Scrapbook Dolley

Last week a friend that just moved back from Colorado was coming for a visit. As I was preparing to plate the cookies I decided I really wanted to line the cake stand. I did not have a dolley so this was my solutions:

I took a piece of decorative scrapbook paper then traced a circle using the cake stand. I used decorative scissors to cut it out.


I was very pleased with how it turned out.

FTIA Adoption Reunion

We had a busy weekend, so get ready for several post! Saturday morning we headed out for the annual FTIA Adoption Picnic. This was tons of fun and there were tons of people!

We were able to connect with most of the families that traveled to China the same time we did. It was nice to see all the babies and how much they had changed. The park was really nice. A great playground, great food, and many things for the children to do. Megan's group is still pretty young so we spent most of our day spread out on blankets just chatting. This is just a fraction of the babies that were adopted on our trip. There was a total of 33 families that traveled with us. Megan is in the last stroller on the right. She all laid back and sound to sleep. The day was just too much for her!

It was great to see everyone. We are looking forward to seeing our local families for our September play date!

Austin & Trisa

My cousin, Austin, married his high school sweetheart, Trisa, Saturday evening. It was a simple, yet beautiful wedding. They will be heading to New Mexico where Austin is currently stationed with the Air Force. Wishing you both lots of joy!

Family Reunion

On Sunday we headed south to a state park for Chuck's annual family reunion. The park is beautiful. This is one of the water falls.

This is a picture of Chuck's grandma (lady on the left in the pink shirt) and her brother's and sister. Recently grandma lost of her sisters suddenly. This really made all of us remember how precious each day is.

We presented each of them an identical picture frame. It had three black and white photos taken of the siblings at last years reunion. Along with a poem written by one of their grandchildren and then a scripture from Psalms (sorry I cannot remember the exact one at this moment.)

We got some fun times at the playground.




Then ended the day with a hike.
Chuck's family is a pleasure and every year we have a fantastic time.

Lemon Sparkle Muffins

My niece, Katie, spent the night and she made these delicious muffins for us.
2/3 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
3 eggs 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt 2/3 cup milk
1 tbs grated lemon peal
Topping:
1/4 cup sugar 1 tbs grated lemon peel
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg

In a mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. combine the flour, baking powder and salt; add to the creamed mixture alternately with milk. Stir in lemon peel. Fill paper lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Combine the topping ingredients; sprinkle a rounded 1/2 tsp over each muffin. Bake at 350 for 20-24 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes before removing to rack. Yield: 1 1/4 dozen.

Sharing the Harvest

Yesterday evening we went to the neighbors to share surplus garden goodies. We told everyone that we had come to visit them with our produce wagon and they could take what they wanted. Everyone was excited to have some fresh veggies, but the hit of the evening was our produce girl!

Buttermilk Biscuit Mix

In a bowl, combine the first seven ingredients; cut in the shortening until crumbly. Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place for up to 6 months. Yield: about 13 1/2 cups

8 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups buttermil blend powder
4 tbs baking powder
3 tbs sugar
2 tsp salt
2 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp baking soda
2 1/3 cup shortening

I was able to get 3 quart jars out of this mix.

To make biscuits:

2 cups Buttermilk Biscuit Mix
7 tbs water

Bake at 425 for 9-10 minutes. (Note: I found that I needed a little more than 7 tbs of water)

For a change I will sometimes use this to top a pot pie instead of a pie crust. Enjoy!

Unexpected Treat

The neighbors next door to us are much older then we are. She is in her seventies and he is in his mid eighties. This is the first year that we have really noticed Bill's age. He is not getting around the way he use to. He is no longer able to cut his own grass or to have a garden. We have been sharing our harvest with them.

The other day there was a knock at the back door and this is what was awaiting us.



As a way to say Thank You we were treated to zucchini bread. It was a new recipe that used pineapple. It was still warm and very delish!

We are truly blessed to have such wonderful neighbors! Remember to take time to be kind to others, you never know when you might be treated to a unexpected treat for your effort!

Oven Disaster

This is what my oven looked like Friday morning.

Friday was Chuck's day off. I thought I was doing so well. I turned on the oven and had biscuits ready to go in. Chuck was feeding Megan so I went to blog. Next thing I know Chuck is yelling for me. Saying that I forgot to set the timer. No, I had not put anything in the oven. I walk in and smoke is rolling out of the oven.

Ugh!! I had attempted to make a Chocolate Zucchini Cake on Thursday evening. It was a disaster. The cake spilled over in the oven and the cake fell. One of those why did I even bother moments.

We had to leave Thursday evening so I did not have time to clean out the oven. I forgot all about it! My Friday was spent cleaning out the oven and airing out the house. Oh well. live and learn!

Old/New Friends

I had a wonderful surprise yesterday. I was able to connect with an old friend and make a new one at the same time!

My friend Michelle made a surprise visit. It had been several years since we had seen each other. She had some personal issues and moved out of state. She has been back in our great state for almost a year now. This is the first time we have been able to connect.

She brought a gift for Megan. A cute little dress. Also with her were her two daughters and a friend from her church.

Michelle and I immediately re-connected and I thought her friend was just delightful. They keep going on and on about different things in my home. They have the same interest in homekeeping that I do. It felt good to have someone appreciate all the things you do in your home.

When they left I felt that my spirit had been lifted! I am planning to invite both of them back for lunch and some crafting or maybe baking. It feels great to connect with those who share your interest.

Have you every meet a person and knew immediately that you would be friends?

Cole Slaw

I made this using a head of cabbage fresh from my garden!

1 head cabbage, shredded
1/2 cup carrots, chopped

1/2 cup salad dressing (I used Miracle Whip)
1/4 cup vinegar
2 T sugar

Mitford Series: A Light in the Window

I just finished the second book in the Mitford Series. When I started the series I had some comments that the books were slow. I would have to agree that they do move a little slow. I was not disappointed with that. I think it adds to the story. I was able to feel the slower pace of a small town and loved how you really get to know the characters. All I can say is... About time Father Tim asked Cynthia to marry him!

I am looking forward to moving on to the third book of this delightful series!

Buttermilk Powder

I wanted to share this wonderful find with all of you. Unfortunately I can't take credit for finding this. Mom is the one who introduced me to this great product.

I love to bake and many times my recipe calls for buttermilk. I don't know about all of you, but buttermilk is not something I keep on hand. I have used the milk and lemon juice substitute, but I don't think it is as good as the real deal. Now thanks to this handy product I no longer have to fret when I need buttermilk!

Canning: Cucumbers

My cucumber plant only produced blooms this year. Fortunately my mom has had a bumper crop this year. I took this



and ended up with this.

I canned dill pickle spears and slices. I also canned Bread & Butter slices. Those are my favorite. If you have never canned pickles, you should give it a try! Much easier then I thought it would be.

I'm Back

After a few minor problems we now have our internet service back. DSL finally came to our area. Hooray!!

Life has been moving right along while I have been "away."

Megan had her 1st Birthday on July 1st. She really enjoyed her cake!


We went to a friends place for the 4th of July. They have a great view of the fireworks! The 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays. I was very happy that Megan enjoyed the fireworks. She was reaching her hand up trying to reach them!


Last Thursday she began crawling. There is no stopping her now!

We have a new nephew. Ethan William born on Saturday, July 7th. He weighed a whooping 9 lbs 3 ozs. He is the second child of Chuck's step-brother. Sorry, no picture we left the camera in the car when we went to the hospital.

I have been enjoying summer while I have been away. Megan and I have been spending some enjoyable time in the pool. I have also been busy with garden treats.

If all goes well I will be back to regular posting. I can't wait to catch up with everyone!

Internet Problems

Sorry for the lack of post. We are having serious internet problems. We are unable to connect. I am currently posting from another location. At&t says that the problem will not be resolved until July 12th. Ugh!

Anyway, I will be back to posting at that time. Lots has been going on. Megan celebrated her first birthday on Sunday. Wait until you see the cake pictures!

I will be checking my favorite blogs when I am visting my parents. Until I am back online I wish everyone great days and happy blogging!