Presidents Day Play

We enjoyed a wonderful, relaxing weekend and we are so thankful for quiet times to get us through the inevitable crazy times that always follow. It is hard to believe that February is on it's way to an end and Spring can be felt approaching.

We love this season of renewal and are ever grateful for the chance to "relive" the excitement and magic of the simple things of life through our precious children. We are not rich in this world, but can taste the treasure of eternity.

Live-Love-Laugh!

Loving Love

Well, somewhere over the last 13 years, I decided Valentines Day was one of my favorite holidays, granted it has it's roots in something pagan or strange like all holidays, but all that aside, what's not to like about a day to say "I love you" in a hundred different ways?

Pink, red, conversation hearts, silly romantic things, chocolate...all good if you ask me. It's also a great excuse to make frosted sugar cookies with too many sprinkles! I actually found an excellent recipe online this year, and thought I'd share it. And, if you're not feeling the LOVE...then tuck it away for another holiday. ~ENJOY~

Happy Valentines Day! I love YOU! (see, it feels good)

PERFECT SUGAR COOKIES

INGREDIENTS
· 1 1/2 cups butter, softened
· 2 cups white sugar
· 4 eggs
· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
· 5 cups all-purpose flour
· 2 teaspoons baking powder
· 1 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS
1. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cover, and chill dough for at least one hour (or overnight).
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Roll out dough on floured surface 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into shapes with any cookie cutter. Place cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
3. Bake 6 to 8 minutes in preheated oven. Cool completely.
PERFECT ICING
INGREDIENTS
· 4 cups confectioners' sugar
· 1/2 cup shortening
· 5 tablespoons milk
· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
· food coloring

DIRECTIONS
1. In a large bowl, cream together the confectioners' sugar and shortening until smooth. Gradually mix in the milk and vanilla with an electric mixer until smooth and stiff, about 5 minutes. Color with food coloring if desired.

Fresh February

It is a beautiful day--70 degrees and breezy...clear, blue skies--major pay-off for the 120 degree temperatures possible in a few months. Just wanted to post a few silly pictures of the kids mostly for grandparents but maybe a giggle for others as well.

My mom and dad brought us a bumper crop of beautiful lemons and grapefruit from their yard in Green Valley. I enjoyed squeezing and freezing the delicious lemons and Leia and I dug in full force into the grapefruit--yummm! Makes me think of Weird Al's song, "Grapefruit Diet". I posted the lyrics because they are TOO FUNNY! (sorry for the fat jokes, but being overweight, I figured it was politically correct to post it!) (sung to the tune of "Zoot Suit Riot")

Grapefruit Diet

by Al Yankovic

Lyrics:

Who's that waddlin' down the street
It's just me 'cause I love to eat
Fudge and Twinkies and deviled ham
Who's real flabby? Yes, I am!
Every picture of me's
Gotta be an aerial view
Now my doctor tells me
There's just one thing left to do

Grapefruit Diet (Diet!)
Throw out the pizza and beer
Grapefruit Diet (Diet!)
Oh, get those jelly donuts out of here
Grapefruit Diet (Diet!)
Might seem a little severe
Grapefruit Diet (Diet!)
I'm gettin' tired of my big fat rear
Blow, fatty!

Well, I used to live on chocolate sauce
Made sumo wrestlers look like Kate Moss
Walked down an alley and I got stuck
I got more rolls than a pastry truck
When I'm all done eating
I eat a little more
When I leave a room
First I gotta grease the door

Grapefruit Diet (Diet!)
Can't have another eclair
Grapefruit Diet (Diet!)
I gotta decrease my derriere

I'm on a Grapefruit Diet
I'm on a Grapefruit Diet
I'm on a Grapefruit Diet

No more pie now
No more creme brulee
Lay off the gravy
And souffle
No french fri-yi-yies now
No ice cream parfait
Mr. Cheese Nacho
Stay away

Oh I think I'd sell my soul
For a triple patty melt
But I need a boomerang
When I put on my belt

Grapefruit Diet (Diet!)
Lay off the 3 Musketeers
Grapefruit Diet (Diet!)
Until my big booty disappears
Grapefruit Diet (Diet!)
Eat 'em till they're comin' out of my ears
Grapefruit Diet (Diet!)
'Cause I haven't seen my feet in years

I'm on a Grapefruit Diet
I'm on a Grapefruit Diet
I'm on a Grapefruit Diet

I think I'm about ready for a Quarter Pounder with extra cheese
I need a side order of onion rings
And don't forget to Super-Size that