Tea Time ~ 5/22/15

Grab a cup of tea, coffee, hot chocolate or your favorite drink
while I share a few things that made me smile this week :)

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~ I made it back to the gym!  I'm going slow to get back into the groove but I made it :)

~Master Chef is back on!  We watched the first episode last night :)

~The hubby is painting our bedroom today while I'm at work!  I can't wait to see it :)

~We opened our pool this week!  Now it just needs to warm up :)

~This is a 3-day weekend!  I can't wait :)

~TGIF!  That is all :)

What made you smile this week?

Please leave a comment with a link so I can return the visit!

Linking up with Friendship Friday, Friday Fragments, Five on Friday, Show Off Friday, Awesome Life,  Friday Favorites , High Five for Friday and OhHeyFriday

In the Kitchen ~ Double Chocolate Chip Brownies ~ 5/21/15

This recipe came from a cookbook called "America's Favorites:  Bake Sale". 

Double Chocolate Chip Brownies

 

2 cups (12 oz package) semi-sweet chocolate chips (divided)

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine cut into pieces

3 large eggs

1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup chopped nuts

 

Heat oven to 350F.  Grease 13X9 baking pan.

 

Melt 1 cup morsels and butter in large saucepan over low heat; stir until smooth.  Remove from heat.

 

Stir in eggs.

 

Stir in flour, sugar, vanilla extract and baking soda.

 

Stir in remaining morsels and nut.  Spread into prepared baking pan.

 

Bake for 18-22 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out slightly sticky.  Cool completely.

 

I made these brownies for a bake sale but I had to try them out.  You know, to make sure they were OK for the sale.

They were one of the best brownies I've ever eaten!  I don't say that lightly.  Very, very good :)

Please leave a comment with a link so I can return the visit!

Linking up to:  Full Plate Thursday, Inspritation2 , Creative Ways, Grace at Home, Create It Thursday, Your Turn to Shine,   Project Stash  Homemaking Linkup and Home Sweet Home, Share Your Cup.

Hodgepodge ~ 5/20/15

Joyce's Hodgepodgey Questions:

1.  Did you make someone laugh yesterday? Was it intentional?
I hope I did.  I always try to make others smile.  I like to tease alot :)

2. What's a simple question with a complicated answer?
Why?

3. Rhododendrons or azaleas...you have to choose. Are either currently blooming in your yard?
Both are blooming in my yard right now!  If I have to pick, I'd pick rhododendrons.

4. May 21st is National Waitstaff Day. Have you ever worked as a waiter/waitress? How would you rate the experience? What was the best/worst part of the job?
I've never worked as a waiter/waitress.  I think I would like it though.  Well, maybe if the tips are good!

5. What fashion trend for women should be outlawed? How about one for men?
I don't know about this one.  Hoochie-mama clothes for women and sandals with hairy toes for men!

6. Name a writer who inspires you....now tell us why.
Pass.

7. What well known quote or saying sums up your plans for today or this week?

"Time keeps on slipping....."

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
I can't believe I passed on a question!  I just couldn't think of a specific writer.  Not to mention I was a little rushed composing this Hodgepodge.   If I'd have given myself some more time maybe I could have thought of one.

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Family Time ~ Car Wash ~ 5/19/15

 

The hubby knocked another task off the honey-do list by running a water line out to the parking lot so I could wash the car without having to go through a car wash.  We got a new hose, bucket, car wash and a sponge so I would be good to go.

 

I should have gotten more than one sponge, because as soon as Laken heard that we were washing the car she grabbed up my sponge!  I really didn't mind.  That freed up my hands for the camera.

Of course, she wasn't satisfied with just washing.   She had to rinse, too.  Every time she would squeeze the nozzle the pressure would knock her back.  It cracked me up!

I bet that car got washed a total of 3 times that day.

It was a very hot day for Spring.  Laken "accidentally" turned the hose on herself.  "Accidentally".  Hmmm...

I felt bad doing a Family Time post without Kaylee being a part of it.  She was in her room.  Again.  She didn't "feel" like washing the car.  Below, you can see her poking her head out the door to see the progress.

I feel better now that everyone was included :)

Who knew washing a car could be so much fun!

Please leave a comment with a link so I can return the visit!

Linking up Totally Terrific Tuesdauy,  Titus 2sdays, Unite, Share Your Stuff, Treasure Box, Do Tell Tuesday and Titus 2 Tuesday, Hearth and Soul, Tuesdays with a Twist.

Make it Monday ~ Sunny Blue Hawaii ~ 5/18/15

 

 

I gave a sneak peak at my current project, Sunny Blue Hawaii, a few weeks ago.  I'm loving these colors together.  I had started out using the turquoise, white and gray, but it just wasn't doing it for me.  After I switched to the bright yellow, that was it!

 

I'm crocheting a simple granny square and letting the colors do all the talking.

Of course, the more colors you use the more ends there are to weave in.  I don't mind weaving in ends but I like to do it at the table usually while chatting with my mom.  I crochet a bunch of squares and then sit down to weave in the ends.

In the following picture I have about 10-12 squares done.  I need 35 and currently have 25 complete.  I like to crochet while I watch TV.  I have a bunch of DVR'd shows to watch so hopefully I'll knock out the last 10 in no time.

 

What do you think of this combination of colors?

 

Please leave me a comment with a link so I can return the visit!!

Linking up to Making Memories Monday,  Making Your Home Sing , Inspire Me Monday, Merry Monday , Motivation Monday, Made By You, Creative Mondays, What'd You Do this Weekend and Pieces by Polly Block Party,  Monday's Musing and Making Monday, Stitch It Up and Hooking on Humpday, Yarn Along , Yarn Fanatic , Keep Calm Craft On.

Songs on Sunday ~ Stars in the Night ~ 5/17/15

 

 Tenth Avenue North is one of my favorite bands.  I didn't realize they were who sing this song until I just looked it up on Youtube.  I've heard it on KLOVE and really liked it.

 

As I look at the lyrics of this song, they resonate with me.  "We chase the wind and tides", "We chase the reasons why".

 

Have you ever been in a situation where all you want to do is ask "WHY!?!"  I know I have been and I'm sure I will be again.  In those times, "Even in our shame grace makes a way through".

 

Aren't these lyrics amazing?  What talent the Lord has given the writers of this song.  What a blessing!

 

 

No matter where you lead
We wanna follow you
The trouble is we forget who we belong to
We chase the wind and tides
We chase the reasons whyChase the spark inside each others eyes
Desires are at war
We want that final shore
Sailing on until we find what weve been looking for

Hallelujah
Were running to you
On fire from the mercy in your eyes
And through the dark
Singing we are yours
Your love will lead us through the fight
Like stars in the night
Stars in the night
Stars in the night
Lead us through the fight

We fix our eyes on what we know is true
Even in our shame grace makes a way through
We are obsession, a constellation
You are light in and out of every season
So we keep pressing on
With our redemption song
No one can undo what youve done

Hallelujah
Were running to you
On fire from the mercy in your eyes
And through the dark
Singing we are yours
Your love will lead us through the fightLike stars in the night

All our lives
For the other side
Where well never die

And in the darkest night
We will lift our eyes
The love that lies ahead is more than all we leave behind

Hallelujah
Were running to you
On fire from the mercy in your eyes
And through the dark
Singing we are yours
Your love will lead us through the fight
Like stars in the night
Stars in the night
Stars in the night
Lead us through this fight
Stars in the night

Please leave a comment with a link so I can return the visit!

 

I'm also linking up to Spiritual Sunday and Counting My Blessings , Faith And Friendship , Grace And Truth , Dance with Jesus, Sunday Stillness, Give Me Grace and The Weekend Brew.

Saturday 9 ~ No Myth ~ 5/16/15

Welcome to Saturday: 9. What we've committed to our readers is that we will post 9 questions every Saturday. Sometimes the post will have a theme, and at other times the questions will be totally unrelated. Those weeks we do "random questions," so-to-speak. We encourage you to visit other participants posts and leave a comment. Because we don't have any rules, it is your choice. We hate rules. We love memes, however, and here is today's meme!

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Listen to the song HERE.

1) The girl in this song is "just looking for someone to dance with." Who was your most recent dance partner?

The Hubby in the kitchen ;)

 2) Michael Penn wonders if he'd do better with the ladies if he was Romeo or Heathcliff. What fictional character represents your romantic ideal?

Mr. Darcy...sigh...

3) The lyrics refer to "knots I have yet to untie." Do the shoes you're wearing have laces?

Once April hits, I'm a flip-flop girl.  No ties for me :)

4) Name a character from mythology.

Medusa

5) Michael Penn is the brother of Oscar winner Sean Penn. Give us the title of a Sean Penn movie.

I would have to look one up.  I don't really care for Sean Penn.

6) Their father, Leo Penn, was a busy TV director from the 1960s through the 1990s. He specialized in detective shows (Magnum PI and Cannon) and medical shows (Trapper John and Marcus Welby, MD). Are you more likely to watch a program with lots of car chases, or one that's set in a hospital?

I absolutely LOVED Magnum PI!  I like both genres, but I guess if I had to pick one I'd go with car chases.

7) 1989, the year "No Myth" was popular, is the year of the first HDTV broadcast. Do you watch many shows in "high def?"

Everything we watch is in high def.

 8) 1989 was also the year The Simpsons premiered. Who is your all-time favorite animated character?

Belle from Beauty and the Beast.

 9) Random fill-in the blank: If I never had to ______________ again, it would be too soon.

 Have surgery.

 

Please leave a comment with a link so I can return the visit!

Tea Time ~ 5/15/15

Grab a cup of tea, coffee, hot chocolate or your favorite drink
while I share a few things that made me smile this week :)

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~Sitting on the swing reading with Laken!  We had some really nice weather and it was wonderful to sit on the swing with my little one reading together :)

~Laken decided that she wanted to get her hair cut!  She got enough cut off to donate :)

~My Mother's Day card and flower!  The girls made me a card and got me a flower :)

~The hubby made me my very own make-up desk!  No more fight over the bathroom mirror :)

~I got home from work one day to find my flower bed planted!  The hubby and girls wanted to surprise me :)

~Kaylee's Spring Band and Chorus Concert was last night!  She did a beautiful job :)

What made you smile this week?

Please leave a comment with a link so I can return the visit!

Linking up with Friendship Friday, Friday Fragments, Five on Friday, Show Off Friday, Awesome Life,  Friday Favorites , High Five for Friday and OhHeyFriday

In the Kitchen ~ Oatmeal Butterscotch Cookies ~ 5/14/15

This recipe came from a cookbook called "America's Favorites:  Bake Sale". 

Oatmeal Butterscotch Cookies

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter or margarine
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 cups quick-cooking or regular rolled oats, uncooked
2 cups (12 oz package) butterscotch chips

Heat oven to 375F.

Beat butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar in a large bowl until well blended.

Add eggs and vanilla; blend thoroughly.

Stir together flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon.  Gradually add to butter mixture, beating until well blended.

Stir in oats and butterscotch chips; mix well.

Drop by teaspoons onto ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown.  Cool slightly; remove from cookie sheet.  Cool completely.

 

I made these cookies to take to a church meeting.  I put them beside the coffee pot and they were a hit!  I got so many complements from the coffee-drinking men.  They loved them!

Please leave a comment with a link so I can return the visit!

Linking up to:  Full Plate Thursday, Inspritation2 , Creative Ways, Grace at Home, Create It Thursday, Your Turn to Shine,   Project Stash  Homemaking Linkup and Home Sweet Home, Share Your Cup.

Hodgepodge ~ 5/13/15

 

Joyce's Hodgepodgey Questions:

1. When is your next big deadline? What's it for?
I feel like every day is a deadline!  There is so much to do and never enough time to do it.

                                                    

 2. May is National Barbecue Month. Do you prefer cooking indoors or out? What's the best thing about a barbecue? What's the last thing you cooked on an outdoor grill?
I might be the oddball here, but I'd rather cook indoors.  Grills scare me!  The best thing about a barbecue is the fellowship with friends and family.  The last thing I cooked on a grill was probably burgers.

                                             

 3. What is one thing on your "never again" list?
Snowtubing!  Never again!  I completely wiped out!  It was horrendous!

              

 4. What's something that annoys you about people your own age? Something you love about your generation?
It annoys me that my generation is almost middle age :(  I know that isn't what the question really meant but there it is.  I love that my generation should now be getting wiser.

                                                     

 5. Lilac, iris, hyacinth, pansy...your favorite purple flower?
Lilacs are my all time favorite flower, period.

 6. Whats a song that always calms you down?

I Am Not Alone by Kari Jobe.  I love the verse that says "He fights my every battle."

         


 7. What's the last thing you donated?

We took a bag of clothes to the Goodwill store not too long ago.

                                                   

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Speaking of donating....My youngest daughter, Laken 8, got 8" cut off her hair to donate.  Her new 'do looks so cute :)

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I'd love to return the visit!  Please leave a comment and a link!

Family Time ~ Paddington ~ 5/12/15

 

I loved watching the TV show and reading the books about Paddington when I was little.  There was just something about the little bear with the clothes and hat.  Just thinking about it brings back warm memories.  I was excited when I heard they were making a movie from the books and show.

 

Have you seen "Paddington" yet?  If not, check out the trailer below.

            

We watched it for Family Movie Night and loved it!  (To see our essentials for Family Movie Night click HERE.)

I thought it would be fun to see what each Family member thought of the movie.  I'll go first:

ME:
This movie was laugh-out-loud funny.  It was also sad, intriguing, mysterious and heart-warming.  I was surprised by how much I liked this movie.  I enjoyed it entirely.

The HUBBY:
I liked it!  It is probably one of my favorites recently.  My favorite part was when the family worked together to save Paddington from getting stuffed. 

KAYLEE (13):
I actually liked it!  My favorite part was when Paddington completely demolished the bathroom. 

LAKEN (8):
It was cute.  My favorite part was when Paddington finally found a real home and family.  It was really funny when Paddington tried to use the escalator!  I liked the Chihuahua. 

Please leave a comment with a link so I can return the visit!

Linking up Totally Terrific Tuesdauy,  Titus 2sdays, Unite, Share Your Stuff, Treasure Box, Do Tell Tuesday and Titus 2 Tuesday, Hearth and Soul, Tuesdays with a Twist.