The Making of Chocolate Chip Cookies

The younger brother and I made chocolate chip cookies for our trip last weekend. They turned out to be about the best cookies we'd e.v.e.r. had! Here's our recipe...

1 cup butter softened

1 cup sugar

1 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla

3 cups flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoons hot water

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cups chocolate chips

1 cup chopped nuts, optional

(we didn't use any this time)

:: cream butter and sugars ::

:: beat in eggs, one at a time ::

:: stir in vanilla ::

:: dissolve baking soda in hot water. add to batter along with salt ::

:: stir in flour, chocolate chips and nuts ::

:: place balls, about 1 inch in diameter on cookie sheets ::

:: bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes ::

::ENJOY::

:: be sure to try just a pinch of dough and at least 1 cookie as soon as it comes out of the oven! ::

New Look

Well, I've redesigned once again! I tried for a more springy look a few weeks ago but was not happy at all, so I'm glad I finally had the time to do it once more. I found my color scheme (Culinary Colors) on Design Seeds. I love looking at their site - there are so many pretty colors. :) I would recommend it to all of you looking for colors to decorate anything from your blog to your living room!

For The Beauty Of The Earth

Last week we were able to go visit my Grandma for Mother's Day. She took us for a walk through her neighborhood to take pictures of her neighbors' lovely flowers. Some wonderful gardeners live in her area!

Words to "For the Beauty of the Earth" were written by Folliott S. Pierpoint, 1864

Day By Day

Day by day, and with each passing moment, Strength I find to meet my trials here;

Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment, I've no cause for worry or for fear.

He, whose heart is kind beyond all measure, Gives unto each day what He deems best,

Lovingly it's part of pain and pleasure, Mingling toil with peace and rest.

Every day the Lord Himself is near me, With a special mercy for each hour;

All my cares He fain would bear and cheer me, He whose name is Counselor and Power.

The protection of His child and treasure Is a charge that on Himself He laid;

"As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure" -this the pledge to me He made.

Help me then, in every tribulation, So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,

That I lose not faith's sweet consolation, Offered me within Thy holy word.

Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting, E'er to take as from a father's hand,

One by one, the days, the moments fleeting, Till I reach the promised land.

Growth

I've been working in our little garden and taking some pictures of the growing plants.

Little bitty baby tomatoes

Onions

This one had to be pulled a little early because it went to seed.

Spinach

Unfortunately the bugs are enjoying our spinach a little too well. We need to mix some cayenne pepper and flour to sprinkle on it and hopefully deter them.

And Herzog. :) Because she looked so cute watching me water the tomatoes!