Dip Me

{Jesica's Dip}

Within hours after my last post my sister-in-law Mary send me a text.  She couldn't wait to get this dip recipe.  This may not seem like a big deal, but she just had a baby and the text was so long it was in 2 parts.  Now that's drive.

Mary, here you go.  Feed those post-pardum cravings.;) 

Ah, Jesica.  Thank-you.  She brought this killer fruit dip and believe me when I say it "wowed" the masses at the family reunion.  If you look closely you'll notice there isn't much left in that large bowl...and I wasn't the only one who put more on their plate--without any fruit.;)

Man, it was GOOD. 

Jesica's Yummy, Yummy Fruit Dip Recipe

Disclaimer: Make and eat at your own risk.  I will not be held responsible for the amount you consume or the consequences that come from it.  ;)

Mix the following together:

1 8oz box of cream cheese {i assumed we'll want it room temp...}

1 jar of caramel

1 Skor candy bar smashed up into bits

The End

You'll never be the same.

{Unbutton}

Who needs that top button anyway.  

You must know by now that I'm a lover of good food.  Hence, these next pictures.  Heaven forbid I don't document this part of the reunion.  And who knows, maybe you'll be inspired like I was...:)

Giganto Pietro's Pizza.  Memory made. This pizza hasn't changed since I was a kid, and it made my day--and I have a feeling I wasn't the only one loving it...

The grill and the future of our legal system...

This fall my brother {in the white} starts is journey with law in Arizona.
Good luck Matt.
Good luck Arizona.

Oh, and the hamburgers and hot dogs were superb.

{I-Scream}

I love the memories of my grandma scooping us ice cream for us in the summer.  Just the plain old vanilla, chocolate, and if we were lucky, strawberry.   And what kid {or grown up} doesn't love a good ice cream cone? 

Messy?  Yes.  Worth it? You betcha.

 

{Blues}
While the guys went golfing the 1st day of the reunion a few of us decided to go pick some of those juicy, sweet, succulent blueberries.

It was cousin Ezra's 1st time.  He caught on quick.  Although he'd had a rough couple of days {check out his black eye -not to mention Aidan's teeth marks on the side of  his face.  Yeah, I know.}, but I think the blueberries hit the spot...especially when he figured out he could throw them. ;)

Oh Aidan...

If I had a choice I'd almost always choose chocolate cake over pie...but not when it comes to this fresh blueberry delight.  Pioneer Woman is famous for a reason.  I had 2 pieces for breakfast yesterday and didn't regret it one bit. 

{More}
Next up in my reunion marathon is some more cute kids and great activity ideas...I know you can hardly wait.;)

See you soon.
Toad

Heartie Treat & Printable

{Lovely Treat}

For an afterschool snack, I asked Ethan's little friend if she'd like a cookie. She said she didn't....until she saw these!  I mean really, who could refuse a heart sugar cookie on a stick?  {Well, actually what kid refuses a cookie? She must of been trying to be polite...sweet gal.;)}

They aren't as perfect as Bakerellas cake pops, but they were just right for our little crew.  And it was magical how fast they disappeared!

But before we talk about any more about cookies I want to give this to you...

{Print it up Baby}
I know, isn't it a cute one?

I didn't really have one specific use in mind when I made them, but just started adding cute stuff I thought I'd use.  I figured they come in handy when I needed to make a little valentine something or other...

Click here to print this sheet of love!:)





And now back to those lovely cookies...

{Bakin' Boy}
Just a simple stick.  My boys can't get enough of them, and I'm not even talking about sword fighting.  Making these treats isn't rocket science, but I thought you'd like a behind the scenes...just for fun.;) 

So let's get to it!  Grab your favorite apron, the best sugar cookie recipe you have, and a good size heart shaped cookie cutter.

Now for what may just be the hardest part of this little project...finding some skewers.  Since its probably been a while since your last BBQ so be sure to check all the way back of your cupboards.  {Or maybe even that drawer you throw everything into...:)}

Make your cookies just a little chubbier than you usually would and squiggle {yes, I'm pretty sure that's an official cooking term;)} the end of the skewer into the cookie.  {I cut off my skewers to about 5", but if you like 'em long stemmed, go for it!}

{The Fixin's}
Cream cheese frosting is always my 1st choice on any baked good, but royal icing just sets so nicely... and you can use plastic wrap to keep it pretty.  This one is your call, but either way be ready for the little hands around your house to take action!  {PS If you need a good royal icing recipe I used this one and it was great.}

Those red sprinkles left over from Christmas will work perfectly...

{ah kids...nothing like eating pure sugar?}  

on the cookies!;)

And there you have it.  The makings of a great winter afternoon.:)

{Just Because}
I wanted to add this picture somewhere in the post, but it didn't really fit.  So here it is...just because I like it.;)



XOXO-Toad

Food Inc. & Lens Love

{Wowsers}
My eyes have been officially opened.  Ever wonder where the food you buy really comes from?  Ever heard of a GMO?  I'm not a health guru, but like most people I try my best to eat healthy and feed my family food that is suppose to be good for them.

I'll never look at meat or the food I buy the same again.  "Food Inc." is the name of the documentary.  I streamed it through Netflix {which we love}. 

Here's a little sneak peak...



{Lens Happy}
And on a completely different subject...I got a new lense! {Thanks for the applause!}  Its not anything fancy, just another 18-55mm but this one has VR which I'm excited about!  {VR=Vibration Reduction, you know, camera shaking}

I am happy. 

I never realized just how much I use my camera or how theraputic it is for me to take pictures.    Isn't it so great to just stop what you are doing and take a minute or two to cherish a moment?   Those few minutes I spend with my camera in hand keep me on my toes, keep me sane, and I love it.

{Bakin' and Stuff}
Winter is a great time to spend in the kitchen.  And with Bob gone pretty much M-F with school and work, the boys and I have been baking up a storm!

Not much compares to a piece of nice, warm whole wheat bread straight out of the oven with Cinnamon Honey Butter spread on top.  Its up there with the scone and honey butter at Chuck-O-Ramas.

Here's the CHB recipe I used...and I love it!

Cinnamon Honey Butter

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup honey
1 tsp cinnamon

Beat until light and fluffy.  Super yummy.

And I have the best helpers...well, helpers with the best intentions...

{Pizza Box Report}
Kindergarten rocks. Reindeers are so much cooler than I ever knew.  Do you remember your first animal research report?  So fun.

{Next to Baking}
And the next best thing to do inside during the winter is sew!  Ethan and I have been busy.  I sew, he stuffs.

And then we play...

{Preview}
How about those legs? ;)

Now, how about these?  I'm working on a fun new tutorial as we speak! 
Like your little sneak peek?:)

{Kelly wins}
Lest I forget!! Comment #7--Kelly--you win the custom Thank-You card! Just email me which one you'd like and a photo and I'll do the rest!  Congrats!

And goodbye January!
XOXO-Toad

Rumor is true

{Heard a Rumor}

So I heard a rumor that if you just add a can of pumpkin to a spice cake mix {just the mix...no eggs, oil, etc.} it makes some good pumpkin bread cookies/muffins. So being a pumpkin cake/cookie/muffin lover,  I had to try it for myself...

 And the rumor was true.  These were pretty darn yummy. Thanks Shelli!

 {Although, I still LOVE my pumpkin bread recipe from scratch!}

{Barefoot Pirate}
If you could chose between being Buzz Lightyear or a rowdy pirate what would you be?

Aidan chose Buzz for the church and school parties, but then opted to be a fierce pirate for Halloween festivites...

And like most pirates he had some good 'ole belly laughs...

shed a few manly tears,

and shed a few more manly tears when he was really mad at his mama. 

But overall our little pirate was a good little 'matey.  One his grandpa would be proud of.

{Skywalker}

 And I felt completely safe all Halloween knowing we had the best Jedi ever on our side.

This Jedi is not only tough, but full of love. 

{He gave this to me the other day...we are saying that we love eachother.  Man I love this kid!}

Our resident Jedi also helped set the table without being asked!
{Bless his Sunday School teacher for teaching the kids about how Jesus served and how great it is to just help without being asked!} 

And I'm not complaining one bit about the napkin...

So from our little galaxy to yours...the pumpkin spice bread recipe rumor is true...and we hope you had a Happy Halloween!