Lead Me To Where I Belong...

The steps I take are small as I am walking the narrow road,
All of the trees are alive and ready to explode.
The leaves are falling left and right onto the ground,
I feel the wind in my face, but yet it makes not a sound.

The beauty I am seeing is from the past,
I take a picture in my mind to forever last.
Memories are flooding in like gates opened wide,
The wonderful things I am seeing, in my heart they will reside.

Nothing could beat this feeling down so deep,
Again I am in thought, I almost weep.
As a child I walked these roads without care,
Never knowing that a day would come when I wouldn't be there.

Everything seems smaller but still big in my mind,
I only wish for a moment I could go back, my life could rewind.
But as time presses on I know that I am getting older,
But my home is the same, still beautiful, yet bolder.

Should I die here, just lie me under a tree,
Upon a mountain top, at home is where I will be.
As my favorite time of year arrives, my heart will stay,
Although I am just a shell of a body, my remains as clay.

The crisp air will be a reminder of my life that I once had,
Please don't mourn for me, for the chance to live here, I am glad.
My soul will move on to be with God, but you can find me here,
A glimpse of me walking down the same road, I will not shed a tear.

A fall rain is coming down upon my head,
I lie down on the grass, this is where I make my bed.
The leaves are still falling to the rhythm of a song,
West Virginia take me, lead me to where I belong.

Brandy Perry Cato
Age:29


Dedicated to the ones who live for what's real.


Photo courtesy of my Grandma...You really love the spirit of West Virginia..as I do. Thank you for the pictures.

Heavenly Drive, South Charleston, West Virgina..October, 2007

Forever Living In My Heart

The grass is cool from the dew that is wet beneath my feet,
I close my eyes, I open them again, my soul feels complete.
I hear the water rushing in a creek that flows nearby,
If I were a bird I would be happy, I would get away and fly.

I feel like I am in a painting for the colors are so grand,
My eyes cannot contain the beauty of the mountains and land.
I try to take it all in but I am so overwhelmed I can't speak,
I observe the leaves that have fallen, each are so very unique.

The sky is so wide as the clouds hurry to pass by,
I could stay in this moment for a lifetime, until I die.
There isn't a sound as the crisp air blows on my face,
I see such wonder and beauty in this mysterious place.

I am not alone for she is with me as I walk along,
The wind is blowing through the trees singing a new song.
My imagination doesn't have to search any longer for I am here,
This is where I have been in my dreams, now it is so clear.

I pause to feel the chill that has magically been placed in the air,
I look up to the mountains once again, I can't help just to stare.
How they stand so tall and perfect I will never understand,
I can feel her leading me, she is taking my hand.

I take a look into the past and it is all coming back,
Just seeing what I see as I have grown older, I have nothing to lack.
Even when I am gone, in my mind we are never really apart,
She will remain my home always, forever living in my heart.

Brandy S. Cato
Age:29


This poem is dedicated to the ones who have left West Virginia..but she remains in your hearts.


Photo courtesy of WVpics.com. Photo is of Pendleton County, West Virginia

Take Me Home......

A cool Autumn morn is upon me as I wake to the sun in my eyes,
This day is different as I admire an amazing sunrise.
Crystal clear water so perfect, so untouched, so new,
I glance up at the sky in it's wonderful brilliant blue.

The fog is lifting ever so slowly as I stroll to take it all in,
The sun is beating upon me so softly, gently caressing my skin.
I can hear the sounds of nature, the birds sing a new song,
I can hear them calling to me, this is where I belong.

The wind is subtle, freshness is all around,
I can see the leaves falling like snow to the ground.
Paradise is the only word I can speak,
I am in awe at this beauty, everything is unique.

I climb along the rocks that are perfectly placed,
I fell at one with my surroundings, so easily embraced.
Longing to stay and to never let go,
She is agreeing with me, she is telling me so.


All I can think about is how I can't leave,
West Virginia is my stronghold, upon her I can cleave.
Misty rivers, mazes of beauty, too much to take in,
Take me home in my spirit and my mind, I long to be there again.


Brandy S. Cato
Age:29


This poem is dedicated to all true West Virginians who can appreciate her untouched beauty.


This picture is Summersville Lake in Autumn. Courtesy of WVpics.com

West Virginia: Sea of Color

In the air there is a fragrance that only one place can possess,
There is a secret hidden, within and without, not wanting to confess.
Like magic the scenery is different and everything isn't the same,
This place is so simple, yet eccentric, it has only one name.

West Virginia, sea of color and of amazing sight,
Beautiful in the day, mysterious by night.
She blooms her hills of bright and vivid wonder,
So much that it will do nothing but make you ponder.

My home away from home, my pride and joy from afar,
Remembering my years as a child, with every sunset to every star.
Small in number, large by the stunning views,
Overnight it is a wonderment how she knows just how to take her cues.

She knows the exact moment to shed her skin from each season,
Nature knows the timing, it doesn't give us a reason.
Awe-inspired and memories embedded into my heart,
Majestic and grand is she, forever set apart.

Embrace the sights for they are a fleeting vapor in the air,
Her mountains will stand always, she will forever be there.
Country roads, sea of color, ease my mind when I am weary,
Help me to draw close when my soul is worn and dreary.

My eyes have never seen a more awesome place,
Even moving far away, her memory, nothing could erase.
Simple, elegant, breath taking and strong,
Almost Heaven indeed, as the day is long....

Brandy S. Cato
Age: 29

This poem is dedicated to my Grandma Linger. May Autumn in West Virginia always live in our hearts. I love you!


This picture is Autumn in Canaan Valley courtesy of http://www.wvpics.com

Italians Know How To Do It..

I have one word...DELIZIOSO! No, I am not Italian, but my dear husband is. Delizioso is the Italian word for delicious. But I am sure y'all knew that. So here we have an Italian Lasagna and Garlic Bubble Loaves. This is supper tonight. Better go feed the youngin's while it is still hot!!

Oooey Gooey Fudgy Pudgy Cake

Here I go again... This is quite a long name for a cake. But to put it in retrospect, I had to give you the big picture. This cake took awhile to make, but I am sure it is going to be yummy. Lately, chocolate has been my theme when it comes to baking. Maybe it is because I have to have it and when I try to make my mind up on what exactly I am in the mood to bake, I always go back to chocolate. I pity those who don't like it. What is wrong with them? Who knows. Oh well, as always I have posted some pictures of my newest creation. Don't ya wish you could reach into your computer and try some? I will save you a piece...ha ha!!

UFC MANIA!!

See this vid? This is Ethan really digging UFC. I can't tell you if it is good or bad, but I think it is so darn cute. I am just blown away by how it grabbed his attention. He came up to me and said "Mom, I wanna watch fights." I thought it was so cute, I had to do a vid. Enjoy!

Peanutty Butter Chocolate Cake

Here I go again. I couldn't resist. Since I got my two new cookbooks, The Taste of Home Cookbook and The Taste of Home Baking Cookbook, I have become more and more excited about cooking and baking. I have always loved the creativity that goes along with cooking and baking. So, last week I made this sinful dessert. Let's just say that it is gone. It didn't take very long either. Let me know if you want the recipe.

Mountaineer Country

Even though we live way down here in Louisiana, it doesn't mean that we can't be West Virginia Mountaineer Fans. It kills me not to be able to go to any of the games like I used to. When I was younger, my grandparents took me to some games. I couldn't appreciate it then like I would at this point of my life. A friend of mine made a good point about the subject, he said that "Mountaineer Football is like oxygen, ya gotta have it to live." How profound, how profound!! Now that I am older I think my kids believe I am off my rocker. I have so much WVU stuff, you would think I were living there. My WV flag looks sort of funny because it is obvious that I am in Louisiana and not WV.

On this night, Abby and Noah were showing off the greatness of the GOLD AND BLUE...Ah, it makes a West Virginia Momma proud!
Even though I am not there to show my team spirit, I can still proclaim that this is MOUNTAINEER COUNTRY!!! GO 'EERS!!!

Coconut + Cheesecake = Paradise.........

Here, my friends is my newest sweet creation. I personally love coconut, and this is what I was in the mood to make. COCONUT + CHEESECAKE= PARADISE. This little baby took me awhile, but I had tons of fun making it and it was quite therapeutic as well. I had to take some pics of it because in about an hour it is going to be going, going, gone!!!! I have also posted the recipe in case you would like to try it. It is well worth the effort.





If you do decide to make this, don't forget to take some pics so I can see them!!!




Makes me wanna get my fork and hide somewhere where the kids can't find me!!!!

2 1/2 cups grated fresh coconut
1 cup whipping cream, scalded
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup cold butter, sliced
4 teaspoons granulated sugar
20 ounces cream cheese
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
4 eggs
2 egg yolks
2 1/2 tablespoons coconut liqueur
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup sour cream
1/4 cup cream of coconut
1/2 teaspoon coconut liqueur
Toasted coconut flakes (for garnish)

Puree coconut and cream in a blender for 4 minutes; set aside to cool.

Cut butter into flour and 4 teaspoons sugar until mixture resembles small crumbs. Press evenly into bottom of a buttered 10-inch springform pan.

Bake at 325 degrees F for 25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Cream together cream cheese and 1 1/2 cups sugar. Stir in cooled coconut puree. Slowly stir in eggs and yolks.

Stir in 2 1/2 tablespoons liqueur, lemon juice and extracts. Pour into prepared crust.

Bake in a 325 degree F oven until sides of cake are dry and center is set, about 1 hour. Allow cheesecake to cool for 30 minutes.

Beat together sour cream, cream of coconut and 1/2 teaspoon liqueur; spread over cheesecake.

Bake at 325 degrees F for 10 minutes. Allow cheesecake to cool for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

Sprinkle coconut flakes over top before serving.

Serves 12.

Hanging out on a Sunday Afternoon

From the looks of this picture it is safe to say that Chris and I have our own basketball team. Hey, it only takes 5! Yesterday, the weather was absolutely gorgeous! We hung out all afternoon shooting hoops, riding bikes, washing our Yukon, listening to music. It was nice to be able to actually breathe. I think Chris was having a "ball" on his day off.. You be the judge!!





Here is a great picture of Chris minus 2 of the kids.

Got LIMU???

I guess you are wondering what I am talking about. Well, Chris was approached by one of his builders about this NEWEST HEALTH DISCOVERY!!! He said it is called Limu. I could sit here and blog forever about Limu. Lets just say that it is awesome! We are very excited about what it is doing for us health wise. It is a 3,000 year old secret from the Tongan people have been drinking for about that long. It was discovered 15 years ago by a man who figured out how to extract the mineral called Fucoidan, which is found in a seaweed deep in the South Pacific. It is being raved as the "miracle nutrient." I personally have noticed many results while drinking Limu these past few weeks. I am generally a healthy person, but I am seeing that I am feeling more energetic and I can do more during the day. My joints in my left knee have since stopped hurting. That is really great!!!

Like I said, I could sit and blog all night about the benefits of Limu. Not only are there health benefits, there is the wealth benefit as well. YOU CAN MAKE MONEY WHILE DRINKING LIMU!!! You do not have to sell any Limu to get in on this. I could tell you all about that too. But instead there are a few options. Chris and I are here to talk to anyone who is interested in Limu. Also, we have DVD/CD's about it, and there is a website. Learn more about LIMU here. Your health is precious, now is the time to start making it a priority!!!

"Look Mom, We are being good."

Here is a rare moment for my 2 younger kids. About 80% of the time you will find them arguing and hitting each other. Ethan is bound and determined that he is going to get the upper hand on little brother. Noah has to stand his ground and make sure he is seen and heard. His shrilling voice could break a mirror. This peaceful playtime only lasted about 2 minutes and then there was nothing left to do but to stick some noses in separate corners.








From the looks of this picture you can clearly see who decided that the corner wasn't very fun. Ethan, on the other hand was still bound and determined to push Mommy's buttons this day. Boys will be boys.. HA!

Mikey and The Giant Pear

Once there was a young man named Mikey. One day he was out in his front yard picking pears for his Mom. Discouraged at the fact that most of the pears were out of his reach, he nearly gave up. "If only I were a taller boy." He pondered. But then the most wonderful thing happened. Mikey looked up and saw the biggest pear he had ever laid his eyes on. "Wow! My Mom will surely be proud of me for picking this big one!" Mikey exclaimed. He reached as far as he could on his tip toes and grabbed the juicy pear and ran into the house to show his Mom the treasure he had found. He was certain she would be pleased. "Mom, Mom, look at what I found! I couldn't reach all the other pears, but I looked up and there this one was." Mikey was so excited he couldn't contain himself. "Mikey, you did a great job! Lets use this to make something yummy." Mikey's Mom gave him a big hug and they were off to the kitchen to make good use of Mikey's giant pear. The End.

*I should add that this pear is one of many gigantic pears on our pear tree in our yard. Mikey and I just cut it up and ate it...a lot of pear for a kid.*

2002 Yukon XL

This is what a friend of ours calls our "Big Black Bus." Well, nevertheless, we needed a new vehicle and we are so blessed to have run into this deal. This is something that I have been wanting for awhile, and I thank God everyday for everything that He has given us. This Yukon XL is no exception. I am really enjoying it and I am excited about the many family vacations we are going to take in it.

My New Find

Since I am a stay-at-home mom I find myself always looking for neat things to make my life easier as I try to manage my house. By accident, (and should I mention I was in a hurry) I found this really cool everyday thing we all use. Dishwashing liquid. Yes, it is pretty obvious that I am such a dork, but I really don't care. If you haven't tried this stuff yet, you are missing out! It smells so good and not to mention it cleans your dishes. What a cool invention. What will they think of next? Whatever it is, you can be assured I will the first to try it.

I'm Too Sexy For These Shades

No, these shades aren't red. They are hot pink Spongebob Squarepants sunglasses, and no, they don't belong to Noah. They are actually Hannah's. He loves these shades so much that he takes them away from her often. It doesn't really matter if they are hot pink or not, he loves them anyway. For some odd reason I couldn't get that song out of my head as I was snapping these shots of him. Ya know, "I'm Too Sexy." Do you remember that song from way back when? Who sang that, Right Said Fred? I think so. But nonetheless, he looks like a cutie pie in them. He knows it too!!!!

A Day on the Boat

No, these aren't all of my children. Only 5 of them are. These pictures were taken last Saturday at my Mom and step dad, Kelly's house. This is Kelly's pontoon boat. The kids had a blast as well as the adults that day. As you can see it was loaded down, as everyone waited with intense anticipation for the first boat ride of the year. Oklahoma had a lot of of flooding and Kelly had to get his boat fixed. So this the first time out for many. The weather was beautiful all weekend. What more could you ask for?

I have captured the boat going, going, gone. Mom called it a bus. I think that is an appropriate name to call something that large pulling away a bunch of kids. Too cute!

Video Blog--* Baking with Brandy *... My version of Bennigan's Death By Chocolate

This is my first attempt at a video blog. Try this dessert...it is awesome!

Brand New Blog

Our Labor Day weekend was great! We headed up to Oklahoma to see my folks and enjoy some lake time. My birthday was on Friday, so we had an excuse to eat cake while we were there too. My family from WV and Oklahoma was gracious enough to give an "old bag" like me some Moo-La for my b-day. How sweet! I didn't want to disappoint them in not buying something for myself (which rarely ever happens, and if it does it is never really anything NEW!) At any rate, I decided it was time to buy myself a brand new digital camera. With the help of my lil sis we found an awesome camera! I am loving it sooo much you have no idea. It is a Samsung, and check this out it has 6 megapixels! WOO HOO!!! You talk about crystal clear. I am sure there are better cameras out there but this one may as well be it. Needless to say, I have been clicking away all weekend long. I think the "clicking" sound that the camera makes was starting to annoy people. But hey, it was for a good cause. How am I suppose to keep all of you up to date on my ever growing family? Good point, huh?

The camera was only $108.00 with tax. It is also this really pretty red and the LCD screen is 2.5 inches! It has lots of extras that I have yet to figure out and probably won't have the extra time to sit down and read the booklet on it. I know I will just have to figure it out as I go. My sister did some videos and I did as well. I am totally excited about it. So please check back everyday and see what is new around here. Check out the new pic... I don't know what it is about a 2-year-old and drinking out of a can of coke. But he loved it.

Tailgating

Yesterday afternoon was simply beautiful! We were all outdoors playing basketball and the kids were riding their bikes. We couldn't ask for better weather. Chris actually got home at a decent hour (before dark). He left his truck parked in the middle of the driveway because he thought he was going to have to go back out to do another job, but he didn't have to afterall. So here is a quick snapshot I took of the kids hanging out on the back of his truck as he was backing it up. As you can clearly see I demanded that Mikey and Abby hold on to Noah so he wouldn't fall off. I thought it was cute because they were all in the same shot. I wish that I could have seen their faces, however, it captures the randomness of them all. Chris can be seen driving the truck...ha ha!

Daddy's Little Helping Hand!

This morning has already been very productive. Chris finally got around to installing a new vent for my dryer. He has been so busy lately that he had to "pencil" me in. But Noah insisted that he be a helper. As you can see he was really helping out a lot. Ethan usually is the helper of the day, but today Noah decided that "I can help too!" So here he is helping, rather, playing around. I would like to make a point that I have been trying to get Chris to do this rather tiny task for about 3 months...it took 10 minutes. That is a male for ya!

I am stll having the issue of trying to figure out how to put my blogspot link onto myspace. I am so not advanced at this. Poor Kim. She is trying so hard to help me. Kim, your help hasn't been in vain. Thanks so much!

Just hanging out!

Today the weather has improved dramatically, but we are still staying indoors until tomorrow. Mommy has way too much to do. But as the lil ones start making a mess after I just cleaned it up they are still way too occupied to realize that it is warm enough to go outside. As always, Ethan is watching movies and trying to be good. Noah just gets into everything. As you can see they are just being little boys!!