BOO!

This is just a fun little craft that I did last year, but since my blog did not exist then, I get to post it now! I got the letters at this amazing store called Recolections, unfortunately they closed down:( You can find paper mache letters at JoAnn's or Hobby Lobby. Get creative on how you make each letter! First step you have to do is paint the letters, I chose black. Then I had an orange glitter paint I painted on top to give it some bling.
I do not know why this picture is this way...everywhere else it is the right way, it just wants to make me mad...sorry! Anyway, all the letters were chalked with orange. I used lots of ribbon and some cute Halloween buttons that I found. This O has orange glitter for some of the stipes
This O is a fun spider web, chalked the edges, lots of ribbon. Once all the paper is on, modge podge it so it can have "the look".

Lavash Crackers

It's that time of month where I get to post my Daring Bakers Challenge. This month it was something savory, crackers nonetheless. I must say that I was very excited to make these! I had so many ideas and thoughts on how I wanted to make them, but ran out of time. Here is what I ended up with. I sprinkled my crackers with sea salt, rosemary and thyme. They were deslish! Next time I am going to sprinkle them with cinnamon and sugar and have a yummy fruit dip (which is what I wanted to do all along).
I had a really hard time getting the dough to roll out paper thin. It just was not happening. So they are a little thicker than I would have liked, but still yummy. If you want the recipe you can go to Musings From The Fishbowl and make them yourself!

The dip I used is a simple salsa that I love:
1/4 c. ketchup
1/4 c. salsa

Mix together and serve!

Iron Chef of America!!

For YW (church group) on Wednesday night we had an Iron Chef of America Contest. We had such a good time. The secret ingredient was hamburger meat and pumpkin. They were supposed to just choose either sweet or savory, but half wanted sweet and half wanted savory...go figure. Anyway, it turned out fun and we had lots of yummy food to eat! Here are the results:
Amber, Alica and Cherisha with their sweets.

Amber decided to outside the box and do neither pumpkin or hamburger, so she opted for brownies with sliced bananas and drizzled chocolate for the top. They were DELISH!

Alisha and Cherisha made the Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting...they were sooo good! Thanks for the recipe Emily!

Pumpkin Cookies

1 c. shortning (no substitutes)
2 c. packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
3 1/2 c. flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon (I always add a bit more...)
1 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 c. canned pumpkin

Cream shortening and sugar till light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time beating well after each. Beat in vanilla. Combine flour, powder, soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg together. Alternate adding powder and pumpkin until combined.

Grease the cookie sheet and with a small scoop, scoop cookie dough onto baking sheet. Pat the top of dough down a bit with a spatula. Bake at 400 degrees for 10-11 minutes. Cool.

Frosting:
1 c. powdered sugar
3 oz. cream cheese
4 TBS butter
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Frost cookies when cooled. Enjoy!

This is Carly and Katie...they made the savory. They did a fantastic job on spegatti and meatballs with some cheesy garlic bread! I ate dinner before they all came, but this was so good, I had a second dinner.
Up close and personal...
So, these were a few of my Laurels (young women ages 16-18). They are a great group, always have fun ideas and always keep me on my toes....

Glitter Bones

It is officially Fall, which means that I can start decorating for Halloween!! Yes, I have decorated already. I get really excited for holidays:) So, I wanted to share this cute Martha craft!
I got the bones and skulls from the Dollar Store. You gotta love that place! (As a side note, I went to Pottery Barn after I bought all the supplies and saw that they were selling the big skull...for $20! I told the lady that I was making them and she said I should just take them back and buy these! Well...as tempting as it was....$20 or $1.50??? $20 or $1.50??? I stuck with the $1.50. I think I made the right choice...)
All you have to do is Modge Podge the bones and then sprinkle it with glitter. Once it is dry, dab some more Modge Podge on top of the glitter and glitter some more. You really need the second coat of glitter, espcially on the green ones.
I have enjoyed these little guys...gives an extra spooky effect. Happy Haunting!

Hot Air Balloon Festival

On Saturday Night me, the boys and my parents went to Plano to see the Hot Air Balloon Festival. What was nice is that my cousin, Jennie, just moved to Plano! So exciting!! So we went with her, Phil and her 2 boys to see this. It was pretty cool! Here are the Balloons launching off into flight. We sorta missed that because it was impossible to find any parking. Oh well. We saw something even better!
Later that night they were having a light up show that we were able to see. So these are a few pictures of all the balloons blowing up and getting ready for the show.
Noah and Jennie. He was begging her to put him up top...he wanted the full view.
Flower Balloon.
How cute is this Panda? If you look close, it looks like he has a little dragon tail...
The night show, how beautiful is this balloon all lit up?
Of course there had to be a Texas balloon! It wouldn't be a show with out something with the Texas flag!
Love this picture of Noah, you can just see the excitement in his face! More pic's and a video will come later...having a hard time getting them on here!

Soccer Season..

I know you have all seen a million pictures of Caden playing Soccer for the Thunder Dragons, but he just looks so cute in his little uniform and I had my Dad's amazing camera and got some good shots. So, enjoy the pictures!
Goal!!! Way to go Caden! He got 3 goals at this game!
My evacuee parents were able to come to the game. They still did not have power over the weekend so they came for some AC, milk, and TV. Can't say I blame them! (As a side note they got their power on Monday night!! Yeah! That was 10 days too many!) So, here is Noah and my Mom.
My Dad and Noah.
I love this picture...Caden sticking out his tongue...
Go Caden Go!!

My 10 Favorite Things in My House

Tip Junkie has a posting on What your 10 Favorite thing are in your home. I always like to see what people's homes look like, what their surroundings are, etc. So, maybe you will enjoy mine. They are in no particular order...

1. This is my Family Room. I have always loved this spot. I think it gives a nice comfy, warm feel.
2. This is in between my Dining Room and Living Room...just a little seating area. Oh...got the mirror for $8 at Kirklands...go me!
3. This is in my entry way. I have a huge wall and wanted something to fill up a bit of space.
4. This is also in my entry.
5. This is the Boy's Bathroom. I had it all done up safari style, but they never appreciated it, so I decided to make it pretty...The cute bench...Kirklands...$5.
6. This is the Boy's playroom. Well, I should say WAS their playroom. We have played musical rooms for the past several months. It is now Caden's room. Their is a bed to the left and the Bookshelf is to the right.
7. This is my Bedroom. I LOVE my bedroom. It's very warm and inviting. Oh, btw, I made those cute plaques above the bed.
8. This is my fireplace mantle. It was white before and I hated it. It just didn't work with my stuff. So, I got brave and painted it black. Best thing I have ever done.
9. This is also in the Family Room. I just really like the temple picture on the Entertainment center.

10. My wonderful husband had these beauties sent to me today. Just because flowers. I have never gotten Sunflowers before, they are now at the top of my favorite flowers list!! Thanks sweetie!! I love you!11. I know...it is 10 favorite things, but hey...the flowers will eventually die, right??? This sits on my kitchen table. Nothing spectacular, I just love it because I can switch it up every holiday and put some fun stuff in there. I got it for $5 bucks at Hobby Lobby. I think I get really excited when I find good deals...I have to brag. Sorry!!

My First Award!

Today I recieved this award from DeeBee from Rain or Shine! Can I tell you how excited I was!? I always see all these fabulous blogs with cute awards and always wondered how they got them! Thank you so much DeeBee!



As a recipient of this award, there are rules to follow. I have to answer the following questions with one word answers and one word only! Then I must pass it on to seven others! The questions are as follows:

1. Where is your cell phone? Jeans pocket
2. Where is your significant other? Work
3. Your hair color? Multi-colored
4. Your mother? Amazing
5. Your father? very Giving/loving
6. Your favorite thing? quiet time
7. Your dream last night? Don't remember
8. Your dream/goal? Travel
9. The room you're in? Living room
10. Your hobby? crafts
11. Your fear? being alone
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Europe
13. Where were you last night? Church
14. What you're not? a laundry folder
15. One of your wish-list items? Mac Computer
16. Where you grew up? Houston
17. The last thing you did? pick up Noah from school
18. What are you wearing? Capris
19. Your TV? great picture!!
20. Your pet? None
21. Your computer? SLOW!
22. Your mood? Content
23. Missing someone? my Parents
24. Your car? Aspen
25. Something you're not wearing? Shoes
26. Favorite store? Hobby Lobby
27. Your summer? Busy
28. Love someone? family
29. Your favorite color? Pink
30. When is the last time you laughed? today
31. Last time you cried? too stressed and it just blew up! 2 weeks ago

The seven bloggers that I'm nominating: (ok, this was not easy, I stalk lots of blogs...these are ones I get inspiration from...I love you all though!)

1. Gwen
2. Jamie
3. Prudence Pennywise
4. Mish Mash
5. Gigi Cakes
6. Aurora
7. Kellie

Now, for you recipients of this award, here's the deal:
* Display your award.
* Link back to the person who gave you the award.
* Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
* Put links to those blogs on yours.
* Leave a message on the blogs of the people you've nominated.
* Enjoy your award!

Ike...

This is my last post for the day I promise...I think this is like number 6 or something.

I have had so many friends ask about my family who lives in Houston how they are faring and what not. So, I thought I would post a little bit about what they are up to!

My parents live just North of Houston and they have been without power since FRIDAY!! Yup, 6 fun filled days with no power. I could only imagine how that would be...no TV, no AC, no Internet...etc. So since there is no power, all the fridge stuff is spoiled now, the freezer stuff is thawing out and they luckily have been able to grill lots of it. They are good with food though. I should also say that they didn't get any damage to their home, no flooding, no trees ripped up...just lots of debris all over their yard and in the pool. I can honestly say we are very relieved and grateful for that!

Grocery Stores have slowly been opening. At first it was only 30 people allowed in at a time. They obviously were not selling fridge/freezer stuff. Gas Stations are just mad. There have been waits up to 3 hours...sometimes people were just waiting in vain, most of the time there wasn't even any gas to sell! My Dad went to Home Depot to get some trash bags and he said there was a really long line and my dad asked a worker what they were waiting for and he said, generators. My dad asked if they even had any and the guy said, "no, and they know we don't they are just hoping that we get some in soon." Crazy! People I guess are just really bored so they wait in lines that have nothing waiting for them at the end. Kind of crazy! I'm just very greatful that my parents were smart enough to make sure that before Ike, they were prepared. They had their food storage, they had their cars filled up, etc...

They luckily still have hot water, so they can take showers and what not. My mom went back to work on Tuesday and my Dad went back today, Wednesday.

I hear all these stories from my parents and I am just in awe...could you imagine having small children with NO power? Having to entertain them with no AC? I really take things for granted. I think about all those who have lost their homes and hope that everything will work out for them.

Ben just told me that there was a guy in Galveston who had an exotic zoo at his home. So now there is a loose Lion in Galveston. I guess they are dropping meat and stuff around so that it will eat meat and not people. There are also alligators and what not all over. CRAZY!!

Anyway, just thought that some of you might want an update on how my parents are doing!

Orange Juice Cake

I have been eyeing this cake for quite awhile. See...whenever I am stressed or bored, I bake. Can you tell I have been stressed lately? Or maybe its not stress, it could just be that I love to bake. I bake it, we have one serving of it, and the rest just sits there, even if we love it and can't get enough of it. Now, this cake is different. It is special...it is half-way eaten and I made it yesterday. It sounds interesting, but WOW! I love the orange kick! The recipe came from My Sisters Cucina. They have some really good recipes. Make sure to check them out!

Orange Juice Cake

Yellow Cake mix
Instant Vanilla Pudding, small box
1/2 c. oil
1 c. Orange Juice
4 eggs
chopped pecans, about 1/2 c., more if you like

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix together. Don't over-mix. spray bundt cake pan. Sprinkle chopped pecans on the bottom of the pan. Pour cake mix evenly in bundt pan. Bake for 30-45 minutes (mine was more like 50 minutes). You know when it is done when it starts to pull away from the sides and the inside ring. While bking, make your glaze.

Glaze:
1 stick butter
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. orange juice

Combine butter, sugar and juice in small saucepan. Bring to a boil and turn off. When cake comes out of the oven, stir glaze well before spooning over hot cake so that the butter gets mixed back in. (When it sits the butter settles to the top.) The glaze will eventually sep through the cake giving it a juicey moistness all over. Let it sit for 1 hour before removing from your pan. To remove from pan, place your plate upside down over the bundt pan and flip.

Hope you enjoy!

Fruity Crescent Waffles

I got the Pillsbury Bake-off Cookbook forever ago and I have been dying to try some recipes. This one looked particularly good...what's not to love about crescents posing as waffles, whipped cream, blueberries and blueberry syrup? Not to mention that Ben had to work late, so it was the perfect opportunity! Yes, they were very good...maybe not worth the 1 million good, but close to!!!

Fruity Crescent Waffles

1/4 c. Pecan Pieces
1 can crescent dinner rolls
1/2 c. Blueberry Spreadable Fruit (Smucker's simply Fruit)
1 (6oz.) container Blueberry yogurt
1 banana, cut into slices
1/2 c. whipped cream from can
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
Fresh blueberries, if desired

Heat oven to 200 degrees. Heat waffle maker. Spray with Pam.
Meanwhile, toast pecans over medium heat 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly browned. Remove from skillet; set aside.

Separate crescent dough into 8 triangles. Place 2-3 triangles at a time on waffle maker, leaving at least 1/2 inch of space around each triangle. Close lid of waffle maker; cook 1-2 minutes or until golden brown. Place cooked waffles on cookie sheet in oven to keep warm.

In saucepan, heat spreadable fruit and yogurt over medium heat 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally , until hot.

To serve, stack 2 crescent waffles, slightly overlapping, on each of 4 sering plates. Spoon 1/4 of the fruit sauce over each serving; top each serving with 1/4 of the banana slices and 1 TBS of the pecans. Top with whipped cream; sprinkle lightly with cinnamon. Garnish with blueberries.

Duck Pond

The weather here has been AMAZING. I wish Texas were like this everyday! Oh well...at least I get about 1 week out of the year with perfect weather. We went to a Duck pond in Bedford a few weeks ago with Gwen and Adam. We had so much fun. I guess these ducks are so used to getting lots of bread, they pretty much just walk right up to you and take it out of you hand.



Ok, so I have some pictures I need to fix... but here is Noah feeding the duck...look how close the ducks get! It's crazy!