SHOES MADE FOR WORKING

I really like spring because I enjoy working outside. Yes, I really enjoy the dirt and planting flowers and watch them as they grow. Yesterday I received the BEST surprise from my neighbor. Look at these CUTE shoes. Do you not love them??? They are so comfortable and all you have to do is just hose them off. I love them so much that I have them on a work today.....it's casual day. Thank you so much, Sally. You really know when I need a "pick me up".

EGGS EVERYWHERE

You are looking at 5,449 eggs that have already been stuffed with candy or a small toy. There's also large prizes in the office. We still have MANY eggs to stuff before April 3rd. That is when our church will have their annual Easter Egg Hunt. We always have about 400 children from the community and it's really so much fun. There'll be several space bounces, face painting, food, and prizes to be given away.

Here's Angie.....she is in charge of this large event. She is surrounded by cases of juice, plastic eggs, and candy. This is what you will find her doing most of the day this week. I leave my desk to sit down to help and the phone always rings at that time. We've had so much fun as we get ready for this event.

WELCOMING SPRING

Look what is welcoming spring at my house. It was time to dress the bunny for the holiday so last night I made a stop at the thrift store to buy an Easter outfit. I got the dress & hat for a total of $2.48. I love to look there for Bunny's clothes since they can't be saved because of being out in the weather for several weeks. The bunny is to the right of my sidewalk as we come up to the house. Today is windy and cool, but it's not raining so I enjoyed getting her all dressed. I'll be putting other spring decorations out this week too.

REMEMBERING AUNT ROSIE

It becomes easy to come home from work and prepare a "quick" supper....especially when you have a husband who never complains about a meal. Many time it is he who will say, "Don't cook a big meal....I'm fine with ____". He had a men's meeting at church last night (they always have a meal at their meetings) and I told him that I was ready for some country cooking. Actually I said, "I'm like Aunt Rosie. I want something boiled." My aunt was 93 years old when she went to heaven, but at age 92 she would cook cornbread and vegetables several times a week. I can hear her say that she got tired of eating sandwiches....."I need something boiled." Guess that's me today. I wanted something that took a little more time to prepare, but delicious......so it's country fried steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, field peas, and turnip greens. Aunt Rosie....you would be proud. I wish you were here to enjoy them with us.

I WON

I am so excited because I was the winner of this beautiful necklace that Shannon was giving away. You can see where she is getting this piece of jewelry and visit that blog also. I had no idea that I even had a chance to win....especially when I saw that over 200 people had entered. This goes to show that you should visit blogs and enter their giveaways. You will love Shannon's blog. She is so creative and is expecting a little boy soon. Her nursery is just precious. Leave her a comment and tell her that I sent you.

WHAT WE DID

Last week my husband and I spent several days keeping our granddaughters while their mom and dad were out of town. We had such a good time and I wanted to share some of the fun we had with you. There are many pictures but you will be able to see just how much fun two grandparents can have with three special little girls.

The older girls had school (and preschool) during the day. Below you will see Breanna as she was ready to catch the bus.

Here's Maddie all ready for preschool. Wish you could see her pink boots she has on.

Granddaddy is getting some good lovin' from Emma. She loves her Granddaddy!

This next picture may tell just why she loves him so.......I was folding clothes and had the girls panties all folded. Emma gets two pair and puts one on Granddaddy's head and another pair on her head. (This picture was made before she discovered how to put them on her head). I told Granddaddy that this picture would be on my blog....don't know if he believed me.


The girls also played "beauty shop" and they each fixed Gigi's hair.

We traced each others hands......over and over and over and over!

Granddaddy stayed in the floor most of the time doing whatever Emma wanted. This is a picture of her telling him they needed to do the puzzle AGAIN.


Emma playing with her toys.

And.........the first thing every morning we played with the cat.


The week was great. It's so much fun being grandparents.

THIS IS IT!!

I have been searching for a homemade bread recipe that tastes like one I had years ago and I finally found it!!! THIS IS IT!!! I remember buying this bread from a sweet lady who sold it for missions at her church. I'll admit that I have tried numerous recipes and none have come close. However, this past week I found a recipe while reading a blog that I enjoy. You must go to The Maddox Family blog and you'll be a regular visitor. I saw her original post earlier in the week and didn't quite understand so I left her a comment with a question. She did another post to make sure those like me had the directions down pat. I will give you the recipe, but when you visit her you will see pictures of each step. I promise you will love it. I have made 6 loaves (since Wednesday) and only given away 3 of them. Add it up.....that means we have 3 for my husband and myself!! I'll also give you the recipe for some DELICIOUS Honey Butter that you will love.

This is a slice of hot bread with the honey butter on it. Oh, my goodness.....THIS IS THE ONE!!!

Mrs. Linda's Bread Recipe:

Starter: 2 cups warm water, 3/4 cup sugar, 2 1/4 tsp. yeast, 3 Tbl. instant potato flakes (not flavored). Put in quart mason jar with little holes in the lid and let stand in a warm place for 8 hrs.

Dough: 6 cups bread flour, 1 Tbl. salt, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 1 1/2 cups warm water, 1 1/2 cups starter. Mix and cover with a towel to rise for 6 - 8 hrs.

Punch bread down and divide into 3 greased bread pans. Let rise 6 - 8 hrs.

Bake at 325 for 30 minutes. DELICIOUS!!!!

By the way....it's ok if you go over the 8 hrs. by a little. I let mine rise for about 9 and it was fine.

HONEY CINNAMON BUTTER

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

1/2 cup honey

1/2 tsp. cinnamon (more if you like)

Combine and beat until light and fluffy. I leave mine out in a covered container so it will be soft.