tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30874256781278011262024-03-13T11:45:00.844-05:00State Fair ChallengeMy challenge - to create/complete 100 entries leading up to the Iowa State Fair. My favorite areas to enter include: Foods, Fabric & Threads, Creative Arts, Horticulture, Floriculture and Heritage!SpencerFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067388374451946551noreply@blogger.comBlogger309125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3087425678127801126.post-28253181530663728042012-05-14T21:46:00.001-05:002012-05-14T21:46:14.974-05:00Lego Crayons <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HPrvBT7K6Ww/T7G9k9BfnNI/AAAAAAAADK0/XcdGU1lzzEo/s720/Photo%252520May%25252014%25252C%2525202012%25252012%25253A41%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HPrvBT7K6Ww/T7G9k9BfnNI/AAAAAAAADK0/XcdGU1lzzEo/s300/Photo%252520May%25252014%25252C%2525202012%25252012%25253A41%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1337049702181.0964" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="300" height="400"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yesterday, our little red turned 3!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0X7hGVm7d0o/T7G9bhMS-mI/AAAAAAAADKU/pxbT9BMs1Cs/s960/Photo%252520May%25252014%25252C%2525202012%2525208%25253A57%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0X7hGVm7d0o/T7G9bhMS-mI/AAAAAAAADKU/pxbT9BMs1Cs/s300/Photo%252520May%25252014%25252C%2525202012%2525208%25253A57%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1337049702228.9067" class="aligncenter" width="300" height="225" alt=""></a></div> The boys picked Legos as their birthday.<br/><br/>We will be working this into their party on Memorial Day Weekend, but, we are also using Legos in this week's activities.<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-C6DT-U5V6RY/T7G9eDcXWVI/AAAAAAAADKc/aHgdEXPOZWA/s960/Photo%252520May%25252014%25252C%2525202012%25252011%25253A03%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-C6DT-U5V6RY/T7G9eDcXWVI/AAAAAAAADKc/aHgdEXPOZWA/s300/Photo%252520May%25252014%25252C%2525202012%25252011%25253A03%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1337049702181.1416" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="300" height="225"></a></div> today we took all our broken crayons and made them into Lego crayons. The boys actually both loved peeling the paper and sorting the colors.<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4MnyIbLKOlc/T7G9gmchAMI/AAAAAAAADKk/GvO33WB8Qgw/s960/Photo%252520May%25252014%25252C%2525202012%25252011%25253A36%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4MnyIbLKOlc/T7G9gmchAMI/AAAAAAAADKk/GvO33WB8Qgw/s300/Photo%252520May%25252014%25252C%2525202012%25252011%25253A36%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1337049702160.2485" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="300" height="225"></a></div> Grant is usually not a "craft" kind of guy but he enjoyed this activity and even after Clark left he stayed and continued to help mommy.<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Bw_lhm1W2nk/T7G9jFy3iAI/AAAAAAAADKs/TE0ucEqUd44/s960/Photo%252520May%25252014%25252C%2525202012%25252011%25253A36%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Bw_lhm1W2nk/T7G9jFy3iAI/AAAAAAAADKs/TE0ucEqUd44/s300/Photo%252520May%25252014%25252C%2525202012%25252011%25253A36%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1337049702156.8555" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="300" height="225"></a></div>Grant wanted red Lego guys. Clark wanted multi-colored Lego blocks. I can't believe that they didn't argue over the selections! They had lots of fun tucking the cut up pieces into the molds. These molds were so worth the purchase.<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qJTgcw9LHn8/T7G9m1f00hI/AAAAAAAADK8/VEk01yb7jNc/s720/Photo%252520May%25252014%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A08%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qJTgcw9LHn8/T7G9m1f00hI/AAAAAAAADK8/VEk01yb7jNc/s300/Photo%252520May%25252014%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A08%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1337049702153.2988" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="300" height="400"></a></div> Mommy made some blocks too :). After they were done they played with new "Legos" for quite some time. Grant loves lining up the Lego crayon guys. We'll use the ones that haven't been used as party favors. I may need to go hide them tonight.<br/><br/> <br/><br/>SpencerFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067388374451946551noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3087425678127801126.post-41518133417266036882012-05-04T21:13:00.002-05:002012-05-04T21:13:59.197-05:00FFA Banquet Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last Saturday we attended the Red Oak FFA Banquet! My husband lovingly asked if I would make the cake. I lovingly said yes (completely forgetting a board meeting the day before and an annual report to present). And so . . .<br />
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BAM - a new first! Yes, that is ALL buttercream frosting. Yes, I piped it all. I simply don't have the money to get a fancy edible icing paper printer. If you're wondering that is a 1/2 sheet cake, double layer with filling.<br />
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If you look at the photo up close you realize how not so great it looks on close inspection. However, it looked great if you just looked down the table. When I was looking for ideas for the boys' birthday cakes I found a few blogs that used Buttercream transfers (just Google Buttercream transfer and you'll find lots of good tutorials including a video from Wilton).<br />
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You see, I am NOT artistic. Regardless of what my middle school art teacher once tried to tell my mom and I at Parent/Teacher conferences one year - I do not have potential artistic talent. My brother - totally different story - me no. <br />
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However, I've been told I'm somewhat creative and very resourceful (thank you internet era). So this technique fit the bill perfectly. Basically, you find a coloring book page or simple graphic (admittedly I chose a very intricate design for my first try), reverse the image and pipe it on waxed paper layer by layer. Put another piece of waxed paper on top and smush it down a bit. Freeze. Remove top layer of wax paper, place on cake remove other piece of wax paper and hope you did just the right amount of smush. Technical - I know.<br />
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Grant's cake idea became much more realistic when I realized this is actually possible!<br />
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We also took some cake truffles. Blue and yellow (and yellow insides). That blue was the Wilton Candy coating blue. Sometimes it doesn't have to be the exact shade.<br />
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Finally, my little helper. I love that a full sheet pan is nearly as big as he is!</div>SpencerFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067388374451946551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3087425678127801126.post-60228486216575378412012-04-23T20:55:00.001-05:002012-04-23T20:55:52.909-05:00Weekend UpdateThis weekend we traveled to Ames for the VEISHEA parade. We would have spent more time enjoying and supporting more of the other club/campus activities but the weather turned cold and rainy.<br />
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We still enjoyed the time! We watched the parade with grandma and grandpa and with my brother's family.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to go in my RED & GOLD!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Umbrella fun prior to the parade with cousin Ty. Funny - the umbrellas were the birthday gift Ty picked out for the boys last year. We actually use them a lot - he picked a great gift!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am adorable waiting for the parade to start.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No VEISHEA complete without Cherry Pie!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Added a new treat from the Culinary club - Cyclone popcorn (raspberry flavored). Tasty!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Addie stayin' warm and snuggly with Uncle Carl.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was a very big day.</td></tr>
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This next photo marks a momentous occasion for our family. Daddy home to play with kiddos on Iowa FFA State Convention move in day. He's so relaxed! All he had to do was get on a bus with his 18 students and head for Ames.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E47XznkXEd4/T5YEnPd6LCI/AAAAAAAADJM/lq19q33h2Y8/s1600/April2012+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E47XznkXEd4/T5YEnPd6LCI/AAAAAAAADJM/lq19q33h2Y8/s320/April2012+003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Finally, in sewing news:<br />
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Thursday night I did manage to finish up the denim bean bags for the Red Oak FFA elementary day. They made some bean bag toss games and needed the bean bags. These should last awhile they were quite durable and I used a strong thread.<br />
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I did complete 4 pillowcases for Friday Night Sew In on Friday. I forgot to get them in the mail today so will need to do that tomorrow. But they are washed and ready.<br />
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This is what I'm working on this evening for Kids Clothes Week Challenge. Blue and yellow fabrics to make Addie some shirts and pants (the bottom piece is for a little jacket - can't really tell from photo but it is a fun print). Just finished ironing them and needed to take a break. Have the pattern cut out and waiting so should get to it.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7UM3u-a2lNg/T5YE5yJKkuI/AAAAAAAADJg/2b0PlatYzWQ/s1600/march_april2012+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7UM3u-a2lNg/T5YE5yJKkuI/AAAAAAAADJg/2b0PlatYzWQ/s320/march_april2012+001.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>SpencerFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067388374451946551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3087425678127801126.post-65346911720197732332012-04-20T23:27:00.001-05:002012-04-20T23:29:42.280-05:00FNSI Results<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Qgxh_QC4Prs/T5IvAvGvUsI/AAAAAAAADH0/CatlA4WS2Ds/Photo%252520Apr%25252020%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A51%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Qgxh_QC4Prs/T5IvAvGvUsI/AAAAAAAADH0/CatlA4WS2Ds/s300/Photo%252520Apr%25252020%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A51%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1334982566845.7822" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="300" height="225"></a></div> Tonight I finished 4 pillowcases during Friday Night Sew In. These will be shipped off to Conkerr Cancer on Monday. I apologize for poor photo quality. But since I won't have time to blog tomorrow I took low quality iPad photos in a poorly lit house tonight and decided to blog from bed. <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TWUR08meBl4/T5IvCpp8XvI/AAAAAAAADH8/PkiWYkGAjWc/Photo%252520Apr%25252020%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A24%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TWUR08meBl4/T5IvCpp8XvI/AAAAAAAADH8/PkiWYkGAjWc/s225/Photo%252520Apr%25252020%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A24%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1334982566846.7856" class="aligncenter" width="225" height="300" alt=""></a></div>This is my favorite. I've had this insect fabric forever (and yards of it). I guess the entomologist in me couldn't resist it's appeal! Hopefully someone will love it as much as I do. Since I can no longer just run to town for fabric everything came from my stash. Ha - feels good to clean out some fabrics and have them used to hopefully brighten another's day! I tried to find fabrics that older children/teens may like since the organization website said they had a need for these.<br/><br/>After whipping these up today I have decided to never buy novelty pillowcases for my children again. They were so easy to pull together! If only I could find Angry Bird fabric I know what oldest son would be getting for his birthday. I checked - there is some available but at a very steep price. Oh well, there's some great super hero fabric for a much better price.<br/><br/>Not that you can really tell from the photo but the boys picked out the chocolate fabric (far end). They thought that would make a great pillow for a boy or girl. (and they thought it looked yummy).<br/><br/> After pillowcases I put my plan together for kids clothes to sew next week for the Kids Clothing Week Challenge. Looks like a lot of little Addie things if I can get to it all. Along with finishing some suspenders for the boys.<br/><br/>Thank you dear Lord for our healthy kiddos. We hope these little pieces made with love will bring a smile or two. Please watch over, send peace, and give strength to those who suffer.<br/><br/> <br/><br/>SpencerFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067388374451946551noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3087425678127801126.post-88754870005664507022012-04-19T15:47:00.000-05:002012-04-19T15:47:15.795-05:00Test Kitchen Thursday - Rhubarb MuffinsRhubarb season is here again!<br />
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Actually, I was all ready to do a post on chocolate cupcakes today. Don't know what hit me this morning but felt like making a batch of muffins for breakfast. Did a quick search online before the kiddos woke up. Wanted something with fruit but didn't have apples, already have a go to blueberry muffin recipe so wanted something new. Scrolling along up pops rhubarb. Perfect. And no, I did not use fresh rhubarb although I easily could have. I decided that the frozen rhubarb from last year's crop needed to be used up first. Why is it I put up all this produce and then hoard it through the winter? Anyway, a new crop of rhubarb will be frozen soon so time to finish up the frozen.<br />
<br />I LOVE rhubarb! In any form - even raw. I know - I'm strange.<br />
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Here is the recipe I found on <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/rhubarb-muffins/detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=rhubarb%20muffins&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Recipe%20Hub">allrecipes</a>.com: (my modifications in<em><span style="color: red;"> red italics</span></em>)<br />
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<span class="yieldform">Yield </span><span class="yield yieldform">12 muffins</span><br />
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Ingredients</h3>
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<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 1/2 cup <a class="itxtrst itxtrsta itxthook" href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/rhubarb-muffins/detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=rhubarb%20muffins&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Recipe%20Hub#" id="itxthook0" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-color: darkgreen; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 0.07em; color: darkgreen; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 1px; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxthookspan" id="itxthook0w0" style="color: darkgreen; font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">vanilla</span></a> yogurt (<span style="color: red;"><em>didn't have yogurt so used sour cream instead</em></span>)</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 2 tablespoons butter, melted</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 2 tablespoons vegetable oil</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 1 egg (<span style="color: red;"><em>my hens are laying again so this one was still warm - but truly any egg will do</em></span>)</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 3/4 cup <a class="itxtrst itxtrsta itxthook" href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/rhubarb-muffins/detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=rhubarb%20muffins&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Recipe%20Hub#" id="itxthook1" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-color: darkgreen; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 0.07em; color: darkgreen; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 1px; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxthookspan" id="itxthook1w0" style="color: darkgreen; font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">brown</span><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxthookspan" id="itxthook1w1" style="color: darkgreen; font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit;"> </span><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxthookspan" id="itxthook1w2" style="color: darkgreen; font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">sugar</span></a></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 1/2 teaspoon <a class="itxtrst itxtrsta itxthook" href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/rhubarb-muffins/detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=rhubarb%20muffins&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Recipe%20Hub#" id="itxthook2" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-color: darkgreen; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 0.07em; color: darkgreen; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 1px; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxthookspan" id="itxthook2w0" style="color: darkgreen; font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">baking</span><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxthookspan" id="itxthook2w1" style="color: darkgreen; font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit;"> </span><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxthookspan" id="itxthook2w2" style="color: darkgreen; font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">soda</span></a></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 1/4 teaspoon salt</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 1 cup diced rhubarb (<span style="color: red;"><em>used 2 heaping cups of rhubarb based on others comments</em></span>)</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> </li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 1/4 cup brown sugar</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 1/4 cup crushed sliced almonds (<span style="color: red;"><em>didn't have almonds so substituted oatmeal</em></span>)</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient"> 2 teaspoons melted butter</li>
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<h3 class="directions" style="margin-top: 10px;">
Directions</h3>
<div class="directions" style="margin-top: 10px;">
<ol>
<li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break"> Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 12 cup muffin tin, or line with paper liners. </span></li>
<li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break"> In a medium bowl, stir together the yogurt, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, oil and egg. In a large bowl, stir together the flour, 3/4 cup of brown sugar, baking soda and salt. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, and mix until just blended. Fold in rhubarb. Spoon into the prepared muffin tin, filling cups at least 2/3 full. </span></li>
<li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break"> In a small bowl, stir together 1/4 cup of brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, almonds, and 2 teaspoons of melted butter. Spoon over the tops of the muffins, and press down lightly. </span></li>
<li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break"> Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the tops spring back when lightly pressed. Cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before removing (<span style="color: red;"><em>I only cool muffins for 5 minutes or less in pan before removing</em></span>). </span></li>
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This recipe (with modification) was delicious! I'm so glad I added the extra rhubarb or I don't think I would have liked it as well. Probably a personal preference on how much rhubarb flavor you want. Much more though and you'll have complete mush for muffins. A couple of my muffin bottoms were a bit soggy but this may also be because the boys had to tear into them right away.<br />
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Addie has been doing very good with self feeding and likes little crumbled bits of homemade breads and muffins. No lie, she devoured a whole muffin this morning. She really liked the pieces with soft rhubarb chunks. I realize this may be because these are sweet and I really don't give her much that is sweet. But we are moving towards her eating soft variations of family meals now and she enjoys eating the same things she sees everyone else eating.<br />
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Now to figure out if this recipe is worth working on as a State Fair entry. I've done fairly well with quick breads in the past at the ISF but have never taken muffins. I may try taking some muffins in addition to the quick breads this year. They're easy and they freeze and thaw very well so can do them in advance. With only 3 months and a few weeks to go I'd better start deciding what's fair entry worthy and what isn't.<br />
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See already working on uniform sets of 4 :)<br />
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Shoot - 2 look great the other 2 are not quite right! You've no idea how much time is spent (at least for me) reviewing a batch of something for entry looking for not only uniformity but quality. I hem and haw a LOT!<br />
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In summary - great recipe - go use some rhubarb and ENJOY!<br />
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</ol>SpencerFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067388374451946551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3087425678127801126.post-68162674335629659232012-04-18T11:08:00.001-05:002012-04-18T11:08:08.252-05:00Blog Spring Cleaning + Some Great Sewing Fun Coming UpWorking on cleaning up the blog today. Now that another Science Fair is in the books (for the most part) and arrangements are made for the International Science Fair trip (again, mostly) a little more focus can go back to things like keeping the blog updated (more or less).<br />
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We are working on Spring Cleaning the house - including a new paint job in the laundry/bath just off the kitchen. You know, something that started out as simple as moving the freezer and putting up shelves for a pantry becomes a full-blown remodel. Well as much remodel as one can do while renting. Pretty much means upgrade = loads of paint. Anyway, more on that project later.<br />
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To keep up with my blog reading I have begun using Flipboard on my iPad. I love the program. It also keeps track of news sources, Facebook, Twitter, flickr - most of your social media stuff all in one program. Getting back into reading blogs I realized I started reading again just in time for two of my favorite things!<br />
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<a href="http://www.handmadebyheidi.blogspot.com/2012/03/april-20th-friday-night-sew-in-big.html">FRIDAY NIGHT SEW IN!</a><br />
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This week they have changed the focus. They have partnered with the organization called <a href="http://conkerrcancer.org/home/">Conkerr Cancer</a>. <span style="color: blue;">“Giving sick kids a reason to smile.. one pillowcase at a time.” </span><br />The goal for this FNSI is to make pillowcases and send them in. The organizers of FNSI ask, "We would like to ask each and everyone who participates in the April Friday Night Sew In on April 20th, to make a pillowcase for a critically ill child. Just think of how many children we could make smile if we do this together!"<br />
I'm in! Check out the fabrics I'm thinking of using for the pillowcases.<br />
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Click the link above or the button on the right hand side to join the fun this Friday!<br />
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<a href="http://www.elsiemarley.com/kids-clothes-week-spring-2012.html">KIDS CLOTHES WEEK CHALLENGE Spring 2012!</a><br />
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<img height="200" src="http://www.elsiemarley.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/bigginhamkcwc.jpg" width="200" /><br />
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I wish I had more time to sew for my kiddos. I love this challenge and it's true an hour a day can achieve great things. Addie's at an age that is so easy to sew for and I have some great simple patterns. She actually needs some little pants which are super easy so no excuses now. And Clark loves mommy's pj's - so need to sew him some more comfy pants (he is starting to use serious yardage though these days).<br />
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Plus, these blue and gold fabrics need to meet up with needle and thread:<br />
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Click the link above or the button on the right hand side to join in next week! Or just go and look at some of her inspiration blogs - can't believe how creative people are.<br />
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Before all of that sewing fun though I need to finish this project:<br />
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Recycled two old pair of jeans (that weren't even usuable as chore clothes anymore). These are being made into bean bags. Hubby called in a favor and needs them this Friday for an elementary program the AgEd/FFA is doing. Gotta love old denim - so many great ways to repurpose. I may have to use one of my old pairs still sitting around to make Addie some pants. Blue Denim - Pink thread - oh yeah that could be great! <br />
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Focus Andrea - you must focus!<br />
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All for now!SpencerFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067388374451946551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3087425678127801126.post-18107099260355901652012-04-16T20:10:00.001-05:002012-04-16T20:10:36.788-05:00Welcome Little Friends<p> Saturday morning at 4:00 am receive a text message saying our package has shipped.</p><p>Shortly after breakfast that same day at 9:00 am the post master calls saying our package has arrived.</p><p>We quickly hustle everyone to the car and 1/2 an hour later our babies are home!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zZ-H_IjX9cM/T4y8iGzTigI/AAAAAAAADFc/EwqC0IAO07g/s500/Photo%252520Apr%25252014%25252C%2525202012%25252011%25253A22%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zZ-H_IjX9cM/T4y8iGzTigI/AAAAAAAADFc/EwqC0IAO07g/s500/Photo%252520Apr%25252014%25252C%2525202012%25252011%25253A22%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1334624981326.3909" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="384" height="512"></a></div><p> Twenty six baby Turkens (naked neck chickens) and one little exotic chicken arrive. We are not prepared since they were scheduled to arrive the week of the 15th. Usually in the past this means Monday or later. But like all babies they arrive when they're ready. </p><p>The boys love holding the babies and constantly sneak off to the back porch to "check" on their chicks. Clark is old enough and gentle enough that I let him help me transfer them and hold them on his own. Grant still needs help to hold gently. He loved holding them all on his lap.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-AL6I_qHbOQQ/T4y8kS4fakI/AAAAAAAADFk/7FEqafYLnEQ/s500/Photo%252520Apr%25252014%25252C%2525202012%25252011%25253A28%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-AL6I_qHbOQQ/T4y8kS4fakI/AAAAAAAADFk/7FEqafYLnEQ/s500/Photo%252520Apr%25252014%25252C%2525202012%25252011%25253A28%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1334624981319.1372" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="384" height="512"></a></div><p> Addie loves to watch the babies too. She gets so excited and starts flapping her arms and bouncing up and down. However, this is her only view of the little ones.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gL1mrEgYBSQ/T4y9H5cwkyI/AAAAAAAADF0/xMXsS9qjPKA/s500/Photo%252520Apr%25252016%25252C%2525202012%2525207%25253A43%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gL1mrEgYBSQ/T4y9H5cwkyI/AAAAAAAADF0/xMXsS9qjPKA/s500/Photo%252520Apr%25252016%25252C%2525202012%2525207%25253A43%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1334624981302.785" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="384" height="512"></a></div><p>She still enjoys watching from outside the pen. Next time I have her out on the porch I should record her squeals of sheer delight.</p><p>And it's not just the young ones that love our little birds. The adults in the house get lots of joy watching the new additions too. Of course if mama cat had her way she'd watch from much closer than the porch window.</p><p>These will join the 5 little Rhode Island Reds we picked up at the farm store 3 weeks ago. In 3 more weeks the last of the crew will join them - that's when the turkeys and Barred Rocks are scheduled to arrive. </p><p>Ahhh, can't wait to have a nice little flock again.</p><p> </p>SpencerFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067388374451946551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3087425678127801126.post-5324106991910984572012-03-09T16:30:00.000-06:002012-03-09T16:30:00.360-06:00Let's Go Fly a Kite!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This week's kite/wind lesson plan worked out a lot better than January's snow unit (no snow). In fact, some days there was almost too much wind outside. But today was perfect for kite flying!</div>
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Clark loved holding the kite! Of couse, he also liked trying to catch the kite's shadow when I flew the kite.<br />
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Grant had a mini kite just for him. They don't fly very high but he didn't care. Plus, he could actually hold on to it.</div>
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Earlier in the week we all went out and purused the grounds for signs of spring. Clark wanted pictures on the fallen down apple tree limb. That worked well. Here Addie is rocking her aunt's vintage 80's knit poncho. I love it - she can't take it off her head.<br />
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On our outing we did find some clumps of tulips and a large mass of iris. To keep in theme with the week we also hung our wind chimes out on the porch - what a beautiful sound they make. We also decided it was time to hang our bird feeders and fill the bird bath. This stemmed from the boys sitting at their small table at breakfast time looking out the window and trying to spot birds. Now with the feeders in easy view of their window we have already started to see some feathered friends.<br />
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Clark is becoming a real "cheese" when it comes to photo taking. He likes to use a silly overdramatic smile. I try to catch him anawares now when taking photos.<br />
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Finally, one last photo. I forgot to post Addie's six month pictures. Here is 6 month Addie and her bear.<br />
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<br />SpencerFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067388374451946551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3087425678127801126.post-89162196864542499972012-02-29T20:59:00.001-06:002012-02-29T21:03:21.468-06:00Seuss Snacks<p>Let' play guess the Dr. Seuss book!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZNG8lC91CMw/T07bd-HbPZI/AAAAAAAADC8/Jzerz5700OE/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252029%25252C%2525202012%2525208%25253A08%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZNG8lC91CMw/T07bd-HbPZI/AAAAAAAADC8/Jzerz5700OE/s350/Photo%252520Feb%25252029%25252C%2525202012%2525208%25253A08%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1330570969242.1938" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="350" height="350"></a></div><p>Starting top left and going across and down.</p><ol><li>Fox in Socks - blue goo, poodle noodles, and three cheese trees</li><li>Yes, I even put together a quick centerpiece with a box and socks, some chicks, bricks and blocks. Amazingly, of all Grants many stuffed animals, he does not have a fox. A skunk and a raccoon but no fox.<br></li><li>One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish - pink ink (strawberry milk) and multi colored fish crackers. And something named Clark but we didn't get him in a park, or in the dark.</li><li>Green Eggs and Ham - enough said (Clark loved them)</li><li>Green Eggs and Ham - who said the egg jello molds are just for Easter</li><li>Bartholomew and the Ooblek - do not EAT! But so much fun!</li></ol><p>We've had lots of reading and food fun this week! Who knew a Google web search for Seuss snacks would yield so many ideas. Some of my favorites came from <a href="http://www.mydeliciousambiguity.com/2011/03/dr-seuss-snack-and-food-ideas.html" target="_self" title="">My Delicious Ambiguity</a>.</p><p> After making the broccoli "trees" with cheese cubes I realized I could have made a cheese sauce or dip or even just sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese. Luckily my boys like raw broccoli and anything stuck together with toothpicks.</p><p>Since most of you will read this post tomorrow (Thursday) I thought I would share my go to "poodle" noodles recipe. Otherwise known as Italian noodles. This recipe comes from the 30 Day Gourmet:</p><li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><span class="ingredient" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><em><span class="amount" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><span class="value" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">1</span> <span class="type" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">(16 ounce)</span></span> package <span class="name" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">wide egg noodles</span></em></span></li><li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><span class="ingredient" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><em><span class="amount" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><span class="value" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">1 </span><span class="type" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">envelope</span></span> <span class="name" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">Italian salad dressing mix</span></em></span></li><li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><span class="ingredient" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><em><span class="amount" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><span class="type" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">1 cup</span></span> half and half</em></span></li><li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><span class="ingredient" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><em><span class="amount" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><span class="type" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">1/2 cup</span></span> <span class="name" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">butter</span></em></span></li><li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><span class="ingredient" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><em><span class="amount" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><span class="value" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">½</span> <span class="type" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">cup</span></span> grated <span class="name" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">parmesan cheese</span></em></span></li><p><em> </em></p><p><em>Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain. Add softened butter in pot, put noodles back in, toss to coat. Add rest of ingredients and mix well.</em></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PQhe3Ey76eQ/T07bolLccDI/AAAAAAAADDk/4a5LBLMv6do/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252028%25252C%2525202012%2525205%25253A34%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PQhe3Ey76eQ/T07bolLccDI/AAAAAAAADDk/4a5LBLMv6do/s300/Photo%252520Feb%25252028%25252C%2525202012%2525205%25253A34%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1330570969267.144" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="300" height="225"></a></div><p>As you can see they were a big hit - especially with some peas mixed in.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZkLnTYTPyvc/T07bmhmtjbI/AAAAAAAADDc/S2PUnb2eR8s/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252026%25252C%2525202012%2525204%25253A58%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZkLnTYTPyvc/T07bmhmtjbI/AAAAAAAADDc/S2PUnb2eR8s/s300/Photo%252520Feb%25252026%25252C%2525202012%2525204%25253A58%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1330570969290.061" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="300" height="400"></a></div><p> Addie can't do noodles yet but she is beginning to enjoy a few small, melt in your mouth finger foods. Addie will be like her brother Grant. She wants to feed herself.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-z3AcBsTA_Jc/T07bk4JCTLI/AAAAAAAADDU/iwThnDBaYoM/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252028%25252C%2525202012%25252012%25253A57%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-z3AcBsTA_Jc/T07bk4JCTLI/AAAAAAAADDU/iwThnDBaYoM/s300/Photo%252520Feb%25252028%25252C%2525202012%25252012%25253A57%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1330570969306.3972" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="300" height="225"></a></div><p> </p><p>Yesterday we made Oobleck after reading the book. AWESOME. Basically 1 part water to 1.5 - 2 parts cornstarch. This makes a non-Newtonian fluid. Acts as a fluid when poured, as a solid when force is acted upon it. It's the weirdest stuff. Here's a good <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Oobleck/" target="_self" title="">site for info. </a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Zrc-gWaPoE4/T07bgV59QmI/AAAAAAAADDE/F0o3UhrWXVo/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252029%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A50%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Zrc-gWaPoE4/T07bgV59QmI/AAAAAAAADDE/F0o3UhrWXVo/s300/Photo%252520Feb%25252029%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A50%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1330570969298.3113" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="300" height="400"></a></div><p> Today we worked in some frogs for "leap" day! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-dmMNffEAQto/T07biiOErAI/AAAAAAAADDM/1Mfpsmj1RZ0/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252029%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A46%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-dmMNffEAQto/T07biiOErAI/AAAAAAAADDM/1Mfpsmj1RZ0/s300/Photo%252520Feb%25252029%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A46%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1330570969300.0737" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="300" height="400"></a></div><p> This made Grant happy since he's a big fan of frogs!</p><p> </p>SpencerFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067388374451946551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3087425678127801126.post-54846460620930915712012-02-27T20:46:00.000-06:002012-02-27T20:46:08.172-06:00Something Silly Going On!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today we started our Dr. Seuss week. Lots of reading and silliness going on. I love that after giving Clark a hat to color that I printed off, he proceeded to color it (in color pattern order - yes he likes patterning), cut it out, went to the closet, retrieved white construction paper, drew his own hat, colored it and cut it out. Then he asked for help to make the band so he could wear his hat. You see his hat had to have a front and a back! The great thing was his hat was SO much better than the one I printed for him. Much more Seuss looking!<br />
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On Sunday, Alan took the boys out to a neighbor's farm to see their new baby goats. They had 9+ baby goats. Technically Alan could count this as a Supervised Agriculture Experience (SAE) visit since it is a family he has in class.<br />
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Look at how CUTE these little guys are (my kiddos too). These are the same type of goats we have. Unfortunately it didn't work out to get our girls bred this winter. So no baby goats for us :(<br />
We are hopeful to buy a little boy this summer though so we have our own male around come fall. Because next Spring I want this in my barnyard!<br />
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Addie and I stayed home. Mommy needed to catch up on work and Addie needed her nap after having her schedule all messed up the day before. I couldn't resist these silly photos. She LOVES her exersaucer! She can make it rock and send everything dancing.<br />
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Recently she discovered the mirror. She thinks this is great fun to look in.<br />
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She likes the fish to chew on. Clark also liked chewing on this fish. Odd to think in just a month or so she'll have outgrown this and our nearly five year old exersaucer will be ready for a yard sale.<br />
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Anyway - just some silliness from our little neck of the woods! Thanks for stopping by!SpencerFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067388374451946551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3087425678127801126.post-50647711065130495722012-02-24T19:13:00.001-06:002012-02-24T19:13:09.176-06:00Week in Review<p> Here are some of the things we were up to this week.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_HUT0ZSx7Ug/T0W7Wk4teYI/AAAAAAAADBM/Say1cnUAJl4/Photo%252520Feb%25252022%25252C%2525202012%2525205%25253A06%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_HUT0ZSx7Ug/T0W7Wk4teYI/AAAAAAAADBM/Say1cnUAJl4/s300/Photo%252520Feb%25252022%25252C%2525202012%2525205%25253A06%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1330132344628.853" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="300" height="225"></a></div><p> Today Addie turned 6 months old!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JSVbR8bhHXc/T0W7U_uD9jI/AAAAAAAADBE/q6AgIWW7sew/Photo%252520Feb%25252022%25252C%2525202012%2525203%25253A26%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JSVbR8bhHXc/T0W7U_uD9jI/AAAAAAAADBE/q6AgIWW7sew/s300/Photo%252520Feb%25252022%25252C%2525202012%2525203%25253A26%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1330132344688.1584" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="300" height="225"></a></div><p>Clark experienced the suction power of mud. Little boys just can't resist large mucky puddles.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IHwRJx11eww/T0W7GWsu7cI/AAAAAAAADAM/lF3p9-GlzQU/Photo%252520Feb%25252022%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A51%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IHwRJx11eww/T0W7GWsu7cI/AAAAAAAADAM/lF3p9-GlzQU/s300/Photo%252520Feb%25252022%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A51%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1330132344714.14" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="300" height="225"></a></div><p> We planted our VeggieTales seeds. I realize its a bit early to start seeds but hey we played in soil and that makes for a fun day. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rkRR52chaj4/T0W7IXcuSRI/AAAAAAAADAU/fTjw3MXxRIU/Photo%252520Feb%25252022%25252C%2525202012%25252011%25253A06%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rkRR52chaj4/T0W7IXcuSRI/AAAAAAAADAU/fTjw3MXxRIU/s300/Photo%252520Feb%25252022%25252C%2525202012%25252011%25253A06%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1330132344692.0278" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="300" height="225"></a></div><p> Filled our peat pots and planted seeds.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BaMiA7DSTgc/T0W7Qu27-0I/AAAAAAAADA0/1XxMNpa007Y/Photo%252520Feb%25252022%25252C%2525202012%25252011%25253A18%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BaMiA7DSTgc/T0W7Qu27-0I/AAAAAAAADA0/1XxMNpa007Y/s300/Photo%252520Feb%25252022%25252C%2525202012%25252011%25253A18%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1330132344699.2268" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="300" height="225"></a></div><p> properly labeled each pot.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9plap_nnsbI/T0W7S8q2UUI/AAAAAAAADA8/EJYjiZEg9Ys/Photo%252520Feb%25252022%25252C%2525202012%25252011%25253A24%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9plap_nnsbI/T0W7S8q2UUI/AAAAAAAADA8/EJYjiZEg9Ys/s300/Photo%252520Feb%25252022%25252C%2525202012%25252011%25253A24%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1330132344697.7026" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="300" height="225"></a></div><p> set them in warm windowsill with our groundhog's day 6 more weeks of winter philodendron cuttings. Get it "Phil." Plus, my plant really needed a trim job.</p><p> We also celebrated National FFA Week. Posted fun flashback photos on Facebook. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PyZadorjlG8/T0gxPCcvNKI/AAAAAAAADBw/DYB6fSZZGh8/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252022%25252C%2525202012%2525207%25253A15%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PyZadorjlG8/T0gxPCcvNKI/AAAAAAAADBw/DYB6fSZZGh8/s200/Photo%252520Feb%25252022%25252C%2525202012%2525207%25253A15%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1330132344644.214" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="200" height="150"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5Kl-5pHqyRA/T0gxRd_JF1I/AAAAAAAADB4/_ZVMnQas3KI/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252023%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A18%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5Kl-5pHqyRA/T0gxRd_JF1I/AAAAAAAADB4/_ZVMnQas3KI/s200/Photo%252520Feb%25252023%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A18%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1330132344701.3225" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="200" height="150"></a></div><p>Attended the Red Oak FFA Alumni soup supper and auction last night. Donated some cupcakes, cake pops and a small 6" round 3 layer cake. And of course I didn't take any cake photos.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wgl3j20ZREM/T0gvyD9JLFI/AAAAAAAADBo/Xqg0hw1yPKI/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252017%25252C%2525202012%2525208%25253A14%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wgl3j20ZREM/T0gvyD9JLFI/AAAAAAAADBo/Xqg0hw1yPKI/s300/Photo%252520Feb%25252017%25252C%2525202012%2525208%25253A14%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1330132344708.471" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="300" height="225"></a></div><p> Tuesday on our trip to Ames I picked up some awesome blue and yellow fabric.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ip4I7oOKdzo/T0gvwV7VN1I/AAAAAAAADBg/2hFz0RbbZ70/Photo%252520Feb%25252020%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A20%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ip4I7oOKdzo/T0gvwV7VN1I/AAAAAAAADBg/2hFz0RbbZ70/s300/Photo%252520Feb%25252020%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A20%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1330132344641.191" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="300" height="225"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">In honor of President's Day we examined and sorted coins. The boys loved this activity all week!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-g4Dee5RsgJ4/T0gvupjbs9I/AAAAAAAADBY/g3oSUmhPUYQ/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252020%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A49%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-g4Dee5RsgJ4/T0gvupjbs9I/AAAAAAAADBY/g3oSUmhPUYQ/s300/Photo%252520Feb%25252020%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A49%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1330132344703.9165" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="300" height="225"></a></div><p>And today we went into town and judged the SW Iowa Homeschool Exchange's Science Fair. Some really great research projects. I admit I haven't actually judged a science fair in a long time. It was fun and the boys played with some other little people. Very impressed when a 4 and a 6 year old stood up in front of everyone and each explained the science concept they had chosen. Looks like next year Clark could do a little project to explain too. Such fun!</p><p>Off to ankeny and Des Moines tomorrow. Alan is judging Proficiency Awards. The kids and I are going to hang out and maybe do the science center. Addie has 6 month photos scheduled in afternoon. Possibly we will also be adding a hamster to the family - we'll see. Clark wants a hamster, Grant wants pigs. We told Grant not until spring is officially here and we build shelter for them. Grant is adamant about the pigs.</p><p> </p>SpencerFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067388374451946551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3087425678127801126.post-22192815348846097432012-02-22T20:59:00.003-06:002012-02-22T20:59:53.715-06:00Computer Bug = Unplanned DayYesterday ended up being one of those unplanned days. You know - wake up with all these plans and do something completely different.<br />
Here's the general timeline:<br />
<br />
6 am - wake up to do some work<br />
6:01 am - realize computer has a nasty bug<br />
<span style="color: magenta;">Postive: I didn't try to overcome it and/or put in credit card info</span><br />
6:02 am - realize I left the external hard drives plugged into the computer; this means all my photos<br />
7:15 am - call my boss to let him know<br />
<span style="color: magenta;">Positive: My boss is a former farm boy and I know he'll be up this early</span><br />
7:30 am - feed the baby<br />
<span style="color: magenta;">Positive: she makes me smile even on a chaotic day</span><br />
8:00 am - start packing all the stuff for the kids and I to head to Ames<br />
One day - so MUCH stuff!<br />
<span style="color: magenta;">Positive: boys are so excited to go on a road trip</span><br />
9:00 am - load car and leave<br />
<span style="color: magenta;">Positive: Alan had the mechanic listen to car the day before and thought it would be OK to drive</span><br />
9:30 am - stop in Villisca for gas and donuts<br />
So, the plan was to have pancakes on Pancake Day/Fat Tuesday. <br />
<span style="color: magenta;">Positive: German tradition was to make donuts and deep fry in fat to use up the fat. Ended up keeping with German tradition</span>.<br />
11:30 am - arrive in Ames<br />
<span style="color: magenta;">Positive: who doesn't like a day in Ames</span><br />
11:35 am - take care of some business at bank<br />
<span style="color: magenta;">Positive: we needed something out of the lockbox and this helped us retrieve faster than planned</span><br />
11:50 am - get boys some lunch<br />
<span style="color: magenta;">Positive: they rarely go out to eat anymore so this was a HUGE treat for them even if it was McDonalds</span><br />
12:00 pm - take computer to work<br />
Have work done on computer - sigh of relieve that no files are harmed but need to kill time while it searches for bugs.<br />
1:00 pm - go to church to change membership and visit with pastor<br />
<span style="color: magenta;">Positive: it was nice to visit</span><br />
1:30 pm - head out to do some shopping<br />
Why can't I say no when my children ask for books - it is my one weakness! We picked up a couple new Dr. Seuss books. These will come in handy next month when we do a Dr. Seuss unit celebrating his birthday.<br />
<span style="color: magenta;">Positive: we found some VeggieTale garden seeds and decided that would make a fun project to try at home</span><br />
3:15 pm - go back to pick up clean computer<br />
<span style="color: magenta;">THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU</span><br />
3:30 pm - leave Ames<br />
4:20 pm - going through Urbandale; realize Grant doesn't have teddy<br />
<span style="color: magenta;">Positive: could go back in my head to the exact moment I didn't remember seeing the bear. Grant allowed Paster to give Teddy a hug; boys started playing; don't remember bear after that</span><br />
4:22 pm - pull off road and call church<br />
4:25 pm - teddy is found; turn around and head back to Ames<br />
5:15 pm - leave Ames for 2nd time in one day<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: magenta;">Positive: Clark loved the extra time playing on my iPad - he was super happy it is travel worthy! Plus, he took care of my Smurf village all day :)</span><br />
6:30 pm - stop in DeSoto for fuel; end up feeding kids and using potty<br />
7:00 pm - on the road again<br />
7:30 pm - stop in Adair for potty<br />
Ah - traveling with a newly potty trained two year old.<br />
<span style="color: magenta;">Positive: he told me 1 mile before Exit to the nice new rest stop at Adair. AWESOME! Special bonus - family bathroom (I love places with family restrooms).</span><br />
7:45 pm - Addie not happy after waking up last two stops<br />
<span style="color: magenta;">Positive: learn Addie loves VeggieTales Music and quiets her immediately - especially the Polka music type songs. Good little German girl.</span><br />
9:00 pm - arrive home; daddy puts all to bed - including mommy. It's a long day with 3 little ones in tow.<br />
<span style="color: magenta;">Positive: the boys didn't care about all my plans that went awry; they just had a fun day out with mom and mom ends up with a "near loss" teddy story for Grant (now they each have a story).</span><br />
<br />
Didn't get around to making these <a href="http://tidymom.net/2010/french-vanilla-butter-rum-mardi-gras-cupcakes/">Mardis Gras cupcakes</a> from <a href="http://www.tidymom.net/">www.tidymom.net</a> <br />
<a href="http://tidymom.net/2010/french-vanilla-butter-rum-mardi-gras-cupcakes/"><img alt="Mardi Gras Butter Rum cupcakes" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-16741" height="202" src="http://tidymom.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Mardi-Gras-Butter-Rum-cupcakes.jpg?9d7bd4" title="Mardi Gras Butter Rum cupcakes" width="320" /></a><br />
<em><strong>NOTE: if you want to Pin this PLEASE go to her website and pin it directly from there!</strong></em><br />
<br />
Made them tonight. Still need to make glaze and frost but so far so good. Click her photo to check out the recipe! The amount of rum does remind me of the heavy hand of my German host mom when she added liquor to cakes.<br />
<br />
<br />SpencerFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067388374451946551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3087425678127801126.post-60355277865214742732012-02-20T20:47:00.001-06:002012-02-20T20:47:34.852-06:00Grant & Daddy<p> We've recently acquired some photos of Alan from when he was around Grant's age.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5lEKvb8b1jw/T0L2QBlE0QI/AAAAAAAAC_g/TIegy9Y9sIo/february2012%252520010.JPG" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5lEKvb8b1jw/T0L2QBlE0QI/AAAAAAAAC_g/TIegy9Y9sIo/s350/february2012%252520010.JPG" id="blogsy-1329792425096.3071" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="350" height="262"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Check out the classic Mr. peanut shirt!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-66tZ3_sFtU0/T0L233GFh1I/AAAAAAAAC_4/U7o49x8Hq7I/February2011%252520042.JPG" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-66tZ3_sFtU0/T0L233GFh1I/AAAAAAAAC_4/U7o49x8Hq7I/s350/February2011%252520042.JPG" id="blogsy-1329792425089.7473" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="350" height="262"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I totally get it now!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Z8DHUq_7wvA/T0L1cw9wiTI/AAAAAAAAC_U/hTLD62DJOGU/february2012%252520015.JPG" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Z8DHUq_7wvA/T0L1cw9wiTI/AAAAAAAAC_U/hTLD62DJOGU/s500/february2012%252520015.JPG" id="blogsy-1329792425120.8057" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="384" height="512"></a></div><p> Grant looked at this picture (above) on the table today and said, "That's ME mommy!" </p><p>My reply, "No, that's daddy when he was your age."</p><p>Grant (with face in a pout), "Nuhuh, that IS me!"</p><p>Decided this was a battle to just let go.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OIqkVOWdFBI/T0L2uegLJJI/AAAAAAAAC_0/TjTEKyEj2PM/February2011%252520012.JPG" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OIqkVOWdFBI/T0L2uegLJJI/AAAAAAAAC_0/TjTEKyEj2PM/s500/February2011%252520012.JPG" id="blogsy-1329792425157.2515" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="384" height="512"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZgwCSMin3ec/T0L2V6x0A1I/AAAAAAAAC_k/DEIe6-feiHQ/february2012%252520008.JPG" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZgwCSMin3ec/T0L2V6x0A1I/AAAAAAAAC_k/DEIe6-feiHQ/s350/february2012%252520008.JPG" id="blogsy-1329792425168.4" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="350" height="262"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-dDFlt4rJxLg/T0L3X65zu5I/AAAAAAAADAA/9f-BeziW-uM/November2011%252520012%252520%2525283%252529.JPG" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-dDFlt4rJxLg/T0L3X65zu5I/AAAAAAAADAA/9f-BeziW-uM/s350/November2011%252520012%252520%2525283%252529.JPG" id="blogsy-1329792425137.98" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="350" height="467"></a></div><p> This next photo is an expression I see on Grant's face all the time!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T6B34dsl4YM/T0L2bmNeW2I/AAAAAAAAC_o/cZLBiIjmf1c/february2012%252520007.JPG" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T6B34dsl4YM/T0L2bmNeW2I/AAAAAAAAC_o/cZLBiIjmf1c/s500/february2012%252520007.JPG" id="blogsy-1329792425145.0227" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="384" height="512"></a></div><p> Oh yeah, he's got his daddy's looks, but his orneriness and big brown eyes come from his mommy :) - not that he could really be considered ornery (but he has his moments).</p><p> </p>SpencerFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067388374451946551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3087425678127801126.post-79724279782054107702012-02-16T06:15:00.000-06:002012-02-16T06:15:01.138-06:00Test Kitchen Thursday - Blueberry Muffins<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qmSGIclvWrs/Tzx5GQQDCII/AAAAAAAAC-4/WuBtjfW5n9A/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252015%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A31%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qmSGIclvWrs/Tzx5GQQDCII/AAAAAAAAC-4/WuBtjfW5n9A/s300/Photo%252520Feb%25252015%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A31%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1329365062128.9966" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="300" height="255"></a></div><p>This is a recipe I have been working on for awhile now. It has started to become a Saturday morning tradition. This is one yummy Blueberry Muffin. It bakes nicely, tastes wonderful (especially the crunchy topping) and it passes the freezer test (freezes and thaws well).</p><p>This recipe came from <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/to-die-for-blueberry-muffins/detail.aspx" target="_blank" title="">All Recip</a><a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/to-die-for-blueberry-muffins/detail.aspx" target="_blank" title=""></a>es.</p><p class="recipeIngredients" style="padding-top: 15px; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; clear: both; "><p class="ingredientTitle" style="clear: both; padding-bottom: 10px; ">Ingredients</p><table><tbody><tr><td></td><td></td><td><p align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate;">1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour</span></p></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td><p align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate;">3/4 cup White Sugar</span></p></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td><p align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate;">1/2 teaspoon Salt</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate;"><br></span></td><td></td><td><p align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate;">2 teaspoons Baking Powder</span></p></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td><p align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate;">1/3 cup Vegetable Oil</span></p></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td><p align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate;">1 egg</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate;"><br></span></td><td></td><td><p align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate;">1/3 cup Milk</span></p></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td><p align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate;">1 cup fresh blueberries</span></p><p align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate;"><br></span></p><p align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate;">Topping:</span></p></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td><p align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate;">1/2 cup White Sugar</span></p></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td><p align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate;">1/3 cup all-purpose flour</span></p></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td><p align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate;">1/4 cup Butter (cubed)</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate;"><br></span></td><td></td><td><p align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate;">1 1/2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon</span></p><p align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></p><p align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Directions</span></p><p align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease muffin cups or line with muffin liners.</span></p><p align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></p><p align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">2. Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 3/4 cup sugar, salt and baking powder. Place vegetable oil into a 1 cup measuring cup; add the egg and enough milk to fill the cup. Mix this with flour mixture. Fold in blueberries. Fill muffin cups right to the top, and sprinkle with crumb topping mixture.</span></p><p align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></p><p align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">3. To Make Crumb Topping: Mix together 1/2 cup sugar, 1/3 cup flour, 1/4 cup butter, and 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon. Mix with fork, and sprinkle over muffins before baking.</span></p><p align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></p><p align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">4. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until done.</span></p><p align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></p><p align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Some things I do that differ:</span></p><p align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Used frozen berries; picked fresh last summer and frozen fresh - do NOT thaw berries first if using frozen; just add them in frozen</span><br></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Mix up the crumb topping before starting the muffins - make sure butter really mixes in and clumps other ingredients; use cold butter</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Line tins with liners and spray the liners</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">recipe says it yields 8, I always end up with more</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Let them sit in tins for 5 minutes before trying to remove - topping is still pretty crumbly but yummy</span></li></ul><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">I haven't perfected doubling the recipe yet but that is my next challenge with this recipe.</span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">My apologies for the horrible photo. Still getting used to this new kitchen and the total lack of natural light. I know the first thing judges say at the Iowa State Fair is that we eat with our eyes first. That's why I try to provide nice photos but just didn't get results I wanted on this one.</span></p>SpencerFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067388374451946551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3087425678127801126.post-6617049589446183592012-02-15T20:41:00.001-06:002012-02-15T20:41:31.386-06:00Blogging at lightning speed<p>I am giddy with joy with our new Internet provider and the SPEED they provide. My city cousins may still find it slow but not by much. Web pages with loads of pictures magically appear immediately. What a wonderful Valentine's gift. In fact, since hubby wasn't feeling good last night I spent more time with my iPad once kids were in bed than with him. Sorry dear- you really are still the love of my life xoxo!</p><p>Yesterday was a lovely day. The boys and I spent the afternoon outside in the snow before it all melted away today. Even after Clark went in Grant wanted to keep playing. We dug in the snow, built snowmen, went sledding. Grant loved having mommy all to himself. That was probably the best gift I could give our middle child. His gift to me melted my heart. As he used his little garden trowel to dig in the snow he turned to me and said, "mommy, you'll always be my friend." {tear} You must understand from little Grant this is quite an admission. He is very careful with expressing such feelings. In my heart I said a prayer hoping this remains true, knowing that I must be a parent first not a friend. To Grant I replied, "I'll always love you, too."</p><p>My hubby also did a very special thing. He made a Chinese pork stir fry out of his new Cook's Illustrated magazine (thanks mom - we love this gift). Oh, it was soooooo good. He topped it off with his delicious creme brûlée.</p><p>This week, little Addie has gifted us with becoming a child who can move herself around the house. It may not be graceful but it works. She can travel whole rooms!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hmvZSkkENyk/Tzxkqfx4MGI/AAAAAAAAC-E/d_R5DHqHcq0/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252015%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A20%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hmvZSkkENyk/Tzxkqfx4MGI/AAAAAAAAC-E/d_R5DHqHcq0/s300/Photo%252520Feb%25252015%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A20%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1329360076630.833" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="300" height="225"></a></div><p>Mommy - look at me!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-yzlX6h40Brs/TzxksG_ByAI/AAAAAAAAC-M/RKTySF9MJxA/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252015%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A20%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-yzlX6h40Brs/TzxksG_ByAI/AAAAAAAAC-M/RKTySF9MJxA/s300/Photo%252520Feb%25252015%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A20%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1329360076711.833" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="300" height="225"></a></div><p>Watch me roll!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-O1RlzVUzX0c/Tzxkuuiu83I/AAAAAAAAC-U/1N2DR9PeWUc/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252015%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A20%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-O1RlzVUzX0c/Tzxkuuiu83I/AAAAAAAAC-U/1N2DR9PeWUc/s300/Photo%252520Feb%25252015%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A20%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1329360076671.5222" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="300" height="225"></a></div><p>Break time - time to chew on some toes!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-J1S4Xkdp2hc/TzxkwTokINI/AAAAAAAAC-c/On8on0_8Hy0/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252015%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A21%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-J1S4Xkdp2hc/TzxkwTokINI/AAAAAAAAC-c/On8on0_8Hy0/s300/Photo%252520Feb%25252015%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A21%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1329360076670.823" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="300" height="225"></a></div><p>I will discover what are in these boxes.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-sjRBxRj_mNA/TzxkyU5D1AI/AAAAAAAAC-k/z6xZp1vLxD0/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252015%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A21%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-sjRBxRj_mNA/TzxkyU5D1AI/AAAAAAAAC-k/z6xZp1vLxD0/s300/Photo%252520Feb%25252015%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A21%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1329360076702.8933" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="300" height="225"></a></div><p> Success! And I see a doorway.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-eCNIBIb86HU/Tzxk0BZlOpI/AAAAAAAAC-s/Fy5m6Lcm18Y/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252015%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A21%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-eCNIBIb86HU/Tzxk0BZlOpI/AAAAAAAAC-s/Fy5m6Lcm18Y/s300/Photo%252520Feb%25252015%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A21%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1329360076698.8928" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="300" height="400"></a></div><p> MOMMY, I'm stuck!!!</p><p> </p>SpencerFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067388374451946551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3087425678127801126.post-42446351333534052542012-02-11T21:19:00.001-06:002012-02-11T21:19:06.214-06:00Little Bitty BabyHadn't posted Addie photos in awhile.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/106027489445513077083/StateFairChallenge02?authkey=Gv1sRgCPWmq_LSlJ-91gE#5708083238320537490'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-GvWwE0PwasU/Tzcvdmh0_5I/AAAAAAAAC9s/fPn1S6kdOfE/s288/4.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />-<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/106027489445513077083/StateFairChallenge02?authkey=Gv1sRgCPWmq_LSlJ-91gE#5708083324321682786'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-C1vDaa5nF0A/Tzcvim6GVWI/AAAAAAAAC90/Aqjp3Ii6WnE/s288/5.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> <br />Such a sweet girl.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/106027489445513077083/StateFairChallenge02?authkey=Gv1sRgCPWmq_LSlJ-91gE#5708083413823256898'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-OHAEfWTaemw/Tzcvn0U7-UI/AAAAAAAAC98/qgTmHizfQb8/s288/6.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Who can fit her entire fist or her entire foot in mouth!<br />SpencerFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067388374451946551noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3087425678127801126.post-53624936809779060972012-02-10T22:17:00.001-06:002012-02-10T22:26:45.343-06:00Test Kitchen Thursday - Search for the Ultimate Chocolate Cookie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-quCKJUK5H_g/TzXDHv2cUeI/AAAAAAAAC80/EXCCzOra1qI/s320/Photo%252520Feb%25252010%25252C%2525202012%2525207%25253A17%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1328934355713.1929" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="320" height="240"><p>My search for the ultimate chocolate cookie recipe ended with this<a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Chocolate-Reindeer" target="_self" title=""> Taste of Home </a>online recipe! </p><p>For Thursday night's FFA meeting/Parent Demonstration Night, I made blue velvet cupcakes with yellow cream cheese frosting. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UN5Cjdw5nos/TzXq4jHQ4_I/AAAAAAAAC9g/W8g1YI_bT2w/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252010%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A07%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UN5Cjdw5nos/TzXq4jHQ4_I/AAAAAAAAC9g/W8g1YI_bT2w/s320/Photo%252520Feb%25252010%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A07%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1328934355672.8894" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="320" height="240"></a></div><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Such fun! The recipe I used was the <a href="http://www.bhg.com/recipe/cupcakes/red-velvet-cupcakes/" target="_self" title="">red velvet cupcake from BHG</a> that I found a few years ago. Check it out - another great cake recipe! The article always mentioned one should try serving them with little chocolate heart cookies. Decided this year I would try that new twist. Drat, now I'm hooked on these little chocolate cookies.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-51qbe-ktO9o/TzXDThkOuOI/AAAAAAAAC88/owbyKpGutEI/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252010%25252C%2525202012%2525207%25253A20%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-51qbe-ktO9o/TzXDThkOuOI/AAAAAAAAC88/owbyKpGutEI/s320/Photo%252520Feb%25252010%25252C%2525202012%2525207%25253A20%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1328934355711.6877" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="320" height="240"></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Just look at the cute little things. <i>Wait, how did this cookie get in my hand? </i> Even my husband, who is not a fan of chocolate,liked them. And yes, they come with the teenage cro</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">wd's stamp of approval too. Passed the Grant taste test - although I think he'd eat anything chocolate. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">I was somewhat hesitant to try them since there was one pretty bad review but the recipe seemed so simple and easy. Glad I went with my instincts. Taste of Home rarely steers me wrong. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">Clark & Grant LOVED cutting out cookies. The dough was really nice to work with. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">This recipe done as written is easy and delicious. The only things I did that might differ were:</span></p><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">Added 1/2 teaspoon salt - because I used unsalted butter</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">Used Dutch process cocoa (adds a lot to chocolate flavor in my opinion)</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">Rolled out using a combination of flour and cocoa to keep from sticking to counter</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">Placed on parchment paper on pan to bake</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">Because they were so small (mini cutter) only took about 5 minutes to bake - so depending on size and oven watch closely and check early</span></li></ul><span class="recipeCookingIns" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgb(251, 245, 229); display: block; height: 27px; "><span id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_MainContent_RecipeLeftColumn1_durationOuter" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-indent: -1000px; display: block; "><span id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_MainContent_RecipeLeftColumn1_durationFormat" class="duration" style="text-indent: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: block; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></span></span><span class="clearfloat" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; height: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><span class="ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><h2 style="text-align: left;margin-top: 15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px !important; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">Ingredients</h2><ul class="ingredients" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 26px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><li class="ingredient" style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 16px; padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-type: disc; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><span class="amount" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">1 cup </span><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="name" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: right; ">butter, softened</span></span></li><li class="ingredient" style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 16px; padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-type: disc; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><span class="amount" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">1 cup </span><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="name" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: right; ">sugar</span></span></li><li class="ingredient" style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 16px; padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-type: disc; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><span class="amount" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">1/2 cup </span><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="name" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: right; ">packed brown sugar</span></span></li><li class="ingredient" style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 16px; padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-type: disc; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><span class="amount" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "></span><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="name" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: right; ">1 egg</span></span></li><li class="ingredient" style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 16px; padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-type: disc; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><span class="amount" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">1 teaspoon </span><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="name" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: right; ">vanilla extract</span></span></li><li class="ingredient" style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 16px; padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-type: disc; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><span class="amount" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">2-1/4 cups </span><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="name" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: right; ">all-purpose flour</span></span></li><li class="ingredient" style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 16px; padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-type: disc; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><span class="amount" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">1/2 cup </span><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="name" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: right; ">baking cocoa</span></span></li><li class="ingredient" style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 16px; padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-type: disc; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><span class="amount" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">1 teaspoon </span><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="name" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: right; ">baking soda</span></span></li><li class="ingredient" style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 16px; padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-type: disc; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 25px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 35px; ">Directions</span><br></li></ul></span><span class="instructions" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><ul class="directions" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 17px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><li style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-type: disc; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Combine the flour, cocoa and baking soda; add to creamed mixture and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until easy to handle.</span></li><li style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-type: disc; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut with a cookie cutter. Place on greased baking sheets.</span></li><li style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-type: disc; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">Bake at 375° for 8-10 minutes. Cool for 2-3 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks.</span></li><li style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-type: disc; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "> Yield: </span>about 3-1/2 dozen.</span></li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_WBXVZw7zyg/TzXfeqeZhyI/AAAAAAAAC9M/TpqirxJgBVY/s500/Photo%252520Feb%2525209%25252C%2525202012%2525206%25253A17%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_WBXVZw7zyg/TzXfeqeZhyI/AAAAAAAAC9M/TpqirxJgBVY/s320/Photo%252520Feb%2525209%25252C%2525202012%2525206%25253A17%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1328934355668.212" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="320" height="240"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CG5eO9AL19s/TzXquwDkn1I/AAAAAAAAC9Y/cAKdE-fxXR0/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252010%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A11%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CG5eO9AL19s/TzXquwDkn1I/AAAAAAAAC9Y/cAKdE-fxXR0/s320/Photo%252520Feb%25252010%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A11%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1328934355766.1968" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="320" height="240"></a></div></span></span><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></p><p> </p></p>SpencerFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067388374451946551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3087425678127801126.post-88102483090860732322012-02-08T19:59:00.001-06:002012-02-08T19:59:39.384-06:00What's up?<p> Lego person investigates.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0ZAcr4KbZZU/TzFcxPs63fI/AAAAAAAAC8M/2CCYa7Yab4k/Photo%252520Feb%2525207%25252C%2525202012%25252011%25253A12%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0ZAcr4KbZZU/TzFcxPs63fI/AAAAAAAAC8M/2CCYa7Yab4k/s500/Photo%252520Feb%2525207%25252C%2525202012%25252011%25253A12%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1328752747825.13" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p>Yes, this little Lego person watches for interesting things going on in our classroom. Unfortunately there are too many dead flies in the windowsill that keep his interest. Blech - disgusting I know. No matter how much we clean this window the flies return. But, that's a post for a different day (that's only if you want my entomology sex lesson).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BKzm1qdfxxg/TzFdClnnNDI/AAAAAAAAC8c/MMU9-w3ZiNw/Photo%252520Feb%2525206%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A33%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BKzm1qdfxxg/TzFdClnnNDI/AAAAAAAAC8c/MMU9-w3ZiNw/s500/Photo%252520Feb%2525206%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A33%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1328752747791.7773" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> </p><p>We started our Valentine/heart unit on Monday. This so far has been the boys' favorite activity! Candy heart color sorting. They dutifully sorted and graphed their findings before eating.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aGtMErlncQI/TzFc55S8PoI/AAAAAAAAC8U/eByR5bp5sy4/Photo%252520Feb%2525206%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A38%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aGtMErlncQI/TzFc55S8PoI/AAAAAAAAC8U/eByR5bp5sy4/s500/Photo%252520Feb%2525206%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A38%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1328752747858.7017" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="384" height="512"></a></div><p>Clark graphed his findings and then Grant's. I've noticed we need to work more on greater and less than concepts with Clark. Last month I started Clark on some kindergarten lessons and he has been responding well. In the afternoon Clark uses my iPad for some learning games (and some Angry Birds). He loves Teach Me Kindergarten and I love it because it gives me an easy way to see what he needs help with.</p><p>After much prayer, research, discussion and more prayer we have decided to continue home schooling. This is a personal decision that we believe is right for our family. I'm not going to go into our reasons on the blog, but would be happy to discuss them one on one. We know this means some sacrifice - some things just have to give way (like never having a beautifully clean house) and potentially some criticism from colleagues since hubby works in a public school but we are ready to stand by our decision. There is a lot of support for home schoolers in the area which is good. </p><p>Right now we are using <a href="http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.com/RaisingRockStars.html" target="_blank" title="">Raising</a> <a href="http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.com/RaisingRockStars.html" target="_blank" title="">Rock</a> <a href="http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.com/RaisingRockStars.html" target="_blank" title="">Stars</a> <a href="http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.com/RaisingRockStars.html" target="_self" title="">preschool</a> which is an awesome bible based curriculum written by a home schooler. Has some really good activities for any preschooler. We also incorporate fun and interesting units depending on the season or what the boys have interest - like the Star Wars Lego unit I'm putting together for sometime in March. And of course we read A LOT! Sometimes best laid plans fall short though - like my cool snow and snowman units we did in January with no snow! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-N6j7L7YjuUY/TzMl67BbRmI/AAAAAAAAC8o/aQHZo8-hhR0/s500/Photo%252520Jan%2525203%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A20%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-N6j7L7YjuUY/TzMl67BbRmI/AAAAAAAAC8o/aQHZo8-hhR0/s500/Photo%252520Jan%2525203%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A20%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1328752747861.0903" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p>But we could still eat snowmen! Note lack of snow out the window. </p><p> </p><p> </p>SpencerFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067388374451946551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3087425678127801126.post-69872364697326038222012-02-07T08:50:00.001-06:002012-02-07T08:55:29.939-06:00iPad test run - Blogsy<p>Last week I tried a different blogging app which did NOT work. So, this week I'll try again using Blogsy. It is an app I had to purchase but if it works it will be well worth it!</p><p>Here we go! I showed you the iPad cover I made for Alan. Here is the cover I made for myself. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Not quite as impressive but I still like it and it all came from my stash and scrap bag.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-J5e0fwIteg0/TyQVY48tfyI/AAAAAAAAC7g/aurWaZXXCSM/2.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-J5e0fwIteg0/TyQVY48tfyI/AAAAAAAAC7g/aurWaZXXCSM/s320/2.jpg" id="blogsy-1328626510448.508" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="320" height="240"></a></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">I did a ruffle/gathered front reworking a clutch pattern I found last year.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QFcw1Juciz0/TyQVdl03gZI/AAAAAAAAC7o/d7sPFu6AV5M/1.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QFcw1Juciz0/TyQVdl03gZI/AAAAAAAAC7o/d7sPFu6AV5M/s320/1.jpg" id="blogsy-1328626510484.6182" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="320" height="240"></a></div><p>You can see on the back was my first attempt at free motion quilting. Ha! Not great, but it was fun. Obviously I need more practice and a lesson in thread tension.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NUvVG6Zylms/TyQViJP9CCI/AAAAAAAAC7w/5VnQv_oMCcI/0.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NUvVG6Zylms/TyQViJP9CCI/AAAAAAAAC7w/5VnQv_oMCcI/s320/0.jpg" id="blogsy-1328626510504.028" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="320" height="240"></a></div><p>Emailed my sister some fabric swatches this weekend to see if any tripped her trigger. These things really go together rather quickly. There are some great ideas and inspiration on Etsy, too.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nDznOj1mNZg/TyQVls2naDI/AAAAAAAAC74/mIhU2T8gqkA/3.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nDznOj1mNZg/TyQVls2naDI/AAAAAAAAC74/mIhU2T8gqkA/s500/3.jpg" id="blogsy-1328626510546.3528" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="267" height="267"></a></div><p>Here is the fabric I plan to make into my second cover. I would have used this the first time (this fabric is very me) but I only had a fat quarter. Finally found a yard on Etsy and snapped it up. Since it is out of print it's getting harder to find. It arrived last week. Now I need a trip to the store for more batting {sigh}. That will have to wait for a run to Council Bluffs.</p></p>SpencerFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067388374451946551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3087425678127801126.post-5915555464298894402012-01-25T20:18:00.000-06:002012-01-25T20:18:17.374-06:00I Believe . . .. . . in the future of _________________<br />
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Aah yes, if you know how to finish that line then you may have been involved in FFA at some point in your life. In this house, once January hits, FFA becomes a big deal around here. With February looming close next week it is only intensifying. HOWEVER; the new FFA position my husband now has of teacher (again) rather than as State Exec/Sec is SOOOOO much better!<br />
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Lots of CDE (Career Development Event) practice going on and work on scrapbook among other things. Luckily, Alan has a great alumni and many are volunteering to come in during seminar to help with Creed, Job Interview and Conduct of Meetings practices.<br />
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This past month Alan received this for his birthday (no not the iPad - that was lovely Christmas gift from mom and dad) - the blue and gold iPad case.<br />
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Finding no buttons in my large assortment that I liked for this project a moment of genius struck when I looked in the dresser and found an old FFA pin - <em>PERFECT</em>!</div>
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Check out the beautiful vintage fabric used to line it - I love this fabric {swoon}. Amazing what one finds at auctions sometimes.<br />
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Also, the kiddos went to town to watch all the Chapter Member photos. Of course, a photo with daddy in their mini versions of Official Dress was a necessity. Don't know if I blogged about the jackets back in November but Clark's and Addie's are both new (mommy has this whole sewing of cordoroy thing down).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seriously - I think I should make Teddy a jacket too!<br />
Addie has lots of room to grow into hers yet but already fitting better than when we went to National Convention.</td></tr>
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Now, coming up in February is FFA Week. The local alumni is planning a meal and auction to bring in some funds. I'm toying with what type of cake to make for the auction. Since I already made the "Blue Jacket" cake for the Degree Raising Ceremony in November I'll have to come up with something better.<br />
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Finally, I must apologize - my blogging has been pretty hit or miss at best since moving. No, it's not the addition of 3rd child and no, it's not the home schooling fun that's been going on around here, and no, it's not FFA and Science Fair frenzy getting in the way. It's our darn internet service - after sharing Christmas with us here my family gets how frustrating it is. We were supposed to be upgraded in January but it was not to be - the company has pushed it back into February. I hope they don't change their minds because I truly enjoy blogging but not when it takes more time than I'm willing to commit due to slow connection and upload speeds.<br />
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Plus, I am delving into a new realm (and business) and can't wait to share with everyone. This weekend my husband and I started putting together our business and marketing plans. I'm going to open a small scale cake/goodie shop from my home kitchen. Lots to put together yet but things are already snowballing. FFA seniors are asking me for graduation cakes and cookies already (and this is before I even thought about starting such an endeavor).<br />
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I believe God guides us along the path we're meant to travel in this life. As I began to think about this cake/goodie business I realized maybe this whole state fair challenge was a guide to this point. You see, for me, entering the Iowa State Fair in Foods has been as much about educating myself and refining my skills as much as anything else. I have learned so much about the science of baking these past few years. I still challenge myself to practice baking each month - just now I have an outlet to get rid of the stuff by shipping it off to FFA Chapter and Alumni meetings. This has led to students a.) not wanting to miss a meeting because of the food and b.) asking to purchase goodies. In fact, we have one student who watched our livestock over Thanksgiving who asked for cake in payment. He proudly told me later he ate the whole thing himself over the course of 3 days - darn high schoolers and their great metabolisms.<br />
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And yes, I checked the Iowa State Fair Food Division rules - as long as my baking business doesn't make more than 25% of my income I'm still able to exhibit! So, we're starting small and asking God's guidance along the way. <br />
<br />SpencerFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067388374451946551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3087425678127801126.post-44037609114506640872011-12-15T05:30:00.000-06:002011-12-15T05:30:04.245-06:00Test Kitchen Thursday - Candy Cane Rolls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This week my bread machines have been humming. Sunday made some Oatmeal Bread to go with Alan's Chicken Noodle Soup. Monday made a couple loaves of beer bread. Tuesday made some sweet braided loaves. Yet to make this week - <a href="http://iowastatefairchallenge.blogspot.com/2010/12/test-kitchen-thursday-stollen.html">Stollen</a> (see photos and recipe from last year) and a Hefenkranz Wreath (ach du lieber - my German heritage is showing). <br />
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These little candy cane rolls were a delightful treat. These were made for the teacher breakfast at school (where my husband signed up and then let me know he needed to take something).<br />
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Ever since seeing them in the <strong><u>2011 Taste of Home Homemade Food Gifts</u></strong> magazine I knew I had to try them. They reminded me of the big candy cane coffee cakes that were a Christmas tradition growing up. I made a number of modifications to this recipe to make it my own - so it does differ from the printed version.<br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">Candy Cane Roll Recipe (my version):</span></u></strong></div>
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<em>Rolls:</em><br />
<em>1/4 Cup warm water</em><br />
<em>3/4 Cup warm milk</em><br />
<em>1/4 Cup sugar</em><br />
<em>1 t bread salt (or regular salt)</em><br />
<em>1 egg, lightly beaten</em><br />
<em>1 1/2 T orange peel, small zest</em><br />
<em>3 1/4 - 3 3/4 Cups all purpose flour</em><br />
<em>2 1/4 t instant yeast</em><br />
<em>3/4 Cup red candied cherries, chopped</em><br />
<em>1/4 Cup dried apricots, chopped</em><br />
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<em>Frosting:</em><br />
<em>1 Cup powdered sugar</em><br />
<em>1 T milk</em><br />
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<em>Place water and milk together in a glass measuring cup. Microwave just until warm (not hot).</em><br />
<em>Place the ingredients (except fruit) into the bread machine. Set machine to the dough cycle. Add the dried fruit when your bread machine asks for add ins.</em><br />
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<em>If you don't have a bread machine: In a large bowl, dissolve yeast (use 1 pkg active yeast) in warm water. Add warm milk, sugar, shortening, salt, egg and 2 cups of flour; beat until smooth. Stir in cherries. Add enough of the remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6 - 8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.</em><br />
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<em>Continue for both methods:</em><br />
<em>Punch dough down, let rest for 10 minutes. Divide dough in half. Roll each half in a 12" x 7" rectangle. Cut twelve 1 inch strips from each rectangle. </em><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pizza cutter worked great to make the cuts.</td></tr>
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<em>Twist each strip and place 2" apart on greased baking sheets, shaping one end like a cane. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.</em><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ignore my poor pan.</td></tr>
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<em>Bake at 375 degree F for 12 - 15 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely. Combine powdered sugar and milk; frost rolls.</em><br />
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These rolls turned out GREAT! Ask Grant - he ate 3 of them in one sitting (and would have eaten more if mommy hadn't stopped him). We all liked them!<br />
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The main thing I changed from the printed recipe was the addition of the dried apricots - this was the secret ingredient in mom's large candy cane coffee cakes. Truly it really makes the roll delicious. The other ingredient I added was the orange zest. Again - gives sweet roll dough a great flavor especially when paired with other fruits. If you remember my post from this past Tuesday - you may notice in some of the pictures that the oranges were missing their skin when we made OJ. Yeah - I was sure to zest them prior to making these yummy rolls.SpencerFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067388374451946551noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3087425678127801126.post-70433499071493244292011-12-13T06:00:00.000-06:002011-12-13T06:00:11.940-06:00Fresh Orange Juice {for the boys}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Last week the FFA fruit (fundraiser for husband's students) came in! Made for a busy week for my husband but the students delivered it in just 2 days which we consider pretty good.<br />
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Last week Clark and Grant were watching a little Disney Channel and saw Special Agent Oso help a preschooler make fresh orange juice. Darn TV giving my kids ideas - at least this was a good one :) However, all week the question of can we make our own OJ was repeated over and over. Clark even went into the kitchen, searched the cupboards and found my old juicer.<br />
Back to the first paragraph - I did not order any oranges. Luckily, Alan had some extra boxes. So we bought a 1/2 box and he brought it home on Friday. We promised the boys we'd make orange for breakfast on Saturday.<br />
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The boys LOVED squeezing juice out of the oranges. <br />
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They enjoyed drinking it too! <br />
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Although I was offered some of the lovely smelling concoction I politely declined. My mom will tell you that it was her fault I can't stand pulpy orange juice because she used to strain my OJ when I was little. Don't know if this is the reason but I really can't stand OJ with pulp. Frankly, unless I'm sick I don't like OJ at all. Again my mother (who does happen to be a registered dietician) will say she should have never listened to the doctor that told her to start me on OJ when I was just a baby. Yup, some odd philosophies back in the 70's!<br />
All I have to say is bring on the apples!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WF_GdjhG7Jw/Tua59gNGZSI/AAAAAAAAC5U/MHjAzhfS9qo/s1600/October2011+011+%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WF_GdjhG7Jw/Tua59gNGZSI/AAAAAAAAC5U/MHjAzhfS9qo/s320/October2011+011+%25284%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>SpencerFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067388374451946551noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3087425678127801126.post-22451414368369171642011-12-12T11:30:00.000-06:002011-12-12T11:30:00.249-06:00Friday Night Sew In - Take 2Yep, another FNSI coming up this Friday. Lots of items on my list. <br />
At the top:<br />
<ul>
<li>PJ's for boys</li>
<li>Suspenders for boys and Addie</li>
<li>Some felt play food to finish boys' Christmas gift</li>
</ul>
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If there is time:<br />
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<li>Napkins and placemats</li>
<li>A few Christmas gifts I can't list since they are meant for certain readers of my blog :)</li>
</ul>
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If you want to join in be sure to visit <a href="http://handmadebyheidi.blogspot.com/2011/12/sign-up-for-2nd-fnsi-of-december.html">Heidi's blog</a> and sign up!<br />
<br />SpencerFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067388374451946551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3087425678127801126.post-35637991368296567862011-12-11T20:19:00.001-06:002011-12-11T21:40:52.604-06:00Sunday Smiles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sunday seems to be a good day to reflect on the little things in life that make me smile. Today this made me smile :)<br />
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This is not hot cocoa (although hot cocoa also makes me smile) this is chocolate pudding with marshmallows and sprinkles! So yummy! The kids loved it - especially the fact that it was made to look like cocoa. Grant thought it was fun to put his spoon in and "pretend to stir." When my husband, who is not a fan of chocolate pudding, asked for seconds that was a sign this was good stuff.<br />
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But this is why it made me smile - it was not instant pudding. It was the real cooked pudding made with milk and half & half. Yummmmm. Plus, we ate it still warm - heavenly. This took me back to my childhood and helping mom stir the pudding and eat the pudding.<br />
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My husband thought it was for me much like this clip from Ratatouille (the first 40-some seconds) - I agree.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/JDK2azVSE5Q?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>SpencerFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067388374451946551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3087425678127801126.post-49158084357478901332011-12-10T22:27:00.001-06:002011-12-10T23:08:20.385-06:00December Friday Night SewIn Results {Round 1}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here is the quilt top I worked on this weekend. The fabrics are Flurry by Kate Spain for Moda. The solid white and red were fabrics from my stash. The pattern is by Konda by <a href="http://moosequilts.blogspot.com/">Moose on the Porch Quilts</a> it was in the Nov/Dec 2011 McCalls Quilting magazine. This is one of the most complicated designs I've done. Triangles have given me fits in the past but all in all the top went together very quickly.</div>
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Friday night for FNSI I started out with the jelly roll pieces and everything else left to be cut. Friday night all the pieces were cut and all of the small blocks were pieced together.<br />
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Today in between feeding Addie, baking some yummy bread (which will be this coming Thursday"s recipe) and cleaning I pieced the large blocks to make the rows and then added the borders. Amazingly most of my points matched up perfectly :) - I love this quilt top!<br />
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While I was sewing I couldn't help thinking of my Grandma Clark and all the sewing her Bernina (which I now sew on) saw. In retrospect I am probably a lot like her in many ways when it comes to sewing. I remember her being so practical when it came to sewing - things like patching and mending, making clothes, a few home good items, etc. I know she made some really pretty things but when I inherited most of her sewing room I found patterns and ideas for some fun and impractical things that she just never got around to. Or maybe like me she just liked looking at the beautiful designs. <br />
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I have a lot of fond memories sitting on the floor in grandma's sewing room. I would play with her scrap pile, make clothes for my dolls and sew up little stuffed animals (mainly kitties). <br />
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There were a lot of practical things on my list that probably should have been worked on this weekend - like sewing the boys some pjs, mending Clark's pants, finishing up the kids' suspenders, etc. But this pattern was just one of those things I didn't want to put off. <br />
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Now to decide whether I want to quilt it or if I should find a quilter in the area and make an appointment for this piece.SpencerFamilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06067388374451946551noreply@blogger.com0