Fruit-And-Nut Energy Bars

A tasty and healthy mid-morning snack. These were not only fun to make, but absolutely delicious to eat. I'm brainstorming another way to wrap and store. Any ideas? So far, my brain is sort of stuck on rolling them in little balls or disks about half the size of these, and wrapping them in wax paper like we find salt water taffy.

Recipes were found in this month's Disney Family Fun magazine. Click here!

Raw(e) Running - For Lift-Off

The little pirate (who has many disguises, after all), got an awesome cape and mask for his birthday from his favorite cousin in the whole wide world. 


He's off to save the world...or just getting a running start so he can fly.

Find out more about Raw(e) photos by clicking here. 

Yes, I know, April came and went! :)

Holy cow! What a month!

Well, I think I'm finally back on the map. April was probably one of the nuttiest months of my life. I don't even know where to begin with the multiple reasons as to why I have been absent from my blog for that long. But, in short, I did a lot of substitute teaching and The Highlight: I quit my managing position at an online school, and am now looking forward to teaching 1st grade! I am totally in love with my "new" life.

Here are some pictures to prove I was still dawdling. :) 

Oh...and before I post the pictures...please, somebody, tell me...do I put the description before or after the photo? I'm always confused and therefore, probably rarely consistent on my posts. Any advice or suggestions are welcome. :)

Knitted bunnies:

Easter:

Little Pirates first day of day care:

Stitchmarkers I made for a stitchmarker swap:

Hat I knitted for a hat swap:

Hat swap package I received:

Beaded bookmarks I made:

Package received for my cat (and me):

Felt adjustable bracelet I made for a swap:

Swap package I received:

Pirates:

Spring sprung:

New swing set (aka new breakfast/lunch/dinner table):

Decorated my parents' 50th birthday party cakes (their birthdays are only two days apart; born the same year): 

Popsicles for sharing:

The zoo (side note: The little pirate was all too thrilled when birds sat on his shoulders!):

Set up a pirate tent my mom made for my little pirate:

Birthday Invitations for the little pirate's birthday:

The little pirate's birthday:

Candy cars (with spoilers, even):

Goody bags (hand sewn):

Exhausted:

Cowboy Table Mat

This year between April and May, my Papa (grandpa on my mom's side) is turning 75, both of my parents are turning 50, and my sister is turning 25. Three generations...a quarter of a century older than the next. Pretty special...and I think it's pretty unique.

So, they're celebrating BIG this year...family reunion big (we've never had one of those on my side of the family)!!! And they're going western!

My aunt and mom have been busy preparing for the big bash. Apparently my cowboy cousins are now walking around without pockets on their jeans. :) Well, that would be funny, anyway. (Supposedly the cowboys no longer needed these jeans...)

I like the belt loop being used to hold the spoon. Clever, clever! :)

Raw(e) Beautiful -- The Little Princess is Coming!

I hear about those parents who have lost their children and keep their rooms just the way they were when the child was alive, and close the door. We have one of those rooms in our house, only the little girl is still alive. My step-daughter stays with us in the summers, which leaves 10 months of an empty room that basically waits her coming again. We always look forward to the summer with the little princess. The rest of the year we struggle with how to deal with her absence in our home and lives. She's truly a blessing...and there isn't much we can do for her in her situation other than pray.

I was at a meeting this morning where we had the option to decorate flip-flops for ourselves. I couldn't resist, but to make some for the little princess.

We are eagerly waiting for summer (not only for the warmer weather, which all of us deeply desire); time with the little princess makes a life more beautiful!

What's Raw(e)? Click here.

Felt Cover with Pen Pocket for Notepad

I needed a gift and whipped this up, with a pocket perfect for a bookmarker pen. By the way, I love these flat bookmarker pens (it's safe to say I'm obsessed)!

Lunch Menu Monday - Homemade Tortillas With "Bean Dip"

We had burritos a couple of days ago. So, I was using up leftovers. I mixed together the rest of the beans with some scoops of sour cream, the rest of the shredded cheddar cheese and some spoon fulls of taco sauce. Then, I heated it all up together in the microwave, stirred and put on a plate with a homemade tortilla...and sliced apples. 

Tortilla Ingredients:

2 cups	All-purpose flour (I use 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup wheat flour to make up the total amount of flour)
½ t.	Salt
½ t.	Baking powder
2 T.	Lard
2 T.	Butter
¾ cup	Warm water

Tortilla Directions:

Mix flour, salt, baking powder, lard and butter. Add little water at a time. It shouldn’t be too sticky or too dry. Knead for 2 minutes. Break into 8 to 10 golf ball size balls. Set a warm damp cloth over balls for 20 minutes. Flatten balls first with hands, then roll with rolling pin. Set a pan to medium-high heat and wait until warm. Cook on one side for 8 seconds. Turn and cook for about 1 minute. Flip and cook for another minute.