Lemons #2 thru #11~ Meyer Lemonade

Middle Sister and Little Sister squeezed all 10 lemons.
I think Big Sister even got in on the action.
Who doesn't enJoy a bit of lemon squeezing?
The finished product was amazing! It really is true...If life (or your sister-in-law) sends you a box of lemons~ make lemonade. Only about 40 more to go. Next up, candied lemon peel and a tarty lemon tart. Stay tuned...

Lemon #1~ guacamole, of course

The 50 Lemon Challenge

so my wonderful brother and sister-in-law sent me a very fruity food challenge. Oh, I am up for a good challenge.  Stay tuned...





by the way, before the lemons arrived...we made this tasty little treat for dinner.  Mussels are such an amazing addition to any pasta dish...so are beans (my new favorite add-in)

just a few thoughts.

I haven't posted those pictures of the finished Valentine box.  Needless to say, little girl did not win the prize.  It's ok, she made her box just like herself...creative, unique, and beautiful.  She loved it & that's all that matters. 

I am collecting food quotes and thought I'd post a few.  enJOY!

Eating in its proper context is not the problem. God gave us food for nourishment, strength, and even celebration. But, when pleasure becomes unrestrained, there's a problem.

Do vegetarians eat animal crackers?  ~Author Unknown

The belly rules the mind.  ~Spanish Proverb

When baking, follow directions.  When cooking, go by your own taste.  ~Laiko Bahrs

A nickel will get you on the subway, but garlic will get you a seat.  ~Old New York Proverb

We are living in a world today where lemonade is made from artificial flavors and furniture polish is made from real lemons.  ~Alfred E. Newman

inspired.

My youngest daughter, little girl, informed me that there will be a Valentine Box contest at school. Hhmmm...nothing I like better than a bit of friendly competition. Since we have yet another snow day, I thought we might as well get started. I found this cool idea online at one of my favorite blogs www.OurBestBites.com and had to give it a try. These are the ones out of crepe paper. Cute.

These are all of the designs...2 out of crepe paper, one out of a long piece of fabric and one out of felt. The idea is pretty much the same and because I am not yet savvy enough to post a tutorial, you will just have to take my word for it... easy! It's basically a twist and roll idea. I will put the finished project up with photos of little girl actually working on it (I am not a cheater mom) later this afternoon.

New Beginnings...

When I was a little girl, I kept a diary.  Then as a teenager, I journaled.  When I got married, I used one of those Wedding Planner books and recorded all of the details   Through each of my pregnancies...again, I kept a written record of each week, doctor's appointment, name ideas, and such.  I have a calendar on the wall in my kitchen and each December, I replace it with a new one and tuck the old one in with my Christmas boxes.  I guess I figure it might be fun someday to go back and recall all of the things we did, appointments we kept and milestones we shared as a family.  But as far as my personal journaling, after daughter number 3 was safely delivered...I must admit that I have not taken the time to record.  And I do miss that part of me.  I had the opportunity to serve on a National board within my Church a few years back and I had an email rapport with a number of gals across the country.  This was a time that I could write and share, but never the less, I did not save any of these the way my handwritten notes are saved.  I have enJOYed blogs for the past several years...reading what others put out there, often stumbled across when searching for something to cook or eat or craft with my girls.  But I have been hesitant to do one myself.  It is much easier to keep my private thoughts tucked safely in a notebook.  But...I keep feeling the pull to do this.  There are plenty of opportunities out there to engage our brains...we just have to look for them.  This is my year to "Stretch" ... and beginning a blog is just one of the things on my list.  Hope you enJOY!