Friday, February 24, 2012

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow....

Where is winter?  This has been one crazy winter here in Michigan! 

This is what Michigan is supposed to look like at this time of year.  But, I took this picture in our yard last November.

However, I took this picture in our yard yesterday!  Where is the snow?  In fact, most of winter has been  like this.  We are definitely not used to this "spring like " weather in the middle of winter.  But, as the saying goes," If you're in Michigan and you are unhappy with the weather, just wait a minute!"  There definitely aren't any snowmen around here these days, so, while we wait for our snow to return, I thought I would share a little collection of snowmen with you...

There are an amazing number of snowmen available to collect, if you're interested.  I like having them on display, usually from November through December.

These are my favorite snowmen created by "Kurta."  I just love their expressions and the charming details!


These snowmen are made by "Clothtique- Possible Dreams, Ltd."  From left to right-
Pug Von Snowpatch,  Morley Blizzardo,  Koko Snowflake,  Buster Von Snowpatch

A closeup of Morley Blizzardo

More from "Clothtique"-  L to R-  Cecil Von Snowpatch, Dicky Snowflake, Wendy Snowbird

A closer look at Cecil Von Snowpatch

An amazing snowman created by Jim Shore- "Winter's Haven"

Another amazing snowman by Jim Shore- "Winter's Mischief"

This darling little carved wooden snowman is made by "Crazy Mountain"

This snowman is made of resin, but the creator is unknown.

This very tall "folk style" snowman is made by Enesco.

My Snowman Collection


Like I said, just wait a minute and the weather will change!  This happened in the past few hours!!!  I guess there will be snowmen being built as soon as school is out!  Winter is definitely back!   Stay warm and have a nice weekend!



Saturday, February 18, 2012

Happy Birthday Scott!

Happy Birthday Scootie!  It's my son's 25th birthday today, and it is so hard to believe that he is 25 years old.  It seems that it was just yesterday that he was a baby!  I thought it would be funny to follow the format of so many "Mommy" blogs and tell you all about him!

Height:  I think he is about 5'10"-  waaay taller than me!
Weight:  He was 10 pounds when he was born, and now weighs a bit more than that!
Coloring:  He has sandy blond/brown hair (depending on the season), a fair complexion, and green eyes.
Milestones:  Yes, he is  walking, running, skipping, dancing, skiing, swimming, bicycling, driving...we are sooo proud!
Foods:  He eats pretty much everything, but his favorites are lasagna, pizza, macaroni and cheese and hot dogs, sushi, pesto pasta, Mexican.... like I said pretty much everything!
Sizes:  He is wearing big boy pants, shirts, shoes, and socks.  Diapers are only a distant memory, being replaced by boxers!
Vocabulary:  He now has a vocabulary of approximately 2,889,593,201 words, I think.  Some of those words are scientific so I counted them double because they are so long and complicated.  And yes, he can also speak French,! And no, I have no ideas how many words are in his French vocabulary.  He also knows a smattering of Spanish and and a few words in Swedish.  He can sing in Latin, Chinese, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish. Swahili, Portuguese, Russian, Gaelic and who knows what else!  Yes, he is very verbal!
School:  He is in grade 19.  He is a college graduate (chemical engineering) and is still learning!
But, thank goodness, he is now learning on the job!
Interests:  Scott has multiple interests.  He likes to sing (2 choirs), fish (any kind), brew beer,
garden, blow glass, read, sports (playing and watching), cook, play games (all kinds),  invest money, learn new things ( he has a vermiculture in his basement) , go antiquing and collecting, traveling, Frankensteining computers, and to laugh and have fun!  He loves his family, his whole family, and looks forward to times with all of them.
All in all: He is a really kind, gentle, man, who I love dearly!  We were blessed the day he was born!



Baby Scootie...soooo cute!

For his birthday, I made him cookies to reflect his profession..."Chemical Cookies!"


Early Elementary School

Middle School Spring Break

The "Chemical Cookies"included beakers, elements from the Periodic Table, and molecular structures.

High School Graduation

CH3CO2H- Acetic Acid (Vinegar)    C6H6-  Benzene

College Days- The University of Michigan

More "Chemical Cookies"  -   Erlen Meyer Flasks, Test Tubes, Elements, and Molecular Structures.    H20- Water,  CO2-  Carbon Dioxide

All grown up!

 Happy Birthday Scott!  

I hope you all have a wonderful week!

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!    Yes,  as you can tell, I am still  having fun decorating cookies.  I used a few of my Heart cookie cutters for this post, and one rectangular cutter for a true Valentine envelope.  I have been trying to improve my piping skills of late, and decided to try out some new techniques that I picked up on-line with these Valentine's Day cookies.  Although I have a way to go, it was fun and I am pretty happy with the results.  It seems the more cookies I make, the more ideas that come to mind.  It was fun to give away some yummy Valentines this year.  And, I am glad that my husband is a true "Cookie Monster!"  He doesn't seem to mind eating up the results. 

Yes, the focus was on piping...

Don't look too close!











This is my favorite!  I discovered that the icing has to be perfect to flow correctly and I need to stay focused!  The rose is piped with a small petal tip.


I hope that all you have a romantic Valentine's Day, full of love!