A Green Eyed Irish Lass

Cinnamon Rolls

2012-02-10T09:30:00.000-08:00

Okay, I admit I have been posting a lot of recipes lately but I just can't seem to help myself. They all taste so good and this one tastes really, really good. Like "knock your socks off, eat the whole pan" kind of good. :-D

I've been craving Cinnamon Rolls for weeks but didn't ever seem to have the time to make them and finally I did and so I did. Here is my recipe adapted from The Pioneer Womans version to make it healthier and better for me since I really shouldn't eat lots of sugar right now being in the last weeks of pregnancy and all.

Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 2 hours
Cook time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: Alot

Ingredients:
1 quart whole milk
1 cup olive oil
1/4 c. honey
1/4 c. brown sugar
2 packages active Dry yeast
3 c. Whole Wheat Flour
5 c. All-purpose White Flour (plus 1 cup extra, separated.)
1 t. (heaping) baking Powder
1 t. (scant) baking soda
1 TB. (heaping) salt
Plenty of melted butter
2 cups brown sugar
Lots of ground cinnamon to sprinkle.

For the Icing
1/2 c. milk
1/4 c. melted butter
1/4 c. brewed coffee
1/8 t. salt
Enough powdered sugar to reach desired consistency.

Preparation instructions:
For the dough, heat the milk, olive oil, sugar and honey in a medium saucepan over medium heat to hot, don't let it boil. Set aside and cool to warm. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit on the milk for a few minutes.
In a very large bowl, put the 3c. WW Flour and 5 c. White flour. Add yeast mixture and stir until just combined, then cover with a clean kitchen towel and set aside in a warm place for 1 hour +. After 1 hour, remove the towel and add the baking powder, baking soda, salt and the remaining 1 c. flour. Stir thoroughly to combine. Use the dough right away, or place in a large bowl and refrigerate for up to 3 days. (Note: Dough is easier to work with if its been chilled at least an hour or so beforehand.)
To assemble the rolls, remove half the dough from the pan/bowl. On a floured baking surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 30 x 10 inches. The dough should be rolled very thin.
To make the filling, pour 3/4 to 1 cup of the melted butter over the surface of the dough. Use your fingers to spread the butter evenly. Generously sprinkle cinnamon and 1 cup of the brown sugar over the butter.
Now, beginning at the end farthest from you, roll the rectangle tightly towards you. Use both hands and work slowly, being careful to keep the roll tight. The filling might ooze out but that's perfectly fine. When you reach the end, pinch the seam together and flip the roll so that the roll is face down. You'll have one very long cinnamon roll log. With a sharp knife, make 1 inch slices. Pour a couple tablespoons of melted butter into the bottom of disposable cake pans and swirl to coat. Place the sliced rolls in the pans, being careful not to overcrowd.
Repeat the rolling/buttering/sugaring process with the other half of the dough and more pans.
Preheat the oven to 375'F.
Cover all the pans with plastic wrap and set aside to rise for at least 20 minutes before baking. Remove the plastic wrap and bake for 18 to 25 minutes until golden brown. Don't let the rolls become overly brown.
While the rolls are baking, make the icing; In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, butter, coffee, salt and powdered sugar. Whisk until very smooth. Taste and add in more sugar, butter or coffee as needed until icing reaches desired consistency. The icing should be somewhat thick but still very pourable.
Remove pans from the oven. Immediately drizzle icing over the top. Be sure to cover the top thoroughly. As they sit the rolls will absorb some of the icings moisture and flavor.
Tip: Since this recipe makes a lot of cinnamon rolls, I placed some in disposable cake pans, covered in plastic wrap in the freezer to pull out, thaw and bake later. Just make sure to cover the rolls thoroughly so they don't freezer burn.

Enjoy!

Brain malfunctioning....

2012-02-08T15:29:00.000-08:00

...or absent mindedness or whatever its called is funny but sometimes embarrassing. At least when there is someone else around to observe said malfunction.

Picture this, a drive up coffee house, namely Dutch Bros. where my husband and I frequent frequently (:-D), I'm on a coffee run for Jay and my brother since they are working and I'm running errands and so I'm getting them coffee since I'm such a nice wife and sister. :-D Anyways, I pull into the drive-thru lane behind a little car to wait my turn and trying to be extra efficient I decide to double check my shopping list while waiting (The little car was taking a long time......). So, I'm carefully checking it and going over in my head what each item on the list is for when I look up and see the Barista's both peeking out the window at me grinning and the little car is nowhere in sight! Yup, it was not only done but it wasn't even in the parking lot anymore! *facepalm* How long I'd been studying my list I'm not entirely sure but it was long enough for the baristas to get a good laugh and me to feel silly. They said they were wondering when I was going to notice it was my turn......Oh well! At least there wasn't anyone in line after me and I have to admit it was pretty funny, embarrassing but funny! :-)

Today I did start to wonder though if whoever it is that says "for every child you have you lose 10% of your brain capacity" isn't entirely off base when I tried to put the carton of 5 dozen eggs in the garbage can and the egg shells into the fridge. :-/

Well, life is never dull that's for sure!

Cheerio!

Tea and Toast, anyone?

2012-02-07T14:04:00.000-08:00

So, our oven element decided to have a k-nips (sp?) and go out on Sunday. I had turned it on to pre-heat prior to putting in potatoes for baked potatoes for dinner and Jay and I were sitting in the livingroom when we heard a loud pop from the kitchen. Going in to investigate we discovered the bottom element in the oven had a huge glowing bright orange spot in it and it was hissing and crackling.....so, no baked potatoes for dinner and no baking, so, no making bread and we had just finished the last loaf that morning....hmmmm.....

Anyways, I've made English Muffins quite a few times (just not in the last 3-4 years) and decided they would be a good substitute for loaves of bread until the oven is fixed ("come on landlord".......*tapping foot* :-D).

They turned out just as hoped and were quite a hit with Jay and the wee little man. I shall enjoy some lightly toasted and spread with honey with a cup of tea at 4 o'clock I imagine. :-)

Whole Wheat English Muffins

Prep time: 2 hours
Cook time: 10-15 minutes
Servings: 24-30

Ingredients:
- 1/4 c. boiling hot water
- 1/4 c. cold water
- 1 TB. active dry yeast
- 4 c. Whole Wheat Flour, plus more as needed.
- 2 c. White Flour
- 1 t. salt
- 2 c. Milk
- 6 TB. Oil
- 2 TB. Honey
- 2 Eggs

Directions:
-Mix hot and cold water and sprinkle yeast on it. Let stand for 10-15 minutes.
-In a large bowl, mix flours and salt.
-In another bowl, mix milk, oil and honey. Add egg and stir until well blended. Stir in yeast mixture.
-Add liquid to about half of the dry ingredients and mix well, with a stand mixer or wooden spoon. Mix in remaining dry ingredients. Dough will be soft and somewhat sticky.
-Turn dough out on a liberally floured work surface and knead for several minutes, sprinkling flour on it if needed to make it workable.
-Put dough in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size. Rising time will depend on temperature but allow about an hour.
-Turn risen dough out onto a work surface that has been liberally dusted with flour or cornmeal and pat or roll to about 1/2" thick. Cut into approximately 3 inch rounds with a cookie cutter, tin can or jar lid. If you wish, combine the scraps of dough into more muffins, handling as little as possible. Cover the muffins with a towel and let rise for 25-30 minutes.
-Heat a cast iron griddle or large skillet over medium-low heat. Using a spatula, carefully transfer muffins to hot griddle, cooking about 5 minutes. Turn the muffins gently so as not to deflate them too much. Outsides should be golden brown and crusty, insides should be soft but not gooey. Sacrifice a muffin or two to check for done-ness.
-Remove to cooling rack as they finish cooking. Cook the rest in batches.

Tip: English muffins are traditionally split open with a fork, rather than cut, and then toasted, but they will be good however you do it.

Variations of this recipe:
Add cinnamon, raisins and a little extra honey. Toasted and then buttered they make a great breakfast meal.

Chocolate chips- I've tried it and if I remember right, they were quite tasty. :-)

Another idea for this recipe: Mini Pizza's

Whole Wheat English Muffins Recipe adapted from this one.

Enjoy!

Breakfast Recipe

2012-01-30T09:30:00.000-08:00

Another neat recipe I recently found online and tried out. Usually when I find a recipe I print it out and then it sits in my recipe "basket" until I eventually decide to make it or never gets made at all. Oops! I really should try them out right away so if they aren't any good I can pitch them and not store them but oh well......

Anyways....Here it is...Rocky Mountain Pancake.

My attempt. Hmm...it looks different from the recipe picture....

I drizzled honey over ours and it was very tasty but sometime I want to try it with jam or syrup.

Recipe Review

2012-01-27T10:00:00.000-08:00

I tried a completely new-to-me recipe the other day and I must say it turned out quite tasty. But then again, it did come from the Pioneer Woman's recipe box so I wasn't surprised.

It happened when Jay requested dessert for after dinner and a quick search came up with these - Creamy Lemon Crumb Squares.

Yummy goodness!

Blessedness.....

2012-01-24T16:57:00.000-08:00

The end result. :-)

When the kitchen is messy, one is incredibly tired and definitely isn't feeling like cleaning said kitchen or even thinking about cooking dinner and the husband just quietly steps in and makes dinner.....well, lets just say that I am one very lucky lady!!! But get this, not only did he make waffles from scratch and cook them, he also cooked down strawberries into a wonderful jam to spread on them. A-m-a-z-i-n-g.
I love my man!
Nuff' said. :-)

Checklist

2012-01-20T17:35:00.000-08:00

-Clean bathroom- Check
-Organize kitchen cupboards- Check
-Take down and pack away Christmas Decorations- Check
-Move furniture back to living-room- Check
-Vacuum all carpet- Check
-Run two loads of laundry- Check
-Bathe Roy- Check
-Update blog-Check :-)

Now to crash on the couch with a cup of coffee and a Country Women magazine.

Life is good!

Outside my front window.....

2012-01-19T16:39:00.000-08:00

...is this Hawthorne tree with little red berries. Don't they look pretty against the snow?

When we got a rapid accumulation of snow the other night, I was thrilled! It doesn't seem like winter when all you've had is freezing temperatures and NO SNOW!!! I was hoping for a white Christmas but alas, it was not to be. Ah well, at least we made up for it this month, I mean, 8 inches?!?! Yippee!!! :-) Now to bundle up the Little Man and go make a snowman before it all melts....:-)

Christmas Gifts 2011

2012-01-05T16:47:00.000-08:00

Here are the pictures as promised of all the Christmas goodies. Photo credit goes to T.W for kindly taking all the pictures since I'd forgotten and frantically called asking her to help me out. :-) Thanks sis!

White Chocolate Lemon Cream Cheese Truffles

These were so much fun to make and of course I made extras of everything to sample. Its not a good idea to make something to give when it might not turn out or something, right?. ;-)


Milk Chocolate Brownie Truffles

Simple to make but very time consuming with all the freezing and such to make the chocolate workable. I want to try a version with caramel in the center sometime.

At left is the Lemon Curd, Then the Pumpkin Cranberry Bread and last is the Apple Butter.

Oh, writing up this post is making me hungry!!!

Oops, I hear Little Man waking up from his nap. I'll "talk" to ya'll again soon!

2011, Christmas Baking, Odds and ends, 2012, Baby......

2012-01-05T16:28:00.000-08:00

As I sit here waiting for my cup of tea to brew (its got to be brewed for a good 5 minutes or it isn't tea. ;-) I'm thinking back on the past few weeks, indeed, actually the past months or the latter half of 2011. It was a great year in so many ways, definitely a year of growing (and not just because I'm pregnant, hah!:-D). I've always felt very close to Jay, he is such an awesome man and I love him very much but as we passed the 2 years married mark it obviously got me to thinking about things, being married and how different life is from even when we first married. I thought that when we married that we were really close, not that we couldn't grow closer but just that we were way ahead on being a newly married couple in that I trusted, adored, loved.....(you get the idea;-) him very much. But, all that said, I still realize how much closer we've actually grown together and if its possible, love each other more than that day over 2 years ago. LIFE IS GOOD!!!!

Oops...tea's brewed and the mail just arrived....be right back.........

Okay, where was I...? Oh, right! Getting really sappy....alright, I think ya'll know what I mean, at least those of you that are married will understand what I'm trying to say, hopefully its not so jumbled that you can't make head or tail of what I mean. :-)

Ahhh....there is nothing like a hot cup of tea with shortbread cookies....(except maybe a nice cup of coffee with a dollop of ice cream on top where the coffee is super hot and the ice cream is really cold and slowly melts into the coffee.....;-D)

This year (or actually, it was last year....;-) I decided to do homemade baking for Christmas gifts for family and try to make it fun and easy but really good.....good tasting I mean! :-) It sorta worked, it worked in that I got the fun and good tasting part down but easy was not, well, not so easy. ;-) Being almost eight months pregnant and staying up 'till 2:00 in the morning making apple butter was lots of fun but I did sort've crash the next day. Crash in that I had to drink four cups of strong coffee to stay awake because it was Christmas and I didn't want to miss anything. Silly reason I know but still. I loved making all the different goodies though and I would never have been able to do it without the awesome help from a super sister.....hats off to T.W.!!!!!!! She not only made several batches of Pumpkin Cranberry bread but also did the family recipe for Shortbread and gave loads of advice and encouragement as I fretted and worried over this or that. Thanks T.W!
I do think that if I do it again I will plan much better, do things that can be done ahead of time much sooner...(like canned apple butter.....;-) and make sure I don't worry too much over what so and so might think about such and such. :-D Oh, and T.W very kindly took pictures for me to show you the end result of all that fun and yummy work which I will show in the next post since this one is getting very long.

I haven't made any New Years Resolutions really.....I did decide to get outdoors more but that's not too hard for me anyways so I don't think I'll count it as a resolution. Other things coming up in 2012 are baby of course! This pregnancy it seems like the months have gone by much quicker and that might be because we've not only been really busy but I've also felt better. Baby should arrive sometime next month, probably later rather than sooner and we'll see just which side of the collective cousins wins out....boys or girls. ;-) I do have an inkling as to what it might be but I'm not saying since I'm not sure enough and I will be really thrilled with either. :-)

Well, I think this post is long enough ;-) and so I shall say good evening and I'll be posting other random things very soon.

December 25th, 2011

2011-12-25T01:03:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Life lately.

2011-10-18T12:07:00.000-07:00

Besides being busy lately (as usual of course!) with everyday life, I've been working on other things. Things like re-doing the living room, Roy's room and our room. It's a slow process as I search out and look for items I like for the different areas and try to find that perfect little piece to complete a room. It takes time but I know I'll be so much happier if I'm sure, and I mean really sure I'll like something before I buy it. :-) I did take before pictures but since I'm not rushing in re-decorating it will probably be a while before I post any.

Other than that I've been trying to keep the house clean with the occasional help from my wonderful Mum and sisters (Family is awesome to have around. ;-P) and working on making sure I cook more healthy meals. Definitely going to have to get a menu plan worked out sometime soon.

Little man is sick right now. It's a rather nasty cold/flu that is going around and so he's into lots of cuddles and drinking lots of goats milk. Poor little guy! He did sleep really well last night which was surprising since his nose was stuffy. Here's to hoping he gets better really soon!

I made Cheesecake Caramel Pumpkin Cups the other day and they were excellent with a cup of tea (or coffee! :-) I plan on making them again soon, especially since I now have some leftover pumpkin that just has to be used up! ;-) Oh and I didn't make them in a mini muffin tin, well, I didn't have one so I had to use my regular sized tin. It was such a bummer!:-D

Well, I'm off to make lunch or should I say, re-heat the leftovers from last night for lunch. (It's a wonderful garlic cheese sauce (recipe from sis, T.W) over noodles so it'll be yummy!:-)

Bye!

A Resource I Love!

2011-10-04T18:11:00.000-07:00

If you are like me and try to go the more natural route when it comes to buying anything from Shampoo to makeup to baby wash, then you'll love this website. I found it on another blog and since then I've been going through it searching to find out what exactly the products in my bathroom cupboards have in them. Its nice that it rates them from 0-10 with 10 being the worst for your body. A very nice website for reference if you want to be more careful what you use everyday on your skin, in your mouth,...etc...,!

Keep in mind that I don't think one should go all out and only buy products that are rated 0 or should throw away everything and start fresh but it does give one a good place to refer to if you are concerned or curious about what you use.

Anyways, I've enjoyed searching the website and its been a nice resource for me and hopefully it can be for others.

Happiness is.......

2011-09-17T13:01:00.000-07:00

...getting up early to go yard sale-ing (sp?) with Jay.

...helping him do paperwork.

...feeling baby's gentle kicks.

...having a hot cup of homebrewed Starbucks coffee.

...trying on maternity clothes from last pregnancy and finding new favorites I've bought since then.

...Roy smelling sweet and clean after getting a bath.

...the fresh smell after a gentle rain.

...waiting for the newest cousin to arrive sometime this month!

...homemade strawberry smoothies.

Life is good!

Something new...

2011-06-03T17:48:00.000-07:00

I know it’s been a while since I've posted and lots has happened since I've done so but I saw this Blog party post on my sisters blog and thought it would be lots of fun to do. So, here goes....

1. What are two songs that describe your life right now/you as a person?

Oh boy.....I have no idea! Sometimes I feel like the song from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers "Oh, What a beautiful Morning..." I'm afraid that's only one song but I've been up since 4am and thinking of another this late in the day sounds painful. ;-)

2. Do you like the color pink?

Yes, but not to wear really unless its mixed with other colors in a print or something and its not the dominant color in the group.

3. What is your favorite flower?

Calla Lilies, I love their quiet elegance and beauty. I always meant to have them in my wedding bouquet but when it actually came time for that momentous occasion I was so distracted by the incredible man I was marrying that I forgot! Sounds corny I know but its true!!! :-)

4. How many states have you been to?

Um, quite a few I think....let me attempt to remember them all....Oregon, Idaho, California, Washington, Oklahoma, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, New York, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Washington D.C., Ohio (I think...?)

5. What is your favorite thing about June?

The green hills and fields and the wildflowers that dot them. They are a definite reminder to me that we have a God that loves beauty and his creation.

6. What do you most fear?

I have many fears. Maybe one of them is being too trusting of others?

7. What color dominates your wardrobe?

Green and denim most definitely. My style is sporty/natural and therefore denim is a favorite of mine, the green is just because I love the color and it looks good on me or so I've been told.

8. How do you normally do you hair?

Down mostly and pulled back with barrettes or hair clips. I'm kind of in the stage of not really being sure what I want to do with it but I keep it trimmed and neat and I'm trying to decide on my course of action. After getting it permed recently I'm a little at a loss as to what it needs now. What does one do with semi frizzy hair that has a mind of its own?!?!

9. Do you prefer milkshakes or smoothies?

Milkshakes are delicious but when I was pregnant fruit and kefir smoothies were the order of the day and my were they good!!!

10. Describe your “dream wedding location”

Uh, I guess I didn't see this question before. Is this blog party for un-married ladies only? Oops! Well, I had fun answering the questions anyways if it is and as to the answer to this one, I'm married and our wedding was at my dream wedding location, a building styled to look like a vintage barn with the interior furnished and able to seat people in comfort. It was a beautiful wedding planned expertly with (mostly by :-) my awesome sister, K.

Well, that's all folks!

Roy's Attempt at Irish Clogging.

2011-02-27T18:23:00.000-08:00

Don't Laugh.....

2011-02-23T18:20:00.000-08:00

I know this is hardly the time to post pictures of Christmas presents but I was so proud of my attempt at wrapping "designer" packages this last Christmas that I just have to share the results with ya'll. (I won't mention that these took over 4 hours (way over) to wrap....:-o) Anyways...so without further eloquence......(I love saying that! :-D) here is a sample of the wrapped and be-ribboned packages.

And a picture of my little man thrown in....

I love being a Wife and Mother!!!

2011-02-23T17:48:00.000-08:00

Wow! When I got married I knew it was going to be wonderful but I definitely had no idea how awesome it was really going to be. Taking care of my man and little guy is so fulfilling, I couldn’t imagine being a working Mom who says goodbye to her husband as he heads off to his work and she to hers, dropping her child (or children) off at daycare on the way.* I would feel crushed to know that someone else was pretty much raising my kid so I could sit in an office (or something like that) all day. What if I wasn’t there to greet Jay when he gets home from work and hang up his jacket for him? Or hold his hand while we pray for dinner? Or listen to how his day went? Or there to discover Roy’s first tooth coming through? Or see him start crawling? Or hear his first giggle? I couldn’t imagine missing any of that, well, actually I could and even the thought of it hurts. I would miss so much and it would be something I could never get back, something I would miss and never see again in this lifetime.

What an amazing calling it is to be a wife and mother. I love taking care of my guys!

*Disclaimer* I’m not in any way bashing the women who work outside the home. What they do is completely up to them and is their own business. I’m only saying how I know it wouldn’t be right for me to be a working Mom and I’m glad I have the opportunity to be a housewife and stay at home.

Scrapbooking

2011-02-10T18:32:00.000-08:00

Jay’s Mom gave us an album with all the pictures of Jay’s growing up years and little notes beside each picture to explain when they were taken and where. I think it’s wonderful since I want to learn as much about Jay as I can and you know how they say “a picture is worth a thousand words!” Well, that is definitely true in my opinion so I’ve decided to start keeping a scrapbook for Roy. Just one that has different shots of him starting from day one and as he grows up, so when he gets older and eventually married (I know that’s not for a while yet but hey, one has to plan ahead, right? ;-) his future wife can look at his scrapbook and see what an adorable baby he was. :-D

So, I bought a scrapbook, scrapbooking pages, (you know, all those adorable little baby themed ones at Jo-Ann’s. Oh, when they were on sale of course!;-) stickers, tags, glue, scissors, tape and various other assorted odds and ends for scrapbooking. Now, I just have to find the time to work on it. Roy does have a schedule (for the most part at any rate) and usually I don’t have much time to work on “fun” stuff. Not that I don’t do fun stuff, I do, everyday in fact. Just taking care of Jay and Roy is fun in itself but I want to work on household stuff first like dishes, laundry, cleaning and cooking before I work on other things and by the time I’m done with those, it’s time to feed Roy again. (You know those people who ask stay-at-home-moms what they find to do in a day like we couldn’t possibly have that much to do? They have no idea!!! :-) So, crafting and such type things are put on the back burner ‘till that day when I’ve run out of other things to do. I don’t mind, I’m still taking pictures, and writing down things so when I do have time to work on the scrapbook I will have stuff to put in it.

Maybe I should start a wedding day scrapbook too………..hmmmm…….for now I need to get to the housework and start baking. Oh, like those truffles I’ve been wanting to make and bathing my little boy so he smells all clean and cuddly. Wow, we housewives do have a tough time of it! (Can you hear the sarcasm dripping from my words?:-D)

More of Roy's Cuteness

2011-01-31T17:57:00.000-08:00

No teeth so far but he sure does like his fingers.

*Grin* Feeling a little shy?

About to let out a yell!

Relaxing. (This picture is not staged. Roy posed his toy all by his little self. ;-)

The Best Invention

2011-01-28T18:59:00.000-08:00

My crock-pot has been marvelous for those days when I'm in town all day shopping and I need something quick but healthy for dinner. Coming in the front door of our cabin and smelling the wonderful aroma after a long day of running errands and only having to add a few finishing touches and then just dish dinner up is awe-some!!!
A favorite of ours is a roast with potatoes, carrots and gravy. Nothing like a good Irish dinner to fill you up!

My new truck.

2011-01-20T17:32:00.000-08:00

I've had it for a few months and I absolutely love it! For starters I feel taller than everyone else on the road and for someone who is always being teased about being short, it's a grand feeling! :-D Plus, getting Roy in and out of the back is so much easier with 4-doors instead of only 2-doors and that is wonderful to me. Now I just need to start lifting weights so I can reach his car-seat to get him in and out! (Just kidding! It is tall but I don't have any trouble. Honest! ;-) Another good thing is that I feel like I could go anywhere in it and I won't get stuck, snow and ice don't seem to trouble "Lariat" and even though I'm still cautious in aforementioned conditions I feel much safer knowing I won't get stuck trying to drive up an icy mountain and start sliding backwards and sideways towards the drop-off. (Its happened before in a Mini-van and lets just say it was a little worrisome, trying to brake when you're sliding and nothing's happening makes for a interesting drive to say the least.;-) Anyways, I really like it and it is an awesome truck.

Pictures........

Dirty (And no, I didn't go mudding, that's all from driving on our driveway. :-)

Nice and clean!

Do any of my readers think I post about too many odd things? ;-)

Updates for the New Year!

2011-01-15T17:30:00.000-08:00

I decided to take a break from blogging over the holidays and I know I should've let ya'll know but it slipped my mind with all the busyness of the season, but I've several posts planned for the next month that I hope ya'll will enjoy.

For the first post I've got new pictures of my little man Roy to share. He has grown up so much in the past month that I'm starting to feel a little bit old. ;-)

He prefers his hat on sideways so it doesn't fall over his eyes, he gets quite distraught if he can't see. (Its rather cute really but don't tell him that! ;-) ) He has also started scooting around which is the beginning stage of crawling in my opinion. He definitely gets where he wants to go and we're going to have to get baby gates soon I'm thinking. He has also started saying "ma-ma" when he wants something, I don't think he's figured out that I'm "Mama" yet but he has figured out that if he wants attention, it works much better than fussing. And that's more than alright with me! :-)

I'd better sign off now, its time to finish up shopping and head home so Roy can stick to his schedule, he's a much happier little fella if he knows what to expect and when.

More later dear readers!

Cabin sweet Cabin! ;-)

2010-12-03T18:52:00.000-08:00

Our little cabin after the recent snow and as you can see more is coming down. I love winter! :-)

Anything is edible when you're a baby....

2010-12-03T18:47:00.000-08:00

.........Even shoes! :-)

These are his little "work" boots that sort've match daddy's! :-)

A Wedding happened........

2010-11-07T22:13:00.000-08:00

......exactly one year ago today......my wedding in fact. It has been one of the most amazing years of my life! When we got engaged, I knew I was marrying a wonderful man but the more I learn about him, the more amazed I am at just how wonderful and amazing he is. And now we have a little boy who is a joy to both of us. His laughs and smiles are adorable and when he coos and gurgles, I melt. :-) And I think he is going to be just like his father when he grows up, wise and wonderful and all around amazing. What more could a woman ask for in life? To be a wife and mother is one of the best occupations in this world and I couldn't imagine life being better.

This post is random I admit but I'm feeling very thankful and especially happy right now and I like to share about the blessings God has given me with others. :-)

For the cabin...

2010-10-31T21:32:00.000-07:00

...curtains for the windows. I actually sewed these up before Roy was born and I'm only now getting around to posting pictures. For ~~many~~ ~~months~~...lets just say a really long time, Jay had been asking me to get curtains for the windows in our little cabin because he didn't want me being home alone and just anybody being able to walk up and look in the window. I kept trying and trying to get them cut out and sewn up but something always came up, I'd plan a day to work on them and I wouldn't feel well or I needed to clean the very messy house (its amazing how dirty such a small place can get in such a little amount of time.) and curtains were down lower on the list than dishes and so on and so forth. Anyways...finally I just made time and after scrubbing the cabin floor I laid out the fabric and carefully measured out sections and they came out too short for the windows :-0....so, after debating it and trying many different things, I finally tried doing ruffles along the bottom and I think they turned out very nicely. No pattern was used, just lots of measuring and careful sewing! :-) (It took me over an hour which was a little depressing since curtains are such a simple thing one would think.;-)

Anyways...here are pictures:

With the curtains shut. Now I just need tiebacks which I have yet to make, they are going to be leather braids. :-)

I love the view! After its snowed the mountains look especially beautiful!

Why I love my husband so much.....

2010-10-21T17:32:00.000-07:00

Caution. Sappy post! :-)

It was not long after we’d found out I was pregnant and the morning sickness was still really bad, Jay had gone to work that day really early and I was home in bed, feeling sick and rather miserable. When I talked to Jay on the phone he said he would try to get off work early and come home and fix me something that hopefully I would be able to eat, which even though it didn’t sound very good, I still was touched that he was willing to try since my eating habits had been so odd I’m sure he had wondered about my sanity a couple times. I mean, who eats microwave popcorn four to six times a day or pears for breakfast, brunch, lunch, tea time, dinner and bedtime snack? Or canned chili for endless meals? Apparently a pregnant lady with serious cravings does. ;-) Anyways, to get back to what this story is all about, my husband could tell when talking to me on the phone that I needed some cheering up, serious cheering up. So when he came home he had a surprise for me, a little jewelry box with a gold necklace with hearts and leaves in the delicate chain. Now, my husband is not a jewelry type of person so for him to go to the jewelry store and pick something out for me made his gift all the more precious and all the more thoughtful since he knew it was something I’d like and I enjoy wearing it even more because of it. So, dear readers that is only one of the many reasons I love my Man so much. His thoughtfulness is amazing and I still wonder what I did to deserve such a guy!

A fun, but simple project!

2010-09-29T20:44:00.000-07:00

A Lampshade!!! I'd been searching for the perfect lampshade to go with a lamp I'd bought at a thrift store but hadn't been able to find one I liked. Finally I decided that if I couldn't buy one, I'd make one and I bought the frame at our local JoAnn's along with a yard of moss colored burlap. The shade was sticky so it was incredibly easy to cover and then I hot glued the edges down. I think it goes very well with the decor in our little cabin and its green which makes it all the better. Now I'm thinking about covering a bigger shade with burlap for another lamp I have but don't quite care for the style of shade.....someday I might tackle it but for now it'll stay the same I'm afraid.

I know this isn't the most grand project but I was so excited about the way it turned out I just had to share. Oh and the basket next to the lamp was made many years ago by my husband. Yep, he's very talented in many things! :-)

Upcoming!

2010-09-15T21:30:00.000-07:00

I've several projects planned for this weekend/coming week and I'll try to post pictures, hopefully! But since we've only got a dial-up Internet connection we'll see how it works, otherwise I'll have to wait 'till next time we visit my brother and sister-in-law and use their Internet which is much faster to say the least.

Projects in the works:
Covering a lampshade
Crocheted baby blanket

Interesting...

2010-09-08T19:21:00.000-07:00

Here are pictures of two babies....One is Baby Roy and the other is Jay when he was a baby. Don't they look incredibly alike?

Well, you know they say, "Like father, like son!" :-D

Introducing....

2010-09-05T19:44:00.000-07:00

My favorite Little Man - Roy

I know I'm terribly prejudiced but I think he's adorable! ;-)

Update that I should've posted months ago!

2010-09-05T18:30:00.000-07:00

   Hello! I know most of my readers have probably given up on ever seeing a post on here again but I promise I have many good excuses for why I haven't done anything with this blog for a long time (one of them being no internet service 'till recently)... and one of them being I got married 10 months ago! :-D Just a quick summary....my husband Jay, is wonderful and I love being married!!! Last year we started courting in July and married in November with the blessing of our parents and since then I've been incredibly busy setting up house and preparing for the birth of our baby boy that was born 2 1/2 weeks ago. Little Roy is absolutely adorable and I love, love being a mother! Being a wife and mother comes with many changes but the joys and blessings are so incredible that I sometimes wonder if I deserve it all. :-)

   I'm hoping to start updating this blog again regularly and I've big plans for many sewing and craft projects in the near future so be patient with me as I adjust to blogging again and learning all over again the blogging world.

   So, if I still have any readers......here is my long overdue update and I hope to "talk" to ya'll again soon! ;-)

Vintage Apron

2009-02-08T14:39:00.001-08:00

I made this apron back around Christmas time but due to a very busy schedule I'm only now getting pictures posted. It is made from Simplicity 4282, view E in a really pretty cotton print bought just for an apron.

I've decided I really like the print and style and the only thing I would change if I made the same pattern again would be the waist length. It's a little too long for a short waisted person but other than that, I am really pleased with the way it turned out!:-D

When Little Brother gets into the kitchen...

2009-01-17T11:39:00.000-08:00

...wonderful things happen!:-D

Nice cowboy size chocolate-chip cookies. Yum! In fact, I think I'll ask him to make some for todays four 0'clock tea. Yes, I think I must.:-)

Joy to the World

2008-12-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus..."

~Matthew 1:21~

Merry Christmas, everyone! I hope you all have a beautiful day as you celebrate the birth of our Lord and may you enjoy many blessings in the coming year.

~Annie

Long-overdue Update

2008-12-13T19:37:00.000-08:00

Well, sorry for being so absent, dear readers, but life has been very busy these past few months. I was out of town helping my brother and sister-in-law with their adorable baby (Yep, I'm an Aunt. It's grand!:-D) for two months, home for a week and then back east for a week. It was terribly busy but incredibly fun and something I wouldn't have missed for the world.:-)

I have finished several projects but they are still not photographed so I will try to get that done soon and get back into the swing of blogging regularly. (I hope!;-))

I've been going through all my fabric and sewing supplies and I am weeding out and getting rid of a lot. At least, I am trying to get rid of stuff but it is rather hard I'm afraid and I know it will be a bit of a battle to part with some of the things I've collected. It's all so nice.*sigh* :-)

Christmas is just around the corner and I've got several projects planned. I was hoping to make a nice Christmassy shirt or something but I think I'm going to do some hand project instead. With snow on the ground it just seems right to curl up on the couch with a cup (or two!:-D) of tea and crochet while watching a Christmas movie. Which reminds me that I should talk to my sisters so we can figure out what to watch this year. There are so many choices it’s hard to decide, Holiday Inn, Christmas in Connecticut, White Christmas........and the list goes on and on.:-) Anyone have any suggestions?

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Six Random Things Tag

2008-10-20T12:30:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged! Now let's see, this'll be fun!

The Rules of the game are as follows:

~Link to the person who tagged you.
~Post the rules on your blog.
~Write Six Random Things about yourself.
~“Tag” six-or-so other people at the bottom of your post…
~…And leave comments on their blogs, letting them know they’ve been tagged.
~Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve written the post.

Janna over at The Joy of Home tagged me. She has a beautiful blog and I've enjoyed reading it. Some of the things she writes about make me really want to try them myself. Maple syruping? Now that would be an adventure!:-) Thanks, Janna!

Six Random Things About Me (Annie)

1. It is two miles to our mailbox and I love to walk down but the walk back up makes it time consuming so I can't go as often as I would like. :-D

2. If it was still doable, I’d ride horseback everywhere. (Of course, I’d have to get a horse first.:-) )

3. I make up stories about people in my head, sometimes I tell them to my little siblings.

4. When I was really little, I rode a goat sitting backwards. My, was that a wild ride!

5. I should be working on a ballgown instead of doing this.:-O

6. I used to do Irish Jigging with my sisters.

All of these aren’t too exciting but I decided they were pretty safe to post on my blog. :-D

Now I tag:

Kyna, at CheeringOn.

T.W, at In My Fathers House.

Fogwood214, at Culinary Wending.

And anyone else that wants to be tagged! :-)

Excuse the mess, please!

2008-10-16T12:34:00.000-07:00

After watching Kyna play around with a bunch of neat backgrounds I decided I needed to do something with my blog. It'll be a while before I've got it all figured out so bear with me and understand I've never done this type of thing before. Sounds promising, doesn't it?:-D

~Annie

Canning

2008-09-26T12:32:00.000-07:00

After canning 30 quarts of pears for the first time, at least the first time I wasn't just helping my Mum or sister, I have a lot more appreciation for what my sister does each year making all those pints and quarts of jams, jellies, fruits, mincemeat.... It was quite a task but I enjoyed it very much! The satisfaction of having completed a project makes it well worth the effort. I shall now attempt to can more than six jars of applesauce, it was seven but number seven bit the dust and is now no more. *sigh* I was rather hoping for a nice explosion while canning but alas, only a tiny clink as the bottom of one of the jars broke because I turned the heat up too fast. Disappointing to say the least!

Now off to pick apples to start those other pints of applesauce........:-D

A little bundle of joy......

2008-09-26T12:01:00.001-07:00

Introducing my adorable nephew~~~~~

A is for Apple, P is for Pie.

2008-09-08T21:45:00.000-07:00

It was good!:-D

Vintage Nightgown

2008-08-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

This is the nightgown I made to go with my housecoat. It is the same pattern my sister used for hers and she very kindly allowed me to use it as well. Thanks, sis! :)

I made it in 100% cotton I bought on clearance at Jo-Ann’s and cut it on the bias. It was a fairly easy pattern to make but I did have a little trouble with the gathers around the neckline but thanks to my sister, T.W, I got them figured out. They still aren't perfect but hey, it's only a nightgown! :) I also added small cap sleeves but I haven't decided if I like them or not. I may end up taking them off. Again, my sister is modeling so I could take pictures and it isn't as short on me by far since there is a four inch difference in height between us. I should've taken pictures of the housecoat and nightgown together but the wind kept coming up and making it difficult to get good shots. Oh, well!

Vintage Inspired Apron

2008-08-06T11:29:00.000-07:00

This was a fun project to make and so incredibly simple! All I did was draft a yoke pattern and then cut the skirt to fit the yoke, leaving enough excess to make some nice full gathers. Adding the vintage-looking lace I've had in my sewing box for ages gives it a nice touch, I think. :-)

I don't really have a use for this apron so for now it sits in my completed pile till I decide what to do with it.*sigh*

Here are a few detailed photos:

This was my first time doing an apron and I've decided they're wonderful to make.:-D

Eucalyptus Vintage Housecoat

2008-07-28T20:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, that is what this color is called and even though it isn't the prettiest name, I like saying it. :-) So, I finally finished this project and now have pictures to share, not only of the housecoat but I will also post pictures (later) of the nightgown I made to go with it. :-)

Housecoat is made from this pattern:

Now, the actual finished pictures...

The Front

The Side

The Back

Details

French seams and little gathers

I found this a very easy pattern to work with and my only regret is that I made it a tad too big but at least that will give me lots of ease. I love the wrap style and it is very easy to put on. I think next time I will make it in a cute print with little flowers and do the housedress instead. That is in the future of course! :-)

Many thanks to both of my sisters, T.W for being the patient model and Kyna for allowing me to use her vintage patterns. :-)

From the barnyard....

2008-07-27T06:30:00.000-07:00

This year we were blessed with three adorable little goat kids. The buckling is christened Demi, (Black and white little fella) and the doeling pictured is called Lucy. I don't have pictures of the other little doe but she is pretty cute too! :-)

Life's amazing when you have....

2008-07-24T06:30:00.000-07:00

homemade doughnuts and a hot cup of tea for breakfast. Awwwww! :-)

From my collection...

2008-07-14T09:58:00.000-07:00

I thought it would be fun to post pictures of the china I am collecting. It is British made, Lady Carlyle and was the same china pattern my Great-Grandmother had. I love all the different colors and the pattern will make such an elegant addition to my future tea cupboard.

In the works - One Summer Green Housecoat....

2008-07-12T11:15:00.001-07:00

Tracing a vintage forties pattern is fun, especially when the paper is in pristine shape.

Finished pictures coming soon!

White As Snow

2008-06-28T10:14:00.000-07:00

I've been working on this crochet project every once in a while and finished it last week. My Grandmother was in town so I had lots of time to sit and crochet while visiting.

All-in-all I am pretty happy with it and since I didn't use any pattern I think it turned out pretty well. :-) Next I want to attempt a vintage pattern but I'll need help with it and I don't know when my sister will have enough time, things being pretty busy right now. :-)

Now for pictures....

Forest Green Housecoat

2008-05-29T06:33:00.000-07:00

I made this from a vintage pattern with only minor changes. I'm not sure but vintage patterns might be easier to work with, this one at least was easy. Next time I think I'll make it in a summer weight fabric...:-)

For now this will be packed away for next winter.*sigh*

Death to Be Mourned

2008-05-18T21:00:00.000-07:00

Today we mourn the passing of an old friend by the name of Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valued lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm and that life isn’t always fair.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies {don’t spend more than you earn} and reliable parenting strategies {adults, not kids, are in charge}. His health began to rapidly deteriorate when well intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with harassment for kissing a classmate, teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch, and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student only worsened his condition!

Finally, Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband, churches became businesses and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense finally gave up the ghost after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot and spilled it in her lap, so she sued and was awarded a huge settlement. Common Sense’s wife Modesty died from a heart attack after learning of the death of her husband, they were buried side by side in the graveyard of Politeness, unfortunately no one knows where exactly in the graveyard they lay, tombstones couldn’t be afforded because the money went to save the trees on the other side of the fence. Common Sense and Modesty were preceded in death by his Dad, Trust, his Mom, Discretion: and his brothers, Responsibility and Reason are also no longer of this world.

He is survived by his two stepbrothers; My Rights and Ima Whiner. Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you still know him pass this on, if not you can give him a second death.

WIFD - Day Five - Thursday

2008-05-08T18:12:00.000-07:00

My outfit today is one of my favorites. Simple collared blouse with blue-on-blue floral stitching all over it and a western skirt my sister passed on to me. It is one of my favorites and I wear it often, hence the slight fading. :-)

Shoes were borrowed from my sister for the picture. Thanks, sis! ;-) They are simple brown ballet shoes with a small 1in. heel and very cute. ;-)

Later I had to change to go to work (Outdoors and not for skirts) and I must say I missed my feminine clothes. Doing a week in feminine dress is so much fun!:-)

WIFD-Day Three-Tuesday

2008-05-08T11:09:00.000-07:00

Tuesday I wore an Eddie Bauer polo shirt that I bought in the 70% off section with a denim skirt that I made ages ago and don't think we even own the pattern anymore.:-)

It was a cleaning day so my outfit had to be very simple and very easy to work in. I paired it with my favorite around-the-house flats that I bought at Ross.

Of puppies and toys

2008-05-06T12:21:00.000-07:00

Introducing the newest addition to our Clann. An Irish Wolfhound puppy aged just nine weeks and always into mischief. One of her favorite things to do is chase my Aussie around the living room and bite her legs or play tug-of-war with the rope toy. She thinks it is her privilege to sleep on the couch and be with the family AT-ALL-TIMES. She howls if she doesn't get her way. :-D

So, without further ado....

WIFD - Day One - Sunday

2008-05-04T17:28:00.000-07:00

This is the first time I've participated in the Week in Feminine Dress that the ladies on Sense and Sensibility do every once in a while. I just started a job this week so I don't think I will be able to do it every day but I will try to do it as much as possible.

Day One-

Here is a better picture of the shoes. Aren't they cute? ;-)

-Top is made from Out-of-print Simplicity 5059. It is a lightweight cotton with small woven checks in a smoky blue-gray color.

-Skirt was made by my sister, Kyna. I don't think she used a pattern and if she did she altered it to make it shorter.

-Shoes were bought on clearance at Macy’s. They have a small heel but they are incredibly comfortable and I wish I had more opportunities to wear them.:-)

Afternoon Tea.

2008-05-02T18:37:00.000-07:00

Greenness...

2008-04-26T17:33:00.000-07:00

A crocheted sweater that used to be a hideous green color but after two packages of dye is now a wonderful dark green. I don't have before pictures but it used to be this color:

And now....

Coming soon....

2008-04-11T18:20:00.000-07:00

Pictures of several completed (or almost) projects in the next week or so.

For example:

-Housecoat (completed)

-Cowgirl skirt (in progress)

-Denim skirt (completed)

-Several aprons (in progress)

Samples of crochet.

2008-04-11T17:55:00.000-07:00

I've been playing around with making lace samples without a pattern. So far I haven't come up with anything really grand but I liked these two enough to share them here. I'll keep trying and maybe I'll even succeed in making something truly beautiful.

Note: these weren't blocked and I think they would look much better if they were.

Have you seen my new shoes....

2008-03-20T20:11:00.000-07:00

they are made out of......um, well, canvas. :-) And that is where the simularity to the famous Shirley Temple song ends!:-P

Reasons for changing...

2008-03-18T12:32:00.000-07:00

to a new blog for my sewing projects.

1. I like the format better.

2. Several peoples I know use blogger and really like it.:-)

3. Pictures upload easier.

4. And I just like playing with a new blog. :-D

That should be enough excuses, um, I mean reasons. *sheepish smile*