Happy Pi Day!

Ok, not exactly A pie, but then again, pie isn’t exactly pi, so let’s dispense with technicalities, and say it’s a wedge, from a circle, which is from whither pi derives. (You’ve caught on by now that no mathematician am I!)

What I offer you here, my pi and pie loving friends, are hand pies. No more mess, or (in my house) arguments over whether someone is dipping inside the un-cut portion of the pie to pull out more filling than they deserve.

These are flakey, buttery, fruit-filled, wedge shaped, hand-held treats of deliciousness!

Ingredients:

BLACKBERRY FILLING:

• 2 cups of cleaned blackberries, fresh or frozen

• 1/2 cup of sugar

• 2 Tablespoons of corn starch

• 2 teaspoons of lemon juice

• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract

PASTRY CRUST:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 Tablespoon sugar

• 1/2 tablespoon Salt

• 1 stick cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

• 1 egg lightly beaten with 2 teaspoons of water

LEMON GLAZE

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 3-4 Tablespoons of cream (half and half or milk will do)

• 3-4 Tablespoons of lemon juice

• Zest of 1/2 lemon

Directions:

1. In a medium sized saucepan, combine blackberries, sugar, cornstarch and lemon juice. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until well combined and blackberries are hot and releasing juices.

2. Crush blackberries in the saucepan with a potato masher.

3. Stirring constantly, bring to a boil by increasing heat to medium-high. Boil and stir for approximately 3 minutes, then remove from heat.

4. Add vanilla extract, and continue to stir until saucepan has cooled enough that mixture will not burn.

5. Set aside.

PASTRY CRUST:

1. Pulse flour, sugar, and salt together in a food processor, or mix well in a large bowl.

2. Add chopped, cold butter and continue to pulse until coarse crumbs form - or use pastry knife.

3. Turn dough out onto clean, floured surface and dust with a little more flour.

4. Kneed, adding a little flour if needed, or scant cold water, until smooth and no longer sticky.

5. Flatten the dough, then fold, flatten, fold, several times - this creates the desired “flakiness.”

6. Divide the dough in half, roll into balls. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

7. Turn cooled dough onto a clean, floured surface, and use a rolling pin to roll each ball into an 8” circle.

8. Place one circle on top the other, then use a pizza cutter to cut into 8 double layer pie wedges.

9. Working with a top and bottom pastry layer at a time, separate, brush the edges of each with egg/water mixture, place 1-2 heaping tablespoons of filling in the center of the bottom layer, then cover with the matching top layer of pastry.

10. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal and place on parchment covered backing sheet.

11. Repeat for all 8 wedges.

12. Brush tops with remaining egg/water mixture

13. Back at 400 degrees for approx 20 minutes, until edges begin to turn golden brown.

14. Cool completely

LEMON GLAZE

1. In medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest.

2. Drizzle over cooled hand pies.

3. Let the glaze set (15-30 minutes) before serving.

Notes:

Make filling and dough a day ahead and refrigerate. This breaks the process up, and helps things to move along more quickly the day of assembly and baking (especially if you have little helpers, like I usually do!)

Hi-Octane Breakfast Muffins

This breakfast muffin recipe comes from my friend, Chris, a teacher who needs to fuel up before she starts her day in the classroom. Her hubby, a hard-working construction manager, says they keep him satisfied all morning long. We can all use that kind of fulfillment!

Little muffins packed full of healthful ingredients; seeds, nuts, fruits and veggies, these are truly hi-octane!

There are a LOT of ingredients, so I think it would be a fun recipe to try out with an equally busy friend or neighbor. Shop together and split the cost of the ingredients, then spend a fun afternoon or evening mixing and baking up your healthful breakfast bites for the days (or weeks) ahead.

With so many bodies under my roof, I’d double or triple the recipe, and think about freezing them for those mornings I can’t make breakfast. I say THINK because I know they’d be gone in a flash, even before they got to the freezer!

These are tasty, with the perfect mix of sweet and savory, and the right combo of soft and chewy. Enjoy!!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups multi-grain flour

• 3/4 cup sugar

• 1 tbsp cinnamon

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup shredded coconut

• 1 1/2 - 2 cup dried fruit bits

  • ( Choose 3-4 of your favorites and use a half cup of each: raisins, craisins, dried blueberries, cherries, apricots, dates, figs, etc.)

• 2 cups carrots, grated

• 3/4 cup low-sugar apple sauce ( or one medium apple, shredded)

• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds

• 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds

• 1/4 cup chia seeds

• 1/4 cup hemp seeds

• 3 eggs

• 2/3 cup coconut oil (vegetable or olive oil also work)

• 1 tsp vanilla

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder and salt. Mix together.

3. Add all the dried fruit, coconut, seeds, carrots and applesauce. Stir well to combine mixture.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with coconut oil and vanilla extract.

5. Add the egg and oil combination to the dry mixture in the large bowl and stir to combine well so that all ingredients are evenly mixed.

6. Spray about 12 standard cupcake tins or about 16 smaller muffin tins with non-stick cooking spray, or use paper liners. Fill to heaping.

7. Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes, until tops are browned well.

Have one or two for breakfast and start your day off on the right foot, fully fueled, for what’s to come, with these hi-octane muffins!

Mrs. Morhard and The Boys | March Book Club

by Ruth Hanford Morhard

BUY: Mrs. Morhard and The Boys

Just in time for spring training and Women’s History month! My book club pick for March is an age-old story of a mother looking to keep her son out of trouble.

But this one is true. And it’s one that everyone will recognize after the first few pages.

The Great Depression had hit America hard, and WWII was just around the corner. Baseball was the country’s passion, and a great distraction from all of life’s hardships. Mrs. Morhard’s son was getting up to no good and she was looking for solutions. 

So what’s a mother to do but convince the mayor of her town (a suburb of Cleveland) to let her son and his friends use a neglected tract of land next to the town hall to play baseball? Coached of course, by Mrs. Morhard and other mothers.

And who knew that the first pitch wasn’t as much a fastball as it was a snowball… that grew rapidly into teams, and then leagues. Or that it would not only attract the interest, but the attention and the action of members of the Cleveland Indians who showed up to teach the kids baseball skills and watch the action.

And who could have thought these boys and their mother’s little detention experiment would inspire an interest in youth baseball so great that soon there would be something called the Junior American League, and then the Junior National Leagues?! 

What Mrs. Morhard unwittingly did, you see, was to pioneer an organized sport that became what’s known today as baseball’s Little League.

And did you guess that’s what this book was all about when you first started reading about it here? 

As a mom who is always on the look-out for healthy activities to keep my kids occupied (physically & mentally) lest they find themselves with too much time on their hands that might lead to some unwise choices, I find myself cheering for Mrs. Morhard’s team. 

As as someone who can’t count the number of Little League, high school, and professional baseball games I’ve attended, and who loves the sights, sounds, and smells of the stadiums on summer days, I’m rooting for The Boys!

Pick up your copy (and one for a friend) of the inspiring true story of
Mrs. Morhard and The Boys HERE

I have several copies of Mrs. Morhard and The Boys to give away! Write to me and tell me why you’d like a copy. You might share a favorite story of what you or your mother did to keep kids happy, healthy, and safe. Or, you might share a story about baseball with me. I love ALL your stories!

My February Big Apple Experience

In the middle of February, when Seattle was experiencing a once-in-a-decade snow event, I did what everyone does when it snows and headed to a colder climate… (Uh, what?!) The irony wasn’t lost on me.

I’d planned a trip to New York City, and had appearances and interviews lined up with The Jenny McCarthy Show, TODAY with Kathie Lee and Hoda, Build Series NYC, and People TV.

I’d made arrangements to meet with Tim Tebow, Josh Groban, and Trisha Yearwood to spend a little one-on-one time with these phenomenal people and record a chat session for my podcast series, LOVE SOMEONE with Delilah.

And then Mother Nature threw a little hiccup into my plan and a foot of snow and ice onto my driveway!

The kids, of course, were elated! No school!!!!!!

The animals, of course, were shocked. So coooooold!

The husband, of course, was busy. Go shovel!

And I, of course, was nervous. No school! So cold! Go shovel! And, how in the world am I going to get to NYC?!

Flights were cancelled or delayed. Roads were closed. I didn’t have child-care lined up… This is one of those moments that I need to learn to take my own advice, but instead I worried, and I fretted, and I got a edgy, and a more than a little grumpy.

It’s true. I do this too!

I was scheduled to fly out on a Tuesday afternoon, and Paul was going with me. We were going to spend Valentines Day, and our birthday, which happens to fall on the same day, February 15th, together. The evening before, the weather warmed a bit, and things started to melt - yay! But then overnight, the temps dropped again and when we got up in the morning, all was frozen - boo!

The entire 1/2 mile long driveway, uphill from the farm to the main road… frozen. Pauls truck, a 4x4 with big knobby tires? No way. The tractor? Ha! What to do, what to do?

Finally, at some point, I DID take my own advice; I gave up control and gave it to God.

And a few hours later, the truck made it up the hill. And a few hours after that, and Paul carefully navigating the piled up snow, ice, and abandoned vehicles on the treacherous drive, we made it to the airport.

And we made it to NYC, and all the appointments, appearances, interviews, fabulous Valentine’s dinner and special performance of number off her new CD “Let’s be Frank” by Trisha Yearwood atop 30 Rockefeller Center in the iconic Rainbow Room. I made it to Junior’s restaurant in Times Square and their delicious Reuben sandwich, and potato pancakes! I made it to a few funky shops and an incredible Broadway performance. I made it to a little birthday celebration at the iHeartRadio studios, and a full day with NO appointments at all, just strolling hand in hand with my hubby in one of the most exciting and beautiful cities in the world.

And everything was bigger, and brighter, and better than it would have ever been, had the entire experience not been in doubt. And funnily enough, the weather was warm and mild and the sun was shining our entire trip. (And the snow was still on the ground at home when we returned.)

So grateful!

Click the links in the first paragraph to watch my interviews and subscribe to my podcast series!

Game Day (Any Day) Pretzel Rolls

A batch of delicious, fluffy, salty topped, pretzel rolls recently made their way into the studio kitchen/break room.

If there are pillows in heaven, they’re made from pretzel rolls… well, maybe not pillows, the tops are rather firm, perhaps stadium cushions then? Yes, stadium cushions in heaven are definitely made of pretzel rolls. lol.

So add these pretzel rolls to your offensive line-up for January play-off games and well beyond. They’ll go perfectly with any soup, chili, or stew, next to a leafy green salad, and paired with innumerable main dishes.

Don’t let the three stages of directions for the rolls daunt your enthusiasm, it’s a relatively easy process, but a written explanation can seem a bit overly-involved. It’s not.

Have fun and enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 3 3/4 cups plus 1 tablespoon flour

• 1 envelope (1/4 ounce) fact-acting yeast

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 1 1/4 cups lukewarm water

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 3 tablespoons baking soda

• coarse sea salt

Directions:

1st Stage:

1. Combine the flour, yeast and salt in a large bowl.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the warm water and melted, cooled, butter. Add to the flour mixture and mix with the dough hooks until well combined. If dough is too sticky, add more flour. Transfer the dough to a work surface kneading and punching-down until a smooth and elastic ball of dough.

3. Place the dough back in the bowl, cover with a tea towel, and let rise in a warm place, or 100°F (35°C) warm oven, for 60 minutes until doubled in size.

4. When the dough has doubled, punch it down, return to work surface, and knead for about 30 seconds.

5. Divide dough into 10 equal (roughly 3-ounce) portions. Dust your hands with flour, roll dough for about 10 seconds until round and firm. This process creates surface tension and prevents the buns from becoming flat. Continue with the remaining dough, then cover with a tea towel and let rise in a warm place for about 20 minutes or until puffy.

6. Preheat the oven to 425°F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

2nd Stage:

1. In a large wide pot, bring 4¼ cups of water and baking soda to a boil. (Careful, it will foam up!) With a slotted spoon or ladle, slip two rolls into the boiling water and cook for 30 seconds, turn them over, and cook for another 30 seconds. Make sure they are not sticking to the bottom!

2. Transfer the rolls to the lined baking sheets, score the tops, and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.

3. Repeat for all rolls, then place them onto baking sheets.

3rd Stage:

1. Bake, one sheet at a time, for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.

2. Eat warm with butter, or store in a sealed bag or container for up to one week.

Still in the Game | January Book Club

www.StillintheGameBook.com

I have more than a few football lovers in the family. In fact, my 10 year old grandson, Elijah, just returned from the Youth Football Championships in Canton, Ohio (Home of the Football Hall of Fame) where his team, The Raptors, were fortunate enough to play.

The game has so many fabulous metaphors for life that many of us use even if we’ve never donned a set of shoulder pads or smeared grease paint under our eyes. Such is NOT the case for the man, or his story I’m about to recommend.

For January, which happens to be the month of football playoffs, I’ve chosen an inspiring read, Still in the Game, by former NFL Defensive End, and now motivational speaker and author, Devon Still. It’s on bookshelves Tuesday, January 8th.

Still was brought to his knees by his daughter, Leah’s, cancer diagnosis, but that’s where he was used to finding God. 

His faith, and the lessons that life and the game of football had taught him prepared him to support her in “beating up cancer” and showing up for life!

He wants everyone to, “Be proud of your scars. They’re signs that you survived whatever tried to break you.”

Still has many such scars, the emotional ones that come from growing up in the inner city and being raised in a broken home, to the physical ones from the many sports injuries he’s had to overcome, and those to his career as a result.

He wants you to know that our challenges reveal our true purpose, and no set-back is too great to prevent not only a comeback, but it may be the thing that sets us on a path to a life better lived than ever before.

Millions of people around the world have been inspired by Devon’s tireless devotion to his daughter’s victory over cancer and his undaunted optimism. I’m inspired. I want you to be as well.

Learn more at StillintheGameBook.com

Pick up your copy HERE

Pasta with Gorgonzola Cheese and Roasted Cauliflower

My nephew, Dalton (sister’s son), and niece, Laurel, (brother’s daughter), got together on Christmas eve and cooked up this “boujee” (their description!) version of my favorite dish - mac’n cheese.

Tender roasted cauliflower florets, Gorgonzola cheese, and the organic pasta they used, sets this apart from my typical elbow macaroni and cheddar dish, and make it special enough to serve at any dinner party of distinction. It’s versatile enough to use as a vegetarian main, or a side. (Perhaps to a halibut filet?)

Dalton and Laurel, a very Cousin Christmas!

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, cut into small florets (less than an inch)

• ¼ cup olive oil

• ¾ teaspoon

• freshly ground black pepper

• 1 large leeks, halved and thinly sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

• 8 ounces pasta like farfalle, bowtie, or fusilli

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed

• 6 ounces Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled

• chives for serving

Directions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees.

2. In a large bowl, toss cauliflower, leeks, and garlic with olive oil, salt and 3-4 twists of freshly ground black pepper. Spread in a single layer onto a baking sheet or roulade pan and bake for about 35-40 minutes until cauliflower is tender and all veggies are caramelized.

3. Cook pasta in large stock pot of salted boiling water - remove from heat just BEFORE it is al dente. Remove about 1 cup of the water - set aside, then drain the pot.

4. Return the pasta to the pot, add the butter, Gorgonzola, a few more twists of the black pepper and 1/2 cup pasta water. Stir thoroughly until cheese is melted and evenly distributed.

5. Add the roasted florets. leeks, and garlic to the pasta, then season with additional salt and pepper (if desired). If it is too dry, add more of the reserved pasta water.

6. Dish into shallow serving bowls and garnish with chopped chives. Serve it up warm and delicious!

After carefully taste-testing and much discussion, our two burgeoning chefs decided it could be made even a little more extra by adding crab or lobster to the mix. I have to agree.

Take Comfort | Chicken & Green Chili Soup

The ravages of winter weather have affected much of the country. Whether it’s wind, rain, snow, sleet, or hail, unless you live in a southern state, you know it’s winter!

No kind of food brings me comfort as much as a hearty bowl of soup. This recipe, which calls for chicken (try it with turkey too) and chopped green chili’s, is Mmm Mmm good, and guaranteed both nourish and to you from the inside out!

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 3 cups Anaheim or Hatch green chili peppers, chopped

• 1 large yellow onion, chopped

• 1/2 large red bell pepper, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup of flour

• 5 cups chicken broth

• 1 can (19 oz) green enchilada sauce

• 1 1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper

• 3 cups cooked chicken (or turkey,) chopped

• 1 cup carrot, chopped or use the whole, small, peeled kind

• 1 can (15oz) black beans (pinto, cannelloni, or red beans work equally well) drained and rinsed.

• 1 can (15oz) whole kernel corn

• 1 can (15oz) diced tomatoes

Directions:

1. Melt butter in large stock pot over medium heat. Add chopped peppers, onions, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and onions are translucent.

2. Add flour, and stir to coat the mixture well. Add chicken broth, enchilada sauce, and cayenne pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil and add chicken, carrots, beans, corn, and diced tomato.

3. Reduce temperature to Medium and continue to cook for approximately 20 minutes (until carrots are tender.)

4. Serve hot. (Add a dollop of sour cream or guac if you like!)

This is a super delicious meal all by itself, but made even heartier with the addition of a slice of Cheesy Jalepeño Loaf (which I conveniently linked to for you!) But only if you’re not actively avoiding carbs, like I am right now…

Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Balsamic-Honey Glaze

My oldest son hosted our Thanksgiving dinner this year. Well, what I really mean to say is that my daughter-in-law hosted Thanksgiving dinner this year.

While Isaiah works hard to provide for his family, so does Riely, and let’s face it, she’s the one that does the majority of the holiday prep.

Nearly 40 guests were invited into their gorgeous new home, where we feasted on not one, but two, delicious smoked turkeys. I brought the mashed potatoes and pumpkin dump cake; all other the sides, salads, and desserts were provided by the rest of the grateful guests.

The roasted Brussel sprouts with a balsamic-honey glaze were a stand out!

Ingredients:

• 2lbs Brussel sprouts, trimmed and halved.

• 1/4 cup Olive oil

• 1 teaspoon each:

  • garlic powder

  • thyme

  • oregano

  • paprika

  • black pepper, and

  • sea salt

• Glaze

  • 1/4 cup Balsamic vinegar

  • 1/4 cup Honey

Directions:

1. Place prepared Brussel sprouts in a large bowl, toss with olive oil and seasonings until evenly coated (add or subtract seasonings as you desire, you know me, I use recipes as guides!)

2. Spread seasoned sprouts on a shallow baking pan and place in preheated 425 degree oven.

3. Meanwhile - combine vinegar and honey in saucepan and heat until mixture begins to reduce and thicken.

4. Roast sprouts until tender and some have begun to blacken - about 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally.

5. Remove from oven, drizzle glaze over the top, stir to coat and return to oven for approximately 5 more minutes.

6. Serve hot.

7. Add cooked bacon or sausage crumbles to the roasting mixture if desired.

Even the kids gobbled these tasty little morsels up! They are super easy to prepare and a nutritious side to any family meal, but fancy enough to serve at your holiday dinner party!

(If you’re as lucky as me, after dinner you’ll get a live musical performance! Because, while my son may not be a domestic wonder, he - and our good friend Sharif - can sure play guitar and sing!)

Enjoy!

2018's 12 Stockings of Christmas Sweepstakes

Christmas is in the air! And ON the air!

Amidst the holly jolly jingles, I’m bringing my 12 Stockings of Christmas out again and hanging them, stuffed full of incredible prizes, along my fireplace hearth, until YOU have won one of them!

Just so you know what will be coming your way if you win (I mean, don’t we all hate to get fun prizes unless we can mentally prepare how we’ll use them? lol) here’s a run-down on a few of my favorite things, that I hope will become your favorites as well!

It works like this: On each of the days noted in the list below, I will feature one great product on my show. Text, or use the code word for each product on the Sweepstakes web page, to be entered to win ALL the items on my list. I’ll be giving away 12 sweepstakes packages to 12 lucky winners.

You may enter as often as you wish, via the 12 Stockings of Christmas Entry Page, or by texting 48484.

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November 23rd 
BALSAM HILL - $100 Gift Voucher
Keyword: HILL or STOCKING

Balsam Hill has been the leading retailer of highly realistic artificial Christmas trees and holiday décor for over a decade, and do I LOVE their products! That’s why I’m bringing them back to my 12 Stocking of Christmas Sweepstakes.

They have beautiful décor for your year-round needs; fantastic fall displays, signature Christmas trees, elegant ornament sets, flickering flameless candles, and a gorgeous spring floral line. My studio always looks amazing with Balsam Hill décor! I was just visiting the Hallmark Channel and their set is also filled with beautiful Balsam Hill decorations.

Balsam Hill have been consistent supporters of my foundation, Point Hope, for the last 4 years, and I’m so grateful. For beautiful holiday décor, you owe it to yourself to visit Balsamhill.com. Shopping for the perfect Christmas and seasonal décor is just a click away! 

BALSAM HILL

12 Stockings Entry Page

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November 26th 
COMPANY STORE - $75 Gift Card 
Keyword: COMPANY or STOCKING

You know what store had been around for over 100 and has set the standard in quality bedding, bath, and décor for your home? The Company Store, that’s who, and I am so excited to welcome them back as one of my sponsors in my 12 Stockings of Christmas Sweepstakes.

They carry the cutest FAMILY pajamas, (I just ordered my families) and beautiful holiday décor; they even have great products for your pets. I love everything they have from their down comforters, pillows that are still made in the USA to their towels and sheets. Your family holiday wish list can be taken care of in one click! Have family or friends coming this holiday get ready by freshening up the linens in the bedrooms and bathrooms with beautiful accessories from THE COMPANY STORE.COM. 

They’re great for last minute shopping because they have guaranteed delivery by Christmas if you order by 10am (ET) December 21st (see website for details). They’ve been all about COMFORT since 1911!

THE COMPANY STORE

12 Stockings Entry Page

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November 27
for KING & COUNTRY, Burn the Ships & Christmas | Live from Phoenix, CD’s
Keyword: KING or STOCKING

Maybe you’ve heard for KING & COUNTRY played on my radio program? You’ve told me how much you love their music and how breathtaking they are to experience in concert. Lucky you, because I’m adding autographed copies of their new CD, “Burn the Ships” http://smarturl.it/BurnTheShipsAlbum and their holiday release, “Christmas | Live from Phoenix.” http://smarturl.it/ fKCChristmasLive. to my 12 Stockings of Christmas Sweepstakes.

If you don’t know them you should; their music is both uplifting and spiritual, singing about the reason for the season. (They have the MOST amazing version of “The Little Drummer Boy”) They’re on tour this holiday season and if they come to your town they are not to be missed. You can check out their music and tour schedule at for KING & COUNTRY’s web site. Both albums are available everywhere.

for KING & COUNTRY

12 Stockings Entry Page

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November 29th
TRAIN: Greatest Hits & Christmas in Tahoe, CD’s
Keyword: TRAIN or STOCKING

I’m welcoming eight-time Grammy nominated TRAIN back to my 12 Stockings of Christmas with, “TRAINS Greatest Hits” https://fanlink.to/traingreatesthits. The new album comes fresh off a sold-out summer tour with Hall and Oats and celebrates 20 years of TRAIN music. It pulls together 16 fan-favorites including “Drops of Jupiter,” “Calling All Angels,” and “Hey Soul Sister” as well as a special cover of a Pat Monahan favorite, George Michael’s “Careless Whisper.” featuring the amazing saxophonist, Kenny G.

I’m also including their wonderful Christmas album, “Christmas in Tahoe,” https://fanlink.to/christmasintahoe that’s filled with holiday classics we’ve come to love. It’s no surprise that TRAIN has had 12 albums on Billboard’s Top 200! Keep them in mind when you’re shopping for the music fan on your list, and be sure and pick up copies of each CD for yourself. .

Put a little TRAIN underneath your Christmas tree this holiday season! They are incredible supporters of Point Hope, and I love them!

TRAIN’S GREATEST HITS
CHRISTMAS IN TAHOE

12 Stockings Entry Page

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December 3rd
SIA, Everyday is Christmas CD
Keyword: SIA or STOCKING

“Everyday is Christmas,” from Sia, is also making it’s way into my 12 Stockings of Christmas Sweepstakes. It’s composed of 10 original songs created by Sia and producer Greg Kurstin. You’ll hear last year’s favorite “Santa’s Coming For Us,” as well as her latest single “Candy Cane Lane”.

The singer has reached into her soul, by writing and composing some modern- day holiday songs that will certainly become classics, like, “Underneath the Mistletoe”, “Sunshine,” the title track “Everyday is Christmas” and the so- adorable-it-can’t-be-real “Puppies Are Forever.”

“Everyday is Christmas” has a song for everyone this holiday season, perfect for your holiday playlist and your favorite persons Christmas stocking.

SIA: EVERYDAY IS CHRISTMAS

12 Stockings Entry Page

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December 6th 
INSTAX CAMARA
Keyword: FUJI or STOCKING

One of my favorites from last year’s 12 Stockings of Christmas, the FUJIFILM Instax Camera, is back! Did you know I use it when I go to Africa for Point Hope? The children love walking away with their pictures in hand.

The INSTAX is a great stocking stuffer, perfect for capturing every moment of every special occasion; birthday celebrations, weddings, parties and CHRISTMAS MORNING. Just snap and watch the pictures develop instantly. There are Instax pictures all over my house of the kids, the dogs, and our farm animals too.

Put some fun in your holiday stocking this Christmas by sharing an original with Fujifilm Instax SQ6 Square Camera!

INSTAX CAMERA

12 Stockings Entry Page

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December 7th
DELILAH’S BOOK: ONE HEART AT A TIME
Keyword: HEART or STOCKING

If you’ve tuned in to the show lately, you know I’ve written a new book, One Heart At A Time, released on October 16. It was a labor of love, and became even more so after the loss of my beloved son, Zachariah, the previous year. Writing stopped for a while, but telling his story became such a pressing need that I pressed on, finished the book, and created a new chapter just about him.

But the book is more than that. This is my story and my plea. The world is facing some trying times, we are more disconnected and lonelier than ever before. How do we change it? One. Heart. At. A. Time.

I’ve included an autographed copy in each of my 12 Stockings this year with the hope that you will enjoy it and it will inspire you to reach out and help me change the world. All we need is love and a heart that is willing to serve.

ONE HEART AT A TIME

12 Stockings Entry Page

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December 10th
GRAVITY BLANKET 
Keyword: BLANKET or STOCKING

Let me introduce you to something I’ve just discovered, the Gravity Blanket. Are you hosting relatives, cooking over-the-top meals, spending hours shopping for gifts, and feeling that holiday stress? You need a Gravity Blanket! It’s a weighted blanket that’s designed to help improve sleep and decrease stress and anxiety.

I gave one to my daughter, Shaylah - baby Rosalie’s mama - and she loves it. A Gravity Blanket is the best gift you can give someone who deserves some rest and relaxation this holiday season and all year through.

Buy yours today and use the promo code ‘DELILAH’ for 15% savings. 

GRAVITY BLANKETS

12 Stockings Entry Page

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December 11th
PEACHSKIN SHEETS
Keyword: PEACH or STOCKING

The name says it all! Original PeachSkinSheets® are so comfortable and soothing! That’s why I’m adding them to my 12 Stockings of Christmas this year! They start at $55 for a complete sheet set, even King size! They won't change body chemistry of course, but they will help keep hot sleepers cooler, drier, and more comfortable during the night. (For women at a certain stage of life, this is heaven!)

PeachSkinSheets® are made from a breathable, athletic grade, performance SMART fabric that wicks away moisture and dries super fast. These ultra-soft, pill-resistant bed sheets also have a luxurious 1500 Thread Count level of softness due to their brushed PeachSkin finish on both sides.

Order free swatches of 19 colors online so that you can Feel to Believe, and purchase with confidence under their 30 day, risk free money back guarantee!

PEACHSKIN SHEETS

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December 12th
SALONTECH SPINSTYLE
Keyword: PERFECT or STOCKING

I fell in love with the SPINSTYLE last year so it just makes sense to add it to my 12 Stockings of Christmas. The perfect gift, SalonTech’s patented Technology Curl Dial works like an extra set of hands to pick up, separate, and guide hair around the barrel, to create easy, fast, and tangle free curls with one hand (just make sure the hair is brushed through!). From tight bouncy curls to loose, voluptuous, beachy waves at the touch of a button, the SpinStyle takes half the time of a regular curling iron.

I do my hair in the morning and I am set for the entire day! I have one for home and one for travel. It makes for the perfect stocking stuffer, and my listeners can get an exclusive, special offer through SpinStyle.

SPINSTYLE

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December 13th
CALUM SCOTT: Only Human CD
Keyword: HUMAN or STOCKING

New music is the perfect gift for everyone! I’m adding Calum Scott’s amazing debut album to the goodies in my stockings. You’ve heard “You Are the Reason” played on my show, and have seen the heartfelt video on my Facebook page. The entire album is filled with music meant to connect people.

Calum is quoted, “I wrote this album with the intention of connecting with people all around the world, using my own personal experiences.” Every song on Only Human evokes wonderful emotion and his videos too are beautiful and emotive.

You won’t go wrong by adding Calum’s Only Human to the list of What To Buy for your favorite people this holiday season.

ONLY HUMAN

12 Stockings Entry Page

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December 17th
STEVE PERRY, TRACES CD
Keyword: TRACES or STOCKING

I am so excited to add one of the most anticipated albums of the year to my 12 Stockings of Christmas! I’m talking about Steve Perry’s new album “Traces” of course. It’s his first new music in nearly a quarter of a century, and it’s available everywhere NOW.

“Traces” is the legendary singer-songwriter’s most honest and vulnerable release to date, chronicling love, loss, and, ultimately, hope. Perry leads with the track “No Erasin” and reassuringly greets fans with the opening line “I know it’s been a long time comin’.” The track is an emotional homecoming; everyone is celebrating his new music. Forbes Magazine exclaims “for all of music it is damn good to have the Steve Perry back.” I couldn’t agree more.

“Traces” has received critical acclaim from many, including USA Today, who highlighted it as one of “10 Albums You Need Too Hear This Fall.” Take yourself and someone special on the emotional journey of “Traces.” 

STEVE PERRY: TRACES

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December 19th
ALMOND ROCA
Keyword: ROCA or STOCKING

My 12 Stockings of Christmas just aren’t complete until I’ve added my favorite candy, Almond ROCA. This delicious treat brings back the fondest childhood memories of Christmas’ past, and I love giving, and getting into, those pink tins all year long!

Brown and Haley make every batch of ROCA with rich creamy butter, California almonds, and the best quality chocolate! Choose from Almond, Cashew, Dark Chocolate, Sea Salt Caramel, Peppermint, and Mocha ROCA. SO YUMMY!! They have something for EVERYONE.

This holiday season, whether looking for gifts for your office party, your child’s favorite teacher, or sweet treat for yourself, remember, every stocking should be filled with Almond ROCA on Christmas morning. Visit them online or find them at local retailers. 

ALMOND ROCA

12 Stockings Entry Page

Adoption | One Way to Build a Family

My new book, One Heart At A Time, was released on October 16.

So much attention since has been placed on my unusually large number of children, and I’ve lost count on how many time I’ve answered the how and why questions.

For all the big and small details (and so much more!) pick up a copy of my book! For a quick run-down, and to know why I feel so passionately about adoption, read this blog post.

A family gathering a few years ago - not even close to a complete showing!

Here’s the short answer to the questions: I had three biological children from two of my marriages, and I have adopted 10 children (number 11 in process.) My husband, Paul, has 5 children of his own. So that brings my number to 14, and our combination to 19.

The longer version is this:

I’ve always wanted to be a mother. When I married at 22 I couldn’t wait to make my new family of “me and you” into “baby makes three.” My husband was a divorced father of 2 children already and not one that you wouldn’t exactly define as present or available. I knew I could change that. Ha!

Sonny and I - or Robin Hood and Maid Marion…

At 24, I gave birth to Isaiah, “Sonny” as his dad called him… He is my Number 1, my first child, the miracle that made me a mama!

Fast forward 9 years later - my husband had found greener pastures around Sonny’s 2nd birthday and I had been a single mother since.

My job in radio had taken me from Seattle to Boston, and then on to Philadelphia. While in Boston I’d met a young man in a church group that was cute, charming, loved to laugh, and loved the Lord. I married him, glossing over the fact that he was 8 years younger, lived with his parents, and his fine set of wheels was - a bicycle. Soon after, I was thrilled to be pregnant with Shaylah, my baby number 2.

A few years later we were back in Seattle, Me, Sonny, Shay, and Doug. The marriage was shaky but I was determined to make it work. I was feeling that the 10 year gap between Sonny and Shaylah was too much and I thought about adoption. By thinking about it, I mean I moved forward, looking for a child to love, to embrace, to ‘fill out our family’. We were introduced to a boy, one year younger than Sonny, and learned about “twinning,” matching up children that are of similar age to one you already have in your home, which helps the bonding process. And so, enter my child #3, Emmanuell.

A single mother of 8!

Manny, we soon learned, had two younger siblings in a foster-care situation. Of course they could come for visitations… of course you may call me Mom while you’re here… and when their foster family had a crisis and they needed to be re-homed, of course that home had to be ours. The month that Tangi and TJ (#’s 4 & 5) moved in with us? Of course I find out I’m pregnant!

When Zachariah, my third bio-babe and number 6 to join the family, was born, we’d gone from a family of four, to a family of eight in less than a two year period of time. Eight is great, but not so much for Shay and Zack’s dad.

In all fairness, I hadn’t given his push-back much consideration. I worked and provided for the family, I was willing to put in the late nights and early mornings, and anxiety isn’t a word in my personal vocabulary, so the fact that he was completely and totally overwhelmed didn’t really register. Two years later the marriage ended.

Soon after, I got a call from a friend who was an adoption facilitator. There was a toddler in need of a home, STAT. I drove to the parking lot of a local teriyaki restaurant; TK was placed into my arms and clung to me tightly. He was just a year younger than Zacky, and became child number 7.

My radio program had been syndicated for a while and my career was taking off. The older kids were transitioning out of the house and I found a farm (a life-long dream) to move myself and the three left at home to. Just three. Shaylah, now aged 12, Zacky 7, and TK 6. I renovated the farmhouse and built three bedrooms for three kids. One. Two. Three.

My Angel and my Blessing.

And oh… I dated a wonderful man briefly, a pastor with a young adult daughter who had a baby of her own. I fell in love with this earnest young woman, who had never had a mother in her life… Adult adoption? Yeah, it’s a thing. Lonika, my number 8, has never lived with me but became my daughter when she was well into her 20’s, and, I gained a granddaughter close to the boy’s age, all in one fell-swoop!

Bridget with Sammy, who is now in Heaven.

This plan was working until my attention was steered toward a Liberian refugee camp in Ghana, West Africa. Point Hope was re-born and soon I brought into my home and heart, Angel and Blessing, welcomming numbers 9 and 10! Surely this was enough!

Nooooo, because a few years later, Sammy, (#11) who had spent 15 years in an orphanage, and Bridget (#12) who had a personal horror story she shouldn’t have even survived, wandered into my life, my heart, and my home.

And then Blessings little sister, Delilah, my Lucky 13, whom I had been taking care of in Africa, became critically ill, and the birth mother, critically uncaring.

And then their little brother, Baby Paul - whom I was also caring for in Africa, and who had been dropped off with Point Hope personnel because their mother had decided he too, was not worth her time or attention.

And here I am - a mother of 14 (or will be as soon as Bae Paul’s process is complete).

Before bringing Sammy and Bridget home, I married Paul. We’d dated for 6 years and as a father of 5 grown children, he was looking forward to a child-free retirement. Hahaha!

He loves this crazy menagerie as much as me and is so stinkin’ in love with Baby Delilah and Baby Paul, to whom he is their Papa.

Last week I found myself in Washington DC, speaking to the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations about the crisis facing inter-country adoptions. It was important to me to be there, and share my story, because International adoptions have slowed to a trickle - down over 80% since 2004 and may cease all together. This means there are hundred of thousands of children that need homes. Children who are the victims of civil war, disease, famine… Children that have been ostracized because of physical or mental impairments, which are looked upon as a cursed in many societies... Children born female, which don’t have the same value as males…

When I completed my first international adoption in 2006, my children were two of 26,000 adopted from foreign countries. last year there was 4,200. This is a crisis.

I was also given the great honor of being inducted into the National Council for Adoptions, Adoption Hall of Fame, for my support of, commitment to, and involvement with building my family through the process of adoption and for founding Point Hope, a voice for forgotten children.

“Another alarming reality; 80% of children - boys especially - who have spent time in the foster care system will be in jail before age 25.”

Here’s some statistics on the US foster care system that will shock you. There are over 486,000 in the foster care system right now. About 20,000 “aged-out” last year; that is, they reached the age of 18 (20 in some places,) were turned out of the temporary living placements they’d been given, and financial support ended. I ask people, “How many of you have an 18-25 year old child? Are they ready to be 100% self reliant? Who do they call when a tooth breaks, when their heart breaks, when they’ve been in a fender bender?” Another alarming reality; 80% of children - boys especially - who have spent time in the foster care system will be in jail before age 25.

I am passionate about this! There are so many ways to build a family. Adoption is one.

You don’t have to be rich, married, or perfect. If you are at all interested in helping a child in the foster care system and providing a forever home, please don’t hesitate to do the research and make the connections!

Here’s a link to get started:

Adopt USKids

My book, One Heart At A Time, is available for purchase everywhere books are sold, and through the website HERE.

A Healing Justice | November Book Club

A Healing Justice by Kristin Von Kreisler, is my book club pick for November. You’re going to like it!

At first, it may seem an odd choice for me. After all, in the first pages of the book, a teenage boy loses his life.

How does one make sense of death? Can you make sense of it?  Not really. But one must learn somehow to cope with it, and continue to live with the weight of it.

No one knows this more than police officer Andrea Brady, who fired the shot that killed the teenager, after he violently attacked her police dog and came at her with a knife. Vilified by the press and traumatized by the events of that dark night, Andie finds herself resigning from the force, as she tries to find her new calling in life.

Luckily, she has people in her corner, and better yet, she has Justice, her beloved German Shepard. Justice had wandered up her drive and into her life two years earlier, and become her constant companion and K-9 partner.

After the attack, Justice had a long road to recovery. It wasn’t in his nature to become a victim however, as pointed out by Andie’s counselor, but instead, he became a survivor. And, after a time spent in denial, stuffing her feelings, and blocking her emotions, Andie vowed to be more like Justice, and leaned into the situation. Healing could then take place.

A few things I really loved about the story:

The setting, which was in my Pacific Northwest backyard; I could see, touch, and smell the vegetation that grows thick and wild on any patch of land not tended to for more than a few weeks.

Author, Kristin Von Kreisler with one of her beloved German Shephards.

I appreciated Von Kriesler portrayal of a police officer’s life, down to the description of the 27lbs of gear worn on their person for hour after endless hour. As you all probably know, my oldest son is an officer of the law. The positions he finds himself in, which test his skills, strength, and faith (in himself and others) often makes me shudder.

And finally, I absolutely LOVE the mention of Officer Brady’s habit of writing down three things each evening that she is grateful for and placing them in her Gratitude Basket. This resonated with me so deeply.

If you love animals the way I do, the way that officer Andrea Brady does, and the way that our author, Kristin Von Kreisler, obviously does, you’ll love A Healing Justice. Bravo

Pick up A Healing Justice at Amazon
Visit the Author’s Page