradition a few years ago. When we are eating out and the food arrives, we hold each others hands and say a little blessing/prayer. While we are still holding hands, I give a sweet little kiss to his hand and he to mine.
We actually stole this tiny act of love from another couple when we saw them say grace over their food at a restaurant. It looked so endearing that we took it for our own.
Ok, the first time we tried it my husband knew it was coming (he is very perceptive.) When our food came I let out a little gasp of excitement, batted my eyes and extended my hand. He couldn’t leave me hanging so he grabbed my hand, and he said a little prayer. Then as he watched I tenderly and sweetly planted a kiss on . . . my OWN hand. Oops, sometimes it can get confusing.
I am better at it now.
Remember loving traditions take effort and a little thought unless … they are passion triggered and those should not be considered traditional 
So think about bringing a little comfort and love to those you care about.
Be the one to give a loving touch and a kind word. Be the sunshine in someone’s life.
“The best portion of a good man’s life are his small, unremembered act of kindness and of love.”
by Jeanelle on February 2012
What happened to the Happy New Year? Oh no, we just ended January and I realized I hadn’t really gotten started on most of my good ideas for 2012. Learning the end of world was coming in 2012 put a little damper in my need to rush, but then reeeeeaaaally what do the Mayans know?
So, I am ignoring the Mayan Calendar and pushing on. I think you should to.
Don’t get discouraged. You still have eleven months and more (unless the world ends) to fulfill your great ideas.
Take comfort in little achievements toward your goals. Don’t give up. Keep going. When you’re discouraged at your pace, stop, and remember what you’re working towards. Reenergize and comfort your mind, body, emotions and soul for the journey. Be good to yourself, but get going!
Remember … “If it’s difficult, it can be done. If it’s impossible it takes a little longer. Miracles by appointment only.”
My friend, I am trusting in the One who created the world and have booked quite a few appointments for this year.
by Jeanelle on November 2011
Another Thanksgiving … more family, more food, more celebration.
I said lets repost my past Thanksgiving post and Nicole said everyone had already read it.
I liked it.
I can’t say it better.
So here is the repost.
Who remembers something they read from last Thanksgiving anyhow? I find great comfort in the seasons and the sameness. I like Thanksgiving exactly like last year, over and over again. Don’t change a thing.
I love Thanksgiving!
Gathering my family and enjoying a beautiful meal together makes me crazy grateful. I usually can’t contain myself so I break into song. My kids start to groan but they know I won’t stop until they join in. As a mom, I try to instill in them thankful hearts. Gratefulness is learned, not just in response to receiving, but a celebration of life. It is easy to become burdened with the day to day and forget to savor, yes savor, life’s moments.
Here are some of Troncone Thanksgiving traditions:
Five Kernels of Corn: When the table is set for the Thanksgiving meal every plate has 5 kernels of corn. They represent the Pilgrims struggle the year before the plenty and celebration of Thanksgiving. According to tradition, the Pilgrims suffered through a two year famine with a food ration of five kernels per day. When we compare the meal about to be served to the five kernels we can’t help but be thankful for our blessings.
Thankful Memories: Over the years I have had a Thanksgiving book that we pass and note our gratefulness. We pass the book, even writing for the small ones and letting them scribble their names. It is fun to look back and see, from old to young, the comments they made.
The Acorn Theory: An oak tree produces many acorns and those acorns produce more oak trees. At our family Thanksgiving it is tradition to pass the acorn and tell what each individual is thankful for. We also say one thing we are praying and hoping for this next year. Sharing each others joys and carrying each others burdens – it’s what makes families strong.
For Stuffing Lovers: Yes, that is me. You must try this. When preparing your stuffing for the turkey: add chopped walnuts, apple bits, and golden raisins to the bread crumb recipe. Oh, so good!
Pumpkins Bars: I always make this yummy dessert during Thanksgiving. Chopped walnuts are a nice topping to the cream cheese frosting. You can double this recipe or make multiple batches and do up plates to bring to neighbors and friends. See recipe below.
Pumpkin Bars Recipe: Oven 350
2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. baking soda
2 cups sugar
1 cup oil
4 eggs, beaten slightly
2 cups pumpkin
Combine in bowl in order given. Beat well. Spread on greased deep cookie sheet or 9×11 baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes. Cool. Frost with cream cheese frosting. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
2 packages (3 oz.) cream cheese, softened
1 Tbsp. butter, softened
1 tsp. vanilla
1 3/4 cups powered sugar, sifted
Mix in bowl and beat with electric mixer. If necessary, add milk to make of spreading consistency.
Happy Thanksgiving,
“The Mother of Comfort”
