Kidd's Ring

This morning we headed over to one of my favorite places in Vienna - Schönbrunn.  I love the huge, yellow palace [it almost looks fake!], the beautiful grounds that have nicely trimmed hedges, flowers in beautiful designs and gorgeous trees.  It's just a great place to go.  I saw some pictures of the fall foliage last week and knew we had to get out there ASAP!  Today, we finally made it!!  We met up with our friends from church.  She's pregnant with #2 and her little guy is a year older than Zoey.  It was so great having one-on-one time with them again.  We like to walk and talk and laugh and just share about life.  She encouraged me today by saying that since both of us are stepping out in faith [them moving into a bigger apartment and us into our house], this makes her draw even closer to the Lord and truly seek Him to provide for their needs.  It was a great reminder to me that I need to be walking closer to Him and truly living my life with Him.  A friend

I am so thankful for the Lord, His love and His work in my life.   I feel so blessed!

I love using my crockpot on cooler days.  And come fall, I get really excited about Soup Season! :)  I've started tutoring twice a week and it's easier to have a quick meal ready to go soon afterwards, instead of having to whip something up.  As I was planning the meals for the week {doesn't happen often, folks!}, I remembered this yummy crockpot Minestrone recipe.  I knew it would be perfect for Monday night!  Hope you enjoy it as much as we do! Joyce's Minestrone makes 6 servings 3 1/2 c beef broth 28 oz can crushed tomatoes 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced 1/2 c chopped onion 1/2 c chopped celery 2 medium potatoes, thinly sliced 1-2 garlic cloves, minced 16 oz can red kidney beans, drained 2 oz thin spaghetti, broken into 2 inche pieces 2 tbsp parsley flakes 2-3 tsp dried basil 2-3 tsp dried oregano 1 bay leaf Combine all ingredients in slow cooker.  Cover and cook on Low 10-16 hours or on High 4-6 hours.  Remove bay leaf and serve! source: re