Easy Chicken Pot Pie

Good Tuesday morning!

Since we were out of town this past weekend, my decorating did not get done! However, I do have 3/4 of my Christmas bought and wrapped... and I know what the other 1/4 of the Christmas gifts will be (which is always a plus)! So yesterday was a day of decorating. I wanted to have my small living room tree finished by evening, and all my Christmas china out and the table set for last night's supper. DONE! I'm trying to do just a couple of little things every day this week, and then everything will be finished by Saturday.

Josh has promised to put my giant inflatable "JOY" out this afternoon when he comes in from school. I know there are those of you who use the word "tacky" when it comes to describing the big inflatables, but I love them. In fact, I want a giant inflatable "LOVE" and "HOPE" to go with my "JOY" in the front yard. I think they are so much fun. My mom is an expert decorator and everything in and around her house is perfection. She would never consider putting an inflatable anything in her yard. (I'm also contemplating getting the giant, inflatable Turkey for Thanksgiving. Has anyone seen an Indian and Pilgrim?!?) My kids tolerate it at their ages now. But, I know when they were smaller, they loved the bright, the big, the multi-colored, one might even say the "gaudy," Christmas decorations. I'm still like that.

Last year, when I was having a particularly hard time finding the "joy" in my day, I slowly and quietly drove the big gold van down my street. I had just prayed asking God for His help in finding the "joy" somewhere... and there it was. The big, gaudy, inflatable "JOY" in my front yard. My "joy" hadn't gone anywhere. I just had to know where to look... and shame on me for not realizing my most joyful moments usually take place in my not-quite-perfect home. "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full." John 15:11. I don't want "just" joy... I want joy made full. That's what my inflated "JOY" in the front yard reminds me of... full joy!

I LOVE the all-white Christmas trees with the houses neatly trimmed in perfect white lights and the perfect white deer on the perfectly white-light lined streets. I really do. I go out several evenings a week (with whatever teenager I can trap in the van now) with Christmas music blaring and drive through different neighborhoods... but, oh, when I see something red, blue, green or yellow down a street, I must admit my heart starts to pump a little harder.

"Look!!!! An inflatable snow globe with snow blowing inside it! Did you see? Here, I'll turn around so we can park in their driveway and look at it for a minute." I ignore what used to be squeals of delight (and which are now moans of despair) as we turn around and look at the perfect placement of the inflatable snow globe.

"I want a different inflatable every year for the next ten years or so. You can buy one the day after Christmas (they'll be on sale) for my Christmas present," I recently told Mikie.

"Belinda (I know I'm in trouble when he says my real name instead of "Babe"). Don't you think in three or four years that would look... I don't know... TACKY?"

"I think kids from all over town would ask to come see Miss Belinda's house because she has more inflatables than anyone else! And, no... three or four isn't tacky. Now, if you're talking 15 and up... I agree. That would be tacky. (Or would it just be more glorious? I don't know.)"

Mike just looked at me.

"Maybe if we had that many a local news team would come out and take pictures of our house and interview us... you know, the 'fun' family that has more inflatables than anyone else in the State of Alabama. Wouldn't that be something? Wouldn't that be fun?"

Mike continued to just look at me. "I thought you wanted the kids to actually come home and visit after they left for college."

"Oh, they'll come home all right. Just for the sheer joy of seeing our house all lit up like a huge used car lot. They'll probably bring all their buddies from college home with them, too."

Mike had stopped looking at me and had left the room. I know what that meant. He was off to Wal-Mart and Lowe's to see what inflatable he could get the day after Christmas for my collection. He's a good man.

I have a new goal... 15 inflatables in 15 years. I'll let you know how it goes!

Easy Chicken Pot Pie

1 rotisserie chicken from Wal-Mart (torn into small pieces)
1 can Cream of Chicken soup
3/4 cup clear broth
2 cans Veg-All mixed vegetables (drained)
1 stick melted butter
1 cup self-rising flour
1 cup buttermilk

1. Place chicken pieces in 9 x 13" pan.

2. Mix and boil soup, broth and vegetables.

3. Pour over chicken.

4. Mix butter, flour and buttermilk.

5. Pour over chicken and vegetables.

6. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes; then bake for 15 minutes more at 450 degrees.

Serve with leftover Thanksgiving sides and salad. (No rolls... the bread is in the pie!)

You can mix everything in the morning, and put it in the refrigerator until 45 minutes before dinner time. It serves four to six. Easy and delicious.

NOTE: If you want to make it even more simple, you can use three large cans of Hormel chicken breast (all white meat). Just drain well before you put it in the pan.

Tomorrow's tradition is wonderfully easy and so special. You'll enjoy it for years and years. You'll even be able to do it with your grandchildren.

Have a great Tuesday, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.