A Proverbs 31 Kind of Day

These are the sweet feet of my cherubs. I remember when they were so tiny and would fit in the palm of my hand. I remember when I would smell their sweet feet and nibble their tiny toes. I remember their first steps. I still love their feet. I can tell which of my little cherubs is coming just by the sounds of their steps. I can hear them in the night when they're coming to our room. Now their feet wear baseball cleats and ballet shoes. I don't nibble their little toes anymore . But there's not much more precious then to see my cherub's naked feet!

There is something about playdough that is fun! Who would think that a pile of soft, pliable, mush would bring such satisfaction . . .  . . .such creativity! I've been making playdough for my cherubs since they were toddlers. I used to keep baggies full of different colored dough balls . . .  . . . and lots of tools!  Here's a list of fun tools: old cookie cutters plastic knives small rolling pins old biscuit cutters an old garlic press small wooden hammer plastic rolling crimper popsicle sticks an old melon baller small potato masher But now my cherubs are older and their interest in playdough isn't as strong as it used to be. Which is kind of sad! But yesterday, my girl cherub and a friend were playing and I offered to make playdough for them . . .  . . .and they were SO excited! They each choose their playdough color, which went a little beyond the basic color chart on the back of the food coloring box!  In a matter o...

It's Charlotte's Web day at school. It's a fun way to finish a great book and celebrate the end of school. Several moms brought special "Charlotte's Web" snacks: pigs in a blankets lemonade spider web cookies I signed up for spider web cookies.  Because when I did that there wasn't anything on my calendar! They're smart like that at the beginning of school! I didn't take very great pictures . . .but didn't realize that until just now.  Of course, it's too late to do anything about that now.  Because not only are they already at school, but they're consumed too! Oh well!  It's the thought! Happy Charlotte's Web Day!

Not "Mr. E" but real M.R.E's. That's what we had for dinner the other night. Ever had one? You'd remember it if you did. Why? Because the Mr. brought them home for us to try. He thought it would be a great experience for our family. And it was. Not that the food was great or anything. But it was a great time of doing something new and different. And we also got to talk about our military and the men and women who serve. The blessings that we have because of their diligence and commitment to our country. And when we have an abundance of choices for dinner -- and we're sitting with our family each night - there are many who are eating whatever they're given and are away from their family. We are thankful for the men and women who choose to serve in the military.  The excitement of having an MRE!  My girl cherub choose the "vegetarian" meal! It was fun to be able to open up the MRE and spread it all out . . . ...

My cherubs really like love banana bread. When I ask what they want for breakfast, this is always a first choice. Whenever I bake up this yummy bread, they come running to have a warm piece for a little snack.  This recipe is so very easy and the ingredients are easily kept on hand.  Sometimes I make it with the buttermilk glaze and sometimes I don't.  If you remember the buttermilk syrup recipe, this is extremely similar, it just makes a lot less and is a bit quicker to whip up!  So if you don't have the time or interest to make the glaze, no worries, go ahead and make the bread and grab a good book and a cup of coffee and enjoy! Banana Bread with Buttermilk Glaze Buttermilk Glaze 1 cup granulated sugar 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 cup buttermilk 1/4 cup butter (one half stick butter) 1 tablespoon light corn syrup 1 teaspoon vanilla extract In small saucepan over high heat combine sugar, baking soda, buttermilk, butter, and corn syrup. Br...

Oh my word! These are the best lemon bars I have ever had. E.V.E.R! E.V.E.R! This recipe, and picture for that matter, are from Ina Garten.  Maybe you're familiar with her from the Food Network.  I enjoy her recipes and this one is at the top of my favorites list. Matter of fact, there so good that I'm going right now to whip some up to share with a friend!  Yes!  They're a hit! No more typing, I've got to go bake! Lemon Bars For the crust : 1/2 pound unsalted butter, at room temperature 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2 cups flour 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt For the filling : 6 extra-large eggs at room temperature 3 cups granulated sugar 2 tablespoons grated lemon zest (4 to 6 lemons) 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 cup flour Confectioners' sugar, for dusting Directions Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. For the crust, cream the butter and sugar until light in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment....

I haven't cooked dinner since last week! Doesn't mean we haven't eaten at home. Just means I haven't cooked anything that makes sense! With the end of school just around the corner -- as in next week and baseball games and VBS meetings and dance practices, it's been a little hairy! Today is no different. I'm tired of eating weird things on the run (like pita chips and hummus or cereal or sandwiches!) so I pulled out the crockpot for an easy dinner tonight. If I remember to snap a picture before we run out the door, I'll show you how yummy this is. If I forget, just trust me! Cheesy Chicken in the Crockpot 4-6 chicken breasts, boneless/skinless 2 cans cream of chicken soup* 1 can cheese soup a bit of garlic powder egg noodles Place chicken, soups, and garlic powder in a crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until done. Shred chicken with 2 forks while still in the crock.  Cook desired amount of egg noodles and drain. ...