A 3 tiered birthday cake

I love how Samantha's birthday cake turned out. Believe it or not, I used only 1 cake mix for this cake. The bottom layer was made by using an 8 inch round cake pan. The other 2 were made by using small pyrex bowls. The polka-a-dots are giant sprinkles. I mixed raspberry pie filling into some of the cake batter and also put the pie filling between the layers (each tier is 2 layers).It really wasn't much more difficult or time consuming than making a regular 9 inch round layer cake. I think I will be making more of these mini 3 tiered cakes in the future.

Rounding Up Ideas for the Round-Up

I wanted to start writing down ideas for our family reunion this summer, less I forget them. These are just ideas, feel free to add to them, say "that's dumb" or come up with some of your own.

1. For our "treasure hunt" this year, we could do a round-up. The kids have to wonder around and find all of the stray cows. As they find each cow, they will get a prize. Dad thinks it would be fun to use the 5 acres, which sounds great to me. We could paint cardboard cows (like we did for the safari) and give the kids some rope (because what kid doesn't like playing with rope?)

2. Mom is making the cutest cowboy duds for the kids. I know, because I saw the pattern.

3. I'm making some bags for the kids to collect their treasures from the round up. Hope you all don't mind that I took this one upon myself once again this year. :)

4. For a separate activity, we could have a mini carnival, with pin the tail on the horse, bean bag toss (through a Woody head - like on Toy Story 2?), a marshmellow gun shoot out, etc.

5. I've thought of a girls craft, but have yet to come up with something for a boys craft. I remember making something at girls camp with a bandanna, some leather cording, and assorted beads. But I just can't remember exactly what it was. Maybe it was a fringed bandana? Does anyone know what I'm talking about?

6.  For the roundup prizes, we could do toy harmonicas, bandannas, squirt guns, sherrifs star, a rubber snake

Just some thoughts.

Brooke's Thoughts:

6. I think it would be fun to use the five acres to play capture the flag with the older kids- you could make this cowboy and indian themed.

7. Boys- makes clothes pin gun (or some other kind of homemade gun, what is a marshmallow gun?) and have shoot off.

8. Making butter by shaking cream in baby food jar, then eating butter on scones, or indian bread, navajo taco, etc.

9.For older girls- Make rag dolls, teach to hand sew or cross-stitch something basic, or those strawberry pincushions.

For boys, it would be fun to make a bulls head out of cardboard and have the kids try to lasso it, as Michelle said.

10. Box lunch social, because I have always wanted to do this one.

(this is me kind of vomitting ideas out- we don't have to do all or any of them, but like Michelle, I wanted to get them down before I forgot)

Latest project

I have been working on this quilt for the last couple of weeks. I loved the quilt that Michelle posted here a few months back. So I thought that I would make make it. My fabrics are a little more brighter than those in the quilt, but I think that I am going to like it when it is done. The fabrics are Boutique by Chez Moi for Moda.

Stay tuned!

Sharing our guilts.

A little more than 13 years ago, it began. Wileen began making beautiful quilts or "guilts" as some may say for our new little family. Of course I know nothing about quilting, but we have loved every one of them, and are so thankful for all of the time and love that Wileen puts into each one. Finally I am posting our quilts for all to enjoy!

Our wedding quilt.

To this day, I still love the Morning Star Pattern.

This is Hannah's first quilt from Grandma.

I loved wrapping Hannah up in this beautiful quilt.

It was so plush and soft, and I love the colors.

Wileen also made this one for Hannah. The quilting on this is amazing! Probably one of my favorites! She also made a matching crib bumper, but sadly, as a toddler, Hannah ruined it.

My other favorite part: the lace!

Absolutely one of my favorite quilts ever! She made this one for Josh when he was born. I LOVE the ABC's and 123's, and the colors...oh boy, I love the colors! This was Josh's favorite nap blanket for years, and if we're going on a trip he always makes sure to pack this to snuggle up with in the car.

I love the colors in this quilt. There is just something so perfect about Primary colors for little boys. This was another one of Josh's favorites when he was little. Now, it's kind of his official movie blanket.

She made this one for Jake when he was born. I love the fabric, and of course I'm a total sucker for anything ABC.

I don't remember if this one was for Josh or Jake. Probably because they both loved it so much, that they constantly fought over it when they were small.

What boy wouldn't want the cowboy blanket? So dang cute, I tell you! I think in the end, Jake won because this became his official nap blanket, and also the one that he has to have when we go on trips.

This is the quillow that Wileen made for Hannah several years ago. Hannah was so fascinated that it was not only a quilt, but also folded up neatly into a pillow. It quickly became one of her favorites, and still has a permanent spot on her bed, and of course has to come with her on trips too.

All folded up.

And last, but not least, we have Eva's guilt...I mean quilt. I love this quilt so much. It's an adaptation of one that I liked in one of Wileen's Debbie Mumm books. I was so excited when she said she could make the quilt in black, white and pink! I knew it would turn out cute, but seeing it in person is even better!!

Closely after the fantastic colors, and the adorable Ric-Rack, I LOVE the size of this quilt. It is huge and will last Eva for years!

Thank you so much Wileen for all of the beautiful quilts that you have put so much time and love into over the years. They truly are a treasure to each of us.

Where would be without Grandma's guilts?

Inspired: Felt Flowers

I found these felt flower decorations and really think they are beautiful. I think they would look good on a variety of projects.

From Etsy seller: Dashing Etc.

East-a-Roo

Claire and I made these treats for her kindergarten class. I have been wanting to try scotcharoos cut into cookie cutter shapes for a while and this is the method I decided to try.

I put the rice crispy mixture into a cookie sheet to make it a little thinner, so my cookie cutters would go all the way through. Then I cut out shapes, placed them on a buttered pan and let them harden.

Once they were firm enough to pick up and move around, I melted the chocolate and butterscotch chips together and I dipped the shapes into the chocolate. This didn't work as well as I had envisioned, and I ended up just spreading the chocolate on with a spoon. So next time I do this (because you know I will do it again; I have such a weak spot for Scotcharoos) I will spread the chocolate over the crispies, like normal, and let it set, before I cut out the shapes. I think it would have looked better that way.

I put them in sandwich bags and made a label to staple on the top out of card stock. Claire had an easy time handing them out to her classmates this way.