tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13280046480149221162024-03-13T05:09:56.295-04:00Home School Stamper of 3Thank you for joining me in my homemaking adventure! Drop in anytime and feel free to ask questions and leave comments!Melissa Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09640560595154971681noreply@blogger.comBlogger254125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328004648014922116.post-10097071890434399612012-05-29T10:34:00.000-04:002012-05-29T10:35:53.174-04:00GraduationHe's finished...with High School that is! This past weekend was the North Carolina Homeschool Conference and Graduation. There were excellent speakers, a huge book fair, and lots for teens to do from dancing to a talent show.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQDk9ojhyZZQQo7aFkQwggyKBG3EuHW61gm5Tg0-b3ijr4WRv4xGOoIQrAJ8D_iT9hK2UQi0neBrBXN4EZBim33KMADJHmb8q-PzgnELDdxAaF8CdS_tpOWJB2NFo9jV_XHKcR5jVzYA/s1600/P5260004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQDk9ojhyZZQQo7aFkQwggyKBG3EuHW61gm5Tg0-b3ijr4WRv4xGOoIQrAJ8D_iT9hK2UQi0neBrBXN4EZBim33KMADJHmb8q-PzgnELDdxAaF8CdS_tpOWJB2NFo9jV_XHKcR5jVzYA/s400/P5260004.JPG" /></a></div>
When Cameron's name was announced, he came across one side of the stage and Danny and I from the other side to present him with his diploma. It was such an honor and so exciting to have a part in his ceremony. Cameron isn't the only one who's learned a lot over the last 10 years...I have too. Times haven't always been fun or easy, but I wouldn't trade any of the moments we've shared for a million dollars! We are so proud of him and look forward to seeing him spread his wings. I was listening to a preacher a few weeks ago and he was talking about youth and he said, "Healthy birds fly away." We look forward to watching our healthy bird soar!Melissa Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09640560595154971681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328004648014922116.post-61652153114177116502012-04-11T08:03:00.011-04:002012-04-11T21:40:35.016-04:00Fishin'We love to go fishin'! Friday when Dan got off work he asked if we'd like to go and of course we said YES! We ventured out to a friend's berry, grape and fig farm to fish their canal banks. They have a beautiful place out in the swamp that's full of wildlife. We headed out about 6:30 and when we got there, the fish were jumpin'...that's a good sign! After we dug up some worms we got the hooks baited and lines in the water. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPfmr7AvEfhfNRPik9owrE2GmBy73P_RGQg1Yojg1vtnOj8fkl9v5pLCGpuDazBfjLN7DD7g8KDXFC6zhVrzJpSSIyMNUZlZgLzvVBGAm1MwIyZ-U6hzYJ1wqh5mCDTQY3gRJWpa__4ZA/s1600/P3300015.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPfmr7AvEfhfNRPik9owrE2GmBy73P_RGQg1Yojg1vtnOj8fkl9v5pLCGpuDazBfjLN7DD7g8KDXFC6zhVrzJpSSIyMNUZlZgLzvVBGAm1MwIyZ-U6hzYJ1wqh5mCDTQY3gRJWpa__4ZA/s400/P3300015.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730116526082714642" /></a><br /> <br /><br />It wasn't 5 minutes and Colin yelled, "I got one!" He pulled in a nice speckle. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDS_ayPdc8A2Y9gpV5ZyEjW4NObRitUvfsBYYPfmANB9woRZe9yO2IHwtSDX8D6vIhQSmaKtGcb8oOk7x3wfoNZFdOmieMkdBgQAF6lMFwzDkyw0PrgBUKfggO5aPuJU6pGYw8EGo8AmA/s1600/P3300013.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDS_ayPdc8A2Y9gpV5ZyEjW4NObRitUvfsBYYPfmANB9woRZe9yO2IHwtSDX8D6vIhQSmaKtGcb8oOk7x3wfoNZFdOmieMkdBgQAF6lMFwzDkyw0PrgBUKfggO5aPuJU6pGYw8EGo8AmA/s400/P3300013.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730115119464018722" /></a><br /><br /><br />Miss Independent wanted to do her own casting and wouldn't you know, she got one all by herself! She did panic a little trying reel it in, but she did it and was SO excited! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg121FMhHsflQNH5bzC-ZNmbYBMCY3JgmnSb7I2VHXha_Hl9v9PdTeX2Epa_j2tXrwM4i4USqCUvHrvf54I6LF_AHpBKVQdiNPtKcxjSEgxc2U4UQM25d5669QQEtGeXlcjpzuKZ99HT14/s1600/P3300014.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg121FMhHsflQNH5bzC-ZNmbYBMCY3JgmnSb7I2VHXha_Hl9v9PdTeX2Epa_j2tXrwM4i4USqCUvHrvf54I6LF_AHpBKVQdiNPtKcxjSEgxc2U4UQM25d5669QQEtGeXlcjpzuKZ99HT14/s400/P3300014.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730115842857356386" /></a><br /><br /><br />"YaHoo, I got another one!", shouted Colin. This time it was a large mouth Bass. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZbQjgndxofzPY0sHg34g6imj1fn44ZIS5OwxgFJrV_mx1mjGhixZ3BlEfgHaDb_B8MwrSsy1-q8QmQsBIjqFJ_bdPLSiAT0jtg0ibcVR6s9XWZYRFVsIQCaEx4fxlkJbC1zzDDJnuznA/s1600/P3300016.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZbQjgndxofzPY0sHg34g6imj1fn44ZIS5OwxgFJrV_mx1mjGhixZ3BlEfgHaDb_B8MwrSsy1-q8QmQsBIjqFJ_bdPLSiAT0jtg0ibcVR6s9XWZYRFVsIQCaEx4fxlkJbC1zzDDJnuznA/s400/P3300016.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730117661532289090" /></a><br /><br /><br />Cassie had her fill after reeling in her Sunfish and went to play with the dogs and visit with the chickens. So, I got a turn to fish with her little pink rod! I avoided catching a turtle and it wasn't long before I reeled in a Large Mouth Bass too! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5vf0g12xNdifU4jZTesKl2r-9VmkjbvBiSA2zMqnlJhCw7kvnWtT7GEfJknPkesMNFFVypd2MPwl9oz0a53phnNCB7psgfoFQ10pOJQWFH7kl4Uw1WQS5ByHbDIQfGWUF2FCMUZzkbg/s1600/P3300020.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5vf0g12xNdifU4jZTesKl2r-9VmkjbvBiSA2zMqnlJhCw7kvnWtT7GEfJknPkesMNFFVypd2MPwl9oz0a53phnNCB7psgfoFQ10pOJQWFH7kl4Uw1WQS5ByHbDIQfGWUF2FCMUZzkbg/s400/P3300020.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730118380694155618" /></a>Melissa Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09640560595154971681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328004648014922116.post-71161230967946955412012-04-06T11:21:00.007-04:002012-04-06T13:19:14.494-04:00Non-stick Stainless SteelNon-stick Stainless Steel? Who knew? Last summer I was shocked while making yogurt because there were little black flakes of Teflon floating in the milk! YUCK! I only noticed it because I was heating milk. I thought to myself how long have we been eating this stuff...I'm just glad I started making yogurt!<br /><br />Anyway, switching all of my pots and pans to Stainless Steel took relearning how to cook. Using non-stick pans meant I could cook everything on high real quick! Not really, but I did have to adjust the way I cook!<br /><br />Yesterday, I came across this video and my jaw fell to the floor! No more eggs in the pan...WOW! You know I'm doing this! Halle Cottis is a genius!<br /><br /><iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1376ITxF1Oc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Melissa Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09640560595154971681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328004648014922116.post-60070672207158906002012-04-04T20:13:00.025-04:002012-04-05T12:14:46.830-04:00ChicamacomicoChica-ma what? <a href="http://www.chicamacomico.net/">Chicamacomico</a> was a life saving station on the Outer Banks of North Carolina in the village of Rodanthe on Hatteras Island. The station was commissioned on December 4, 1874 with Benjamin Pugh as Keeper. Before the US Coast Guard, there was the Revenue Cutter Service and the US Life-Saving Service. The two services merged in 1915 and became what we know today as the United States Coast Guard.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-F7Ej-PW2cuLsUSUwc8RZSLvy1uGDoN1BTJ7GqvO7HBhbxUyNf7rW9hQHVxIspMhaUe1jWTOQluArFYG_T1Oh_c67PZuAkW73ie4S6yxpBS1vsMcKEJJ2IvArfV-Lt08PYArOGHlEW4/s1600/P3290340.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-F7Ej-PW2cuLsUSUwc8RZSLvy1uGDoN1BTJ7GqvO7HBhbxUyNf7rW9hQHVxIspMhaUe1jWTOQluArFYG_T1Oh_c67PZuAkW73ie4S6yxpBS1vsMcKEJJ2IvArfV-Lt08PYArOGHlEW4/s400/P3290340.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727704937915558210" /></a><br /><br /><br />Danny is still in the process of indoctrination for Chief. I am SO glad to say that indoctrination is not what it used to be! They are team building and community service oriented. Last week, Dan and his team volunteered to do the reenactment of a rescue at Chicamacomico. If you're interested, the <a href="http://www.chicamacomico.net/">Chicamacomico</a> reenactments are done every week throughout the summer months.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidU6c1GbBhDH7WzZaIkaDBKTFQw-JmYZW1ssSCSRc5dLmxbzNzCyPPDIwyaM7NN565Wp94OmGPkV3Ca7oyFnWxs7O8NA3k4Y-7uQbc72yjoiGq6Bo2N47MdJiz4CRIzL8nvmUGW-lTg24/s1600/P3290346.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidU6c1GbBhDH7WzZaIkaDBKTFQw-JmYZW1ssSCSRc5dLmxbzNzCyPPDIwyaM7NN565Wp94OmGPkV3Ca7oyFnWxs7O8NA3k4Y-7uQbc72yjoiGq6Bo2N47MdJiz4CRIzL8nvmUGW-lTg24/s400/P3290346.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727874279954523938" /></a> Here the team is wheeling the rescue cart out of the boat house. Danny is on the far front handle of the cart in this photo.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ3nGgr-SzR997Tzgbbwq2j24AFhy88aAgAB7LbkCqdfIEltWoQcj2_weKjqbJPAKuv5HNp1erxhtlfRbRyA3QeyYGWZ3w_8KviMBT-hFyyi1YtJhETQ8M5ZhSmyAz3YHH4hXC2AftAi0/s1600/P3290356.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ3nGgr-SzR997Tzgbbwq2j24AFhy88aAgAB7LbkCqdfIEltWoQcj2_weKjqbJPAKuv5HNp1erxhtlfRbRyA3QeyYGWZ3w_8KviMBT-hFyyi1YtJhETQ8M5ZhSmyAz3YHH4hXC2AftAi0/s400/P3290356.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727875334174302146" /></a> They had to push this cart to a sandy clearing. The post in the distance on the left will be the focal point of this reenactment. It represents the mast of a ship that has wrecked.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN32soDb0P5-9Acg1DX_z5LCtVPYMRsXZ0h-1cSAe4LliPH9sGNaMm3Mfh9mCXHE6QzFHyIk9Fzh_uaxfTnOw1GtJ7cwC1nEN1pwoXemPBnG0s8vGYtolVvcDiBAq28h33QZq4IBv-ym8/s1600/P3290366.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN32soDb0P5-9Acg1DX_z5LCtVPYMRsXZ0h-1cSAe4LliPH9sGNaMm3Mfh9mCXHE6QzFHyIk9Fzh_uaxfTnOw1GtJ7cwC1nEN1pwoXemPBnG0s8vGYtolVvcDiBAq28h33QZq4IBv-ym8/s400/P3290366.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727876362513568626" /></a><br />You can see that each man has a very important role: A rescue line must be strategically placed on the each side of a pulley; several men take turns digging a 3 foot deep by 3 foot round hole for a sand anchor; and the cannon must be set up and loaded.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0fv2F0FgMa-WtjSe5hDxjgCEwR2wsNSScyVcflbjKfZnqxSfRZs7O_0i9lRDMjfcDrJk6eU5UMGGRBO82uvdFeVl37_Zb9Q-DkqSVKH3iDhc5un90fdweyMeMRhigEFmO4NvYnyXqsWA/s1600/P3290372.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0fv2F0FgMa-WtjSe5hDxjgCEwR2wsNSScyVcflbjKfZnqxSfRZs7O_0i9lRDMjfcDrJk6eU5UMGGRBO82uvdFeVl37_Zb9Q-DkqSVKH3iDhc5un90fdweyMeMRhigEFmO4NvYnyXqsWA/s400/P3290372.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727877944088815218" /></a> Keep in mind that this was normally done during a storm in wet sand. The purpose of the cannon is to shoot a rescue line over the mast of the ship. <br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VVWzaJN08ckOUafahU55Eapee1tERWa3lhbiouQzXP-h6y8VYv7ztzdUOJpD7RYLKuzceP41-S2SIKH58yYyImsCNku6rHdBnDEbGOsjjMkVmmtl4i8aG5fsM8q_6npByRJTu8d-5CQ/s1600/P3290373.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VVWzaJN08ckOUafahU55Eapee1tERWa3lhbiouQzXP-h6y8VYv7ztzdUOJpD7RYLKuzceP41-S2SIKH58yYyImsCNku6rHdBnDEbGOsjjMkVmmtl4i8aG5fsM8q_6npByRJTu8d-5CQ/s400/P3290373.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727879447142420130" /></a> The line is then tied to the mast. <br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1dv0kaqt6aoXIXil-GYdYuh3epzEBwfXj2Ouq1JWG8o8fXuyvFwIFRdZUtKMZ5TaxSI9awhSjJTJ6QS_nhMAaFx-j8XgYRZ-0DA7gEXLetvt-FCmSp0K2lbQSs5uiLSD_xS-wpJZrEZw/s1600/P3290376.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1dv0kaqt6aoXIXil-GYdYuh3epzEBwfXj2Ouq1JWG8o8fXuyvFwIFRdZUtKMZ5TaxSI9awhSjJTJ6QS_nhMAaFx-j8XgYRZ-0DA7gEXLetvt-FCmSp0K2lbQSs5uiLSD_xS-wpJZrEZw/s400/P3290376.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727880117093688946" /></a> After the line is secured to the mast, it must also be secured to the sand anchor.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Effrgwf9J-YEDB-g_itFKfIH-rQy1eWvZ0OaKBoGFXUYb8hmBLF1__s15ReSFAkHrc0HGfFxSI5HstshFj5wdQK7s9xElitkWS_dHuPnljFVtEKvEl4AjUYdSgxgnGax5PG3fBop90g/s1600/P3290380.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Effrgwf9J-YEDB-g_itFKfIH-rQy1eWvZ0OaKBoGFXUYb8hmBLF1__s15ReSFAkHrc0HGfFxSI5HstshFj5wdQK7s9xElitkWS_dHuPnljFVtEKvEl4AjUYdSgxgnGax5PG3fBop90g/s400/P3290380.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727881071139538658" /></a> Here the line is lifted off the ground and a Bosun's Chair is sent up to the abandoned crew.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDoOFWEIcNnnqu_EGFKM1wxGacfKaHCogxlDExFDVqz-AJyfOJht3OJhuc5ZuMib9gC2F9MJqOhnKdf5K-SabcL_Dy78-tVQcl3DahZyEjcolVVr6TJ9fdOE0CrBlHgvZ4rALRz9__z4/s1600/P3290381.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDoOFWEIcNnnqu_EGFKM1wxGacfKaHCogxlDExFDVqz-AJyfOJht3OJhuc5ZuMib9gC2F9MJqOhnKdf5K-SabcL_Dy78-tVQcl3DahZyEjcolVVr6TJ9fdOE0CrBlHgvZ4rALRz9__z4/s400/P3290381.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727882077965586306" /></a> Here the weathered crewman is brought to safety! This process took these guys 20 minutes from start to finish and they were movin'! The crowd was impressed with their perfect performance. However, back in the day if a team couldn't do it in 5 minutes they no longer had a job!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0BwXJexq35LtLTRt2PPhH89HzsG1SJz8Kw-29fzuNed2aQOVq5KnXW8pdNG-vu2s_fnvsrb7VcYGqQj3AcEefWWK5SrwOELNNt7nWVOmiMHXNXXOltISG-UjfrOaoWZIk6dX7_UpKuQ/s1600/P3290384.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0BwXJexq35LtLTRt2PPhH89HzsG1SJz8Kw-29fzuNed2aQOVq5KnXW8pdNG-vu2s_fnvsrb7VcYGqQj3AcEefWWK5SrwOELNNt7nWVOmiMHXNXXOltISG-UjfrOaoWZIk6dX7_UpKuQ/s400/P3290384.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727882754645740738" /></a> The event wouldn't be complete without an H60 flyover. The team burst into song singing the Coast Guard Anthem! <br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ITe0n6i4OQ3PEtpVAZePG5oXlVifrg_IR_GMmBeIhBhRgYiTyf0Z9LnRtb7oqghd8ITgjC0mOZjlk6iEyF6TeKw-_Pu4rzXn7YSQkOO5tEShkUCwym6yaL7eezg_i9dS_TaiiJc97qU/s1600/P3290386.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ITe0n6i4OQ3PEtpVAZePG5oXlVifrg_IR_GMmBeIhBhRgYiTyf0Z9LnRtb7oqghd8ITgjC0mOZjlk6iEyF6TeKw-_Pu4rzXn7YSQkOO5tEShkUCwym6yaL7eezg_i9dS_TaiiJc97qU/s400/P3290386.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727885059641524866" /></a> The kids were excited when they were given the "go ahead" to dig up the sand anchor! Colin worked up a sweat digging until the anchor was free.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrcKbViVRvxhbzaFLUod1TRpMUpVJIa_YThiFdMCuOltnHYOIHfOqG9L4ldGZq3gAZVZtcIRaZ5jgP692167Hki-Fo8Rv9CgiWzceXYi3ckt1Ew6ihzWCxVo3vZkGEOOt60t2XO-gxHg/s1600/P3290388.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrcKbViVRvxhbzaFLUod1TRpMUpVJIa_YThiFdMCuOltnHYOIHfOqG9L4ldGZq3gAZVZtcIRaZ5jgP692167Hki-Fo8Rv9CgiWzceXYi3ckt1Ew6ihzWCxVo3vZkGEOOt60t2XO-gxHg/s400/P3290388.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727887343838832562" /></a> The shovel weighed almost as much as her, but she gave it her all! Eventually, resorting back to using her hands.Melissa Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09640560595154971681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328004648014922116.post-54371280657551381692012-03-23T14:41:00.005-04:002012-03-23T14:59:11.140-04:00Easy Carrot Cleaning!It's spring garden time! Which means I'd better get what's left of my winter garden out of the ground to make room! All I had left was carrots...a lot of carrots! So many carrots, I dreaded the thought of scrubbing them all! The kids and I got them all pulled and I started the process of sorting and scrubbing. After about 2 hours, and not even a dent made in my mound, I called it quits...for the night! I was determined this morning to get these carrots done, so I stood over the sink a while longer and thought surely someone has an easier method than this. A lot of what I read said, you just get a veggie brush and scrub...I have too many other things to do and at the rate I was going, it would have taken me two days to scrub all my carrots! Then I found it....<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0p63AdXNtfn_Mn49SdnbvuJermKURjgPFE0BQrFC5hcq5WWDRmEWRFjsS42CYvBqCPO1qzAw3gzXtQsooJNP6dXx4XyJi99MaWlimWS3FOcE9m4v9BTcD9tdGwOd8DLCWHSfJCo8Q93o/s1600/P3230160.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0p63AdXNtfn_Mn49SdnbvuJermKURjgPFE0BQrFC5hcq5WWDRmEWRFjsS42CYvBqCPO1qzAw3gzXtQsooJNP6dXx4XyJi99MaWlimWS3FOcE9m4v9BTcD9tdGwOd8DLCWHSfJCo8Q93o/s400/P3230160.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723166257283168770" /></a> Someone wrote, "Just toss them in the washing machine!" This person is a genius! Why not? Since I was at the point where I just wanted to toss what I hadn't cleaned, this was something worth trying! So in they went! I washed them on a normal cycle, no cleaners of course, with cold water.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-i-wVIv0Xw0NrUc5GfBMhCcyWEHIgRpzs6OtonpUn0-XTNQnYURuIeSkxZTP6lK8BfBrIiJWb5yZxaNeRB5ooPG8e4tfZqZcH_1Gbui4wFzkuasoCHEPvrc0kWlYxg0TGktfmhiSZQ4/s1600/P3230162.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-i-wVIv0Xw0NrUc5GfBMhCcyWEHIgRpzs6OtonpUn0-XTNQnYURuIeSkxZTP6lK8BfBrIiJWb5yZxaNeRB5ooPG8e4tfZqZcH_1Gbui4wFzkuasoCHEPvrc0kWlYxg0TGktfmhiSZQ4/s400/P3230162.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723167117084828530" /></a> Now those are some clean carrtos! I was very impressed with how clean they got...now I just have to cut, blanch, and freeze them! I read that this process works well with radishes and green beans too!Melissa Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09640560595154971681noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328004648014922116.post-71590017524587854402012-03-12T07:47:00.013-04:002012-03-12T08:26:44.231-04:00Cards and ClipsI haven't posted any of the recent projects I've worked on because I just seem to have to many going on at once!<br /><br />Recently, I received two birth announcements from friends having little boys. I'd also seen a very cute quilt card idea that I wanted to try, so I thought now would be the perfect time to give it a try! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVFC7P7CfXo2JdNsP3ntnBS12pG6QitJrDG06KzeLqKTAs4M39J24-Ia-IvxtLkBsrU7HHE240NvQW819NbSAhHYqWTljTNJUwN6LvOFwQ7a_hwGEJ2mLa2B2FISfMkC9PPrcVbFlIi8/s1600/P3080151.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVFC7P7CfXo2JdNsP3ntnBS12pG6QitJrDG06KzeLqKTAs4M39J24-Ia-IvxtLkBsrU7HHE240NvQW819NbSAhHYqWTljTNJUwN6LvOFwQ7a_hwGEJ2mLa2B2FISfMkC9PPrcVbFlIi8/s400/P3080151.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718976958104943042" /></a><br /><br /><br />Here's a close up. I just used a marker to make faux stitches and then clipped a button and tag to the bow. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7x8Ik0nf1pFPdWTIc_GPAKFfcc_SHADGZEHCPfCj1jvk0M4rMSFa4E5MNAlJNIxtY4U_IFqF1y3pc4uL6Gflh5pTzlOhSRD-_Nnh0LWjmMhJvLB-7b_p0feh-fUoPcWIYGfvVdNCrcg/s1600/P3080153.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7x8Ik0nf1pFPdWTIc_GPAKFfcc_SHADGZEHCPfCj1jvk0M4rMSFa4E5MNAlJNIxtY4U_IFqF1y3pc4uL6Gflh5pTzlOhSRD-_Nnh0LWjmMhJvLB-7b_p0feh-fUoPcWIYGfvVdNCrcg/s400/P3080153.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718977982264647442" /></a><br /><br /><br />I turned this sample in for the place cards for our church ladies banquet. It got a unanimous thumbs up from the committee! <a href="http://homeschoolstamperof3.blogspot.com/2011/05/mothers-day-banquet.html">Last year </a>I made 86...wonder how many I'll have to make this year? Our theme for this years event is hats! This is one of the biggest events that our church hosts each year. Every year improves a little more and gains more interest. It's been a blessing to watch it grow and I can't wait to see how everything comes together this year! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8gsvN87BZj7J4UrxK5IogjbLwPX6gev9eqLz6LC1V8mw6zJ5BjGt81OZzJI-PC6PYjpjw85QJ9mbcEBtYUINnCF1Gvo3kfdKHgV758BzcVPKpYyWcCDy2ZwpXFBdRqFixNcLZVrt7iI/s1600/P3060150.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8gsvN87BZj7J4UrxK5IogjbLwPX6gev9eqLz6LC1V8mw6zJ5BjGt81OZzJI-PC6PYjpjw85QJ9mbcEBtYUINnCF1Gvo3kfdKHgV758BzcVPKpYyWcCDy2ZwpXFBdRqFixNcLZVrt7iI/s400/P3060150.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718981002039102674" /></a><br /><br /><br />Cassie and Colin went to a friends birthday party this weekend and had a wonderful time. The birthday girl, Evelyn, likes accessories so I decided to make her some yo-yo hair clips. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9OdKh66WwpvE2dzFlllez9Ca4zfreFCE3w9dW_IQldAv-pCnA6TtMuTSNMbJTC9WEItapaaavjIwrtf5zxnml9Gcp0D4J1tpROzjFuAH9zbyttVFxy8uM5dHy4zY1XXDlvNxOCmI2ot0/s1600/P3080157.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9OdKh66WwpvE2dzFlllez9Ca4zfreFCE3w9dW_IQldAv-pCnA6TtMuTSNMbJTC9WEItapaaavjIwrtf5zxnml9Gcp0D4J1tpROzjFuAH9zbyttVFxy8uM5dHy4zY1XXDlvNxOCmI2ot0/s400/P3080157.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718982864605328674" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />I have several jars of assorted buttons, but you might be surprised to find out that all but the grapes are scrap booking/card making brads...not buttons! If you look closely, you'll see where I attached the brad. The clip blanks have a hole in either end that you can attach the yo-yo to. You can make them in assorted sizes for endless possibilities! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisvlnJalgMkFex6JzqlextwNaB8fVcg042QGZ3qfGLJ1QcyhsXwkss9YI0FgUUgth3o2hEDt8Rh9GDs0u_OO0gB9yUYtawvq9Lr3_06OzOZs_1MUkhut2eTvdkhXPsRO3s9w-8YiSrWfo/s1600/P3080158.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisvlnJalgMkFex6JzqlextwNaB8fVcg042QGZ3qfGLJ1QcyhsXwkss9YI0FgUUgth3o2hEDt8Rh9GDs0u_OO0gB9yUYtawvq9Lr3_06OzOZs_1MUkhut2eTvdkhXPsRO3s9w-8YiSrWfo/s400/P3080158.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718983166787044770" /></a>Melissa Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09640560595154971681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328004648014922116.post-90480359862675852782012-03-09T08:07:00.012-05:002012-03-09T13:30:38.383-05:00Beautiful BeesThe kids and I took a field trip to our neighbors house for a lesson in bee keeping! Remember those jars of <a href="http://homeschoolstamperof3.blogspot.com/2011/10/sweet-golden-deliciousness.html">sweet golden deliciousness</a>, well this is where I got them from! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hpIieOAijAOHj-wTCR8UUKrB-_qal1qQo6zrkGWstCMBzZn7KDnWnp1-LiqGw0FkAAo2ofa9x3zqeM_5WbPZC8Ttfj1f8AlcHiu9w3CBz9MjeB9LNfEvR9ZpwHVQPaTq3nB_lPUuZ6o/s1600/P2230091.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hpIieOAijAOHj-wTCR8UUKrB-_qal1qQo6zrkGWstCMBzZn7KDnWnp1-LiqGw0FkAAo2ofa9x3zqeM_5WbPZC8Ttfj1f8AlcHiu9w3CBz9MjeB9LNfEvR9ZpwHVQPaTq3nB_lPUuZ6o/s400/P2230091.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717884802190623938" /></a> Bees are so fascinating to watch.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkCoO58sWmlIJgm10lcUI3wltyBOtgJpaiza32Yk9VSfsyOvXJ6Firt88gP-E9deogvWPpseAV-euyZ4WAjbyKGJ4RRXaqO3WagZZvRIVfwnqjeD3c9cwbnbWT9qr8CKJdDRHk8L927_U/s1600/P2230095.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkCoO58sWmlIJgm10lcUI3wltyBOtgJpaiza32Yk9VSfsyOvXJ6Firt88gP-E9deogvWPpseAV-euyZ4WAjbyKGJ4RRXaqO3WagZZvRIVfwnqjeD3c9cwbnbWT9qr8CKJdDRHk8L927_U/s400/P2230095.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717885405384002162" /></a> Here's my little man smoking the bees. I have to say, Colin followed directions very well and showed no sign of fear...at least while he was in his suit!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWBGzFruyO3qjEk2fgqhin8YcDHDuyYkLsHYrdrjfGq1bXD4c3MdV7HpOwLaVwEgNaJy_1O7B154PEqJwxG2e59vMr9L3_NuGo3MqvjRvWmFa20OAJT83ckstxKgz9uwZlkUYt7xC1fjs/s1600/P2230125.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWBGzFruyO3qjEk2fgqhin8YcDHDuyYkLsHYrdrjfGq1bXD4c3MdV7HpOwLaVwEgNaJy_1O7B154PEqJwxG2e59vMr9L3_NuGo3MqvjRvWmFa20OAJT83ckstxKgz9uwZlkUYt7xC1fjs/s400/P2230125.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717889309225580690" /></a> I was very impressed with Cameron facing his fear of bees head on. In fact, Dave told Cameron the reason he took up bee-keeping was to overcome his fear of bees...and pollinate his garden! That's Cameron holding a frame full of bees. <br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBa8dz9B3mqB-2UfhIlQA9FK70MnZzqTqNltxvde_Yic3BNUQn8yo8TKCEUB81YvZt9oLgnzxc4Fa-Ux2J0q8_zVxZx5OiC6lIapL1WRvWyG8jPTwgZ5AJDdPsgC4jzjio-GeTvQCS5X0/s1600/P2230127.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBa8dz9B3mqB-2UfhIlQA9FK70MnZzqTqNltxvde_Yic3BNUQn8yo8TKCEUB81YvZt9oLgnzxc4Fa-Ux2J0q8_zVxZx5OiC6lIapL1WRvWyG8jPTwgZ5AJDdPsgC4jzjio-GeTvQCS5X0/s400/P2230127.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717890746789766898" /></a> The little hive that Dave and Colin are near is what our project was. We inspected each frame of both larger hives for a brood that could be separated in hopes of producing a new queen for the new hive. <br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMBLFC04upDm8-Ijj0Ug3dp4oueAWyapFn94oMST3EKCgDb3SdzRh8JFIv10ZevYDZ90JERE8xymg8gUidf1jIoapcQGjt2KCiH14E9nHbvu_iNMrAPV7YLa2iUuW_Ikigmn5PSDMrCw/s1600/P2230102.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMBLFC04upDm8-Ijj0Ug3dp4oueAWyapFn94oMST3EKCgDb3SdzRh8JFIv10ZevYDZ90JERE8xymg8gUidf1jIoapcQGjt2KCiH14E9nHbvu_iNMrAPV7YLa2iUuW_Ikigmn5PSDMrCw/s400/P2230102.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717893013199951362" /></a> Here's my little peanut. She didn't want anything to do with the bees, so she stayed busy with the chickens, fish pond, and swing set. She did ask questions from a distance.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5y0WQLakuJVNgxWagZ_y90atdr513KE6lQbz3io269gI7yM4HWw8Kx8XBl94f7cXOidBPqSTHfGyEY2qTlU4kRPofcXBbJHe6V47rL6c_qzjvEOVc2TX8pGexlfzs81nOfQE_eFgIyg4/s1600/P2230140.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5y0WQLakuJVNgxWagZ_y90atdr513KE6lQbz3io269gI7yM4HWw8Kx8XBl94f7cXOidBPqSTHfGyEY2qTlU4kRPofcXBbJHe6V47rL6c_qzjvEOVc2TX8pGexlfzs81nOfQE_eFgIyg4/s400/P2230140.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717908970368616114" /></a> Now it's my turn to visit with the bees! As you can see the bees were very active at this point. We were looking for the queen in both hives, because we wanted to make sure we didn't transfer her to the new hive Dave was building. It was amazing to see the bees up close and how they work. At first I thought they all looked the same, then I saw a big fat bee which was a drone. Now I can tell the difference between a worker (all females) and a drone (all males). There aren't too many drones, so they are easy to see once you know what you're looking at. <br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrAvZxVAtoxi4oeBKevrhWOKDxm-2X_o4uydI3onnUaRscxdChDr8pceX-hHMJbxkXjhsu7VTwhGikP07gXhxq2qS3KDkDlD_VWQhMpOZbR099kJnJoxURjTv_KBask8ljktMKurwTqQ/s1600/P2230144.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrAvZxVAtoxi4oeBKevrhWOKDxm-2X_o4uydI3onnUaRscxdChDr8pceX-hHMJbxkXjhsu7VTwhGikP07gXhxq2qS3KDkDlD_VWQhMpOZbR099kJnJoxURjTv_KBask8ljktMKurwTqQ/s400/P2230144.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717911787829803826" /></a> Can you see the queen? She was hard to find, but once you find her, there's no mistaking her. She's long and skinny with a brown abdomen. If you're having trouble seeing her, she's right in the center of the photo.Melissa Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09640560595154971681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328004648014922116.post-18000310300369320252012-02-25T11:23:00.005-05:002012-02-25T12:09:22.640-05:00Chief's Academy Formals<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0oH_G5jd6j7zFr9Gsph9APIblndxBe8KmaI7_9Syf5-Xq5nA7S2lAUAaiGspYoMATbQIj02sSWALxdprldcEZrNM8vldLwwff5kPi22Dh1_I5RCK1FdjRGuTZqa5299tHvGkaPO8-jPw/s1600/Chief+Dan.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0oH_G5jd6j7zFr9Gsph9APIblndxBe8KmaI7_9Syf5-Xq5nA7S2lAUAaiGspYoMATbQIj02sSWALxdprldcEZrNM8vldLwwff5kPi22Dh1_I5RCK1FdjRGuTZqa5299tHvGkaPO8-jPw/s400/Chief+Dan.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713111918434500050" /></a><br />Isn't he handsome? He's worked hard over the last 17 years in the Coast Guard and I'm proud of all that he's accomplished. I'm proud to call him my Chief Dan!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRF5wlRqoWrmlcLvLNePmjnQ0-DGym0lBhupFhcBgTjAd1UYjAAA0Mw52E5LkkS0iljDH78G3YOUHaBTVAluiHiY6X1RZZAOWJl263UPu4mhSlfFOOwmVh_2h0cwhRVvQwAa5H8Gfs0oc/s1600/Dan+%2526+Melissa+Chief%2527s+ball.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRF5wlRqoWrmlcLvLNePmjnQ0-DGym0lBhupFhcBgTjAd1UYjAAA0Mw52E5LkkS0iljDH78G3YOUHaBTVAluiHiY6X1RZZAOWJl263UPu4mhSlfFOOwmVh_2h0cwhRVvQwAa5H8Gfs0oc/s400/Dan+%2526+Melissa+Chief%2527s+ball.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713112599426996114" /></a><br />We've seen and done some pretty awesome things over the years. Formal dinners hasn't been one of those things. Getting to attend Danny's graduation ball with him was very exciting, but not something I was prepared for. I don't have classy dresses or ball gowns tucked away waiting for an event to roll around and anyone who knows me well, knows that I don't enjoy shopping. Can I just say what happened next was perfect timing! My mom's neighbor came by with this dress and asked my mom if she knew anyone who could wear it because she didn't want to put it in her yard sale or take it to a thrift store. My mom said it looks like my daughters size. It was perfect for the occasion. Now all I had left to do was find a pair of shoes! That was the biggest challenge, but I weathered it well.Melissa Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09640560595154971681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328004648014922116.post-75727600482211283442012-02-21T07:47:00.000-05:002012-02-21T07:47:51.871-05:00Basic Whole Wheat Bread -Guest Post<em>I was so excited when Michelle from <a href="http://www.simplifylivelove.com/">Simplify, Live, Love</a> invited me to share my bread technique on her blog! Today she is featuring the blow post and did I mention that I'm so excited! I'd like to invite you to check it out along with some of Michelle's other fantastic posts like <a href="http://www.simplifylivelove.com/2012/01/the-top-10-ways-i-keep-my-grocery-budget-low.html">The Top 10 Ways I Keep My Grocery Budget Low</a> or her out of this world <a href="http://www.simplifylivelove.com/2012/01/9-grain-bread.html">9 Grain Bread</a> post! We'd love to hear your comments. </em><br /><br /><br />Today, I'll be sharing a basic whole wheat bread recipe using the Whisper Mill (known now as the Wonder Mill) and Electrolux DLX. Like Michelle, I grind my own wheat and have for almost 10 years. Now, the health benefits alone are worth the effort. However, not only is it healthy, but grain can be stored indefinitely, it saves us loads of money, it teaches our children to appreciate and understand how food and the body work together, and best of all there's no need for an air freshener when bread is baking!<br /><br />My ten year old Whisper Mill and 5 year old DLX are my favorite kitchen companions next to my kids! <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFm7DZzloJc6Ms78_v_HOX_e3TVL-4w40OrWqwrF_gZR80FFyRUGlkrCgc3B-WhHj2zAWCQAaHXWfT3DtA1MPKBshUuuuVcRvX5pOsO5M-gTxRqfPNRM5BCXVpi9daRt3bREuZ2bQ4Rk/s1600/P1270113.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFm7DZzloJc6Ms78_v_HOX_e3TVL-4w40OrWqwrF_gZR80FFyRUGlkrCgc3B-WhHj2zAWCQAaHXWfT3DtA1MPKBshUuuuVcRvX5pOsO5M-gTxRqfPNRM5BCXVpi9daRt3bREuZ2bQ4Rk/s400/P1270113.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702511773678912226" /></a><br /><br />Ingredients:<br />12-14 cups fresh milled whole wheat flour <br />5 cups warm water<br />1 1/4 cup olive oil<br />3/4 cup honey<br />2 TBSP dough enhancer<br />5 tsp salt<br />2 1/2 TBSP yeast<br /><br />***NOTE***I use a 50/50 mixture of hard (bread wheat: higher gluten and protein) and soft (pastry wheat: lower gluten and protein) wheat which results in an all-purpose like flour.<br /><br />My mill will grind about 7 cups of grain in under 2 minutes. The wonderful thing about fresh milled flour, is none of the "good stuff" gets sifted away! There are 3 parts to a grain of wheat: the bran or fiber, the germ or seed embryo, and the endosperm or starch (AKA...white flour). The bran is the protective coat of the grain which is generally sifted away and used in animal feed. The germ, which is also sifted away, is what would become the sprout and is a very rich source of vital nutrients! Once the grain is broken, the germ begins to oxidize and will eventually spoil; this is why the healthiest parts are sifted away. Within the first day it will lose about 45% of its nutritional value and 90% after about 3 days. Finally, there's the endosperm which serves as food in the form of starch for the germinating plant. Keep in mind that it lacks any significant nutritional value, but is the most common part of the grain that's used in the average American diet. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0qwT93njlOkKcNrZcwgVJj96Wzgvh_qD3CL8dz1Rqix0nNDymPeG6nYwh5vvTqME1mvcwZC7AZVsrXqdBYnsDd9wxffx18iMbtm7tEcOdhuvGMBYhJ62goJweIbFVJtmz5lgcRJ73mbU/s1600/P1300159.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0qwT93njlOkKcNrZcwgVJj96Wzgvh_qD3CL8dz1Rqix0nNDymPeG6nYwh5vvTqME1mvcwZC7AZVsrXqdBYnsDd9wxffx18iMbtm7tEcOdhuvGMBYhJ62goJweIbFVJtmz5lgcRJ73mbU/s400/P1300159.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703461858084398434" /></a><br /><br />Let's move on to making bread! You'll start by adding all of your wet ingredients, 4 cups of flour, and the remaining dry ingredients. Turn the mixer on med-high speed and continue to add flour.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXKSdKmVErDLW2k8_GPrsOYl-f1IlT8G3Ag9gHL5qyrdVZaZXlWwhlLbHYUpJNd6Ki-CCdnmb23W_HtLIX2QLhxP5MyqkcIISH_k2DSMKdCGRy6YyDTgpO_fWZbVb-2pFyob4mSRGVGE/s1600/P1270115.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXKSdKmVErDLW2k8_GPrsOYl-f1IlT8G3Ag9gHL5qyrdVZaZXlWwhlLbHYUpJNd6Ki-CCdnmb23W_HtLIX2QLhxP5MyqkcIISH_k2DSMKdCGRy6YyDTgpO_fWZbVb-2pFyob4mSRGVGE/s400/P1270115.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702514013233664754" /></a><br /><br />When the dough has pulled away from the side of the bowl and I can touch the dough without much sticking to my fingers, I know I have added enough flour. Keep in mind; the amount of flour will vary depending on weather, temperature, and altitude. From this point I mix for approximately 7 more minutes. One very helpful hint I recently found out about the DLX, is to take the scraper out of the mixing bowl and the dough hook will require less assistance.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibETuna7pr8VJvzW2cM0xCyh0H7zlb12hRA2geAMYIjOEE2T6qsZOyQJ7MJhn02EPQ9inw70yIt_SHOqqXe9r2orG42GeOeReZITSz2fmd8bY25evd4ghfqE0UPKvWisnzxP76Rb5moaQ/s1600/P1270117.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibETuna7pr8VJvzW2cM0xCyh0H7zlb12hRA2geAMYIjOEE2T6qsZOyQJ7MJhn02EPQ9inw70yIt_SHOqqXe9r2orG42GeOeReZITSz2fmd8bY25evd4ghfqE0UPKvWisnzxP76Rb5moaQ/s400/P1270117.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702515044534860562" /></a><br /><br />After my dough has finished mixing, I transfer it to a larger container for the first rise. Let it rest in the oven with only the light on for approximately 45 minutes or until double. Once it is double I begin preheating my oven to 350* and shaping my dough for it's second rise. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD45wuJQ0Gmls07VF7cSzOdb7uA-LZcZPqCZRm_5XIrccUGpOLvWSTUpWtXhppGUVr24FYRVI_2ZVQyZcLIF8HJJgT6FvTondFMfrAuUVhsrV8dffrjE7dd04r0aWrucP3HR5mOqXarh8/s1600/P1270120.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD45wuJQ0Gmls07VF7cSzOdb7uA-LZcZPqCZRm_5XIrccUGpOLvWSTUpWtXhppGUVr24FYRVI_2ZVQyZcLIF8HJJgT6FvTondFMfrAuUVhsrV8dffrjE7dd04r0aWrucP3HR5mOqXarh8/s400/P1270120.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702517290503071634" /></a><br /><br />I could make 4 12in.x4in. loaves of bread with this batch of dough but normally I do not. Instead, I make a pan of dinner rolls, a <a href="http://homeschoolstamperof3.blogspot.com/2011/02/bbq-chicken-pizza.html">pizza crust</a>, a pan of <a href="http://homeschoolstamperof3.blogspot.com/2011/02/whole-wheat-cinnamon-rolls.html">cinnamon rolls</a>, a loaf of bread and a couple of flat breads. <br />The rolls, pizza, and flat bread are baked for 15 minutes, cinnamon rolls for 20 minutes and the bread loaf takes 30 minutes. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjoPmyC_bp82M6-vYeqGiFoLJ1evNLpBTRH4QRg4GQ5-r1de7nB_5MVN90wjBO8NkmXGG94kB2dLHguFLrPNOhoJ_G3jyzyCSxeo8lkiiNdq6Ggl_kLZeRT9bT6jdLa-INNi01OY_MsQ/s1600/P1270125.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjoPmyC_bp82M6-vYeqGiFoLJ1evNLpBTRH4QRg4GQ5-r1de7nB_5MVN90wjBO8NkmXGG94kB2dLHguFLrPNOhoJ_G3jyzyCSxeo8lkiiNdq6Ggl_kLZeRT9bT6jdLa-INNi01OY_MsQ/s400/P1270125.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702522568525636546" /></a><br /><br />As you can see, we get several meals out of a basic dough recipe and what you can do with it has endless possibilities. Some more ideas are pretzels, pigs in a blanket, and cinnamon raisin bread. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "Whether then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." <br /><br />Thank you, Michelle for hosting my first guest post!Melissa Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09640560595154971681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328004648014922116.post-41577123346148753062012-02-14T15:51:00.017-05:002012-02-17T21:37:38.497-05:00Happy Valentine's Day!Last week I was watching Pets TV on <a href="http://www.skyangel.com/">SkyAngel</a> (our TV service provider)and they were featuring a little ranch in Temecula, California called <a href="http://www.thealpacahacienda.com/index.html">The Alpaca Hacienda</a>. Was it coincidence that this program aired just before I was to head out to California? I think not! Some of you may be aware of my blossoming love affair with alpacas. Anyway, after watching the program, I immediately contacted Danny to ask him if it would be possible for us to visit while we were in Los Angeles. Being the sweetheart that he is, we made arrangements to visit Beth and her alpaca herd for Valentine's Day. <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPBNKxKShvBvTdlh6t4-emShiJMbAkCge2etrmMH3Ou5pGY2pxKjYQo12AyN5c5f7zASxz0CZXL1CzFvorG5yG1Z77KuVzqaAJk5e12A_aHnWFR4D7mSpep17DUywIIPC-rY0WZAF50E/s1600/P2140058.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPBNKxKShvBvTdlh6t4-emShiJMbAkCge2etrmMH3Ou5pGY2pxKjYQo12AyN5c5f7zASxz0CZXL1CzFvorG5yG1Z77KuVzqaAJk5e12A_aHnWFR4D7mSpep17DUywIIPC-rY0WZAF50E/s400/P2140058.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709102055541935010" /></a> Here, Beth was introducing me to the ladies in her herd. They are pretty shy animals, but very tender and affectionate when they are comfortable.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpjFee0gOBXRX536IfQFProkyYJG04Lgb72jk91ge_zzX-5GOKFqPwUMz7D_yakqx_ApQHYF5sGnagbMDCbOScQqIhgVP7xZojM0-GrvxKBsWInI04ZkX03RmM7RCXYnYlTla_9LODf4g/s1600/P2140063.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpjFee0gOBXRX536IfQFProkyYJG04Lgb72jk91ge_zzX-5GOKFqPwUMz7D_yakqx_ApQHYF5sGnagbMDCbOScQqIhgVP7xZojM0-GrvxKBsWInI04ZkX03RmM7RCXYnYlTla_9LODf4g/s400/P2140063.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709104538778135794" /></a> While I was sponging up all the information I could about these gorgeous beauties, Danny was getting friendly with the girls.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi-WowIRv6IbUDxXq5jU75c-OQWzyiczTPwCgtEecG3VAyDg9Nfbmw0WoRew7xd5wW3I1Tv0QhDYG_gcd9YFbOFLyXFo_fr6FWPNl20jYgYcrOrc0M82pkp9zx57-wvVnlQcZWGboFfhY/s1600/P2140061.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi-WowIRv6IbUDxXq5jU75c-OQWzyiczTPwCgtEecG3VAyDg9Nfbmw0WoRew7xd5wW3I1Tv0QhDYG_gcd9YFbOFLyXFo_fr6FWPNl20jYgYcrOrc0M82pkp9zx57-wvVnlQcZWGboFfhY/s400/P2140061.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709104532952873298" /></a> Here's another lovely lady...<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVbUDN2bKu57LaIvWqf8jhFMZIwncgRK9r1-6mZYweIyIlSighQ-0fDvuDpIkIogd1M4xkNzJ8wIX7o-EsmhxuWUWzS4ilUfkCuaQ3OCkQyjKzZluMceyw3OLihnwuCejZqIiqAkO6oLo/s1600/P2140059.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVbUDN2bKu57LaIvWqf8jhFMZIwncgRK9r1-6mZYweIyIlSighQ-0fDvuDpIkIogd1M4xkNzJ8wIX7o-EsmhxuWUWzS4ilUfkCuaQ3OCkQyjKzZluMceyw3OLihnwuCejZqIiqAkO6oLo/s400/P2140059.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709104527416884242" /></a> and another!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMPZUZorD_2boDpX06eV1hy-LguvUbQDW83c3hd1inVfwCBmkGLXlTXj3D-DdTWsEXZ93gcT3m2PT4zHen_oY2oXbN6U8RgRKahmP4Z_dw5Pex8k-N_qq6KzbkDcawGFwAvxadazIg9lM/s1600/P2140067.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMPZUZorD_2boDpX06eV1hy-LguvUbQDW83c3hd1inVfwCBmkGLXlTXj3D-DdTWsEXZ93gcT3m2PT4zHen_oY2oXbN6U8RgRKahmP4Z_dw5Pex8k-N_qq6KzbkDcawGFwAvxadazIg9lM/s400/P2140067.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709106066880211858" /></a> These girls would have gotten in Danny's lap if he were sitting down. They loved the attention and allowed us to rub, scratch, and hug them! <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9JrkjQvQPYCNcjeZ1GEiUddY9Y8X8dmjmC4GIR91STyTjzVl6vNaniLQ6QhQUJSrHRVHethHc2OPgbpksRbWMZQyYQ-4cUKXWzwWsSsG8xqUTGtxbrT9HaVTYiEq9h7ivFfs0P36RMRE/s1600/P2140066.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9JrkjQvQPYCNcjeZ1GEiUddY9Y8X8dmjmC4GIR91STyTjzVl6vNaniLQ6QhQUJSrHRVHethHc2OPgbpksRbWMZQyYQ-4cUKXWzwWsSsG8xqUTGtxbrT9HaVTYiEq9h7ivFfs0P36RMRE/s400/P2140066.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709107092133955186" /></a> This tiny little girl was...I hope I get this right...a rose grey Suri. There are 2 types of alpaca; Suri (surrey) and Huacaya (wah-KI'-ya). The Suri has long silky locks while the more common Huacaya has short dense fiber like a teddy bear. <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_CahyYW2MUt3R1jhaePoDzQg8npPhyphenhyphenTdMenx6pGh_zoQaTxcgw_qdn8lfpKAcCqxMlYDKxvpchH4a7r6-hbNInyMv44Y3YGkolGYoNuQrB2I2xLtm6Fehy7Mwai86UOgHpnnFU9kcQU4/s1600/P2140068.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_CahyYW2MUt3R1jhaePoDzQg8npPhyphenhyphenTdMenx6pGh_zoQaTxcgw_qdn8lfpKAcCqxMlYDKxvpchH4a7r6-hbNInyMv44Y3YGkolGYoNuQrB2I2xLtm6Fehy7Mwai86UOgHpnnFU9kcQU4/s400/P2140068.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709111676913377394" /></a> We can't forget about the gentlemen. These are the young fellas and look at that view. Beth and Mike have a little slice of heaven tucked away in the hills of Temecula.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIff1HvENmmBV_cDL93c1mKCRtO8uvTE6YJG0cXrlCovPlehup1MOr_gE8MkFdmP-cYHSjRVEsP4M_98YLiqMsWT5hDY9CLbzvtR9urFW6en0cteo-YQQvGnp7FPMywMFiIVxwXmYWxkc/s1600/P2140070.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIff1HvENmmBV_cDL93c1mKCRtO8uvTE6YJG0cXrlCovPlehup1MOr_gE8MkFdmP-cYHSjRVEsP4M_98YLiqMsWT5hDY9CLbzvtR9urFW6en0cteo-YQQvGnp7FPMywMFiIVxwXmYWxkc/s400/P2140070.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709112188035238834" /></a> This guy is the prize of the herd...<a href="http://www.thealpacahacienda.com/alpaca_resumes/crown_royal.html">Crown Royal</a>. He was pretty funny because he just looked at us with a look saying, "Yes, I know I'm beautiful." And he was! They all were!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid1_U7MZ5ZlVyE8Ya5jIZiBAy_78w3wRd4QkeyzlQ2K89D_fcwX1wMacIx4XrlmIAllWIFgpu088Z34cyUL5nKMyQbER848O1nv4awQlZ8iysdZdAeVdkB_ZRPDNLSf-oG64rViG-P9uw/s1600/P2140072.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid1_U7MZ5ZlVyE8Ya5jIZiBAy_78w3wRd4QkeyzlQ2K89D_fcwX1wMacIx4XrlmIAllWIFgpu088Z34cyUL5nKMyQbER848O1nv4awQlZ8iysdZdAeVdkB_ZRPDNLSf-oG64rViG-P9uw/s400/P2140072.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709114720512659586" /></a> Here's just one of the amazing things that Beth did with her alpaca fiber. These <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AlpacaAvenue?ref=pr_shop_more">felted scarves</a> were works of art that would make a stunning addition to any outfit. Check out <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AlpacaAvenue?ref=pr_shop_more">Beth's Etsy Shop</a> to see more of her amazing creations.Melissa Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09640560595154971681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328004648014922116.post-2118682400778893662012-02-10T12:19:00.011-05:002012-02-15T19:23:17.458-05:00Chief's AcademyForgive me for neglecting my blog. I spent so much time preparing to visit Danny in California where he's been for the last 6 weeks. Now that I'm here, he's had to show me everything he's experienced since he got here.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN40nSq4CcR2OFv88cJeFfuA0SO0Ir4-2CcvwPy3xufM5cRIEKbC2iN_sv2MPwc2OaeqRVCLe5XF5eYmdvowyhaK_tuIu_EXc8lYW03Xf8cUQ6J2pHIF4gkb275i310FyYwuyfCyhAkIA/s1600/P2090224.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN40nSq4CcR2OFv88cJeFfuA0SO0Ir4-2CcvwPy3xufM5cRIEKbC2iN_sv2MPwc2OaeqRVCLe5XF5eYmdvowyhaK_tuIu_EXc8lYW03Xf8cUQ6J2pHIF4gkb275i310FyYwuyfCyhAkIA/s400/P2090224.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707559261437049202" /></a><br />This is the view from our room of the morning fog rolling over the hills. <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JDuoMHLIDtG5a-BE6GvtfXI_r1QxPkPQcliZrYSsnfVRJW7OTRKMexVLM0HHlJTo5KnZ_RvrKR4PBKB80xZI2_pD1PP0t28JCw_ia4XhkPWu7AI73FboNNFQ5i1TiviPhP7_cwzpvl8/s1600/P2090230.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JDuoMHLIDtG5a-BE6GvtfXI_r1QxPkPQcliZrYSsnfVRJW7OTRKMexVLM0HHlJTo5KnZ_RvrKR4PBKB80xZI2_pD1PP0t28JCw_ia4XhkPWu7AI73FboNNFQ5i1TiviPhP7_cwzpvl8/s400/P2090230.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707569096603237202" /></a><br />I was walking to the coffee shop and these guys crossed my path. There were 8 total and they just danced back and forth across the path in front of me. <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgySPWCU-PyNa8DiCIcEUtegTwdjtOVTfvjIvhG5zcFIHZVq22YNUTn877wSaqI3CvgtszMN9xdxnqtD6_MNjYKDxW3ME7kQCtLONFQ-_42XorToyAd_QQlQU3qNj9lGj50_DiHPiQwj8/s1600/P2090233.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgySPWCU-PyNa8DiCIcEUtegTwdjtOVTfvjIvhG5zcFIHZVq22YNUTn877wSaqI3CvgtszMN9xdxnqtD6_MNjYKDxW3ME7kQCtLONFQ-_42XorToyAd_QQlQU3qNj9lGj50_DiHPiQwj8/s400/P2090233.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707561067634124866" /></a><br />While I was enjoying my coffee and the entertainment of the turkey, Danny was running a 10K. He crossed the finish line at 54 minutes and a few seconds. Yeah, Danny!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEz4e0cmkK2uNDJRnOFaVogK1pr84LakKADDAqrn0afNhk8ViRlYLIlB0lnQc3ViDKpcD1UOmGshiOTx4dDuXILk5S1JHicbgRHFGytPXtge2DQOPltZYRfFCyLVCSB8L8TyOKaiddl1A/s1600/DSC_0373.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEz4e0cmkK2uNDJRnOFaVogK1pr84LakKADDAqrn0afNhk8ViRlYLIlB0lnQc3ViDKpcD1UOmGshiOTx4dDuXILk5S1JHicbgRHFGytPXtge2DQOPltZYRfFCyLVCSB8L8TyOKaiddl1A/s400/DSC_0373.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707563402607660290" /></a><br />This pole that Danny is standing on is about 15 or so feet high (correction...30+ feet). Want to see what he had to do next?<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnsia0iMufEnCszT2AtcPkOkaZu3qHGKhlTiC5lewNpjmH-7t8IPjdJ_eLZpQ6DhW4G5-09UH7ION2eRLB5mY8Rsh8znJOkGZhSxMm5M9oVjryoooOp-_l1eI9W-WW_pR2ZxC42CK2_1c/s1600/DSC_0376.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnsia0iMufEnCszT2AtcPkOkaZu3qHGKhlTiC5lewNpjmH-7t8IPjdJ_eLZpQ6DhW4G5-09UH7ION2eRLB5mY8Rsh8znJOkGZhSxMm5M9oVjryoooOp-_l1eI9W-WW_pR2ZxC42CK2_1c/s400/DSC_0376.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707564003757579842" /></a><br />He had to jump from the pole to that trapeze bar!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJzaX06zhyqPPMWU69pkRP8rBYp1whHOzyR5tYX5An2cbj2tjJLDRBoZjwwjilN4e_G6rxb7keLTRqnrYcXVWEPnQmz0Cjj18vW6al9tH9YCz78EVbznNpHw0iz7I64Zw-GsZVV8lozs/s1600/DSC_0572.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJzaX06zhyqPPMWU69pkRP8rBYp1whHOzyR5tYX5An2cbj2tjJLDRBoZjwwjilN4e_G6rxb7keLTRqnrYcXVWEPnQmz0Cjj18vW6al9tH9YCz78EVbznNpHw0iz7I64Zw-GsZVV8lozs/s400/DSC_0572.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707565806806362114" /></a><br />There is a spiders web of cable in the tops of these giant pine trees! I was amazed when I saw this COPE course. I couldn't believe how high the cables were. This was an important part of their training because, it challenged their abilities, they worked as a team, and it was fun. You'd think they were wearing hard hats in case of a fall, but there was a secondary purpose...to protect them from the 5 pound pine cones that fell! Wouldn't want that to fall on my head! OUCH!<br /><br />That's about all for now. We have to get ready to go to the ball! I'll be back on track soon!Melissa Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09640560595154971681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328004648014922116.post-67289575106969070072012-02-03T00:10:00.013-05:002012-02-06T09:34:10.483-05:00Danny's T-shirt Quilt...Finally!Last summer I put a <a href="http://homeschoolstamperof3.blogspot.com/2011/06/memory-quilt.html">memory quilt</a> together for Cameron. Well, we had a little problem...dad wanted one too! Danny began to think I was never going to get around to finishing his because a different project would jump to the head of the line. My poor hubby has watched me pull this project out and put it away a couple dozen times over the last 6 years. He'd had enough...he took Cameron's quilt ransom and refused to give it up until his was finished. He would snuggle in it and say to Cam...tell mom to finish mine so you can have yours. <br />We've just been so busy...I thought I could finish it for our anniversary, but that came and went. Then Danny asked, can I have it for Christmas? That came and went too! How about my birthday? Still couldn't get it finished! Danny left for California almost 5 weeks ago for training at the Chief's Academy...well, I've had to keep myself busy and guess what was first on my priority list? How about for graduation, dear?<br /><br />Once I got the shirts from his childhood, high school years, years in the service, t-ball and soccer coaching, scouts, ski trips, family reunion, and a couple special pieces of the kids clothes all put together for the top, my neighbor and friend offered to let me use her long arm Gammill to quilt it! WOW...can I just say that is an intimidating machine! It only took me a moment to remember how how frustrating it was to quilt Cam's on my little machine...intimidating was worth it! <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga3jf2zYGqtYYPc7Izd8c7f5fxNq-Rls33JRsPTzUA3Njdc2ERaIazbLJgEEYWqWt3_YxJ9eFzhKk1B1rVBz-z18h_vBE4L6YKpRedUkn6XX84H4aKr0j3Au5Zx_REafGLyAM2ip9f5DY/s1600/P1210105.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga3jf2zYGqtYYPc7Izd8c7f5fxNq-Rls33JRsPTzUA3Njdc2ERaIazbLJgEEYWqWt3_YxJ9eFzhKk1B1rVBz-z18h_vBE4L6YKpRedUkn6XX84H4aKr0j3Au5Zx_REafGLyAM2ip9f5DY/s400/P1210105.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704776237100264818" /></a><br /><br />I have to share this, it took me a week to quilt Cam's and 7 hours to quilt Danny's! Most of that time was me getting comfortable with the new equipment! Danny's quilt is about 18 in. longer and wider than Cam's...there's no way I would have been able to finish it on my machine! <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCue5hK3UwjXRbFKbgalb32ATFJvo4hfX-2x8bjD6OnbZte-HXoMV0PvjLC0yqZ5EvNoBpsEZCeq9lfWAh355oNk6RRsFxIatjFqWPd4Y-GI_y2ZtooEjjjf3wgIOLUHoA9b8v_W7Ems0/s1600/P2030191.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCue5hK3UwjXRbFKbgalb32ATFJvo4hfX-2x8bjD6OnbZte-HXoMV0PvjLC0yqZ5EvNoBpsEZCeq9lfWAh355oNk6RRsFxIatjFqWPd4Y-GI_y2ZtooEjjjf3wgIOLUHoA9b8v_W7Ems0/s400/P2030191.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704778061492422578" /></a><br /><br />I'm glad it's finished and I can't wait to give it to him! No more t-shirt quilts for a while. Although, Colin did ask me, "Ma, when I get Cam's age will you make me a quilt with my shirts!" How can you not say yes to such a sweet request?! Thankfully I have some time!<br /><br />I've linked this post to <a href="http://homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/2012/02/barn-hop-48.html">Homestead Revival's Barn Hop</a> and <a href="http://teachinggoodthings.com/blog/fiber-arts-monday-potholders/">Teaching Good Thing :Fiber Arts Monday</a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9pgh0UOIbearpGkXpYEl-4KbuPa8ghF6X2VbnucTEfG7zOuvHDW6rFBmU_Qwo8GL1c0OZj_CKrSZDf9syyZOdQutUf81zwgWbyGK7D24g_4NeCEQ2g4KNImUdd3PpIia_uk0zyhJ5uY/s1600/Barn-Hop.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9pgh0UOIbearpGkXpYEl-4KbuPa8ghF6X2VbnucTEfG7zOuvHDW6rFBmU_Qwo8GL1c0OZj_CKrSZDf9syyZOdQutUf81zwgWbyGK7D24g_4NeCEQ2g4KNImUdd3PpIia_uk0zyhJ5uY/s200/Barn-Hop.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706029422551544290" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCxa7xuhLVC8FfORArEXj35zRK3OaOPlj8jzEktZyRm6KlRPegJZVPoD86-Vwex9c-8Jst1MJQzcWco77Wn3n_g0yJPrqxbfszR_vdudSWQ_MnJpeRWKHy6S-YNY7h5MxwEi6xy_V_s1M/s1600/fiber+arts+monday.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCxa7xuhLVC8FfORArEXj35zRK3OaOPlj8jzEktZyRm6KlRPegJZVPoD86-Vwex9c-8Jst1MJQzcWco77Wn3n_g0yJPrqxbfszR_vdudSWQ_MnJpeRWKHy6S-YNY7h5MxwEi6xy_V_s1M/s200/fiber+arts+monday.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706030691864808722" /></a>Melissa Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09640560595154971681noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328004648014922116.post-73636478332103187992012-02-01T09:44:00.005-05:002012-02-01T10:08:55.809-05:00Coverall DressesAbout two weeks ago I stumbled upon the <a href="http://andersonfamilyfarm1979.com/blog/?p=1409">cutest coverall dress</a>. In the link you will see how to make this darling little dress made from an old pair of coverall's. I love coverall's and remembered that I put two pair that Cassie had outgrown in length in the attic. You guessed it, I ventured into the attic for those coverall's! It really was easy...pick out some fabric, cut off the legs and attach the skirt! VIOLA...the overalls are back in business! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6xYnL30e5__pOhPFf8cNnTqtEhVKIGsEhPW9AvsgwfsOMz_OXPNrFQgqrMR_uEx-I77ip_L2Jjcal1Mhi6uGHjwI21B7L7QutkO3JW54ylDy9aBoTecI6USZ05cudK1_M12uEedNtQKg/s1600/P1310168.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6xYnL30e5__pOhPFf8cNnTqtEhVKIGsEhPW9AvsgwfsOMz_OXPNrFQgqrMR_uEx-I77ip_L2Jjcal1Mhi6uGHjwI21B7L7QutkO3JW54ylDy9aBoTecI6USZ05cudK1_M12uEedNtQKg/s400/P1310168.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704183637551403698" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYxpuVW6Y4xzc_K5OQWVpRWn_ALHd9jUdkDNNOrlaFTezW46d9Cysf5qLevOwglsWCwz7hWOJo_NSHj3IuLZiNQy58fjckdocz2H3Dc5X40scEc3MjLD7EtyUweDRHqmBP2AgYCiyroZE/s1600/P1310176.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYxpuVW6Y4xzc_K5OQWVpRWn_ALHd9jUdkDNNOrlaFTezW46d9Cysf5qLevOwglsWCwz7hWOJo_NSHj3IuLZiNQy58fjckdocz2H3Dc5X40scEc3MjLD7EtyUweDRHqmBP2AgYCiyroZE/s400/P1310176.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704184318032471010" /></a>Melissa Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09640560595154971681noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328004648014922116.post-63264636809153739812012-01-26T14:53:00.007-05:002012-01-26T15:55:01.558-05:00Faith Comes By HearingToday, I finished Genesis and it only took me 3 days! Not only do I have a mental timeline in my brain now (something I've never been able to grasp) but I understood all of the information. Now I'm not one to curl up with a good book...I never have been because I can't sit still long enough. I have this uncontrollable urge to keep moving. But over the last few weeks, I've heard on the radio and read on a few blogs of people doing a read the bible in 90 days challenge. I was thinking to myself, that sounds impossible for me, even if I could read it, how much would I understand? I don't want to read the bible just to say I've read it cover to cover...I want to read it as well as understand it, enjoy it, and be able to retain it! Reading the bible from cover to cover is something I've always wanted to do. I've attempted, but sadly it always resulted in frustration and me quiting. Then I came across this <a href="http://raisinghomemakers.com/2012/bible-in-90-days-what-does-that-have-to-do-with-cleaning/">post at Raising Homemakers</a> the other day and suddenly I felt encouraged. Covering the bible in 90 days or even a year didn't seem so impossible anymore!<br /><br />I set my computer up in the kitchen, pressed play and began to clean! Clean? What does covering the bible in 90 days have to do with cleaning? Well, I can listen to the bible and feed my urge to move by cleaning! <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDbrAb8ZruIOwCy4SI_9GtKqofSzwfqJ8yLU8Zxa_rj1NZv9m1ANBZGvOlUhSlbN262D0RhVV1bwoGmh45DMw1B97_0eneUOoEx5yYl-L7ctWR1KTinpkkDWpr5uhXfKlrcn45Iob25-I/s1600/P1260114.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDbrAb8ZruIOwCy4SI_9GtKqofSzwfqJ8yLU8Zxa_rj1NZv9m1ANBZGvOlUhSlbN262D0RhVV1bwoGmh45DMw1B97_0eneUOoEx5yYl-L7ctWR1KTinpkkDWpr5uhXfKlrcn45Iob25-I/s400/P1260114.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702037102890961154" /></a><br />This is just one of the cabinets I was able to clean out and organize while listening to the bible! Hearing the bible is amazing! If you prefer, you can hear it word for word as a drama which brings the words to life. <br /><br />If you're like me and have a hard time sitting still long enough to read, I encourage you to give listening a try! What's even more exciting, is my little ones enjoy listening too! <br /><a href="http://www.faithcomesbyhearing.com/ambassador/free-audio-bible-download">Free Audio Bible Download | Faith Comes By Hearing</a>Melissa Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09640560595154971681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328004648014922116.post-75182865995458832812012-01-19T17:28:00.019-05:002012-01-25T08:10:59.154-05:00Making Soap!Well, I promised some photo's of making soap! <br />First, you'll want to find a recipe...<a href="http://homeschoolstamperof3.blogspot.com/2011/12/soap.html">my first batch </a>as well as the one I'm about to show you came from an e-book that I purchased for $10 from <a href="http://crystalscountrystore.com/handmadesoapebook.htm">Homemaking on the Homestead</a>. This book was written for beginners and gives step by step photo tutorials on how to make 3 basic bars of soap...even a laundry bar! I was very intimidated when I first considered making my own soap, but I highly recommend this book if you are interested in soap making because it's full of photos and each step is explained very well! <br /><br />Let's get started...<br />First, I precisely measured the oils and melted them over medium heat in a stainless steal pot. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFw8ukxzBXHaeh1GV6ZwUqd2lxA-40pSu1bhxC40KUGDmWMzlXdSgu6aAdnGF4uLlRMvgrI4b-WE-2IUdvmypPQPPmHgBtbXCV2CwOCkXKYEWcLHeb_SP55bShQ0KF9p3bV0iKMDAQ8A/s1600/P1180059.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFw8ukxzBXHaeh1GV6ZwUqd2lxA-40pSu1bhxC40KUGDmWMzlXdSgu6aAdnGF4uLlRMvgrI4b-WE-2IUdvmypPQPPmHgBtbXCV2CwOCkXKYEWcLHeb_SP55bShQ0KF9p3bV0iKMDAQ8A/s400/P1180059.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699476128226906898" /></a><br /><br />Second, I precisely measured my lye and water in separate glass measuring cups.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLAgQxYS08hvVFkHc4zAjPZvMhabOZqrbkbrsv-ruvV1XWsmhXTr1r5zJaXYaXIZSkPFWIivO0CW6AFOYvw7T4zWwEBrKK4zmBH8gEte8umFGrywnHjSx-MqLr-o2GQG-WRi-h9zlq4gI/s1600/P1180052.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLAgQxYS08hvVFkHc4zAjPZvMhabOZqrbkbrsv-ruvV1XWsmhXTr1r5zJaXYaXIZSkPFWIivO0CW6AFOYvw7T4zWwEBrKK4zmBH8gEte8umFGrywnHjSx-MqLr-o2GQG-WRi-h9zlq4gI/s400/P1180052.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699476918914171762" /></a><br /><br />For this next step, you'll want to move to a well ventilated place or even outside to mix your water and lye. ***VERY IMPORTANT*** Never pour the water into the lye it will result in a dangerous eruption...remember to mix carefully. I recommend skin and eye protection.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxhN3Y2UbjQnkvCzQ6hPpPpQL7EXxLra6nEZCaArBglqMPOTSKaY4VFLAgnLZD0uuiKEOCL6bcL16r8fmDPBgb_5ZAIvy5Dapj2NRWIO_JI5PlFcp6akK9aoxoVwQhMbwZBn1Sz_VRxE/s1600/P1180053.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxhN3Y2UbjQnkvCzQ6hPpPpQL7EXxLra6nEZCaArBglqMPOTSKaY4VFLAgnLZD0uuiKEOCL6bcL16r8fmDPBgb_5ZAIvy5Dapj2NRWIO_JI5PlFcp6akK9aoxoVwQhMbwZBn1Sz_VRxE/s400/P1180053.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699477530878669922" /></a><br /><br />Next, I had to let both mixtures cool. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGdlTSDyNSPoRlU9r9UN4BiE0N3xqwK-WycXQkrsRszIjZol0q2PVODCcL38JWMGctUzLwAwanguoXP4iusyz0_ZHcmmD4bUKsCZ4-oAmu5RhxcnDO2Y9eip7IaWABTpnlJa2nlibxNY/s1600/P1180060.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGdlTSDyNSPoRlU9r9UN4BiE0N3xqwK-WycXQkrsRszIjZol0q2PVODCcL38JWMGctUzLwAwanguoXP4iusyz0_ZHcmmD4bUKsCZ4-oAmu5RhxcnDO2Y9eip7IaWABTpnlJa2nlibxNY/s400/P1180060.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699481703064627730" /></a><br /><br />Once the mixtures are at the correct temperature, it's time to combine them. Again, be very careful, because the lye is caustic. If by chance you do get it on your skin, you'll want to rinse the area immediately with white vinegar to neutralize the lye. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0pegzWUrC_havfEqSHL3ZWoEwHkiAdIvJcWnnFT5oa3jUQ6WZFk0UNEjwq3x2s0sKPqKCq9Z2f1VrXmvPQuZy-2FOSEe81K3ZL_ZLV00-sbEI0UqukBBGpH6f5A9NX5fNnQYIwBnkEs/s1600/P1180063.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0pegzWUrC_havfEqSHL3ZWoEwHkiAdIvJcWnnFT5oa3jUQ6WZFk0UNEjwq3x2s0sKPqKCq9Z2f1VrXmvPQuZy-2FOSEe81K3ZL_ZLV00-sbEI0UqukBBGpH6f5A9NX5fNnQYIwBnkEs/s400/P1180063.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699482439683000210" /></a><br /><br />The stick blender will speed up the saponification process. It took me about 12 minutes to achieve "trace". <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgcLvMRc0NCpaWnfq8M2ndOvPjcwLKyf6ihCJbmfQ1efOJHwpyF-BEpqSe3XYTONAznfoxjgrkY7GiXxMtKBheu5jzhaLtazHlPDxT1U6dyxKSV04HUs4G6r_6nP6XHt6-9TJXTOZBLo/s1600/P1180073.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgcLvMRc0NCpaWnfq8M2ndOvPjcwLKyf6ihCJbmfQ1efOJHwpyF-BEpqSe3XYTONAznfoxjgrkY7GiXxMtKBheu5jzhaLtazHlPDxT1U6dyxKSV04HUs4G6r_6nP6XHt6-9TJXTOZBLo/s400/P1180073.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699483559848647042" /></a><br /><br />Trace is difficult to explain, but easy to recognize. It's the point when the mixture is ready for fragrance, exfoliants, and pouring. The fragrance oils will sometimes change the color of your mixture depending on what kind you're using.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrErjNBYk8mYI7Z8BLdrccD0PeGoEIwpqdUCYPsWTx6JrKWNEt0NRmBrEaSgNkXGuIQvWsWBIZg0SRwK3Id4bNhlJ-7HvjukiLOLbQw7aVgPocObx61B3Fm5wQnD2LocLQeZx69avD8jU/s1600/P1180077.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrErjNBYk8mYI7Z8BLdrccD0PeGoEIwpqdUCYPsWTx6JrKWNEt0NRmBrEaSgNkXGuIQvWsWBIZg0SRwK3Id4bNhlJ-7HvjukiLOLbQw7aVgPocObx61B3Fm5wQnD2LocLQeZx69avD8jU/s400/P1180077.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699485026487967266" /></a><br /><br />Completely mix in your fragrance oil and pour into a mold. As you can see, my soap looks a bit like Fels Naptha...which is what I currently use to make my laundry detergent! I can't wait to use these!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLMUCbRP0Nv2vX-HPZ9xmZQAUAFUt18LJY7zTzBpPST6AUxQNwGLMHrHMqgctZqkp1JyinlYglDphn_Dv4qmZOSGVCpp4mwoUBX6qzrN_WMjkNoGFdGqyXhUTptRVa48EvWIF05nptl8/s1600/P1180078.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLMUCbRP0Nv2vX-HPZ9xmZQAUAFUt18LJY7zTzBpPST6AUxQNwGLMHrHMqgctZqkp1JyinlYglDphn_Dv4qmZOSGVCpp4mwoUBX6qzrN_WMjkNoGFdGqyXhUTptRVa48EvWIF05nptl8/s400/P1180078.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699542251654026002" /></a><br /><br />Insulate your mold with a towel so it can cool slowly. Allow it to rest for at least 24 hours.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheoDibW_Ua0Lz_TkoO0RZZiQnebOsSlGz_7EP93Lnjdtlbh_csLL2zyhLoFF5RAYMA5OpFa4eOU52RY-h5ICQ31Gp9b_DOqlorG1LThOjr1H5oaFS3whdLi5R3JOoKjq6yWVRG6h-QP50/s1600/P1180080.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheoDibW_Ua0Lz_TkoO0RZZiQnebOsSlGz_7EP93Lnjdtlbh_csLL2zyhLoFF5RAYMA5OpFa4eOU52RY-h5ICQ31Gp9b_DOqlorG1LThOjr1H5oaFS3whdLi5R3JOoKjq6yWVRG6h-QP50/s400/P1180080.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699543386454669890" /></a><br /><br />After it has rested, remove from mold and cut it into bars.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgldw3OV6To8L2GE-_voEzno8UgBKJ_s2CG7wkJLEBh90nMBB_pC3S8u9phEmvR5ycMh9HvJWYi6WMiXfrFEfTsywY5NIiu2Xnx0Fyz9DQSh5irdSPRGyHGhNGUgWiQNf7hKH691ZiLb6M/s1600/P1190082.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgldw3OV6To8L2GE-_voEzno8UgBKJ_s2CG7wkJLEBh90nMBB_pC3S8u9phEmvR5ycMh9HvJWYi6WMiXfrFEfTsywY5NIiu2Xnx0Fyz9DQSh5irdSPRGyHGhNGUgWiQNf7hKH691ZiLb6M/s400/P1190082.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699545255350314434" /></a><br /><br />Let your bars rest on a shelf for the allotted amount of time. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEila-sXL2Ny6Ublz4Ji48krFyZ08-CVAUCLxaXoEB1TKeQPr2tpxLz8b4bw4PbESQUPewRa-zBMWUkklorxTjUXPx07JlCg9CfLoU6q6GSc5YsJ_RnqBXoY4qtiv4Lrnq1ma4RCoEn5k1M/s1600/P1190094.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEila-sXL2Ny6Ublz4Ji48krFyZ08-CVAUCLxaXoEB1TKeQPr2tpxLz8b4bw4PbESQUPewRa-zBMWUkklorxTjUXPx07JlCg9CfLoU6q6GSc5YsJ_RnqBXoY4qtiv4Lrnq1ma4RCoEn5k1M/s400/P1190094.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699546016892427954" /></a><br /><br />There you have it...homemade soap! My new most favorite fun thing to do!Melissa Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09640560595154971681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328004648014922116.post-72305201229662971862012-01-14T20:35:00.014-05:002012-01-16T23:42:10.609-05:00ButterYesterday, I came across a recipe for <a href="http://www.simplifylivelove.com/2012/01/9-grain-bread.html/">9 grain bread</a>! It was by far the best bread I've ever tasted and so very easy to make. However, you'll have to come back another day for the bread...today's post is about butter, because you can't have warm bread without butter! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcRVljPyRU54xLmdu5OzDShtbYOPsyw384XQo2joZnYtQ44qv0331n4zGHDcYnjl0JR3pHgrFNCuSfYeN9-RFF6gGa3x3fFCaeSW4WNfumC7yq7HrH0U7gLhPxPMbr4KVF_41RsYimvp4/s1600/P1140020.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcRVljPyRU54xLmdu5OzDShtbYOPsyw384XQo2joZnYtQ44qv0331n4zGHDcYnjl0JR3pHgrFNCuSfYeN9-RFF6gGa3x3fFCaeSW4WNfumC7yq7HrH0U7gLhPxPMbr4KVF_41RsYimvp4/s400/P1140020.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697668621757777186" /></a>Pour 2 cups of heavy cream into your mixer and a couple pinches of salt (optional). Set on med-high speed.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxK8o5fA9hB6LnBru8mK3aQ8sgd7oTsfvjMbz5QSNeVL4iPQmc7FqOZHmU9L9ABeksp4MyOvR1jPvK7gPS0GegMM3Ayr0YL8-JNdF_xuT1BW1XWdK9BGeT-MS6ArKLdpVkhgTpLlNhf2Y/s1600/P1140022.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxK8o5fA9hB6LnBru8mK3aQ8sgd7oTsfvjMbz5QSNeVL4iPQmc7FqOZHmU9L9ABeksp4MyOvR1jPvK7gPS0GegMM3Ayr0YL8-JNdF_xuT1BW1XWdK9BGeT-MS6ArKLdpVkhgTpLlNhf2Y/s400/P1140022.JPG" order="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697669068970808658" /></a>About 5 or so minutes into mixing, you'll hit the whipped cream stage...just add a tablespoon or 2 of powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla. Not today though, we have to keep mixing because that bread is about ready to come out of the oven! <br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21vVAV5QfSMHMftWSKGKPx7RIAnOqhRpFxmjY6IhEc7Sj6Q_0ZSBH3mBwJRC-YjTMmgrwj5yi4xG5D9uSXAayCCqZ1zjrk7qDQfKFGLr7ljTA3MdzEV4Z-UxXJLp1ijS2vK8bOU0J350/s1600/P1140024.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21vVAV5QfSMHMftWSKGKPx7RIAnOqhRpFxmjY6IhEc7Sj6Q_0ZSBH3mBwJRC-YjTMmgrwj5yi4xG5D9uSXAayCCqZ1zjrk7qDQfKFGLr7ljTA3MdzEV4Z-UxXJLp1ijS2vK8bOU0J350/s400/P1140024.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697670756207426290" /></a>Almost there! You can see that it's starting to change color and separate a little. Keep mixing!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0GRZ6r9yBIiJK8vBdPECY3i2hug_3aHaqCQscvvzE-ZF7bwJHFP8O8AKRjtP8G9mFFRNbpTJI39WpBtlgt3QnpP7yl3V824pYhta_iQAWQLfIEzlfXnLySip7F0hwCz_znjvoH0l5Z68/s1600/P1140026.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0GRZ6r9yBIiJK8vBdPECY3i2hug_3aHaqCQscvvzE-ZF7bwJHFP8O8AKRjtP8G9mFFRNbpTJI39WpBtlgt3QnpP7yl3V824pYhta_iQAWQLfIEzlfXnLySip7F0hwCz_znjvoH0l5Z68/s400/P1140026.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697675549260159330" /></a>You'll know when it's finished when all the butter collects on the whip and buttermilk is left in the bowl.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0AWj88onzu_2INgKJpUa-L7qNR41TfxHH8XzZWd1XmP3XKJ12h-c1m1xpm_pGSXO464z39FgRhdGw6f9pTylox2fDKUflUtszcq8QPZ0Dh7-xnQ7TDewh2eOrHqRfeNEjkqVBa-wzUZo/s1600/P1140027.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0AWj88onzu_2INgKJpUa-L7qNR41TfxHH8XzZWd1XmP3XKJ12h-c1m1xpm_pGSXO464z39FgRhdGw6f9pTylox2fDKUflUtszcq8QPZ0Dh7-xnQ7TDewh2eOrHqRfeNEjkqVBa-wzUZo/s400/P1140027.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697671907716397186" /></a>Pull your butter off the whip and run it under very cold water. You'll want to work the butter and squeeze as much buttermilk out of it as you can. <br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHnKajcS1uAisQU5eu9brBgnKlbXYfBRqY1W0uwrkfX6Kk7wz_I8lmPN4qEtQEw5tKIovuu1pE4sL_vKjpyupyfg27CzXxpcXk3qW98FpLcOb1M2-CBopF_0PC0jZOP4RQDDB_XTNde8/s1600/P1140031.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHnKajcS1uAisQU5eu9brBgnKlbXYfBRqY1W0uwrkfX6Kk7wz_I8lmPN4qEtQEw5tKIovuu1pE4sL_vKjpyupyfg27CzXxpcXk3qW98FpLcOb1M2-CBopF_0PC0jZOP4RQDDB_XTNde8/s400/P1140031.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697672588636852082" /></a>You can put it in a dish, roll it in a ball, or make it any shape you'd like. I personally use an old mold that was given to me by a very sweet and generous lady I go to church with. I hunted for a mold for months and you'd be shocked how much they sell for!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkVT6JgDakMqhvNzucdpwVQJn-pjh1CAD0bzV9HFBzOfPh9ORenzR8-vs-OdTbLFfqP0awrepYb5gLKXDOs3AsFDI1HGy1hnsWDD8-KyxSqEp5QmlEg6nDtp5BfRCl3GElxnh8Sw0J3WU/s1600/P1140043.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkVT6JgDakMqhvNzucdpwVQJn-pjh1CAD0bzV9HFBzOfPh9ORenzR8-vs-OdTbLFfqP0awrepYb5gLKXDOs3AsFDI1HGy1hnsWDD8-KyxSqEp5QmlEg6nDtp5BfRCl3GElxnh8Sw0J3WU/s400/P1140043.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697673736434975538" /></a>Don't throw that buttermilk out! Save it for some pancakes or salad dressing!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg59ZyC4nt_gs8Iq1SSY6SwTPyH-LKkFjaK7phCo1DoCDWPVVb364ZPx0hZvn8YZWsUnZTTvxhry8mDZ5efMX1wN-3Z3xH1_iO-S74srQvy4Xb9FjwdWneDy3x_mWBBCwVb20MtpxDucEE/s1600/P1140047.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg59ZyC4nt_gs8Iq1SSY6SwTPyH-LKkFjaK7phCo1DoCDWPVVb364ZPx0hZvn8YZWsUnZTTvxhry8mDZ5efMX1wN-3Z3xH1_iO-S74srQvy4Xb9FjwdWneDy3x_mWBBCwVb20MtpxDucEE/s400/P1140047.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697674148438519858" /></a>Here's my butter with that OH SOOOO YUMMY <a href="http://www.simplifylivelove.com/2012/01/9-grain-bread.html/">9 grain bread</a>! There aren't words!Melissa Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09640560595154971681noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328004648014922116.post-16142485991951126532012-01-13T10:19:00.003-05:002012-01-13T10:23:13.990-05:00Finished Block<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSK1euFKDhsP32FLYVCovX2p32905pKMNJUOOmeD09e9qrvFehWIyS8UU_WOVlrYXoHgdIjcEFNJMzCEmVfsycG5PGACHLJyQRxJIA1rv0KUM4UqjdqbYTFIMRcifN2HmRFKtiiLZRF3U/s1600/P1130008.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSK1euFKDhsP32FLYVCovX2p32905pKMNJUOOmeD09e9qrvFehWIyS8UU_WOVlrYXoHgdIjcEFNJMzCEmVfsycG5PGACHLJyQRxJIA1rv0KUM4UqjdqbYTFIMRcifN2HmRFKtiiLZRF3U/s400/P1130008.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697136928537846642" /></a><br />Here is my finished 12x12 quilt block for January. It was interesting working with the smaller pieces...something I'm not used to. I can't wait to see what next months block will look like!Melissa Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09640560595154971681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328004648014922116.post-69558424184446599202012-01-12T15:56:00.008-05:002012-01-12T21:41:28.376-05:00Block of the Month ClubDoes your local quilt shop have a block of the month club? Ours does and for $5 you can have a quilt top in December! It's been 10 years since I participated in a block of the month club. It's an easy way to feed that need to sew and not get overwhelmed with picking out fabric and finding the time to actually do the project! For example, right now I am working on a T-shirt quilt for my hubby that has been moved to the back burner 100+ times over the last 6 years! I'm determined to complete it so I can give it to him when he returns home from the Chief's Academy! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE12ZiP5GocIZtBKFApaO1hn1Q2nOqpLsKJTK4KvqLiAT87xXC4OM20UMXePo3RuKPy7DPgAS1J-qOLvUKHfUWZsxRM-QPbDfRz4mPBVugGc7M0oL5xeFAuDMamtM3Ws3_OF_SXb6-yiA/s1600/P1120006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE12ZiP5GocIZtBKFApaO1hn1Q2nOqpLsKJTK4KvqLiAT87xXC4OM20UMXePo3RuKPy7DPgAS1J-qOLvUKHfUWZsxRM-QPbDfRz4mPBVugGc7M0oL5xeFAuDMamtM3Ws3_OF_SXb6-yiA/s400/P1120006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696854252548197794" /></a><br />Because it's only $5, there are rules. You must complete your block by the second Saturday of the following month to take in and show to receive the new pattern and material at no charge. If you can't make it, our quilt shop is generous enough to give you 1 free pass but any missed after that will require another $5 fee. It's almost like you have to earn your next pattern! A quilt for $5 is well worth completing 1 block to turn in each month!Melissa Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09640560595154971681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328004648014922116.post-43870113244662910812012-01-11T10:54:00.009-05:002012-01-11T14:11:12.894-05:00SmOOOOOthie-sicle!In an effort to get more fruits into my pickiest eater, I have resorted to Popsicles! I don't know if it's a texture issue or a visual dislike, but I am on a mission to get more fruits and veggies in her! Cassie has a much stronger will than her brothers do, especially when it comes to food. Maybe it's because she's the baby or maybe because she's a girl; I don't know, but I'm at my breaking point when it comes to the battle over food. <br /><br />For the last two days, I've made smoothies with breakfast. Colin and I can't get enough, but little Miss Cassie can pick out even the smallest strawberry seed! I guess I'll have to invest in a blender that pulverises seeds at some point.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ojS89TwixBqqGGqm46r1O7QedVqO1w_lfhmjvx4RSjIVKz95VykczmzxW17k7wwwk5ql7sa_t_hqZF1v7Ed2EQUJKUrBgBZy2k-DldvgKjOUlWf5qeEt04qgPGt8tpAgelmUm_kkgL4/s1600/P1110090.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ojS89TwixBqqGGqm46r1O7QedVqO1w_lfhmjvx4RSjIVKz95VykczmzxW17k7wwwk5ql7sa_t_hqZF1v7Ed2EQUJKUrBgBZy2k-DldvgKjOUlWf5qeEt04qgPGt8tpAgelmUm_kkgL4/s400/P1110090.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696408133909062514" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Ingredients:</strong><br />1 banana<br />1 kiwi<br />4 <a href="http://homeschoolstamperof3.blogspot.com/2011/07/oh-so-prettypeach-jelly.html">peach halves</a><br />1/2 cup <a href="http://homeschoolstamperof3.blogspot.com/2010/05/strawberry-everything.html">thawed strawberries</a><br />1/4 cup pineapple<br />6 oz. <a href="http://homeschoolstamperof3.blogspot.com/2011/02/something-new-food-friday.html">vanilla yogurt</a><br />1/8 cup coconut milk<br />2 TBSP honey<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9MgDpZKO1uwnYGzsIaXfD0L943NixkZ63f7XqFuSdPXgDeyMcSWbhZh0s7PAddtQa335W689iv1RaRYDeV_-iMNM9frgNx9Dcihs5akY4hgm5wS47HO7sSlxrIGIZj4N4xXMBc7_OgPk/s1600/P1110096.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9MgDpZKO1uwnYGzsIaXfD0L943NixkZ63f7XqFuSdPXgDeyMcSWbhZh0s7PAddtQa335W689iv1RaRYDeV_-iMNM9frgNx9Dcihs5akY4hgm5wS47HO7sSlxrIGIZj4N4xXMBc7_OgPk/s400/P1110096.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696408631528226322" /></a><br /><br />I'm really hoping this Popsicle disguise will help! We'll see and I'll let you know how it turns out. If you have any fruit and vegetable tricks that you'd like to share, I'd love to hear about it...and give it a try!Melissa Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09640560595154971681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328004648014922116.post-86309096141719675082011-12-30T09:24:00.005-05:002011-12-30T09:58:57.642-05:00SOAP!I've entered the world of soap making! It all started when we picked up some homemade soap and shampoo bars at a couple of craft fairs a while back. We LOVED the results...no more cracked hands and clearer complexions. When we ran out of soap, we noticed a change in our skin immediately...cracking, blemishes, and dryness returned! Could making it be that hard? I've been making laundry soap and dishwasher detergent for about 8 months now...why not make body wash and shampoo too? <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5aWK5SseMYiuIN_0IK1Zs64xMniL4q6bAwKnnwj03fWw56mvarZR8RSdpO51hl48KkJumKv9HSG_hRDbN3mSjsGWIr0tL4F_ilNWz8a0xAysawdCy78ziPBjSgjToRaJoZeUDpOFyRXM/s1600/PC300079.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5aWK5SseMYiuIN_0IK1Zs64xMniL4q6bAwKnnwj03fWw56mvarZR8RSdpO51hl48KkJumKv9HSG_hRDbN3mSjsGWIr0tL4F_ilNWz8a0xAysawdCy78ziPBjSgjToRaJoZeUDpOFyRXM/s400/PC300079.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691931857522158210" /></a><br />I made my pitch to the hubby and he tucked that information away! So, for my birthday and Christmas, I got all the supplies I need to make soap for my family at home! <br /><br />I could hardly wait to make soap after opening each gift! Next, we went to the grocery and hardware store to pick up the ingredients! In my excitement, I didn't take any photos of the actual process...I will next time! Here's a picture of my candy cane bars curing...they smell heavenly!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9hejPalEjK1jsRNRr7NiZOkOzZHzCp_xu272cUAz_xKvW_GHPoVfF46URTFLaV9w7lhnZk44GCRC_2C3HlKSIxiwI834fa4SpyXo2YQdumg_Dx_JOaGndIWj_y6U-bODDFyYfwp-iDrc/s1600/PC300085.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9hejPalEjK1jsRNRr7NiZOkOzZHzCp_xu272cUAz_xKvW_GHPoVfF46URTFLaV9w7lhnZk44GCRC_2C3HlKSIxiwI834fa4SpyXo2YQdumg_Dx_JOaGndIWj_y6U-bODDFyYfwp-iDrc/s400/PC300085.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691933970372297394" /></a>Melissa Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09640560595154971681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328004648014922116.post-2939776285878237202011-12-20T07:32:00.008-05:002011-12-20T08:45:38.714-05:00Wonderful GiftsLast week I did a series of posts about making Christmas gift baskets filled with homemade goodies! Today I want to share a few gifts from a few of my friends...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WkT25xU_o9LtUbfLTXEzj_Ypd-Qo9H4WDqbrB0XxjxNdGU3plxeTd87rsJgSZBVgmSAqZza52Jhze6rv0uDtIaJeuk0EFJ4Zi46CSxqkwnpZ7UsO0GbAIOeh44FoL_8AFdWBh9sAMwY/s1600/PC200050.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WkT25xU_o9LtUbfLTXEzj_Ypd-Qo9H4WDqbrB0XxjxNdGU3plxeTd87rsJgSZBVgmSAqZza52Jhze6rv0uDtIaJeuk0EFJ4Zi46CSxqkwnpZ7UsO0GbAIOeh44FoL_8AFdWBh9sAMwY/s400/PC200050.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688197216754104498" /></a><br />We had another Christmas gathering to attend last night...for Boy Scouts. My friend Lisa made these adorable little angel earrings for me! Tucked in with the earrings, was the scripture, Luke 2:10, But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people." <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGswJTMR7-1v1xYb0TG46YLQj6KhReBci0USle25KqEolCLgsDBXSDjcc2RECcYj0SIrWxRPFVNQN0nEjuZSn9IOeKIdAJAiQCxlBaZARaOxgTqu3BC4Ospdb7e2VbzjB6Uwg8JQ9LK-o/s1600/PC200053.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGswJTMR7-1v1xYb0TG46YLQj6KhReBci0USle25KqEolCLgsDBXSDjcc2RECcYj0SIrWxRPFVNQN0nEjuZSn9IOeKIdAJAiQCxlBaZARaOxgTqu3BC4Ospdb7e2VbzjB6Uwg8JQ9LK-o/s400/PC200053.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688198354555251154" /></a><br />Lisa also made a special gift for the kids! PLAY DOUGH...with cookie cutters! What an awesome idea!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpceYv9lY9zJ-Ae37hMiq65CRC0ofa7BRzUXv-1zaQhRzQieT4JLYMmxuLVD6qrV1uypjRknfpKl3i747i3ZcEjA1F2KM67FSAsW8qpRCc1EE8myWLKQ_IKpMr9GH3wg7aBp8yIr46RCA/s1600/PC200039.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpceYv9lY9zJ-Ae37hMiq65CRC0ofa7BRzUXv-1zaQhRzQieT4JLYMmxuLVD6qrV1uypjRknfpKl3i747i3ZcEjA1F2KM67FSAsW8qpRCc1EE8myWLKQ_IKpMr9GH3wg7aBp8yIr46RCA/s400/PC200039.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688190781154984402" /></a><br />I just had to get these adorable little dolls for Cassie! Aren't they cute? Notice that I couldn't get just one...I thought one would be lonely! These were made by my dear friend Allison! <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV4K6lvvJ8yp0gKhOU4kY0m6IMcL04qFGUuJD-VTNP_EzB0Gd4n94I86jt8Dd_hE1N1yIQZXuimqowooO87cMGVzYkIY1a4aki6lblS7j7CSM9CPbjgQG7nKXZWoR0yCdSSrdC_Is6Z5Y/s1600/PC200057.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV4K6lvvJ8yp0gKhOU4kY0m6IMcL04qFGUuJD-VTNP_EzB0Gd4n94I86jt8Dd_hE1N1yIQZXuimqowooO87cMGVzYkIY1a4aki6lblS7j7CSM9CPbjgQG7nKXZWoR0yCdSSrdC_Is6Z5Y/s400/PC200057.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688203747774975682" /></a><br />Here's Rusty all snuggled up with <strong>MY</strong> corn bag! These are a hot (no pun intended) item around my house! We've worn out the sleeves that hold the inner corn bag, but our corn is still going strong! My friend Chrissy makes these soothing bags that can be heated in the microwave or put in the freezer as a cold pack! I use mine to warm my spot up before climbing in bed! You can check out these and other great items <a href="http://evelia-enterprises.com/"><strong>HERE</strong></a>!Melissa Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09640560595154971681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328004648014922116.post-74471863885001361862011-12-17T11:13:00.003-05:002011-12-17T11:19:24.429-05:00And the winner is...This morning, we wrote the names of the 3 ladies that entered my card giveaway on little slips of papar and did a drawing! Colin picked the lucky lady...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQUDV7YBqDz3iXON2nalsSG55AOntE1ssk1fwhkNR192RFkDWnk5z1-za3VbtPic_wFjNaMNcINCroW7UUfQlFuiwZdxQi6oiaBgc79MFhe3VzF8PCa0FF5diqJFVPK-krk2kpSbUzuk/s1600/PC170038.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQUDV7YBqDz3iXON2nalsSG55AOntE1ssk1fwhkNR192RFkDWnk5z1-za3VbtPic_wFjNaMNcINCroW7UUfQlFuiwZdxQi6oiaBgc79MFhe3VzF8PCa0FF5diqJFVPK-krk2kpSbUzuk/s400/PC170038.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687131898709967714" /></a><br /><br />Congratulations, Tiffany! Thank you ladies for visiting my blog and we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a blessed 2012!Melissa Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09640560595154971681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328004648014922116.post-27973093652373508092011-12-15T08:18:00.011-05:002011-12-15T09:43:41.841-05:00Christmas DecoratingI've enjoyed seeing all the different ways people decorate for Christmas. We've seen some spectacular light displays on homes in our community. What I've enjoyed most is seeing all of the beautiful handmade decorations at my fellow bloggers blog's...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBvr0a6ZDa2n_FN9TBCb_lscQwS0CPmqLvGHo-MlDW7aXyOSi1vAV_tChQlrnls0l34R0aNWFM2PqYE26EFRvf5BtamiaWK2ZX31GKYBqNpE_QNzYFmlFqd4T-leWeoQARvw7xJ9Ap4g/s1600/wood+names.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBvr0a6ZDa2n_FN9TBCb_lscQwS0CPmqLvGHo-MlDW7aXyOSi1vAV_tChQlrnls0l34R0aNWFM2PqYE26EFRvf5BtamiaWK2ZX31GKYBqNpE_QNzYFmlFqd4T-leWeoQARvw7xJ9Ap4g/s400/wood+names.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686349359770967426" /></a><br /><br />Isn't this beautiful? I just love this idea! You can check this and many other ideas out at <a href="http://teachinggoodthings.com/blog/personalized-wood-gifts/">Teaching Good Things</a><br /><br />For the last couple of years we've gotten our tree at friend's big red barn! When we got it home and Danny was getting it set up, he says, "Who's idea was it to bring a tree in the house?" Me being who I am said, "Well, I guess it was mine." In his frustration, lets just say that wasn't the answer he was looking for. Trying to keep from laughing, I had to ask, "What's wrong?" He didn't respond, just a grumble, that is until he started stringing the brand new lights that only 2/3 of worked. Again, he asks in his frustrated voice, "Who's idea was it to bring a tree in the house...and put lights on it?" Knowing he wasn't looking for the first answer I gave him, I had to giggle and respond, "Me, dear." So, we managed to gather some working lights together and got our tree decorated.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHMMQjIQPFY5vjXj_n5YgwDUyX6xFojFaAk3nK_7g5ejmfPP2HrEpbgnPitdtZ5O5nBa2zMFqlobofAyd3aVPhoC0G2dyB32vVnd7T4UQ8rydetwa6daZEUgA_SDKiH5sxqcraYzOguo/s1600/PC150032.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHMMQjIQPFY5vjXj_n5YgwDUyX6xFojFaAk3nK_7g5ejmfPP2HrEpbgnPitdtZ5O5nBa2zMFqlobofAyd3aVPhoC0G2dyB32vVnd7T4UQ8rydetwa6daZEUgA_SDKiH5sxqcraYzOguo/s400/PC150032.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686351442578777650" /></a><br /><br />The kids are constantly rearranging the ornaments and moving them from tree to tree. Yes, we have more than one tree! The kids look forward to getting an ornament from their Me-Me and Pa-Paw every year. Throw in all the ornaments they make each year, that equals a lot of ornaments! To remedy this, we got the kids their own little tree to hang all of their personal ornaments on. This is a picture of Colin's tree...he LOVES his nut crackers! This year he asked me to make him a yo-yo garland like the one I purchased for Cassie's tree at a craft fair last year. The yo-yo garland is probably my favorite decoration because I used scraps from quilts I've made over the years, so each scrap has a memory.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWhoS9FEW_tckQcfmM1s36CYZ09F2Nr9aGA5EMa_2zySpvz8FG0EbDapvNEfY6fFnBWH9th4EqNWYDuVkdZqfgjI3Pz7qxBS6a2pxHEHjKC-nHmiQbJla4KKRdU5BZMFs0rwyOe47VRo/s1600/PC140025.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWhoS9FEW_tckQcfmM1s36CYZ09F2Nr9aGA5EMa_2zySpvz8FG0EbDapvNEfY6fFnBWH9th4EqNWYDuVkdZqfgjI3Pz7qxBS6a2pxHEHjKC-nHmiQbJla4KKRdU5BZMFs0rwyOe47VRo/s400/PC140025.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686353250576864098" /></a><br /><br />One more thing I wanted to share was how I display our Christmas cards. There were some neat idea's at the <a href="http://homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/2011/12/barn-hop-40-great-holiday-event.html">Barn Hop</a> this week! <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCY9RK7UVXyUcGkkAd-JUixTAnS9X89absT1BtJCxZdjB4kinfcgz9gD_5ieQBS8f5HC8VwTLrqntZdL7bLGIAP8Kjih8eLqx4neev86TqBJpRtgvSbt02-6nOadSneee_mljFjHQqO_c/s1600/PC140015.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCY9RK7UVXyUcGkkAd-JUixTAnS9X89absT1BtJCxZdjB4kinfcgz9gD_5ieQBS8f5HC8VwTLrqntZdL7bLGIAP8Kjih8eLqx4neev86TqBJpRtgvSbt02-6nOadSneee_mljFjHQqO_c/s400/PC140015.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686355469088915058" /></a>Melissa Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09640560595154971681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328004648014922116.post-20284270753745597552011-12-14T07:00:00.003-05:002011-12-14T08:04:48.901-05:00Homemade Gift Ideas Part 4 & Giveaway!Another great idea for your Christmas gift basket is cookies! Baking cookies is a Christmas tradition in most homes. Some of my favorites are... <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDQbs0NKLOhlLj2CEBO4TTLcBAuHoW8PB5JKodACbQSufPLGcb5rmJgllC56ZKAycUjGXF_gzYTjeE2txgqDVkomHo65rgniutPkXkm-BDqze-22ldCGvqLe9ex6yA5wSlX-93UKClxY/s1600/PC130009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDQbs0NKLOhlLj2CEBO4TTLcBAuHoW8PB5JKodACbQSufPLGcb5rmJgllC56ZKAycUjGXF_gzYTjeE2txgqDVkomHo65rgniutPkXkm-BDqze-22ldCGvqLe9ex6yA5wSlX-93UKClxY/s400/PC130009.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685582945307585618" /></a><br />Chocolate Mint Chip Cookies...these are a favorite around here! They taste like a Girl Scout Thin Mint to me! Some how I don't feel as guilty when I eat 10 of mine! Here's how to make them!<br /><br />Ingredients:<br />2 cups sugar<br />1 1/4 cup softened butter<br />2 eggs<br />3/4 cup cocoa powder<br />2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (I use a 50/50 mix of fresh milled hard and soft wheat to give me an all purpose flour)<br />2 tsp salt<br />1 tsp baking soda<br />1 cup chopped Andes mints<br /><br />Directions:<br />1. Cream first 3 ingredients. <br />2. Mix remaining ingredients in a separate bowl then add to wet ingredients and mix well.<br />3. Spoon on to a greased (I use parchment paper) cookie sheet. Bake 7-12 minutes at 350*, until cookies are just done, but not well-done. Over cooking will make them dry and hard. Cookies will flatten as they cool. Leave on pan for a few minutes before moving them to a cooling rack. <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNngWaBrW4G-kjJEBMrrtayc1ORvdHGSJsQm7vPV2UutQ5YbmUpG0a6pBscnX9GWxNawmpWDS4TwFXQkAjiW6UoMnuKrnOxCe_dGsHGoB4SGV0_a5i3pkLNF4CQ8bms7sYhLdnyqOW76w/s1600/PC100019.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNngWaBrW4G-kjJEBMrrtayc1ORvdHGSJsQm7vPV2UutQ5YbmUpG0a6pBscnX9GWxNawmpWDS4TwFXQkAjiW6UoMnuKrnOxCe_dGsHGoB4SGV0_a5i3pkLNF4CQ8bms7sYhLdnyqOW76w/s400/PC100019.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685586977379614802" /></a><br />Another one of my favorites is Fruit Cake Cookies. I don't know about you, but I think fruit cake gets a bad wrap. All the terrible stories I'd heard about fruit cake kept me from ever trying it...that is until I tasted my mother-n-law's fruit cake cookies! The first time I tried them, my thought was I'd give it a try since it was bite sized and easy to throw out if I didn't like it! Now, I make them every year and they are a hit everywhere I take them.<br /><br />Ingredients:<br />1 cup softened butter<br />1 cup light brown sugar<br />3 cups sifted flour (I don't sift because my flour is fresh milled. I use 3 1/2 cups of a 50/50 mixture of soft and hard wheat to give me an all purpose flour)<br />1/2 tsp baking soda<br />1 tsp cinnamon<br />3 eggs well beaten<br />1/4 cup sherry wine<br />1/4 evaporated milk<br />1 lb. of each, white raisins and dates<br />8 oz. of each, chopped green and red candied cherries<br />16 oz. chopped candied pineapple<br />5 cups of nuts (I use a mixture of walnuts and pecans)<br /><br />Directions:<br />1. Cream butter and sugar.<br />2. Stir in eggs.<br />3. Mix dry ingredients in a separate bowl and add to cream mixture.<br />4. In a cup, mix sherry and milk and add alternately with fruit and nut mixture.<br />5. Drop cookies in balls on a parchment paper lined pan and bake at 300* for 20 minutes. <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZM9Fsfy8hXP2TqLYRvtIIb9JeucG0RNoEReInGAtkwK2n9T7KMJaewC1JwBCbhUfVpqsV1TojXkKDGpoP2KNQfm0FT1uAxOfxjY286ZaZ2k5FpG3fOhI6ObAsf4WfH5o8gHOwXXoTQyE/s1600/PC100013.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZM9Fsfy8hXP2TqLYRvtIIb9JeucG0RNoEReInGAtkwK2n9T7KMJaewC1JwBCbhUfVpqsV1TojXkKDGpoP2KNQfm0FT1uAxOfxjY286ZaZ2k5FpG3fOhI6ObAsf4WfH5o8gHOwXXoTQyE/s400/PC100013.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685591217994135314" /></a><br />This next one is a new favorite around our house! I made this recipe for the first time the other day with the help of my niece Hannah...Thank you, Hannah! I always called these Snowballs when I was growing up, but they are also know as Pecan Sandies. Again, I went to my mother-n-law who has an indefinite stash of recipes and this one is an old recipe she clipped out of the paper many years ago!<br /><br />Ingredients:<br />2 cups sifted all-purpose flour (Again, I used the 50/50 soft and hard wheat mixture, but add an extra 1/2 cup to any recipe you are converting)<br />1/2 tsp salt<br />3/4 cup softened butter<br />1/2 cup sugar<br />1 egg<br />1 tsp vanilla extract<br />1 cup chopped pecans<br />Confectioners' sugar to roll warm balls in after baking.<br /><br />Directions:<br />1. Cream butter; add sugar and continue; add egg and vanilla and continue mixing.<br />2. Mix dry ingredients and gradually add to wet mixture.<br />3. Add pecans and mix.<br />4. Shape dough into balls and bake at 350* for 12-15 minutes or lightly browned.<br />5. Roll in confectioners' sugar while still warm and then again when cool.<br /><br /><br />Since Christmas is the season of giving, I thought this would be the perfect time to do my first giveaway! Did you see the cards I posted yesterday? Well, I'm giving <a href="http://homeschoolstamperof3.blogspot.com/2011/12/homemade-gift-ideas-part-3.html">those 5</a> plus 7 more away...that equals 12 cards for Christmas! Below is a photo of the additional 7 you'll receive! All you have to do is leave a comment on this post (please make sure your email or blog link is in the post so I can contact the winner). Giveaway will close this Friday, December 16th at midnight! Check back on Saturday to find out who the winner is! Merry Christmas and Thank you for visiting my blog!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPOHaY19qyLo-HNTlRfZ35waJk_jeVphgzxudivZOLbhAvipaUzIEtSEuAbovRZl6CzoJTRLLqmAlmZiUWYq4Hh3kKJ9eNdG4Pmx3f7dW819xG-PMJJ-asSGuXZujWiPoejddNeunf5o/s1600/PC140014.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPOHaY19qyLo-HNTlRfZ35waJk_jeVphgzxudivZOLbhAvipaUzIEtSEuAbovRZl6CzoJTRLLqmAlmZiUWYq4Hh3kKJ9eNdG4Pmx3f7dW819xG-PMJJ-asSGuXZujWiPoejddNeunf5o/s400/PC140014.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685962557519927458" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLXR5CO2q6pjnqeN4tXprNN3-Tsnj8v4oB75_giBOsJ0AlSEb5cTBbKk-qfCzsnF8j-GcQrI9YelTT7PybHwagSZsmmjvNsFf45w-3xfWwEOEY493CA3J6cV5IP9jv7FmXwL6tNUyaik/s1600/RH-LinkUp-150.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLXR5CO2q6pjnqeN4tXprNN3-Tsnj8v4oB75_giBOsJ0AlSEb5cTBbKk-qfCzsnF8j-GcQrI9YelTT7PybHwagSZsmmjvNsFf45w-3xfWwEOEY493CA3J6cV5IP9jv7FmXwL6tNUyaik/s400/RH-LinkUp-150.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685967865941126834" /></a><br />This post is linked to the <a href="http://raisinghomemakers.com/2011/homemaking-link-up-55/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+RaisingHomemakers+%28Raising+Homemakers%29">Raising Homemaker's Wednesday Homemaking Link-up</a>!Melissa Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09640560595154971681noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328004648014922116.post-62761198979238720402011-12-13T08:00:00.000-05:002011-12-13T08:00:19.290-05:00Homemade Gift Ideas Part 3Every Christmas we put together baskets full of homemade goodies to give away. Here is another goodie idea that you can add...homemade cards!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29oV7dNn4IyesQ48ZO2LWG9IgDsGYDyeL6iRx5YO6dZABd1XwxXQ6Vp42GxBxGOPIEMn0Q6d5J2Kv5R8SKSvn9U8Jw_qTjA8oTp1ylwF7tJ3twKOHc4L4slNMhiQmM8fu1nKkE13SRIs/s1600/PC090110.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29oV7dNn4IyesQ48ZO2LWG9IgDsGYDyeL6iRx5YO6dZABd1XwxXQ6Vp42GxBxGOPIEMn0Q6d5J2Kv5R8SKSvn9U8Jw_qTjA8oTp1ylwF7tJ3twKOHc4L4slNMhiQmM8fu1nKkE13SRIs/s400/PC090110.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684662994613116514" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEnYuE40Mng8lcqMcCqcIGRE3VCRwpsjHfNbzl-d9UYIBm57hPnhL4kVyjCeU1hnM3aalYb8y9kPG8ht-aLAVTL5Tha8D0caMU6jWolgxVmi2-3af0AkGDnv390CnmWQ7VT3qhQVEk2M/s1600/PC090119.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEnYuE40Mng8lcqMcCqcIGRE3VCRwpsjHfNbzl-d9UYIBm57hPnhL4kVyjCeU1hnM3aalYb8y9kPG8ht-aLAVTL5Tha8D0caMU6jWolgxVmi2-3af0AkGDnv390CnmWQ7VT3qhQVEk2M/s400/PC090119.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684664354092254770" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWvZ7UJFIh93dGTo-JwUPGJZ690AVSlvRpafdPSQCiO5Cxk6Hnj1aHQfYuq-ukewHe091heMFXuLtU8uK9bWSJKLyE850Gv8tTv1atrkRW5Cvg0qBYJXUKIkVuu1pxSpHTiYhJIMflKM/s1600/PC090118.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWvZ7UJFIh93dGTo-JwUPGJZ690AVSlvRpafdPSQCiO5Cxk6Hnj1aHQfYuq-ukewHe091heMFXuLtU8uK9bWSJKLyE850Gv8tTv1atrkRW5Cvg0qBYJXUKIkVuu1pxSpHTiYhJIMflKM/s400/PC090118.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684664344281328834" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Sg23nZ1o-L1V_MiGkKtIyuwEdOt97NUbOplHu4oDX1gXCcF9f03ZMtBgFd-gPHUrKihgmunSuWUrWuF_9432NRmHcA3oMuNJMotoqK3vOz3Bp_Svj167sFFGD7xn2d8EUn-SqbS1WHU/s1600/PC090117.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Sg23nZ1o-L1V_MiGkKtIyuwEdOt97NUbOplHu4oDX1gXCcF9f03ZMtBgFd-gPHUrKihgmunSuWUrWuF_9432NRmHcA3oMuNJMotoqK3vOz3Bp_Svj167sFFGD7xn2d8EUn-SqbS1WHU/s400/PC090117.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684664337945346610" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQtmbnCKahilGdZXQtTOiw3_Wzs9htxMCxt3mjw2YMmLlPJRIQkPLFmgafMrDpby7ZwytULEPen4cprC_IKiZwtKdAxr9uTKu0PNSV8lfMUBK3wKS1-BWmjTFS3bOCusdaHq4dgdlBdBw/s1600/PC090114.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQtmbnCKahilGdZXQtTOiw3_Wzs9htxMCxt3mjw2YMmLlPJRIQkPLFmgafMrDpby7ZwytULEPen4cprC_IKiZwtKdAxr9uTKu0PNSV8lfMUBK3wKS1-BWmjTFS3bOCusdaHq4dgdlBdBw/s400/PC090114.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684664326849610482" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTee-kLA_nYOFQs6auFxi25OXIF9ie9cBzyH_nnfzcsqzju9MqqtCiPhqH1noSFOiyEXZZ6EEtWD2auNxx6p-OviGJGgzph6OV3hgAMQKI9CSb5AB91XZIJEzQngzNysapiMRlKvSR3qc/s1600/PC090120.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTee-kLA_nYOFQs6auFxi25OXIF9ie9cBzyH_nnfzcsqzju9MqqtCiPhqH1noSFOiyEXZZ6EEtWD2auNxx6p-OviGJGgzph6OV3hgAMQKI9CSb5AB91XZIJEzQngzNysapiMRlKvSR3qc/s400/PC090120.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684664362179586514" /></a>Melissa Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09640560595154971681noreply@blogger.com0