The Proper Way To Eat A Birthday Cake

This was Christian's personal little cake for his first birthday!  Boy, did he tear into it.  He ended up with more on his face than his tummy, but he sure had fun trying!!  He is the sweetest, funniest little boy.  He is so heavy and tall to be just one year old.  His mom, Kristi, looks like she is lopsided when she carries him.  I tell her she will become permanently bent! 
He can walk and has been for quite some time.  He is so funny because he almost runs and look like he is walking on his toes.  He is at the age when the house has to be baby proofed as he is so curious about every single thing and loves to explore.  I could almost squeeze him to pieces he is so sweet and he always has a big smile that would melt a glacier on that little face, those eyes fairly sparkling ... pure joy, being a great grandma. 
So many blessings I wouldn't even know where to start if I tried to count them!!!!
Be sweet, Loveys and count your blessings every day ...

Littlest Angels

Baby Morgan is the newest great grandchild and the little lady with the sparkles and crown is her big sister, Abigail.  They are my heart and my soul,  with their sweet little smiles brighter than the sun!
Be sweet!

Homemade Gift, A Collaged Vinegar Bottle

Okay, Guys, this is what I made a couple of days ago from a vinegar bottle.  First I painted it purple which is my very favorite color in the whole world, then I glued purple patterned paper to the lid (which doesn't show in this picture, but it is very pretty and feminine looking).  Next I sorted through all my paper till I found another pretty purple print, tore a piece and attached it, cut out the lovely lady and a butterfly, added a dollop or two of glitter.  Then I sprayed it with a couple of coats of sealer to protect it.  I had to remove a flower near the left bottom of the bottle before the final spray as I usually get carried away with embellishments and want to add everything within reach.  The bottle did look much better without the little flower as it was a bit much ... more than it needed, or so I thought after putting it on. 
I told a friend I am like a kid with his first coloring book and pack of crayons whenever I make something!!  It just makes me happy and keeps me out of trouble to stay busy. 
Oh, I almost forgot, but I looped a strand of fiber around the neck of the bottle and tied it loosely.  I thought it need that little extra oomph especially since I had removed the flower ... can't have a purple bottle looking too naked, now can we? 
Be extra sweet and keep on the lookout for pretty bottles to collage for yourself or as gifts!!

How Not To Baby Sit A Great Grandchild

Abigail and me

I remember being SO excited when I found out I was going to be a great grandmother.  I can still feel the joy, the excitement ... the "what did I ever do to deserve this" ... I married so young, grew up with my babies (my dad used to say they grew up but I never did) so I was a grandmother at age 36.  Now here I was, as excited as a teenager because one of my grand daughters was bringing a tiny sweet new little life into this world!!!
My phone rang in the middle of the night and I answered it to hear Brittany say the 3 most beautiful words I believe I have ever heard ... "Grandma, Abigail's out!".  So began the tiny little great grandchildren that have brightened my life so!!
Brittany took this picture one night when I babysat Abigail while her mom and dad had a much deserved night out.  This is what they came home to!!  I swear it was in the dead of winter, probably 5 degrees out, and I am sound asleep, wrapped up in the blanket with my back to Abigail as she lay uncovered in nothing but a diaper!!  Her doll is even over by me!!!  Some great grandma I am  ... I was mortified when I saw that picture, but my sweet little Brittany had to take the picture, exclaiming to me later, "Awww, Grandma, the two of you were so cute sleeping like that."
Even now, when I look at that picture I want to scoop Abigail in my arms, hold her close and promise I will never sleep again when she is with me!!

For Those Who Like Angels As Much As I Do

I was asked to post more angel images on this site and I am more than pleased to do so.  I also have another blog which posts many images, most of them vintage and a great many angels.  It is Backporch Graphics if you would like to check it out.  I think you will be pleased, especially if you use images in any crafts you make.  They are beautiful for collages and decoupage.
Here are your angel images and this is only a few as I have many in my collection.  I will always be posting angels on the other blog.  Just yesterday I posted 2 beautiful angel pictures.  I hope you enjoy these.  You know, if we just be still and quiet the angels will come to us.  We don't even have to look for them ... they are just there!!!

Be sweet!!

Most Dangerous Cake Recipe

MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG  CAKE
1 Coffee Mug (microwave safe)
4 tablespoons flour(that's plain flour, not self-rising)
4  tablespoons sugar
2  tablespoons baking cocoa
1  egg
3  tablespoons milk
3  tablespoons oil
3  tablespoons chocolate chips  (optional)
Small splash of vanilla

Add dry  ingredients to mug, and mix well .  Add the egg and mix thoroughly.
Pour in  the milk and oil and mix well.
Add the chocolate chips (if using) and  vanilla, and mix again.
Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3  minutes at 1000 watts. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be  alarmed!
Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.
EAT! (this can serve  2 if you want to share!)

And why is this the most dangerous  cake recipe in the world?  Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from  chocolate cake at any time of the day or night!

This also makes a great gift by mixing dry ingredients, placing in plastic bag and attach recipe to mug handle with jute or an organza ribbon tied in a bow.  Add a couple of plastic spoons and voila!!

Enjoy your cake in a mug and remember to be sweet!!!

ATC Swap

This is my very first ATC swap a swap hosted by Blissfull ATC Swap and I am totally hooked!!  I received my sweet little card in the mail from Sharon of Wildflowerhouse.  I hope you will check out these blogs.  You just might be inspired to make an ATC yourself!!  Already I am planning on buying pages to store mine in as I know they will begin to accumulate.  I told Sharon I hope mine holds together as it was only the 2nd or 3rd I had ever made!  I THINK I have found a better glue.  I am posting the card I got from Sharon so you can see for yourself how lovely it is.
Is this not the cutest, sweetest thing you ever saw?!  The theme for August is "orange".  I love this and now I am the proud owner of my very first Artist Trading Card!!!
Be sweet and go make a card!!!

Homemade Gift Idea - Gift In A Jar

Peach Crumb Cake Mix

3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup quick oats
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Layer the ingredients in the order given into a wide mouth 1-quart canning jar.
Pack each layer into place before adding the next ingredient.

Attach a gift tag with the following instructions:

Peach Crumb Cake:
Contents of Peach Crumb Cake Mix jar
3/4 cup butter or margarine
1 (29 ounce) can peach pie filling

Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
Empty contents of jar into a mixing bowl, stirring to combine.
Melt butter and stir into dry ingredients to form a crumbly mixture.
Press half of the crumbs into a greased 9 x 13-inch pan and top with
Peach pie filling. Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture over filling.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes.

An even more thoughtful gift would be to add a can of peach pie filling and a 9 x 13 inch
baking pan.  This would be gorgeous packed in a pretty basket tied with a colorful
ribbon.  It is never too early to begin collecting ideas for homemade Christmas gifts. Last year I
had planned to share lots of goodies I had saved over the years, but the "best laid plans of mice and men
go awry" so this year I will try to make up for it and have many great homemade gift ideas in mind.
Handmade and homemade are always so much nicer than any store bought gift for a little piece of you goes into each present.  I feel special when someone cares enough to take the time to make something just for me.  It gives a warm fuzzy glow and immediately the thoughtfulness of a homemade gift becomes one which you know has come straight from the heart!!
Be sweet!