I've been given 2 Awards!

I need to apologize to some really sweet bloggers who gave me some awards. The first one is from the ladies over at The Caffeinated Globe who gave me the Versatile Blogger Award.

Robin at The T~Shirt Diaries gave me The Beautiful Blogger Award. It was so sweet of all of them to think of me and give me these awards. Ok, now here's where I'm going to cheat a little. To receive the Versatile Blogger Award you're suppose to tell 7 things about yourself and for the Beautiful Blogger Award you're suppose to share 10 things about yourself. So, I'm going to share 10 things here, in no particular order~

1)I love dark chocolate and I'm not a big fan of milk chocolate.

2)I am a morning person! I do not like trying to stay up late, I get a headache and sick to my stomach, not to mention I can't stay awake.

3)I love to watch NCIS and BONES. Our dvr is set to record new and repeats of both shows.

4)I have a thing for purses lately! See purse label on the right, and that's only a few of them!

5)The 29th of this month my sweet hubby and I will have been married 30 years.

6)I get cold a lot, except when I'm having hot flashes! When I have hot flashes I'm just right! Lol!

7)I like to fold laundry and empty the dishwasher, but I don't like to mop or clean toilets, and I don't do windows!

8)My favorite dinner is a big bowl of watermelon. Is that bad?

9)I don't like birds in a cage, I like to see birds outside.

10)I have a secret desire to move to Maine! Have you seen the trees there? It is so green!

Now I am suppose to pass the award for The Versatile Blogger onto 15 other bloggers and The Beautiful Blogger Award onto 10 other bloggers. So I'm going to cheat here to and I'm passing both awards onto these 15 blogs~

1)Jennie at Tuffet

2)Becki at Whippycake

3)Gwen at Heart Tree Manor

4)Myla at Pursenickety

5)Olivia at (406) Olivia

6)Kara at Creations by Kara

7)Frieda at Lovin From The Oven

8)Martha at Lines From The Linderhof

9)Jen at Here At The Hive

10)Amanda at My Life With Rats And More

11)Stacie at Simply Stacie

12)Jen at 11th Heaven's Homemaking

13)Megan at Megan's Cookin

14)Barbara at Barbara Bakes

15)Nancy at My Blonde Ambition

Please be sure and check out these blogs, you can spend hours at them!

Orange Cream Jello

I was given an award from The Little Brown House! Sharyl was so sweet to give it to me. Now it's my turn to pass it on and keep the love going! Be sure and check out Sharyl's blog, I love her post on clocks, you can find it here, we're kind of clock crazy at our house!

Pass the award onto 12 bloggers. Link the nominees within your post. Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog. Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award. I am passing on the Sunshine Award to…

Tuffet Here At The Hive Its So Very Cheri Kara's Kitchen Creations Tidy Mom A Lemon Squeezy Home A Little Of This, A Little Of That

I was making some jello for dinner the other day and decided to use up some leftover sour cream. This made the jello taste like a cream-cycle! My family loved it, and it matches the flower in the Sunshine Award I was given!

Orange Cream-cycle Jello

1 large package orange jello
1/2 cup sour cream
2 cups boiling water
1/2 cup cold water
1 can mandarin oranges, drained

Combine the jello and boiling water and whisk for 2-3 minutes. Whisk in the sour cream until totally mixed. Add the cold water and whisk, then add the oranges. Refrigerate until set.

Works For Me Wednesday, An Award and Candy Cane Cookies

I'm linking up with Kristen over at We Are THAT Family for Works For Me Wednesday.

This week Kristen suggested that we do a backwards edition and ask our readers a question, so here is my question -

When you visit my blog do you like to see what I'm baking, what's for dinner or to see what I'm sewing, crafting or where I'm running?

I love to read your comments, and if you leave me an email, I will answer them, I promise!

Now after you check out this yummy recipe below, head on over to We Are THAT Family and see what other bloggers are asking!




Lori over at Wildflowers gave me an award! Thank you so much Lori! This is a really fun award. Now I need to share with you 10 things that make me truly happy! So, here goes!


Running is one of my favorite things to do, especially if it's a gorgeous trail like this! We call this Zulu's trail. Zulu is my friends running dog and he found this trail. We have fun names for all our trails!I sing in a really great choir called the Box Elder Symphonic Choir. We have around 80 men and women. We have a lot of fun learning new songs.

This is my son's dog Seamus. He's my favorite. He's such a sweetie with such a cute little personality.

Fifi is our daughter Sloan's dog. She's my second favorite dog! She has a great personality too, but she barks a little.I love to sew and create things. This was a little present I made for a friend.I love going on hikes with my kids. I can't wait until spring comes so we can hike again. I took this picture on one of our summer hikes.



I love to hang clothes out on the line in the nice weather. Especially when my lilacs are in bloom!
I love Lindt dark chocolate! Hmm, it's my favorite!


I love to read! I especially like Diane Mott Davidson's books. They're about food, what can I say?This tea only comes out at Christmas, and it's my favorite! Mmm, it's so good to curl up with after a nice snowy cold run!


I love a nice warm hoodie in the cold weather! Especially with a turtleneck!


I love holding hands with my honey!

So that's my top 10 things I like. This was really fun to put together! I hope you enjoyed it!

I'm going to pass this award on to -

Jennie over at Tuffet
Traci at Beneath My Heart
Brandi at Back Porch Gift Baskets N Goodies
Kara at Creations By Kara



Ok, I know Christmas is over, but I always have leftover candy canes, so when I ran across this recipe from Tea and Wheaten Bread I ran right downstairs and whipped up a batch! I crushed the candy canes in their wrappers in a big ziplock baggie with my marble rolling pin. Actually it was more like bashing the heck out of them, which was fun!

Candy Cane Cookies

2 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 large egg yolk
6 ounces chocolate chips
6-8 candy canes crumbled
2 ounces white chocolate

Heat oven to 350degrees. Spray 13×9x2-inch metal baking pan with Pam.

Whisk flour and salt in medium bowl. In a mixer, beat the butter until creamy, about 2 minutes. Gradually beat in sugar. Continue beating until mixture is light and fluffy, stopping occasionally to scrape down sides of bowl, about 3 minutes. Beat in vanilla, then egg yolk. Gradually add flour mixture, beating on low speed just to blend.

Drop dough by tablespoonfuls into prepared baking pan, spacing evenly. Using moistened fingertips, press dough to form even layer over bottom of pan. Pierce dough all over with fork.

Bake cookie base until light golden brown and slightly puffed and edges begin to come away from sides of pan, about 30 minutes. Place pan on rack; immediately sprinkle the chopped chocolate over. Let stand until chocolate softens, about 3 minutes. Using small offset spatula, spread chocolate over top of cookie in thin even layer. Immediately sprinkle chopped candy canes over the chocolate.

Stir white chocolate in medium metal bowl set over saucepan of simmering water until melted and smooth. If it’s too tough and thick to stir, add a tiny drizzle of vegetable oil or 1/2 tsp. of shortening to thin it out. Remove from over water. Using fork, drizzle white chocolate all over cookies. Chill until white chocolate is set, about 30 minutes.

I was given the Kreativ Blogger Award! Overnight Sticky Buns

Jacey over at One Man's Trash is My Treasure gave me an award! It is the Kreativ Blogger Award. I love the comment she gave about my blog! Here's what she said - "I never knew it was possible to gain 10 lbs just by reading a blog...but this girl makes it possible! Her blog looks so yummy I'm surprised my computer screen doesn't have bite marks in it ha ha! Go check out her yummy recipes!"

Thank you Jacey for visiting my blog and drooling! I always enjoy seeing what projects you are doing! Here's one of her projects that I can't wait to try.
On to the rules!
1. Thank the person who nominated you for this award.

2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog.

3. Link to the person who nominated you for this award.

4. Name 7 things about yourself that people may not know.

5. Nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers.

6. Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.

7. Leave a comment on each.

♥ HERE WE GO! ♥

"7 Things You Never Knew and Probably Never Even Considered Wanting To Know" about me.

1. I have this insane desire to run up mountain trails, even in the snow and rain. I've found it's my favorite way to start the day.

2. I'm a morning person. I don't like to stay up real late, I'd rather get up at 4:30 in the morning and get things done.

3. I'm like Jacey, I never watch anything that's not recorded on my DVR, I hate commercials too.

4. I just had a toenail fall off from running a marathon in August. It's o.k. though, because the new one has already grown in under it.

5. I actually like loading and unloading my dishwasher. I never use to, it's a new thing for me.

6. I lost over 200 pounds a few years ago by diet and exercise.


7. I'm afraid of heights, and things moving under my feet, like roller skates, and skateboards.

Now on to my nominee's

1. Jennie at Tuffet, my wonderfully talented daughter! Her posts make me laugh and cry. She is such a good writer! She shares wonderful recipes, crafts and her adorable kiddo's on her blog.

2. Ashley at Veater Family Adventures. She always has wonderful giveaways and I love seeing pictures of her kiddo's! They remind me of my grandkids!

3. Jan at Bobbypins Boardwalk. Jan is always sharing her great crafts and decorating.

4. Tricia at This Is Our Life At The Zoo. I love her decorating projects.

5. Lori at Wildflowers. Lori has the best pictures! I love her posts! Here's a favorite - Make Mine Chocolate.

6. Maize from Maize in Montana. Maize always has some neat projects like this one and this one.

7. Mary Beth at Cupcakes And Crinoline has some very creative projects! I can't wait to make this and this!

I found this recipe in a Country Woman's Christmas Book and decided to give it a try. I've made lots of cinnamon rolls, but I've never made sticky buns. I love this recipe, because you do all the work the day or night before, then just let them rise for 30 minutes in the morning, and bake them for 20-25 minutes. They turned out wonderful with a great gooey caramel on the bottom.



Don't forget to sign up for my giveaway, it ends tomorrow at 3pm. You can find the rules here!

There's a great contest at Just for Me and You for a gift certificate to Tabeez!

Overnight Sticky Buns

5 1/2 to 6 cups flour
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons active dry yeast
2 teaspoons salt
1 3/4 cups milk
1/2 cup water
3 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons corn syrup

Filling

3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 tablespoon cinnamon

In a mixer fitted with a bread hook, combine 2 1/2 cups flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, yeast and salt. In a saucepan, heat milk, water and 3 tablespoons butter to 120-130 degrees. Add to the flour mixture. Beat on low speed for 2 minutes; beat on medium speed for 3 minutes. Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Kneed for 8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.

Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine the 1/2 cup butter, brown sugar and corn syrup. Cook and stir over medium low heat until sugar is dissolved and butter is melted. Pour into two 9x13 pans that have been greased.

For Filling

Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.

Punch dough down. Divide in half. Roll each half out on a floured surface to within 1/2 inch thick. Spread with 1/4 cup of melted butter and half of the cinnamon sugar mixture. Roll up like a jellyroll and cut with dental floss. Place in prepared pan. Repeat with remaining dough. Cover with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator overnight.

Next morning, remove rolls from the refrigerator and let rise for 30-45 minutes. Bake at 400 degrees 20-25 minutes. Invert rolls onto a serving platter.

I won an Award! I Don't Know What To Fix For Dinner - Let Them It Leftover's Quiche and a Contest!

I am aso excited! I got another award! Wow, what an honor! Lana at I Love My 5 Kids presented me with the Honest Scrap Award! I haven't visited Lana's blog before, but after poking around I found an amazing mom and quite a busy woman! She has some great recipes, ( I am totally making this, Maple Oven Pancake when we get back from our trip!) a very strong faith and 5 wonderful kids! She has some great ideas! I signed up to be a follower and I'm looking forward to getting to know her better!

Here are the rules for the award.

1.) Say thanks and give a link to the presenter of the award. ~ Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

2.) Share "10 Honest Things" about myself.

3.) Present this award to 7 others whose blogs I find brilliant in content and/or design or those who have encouraged me.

4.) Tell those 7 people they've been awarded HONEST SCRAP and inform them of these guidelines in receiving.

Here's my 10 things ...

1. I love to read cookbooks! I have lots, and I like to check them out at the library and find new ones on blogs!

2. I love to bake and try out all the new recipes I find!

3 I love to run on trails in the mountains! To be alone and see the beautiful places God has given us! I love to see the deer and the gorgeous trees! I never would of thought that our desert state of Utah would have places that are lush and green in the heat of the summer! Sometimes I have to stop and close my eyes and smell the damp green smells that I grew up with in the woods where we lived in Washington!

4. I like to do laundry! I know, I can't believe after being married for 29 years and hating laundry, now I actually like it! I love to get the stains out, I love hanging clothes on the clothes line.

5. I like to clean up my kitchen! I know, I used to hate it, now I like to keep it picked up!

6. I won't take the leaves out of our dinning room table. It drives my hubby nuts. He thinks we don't need it. I feel like if I take it out it means my kids won't be coming home for dinner. We still have two left at home, but we have 2 married and one on his own. I just want it big so that there is always room in case they drop in. I know, they don't even live in the same state as us. It's silly, but it's just how I feel. I probably still keep it in even after the kids leave home!

7. I love marshmallows! I love them out of the bag, burned over the campfire or toasted nice and brown. I really like them melted in my chocolate malt o meal!

8. I hate rattlesnakes! They creep me out and scare the day lights out of me when I see them! I try to do all my trail running early, early in the morning before it warms up and they come out. I have run into several on runs, and I HATE them!

9. I adore my 3 grandchildren! I think of them all the time and I love hearing them in the back ground when I talk to my daughter! They are getting so good at talking on the phone now! I also love pictures of them!

10. I have a hard time looking at pictures of my kids when they were little. It makes me sad that they're not little anymore....where did the time go? That's probably why I have so many pictures that need to be scrapbooked. I love my kids for who they are now and I love every minute I spend with them, but I guess I miss that they aren't around all the time like they were when they were little.

Okay, for the 7 blogs…in no particular order…

1. Songbirdtiff Tiffany has some great decorating ideas, craft ideas and recipes! I can't wait to try her Raw Apple Cake! She is also an amazing mom to 5 kids!

2. SomeWhat Simple Stephanie has wonderful craft ideas and recipes! I just came across her blog recentely, and I can't wait to try some of her projects! She has lots of tutorials too!

3. Samster Mommy Natasha has some wonderful sewing projects! I came across her blog a while back, and I can't wait to try some of her projects! She also has some great looking recipes!
I can't wait to try this tuxedo t-shirt!

4. Tuffet Jennie, my own sweet daughter is a wonderful mom, terrific cook and has very creative craft ideas! She's also a whiz at all things computer! She is the mother of three very terrific wee ones and my only grandchildren! She's in the middle of packing for a move to the East Coast, so she hasn't been keeping up her blog, but do check it out! She'll be back to it soon!

5. Jannypie Crafts Jan has lots of terrific ideas! She made a great looking bag here that I really want to make!

6. Made By Rae Rae is a terrific seamstress! I have several of her ideas book marked! I want to get her Likety Split Bag pattern!

7. I Have To Say Randi has a great blog! She's a runner too! Ooh, and she's fast, 32 minutes for a 5k! She sells some terrific looking fabric and has some great tutorials!

This was so fun sharing some of my favorite blogs! Wow, all of these women are so inspiring! I just need to get busy and try some of their wonderful ideas, projects and recipes! Thank you all so much for sharing your ideas out here in blogland!

I came up with this recipe years ago when I was in a hurry to make dinner and didn't want to make a crust for the quiche. I've even made this without the meat. My two guys ate 3 pieces a piece last night!

Leftover's Quiche

1 cup any meat, cubed, I used Italian Sausage(removed from casings and fried)
1/2 cup chopped green veggie (I used zucchini)
1 tomato, seeded and chopped
1 small onion, sauted
1 cup cheese, grated, I used cheddar
1 3/4 cup milk
3 eggs
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon seasoning salt
1/4 teaspoon smoky paprika
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/3 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Grease a large pie pan with Pam.

In a blender mix the eggs, milk flour, baking powder and spices. Layer the meat, veggies and cheese in pie pan. Pour milk mixture over all. Bake 50-60 minutes or until a knife inserted into the middle comes out clean. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Here's a contest for you. Head over to Fireflies and Jellybeans to win some Brea Marie Creations!

Also go to Frugal Antics of A Harried Housewife to win Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters!

My Frist Award!

I just received my first award! I'm so excited! It's from Cheri at It's So Very Cheri! Thank you Cheri, it was so nice of you to think of me!

Now I am going to pass it on to 10 fellow bloggers, so in no particular order, here they are-

Lovin From The Oven - Frieda

Tuffet - Jennie

The English Kitchen - Marie

Singing and Spinning - Amy

Never Bored - Becky

Beneath My Heart - Traci

Safely Gathered In - Hannah

11th Heavens Homemaking Haven - ? (I love your blog, but couldn't find your name?)

My Practically Perfect Life - Shari

Motherhood For Dummies - ? (Great blog, but don't know your name?)


The rules of accepting and sharing this award are:
1. Put the logo on your blog or post
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs that show an attitude of gratitude
3. Link to your nominees within your post
4. Comment on their blogs to let them know they've received this award
5. Share the love and link to this post and the person who nominated you for the award.Tell us how you've come to have an attitude gratitude.

I am grateful for all the challenges that I've had in my life. I know that it's through the hard things in our life we grow the most! The saying goes - I never said it would be easy, I said it would be worth it.

I'm grateful for my husband, he's such a hard worker and provider. He makes it possible for me to be a stay at home mom, and I'm so grateful for that. I want to be the one to be there when my kids come home.

I'm grateful for my 5 wonderful kids and the opportunity I have to be their mother! Being a mom has been one of the biggest challenges and growing opportunities in my life, and it's a never ending always expanding challenge! Our family has grown with the marriages of our two oldest and the blessings of including their spouses and our grandchildren. I never new that my heart could be so full of love for so many!

I'm grateful most of all for my Savior and my Heavenly Father and the love they show for me and my family. I'm thankful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and for the blessings it has brought to me and my family. I'm grateful for the Plan of Salvation, the hope it gives to me and my family. I know my Heavenly Father loves and blesses me each day.