"MC" turns 60

My dear friend turns sixty Thursday......How did we ever get to be so OLD!!!

When it comes to Mary my creative juices just burst.  

She and I are so alike in so many ways.

When we shop, we  both gravitate to the same things.  

We often think alike when it comes to conjuring up GNO surprises!!  

WE both LOVE Americana, baskets, and fabric, need I say more.

On Thursday, I pass off the Royal Robe to her.

She will be crowned "Empress"

We have so many neat things planned for her.

A scrolled story has been written!

Oh, did I mention she LOVES stories.

The challenge came to write it just as Mary would.

Last Thursday Betty, Lori and I created a masterpiece...

The story has been typed onto a scroll...and it is rolled and tied in a

RED-WHITE-BLUE ribbon!!

I get really choked up when ever I make something for her.

I can't wait for her to open her gift.

A circle has no end, and that is how I feel about my friendship with MC....

I never want it to end.

When I made this gift for her, I rummaged through all my saved trinkets, 

hunted  store shelves for what I knew would be a perfect fit for my circle.

Even bought things under her nose at Hunt and Gather-MN!!

Is it Thursday yet?!?!?

There is a little ops here...the flags by her baby picture don't belong there.

They were magnets holding up the little canvas as the glue set!!

No worries, I removed it prior to wrapping her gift. 

Here is Mary at 50--crowned "Queen"

Can't wait for the 60th picture.

Love you MC to the moon and back.

Your forever friend,

Empress Jackie

Wish of Happiness

A future filled with happiness,


A special wish for you,


Days filled with

joy &  happiness,


And all your dreams come true,


To a very special couple,


Who make a perfect pair,


This brings a wish for happiness,


In the future you will share.

A new chapter in my

daughter's life.

So very happy for her.

She is a special women,

who holds a very special

place in my heart.

My wish of happiness

Love, Mom

Pepperoni Roll

What is a blog unless you BLOG about FOOD!! 

I was given this recipe 

many years ago from the Harten's, 

all the way from - Pennsylvania.

A favorite of my kids.  

I sent many home with them

 when they were in college.

One was never enough!

Many variations can be done with this roll.

Simple, simple ingredients.

1 loaf of frozen bread

1# Italian seasoned sausage

1 pkg sliced pepperoni

1 large bag mozzarella cheese

egg white

When I started to make the roll, I realized I did not have 

just mozzarella cheese, but a three cheese mix!

It worked!!

Brown the Italian Sausage. After draining the meat, 

I always rinse it with warm water.

This helps remove excess grease.

 Let the bread rise on a greased cookie sheet.

 Putting the frozen loaf in the refrigerator  the night before,

helps cut the raising time in half.

Once the bread has raised, 

build the roll on a floured board.

Shape and pull the bread into a rectangle shape.

Then place overlapping rows of pepperoni- three slices across,

leaving about two inches on each end.

 Layer the browned Italian Sausage, 

follow with the cheese.

Optional:  On top of the sausage I have added mushrooms, sautéed 

peppers, onions, what ever you like!

The last step is to make equal slits on each side.

Alternate the strips from each side, crossing over, and tucking, 

creating a braided look. 

 Pull the ends up and over the braiding on both ends, tuck under roll.

Sprinkle a light coating of corn meal on a

lightly greased cookie sheet.

Place the roll and brush the top and sides with 

lightly whipped egg whites.

And voila, you have a Pepperoni Roll!!

Bake 45 minutes or till bottom looks done and roll

sounds hollow when tapped on top.

Super easy to make, slice to serve

hot or cold.

Bon Appétit

Wave your Flag

 ***  Stars and Stripes  ***

Hard to choose favorites when you 

have such cute subjects!

and what Brother did....so did Sister

* F L A G *

You flow in the breeze,
And show glory in the wind

Jackson wanted his picture taken with Baxter and Lili

 How fast they grow into such sweet individuals.  

Fishing was tops on Jackson's list this weekend.

No more letting a bobber soak.... 

it's jigging on the lake bottom for this young man! 

Even with a three week old worm on his hook, 

he managed to catch an 11" walleye.

To hear his fishing stories..........priceless

 Lauren is becoming quite the story teller.  Arms folded, lips smacking after every other word, you almost want to keep asking her questions just to hear her talk!

Such a pretty little girl.

Happy Memorial Day

at 

Three Lakes, WI

2 0 1 2

Ocean of Memories

The waves whispered......

calling us

to the soft sand.

 The water sweeps over our feet

surrounds us where we stand.

 Ocean of Memories.......

Topsail Island, North Carolina

~ 2 0 1 2 ~

Be Sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit

Our family gathered in Lake Mills, WI for a very special Easter weekend. 

Tami was confirmed Saturday, April 7th. 

   "St Monica" is her chosen name. 

Allison was her sponsor.

Unbeknown to each of them, they were dressed as twins!!
Right down to the three quarter length sweaters!!

Confirmation Group

"Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit"

She now renders a bond with the Church more perfect.

Thanks for a wonderful weekend.

Easter giggles, eggs, 

and for sure the BEST Chocolate!

Jackson found the 

"Hallelujah Egg"

A tradition Steve started in our family.

I hope it continues...

An Easter egg from Hughes

filled with the finest,delectable 

chocolate candy!

Jackson with his eggceptional expression!

He said "Easter Bunny was busy"!!

Lauren and Tami hunting for eggs.

Lauren looked behind every tulip.

This was serious business!

Loving every minute with my grandchildren.