Simply Altered

One more gift ready to be wrapped up and set under our tree.  Other than the binder rings, I had everything on hand in my craft stash.  Very inexpensive, yet personalized and handmade gift.

Remember the “Before” pic?

Chipboard, one dowel, patterned paper, rub-on letters, Mod Podge and binder rings. (and a few buttons to fancy it up even more!!!)

…….Now the finished product……

Ta-da !!! (click to enlarge)

Carys room will look so cute with this. I did not necessarily intend for the dowel to be part of the gift, although I need it for the sake of displaying this.   If it were ME, I would hang them on a decorator curtain rod, maybe on the front side of a sheer valance.  Oh how cute and “girly”  for her room!!!!   It could also easily hang on the wall with this dowel like it appears here.

Regardless, Merry FIRST Christmas to our little “Baby Crissy”   !!!!!!

Since I was so full of random thoughts last night, I will keep this one SIMPLE.

A gift I am making for a baby in the family.  Here is the “before” pic.

very basic scrapbooking materials is all I need.

Of course, I will post the “after” on Day 15 as I am busy today  putting the finishing touches on it.

It is coming along PERFECTLY and will be an adorable gift!!!

what do you see ??

What do you see???   a partially wet sidewalk?  the letter “H” ?  the letter “I”  ?   or is this making no sense to you at all??

I have some very random thoughts tonight, and seems like a good night to make that the feature of my update for Day 13.    I woke up, attended church (twice mind you) and was determined it was going to be a good day.  I had one main thing in mind, and that was a nice and QUIET wintertime walk after church.  The temps were perfect, so I could find no reason not to.

1) December 13:  I lost the man I idolized 15 years ago today.  Sadness began to set in.  Always does this time of year.  I always thought when the many years passed and I could say “yeah, my dad passed away 15 years ago”  that it would seem EASY by then.  No.  It does not.  I miss him.  I miss him ALOT.  He is still 61 years old to me, and that was too young for a man of such natural wisdom and influence to leave his family.   I knew this walk I had planned would be good for my soul today, and it was.

2) More on my walk:   I need to do this and on a REGULAR basis.  Today was my first day.  If you want to know how to pass the time, take an Ipod  (although I am not NEARLY that “cool”)   I still have what I call a Walkman, and yes my kids laugh when I use that word.  What can I say??   anyway, take some music to listen to as well as a camera.  I took both and before I knew it, I had walked 3 miles.  Walked to the local hardware store, and back home again…..with MANY cool pictures of things I would have never noticed had I been driving.  I have a reason for these pictures (see the pic above, it is one of them).  I may have a new hobby.  I am trying.  You may have an idea, you may not.  I will reveal it once I get one completed.

3) Calendars: Did you know that there needs to be a calendar of some kind,  in EACH room of  Care Centers / Nursing Homes?   I know this was the case here, as I used to work in one (LONG ago) as an activity director.  That takes me back. It was right out of high school!!   27 years ago?  I loved that job and got very attached to the residents.  I cried when I left to go to Beauty School.  Anyway, we went through alot of effort to find one for EVERYONE!!!   The thought just came back to me, this many years later.  How many calendars can I contribute?  My kids and I  have sent for FREE ones that are offered this time of year through the internet, and picked up one from the local places they offer.  Not like we are taking something we are not suppose to, we just take one that they WANT to give away and will find someone in a center than needs it.  Just a thought.  Maybe we could all help in this effort.  Collect one, or many, and hand deliver them to a staff member.  Take it one step further, and find someone there to sit and chat a minute.  It might just make their day, and there is not ONE of us that does not have (literally) a few minutes to spare.  :)

4) I have felt somewhat Uninspired lately {see #1}.  Christmas is hard when the kids get older.  Christmas programs are no longer happening with my kids, so I decided to take one in tonight for my nephews little boy.  Oh, to see the magic through a LITTLE ones eyes is so heart warming.  Imagine how proud they are to see all those people in the crowd to watch THEM!!!   It was a darling program, and I am glad I went.  My son went along and we had to reminisce of when HE was one of the little 4 year olds performing!!!

5) And lastly.  After 4 school SNOW DAYS in a row, plus a weekend following, we are ALL ready to get back on track tomorrow.  I love having the kids here, but to be so off schedule is not all fun & games.  Sorry, even great mothers are happy to see school IN SESSION sometimes.  Tomorrow at 8 am, I will be embracing the quiet clean house, I will be able to keep the kitchen clean, and be able to actually WRAP some gifts without having to hide in the basement.  ….and then by 3:30, I will find myself waiting at the door, anxiously awaiting their return.  Routine really is a good thing.

Wishing you all a good week ahead.  Last full one before the BIG day!!!….

My daughter and I went on a little adventure today.  This was going to be a family trip, but Glenn was not feeling well, and my son?  well he had plans with another female in his life other than his MOTHER!!    {sigh}.

So, this was a girls trip.  We went to Southern Iowa (Drakesville area) and visited Amish country.  There is this simple Amish / General sort of store that has the neatest things, and then BEST steak knives I have ever used.  (thanks Kim) There is also a Amish owned bulk grocery store, that has all sorts of wonderful things.  We had a nice time, chatted the whole way there and back home again.

I am not sure on Amish picture taking, but I could NOT resist.  I did not let them know necessarily that I was taking a few pictures, but wanted to capture the SIMPLE life they live.  I remain mesmerized at the way they live SO simply.

When I was very young,  I always told my dad I wanted to “be Amish” someday…..and he always laughed.  Ok, maybe I just want to be “kind of Amish”  ???   LOL

I hope to think my kids have one.  Weather at Christmas or otherwise, there is usually ONE moment in your childhood, that is absolutely nothing short of MAGICAL  !!!

When I catch a glimpse of this image, I am taken completely back!!!   I know it sounds crazy, but I almost find my heart thumping.  I really do.  THAT is how magical it was.

can you just IMAGINE ?!?!?!?

Yep, it was Santa Claus!!!

and he was making his stop at MY house, sitting in MY kitchen!!!!   It was UNbelievable!!!!

Being the youngest of five girls, my oldest sister, the most nostalgic one of all, must have been DETERMINED that I was going to believe in Santa.  You would have thought, her putting curlers in my hair should have been a dead giveaway that “something exciting” was about to happen.   I was oblivious though, just assuming she was being extra nice.  After all, remember, it WAS Christmas Eve  !!!

So, I went to bed, curlers all set tight, and what seemed to be the MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT  (in reality, it was probably more like 10 pm)  my sister Kathy awoke me announcing something like “Kelli, you need to get up, Santa is here, has some extra time, and wants to eat his cookies WITH you ….hurry up, he is in our kitchen RIGHT NOW ”  !!!!!!!!   I think I floated in the kitchen, in some sort of dreamy stupor.  And that few minutes will be FOREVER etched in my heart and in my memory.   I was a true believer !!!!!  how on EARTH could I have ever doubted the whole Santa concept?  I am not sure I was even able to TALK to him, I think I was in a dazed state instead.   No need to tell him than what I wanted, my Christmas was complete with his personal visit.  Who needed gifts???

I do not recall my parents really ever making an issue of Santa at all.  We might have received candy in our stockings, which mind you , all five hung in a row on our CARDBOARD fireplace.  :)    Not sure if it was a matter of my parents not believing in the Santa idea, or if they were just “tired”  after attempting this routine with 5 little girls.  I would guess they were tired.  LOL.  That is where my sister Kathy stepped up to the plate.

Santa (a.k.a. her then boyfriend Larry)  whom I also idolized, fulfilled my single most magical memory.  There was no chance of our family to do big fancy vacations, Disney, the ocean, no, nothing like that….but with a little effort and planning ahead, and 4 older sisters that loved the “baby” of the family, I had more magical memories than one little girl felt deserving of.

Thanks again Kathy, nearly 40 years later.

Amazing:

I am actually doing this during the day and not into the wee hours of the night.

I am including no recipes.  ( I would hate to become too predictable )  haha

We have had THREE school snow days in a row this week!!!  makes for a messier house than I prefer, and some bored kids….but we have made the best of it.  Yesterday, we ventured out in the 4 wheel drive pickup and took pictures.  It was really a fun time.  We pretty much had the road all to ourselves.  :) a blizzard that brought about 15″ of snow and 40mph winds, keeps most sane people indoors.

I have posted most of these to my Facebook page, so some blog readers have already seen them…..but here you go, just one more time.  :)

the view out our spare bedroom window.

twin dormers taken from the same bedroom. burrrr...

30 mph??? no, we were moving at a snails pace!!

Our poodle Mitzi had the right idea.  Her warm sweater dress on and parked in front of the fire.  All . day . long  !!!!!

Smart dog.    :)

I have to start this update by patting myself on the back.   Remember, I wanted to get better at photography?  I think I am getting closer.  Yeah!!!   We are on the THIRD “snow day” of the week,  so out of a little boredom, the kids and I had some “photography fun”  I have a great camera, and an even GREATER computer (a Mac, of course)  and here is an example.   Someone even thought I had taken a picture of a postcard!!!!   talk about FLATTERY????!!!!!!

Here it is….

Don't just love it??? I do. right outside my kitchen widow. Honestly. **click to enlarge

Ok.  Enough about my aspiring photography skills.

Onto the highly requested recipe for today.

Cheeseburger Soup:

(might appear complicated, but it really is not)

1 lb ground beef (or 2 lbs can also be used)

1 cup diced onion

1 cup diced celery

1 cup shredded carrots

5 cups diced potatoes

1 lg can chicken broth (about 48 oz)

6 Tbsp Margarine

1/4 cup flour

1  1/2 cups milk

1 tsp basil

1 tsp parsley

1 tsp black pepper

salt and/or garlic to taste

1 lb Velveeta cheese (or more if desired)

In a large soup pan, brown hamburger, drain and set aside.  In same pan, add 3 of the Tbsp Margarine with the onion, celery and carrots and saute until crisp tender.  Add chicken broth, burger, potatoes and all spices.  Bring to a low boil and cook until potatoes are almost tender.  in a small saucepan, melt the remaining 3 Tbsp Margarine.  Add flour to it and cook slightly to thicken.  Stir in milk and cook on low a few minutes.  Slowly add this mixture to the soup and cook for about 30 minutes on low to med low.  Add cheese (cubed) and continue cooking on low until cheese is melted or you are ready to eat  I generally cook at this point most of the afternoon, just making sure it is low enough to not stick.

I also add more spices, like Accent, and Lowrys Seasoned pepper and extra basil.   Don’t be afraid to be generous with the spices.

Only one warning.  If the flour roux is added too fast, it might curdle.   I have had that happen before, but no fear, it does not affect the taste.  It is STILL so delicious !!!!!!!!!!!!

Again, I can not take full credit for this, it came from the mother of my niece by marriage!!!  how is THAT for giving credit where credit is due???   LOL

Thanks Sherri.  

Of course, I want to hear from all of you that try this and (of course),  LOVE it  !!!!!

After many requests, both from last nights post, and Facebook, here is what Iowans know as Bishops Chocolate Pie.

Yummy !!!!

Many MANY years ago, in my childhood, there was a restaurant buffet in Des Moines, names Bishops.  They had the BEST chocolate pie and were  famous statewide for it.  Back then, it was a REALLY big deal to go “out to eat” at Bishops and end the  meal with a big piece of the pie.  Brings back fond memories.

Are there many?   or any? blog readers that remember the famous pie?  please tell us your Bishops memories if you have them.

Otherwise, here is the recipe, try it out and make your OWN memories.

Bishops Chocolate Pie:

1 qt vanilla ice cream

1 1/2 cup milk

2 sm pkgs chocolate instant pudding

2 squares unsweetened Bakers Chocolate (melted)

1 cup Whipping Cream

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1 deep large Graham Cracker crust

Mix and beat the slightly softened ice cream and milk together for 2 minutes.  Add 1 of the pudding mixes and beat 2 minutes.  Add the 2nd pudding mix and beat another 2 minutes.  Add the melted chocolate and beat well until mixed thoroughly.  Pour into Graham Cracker crust and keep in refrigerator.

Prepare whipped topping by beating the whipping cream and powdered sugar together until it forms stiff peaks.  I use a metal bowl and chill the beaters before I do this.

With this recipe, the whipped topping is to be piped along the edges like the picture shows.  I personally like more of the topping, so I double the Whipped topping portions and then SPREAD it over the entire chocolate mixture.  Makes it even BETTER!!!

Must be kept refrigerated!!!

Thanks goes out to Dawn for requesting this recipe via Facebook and to Mishelle for providing it.  I am just spreading the word via my blog !!  :)

They say “Life is short, eat dessert first”.  I am obeying this rule as dessert is first (tonight)  and a recipe for Cheeseburger Chowder (tomorrow for Day 9)….another highly requested recipe!!!  it is soooooo DELICIOUS!!!!!!!     you will not want to miss it.

hmmmm….I see a pattern here of food.  After tomorrow, we will shift focus (again).  Remember randomness is good.

…Is a REAL good tan.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6J1IKLFkAY

(ok, I thought I had the link thing mastered, but no such luck.  Please copy, paste and ENJOY!!!  it is worth the extra effort)

I have this CD, and it is one of my FAVORITE ones at Christmas time.  Ya gotta admit, Kenny Chesney DOES sound good and easy on the eyes.  :)

But honestly, I would not REALLY want this for Christmas necessarily.  I would much rather have the 8 to 12″ of snow we have predicted for tomorrow in my area, and the blizzard warnings that are predicted the following day.

Really, I think I would.   I already have plans made.  Chili will be on the stove, homemade bread rising on the counter, and homemade Bishops Chocolate pie chilling for dessert.

Ask me in February???  I will definitely want to go to where I really CAN get a “real good tan”.

I doubt it happens then either.

{sigh}

A great time had by all.... (left to right) myself, my sister Kim, Lana, my sisters Kathy and Kris.

How time marches on.

Thanks to modern technology and the invention of Facebook, I was able to get reconnected with a cousin that I had not seen in YEARS.  I am thinking like 20+ years.   How sad is that?  as valuable as family is, and how quickly the days go by.

Lana.

I always knew she was about 60 miles from my home.  I always asked about her when I ran into other family  members.

But did I ever pick up the phone and give her a call?  no.

Until Facebook came about.  I just happened to see her on another family members Facebook page….and the connection was rekindled.

It feels like I have not missed a day of her life now.  It came naturally to pick up where we left off so many years ago.

My sisters and I made a “Sisters day plus Lana” yesterday.  Went to Des Moines, and everyone had the BEST time.

it took ALOT of thought over a simple new butter dish for Kim!!

Shopping, eating and visiting.  And the shopping took place in the most quaint little areas of the city.  We shopped from the really EXPENSIVE boutiques,  and later in the day in the cheapest nearly thrift store shops.  There were some Christmas gifts purchased, but I think everyone came home with something “fun” for themselves as well.   How can you NOT enjoy a day like that!!

Thanks to Lana and all my sisters for making a very unexpected day so very enjoyable.   I want to make a date to do it again !!   and until then, I am in contact with Lana on a daily basis thanks to Facebook.

Life is good.