No greater joy

I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth.

3 John 1:4

Thermopolis

A couple weeks ago we made the 6 hour drive to northern Wyoming to visit my parents.  One of the towns on the way is Thermopolis.   We stopped for a little walking break and I wanted to share some photos with you.

In case you case you can’t find it, look to the hills:

Hot, steamy water everywhere!

This moss or algae or whathaveyou thrives in winter temps because of the hot water.  

Red hills and the suspension bridge that spans the river below.  Far, far below. 

Far. 

By the right side of the bridge, hot mineral water trickles down to the river.  The deposits it leaves behind round the edge of the cliff.    

See the wood walkway in the bottom corner?  It keeps your tootsies from getting cooked.  That would be bad. 

Very bad. 

2 clowns Lacey and Matthew posing on the suspension bridge.  Teasing me because I will not step foot on that thing.  N-o-p-e.

Did I mention the cold, rocky river at the bottom?

(It is a long ways down).

Very far. 

Oh, and as a bonus - the bridge sways about while you’re on it. 

Swinging bridge + great heights + cold rocky river at the bottom = not.on.your.life.

Thankyouverymuch.

Apparently, my paranoia isn’t genetic.

More steamy water and teepees to explore.

Can you guess the air temperature amid all the steaminess?

A balmy –4. 

With emphasis on the “minus” 

Steamy below zero sunset

Thermopolis.

Our Hope

We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.

Psalm 33:20

Bunny ears

I think they’ll soon be coming out of MY ears! 

My bunny ear napkin rings are surprisingly popular this year. . . I can barely crochet them fast enough :)

Just listed 2 more sets and they’re ready to cutify their new Easter home.

The fourth

Why is this kid so happy?

Because . . .

He just passed his driver’s license!! 

Now begins the first level of our state’s tiered driver’s licensing system. . . accruing both daytime and nighttime practice hours.

Did you know this is the FOURTH time I’ve had a new driver in my house? 

Gulp. 

It’s kinda sCaRy,

but fUn.

Also: nerve-wracking.

p.s.  You may want to stay safely indoors for the next few weeks days :)

Shadows

 

Even though I walk
   through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
   for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
   they comfort me.

Psalm 23:4

As seen on . . .

Little pUDDINtOES was featured on two lovely blogs this week!  How fun!!

Sweet “grandma” has a blog called Grandma’s Crochet Cottage.  She showcases her work along with that of many others and there are links to patterns so you can make your own. too :)

Grandma also has a little shop with reasonably priced crocheted and vintage items: 

Click on over and follow her blog or favorite her shop . . . Grandma would really appreciate it! 

Christina at The Tattered Tag featured Puddin Toes on her Fresh Feature Friday post.  I LoVe her sweet spirit and primitive style so much! 

You’ll want to be sure to follow The Tattered Tag so you don’t miss any of the fun DIY tutorials and ideas.  She also hosts the K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Sunday) blog bash and The Homespun Slate, where creative crafters link up their specialty shops.

Thank you both so much for including me!

More Bitty Cuteness

Bunny ear hats to match bitty bunny shoes. . . lavender

Daffodil yellow . . .

Pale aqua. . .

 
And sweet pink. 

Dump Ravioli

Here’s a quick and easy one for you. . .  just 4 simple ingredients! 

This is one of the few dishes I use store-bought spaghetti sauce for :)   You could certainly make your own or use some of your freezer stash (recipe here), but since we prefer this dish with a meatless sauce – store bought it is!

The best part is, the ravioli does not have to be boiled first.  Yay! 

DUMP RAVIOLI
1 bag frozen cheese ravioli (meat-filled, if you prefer)
1 jar (28-32 ounces) spaghetti sauce
1/4 cup water
1-2 cups grated cheese

OK.  This is real complicated.  So pay close attention. . .

Dump the unthawed ravioli into a 9 x 13 dish.  Pour on the spaghetti sauce and water.  Mix gently.  Cover with foil.  Bake @350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.  Remove foil and top with grated cheese.  Return to oven and continue to bake until heated through and the cheese is melted, about 5-10 minutes more. 

That’s it! Enjoy!

Everlasting

Hast thou not known?

hast thou not heard,

that the everlasting God,

the LORD,

the Creator of the ends of the earth,

fainteth not,

neither is weary?

Isaiah 40:28