Another success!

Saturday night we hosted a friends 40th birthday party here!  A dinner for 30!!
Here's the process.......................
6 Sirloin tip pork roasts with a chili rub on them waiting to be cooked...............

 Almost 8 dozen rolls.............................

 Chex mix (for munching on when the party moved out to the shop after dinner)

I didn't get pictures of 7 lbs of glazed carrots, 3 - 9x13 dishes of cheesy hashbrown potatoes, 4 heads of romaine with craisins, mandarin oranges, feta cheese, and bacon bits, 80 stuffed mushrooms, 80 dilled grilled prawns, 1 lb colby jack cheese sliced w/summer sausage and crackers and this time we purchased the desserts and had a dessert and candy "bar" out in the shop(so mad that I forgot to take pics!)

Here's the set - up, Kathi and Stacy always work their magic!

Everyone seemed to have a good time and it was so fun to listen the the laughter and chatter from this group of friends and family!  These friendships go way back and it was neat to be a part of the evening! 

Once again - Dan & Marla, Jeff & Kathi, Jim & Stacy all dug in to work and made things go smoothly - such a great group of friends!

Welcome to the Classified Ads

For Sale

2008 Lance Scooter

$1800 brand new

asking price $1200

Great unique orange color

locking storage in seat

50cc/goes up to 35mph/ has 60 miles on it

Please call 360-961-9450 to schedule a test drive!!

Here's the rest of the story:
A couple years ago we used a gift certificate that Randy was given to pay for part of this scooter - the problem is - we don't live in town!  I had it parked at a friends house in town for a while, they used it and I drove it a couple times - that's where the 60 miles came from. It is a BLAST to ride around in! It is in brand new condition and it needs a good home.  In 3 months Emily will be getting her drivers license and we could use the cash to help get a car for her to run around in.  If you know of anyone who might be interested PLEASE have them call me!  The past 2 spring/summers I've tried Craigslist and only gotten weirdos with strange offers, so I'm done with that!

This ends the disruption to our normal blogging and it will resume shortly.

Buttons galore....................

I'm a very A.D.D. person!  When I am home for a day working on projects, I get to the end of the day and have 4 projects started that must be finished.  The other day when I was cleaning out closets, etc. I came across a box with a lot of my sewing supplies in it.  I decided to sort through the box (since we have been her 2 1/2 years I guess it's ok to finish unpacking :).

I ran across these in the box.............................

you know what these are don't you! these are the little envelope of extra buttons that are hung on to a new piece of clothing.  I always save them - feel like it's the right thing to do!  But after years and years , AND no longer owning most of these items of clothing (some were dresses of Em's when she was little), I figured it was time to add them to my craft room button supply. So, I started opening envelopes and traveling down memory lane.

Yes, I actually owned pieces of clothing with the ladybug buttons (good ol' Christopher and Banks) and the green flower button.  Okay - these things may be fashion faux pas now, but what great crafts and scrapbook pages they will make!

Maybe it's time you empty all your little envelopes of buttons? I know you have some too!!

Fried Rice

This is a recipe my friend Stacy taught me to make.  I love how simple it is, how fabulous it tastes and what a great addition it is to a meal.

FRIED RICE

2- 2 1/2 c. rice (not instant - I use calrose)

2 Tbsp Olive Oil

1/2 c. finely chopped onion

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 c. diced carrot

1/2 - 1 c. frozen peas

1/4 c. soy sauce (NOT worcestershire as previously posted!)

2 eggs, beaten

Cook rice according to package directions.  I have a rice cooker and just start the rice in that (it takes about 20 min.) and get veggies chopped up and ready to go. In large skillet heat up olive oil and saute onion, carrot and garlic until tender. 

 

 Then add cooked rice, peas and soy sauce (1/4c is the most, try a bit less at first)and stir well, keep mixing over low heat- the rice will all get brown from the sauce. After this is all mixed spread rice to the edges clearing the center and add the eggs and scramble them right in the middle breaking into small pieces as it cooks.  When egg is all done, stir it into the rice.

This step is VERY important - you MUST taste several fork fulls to make sure it is acceptable :)!  You can serve the rice right away (after the tastingS), or you can simmer on low or turn off heat and put a lid on it to keep it hot.

I really hope you will try this dish - it has become a favorite here!!

Our new condo

Yes, Randy went and splurged and built us a new condo!!

Max just had to try - he's definitely afraid of heights

..................unfortunately.............it's for the kitten!

Progress

Yesterday Kathi came over and we did some latte' drinking and scrappin'.  I worked on my Daily December Album (finally!).  I hadn't done any work on it yet, except for getting the pictures printed (and remember, I bought a "cheater album" with pages already started!). I'm adding backing to the pictures, ribbons, a few embellishments, etc.  The snowflake punched out and mounted on a circle is where I am stamping the number of the day) When I stopped to make dinner I was halfway done!  I am going to try and get it done this weekend.

 It's pretty simple and not heavily embellished, but it's soon to be done!

I have so many small albums I want to make, not mention getting Emily's album caught up before she graduates in 2 1/2 years - her book is currently at 1st grade!  I have small albums purchased for the following events: our trip to Australia (click here Australia Vacation,)the Barnabella party Sally gave for me (click here if you don't remember it -  A Barnabella party ),and a book of Nathan's accident click here - Nathan's Accident) I'm thinkin' I need to keep my hind end home on some of my days off and get busy.  I do so enjoy working in my craft room - it is a dream room after all!!  I'm so bad about sitting down by myself - always some chore to be done around the house first!  So, if anyone wants to scrap for a day, come on over!

SNOW DAY!!

YES - we got one!  Slept til 9, got up got coffee and crawled back in bed to watch What Not To Wear! 

Made Pancakes for the girl - yes I had TWO!! :-) Now I'm gonna clean a bathroom and then BFF Kathi is coming to scrap for the day!  WOO HOO! 

Yes I am aware that it is quickly melting, but for now, I am "stuck" at home!