Fancy That

2011-02-01T07:53:00.004-06:00

I've been telling my oldest daughter that we would make something special to hang above her bed for months. We saved little snip'its, tags, bags, and paper...it took sleet and snow to keep us home...but we've finally done it. I love the way it reflects her personal style.

LITTLE GLIMPSES

THE BIG PICTURE

Fancy that, a project long invisioned finally comes together!

DeeLight

Snow on Snow on Snow

2010-02-02T08:36:00.005-06:00

Okay, I must admit I LOVE the white stuff (snow that is). I Love being stuck at home with my family and I love watching my kids play in the snow!

Granted we don't get stuck at home too often. I don't know if I would enjoy an entire season of it. But snow really is a wonderful thing.

And now for BED HEADS eating Snow Ice Cream for Breakfast...
I tried 2 recipes one with Eagle Brand (Paula Deen's Recipe) one made by mom's recipe. Mom's was the best but Paula Deen's recipe was okay.

Mom’s Snow Ice Cream

Mix:
2 C milk or half and half
½ - 1 C sugar
1 egg
1 t vanilla

Stir until well blended and sugar starts to dissolve.

Fill a mixing bowl with snow pour mixture over snow and stir, add more snow for desired consistency.

Fancy That Ice Cream made from snow! Doesn't get much better than that.

DeeLight

Spread Your Wings and Fly

2009-10-24T06:39:00.003-05:00

My mother has a "butterfly garden", and every year the kids love to watch the caterpillars as they gather on the fennel bush. They always bring one or two home, and observe them as they make their cocoons and wait for them to open into beautiful butterflies.

As we were preparing to go out of town, a few weeks ago, my oldest heard something rustle and notices that the butterfly had opened. What a lovely surprise!

Speaking of beautiful surprises...Check out this cute dress my mom made for "Big Sis" she started with a tank top cut it to a shorter length than gathered a great floral fabric and attached it to tank top :) How cute it that! "Big Sis" added a cute belt, necklace and jacket for the perfect look.

Fancy That, beautiful surprises all around! Keep a look out, you never know when something beautiful will be headed your way ;) DeeLight

2009-09-09T10:40:00.003-05:00

My mom gave me the coolest thing ever from Willaims-Sonoma . She gave me a pumpkin and apple shaped "hand pie" press.

This is what the finished product looked like...not as great as the ones in the catalog, but I'm happy, and to be honest the pies didn't last long enough for it to matter too much. The great thing about these presses is that the kids are able to help (very easy to use).

Fancy, that yummy little pies that little hands can help to make. DeeLight

Wall Collage with Picture Frames

2009-09-03T12:29:00.003-05:00

Don't ask me why, but it has been my mission to decorate my house with items from goodwill, or garage sales. Now, I do have a few things I've picked up from other places, and of course there are the items I already had, but most of the newer things are thrifty things.

I was having pretty good luck finding prints, mirrors, wall hangings...but I had this one space that I just couldn't fill. I never happened on to anything that was the right color or style. So I decided to borrow an idea from one of my Country Living magazines, and use a collection of empty frames, mirrors...to create what I like to call a "wall collage". I stopped in at the goodwill (while my oldest waited in the car with the little ones) and 8 minutes later I came out with all of the frames, shadow box, and mirror you see in this picture. I cut a scrap of toile fabric to fit one of the frames. The shadow box was easy, I inserted decorative paper into the box and then placed tiny mementos into the, super tiny, spaces.

I removed the ghastly print that was in the black frame and replaced it with a collage made from junk that was literally sitting on my counter (old keys, scrapbooking scraps, ribbon, and a few old buttons). Oh, and I sanded the frame so it would loose a little of it's gloss and have a more vintage look.

Fancy That, a quick trip to the Goodwill and a new creative and inexpensive wall display, or should I say "wall collage";) DeeLight

Oh, What A Circus!!

2009-08-31T15:11:00.005-05:00

Today's Muffin Tin theme really suits my life right now. With school, soccer, piano...starting back up things are a circus!

We had our Muffin Tin after school. I went with Mini Cupcakes and all the fixing's for clown faces.

Try as I may I can't get this picture to load into blogger the correct way, so turn your head sideways and every thing will be just right.

Big Sis is helping the two little ones with this project and I'm heading out to mow the lawn!!

Hope you are all having a Magnificent Monday!! Stop by Michelle's to see more muffin tins.

Facny that, A little clown'n around with cupcakes! DeeLight

Make note of it! It's Pink Saturday

2009-08-29T08:42:00.007-05:00

What better way to make note of something special, than with a clipboard dressed in pink!!

The other day I shared a clipboard that I made. This pretty pink clipboard is one that my niece made for my youngest daughter's room. The cupcakes were created with a Martha Stewart paper punch, she added corkboard to the side and used scrapbooking stickers for the lettering. Like the clipboard shown in the previous post, the picture is mounted with photo corners for easy removal. The oldest girl in the photo is my niece and the baby is my youngest.

For more noteworthy pink check out Beverly's Blog!!

Fancy That, two girls all pretty in pink clipped on a pretty pink board!! DeeLight

Altered Clipboard

2009-08-25T12:33:00.006-05:00

A few days ago I showed a clipboard my niece and daughter made. This is a clipboard that I made to hang in my kitchen. The board is covered with scrapbook paper and accented with ribbon, then covered with ModPodge. Once the ModPodge dried I added a corkboard square (I even found push pins to match the paper:). I added words with scrapbooking stickers. The picture is mounted with picture corners so that it can be easily changed.

This is a super easy craft. Once we realized how easy it was to make these we made several. I'll show them in the next few days.

Fancy That, a fun and useful craft project that doesn't break the bank! DeeLight

Muffin Tin Monday

2009-08-24T12:22:00.004-05:00

Thanks, Michelle for hosting Muffin Tin Monday!!

This week theme is People and Faces. Sounds like fun. I can't wait to see what everyone did :)

We kept it simple with raisins and dried cranberries for facial features, grated cheese for hair, a cracker to build it on, and cream cheese spread to hold it all together!! Oh, and I can't forget the Sponge Bob crackers with funny faces.

These are some very hairy faces;)

Fancy That, food that doesn't just put a smile on your face...you put a smile on it's face!

DeeLight

School Locker Bling

2009-08-18T13:35:00.004-05:00

Back to School, Back to Blogging? We'll see. I hope so, but I must say I've done so much more crafting, cleaning...while I've been away from blogging.

Now, for the good stuff. This is the "Locker Bling" we've put together for my daughter's locker. My daughter and Niece made the clip board over the summer. I picked up a locker mirror and Dry Erase board at the office supply and added ribbon and bows. I added magnets to the back of the pencil cup and a bow to the front, and I can't forget to mention the matching push pins and magnets we bought to go with it. I hope all of these goodies will help make the first year of Jr. High just a little more fun!!

Facny That, a little bling to brighten the day. DeeLight

Muffin Tin Monday goes AWOL

2009-04-20T12:29:00.005-05:00

I've been a very bad blogger lately, I'll tell why later this week.

Today I got back into the swing of things with a Muffin Tin Lunch. Thanks Michelle for hosting the fun each week!!

We had a picnic in the backyard. The muffin tin was filled with banana, peanut butter sandwich squares, lucky charms, grapes, ranch potato chips, and strawberries.

This was our first at home picnic this year. Little guy loved this, so it will probably become the norm.

Baby Girl is usually napping when we do our lunch, but today she joined us. I only have one smaller muffin tin (the one Little Guy uses). I guess I'll have to pick one up for her too. We made do with a divided plate this week.

Fancy That, Muffin Tins are on the loose!! Go check it out and join the fun at Her Cup Overfloweth

DeeLight

Muffin Tin Monday---We Had A Bunny For Lunch

2009-04-06T13:58:00.004-05:00

For more muffin tin Monday visit Her Cup Overfloweth

Yes indeed, we had a Bunny for lunch. So of course we had to fix things a bunny would like to eat. Things like carrots, grass (coconut died green with food coloring and sprinkled on top of yogurt), Easter eggs, and Easter candies. I do think the bunny enjoyed the yummy lunch, and I know Little Guy thought the Bunny was Yummy!!

And well if you give a boy an Easter Bunny for lunch he's going to ask to make Easter cookies for dessert.

and if you let a boy make cookies...he's going to remember how much he loves icing and sprinkles. So your going to have to let him decorate the cookies.

Fancy That, a bunny for lunch and Easter Egg for dessert!!

Muffin Tin Monday--Taste The Rainbow

2009-03-23T14:00:00.003-05:00

It's been ages since I last took part in Muffin Tin Monday ( and I've never done it on this blog), but it's so much fun I decided to join in this week (hopefully I'll get back to doing it weekly). If you would like to share in our Munchy Muffin Tin Adventures stop by Her Cup Overfloweth

The theme for this week is Rainbow, and well, who doesn't love a rainbow!!

I decided if we were going to taste a rainbow we may as well read about one too. I chose the book Rain. This book starts with a blue sky, then white clouds, then gray clouds...then rain, then you see the red car in the rain...(I think you get the idea) and on the last page? A Rainbow of coarse!!

As we read the book we found foods in our Muffin Tin that matched to colors in the book.

Yellow Banana

Green Lime (great for squeezing into our water)

Red Strawberries

Purple Grapes (okay so they're a little on the red side)

Blue Berries

Orange Cheese Crackers

Little guy had a great time tasting his rainbow.

Fancy That, A rainbow to read about and a rainbow to eat!! It's supposed to rain later this week, perhaps we'll have a rainbow to look at!!

DeeLight

Perfectly Pink Spring Break

2009-03-21T11:10:00.003-05:00

Big Sis was tickled pink at the release of this movie. And yes we were among the other fans attending one of the various movie release parties so that we could go home with our copy in the wee hours of the morning. Big Sis stayed up to watch it with Creative Cousin, but I went to bed!!

Spring Break is coming to a close, but we had a super PINK time. Big Sis and Creative Cousin always spend time crafting. This week we tried something new, Hair Bows. This is just a sampling of some of the pink bows we made. Oh, and ribbon you have to have ribbon, and just my luck Hobby Lobby was having a half price sale on the stuff!!

Fancy That, we've been wrapped up in pink ribbon all spring break...then the long awaited arrival of a favorite movie. A perfect ending to a Perfectly Pink Spring Break.

For even more pink stop in and see Beverly.

DeeLight

Get Your Green On!!

2009-03-17T07:29:00.006-05:00

If your looking for a fun activity for St. Patric's day, I have a couple to share. Little Guy is in a sort of anti craft mode, so I have to choose our activities carefully.

Who doesn't love to make play dough. This is my stand by recipe as it doesn't require cooking, so it's easy for little ones to help with.

Koolaid Play Dough

1 c flour, sifted (this is what my recipe calls for but I always use more. It's fun for the kids to work it in with their hands. I use at least 1 cup more. Just add until you have a smooth dough that's not too sticky)
1/2 c salt
3 T cooking oil
1 pkg Koolaid (unsweet) we used lemon lime for the green color
1 c boiling water ( I just use hot water, perhaps that's why I need extra flour, but I don't really think so)
Mix dry ingredients and oil. Add water and knead to for soft dough, add flour as needed.

Yellow and Blue make Green!

With all this talk of green I couldn't pass up the opportunity to guide little guy in a little color exploration.

All you need for this activity is yellow and blue food color (you could just use green) and rubbing alcohol). Pour uncooked pasta into a zip top bag, add a generous amount of food color and a bit of alcohol (a cap full or two should do the trick), and close the top of the bag. Now it's time to get shake'n. Shake pasta until all noodles are coated. Lay noodles out on news paper to dry.

We are still undecided on what to make with our noodles perhaps a necklace, or maybe even a decoration to hang from the light fixture over the kitchen table. We'll share what we make later.

Fancy That, Lots of Green Family Fun!!

DeeLight

Pink On Earth and Goodwill To All Men PART 2

2009-03-14T08:32:00.003-05:00

If you love pink you'll want to stop by Beverly's Blog for this weeks Pink Saturday listing.

Okay, call me crazy, but I'm addicted to Goodwill. Yes I do love to spread Goodwill to all men, women and children, but what I'm really talking about is the Goodwill Store.

There is so much pinkness to be had at Goodwill. I couldn't wait to share my pink finds, from this week, for Pink Saturday.

Goodwill Wants You!!

Baby Girl's top came from Goodwill too. It was brand new with the tags still on!

Just for the fun of it I was looking on line to see if Goodwill had a web sight and yes they do, and there is even an online auction.

In case your wondering I'm in no way affiliated with the Goodwill store. I just can't pass up a good deal.

Fancy That, more pinkness from the Goodwill store.

DeeLight

Pink On Earth and Goodwill To All Men

2009-03-07T06:42:00.011-06:00

This week I'm sharing a collection of pink that's currently on a corner of our mantle.

The play size tea pot, cup and saucer are the Old Country Roses pattern and were given to me by my mom (Thanks Mom).

The little painting is something I found at the Goodwill store. It has been hand painted by someone, perhaps as a lesson or weekend project.

The bride and groom cake topper was the topper my Mom and Dad used on their cake, when my husband and I were married we used it too. I know it's not pink, but treasures from my family hold a very pink place in my heart!!

Fancy That, we come to find pink in so many different place as gifts, second hand...and sometimes pink is simply the feeling that a treasured item offers.

Be sure and check out all of the Pink this week at How Sweet The sound
DeeLight

Friday Book Project--The Door Bell Rang

2009-03-07T05:48:00.008-06:00

Thank you Sandy for hosting another Friday Book Project.

WE LOVE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES. Really, who doesn't? So this was a book little guy could relate to.

The Door Bell Rang

The mom in the story has just made a plate of cookies for brother and sister to share. Just as they are sitting down with their cookies the doorbell rings, now they have to divide their cookies evenly to share with their friend. But wait, not so fast, Just as they divide the cookies...yes you guessed it THE DOOR BELL RANG!! This keeps happening until every one has only one cookie. Who's at the door now? Should they answer it? What a surprise when they answer the door to find Grandma with a great big plate of cookies to share!!

This book offers the opportunity to talk about sharing, counting, division and cooking. We made our favorite recipe for chocolate chip cookies . I took out 6 cookies to share and we set the table with 2 plates and divided the cookies. What would happen if 1 friend came to join us? We added one more plate and divided the cookies. Now, what would happen if 3 more friends came to join us? This time we added 3 plates (so that we had 6 plates all together), and divided the cookies. This activity can be made as challenging as you would like, Little Guy is only 3 so we kept it simple

Check back next week for more related activities.

Fancy that, a good book and warm cookies!!
DeeLight

Oh My, Let's Make Some Pie

2009-03-05T12:23:00.009-06:00

I love pie. Who doesn't? But it seems that many people don't like the idea of making their own crust (quite honestly I can't imaging using a store bought crust). So I'm sharing the crust recipe I use (if i can do it anyone can). I'm also sharing 2 recipes I made this week using pie crust (one's sweet and one's savory). Both are delicious.

Take the time to make your own crust, you won't be sorry!!

Pie Crust

2 1/2 C all purpose flour

1t salt

1t granulated sugar

1C cold unsalted butter (cut in small pieces)

1/4-1/2 cup cold ice water

Mix flour, salt and sugar together in mixing bowl, cut in butter with a pasty blender, until it resembles course meal. Add ice water and mix (I use the pasty blender) until no longer crumbly, but not sticky. Wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour (I never do this. That would take more planning ahead than I'm capable of). This makes enough for 1 double crust pie or 2 single.

Now you're ready to get started on Irish Beef Hand Pies.

Irish Beef Hand Pies

1 T vegetable oil
¼ head green cabbage shredded (I chop mine so the kids won’t know it’s there)
½ pound red potatoes scrubbed and diced
1-pound ground beef sirloin
3 T tomato paste
½ t Worcestershire sauce
½ t dried thyme
Course salt and ground pepper
Home made pie crust (full recipe)

heat oven to 400

Heat oil over M heat, in a saucepan. Add potatoes and cabbage. Cook for about 7 minutes. Add beef and cook until no longer pink. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme and 1-cup water. Cover and cook until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. Lightly mash mixture with fork. Add salt and pepper. Let cool.

Roll half of crust into a square (about 14 inches). Cut into 4 equal squares place ½C filling on one half of each square. Brush edges with water fold over and crimp with fork to seal. Make vent by poking top with tines of the fork.

Transfer to baking sheets bake until golden brown 10-12 minutes.

Trust me this recipe is a keeper. The recipe comes from Martha Stewart's, Every Day Food magazine.

Now, you'll want to whip up another recipe of pie crust dough (or a 1/2 recipe) so that you can make this super yummy, old fashioned pie.

Lemon Chess Pie

2 C sugar
1 T flour
1 T corn meal
¼ t salt
¼ C melted butter
2 t grated lemon rind
¼ C lemon juice
½ t vanilla
¼ C milk
4 eggs
1 unbaked 9-inch pasty shell

Combine Sugar, flour, cornmeal and salt. Add butter, lemon rind, lemon juice and milk, mix well. Add eggs one at a time, beating well with a wire whisk after each addition. Pour into pastry sell. Bake at 350 for 50 minutes.

Fancy That, I think I could eat pie for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!!

DeeLight

Baby In Blue

2009-03-02T15:30:00.003-06:00

Okay, so she's not such a baby any more. I guess the title should be toddler in blue, but she's still my baby.

Just another simple jumper I made for her. It's so fun to sew for little girls!!

Fancy that, a little jumper for a little gal.

DeeLight

Sugar and Spice And A Little Pink Too

2009-02-28T07:18:00.006-06:00

Happy Pink Saturday. It's that time again, when we share the pink things that make us smile. For more pink stop by and see Beverly at How Sweet The Sound .

What are little boys made of?

Snips and snails, and puppy dogs tails

That's what little boys are made of !

What are little girls made of?

Sugar and spice and all things nice (and a little pink too)

That's what little girls are made of!

This is a simple jumper I made for Baby Girl. I love it because it is so simple and easy for little ones to move around in and has just the right amount of swing to it. I made loads of these for Big Sis when she was little too.

Big Sis is so pretty in pink.

Little Guy is all boy. You usually find him running, and jumping, sword in hand (well stick anyway). All I know is I sure do love snips and snails and puppy dog tails!!

Fancy That, all pink little girls or snips and snails little boy I can't help but love them!

DeeLight

Quilt Lay Out Day 2

2009-02-26T18:09:00.006-06:00

Okay, am I ever going to be happy with a lay out? Now I'm thinking I should change it all around and go from light to dark?

Fancy That, one set of fabric can create so many different looks.

DeeLight

Q is for Quilt--- the scrapown kind

2009-02-25T16:00:00.005-06:00

Some of you may have noticed that Little Guy and I have been learning about the letter Q and exploring the world of quilts. Well I was hoping all the talk of quilts would jump start me on the Scrapdown Project, and it did. Last night as I was tucking little guy into bed we were looking at his quilt projects hanging on the wall. I asked him if he liked making them and he said yes, but then he looked at me in disgust and said "I thought we would make something that would cover me". I got the motivation I was looking for in that comment. Today I started laying the squares out, this part has been more challenging than I thought it would be. I'm beginning to wish I had just started sewing the squares together in a random order. Any advice on lay out is welcome!!

My idea was that I would let color families sort of flow into one another. In some places it worked in others not so much.

Fancy That, motivation from a 3 year old.

DeeLight

More on Q is for Quilt and Exporing Shapes Too

2009-02-24T13:12:00.013-06:00

We're still talking quilts! On Friday we read The Quilt. Today we read The Quilt Story. The child in this book had a special quilt that her mother made for her. She and her quilt had many adventures together, the quilt brought her comfort when she was said, and her mother was always their to mend it when it was torn. Rather than being made of squares (like the one in The Quilt), this quilt has falling stars and the little girls name stitched on in.

We looked at quilts from our own collection and talked about the shapes and designs on each quilt.

I then brought out the pattern blocks. We looked at the shapes and the colors of the blocks and then made our own designs with them.

Later in the day we looked at the quilt in the book again and used a pattern block template to create our own pieces for a "quilt". I cut out the pieces and we glued them down in the shape of a robot. Little Guy glued his name to the bottom of the paper so that his quilt had his name on it like the quilt in the book.

Now I must admit I had visions of shapes being connected in a pattern that would fill a small paper square, but the only way Little Guy would agree to do this was if he could make robots...so robots it is. Flexibility is the name of the game.

Fancy That, a quilt and a little flexibility. Quilts really are an example of life...without flexibility a quilt would be stiff and unbending, thankfully quilts are made of flexible soft fabrics that offer warmth and comfort. when we're flexible, not always insisting things be our own way we can offer warmth and comfort as well.

For more fun book ideas head on over to Just For Fun!!

DeeLight

Another Perfectly Pink Saturday

2009-02-21T07:51:00.006-06:00

Each Saturday Beverly of How Sweet The Sound hosts Pink Saturday, a sharing of all things pink. Thank you Beverly for filling our day with Pink!!

These floating blossoms are made with coffee filters, pink tissue paper, blue green tissue paper, and pastel striped tissue paper. I should have made an all pink one for pink Saturday, but we were making them to go with the hearts and butterflies. Even though they're not all pink they have just enough pink to brighten each day, and give hope for warmer Spring days to come.

I got the idea for these from Pamela Garrison's blog . She has made the most wonderful garland from Coffee Filters. You really should check it out!

A Perfectly Pink Quote For Your Saturday--
“Almost all words do have color and nothing is more pleasant than to utter a pink word and see someone's eyes light up and know it is a pink word for him or her too” Gladys Taber

Fancy That, floating flowers and pink words what wonderful pinkness!
DeeLight

Friday Book Project -- Q Is For Quilt

2009-02-20T14:04:00.010-06:00

Normally I post this kind of thing on my other blog, Delight In The Day, but keeping up with 2 blogs takes a little more time than I have right now. So I have decided to combine my 2 blogs into one.

Thank you Sandy of Just For Fun, for hosting such a wonderful sharing of ideas!! For the past several weeks Sandy has been encouraging "Mommy Bloggers" to share the books they are reading with their children and post the activities they have done to go along with it. This is my first week to get in on the action, but it won't be my last.

Today we read The Quilt by Ann Jonas. This is a book I used with my kindergarten class, way back when I was teaching. Kids always seem to love this book because it incorporates feelings of security and family with imagination and adventure. The little girl in the story loves her quilt because her parents made it for her with fabric from her old things. Sometimes she even likes to imagine that all of the quilt squares make up a little town...Check this book out and share an imaginative adventure with your little one.

After reading this book we took time to look at some of our own quilts and talked about what we liked best about them.

We also talked about the letter "Q" and the fact that "Q" has to be "quilted" together with "U" to make a sound.

To extend this concept we colored letter cards, to look like fabric. The cards were made with construction paper, 3 holes were punched on the right side of the Q card and 3 holes were punched on the left side of the U card). Little Guy was not so interested in the coloring so Big Sis and I did most of that. We then "quilted" Q and U together, by laying the holes from the Q card on top of the U card and lacing the yarn in and out of the holes (wrap tape around the end of the yarn so that it does not unravel)

We finished of our Q and U by tying each one off on the back.

After everyone had "quilted" their Q and U together we used tape to make a Q and U "Quilt". Of course it would be even cuter to lace all of the pieces together, but I could tell Little Guy was not going to last that long.

Fancy That, Quilting together the letters Q and U, and quilting together the blogs "Fancy That" and "Delight In The Day".

DeeLight

Happy Pink Valentines Day!!

2009-02-14T09:13:00.005-06:00

Happy Pink Saturday, and Valentine's Day too! I hope everyone out there in blog land is having a Perfectly Pink Valentines Day. This morning there were Valentine goodies to be had by all at our house. Even the baby had a piece of chocolate!

For breakfast we had Chocolate French Toast on pink plates, with pink Strawberry Milk. What a fun way to start the day!

For more Pink be sure to stop by a visit Beverly at How Sweet The Sound.

Fancy That, even rough and tumble boys like pink...if it's in the form of something yummy.

DeeLight

Domino Jewelry

2009-02-10T16:06:00.006-06:00

Okay, I know this is not new, but it's new to me. About a week ago I ran across a blog showing jewelry made from Dominoes. "So cute" I thought, but of course I went along and forgot all about it, UNTIL my mom came home from a craft show this weekend with the cutest necklace made from a domino. I never could find the blog where I first saw the jewelry, but I did find a couple of sights that have great tutorials... Rubber Stamped Domino Art , How To Make A Domino Pin

This is soooooo easy, and if your even sort of into scrapbooking or card making, chances are you already have some of the supplies.

My daughter, my mom, and my niece all got into the action, and I will show more of their work as the necklaces are completed.

The dominoes I bought were not expensive and as we were working some of the domino dots, rubbed off. Not a problem we decorated the back too. We used a dremel to make holes, and waxed linen cord for the necklace.

Try this!!! It is so easy, and fun.

Facy That, a great neclace made from a domino.
DeeLight

Happy Pink Saturday

2009-02-07T08:34:00.004-06:00

Give A Valentine Hug!

My mom gave this cozy fleese blanket to my kids. Every time they wrap up in it I like to think they're wrapped in a hug

It's easy to give one of these cozy Valentine hugs. Just make a quick trip to the fabric store, purchase a piece of oh so cozy Valentine fleese, take it home, be sure to "square it up" (you know, make sure it is cut evenly), and fringe the edges with scissors. Now Spread the Love, by sharing your "hug" with someone you love. Oh, and of course the hug is so much sweeter when it has a little pink!!

For more pink love head on over to How Sweet The Sound .

Fancy That, an easy way to share a Valentine Hug!!

DeeLight

Refrigerator Rolls

2009-02-02T14:46:00.010-06:00

This weekend we celebrated my Dad's Birthday. On the Menu was: salad, green beans, chicken and noodles, and yummy warm fresh from the oven yeast rolls. I thought I would share the recipe for the yeast rolls because they are so easy and best of all the dough can be kept in the fridge for a couple of days if you don't need to use it all.

I really wanted to take a picture of the rolls, but they were gobbled up so fast that I didn't have time to take a picture. So I took a picture of the "elephant ears" that I made with the dough the morning after the party.

Refrigerator Rolls

2 pkgs yeast

2 C warm water

1/2 c sugar

1 egg

1/4 C butter

6 1/2-7 C flour

2 t salt

Dissolve yeast in warm water. Add sugar, salt and 1/2 of the flower. Beat well. Add egg and melted butter. Gradually add remaining flour beat until smooth (or knead until smooth). Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap in a greased bowl. Place in refrigerator until ready to use. (I don't really know how long it could be kept, we always use it in a couple of days)

When you are ready to make rolls, role dough out and cut with a cutter or shape them with your hands and let rise for 2 hours.

Of course you can also make them into cinnamon rolls and let them rise for 2 hours.

OR you could make Elephant Ears.

Roll a portion of dough out into a circle (you should roll the dough thin). Cut the dough in to triangles (I guess that's where the name elephant ears comes from). Place the dough into hot oil ( I put just enough oil to float the dough in the pan). Fry until golden brown remove and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

Fancy That, one recipe so many yummy options.

DeeLight

Kick up your heals! It's Pink Saturday!

2009-01-31T07:02:00.006-06:00

Happy Pink Saturday to you all, and thank you Beverly for helping us send Pink Love far and wide!

I'm really not trying to advertise for Payless, but I just love these pink shoes.

You could really kick up some pinkness in these "bad boys" or should I say "girls".

I'm thinking they would be a great Valentine Surprise for Big Sis (my oldest daughter).

Fancy that, feet all dressed Pretty In Pink.

DeeLight

Back to Blogging

2009-01-27T10:36:00.010-06:00

Okay, so I've been away from my blog for awhile. I've been looking around at the fun things all of you in blog land have been up to, but just to busy to post. Well today I'm ready to get back to blogging.

With Valentines Day just around the corner

I've been making a few Valentines...

Making yummy Valentine treats...

This recipe comes from the Joy of Cooking cookbook.

Basic Muffins with Milk or Cream (I used cream)

Preheat oven to 400. Grease and flower a standard 12 cup muffin pan.

whisk together thoroughly in a large bowl

2 C flour

1 T baking powder

1/2 t salt

1/4 t nutmeg (optional)

whisk together in another bowl

2 large eggs

1 cup milk or cream

2/3 C sugar or packed light brown sugar (I used brown sugar)

4-8 T (I used 8) warm melted unsalted butter

1 t vanilla

add to the flour mixture and mix together with a few light strokes, just until dry ingredients are moistened. Do not over mix; this batter should not be smooth. Divide batter into muffin cups bake until toothpick comes out clean 12-15 minutes.

Now lets turn these yummy muffins into something really special!!

Dip the muffins into melted butter and then roll them in cinnamon sugar (tastes almost like cake doughnuts).

Taking part in a quilt square (charm quilt to be exact) swap...

It's fun to receive all of the envelopes filled with squares.

These are the charm squares received so far. Mine will go our in the mail tomorrow.

Thank you Katy for all of your hard work getting this "Scrapdown" exchange together!

Fancy That, Valentines Day Fun, and a "Charming" swap.

DeeLight

Froggy in Pink

2008-12-13T12:00:00.003-06:00

Check out all the pink at How Sweet The Sound. Thanks, Beverly for another week of pink fun.

Each year my kiddos choose a new ornament for the tree. This year my oldest chose this, froggy gal, in a feathery pink flapper skirt. I think she's soooo cute. I wish I had a Christmas dress just like hers. Well it's back to Christmas shopping and house cleaning for me! The big day will be here before I know it!

Fancy That even a frog looks good in pink, I think it hides the warts and highlights the lovely green of her skin.

Merry Pink Christmas to all and to all a Pink Night!!
DeeLight

I'm Dreaming Of A Pink Christmas..."

2008-11-29T23:42:00.007-06:00

I intended to post this morning, but the day filled up and just got away. If I hurry I'll be able to post while it's still Saturday, Pink Saturday that is.

My niece and my daughter LOVE to make cards when they get together. I usually make things from their scraps while they work. This time I decided to make gift tags.

Just a sample of some of the pink, or part pink gift tags I made.

For More Ladies Who Dream In Pink... stop by, and visit Beverly at How Sweet The Sound.

Fancy That, so busy having pink fun with family I almost didn't get my post up!!

DeeLight

A Little Bit Of Sewing

2008-11-26T02:36:00.003-06:00

Not long ago I bought this little shirt, and it just so happened my mom had given me a few scraps in colors that were perfect. So...I cut the scraps into pieces sewed them together so that they were about 2-2 1/2 times the waist of the shirt, gathered the skirt and stitched it to the shirt (I first cut the hemmed portion from the bottom of the shirt). My little angel is wearing it with leggings in this shot. The little dress really turned out to be comfy and cute. The perfect thing for working with power tools (that's a toy drill in her hand).

Fancy that, a new dress and very little expense!!

The Best Pink of All

2008-11-22T08:33:00.008-06:00

Little girls really are all kinds of cute, and the very best pink of all.

This time last year I was celebrating Thanksgiving in the hospital, and giving thanks for the newest addition to our family. It's hard to believe that a year has already come and gone. Our Baby Girl is walking and even saying a few words. She's crazy about her Daddy and loves to cuddle with Big Sis, oh and how she enjoys the antics of her mischievous Big Brother.

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!!

Our Birthday Girl woke up with all smiles today!!!

for more pink stop by and see Beverly at How Sweet The Sound

Fancy That, pink Saturday and a Pink Baby's Birthday.

DeeLight

Yummy!! Brickle Squares!!

2008-11-19T06:36:00.005-06:00

I was looking for something new to make for dessert last week. Of course it had to be simple (as most all of my cooking is done with a 3 year old and 12 mo. old underfoot). These yummy bars fit the bill!!

They're sort of like pecan pie with a shortbread crust. The "brickle chips" give them a yummy taste.

Brickle Pecan Squares
(recipe is from Southern Living)

2 cups flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 cup butter cut up
1 (14ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (7.5 ounce) package almond brikcle chips
1 cup chopped pecans

combine flour and powdered sugar. Cut in butter until crumbly. Press mixture into greased 13x9 inch pan.

Bake at 350 for 15 minutes.

Combine sweetened condensed milk and next 4 ingredients; pour over prepared crust.

Bake at 350 for 25 more minutes. or until golden brown. Cool in pan. Cut into squares.

I could not find plain brickle chips. So I used Heath Bits (just like a crushed up Heath bar). They worked great.

Fancy That, a yummy dessert bar just in time for the Holidays!!
DeeLight

Pink Saturday... go'n to pieces for Pink!!

2008-11-15T04:10:00.005-06:00

"Blankets wrap you in warmth, quilts wrap you in love."

I don't know about you, but I just go to pieces for a cute quilt!! And if it's pink, all the better!!

There really is nothing quite like a quilt. All of those pieces sewn together to make a larger whole. A quilt is a metaphor for so many things in life, community, family,friends...the different fabrics make the whole more lovely!!

This is a quilt that my mother made for my youngest. I just love the pinks and greens. Every night when I put my little one to bed she is wrapped in Pink Love.

I also go to pieces for great books. The Quilt Makers Gift is a fantastic children's books, the story pieces together the rewards of kindness and generosity!!

If you go to pieces for pink, check out all of the pink love at Beverly's place.

Fancy That, a cozy quilt and a good story, the perfect combination for a chilly day!!

DeeLight

Thrifty Find and Buscuits for Breakfast

2008-11-11T13:17:00.005-06:00

I have always loved going to thrift stores, but I don't always have the time, and sometimes it is just too big of a hassle with my 3 year old. But the other day I had a few minutes with just the baby. So I went into a local Goodwill Store. My expectations were rather low, but I was pleasantly surprised. They had a great selection of children's books, I bought 3 for little guy. I found 2 shirts for big sis and 2 for the baby. I also found this framed print.

I was so happy to find this, I had been trying to decide what to hang in the powder room. I wanted something simple but pretty. I think this works nicely.

A couple of months ago I posted a great recipe for buttermilk biscuits , but this morning when I went to make biscuits I realized I was all out of buttermilk. Just so happens I have another easy, but tasty recipe, these are even easier that the others.

Whipping Cream Biscuits

1 c whipping cream

2 c flour

Mix ingredients. The dough will be stiff. Roll out. Cut with cutter. Bake at 450 for 10-12 minutes.

Fancy That, thrifty finds and easy biscuits!!

DeeLight

Pink Saturday

2008-11-08T07:11:00.011-06:00

Do The Upcoming Holidays Have You Feeling A Little Rattled?

This time of year things start to get a little crazy!! There is so much to do, so many places to go, so many crafts I want to do with my kids, so many new recipes to try...Sometimes I start feeling a little rattled. But then I slow down look at my little ones and remember we don't have to do everything. The most important thing about being a family is taking time to enjoy one another and the special times we share. So I have decided the only kind of "rattle" we need around our house is the baby kind. This was my rattle when I was a baby I just love the dainty flowers, and the pretty pink, all of my kiddos have used it (yes even the boy).

Don't stress, don't worry Think Pink!!! And if you can get your hands on one shake a pink rattle, it's sure to make you feel better.

If shaking a rattle doesn't calm those nerves, and make you feel less rattled try one of these yummy cup cakes.

I found the idea for these cupcakes in a Martha Stewart Living magazine. Mix up your favorite cupcake batter, fill the cup cake cups as usual and place a miniature candy bar (I used Snickers) on top, bake as usual, and you have a candy filled cupcake!! I iced some of the cupcakes, no icing is really needed on these yummy treats. The only thing that would make it better is to serve it on a pink plate.

For more pink Shake Rattle and Role on over to Beverly's place.

Fancy That, I'm not gonna be rattled this Holiday Season. Well, not too rattled.

DeeLight

Something For The Little Guy

2008-11-06T13:53:00.005-06:00

I'm gearing up to do some sewing for the baby, but I don't want Little Guy to feel left out. So I let him choose a couple of embroidery designs for his T-shirts. The design I used are from Designs By JuJu the Boys Will Be Boys Collection . The shirts are fun and I think he is satisfied that Mom has made him something.

Fancy That, 2 new shirt for little guy, now it's time to get busy sewing for Baby, oh and Big Sis has put in a request for a new "Rock Star" jean jacket.

Check out our yummy Apple Sauce.

DeeLight

Trick or Treat and Dinner Too

2008-11-04T06:02:00.006-06:00

Wow!! I don't know about you, but things have been a little crazy around here. Halloween is fun, but it makes for an oh, so crazy week!! I guess it would help if I did a little more planning ahead, but I just don't work that way.

I don't usually do much sewing on Halloween costumes. Once upon a time I did, but I've decided it's just easier and usually less expensive to buy them. Now don't mistake this to mean I purchase ready made costumes. Oh, no that takes all of the fun out of the event. We use clothes in the closet, or buy them at an inexpensive price, and put them together to create fun costumes. For a look at my girls scroll down to the previous post or click here . The baby wore a bunny stocking cap from Target, and a pink knit dress (all things she will be able to use), Big Sis wore shorts, shirt, and vest that she had. All we had to add were wings, socks, face paint and crazy pink hair. Little Brother was a Pirate. I saved jeans that had gotten to short, made boot covers from felt, embroidered a pirate emblem on a black shirt, borrowed a belt from Big Sis and purchased a hook and eye patch for his costume.

We have to eat before we trick or treat so I had this easy soup (from a Southern Living cook book) on hand.

Cheesy Minestrone Soup

1pound smoked sausage

1 small onion

2 T flour

1 pkg chicken flavored ramen noodles

1 quart water1 can chicken broth

1 (16 ounce) bag frozen whole kernel corn, thawed

1 M Zucchini coarsely chopped (I don't use this, my family doesn't like zucchini (unless it's fried), but I think it would be a great addition)

1 (10 ounce can) pinto beans

1 (10 ounce can diced tomatoes and green chiles undrained)

2 t dried basil

1 C shredded mozzarella cheese

Saute sausage and onion in dutch oven over medium high heat, until onion is tender; stir in flour and cook stirring constantly 2 min.

Add ramen seasoning packet and 1qt water. Add next 5 ingredients to sausage mixture bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 7 min.

Stir in noodles and basil; cook stirring occasionally 3 min.

Sprinkle cheese over each serving if desired.

Fancy That, Trick or Treat and Dinner too!!

DeeLight

Happy Pink Saturday!!

2008-11-01T08:53:00.007-05:00

Well Halloween is over, but I couldn't pass up the chance to show 2 of my favorite PINK Halloween treats!!!

Just the cutest pink bunny I've ever seen!!! I just wanted to eat her up. I love this age.

She really was the cutest fairy!!! With her fun pink hair and ribbons, and get a load of those cool argyle socks!!

To treat yourself to even more pink, put on your fairy wings and fly or make like a bunny and hop on over to see Beverly at How Sweet The Sound.

Have a wonderful Pink Saturday.

Fancy That, 2 of my babies in pink!!

DeeLight

New Background!!!

2008-10-22T09:34:00.003-05:00

Look, I have a new background!! It was so easy. If you would like one too visit Aqua Poppy Designs. Super easy to install, and loads of cute (free) backgrounds to choose from!! Thanks Aqua Poppy!!!!

Fancy That, a background so easy to install that even I could figure it out.
DeeLight

A Perfect Day For Pictures and Pie

2008-10-21T06:06:00.012-05:00

I love that the weather is cooling. It makes for much more enjoyable times outside. A week or so ago I posted pictures of my kiddos at my Mom and Dad's house. Well we were there again this weekend, and I took more pictures.

We went shopping this week and found this cute little dress for the baby, at JCPenny's. I just love it.

This is a shot of Little Guy climbing a small red bud tree.

AND HOW SHOULD YOU END A PERFECT DAY?

WITH PIE!!

My oldest made the filling for this pie, while I made the crust. We usually use the recipe on the back of the pumpkin can, but I was out of condensed milk. I was sure that Martha Stewart would never use something as commercial as condensed milk so I pulled out one of her cook books, and sure enough I found what I was looking for. The recipe we used called for heavy cream (I know I shouldn't keep things that fattening on hand, but you never know when you might need it.). You can find the recipe here . We liked the pie, but it was not quite as sweet as the pie we usually make. So if we use the recipe again we will be adding a bit more sugar.

I am so proud of her, this is the first time she's done the filling start to finish, on her own. She now has the job (or should I say joy) of making the pumpkin pie for Holiday dinners. I did make the crust, but I told her that didn't matter. She could say she made the pie on her own, because a lot of people use bought crust any way.

Fancy That, cute pictures and pie, can't get much more perfect than that.

DeeLight

A Halloween Party and Pink Saturday Too

2008-10-18T05:52:00.010-05:00

What an exciting day!!! The enchanting Ms. V, of A Fanciful Twist, is hosting a fabulous Halloween Blog Party, and the Lovely Beverly, of How Sweet The Sound, is hosting the delightful Pink Saturday!! Visit them both and join in the fun.

This is the story of Trudie, you see
she wasn't like you and she wasn't like me.
She was a witch of the witchiest kind,

but when she put on pink she became true and kind.

One day when Trudie as walking to school, a small little bird squeaked,

"Why be so cruel ?"

She thought and she thought and she thought all the day.

"Why am I witchy and mean anyway?"

She pondered what she could do to bring change,

when suddenly she began to feel strange.

She ran into her house and then reappeared dressed all in pink,

all her friend thought her weird.

But then they discovered how pink made her change,

this mean little witch had been rearranged.

Once she'd been mean and always unkind,

but now she was a friend, the truest you'd find.

Now each year when Halloween come around she has the

grandest party in town.

What do you think this friendly witch serves?

Pink little ghosts, their good for the nerves.

Trudie's Pink Halloween Ghosts

3 egg whites

1/4 t cream of tartar

1/8 t salt

1 1/4 t vanilla

drop of red food coloring

1/2 C sugar

Beat egg whites and next 4 ingredients at high speed until foamy.

Add sugar, 1 T at a time, beating until stiff peaks form and sugar is dissolved.

Drop spoon fulls onto parchment lined cookie sheets, drag and swirl the mixture with your spoon to create ghosts, add mini chocolate chips for eyes.

Bake at 200 for 2 hours; turn on oven. Let meringues stand in closed oven with light on for 8 hours.

Fancy That, Pink is good for the attitude and calms the nerves too!!

Happy Halloween, DeeLight

Pumpkin Cookies

2008-10-17T15:26:00.005-05:00

I needed to make cookies the other day, and decided to try something new. I failed to read the recipe well, before I started and had to substitute an ingredient, but they still turned out yummy!! The recipe was in an old Martha Stewart Magazine, but you can find it here. I substituted sourcream for the condensed milk, and used cream cheese icing rather than the suggested "brown butter icing". The recipe also says to use a pastry bag and pipe them onto the cookie sheet, I just used a spoon. They're easy to make and are soft and delicious. Okay so Martha's are prettier, but hey anything that tastes this good isn't going to be sitting on the counter for people to look at for too long!!

Fancy that, I didn't have all the ingredients, but the cookies still turned out.

DeeLight

My "Lil' Punkins" and A Halloween Treat

2008-10-13T20:38:00.013-05:00

My "Lil Punkins"

The other day we had lunch at my mom and dad's house. After lunch the kids had such fun playing outside, and gathering veggies from the garden. I didn't get many action shots, but I did get them to settle down for some fun photos.

This little guy is soooo existed about Halloween!!

My mom made my littlest "punkin's" dress.

Big Sis is getting to be so big!!

All three of my "punkins" together.

A Yummy Treat

I don't know about you but I feel a certain obligation to eat certain candies at certain Holidays. Yes, yes I love the fudge at Christmas and Godiva Chocolate at Valentines, but those aren't the kinds of candy I'm talking about. I'm talk'n the cheep stuff, the kind of candy that comes in a big bag at the grocery store. Valentines Day has "Conversation Hearts", Easter has "Peeps", Christmas has "Candy Canes", and Halloween has "Candy Corn". To be honest I don't know that I just love any of it (the cheep stuff that is), but the holiday just doesn't seem like the holiday without it!!

Well, for those of you, who like me, will be purchasing a big bag of Candy Corn this year, I have something a little different that you might try. Several years ago I went over to my Mom's and noticed a candy dish filled with Candy Corn and Peanuts. Yes, you heard me right. My mom just looked at me and said try it. Being the obedient daughter that I am, I did. And guess what, It was great. The two yummy treats together taste just like a Payday Candy Bar. No joke, you should give it a try.

Fancy that, 3 "lil punkins" and a Halloween treat.

DeeLight

With Acceptance Comes Healing and Happy Hallowpink

2008-10-11T07:11:00.015-05:00

Let me start by saying thank you to Beverly at How Sweet The Sound for hosting Pink Saturday.

With Acceptance Comes Healing

Last Saturday I came to terms with the fact that there is a difference between want and need. I began to realize and accept the fact that the Pink KitchenAid Mixer would not be mine. Yes, it was difficult at first, but I have moved on. I have realized that others could be just as loved in my kitchen. Meet my new friend, she can mix, she can stir...she's Pinkie the spatula (she has a little sister named Pink).

This picture doesn't do her justice. She's just covered in batter, but she loves it!! In this shot she's helping me make our favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies (by the way I use 1/4 C more flour than called for). Don't you just love her?

HAPPY HALLOWPINK!!

I don't know about you but I love decorating for the Seasons, but I don't love putting away my pink. So I don't. I love the way this cat (a decoration from my childhood) looks perched in the pink window. The little scarecrow lamp came from the dollar store (which make him all the more lovable).

Fancy That, acceptance has brought even more pink into my life, and Pink can be a friend to all colors even the Halloween kind!!

DeeLight

The Magic Of Lime / and a new blog too

2008-10-09T17:46:00.007-05:00

Wow, this week has gotten away. I've been working on a new blog with my good friend. It's a blog all about Girl Scouts. If you or someone you know is interested in Girl Scouts, check it out
Girl Scout Party (A blog celebrating Girls and their achievements in Girl Scouts)

I'm blogging while cooking dinner so I don't have much time. I wanted to share a super easy recipe for pickles I tried this week. They are Lime Crisp Pickles. I've never used pickling lime, but it's like magic. The cucumbers soaked in it, and when I drained off the lime they were so crisp. Does anyone know how that works?

7 lbs cucumbers

1 C pickling lime

2 qt vinegar

1 T salt

1 gallon water

1 T celery seed

9 C sugar

1 T mixed pickling spice

slice cucumbers and soak in solution of lime and water for 24 hours

Drain

Cover with cold water and soak for 3 hours.

Drain

Add vinegar, sugar, salt, celery seed, and spice. Soak over night.

Next day pour into pan and boil for 15 minutes.

Pack in jars and seal.

Fancy that, I'm in a real pickle for time with a new blog and pickles too. DeeLight

Pink Saturday

2008-10-04T09:20:00.007-05:00

A special thanks to Beverly, of How Sweet The Sound for another Pink Saturday!

Isn't pink the best. Little girls look sweeter, flowers prettier...well don't you think cookies, cakes ,pies...would all taste sweeter in a mixer painted pink!!!

This isn't something I have, but it sure is something I want!!

I must admit now that I've said it, now that I've posted the picture, I feel a little guilty. What did my old kitchen aid ever do to me. We've (the mixer and I) been pals for a very long time. We've made many cakes and cookies, and most have been delicious. My Kitchen Aid belonged to my mother, it used to be a 70's yellow gold color, sometime when I was in college she had it painted white. I guess I could have it painted pink. Or maybe, just maybe, pink is a state of mind. Perhaps if I think pink while mixing, all of those pink thoughts will just flow right into the mixer.

Fancy That, Pink as a state of mind!!!

Think Pink, DeeLight

Peanut Butter and Chocolate!! Oh, My!!!

2008-09-29T14:16:00.005-05:00

I don't have long for a post today, but I just had to share these YUMMY, YUMMY bars. They are fantastic, not like "oh, those are good" it's more like "OH MY GOODNESS, THOSE ARE GREAT"!!! The best part is they are so super easy, you can make them in a flash, no baking, just chill for an hour (I placed mine in the freezer for 15-30 min, and that worked fine). You can find the recipe for these Peanut Butter Bars at One More Moore.

Fancy That, a yummy treat you don't have to bake!!

DeeLight

Pink Saturday

2008-09-27T07:29:00.011-05:00

PRETTY IN PINK

I was planning to share a picture of my youngest's baby quilt, but she's sleeping on it, and I need to post. So I'm going to share a collection of my girls in pink!!

Getting ready to come home from the hospital. Our little angel is laying on my baby blanket.

This is our youngest at 4 mo. in one of my favorite little outfits (given by my aunt). The flowers are the prettiest shade of pink.

Okay so she's not wearing pink, but the flowers are pink, and she's holding a pink rattle that was mine when I was a baby.

Our oldest on the first day of school 2 years ago. I can't believe how she's grown.

We had so much fun on this day. About a year and a half ago my daughter and nieces dressed up in my old prom dresses, and Drama costumes. This is my oldest, in my prom dress. I know it's very 1980's!! I loved this dress, can you believe my mom made it!! I can only imagine how much time it took to make those sleeves.

My oldest in a pink T with pink flower back drop!! I love the soft feel of this shot!! We were at the zoo in early spring.

My kiddos on Easter. Okay brothers not in pink, but he's just to cute to leave out!!

For more Pink Saturday stop by How Sweet The Sound.

Fancy That, Pretty Pink Ladies and one Little Guy!

DeeLight

Time for sewing?

2008-09-24T14:35:00.006-05:00

Finally, I dusted off the embroidery machine, I dusted off the sewing machine and did a little sewing. This was a super easy, and quick project. That's the only kind I'm able to do lately.

I purchased a plain t-shirt and chose a Halloween embroidery design to stitch on it, then I cut a strip of Halloween fabric (should have been double the width of the shirt, but I didn't have that much), gathered it, and sewed it to the bottom of the T-shirt. This was such a super quick project, that I was able to complete it before anyone woke up from nap time (and my little guy, didn't take a very long nap!!). Hopefully I'll get a chance to do a few more of these tops.

I'm finally going to share my all time favorite sugar cookie recipe. Every time I make them I think okay today's the day I'll blog about these, but they're gobbled up before I get the chance. My mom always made these when I was a girl, when she makes them she cooks them until they are lightly browned and slightly crisp. My husband, likes soft cookies, so I cook them for a shorter time and they are great as well.

Favorite Sugar Cookies

(I don't know what's up, but I can't seem to get rid of the double spaced lines in the recipe!!! Sorry if it make things hard to read)

1 C brown sugar

1 C white sugar

1 C butter

2 eggs

2 t vanilla

Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, and vanilla.

3 1/2 C flour

2 t soda

2 t cream of tarter

1/2 t salt

Combine dry ingredients and add to butter mixture. Mix just until blended.

Shape cookies into balls and then roll in sugar (I add sprinkles too).

Bake at 350 degrees until cookies reach desired doneness (about 8 minutes give or take).

Fancy that, time for a little sewing, and well, we always have time for cookies!! DeeLight

Pink Saturday

2008-09-19T18:18:00.013-05:00

Pink Saturday is an event hosted by Beverly of How Sweet The Sound. I thought I'd get in on the fun and share a few photos of my daughter's Pink Party.

A party just isn't a party without balloons!!!

And now for my personal favorite, PINK MARSHMALLOWS!! (sorry about the photo it doesn't do them justice)

It gets even better...take those same pink marshmallows, dip them in chocolate, and then roll them in graham cracker crumbs!!! It's a Smore on a stick!!! Yummy Stuff.

Fancy that, tickled pink on a Saturday! DeeLight

What Could Be Better Than Apple Pie?

2008-09-18T09:51:00.013-05:00

Apple Pie!! Doesn't it just scream Fall!! I know, I know, I need to come up with some less fattening Fall favorites, if I don't I'm going to pack on so many pounds that I won't even fit into my old maternity clothes (and no, I'm not pregnant). But one great thing about fall is the weather, it's a little cooler, and just perfect for long walks. So I guess I'll keep eating my favorite fall foods, and just do a little extra walking.

I always use Martha Stewart's Pate Brissee for my pie crust. I've tried others, but this is my favorite. The recipe makes enough for 2 single crust pies or one double crust (top and bottom) pie.

Apple Filling

I've prepared the filling for apple pie a couple of different ways, but this is sooooo easy, and turns out great.

6-8 apples pealed, cored and sliced (should be 7-8 cups of apple slices)

1T lemon juice

2 C sugar (this is really a matter of taste. If you like your pie to be tart I would add a little less)

2 T Cinnamon (if you just like a touch of cinnamon add less)

dash of salt

1/4 C flour (give or take)

2 T butter (cut into small pieces)

Pour lemon juice over apples and toss to coat apples

Combine sugar, salt, flour, and cinnamon

Add dry mixture to apples and combine

Pour mixture into crust

dot with butter

Now it's time to make the crumb topping (you could use the remaining pie crust to make a top crust if you like.) I love this topping I use it on muffins, and other fruit pies as well.

1/2 C flour

1/4 C packed brown sugar

1/4 C butter

Mix dry ingredient, cut in butter with pastry blender until crumbly.

Top the pie with crumb topping and place in 425 degree oven for about 20 min., then reduce heat to 400 degrees. Cook pie until it is bubbly and apples are tender. This usually take about 1-1 1/2 hours.

So back to my question. What could be better than Apple Pie? Apple Pie and Ice Cream of course!!!

Fancy that, there really is something better than apple pie.

DeeLight

With Changing Seasons Come Changing Tastes

2008-09-16T10:33:00.007-05:00

I don't know about you but when the weather starts to turn a little cooler I start to crave the tastes of fall. For me food does more than nourish the body it celebrates the seasons and nourishes the soul.

When I was a girl my mom would make Gingerbread not just the cookies but the "bread" (more like cake). I remember eating it for breakfast and as a snack after school. The smell of it filled the house and stirred your senses preparing you for the changing season. Even after I was married my mom would call and tell me she had made Gingerbread, so that I could run by her house, and have a taste (or 2 , or 3...).

So after 2 nights spent with an extra blanket (okay, it's not cold, but there is a definite chill), I decided it was time for Gingerbread. I must say my kiddos love starting their day with this special treat.

The recipe comes from a small compilation of recipes my mother found at The War Eagle Mill Craft Fair. When I was a girl the fair was small, but now it has grown into a rather larger event.

War Eagle Mill Farm Gingerbread

3/4 C butter
2/3 C sugar
2 eggs
1 C dark molasses
2 C flour
7/8 C boiling Water
1 T ginger
1 t cinnamon
1 t cloves
2 t soda

Cream butter and sugar add eggs and molasses. Blend well
Sift flour, spice and soda; add to creamed mixture mixing well.
Add boiling water last. Mix well.
Pour into greased and floured rectangle baking dish (you know, the Pyrex type).
Bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes.

Fancy that, the taste of Fall!! I guessed I had better call my mom over and share a little with her too.

DeeLight

One Bowl Cupcakes

2008-09-12T10:51:00.004-05:00

I have had this recipe for quite some time. I've often thought of trying it, but never have. Why? you ask. Well to be perfectly honest it calls for oil instead of butter, and only 3T of that. I know I should rejoice and be glad for any recipe that requires something other that real butter. But I've always felt that if I'm going to eat it, it ought to taste good. Just about all of my baking is done with real butter. Of course there are a few exception, and now there is one more. These cupcake are fantastic, and super easy to boot. I thought they might dry out with time, but no they actually got a little more moist. I don't know if it's because of the moist weather we've been having (could that effect cupcakes) or just the nature of the cupcake.

Well here goes. I hope you all enjoy this yummy, easy to make cupcake!!

One Bowl Chocolate Cupcakes (Martha Stewart Kids magazine Winter 2004)

3/4 C unsweetened cocoa powder

1 1/2 C all purpose flower

1 1/2 C sugar

1 1/2 t baking soda

3/4 t baking powder

3/4 t salt

2 large eggs

3/4 C warm water

3/4 C buttermilk

3 T vegetable oil

1 t pure vanilla extract

preheat oven to 350. Line 24 muffin cups.

Sift ( I was in a hurry and didn't sift) cocoa , flour, soda, and baking powder into a large bowl, add sugar and salt.

Add eggs, warm water, buttermilk oil and vanilla mix until smooth about 3 min.

Fill muffin cups about 1/3 full with batter. Bake about 20 minutes, or until cupcakes spring back to the touch.

Let cool in tins and then place on wire rack.

I tend to make frosting by taste and experience. I used about 1 1/2 sticks of butter, 3 oz cream cheese, vanilla, a splash of milk, cocoa powder to taste (I also added a little chocolate syrup, that makes it nice and creamy), and enough powdered sugar to give a good consistency. I don't know if you can call this a real recipe, but it's what I do just about every time, and my family and friends love it. After frosting the cupcake I dip them in sprinkles. Because, after all what a cupcake without a little bling?

Fancy that, easy, yummy cupckes!!

DeeLight

Biscuits for Breakfast

2008-09-04T11:23:00.006-05:00

Where have I been, and why haven't I been posting? Well life is crazy, it seem I spend so much time on Kid stuff that I have little time to craft or really do any creative cooking. You know the drill, school drop off, library for little ones, chocolate chip cookies, dinner...same ol, same ol.

I thought I would share this recipe for biscuits. The recipe is really easy and super tasty.

Quick Buttermilk Biscuits

1/2 C butter

2 C self rising flour

3/4 C Buttermilk

Cut butter into flour. Add buttermilk stir until moistened. Turn dough onto floured surface and knead. Roll to 3/4 inch thickness and cut with cutter. Place on lightly greased baking sheet. Bake at 425 for 13 to 15 minutes.

For biscuits with a yummy crisp bottom, place an iron skillet on the stove pore just enough oil to cover bottom of skillet. Allow the oil to heat a bit. Place biscuits in skillet, remove from heat, and place skillet in preheated oven.

Fancy That, home made biscuits even on a busy day!!

DeeLight

Two Little Teeth

2008-08-20T15:15:00.004-05:00

Our littlest angel has 2 teeth!!! She is getting soooo big, crawling all over, and starting to pull up. She just loves to find whatever lent, paper scrap...she can and put it in her mouth. Neadless to say, the vacuum is constantly in use.

2008-08-16T15:02:00.005-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

My little guy is 3 today!! Isn't he a cutie. We had a Transformer Party!! He had loads of fun, and his sweeties even spent the night (2 of my daughters friends, that he loves.Fancy that, a sixth grader and a three year old all in one week!!

DeeLight

Back To School

2008-08-14T15:30:00.005-05:00

Today was the first day of school. We had a special back to school breakfast with friends and then it was off to school.

This is my "Little Angel" (I know she's not so little anymore) and 2 of her friends, of course little brother had to be in the pic too.

Fancy that, the first day of 6th grade!! DeeLight

Summer Has Flown By,

2008-08-09T08:47:00.003-05:00

Life is good, and summer has been full!!! I can't believe how quickly summer has flown past. School starts on Thursday. So it will be back to school shopping this weekend. Perhaps There will be a fashion show sometime next week!!

This is a pic of my 3. It is hard to believe that the oldest will be in 6th grade. How did that happen?

Betty Came To Visit

2008-05-10T17:42:00.005-05:00

We are busy packing up all of our stuff for a move so I've been away from my blog, but I just had to blog about a little visitor we've had!

You may have noticed the "I'm a Betty" badge in my side bar. Well I finally got to meet Betty in person!! Betty came to join our Girl Scout Troop for a PJ party. Betty is not just another pretty face, she likes to make the world a better place too (just like Girl Scouts). This year she is on a mission to collect new PJ's and Books for children.

It worked out that Betty got to attend 2 parties. First stop a Birthday Party.

Happy Birthday Lauren...

Next she helped Jill prepare for the Girl Scout PJ Party.

What a ride...

It's party time!!

We love Betty...

Thanks for coming Betty!!

Fancy that, a fun filled PJ party, a special guest, and collecting PJ's for Kids in need. Does it get any better than that?

DeeLight

Cookies and Aprons & Other News

2008-03-28T10:00:00.009-05:00

How time flies!! I can't believe it's been so long since my last post!! Over spring break I helped my daughter with her My Space. I joined a new net work The Apronista, it's like "My Space" for apron lovers, with forums and other fun!! But I never got around to posting on my blog.

Speaking of aprons, I recently completed an apron that my daughter and I had been working on. I wish I had a photo of her wearing it, but she seems to be a moving target this time of year. The machine embroidery designs are from Anita GoodDesign's "Tween Cutie" collection.

Cookies
What to do, what to do? No brown sugar? Yes, can you believe it my daughter needed to take cookies to school, but when I went to the pantry there was no brown sugar. Of course I could have added molasses to the white sugar or even gone to the store, but as I was looking in the pantry I remembered a recipe for Melt In Your Mouth Sugar Cookies that I had made in the past. These cookies were so wonderful they truly melted in your mouth. So off I went to my recipe files. The cookies were so yummy. I thought I would share the recipe with my blogger friends.

Melt In Your Mouth Sugar Cookies

preheat oven to 375 degrees

MIX:
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup white sugar
ADD TO SUGAR MIXTURE AND MIX UNTIL LIGHT:
1 cup butter
1 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 t vanilla
SIFT AND ADD:
4 cups + 4 t flour
1 t soda
1 t salt
1 t cream of tarter

Chill for 1 hour (I chill the dough in the freezer if I'm in a hurry).
Form the chilled dough into balls, roll in sugar, and then press with the bottom of a glass.
Bake 10 min., give or take depending on desired doneness.

Other News:
I've been working on an ETSY shop, it is all set up, but I'm not quite ready to share. I need to add to my inventory. I can't decide if I should specialize in one type of item or offer up a variety of things. I would love suggestions. I hope to have it ready to share next week.

Thought I'd share a pic of my little ones on Easter.

Fancy that, cookies, aprons, and kiddos, what could be better!!!

DeeLight

2008-03-12T14:47:00.005-05:00

Spring!!! The weather is sooooo wonderful, I just love this time of year. I'm afraid this kind of weather makes it hard for me to attend to my blog like I should (not that I've ever been too good at it).

Well I do have a couple of things to show.

My oldest daughter and I went shopping for a baby gift (my sister-in-law just had her first baby), and well of course we had to by a little something for our baby too. Old Navy had the cutest striped onesies. We bought some for each baby, I prewashed them, so that I could embroider on them. As I was folding the pink and white striped onesie I noticed how well it matched a piece of fabric I had just purchased, and decided to make it into a little dress. I used a tutorial found on the DIY website. I embroidered a little frog to go with the skirt.

The dress looks really cute on, but I'm not happy with the unfinished edge under the skirt.

I guess I could cut the onesie apart and sew it back together with the skirt attached. Leaving the raw edges on the inside of the onesie, but I'm afraid it will alter the size and the stretch of the onesie. I would love to hear ideas from my blogging friends!!!

Fancy That, a simple onsie turned into a new spring dress!!

DeeLight

An Arrival by Post, and other things...

2008-02-29T14:38:00.004-06:00

This has been a rather long week. My oldest daughter (10 yrs) has been home with the flue. I am happy to say she is feeling much, much better today!!

On Wed. as I was cleaning the kitchen, she and brother (2yrs) heard a noise at the door. Oh, and guess what!! We had received these packages.

It was just like Christmas, and just what we needed to brighten the day. These were goodies I was fortunate enough to win as part of the OWOH event. Isn't it fun that they came on the same day!! They must have been keeping each other company as they made their way to our home.

Isn't she just a doll. She really enjoys sitting on the front porch of this little house, and I think she was quite grateful that I rescued her from Luke (the 2yr old). He just loves her, and I'm quite sure he would have "loved her to death. A special thanks to Donnaj for this little sweetie.

Oh, my how these birdies enjoy their new home by a sunny window. They keep me company as I sew my little projects. Thank you Natalie Hough for my fine feathered friends.

AND NOW... a couple of finished projects.

I mentioned in my last post that my oldest was working with me on a wall hanging. She chose the colors for the embroidery and manned the machine as it stitched out, and then pieced the square. She was very clear on the fact the her favorite part was the machine embroidery.

I learned a little something on this project as well. I knew I had not bound the last wall hanging correctly, but I just wanted to get it done so I didn't worry about it. This time I was determined to bind it correctly and what a difference it made in the final product!

The first photo is an example of how not to do it!! For a great tutorial on binding a quilt, check this out Heather Baily's Quilt Binding Tutorial .

We saw a pillow like this not long ago, and Laura Kate just loved it. I assured her I could figure out how to make one. It was easy, but don't look to close, all of the corners don't match up just perfectly.

I really love the way the ends turned out. The closure is "draw string" style.

I think it turned out quite lovely.

Fancy That, an arrival by post just in time to brighten the day, a wall hanging, and a little "pillow talk"
Dee Light

What's In A Name? and Cookies Too!

2008-02-25T13:46:00.005-06:00

I don't know what it is about seeing your own name on an object, but somehow it makes it all the more special.

I recently made the baby a small wall hanging with her name on it.

Big brother was just fascinated with the idea. Every time I would make something he would say "What you making me?" So i decided it was time to make him a little something special with his own name on it. He loves it!!

My oldest decided she wanted something for her room, with her name on it, too. So she and I are working on a wall hanging for her room.

AND COOKIES TOO!

A few days ago my daughter had 2 of her friends over. They both know that I love to make cookies (and eat them). When one of them said she hadn't had any homemade cookies for a while, of course I said I would make her some. I wanted something different, but not too different so I went searching the my recipe collection for a new but classic yummy treat.

I settled on this Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe. The cookies were soooo yummy. Somehow crisp on the outside, but soft on the inside. I failed to read the recipe all the way, and didn't realize the recipe called for oatmeal. It just so happened that I had just used the last of it that morning so I left it out (I know they would be oh, so yummy with it!), but they were fantastic without it.

Chocolate Chip Supreme Cookies

1 Cup butter
3/4 Cup firmly packed brown sugar
3/4 Cup Sugar
2 large eggs
1 pkg (3.4 ounce) instant vanilla pudding mix
1 T vanilla extract
2 1/4 Cups all purpose flour
1 T baking soda
1/2 t salt
2 Cups semisweet chocolate morsels
(I didn't use the following ingredients, but they are a part of the original recipe.)
1 1/2 Cups chopped pecans
1 Cup uncooked quick cooking oats
(I added coconut to some of the batter. Very Tasty.)

Beat butter at M speed until creamy. Add sugar beating well. Add eggs beat until blended. Add pudding mix and vanilla beat until well blended.

Combine flour and the next 4 ingredients. Gradually add to butter mixture, beat until blended. Stir in Morsels, pecans, and oats.

Shape dough into 1 1/2 inch balls; place on lightly greased baking sheets, and press to 1 inch thickness.

Bake at 375 for 10-12 minutes (or desired doneness). Remove from oven and cool on wire rack.

Yield: 3 dozen

Fancy That, a few simple letters, your Name can make things so meaningful.
And well what can I say cookies are just FANCY!!

DeeLight

And The Winner Is...

2008-02-14T20:49:00.003-06:00

Altered Mellisa!!

I will have a real post tomorrow, until then Happy Valentines Day.

DeeLight

One World - One Heart

2008-02-06T16:11:00.001-06:00

Oh what Blog Land fun!! Lisa Oceandreamer is hosting the most wonderful event. Bloggers everywhere are welcome to join in and share the love. One World - One Heart is an event designed to connect bloggers and allow them to share a little something special with their blogging friends.

My offering for this event is a "DeeLightful" little bag I made, and of course it will be filled with a few wonderful goodies as well (but those will remain a secret).

Anyone interested in the "DeeLightful" Bag, and goodies is welcome to leave their name in the comments of this post (just say you want to be included in the drawing). Please remember if you don't have a blog I will need your email so that I can contact you (simply go to my profile and email me your info). I will post the winner on Feb.13.

To learn more about this event visit One World - One Heart .

Fancy that, Blog Land friends new and old sharing special treasures!!
DeeLight

Show and not so much tell

2008-02-05T14:17:00.000-06:00

Tuesday is Girl Scout day so I don't have much time, but I do have a few little projects to share.

This is my first attempt at collage. I didn't really think out the color scheme too well, but it was a fun learning experience.

My daughter and a friend did some collage work as well.

Baby Burp Cloths...

Baby Bib and Burp Cloth...

Machine Embroiderd Case (for my 10 year old's recorder)

My 2 year old even got crafty, with a little help from his big sister...

LOOK WHAT MY MOM MADE!! More cute little baby booties!!

(pattern from Hello My Name Is Heather , for some reason the link directly to the pattern was not working for me, this will take you to her blog. The pattern can be found in the right margine under "free patterns")

Fancy that, a week of crafting with family and friends.
DeeLight

And The Winner Is!!!

2008-02-04T09:45:00.000-06:00

Okay ladies, I know I said I would be drawing the name of our winner on Friday, but life got in the way. I'm sure you all know how it is.

Well, today is the day!! The lucky winner will be anounced. The names are neetly folded, and have been placed in an, oh so romantic dish.

Yes, I should have painted my nails for the occasion.

And the winner is...

Virginia

( Virginia, your email is not included in your blogger profile, so if you don't mind click on my profile (where you will find my email) and send me your mailing address. If I don't hear from you by this Friday I will choose a new winner. Hope to hear from you soon.)

Fancy That, a new week and a new winner!! Later this week I will share some crafty things I've been working on.

Stop by the Garden Goose for a chance to win some Valentine goodies!!

DeeLight

Feeding His Primal Instincts (and a book give away)

2008-01-28T08:46:00.000-06:00

My Good friend (and neighbor) Jill Monroe has a book coming out.

Jill writes "Steamy" Romance Novels. I know, I know I don't usually have racy posts. After all I'm a June Cleaver, Betty Crocker type, just look at my picture.

The title of her latest book is Primal Instincts

If you would like a chance to win an autographed copy of her latest book leave a comment saying so.

In honor of this latest book, I will be posting recipes that speak to "His" more primal instincts. The following is a quote from the book Primal Instincts

"Scents more attractive to men are food related. There's something to be said for that old saying about the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Cinnamon is a scent men respond to on a primal level."

Okay, I must say I was a bit sceptical. Cinnamon just doesn't scream out romance to me. Until I began thinking about my husbands favorite things, and low and behold over half of them call for cinnamon, and lots of it!! The very first thing I ever cooked for my husband when we were dating was Snickerdoodles. Those were his favorite cookie back then, and the more cinnamon the better!!

Soft Snickerdoodles

1 Cup Butter

1 1/2 C Sugar

2 Eggs

1 tsp Vanilla

2 3/4 C flour

1 tsp soda

2 t cream of tarter

1/4 t salt

Sugar Coating for Cookies:

3T Sugar

3T Cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350.

Cream together Butter and Sugar, add eggs and vanilla mix well.

Sift dry ingredients and add to sugar mixture.

Cover and chill the dough, and a cookie sheet for 15 minutes.

Roll dough into balls the size of walnuts, and roll in cinnamon sugar.

Place unbaked cookies on the chilled ungreased cookie sheet and bake for about 8-10 minutes.

Remove from pan immediately

Enjoy!!! And don't forget to let me know in your comment if you would like a chance to win a copy of Primal Instincts. We will choose a winner on Friday!!

If you would like to learn more about Jill Monroe and her books you can visit her by following this link http://jillmonroe.blogspot.com/ Tell her I said Hello!!

Fancy that, I've been feeding my man's "primal instincts" all of this time with our even knowing it.

DeeLight

Thanks To 2

2008-01-22T09:07:00.001-06:00

First off, I would like to thank Cookie Baker Lynn For the yummy recipe she shared Saturday January 12. The recipe was for Peanut Butter and Jam Bars. They were oh, so yummy!!! However, I will say if you are just so, so in your love for peanut butter they may not be the snack for you, as they are very peanut buttery. Our bars were gobbled up before I had a chance to take a good photo.

This is what was left when I got around to taking the photo.

Look What My Mom Made!

Aren't they just the cutest little baby shoes.

THANKS MOM!!!!

Fancy that, cold winter days made warmer with a shared recipe and special baby gift. Lets all make someone elses day warmer by sharing.

DeeLight

Time Well Spent

2008-01-14T11:12:00.000-06:00

I finally broke out the sewing machine!!! It felt good, I had missed my old friend. My project wasn't big or fancy but useful.

And Now Presenting...
My latest project "baby burp cloths" (see I told you nothing too fancy).

Don't look too close there are definitely some imperfections, but they are after all "Burp Cloths".

Most of my time has been spent with these little dolls!!!

Fancy That, a productive time spent with an old friend (all be it a sewing machine), and even more time spent with my little angels (well they look like angels in pictures).

Oh, I almost forgot. As I'm sure you've noticed I added a music play list to my blog. I was thinking it might be fun to take song suggestions from other bloggers. So if you would leave your song request / suggestion in a comment I will see what I can do about adding it to the play list.

DeeLight

Happy New Year!!!

2008-01-02T09:15:00.000-06:00

I've sat down to the computer countless times in the past month and a half to start a new post, but just never quite completed the task. I've had my photos ready to download, words whirling in my head, but life is so blessed and full that I 've just had to put some things off.

Now it's January and as the Christmas decorations are packed away and a new year begins, things will slow down and life will become more simple (no less full, but more simple).

We have had such a Joyous Holiday Season starting with the birth of our Baby Girl.
AnnaBeth (Anna Elizabeth) was born on Thanksgiving Day. She weighed in at 9 pounds 15 ounces, and 20 inches long.

Brother has had to learn to share the attention, but he loves his new baby sister. Big sister has been a life saver for me, she's so helpful and good about giving Luke that extra bit of attention that he needs.

I hope you all have had a wonderful Holiday Season, and will have a blessed New Year!!

Fancy that, a new baby, and a new year!!! This year will be a busy one!!!

DeeLight

"Aint It Great To Go Crazy?"

2007-11-11T17:58:00.000-06:00

Okay, okay I get the bad blogger award. AGAIN!!! I haven't posted in over a month. I know it's disgraceful. But in my defence things have been a little crazy. Of course there is Halloween to prepare for in October, my daughter had a Science Fair project due the first week of November, and then there is the "Reflections" art contest sponsored by PTA that we have been preparing for. Thank goodness everything has been turned in and now we can relax!!!

HA!! What am I thinking, relax? Thanksgiving is just around the corner, I will be giving birth the following Thursday and then there is Christmas!!! Life is a little crazy sometimes, but at least I have a lot to look forward to.

Things may have been a little crazy the past month but we have had fun and I have lots of pictures to share.

Halloween:
My little darlings were Miss America, and Tigger.

I have found that it is usually less expensive to purchase my daughters costume than make it. I used to feel like I was not being a "Good Mom" if I didn't make all of the costumes, I've gotten over that. Her dress came from Ross and the the Tiara and Jewelry were things that we had at home, of course I did make the sash, and she wore a stole that was made of 1/2 yard of
fur.

My little guy was Tigger. I know, I know not to original, but he loves Tigger and these little costumes are so easy for the little ones to wear.

The Science Fair, well what can I say. It's a great experience, but I always stress over it. My daughter chose the topic "Density of Liquids". Our first experiment didn't go so well so we changed a few things. The final experiment went well and she won 3rd place in the 5Th grade, at her school!!!

Oh, did I forget to mention that October 31 is also "50's Day" at my daughter's school?

I have always said that I would never drive a van!!! Well I guess I'm going to have to eat my words. After looking at SUV's and Vans we came to the conclusion that 2 car seats, my daughter and all of her friends would fit best in a Van. So hear she is my new Toyota Sienna. I can't believe I am saying this, but I love her. I love the color, the features, the way she drives... Please don't think less of me because I drive a Van!!!

I have a few other little projects to share later this week!!!

Fancy that, a crazy month filled with fun, and more crazy fun on the way!! I really am lucky to have so many wonderful things to do, even if I think I'm going to go crazy sometimes!!!
Dee Light

In "Ghoulish" Style

2007-09-25T09:20:00.000-05:00

The decorating has begun!!!

I'm sure we will add a few things here and there, but we have a great start. Now I don't want to mislead any one, our decorations aren't very sophisticated. Most of them have been picked up at places like the dollar store, and were chosen by children!!

The "Ghoulish Style" Stylists...

Just A Sample of their work...

This is hard work mom can we take a break!!!

Why of course (I say), I'm not that much of a witch,

Why don't we watch some movies...

Now Little Goblins It's Off To Bed!!!

We'll have caramel apple French toast in the morning!!!

This was a fun change from our ordinary french toast. I didn't have a recipe I just cooked the apples in a skillet with about 2-3T butter, when they were softened I added brown sugar, and a little more butter. I used my usual French Toast method (3-4 eggs, 1/4- 1/2 C milk, 1t vanilla, and brown sugar to taste, dip the bread in mixture and place in skillet to cook). Remove the toast from the skillet and top with apple mixture, drizzle with caramel syrup and top off with whipped cream.

I got this little shirt done on the embroidery machine too...

It didn't turn out just perfect. But, I guess thats what I get for letting a 2 year old choose the designs. He loves looking at the designs on the computer and then waching them stich out on the machine!!!

Fancy That, We're all decked out in "Ghoulish Style"!!!

Dee Light

Get Your "Ghoul" On

2007-09-21T16:03:00.001-05:00

What a crazy week!!! Both of my kids have taken a turn at being sick, My husband has been working late...So between Dr's appointments, school, and other responsibilities I haven't had much time to create.

But oh, how I have the "Halloween Bug". When my October Country Living came I was so excited!!! I promised myself I would not buy any other October issues of my favorite magazines, but it was all a lie!!! I was able to pass up the magazines once, but not twice. So far I only have 3, surely I can make due with those. Magazines this time of year are so much fun, and it doesn't help when I visit blogs showcasing new magazines!!!

Tonight my daughter and I are going to get our "Ghoul" on and decorate for Halloween!!! I've pulled out the decorations, we'll pop some popcorn (or maybe we'll have candy corn) and get busy!!!

Fancy that, we'll soon have out our own "DeeLightfully" ghoulish decorations!!!
DeeLight

Tea Party Recipes!!!!

2007-09-14T12:52:00.001-05:00

I had such a fun time visiting all of the Virtual Tea Parties this week!!! There were so many lovely Tea Sets, and Yummy Snacks!!!

As promised today's post will incule the recipes used for my own little tea party. The first recipe for Chocolate Chip Cookies can be found on Martha Stewarts Web Sight. They are so soft and chewy just the way my family likes them. The second recipe is from The All New Joy Of Cooking Cookbook. The recipe is as follows:

Ginger Snaps

Whisk Together-
3 3/4 C flour
1 1/2 t baking powder
1/2 t soda
4 t ground ginger
1t ground cinnamon
1/4 t ground clove
1/4 t salt

Beat on medium until fluffy and well blended-
1 1/2 sticks butter
1 2/3 C sugar

Add and beat until well combined-
2 L eggs
1/2 C dark molasses
2 t fresh lemon juice
1/4 finely grated lemon or orange zest

Stir in flour until well blended.
Roll dough into balls and then in sugar.

Bake at 350, for 10-13 minutes.

The girls also sipped warm Apple Spiced Tea . We added sugar to ours and a little cream too!!!

I hope every one enjoys the recipes. They're nothing fancy just tasty treats that make kids (and grown ups) smile.

I've Been Tagged By Adriann.

7 Random Things About Me:

1. I'm a mother of 2 with another on the way
2. I'm a Girl Scout Leader
3. PTA drives me crazy!!!
4. I love chocolate chip cookie dough ( but who doesn't)
5. I read romance novels
6. I don't have cable TV
7. I can't wait for the next season of Survivor and American Idol

I tag 7. (If you've been tagged be sure to tag 7)

Jill Monroe
Mizz Smoochie Lips
Chicken Bells
Heidijayhawk
Belinda
Kloth and Bolt
4 Reluctant Entertainers

A Big Thank You Goes Out to Sandy at 4 Reluctant Entertainers . I just received the book I won!!! I can't wait to get started reading it!!!

NO MORE JELLYFISH, CHICKENS, OR WIMPS
(Raising Secure, Assertive KIDS IN A TOUGH WORLD)

Fancy that, a tea party, being tagged and recieiving a prize all in one week. It's been a busy week in blog land!!!!
DeeLight

Time For Tea

2007-09-10T16:54:00.000-05:00

Back To School Tea Party

It's almost time for the girls to arrive!!!! I can't wait to see them all dressed up in their back to school outfits!!! This is going to be so much fun. The table has been set with "Old Country Rose" china, the napkins are old fashioned hankies. Each girl has a place card marking her spot, on the back of each place card is a different back to school question (the girls will take turns answering each question).

The menu consists of Ginger Snap Cookies, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Caramel Apple Slices, and Spiced Apple Tea with cinnamon sticks for stirring ( I will post the recipes later this week).

Oh, Good They're here, and they look soooooo cute!!! Don't you agree?

They are such little ladies, sitting together having tea!!

What a wonderful time we've had. We would all like to thank you for stopping by to share a spot of tea!!!

Fancy that, three little ladies having an after school tea!!!
DeeLight

To visit other virtual Tea Parties follow this link.

Back To School Tea

2007-09-10T09:14:00.000-05:00

The Ladies at Make Mine Pink are hosting a virtual tea party today!!! How fun is that.

I don't have photos of my actual Tea Party yet, as I will be giving a Back To School Tea this afternoon. However I have pulled out the china, napkins, place card holders, and of course a favorite recipe book!!!

Please stop by later this afternoon or evening to check out the photos from our Tea Party!! The girls will be wearing there favorite back to school clothes, and the menu will be focused on tastes that remind me of back to school and fall. I will be serving Apple Spiced Tea, Ginger Snap Cookies, Chocolate Chip Cookies (because they remind me of my own childhood), and caramel apple slices.

Fancy That, a day of virtual tea.
See you this afternoon, Dee Light

Comfort Food

2007-09-07T12:35:00.001-05:00

Back to school, September, the slight change in temperature all make me think of fall. Which makes me think of "Comfort Food". You know the kind of food, that warms your soul, makes you think of childhood, and big family dinners. Well today I wanted to share a couple of recipes that are my kind of comfort food. The first recipe is a new recipe with familiar flavors, and the second is an old family favorite.

Upside Down Apple Ginger Bread Cake

I must admit I was a little sceptical about this recipe, I tend to use Southern Living, Martha Stewart, or Paula Deen type recipes. You know the kind loaded with fat!!! This recipe was found in The Complete Cooking Light Cookbook (I have had this book for years but never really used it). The results were fantastic!!! This cake is especially tasty served warm from the oven.

Any where there is an option given to use margarine or butter, I used butter. I don't even have margarine in my house. I know , I know butter is so, so fattening, but it's also so, so tasty!!!

1T stick margarine or butter melted

1/4 C packed brown sugar

2 C thinly slice peeled Granny Smith Apples

1 1/4 C all purpose flour

1t ginger

1t cinnamon

3/4 t baking soda

1/4 t nutmeg

1/8 t cloves

1/3 C granulated sugar

1/4 C stick margarine or butter, softened

1/3 C molasses

1 L egg

1/2 C plain fat free yogurt

1/3 C chopped pitted date ( optional)

3 T chopped walnuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350

1. Coat bottom of 9 inch cake pan with melted butter.

Sprinkle brown sugar over butter.

Arrange apples spokelike over brown sugar.

2. Spoon flour into measuring cup; level with knife.

Combine flour and next 6 ingredients; set aside.

3. Beat granulated sugar and 1/4 C butter for 5 minutes on medium speed.

Add molasses and egg, beat well. Add flour mixture alternately with yogurt, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Mix well after each addition.

Stir in dates and walnuts if desired.

4. Pour batter over apple slices. Sharply tap pan on counter to remove any air bubbles.

5. Bake at 350 for 40 minutes or until tooth pick comes out clean.

Cool in pan on wire rack for 5 minutes. Run narrow metal spatula around sides to loosen. Place plate upside down on pan; invert cake onto plate. Serve warm. Yield 8 servings.

This next recipe is an all time family favorite!!! I can remember my grandmother making it for family dinner, my mother has made it and still makes it for family dinner, and I make it quite often as well. It probably one of my husbands favorite foods, a real crowd pleaser!!!

Chicken and Noodles

Stew Chicken:

Whole cut up chicken with skin

celery

salt to taste

pepper to taste

cover with water

After chicken is cooked discard skin, bones, celery.

Chill broth, and skim fat.

Noodles:

3 eggs

6 T cream

3t salt

beat with whip

Add 1 1/2 C flour and blend

Work in more flour if needed to create a workable dough

Place dough on a floured surface and roll thin.

Leave the dough to dry 6-8 hours.

When dough is almost dry, slice into noodles.

Chicken and Noodles:

Bring broth to boil (add canned if you don't have enough)

Add noodles to broth, along with chopped chicken

Simmer about 8 minutes or until noodles are done.

Lower the temperature and add 2 T Butter, salt and pepper to taste, and milk or half and half to desired consistency.

This particular dish isn't very photogenic, but I promise the taste will not disappoint!!!

Fancy that, something new and something old, recipes just like new and old friends can bring comfort!!

DeeLight

Sew Little Time!!!

2007-09-05T14:33:00.000-05:00

Well I haven't had much time to sew, but this little top was pretty quick!!!

After looking and looking for one of these little shirts/dresses in the girls department, we couldn't find what we were looking for (the Jr's sizes are just a little big).

We looked at patterns and still didn't come up with exactly what we were looking for. So I opted to purchase a pattern to use as a guide and make a few changes. I used a McCall's pattern #M5376. I added 2 inches to the body of the top for fullness and 2 1/2 inches to the length.

My daughter looks just "deelightful" in this little number, however she wasn't home to model it when I created this post. So I have taken a photo of it as she plans to wear it.

My embroidery machine has been busy as well. Making monkeys for my little monkey!! He was so happy about this little shirt. I was happy to find the blank T-shirt at JCPenny's for less than $2.00.

Fancy that, something new for both of my monkeys!!
DeeLight

The Best Cookies Ever?

2007-08-29T13:39:00.001-05:00

My mom purchased a "Paula Deen Magazine" back in March. I've thumbed through it several times, and so has she, but neither of us had tried any of the recipes. Last Sunday I asked if I could borrow it, and of course her reply was YES, but you have to try out a recipe and let me have a taste.

Well today was the day!!! On Wednesdays, my 2 year old and I go to eat with my mother-in-law. So I baked "Praline Cookies" from the "Paula Deen Magazine". I was in such a rush I didn't even have a chance to taste the finished product before I left for her house. We ate dinner, and then broke out the cookies, a friend who was joining us took 2 bites and announced that these were the best cookies he had ever tasted!! I gave him a funny look (yea right the BEST, they may be good but honestly). My mother-in-law gave them a try, and to my surprise she agreed!!!

Now I don't know if I would say they are the BEST COOKIES EVER, but they are pretty good!!!
and really easy!!! So I thought I would pass the recipe along to my Blogger Friends.

Praline Cookies

(From Cooking With Paula Deen, March/April 2007)

1/2 C butter, softened

1 1/2 C firmly packed brown sugar

1 L egg

1t vanilla

1 1/2 C all purpose flour

1 1/2 t baking powder

1/4 t salt

1/2 C pecans, coarsely chopped

icing:

1 C firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 C heavy whipping cream

1 C confectioners sugar

beat butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer at medium speed, until creamy. Add egg and vanilla; beat well. Gradually add dry ingredients (except pecans) to the mixture. Beat well. Cover and chill, about 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 350, and lightly grease cookie sheets.

Form dough into 1 inch balls. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Flatten cookies slightly with fingers. Sprinkle with chopped pecans. Bake 10 minutes, and cool on wire racks.

To make the icing, combine brown sugar and whipping cream in sauce pan. Bring to boil over medium heat until sugar dissolves, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; beat in confectioners sugar until smooth. Drizzle over cookies.

Best Ever Cookies? I don't know. You be the judge.

Oh, and don't worry I haven't forgotten my mom. We'll be delivering hers after school!!!

Fancy that, a treasure trove of recipes going unused for all of these months!!! I'd better get cooking!!!

DeeLight

Woman To Woman

2007-08-27T20:54:00.001-05:00

(For those of you who have not heard of "Woman To woman" it is a group of women bloggers who blog about a different topic, twice a month. It is a fun way to share ideas!! If you would like to join in the fun, follow the link in the sidebar under special events.)

Learning To Say No

As women I think we often feel the need to nurture not only our families, but everyone else. We see a need and think okay, I can handle this!!! But how many tasks (no matter how big or small)can one person really take on. And well, I'll admit it, sometimes I think the not saying no comes from a more selfish place. The part of me that wants to be recognized, the part of me that's a little too competitive, and wants people to know just how "good" I really am (I'm really not an evil person, I'm just being honest). No matter the reason for raising your hand to create the school yearbook, or signing up to be in charge of the school fundraiser it's hard to say NO!!

I have learned the hard way that when you take on too many activities, the things that are most important don't always get done!! When My daughter was in first grade my friend and I volunteered to do the school year book, be home room mothers, and serve on a PTA committee, we were also both Girl Scout leaders, and serving on our Service Councils recruitment committee, and various other church and school positions. We had spread ourselves way too thin. It seemed as if we had meetings all the time. We got through the year but by the end we made a pact to never let each other sign up for so many things again.

We each decided that our priority was of course God and Family, and serving in our churches, but we wanted to continue to have a thriving Girls Scout Troop. We realized that by spreading our selves too thin we had not been able to do all that we wanted to do with our Girls. We each choose one activity to help with at school, but remind each other not to bite off more than we can chew. By helping each other say NO (to every little thing that comes along), we have more time to commit to our Family, Church, and Girls Scout Troop. I guess our Motto is find the thing you want to do and do it well!!!

Fancy That, We can still serve in our schools and communities even if we don't do it all!!!

DeeLight

My Attemt At A Little Zipper Bag

2007-08-26T19:16:00.000-05:00

I really should be working on sewing school clothes for my daughter. I have at least 3 outfits waiting to be completed. But I just haven't been in the mood. So I thought I would try my hand at something new.

I've seen several little bags with zippers posted on Blogs. So I thought I would give it a try myself.

I used the bottom portion from the leg of my daughters old jeans. I wasn't sure about the best way to put the zipper in, but I managed. (If any of you know of a web sight that gives instructions for putting a zipper in a bag let me know.)

I lined the bag with fabric that is pink with pastel stars. The lining is not my best work. I really was unsure about putting the lining in with a zipper. I'm sure it would have looked better if I had sewn it in by hand, but I didn't want to spend the time. (If any of you have tips for putting the lining in a zipper bag PLEASE let me know!!!)

I used my embroidery machine to embroider the stars. The cute little buttons, I picked up on sale at Hancock's (25 cents).

While the bag is not perfect I am pleased with the project, and my daughter was happy with it. She is going to use it for a pencil bag at school.

Fancy that, a new pencil bag for my girl, and a learning experience for me!!!
DeeLight

What's For Dinner

2007-08-22T15:09:00.001-05:00

School is back in full swing which means Girl Scouts, Piano Lessons, Soccer... So what's a mom to do about dinner?

PULL OUT THE CROCK POT!!!

I found a version of this recipe online, and made a few changes to simplify it, and make it more to the tastes of my family. It was sooooo easy and sooooo good!!!! I'm not just saying this, it really was good!

Crock Pot Tortellini

Brown:

1/2 lb ground beef

and

1/2 lb bulk sausage

(drain)

spray the inside of a crock pot with cooking spray

pour 2, 24 ounce jars of Marinara Sauce into crock pot

(I used Bertolli's 5 Cheese Sauce)

add the meat and cook on low for 6-8 hrs

(you could cook it for less time if you needed to)

15 minutes before serving add:

refrigerated tortellini

(I used one regular sized pkg and one small pkg of cheese tortellini)

1-2 cups grated mozzarella cheese

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

If the sauce seams to thick you can add chicken broth or water

Let cook for the remaining 15 minutes and serve!!!

Yummy Stuff!!!!

Fancy That, something yummy from the crock pot on a busy school night!!!

Dee Light

2007-08-20T18:44:00.000-05:00

I have been away from my blog for awhile. We had a death in our family. My 21 year old nephew was killed in a car accident. He will be missed, he was such a wonderful young man, who we all loved. Our family holds on to the promise that he is in a better place, and we will be reunited with him one day!!!

I hope to get back to blogging this week, as we all try to get back to normal activities.

Fancy That, there is hope even in the darkest of days!!!
DeeLight

Letter Lessons

2007-08-11T11:40:00.001-05:00

This week my daughter and I started something new with the littlest member of our family, Letter Lessons. She and I are going to start introducing him to a new letter each week. We chose to start with the letter L as it is the first letter of his name

My daughter is 10 and had such a great time looking online for activities (she's already come up with ideas for next week). My original plan was to use activities from when I was teaching, but I could tell she really wanted to do the planning!!! What a great learning experience for her as well.

Keep in mind my son is 2, so we kept it simple, and our only expectation was that he would be introduced to the letter and have fun at the same time!!!

Activity 1: Play dough "LETTERS"

(we all played with play dough and cut out various letter shapes)

Activity2: Little Lamb

(we traced my sons hand onto black paper, cut it out, and then let him cover the palm

with white cotton balls, my daughter drew hooves and a face on the fingers)

Sing Mary Had A Little Lamb

Activity 3: Leo The Lion

( Of course we sang Leo The Lion. We then found a small pater plate, used a glue

stick to cover the outside edge with glue. My son then helped to place the paper

strips around for the main, and glued on the eyes and nose.)

Activity 4: Lips starts with L

( I drew an L Shape onto a piece of paper, put lipstick on my son and let him kiss the paper leaving his "lip print".)

Activity 5: Lamb, Leaf, and L cookies

Rolled Sugar Cookies

(from The Southern Living Cookbook)

3 C flour

2 t baking powder

3/4 t baking soda

1 C shortening (I used butter(

1 egg, beaten

1 1/4 C sugar

2 T milk

1 t vanilla

Combine flour, baking powder, and soda, cut in shortening (or butter) with a pastry blender until it resembles course meal. Combine egg, sugar, milk, and vanilla. Stir until well blended pour into the the dry mixture. Stir with fork until well blended. pat dough into ball and chill 2 hours (we usually can't wait that long). Role dough 1/8 in thick and cut with cookie cutter.

Bake at 375 for 6 minutes.

Fancy That, a week of fun Letter L activities!!!

Dee Light

More Back To School Sewing

2007-08-08T16:28:00.001-05:00

Well I've completed a skirt for my daughter, and let me just say that a tiered skirt for a 5 year old takes a lot less time than a tiered skirt for a 10 year old!!! Or at least it does for me. The skirt really was simple and should not have taken as long as it did, I just kept getting interrupted. Oh, and I always tend to make way to many gathers, and then wind up having to pull them out and adjust them so that they fit where they should. I guess this is what happens when you are out of practice!!!

The skirt turned out pretty well, despite the occasional mishap!!! My daughter had chosen the green fabric quite some time ago, she chose the pink to go with it just last week. I wasn't sure what I thought about the combo, but now that it's done I think it is a fun combination.

Next I will be making a really cute little top, it will be red with white polka dots. Lets hope I can remember how to put a sleeve in!!!

Fancy that I managed to wrangle those gathered tiers into a nice little skirt!!!!

Dee Light

Back To School Sewing

2007-08-02T10:59:00.000-05:00

I don't know what's gotten into me. I haven't actually sewn clothes for my daughter since she was in 2 grade!!! Most of the time it's less expensive to buy her school clothes, but this year she and I spent the day choosing patterns and fabric. It was so much fun!!!

I don't have much to show yet, but there are several projects in the works.

Today I'm showing a little pink and brown number, made from fabric that I had, but I used one of the new patterns she picked out ( Simplicity 4260).

I was really pleased with the way this little top turned out. I added the ruffle because the top was a little too short, but I also think it added a little something to the over all look. She is planning to wear this top with brown gauchos.

Fancy That!!! A cute little top for my 5th grader!!!
Dee Light

Milk and Cookies Anyone?

2007-07-30T16:26:00.000-05:00

My littlest helper and I have been making cookies. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies to be exact!!!

(This recipe was adapted from a Martha Stewart Recipe for Mixed Fruit and Nut Cookies.)

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

2 1/4 c flour

1 t baking soda

1 t salt

1 C butter

1 C light brown sugar

1/2 C granulated sugar

2 L eggs

1 t Vanilla

1 1/2 C coconut

2 C oatmeal

1 1/2 C raisin bran

1/2 C raisins

Combine flour, soda ,and salt. Set aside.

Cream butter until smooth. Add sugars and beat until fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla.

Add Flour mixture, beat on low.

Add the remaining ingredients.

Drop onto greased cookie sheet. I usually flatten them a little.

Bake at 350 degrees to desired doneness (8-10 minutes).

Fancy That, a glass of milk and an oatmeal raisin cookie. Yum, Yum!!!!

DeeLight

Tie-Dye

2007-07-29T15:12:00.000-05:00

Okay, my daughter and I have tried several different tie-dye kits over the years with different degrees of success, but this time we found something we really liked!!

My daughter had some friend over for her "Friend Birthday Party". One of our activities was tie-dye. The girls loved it!! They placed rubber bands on the shirts and then squirted on the colors. When they were done I wrapped the shirts in plastic wrap, they took them home and washed them in hot water and dried them. Very simple and fun party activity.

Fancy That, a cool tie-dye T-shirt!!
DeeLight

Sand Plum Jelly

2007-07-24T11:42:00.000-05:00

There is nothing like homemade jelly. It's not just the taste, it's the process. I like knowing that I'm making something that my great grandmother, grandmother, and mother made. I do a lot of cooking, but there's just something about jelly, the boiling pots of juice the fruit jars and lids...I just don't know what it is about jelly.

Here are the fruits of my labor. I don't do anything fancy, I just use SureJell. I have tried other ways but SureJell is my favorite.

Fancy That, a homemade jar of jelly!!

DeeLight

Pink and Brown Birthday

2007-07-21T16:25:00.001-05:00

So much for keeping up with my blog, and my goal of blogging 2 times a week. I guess 2 times a month could be a start.

We have had family in town most of July, so needless to say I have been busy with family!!!

Pink and Brown Party

My daughter had a Birthday Party with a few of her cousins last Monday.

We went with a Pink and Brown theme! Pink and brown balloons and streamers with pink twinkle lights and silver and gold stars.

The cake was chocolate with pink frosting, chocolate curls and little cookie decorations from the Asian section at the grocery store.

(Of course we had all kinds of other yummy treats, and let me tell you girls ranging in age from 10-17 can really eat a lot!! I didn't even get a chance to take a picture of all of the goodies.)

Pretty Little Purse

I made my Birthday Girl a Pink and Brown purse, and filled it with make up, gum, and a Hobby Lobby Gift Card.

They all had such a fun spending time together.

(This is a picture of the girls, and Luke at the inflatable playground we went to that morning.)

Fancy That, my little girl is in a year older!!! and not so little any more!!!

DeeLight

Cooking With Kids

2007-06-27T08:40:00.003-05:00

Yummy Apple Crumb Treat

(Apple Dump Cake)

Okay this is a Dump Cake. I know, I know don't try to make it sound like something that it's not. My husband just thinks "Dump Cake" doesn't sound too appetizing. His exact words were "I'm not eating any thing called DUMP CAKE". So we came up with a new and improved name.

All that being said, this is a great activity for kids. My daughter is 9 and really didn't need any help. She even opened the canned apples.

Ingredients:

2 cans of apple pie filling

1 yellow cake mix

1 stick of butter

Procedure:

Spread Apple pie filling in a 9x13 inch pan

Cover filling with yellow cake mix

Drizzle melted butter over cake mix

Bake in a 350 degree oven for 40 minutes

Serve with whipped topping or ice cream (or both)

Fancy that, my baby girl is cooking!!!

DeeLight

Woman to Woman

2007-06-26T11:46:00.000-05:00

Share An Important Quote And What It Means To You

"To hear with my heart.
To see with my soul
To be guided by a hand that I can not hold
To trust in a way that I can not see
That's what faith must be..."
(taken from the song "THAT'S WHAT FAITH MUST BE" by Michael Card)

These are the words to a song that I first heard when I was about 20. I remember liking the song, but new songs came along and this one was forgotten.

Then one day about 9 years later as I was shopping for groceries with my daughter (then 2)
this song popped into my head. As we shopped I found my self humming the song and wondering why I had remembered it.

At the time I was 7 months pregnant with our 2 daughter. That evening I realized I had not felt the baby move in several hours. The next morning our DR. met us at the hospital where we learned that the baby's heart was not beating. They induced labor and I delivered her stillborn. This was the such a hard time for both my husband and I.

Soon after the delivery I remembered the song. It became so clear to me that God was preparing me for what lay ahead. We live in a world where bad things happen, but our Heavenly Father longs to comfort us.

Almost 2 years ago I gave birth to a healthy baby boy. I was so scared while I was pregnant with him. I had to constantly remind myself that I should put all of my faith in God, and trust Him.

I am now 4 months pregnant, and once again I am scared to death of the unknown. But I must place my faith in God. So of course I am reminded of the lyrics to the song..."to be guided by a hand I can not hold, to trust in a way I can not see, that's what faith must be."

Fancy that, we all have a Father who wants to love and care for us, so lets all try to keep the faith.

DeeLight

2007-06-25T15:38:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I have been neglecting my blog. Things have just been so busy, and I was letting my blog (and looking at other blogs) take up way too much of my time.

But I just can't give up blogging all together. So I am going to post a little less, and not allow my self so much time to browse around other blogs.

Other changes are going to take place too. In the beginning I wanted my blog to be about crafting, and cooking. But I'm going to have to face the fact that I don't have that much time to craft. Of course I do cook dinner most nights, but most of us have a recipe for potroast, pork chops...and chocolate chip cookies.

That being said. This blog is going to be a little more realistic. I'm going to post craft projects, and activities I am working on with my children (that takes most of my time), a few recipes, and an occasional project or craft. I really don't want this to be a "Mommy Blog", so I will try to be creative.

Just a taste of what we have been up to the past few days...

Shaving cream fun and a trip to a cowboy festival!!!

Woman To Woman~~~Is It Realy A Family Night Out

2007-03-27T09:59:00.000-05:00

It's family night!!! Pack up the kids including the toddler and head out for a movie!!! NOT!!!

We've all experienced it, sitting in movie theater when a little one starts crying or talking or... You spent money on those tickets and this is your first night away from the kids in a month!!! Why should you have to listen to a child that's not even your own.

Now let's understand something. In no way do I blame the child. Parents should understand what is an appropriate activity for a child, and plan accordingly. The problem is I think many parents know what would be best, but they are too concerned about what they want to consider the child and how the child's behavior will effect others.

As far as weddings and funerals go...I think it depends on the situation. I had 4 little girls (ages 4-5) in my wedding party, and there were several small children in the congregation. I think kids make it fun, but that's me. Not every one wants children at their wedding, and you know what it's okay!! If children are not invited to the wedding DON'T BRING THEM!!

Funerals are tricky. A friend told me that she has read that children under 7 are really not developmentally ready for such an occasion (I don't even know if I am and I'm 36). I do however feel that there could be situations where all of the family is attending a funeral and there is no one to care for the child, in this case it might be appropriate, but only as a last resort.
Several years ago, I kept my neighbors little girl (she was 5) while her parent and older sister attended a funeral, after the funeral the mother came and picked up her daughter and took her to the funeral dinner. That way she was a part of the day, but in a way that was appropriate for her.

There are of course many events that are appropriate for children. Church for instance can be your little ones first experience in a quiet controlled setting. Perhaps even a wedding or baby shower (but make sure it's okay first!!). There are many events planned for the family and little ones in mind. As parents we should seek out these events and activities.

I would like to say in conclusion, that the more formal and structured events aren't really fun for little ones any way. In fact they can be very stressful for them (all of the sitting quietly...) As parents we should make choices that are appropriate; not just for our selves, but for others as well. Spending time with our children is very important and yes children want to be a part of things. So plan something special to do with your child, go to the park, on a walk, have a picnic, or do as my friend did (with the funeral dinner)and include your child in another part of the day.

Fancy that a world where we all take into consideration the feelings and wishes of others.
Dee Light

If you would like to take part in Woman to Woman follow the link under Special Events.