Fun With Food!

Let's do something fun this week.  Let's find one new recipe and give it a go.  I won't even count the soft pumpkin sugar cookies I made today thanks to Suzanne's Pin.

Post a pic, recipe and any notes! 

Extra points for Thanksgiving sides.... just sayin'!



Top 5 Pinterest (or other) Thanksgiving Decorating Ideas

So, here's the thing.  I know what I like and I know what I don't like.  I am terrible at decorating for fall.  Christmas and Halloween I sort of have down but Thanksgiving it's just a tablecloth and maybe, if I get my act together, flowers. 

Let's post our top 5 Pinterest (or other) fall/Thanksgiving decorating things.  If you want to categorize and make one table, one side table, one table under the big mirror, front porch and door, that would help ME out a lot. 

Bonus points which count towards our year-end prizes* will be awarded for those crafty people that actually make one or photograph their own NEW (don't try and pass off that sad 5 year old turkey your kid made as new!) decorations.

*This may be a ploy by one of the blog authors to get people to do something for nothing 'cause there ain't no prizes....she lies.

Talk #3 - Elder Ulisses Soares

By Elder Ulisses Soares
Of the Presidency of the Seventy

http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/be-meek-and-lowly-of-heart?lang=eng

Parable of the Lazy Woman

There once was a woman that diligently took care of her home finances.  Twice a month she reviewed household expenses and paid those things which were due to creditors.  Over time this task became slightly mindless and tedious.  The woman still reviewed the expenses but once in a while she skimmed to save a few minutes and get on to other things that were more to her liking.  This woman had become lazy in her dealings with creditors.



A letter came in the mail one day, "Your insurance statement has expired please send us a copy of the renewal.".  Being a overconfident woman she ignored it scoffing, "I have paid this of course, silly mortgage company.", and she threw the letter into the shredder.

A week or so later a nice surprise came in the mail, the diligent woman had paid her car insurance twice and a refund check had been issued.  Oh, goodie!  The very next day a nasty letter from the mortgage company arrived, "You have until October 20th to send us your insurance renewal or we will impose insurance on you.".  The woman angrily called the insurance company, "Why are you being so lazy?", she asked.  "Your bill hasn't been paid madam.", the pleasant young man explained.  "What?  This can't be! I am a diligent woman!", she cried.  They went through payments and discovered that she had indeed made the car insurance payment twice and nothing to the homeowners insurance, the amount was within a few pennies of each other.

"Oh, dear.", thought the woman, "What have I done?  What have I become? Am I truly becoming a lazy woman?"  She took out her binders, looked up their accounts: she spent time as she hadn't in years.  She sorted and shredded and amended and made right those accounts which she thought she had been so diligently overseeing.  She recommitted herself to making her family finances better and keeping her husband abreast so he could take over if the need arose.

President Eyring gave a talk on this in April Conference 2010.
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/04/act-in-all-diligence 

He said:

“Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence.

“He that is slothful shall not be counted worthy to stand, and he that learns not his duty and shows himself not approved shall not be counted worthy to stand. Even so. Amen.”    ^{D&C 107:99-100} 

 

We are to learn our duty from the Lord, and then we are to act in all diligence, never being lazy or slothful.

 

 

 

There are definitely things that we get complacent doing.  Things that seem easy and rote but we should take even the little things for granted.  We need to act diligently so we can stand with the worthy.

 

 

The Parable of Laura's Tree

Matthew 17:20 

²⁰ And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

 

This is a parable that I used when I taught my Relief Society lesson this week on Jeffery R. Holland's "Lord, I Believe" talk in the April 2013 General Conference:

When Laura was 4 or 5 I signed her up for dance lessons.  This I should not have done.  She is no dancer.  But I didn't know that yet.  On the very first day of class, her teacher had all the little pink Martha Graham hopefuls clustered around her and she looked into their malleable faces and said, "Today, we're going to pretend to be trees."

The teacher crouched low to the ground like a seed planted in the earth.  Eight little girls followed her lead.  The music began to play and the teacher began to unfurl herself and lift herself out of the crouch and eventually stood straight and tall, her arms reaching up like branches.  Seven little girls followed her lead.

All but Laura.  Laura was still curled up on the ground and moving imperceptibly. The rest of the class moved on to the next exercise while she unconcernedly kept growing her tree.

So, we get to the end of class and I ask her, "What were you doing there when everyone was being a tree?"  "Mom," she said.  "Trees grow very slowly."

Elder Holland says this:  "The size of your faith or the degree of your knowledge is not the issue—it is the integrity you demonstrate toward the faith you do have and the truth you already know...What was once a tiny seed of belief for me has grown into the tree of life..."

Laura's parable teaches that not only do trees grow slowly, they also don't grow at the same speed.  We don't need to get caught up comparing our faith with the faith of others or lose heart when our faith in one principle is a fully furled tree while our faith in another principle seems like it's still a seed.  As long as we have 'integrity toward the faith' we do have and try to grow it always.

The Parable of the Louse

Several weeks ago I got an alarming letter and email from the school warning that there had been confirmed cases of lice.  Not worrying too much, I did a cursory look and thought everything was fine.

Well, a couple weeks have elapsed and I have gotten one more note from the school to which I promptly recycled.  We were good.

After a busy day of playing, trunk or treat, and a party, Lily proceeds to inform me that her head itches.  It's late, I'm tired, and my eyes are crossed, I don't see anything. 

The next day, she's getting in the shower and I stop her to do another check.  Sure enough...lice!

Did I heed the warnings?  Was I complacent?  Once I discovered the "wrong" did I make it "right"?

(Stay tuned to discover what happens next!)

The Parable of the "Shortcut"

The Parable of the "Shortcut"

About 15 years ago, I went on my first 50 mile hike, on the Pacific Crest Trail.  One day, as we were hiking, we came to a split in the trail.  The trail to the left was clearly marked with ‘blazes’ – but the one to the right was also marked – the blazes were older, but still there.

We must have looked at a map, we knew that the newer section of trail would eventually join back up with the old section.  We also knew that the newer section of trail was longer than the old one.  Some of use decided to take the old shortcut. The old trail was shorter, but those of us who took it soon learned why it wasn’t in use any more.  The farther down this trail we went, the scarier it got. There were dozens and dozens (perhaps hundreds…it felt like hundreds…) of fallen trees across the trail. 

Some of these trees were quite large…which meant that we either had to crawl under, climb over or hike around nearly every tree – which isn’t that easy when you’re carrying a large backpack.  We did eventually make it back to the main trail, but our shortcut had turned into a ‘longcut’.

Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. 

In my parable, the two trails can represent modern revelation and ancient scripture.   The “shortcut” is like the Bible.  It’s old and established…but every time someone translated something incorrectly, it’s like a tree across the path – makes it more difficult to understand.   You could liken the newer trail to the Book of Mormon.  Sometimes it might seem long (I’m looking at you, Alma), but overall it’s easier to understand.

You could also liken this parable to living prophets vs. dead prophets.  The newer path represents our current prophet. President Monson gives us counsel on what concerns us today. He keeps our trail clear and ready to use. The old trail will still get you there - but it's sometimes covered with unnecessary obstacles.

This parable could also apply to choice and accountability...  We eventually were able to get back to the main trail, but how much easier it would have been had we stayed with the well marked trail.  When we go down those scary paths, we need to remember the guides or markers that we can use to return to the good path.  The scriptures, the example of the Savior for how to live, the words of the prophet, prayer, repentance - the list goes on - there are so many things to help us on our way and we need to avail ourselves of them often, so we don’t go astray.

The Personal Parable Challenge

At Time Our For Women one of the women spoke about Personal Parables.  She made it a point to try and find PP in her life and learn and grow from them.  So the challenge this week is to find at least ONE Personal Parable and write it in parable form.  What is parable form?

 

 

A parable can be loosely described as a short, fictional narrative that draws the reader into an insight concerning some aspect of faith and life. Parables often work best when they challenge commonly held attitudes and unmask the poverty of some widely held value. Parables are generally structured in a very simple and stark way, with a narrative that avoids any unnecessary detail that may detract from the central, evocative message.–Peter Rollins

 

It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.
–Henry David Thoreau 

This is a lovely paradoxical way of drawing attention to a very important distinction between different ways of perceiving something. Thoreau points out that one may look at something and still not see it.

I found this handy link that might help you on your PPQ*:  http://www.howtowriteaparable.com/

*Personal Parable Quest



Talk #2 - Elder Robert D. Hales

http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/general-conference-strengthening-faith-and-testimony?lang=eng

STOP!

Definitely Hammertime!

A little felt, a little glue and some spiders

Here is my first 'sewing' project.  I made small witches hat invitations.

I had to play with the size a bit until I had it jjjuuuuussstt right.  It is about 5" tall.  I put a ribbon through the middle so I could hang the invitation and the glue the spider.  It took me about an hour to get it right.  I figured with cutting it out it would take about 7 minutes per hat and I had to do 16 of them.  You do the math.

Then I had to go to Michael's with my 50% off coupon to buy more felt.  I found a witches hat streamer with eight 4" hats and a ribbon already through it.  I bought two for $3 each.  Cut them apart, tied on the invitation and glued on the spider. 

Stunningly simpler than the one I made.  And just as cute.  And no one will know.  Shhhhh.....

A Talk A Week

A few of us were lucky enough to be able to attend Time Our for Women in Denver last week.  It was a great time with sisters and friends to learn and grown.

Over the next year we want to take one theme from TOFW, "I Am This Good But Maybe I Can Be This Much More Good", and try to move our personal spiritual growth to another level.  We are going to start with watching the October 2013 General Conference talks again: just one per week. 

When you are done watching the talk post your thoughts or feelings about the talk.  Nothing long or involved, unless you are so inclined.  We need to share more of these moments of our lives.

Here is the first one:  http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/welcome-to-conference?lang=eng



SEWING IS BACK!

This week we have a sewing challenge going on!

Here are the rules:

1.  You have to use fabric, plastic or other material typically worn in public. (Pretty wide selection here.)

2.  You need to use thread, needle, duct tape, glue or staples on said fabric choice.

3.  Oh, wait these aren't really rules: more like guidelines.  We are Hanna's after all.

Let's go!

Please post a pic of your project by Sunday.  Steps are nice but not necessary if you forget, your camera/phone is broken or (like me) you are too lazy because you just want to get done!

Okay.  Now go!

Sew happy I don't have to use one of these!!

 

Follow up on 30 day Challenges

I completed my 30 day Challenges.  I picked squats and 5 minute plank.

The results are that I lost about 1/2" on thighs and .75" on hips and waist. 

I think it worked great.  The squats weren't boring since I did them watching something on tv.  The planks were boring and HARD.  I had only ever done 30 seconds at a time so this really was a challenge for me.  I don't think I will do the plank again for that long but keeping it at about 2 1/2 minutes will be just fine.

Done and done.

New Assignment

Who had Mrs. Mason at Page Elementary?  Deb and I both remember we had to memorize a poem each month.  Some were long, some were short and most were forgettable.  We both got through most of Owl and the Pusscat, what fun.

Next weeks challenge is in honor of Mrs. Mason - I wonder if she is still alive? - , we are going to memorize a poem.  Let's stretch our intellect and find something that moves us.

Please share the poem next week with what makes it important to you.  You don't have to share your poem verbally with anyone - we will work the honor system here.

Updated Journal Page

I add the pictures above to my Typical Driving Week journal pages.  I tried to upload the whole thing here but I can't figure that out and the photo I took isn't very good.  I finished - late - but I finished!

Journaling by Suzanne

Yes, it's been a year since this trip and I have yet to finish the book.  It was fun reading what I had already written, but I lost steam and never finished.  Thanks to the challenge, I made a small goal and completed two pages.

Uh, what happened?

I know we are all busy and distracted but really?  Let's try this again. 

Two pages of journaling this week.  I am going to finish mine so they are really complete.  I expect SOMETHING from each of you. 

Now, get busy!!

Journaling Page 2

I decided to do something about me instead of the kids.  My first page is posted on my blog.  A little boring but I needed to start slow.  I am going to actually draw it out on paper and try to do a little more with it this week. I will try to post my amendment(s).

My second page is a Journal of My Typical Driving Week.  I am going to take pictures this week and add them to the actual page I did.  I am not very good at doing things about myself but if I don't my kids will never know, right?  I will take pics of the finished project but here is the driving outline now.

A Typical Week of Driving

Sunday:

8:40 – From Home to Church on Cherry (1.25 miles)

12:15 – From Church to Home

2:45 – From Home to NCL Meeting for Lauren (1 per month)

3:00 – From meeting place to Home

3:45 – From Home to Rachel Hill’s house on Koch to YL meeting at White building (1 per m)

4:45 – From Home back to NCL meeting place

5:00 – From NCL meeting place to Home

Monday:

(Before this  year I was driving to Almaden Valley (7 miles) 1 or 2 times a day for school.)

8:15 – From Home to Willow Glen HS 2001 Cottle (1 mile each way)

8:55 – From Home to Grace Dibble’s (10 houses) to Willow Glen MS (1 mile each way)

2:00 – From Home to WGHS pick up Tylor

2:45 – From Home to WGHS pick up Connor

Every third Monday I pick up the WGMS so I get Connor at the same time.

4:10 – From Home to Graham Davies then to Billy Markham then to SJ City College (3 miles)

4:40 – From Home WGMS to get Lauren from CC to Music Village for guitar  (7.5 miles)

5:00 – From MV to errands – Nob Hill (.125 mile), gas, Target (2 miles), etc.

6:05 – From MV to Home

Tuesday:

7:15 – From Home to WGHS drop Connor and Tylor

9-ish – From Home to Safeway (2 miles)

1:45 – From Home WGHS pick up Tylor

2:30 – From Home to WGHS pick up Connor

2:45 – Drive Lauren and team mates to Cross Country meet – where ever. (2-10 miles avg)

6:15 – Drive back to WGMS to drop off Cross Country team

6:45 – From WGMS to Home

Wednesday:

7:15 – From Home to WGHS drop Connor and Tylor

12:00 – From Home to WGHS pick up Tylor

2:17 – From Home to WGHS pick up Connor

4:10 – From Home to Graham’s to Billy’s to SJ City College Soccer stadium

5:00 – From Home to WGMS pick up Lauren from Cross Country

6:55 – From Home to Church for YM/YW

8:30 – From Home to Church pick up from YM/YW

Thursday:

7:15 – From Home to WGHS drop Connor and Tylor

1:45 – From Home to WGHS pick up Tylor

2:30 – From Home to WGHS pick up Connor

2:45 – From Home to WGMS to drive Cross Country to meet

3:50 – From Home to Strength Training Gym for Tylor (only if CC meet is close)

6:15 – From Cross Country meet to WGMS

6:30 – From WGMS to Home

Friday:

7:15 – From Home to WGHS drop Connor and Tylor

7:40 – From Home to Grace’s to WGMS

12:00 – From Home to WGHS pick up Tylor – we typically go to lunch and drive somewhere

2:15 – From Home to WGHS pick up Connor

3:00 – From Home to WGMS pick up Sydney and Grace

5:00 – From Home to WGMS pick up Lauren from Cross Country

Saturday:

From Home to Target and Home Depot (2.25 miles)

From Home to Oakridge Mall (3.5 miles)

Various Trips thrown in:

From Home to Steve’s house (11 miles)

From Home to Dr Wolkstein, dentist (3.75 miles)

From Home to Vet (2.25 miles)

From Home to Trader Joe’s (5 miles)

From Home to Costco (3.25 miles)

From Home to NCL meetings (5 miles)

From Home to Drycleaner (1 mile)

 

 

This week we are doing two challenges.  One long term, one for the week.

 

 



The first is a 30 day Work Out Challenge.  Choose one of the challenges below, or pick your own, and start on 20th.  Post which one you are going to do.

 

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Rg__lmY6Osc/UiMcRq-WaqI/AAAAAAAB-4g/OH21nyCUbt0/w506-h716/5min-plank.jpg

 

http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/originals/45/28/03/452803cad8ab1570a8d379aa6a1056f1.jpg

 

http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/originals/47/ce/5b/47ce5bcef5d17a22a70754c8039e098c.jpg

 

http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/originals/ed/03/9d/ed039dc5160a3f54dc2f3b51a3b1a4ff.jpg

 

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/q77/s720x720/1044294_564359700274184_541080703_n.jpg

 

http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/fc/9c/4a/fc9c4a6f3de248e12985fb18dc6393c3.jpg

 

http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/c1/c7/19/c1c719dd50ab682571ecfffdc5510680.jpg

 

Here are the rules:  Measure yourself before you start.  We don't need to know the numbers but we do want to hear the results.  Questions to answer at the end: 

1.  Did you like it?

2.  Did you keep at it all month?

3.  Did it work?

 

SECOND CHALLENGE - This week only.

 

Journaling.  Yes, we need to do it.  But how to do it?  If you do it what works for you?  Do you have some creative way to keep interested in doing it long term?  Let's see you stretch yourself and do at least two pages of some sort of journaling.

Fix It - Suzanne

I know everyone has seen this photo, but it bears repeating;

When in the middle of a tropical storm;

1) Answer all phone calls, especially ones from home and visiting teachers. (yes, it was my home teacher that reminded me to look in my basement)

2) Check drains and window wells.  It was a drain pipe that failed and was running into a window well.  Once we figured that out it was an "easy" fix.

3) Put a status on Facebook book.  This will garner the most help from friends, neighbors, and provide moral support.

In the grand scheme of things, this was not a big deal.  We managed to dry out quickly. There wasn't much to cleanup other than the water and the carpet.  Thankfully we had one box on the floor which was half full of junk. (Another reason to keep cleaning out the clutter)

This "fix it" was an unintended project this week.  Funny how these challenges have a way of presenting themselves to us.

  

And Cabinets

My kitchen cabinets have needed a REALLY good cleaning.
(Why again do I clean anything when I have children?)

I also needed to touch up the polyurethane.  I used
Denatured Alcohol as directed and got all the greasy finger prints
and general drips and stuff off.
One thin and quick coat of polyurethane and I was done.

Here they are drying.  Aren't that pretty?!
One more fix-it done!!

The Endless Sewing Project. End. Less.

I've made 22 composition notebook covers this month.  TWENTY-TWO!

They aren't particularly hard or challenging, but they do take a little time...which when multiplied by TWENTY-TWO equals a LOT of time.  I forgot to take pictures of the dozen that I gave to Deann yesterday, but here is a look at the nine that I whipped up today.

I hope you notice that each one is different.  So are the other thirteen I've made.  Did I mention that I'm not done yet?  I will probably make a few more, just to be on the safe side.

I think next week's project should be cleaning up sewing messes.

Lily's Dress

 This is Lily's baptism dress.  It has been living at our house for two months.  Two.  You heard me right.  Lauren went shopping with Suzanne and Lily and picked a cute pattern and some very cute fabric.  They even cut it out at Suzanne's house.  Then it came to live at our house.

Today Lily's dress is on it's way back home to it's birth place, Colorado.  Yup.  It is making the long journey back to where it was born/hatched/conceived.

The reason it is going on at part of the 'FIX or MEND IT' post is because of all of the fixing and mending I had to add to this project.  I did at least three hours of hand sewing.  No kidding.  I think it was worth it. 

Note to Suzanne:  You may want to hand wash this and hang it dry.  A light ironing will do the rest.  This will not be that durable dress she can wear for years and it will hold up through anything.  Repeat after me, del - I - cate.  :-)

Tediousness x Infinity OR Why I like Small Houses

I don't mind painting.  Really, I don't.  I like that I can get in a groove and just get the job done.  Most of the time I do a pretty darn good job too.  Then there are baseboards.  Ugh.  Here's my issue with doing baseboards:

Damage like this knick were all over the house.
Scuff marks from soccer balls don't come off ... ever.



1.  They are next to the floor.
2.  Because they are next to the floor you can't paint them correctly without laying on said floor.
3.  Where I need to paint my floor needed cleaning. 
4.  Baseboards need to be white so when you paint them they look EXACTLY the same.  Exactly.
5.  They are freaking all over the house.  Every room.  Why?  I may have to rethink that in my dream home.
6.  Kids mess them up but say they don't - you know who you are - and it makes me annoyed.
7.  You have to wash them before you paint them or you get dust and lint in your paint and then it is all gloopy.
8.  My back and neck and shoulder, and now come to think of it my wrist, are all sore and I'm tired and cranky.

Here are the results.....

Sand, fill, sand, prime, paint, repeat



Post for the week

Let's see we did an organizing post and a Pinterest post, what next?  Suggests being taken through tomorrow afternoon.....

Next week we are going to do a workout post... Uh, yes, we are.  That means you too (or two!).

Pinterest Recipe from Sherri

Peppermint Pattie Brownies

 

I saw these and thought of the three things I had to bake for on Saturday - thus, why this is very nearly late.  I had volunteered to bake for a Poker Tournament that we weren't going to - we even bought in (purchased a place at a poker table) just so we would seem to be supportive AND the cross country team was working out AND I had promised my Gospel Doctrine class I would bring treats today.  So, baking away I went on Saturday.

This is where I found the recipe:  http://www.howsweeteats.com/2012/11/peppermint-pattie-brownies/

I follow this blog because she is creative without being weird. And she can be very funny.

Here are my hints:

1.  Make a box brownie mix if you are in a hurry.  Cool it in the fridge and make them medium thin.

2.  Really fluff up the peppermint layer.  I didn't go quite far enough - it was still good - and when I put on the ganache it was flat.  I almost wish I had done 1 1/2 batch of the peppermint, maybe next time.

3.  I added twice as much heavy cream to the ganache as it called for so I could pour it over the individual brownies.

4.  Thinner brownies are better.  Since you have to refrigerate after you spread on the peppermint thick brownies get VERY fudgy.  This isn't a bad thing but my GD class wanted milk.

Overall a very good recipe that was a nice change from frosted brownies.

Pinterest Recipe By Suzanne

This is a ridiculously easy recipe, but it sounded good. The link to the original Tomato Bruschetta.
The added bonus to this recipe is that I have an amazing neighbor that supplied the delicious tomatoes and the basil.  Thank you Emily!

Tomato Bruschetta

 (serves 2-4)

Ingredients:
Several large organic tomato, cut into fourths horizontally

                                                         mozzarella 

2 cloves of garlic, minced
small handful of fresh basil, chopped
pinch of coarse salt
pinch of freshly ground pepper
1-2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

Directions:
1.Turn on Broiler

2. Place the tomatoes on a baking sheet (I lined mine with foil). Top with garlic followed by cheese. Drizzle with oil and broil until cheese is melted. Sprinkle basil over tomatoes once it's out of the oven.

Review:

I loved them!  They can definitely be adjusted to taste.  I didn't use bread crumbs like the original recipe, maybe next time.  I'd also use other cheeses to see how that goes.

Egg Paint for Sugar Cookies

It was finally M.'s turn for making family night treat. She turned page after page of children's cookbooks, looking for just the right treat. I finally got down our oldest book, titled Betty Crocker's NEW Boys and Girls Cook Book. Note to publishers: if you expect your book to stand up to the test of time, never put the word "new" in the title. It dates it instantly.

Then we found "Paintbrush Cookies." The thought of combining sugar and art must have delighted her.

How to:

First, make and cut out your favorite sugar cookie dough.

Before baking, "paint" the cookies, using the following recipe.

When baking, remove cookies just before they begin browning (otherwise your colors are affected).

Egg Paint for Sugar Cookies

Whisk together 1 egg yolk and 1/4 teaspoon water.

Divide the mixture among several bathroom cups (or measuring cups, if you're out). Add and mix food coloring to each cup.

What we thought: the painting process was delightful, and the "paint" didn't seem to change the cookies' flavor too noticeably. However, the brothers thought it was gross that paintbrushes had touched their food. They ate them anyway.

Kansas City Rib Rub - Pinterest Challenge

First you need to make the rub. It's easy.  If you have the ingredients.  I was out of paprika AND onion powder, so a trip to the store was needed.  I bought lots of paprika.  Enough to make this recipe 3-5 more times! (the original recipe can be found here)

Kansas City Rib Rub

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup paprika
• 1 Tablespoon black pepper
• 1/2 tablespoon salt (original recipe called for 1 tablespoon, next time I'll try it with just 1 teaspoon)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne

Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl.  Makes about a cup. Store leftovers in an airtight container.  We used about 1/2 a batch for three racks of pork ribs.

Step 1. Make rub.
Step 2. Apply rub to ribs (this was done by my oh-so-able assistant, Rebekah).  Let them sit and marinate a bit.  We left ours out on the counter for about 30 minutes.

Step 3. Sear on the grill.  About 5 minutes (or less) per side)
Step 4. Cook in oven (covered well with foil) at '325 for about 1 1/2 hours...or until meat is tender.

Step 5. Serve 'em up!

Step 6. (This is the best part!) EAT!!!
We paired ours with grilled corn on the cob and watermelon.

Finger licken' good.

Easy as Pumpkin Pie

Three easy step to cute pumpkin decor.
1) Trace a pumpkin shape.

2) Cut out pumpkin.

3) Paint the pumpkin.

Next Weeks Challenge is a Pinterest Recipe

Instructions (I just spelled that wrong three times ... sheesh...)

1.  Browse Pinterest for hours and hours to find THE recipe that speaks to you.

2.  Make the recipe in your head and then really make it.

3.  Yes, we want photos, at least three.  And if one has you with flour on your person you get extra points.

4.  Taste said recipe and critique it.

5.  POST IT!

A Cluttered Cupboard

Organization one cupboard at a time.  (Plus a little counter space as well)  This is our craft/school supply cupboard which sort of spilled onto the counter due to Summer fun.  We gained and lost school supplies when school started two weeks ago.  Putting stuff back was key...and getting rid of half the stuff was even better.

Crazy Mess!

Emptied cupboard which causes more mess.

A more organized supply center.