Did you miss me? I so enjoyed having some time away from the computer. DJ had part of the 24th off through yesterday - so we really had a nice break. I'm enjoying my favorite Christmas present this morning - my Homedics Quad Roller massager, with heat. My computer chair is just perfect for this - so my computer time is quite pleasant now :)
We really had a great Christmas - lots of family, fun and rest. I'm having a tough time remembering what I need to do this week - haven't even looked at my calendar. Guess I should....
Anyway - I'm off to read the blogs and get caught up on your holidays as well. Loves!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
23 Dec 2008
We got things picked up and had a wonderful evening last night. I've been forgetting to eat regularly - preferring to stay in bed snuggled under my covers. It results in me being grouchy. Anyone else have this problem? The grouchy if you haven't eaten thing?
Oh well - I'm working on it. I took the girls to Barnes & Nobles today to redeem their gift cards from Grandma Kaye and Grandpa Dan. They had such fun and are enjoying their new things. It's been good to space things out a bit - everything gets enjoyed with plenty of time to spend on it.
What else? Oh - I was thinking of putting the homemade oreo recipe on here.....
Thanks Reg for having this on the family site - saved me from getting up and looking for the recipe :)
Oreo Cookies
Ingredients:
2 Devils Food cake mixes
4 eggs
1 1/2 C. shortening
Filling:8 oz. cream cheese
2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 C. butter or margarine
1 box powdered sugar
Directions:Mix cake mix, eggs and shortening together and roll into balls. Bake on cookie sheet at 350 degrees for 8 minutes.Mix filling and spread between two cookies.
Really tasty! Sarah thanks for reminding me of these favorites :)
Well, I'm off to check the email. Have a great day!
Just two more sleeps until Christmas (as I tell my girls ;))
Oh well - I'm working on it. I took the girls to Barnes & Nobles today to redeem their gift cards from Grandma Kaye and Grandpa Dan. They had such fun and are enjoying their new things. It's been good to space things out a bit - everything gets enjoyed with plenty of time to spend on it.
What else? Oh - I was thinking of putting the homemade oreo recipe on here.....
Thanks Reg for having this on the family site - saved me from getting up and looking for the recipe :)
Oreo Cookies
Ingredients:
2 Devils Food cake mixes
4 eggs
1 1/2 C. shortening
Filling:8 oz. cream cheese
2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 C. butter or margarine
1 box powdered sugar
Directions:Mix cake mix, eggs and shortening together and roll into balls. Bake on cookie sheet at 350 degrees for 8 minutes.Mix filling and spread between two cookies.
Really tasty! Sarah thanks for reminding me of these favorites :)
Well, I'm off to check the email. Have a great day!
Just two more sleeps until Christmas (as I tell my girls ;))
Monday, December 22, 2008
22 Dec 2008
Sorry to miss yesterday. We do have a bit of a backlog of treats around here.....so the cookie making is on hold for now. :( I did have to go and get some supplies - but overall I keep a stock of most baking goods on hand. In fact, I just had to get the oreos today as I discovered we had none! Alas! So we are going to make those yet. Kimball was a trooper and made 3 kinds of chex mix - so tasty! We especially liked the fiesta/mexican mix. We as in me. Jared liked the Ranch the best. I think there's just a bit of muddy buddy still around too. We're getting ready for the annual caroling on DJ side of the family. And gift exchange for the kids :) Such fuN!
I can't remember if I already posted this....quick pause while I look......OK - I don't think I did. So, now that we're officially in the branch we have callings! They issued me 3 callings - Primary Pianist (during the Sunday School hour - they will just have a combined sharing time with class during the other hour); Relief Society (Sociodad de Socorro) pianist, and Activity Day leader. So - basically I get to keep doing what I've been doing plus playing for the primary. It's all good because as you know - I have a hard time sitting still ;) DJ is going to be team teaching Sunday School for the 12-14 year olds. We're both very excited.
We had to go in for recommend interviews - and it was very interesting. I was asked the questions in Spanish (it was easier than trying to translate them) and understood which question was which (most of the time) - when I didn't I would ask and the President would clarify. So - I now have a partially done Spanish recommend! Yes - everything on in except my name is in Spanish! We still need our Stake interviews. And we could have got them yesterday - we just forgot :(
So - life continues to be plenty busy here. I'm hoping to get my girls trained to pick up after themselves a bit more during this lovely time we have together over the holidays. I just can't clean up faster than they can mess up! Alas!
Hope your evening is WonderfuL! Loves!
I can't remember if I already posted this....quick pause while I look......OK - I don't think I did. So, now that we're officially in the branch we have callings! They issued me 3 callings - Primary Pianist (during the Sunday School hour - they will just have a combined sharing time with class during the other hour); Relief Society (Sociodad de Socorro) pianist, and Activity Day leader. So - basically I get to keep doing what I've been doing plus playing for the primary. It's all good because as you know - I have a hard time sitting still ;) DJ is going to be team teaching Sunday School for the 12-14 year olds. We're both very excited.
We had to go in for recommend interviews - and it was very interesting. I was asked the questions in Spanish (it was easier than trying to translate them) and understood which question was which (most of the time) - when I didn't I would ask and the President would clarify. So - I now have a partially done Spanish recommend! Yes - everything on in except my name is in Spanish! We still need our Stake interviews. And we could have got them yesterday - we just forgot :(
So - life continues to be plenty busy here. I'm hoping to get my girls trained to pick up after themselves a bit more during this lovely time we have together over the holidays. I just can't clean up faster than they can mess up! Alas!
Hope your evening is WonderfuL! Loves!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
20 Dec 2008
We are so enjoying this Saturday. Chuck & Sue & Amanda spent the night last night - and we played Apples to Apples Junior. It was so much fun for all (Jared & Cory and kids were over too!). We watched Meet the Robinsons this morning - as Chuck, Sue & Amanda hadn't seen it. They all enjoyed it. Sue has a terrible cold that really set in as they arrived last night. She got some good medicine that helped her sleep and rest last night, though.
So today I'm going to try a recipe from this year's Costco Thanskgiving cookbook. It's Easy Oreo Truffles:
1 18 oz pkg Oreo Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, finely crushed, divided
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 8-oz pkgs semisweet baking chocolate
Line a baking sheet with waxed paper. Mix 3 cups of the cookie crumbs and cream cheese until well blended. Shape into 42 one inch balls. Dip balls in melted choloate, place on the baking sheet. Sprinkle with remaining cookie crumbs. (Any leftover melted chocolate can be stored in a a tightly covered container at room temperature and saved for another use.)
Refrigerate for 1 hour, or until firm. Store any leftover truffles in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator. Makes 42 truffles.
Sounds easy and tasty! A great recipe for success!
Well, We are off to the dollar store for stocking items before the next snowstorm hits. Hope things are well with all of you. Loves!
So today I'm going to try a recipe from this year's Costco Thanskgiving cookbook. It's Easy Oreo Truffles:
1 18 oz pkg Oreo Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, finely crushed, divided
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 8-oz pkgs semisweet baking chocolate
Line a baking sheet with waxed paper. Mix 3 cups of the cookie crumbs and cream cheese until well blended. Shape into 42 one inch balls. Dip balls in melted choloate, place on the baking sheet. Sprinkle with remaining cookie crumbs. (Any leftover melted chocolate can be stored in a a tightly covered container at room temperature and saved for another use.)
Refrigerate for 1 hour, or until firm. Store any leftover truffles in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator. Makes 42 truffles.
Sounds easy and tasty! A great recipe for success!
Well, We are off to the dollar store for stocking items before the next snowstorm hits. Hope things are well with all of you. Loves!
Friday, December 19, 2008
Elf Yourself
http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/xiM6EQi2e4ULymQepWUh
Check it out - so much fun! Today I'm going to make some chex mixes.
Check it out - so much fun! Today I'm going to make some chex mixes.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
17/18 December 2008
I was busy yesterday morning and didn't do the blog right off - so when I ended up with a major headache at the end of the day - guess what didn't get done....
We made Fudge yesterday - I like to add things to it but my kids like the pure stuff - so here's the pure recipe:
1 bag of chocolate chips (normal size - not Costco size)
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp salt
Put all in a microwave safe container and micro until chips are melty. Stir up and refrigerate. You can pour this into a buttered dish if you want it to come out easier. :) And I like to add nuts and craisns.
We also made peanut brittle in the micro. Who knew? Now, this is not the exact recipe I used - but it is close. I'm sitting by a heater and don't want to get up. And I used some soynuts (not sure what they are - small and round and salty - not from Virginia).
MicrowavePeanut Brittle
If you have a microwave and you'd like to whip up some peanut brittle in a hurry, this recipe will let you do it in a little less than 10 minutes (plus cooling time, of course).
NB. Times are based on a 700W microwave oven so please adjust your cooking time to suit your equipment!
Ingredients:
1.5 cups of raw, shelled Virginia peanuts (leave the skins on)
1 cup of granulated sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon of butter
1 teaspoon of vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
Method:
Mix the peanuts, sugar, corn syrup and salt together in a microwave-safe casserole dish until well mixed
Cook in a microwave on high for 4 minutes; open and stir the mix well; then cook on high for another 4 minutes
Open, stir in the butter and vanilla, then microwave on high for a further 2 minutes
Finally, remove from the microwave, open the dish, add the baking soda and stir quickly until the mix is light and foamy
Immediately pour the mixture onto a lightly-greased baking sheet, spreading it out thinly.
Allow the mix to cool - then break it into small pieces and store in an airtight container.
Tip: The trick to making thin, tender peanut brittle is to keep the baking sheet(s) you use warm. I recommend heating them in a conventional oven at around 200o F (about 95o C) before you spread the peanut brittle mix. This should allow you to spread the mix 1cm to 2cm thick without it setting up.
This is me again - I found that I only needed to refrigerate a short time and then it was easy to peel off and break up. Don't wait too long - but it does need to be cool enough to handle.
Also - I made my favorite Cream Cheese Cookies and added craisins and chocolate chips and just blobbed them on the cookie sheet (not rolled, cut out cookies). So tasty!
Here's the recipe from the Family Site:
Cream Cheese Cookies
1 c. butter
8 oz. cream cheese
2 c. white sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp almond extract (I haven't added this when I've made it)
3 1/2 c. all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
Directions:Beat the butter and cream cheese until they are well combined. Add the sugar and beat until the mixture's fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extracts and beat in well. In a small bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Add the dry ingredients to the cream cheese mixture and beat until well mixed. Divide the dough in half. Wrap each half in plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours. Pre-heat oven to 375. Roll the dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Use your cookie cutters to cut the shapes you want and place them on parchment lined cookie sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.
***In the real world where I bake - I don't divide the dough, or refrigerate unless it's real sticky and hard to handle - this dough was plenty firm and easy to work with as is. I also don't use the parchment. I didn't even spray the cookie sheet. We put chocolate chips on top of round cookies (in lieu of hershey kisses) and that was tasty. I want to try mixing in some crasins and see how that tastes.
Number Of Servings:Makes enough cookies for a small crowd
Preparation Time:Not long
So there are three recipes for today. Hopefully that gets me off the hook for not posting yesterday. This is really a committment - making cookies every day! Probably won't repeat this next year...
Anyway - we're off for great adventures today - it's piano lesson day! Have a great day!
We made Fudge yesterday - I like to add things to it but my kids like the pure stuff - so here's the pure recipe:
1 bag of chocolate chips (normal size - not Costco size)
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp salt
Put all in a microwave safe container and micro until chips are melty. Stir up and refrigerate. You can pour this into a buttered dish if you want it to come out easier. :) And I like to add nuts and craisns.
We also made peanut brittle in the micro. Who knew? Now, this is not the exact recipe I used - but it is close. I'm sitting by a heater and don't want to get up. And I used some soynuts (not sure what they are - small and round and salty - not from Virginia).
MicrowavePeanut Brittle
If you have a microwave and you'd like to whip up some peanut brittle in a hurry, this recipe will let you do it in a little less than 10 minutes (plus cooling time, of course).
NB. Times are based on a 700W microwave oven so please adjust your cooking time to suit your equipment!
Ingredients:
1.5 cups of raw, shelled Virginia peanuts (leave the skins on)
1 cup of granulated sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon of butter
1 teaspoon of vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
Method:
Mix the peanuts, sugar, corn syrup and salt together in a microwave-safe casserole dish until well mixed
Cook in a microwave on high for 4 minutes; open and stir the mix well; then cook on high for another 4 minutes
Open, stir in the butter and vanilla, then microwave on high for a further 2 minutes
Finally, remove from the microwave, open the dish, add the baking soda and stir quickly until the mix is light and foamy
Immediately pour the mixture onto a lightly-greased baking sheet, spreading it out thinly.
Allow the mix to cool - then break it into small pieces and store in an airtight container.
Tip: The trick to making thin, tender peanut brittle is to keep the baking sheet(s) you use warm. I recommend heating them in a conventional oven at around 200o F (about 95o C) before you spread the peanut brittle mix. This should allow you to spread the mix 1cm to 2cm thick without it setting up.
This is me again - I found that I only needed to refrigerate a short time and then it was easy to peel off and break up. Don't wait too long - but it does need to be cool enough to handle.
Also - I made my favorite Cream Cheese Cookies and added craisins and chocolate chips and just blobbed them on the cookie sheet (not rolled, cut out cookies). So tasty!
Here's the recipe from the Family Site:
Cream Cheese Cookies
1 c. butter
8 oz. cream cheese
2 c. white sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp almond extract (I haven't added this when I've made it)
3 1/2 c. all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
Directions:Beat the butter and cream cheese until they are well combined. Add the sugar and beat until the mixture's fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extracts and beat in well. In a small bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Add the dry ingredients to the cream cheese mixture and beat until well mixed. Divide the dough in half. Wrap each half in plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours. Pre-heat oven to 375. Roll the dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Use your cookie cutters to cut the shapes you want and place them on parchment lined cookie sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.
***In the real world where I bake - I don't divide the dough, or refrigerate unless it's real sticky and hard to handle - this dough was plenty firm and easy to work with as is. I also don't use the parchment. I didn't even spray the cookie sheet. We put chocolate chips on top of round cookies (in lieu of hershey kisses) and that was tasty. I want to try mixing in some crasins and see how that tastes.
Number Of Servings:Makes enough cookies for a small crowd
Preparation Time:Not long
So there are three recipes for today. Hopefully that gets me off the hook for not posting yesterday. This is really a committment - making cookies every day! Probably won't repeat this next year...
Anyway - we're off for great adventures today - it's piano lesson day! Have a great day!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
16 Dec 2008
Good Morning! What a great day ahead of me! A couple of kids in McKay's class had lice yesterday - so we are washing everything here - just to be safe. Crazy fun. BTW - did you know that shampoo with Tea Tree Oil repels Lice. It's true. My sis in law has 2 boys. One was using the aforementioned shampoo, the other wasn't. Guess who had lice and who had none. Seriously, if one child gets it and the other doesn't - that really says something. They share a room, etc. I'm a believer. Since I don't have that shampoo - I've got some oil I'm mixing in my shampoo. Just wanted to pass that along in case it would be helpful to anyone.
Today we are making these: Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/3 cup cocoa
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups semi-sweet chips, divided
1 cup granulated sugar
about 1 cup peanut butter (chunky or creamy - not all natural), divided
1/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs
Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt in small bowl. Melt 1 cup of chips in small saucepan over lowest possible heat, stirring constantly until smooth.
Beat sugar, 1/3 c peanut butter, butter, and vamilla in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add melted chocolate. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in remaining chips. Cover; refrigerate just until firm.
Shape dough into 1 1/2 inch balls. Place on ungreased baking sheets. Press 1/2 inch deep centers with thumb. Fill each center with about 1/2 tsp. peanut butter. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until sides are set but centers are still slightly soft. Let stand for 2 minutes; removed to wire racks to cool completely. makes about 3 1/2 dozen.
Update about yesterday.....so despite my best efforts, we did not make it to the neighbors. We did have a nice evening with just one wreath for us. Kimball made it and crushed the corn flakes to bits! I still have some gingerbread left over so I'm going to crumble it and make a crust for a cheesecake with it. Sounds good eh?
Don't worry - we'll catch the neighbors later.....
Hope things are well with you - the tidying/cleaning continues here. Laundry all day!! Makes me wish I had 2 dryers. Someday.....Hey - do they make a 2 stack dryer unit? I should check!
Glad you enjoyed the Cookies Sarah! We'll keep the recipies coming!
Today we are making these: Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/3 cup cocoa
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups semi-sweet chips, divided
1 cup granulated sugar
about 1 cup peanut butter (chunky or creamy - not all natural), divided
1/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs
Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt in small bowl. Melt 1 cup of chips in small saucepan over lowest possible heat, stirring constantly until smooth.
Beat sugar, 1/3 c peanut butter, butter, and vamilla in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add melted chocolate. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in remaining chips. Cover; refrigerate just until firm.
Shape dough into 1 1/2 inch balls. Place on ungreased baking sheets. Press 1/2 inch deep centers with thumb. Fill each center with about 1/2 tsp. peanut butter. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until sides are set but centers are still slightly soft. Let stand for 2 minutes; removed to wire racks to cool completely. makes about 3 1/2 dozen.
Update about yesterday.....so despite my best efforts, we did not make it to the neighbors. We did have a nice evening with just one wreath for us. Kimball made it and crushed the corn flakes to bits! I still have some gingerbread left over so I'm going to crumble it and make a crust for a cheesecake with it. Sounds good eh?
Don't worry - we'll catch the neighbors later.....
Hope things are well with you - the tidying/cleaning continues here. Laundry all day!! Makes me wish I had 2 dryers. Someday.....Hey - do they make a 2 stack dryer unit? I should check!
Glad you enjoyed the Cookies Sarah! We'll keep the recipies coming!
Monday, December 15, 2008
14 & 15 Dec 2008
So I missed yesterday. I thought about it - if that counts. Kimball was sick in the night (again!) so we ended up leaving her home. She made cookies and did dishes (I'm thinking maybe we should have taken her?). These are the cookies:
Mini Chip Snowball Cookies
1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) butter or margarine softened
3/4 c. powdered sugar
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups mini chocolate chips (or just use regular)
1/2 cup finely chopped nuts
Powdered sugar
Beat butter, 3/4 c. powdered sugar, vanilla and salt in a large mixer bowl until creamy. Gradually beat in flour. Stir in chips and nuts. Shape level tablespoonfuls of dough into 1 inch balls. Place on ungreased baking sheets.
Bake in preheated 375 degree oven for 10 - 12 minutes or until cookies are set and lightly browned. Remove cookies from oven. Sift sugar over hot cookies on baking sheet. Let stand for 10 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. Sprinkle with additional sugar, if desired. Store in airtight containers. Makes about 5 dozen cookies.
So that was yesterday - today is a new day - another cookie! Well - technically it's not a cookie - but it's what I'm making today so this is what you get:
Christmas Cornflake Wreath Cookies
Submitted by: Sharon P.Rated: 4 out of 5 by 55 members
Yields: 18 servings
"These cookies look like little Christmas Wreaths and are great fun for the kids to help with. Very Easy. People always look at these suspiciously, but once they try them, they can't get enough. Recipe may be halved."
INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup butter
4 cups miniature marshmallows
1 teaspoon green food coloring
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups cornflakes cereal
1 (2.25 ounce) package cinnamon red hot
candies
DIRECTIONS:
1.
Microwave marshmallows and butter on High for 2 minutes. Stir, then microwave on High for 2 minutes more. Stir. (This can be done in a double boiler if one doesn't have a microwave.)
2.
Add and mix quickly the coloring, extracts, then cornflakes. Drop by spoonfuls in clumps on greased wax paper and decorate with 3 red hots each.
3.
Once cool, transfer to lightly greased serving/storage tray with lightly greased fingers.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2008 Allrecipes.com
Printed from Allrecipes.com 12/15/2008
document.write('');
It was easier to copy and paste than to type that all out. Also - saw a great idea in case you don't have a double boiler. This gal used a glass bowl on top of one of her pots that contained boiling water. Worked great!
This is what we're taking to our neighbors while caroling this evening. I'm using jelly bellies (red) in place of the red hots - and doing plate size wreaths. Anyhoo....Just had to share.
Have a great evening!
Mini Chip Snowball Cookies
1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) butter or margarine softened
3/4 c. powdered sugar
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups mini chocolate chips (or just use regular)
1/2 cup finely chopped nuts
Powdered sugar
Beat butter, 3/4 c. powdered sugar, vanilla and salt in a large mixer bowl until creamy. Gradually beat in flour. Stir in chips and nuts. Shape level tablespoonfuls of dough into 1 inch balls. Place on ungreased baking sheets.
Bake in preheated 375 degree oven for 10 - 12 minutes or until cookies are set and lightly browned. Remove cookies from oven. Sift sugar over hot cookies on baking sheet. Let stand for 10 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. Sprinkle with additional sugar, if desired. Store in airtight containers. Makes about 5 dozen cookies.
So that was yesterday - today is a new day - another cookie! Well - technically it's not a cookie - but it's what I'm making today so this is what you get:
Christmas Cornflake Wreath Cookies
Submitted by: Sharon P.Rated: 4 out of 5 by 55 members
Yields: 18 servings
"These cookies look like little Christmas Wreaths and are great fun for the kids to help with. Very Easy. People always look at these suspiciously, but once they try them, they can't get enough. Recipe may be halved."
INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup butter
4 cups miniature marshmallows
1 teaspoon green food coloring
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups cornflakes cereal
1 (2.25 ounce) package cinnamon red hot
candies
DIRECTIONS:
1.
Microwave marshmallows and butter on High for 2 minutes. Stir, then microwave on High for 2 minutes more. Stir. (This can be done in a double boiler if one doesn't have a microwave.)
2.
Add and mix quickly the coloring, extracts, then cornflakes. Drop by spoonfuls in clumps on greased wax paper and decorate with 3 red hots each.
3.
Once cool, transfer to lightly greased serving/storage tray with lightly greased fingers.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2008 Allrecipes.com
Printed from Allrecipes.com 12/15/2008
document.write('');
It was easier to copy and paste than to type that all out. Also - saw a great idea in case you don't have a double boiler. This gal used a glass bowl on top of one of her pots that contained boiling water. Worked great!
This is what we're taking to our neighbors while caroling this evening. I'm using jelly bellies (red) in place of the red hots - and doing plate size wreaths. Anyhoo....Just had to share.
Have a great evening!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
13 Dec 2008
So we are having Gingerbread Cutouts today - here's the recipe:
1/2 c. shortening
1/2 c. granulated sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup molasses
1 egg
1 Tbsp vinegar
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Mix everything up - chill for a bit until it's easy to handle. Roll out dough on lightly floured (or sugared) surface to 1/4 inch thick. Cut out fun shapes (little people) - Put on a greased cookie sheet. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 6 to 8 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Decorate as desired.
The girls did this by themselves! Too much today to go over it all. I'm tired...and going to bed. More tomorrow!
1/2 c. shortening
1/2 c. granulated sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup molasses
1 egg
1 Tbsp vinegar
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Mix everything up - chill for a bit until it's easy to handle. Roll out dough on lightly floured (or sugared) surface to 1/4 inch thick. Cut out fun shapes (little people) - Put on a greased cookie sheet. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 6 to 8 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Decorate as desired.
The girls did this by themselves! Too much today to go over it all. I'm tired...and going to bed. More tomorrow!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Update on 1st Cookies
They are really tasty - I can definately tell they have corn syrup in them as they are kind of "sticky" if that makes any sense. I would probably try something different next time - no corn syrup and adjust consistency with flour - plenty sweet!
We are so enjoying REDBOX - if you haven't checked it out - you really should! We're watching Horton hears a Who and The Dark Knight - both for the first time tonight. The Horton for the kids and the other for DJ - I'm going to try to go to sleep. :) We'll see - I'll probably watch for a while. Oh - and the trick with REDBOX is to reserve it online - that way you know it's for sure going to be there when you get there and it's so quick! It's just a dollar per movie (got mine around noon today) until the following day at 9pm. EASY!
Well, that's about all. We got Becky's christmas letter - nice! And Gene & JoAn's card. Very nice! How did you do them? Printed message and all.....it had me figuring.
Well, Hope everyone's evening is great. We're allowing popcorn in the car as we look at the lights (personally seasoned little brown bags). I'm hoping DJ will clean my car following this grand adventure ;) Always needing done it seems (with kids and DJ). Are you ever like me and dream of a house that doesn't get dirty - a car that stays clean? Someday....Somewhere....
Enjoy!
We are so enjoying REDBOX - if you haven't checked it out - you really should! We're watching Horton hears a Who and The Dark Knight - both for the first time tonight. The Horton for the kids and the other for DJ - I'm going to try to go to sleep. :) We'll see - I'll probably watch for a while. Oh - and the trick with REDBOX is to reserve it online - that way you know it's for sure going to be there when you get there and it's so quick! It's just a dollar per movie (got mine around noon today) until the following day at 9pm. EASY!
Well, that's about all. We got Becky's christmas letter - nice! And Gene & JoAn's card. Very nice! How did you do them? Printed message and all.....it had me figuring.
Well, Hope everyone's evening is great. We're allowing popcorn in the car as we look at the lights (personally seasoned little brown bags). I'm hoping DJ will clean my car following this grand adventure ;) Always needing done it seems (with kids and DJ). Are you ever like me and dream of a house that doesn't get dirty - a car that stays clean? Someday....Somewhere....
Enjoy!
The Honorable Jim Edgar
Former Governor of Illinois
Specialty Recipe
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup corn syrup
1/2 cup natural peanut butter
2 egg whites
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup oats
Combine flour and baking soda and set aside. Combine corn syrup and peanut butter and mix well. Add egg whites, sugars, and vanilla. Add flour mixture and mix well. Fold in oats. Drop by rounded teaspoon on ungreased cookie sheet and bake in 375-degree oven for 8 minutes.
Makes: 2 dozen*Approximate composition per serving:
105 calories 3g fat 0mg cholesterol 51mg sodium
These are cookies we're making today. Haven't tried it yet - sounds tasty. My girls were requesting peanut butter sugar cookies - but I talked them into these. I haven't got the 12 days of Christmas really figured out. Do I start today? When are you supposed to be done - Christmas eve or Christmas Day. Alas! We're starting the cookies today. Also - we're planning on doing the yearly drive and look at lights tonight with some friends ;) Have a great evening!
Former Governor of Illinois
Specialty Recipe
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup corn syrup
1/2 cup natural peanut butter
2 egg whites
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup oats
Combine flour and baking soda and set aside. Combine corn syrup and peanut butter and mix well. Add egg whites, sugars, and vanilla. Add flour mixture and mix well. Fold in oats. Drop by rounded teaspoon on ungreased cookie sheet and bake in 375-degree oven for 8 minutes.
Makes: 2 dozen*Approximate composition per serving:
105 calories 3g fat 0mg cholesterol 51mg sodium
These are cookies we're making today. Haven't tried it yet - sounds tasty. My girls were requesting peanut butter sugar cookies - but I talked them into these. I haven't got the 12 days of Christmas really figured out. Do I start today? When are you supposed to be done - Christmas eve or Christmas Day. Alas! We're starting the cookies today. Also - we're planning on doing the yearly drive and look at lights tonight with some friends ;) Have a great evening!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
11 Dec 2008
Good Morning! We're off to a great start today. A few things to do - but not too bad! As for the time and expense - don't think about it - I didn't :)
Seems like so much to say - but I can't think of a thing today. Maybe tomorrow? 
Aha! I found something. This sweet gal had a birthday on Monday that we had to celebrate. She was 41 so we put on 5 candles - 4+1 :) Looking forward to getting copies of this pic to her to send to her children in Mexico. Can't remember how long it's been since she's seen them - a while at any rate.
Enjoy!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
10 Dec 2008
The stuff is in the mail! Yeah! Just a small caveat....I only sent one disk to you, Becky - because I wanted you to be able to add the last picture pages before burning more disks for your branch of the family. I sent one disk to Bruce and Sharon - we'll get you the missing pages ;) and then you can make copies for your branch. I'm going to send the missing pages to my branch of the family. Don't know if that makes sense or not....
Everyone - make sure you look through your file to be sure that the formatting of the pages is correct. Even after I finished with it - it got squirlly on me. A line hanging off the page - on the next one....There's instructions in with the disk.
And that's about it. Hooray!
Everyone - make sure you look through your file to be sure that the formatting of the pages is correct. Even after I finished with it - it got squirlly on me. A line hanging off the page - on the next one....There's instructions in with the disk.
And that's about it. Hooray!
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
9 Dec 2008
Good morning everyone! Had such a nice evening with the spirit so strong in our home! It was really great! We read the story about the boy who gets up early to milk the cows for his dad. Know the one? Christmas Day in the Morning by Pearl S. Buck I think it's called. So nice!
Trying to get things finished up today.....we'll see how it goes....I'll report when they're in the mail!
Well, Back to work! More later..
Trying to get things finished up today.....we'll see how it goes....I'll report when they're in the mail!
Well, Back to work! More later..
Monday, December 08, 2008
8 Dec 2008
The report: It went well, although it was probably the most nervous I've ever been. Crazy, I know - but true. I even had DJ come up with me - he just sat in one of the chairs - and I thought he'd follow me and fix any mistakes I made. He didn't say anything - just followed me back down. Everyone was so kind and I was really glad of the effort I made.
The BEST news today is that my voIP phone (T-mobile at home) is working! After several hours on the phone troubleshooting on Friday and waiting over the weekend and more troubleshooting today - I exchanged the router for another one at the store I purchased at, plugged it in and we have a blue light! That means it's working. So - we will have our same home phone number - we kind of have 2 lines right now and I don't want to confuse anyone with additional numbers - so if you're in doubt - call my cell. Thanks! The home number should be the only one by the end of the week.
Well, I got a book about the 12 days of Christmas and have decided to do something really fun and include everyone who reads the blog on this. We're doing the 12 days of Christmas Cookies. I'll have a new recipe on every day to share with you what we are making that day - so you can make it and join us if you like. We're starting on the 13th - that way we're sort of a day ahead of schedule and can enjoy cookies clear through Christmas. So - don't miss these tasty, tested recipes :) They are some of our favorites. If you have any you would like to share - put the recipe on your blog and make a note on mine so that I'll be sure not to miss it!
I'm going to the eye doctor today. No particular reason other than it's been a long time if ever that I have gone to the eye doctor. Insurance covers it and McKay is going too. We're also having friends from SB over for dinner. A little crazy - I know! It's all good - I'm making Enchiladas. Gringa Enchiladas I suppose but it will be fine.....
So probably tomorrow I'll get everything ready to mail out :) I had hoped to get to it today - but the day is getting the best of me. :) Have a wonderful FHE!
The BEST news today is that my voIP phone (T-mobile at home) is working! After several hours on the phone troubleshooting on Friday and waiting over the weekend and more troubleshooting today - I exchanged the router for another one at the store I purchased at, plugged it in and we have a blue light! That means it's working. So - we will have our same home phone number - we kind of have 2 lines right now and I don't want to confuse anyone with additional numbers - so if you're in doubt - call my cell. Thanks! The home number should be the only one by the end of the week.
Well, I got a book about the 12 days of Christmas and have decided to do something really fun and include everyone who reads the blog on this. We're doing the 12 days of Christmas Cookies. I'll have a new recipe on every day to share with you what we are making that day - so you can make it and join us if you like. We're starting on the 13th - that way we're sort of a day ahead of schedule and can enjoy cookies clear through Christmas. So - don't miss these tasty, tested recipes :) They are some of our favorites. If you have any you would like to share - put the recipe on your blog and make a note on mine so that I'll be sure not to miss it!
I'm going to the eye doctor today. No particular reason other than it's been a long time if ever that I have gone to the eye doctor. Insurance covers it and McKay is going too. We're also having friends from SB over for dinner. A little crazy - I know! It's all good - I'm making Enchiladas. Gringa Enchiladas I suppose but it will be fine.....
So probably tomorrow I'll get everything ready to mail out :) I had hoped to get to it today - but the day is getting the best of me. :) Have a wonderful FHE!
Sunday, December 07, 2008
7 Dec 2008
So I'm really nervous this morning - getting ready for Church. Don't know if I could explain it all if I tried. Going over the words with DJ this morning I was feeling a bit discouraged in my pronouciation. I'm going to make some notes of certain words so I can get them just right.
Our family watched "The Errand of Angels" on TV last Sunday - BYU TV recorded. (got to put it onto a DVD as we have now cancelled the dish). The little ones especially have caught on to the idea of being sister missionaries. Such fun!
Well, I need to finish getting ready. Thanks for the good wishes, Sarah!
Our family watched "The Errand of Angels" on TV last Sunday - BYU TV recorded. (got to put it onto a DVD as we have now cancelled the dish). The little ones especially have caught on to the idea of being sister missionaries. Such fun!
Well, I need to finish getting ready. Thanks for the good wishes, Sarah!
Saturday, December 06, 2008
6 Dec 2008
It's kind of strange not "having" to get on here everyday. I've taken it easier today as the new medication seems to be affecting my blood sugar levels a bit. Alas! Eight days to go.
I got something very nice in the mail today. Thanks GG for thinking of me. I got misty :) Anyway - we love you so and your book will be in the mail next week :) I know you will enjoy reading and looking through it. Just have to get the file burned on CD's - and we'll be ready to roll. That's on tomorrow's schedule.
So tomorrow is fast Sunday. That doesn't necessarily mean it goes quickly ;) I wanted to share my testimony of the gospel in Spanish - so I used this great service - http://babelfish.yahoo.com/
You can translate web pages or just type something and translate that. So I'll be reading my testimony after DJ goes through to make sure everything is OK. Pretty excited about that - but nervous about my pronouciation. For someone who feels well educated - this is the perfect humbling experience - being surrounded by others (many of whom speak 2 languages) and feeling like I'm so slow ;(
It is nice though, and they are all so kind. Wish you could all come and go with us - it's a wonderful spirit there!
Well, it's heading for evening - so I better wrap this up. Still no local phone by the computer. I'll be making some calls on Monday. Have a great Sabbath!
I got something very nice in the mail today. Thanks GG for thinking of me. I got misty :) Anyway - we love you so and your book will be in the mail next week :) I know you will enjoy reading and looking through it. Just have to get the file burned on CD's - and we'll be ready to roll. That's on tomorrow's schedule.
So tomorrow is fast Sunday. That doesn't necessarily mean it goes quickly ;) I wanted to share my testimony of the gospel in Spanish - so I used this great service - http://babelfish.yahoo.com/
You can translate web pages or just type something and translate that. So I'll be reading my testimony after DJ goes through to make sure everything is OK. Pretty excited about that - but nervous about my pronouciation. For someone who feels well educated - this is the perfect humbling experience - being surrounded by others (many of whom speak 2 languages) and feeling like I'm so slow ;(
It is nice though, and they are all so kind. Wish you could all come and go with us - it's a wonderful spirit there!
Well, it's heading for evening - so I better wrap this up. Still no local phone by the computer. I'll be making some calls on Monday. Have a great Sabbath!
Friday, December 05, 2008
5 Dec 2008
Well I wasn't sure I'd be able to post today. I've been hooking up a T-Mobile Router for my local phone and it disrupted the internet. Still don't have the phone working - maybe soon? Ah well!
What one will do to save a couple of dollars....
Anyway - lessons went well yesterday. And I got calendars out to everyone for next year's Winter/Spring lessons. That was good. Just working on getting things going.
Having lots of fun. On round 3 of antibiotics for an infection. Hopefully this round will work. Hope everyone is enjoying this great time of year!
More tomorrow!
What one will do to save a couple of dollars....
Anyway - lessons went well yesterday. And I got calendars out to everyone for next year's Winter/Spring lessons. That was good. Just working on getting things going.
Having lots of fun. On round 3 of antibiotics for an infection. Hopefully this round will work. Hope everyone is enjoying this great time of year!
More tomorrow!
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
4 Dec 2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYIOIM6hHBk
For all those who think they have the coolest phone with the most features :)
Had to laugh! Getting in more laughs nowadays. A very good thing - it's been too long!
Well - I am off to a great start on reclaiming my home. It has suffered much during the past few months. It is happy to be recieving attention again.
Lots to do - as always so I better get on with it. Have a great day!
For all those who think they have the coolest phone with the most features :)
Had to laugh! Getting in more laughs nowadays. A very good thing - it's been too long!
Well - I am off to a great start on reclaiming my home. It has suffered much during the past few months. It is happy to be recieving attention again.
Lots to do - as always so I better get on with it. Have a great day!
http://www.endfatigue.com/media_downloads/videos/Safetyatworkawards.pps#1
Another funny!
Only one word left to write here -
DONE!
Another funny!
Only one word left to write here -
DONE!
http://bewareofthedoghouse.com/videoPage.aspx
You have to watch this - so cute! Jared sent it to me on my email. Thanks Jared! I had a good laugh!
Well - I had a productive day yesterday and was so grateful when DJ came home and took me out of the house for some shopping. I'm back at work today and hoping - (a line from Quantum Leap comes to mind - paraphrased a big) that each day is my last on this project :)
I've got all the girls presents - just waiting on one to arrive then they will all be wrapped. A couple of things to pick up for DJ - but that will wait until I'm done with the book.
Getting ready for lessons tomorrow. Such fun! Anyway - I will do another post as soon as I finish this book. Probably should explain one point. I haven't done my in-laws histories. So I left blank spots in the book for those. I figure that they or DJ can do them and I'll add them later - so finished is a realitve term I suppose.
Have a wonderful day!
You have to watch this - so cute! Jared sent it to me on my email. Thanks Jared! I had a good laugh!
Well - I had a productive day yesterday and was so grateful when DJ came home and took me out of the house for some shopping. I'm back at work today and hoping - (a line from Quantum Leap comes to mind - paraphrased a big) that each day is my last on this project :)
I've got all the girls presents - just waiting on one to arrive then they will all be wrapped. A couple of things to pick up for DJ - but that will wait until I'm done with the book.
Getting ready for lessons tomorrow. Such fun! Anyway - I will do another post as soon as I finish this book. Probably should explain one point. I haven't done my in-laws histories. So I left blank spots in the book for those. I figure that they or DJ can do them and I'll add them later - so finished is a realitve term I suppose.
Have a wonderful day!
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/
Saw this as I checked my blogs this morning - had to pass it on. Good message! So how is Christmas planning going for you? We are doing really well here. Making progress and the few gifts I have purchased are wrapped and under the tree. No - I do not have really little fingers. I hope the medium little fingers can stay out of them :)
No - we didn't go to another ward - just driving in the mountains for half a day. Lots of bumpy road. Still recovering - but I am so in sync with you Sarah - the kids will remember I was there :) I did get a nap along the way (thanks Tylenol PM).
Anyway - I'm hoping for a super productive day - and I just might get it. Re-evaluating plans and figuring out what works and what doesn't. Finishing Dan & Kaye's book - no idea how many pages are left and I'm not going to count them. I might have to make a quick run to the ink store - out of ink again! AGAIN! It's all good :) Getting ready to mail things out to people. Thinking of doing some mass mailings - big packages to strategically placed family. For those who are loners - you'll get your own package. :) I really hope everyone is able to enjoy these stories! DJ and the girls haven't even got to read them yet - so lots of fun ahead of us :)
Well - that's about everything. Helped at the school yesterday. Thanks Jared & Cory for a delicious (as always!) dinner. It was a nice evening. Have a great 2nd everyone!
Saw this as I checked my blogs this morning - had to pass it on. Good message! So how is Christmas planning going for you? We are doing really well here. Making progress and the few gifts I have purchased are wrapped and under the tree. No - I do not have really little fingers. I hope the medium little fingers can stay out of them :)
No - we didn't go to another ward - just driving in the mountains for half a day. Lots of bumpy road. Still recovering - but I am so in sync with you Sarah - the kids will remember I was there :) I did get a nap along the way (thanks Tylenol PM).
Anyway - I'm hoping for a super productive day - and I just might get it. Re-evaluating plans and figuring out what works and what doesn't. Finishing Dan & Kaye's book - no idea how many pages are left and I'm not going to count them. I might have to make a quick run to the ink store - out of ink again! AGAIN! It's all good :) Getting ready to mail things out to people. Thinking of doing some mass mailings - big packages to strategically placed family. For those who are loners - you'll get your own package. :) I really hope everyone is able to enjoy these stories! DJ and the girls haven't even got to read them yet - so lots of fun ahead of us :)
Well - that's about everything. Helped at the school yesterday. Thanks Jared & Cory for a delicious (as always!) dinner. It was a nice evening. Have a great 2nd everyone!
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