Friday, February 19, 2010

Valentine's Party Fun


HAPPY BELATED VALENTINES!
Good afternoon Company Girls! Sorry there is nothing yummy to eat today because I'm all chocolate out!

It has been so nice getting back into a routine now that we have dug out of the snow and school is open again. There is something about structure and set times that helps me get so much more done.

Last Sunday night we hosted a Valentine's Parents' Night Out and although most families had to cancel last minute because of various illnesses, one little boy came and my boys were thrilled.
On the agenda for the evening was a Guessing Game which entailed guessing how many little dinosaurs were hidden in bags filled with red tinsel. If they guessed right they could keep them.
My daughter didn't want the red stuff contained so she dumped it out on her blanket.

Then we had a treasure hunt looking for red chocolate hearts. The kids are listening to instructions before the hunt begins.
The kids gave one another Valentine's and then they each made a Valentine card for Mom and Dad. We found the idea for Treat Transmitters in the Family Fun magazine. Although, after making 26 for my son's class, I realized this was way more time consuming than I anticipated! My son agreed so he created his own- Walking Stick Valentine!

After dinner they had a go at a heart pinata I made. This was our girl's first time hitting a pinata and she did not hold back at all! Thankfully my oldest was able to break it!

Overall the evening was a blast and a great way to spend Valentine's. I hope you all had a great Valentine's Day and know that each and every day we are "loved with an everlasting love!". Jer. 31:3

If you would like to catch up on what other gals did this week head over to Company Girl Coffee.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Snowed In!





We have been hit hard for the last two weeks getting back to back snowstorms producing a record total of @55 inches of snow!!! No school for over a week for the kids and my hubby has had almost the whole week off. The above are some pictures around the house. We not only have the snow keeping us in but menacing icicles hanging down on windows. Just make sure you don't stand under them when they suddenly fall!
This is a view from the back of our house as the sun is rising in the morning. It certainly takes my breath away. I love God's handiwork! The white, clean snow does remind me of how gracious our heavenly Father is and that He renews our hearts and makes us clean again through His Son, Jesus.


A glimpse of the deserted busy street in front of our house. I have really enjoyed the quiet that the snow creates.

I also enjoy baking since we have been stuck inside. I made these Valentine doughnuts the other day. Delicious!


Hopefully next week kids will be back to in school creating bringing us back to normal. Now I have to get ready for Parent's Night Out that we are hosting on Valentine's night so kids can have fun while parents enjoy a romantic night out. Can't wait!
Enjoy your weekend!
If you would like to catch up on what other gals did this week head over to Company Girl Coffee.

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Valentine's Doughnuts

So we are snowed in and I decided what better way to spend a day inside than to have homemade doughnuts! I bought some cookie cutter hearts at the dollar store the other day and tried them out. It was quite fun and I love how the big hearts kept their uniform shape!

I used this simple Cake Doughnuts recipe from my Betty Crocker cookbook.
3 1/4 c all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp nutmeg
2 beaten eggs
2/3 c sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2/3 c milk
1/4 c margarine, butter or melted Shortening

In mixing bowl stir together 2 1/4 cups of the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg. In a large mixing bowl combine eggs, sugar, and vanilla; beat with an electric mixer till thick. Combine milk and melted butter in a small bowl. Add flour mixture and milk mixture alternatively to egg mixture, beating just till blended after each addition. Stir in remaining 1 cup flour. Cover dough, chill about 2 hours.
On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/2 " thickness. Cut with doughnut cutter.

Fry 2-3 doughnuts at a time. (I melted 3-4 big spoonfuls of Shortening since I needed to use it up anyway and had plenty.) Heat oil 375 degrees and cook 1 min. on each side.

Remove with slotted spoon and place on paper towels.


I sprinkled a little confectioners sugar and served them hot!