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. ...

We all know the "French's Fried Onions" -- they come in a can and go on top of green bean casserole. Actually, there are more uses for those little french fried onions than one can imagine!  Yes!  Beyond the green bean casserole! And what's even better, is that homemade french fried onions are delicious! There is a bit of a commitment if you're going to embark on this endeavor.  But the payoff is well worth the effort. French Fried Onions 1 onion or more oil and a deep pan or a fryer paper sack flour salt and pepper Thinly slice the onions, as in paper thin.  I use a mandolin. Heat oil in a pan, about 3 inches deep, or heat your fryer according to directions. Place a cup of flour in a paper sack and season with some salt and pepper; about 1/2-1 tsp of salt and 3/4-1 tsp of pepper.  Depending on how many onions you use, you may need to repeat these ingredients.  When I'm doing these, I always do at least 2 onions. Add...

My boy cherub has been apart of the Honor Guard at school this year. This privilege is reserved for 6th graders. He and his partner are responsible to lower the flag every day during their week. They were trained by the local fire department honor guard as to how to do their task correctly as well as responsibly and reverently. Today is their end of year party with pizza and drink. Of course, moms were needed to provide dessert. This mom didn't mind a bit to get the request yesterday . . .and run home before picking the kids up from school and delivering everybody to their after-school-activity, and whip up some cupcakes! Oh no!  What fun that would be! And not just plain cupcakes with plain frosting! Oh no!  Let's try to do something we've never tried before! Of course!  That would be the stressful way of creating the "oh, no big deal to send treats" kind of cupcake! My cherub gets tired of chocolate cupcakes with chocolate frosting. I...

"Cinco de Mayo" was nearly a week ago . . .but don't tell my family that!  We're on a "fresh Mexican food" kick! In honor of all the good things we've had recently, I want to share with you a quick recipe for pico de gallo.  Image taken from the internet There are lots of theories about what pico de gallo is. Some say it's a basic salsa. Some say it's a relish, of sorts. Some say it's a dip. Some say it's a garnish. Personally, I have no opinion on the "exactness" of what pico de gallo is -- but I do know it's good and we really like it!  Pico de Gallo 3 Roma tomatoes, quartered, seeds cleaned out salt 1/2 of purple onion, chopped cilantro, chopped 1/2 lime, squeezed Quarter tomatoes and clean out the seeds.  Just run your finger through the tomato to clean it out.  Sprinkle with a small amount of salt and turn upside down on a paper towel.  This allows for the tomato to sweat a bit of the liqui...

I love being a mom . . .  . . .on most days! It's hard work and it's scary to think about the huge responsibility that it really is! I always say, "Having a baby is easy, it's the raising of children that's hard." I have two wonderful cherubs. If I could freeze them just as they are right now, I'd do it in a heart beat. This is my boy cherub and he's 12. This is my girl cherub and she's 9. They made me breakfast in bed on Mother's Day.  The Mr. had already headed to the church and he left them to cook!  I was treated to scrambled eggs . . .  . . .that weren't quit done. Cinnamon toast . . .  . . .that had a  little  lot too much cinnamon and not enough sugar. Sausage . . .  . . .that the Mr. cooks ahead of time and freezes. So they warmed that up nicely. And some coffee . . .  . . .with no creamer. And it all tasted delicious! After they delivered my breakfast to me, they fixed their breakfast and...

Confession:  if it's supposed to be white -- then I want it white. Baseball pants Peter Pan Collared school shirt Tights Napkins Jerseys You get what I'm saying and some of you feel my pain. So, let's talk baseball pants.  I love my boy cherub playing ball.  The uniforms are cute -- a little red jersey, white pants, and striped socks.  "It's all about the uniform," I remind him.  "Lookin' cute on the field is part of the gig!" He doesn't go for it. It's only a good game if we can steal bases and slide as much as possible. We have men coaches. They picked white pants. Sliding and white pants don't really go together in my book. Sliding in white pants makes for brown and green stains. That sends this momma into laundry turmoil. Dah-Dah-Dah-Dah!  I have discovered THE secret for laundry enthusiasts everywhere! See the picture below? Get a bottle of this and use it as quickly as possible. Save the bot...

Yesterday, it was so tempting to post some delicious recipes for "Cinco de Mayo."  But the reality is, there are a ton of recipes already out there and truthfully, I didn't have anything "new." As a side note, my cherubs say that it's "Cinco de mayo" . . .as in short for mayonnaise!"  Gives them a real laugh! In honor of the delicious and fresh taste of the Latin foods, I want to share with you a fabulous treat. Mango salsa.  It's great on chips, chicken, or fish.  It's easy to make and it's healthy!  That's a bonus! Mango Salsa 1 large ripe mango, peeled, pitted, and diced* 1/4 to 1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped 1 Jalapeño chile, minced (include ribs and seeds for a hotter taste if desired) 1 small cucumber, peeled and diced (about 1/2 cup), if desired.  I didn't desire it today 3 Tbsp fresh cilantro leaves, chopped 3 Tbsp fresh lime juice Dice mango into a bowl.  You decide how big you want those ...

I said that with my chocolate chip cookies, I think the silpat is what makes the difference. I've gotten this question . . . . "What's a silpat?" A silpat is a silicone baking mat. That's it. It's thin, goes right on top of your favorite baking sheet, comes in a variety of shapes and I use it for a ton of stuff: cookies biscuits meringues biscotti pizza doughs cheese crisps This is what they look like They're re-usable.  You just wash them and roll them up according to instructions and store until you need them again. I use mine ALL THE TIME that I don't even roll them up any more! They're not cheap and there are other brands, but I'm just saying, my silpats are amazing!

 We think these are the best cookies ever. There's nothing special about the ingredients. Or the dough. I'm not sure what makes them so good, but this is the only recipe I use! My Chocolate Chip Cookies 3/4 cup crisco 1 1/4 cups brown sugar 2 TBSP milk 1 TBSP vanilla 1 egg 1 3/4 cups flour 1 tsp. salt 3/4 tsp. baking soda 2 cups chocolate chips 1 cup nuts, chopped In a large bowl, cream crisco, brown sugar, milk and vanilla.  Add egg and mix well.  Add dry white ingredients, combining well.  Stir in chocolate chips and nuts, if desired. Scoop by large rounded tablespoon and bake at 350 for 6-8 minutes, depending on desired doneness. Cool on rack or enjoy while warm and you can barely hold it in your hand and you need a bowl to plop it in because it's so warm and gooey that it won't even hold it's shape.  Umm, that would be speaking from experience! *I really think my "secret" to the cookies being so absolutely delicious is th...

 Hydrangea head, full bloom open; gracious and unassuming.    One bush -- many blooms.  Side by side by side on the same bush.  One coming into its own; two express themselves with different colors. When we stop and look around at those things that God has placed in nature -- What can we be taught?

It's Teacher Appreciation Week and in wanting to do something special for my little cherub's teacher, I kept thinking of "what to make?"  There are so many cute things out there to do -- but really what's "me" and what comes easiest are things from my kitchen! Then, the delimna comes . . .what to make? decorated sugar cookies? a cake? dinner for she and her husband? cookies? I could have spent hours trying to figure it out!  But instead, I went with a new twist -- Cinnamon Spiced Blondies.  They kind of reminded my of my cherub's teacher, who has become my friend.  just different enough to be noticed but still has the "basics" to be great a little nutty yet sweet soft at heart but firm when necessary Cinnamon Spiced Blondies  Disclaimer:  not my photo 1 cup flour 1 TBSP ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/8 tsp salt 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 1/4 cup butter, melted 1 egg 2 tsps...

We still color eggs!  She's learning to create pretty center pieces on the table. By the way, that's edible Easter grass she's using -- thanks to her Mimi!  Because his KK thought he needed to color his first Easter egg! Aren't those cute stained finger something to cherish?  They're darling together -- still!  Our nephew with an giant Easter egg!  Isn't he cute! My sweet girl cherub -- always precious.  My boy cherub -- forever handsome! Never too old to hunt. By the way -- they dressed themselves in their "comfy clothes" after church! Could this be the prize egg? Some where easy -- some weren't!  Each cherub had their own pile of found eggs! They had 104 eggs to find!