Gramma Clara's Real Butter Butter Cookies and Jello frosting

I haven't blogged in forever. I miss it, I have promised myself to take the time to get back to it. I made these yummy cookies for our tailgate last night and had to share. These are the yummiest cut out cookies ever. They melt in your mouth and are perfect for every holiday and occasion. We make them every Christmas. You can decorate with sprinkles or add a frosting if you wish. Clara wasn't my Grandma, just a dear family friend that became a Grandma to me. Don't you just love friends like that!?

 

Gramma Clara's Real Butter Butter Cookies

1 cup  butter
1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
3 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt

1) Cream butter & add sugar slowly. Mix until light and fluffy.
2) Add egg and vanilla, then add sifted dry ingredient. I don't every time and they still turn out      delicious.
3) Allow to chill for about an hour. Then roll out to about 1/8" thick and cut with your favorite cookie cutters.
    Add sprinkles now if you don't want to frost them later
4) Bake at 350* for 7 minutes (or until set but not browned)
5) Allow to cool and frost.

Butter frosting

1/2 cup butter

1 pound of powdered sugar

dash of salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

2-4 tablespoons milk

 

1)Cream butter.

2)Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with vanilla and milk. Add as much milk as you need to get the right consistency.

3)Tint in little bowls with food coloring and get frosting!

Jello Frosting

Mix one tub of store bought frosting with one small package of jello. Easy Peasy.

The favor is fabulous and color is perfect.

A 12th birthday party!!!

Good morning!!

I have been on a bit of a blogger hiatus for the past 3 months. Not really a conscious hiatus... life was just busy and I think I needed to decide if I wanted to continue.

So.. while I was away my baby girl turned 12. Here is peek at her birthday party. We went to Laser tag, then came back for a sleep over. (I really dislike sleepovers. I break down on occasion and let them have one. I like routine, and control so they make me crazy. Throw in too tired, cranky kids the next day.. not my thing.) I do prefer my house though.. all my people under one roof makes me sleep better. I never liked them growing up so maybe that's my problem. Every once and a while I cave.. and I'm usually glad I did.)

We are past themed parties here.. which makes me kinda sad.. but the teal and leopard  color choices were pretty cute! 

A crate paper curtain and a basement filled with balloons. Those polka dot ones are my favorite.

Our basement has a theater screen in it and has tons of potential. I haven't done anything down there since we moved in but I am slowly working on making it a cozy place courtesy of Target and antique stores!

I love details. We had coke with pizza after a couple rounds of laser tag.

 They disappeared to the basement only to come up for food. This is the pile of staying up too late that I found in the morning. They were super good though and this was one of those times I'm glad I let her have a sleep over.

We made a pancake bar for breakfast. I wish I had better pictures.. but I wasn't blogging. ;)  

peanut butter, mini chocolate chips, whipped cream, sliced bananas, blueberries and raspberries,  sprinkles (not shown) and butter. served with sausage and hot cocoa. 

(yes, I do believe there is a pancake under neath that whipped cream!)

She had a wonderful time. I can't believe my baby girl is 12, time flies. It's good to be back, see you all soon. 

Hot Cocoa Bar

A super fun, cheap and easy party idea is a hot cocoa bar.

Cocoa could also be done in a crock pot or carafe. I bought matching mugs at the dollar store. 

Toppings included~

colored marshmallows

plain marshmallows

chocolate chips, try, white, milk, mint or swirled

red hots

cherries

sprinkles

Don't forget the whipped cream in a spray can!

SCRABBLE ART

I have been working on a gallery wall for my stair way, it is almost ready to show you all!! I just finished making scrabble art. Scott and I play words with friends all the time so I knew this would be a fun addition. This is such an easy project. 

You will need: 

Scrabble tiles (I found a game at Goodwill)

cork (fabric would work too)

a frame

spray adhesive 

hot glue

The how to:

Play with your letters to get the right lay out. Take a picture of it to revert back to. Using grid paper works well also. Cut cork to fit the backing of your frame. Use spray adhesive to attach it to the back piece of wood. This prevents and ripples or bumps. Lay out your letters in the frame. Hot glue them down one at a time.

This cute, easy project would be fun for holidays, a babies room, or a family motto!

A Golden Anniversary

15 years ago today I married the most amazing man. I can honestly say that I am more in love with him today than ever before.  He is  my best friend, a fabulous father,  a wonderful husband and he still gives me butterflies. It hasn't always been easy, sometimes it has been harder than hard, but I know together we are strong enough to make it through anything. I thank God every day for bring him into my life and for helping us through the tough times. I am thankful we didn't give up when times got tough and instead decided to make us stronger. Scott Johnson I feel blessed and honored to be your wife.  Happy anniversary babe! The best is yet to be!

Crock Pot Taco Soup

I love using my crock pot this time of year. Crock pot says comfort to me. This Taco Soup recipe is quick, delicious and warms your cold fall days.

Taco Soup

1 pound ground beef or turkey
1 pkg. taco seasoning
1/2 c. diced onion
3/4 c. diced red, yellow or orange bell peppers
1 pkg. ranch dressing mix
1 can pinto beans, rinsed
1 can kidney beans, rinsed
1 can corn, rinsed
1 can diced tomatoes
32 oz. chicken broth
1 c. salsa
1 small can green chilies  (optional)

Brown meat and stir in taco seasoning, remove and place in crock pot. Add onions and peppers to the pan and saute . It will smell like fajitas ;) Add peppers and onion mixture to crock pot. Dump in remaining 7 ingredients. Give it a quick stir. Cook on low 4-6 hours Serve with chips, cheese and sour cream.

Playing Hooky

I took my daughter out of school this morning. No she didn't need to go to the doctor or the dentist. She need love. She has had a rough start to the school year.We had a rough morning. She left the car feeling sad, and I felt horrible sending her out in the world like that. I wasn't the kindest most patient mommy this morning. We both needed it.

In all my school age years with my kids I have never done that. I have wanted to but in the 11 years (if you count preschool) I never have. My kids turned out fine so far and they have usually forgotten their bad morning by the time I pick them up.

This morning some wonderful Mommies on face book said why not and it got me thinking.. why not? If that's what we need what is stopping me... the thing is... I would have never even considered it before. I'm not suppose to do that.. I could get caught, school will be mad. You know what I am realizing?  Better late than never.. that somethings are more important than school. So what if she misses a half an hour or a half a day for that matter. Is what she would be doing at school more important than knowing I love her.. knowing I'm sorry, knowing she is important and special?

 Nope... it isn't.  My kids are at a pivotal age, every age is really, and knowing they have my love and support is more important than anything else. More important than spelling, music or math. They need this now more than ever. They need me.

 I guess my whole point is that we know what our kids need more than anyone... and judgment or expectations from others should never be an issue when it comes to being a mother. I'm not saying take your kids outa school every time you feel like you miss them or your morning doesn't run as smoothly as you'd have liked. What I am saying is listen to your heart when it comes to your kids.

My dear friend Mr. Mecham commented on my Facebook post about pulling my kid outa school to get a donut at Starbucks... here's some more great parenting advice from Mr. Mecham...

"Your'e a great Mom Shelby! Now that our kids are grown it's funny what they remember about their childhood, but those spontaneous expressions of love are some of their best memories. When thoughts like that come to you, it's usually an indication that you should do something! You will never regret it when you do."

You know what? I feel like a great Mom and I don't regret it one bit. God gave me a huge responsibility as a Mom so I need to do it with confidence and pride. I know my baby feels loved, special and important and that is my job. Believe it or not that, more than anything else is what will make her a kind, confident, successful adult.



Linking up with Parenthood this week