It's in the Genes...

Last night I attended a genealogy info session. I have always been interested in the subject, but never done a whole lot to track the family history. I have some odd papers and photos, but today, I took the first big step into recording what I know; I started a genealogy notebook. I also called my parents to pick their brains (they are getting back to me! :)) Next time I visit them, I will also attempt to get into the family photos. There are enough to last me a while...now, where to find the time to create a "family" scrapbook! :D

OMG It's Been Way Too Long!

Ok, so it has been forever and a day. December disappeared on me, and Janauary ran away, but I caught 'er - I think! I started back to school on January 7th, and between that, children (homeschooling), and my "volunteer career" life has disappeared!

I visisted a fellow Fiskateer friend's blog this morning (http://debbysdares.blogspot.com/) and she has a list of 2008 goals in the side bar...Ohh, I like this idea...I think I will be adding my goals, and lifting some of hers! (Great goals Debby!)

Ok, this morning has started...it's Friday, and so far so good! Aoife just woke up (she actually slept through the night! WOO HOOO), so now I gotta go play mommy!

Happy Friday...and maybe I will get to post again!

INDULGENCE!

Ok, thought I would share a sinful recipe for the holidays...this is a favorite in our house...and everyone requests it!

I only make it at the holidays because it is so horribly delicious and addicting (and fattening!, but shhh, let's not say that one aloud!)

I am off to make some...and will revise this and post a photo, tonight!

Toffee-Top Cheesecake Bars

Prep Time: 20 minutes plus baking time
Servings: 36 bars

What You'll Need
1 1/4 cups (300 mL) all-purpose flour
1 cup (250 mL) icing sugar
1/2 cup (125 mL) cocoa powder
1/4 tsp (1 mL) baking soda
3/4 cup (175 mL) butter, softened
1 pkg (250 mL) cream cheese, softened
1 can (300 mL)Regular or Low Fat Eagle Brand®
2 eggs1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla extract
1 pkg (225 g) toffee bits*, divided

What's Next
1. Combine flour, powdered sugar, cocoa and baking soda, cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Press into bottom of parchment paper-lined 13x9-inch (3.5 L) baking pan. Bake in preheated 350°F (180°C) oven 15 minutes.

2. Beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add Eagle Brand, eggs and vanilla; beat until smooth. Stir in 2/3 cup (150 mL) toffee bits. Pour mixture over hot crust.

3. Bake 25 minutes or until set and edges just begin to brown.

4. Remove from oven. cool 15 minutes. Sprinkle remaining toffee bits evenly over top. Cool completely. Chill 4 hours. Cut into bars.

Adverbs Adverbs and more Adverbs!

I am working on a LO for a challenge...using an adverb. What fun! I have found so many fun ideas for titles...thanks to this website http://www.esldesk.com/vocabulary/adverbs.htm

Check it out!

Holiday Cards...

There was a call out on the Fiskateers message board to send in holiday cards. Here is the one I created for the occassion...

FRONT

INSIDE

BACK

Since I did not have any Fiskars family papers (Cloud 9 or Heidi Grace), I opted to use a variety of Fiskars tools to create the card. For this, I used my ultra shape express with diamond and circle templates. It was such a breeze...and so much fun!

4 More Holiday Ornament Cards

I have already begun working on a few other ideas for similar cards for each of the season...and as I complete them, I will be sharing those here as well!

Happy Friday!

Quilts & More

My absolute favorite quilting magazine is Better Homes & Gardens Quilts and More. I just picked up the Winter 2007 edition...ohh, I wanna go sew!! :D They have some of the cutest projects and great gift ideas. I think I am going to make my daughter a kitche apron...heck, I could probably make my 8-year-old son one too, since he is a budding chef, as well! From totes, to stockings to snowflakes (and we all know that I just LOVE snowflakes almost as much as I love cherries!)...so many great ideas!

Well, I am off to make lunch for the kiddies...and break out my sewing machine!

Sigh...!

12:12 make a wish!