Looking for the perfect knitting bag

Are these cute?
Yes.

Could I make them?
Perhaps (hopefully.)

Would I like one?
I would LOVE one!

Will I make one?
Probably not.

Why?
Not enough time in the day.

{The End.}

Peanut Butter Balls

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened to room temperature
• 1lb. box of powdered sugar
• 2 cups crunchy peanut butter
• 3 cups rice crispy cereal

Directions:
Mix with hands (or I just put it in my Mixer) and mix until crumbly and well incorporated. Pack into 1" balls. Roll in powdered sugar and chill until ready to serve. (I also have dipped half in melted chocolate and they turned out great.)

Verdict: These are great for letting little kids help you. Their hands are the perfect size to pack and roll balls and they are fun snack for children.

Found: I found this recipe online years ago when I lived in New York.

Bike Time?

This little guy is loving spring and the outdoors. We've had tons of fun going for bike rides, everyday he asks, "bike time?" It has been nice to open the side door to the backyard and let him run back and forth as he pleases.

Roll Over Darcy

Sister D started rolling over last Friday (23rd) and no matter how hard we tried we couldn't get a picture. (Note to self get a camera with a faster speed.) We have several shots of her pushing up, getting her arms ready, and then laying on her back. All of them no good because none of them actually prove she can roll over. So, people, you'll just have to take my word for it.


I just have to thank Edna for the beautiful quilt - (which I haven't sent a thank-you card for, yet. But I will. Now that I'm back home and getting back into the grove of things I'll get one out, promise.) Everyone that has come over and seen that quilt has said how beautiful it is. We love it.

This last picture is Darcy with Grandma Frerichs. They met for the first time at Greg's Farewell. Grandma Frerichs is great with babies and Darcy would calm down and go to sleep for her. Those of you who know Darcy know that that is HUGE. Darcy only likes her mom and aunt Kirsten to hold her, sometimes she'll let her dad hold her but not often. If she gets passed to anyone else she promptly cries/screams.

New Links

What Your Fridge Says About You

You aren't greedy, but you don't really deprive yourself either. You strike a good balance with the stuff you buy. You are a very thrifty person. You don't like to waste money... or food. You don't tend to be a very adventurous person, but you do surprise everyone now and then. You have a bit of a wild side. You try to be responsible, but you don't always succeed. Your heart is in the right place though. You are likely to be married - and very busy.

What Do the Contents of Your Refrigerator Say About You?

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The free rice game is addicting and easily justifiable, thanks Heather for sharing the link.

Easter Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 yellow cake mix
• 3 eggs
• 3/4 c. oil
• 1 can Mandarin oranges
• 1/3 c. flaked coconut
• 1 c. chopped nuts (opt.)
• 12 oz. cool whip
• 3 oz. crushed pineapple
• 1 small instant pudding mix vanilla

Directions:

Beat cake mix, eggs, oil for 2 min. on medium speed. Stir in oranges w/ juice, nuts, coconut. Bake for the time on the box +10 min at 350 degrees. Cool cake completely before frosting.

Frosting:

Fold the pineapple (juice included) and pudding mix into the cool whip.Refrigerate before serving.

Verdict: This is my favorite spring/Easter cake. It is moist and the pudding mix in the frosting is a nice surprise. If there are children present I usually dye some coconut green with food coloring and find some jelly beans to top the cake with "bird's nests."

Found: This is Mardel Anderson's Recipe.

Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 c. cooked (boil in lemon water) chicken, cubed1
• c. diced celery
• 1/2 c. seedless green grapes, halved
• 1/4. c. slivered almonds, toasted
• 1/2 c. mayonnaise
• 1/2 t. sweet basil
• 3/4 t. salt
• dash pepper

Directions:

Boil chicken in lemon water. Fold the mayo in with basil, salt, pepper and pour over celery, chicken, grapes. Top with almonds.

Verdict: We eat this salad a few times a year with croissants, pita pockets, served over lettuce, etc. Not a staple but definitely a favorite.

Found: This recipe is from Becky Blackner.

I Believe I Can Fly.....

As some of you know I have recently started a new job with Horizon Air. I recently got done with training and I'm glad I don't have to stress about that anymore. Now I will be going through some on the job training and hopefully will get a reasonable schedule when it's time to bid for shifts. So, in celebration of this new adventure I've decided to post to our wonderful blog and give you something more to read about. Also in the spirit of this moment I would like to share a video that I found amazing and has to do with flying! I hope you enjoy "Jet-Man "

Chicken Oriental Noodle Salad

Serves 10

Ingredients:

2 pkgs oriental noodles (Top Ramen) cooked, rinsed

1 c. slivered almonds, toasted

1 head cabbage, shredded

2 T sesame seeds, toasted (I usually use more)

2 green onions, chopped

Dressing:

3/4 c. olive oil

4 t. sugar

1/2 c. vinegar seasoning packets from noodles

salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Mix dressing ingredients.

Mix salad ingredients.

Mix salad and dressing and refrigerate for 2 hours.

* I've added shredded chicken, yellow or red peppers, marinated mushrooms

Verdict: This is a family favorite that is served often and at most major meals.

Found: My mother found it in the Taste of Home magazine.

Frosting

This is the frosting I use for sugar cookies.
1/2 c. Crisco
1/2 c. Butter
1 t. vanilla
4 c. powdered sugar
2 T. milk

Beat well and tint with food coloring

Sugar Cookies

These are hands down one of my favorite sugar cookies, I don't even bother with other recipes. They are soft and perfect every time.

Ingredients:
1 c. margarine
2 c. sugar2 eggs
1 c. vanilla yogurt
1/2 t. soda
4 t. baking powder
5 c. flour
1/2 t. salt

Directions:
Cream margarine + sugar. Add eggs and beat well. Mix in yogurt. Add dry ingredients. Roll out on a lightly floured surface to 1/2" thickness. Cut into desired shapes. Place about 2" apart on lightly greased cookie sheets.

Bake: 350 degrees 8 -10 min.

Verdict: We love these! You want to make sure you don't roll them too thin. And while cooking the edges should barely be starting to brown when you pull them out. You can over cook easily if you're not paying attention. Also if you're doing a flavored cookie like strawberry for Valentine's Day you can use strawberry flavored yogurt.

Socks

After knitting booties and starting a blanket and discovering it is not as hard as I thought I'm ready for something challenging. I have no clue how to knit socks, but I'm sure I could learn. And don't these look cute enough to try?

Tim's Favorite Chocolate Cake

Cake INGREDIENTS:

• 1 stick of butter, 4 ounces
• 1 c of water
• 1 c of shortening
• 2 T of Cocoa
• 2 c flour
• 2 c sugar
• 4 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 c buttermilk
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp vanilla

PREPARATION:

In a large saucepan, combine butter, water, shortening, and cocoa; bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Stir in flour and sugar until well blended. Add eggs and blend well. In another bowl, combine buttermilk, baking soda, and vanilla; stir into the first mixture. Combine with first mixture, then bake at 375°.(greased & floured pans - 2 layers or one 9 X 13-inch pan)(no time given, but I would say test after about 25 to 30 minutes)

Topping INGREDIENTS:

• 3/4 c fudge topping
• 3/4 c caramel or butterscotch topping
• 3/4 c sweetened condensed milk
• 6 chocolate covered toffee bars
• 1 tub of whipped topping or 1 envelope Dream Whip, prepared with milk

PREPARATION:Do not remove cake from pan. After the cake has cooled, make holes in the entire top of the cake using a large fork or the handle of a wooden spoon. Pour (one at a time) fudge, butterscotch, and condensed milk over the top of the cake and let each flavor soak in before adding the next.Crush 3 of the candy bars and sprinkle on the top. Frost the cake with the whipped topping and crush the 3 remaining toffee bars to decorate the top.

Verdict: Tim loves it and we've taken it to several parties where it was enjoyed. It is very sweet and you can't stomach more than one or two pieces at a time.

Right Now...

Outside my Window... Tim is covered up to his elbows in oil and laying under my car.

I am Thinking...I should be doing something more with this precious nap time than sitting at the computer.

I am Thankful For... my marriage & my husband, who is patient and kind, hardworking and conscientious, intelligent and funny, loving and thoughtful.


From the Kitchen... I've got dinner in the barely functioning oven, that reminds me I better go check on it... Okay, I'm back.

I am Going...to University Place this weekend to spend the next two weeks with family while Tim is in training (read: Tim got the job he was hoping for & I get family time!) Could I be any more excited!?!


I am Reading... I'm rereading Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons by Lorna Landvik.

I am Hoping...that our small garden doesn't die while we're gone. Pray for sun and sparse rain.

I am Hearing...one of my favorite CD's : Tim McGraw A Place in the Sun.

Around the House...the laundry is folded or in the dryer, toys are put away, the bathroom is clean, the sink if full of dishes waiting their turn to be put in the dishwasher. I like to clean before I leave town because I know when we get back it's going to be a huge mess.

One of My Favorite Things... new crafty things: the many knitting sites I've found get me so giddy Tim thinks I'm turning into a 13 year old.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... The many Saturday/before we leave town errands that need done. Packing clothes/toys/snacks/blankets/books/toiletries for the entire family.

I'm Feeling... very tired. Overwhelmed. I just can't think about everything there is to do. Just one task at a time.

A Picture Thought to Share for the Day... I'm loving on this guy who helped plant our garden today.