New Life for Me

I have had a very trying two years. My mother was very sick in 2013 so we had to put her in assisted living care. She didn't last very long there maybe 2 months then pasted away quietly in her sleep. She was 90 then. Lead a good life was always very active in her church that she attended. So my sister and I had to deal with everything that go's with getting rid of everything that was hers, deal with all the life insurances etc... I think it took us 3months then there would be little things that would pop up that we had forgotten about. So then in the fall of 2014 my husband was diagnosed with lung cancer but by the time they did the biopsy this January it was in stage 4 and starting to spread. This horrible disease spread to his brain, bones and wasn't going to stop till it had every inch of him. They tried to do brain radiation on him but he was never the same person after that. He just lost the will to fight anymore. So on April 29th I had to have him rushed to the hospital because of his oxygen levels were to low he kept telling me he didn't understand why he was there he thought we should just go home I tried to explain what was going on and he might have to stay a couple days. Well he stayed at the hospital was so so on the 30th, but something happened that Friday May 1st he stopped communicating with us he started sleeping all the time all the kids were there with me most of the night, then he opened his eyes and looked at me so loving and whispered to me that he couldn't go on anymore. He lasted till the next day May 2 . My best friend left me but I know that he is so much better he isn't in any pain anymore I know he is with me where ever I go I can feel him he hasn't my side just like I stayed with him through his painful journey. I'm so glad I stayed with him his last night here on earth , I got to tell him that I loved him and that I wasn't going to leave him that night that we were in this together. I miss him so much and I know he knows it. No one can ever replace him he was so special. We will all miss you so much.


So now I'm trying to get back to my crocheting like I use too. It's taking me awhile to get in the grove    but I do have some baby hats on etsy for sale so I'm going to post the pictures of what I have for sale  free shipping on all my hats. I have posted the pictures of the hats hopefully I will have more trying to make some blankets also

BABY HATS FOR SALE

I have these hats for sale on etsy. Free shipping on all my hats the Minion hats are size 0-3 months pink owl is 6-9 months brown owl is 9-12 months. 20.00 each

Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Trifle

Well we all love our grandmas banana pudding or banana cream pie hmmm yummy ! I think that I found something that might be just as good must tell you though it has fudge brownie mix in it and peanut butter. I think if I had the time maybe I would make some homemade fudge brownies orrrr maybe not that might be a waste maybe better just to eat the homemade brownies and make the box ones for this recipe :) This recipe is from the blog flavorsbyfour
Think I will try this one when all the kids are here.

Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Trifle
 Ingredients:

1 Box Fudge Brownie Mix (9x13 Family Size)

2 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream

6 Tbsp Sugar

1/2 Cup Creamy Peanut Butter

3 Cups Skim Milk

2 Tsp Vanilla

1 Large Box Instant Vanilla Pudding

2 Bags Mini Peanut Butter Cups

 

Adapted from: http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com

http://flavorsbyfour.blogspot.com/2013/02/peanut-butter-cup-brownie-trifle.html

Prime Rib Roast

My husband and I made this delicious meal this last weekend. Have never tried to make a prime rib roast before, but will most diffently do it again. I did look up several recipes on the interent and decided to go with this one. It was not hard at all, you must try to cook one. I was afraid that I would be horrible at it. But actually the roast turned good! :) YEA!!!!

This is what you will need:

•1 prime rib roast, about 6 to 8 pounds
•1/2 cup red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir
•1/4 cup olive oil
•4 cloves garlic, finely minced
•1 teaspoon salt
•1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
•1 teaspoon Cajun or Creole seasoning blend
•1 tablespoon brown sugar
•Freshly ground black pepper and salt
Preparation:
Poke several holes in the top of the roast with a sharp carving fork; put the roast in a large food storage bag or bowl. Combine the wine, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, seasoning blend, and brown sugar. Pour the wine mixture over the roast, seal the bag, and turn several times to coat thoroughly. Or, turn in the bowl until thoroughly coated and cover the bowl. Refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours.
Heat oven to 400°. Put the roast on a rack in a large shallow pan. Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper and salt. Cover tightly with foil and roast for 45 minutes. Reduce heat to 325° and remove the foil. Continue roasting to 155° for medium rare, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours longer. Remove from the oven and cover loosely with foil. Let stand for 15 minutes before slicing.
Serves 4 to 6.
http://southernfood.about.com/od/ovenroastrecipes/r/r80219d.htm

Double Cheese Spinach and Artichoke Dip with Kraft

Was on the delightful blog ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com and came across a link to www.bearrabbitbear.com/2013/03/double-cheese-spinach-and-artichoke-dip.html. Well I love artichoke dip! My daughter-in law got me started on the artichoke dip thing. Plus this recipe is easy. I love the idea about the cheese!!! I love cheese! give me more cheese! :) that makes me happy :) This is what you will need: 1- package Kraft Fresh Take Italian Parmesan Cheese and Breadcrumb Mix 1- 1/2 cups Kraft Italian Five Cheese Natural Cheese shred 1- 16 ounce bag of frozen chopped spinach 1- 15 ounce jar of Asiago Romano Alfredo sauce 4- cloves of garlic, finely chopped 6 ounces of cream cheese, softened 1- 14 ounce can or artichoke hearts Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lay out the cream cheese to soften. Chop the four garlic cloves. Drain and chop artichoke hearts In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients. It is not necessary to pre-mix the Kraft Fresh Take cheese and breadcrumbs since they are being mixed in the bowl with the other ingredients After thoroughly combining, spread the dip into a baking dish. She had a 9 inch dish but I didn't I used an 8 inch baking dish. Bake 375 for 50 min Cheese should be completely melted. The cheese on top of the dip should be slightly browned. Serve the dip with your favorite bread or chips.

Fettuccine With Mushroom Sauce

I don't know about you but I'm ready for some real food! I'm tired of leftovers from the holidays! So I have been looking through some of my recipes and found this one,that I have printed from www.semihomemade.com. It sounds so good I think that everyone here at our house will enjoy it. Cant wait to make it. Fettuccine With Mushroom Sauce Makes: 4 servings Cook: 20 minutes 2 packages (9 ounces each) refrigerated fettuccine, Buitoni® 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, Bertolli® 1 package (8-ounce) presliced fresh white button mushrooms 1 package (8-ounce) presliced fresh brown mushrooms 1 cup frozen chopped onions, Ore-Ida® 1 1/2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth, Swanson® 1/3 cup dry sherry, Christian Brothers® 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 1 packet (1.5-ounce) beef stew seasoning, McCormick® 1 can (14.5-ounce) diced tomatoes with garlic and onion, drained, Del Monte® Flat-leaf parsley, chopped (optional) DIRECTIONS 1.In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain well; return to hot pot. Cover; keep warm. 2.Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and frozen onions to hot oil; cook and stir for 7 to 8 minutes. 3.Create a well in center of the mushroom mixture. Add beef broth, sherry, and balsamic vinegar. Stir in beef stew seasoning until dissolved. Add drained tomatoes. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer for 5 to 6 minutes. 4.Garnish with parsley, if desired. Serve hot over cooked pasta. http://www.semihomemade.com/recipes/comfort-food/fettuccine-with-mushroom-sauce/950

Flower Bonnet

This isn't finished I have to sew the petals on, but I think that it will be so cute for photo props for spring pictures. Plan on making several in pink,lavender etc. You can find the designer on facebook.com/CozyBabyCrochet. I cant wait to finish this little hat. It is so cute. I will post some more pictures when I finish the hat. I do plan on selling them on etsy.

Little Easter Hats

Well I have put a few little hats in my etsy shop. I have four bunny hats and I believe four lamb hats not to sure if they are going to do anything I do have a lot of lookers. I still wish I would have made some matching diaper covers to go with them. Maybe its still not to late I could still make them and add them in.I have started a baby blanket for my husbands niece also just about done with that them I need to start another one for someone else that I know that is haveing a baby in April!.

Sweet Little Lamb Hat and Carmel Apple Cheesecake

Have started crocheting some hats for my Etsy Shop. Have been working on a Lamb Hat .I have made several different sizes this time.I found the pattern on Etsy website.www.etsy.com/shop/BreezyMomsCreations.Getting ready to make several different hats besides the owl and sock monkey hat.Have a daisy hat and a pink bell hat pattern that I want to try also. I am thinking that maybe I should make some hat and cocoon sets. Plus I think that I should make booties I have several patterns and that would be a good way to use up extra yarn. I also found another good recipe at http://zoomyummy.com/2011/09/05/caramel-apple-cheesecake-cookie-bars/. Something yummy to snack on while you are crocheting! Carmel Apple cheesecake Dough: 1 CUP ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR 1/2 CUP BROWN SUGAR 1 CUP BUTTER ROOM TEMP CREAMCHEESE FILLING:2 8OZ CREAMCHEESE SOFTENED 1/2 CUP GRANULATED WHITE SUGAR 1 TSP VANILLA EXTRACT 2 EGGS APPLE FILLING: 2 LARGE APPLE (GOLDEN DELICIOUS) 1/2 TBS GROUND CINNAMON 2 TBLSPN WHITE SUGAR CRUMB TOPPING: 1/2 CUP OATMEAL 1/2 CUP BROWN SUGAR 1/2 CUP BUTTER ROOM TEMP 1 CUP ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR TOPPING: 3/4 CUP CARAMEL TOPPING Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C). 2. In a bowl, combine the flour (1 cup – 140 grams) and brown sugar (1/2 cup – 100 grams). Cut in the butter (1 cup – 230 grams) with a pastry blender (or a fork) until the mixture is crumbly, kinda. 3. First with your fingertips, then with the bottom of a cup (or a glass), press the dough evenly into a 13 × 9-inch (33 x 22 cm) baking pan or a cookie sheet with edges. Bake 15 minutes or until lightly browned. 4. In the meantime, in a larger bowl, beat the cream cheese with 1/2 cup sugar until smooth (about 1 minute). Add the eggs, 1 at a time (beat about 20 seconds after each addition). Next add the vanilla and mix until combined. Make sure not to over-beat the cheesecake batter as this will lead to excess air being incorporated in and may cause cracking later on. 5. Pour the cream cheese batter over the warm crust. 6. Peel the apples and chop them into 3/4-inch (2 cm) chunks. Mix the apple chunks with the cinnamon and two tablespoons white sugar. 7. Spoon the apple chunks evenly over the cream cheese mixture. 8. In a smaller bowl, combine the flour (1 cup – 140 grams), oats (1/2 cup – 60 grams), and brown sugar (1/2 cup – 100 grams) for crumb topping. Cube the butter (1/2 cup – 115 grams) and using a pastry blender (or a fork), create a crumbly mixture. 9. Crumble over the cream cheese mixture. 10. Bake 30 minutes, or until the filling is set. Reduce the temperature to 300 °F (150 °C) for the last 5 minutes. 11. Cut into bars (3 x 3 inches/7 x 7 cm). 12. And drizzle with the caramel topping.

S'mores Fudge

S'mores Fudge I love S'mores. Brings back memories when I was little. Would go camping with my parents and we would make s'mores over the campfire in the evening or make pies in the campfire,roast marshmallows on sticks. I always liked my marshmallows burnt! had to catch them on fire and make them crispy and black on the outside!! :) Anyways I found this recipe on http://www.itbakesmehappy.com/2012/08/smores-fudge.html. Thinking about making this for the christmas baskets that I make. Im sure all the the adults and grandchildren will enjoy this fudge. Ingredients: 1 1/4 c granulated sugar 6 Tbs butter 1/4 c + 1Tbs evaporated milk 6 oz. chocolate, chopped (I used 4 squares of semi sweet baker's chocolate and 1/4 c dark chocolate chips) 4 oz. marshmallow creme + 1 oz. for swirling 1 1/c graham cracker sheets Directions: Line a 5"x7" pan with aluminum foil, crumble one sheet of graham cracker over the bottom of the pan and set aside. In a saucepan over medium heat cook the butter, sugar and milk until boiling. Boil the mixture for 4 minutes and remove from heat, stir in the chocolate and marshmallow creme until melted and smooth. Spread the fudge into the pan and using a knife swirl in the remaining 1 oz. of marshmallow creme. Crumble the remaining 1/2 sheet of graham cracker over the top of the fudge and press lightly to adhere. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2-3 hours until firm, slice and serve.Yields 20-30 pieces

Deep Fried Strawberries

I love strawberries but have never tried deep fried strawberries. I guess they deep can deep fry almost anything now. Im sure that it is really good but not to good for the diet! I know I couldn't stop at just one. I found the recipe on http://www.driscolls.com/recipes/view/7474/Deep-Fried-Strawberries There is 152.38 calories,total fat 7.22g,saturated fat 0.55g,cholesterol 0mg,sodium 198.96mg, fiber 1.44g, protein 2.29g. 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting 1 teaspoon granulated sugar 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast 1/4 cup warm (110°F to 115°F) water 3/4 cup club soda or lemon lime soda 1 package (16 ounces) Driscoll's Strawberries (large or long-stem if available) Canola oil 3 tablespoons confectioners' sugar Fresh mint, for garnish Instructions Whisk together flour and granulated sugar. Set aside. Combine yeast and warm water in a large bowl and whisk until yeast dissolves. Whisk in club soda or lemon lime soda. Whisk in flour mixture until smooth and blended. Cover loosely and let rest 1 hour. Meanwhile, remove calyx (green leaves on top) from strawberries but do not hull. Pat strawberries dry. Line a baking sheet with paper towels. Set aside. Place extra flour in a small bowl. Heat 2 inches of oil in a large heavy-duty saucepot to 375°F to 380°F (use a candy thermometer). Dip strawberries, one at a time, in bowl of flour, dusting off excess. Dip floured strawberries in batter and turn to coat (batter will be very thick). Carefully place in oil (using tongs or a long skewer) and fry until lightly golden all over (carefully stir with slotted spoon to evenly cook), 1 to 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining strawberries. Place fried strawberries on a platter, dust with confectioners' sugar and garnish with mint leaves. Serve immediately. 6 - 8 servings

Carmel Banana Bread Trifle

I was watching Sandra Lee Semi Homemade Sunday,an Sandra Lee made this Carmel Banana Bread Trifle OMG it looks so good!I have got to make one,I should probably make a trial one before I make one for one of the holidays.I'm sure that it will not last very long either.She made the trifle with butterscotch pudding,Crown Royal,heavy cream,mascarpone,banana bread,zucchini bread,pecan pie,caramel sauce,Chopped pecans, for garnish.

Hats

Have started making hats again. Just finished one plus the pink owl hat was made in Sept and I am working on a third one.I made a little dipper hat for my granddaughter,and a key hole scarf for her when she gos sledding.She wont have any excuses now about losing the scarf while she was playing out in the snow or sledding now. The other two are Owl Hats pink one and a brown one. Have also made a pink beanie will add a bow or crochet flower on it. The pink owl hat has bows on the ears and at the end of the braids. The pink one that Im showing is the one I made for our youngst granddaughter.The brown owl hat I just need to add the ears and braids

Been Busy

Have been busy putting all the yarn that Iam not using into plastic tubs. Didnt realize just how much I really have!! and of course I didn't buy enough tubs, I do need to get a couple more. Plus when I was out the other day what did I do but stop by the local craft store! Went in and yes I did I bought more yarn! Need to get back to crocheting soon :),now that it is getting a little cool and we stay indoors more maybe I will have more time. I found a several cute hat patterns on etsy that I want to make. Santa Hat with Diaper Cover,Poms and Stars Hat, Daisy Bonnet, Pink Bell Baby Hat Photography Prop,Green Tassel Hat,Blue Bell Hat I bought them from http://www.etsy.com/shop/JTeasycrochet. Then Sheepearflap hat from www.etsy.com/shop/BeezyMomsCreations.These patterns are so cute and are easy to make.If you are on etsy stop by these shops and look at the patterns that these ladies have for sale and maybe buy a couple :)

Getting Ready For Fair

I have made a "what to do list" for this weekend, I hope that I stick with the list. I need to block the matching baby afghan and hat plus the pink owl hat, so they will be ready when I take them down Wednesday morning to the fair. Not sure if I will enter anything else, need to decide cause I have to have everything there Wednesday by noon. I need to go through some of my bags to see just what all I do have. I really need to put my hats back on etsy and start selling things again. Maybe I can do that this weekend.Oh thats not on my list better write that down:). I want to make some Santa Hats, they make such cute first pictures for the newborns at Christmas time. Guess I need to make a list for my crocheting projects to!

Yarn!!!

A co-worker has given me a trash bag full of yarn!!! It is old and musty smelling, so I'am going to try to wash the yarn. You have to put the yarn into hanks, so far that is the only part that takes any time.So after I get the yarn already I will have to wash the yarn in tsp of dish liq. and a little bit of vinegar. If the smell is to bad you have to leave your yarn soak for about an hour or longer, depends on how bad the smell is. I have just washed a few and they are drying so far I don't notice any musty smell. The website that I found that explains how to wash yarn hanks is: http://knitting.about.com/od/yarn/ht/washing-yarn.htm

Adventures of a Middle Sister: Ooey Gooey Turtle Bars

Ooooooh I found this recipe on blogspot.com. I love turtles I need to try this recipe!!

Adventures of a Middle Sister: Ooey Gooey Turtle Bars: It was about time for me to make a drool-worthy dessert- and what better time than the Bachelorette finale?! (Side note: Jef and Emily a...

Tulip Baby Set

Ok this year I think Iam ready for the fair!(Bellville Street Fair starts Sept.12). I have my baby blanket and matching hat, that I crocheted, ready to enter in the craft show plus if Iam allowed I will enter an owl hat that I made. Tried to do this last year and didn't meet the dead line. I love the way the blanket and hat have turned out. So pretty and easy to make. The blanket didn't really take that long to make. The yarn that I used is Bernat Softee Baby light ( light worsted) weight yarn #3. I got 4 balls of white and 1 ball soft peach and soft fern for flowers, I used a G hook. The blanket measures 33x 36. I found the pattern "Tulip Baby Set", Designs by Jennifer Cirka, in April 2010 Crochet World. I plan on giving this blanket to my new granddaughter that was born in May.

It has been a very tough year for me so far. I hope that it gets easier for my family. I know this doesn't have anything to do with crocheting, but I just need to write this.Monday Aug.27 2012 my mother passed away. She has been very sick this year. She fell in the night in Feb.4th at her place, and that seems like when everything just started to fall apart. Mom didn't really know how or when she fell but she knew that she had gone to bed after that. She didn't want to call me when she realized what happened, because she didn't want to bother me. So she waited all night and then called the next day. I remembered that call so clear," Vicki can you come over I fell and I think I need to go to the hospital". I got over there and she was still in bed with her pj's on. Mom told me that she had fell in the night. I felt so horrible, why hadn't she called me, why did she think that she would bother me. I called the EMS,they rushed her to the hospital. The hospital did x-rays and everything that was needed to be done. They didn't see any broken bones, Thank God! So mom did get to go home. My sister and I began to notice little things that just didn't seem right. She couldn't remember things sometimes didnt realize what day it was. Plus she kepted telling us that she still hurt bad, her back hurt. Then her stomach hurt. Doctors couldn't figure out what was wrong. Finally they order a bone scan, which showed us that spots where on her spine, her cancer had gone into remission so many years ago had reappeared on her spine. We decided to start with Hospice at her home, wich I can't say enough good things about. Those ladies were so helpful. Don't know what we would have done with out them. They came from day one till Sunday Aug 26th. My sister and I did move mom to The Manor House at Wedgewood Estates in Mansfield which is close to both my sister and I. She did very well adjusting to her new place. Made new friends and seemed like she was enjoying herself. Then on August 7th she fell in her room cut her head so we were back up in the emergency room. No broken bones but she did get 10 stitches on her forehead. She did get to go back to Wedgewood that night. She went to breakfast the next morning said she didn't know what happened didn't remember how she got that cut on her forehead and she wasn't sore! On August 14th she got her stitches out looked good everything was just fine. Ok I thought we are going to be ok now no more miss haps, right. August 18th Hospice nurse called and said that mom had had a mini stroke.That we didn't need to rush up there cause mom was sleeping and she was very tired. I went up on Sunday the 18th mom is still in bed she cant talk right isn't making any sence. Wouldn't eat finally my sister and I did get her to drink water and eat alittle pudding and later she did eat some broth. The next day she had some scrambled eggs but wasn't really much better when I got there after work. Then everything just start to snowball, she went downhill everyday. My sister called me away from work on Thursay the 23rd mom isn't breathing right, I went over and told her maybe its just the medication doing this. We both agreed that that was what it was. Hospice nurse came she said no that isn't what is going on your mom is dying this is one of the many steps and she is in the last one.She probably wont make it past the weekend. We called the family in, we stayed with mom everyday all of us all weekend. I ended up getting the flu Saturday night was sick all day Sunday so I couldn't be with her. I got up Monday moring drank my coffee called off work got cleaned up and came down stairs. My husband told me that my sister just got there and that the nurse told her that mom was gone. Mom died before we could see her sometime between 6:00-7:00 a.m. We were told that a lot of people do that. That they will not die with there loved ones around them. That they want to go when they are alone. I'am just so thankful that I did get to spend her last days with her and to tell her I love her. To talk to her about when I was little and about dad when he was alive. I know my mom is in a better place, "Heaven", that she and dad are finally together again after 30 years. She has waited so long for that day.Now she isn't in anymore pain she can rest and be in peace. Someday I hope to see them both again, see my grandparents, Aunts, Uncles. God Bless you mom, I love you

Finished Luna Scarf

Have finished the Luna scarf. This pattern wasn't all that difficult once I figured the pattern out. But I still should have used a lighter weight of yarn, but doesn't really look that bad. I didn't have enough yarn to do the last round but it still turned out ok. Since I have finished my first Luna scarf with the worsted weight yarn I remembered my husband had bought me some alpaca yarn last year. So I decided to try the scarf pattern using my alpaca yarn, I didn't make it as long as the other one because I didn't really have enough yarn to make a real long one. I think that it turned out nice,and was much easier this time using the alpaca yarn.