Congratulations Leslie!

Last night my niece, Leslie, received her bachelor's degree in Nursing.  We are so proud of her.  It is tradition for every nurse to have a separate and more intimate Candle Light or Pinning Ceremony the night before graduation.  Unfortunately, Leslie's ceremony was on a Thursday night (school night) and we couldn't make it, but she understood.  We had the opportunity to go to Ryan's Pinning Ceremony and it is very moving.  I was thrilled to be able to make Leslie's graduation though. 

Isn't she pretty?

We are so proud of her and wish her all the best on her new adventures

Chex PB and Chocolate Blast Recipe

Katie's friend, J, is having a birthday slumber party tomorrow night and has invited Katie to come. She is so excited. Eventhough J and Katie go to the same school, she hasn't really been able to spend time with J since this past summer. Becca and I have been trying to get the girls together for a while. I asked Becca if I could bring a snack. She told me if I wanted to bring one of my good appetizers that would be great.  I thought the girls would like to munch of this little treat, while playing games or watching a movie.  It's really good and I wanted to share the recipe with you.

Chex PB and Chocolate Blast Recipe

6 cups Rice Chex cereal
1 cup white vanilla baking chips (8 oz.)
1 cup peanut butter chips
1 cup red and green candy-coated chocolate candies
1 cup dry-roasted peanuts

Directions
Line 2 cookie sheets with foil or waxed paper.  Place 3 cups cereal in large bowl.  In small microwavable bowl, microwave white vanilla baking chips uncovered on High about 1 minute or until chips can be stirred smooth.  Pour melted chips over cereal in bowl; stir or toss to evenly coat.  Spread mixture in single layer on one of the cookie sheets.  Refrigerate 5 minutes or until set. 

Repeat the above using the remaining cereal and the peanut butter chips; refrigerate 5 minutes or until set. 

Gently break up coated cereal into large bowl.  Add candy and peanuts; stir gently to combine.  Store in airtight container. 

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Makes: 22 servings (1/2 cup each)

Doug got out the Zune and charged it up for the kids to play with.  We just have Bugs Bunny and Tinkerbell downloaded on it.  I got tickled at Colton all sprawled out on our bed, watching Bugs Bunny. 


Katie's class "Read to Feed" campaign expires next Tuesday.  I am so proud of her dedication.  As you know, her goal is 90 books.  She has currently read 80 books.  I know she will be so relieved when she doesn't have to read 6+ books a day.  LOL!  Her homework time has gone from an hour and a half to two hours a day.  It's real challenging on gymnastics day.  Shew! 

Today marks the second week, Katie has had a spelling test.  She thinks she did well.  Ms. G gives the children 10 words to learn to spell, plus a bonus word worth 5 points, by the end of the week.  For homework, each night the students are to write each spelling word several times, write sentences with each word and put them in alphabetical order.  At the end of the week, she checks the students spelling notebooks for extra grade points and they take the test.  It's a great concept to get them to memorize and understand the meaning of each word.  Last week, Katie scored 105 on her test because she got the bonus word correct "December."  This week's bonus word is "holiday." 

You can tell it's close to Christmas time around here.  Katie is tired of school and so ready for a break.  Colton is tired of taking his sissy to school without him going too.  He is so bored with sissy being at school.  Of course, I can't get anything done throughout the day because he is right underneath my feet.  He is at the age that drives all mommas crazy.  So I can get a few things done around the house, I do like any good parent.  I give him a bowl of cereal, filled with tons of sugar and carbs and stick him in front of the television.  We were doing good watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Little Einsteins.  Now, he thinks he is too old for those cartoons.  Now, he wants to watch cartoons like Batman, Hulk, Spiderman and Superman.  Ugh!  Thank goodness for Netflix.  Of course, he'll watch 5 minutes of an episode and announce that he doesn't like that "super spider."  This is code for select a different episode so he can watch only 5 minutes of it.  Then, you have to select a different superhero so he can go through all of it.  Lastly, he'll insist that it's a splendid idea to watch 15 seconds worth of superhero videos from YouTube.  Thanks Paw-paw Millard!  Love ya! 

This weekend, Katie and I have plans to make COOKIES.  Doug's on me for not breaking in my mixer yet.  Wish me good luck!

Zayden's Baptismal 2011

This afternoon the family came together to witness my great nephew's baptismal. Zayden's three months old now and such a sweetheart. After pictures, we all met up at Zayne and Whitney's for hors d'oeuvres. It was so nice to sit and visit with those that we haven't met yet like Zayne's aunts and uncles. It was also great to visit with those we haven't seen in a while. They had a very nice little party and of course, passed Zayden around like a sack of potatoes. LOL! Enjoy the pictures.

Photo taken right after the baptismal celebration

Proud Parents

Proud Grandparents

and Great Grandparents!

Honey Almond Sugar Scrub Recipe & Preparing for Christmas

Here is my Sugar Scrub as promised

I tried a little bit of my first batch that I made. I was very pleased with the results. I got the idea from TidyMom.  I was interested in making sugar scrub of my own since this past Summer, but never had the chance.  Then, I thought it would make a nice Christmas gift for the ladies in my family.  I couldn't get over how easy it was to mix up.  It took longer to decorate the glass containers then it did to mix and fill them up.  My sugar scrub is different from TidyMom's because her recipes calls for cinnamon essential oils and other warm spices.  It being no secret to my sisters, I had a couple of them to chose their scents.  I couldn't find cinnamon essential oil at Hobby Lobby, so I purchased Honey Almond and Japanese Lotus.  Well, I'm glad I didn't search any further for the cinnamon because none of the ladies liked cinnamon flavor anyway; however, they did like the smell of the Honey Almond.  It's a light, sweet scent, similar to vanilla. 

Honey Almond Vanilla Sugar Scrub
1 cup Pure Cane Sugar
1 cup light olive oil
5 drops vitamin E oil
6 drops of honey almond essential oil
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 16 oz. glass container with lid

Combine all of the ingredients in a medium bowl until well blended.  Using a spatula, transfer mix into the container and secure lid.  Contents will settle, mix before using.  Scoop a teaspoon or two of the scrub on your hands and gently massage in circular motions onto your skin.  Leave on for 3-4 minutes before thoroughly rinsing.  The scrub will tighten on your skin. 


I made these instruction tags for my sugar scrub.
Sugar Scrub Gift Tag
You can print them out for your own personal use.

I bought these pretty cocktail spoons from World Market. I thought they added a nice touch.

I designed this simple label for the top, which lists the name of the sugar scrub flavor.

The kids checking out the Christmas ornaments on the tree. 

Katie loves her glasses


If you've kept up with my blog these past several years, you would know that it's tradition to sleep by the family Christmas tree. This year, Colton is old enough to participate in our tradition. I stayed up with them until everyone was asleep. We watched the "Radio City Christmas Spectacular" with The Rockettes and "The Christmas Bunny".

This afternoon, Peggy and I took the children to see Santa Claus at the mall. Katie wasn't too shy talking to Santa and telling him what she would like for Christmas. Colton on the other hand, seemed a little timid. I think that if sister didn't get up on Santa's lap, he wouldn't have attempted.

Busy Christmas Season

This big elf has been busy this Christmas Season. I started on the sugar scrub gifts. I even tried it out myself. I think after Christmas, I'm going to make me some to keep around here for me. I decided to make candies this year along with my cookie plate for Christmas parties. Saturday, I spend most of the morning dipping just about everything in chocolate (peanuts, pretzels and cherries). Doug requested pecan clusters and white chocolate pretzels. I've got it on my list for the week.

Today, we met up with Leslie and the other bridesmaids at David's Bridal, trying on dresses. Katie picked out her dress, which was on sale. She tried her best to get me to purchase a tiara to go with it. "Momma, I think this crown would make my dress look even more beautiful" she said. The small tiara that she wanted was $30. I just didn't see paying that for one day. Besides, Leslie thought it would be pretty to have a flower in her hair. I told Katie that we would go check out Hobby Lobby or Michael's for a pretty tiara. Pumping her fist in the air, she smiled and said "YES!" It's a girl thing. What can I say? LOL! At the store, she couldn't keep her hands to herself. She had to touch all the rhinestone diamond necklaces, earrings and rows and rows of wedding dresses. They had Vera Wang's dresses in her own very spot. Pretty. We got to see a Royal dress that was similar to Princess Kate's dress. Absolutely beautiful! Speaking of Princess Kate. Real quick insight. I heard that she and Prince William are expecting a baby and possibly twins. Way to go Will! LOL! They waste no time at all.

I had to go to a few places before going home. It was CRAZY in town. Everyone was everywhere. It will be like this for the next several weeks. I wished I could have shopped a little longer, but I never have enough hours in the day. I told Doug that I'll just have to come back another day and enjoy looking at everything. I just love to look at everything. Michael's had a great sale on Christmas picks 60% off. It may have been crowded tonight, but no one lost their Christmas spirit and manners. Merry smiles every corner you turn. It makes a huge difference.

I've got another long week and I hope to get some house cleaning done. Shew! This month will be gone so fast because so much is going on.  Katie has two spend the night parties to attend, I just hope they are not on the same night.  I know when the first one is, but haven't heard a date for the other one.  Yikes!  My niece, Leslie, graduates from college this month.  We will have another RN in our family.  She took her last exam this past week.  I think she's glad that it's over, but now she has to get a wedding together within 5 months.  Woo Hoo!    We got a sneak peek at her wedding dress.  It was absolutely gorgeous.  I'm so excited and happy for her and Chase.  It seems like they've been engaged forever.  Also, I can't forget that Katie's class will be going on a field trip before school is out for Christmas vacation.  I'll be sure to take plenty of photos and share with you the loads of fun, we will be having that day.   When I have an opportunity, I will post more about the sugar scrub I made. Along with the recipe.  I think you'll like it.

Take care and God Bless!

By the way, we watched the news tonight about the BCS Bowl.  All I will say is . . .

ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!!

Thanksgiving Day

All the leftover turkey and dressing is gone. The Christmas tree is up, the lighted deer is outside to greet thoses that pass by. The Christmas cards are addressed and ready to mail out. Get this, we had our first pre-Christmas snow the past couple of days. It started snowing at 4PM on Monday and continued to snow until around 11AM yesterday. The kids loved it! It's too bad the snow didn't stick, it would have been beautiful.

The kids catching snowflakes with their hands and tongues

IT'S BEING TO LOOK LIKE CHRISTMAS!

Our Thanksgiving get together was enjoyable and fun. The ladies took home a container of my lip gloss that I made and everyone went home with their Blessings Mix. My goodness the food that was prepared and no one went away hungry.  I know I had a good time, catching up on everyone's lives. I hated that not everyone could make it and of course our family out West, but I understand. Below are a few pictures of the day:

Dash kept running off, so I had to hold him down for pictures

Five Generations

I still can't get over our Jon-Boy is a Senior













The new homeowners at their new house

The kids love Zayden

I can't believe I forgot to get a picture of the cook, while I was outside taking photos

Katie's class is partaking in the "Read for Food" campaign for a region in South America.  Katie is so excited about participating in this campaign.  She has set her goal at 90 books, which includes chapters, within the next three weeks.  She was telling a lady at the grocery store about it and how many books she wants to read for the cause.  I thought it was so sweet that this woman took out some money out of her pocket and gave it to Katie for a donation towards the cause.  How selfless was that?  Katie didn't know what to do with it.  We walked out the store and she asked me, "momma, why did that lady just give me this money?"  I explained to her that it was a donation towards the "Read for Food".  "What am I suppose to do with it?" she asked.  The campaign began yesterday and she read 3 books.  She wanted to read more, but she had a headache and I didn't want her to push it.  I'm glad Mrs. G said that a chapter will count as a book.  I hope Katie reaches her goal.  Now, Doug and I need to decide how much cash donation per book to give her.  

Katie's problem with solving math questions are improving and Mrs. G seems to think she is ready to read level H books.  Of course, Katie reminds me that she normally reads level G, but Mrs. G wanted her to try level H.  She did pretty good reading it last night. 

Colton is still enjoying watching videos from Kids 123.  They do have some really good and educational videos for preschoolers.  Colton's favorite would be "Animal Sounds", "Five Little Monkeys", and "10 In The Bed".  It's just too bad each video doesn't last more than 15 seconds because I'm constantly having to stop what I'm doing just to start another one.  It's funny, when he wants to watch his videos on the computer, he'll get up in my face and spray the word "com-PU-ter".  I usually have to wipe off my face everytime he says the word.  I also have to hold back the laughter. 

Thanks-Giving Day 21 & Cute Craft Ideas - RTR!

Today's note of gratitude may sound a little weird, but then I am a little weird. LOL! Anywho. I'm thankful for the day, my dad suggested that I take a photography course at school. He had this 1970 something Minolta camera and never really knew how to use it (all these years). There are SEVERAL family photos that are over exposed, under exposed or that funky orange color. I needed an elective for school and he wanted me to teach him how to use his camera. I enjoyed taking the class a lot more than I thought I would and it actually sparked my on going interest in photography. I did learn how to use my dad's camera and had some pretty good photos developed from it. To this day, you'll see some of my photo posts. I am still learning new tips and effects. Not too long ago, my dad gave me his old Minolta camera. The film camera that started my photo taking hobby. Thanks Dad! I love you!



Hanging Paper Maple Leaves from Craft Ideas

What You'll Need:
- scrapbook paper in the colors of the season
- Spellbinders Set of maple leaves
- Wizard or Double-Do XL cutting and embossing machines
- stick glue
- sewing machine and matching thread

Instructions:

1. For each leaf you need to cut out 10 shapes (5 reversed). Because one side of the paper is white, glue 2 leaves back to back so that both sides are printed. When finished, you will have 5 sets of “doubled leaves”.
2. Line the leaves up in a stack and paper clip the sides together to hold in place.
3. Sew a straight line down the center of the stack to sew the leaves together and remove from the machine.
4. Cut away the excess bottom thread. Use the top thread to hang the leaves up.


Salt Dough Leaf Prints from The Artist Woman

What You'll Need:
salt dough, recipe to follow
artificial silk leaves
round container to use as cutter
oven
acrylic paint
mod podge for sealer

Salt Dough Recipe
4 cups flour
1 cup salt
1 1/2 - 2 cups water
extra flour for kneading

Mix first 3 ingredients together to form a nice soft dough. Knead smooth with extra flour. The more you knead this dough the easier it is to work with.


Keep leftover dough in the fridge.

Instructions:
Make up your salt dough. This recipe will make enough for 8 rounds.

Roll out dough and the using circular container or bowl, (coffee can) cut your rounds.

Pick a leaf for your design. I initially tried this with fresh leaves but they did not leave a good imprint. I think it would have worked with clay.

The silk leaves leave a better impression in the salt dough.

Place where you want it and press the leaf into the dough.

When you lift it off you should have a nice impression.

Place on a parchment or foil covered cookie sheet and bake at 250 degrees for about 2 - 3 hours or until hard.

Let cool.

Take some acrylic paint in Autumn colors.

After trial and error I found the best way to paint these is to paint the leaves in different colors first.
Let dry.

Then using dark brown paint that you have watered down apply a wash, like an antiquing glaze to the entire surface. The dark color picks up the veining in the leaf and still lets the Autumn color show thru.

Let dry and then apply a coat of glossy Mod Podge as a sealer.


Chocolate Acorn Cookies from The Celebration Shoppe

You’ll need:
mini Keebler Stripe cookies
Hershey’s Kisses
small piece of black licorice for your stem.

I attached them with a small dot of icing and done.

It's that time of year again!

ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!!!

Thanks-Giving Day 20 & A Little Crafty (of course)

This afternoon, I had the joyful opportunity to sit down and have a lovely pre-Thanksgiving dinner with my parents, Doug's parents and Katie at church. Our church does this every year, where we try to get together at our facility with our friends and loved ones. We are all served a traditional supper by our wonderful deacons by candlelight and serenaded by a few choir members. After dinner, Bro. Steve says a few words, followed by communion. Then, we are dismissed by prayer. I really enjoyed tonight with my family.

So tonight, I'm thankful for still having the ability to get together with my family and give thanks until the Lord for all He has done in my life.


Katie's Thankful Tree centerpiece

I thought this was touching.  She is thankful for "Jeasiss" aka Jesus

Checking in on my blogs that I like to follow, I caught a glimpse of this precious Snowman.  I have a weak spot when it comes to snowmen.  I just think they are so sweet.  This guy (below) is chilling as a great centerpiece from Shindig Parties.  I fell in LOVE!  I breezed through the instructions on how to make this little guy and it sounds pretty simple.  I don't know if I'll be able to make him this year, but I had to share him with you.  CLICK HERE for instructions and further information. 

Thanks-Giving Day 19 & Blessing Mix

I'm thankful for Adobe Photoshop and having the ability to do so many different, fun things. YAY!

I've been a little busy making some tasty hostess gifts for our guests this Thanksgiving. It took me a few days, but I put together the final touch last night. I made enough Blessing Mix for an army. I ended up making 43 gifts. Shew! I got this idea from Caramel Potatoes.   I wanted to put my own spin on this treat.  I thought it would be nice to stick the bag full of mix inside a paper cornucopia.  I didn't like the idea of putting Hershey's Kisses inside the bag with the rest of my mix, so I place a little double sided tape on the bottom and stuck it on top the bag.  I think it turned out nice.  After Halloween, I couldn't find any candy corn.  It's the only thing that's missing from this mix, so if you are planning on making this next year - BUY the CANDY CORN ahead of time. 
Blessing Mix Tag

I got the cornucopia template from Make and Takes CLICK HERE for free template and instructions.