Update Before Spring!

Just a quick update before winter has disappeared and spring has sprung once more!  Three months have just flown by at our home.  How about yours?

We have been cleaning.

And crafting.

And making messes!

And cooking.

Being very cold!

Watching movies.

Being creative!

And celebrating!

What have you been doing?  I hope it was fun!

A Very Merry Christmas To You!

I hope your Christmas is wonderful!  Full of the joy of remembering the birth of our Savior, who is the reason for this special season.  May we all spread His love around and share it with this world that is in such desperate need of it.

Santa is not our main focus on Christmas.  We do talk about him since our grandchildren have started noticing the attention he gets from others.  Recently, they had their picture taken with him.

If I don't make it back to post in time, Happy New Year too!

Falling Back

I'm really going to enjoy the time change!  Maybe we will get to see more of our lovely fall sunrises?  

The sunsets are great too!  I hope everyone gets  to see some wonderful ones!  Enjoy your "extra" hour!

My New Design Style Inspiration?

Over a year ago, my home decor changed from an eclectic mix of antique and country style furnishings to a much younger and minimal type style.  My husband and I were empty nesters.  Just the two of us and our dogs, Maggie and Phoebe.  Life changes sometimes.  Our pug, Phoebe had to be put down.  Sad, but necessary. Then, two of our grandchildren moved in with us and we became their guardians.  It is a long story of why and how.  Their mom visits them often (most of the time).  We want them to know they are very loved!  They make us laugh almost every day for some reason or another!  

We do have a lot of fun, but it is really hard to parent and be a grandparent at the same time.  I do miss the part where you spoil them and send them home!  

We are learning some really interesting things!  

The hugs, kisses, and snuggles are wonderful!  The temper tantrums, sick days, and going through potty training are not as wonderful, but the other perks make up for it.  

Someday, we will get back to getting some home decor projects started again.  Right now, we are learning our ABC's, reading Dr. Suess, coloring, and singing," Jesus Loves Me"!  We are so blessed that He does!

Pinned it, Made it! Monday

I'm participating at Pinned it, Made it! Monday with Country Girl at Home!


I made the following casserole a few weeks ago to take to a party.  I had enough ingredients left over to make a smaller version for my grandkids.  It makes a lot!  Here is the recipe I pinned on Pinterest:

Pizza Casserole at http://formamas.blogspot.com/2011/08/pizza-casserole.html.
My grandkids loved it and it is very simple to make!  Here is what their's looked like before and after baking:

They ate it up!  It tastes like a cross between a pizza and lasagna.  Thanks for looking!  

Peachy Keen Bars

Check out Pinned It, Made It Monday at Country Girl at Home.




I made these for my family last week.  I had heard of the cake mix cobbler before but not using cream cheese.  It's a  great recipe that we may make again in the near future.

This was my pin.  Peachy Keen Bars from Paula Todora on Just A Pinch recipes.  http://www.justapinch.com/recipes/dessert/cake/peachy-keen-bars.html#.T2CUyHsx2zh.pinterest




First you make the crumb crust out of the cake mix, butter, and egg. ( I love that I can use my notebook to help in the kitchen.)

Place all the crumb mixture except 1 1/2 cups (topping) in a prepared pan , press down lightly, and bake 350 degrees for 10 minutes.

Prepare the cream cheese topping, drain and cut up the sliced peaches.  (Don't laugh at my vintage bowls!  They have been in use for almost 40 years!)

Scatter the peaches over the partially baked crust.  Pour the cream cheese mixture over the top of the peaches.  Cover with the 1 1/2 cup of saved crumbs.  Bake for 30 minutes.  Let cool and enjoy!  It is better cold in our opinion.

Peachy Keen Bars

Cook time:	30 Min		Difficulty:
Prep time:	10 Min		Serves:	12

INGREDIENTS

- 1 pkg dry cake mix-white, yellor or french vanilla - 1/3 c butter, room temperature get recipes @ goboldwithbutter.com - 2 lg eggs, divided - 29 oz can light peach slices, drained

- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature - 1/3 c sugar - 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

1.   Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x13” pan with nonstick cooking spray.

2.   In a large bowl combine cake mix, butter and 1 egg; mix with fork just until crumbly. Set aside 1 ½ c. crumbs for topping.

3.   Press the remaining crumbs on bottom of prepared pan; Bake 10 minutes.

4.   Cut peach slices into 1” pieces; Spoon onto partially-baked crust.

5.   In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, 1 egg and vanilla extract; beat with mixer until creamy. Spread over top of peaches.

6.   Sprinkle with reserved crumbs; Bake 30 minutes.

7.   Chill at least 30 minutes before serving; Serves 12. Store leftovers in refrigerator.

Thanks for looking!  Have a great, blessed week!

One Year Ago........

Our grand daughter, Lily, was in the hospital one year ago today for her cranial reconstruction surgery.  This was not for cosmetic reasons, but for her future health.   

It was so hard to let her go! We put our trust in God, that all would be well. She was out of it for a couple of days.

Her little eyes were so swollen! This was taken 5 days later. She was just beginning to see again.

God was with us and she began recovering quickly.

She has kept us laughing with all her antics.

She is a healthy, happy little girl now. We still have some concerns with the surgery, but we are assured that time is what is needed.

Lily just had her 2cd birthday!

She is full of energy! She was in a hurry for her bath the night after her family party. She didn't wait until we undressed her to get into the tub. She is a very quick little girl. I keep the camera where I can grab it quickly,just for moments like this:

With Lily, you just can't be to prepared!  


(Notice she has a red spot on her head?  The week before she had fallen out of her chair and skinned her head!  She is so tough though!  One of our friends is always asking her if she wants to be on "Survivor Baby"!  She always says, "Yes!".)

She is a blessing to our family!  We are so thankful for her and all that God has done for her!