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Sunday, December 16, 2012

Winter Wonderland

 Several weeks ago on a Saturday, I woke up to this all around and crystal clear skies and brilliant sun.

 I was wowed and jumped in my car to see if I could capture any of the awe I felt for God's creation.

 I decided just to drive further north to see the pristine beauty the snow caused on the land.

 It was relaxing to be only one of a handful of people driving around in a sea of white. I looked for some deer {for Dave} but they must have been in a hidey-hole or something.

 It was so pretty. So still and quite.

 Filled my heart with awe for my Creator.

 Driving up and down hills gave sweet views.

 It may get dark really early,

 and temperatures may drop to below -30,

 but, when you look for the beauty in winter...how can you not love this season?
 The road just...vanishes into a cloud of white.
 I just love the back country roads...you could drive for miles and still be in the middle of nowhere!
 Such magnificent views.

 Lots of ranches and farms around here. And lots of animals...both domestic and wild!



 While driving out of my cul-de-sac yesterday, I saw a shadowy figure on one of the lawns. It looked like a horse, but...in the middle of town? No way...we're close to farms, but not that close. Anyway, I angled my car a bit and turned on my brights. Um...that shadowy shape? Yeah, not a horse...just a cow moose lumbering around in the neighbour's front lawn. I rolled my window down in disbelief and watched as she made her way to the backyard. Alright, if I had any doubts before, now I KNOW I live in the middle of nowhere :D
 {And loving it, by the way :}

 How could I not with such beauty around me?


Happy Winter!


Pinterest: Eclair Cake

 I made this chocolate eclair cake several months ago, but am just  now getting around to posting it on my blog. Ever since winter began--back in early September--I've not had the gumption to go to the library and use their WiFi  {Ok, so winter didn't technically start in September, but it did start on Thanksgiving Day...and the second Monday in October doesn't make it any better!} It's starting to get dark around 4/5 and that is a sign for bed...not galavanting around town!

Anyway, back to the cake :)



It was....different, but pretty good. It was light, fluffy, and a right amount of sweetness. The only thing I didn't like about this cake was the crust. It didn't fit the amount of filling and was--for me--unbalanced. Normally, when you think of an eclair, the filling is pretty much encased by the pastry and the amount of filling to pastry is balanced. I love the idea of this cake and it was good. I will just have to re-work the crust to fit my tastes if I do make it again :) Or, maybe change up the pan size...

All in all...a Pinterest food success :) Here's the link if you want to try it out yourself: www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/2009/06/chocolate-eclair-cake.html

Have a great night!



Thursday, September 6, 2012

Pinterest: Oatmeal Cream Pies...Homemade

These are delicious. 


The cookies are full of flavour and great texture.


Neither the cookie or cream filling are too sweet...they are just right together {or alone! Although, I don't know why anyone would just eat the filling by itself :P} That top cookie is just bursting with yummy-ness ;)


These are so simple to make and assemble. You can make the cookies ahead of time and fill on the day you would like to eat them. Keep them in a cool spot.


These were the first batch I made and the cookies were a bit thick to my liking. I have since made them thinner and they resemble Little Debbie's Oatmeal cream pies...much better though ;)

I would rate this a smashing success from my Pinterest cookie board! Try them...you're bound to love 'em!



Cookies:

1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/2 cups quick oats

Cream Filling

2 teaspoons hot water
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 (7 ounce) jar marshmallow cream {This must be an American thing, b/c here I can only find Marshmallow Fluff...works for me!}
1/2 cup vegetable shortening
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
Combine flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon in a bowl.  In large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars. Add in eggs, beating after each. Finally beat in molasses {I add about a tablespoon more} and vanilla.  Add to the flour mixture to creamed mixture and beat until just blended; mix in the oats with a wooden spoon.  Drop dough by tablespoons on parchment lined sheets, with plenty of space in between.  Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until just starting to brown around the edges.  Let sit on cookie sheet for about 5 minutes and then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

While the cookies bake prepare the filling. In small bowl, dissolve the salt in the hot water. Set aside and allow this to cool.  Combine marshmallow cream {Fluff :)}, shortening, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a bowl; mix on high until fluffy (3-4 minutes) {If you're using Fluff, just mix until combined.}.  Add the cooled salt water and mix well.  Spread filling on flat side of one cookie, press 2nd cookie on top.


Enjoy!

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Guess What?!?

 Guess What?!? 


There's going to be an Ity-Bity {probably with a set of healthy lungs ;} Baby!


Lots of excitement and love! Sickness too, I should add! Poor T!



But, it will all be worth it in just a few short months.



Starting to show!



We've been trying to take monthly pictures, but I don't know how consistent we've been. I'll have to check my files.


I think this one is my favourite.


Or this one :)


Can't wait to find out if they're going to have a boy or girl! I say girl, but we all know it's a 50/50 :)  Although it totally doesn't matter, we must take note that T has picked out more girl clothes so far ;) I think the vote for girls is down by one, but we will just have to wait a couple weeks to know for sure :)

Whether the Baby is a boy or girl, however is not the most important thing. I know they will be excited with what God blesses them with. I keep teasing her she's having twins, haha. I love twins! But, she isn't too keen on the idea and is quite thankful there is only one heartbeat :)

And, you all want to hear something else? There are 3 other ladies also pregnant in our church! And, one might be expecting twins! Totally excited for that :D

I can't wait to start planning Baby showers!

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

:::Danielle:::

I had so much with Danielle and her willingness to let me practice with my new camera a couple months ago :) We did the shoot in her backyard and I'll be back with some more when I get a chance.

Enjoy :)