Cookie Pictures

If you notice Jeffrey's face in this one, you can tell that he was sneaking M&Ms whilst I was cooking. He was hoping I wouldn't notice. Delightful child.:)


Joanna looks so cool in this picture!




I put this picture in here just for fun. I wanted to show off my brother's adorable face. Although, he would prefer I call it manly instead of adorable. Notice the tree in the background. Compliments of Janessa's artistic and decorative abilities.

Well, the day is almost here! I was skipping through the kitchen today. I'm acting like a silly schoolgirl because my dear J's are coming. I can hardly wait for Jeanette, Jeremy & Jessica, and Julie to come back for their visit! And of course for J and J's "kid", or "child". I need to come up with a proper name. I think baby works best.:)
Well, I'm off to bed. I am so blessed. God is so good to allow me the privilege of seeing my family all together!

Thanksgiving on the East Coast

Well, it wasn't the entire family, but Julie, Janessa and I had a great Thanksgiving. The most fun part was squeezing three of us in my little kitchen, but we somehow managed it.

I think Julie and Janessa were having a little too much fun doing the dishes.......


Not sure what Janessa was up to here - I think she was getting ready to raid the fridge for more pumpkin pie.

"Missing" at Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving, know that you (Jeanette, Jeremy and Jessica, Julie, and Janessa), are very missed around our table. This Thanksgiving I am so thankful to God for allowing me to have such a large and happy family. Know that you live in my heart, even though your presence will be missed. Thank you Lord, for such incredible blessings in my life.

Favorite Christmas Breads

Well, it's been a while since I posted here - here are some recipes that I love making this time of year.

Cranberry Orange Bread

3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1 2/3 cups sugar
2/3 cup vegetable oil
½ cup milk
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 teaspoons grated orange or lemon peel
4 eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup coarsely chopped nuts
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking powder

1. Move oven rack to low position so that tops of pans will be in center of oven. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease bottoms only of 2 loaf pans, 8 1/2x1/2x2 or 1 loaf pan, 9x5x3.
2. Stir together cranberries, sugar, oil, milk, vanilla, orange peel, and beaten eggs in large bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients.
3. Pour into pans. Bake 50-60 minutes.


Pumpkin Bread

3 cups sugar
1 cup cooking oil
4 eggs
3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
2/3 cup water
1 15-oz can pumpkin

1. Grease the bottom and ½ inch up sides of two 9x5x3-inch, three 8x4x2-inch, or four 71/2x31/2x2-inch loaf pans; set aside.
2. In a very large bowl, beat sugar and oil with an electric mixer on medium speed. Add eggs and beat well. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl combine flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add flour mixture and water alternately to sugar mixture, beating on low speed after each addition, just until combined. Beat in pumpkin. Spoon batter into prepared pans.
4. Bake in a 350-degree oven for 55-65 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted near center comes out clean.

Makes 2 loaves (although it usually makes closer to 2 ½ when I make it)