Here are a few of my recent creations. I have been on a roll lately even with being sick. UGH..I hate colds. But anyway back to the topic at hand.
Most of these were quick and simple...my favorite style most of the time..lol.

I love these photos of Patrick helping me bake our annual Christmas ornaments to paint.
What you see: Him being very helpful and cutting them out like a good boy. What you don't see: Him screaming, crying and throwing a fit because I want to take his picture and am trying to help him out.
I love this picture of Patrick with his special blankie...Isn't he a cutie!!!
I had planned to have a picture to go with this layout but Patrick screamed the entire time and clung to me so hard that I forgot to take the picture. I love those grungeboard wings!!

I never do layouts about my birthday but I thought I would give it a try. I love these noteworthy papers. I hand cut the scallops. I also used another of Sheila's wonderful stamps...aren't they great you should check out her site.

Pecan Pie

So I was challenged to blog about a recipe or two that I am famous for, one that everyone asks me to bring. Well it is not that unusual or that much different than anyone elses but everyone always asks me to bring it. It was my moms recipe and since she is gone now it is up to me to supply it. It is pecan pie...it isn't as sweet as most peoples...I also make my own crust. It makes a world of difference from the store bought kind. ( Just a note: it isn't all that complicated really...it just seems that way ;))

crust
1 1/3 cup all purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup ice water
1/3 cup very cold margarine (cut into small pieces)

Sift the flour. Combine the flour and salt in a bowl. Mix the dough with a pastry blender or 2 knives (this works best for me) cut in the margarine. Working quickly, work the margarine into the flour until the mix looks like marbles, and every piece of margarine is covered with flour. Sprinkle with water, 1 Tbs at a time. Stirring with a fork or hands (this works best for me) until mixture begins to come together. Form into a ball and wrap in plastic. Chill for 1 hour. Chilled dough is easier to work with and makes a flakier crust. You can freeze it for later use as well.
Roll the dough. Working on a floured surface, roll the dough into a 12 inch circle. Don't use too much flour our your dough will be tough. Place dough over a 9 inch pie plate and press into the bottom so no air bubbles form. Cut excess dough from the edges.

pie filling

1 stick butter
3 large eggs beaten
1 cup chopped pecans
1 tsp vanilla
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup light corn syrup

Mix all ingredients together...adding pecans in last. Pour into pie crust. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.


This was the only way my dad would eat pecan pie because it wasn't quite as sweet. Sometimes I still cut down on the sugar and syrup...but just be sure to cut in equal amounts.

Enjoy!!!

Finally my YITL cards 1 thru 6

So I have finally gotten around to taking a picture of my year in the life cards. I have been following along with Suzanne's challenge. She posts a new word every week. It has been alot of fun and I am making them 4x5.
The first word was Resolve...this one was simple for me resolutions of course.
Winter was not so easy for me...I don't like winter it is so drab and yucky here...no real beauty everything is brown and we are always sick.


Blue was easy it always means water to me.
Proud..I am always proud of Patrick and proud to be his mommy.

Red was a bit of a stumper for me...I don't really like red..I don't wear red often so I wasn't real sure on this at first. But the more I thought about it the I thought of Christmas...
Love...I love my family

I know not that exciting but it is me..lol. I hope to actually get these posted everyweek from now on. I just kept forgetting to take pictures.