Announcing Baby On Board!

I can finally share some exciting, wonderful news.

Amber, Ryan and Alexa are expecting an addition to their family.

Amber is expecting a baby , due June 2, day before Amber's birthday.

They had a fun way to announce the wonderful news.

We drew names for Christmas on Sunday,

On one of the papers was a picture of a stork carrying a baby bundle,

It said ???????Baby??????

What a fun way to announce their news.

We are so excited for us and for them.

Dancing Feet

I am so lucky

I have been invited to Riverdance.

I have wanted to see Riverdance forever!

I used to watch Riverdance on TV

At first I thought, what is this?

Then I became enthralled.

Their gracefulness,

and synchronization is amazing

Now, thanks to my friend Joyce

I get to fill the seat at the Orpheum

because her husband can not attend.

YES!

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

Take me out to the ballgame,
Take me out with the crowd
Buy me some peanuts and cracker jacks
I don't care if I never get back,
Let me root, root, root for the home team
If they don't win it's a shame
And it's one, two, three strikes your out
At the Old Ball Game



Congratulations to my Yankees!
Yankees Win the World Series! Yes!

K & K Wedding Bookmark

This is one of my favorite bookmarks that I have made. It was in honor of my daughter's wedding. I used the Reading that they picked for the wedding ceremony, which by the way is the same reading that we used when we were married.

Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy,
It does not boast,
It is not proud.
It is not rude,
It is not self-seeking,
It is not easily angered,
It keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil

but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts,
always hopes,
Always perseveres.

Love never fails. . .
And now these three remain:
Faith, hope and love.
But the greatest of these is love.

- 1 Corinthians 13:4-13

You'll Never Walk Alone

This is one of my favorite songs from the movie Carousel. Helps me get through difficult times knowing there someone out there walking along with me..
Since I'm a novice at blogging, I don't know how to put the video here,,,but heres the link . Shirley Jones is the "young woman".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6V9EbnNx6U&feature=PlayList&p=730EE2E8549E94E3&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=41

Irresistable Bars-Butter Tart Squares

This recipe is so delicious, I really have to limit myself on how many I eat. So YUMMY! Here's the recipe:
Butter Tart Bars:
Base:

2 cups flour
1 cup butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
Combine flour and sugar, then with a pastry blender cut in butter until crumbly. Press into a 10X15 cookie/bar sheet. Bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees.

Topping Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter, softened------ 2 cups brown sugar
4 eggs --------------------------4 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon baking powder---- 1 teaspoon vanilla
pinch of salt --------------------1 1/2 cups raisins
3/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans
( I used 1/2 cup pecans and 1/4 cup walnuts because
I didn't have enough pecans, and it was still very flavorful)

Mix together butter and sugar, then blend in the eggs. Add flour, baking powder, salt and vanilla. Stir in raisins and pecans. Pour over the base. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes or until top springs back when lightly touched. Cool, cut into squares. Freezes well.

When Nothing Matters

When nothing matters,
But the things that really matter...

That’s when we come to God

When nothing matters
But the list of all we care about...

That’s when we come to God

We fall on our knees,
And pray with our heart...

That’s when we come to God

Promises are made
We want to shout...

That’s when we come to God

When nothing matters,
But the things that really matter.

Bloomin' Snow

Well, we woke up this morning, Oct 10, with my flower bed looking like it was blooming snow! It's pretty early for us to have snow already, and not much of our harvest is completed, so snow will complicate things. We are hoping for no more snow, and a quick melt.

We didn't get that much snow, but enough to let us know it is there. The grassy areas didn't melt as much as the dirt and gravel (as you can see the difference between the two pictures). I guess the ground is warm enough to melt it yet.

Grand Dogs

Grand Dogs

Kristin & Kyle not only have a new house,

They also have some new pets,

They have been waiting for a long time to get their dogs.

Kristin chose Dante, a very cute and sweet Cocker Spaniel

and

Kyle chose Cooper, a beautiful, playful, very large Black Lab, he weighs 81 pounds!

Their two cats, Tito and Cliff are still adjusting to the shock!

Dante is very obviously Kristin's dog, follows her everywhere,

and Cooper is exactly what Kyle wanted, fun to play with!

I'm sure they will have many fun, eventful stories with these two around.

Congratulations K & K.

I'm very proud to say that they chose their dogs from Humane Societies that rescue animals.

Fall Garden Harvest

Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers!. . How well I remember that tongue twister. Well, I didn't pick a peck of pickled peppers. This is all the peppers my plants produced, and three different sizes. What a hoot!

Needless to say, these are very late season peppers. My zucchini plants really bushed out and covered the pepper plants most of the summer. After the zucchini died off, the pepper plants basically came alive. There were only 2 plants, hopefully I will get a couple more peppers, but I doubt it.

The tomatoes are glorious looking though aren't they!

Happy Birthday

This is a picture of a pretty fall flower that I took today and I wanted it with my birthday post,,,which is already a day late. Ha. I really enjoyed the card from one my daughters for my birthday yesterday. The verse was really nice. I also like funny cards.

If I had to choose one thing about you that impresses me the most, it's how you've lived your life being true to yourself...You've never let what other people think chip away at Your Dreams, Your Values, or those you hold dear.

And though I'm sure it hasn't always been easy, just knowing You're a person who doesn't waste time living up to someone else's standards,
makes me feel freer to relax & be myself.
That's a wonderful gift, and I am grateful to be one of the lucky people who get to share in the benefits.

A Moving Experience

Kristin & Kyle have moved into their new house. Here they are unlocking the front door for the first time. They also brought home their first dog, Dante who is a Cocker Spaniel. He's so sweet, and the house is awesome. What a happy day!

Pretty Boy

This is my cat named "Pretty Boy". He is a beautiful white long haired cat. Lives outside on my farm. He absolutely loves to walk along side me, and likes to flop over to be petted. He has beautiful blue eyes, and likes to climb the tree outside of my kitchen window. He is so friendly. My girls laugh at his funny name, but it's too late to change it now, he is used to being called a "Pretty Boy"! HA!

Special Prayer

This little guy looks like he is in prayer, the Squirrel has been a on-going joke in our group, bringing lots of laughter among us. I smile almost everytime I see a squirrel, and am actually looking for squirrel jokes, pictures etc, just because of the silliness and laughter the squirrel joke has given all of us.

Bri & Aly

Briana & Alyssa spent Labor Day at our house while their Mom & Dad had to work. Chelsee and I entertained them with making homemade play dough, cut out sugar cookies (with LOTS of sprinkles on them), swinging on the tire swing, inside tent made with blankets over a card table, and a nice long walk. What a day, they kept us busy! But a fun day with those sweet "great nieces". They were pretty proud of the cookies they made and they also took some home to share with Dad & Mom.

Old Fashioned Roll Out Sugar Cookies

2/3 cup butter or margarine

1 cup sugar

1 Egg

2 Tablespoons Milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt.

Cream butter; add sugar gradually. Beat in egg, milk and vanilla extract. Measure dry ingredients together, and blend into egg mixture gradually. Chill for at least 1 hour. Roll out to 1/4" thickness on lightly floured counter or table and cut out with cookie cutters. Bake at 400 degrees for 5 - 7 minutes . Yield about 3 dozen.

This is not my traditional cut out cookie recipe that I use at Holiday time, but this one makes a smaller recipe, and rolls out very nice.

Play Dough

This is a play dough recipe that I have used since my girls were little. We made it a lot. It is fun to play with, and works well with some of the "PlayDoh" toys. I got the recipe from a friend, Jeanne Miller, who had children in the same country school as my girls. They played together a lot.

3 cups flour

1 1/2 cups salt

6 teaspoons cream of tartar

3 cups cool water

3 Tablespoons oil

Food Coloring

Do not add the food coloring until after play dough is made. Mix all ingredients (except food coloring) in a large pan until smooth. Cook until no wet sticky spots are left. Let cool a little, then knead until smooth (the warm dough feels really good on hands). After smooth, I divide into 4 equal halves, then add food coloring of the color you choose. Smooth dough out, then place food coloring in center, fold dough over and start to knead food coloring in. I store in Hefty ziploc type bags in the refrigerator. This will keep for a very long time. Enjoy, you will love playing with it as much as the kids...great to make and play with any kids!

Wedding

" With all that I am, I will Honor you all the days of my life." What a great Bible verse April & Brandon chose for their wedding. I know I don't have the exact wording, but close. The minister gave a great homily about marriage, and honoring each other. It was very inspirational. Congratulations and good luck to April & Brandon"

Niece April & Brandon's Wedding

April dancing with her Dad to Brown Eyed Girl. Special song for them, he used to sing it to her when she was a little girl.

I wonder what Chelsee said to make Briana look at her this way! I love this picture, so funny

The head table enjoyed being served their meal!

We made 5 different kinds of mints for the wedding: Traditional Mint flavor, Rum, Almond, Raspberry, and Root Beer. The recipe is simple, and it is tradition in our family to use this recipe for special occasions. The recipe is my Mom's.
Mints
2 lb bag powdered sugar
8 oz. package cream cheese at room temperature
1 1/2 capfuls Mint Extract (or whatever flavor you choose)
Food coloring
Mix together, cover and chill in refrigerator
Dip mint molds into granulated sugar, press small amount of mint mixture into mold and push out of mold. Arrange in single layers on was paper until "dry set". Then freeze until day of wedding. I made a decorated card listing the different flavors of mints. We did one color of food coloring per flavor. We even did some "marbled" looking mints, which were very pretty.

Cupcake Tier and Eggless Chocolate Cake Top (Brandon is allergic to eggs) and Lily Flower Topper I made for April's Wedding. There were 3 different flavors of cupcakes, White (plain white frosting), Carrot (Pink Spray on top of frosting) and Chocolate (pink glassy looking sprinkles on top). I made a card listing all the flavors color coded by the color of frosting or decoration on the top of cupcake. It all turned out pretty good. April and Brandon really liked it, and that's what counts.

(For a closer view, just click on the picture and it will appear larger)

Black & Decker

Well, we found a new use for our Black & Decker drill! The mixer was not handy, and Chelsee needed to mix some Jello with Cool Whip to make "fluff". So Lonnie put one of the mixer beaters into the new Black & Decker he got for Christmas. Wha la' ! It worked great. What a fun way to "construct" something edible!

Fascination with Dragonfly

On days when I have time, I eat my lunch by the lake at our city park. It is so nice to go there and eat a relaxing , quiet lunch. I usually take my camera and on this day I was lucky enough to get close to a dragonfly by the waters edge. I sat on the rocks and stayed very still and was able to get quite a few shots of this one. It kept coming back to the same branch in the water. I have been fascinated with dragonflies since I was a little girl. They remind me of helicopters.

Que Sera Sera

I remember having this picture taken. I was almost 7 years old. I loved the dress, which I think came from my Great Aunt Elizabeth. I had black velvet hair bows that held my hair back. And my favorite shoes, black patent leather, and anklet socks with a little trim on them.

Sometimes life's lessons can be a little thorny!

Remember, you may not be able to control what life puts in your path,

but you can control who you are and who you will become.

Pure Sweetness

Aren't these little guys adorable! In My World I would love to have a Basset Hound again someday. They definitely have an interesting character and loving-ness. I need to make a refrigerator magnet or bookmark with this picture of them. Does anyone have a really great phrase or saying that could go with this picture?

My new Containers - OXO GOOD GRIPS POP CONTAINER

Someday I hope to be this organized. Wish me Luck and time to do it!

I finally found containers for using in my kitchen, or anywhere. They are exactly what I have been looking for. I also found these at Bed, Bath, and Beyond. They are OXO GOOD GRIPS POP CONTAINER. They are stackable, The lid is flat, but has a round button in the center. When you push the lid down, it pops up, and becomes the handle. The button also engages the sealing mechanism. They are awesome. I also found some at Target. This is what I have so far, but plan on getting more.

My New Boots

I have been looking for some "fun" boots to wear outside when the grass is wet etc. Kristin & I were shopping together recently and she found these for me. I love them! Aren't they just fun!

I'm sure I will have to fight for them with Lonnie, can't you picture him wearing these...hahahaha!

Hollyhock Heaven

My Hollyhocks are finally blooming! I have liked hollyhocks ever since I was a little girl and my Grandma Mary had them, and we had some at home. I like the old fashioned kind, but this double bloom hollyhock is really pretty too. Whenever I look at them it reminds me of staying at my Grandpa & Grandma's house and going for walks with Grandma. She loved flowers, looking for rocks (one of my favorites also) and me! I bought a couple of quilting patterns for Hollyhock quilts that I am looking forward to making someday just because I like them so much.

Butterflies Are Free

I think Butterflies are beautiful. I can't believe how close I got to this one. I was able to get a few pictures before it flew away. Aren't the wings amazing!

Banana Split Pie

This is a dessert I came up with this morning. So simple and fast.

Ingredients:

(1) 3.4 oz pkg of Banana Instant Pudding

(1) 3.4 oz pkg of Chocolate Instant Pudding

1 Ready made graham cracker crust 9 oz size

1 or 2 bananas

Slice bananas about 1/4" and place on bottom of crust. Mix 1 3/4 cup of cold milk with banana pudding according to package directions. (I usually put in a medium size Tupperware type bowl and put the lid on and shake it for about 1 minute). Pour banana pudding over bananas. Let chill until set, about 1/2 hour.

Mix 1 3/4 cup cold milk with chocolate pudding according to package directions. (I use the shake method again). Gently pour over banana pudding. (I usually pour it over a spatula or something so doesn't dent the bottom layer of pudding). Let set for 1 - 2 hours until firmly set. Garnish with Whipped topping, maraschino cherry, or strawberry, or use whatever you want!

Enjoy

I just took the Better Homes and Garden color Personality Test. This is the results!
Quiz: What's Your Color Personality?

Your Results
Your color personality is: Green




It sounds like the hue you most relate to is green -- the color most evocative of nature. Adjectives such as kind, gentle, and contemplative likely describe you. You enjoy being involved with your neighbors and coworkers, but you also require plenty of time to yourself to recharge. You are social yet introverted, and modern but not trendy. Surround yourself with your signature color to create a restful, soothing environment. From sage to hunter, green can work well in virtually every room of your house. Use it generously to create a haven you'll love coming home to. • Colorful Kitchens Slide Show

Entryway needs helps

This is how I would like to paint and stain the stairs on my entry way to my house.

I would like to put down linoleum that matches the hallway and kitchen on the landing

A friend recently sent this quote to me. I am definitely adding it to my favorites.

Thanks MB for sharing.

Happy moments, praise God

Difficult moments, seek God

Quiet moments, worship God

Painful moments, trust God

Every moment, thank God

Granddogs

The only picture we will probably ever have of Riley with the dogs. Riley was resting and didn't realize the dogs were there. Doesn't Riley look huge next to BJ!

We just had the "Granddogs" for a week. They were so much fun, except that Riley (our cat) did not like having the extra company. He was stalking them every chance he got. Mario and BJ were very good about staying out of Riley's way. Now that the dogs have gone home I am missing the daily walks we were taking.

Oh beautiful Peony

About 5 years ago I planted some Peony plants that a friend gave to me. After all these years they are finally blooming beautifully. Every year bigger and better blooms. They are so pretty and fragrant!

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie created by Berny

9 inch pie crust (baked or graham cracker. I use the purchased graham cracker to save time.)
2 1/2 cups fresh strawberries
2 cups fresh rhubarb
1 3/4 cups water
1 c. sugar
3 Tablespoons cornstarch
1 (3 oz.) package strawberry Jello

*Wash and slice strawberries and rhubarb, keep separate.
*In saucepan combine water and rhubarb and boil for 5 -7 minutes until tender.
*Combine sugar and cornstarch, stir into water/rhubarb mixture. Cook on low heat until thickened. About 2 - 3 minutes.
*Add Jello and stir until completely dissolved.
*Fold in strawberries, then pour into baked shell or graham crust.
*Chill until set and serve with whipped topping.
Very easy and looks pretty. Serves 6 - 8 people depending on how large you cut the slices!

Rhubarb Dream Bars

These bars a quick and easy to make, and very good flavor.
CRUST:
2 c. flour
3/4 c. powdered sugar
1 cup butter (2 sticks)

FILLING:
4 eggs (substitute Egg Beaters for low cholesterol)
2 c. sugar
1/2 c. flour
4 c. thinly sliced rhubarb

Mix crust ingredients together with a fork or pastry blender and press into 15 x 10 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Combine eggs, sugar, and flour. Beat well. Fold in rhubarb. Spread over hot crust and return to oven and bake 40 to 45 minutes longer. Cool. Cut into bars. Makes 3 dozen bars.

photo by Berny 09'

The goal you set must be challenging. At the same time, it should be realistic and attainable, not impossible to reach. It should be challenging enough to make you stretch, but not so far that you break.”
Quote from -Rick Hansen

photo by Berny -5/25/09

Oh What A Night!

A soft wind blew, gently, whispering

Come, rest by me

The splendor of the sunset

Shimmering on the lake

Rippling water,

Serenity

Peaceful

Beautiful

Oh What a Night!

This is the view we saw from the banks of the lake not far from Amber & Ryan's home, and Kristin & Kyle's future home. This place is awesome. I am so wistful for a place like this to be near me. Accessible just by walking or a short drive. Is that jealousy? I hope not, just wistful thinking and I am so glad for them to have a place like this to retreat to.

Riley does like to be the center of attention!

This is our cat Riley, He likes to stretch out on the floor. This is one of his cranky looks, which we see quite a lot.

Another 4-H Cook off Recipe that my daughter used. Very good
South-of-the-Border Beef Enchiladas. To make this dish even easier, buy Enchilada sauce instead of making your own tomato sauce. Works great and saves a lot of time.

1 14 ½ ounce can whole tomatoes, undrained ½ cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic, finely chopped ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/3 teaspoon crushed red pepper 2 teaspoons honey
1 cup low-fat or regular ricotta cheese ½ cup chopped green pepper
1 teaspoon ground cumin 6 (8”) flour tortillas
¼ cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
¼ cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 ½ pounds lean Ground Beef, browned

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Spray rectangular baking dish, 13x9x2 inches, with cooking spray.
2. Place tomatoes, onion and garlic in blender or food processor. Cover and blend until smooth. Cook blended mixture, 2 tablespoons of the cilantro, honey and red pepper in 2-quart saucepan over medium heat 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Mix browned, Ground Beef, ricotta cheese, bell pepper, cumin and remaining 2 tablespoons cilantro. Spread ½ cup tomato sauce in baking dish. Spoon ½ cup Beef mixture down center of each tortilla. Roll up tortilla; place seam side down on tomato sauce in dish. Spoon remaining tomato sauce over filled tortillas. Sprinkle with cheese.4. Bake uncovered 20 to 25 minutes or until tomato sauce is bubbly and cheese is melted. Yield: 6 serving

This is a very good recipe that my daughter used in a 4-H cooking contests. Very Good!
Sweet-and-Sour Pork

1 medium onion, sliced into thin wedges 1 small green pepper, thinly sliced
1 small sweet red pepper, thinly sliced 1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons cooking oil, divided 1 pound pork loin
2 cans (8 ounces each) unsweetened pineapple chunks, undrained
3 tablespoons cornstarch ½ cup corn syrup
¼ cup vinegar 3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons ketchup
Hot cooked rice

In a large skillet or wok over medium high heat, stir-fry onion, peppers, and garlic in 1 tablespoon oil for 3 – 4 minutes or until crisp-tender. Remove vegetables; set aside and keep warm.
Cut pork into 3-inch x ½-inch x 1/8-inch strips; stir-fry over medium high heat in remaining oil for 5 – 7 minutes or until no longer pink.
Drain pineapple, reserving juice; set pineapple aside.
Combine juice and cornstarch; add corn syrup, vinegar, soy sauce and ketchup.
Add to skillet with pork, vegetables and pineapple. Bring to a boil; boil and stir for 2 minutes.
Serve over hot rice. Yield: 4 servings.

I have designed different Bookmarks and Magnets. I give these as gifts to my family and friends. I usually use pictures that I have taken myself, or that my granddaughter has taken. From time to time I will display them on my blog under the title of Bookmarks by Berny

Come to me,
all you who are weary
and burdened,
and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke
upon you
and learn from me,
for I am gentle
and
humble in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls.

For my yoke is easy and
my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30

Bookmarks by Berny
2009