Baking and Cooking like crazy!

Mom and I have been busy trying out some new recipes lately. We made "Rolo" cookies last night and they are sooooo yummy! We are going to try to save some for MOPS tomorrow, but it is hard to stay out of them =)


































Mrs. Becky also gave us a recipe for homemade pizza dough in the bread maker. We made this last week and LOVED it!!!! I had fun putting everything on the pizza and more fun eating it up!

It's the little things in life...like a tablecloth!

This post is from my mommy----

I love having a tablecloth on my table, but I don't like that I either have to use a vinyl one or deal with the pretty fabric ones getting messed up after one meal. Well, I found the PERFECT solution!!!! Bed, Bath, and Beyond sells a "Laminated Fabric Tablecloth" that is 100% cotton, it looks like fabric but wipes up like vinyl - gotta love it! We tested it out this morning and -voila - it really works. Liquid just pools up and food wipes right off. Can't wait to pick up more of these great find with my 20% off coupons!!!

http://http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=14611177

Another Snow Day

We woke up to a whole bunch of fresh new snow this morning and were anxious to get outside and play in it! We had a great time because it snowed into the early afternoon and we were able to run, shovel, throw snowballs and play for a long time before we got too cold. I am happy that my mommy bought a great snowsuit for me before winter came - it keeps me perfectly dry and toasty - just my face gets cold =)

Always helping out

Attempting to make a snow angel - it was funny!

Mommy and Me =)


Hmmm...is that a bird up there???

I did the slide thing about ten thousand times - so fun!

Welcome Home Elmo!!

Yahoo - Papa and Grandma got me a fish! His name is Elmo Ducky Cripe and I adore him so much. I help feed him when I wake up and when I go to bed and I sit and watch him swim and sing him songs. He is the best!!!

Ginger the Hamster

I mentioned to you in an earlier blog that Keisha has a hamster named Ginger. Well, I was able to meet her for the first time last week and I loved her!!!! I can't wait to be able to play with her again very soon =)

Weekly Wrap up as a new week is starting

My goodness, I have no idea where time goes sometimes. Today I am playing catch up on a million and one different things. I spent the better part of last week "playing" and now it is time to get caught up and ready to roll once again....here we go!!!!


Praises and Hallelujah's- A year ago today our life changed forever. On 2-22-09 I received the news that my husband had a brain tumor growing on his brain stem. On 2-26-09 Dr. Pieper and a team of great docs and nurses operated on Randy's brain and at 9:30 p.m. that evening I received the glorious news that my husband was still with me and recovering in the Neuro ICU - Praise God and Hallelujah!!!! We will be celebrating in a big way tonight as a family and again on Friday as a couple - THANK YOU JESUS FOR MIRACLES!!!!


Recipe Pick of the Week - Easy Cake Truffles


1 box of chocolate fudge cake mix


Ingredients to prepare the cake (eggs, water, oil etc.)


1 can of chocolate fudge frosting


2 bags of semi-sweet chocolate chips





Prepare the cake mix and bake as directed. After the cake has cooled, crumble the entire cake into a bowl. Add in entire can of frosting and mix well. Place the mixture in the refrigerator until firmed up (this may take a few hours). Once mixture has firmed up and cooled, use melon baller or a spoon to scoop out balls and then roll with hands.


Melt chocolate chips in separate bowl (I used the microwave). Dip cake balls into melted chocolate (this is a fun gooey messy project) and set them on waxed paper to dry. While still wet, sprinkle with coconut, nuts, sprinkles, etc. Refrigerate to harden the chocolate and they are ready to be served!!!! I snatched this recipe off of one of the blogs I follow, tried it out, and had a great response - these will be added to "my favorite recipes." Enjoy!!!!





What I'm Reading - Still reading through The Power of a Praying Wife - I kind of got stuck on praying for his health and a few others that I wanted to review again - I also have been reading segments of Dave Ramsey's -Total Money Makeover - and several books related to Autism.





God's Powerful Word of the Week - "Your light shall break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard." Isaiah 58:8





This Week's Weather - Well, had I written this on Friday I would have mentioned that the snow was melting and the days seemed a tad sunnier and warmer - BUT - we live in a crazy weather state soooo - today is a "snow day" with loads of fresh snow still falling and colder air is abounding!!!!





Pic of the Week - Joshua has a new pet thanks to Papa and Grandma - meet Elmo Ducky Cripe - our new fishy =)

TV Time this Week - Olympics!!!! LOVE ALL OF IT!!!!

Website of the Week - http://www.blurb.com/ - I've been looking at various websites as I consider turning this blog into a book - I think Joshua would love to be able to look back on everything in book form - we'll see what happens!!!

Most Listened to Song of the Week - Chynna and Vaughan - Everyday Miracles

Chuck E Cheese

Today was mid winter break for my future cousins Keisha and Daniel. I was very excited when mommy told me that they would be coming to Chuck E. Cheese with me today. We had a great time playing games, riding rides, dancing, running, climbing, eating and just being kids.

When we were done I even got to meet Keisha's pet hamster, Ginger...pics to come!

Keisha is a movie star!

What's up mr. mouse?

Up, up and away!

Yee haw!

Hold on tight Daniel

A little get together!

Last night my mommy went out with some of her former students. They had such a great time and they can't wait to do it again soon - hopefully next time even more people can come!

(L - R > Alyssa, Lexie, Nick , Jaymie, Stephanie)

My Valentine

My special Valentine, Hannah, came over on Monday to share a yummy treat that she made for me!!! They were delicious and I was so happy to see my wonderful friend!

A little Valentine smooch!

Treats are always sweeter when they are shared with friends.

Thank you Hannah!!!! I loved my treat and I especially love putting my small animals inside of my heart container. You are the best!!!!

Decisions, decisions

Help my mommy - she is making all of us crazy!!!!

On Monday my Grandpa Cripe came over and helped my daddy install a new cabinet in our kitchen. My mommy was sooooo happy...she needed more cupboard space and this will do the trick! The only problem is that now mommy is ready to decorate the walls a bit. Well, she bought two decorative wall art hangings - one is lighter tones and one is darker tones. Both would technically work in the kitchen, but she can't decide on which one to choose.

The lighter one is more unassuming and just has a pleasant and simple look to it - it is also a bit brighter and airy which she thinks she will like come spring and summer time.

The darker one is more drastic, but it looks kind of cool. It certainly catches your eye and pulls out some of the redder tones mommy uses to decorate with. Ahhhh...what to do!?!?!?!

Keep in mind that there is a strong possibility that mommy will be getting new floors and a new counter top - both a bit darker than what we currently have - help!!! If you have any ideas leave us a note =)