Welcome 2011!

I Thought I would have a wonderful project or at least something profound to report, but alas life has been full and the time for blogging has taken a bit of a "back seat"
If I were to reflect on the past year I would sum it up with one word: Growth!(I am pretty sure that will be the same for this year as well)
I am thankful God has revealed more and more of His wisdom, more and more direction and an amazing amount of daily encouragement and strength to see me through.
The blessings of my husband, children, grandson, family, girlfriends, ministries, homeschooling, work and hobbies have kept me wonderfully occupied and always learning new things.
Memories this last year included a move, a crisis here and there, camping with family, dates nites with hubby, hanging out with friends, jr. high ministry, regular Sunday family dinners with all who can join us and more!
This past holiday season brought many more opportunities for making memories, preserving traditions and get togethers with family and friends. Of course there is always the usual chaos in the Lieb household, but that is our life!
Sara and I are back in our homeschooling routine (I use that term lightly) and I have to say it is a joy to be together. We are continuing our studies: Beautiful Girlhood (Bible), American History, Physical Science, math and language arts. We added in Fallacy Detective for some beginning logic (we are loving it!)
Today we were able to do some "art" with Sara working on her cookbook she started last semester. Lots of projects in the works.
I know it's too early to wish for sunshine, so we will be content with winter and enjoy our comfort food (as long as I can keep on the treadmill!), crafting, games, watching old movies and other indoor pastimes.
Have a blessed year my friends.

Emma's Thursday Throwback Challenge!

This week's challenge was to make a project without using our Cricut or Gypsy and I enjoyed this very much. The theme was to make a "thank you". I love this time of year, so much to be thankful for and a wonderful time to reflect.
I used the Autumn Stack from DCWV, scallop and circle punches, distressed ink in Walnut Stain and Orange Marmalade a Martha Stewart Punch and the Corner Chomper at 1/2". The "Thankful For" stamp is from the Cutting Cafe and the pumpkin stamp is from a Gooseberry Patch set I recently picked up at our local Scrapbook Convention. (the first I have ever been to).

Sara's Cookbook Page

Attempting an Early American Cookbook for a history project. It is taking much longer than I thought it would! Made some cuts from mom's cricut cartridges, used the cuttlebug and some distressed ink.

Sara's Latest Creations

Here is my first attempt at using my Copic Markers. I watched a few tutorials and used the colors I had on hand (need to add some more shades of various colors for more variety)I like how the colors didn't bleed and how well they blended.

A Blustery Crumble. Sunday, October 24th, 2010

After a cold, rainy day of shopping it was time for something warm and sweet. A homemade apple crumble was just the thing to top off our Sunday family dinner. After peeling and slicing the apples, I added some sugar, lemon zest and lemon juice to the apples, tossed in a little flour and let it set for a bit. For the topping I stirred together some brown sugar, oats, a bit of flour and cut in some butter until crumbly. Freshly toasted almonds added the final touch. ~Sara~

Peachy Keen Challenge #39

Flowers and tag cut from Sweet Treats Cart. Princess Faces asssortment From Peachy Keen Stamps,My Pink Stamper Stamps,Paper from Autumn Stack, Distressed Ink in Walnut Stain, raffia, brads, prima flowers, stickles and a plain white bag.

Sport's Theme Throwback Thursday Challenge

I used Locker Talk cart, the soccer patterned paper is from some of my old.... paper from yikes...1996. (I bought it to scrapbook my older kids soccer pics..oops), who says you can't add bling to a guy card?? Yes, the I Rock was used (although the photo doesn't show it too well.(I need lessons), some stickles of course and the ribbon is from Joanne's $1 bin.

Wednesday, October 20th, 2010. Cupcake Surprise!

Today, in the spirit of Halloween, I decided to make cupcakes. I frosted them with a tip and decorated them with some sprinkles. They looked good enough to eat!
~sara~

Tuesday, October 19th, 2010. Fun Autumn Card

Cut with Celebrate with Flourish Cricut Lite Cart, Amber Autumn Stack Paper, Peachy Keen stamps, EK Success Punch, Pop Dots, White Gel Pen and some Leaf Brads. ~Donna~

Monday, October 18th, 2010. Hot Chocolate from Scratch.

I was looking for a quick and easy dessert for tonite and once again the whipping cream was calling to me.
Here is the recipe:
Hot Chocolate
2 oz unsweetened baker's chocolate (finely chopped)
1/4 sugar
4 cups of milk (I used 1%)

Whisk ingredients together over medium heat until chocolate is melted.

Whipped Cream
1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream
pinch of sugar

Whisk or beat ingredients together.
~Sara~

Sunday, October 17th, 2010 My New Project

Went to Michaels with coupon and purchased the Knifty Knitter. I am working on a baby blanket with my regular knitting needles but wanted to try this to make hats and some other stuff. Here is the start of my new project. ~Sara~

Saturday, October 16th, 2010. Crepes for Breakfast!

While researching for my Early American Cookbook I am creating, I came across a recipe for homemade crepes and had to try them. It was like making delicate pancakes with lots of toppings. I came upon some heavy cream, sugar and a blender and was inspired to make homemade whipped cream. My dad and little brother enjoyed them and there were no leftovers. ~Sara~

Friday, October 15th, 2010. Trick or Treat Card

Had a little time to finish some cards for Halloween. I used my Mini Monsters Cart, Cuttlebug, Cloud 9 Design Seasonal paper, Peachy Keen Stamps for the face, Martha Stewart Loopy Punch, Large Scallop Punch, sentiment stamp and ribbon from Joannes. ~Donna~

Friday, October 15th, 2010. Mapping Old England

I am studying early American history. My assignment was to make a simple map of Old England. I decided to take it a step beyond and use my calligraphy pens for labeling and ink the edges to give it a distressed look. ~Sara~

Thursday, October 14th, 2010. Wonderfully Delicious!

Pumpkin Soup for dinner with homemade breadsticks. Yum! ~Donna~