tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43219567178436695412024-03-13T07:49:13.008-07:00Enjoying Life's JourneyTabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839436700914050580noreply@blogger.comBlogger195125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321956717843669541.post-81356348207414405812014-01-16T14:51:00.001-08:002014-01-16T14:51:41.945-08:00Random craftsOh, I have been crafting a bit, but posting pretty much none. So here's a little catch up post to get a few things I've made this month up. So in no particular order;<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fPWmm5125lE/UthhKQ7YJoI/AAAAAAAAAuo/LHCTSc1JITo/s1600/cajar+cozy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fPWmm5125lE/UthhKQ7YJoI/AAAAAAAAAuo/LHCTSc1JITo/s1600/cajar+cozy.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I made a chevron cozy for my cuppow jar</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qvbBTz2UzJs/UthhHt1zIQI/AAAAAAAAAuc/MLxcBxDw2uA/s1600/duck+hunt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qvbBTz2UzJs/UthhHt1zIQI/AAAAAAAAAuc/MLxcBxDw2uA/s1600/duck+hunt.jpg" height="236" width="320" /></a></div>
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A perler/hama bead rendition of Duck Hunt</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hNhJC5wA2E8/UthhKdJDq6I/AAAAAAAAAuk/o_O5L_mEbZw/s1600/stargate+bread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hNhJC5wA2E8/UthhKdJDq6I/AAAAAAAAAuk/o_O5L_mEbZw/s1600/stargate+bread.jpg" height="262" width="320" /></a></div>
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Tried my hand at painting bread (it's supposed to be a Stargate)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kSi3JSDc7GE/UthhcQVvCWI/AAAAAAAAAu8/pYgB7ADP_cE/s1600/Briars+Cape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kSi3JSDc7GE/UthhcQVvCWI/AAAAAAAAAu8/pYgB7ADP_cE/s1600/Briars+Cape.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I made a reversible cape for my nephew (being modeled by my wooshing husband)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GYelozIK8Ig/UthhbyI_NRI/AAAAAAAAAu0/Bl17ZWyTSmY/s1600/Heather's+Doll+Bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GYelozIK8Ig/UthhbyI_NRI/AAAAAAAAAu0/Bl17ZWyTSmY/s1600/Heather's+Doll+Bed.jpg" height="80" width="320" /></a></div>
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And last but not least we made another doll bed. This one red and yellow by request</div>
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<br />Tabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839436700914050580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321956717843669541.post-63966307483115052332014-01-08T16:09:00.001-08:002014-01-08T16:10:26.168-08:00Eat Like a Hobbit DayI should have posted this a bit ago, but better late than never right?<br />
The family and I love to geek out, as you can probably tell from everything I post. We decided to have an Eat Like a Hobbit Day on the Saturday that we would see the newest Hobbit movie. It was a lot of work, and a lot of dishes, and a lot of food, but it was sooo wonderful!<br />
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For those of you who may not know, Hobbits eat a lot!<br />
7 meals to be precise.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2-euTCg8zbI/Us3nPLyQyUI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/9Nbe6yMqQfs/s1600/Hobbit+Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2-euTCg8zbI/Us3nPLyQyUI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/9Nbe6yMqQfs/s1600/Hobbit+Day.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
First breakfast- Blueberry scones<br />
Second breakfast- "Hobbit Holes" (jalapeno bagels fried with an egg in the hole) with sausages<br />
Elevensies- Apple pastries with grapes<br />
Luncheon- Assorted meats (chicken, salted pork, beef) cheeses, breads, pickles, carrots, tomatoes<br />
Tea- Seed cake (caraway, pumpkin and sunflower), Honey cakes, and teas<br />
Dinner- Mushroom, Kale and PoTaTo soup<br />
Supper- Beef with a salad<br />
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I know there are a few things most people would add, like fish but I'm allergic, so it just isn't happening in my house. Lots of fun, but I may need a year to recover before we try it again!Tabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839436700914050580noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321956717843669541.post-55526984697465607012013-12-11T08:58:00.000-08:002013-12-11T08:59:51.651-08:00StroopwafelsMy husbands family is Dutch, so when my son decided which language to take in high school, he chose Dutch. As part of his learning Dutch he had to make a food that was also Dutch. So of course my son doesn't pick something to make that I have all the ingredients/materials to make in the house. He picks something that I have to buy an iron to make. So we purchased a pizzelle iron to make our stroopwafels. The first batch was meh. The other batches have proceeded to get better and now I think we are near perfection! (At least according to our tastes)<br />
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So here they are<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xqjUUWEiqk4/UqiQdapoFjI/AAAAAAAAAt8/9J7DnsqNUrs/s1600/stroopwafels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xqjUUWEiqk4/UqiQdapoFjI/AAAAAAAAAt8/9J7DnsqNUrs/s320/stroopwafels.jpg" width="237" /></a></div>
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They are a delicious crisp cookie filled with a honey caramel. You can place them on your warm coffee or tea and it warms the caramel and makes them gooey and delicious! You can make them in a waffle cone iron or a pizzelle iron like we did.<br />
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Stroopwafels<br />
<i>dough</i><br />
4 1/2 cups all purpose flour<br />
2 tsp active dry yeast<br />
1 tsp ground cinnamon<br />
3/4 c sugar<br />
1 stick unsalted butter<br />
1/2 c warm water (slightly above body temp)<br />
2 large eggs<br />
dash of salt<br />
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In a mixer bowl; add flour, yeast, cinnamon, & sugar, cut in flour with your hands until it resembles small pellets. Place mixer bowl on mixer and on low slowly pour in the warm water and allow the dough to start coming together. Add eggs one at a time. Add in the dash of salt and knead dough until it's a firm and cohesive dough.<br />
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Cover with a damp towel or cling wrap and rest for 30 minutes.<br />
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<i>caramel</i><br />
1 stick of butter<br />
1/2 c brown sugar<br />
1/2 c sugar<br />
1 tsp cinnamon<br />
2 T Karo syrup (I used light)<br />
1 T honey<br />
1 T maple syrup<br />
1 T vanilla<br />
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Melt butter and sugar stirring slowly over low heat. Add cinnamon, honey and syrups and continue to stir until the caramel comes together and slowly bubbles. Keep stirring because at this stage it's easy to burn. Keep stirring until sugar is all dissolved and caramel is creamy. It will be HOT! Keep caramel warm.<br />
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Divide the dough into 40 equal pieces. Roll them into small marbles and cover with a damp cloth so they don't dry out while baking other pieces.<br />
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Heat your pizzelle iron or waffle cone machine according to instructions. Place dough ball in the iron, press down and bake each cookie/waffle for approximately 40 seconds. Check to see if browned and puffed up a little. Remove from machine and place it on a flat surface.<br />
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*Working quickly while the cookie is hot and pliable (when it cools it will break on you.)<br />
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Place your hand on top of the cookie and slice it horizontally in two with a sharp non-serrated knife. (I had to use a towel/clean pot holder because it was too hot.) Because of the yeast it puffs up a bit to make a spot to cut.<br />
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Immediately smear a bit of caramel on top of the bottom cookie. Replace the top and gently push down so the caramel spreads. Let cool on a rack. Then do the next dough ball.*<br />
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NOTE: * This is the traditional way to do it. But this is not how I did i;. my pizzelle iron has 3 cookie spots. I cooked 2 at a time [3 I couldn't quite do quick enough] set on 3.5. After 40 seconds I took them out and using a towel to protect my hand I cut them horizontally. I then set them aside (I pressed them gently to encourage them to stay flat. After I cooked all of my cookies. I then made my caramel. When my caramel was hot I reopened my cookies and spread the caramel on the bottom cookie half, then smooshed them together. They held up just as well as the traditional way, but was easier for me to do by myself.Tabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839436700914050580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321956717843669541.post-16463599796231937592013-10-16T06:46:00.000-07:002013-10-16T06:46:19.037-07:00There, there WolfAgain some crafting fun for Craftster.org Nerd battle... This challenge was vampire vs werewolf. I chose werewolf. I went cute as opposed to my normal leaning, but I think he turned out nice. He's just a little standing pillow. Lots and lots of french knots, all of his fur is french knots!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-olKab6iIZ_4/Ul6Yf5dlixI/AAAAAAAAAtI/VKUuqg04BlE/s1600/There+wolf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-olKab6iIZ_4/Ul6Yf5dlixI/AAAAAAAAAtI/VKUuqg04BlE/s320/There+wolf.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Tabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839436700914050580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321956717843669541.post-22226611662474161892013-10-12T08:42:00.002-07:002013-10-12T08:42:51.961-07:00Sauced ApplesauceI've been participating in Nerd Battle on craftster.org. Such a great group and it is so fun to see what everyone creates to fit into the prompts. One of October's battles are "Bottoms Up"- create something inspired by your favorite drink.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5__-M1ddzJE/Ullt3HXpGBI/AAAAAAAAAs4/9p5bK3gPKvQ/s1600/Whisky+Applesauce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5__-M1ddzJE/Ullt3HXpGBI/AAAAAAAAAs4/9p5bK3gPKvQ/s320/Whisky+Applesauce.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
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Well, my favorite fall drink is apple cider or apple beer with a shot of Fireball whisky. So I decided to make and can some applesauce with some yummy whisky in it. It turned out delicious and I'm having a hard time keeping the family away from it. I am hoping to still have some this winter.<br />
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<br />Tabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839436700914050580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321956717843669541.post-46835299212361137722013-10-01T12:23:00.001-07:002013-10-01T12:24:03.629-07:00Super Mario CookiesI'm not very good at baking. Never have been, way too much measuring for me to enjoy myself. I'd rather be decorating them! I did however make a few cookies to try to make the boys happy. They love cookies and they love all things Mario Bros, so brick and coin cookies seemed to be the way to go!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E5bSzaxCVPs/UksgyztAqGI/AAAAAAAAAso/hbHvPgWsyYk/s1600/Brick+and+coin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E5bSzaxCVPs/UksgyztAqGI/AAAAAAAAAso/hbHvPgWsyYk/s320/Brick+and+coin.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Here are the coin and brick 2D style</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6eo1X1B_egQ/UksgxU9_lMI/AAAAAAAAAsg/KHlyxcvv1t8/s1600/Mario+Brick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6eo1X1B_egQ/UksgxU9_lMI/AAAAAAAAAsg/KHlyxcvv1t8/s320/Mario+Brick.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And here is a 3D brick. They turned out fun and tasted great!</div>
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I purchased the cookie cutters (and some other really fun ones) at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/WarpZone">http://www.etsy.com/shop/WarpZone</a> </div>
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Tabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839436700914050580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321956717843669541.post-67912421000936499002013-09-20T07:00:00.002-07:002013-09-20T07:01:37.755-07:00Dalek SnowmanA little early winter decoration being made at my house. I am participating in the <a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=426696.0#axzz2fRQZX5jY" target="_blank">Craftster Fall Nerd battles </a>and one of the challenges is to make a monster, so I went with a snow Dalek. He's made out of fimo and meant to be a snowman style Dalek.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gfw3V6RmYsU/UjxU0p6FWZI/AAAAAAAAAsM/M4bPHWKz_JY/s1600/Dalek-man.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gfw3V6RmYsU/UjxU0p6FWZI/AAAAAAAAAsM/M4bPHWKz_JY/s320/Dalek-man.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Tabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839436700914050580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321956717843669541.post-21245521055523294582013-09-18T06:56:00.000-07:002013-09-18T06:56:52.007-07:00Doll Bed & Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VkgMzUQFyD4/UjmwbTr7j1I/AAAAAAAAAr8/IThsanIDxFs/s1600/doll+bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VkgMzUQFyD4/UjmwbTr7j1I/AAAAAAAAAr8/IThsanIDxFs/s320/doll+bed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We are having a silent auction at our church, so my husband and I decided to make a doll bed with a quilt and matching bedding. I think it turned out cute. The pillows are my favorite, they have blue ticking pillows and then cute pillow cases. We were having fun with mini pillow fights! Hopefully it will raise a nice chunk of change!Tabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839436700914050580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321956717843669541.post-50936525701333261262013-01-23T11:38:00.001-08:002013-09-18T06:57:19.939-07:00Grey Crocheted Cable Work PurseI finally finished a project worthy of posting! I am really proud of this.<br />
I am a new member of the Governance Council for our school district's new charter high school. So lots of notes, papers, etc... to lug around. I also have lots of notes to take for my church meetings, so I wanted a tote/purse that could carry my note-taker and my folders. Along with obvious purse "stuff."<br />
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We drove to Florida over Christmas and I thought what better time to crochet. So I crocheted this in the car over about 2 days. I lined it yesterday. I used it today!!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-olo4k_KJ-BQ/UQA61-t8_aI/AAAAAAAAArU/VYtCuwp-ROI/s1600/Grey+Purse+Outside+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-olo4k_KJ-BQ/UQA61-t8_aI/AAAAAAAAArU/VYtCuwp-ROI/s320/Grey+Purse+Outside+2.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
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I based the crochet part on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bobbling-along-aran-tote" target="_blank">this</a> pattern. I used the stitches as a loose guide, but I honestly didn't use the pattern at all, however I want to make sure credit for the idea goes where it belongs.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C56dXnLZzqU/UQA6179gLSI/AAAAAAAAArY/Y8lhqeHxfBE/s1600/Grey+Purse+Inside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C56dXnLZzqU/UQA6179gLSI/AAAAAAAAArY/Y8lhqeHxfBE/s320/Grey+Purse+Inside.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is what the inside looks like. I only have my note-taker in there during the picture, so it's sort of hard to see. There is a large pocket on one side for my note-taker. The other side has a large pocket with a snap closure for my folders. I have rings & clips for my keys, lip chap, phone, etc.. I have elastic loops for pens/pencils. It looks floppier than it is. It totally stands on its own. There are also small silver feet on the bottom. </div>
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If I were to make it again, I would have made the top black band slightly higher. I would have made the bag just a touch taller. But I love it oh so much!!</div>
<br />Tabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839436700914050580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321956717843669541.post-25636647029223927802012-06-29T07:16:00.000-07:002012-06-29T07:17:17.625-07:00Summer Camping TripWe love to go camping every summer, some years we get to go frequently, but lately we have only gotten to go for one long week, then a weekend.
Our week we just got done with.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0vFF9Esyc-Y/T-23OB1cx2I/AAAAAAAAAqU/e24jzMgG2NQ/s1600/2012-06-21%2B13.50.14.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0vFF9Esyc-Y/T-23OB1cx2I/AAAAAAAAAqU/e24jzMgG2NQ/s320/2012-06-21%2B13.50.14.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
Here are my boys at the beach<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0mpTxMqKK70/T-23OxaeOTI/AAAAAAAAAqg/RteWADLeaEY/s1600/2012-06-21%2B13.53.33.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0mpTxMqKK70/T-23OxaeOTI/AAAAAAAAAqg/RteWADLeaEY/s320/2012-06-21%2B13.53.33.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
Here they are looking at the baby bullheads<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PTM0ZClIiAc/T-23PZRQX0I/AAAAAAAAAqs/gNT1PO-cwzI/s1600/2012-06-18%2B13.50.22.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PTM0ZClIiAc/T-23PZRQX0I/AAAAAAAAAqs/gNT1PO-cwzI/s320/2012-06-18%2B13.50.22.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
Here's Lore with his new obsession, he's now taken to fishing at every available moment<br />
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After going camping, we hit the batting cages. Tim (who never played baseball,) took a turn in the cage. We broke the aluminum bat. We couldn't stop laughing!!<br />
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So that was our big vacation week for the summer. I'll have to post soon on my camping philosophy and food.Tabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839436700914050580noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321956717843669541.post-83630781556055790712012-05-22T09:20:00.003-07:002012-05-22T09:20:46.828-07:00ConfirmationThis last weekend my eldest son was confirmed, as was my eldest niece. We have such a large family that we took up 1/3 of the church! It was such a blessing of a day.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ixEU-UcuY4/T7u7tN97jWI/AAAAAAAAAo0/3EgtEOYEx1k/s1600/2012-05-20%2B10.18.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ixEU-UcuY4/T7u7tN97jWI/AAAAAAAAAo0/3EgtEOYEx1k/s320/2012-05-20%2B10.18.33.jpg" /></a></div>
Here is Levi with all of his grandparents (minus one great great grandma who couldn't make it.)
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Here are Levi and Alia
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Sometimes they act a bit more like brother and sister than cousins!Tabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839436700914050580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321956717843669541.post-18527772697448517632012-04-19T10:36:00.003-07:002012-04-19T11:11:01.770-07:00Pathfinders/D&D- What we do for our kidsI love my boys. They are getting older and really not wanting to do any of the "fun" stuff that I try to get them to do. (Making bird feeders, painting crafts, baking, etc...) So what is a mom to teen/tweens to do? I didn't know, so I asked them. They expressed that they would like me to play <a href="http://paizo.com/pathfinder">Pathfinder</a> with them. This is something they just started doing with the neighbor kids.<br />What is <a href="http://paizo.com/pathfinder">Pathfinder</a>? Well, my kids have a long explanation, but it's basically a Role Playing Game like Dungeons and Dragons. Something I figured I would never play.<br />I have not played it yet. I was told step one is to create a character. So I have this long sheet to fill out. Having never played it before I am a bit overwhelmed as I don't know what to pick for certain things. I'm just trying to roll with it. There is a little spot for a picture. YIPEE! This I can do. So I doodled a little character picture. Then the kids said, that doesn't look anything like the player piece you get. I looked at my player piece and I didn't like it one bit. So again, back into my comfort zone, I made my own player piece out of Shrinky Dinks. I free hand drew it, but I took a lot of inspiration from a few different artist pics I found online, so though I did draw it, it's not really original.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ezri_b/6947880180/" title="Dwarf Cleric Piece by ezri_b, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5199/6947880180_7265a28459.jpg" width="377" height="500" alt="Dwarf Cleric Piece"></a><br /><br />I'll have to let you know how playing actually goes.Tabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839436700914050580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321956717843669541.post-7931836410573967942012-04-16T11:19:00.005-07:002012-04-16T12:21:09.544-07:00Menu Plan 4/16/2012 - Yogurt slow cooker recipeI have to admit planning meals has become quite a chore. My husband has been gone since the first of the year only coming home for about a day each weekend. My boys are all tween/teens and are spending far less time home at meal time. We do try to eat together every night, but honestly it's becoming far more of starting with 2 or three of us, then some leaving early and others coming in late. I am also realizing I'm in real trouble when the boys move out. I cook for an army! I cook for extra leftovers, lunches, freezing, etc.. I really don't need to be planning as many meals as I do. We have been consistently skipping at least one of these meals if not two just trying to use up enough leftovers. So here's the plan.<br /><br />Monday- Chicken Ravioli with Alfredo sauce, lettuce salads, garlic bread<br />Tuesday- Swedish Meatballs, steamed green beans with almonds, garlic noodles<br />Wednesday- Chicken Lo Mein w/Vegetable Eggrolls<br />Thursday- Leftovers<br />Friday- Kids & hubby gone, out with friends<br />Saturday- Kids & hubby gone probably junk food!<br />Sunday- Cranberry Kale, Macaroni and cheese (with bean puree)<br /><br />I am planning on making some cookies this week to freeze for the boys' lunches. I haven't done that in awhile, and they've noticed!<br />Last week's biggest success was I made yogurt for the first time. I made it in the crock pot, and I will NEVER buy yogurt again! It's amazing. The recipe I used was from a website that I can't seem to find at the moment (I will update when I do find it.) But it couldn't have been easier.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ezri_b/7084858379/" title="Slow cooker Yogurt by ezri_b, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7039/7084858379_0ca4791f11.jpg" width="423" height="500" alt="Slow cooker Yogurt"></a><br /><br />Slow cooker Yogurt<br />Large slow cooker - Mine is 7qt.<br />1 gallon whole milk<br />1 cup yogurt (you need this for the bacteria, I also read you can use whey also)Plain with live cultures and no added pectin<br />Coffee filters or something for straining (I have special flour sack towels for this)<br />Large towel (I used bathtowel)<br /><br />Sweeteners/Vanilla etc.. if desired (I made plain, because that's what I buy)<br /><br />Place milk in slow cooker cook on low for 2.5 hours.<br />Turn off and unplug for 3 hours.<br />Whisk in 1 cup of yogurt, cover slow cooker with large towel for 8 hours or overnight. Strain whey from yogurt. I put my flour sack towel in a colander over a large bowl. It took some work and time. I had to scrape it frequently to get the whey moving. I tried to use coffee filters, but they kept breaking, so I went to the towel. I made mine nice and thick, greek style.<br />It made 48oz thick yogurt and a large canning jar of whey. This can easily be halved (it was on the original recipe I used.) Times stay the same.<br /><br />I am currently finding lots of things to do with whey. I've been throwing it in juice and smoothies. My kids are enjoying it because they love YoJ, but I never buy it for them, and they think the juice with whey tastes like YoJ.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2011/06/16-ways-to-use-your-whey.html">The Prarie Homestead</a> has lots of uses for whey. I'm working my way through them slowly.Tabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839436700914050580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321956717843669541.post-42732979356760073262012-04-03T22:24:00.004-07:002012-04-03T22:50:46.787-07:00Menu Plan 4/4/2012- Do you hide nutritious food?<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AhSbPbW77UI/T3vfFH-X4mI/AAAAAAAAAoo/IJChyFVV3uU/s1600/i-beans-navy.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 210px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AhSbPbW77UI/T3vfFH-X4mI/AAAAAAAAAoo/IJChyFVV3uU/s320/i-beans-navy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727416630264717922" /></a><br /><br />Do you hide food from your kids? I do and I don't. Growing up my mom always stretched ground beef by adding oatmeal. I do that too. I have always added chopped veggies to everything. I don't really hide them, it's not a secret from my children though. At least not until yesterday.<br /><br />Our biggest weakness as a family is queso dip. By far not good for you. It's like crack for us. I'm just as guilty. Last night I had an epiphany, white bean puree! My eldest son HATES beans of any kind. He grumbles and argues. He feels I ruin most foods by making them better for him. I am now one of those sneaky moms. I pureed a cup of white beans, mixed it with what was left of the evil queso dip, and NOBODY KNEW!! Yes, we're still eating evil queso, but it's at least a little bit better for us right?<br /><br />Well, I assumed it was a fluke, but necessity reared it's head today. I was making Lasagna Soup (recipe coming soon) my boys don't care for ricotta, they prefer when I make lasagna with cottage cheese, but I was low on cottage cheese, so I pureed about 1.5 cups of navy beans with the cottage cheese I had, some salt and pepper, and some Parmesan cheese. Again, NOBODY KNEW! It really got me thinking of all the creamy cheesy foods that the kids and hubby love. What if I replace some of the evil with pureed beans? More protein and fiber, less fat. I will be trying this out and I'll let you know how it works out.<br /><br />Menu Plan<br />Monday- Meatloaf, baked potatoes, steamed asparagus, lettuce salad<br />Tuesday- Lasagna Soup (recipe coming soon)<br />Wednesday- Rotisserie Chicken (got a new rotisserie so we'll have to give it a try), grilled potatoes, broccoli & cauliflower<br />Thursday- Pot roast sliders, spinach salad, quinoa pilaf<br />Friday- lunch- chicken pot pie supper- Pizzas<br />Saturday- lunch- leftovers supper- cabbage rolls<br />Sunday- brunch out supper- cheese fondue w/spinach saladsTabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839436700914050580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321956717843669541.post-54349516751180148992012-03-20T21:22:00.002-07:002012-03-20T21:27:32.391-07:00Rainbow Unicorn Cake<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ezri_b/6997305041/" title="Unicorn rainbow cake by ezri_b, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6105/6997305041_0b7f77e773.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Unicorn rainbow cake"></a><br /><br />My little Liam is officially a teenager. He is so cute and funny! Here is a couple of pictures of his cake. This was the 3rd attempt at this cake. Liam is a bit cursed when it comes to cakes. The first attempt was sat on... (don't ask) The second one I did really late at night on zero sleep, and I must have doubled or tripled the baking soda, so it wasn't good at all. This one was great. It tasted so moist and fabulous! He loved it!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ezri_b/6997302285/" title="rainbow unicorn cake by ezri_b, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6228/6997302285_2ebf0bab26.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="rainbow unicorn cake"></a>Tabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839436700914050580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321956717843669541.post-55398797171129565492012-02-27T12:20:00.003-08:002012-02-27T12:31:56.407-08:00Menu Plan Monday 2/27Well, some hits and some misses last week. The squash lasagna, which I thought was amazing, my kids didn't like at all. I wrote the recipe down, but I'm looking for someone else to try it before I post it, cuz who wants to post a cruddy recipe?!? My hubby will be home for a day this week, so I'll try to get him to taste it.<br />Cottage pie is always a hit with my family. Meat with gravy and veg smothered in potatoes. Yep, it's what my family would always eat if they had the choice.<br /><br />Here's this week's menu;<br />Monday- <a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2011/09/slow-cooker-orange-chicken.html">Orange Chicken</a> with quinoa and a steamed stir fry vegetables<br />Tuesday- Scrambled Eggs W/French toast made out of <a href="http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2012/02/moms-english-muffin-bread.html">English Muffin Bread</a><br />Wednesday- I'm bringing a huge batch of <a href="http://enjoyinglifesjourney.blogspot.com/2012/02/meal-plan-monday-213.html">Sausage, Kale & Bean Soup</a> to church for our Lenten Soup Supper.<br />Thursday- Turkey Burgers or Bean Burgers w/potato salad<br />Friday- Beef Stroganoff<br /><br /><br />For more meal plans check out <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/blog">http://orgjunkie.com/blog</a>Tabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839436700914050580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321956717843669541.post-45894657611798849592012-02-22T08:47:00.000-08:002012-02-22T08:53:01.881-08:00Ash WednesdaysWell, we made our official <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">decisions</span> over dinner.<br />I will be giving up <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Facebook</span> games (though I will try to minimize my other ideas from my last post)<br />Levi will be giving up invading personal space<br />Liam will be giving up soda and juice<br />Lore will be giving up his pillow and also utensils (except chopsticks)<br />Tim is out of town for work, so we haven't heard his yet.<br /><br />My children pick their own items to give up. Once in a while we veto, but these are their own<br />What are you all giving up?Tabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839436700914050580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321956717843669541.post-33762496761202707232012-02-21T10:25:00.000-08:002012-02-21T10:52:47.498-08:00Do you give something up for Lent?<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lDEOruL5rDY/T0PisUvCxzI/AAAAAAAAAoc/5rfbFPGqkhE/s1600/lent_6316c.jpg"><img style="width: 194px; height: 200px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711658003544065842" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lDEOruL5rDY/T0PisUvCxzI/AAAAAAAAAoc/5rfbFPGqkhE/s200/lent_6316c.jpg" /></a><br /><br />My family is not the typical family that you would expect gives something up for Lent. We're not Catholic. Not all of us are all that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">religious</span> in general (though some are.) However, we always give something up for Lent. We have for as long as I can remember.<br /><br />So why give something up at all if it's not because you "HAVE" to? Well, it's nice once a year to re-examine your life and see where your vices, addictions, or distractions lie. Then see if you can live with out them, even if for a short time. It opens you up to new experiences and opens your heart/life up to let other items in. Be it God, spirituality, family, exercise, healthy habits, meditation, whatever. Though many people go by the honor system and be their own personal Lent police, we choose a charity as a family and any slips we have to put a quarter in the jar. Then at the end of Lent we give the money to that charity. (We have another jar where throughout Lent any money we find gets put into this and donated to our charity also.)<br /><br />We'll be having our family meeting tonight to declare what we are giving up for Lent. I personally haven't decided yet. Last year I gave up soda. Now I only drink about 1/2 of a soda a month. I'm considering giving up;<br /><ul><li> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Facebook</span> games. I do catch myself playing those a bit too much. </li><li>Multi-tasking. This one would be really hard, but good to fully pay attention to each item of my life. No talking on the phone- making dinner- checking homework- signing permission slips all at the same time.</li><li><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pinterest</span>- enough said for those who enjoy it</li><li>Sitting on the sofa- I know this one sounds weird, but my husband and I have "our spots" at night and both are on the sofa. I think getting off the sofa and changing things up would be interesting.</li></ul><p>So are you giving something up? What?</p>Tabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839436700914050580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321956717843669541.post-5700295413877262712012-02-20T20:45:00.000-08:002012-02-20T20:50:22.885-08:00Meal Plan Monday 2/20/2012Last week we did pretty well sticking to our meal plan. Let's hope we do again this week!<br />Monday- Spaghetti w/ meat sauce and garlic bread<br />Tuesday- Cottage Pie from freezer<br />Wednesday- Squash Lasagna<br />Thursday- Tacos<br />Friday- Homemade Pizzas<br />Saturday- We have chess tournaments all day and so we'll bring chicken salad, veggies, grapes, popcorn, Liam's "crack" (it's ranch oyster crackers) and pickled carrots.Tabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839436700914050580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321956717843669541.post-88727487236042388892012-02-13T11:19:00.001-08:002012-02-13T11:29:30.620-08:00Meal Plan Monday 2/13<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.6em; font-size: 0.8em;"><a title="Sausage Bean & Greens Soup" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ezri_b/6871020797/"><img alt="Sausage Bean & Greens Soup by ezri_b" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7063/6871020797_ce50d83bac.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="margin: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ezri_b/6871020797/">Sausage Bean & Greens Soup</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ezri_b/">ezri_b</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>Ok, so I normally meal plan once a week anyway, I figured why not share it here. I love getting ideas for my meal plan from other blogs, and it's a way for me to keep track of our eating habits.<br /><br />Monday- Sausage Bean & Greens Soup (recipe below)<br /><br />Tuesday- BBQ Chicken Legs with Roasted Beets<br /><br />Wednesday- Reuben Ravioli (winging it, no recipe yet)<br /><br />Thursday- Crustless Quiche<br /><br />Friday- Homemade Pizzas<br /><br />Saturday- Orange/Honey Chicken on rice<br /><br />Sunday- Potluck at Church<br /><br />Before I post the recipe I feel the need to explain how I cook. I don't follow recipes. I don't measure, and I rarely make the exact thing twice. I use what's in my fridge or garden. I taste and see if it needs a "little of this or a little of that." So all of these "recipes" are guidelines. Don't feel limited, just use what you have.<br /><br /><strong>Sausage, Bean, & Greens Soup</strong> (sort of recipe) Serves: about 12 main dish<br />1 large diced onion<br />3 diced celery stalks<br />2 diced carrots<br />2 large handfuls of diced hearty greens (today I used beet greens, but I use kale frequently too)<br />1 T coconut oil (any oil/butter that you like works) * only if you go vegetarian or have a very low fat sausage<br />1 diced sausage (we had a large smoked beef sausage that I diced up, but I've used turkey sausage with great results.)<br />2 15 oz cans great northern beans drained and rinsed<br />48 oz chicken broth<br />2 T flour<br />1/4 c milk/cream *optional<br />salt and pepper<br />favorite herbs (I used thyme and marjoram)<br /><br />Brown up you sausage in large pot, then set aside. Cook vegetables in drippings until soft (if you don't have drippings add a bit of oil/butter)<br />Once vegetables are soft add flour and cook on low. Add milk/cream and broth. Bring to a low boil. Add remaining ingredients. Continue cooking on low until everything is warm through.<br /><br />This is great because you can use up pretty much any veggies you have laying around. Also if you have some leftover barley, rice, etc... go ahead and throw it in.</p><p> </p><p><a href="http://orgjunkie.com/blog">http://orgjunkie.com/blog</a></p>Tabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839436700914050580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321956717843669541.post-25494951132190917542012-02-09T08:34:00.000-08:002012-02-09T08:40:42.872-08:00Angry Birds Valentines<a title="Angry Birds Valentines by ezri_b, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ezri_b/6847041619/"><img alt="Angry Birds Valentines" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7170/6847041619_dfe9cb59cb.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></a><br />Well, it is most likely my last year for school Valentines. My youngest is in 5<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> grade, once in middle school they really don't do anything for Valentine's Day anymore. So my son wanted Angry Birds. We found some simple Valentine cards online from Angry Birds. Then, to add candy, we put stickers on the bottoms of Hershey Kisses. Bagged, tagged, and ready to go!<br /><br /><a title="Angry Birds Valentines by ezri_b, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ezri_b/6847034231/"><img alt="Angry Birds Valentines" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7181/6847034231_74f9290127.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a>Tabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839436700914050580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321956717843669541.post-77996431616539622562012-02-06T08:03:00.001-08:002012-02-06T08:20:11.400-08:00Time, Money, & Need<div><div style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.6em; font-size: 0.8em;"> <a title="Laundry Sorting by ezri_b, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ezri_b/6830247675/"><img alt="Laundry Sorting" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7153/6830247675_8106b1325c.jpg" width="339" height="500" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.6em; font-size: 0.8em;">(This is real laundry, no "staging" was done on these pictures)<br /></div><p>I like many others see these amazing blog pictures with gorgeous projects, lovely dream homes. I dream of implementing many of these ideas and having these picture perfect homes too.</p><p>I have been really wanting a lovely laundry room and have been wanting for about a year to make this:</p><p> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-34VqTDL5a2Y/Ty_6hoARpOI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/DXmUHoOJhUc/s1600/Ana-White-laundry-dresser.jpg"><img style="width: 320px; height: 149px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706054708482909410" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-34VqTDL5a2Y/Ty_6hoARpOI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/DXmUHoOJhUc/s320/Ana-White-laundry-dresser.jpg" /></a></p><p><a href="http://ana-white.com/2010/11/laundry-basket-dresser">http://ana-white.com/2010/11/laundry-basket-dresser</a></p><p>but I just haven't had the time or money or ambition.</p><p>Then I was walking through Target with my husband and we saw these shelves on sale. I ran over to the laundry basket section grabbed 6 and went to see if they fit. They did and I had 2 shelves to spare. Now I know that this isn't "picture perfect" but it works way better than my system did before, and it didn't cost me as much money as the lovely dressers. I got the shelves for $35 and 6 baskets for $3.50 each. Total cost $56 and I have room for our paint, vinegar (cleaner), caulk, etc. on the bottom shelf and detergent, bleach, dryer sheets & balls on another shelf. Yes, I hope to make it a little nicer looking, but guess what it works and I love it!</p><p>Do you ever have these unattainable dreams from looking at different blogs? Do you find yourself putting things off so until you can make it "perfect?"</p></div>Tabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839436700914050580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321956717843669541.post-87294769716883163162011-12-09T13:14:00.000-08:002011-12-09T13:23:41.435-08:00Dalek Advent Calendar<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OXiwMxHKTx0/TuJ8N0oeL8I/AAAAAAAAAoE/m-QQC-LNb2A/s1600/Dalek%2BAdvent%2BCalendar.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684242256603525058" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OXiwMxHKTx0/TuJ8N0oeL8I/AAAAAAAAAoE/m-QQC-LNb2A/s320/Dalek%2BAdvent%2BCalendar.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />I wanted to get this posted before I forget, which seems to be happening more and more frequently lately. This is our new Advent Calendar for the year (and hopefully many years.) It isn't quite finished. This is how finished it was when December 1 rolled around, and will be good enough until after Christmas. It is missing a bit of white felt up top.<br />What I did was cut out a silhouette of a dalek in black felt, then with fusible web, I cut out grey, and blue parts, I could only find one shade of grey I liked, so I painted some of the grey for a bit more depth. Then I fused them onto the black background leaving black around it (like a coloring book sort of) The Dalek Bumps are blue felt fused onto black felt with black numbers on the blue. Then I glued the bottom and side edges to make pockets. In these pockets we put a piece of paper with our activity for the day on.<br /><br />I'm really happy with how it turned out and the kids are thrilled, even hubby was quite impressed.<br />I will try to get a better quality pic when it's all finished, but I figured this camera phone pic was better than nothing right!Tabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839436700914050580noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321956717843669541.post-8148407818100573862011-11-04T11:26:00.000-07:002011-11-04T11:43:58.449-07:00Homemade Halloween CostumesThe one dependable post every year. Our Halloween costumes were a bit more subdued this year, but still lots of fun. The kids helped a lot more and I didn't freak over perfection as much.<br /><br /><a title="Halloween costumes 2011 by ezri_b, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ezri_b/6304298916/"><img alt="Halloween costumes 2011" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6118/6304298916_1cde0a7a26.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></a><br />Here are the Homemade 2011 Costumes<br /><br /><a title="Gordon Freeman by ezri_b, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ezri_b/6304311774/"><img alt="Gordon Freeman" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6212/6304311774_55211223da.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></a><br />My youngest was Gordon Freeman from Half Life. The base was <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">underarmor</span> style black thermal underwear. The vest type thing was Grey fun foam painted, and glued. Old shin guards that were painted and put on with black elastic. The "gravity gun" was made with an Ice Tea gallon and a two liter soda bottle. We used gift wrap cellophane on the inside of the 2 liter and some battery LED Christmas lights. Then duct tape and electrical tape. My husband and my son did ALL the work on this one!<br /><br /><a title="Unicorn Costume by ezri_b, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ezri_b/6303750827/"><img alt="Unicorn Costume" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6216/6303750827_e236cc7d2b.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></a><br />My middle son was a sparkly unicorn. We used thermal undies and the white base. We made the hooves out of fabric covered tag board that I put some snaps on so they could be taken on and off. I also stapled some elastic on the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">bottom</span> of the feet hooves so they wouldn't spin on him. (They even made a clomping sound when he walked which was an unexpected bonus!) The horn is made out of Crayola model magic and glitter paint, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">attached</span> with clear flat elastic. It broke the first night he wore it, but we put a big blob of hot glue under it, and let it dry and it worked great. We used a feather boa for his main and tail. (There is an inside story to his costume, and it was wonderful!)<br /><br /><a title="Mary Poppins Jo by ezri_b, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ezri_b/6303767593/"><img alt="Mary Poppins Jo" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6047/6303767593_04e2541a5e.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></a><br />My niece was Mary Poppins. I designed and made her skirt (black fleece) and her jacket (blue and black fleece with black frogs for fasteners). I also crocheted her hat. The umbrella my mom made by cutting the head off of a parrot beanie baby (it was in rough shape on the bottom, so it was <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">ok</span>,) and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">attaching</span> it to the umbrella handle. My mom found a lovely <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Victorian</span> style shirt and we used red ribbon for the tie. My niece's carpet bag is actually my sister's carry-on that she got when she graduated. It meant a lot to all of us that my niece was able to carry a small part of her mom with her while celebrating Halloween.<br /><br />So that's it. Another year done. Clean up is taking quite a bit though. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday!!Tabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839436700914050580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4321956717843669541.post-47951119663242732642011-06-16T14:08:00.000-07:002011-06-17T14:39:22.590-07:00Summer ActivitiesWell, summer has most definitely begun for us. We've already had our big camping week (since we couldn't find another week available all summer.) The big spawn got to bring some buddies along, as sort of an 8<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> grade graduation celebration.<br /><a title="camping levi caleb justin on aquaglide by ezri_b, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ezri_b/5843426016/"><img alt="camping levi caleb justin on aquaglide" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2467/5843426016_1edfa0694f.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br />Now summer school has begun with babysitting classes and my big spawn attending driver's ed classes (gulp!)<br />We always try to have some sort of family project through the summer too. Kind of a "keep your mind working" class of sorts. It's really hard to think of great activities for teen/<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">pre</span>-teen boys to do that they'll enjoy during summer and learn something. Well, some years are far more productive than other years, but I have a good feeling about this year. We're having a cooking class/cookbook <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">writing</span> class. The boys are really taking the lead on this which I think is awesome! They've come up with a bunch of recipes that we enjoy as a family and that are requested frequently. Then they are making the recipes, testing them, measuring carefully, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">writing</span> out the recipe, typing it up, photographing the finished product and when summer is over we'll publish it as a cookbook.<br /><br />We did our first submission today. Magic 7 layer bars. I honestly don't know where this recipe originated, we've made it forever and I know tons of others who do too. I would venture to guess it was on the back of some packaging. Anyway, here's what they wrote so far. They will be adding family <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">anecdotes</span> and such to it too later<br /><a title="cookbook magic bars by ezri_b, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ezri_b/5843454836/"><img alt="cookbook magic bars" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5033/5843454836_7f69f9394b.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br />Magic 7 layer bars<br />4oz. of butter (that's a stick)<br />1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs<br />6 oz. of chocolate chips<br />6 oz of butter scotch chips<br />1 1/3 cups coconut<br />1 can of sweet and condensed milk<br />1 cup chopped pecans (optional, but Mom says we should to give it an ounce of nutrition)<br />Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.<br />Melt butter in a 9X13" pan. Sprinkle graham cracker crumbles over butter, mix well, pat it in to the pan with fork. Do this really hard so you get a nice crust. Top crumble crust with chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and nuts. Then sprinkle coconut on top. Drizzle the sweet and condensed milk over the whole thing. Bake 25-30 min until browned a little on edges. Cool then cut into squares. Prep time: 5-10 min. Cook time 25-30 min.<br /><br />I just copy and pasted what they typed. I'm not sure if I should leave in typos and spelling errors, or have them fix it. They're cute, but it is supposed to be teaching them something.Tabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839436700914050580noreply@blogger.com1