Because I'm Behind

I've been told I'm behind on blogging so here are some pictures to hold you over. 
Are you happy now?  Yes, but only for a day or so?  ha ha!

Being Silly With A Friend

Yesterday was the warmest day we've had here in months.  Emma saw the neighbors outside and quickly got on her shoes and coat.  She met her friend, J, at the fence and they sure did chit chat for a while.  Eventually he leaped over the fence to play (with a little help from his sister).  ha!  They had a great time...in the mud.  I tried to just not think about the mess I would be cleaning up later.  Thankfully it only got on there shoes.  

They were ready to come in after some time on the swing set and have some good old macaroni and cheese and do some serious laughing while both of their mama's had a good visit and try to keep them from their sneaky, silly ways.  

I'm glad Emma and I have neighbors we can have in no matter how messy our home is.  We've been blessed with good neighbors who have become sweet, wonderful friends.  Now if we can only keep these two little ones out of trouble!

Road Trip

Last week we went on a little road trip and ended up two hours away from home to get Peter's social security number.  It's nice walking into places here and not having to stand in line...at all.  I went right in and got a number.  Little did I know, my number was already up.  No one was in line in front of me and nobody came in behind me.

We stopped at a few shops but most of our time was spent in the car.  Peter got a little break and played with Jame's beard.  He has a really good grip!  Emma took a serious nap.  All that riding made her tired.  When we got home she headed to get her pajamas on right away.  Thankful for nieces that give her such pretty hand me downs that she just loves!

Quinoa with Brocooli and Grapes

Maureen over at Homemade Mothering has some great recipes.  After seeing this recipe on her blog I went right out and bought what I needed to make it.

It was so yummy!  It is going on my regular rotation of things I make.  The only change I made was using raisins instead of dried apricots.

You can find the recipe along with other great tips here.

My Sickies

Emma and Peter have been sick for the past week with colds and coughs.  We've been spending our days building forts, snuggling and drinking hot chocolate for a special treat.  Of course I always like having days at home to crochet. 

Tiny Shamrocks

These days I'm never lacking for a project.  I'm working on some tiny shamrocks to make garland.  These little things hurt my hands and a break is needed often.

You can find the pattern for these here.  They are so cute...the possibilities are endless.

Applesauce Cookies

This is one of my favorite recipes I found and pinned to my board on pinterest.  I have learned that after trying a recipe or project, if I really love it, to print it out so I have a hard copy.

I'm so glad I did.   It appears the link these yummy little cookies came from is gone.  

Applesauce Cookies

4 cups flour

2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 1/2 tsp ground cloves

1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp nutmeg

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup white sugar

3 eggs

2 cups applesauce or pumpkin puree

2 cups nuts (optional)

2 cups chocolate chips

2 cups raisins (can omit these and add more chocolate chips!)

1) Combine all dry ingredients

2) Cream butter, then beat in sugar.  Add eggs one at a time and beat well.

3) Add applesauce to butter mixture, stir a bit, then  add flour mixture.  Stir together.

4) Add nuts, raisins, and chocolate chips.

5) Place dough in fridge overnight.

Bake 10-12 minutes at 400 degrees