Tape Measures and Puppy Dog Tails- That's What Little Boys Are Made Of

What will keep little boys entertained for HOURS even if they are visiting Aunt Donna who doesn't have tons of toys?

Tape Measures!

The discovery of the fascinating tape measure dates back to the early days of desperate need for cheap entertainment for three, tool lovin', crazy little boys. Thanks to Hobby Lobby and their 99 cent tape measures, hours of fun was had by all.

What do you do when the tape measures get lost and it's too cold outside to play in dirt?

Bring on the DOG!

Who doesn't want some love from this cute puppy?

Okay, so I am not about to open my mouth while kissing my dog, but apparently, it's all the rage with these guys! Good thing my little Lady doesn't mind all the chaos when these cute guys come to town! I really do miss them when they leave, but then I can always fill my time by erasing all of their "love marks" from the walls.

We have been on a kick lately to try new recipes. This is one I found in the Best of Taste of Home 2010 edition. I LOVE it! There are about 30 different recipes flagged in my copy waiting to be tried out in my kitchen! Bacon Cheese Burger Buns can be found on page 72 and according to my husband, it's a keeper at our house! One thing that I liked is that it made 24 large "pockets" perfect for freezing, picnics, road trips and lunches on the go. I know you are going to ask for the recipe, so here goes:

Bacon Cheeseburger Buns

2 packages of active dry yeast (about 4 tsp)

2/3 cup warm water (110 to 115 degrees)

2/3 cup warm milk (110 to 115 degrees)

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup shortening

2 eggs

2 tsp salt

4 1/2 to 5 cups flour

Filling:

1 lb sliced bacon, diced

2 lbs ground beef

1 small onion chopped

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1 lb processed cheese (Velveeta) cubed {I used 2 cups shredded Cheddar and it was okay.}

3 to 4 tsp melted butter

1. In a large brown, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add milk, sugar, shortening, eggs, salt and 3 1/2 cups of flour; beat until smooth. Stir in remaining flour to form a soft ball.

2. Turn onto a floured surface and kneed until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm pace until doubled; about an hour.

3. Meanwhile, cook the bacon. Remove from pan and drain. Brown the hamburger and diced onion. Drain. Back in the pan, mix the hamburger, bacon, and cheese till it melts.

4. Punch dough down. divide into 4 sections. Roll each section out into a 12 by 8 inch rectangle. Cut each into 6 squares. Place 1/4 cup of meat mixture into each square. Bring corners of dough together and pinch together to seal.

5 Place 2 inches apart on greased baking sheets. Bake at 400 degrees for 9-11 minutes. Brush with melted butter. Serve warm with ketchup or barbecue sauce.

Makes 24 pockets

PinewoodDerby

The elders quorum in our ward had a pinewood derby last week. Jonathan had fun designing a car and I thought it would be fun to make a cake in the shape of a track. Even though his car wasn't the fastest, he did win most creative! {His prize were 2 "Best of Bette Midler" tapes.}

This is for you Dad

No, my dad does not hunt, but he does enjoy watching the deer in his backyard. I took these pictures when I was home several weeks ago and posted them at my dad's request. To all my hunting friends: No, you cannot move in with my parents. I believe this particular day, there were 5 deer in the backyard at once.

I think she's hungry...

Maybe it's me, but I think she is watching me as much as I am watching her!

Clothes Pin Makeover

I always love a good find at the thrift store {although it has been slim pickin' lately}. Jonathan actually found me this beauty for $1! While it wasn't much to look at when he found it, I just applied my favorite color and made it much more fun!

Valentines

I thought I would make some valentines for my music students. They were very simple to make! The lines across the card make it so you have to take the candy through the "maze" in order to eat it.

1. Print a message on festive paper. Your heart needs to be a least 5.5x5.5

2. Cut out the heart from paper and another heart slightly larger from a sheet protector.

3. Sew the paper and the plastic together. Be sure to back stich leaving a 2 inch space on one side (for the candy to slide out).

4. Add the candy to the card. I found 10 to be a good number.

5. Sew two strait lines 2/3rds of the way across to create a maze.

6. Write a message on the back.

Who in your life is going to be lucky enough to get a valentine from you? Nothing says "I love you" more than a homemade valentine.

Cruisin and Kissin'

This past fall we went on a cruise to Mexico and this was my FAVORITE souvenir! I didn't have my SLR camera yet, but I think my Kodak point and shoot did a pretty good job! I am entering it here: http://iheartfaces.blogspot.com/ Go check out all the cute kissin' pages! You will be sure to be in the Valentines mood!