simple country pleasures...

Today is a good day to stay indoors. There's a chilling blast of cold wind from the north and a prediction of 7 to 10 inches of snow. Early this morning we could see across the fields that the neighboring farms are without power...we are fortunate ours is still on. However; I did get a quick refresher lesson on how to run the generator if necessary! I've done my best to be prepared so we'll be comfortable, and really, lots of snow and cold don't bother me...they bring out my pioneer spirit!

This week I began re-reading Laura Ingalls Wilder's book,
The Long Winter. In this book she tells of her family's struggle
to survive a South Dakota winter in 1880...a winter so severe that it lasted 7 months. Hmmm, that makes our winter look pretty tame! We're all together, safe & warm, and that's what matters.

A day like this lets me attend to only small, needed chores, and the kids will be enjoying yet another snow day. It's a day for movies, board games, cookies, a crackling fire, roasting marshmallows, making s'mores, and catching up on some reading.

And speaking of cookies, here's today's simple pleasure...
it's oh-so easy. I've dressed up our cookie jar in no time at all
with only a little chalkboard paint!

This idea would also work well if you store powdered laundry soap, clothespins, or seed packets in pantry jars. The ideas are endless, and it helps keep things a bit more organized.
Which, at least around here, is needed!

Happy Friday!

cute overload!

My friend Diana is the Queen of Cute, the Princess of Parties,
and just an all around clever gal! She made these adorable cake pops for a church social...everyone was buzzing about them
(I know...bad joke, but really, they were!)

Take a peek at her blog, Closet Crafter, to see her pictures
(our family won the Junior Mint cupcakes at a cake auction...yay!)

Scroll through and you'll find lots of fun ideas to inspire you!
I ran into her his morning at a craft store...I'm anxious to see what's she's up to next!

simple country pleasures...

I would not,
could not,
cut a quilt or coverlet!

I would not,
could not...regardless of the condition it's in,
or how tattered it might be.

I would fold, and refold, then fold some more to put its best vintage face forward for the world to see. It's how I'm wired...
I just couldn't bare to cut one up.

Now if I come across pieces already cut, that's a different story. They are begging to be put to new uses. So today's simple pleasure is an angel made from a bit of vintage coverlet and hearts stitched from quilt pieces.

No pattern needed...just a cut here and a snip there, some batting, some muslin, a little more stitching and they're done! There's no "right" or "wrong"...she and the hearts will be uniquely yours.
Our angel sits high atop our Christmas tree, then after the holidays, she keeps watch over us from inside an old cupboard.

I'd love to hear how you're passing these February days...
sitting by the fire and creating something new is certainly a simple country pleasure.

Happy Friday to all!

P.S.
Be sure to drop in at Verde Farm for their Farm Friend Friday...it's a terrific way to meet bloggers who live & love the country life!

some things change, some don't...

Last week, as I bundled up the kids to take them to school,
the temperature was -11 degrees. Tomorrow has a forcast
of 60 degrees.

Last week we wore the warmest boots and heavy socks we could find to keep our toes toasty. Today we're wearing rain boots.

The ground is no longer frozen and covered with lovely, swirling snow. It's muddy, sloppy, and there are puddles everywhere.

And  yes, while the weather is willy-nilly these days, some things do not change, and it's those things that warm my heart.

...handmade Valentines with sweet cut-out hearts
...lots of hugs & kisses
...chocolates galore alongside fragrant hyacinths
...a lilac-scented candle
...holding hands while falling asleep
...everyone piled in bed reading together
   (with more stuffed animals than people!)
...wanting to sleep with Mama's or Daddy's shirt because
   "It has that special smell."
...forever friends

Among all these things we cherish, friendship is one of them.
We have dear friends who moved away a few years ago, and while we still miss them, we've been blessed to be able to visit together each year. It's the type of friendship that picks up right where it left off the last time we were together...without missing a beat.

I love that they always remember our kids, too. Over the years we've  received packages of Valentine goodies, shamrock-shaped straws, books, Christmas treats that help tide them over until Santa comes, and always a special birthday surprise. The kids love getting mail just for them! However; also tucked in Monday's Valentine package were a pair of pretty pink & brown John Deere hotpads, just for me!

I've said it before, in a "made overseas" world, someone who takes the time to share a handcrafted gift gives a part of themselves too. And truly, that's the best part of all.
Ah, Margaret...they're almost too pretty to use! But use them I will, and I'll think of you every time.

happy heart's day!

Wishing you a day of sweet surprises!

simple country pleasures...

I am a list-maker, note-taker, and, I admit,
"it might be important so I'd better save it" type of person.

The challenge...how to corral all that clutter  paperwork
on the fridge and whiteboard so that it looks a bit better?

A quick look around and soon I found buttons, extra game pieces,
and even a few pop bottle caps that were easily turned into magnets. A bit of hot glue will secure a heavy-duty magnet to the back of each.

I'm sure you'll think of lots of other ideas...
costume jewelry for a bit of sparkle, alphabet letters,
or even seed packets would all be sweet.

Oh-so simple and they're done in a jiffy!

Now all those recipe cards, notes, kids' artwork,
reminder cards, and school lists are a bit more tidy!

(If only I could organize our desk so easily...
that, my friends, is on next week's to-do list!)

Happy Friday!

February's simple joys...

...create handmade Valentines with oodles of ribbon, doilies, stickers, rubber stamps, snippets of fabric & vintage buttons.

...there's still time to begin forcing bulbs if January slipped by
too quickly!

...cookie cutters make the sweetest heart-shaped fudge, marshmallows, and brownies.

...curl up and watch classic movies. Some of our favorites are:
Casablanca, Father Goose, Operation Petticoat,
North by Northwest, The Great Race, and That Touch of Mink

...give packets of flower seeds to friends: forget-me-nots,
sweet peas, and daisies are oh-so pretty. Tuck the packets into little pots, or slip into envelopes and mail to far-away friends.

...use heart soap molds when soap making, then stamp each with conversation heart greetings

...stitch together a red ticking pincushion for someone who loves to sew

...wake up the family to heart-shaped pancakes, or use a cookie cutter to cut heart-shaped French toast

...write a note telling someone special all the things
you love about them!

simple country pleasures...

The snow has stopped, the sun is shining, and the kids went back to school today. They've had 3 snow days at home this week,
with a 2-hour delay this morning. It's not so much the snow as it is the ice making travel (and even walking to the barn!) more than a bit tricky. Oh well, it is winter after all...a very good time to settle in and get creative.

Today's quick & easy idea was such fun to make...we put together a calendar of some of our favorite things!

my vintage Cadillac bike that I bought for a song at an auction.



Little Man with the garden's first tomato.

It was fun to go back through our photos choosing favorites to drop in for each month. For Christmas gifts this year, I think I'll create a family calendar...kids smiling faces, our vacation,
school plays, and family & friends.

And lest you be too impressed, there are oodles of "drag & drop" sites on the web to make your very own calendar...and it's a snap!

goodbye to January...

While I was hoping for several inches of snow, it was not to be.
This is how our day began...

And now, at day's end, the ice is becoming thicker, the freezing rain has turned to sleet, and we're under a Winter Weather Warning that's set to last 2 days.

Oh well, we're snug and warm. We baked bread and stirred up a pot of Moose Soup (Little Man came up with the name...

and no, there were no moose harmed in the making of this soup!) It's simply a hearty vegetable soup, although how the name came to be is a bit fuzzy.

It was a snow day for the kids so we baked cookies, played games, and watched movies. And we've just heard school is cancelled for tomorrow...it'll be a late night here!



simple country pleasures...

This week I have found that a digital camera can only take so many accidental drops. I've cringed over the years as I've reached, as if in slow motion, to quickly catch it from crashing to the floor. Often I was successful, but many times it was simply out of reach and fell in the blink of an eye.

And so today's post is photoless...sad, but true.

I wanted to show you puffy marshmallows floating in a mug of chocolately cocoa.

I wanted to show you the cute cut-out marshmallows you can make using cookie cutters (hearts for Valentine's Day!)

Lastly, I wanted to show you that sweet chocolate "moustache" that magically appears on a child happily sipping away.

Alas, it was not to be. Some days are just better than others...
I think a cup of cocoa will make it all better. (That, and a visit to the camera store!)

So, with that long introduction, here you go...a Martha Stewart recipe I've used for years, and it's truly the best. They're so easy to make, and oh the taste...you'll never buy store-bought again!

Homemade Marshmallows

3 c. sugar
1-1/4 c. light corn syrup
1/4 t. salt
1-1/2 c. water, divided
4 env. unflavored gelatin
2 t. vanilla extract
1-1/2 c. powdered sugar

Lightly coat a 13"x9" baking pan with oil or non-stick cooking spray. Line it with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang along the edges. Coat parchment with oil; set aside. 

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, salt, and 3/4 cup water. Over high heat, bring to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Continue to heat, without stirring, for 9 minutes, or until a candy thermometer measures 238 degrees.

Add  remaining water to the bowl of an electric mixer; sprinkle with gelatin. Let sit 5 minutes. Using whisk attachment, turn mixer to low and whisk hot syrup into gelatin mixture. Slowly increase speed to high and continue to whisk for 12 minutes, or until mixture is very stiff; beat in vanilla. Add mixture to prepared pan; smooth top. Set aside, uncovered, 3 hours, or until marshmallows are firm.

Dust one cup powdered sugar onto a work surface. Turn out marshmallow onto sugar; peel off  and discard parchment paper. Use a sharp knife or cookie cutters, coated with oil, to cut marshmallow into desired shapes. Toss cut-outs in remaining powdered sugar to coat. Store in an airtight container
for up to 3 days.

busy lives...

In a world that seems to spin faster each day, I've found it
helps me to slow down that pace a bit by enjoying some quiet, simple pleasures.

With winter's sub-zero nights (and even some days) here in the Midwest, I think about what country ladies who lived here long ago might have busied themselves doing this time of year.
They would have most certainly knitted, quilted, and mended during the long winters. A friend and I went to a yarn shop yesterday...she's teaching me to knit a shawl. Visiting the shop and seeing all the beautiful yarns inspired me to not only start (and finish!) my shawl, but to dust off my loom and complete a project that's been waiting on it for much too long.

When the kids come inside from snow-day fun, they warm up, then often settle in with board games, Go-Fish, or checkers. These games are a welcome break from the many electronic, and somewhat noisy, ones that seem to be everywhere.

Baking cookies or brownies, the aroma of a simmering stew,
or buttery homemade rolls are delicious ways to enjoy a wintry day. Handed-down recipes, handwritten on tattered index cards, hold special meaning, and it warms my heart to prepare them.

Hmmm, well my to-do list is still long, but I think for now I'll just sit a little closer to the fire and write some more. As I write,
the wind is whistling outside, but I'll pause now and then,
enjoy the warmth of the fire, and think about the country ladies who must have sat in this same spot over the last 147 years.

I'll also dream about how warm & cozy that new shawl is going to be...after all, anyone who's lived in an old house, knows that if the wind is whistling outside, some of it is sneaking inside!

a simple country pleasure...

These pretty clothespins would certainly make our laundry look nice blowing in the warm breezes. However; they were made to stay inside...anywhere I would need a paperclip.

to secure recipes...

or even as a bookmark.


They're so simple to make. Just remove the spring between each section of clothespin. Now paint the clothespins, and set aside to dry before putting the spring back in place.

You can also cut scrapbook paper to fit each clothespin. A light coat of decoupage medium or a glue dot runner on the wood will keep the paper secure. Once dry, you can seal the paint or paper with decoupage medium if you'd like.

Oh-so easy! I've used them as chip-clips, to secure notes to our calendar, and to hold photos in place on a chicken-wire frame. You can even glue a small magnet on the back to show off  kids' masterpieces on the refrigerator.

Now, when spring comes, we'll certainly see lines filled with billowing clothes, but for now, these clothespins will be working hard indoors.

does anyone enjoy taking down the tree?

"Do you still have your tree up?!"

Ah yes...I've been greeted with this question many times
over the last couple of weeks.  Well, yes, we do still have our Christmas tree up, thank you!

It's a lovely tree, up since December 1. Very few needles have fallen, and it's still soft to the touch. It's  a Con Color Fir and I can't recommend them enough if you cut your own tree each year. I actually feel bad taking it down...Valentine ornaments, anyone? Then perhaps Easter ones?!

Something that's so much fun to decorate, is, for me, sad to undo. We carefully wrap the sentimental ornaments...baby footprints,
a honeymoon sand dollar, baby's first Christmas booties,
and countless handcrafted treasures the kids have made.

Hmmm, how to make it a less melancholy time? Well, there's a Dutch oven of chili simmering away on the stove, and soon homemade cornbread will be baked in a cast iron skillet. As we undecorate, we'll talk about each ornament, laugh as we share memories, and lovingly tuck each one in boxes we store in
a trunk.

The calendar for the new year is clean and just waiting for us to fill it. The house will be back in order and we can ponder the days to come. How much laughter, how many sweet memories, personal growth, and changes we fill 2011 with is up to us.

Let's look to the future with excitement, hope, and determination. And, as Laura Ingalls Wilder said, let us strive to be
"just plain good."

a gift for sharing...

Last Sunday a sweet lady at church gifted me with this...

just because she was thinking of me.

She had taken the time to crochet a cotton washcloth...
just for me, wrapped it around a bar of soap, and topped her gift off with a bow. What a kind and thoughtful surprise.
Such a simple country pleasure...yes, a little pampering for me, but also a handmade gift from the heart.

In a world where most items are made overseas, it made me pause and be grateful for someone who took the time to create something with her hands. And whether a friend shares a jar of sweet homemade jam, a hand-crafted Advent calendar,
or hand-stitched tea towel, there's just something that touches my heart when we receive such gifts.

So the wheels began turning. Why not share some similar ideas here each week? Simple country pleasures...heartfelt gifts to give (or keep!)

Maybe, like this washcloth, it's something I've received, or like the Mason jar oil lamp from last Friday, it's something quick & easy to make.

My plans are that each Friday I'll share an idea I hope will inspire you to create your own simple country pleasures. And please...
feel free to share your ideas as well!

Happy Friday!

January's simple joys...

...fill your pantry with cocoa, marshmallows, brownie &
  cookie-baking supplies

...make snow angels, build a snowman or go sledding,
   then come inside for homemade tomato soup
   and grilled cheese sandwiches

...watch old movies and stay in your pajamas all day

...force hyacinths, daffodils, or tulips and enjoy
   their fragrance in winter

...build a fire in the fireplace and roast marshmallows

...make snow ice cream or snow cones

...let your kids snuggle in bed with you
   on a snowy morning

...fill bird feeders to overflowing

...make "real" hot cocoa and top it with whipped cream
   and chocolate shavings

...put an extra quilt on the bed, then settle in with a favorite book

...make memories

Mason jar oil lamps...

Some days, there's just the need to be creative.
Now, if I admit to you that even though it's only January and I've been spring cleaning this week, you'll think I've gone mad.

A friend recently said, "It just doesn't seem right to be spring cleaning when there's snow outside!" And while she's right, when March does come, there's just so much to do outside, I can't find enough time for spring cleaning inside! That's why I take advantage of the quiet months of January and February to
jump-start my to-do list.

However; back to that creative tug. I've put my cleaning supplies away for the day and made a little Mason jar oil lamp. While the frosty days are here, I love lighting candles in the evening...they just seem to make our home so warm & cozy, and this oil lamp couldn't be easier to make!

The supplies you'll need are simple:

hammer and awl
canning jar lid and ring
wick
glass wick insert (found on-line or with candle making supplies)
rosehips, pine cones, or cinnamon sticks.
glass canning jar
clear lamp oil (not kerosene)

Use a hammer to tap the awl in the center of the jar lid. Make a hole large enough to fit the wick insert. Slip the wick through the glass wick insert and place it, wick first, into the hole. The lip on the insert will keep it secure on top of the lid.

Arrange rosehips, pine cones, or cinnamon sticks inside the jar, then fill to within 1/4-inch of the top with lamp oil. Secure the lid and ring. Trim the wick to 1/4-inch, trimming more if needed to keep the flame at a safe height.

I'll often place the jar inside a glass hurricane...it's not only pretty, but keeps little fingers away from the flame.

I hope you'll try making one...it's an easy, simple country pleasure for these wintry days.

lauching a new year!

On New Year's Day it's our tradition to eat stuffed pork chops and sauerkraut...two foods said to bring good health and good fortune for the new year. And while some of us (who will remain nameless) can only bring themselves to eat a single strand or two of sauerkraut, the meal has most certainly become a family tradition. Rounded out with mixed vegetables, cranberry sauce, and buttery sour cream & cream cheese mashed potatoes,
it's a dinner we all look forward to.

And as we enjoy the day watching movies and playing games together, we'll also cast a thoughtful glance back at the past year, wondering what the new one will bring.

As for our thoughts today, we are sharply aware of how blessed our lives are...good health, surrounded by those we love, and in a warm and cozy home.

There's an old saying that goes, "As you begin the year, so shall you end it." May we all begin 2011 healthy and surrounded by family & friends.

Wishing you a very happy New Year filled with blessings!

and about that Christmas clean up...

"One of the most glorious messes in the world
is the mess created in the living room on Christmas day. 

Don't clean it up too quickly." 

- Andy Rooney

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you the warmth and love of the Christmas season.
Now, more than ever, we're reminded that the finest gifts and sweetest joys come from the heart.

Enjoy every moment!

prime rib roast recipe...

As the kids say, "Oh my dears to chicken ears!"
Christmas is nearly here!

And with the last of the baking in the oven, the only thing left to do it decorate sugar cookies and gingerbread men for Santa. Whew!

With the baking wrapped up, it's time to think about Christmas dinner. After the flurry of cooking that happens at Thanksgiving, we keep Christmas dinner very simple. For as long as I can remember we're prepared a prime rib roast...it's so easy and
really delicious. Here's our can't-fail recipe.

Prime Rib Roast

1, 3 to 5 rib roast
all-purpose flour
salt and pepper to taste

Rub roast well with flour, salt and pepper. Arrange roast bone side down on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Place in a 500 degree oven and cook 15 minutes per rib. (for example: 3 ribs, 45 minutes; 4 ribs, 60 minutes.) The oven will smoke.

Turn off heat; however, do not open oven door for 2 more hours. This will give you a rare roast with a crusty outside. If you'd like a medium roast, add 15 minutes to the roasting time. Carve and serve. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

We also make a tangy sauce to serve alongside...just blend prepared horseradish and sour cream together until you get the flavor you like.

Served with a salad, baked potatoes, and veggies, this roast makes a wonderful Christmas dinner...one that keeps us out of the kitchen and enjoying the day.

Sending you Christmas wishes with this lovely poem...

Scent of Winter

I love the smells of winter:

The pans of gingerbread,

The smells of wood and ashes,

And old quilts on the bed,

The friendly smells  of boots and skates

And the fresh smell of new snow,

The wondrous smells of Christmas pines

And holly and mistletoe.

I love the smells of winter;

And even the flowers of spring

Can't quite compare with all the joys

The smells of winter bring.

-Beverly Trickett

Christmas cobb salad recipe...

It's cookie-baking time here and we're up to our elbows in flour, butter, and sugar! Once the counters are visible again, I'll share a few of our favorite cookie recipes.

However; as much as I love cookies, I'm also looking forward to Christmas dinner, so I thought I'd share this salad recipe. It's been a favorite for years and you really can't go wrong.

If blue cheese isn't a favorite, use feta, add grapes or cherry tomatoes instead of mandarin oranges, or sprinkle on croutons in place of almonds. It's really a simple salad using your favorite ingredients...it's the tangy flavor of the vinaigrette that we love.

Cobb Salad

6-oz. pkg. salad mix or baby spinach
2 c. roasted turkey, chicken or ham, cut into strips
6 slices bacon, crisply cooked and crumbled
15-oz. can mandarin oranges, drained
1 avocado, pitted and sliced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
4-oz. container blue cheese crumbles
3/4 c. butter toffee-glazed almond slices

Cranberry Vinaigrette
5 T. balsamic vinegar
4 T. olive oil
1 T. sugar
1 c. jellied cranberry sauce


Whisk together vinegar, oil, and sugar. Continue to whisk until sugar dissolves. Stir cranberry sauce well to break up; stir in vinegar mixture slowly until well blended.

Arrange salad mix or spinach in a large pasta bowl or on a platter; arrange ingredients across lettuce. Drizzle with desired amount of dressing. Serves 4 to 6.

keeping it simple...

The season's joys are as plentiful as an overstuffed Christmas stocking. We've had snow here in the Midwest for several  days now. It's the kind of snow that falls gently all day long and everything is covered with a delicate powder. The pine
needles are even tipped with a bit of an icy glaze, and look like prisms on a sparkling chandelier.

As we know, December is a month of intense activity. Sweet Girl's Christmas program at school was last night, Friday is our church Christmas social, Secret Santa shopping is Friday as well, with school parties and get-togethers with friends next week.

However, with all this activity, we have a tendency to want to slow down and enjoy this quiet time of rest from the endless to-do list of warm-weather projects. This past Sunday a friend and I were talking about Christmas decorations, and we both agreed we were keeping it simple so we could really enjoy the season.

For us that means fresh greenery on the mantels & swags on the doors, sweetly scented candles, a fragrant tree covered with treasured ornaments, and a crackling fire. I want the kids to come inside after building a snowman or snow fort and find a cozy kitchen where they can sample freshly-baked cookies and warm up with mugs of chocolatey cocoa. We look forward to camping out under the Christmas tree where we giggle and talk long into the night before falling asleep under it's twinkling lights.

handmade ornaments



a centerpiece of fruit & greenery in a favorite bowl



a hand-crafted Advent calendar made by a dear friend



It really is the simple things in life that matter...and that's what we'll be trying to focus on as we celebrate this special time of year.

On the agenda for next week...cooking baking! Yay!
We are a cookie-loving family, they disappear in no time.
And because of this, I plan carefully...if I do the baking too soon, the goose won't be the only one who gets fat!

Wishing you Christmas cheer!



'tis the season to believe...

A dusting of snow, briskly blowing wind, and delicate patterns of frost on the windowpanes. Deer are feeding in the fields close to our home...it's now December, and soon it will be Christmas.

Although there's a bit of sleet hitting the windows, we hardly notice it as we enjoy the warmth from a crackling fire and hear a kettle singing on the stove. It's a good day to stay indoors, retrieve presents from their hiding places and begin the fun of wrapping. With Christmas music in the background,
the scent of a fresh-cut balsam tree, and wrapping paper close at hand...we're all set.

Or so I think...
no cat alive can resist chasing ribbons, ruffling tissue paper, or sneaking inside gift bags. And soon the kittens, who were earlier settled in for a morning nap, are racing around the room in a flurry of activity. I remember one year our cat, Zoey, slipped inside a bag and then decided she wanted out. As I was trying to help, she was soon out of my grasp and ran around the house in circles trying desperately to get the bag off.

It was useless...she'd put her head through the bag's handle, and the faster she ran, the more noise the bag made...causing her to run even faster! After several minutes she stopped to catch her breath, giving us just enough time to set her free. I admit, it was a bit funny to watch, but I'm sure she didn't think so.

Oh well, as they say, 'tis the season for animals, too! And in that spirit, the kids will make birdseed ornaments to hang on outside trees, plan special meals for our animals, and leave carrots and water for the reindeer.

It's a time of readying for Christmas...shopping, planning,
baking, secrets & surprises. They're all a part of the joy of the holiday season.

Yes, Christmas is coming...peace and joy to one and all.

sending Thanksgiving wishes...

Wishing you a day filled with family & friends, laughter,
sweet memories, and quiet moments to reflect on your
many blessings.

the many moods of Little Man...

Little Man has a birthday today...where does the time go?

He's such fun to photograph...laughing eyes, mischievous grins, and he does a mighty good impression of his grandpa's "stink eye" as it's called. You know...it's that look that that says,
"I don't believe a word you're saying."

I love the way his expressions change during each step of a haircut, so I decided to snap some pictures on one of our
visits to the barber. 

Here's the typical scene...

Happy Birthday Little Man...we love you!

my, oh my...mini pies!

A recent trip to Amish country found me coming home with mini pies. Just right for two, and so yummy, they gave me an idea...
this year for Thanksgiving I'll bake mini pies to share with
family & friends.

Pie making seems to be a lost art in our fast-paced world,
and really they're so simple to make. I've been using a dough recipe shared with me by a friend...I'm not sure where it originated, but I think it's the best. The secret ingredient
is the vinegar...it makes the crust tender and flaky.

Pie Dough
4 c. all-purpose flour
1 T. sugar
1 t. salt
1-3/4 c. chilled butter, diced
1 egg, beaten
1/2 c. ice water
1 T. white vinegar

Combine flour, sugar, and salt; cut in butter using a pastry blender or 2 forks. Whisk together remaining ingredients and add to flour mixture. Gently mix ingredients with your fingers until combined. Divide dough into quarters, shape each into a ball; wrap in plastic. Chill one hour before using. Makes 4 single crusts.

You'll find mini pie pans alongside the kitchenware in most stores. To make mini pies, simply reduce your recipe's baking time to about 35 minutes.

The pies pictured above hadn't been out of the oven long and
Little Man was pacing while I tried to take a picture.
"Can we eat them yet?!"

If you haven't done it before, give pie baking a try...
guaranteed smiles!

November's bounty...

The early days of November are a gift. Each day we've been blessed with a clear blue sky and warming sunshine. Our busy harvest time is over...potatoes and onions are stored in the cellar, while jams, jellies, and pickles line the pantry shelves.
We enjoy the slower pace of autumn, lingering over these
glorious days.

And while the days are warm, the mornings are quite chilly.
It was 23 degrees this morning when I bundled up the kids and took them to school, and there's a forecast of snow for Friday morning. Most likely it will only be flurries; however,
I'm planning a warming soup and homemade bread
for dinner that night.

The flannel sheets were put on beds days ago...
ahhh, how wonderful they are to climb under on a frosty night. And how hard to climb out of of on a chilly morning!

November sets aside a day to give thanks. I read somewhere,
"Be glad of life," and so I am.

Giving thanks for...

-a blue-skied day filled with warm sunshine

-a woodpile, crackling fire, and family to share it with

-cozy flannel sheets, quilts  handmade & handed down,
  and little ones who love to snuggle

-health, family & good friends

-my time here to love and laugh, learn and grow, and enjoy the
  simple pleasures to be found in the everyday days of my life.

Life has a way of making the days pass quickly...too much to do, not enough time. However; let's set aside some quiet moments and pause...let's make every day a day of thanksgivng.

merry halloween!

The richness of October is all around us. Even the strong and sudden storms that moved through the Midwest this week, quickly blew past leaving us with a truly beautiful sunset.

My mind shifts ahead...still cleaning the barn, and like a squirrel, tallying food storage for winter. However; this week, October is filled with mystery and fun as Halloween comes closer. It's time
to fetch a big, plump pumpkin and let the fun begin!

The kids giggle with delight as they pull the seeds and "goo" from inside each pumpkin!

The seeds are saved for roasting, while the "goo" quickly finds its way to the compost pile. After a bit of plotting and planning,
the pumpkin faces are decided on, carved, and are soon glowing on our front porch.

We'll enjoy trick-or-treating in town  at my in-laws' home,
and because the weather has turned quite cool, a pot of chili along with some pumpkin soup will be simmering on the stove. I'm still a kid at heart, so we'll make Mummy Dogs and Jack-o'-Lantern Pizzas too...for the kids, of course!  (the easy recipes are below.)

On Saturday evening, when the moon hangs low in the sky,
where will you find us? Enjoying the company of pint-size imposters...cowboys and superheros, princes and princesses, ghosts and goblins as we walk door-to-door with a very muscular Iron Man and a light saber-wielding Ahsoka.
We'll take pictures, eat candy, laugh, and store up memories.

Wishing you a very merry Halloween!

Mummy Dogs

11-oz. pkg. breadstick dough

16-oz. pkg. hot dogs

Garnish: yellow mustard

Separate dough and wrap one section around each hot dog to resemble mummies. Be sure to leave an opening for the eyes. Place on an ungreased baking sheet; bake at 375 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from oven and cool slightly.
Add 2 dots of mustard on each "face" for "eyes."

Jack-o'-Lantern Pizzas

individual-size pizzas

Garnish: black olive slices, green or red pepper strips

Bake pizzas according to package directions. Remove from oven; garnish with 2 olive slices for "eyes" and a pepper strip
for a "smile."

October 24...happy anniversary!

My, oh my...

time flies when you're having fun!

(who are those young kids?!)

It was a happy weekend...
we wore ourselves out at a waterpark on Saturday, then whipped up our favorite foods at home for Sunday dinner.

And what's one of the best things to happen to us?

These sweet faces!

How's that saying go?

"All because two people fell in love."



a trip to Amish country...

Saturday we made a trip to Amish country. It was one of those perfect autumn days...a bright blue sky, trees at their peak of color, and lovely farms and scenery along the way.

After a terrific lunch (food is a must!), we found a great family farm to explore. This slide into a sandbox filled with corn kernels was a sure-fire hit!

The kids had a ball...and if you're wondering, why yes, we were shaking corn out of shoes, shirts, and shorts! 

Next we were off  to explore the corn maze. What an adventure!

To give you an idea of the detail, this is a sky view.

photo courtesy of Sharp Family Farm

We bravely ran inside...it's times like this when the kids are glad Daddy is a human GPS!

There were bridges built along the way with views of the

prettiest farms.

Next was a hayride (which, to be honest, was a bit fast and furious...being bounced over the edge was a definite possibility!)

And as the sun went down, a chill began to set in, so we warmed ourselves by a cozy fire.

On the way home, the kids quickly fell asleep.
To me, that's the sign of a good day spent making memories.