Great Day to visit the Pumpkin Patch!

A Great Day to Visit the Pumpkin Patch!

What a great day with the whole family!

The sun was shining and it was a perfect Fall Day at the Pumpkin Patch!

Vroom... Vroom...

The boys loved these tractors!

Nolan couldn't really do it himself but It looks like they are adjustable.

To Fun!

Nolan wanted this Pumpkin!....

But mommy said if you can't carry it yourself... you can't get it. Cause I'm not carrying it for you...

(even though I don't think Doug and I together could have lifted this one.) Thanks for stopping by!

Many Fall Blessings, Dana

Baby's it's Cold Outside!

Warm Blessings on this very COLD day!

Hugs, Dana

Fun Family Mealtime Tablescapes

The Mom's Group that I attend at my church just had Kathy Long into speak on the Value of Family Meal Time. So Kathy, I and a few other mom's put together a few Fun Family Mealtime tablescapes for the moms to enjoy and I hope that you do too! My Friend Jill did this simple and sweet Thanksgiving table scape. I took the pic after we had taken all of the place cards but OMG so cute. Jill put little place cards with Bible verses on them, stamped leaves on them and...just to cute! Happy Harvest Y'all.

My sister-in-law Angie made these adorable place mats for her Brilliant Birthday Table scape.

Her children love waking up in the morning to a fun breakfast of their choice and this adorably set table. Riley her middle child turned 7 last week and this is a pic of her place mat. Ang made these place mats out of foam sheets cut them to size and put one around an oatmeal container for the centerpiece. This is so doable and clever I just love it. She glued little bright pom poms around it and used wooden dowels with hats on the ends! So cute and the kids love it!

Disney Fun!

This table scape was done to let the family know that a Disney trip was being planned and the parents were going to announce it at Dinner. Fun!

Make Voting Day, Independence Day, Labor Day... a great time to teach your children about what those days mean to you and our country. Or just use those times to be clever and have fun decorating!

Fiesta!

Weather eating Taco Bell or your famous Enchilada's make it a Mexican Fiesta!

If doing this for your children and you want to keep it a non-Margarita Theme...

get out the margarita glasses and fill them with your salsa, cheese, sour cream... get clever and have fun with it. Use old beach sarongs to add fun color a pinata centerpiece and your brightest dishes! I made napkin rings out of bright colored tissue papers and tied them on with raffia around a simple white cloth napkin. I covered the table with a bright blanket and scattered cactus confetti to add some sparkle along with a wrought iron candle holder filled with fresh jalapeno and sweet peppers! Yum... bring on the tacos!

This table was done by our very clever and creative Kathy Long. Her inspiration for this table is "Letter Time" Help your kids learn their letters and make dinner time fun and educational.

Who needs a birthday to make dinner time fun...

This table scape will encourage your children with letter time fun! and fun hats to wear... how often are we aloud to wear fun hats to the table?

Let's Practice Colors!

What child doesn't love coloring? Kathy has out done her self again here with using white craft paper as her table cloth so that the family can have fun coloring maybe after they eat all of their "GREEN" beans! I hope this inspired you to make Family Mealtime Fun in your home. This is meant to be for the occasional dinnertime fun... not intended to make you feel lame because you don't do your tables up like this everyday or even every week. I had a great time working on this and I hope you can think out side the box for your next Family Mealtime.

Tablescape Blessings, Dana

Yummy Fall Treats!

Caramel Apples, Banana Caramel Cupcakes,

doughnuts, cookies... Oh My! Fall is Here!

Come and Get It!

I have been bakin' up a storm delicious fall treats for the little ones and us grown ups to eat! Sit down and relax, grab a cup of Joe, your recipe cards and your coziest robe.

Here are the Goods that I am sure you will enjoy!

Get your pen, are you ready?

Lets get Started!

The Best Banana Caramel Cupcakes!

(not to mention Real Banana Butter cream Frosting) OH MY!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 c. flour
• 3/4 tsp. baking soda
• 3/4 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 large ripe banana
• 2 tbsp. sour cream
• 3/4 c. packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 c. unsalted butter at room temp
• 1 large egg at room temp
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp finely grated lemon zest

Preheat oven to 350F. Line a standard 12 - cup muffin pan with paper or foil liners. Mix together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. In a small bowl, use a fork to mash together the banana and sour cream. In a Large bowl, suing your electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat the brown sugar and butter together until light and fluffy, 2-3 min. Add the egg, vanilla, and lemon zest and beat until combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add flour mixture and beat on low speed until just combined; scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Fold in the banana mixture until just combined; do not over mix.

Divide the batter among the prepared muffin cups. Bake until lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean, 18-20 Min's. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan on a wire rack for 5 min. Transfer the cupcakes to the wire rack and let cool completely for about 1 hour.

Frosting:

• 3 large egg whites, at room temp
• 3/4 c. sugar
• pinch of salt
• 1 c. unsalted butter, cut into 16 pieces, at room temp
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 tbsp. sour cream

In a large, clean heatproof bowl, combine the egg whites and sugar. Set the bowl over (but not touching) simmering water in a saucepan and heat the mixture, whisking constantly, until the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture is very warm to touch. about 2 min. Remove the bowl from the saucepan. Using an electric mixer on high speed, beat the egg white mixture until it is fluffy, cooled to room temperature, and holds stiff peaks about 6 min+.

With the mixer on medium-low speed, add the salt and the butter, a few pieces at a time, beating well after each addition. If the frosting appears to separate or is very liquid after all the butter is added, continue to beat on high until smooth and creamy, 3-5 min more. Add banana and sour cream mixture and continue to blend until creamy and smooth may have to beat on high. Frost cupcakes after both cupcakes and frosting are at room temp. Drizzle with caramel and enjoy.

Enjoy with a big glass of milk or a hot cup of Joe!

I got this adorable place card from my wonderful friend Jill. She did a beautiful Thanksgiving table at the Season's of a Mom's Heart last Large Group. I feel like it spoke right to me. She had a different quote from the Bible at every seat. She used a small leaf stamp and ditsed up this simple card and I just think it was so clever. (Pictures of the table settings to follow...) Blake and I made Caramel Apples the other day for my nieces and nephews. They all came over after school and enjoyed these Delicious Caramel Apples! These are my mother-in-laws Famous Zucchini Cookies. Have any left-over Zucchini in the garden? These are a sure treat! Zucchini Cookies Preheat oven to 375 Cooking Time 11min

Ingredients:

• 1c. Flour
• 3/4 c. shortening
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla
• 1c. grated zucchini
• 1 1/2 c. oatmeal
• 1 1/2c. flour
• 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 1/2 c. chocolate chips
• 1/2 c. nuts (optional) Blend Shortening and sugar add egg blend well. add Vanilla. Then add oats and zucchini. Mix dry ingredients. in separate bowl. Add to cream mixture, stir in chips and nuts. Drop by spoonful onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 11 min. Yummy! I hope that you enjoy your beautiful fall day! Go to the kitchen and fix yourself a tasty treat on me! Then go do about 50 laps around the neighborhood... because these are not weight watchers approved... Tee Hee

Fall Blessings, Dana

A Busy Fall Weekend!

peek-a-boo little pumpkin!

Hey!

Just wanted to stop in a wish you all a lovely Fall Weekend!

We have a wonderfully busy weekend planned.

Tonight

we are getting ready to go watch the local

high school football team!

Saturday...

is my niece Riley's birthday party and then

more Football at the University!

On Sunday...

our family business is having their

annual golf outing!

busy, busy, busy....

I hope you all have a lovely weekend.

Weekend Blessings, Dana

????

Godly Parenting:????

It is so difficult sometimes to stay intentional when it comes to raising our children.

The chaos of the everyday life of a mother:

waker upper, dresser, dentist, doctor, taxi driver, picker upper, chef, tutor, mentor, laundry doer, dish doer, cleaner upper,organizer, baker, taste tester(my favorite)...

So many hats we wear, how do we do it?

I know that without the help from God...

I couldn't.

Don't get me wrong,

I love my job and I feel so blessed that I am able to be home

with my boys. But it is HARD!

My intentions as a mother are to raise Godly children and I feel that if my children have a heart for God then God will help Doug and I parent them in manner of which they need to become Godly grown ups. That is not EASY, actually it is quite scary! YIKES.

(I pray that my boys will always know that God is always there for them even if we can't be.)

I lost my father just a few years ago and I think how hard it is to be without him. I don't want my boys to have to go through that but I know that someday they will. I have grown so much closer to God through that experience and even though I miss my father so much I know that God is with me and I can move on because of it. My dad was an amazing father and Our Father is amazing too... he works in a way that I can't explain but I am grateful for the place that I am in. Thank you to both of my Fathers for being intentional about me and your Steadfast love.

Know and believe today that the LORD is God. He is God in heaven above and on the earth below.

There is no other god! Obey his lawas and commands that I am giving you today so that

things will go well for you and your children. Then you will live a long time in the land

that the LORD your God is giving to you forever.

DEUTERONOMY 4:39-40

God Bless and Happy Harvest!

Dana

The Country Living Art Show and Good Friends!

A few of my good friends and I just got back from a great weekend at the Country Living Art Show in Ohio. We had an amazing time shopping, chatting, eating and we even got a chance to take in a great Chic Flick: Love Happens (bring your box of tissue.)

The show was great but the company was even better. Sometimes you realize how important it is to get away and take some time to relax, rejuvenate and just be with the girls. I think when you are able to get away like that you also realize that is always fun to go but it feels so good to come home. The look on my kids face and the hug from my hubby shows me how much I was missed and that is a feeling that us moms appreciate and love so much.

I thank God for my wonderful husband who encourages and supports me to do things like this and loves me whole heartedly.

Cheezy Wheezy!

I know but it was to tempting to pass up crawling into this basket

and having our picture taken.

Here is a delicious apple... long story...really funny... Angie knows...too funny!

My Sweet Ang.

GOD has blessed me with the most wonderful sister-in-laws, I just love all of them so much.

Thank you God for all my sistas from the other mistas!

Glamping: in other words... glamorous camping!

Sign me up...

After going on our first camping trip this summer with the boys I am all about loading up...(with a fabulous glamper and headin' out into the wild.)

Now let me explain WILD... At a campSITE, with nice showers restrooms on the beach, maybe a pool, a nice shop on site and shopping near by.

(is that too much to ask for??)

No really I am hooked and when I say this adorable glamper I fell in love. I think it would be such a great project to buy an old beat up camper and turn it into a FABULOUS GLAMPER!

to be continued...

Love this Fabulous tray decorated with the ribbons a vintage pin and these amazing red Sunflowers... Very Clever!!! You could totally do these in a kitchen or how cute to put on your door instead of the old tired worn out wreath.

Lemonade Anyone?

GOD'S Promise about Loyal Friendship: I urge you now to live the life to which God called you.

Always be humble, gentle, and patient, accepting each other in love.

You are joined together with peace through the Spirit,

so make every effort to continue together in this way. EPHESIANS 4:1-3

"Thank you GOD for blessing me with the most amazing Friends. They are humble, gentle and patient, so accepting of each other and our differences.

People say Good Friends are hard to find... but you have blessed my life with so many great friends and I say Thank You God!"

If you remember the pictures from Last Year's Country Living Show you might think that this chandelier looks familiar. They used gourds and twigs last year and this year it has a more colorful French Country feeling. I think it is so fun! Love the Chairs here! I am so glad you shared your time with me. I had a great trip, I hope this post encourages you to take some time for yourself, your friends, your passions, your home, your family and most importantly the Almighty GOD! Many Blessings, Dana

A Welcome to Fall!

My Fall Pumpkin Topiary. Come on in and Enjoy your Visit.

Please enjoy my fall inspiration. I hope this inspires you to warm up your hearts and cozy up your homes.

Enjoy!

Not only did I rearrange my Living Room Furniture again I have Ditsed it up for Fall Harvest Time. I love to have my living area larger and more spread out for spring and summer. In the colder months I prefer the cozier approach.

(Some might say cluttered approach... but I think it's cozy.)

Can't wait to eat this Sweet Corn...!

But what about my Decorations!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am going to have to put something else in my new cute basket..

Maybe gourds? We will C...

I love changing things up in the house.

(Ask anyone who knows me well.)

This is my Dining room mantel area which is also now part of my office and computer area.

Mr. B's First Day of School!

I can't believe how time flies, he is so big.

His classroom has 20 kids... That is a huge jump from the 8 they had last year.

Couldn't wait any longer.... It was so worth taking the corn from accessory to dinner! A Celebration of the Sweet Corn Season! Here is to Sweet Corn!

A wonderful decorating tool and good to eat!

My Sister-in-law Denise was telling us how yummy it is to put your Sweet Corn on the grill.

So we tried it for the first time... talk about mouth waterin' yummyness!

Thanks Denise for the tip it was Fabulous!

(As you can see the boys were extremely happy with it.) The Key to Fabulous Sweet Corn:

Soak the Corn in the husk for 30 or so Minutes in Salt Water.

Throw right on the grill with Husk and all for about 20ish minutes or until done.

Peel back, butter, salt, pepper and get messy!

"Go Now and check out all of the other Fabulous Fall Inspiring Sites!"

God Bless you all!

Dana

A Regular Day on the Golf Course.

Just a few pics of the boys on the Golf Course. Blake and Aidan shared clubs and we had a ball with the kids on the course. I remembered when I learned how to play golf but I think that I was like 12 not 4. They surprisingly are pretty good!

Growing Boys, Boys, Boys.

My boys are getting so big this summer... Nolie is talking up a storm, repeating everything we say. He his just a really funny kid and we are having a ball this summer with the boys on the go.

Blake and his new 4 wheeler. Look out world, please pray for the safety of him and his cousin Aidan on their new adventures. God Bless them and anyone around them! Really, they are to cute on this quads. Doug and Aaron are able to adjust the speed so they can get around at the speed we feel is appropriate and they are loving it. It has been a great summer so far. My computer is having troubles as usual uploading pics or there would be more. God Bless you all and I hope that August brings us warmer days and a great harvest of fresh produce from the gardens. Lots of Love and Blessings, Dana

A House on a Hill may finally be...

This space used to be a major slop to death into the woods! LOL Now it is a veggie garden (let's hope) so that we can pretend to be somewhat "Green" and grow our own fruits and veggies. Go Green! ( I have no idea what I am doing...) This is a look from the bottom of the hill during the process.

Finally after all of the blood, bruising and tears we are getting closer to a new backyard escape. My hubby Doug has been working his fingers to the bone trying to get a vegetable garden, and (flat) backyard put in.

You see... we live on a hill. Some of you are saying Oh how nice.! But what you don't know is, that after having 2 little active boys running around it gets hard keeping them from rolling down the hill every 5 minutes... (My mom warned us... but do young kids ever listen... usually, but we didn't this time.) Anyway, we are trying to make some play space for the kids to be able to play ball, swing, explore and just be kids. For us we put in a raised veggie garden with all the fixin's. This project seems to be an ongoing one at best but one thing is for sure is that we will enjoy this space for years to come.

Hope you have a wonderful Day. Thanks for stopping by hope to have more pictures as the project progresses.

Love, Dana

What's New?

The boys and I on the Thomas the Train

There has been a lot going on around our neck of the woods... We have been busy with a huge garden and yard project here at our house. Doug has been working his tail to the bone trying to build a beautiful rock wall, flat yard area and put in a vegetable garden... Can you say OVERWHELMING! for sure...

The boys and I have been busy, we went to see Thomas the Train not to long ago and had a ball. Easter was great, Nolan is really getting to a fun stage... he is running all over the place, starting to say some words and he and brother are loving being outdoors!

I have been extremely busy with decorating and I apologize I have not been posting. I have a few projects that I have been doing and can't wait to be able to post some pics of our new backyard, some cottage retreats and more! Don't give up these are going to be worth the wait.

Easter Greetings!

Happy Easter Weekend to you all!

I hope you all are having a great week. I just wanted to share our Spring and Easter Cookies with you. They are extra light and fluffy.

I just picked up this adorable Spring Chicken cookie cutter a few weeks ago.

I love these cookies... they are so sweet and tasty!

Come and sit down, we will enjoy a lovely Easter meal together.

We could finish of the meal with a Delicious cookie and some tea.

God Bless. dana

Happy Birthday Mom!

Just wanted to take this moment to wish my mother a Happy Birthday!

I am so blessed to have a mother who loves with all of her heart and listens to me go on and on...

My mom is there for me when I need her and guides me when I have lost my way. She has taught me about so many things: motherhood, GOD, decorating and so many more. I am truly blessed and I thank GOD for giving me a Mother who is all around amazing.

Happy Birthday Mom.

We love you so much, Dana

The Birthday Boy!

Okay so the pictures aren't in order but if you look at them from bottom to top

you will get the idea! Enjoy. The Cake has been eaten... eaten and eaten... he loves CAKE!

That's My Boy!

Maybe just a little Taste...

The cake... A Circus theme cake I love my new Giant Cupcake Pan for William Sonoma. My sister-in-law got it for me for my birthday. Thanks Carrie!

What a HAM!

I know that it has been a couple weeks since the big day but I am just getting to the uploading of Nolie's birthday pictures. I hope you are having a great weekend!

Have a great day! dana

Our Beloved Spayds.

may you rest in peace spayds... Spayds loved to run free at Grandma and Grandpa's.

Blake and Spayds were the best of buddies.

Dear God,

(Please give Blake peace and help him understand.)

To Our Beloved Spayds...

I don't even know where to begin, Spayds was our dog for the past 11 years. She suddenly past away yesterday and our family is terribly saddened. Doug and I got Spayds as a little baby pup when we were in college. She has been with us through so much. Between, college, moving around, getting married, building a new house, having babies and seeing her go from our first child to being put on the back burner. Sad is what we are. I just can't believe that she is not here with us today, and won't be here for the days to come... Blake doesn't really understand... He knows that Spayds has died and that we had a little ceremony when we put her in the ground... but I don't think he gets that she won't be here with us anymore.

Spayds was such a great dog. She was so easy to train when she was just a pup. She was loyal and obedient, I never worried about her with the boys and besides getting in the trash a couple times a month she was so good. She sat by our feet and followed us around the house where ever we went. She was loved and she will be missed terribly. It is going to take our family awhile to adjust to not having her around but I know that we will be okay. She was my security blanket and I just feel like there is a large part of our family missing. Sad is what we are... but okay is what we are going to be. GOD bless you Spayds, you are truly missed.

We are ready for Spring!

Well it has been a long drawn out winter at our place and I have to say. Bring on the

"Spring Time."

We are looking forward to sunshine, parks, walks outside, biking and more. With Nolan just turning one this last week I am looking forward to this spring and summer being an active one. Blake is loving the outdoors right now. Nolan will (hopefully) be walking soon and I know it will be an adventure to say the least. I hope all of you are getting a peak at the sun and enjoying your day.

I wish you all warm Spring thoughts to all of you and your families.

God Bless and have a great day!

Dana

I know... things have been crazy around here.

I can't believe that my BABY...

Nolan is going to be ONE.

Where has the time gone. It seems like just yesterday I was holding him in my arms for the very first time and NOW... He is going to be the big One.

To my little boy...

You are growing, learning, laughing and doing things that I thought would take forever for you to figure out. God has blessed us with you and I couldn't ask for a better natured more loving and sweet boy. God has big plans for you son and I pray that you will grow, learn and laugh all the days of your life. We love you very much baby Nolan.

Happy Birthday! Love, Mom

Hope you have a great day!

dana

The greatest gift from God is Love.

Okay if you haven't seen this go rent it TODAY! It is a great movie or you could buy it for your Valentine. (I didn't get paid for this ad I just really loved the movie.)

I was pleasantly surprised last night when I came home to a beautiful bouquet of red roses, thoughtful Valentines and Birthday cards from friends and family, gifts and my loving husband. I am so blessed and I thank God for my family and friends everyday. I want to take this time to thank everyone including my wonderful family for taking the time to celebrate with me another year. Last year was a year that I will never forget...(in so many ways). God Blessed our family with a gift that is so special and he is so good! Nolan was brought into our lives, filling our hearts even more with God's love. My brother Aaron was very sick 1 year ago and I thank God that he is able to be here with us today. I pray that God will continue to be with our family always. We need our family, we need our friends and we need our lovers. God knows love he created it for us, he know how hard it can be at times and he knows how wonderful it can be too! I am going to do my best this year to celebrate the love that God has given to us that we take for granted some times. Thank you God. 1 Corinthians 13:1-8a and 13 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails....And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. (NIV) God Bless all of you and your Valentines on this special day. Dana

Some Wintery White...

My Crystal Clear Kitchen View.

Living in White Retiring in White

The warmth of this White.

Relaxing in White.

Retreat in White.

Eating in White.

Ditto... Yumm.

My home is not White by any means. I have Red, Yellow, Green, Blue..... I think every color accept WHITE. My maiden name is White and I love the feel of White...

The White Snow outside is quickly disappearing into a muddy mess. I am missing our white snow already, so I just thought I would give you all a taste of the White that I am now missing.

Many Blessings of whatever color you so desire!

God Bless us all!

Dana

New Living in the New Year!

The Dining Room

is now located near the Front Entry, I never liked the living room

being so close to the front door. This change is going to take time to get used to but for now it works for our family.

Our Living Room

is now located right off the kitchen where the Dining Room use to reside. I have moved it around about 6 times and this is the arrangement that is the most comfortable. Nolie loves it! Fresh Tulips!!!

Work Space!

A Great spot for Reading!

Blake loves to read... I am so glad because I never liked to read as a child. I hope you have enjoyed your tour of our new living spaces. I am exhausted after a long couple of weeks of moving furniture but it was all worth it. I love our home because it really works for our family.

Thank you God for giving us our beautiful home.

Thank you Doug for allowing me to be creative with our home

in which you provide for our family.

God Bless you!

Dana

Welcome to our table. Can I get you a glass of wine, coffee or maybe a piece of chocolate cake. LOL

Okay, enough with the cake... yes I still have the cupcakes in the fridge

but I am really over them.

Really. I am.

Have a great afternoon and stop back at 5pm for happy hour!

Blessings!

Dana

Cake!

If I looked this cute eating Chocolate Cake... I would have nothing to worry about... But...

I don't.

If I have to look at another chocolate cake I think that I will die. Really enough already with the chocolate cake...(note to self do not make any more cake.)

well until Saturday, it's grandma's birthday and guess what is on the menu!

CAKE!

I am going to turn into one big piece of cake pretty soon. LOL I do really love birthdays, don't get me wrong but when you are somewhat trying to use the littlest bit of self control when it comes to food;

it makes it to hard to be good. Gotta love CAKE.

I hope that all of you are doing better than I am with you so called New Year Resolutions!

God Bless You!

My Birthday Boys!

We are busy around here this winter with birthday's! Doug's birthday is today, and Blake just turned 4 this last Sunday.

January is the start for our family's birthday's... February is mine and then Nolie is going to be ONE in March.... OMGosh I can't believe my baby is going to be ONE!

Hope all of you are bundled up and enjoying your family and home. God Bless you all.

Dana

Organized in 09

I have been a busy bee around the house. After Christmas I was totally overwhelmed with stuff, stuff and more stuff. I had no place to put all of the lovely things... that we received from Christmas. In panic mode I 1st called mom... then waited for her to come to the rescue.

And boy did she rescue! She has been helping me get my house back in shape Thank God! We gutted rooms, closets, organized storage bins and most of all she helped with the boys while I built in a new closet system for Blake and all of his TOYS and BOOKS.

Thank you MOM.

A Mudroom needs to FUNCTION!

and now it does. Newly installed hooks, baskets for hats and mittens, a bench and a few decorative touches makes my mudroom FUNCTION for now. I love this new space it really makes coming home so nice! The best part about all of it is that I did it with things that I had just laying around the house.

Thanks for checking in and I promise to be back to blog world again soon!

Many Blessings, Dana

Moore Holiday Cheer!

Cookie Time!!!! My Little Kitchen Elf... busy at work.

Whah Lah!

The most Festive frosted Christmas Sugar Cookies!

Fluffy and Fabulous Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe...

All you will need:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup crisco
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 4 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder

Here is what you do:

Beat your sugar and crisco then add eggs until blended well. In a seperate bowl, mix sour cream and baking soda then add to egg, sugar mixture. In another bowl combine flour and powder and add to mixture, the mixture will form a ball. Bake at 350 for 8-10 min. Frost.

My favorite frosting:

• 1 stick butter
• 1 lb powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• a little milk to texture

Mix softened butter with sugar add vanilla and milk little at a time to get the right frosting texture. Not to much or the frosting will be to running. Good Luck!

Time to feast! Time to write out the Christmas card...

Our Family Room is ready for St. Nick and the birthday of Jesus!

A beautiful Santa.

Little Santa... aka (Nolan), Santa... and Blake

in case you couldn't see the silly name tags.

We are so excited for Jesus's Birthday!

My Little Snow Angel... Thank you God for the Snow, sleds and

our little angel babies to enjoy it all!

A big day of Sledding with my boys. We love the SNOW!!!

Many Snow Covered Blessings!

Hugs, Dana

Spreading the Christmas Cheer with Our Children!

Like most children... Blake prefers to put all of the ornaments on the one branch. Don't touch the Poinsettia Nolan it's poison! Don't worry... this wasn't at my house.

The tree... Love the branch at the bottom? I just couldn't cut it, it is to funny,

and he houses most of the ornaments.

Seeing the look on Blake and Nolan's face when we plugged in the Christmas tree last night was enough to melt Doug and I hearts. They gaze up to the 10 foot beast of a tree with such wonder and delight. Blake is so fun this year.... he wants to help with all of the details of getting decorated for the birth of our Savior Jesus. We have decided this year to really try and make the house look festive using child friendly and child created decorations.

Blake and I made a 20some foot long chain out of construction paper. He loves to cut and glue so I thought this project would be a lot of fun for him and it was. He takes such pride in his work and all he kept saying is "I can't wait to surprise daddy... he will be so excited to see the biggest chain-saw ever in the world."

Okay, yes my child thinks it is a chain-saw... but oh well we had a blast putting it all together.

Hearing him laugh and the joy it brought him to have helped in the decorating is just magical.

All you need for this project is:

1. Construction Paper
2. Scissors
3. Glue

4. A smile on your face... don't worry if you aren't starting with a smile,

I guarantee you will end with one.

Blake is really starting to enjoy the snow.

Another fun child friendly project is Making Snowflakes!

It is simple, easy for young children and fun.

All you need is:

1. White paper
2. scissors
3. glue
4. We sprinkled them with glitter for an added effect of elegance!

I hope you and your families are having fun this season. Keep the joy of the Christmas Spirit and remember that Christmas doesn't have to be stressful and overwhelming. It is about the birth of Jesus and spending time with all of God's children.

God Bless you all this holiday season!

Hugs, Dana

Getting Ready for the Holidays

The Gift of Giving.

Giving to others is so much fun... I am a gifty type person. Working in the Gift Business for so many years really made me love giving gifts to the people I love. I love wrapping, ribbons, arrangements and fun toppers. The gift does not have to be expensive, you can wrap something simple like a candle up beautifully and it makes it all the more special.

Setting the pefect Table

Use the items you love for the holidays, add a little glitter and tinsel and you have a special table for the holidays.

Cozy Dining

I love to make my home warm and cozy for the holidays. It wasn't until a few years ago I started really decorating for the holidays. I just love the look on my boys face when they see twinkling lights and the festive accessories. Blake loves to help put out the decorations for the holidays with me... We cut out snowflakes and used glue and glitter last night for a

family fun project. I like to include him in some of the fun so that he has an

appreciation for beautiful things like I do.

God Bless you all this holiday season.

Hugs, Dana

Let it snow...Let it snow...Let is snow!

Do we look like we are professionals?

So cool!

Uncle Kyle and Blake

Winter Skiing 07

Daddy getting Blake fitted for his ski boots! Goggles Check!

Do a little dance...

We are ready for the snow and ready for skiing! Can't wait for Christmas and all the snow that will hopefully come with it!

Enjoy these Winter Memories and find your families fun where ever you can.

Many Winter Blessings to you all and your families.

Love, Dana

Well, Blake is sooo excited about our full house for the weekend! We love it... the more the merrier. Aidan is staying with us this weekend and Tyler. Blakey can hardly control himself. The boys were up chatting and playing all night... okay (7:30-9:00)! LOL. It seemed like a long time, but they were having a blast. Aidan got here about 4:30p yesterday and Ty came about 7ish. We had a nice evening at home with all the boys and we are looking forward to tonight's BIG GAME!

This is my baby brother Ty in the red, I know he is not such a baby anymore. He is a junior at the local Catholic School and he is also staying with us for the weekend. I am thrilled...we don't get to see him as often as we would like and I have been missing him so much. Susan my step-mom had to go and be with her dad this weekend so we get him all to ourselves! He is playing football tonight for the district regional (I think) and I am praying that they win. Their team is like 12-0 and they are a great group of kids with a ton God given talent.

I am so proud of Ty and I pray that he wins tonight at the BIG GAME!

Thank you GOD for family!

I give you all the grace and glory for blessing our lives the way that you do.

Many Blessings to you and your families,

Dana