Hubby, Aimee and "Babee"

For my birthday my two littlest sisters gave me these lovely paper dolls they made.
I guess they have plans for me!! Lol. A lovely depiction of my, Lord willing, future as a wife and mother. Thanks girls!

Note: The man is entirely imaginary and is the artists' representation of a fictional character.
All resemblence to males either living or dead is merely coincidental.

You'll Never Guess Who I Am Talking About

This is Kate. I'm here to tell you about this person. She's very artistic... the best at making scrapbooked greeting cards, drawing realistic faces, etc. There are only two categories for her: "things with sparkles" and "things that need them". She's really funny--sometimes without meaning to be. She's a really good roommate who discusses our latest favorite movie (or movie character) with me at talking time. She is the one who takes me to the mailbox, except for when it is raining really hard. We used to fight over the mirror when we were 6 and 8 years old. (That sometimes still happens, not as much since she will move over when asked sooner now). She loves scarves, (often borrowing mine), homemade snacks (particularly anything chocolate or chocolate-like), shoes, scrapbooking, anything crafty (especially Shrinky-Dinks lately), and really sour lemonade.

Her birthday is tomorrow.

And yes, Sis, I suppose (even though it is still kinda' embarrassing to say) I love you too! Happy 19th year!

Thanks for sharing the mirror. We are all happier for it.



I'll admit I was ornery too...

Great Quick "Dinner" Idea

In my family I'm known as "The Snack Queen". I've also won the credential of being the "Cinnamon Roll Lady." (By the way, this is Kate). I thought I would share with you one of our favorite it's-Sunday-and-we're-tired-and-there's-nothing-to-eat snacks.

Carob Almond Banana Smoothies by my darling mother

Milk 3C
Ice (opt)
Honey 1 TBS
Carob 3 TBS
9 Frozen bananas
Nut butter (preferably almond) 1 TBS

Blend. And eat. And don't forget to top with carob chips. And enlist your brother to help make them. And put the smoothie in nice canning jars. And serve it on a platter. And take a picture.


Carob Chips from Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon
Makes 1 cup

3/4 C Roasted carob powder
1/4 C Rapadura or sucanat*
1 C Coconut oil
1 TBS Vanilla extract
1 Tsp. Chocolate extract

Place all ingredients in a glass container and set in simmering water until melted. Mix together well. Spread mixture on a piece of buttered parchment paper and allow to cool in the refrigerator. ** When hardened, remove parchment paper and cut into chips. Store chips in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

*Add more sugar or chocolate extract to taste.
**I use the freezer because I am impatient.

I heartily suggest you sample some while you break them up. : ) And you should try them in these amazing granola bars. (http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2012/08/03/ks-healthy-granola-bar-recipe-classic/)

So goodbye, I have to go cook something.

Any Advice for Me?

I am going to be eighteen soon. I'd love advice from my readers who are older than myself.
If you could go back and talk to your eighteen -year- old -self what would you say? What would you do differently? What are you glad you did?

Comment, Dear Friends...

Yes, we've enabled comments! And in case you missed it, Aimee posted down below...