A {{cold}} day at the park. . .

If we waited for warm weather, we’d never go outside.  Well, okay.  Not, you know, never, but at least not until June. :)

On a blustery, cold day in March we went to the park. 

And played QUICK.  Before we froze solid.

Nolan Ryan playing catch: 

with Uncle Jared:

Say “cheese” Skyleigh!
 

How does thing work, anyway?

This just in: Nolan climbs the rock wall all. by. himself.

And is VERY pleased about the situation:

And he’s a bit of a ham. . .

The end.

Spring . . . ?

What a treat to walk outside and find such loveliness!  I can’t wait for Spring!! 

I’m so hoping it’s just around the corner, but in light of April delighting us with 65 mph winds and temperatures that refuse to inch past 45. . .

Not to mention, THIS: 

 

And lo, even THIS:  

I’m not getting my hopes up, just yet!

:)

Easy Ham

Can you guess what 2 ordinary ingredients made such a pretty glaze?

It’s quick, simple and always a favorite.  This recipe works equally well with a spiral, boneless or regular shank ham.   

EASY BAKE HAM
1 ham
1/2 – 3/4 cup yellow mustard
1/2 – 3/4 brown sugar
1 can sliced pineapple (optional)

Note:  I use the smaller amount of brown sugar and mustard if making a small ham, but I really don’t even measure it anymore!  Just dump brown sugar in a bowl and stir in mustard until it makes a thick glaze/paste.  Slather it on the ham and bake per the directions on the ham’s label. 

If using pineapple rings, add for the last half hour.

My Portion

 

Print by Tank and Tink can be found HERE.

Rolled Flower & “Grass” Easter Cross

Have you seen THIS wreath?!? 

Go ahead and look.  I’ll wait. 

Do you big puffy heart it as much as I do?  Cuz I do! 

One problem, though.  I kinda have enough spring wreaths already. 

And nothing against the bunny and his friends, the eggs and baskets, (of which I have a large collection).  But I wanted to emphasize the REASON we celebrate Easter.  Really, without the cross and the resurrection, Jesus’ birth would have been just another “baby story”. . .  and long forgotten by now. 

Off I went to find a Styrofoam cross at Hobby Lobby or Michaels, only to discover they have none.  Zero.  So I did what any self-respecting crafter would do:  attacked the nearest unsuspecting box and made the cross  from cardboard instead!  Here’s how I did it: 

Cut a cross shape from the cardboard and use it to trace another.  Cut it out too and then glue together: 

Don’t worry if the edges aren’t perfect – they will be covered in the end.  Then I used a variegated yarn from the stash and started wrapping.  It doesn’t matter too much what color this yarn is.  It doesn’t show in the finished project: 

First crosswise and then lengthwise.  You could probably skip this step, but it adds a little more dimension to the finished cross.   Then start wrapping your “hairy” yarn (be sure to use your 40% coupon.  Stuff’s expensive!).

  

Keep wrapping . . .
 

And wrapping . . .


When  everything is covered to your satisfaction, it’s time to embellish the center.  Personalize this to your own taste/decor.  I almost made one of the little nests with tiny eggs that are so popular this year, but decided to go with rolled flowers instead.  There are a TON of really great tutorials out there for these – I didn’t take photos of this part. 

Rev up the glue gun and glue your flowers in place.
:

For hanging, I used a scrap of fabric and a metal ring/washer thingy that was in the tool box.  Just hot glue it on the back. 

And that’s it! 

 

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and

perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before

him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and

sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:2

Easy Baked Monte Cristo Sandwiches

This is a baked version of  the famous Monte Cristo sandwiches . . . So yummy and without the fuss and calories of deep frying! 

You will need to make sure you use a nonstick surface to bake them on.  I use Reynolds nonstick foil.  You could use a nonstick silicone surface or plain foil with cooking spray, but I’ve had the best results using nonstick foil. 

MONTE CRISTO SANDWICHES Sandwiches: 8 slices bread
8 slices Swiss cheese (or use your preference)
8-12 slices thinly sliced deli ham
8-12 slices thinly sliced deli turkey or chicken
Batter: 2 eggs
1 tbsp. melted butter
2 tbsp. flour
2 tbsp. milk
1/4 tsp. salt
For serving: Powdered sugar for dusting and raspberry or strawberry jam for dipping

Preheat oven to 425.  Line a cookie sheet with nonstick aluminum foil.  Layer 1 slice cheese, ham and turkey onto 4 slices of bread.  Top each sandwich with 1 more slice of cheese and another slice of bread. 

Whisk flour and milk until blended.  Add eggs, butter and salt.  Dip sandwiches on both sides and place on foil covered pan.  Pour any leftover batter mixture on top of sandwiches.  Bake 8-10 minutes, until light browned, turn and brown second side for approximately 8 minutes longer. 

Dust with powdered sugar, cut on a diagonal and serve with jam for dipping. 

**Alternately, you could use a silicone baking mat or regular aluminum foil sprayed with cooking spray, but nonstick foil is preferred :)

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