Cookie Jar Gramma

Lemon Curd 101 aka When Life gives you Lemons

2011-03-28T14:20:00.000-07:00

Lemon Curd, Makes 3 small 1/2 Pint jars.

3 Lemons

1 Cup Sugar

1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter

2 Large Eggs

1 Large Egg Yolk

Before starting make sure all your utensils are clean. It is very important that you have a clean environment when doing any type of food preparation, especially canning. Put 3 half pint jars and their lids in a large pot cover them with water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Boil for 10 minutes to sterilize. Keep the jars in the water until you have finished preparing the curd. Also fill a large saucepan with water to use as a double boiler with a heat proof glass bowl. Turn the heat under the saucepan to medium until it is hot and then turn it down to simmer.

In the meantime, while the pots are doing their thing, Zest 2 lemons.

Chop the zest onto a cutting mat into fine pieces. Boy, if Santa would of brought me a Microplane, I would only of had one step instead of two! Place the finely chopped zest into the glass heat proof bowl.

Squeeze the 3 lemons making sure to remove all seeds by straining it. Pour that into the bowl along with the zest.

Place the bowl over the pan of simmering water.

Pour 1 cup sugar into the lemony goodness.

Place one stick of unsalted butter in the bowl as well. Mix all ingredients together while waiting for the butter to melt. Make sure you have the temperature on simmer.

In the meantime, take 2 whole eggs and place them in a bowl. Take 1 additional egg and separate it from it's white and add the yolk to the other 2 eggs.

Beat the eggs well.

Keep an eye on the saucepan and keep stirring. You can see here how the butter is melting, once it is all melted, take a fine sieve and place it on the pan.

Pour the beaten eggs slowly through the sieve into the lemony buttery, goodness and begin stirring. Remember to stir immediately, these are eggs and you don't want scrambled eggs!

You will stir the mixture over the simmering water for 8 minutes, until it is the consistency of melted ice cream.

See the 8 minutes! Set a timer!

Keep stirring and waiting! When it is finished turn the fire off under the pan.

Very carefully take your jars and lids from the boiling water emptying the water from them as you take them out. Place them face up on a clean towel.

Place your funnel in the sterilized jar.

Pour your curd into the jars within 1/4 inch from the top.

With a CLEAN damp cloth, wipe the top edge of the jar removing any remnants of curd that may of gotten on them.

Place the lid on top of the jar. Screw the band onto the jar.

Invert your jars while they cool to room temperature.

These must be stored in your refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. When you use the curd, use a clean spoon each time you take curd to keep it fresh and yummy! Remember to REFRIGERATE.

This recipe is from a new cookbook I purchased recently at Anthropologie. It is called Canning for a New Generation by Liana Krissoff. The directions were clear and concise and if you are thinking about doing any canning I would recommend this cookbook.

Strawberry Jam 2011

2011-03-22T18:11:00.000-07:00

Select ripe, red delicious fruit. They should be red all the way up past their "shoulders". Prepare your jars by sterilizing them.

Wash your fruit well.

Remove the stems and leaves from the top of the berries. Also if there are any bruised areas, remove those as well.

Slice the fruit using this wonderful strawberry slicer from Sur Le Table. Of course you can do it with a paring knife as well!

When you have enough berries cleaned and sliced, place them in a measuring bowl until you have 5 cups.

5 Cups of sliced fruit.

Add two tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice to the fruit.

Measure out exactly 7 cups of granulated sugar into a separate bowl in preparation for adding later.

Place fruit in large pan on stove, stir in one package Pectin and 1/2 teaspoon margarine or butter to help reduce foaming.

Turn your stove on medium high heat. Stir the strawberries and the pectin mixture until it comes to a rolling boil, that can not be stirred down. Add the sugar quickly and stir. Bring the berry mixture back up to a rolling boil and boil for 1 minute. Remove from stove. Skim off any foam and discard the foam.

Place your funnel into the sterilized jar. Ladle the jam into your prepared jars. These jars, rings and seals must be sterilized ahead of time. Read Pectin package for sterilization procedures. Ladle enough jam so that it comes to 1/8 inch from the top of the jar. Make sure you clean the top edge of the jar by wiping off any jam that may of spilt onto it, before placing the seal and ring on the jar. This recipe will make 7 half pints of jam.

Invert your jars of jam for a few hours. Turn them back over and check the "button" in the middle to make sure that they have sealed properly. The button which is in the middle of the jar, should not pop back up. If any of them did not seal, those jars will have to be kept in the refrigerator not on your pantry shelf to be used immediately. Most people use the hot water bath method after the jam has been placed in the jars. There are directions for that on the package that comes with your canner. I choose not to use that method for myself , but that is up to you. Remember that there are principles of canning and they need to be followed carefully in order to ensure the quality of preservation of the food and safety for those who eat it. Ball Canning Book has a wonderful book on canning for those who would like a good resource.

This is my sister and I after spending the day jamming! We made 66 jars of strawberry jam, using 2 1/2 flats of berries, tons of sugar, multiple boxes of pectin 6 meyer lemons, and lots of love!

January 2011, Lynnie, my friend

2011-03-09T15:37:00.000-08:00

Lynnie and I have a common love in gardening. She is a meticulous gardener and can take a overgrown shrub and shape it into a beautiful display for everyone to enjoy.

The other thing I admire about her is her love of creating beautiful vignettes. This is her mantle in her home which she designed.

January, 2010 My Newest Interest

2011-01-16T07:36:00.000-08:00

I have been taking snapshots of Vintage and New Airstream Travel Trailers for the past few years, as I have grown to love them. I am sure my affection for these silver fuselages on wheels has something to do with our familys aircraft interest. My father, sister, brother, brother-in-law have been involved in the aircraft business at some point in their lives. Recently, I have been very interested in the newer ones especially the Basecamp. So next time you are on the road and one of these silver beauties is sharing the road with you take a moment to appreciate the workmanship and details.

January 2011 Remembering Nancy Luckey

2011-01-09T20:46:00.000-08:00

The Luckey Family and Friends gathered today at the Stonefire Grill in Fountain Valley to visit with Lauren and Kyle before they return to Italy. We also met to share in remembrance of Nancy Luckey, Bill's wife, Lauren and Haley's Mother and Maria's daughter. The girls organized a balloon release in her honor. Lauren shared that the balloons were being sent up to Nancy in heaven. I am sure Nancy was smiling down on all!

December, 2010 Rebecca's Field Assistants

2010-12-26T20:40:00.000-08:00

We were able to accompany Rebecca to one of her "sites" and help her with her field work. If you know anyone who is looking for Field Assistants, we come with experience and could get a letter of recommendation from Rebecca is necessary!

December, 2010 Christmas Dinner

2010-12-25T20:32:00.000-08:00

December 25th - Christmas Presents!

2010-12-25T20:22:00.000-08:00

December 25th - Christmas Morning

2010-12-25T20:18:00.000-08:00

2010, December, Christmas Eve Nieces

2010-12-24T16:41:00.000-08:00

These are Ray & my nieces, L to R, Monica, Mersadie, Becca (our daughter), Leslie (nil), Anna, Sandie and Lea.
I decided that there may not be a chance for all of us to be together again as an entire family and there is a lot of the Hernandez's and extended families, so I made each of the girls an apron. I used to sew for them when they were little for their dolls etc. It was fun picking out fabric and Becca was so helpful in selecting which print fitted which niece. Love you all!

2010, Christmas Eve with The Hernandez Family

2010-12-24T15:57:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from The Hernandez's, Tristan's, Castanon's, Miller's, & Ramirez's!

2010, December - Holiday Baking

2010-12-20T15:41:00.000-08:00

Yummy! Cinnamon Rolls from my mom Betty's recipe, Blackberry Cobbler from Pioneer Woman's cookbook, Snowball cookies from Mimi's recipe, Poppyseed Cake is a recipe I have had for years, Chocolate cupcakes with Crushed Peppermint Candy Cane Icing, Magic Cookie Bars from Gramma Betty. What did you bake for the holidays?

2010, December 17th Carol's Retirement!

2010-12-17T15:34:00.000-08:00

Whoo Hoo!! I am finally retired! I worked for several years for SVUSD, at Foothill Ranch Elementary and my final year and a half at El Toro High School. It was a wonderful experience and it afforded us the ability to put both of our girls through college so that I am so thankful for. I will miss all my friends that I have made, but know that I will see them outside of work as well so that will make this transition an easy one!

2010 December, Christmas Tea at Lynnie's

2010-12-11T15:28:00.000-08:00

My friend Lynn Will has an annual Christmas Tea with her friends at her lovely home in Mission Viejo. She spends many hours preparing the handmade invitations, epicurean delights, beautiful guest gifts, and decor. Thank you for sharing this with me, I look forward to starting the holidays with this celebration.

2010, December, Christmas Bunco

2010-12-06T15:16:00.000-08:00

I decided since this will be the last year I play Bunco with these lovely ladies, that I was going to chronicle it in pictures! I will be able to look back at the photos and remember all those fun years! Merry Christmas to all of you!

2010, December Celebrating with Friends

2010-12-06T15:07:00.000-08:00

Ray and I are so blessed to have these wonderful people in our life to celebrate with! We are so thankful to God for each and every one of you! We love you all!

Back L to R: Mike, Terry, Ramiro, & Ray

Front L to R: Letty, Esther, Teresa, & Carol

2010, December, House is ready, now where is Santa Claus?

2010-12-05T15:11:00.000-08:00

2010, November Saying our Goodbyes

2010-11-29T20:10:00.000-08:00

2010, November - Dinosaurs!!!!

2010-11-29T20:00:00.000-08:00

2010 November Christmas comes Early for Emily

2010-11-29T19:54:00.000-08:00

2010, November, Jack's 2nd Birthday

2010-11-29T14:37:00.000-08:00

We weren't able to be there for Jack's 2nd birthday, but Teresa sent me some photos so we could see all the festivities. Happy Birthday to our special little boy!

2010, November - Everyone Helps with the Cooking!

2010-11-27T19:43:00.000-08:00

2010, November - Time for Chores

2010-11-27T19:35:00.000-08:00

2010, November Snow Play!

2010-11-27T19:25:00.000-08:00

There are many ways to play in the snow. Sledding, rolling around in it, walking in it, swinging, and yes even when the tractor is clearing the road, it is so fun to play in the snow!

2010 November Icicles

2010-11-27T19:11:00.000-08:00

2010, November - Jack Jack!

2010-11-25T19:06:00.000-08:00

2010, November 24 Thanksgiving with the Hords, the Hernandez's and the Magoffin's

2010-11-24T18:52:00.000-08:00

2010, November 21st - On our way to QRR

2010-11-21T18:37:00.000-08:00

This is the Tejon Pass as we cross over it making our way up north to Jer & Teresa's home for Thanksgiving. We aren't quite sure of what lies ahead, but if this is any indication of the beginning of a storm, we are in for a white Thanksgiving!

On our way up, we got a call from Teresa, saying that we could not get up into the property, so we needed to stay in a hotel for the night and then Jer would be getting off work and we would drive up with him to a certain point, transfer everything from our car to his and then drive into the ranch. It's an adventure! Just look at that beautiful snow!

2010, November Baking

2010-11-12T14:22:00.000-08:00

Pumpkin Scones

Pumpkin Hand Pies Before & After

November, 2010 My Birthday Month, Roys in Palm Springs

2010-11-12T07:38:00.000-08:00

November 2010, Palm Springs, CA

2010-11-12T07:23:00.000-08:00

For my Birthday month, Ray took me to Palm Springs to celebrate. Mike and Letty surprised us by joining us for the weekend as well. Rancho Mirage had a fabulous art fair and Letty and I spent about 1 hour making these hats for us to wear. It was a fun and wonderful birthday weekend, thank you honey!

October, 2010, Unexpected Visit

2010-10-16T07:18:00.000-07:00

Jeremy (our sil) and Emily (princess in training) flew down over the weekend. They came down to pick up the Trooper aka Pooper Trooper, now aka Storm Trooper, and drive it back to the Ranch. Emily and I had so much fun in such a short period of time! She is growing up so fast! Thanks Jer for thinking of us and bringing our princess down for a visit! You are the best!

September, 2010 Rancho California

2010-09-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

The Band Heartless was performing at Bella Vista Winery over the weekend and we decided to camp at Rancho California RV Resort. It was a gorgeous weekend and the Hernandez's, Gomez's, and the Romero families and all their extensions enjoyed the day!

September, 2010 Fun in the Sun

2010-09-19T06:52:00.000-07:00

We are always ready for a day of relaxing by the pool!

September 2010 Roy's Restaurant, Palm Springs, CA

2010-09-19T06:45:00.000-07:00

The four of us are dining our way through Roy's Restaurants in various locations in the U.S. They are never a disappointment! Food was delish, and company was wonderful!

September, 2010 Indian Wells Resort, Palm Springs

2010-09-18T06:36:00.000-07:00

For our 33 anniversary, we traveled to Palm Springs. We decided to try The Indian Wells Resort, which is the hotel that Ricky and Lucy Ricardo established way back when! We were surprised when we opened our door to our room and our daughter Rebecca had a platter of chocolate dipped strawberries for us! Thanks Becca! They were scrumptiously delicious!

September, 2010 Aqua Caliente Resort & Casino

2010-09-18T06:17:00.000-07:00

We decided while celebrating our anniversary and Letty's birthday in Palm Springs to head on over to Aqua Caliente Resort & Casino for some fun. The menfolk were on the 21 table and Letty and I decided to do a little shopping. While in the gift shop a lady asked if anyone was interested in seeing Cheryl Crow in concert in about 20 minutes? Letty and I looked at each other, wondered what the catch was, asked how much, she said free! We gladly accepted the offer, called the boys on the cell phones, met up with them, shared our story and went off to the concert. When we were waiting in line to be seated, we were so excited and were curious as to where our seats may be located. Low and behold these were premium seats, with their own dinner service, bartender and bar! It was such a wonderful surprise and the concert was incredible.

September, 2010 Haley Visits

2010-09-12T21:23:00.000-07:00

Haley, our goddaughter visited us for a couple days and we took her to Laguna Beach. We had lunch at BJ's, walked around downtown and visit all the shops in the area.

September, 2010 Visiting Stanford

2010-09-04T21:18:00.000-07:00

September, 2010 Becca's New Home

2010-09-04T21:15:00.000-07:00

September, 2010 Moving Day!

2010-09-03T21:05:00.000-07:00

Packing Rebecca up and moving her new school!

August, 2010 Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day

2010-08-30T20:30:00.000-07:00

2010 August Rancho California

2010-08-27T20:51:00.000-07:00

2010, August San Clemente Pier

2010-08-14T20:46:00.000-07:00

August, 2010 Lodding/Lozano Wedding

2010-08-07T20:38:00.000-07:00

August, 2010 Teresa Hernandez's 50th Birthday Party

2010-08-01T20:24:00.000-07:00

July, 2010, Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV

2010-07-25T19:41:00.000-07:00

Flamingo Hotel, Las Vegas, NV

2010-07-25T19:35:00.000-07:00

Las Vegas Baby!!

2010-07-25T19:29:00.000-07:00

Ray and I went to Las Vegas this summer and I was lucky enough to win a jackpot!! I was so excited when I called Ray to tell him and ask him to come and see, I wasn't exactly sure of where I was on the Casino floor! So funny and exciting!

July 24, 2010 Hernandez Family Picnic

2010-07-24T19:23:00.000-07:00

Every summer The Hernandez Family gets together for a family picnic at Irvine Park.
It is a day filled with favorite dishes, games, water balloon toss, and a very competitive volleyball game!
Left to Right: Teresa, her grandson, Darren, Ray and Ramiro, Darren

July, 2010 Taking Mom and Dad to Pala Casino

2010-07-23T19:13:00.000-07:00

Mom and Dad love going to the Casino, so Ray and I took a day trip

to Pala Casino for a day of fun with them!

July, 2010 The Long Road Home

2010-07-01T18:58:00.000-07:00

We took 395 home going through Carson City, Topaz Lake, Mammoth, and June Lake. Neither one of us had been to June Lake so we took a side trip and visited it. It was beautiful and we thought it would make a great summer camping spot!

July 2010, Peppermill Hotel, Reno, NV

2010-07-01T18:51:00.000-07:00

We got a sweet deal and the kids came and joined us for a couple of days at our favorite hotel in Reno, The Peppermill. They have a wonderful pool area and when it is over 100 you really appreciate it even more! Emily made friends with a little girl and they swam all afternoon. Em also enjoyed the vanity area in the room's bathroom and using Gramma's cosmetics to play dress up! Jack even napped in the afternoon after playing so hard in the pool.

July 2010, Emily at Cabela's

2010-07-01T18:33:00.000-07:00

July, 2010 Road Trip to Reno!

2010-07-01T18:28:00.000-07:00

We took Hwy 80 over Donner Pass, on our way to Reno, stopping at Cabela's for a bit of shopping!

July 2010 Red Dirt

2010-07-01T18:14:00.000-07:00

Home away from home at QRR.
The kids have a camper that we get to stay in that is next to the main house.
We have all the comforts of home!

July, 2010 Taking a Quadabout

2010-07-01T18:04:00.000-07:00

In Austrailia they take "Walkabouts" but at QRR we take a "Quadabout".
We took a logging road on the property and it was incredible the amount of trees on the kids property. We ran into some fresh bear scat and decided to high tail it back onto the other side! We had so much fun driving around with our Emily in the trailer behind us!

July, 2010 Day to Loon Lake

2010-07-01T17:57:00.000-07:00

Jack played with Gramma in the water, while Emily and Papa caught a fish!
You can see that Elizabeth is also there we just didn't quite know it yet!
Loon Lake was beautiful and the water was really cold!

July 2010 Waiting for the pool to fill!

2010-07-01T17:48:00.000-07:00

It was so much fun playing with the kids as we fill the pool!

July 2010 More Faces of Summer

2010-07-01T17:07:00.000-07:00

More faces of summer.

July 2010, Summer at the Ranch

2010-07-01T17:01:00.000-07:00

Faces of Summer

June 2010, Mercedes Hernandez's High School Graduation

2010-06-01T17:52:00.000-07:00

June, 2010 Victoria Paige Piper's Graduation - Capistrano High School

2010-06-01T17:48:00.000-07:00

Teresa, Mrs. Carole Wong & Becca

2010-05-30T13:37:00.000-07:00

We attended the wedding of Teresa's friend Heather this past weekend and the girls were so happy to see that their Elementary School principal was also in attendance. Mrs. Carole Wong retired last year. The girls hadn't seen her for quite a few years.

2010, May Auntie Becca and Emily

2010-05-30T13:31:00.000-07:00

May 2010 - Jack

2010-05-30T13:25:00.000-07:00

FRE Family Retirement Celebration

2010-05-30T13:17:00.000-07:00

Maureen Chris, Vicki Loughran, Jan Williams, and Joyce Rubel were honored at a wonderful celebration at the Renaissance Hotel in Aliso Viejo. What an incredible evening to pay tribute to these lovely ladies. I have enjoyed working with them at FRE and miss them dearly. Jan and Vicki taught at my girls elementary school and I had the priviledge of working with them at FRE. I met Joyce when Teresa and her son Ken became friends in school at Trabuco Hills. Maureen Chris I came to know and love through FRE. We have spent many evenings having fun at Bunco, walking through Orange on a home tour, spending a special evening for the past few years during the Christmas holidays at a local church and enjoying this past year at Stagecoach. I feel so fortunate and blessed to call them my friends.

Georgia Cate's First Sewing Class

2010-05-30T12:52:00.000-07:00

You can sure tell Auntie Maureen has had some experience with babies!

Claire and Georgia Cate Ferrell.

Sweet as a Georgia Peach!

Becca happened to be home and was lucky enough to be able to meet and hold Georgia.

Bet you can't guess what I got for Mother's Day!

2010-05-30T12:44:00.000-07:00

MACRO LENS!!!

Mother's Day 2010

2010-05-30T12:40:00.000-07:00

Patti and I organized a brunch and invited the family over to celebrate Mother's day. What a wonderful way to honor our mom, Betty. Patti out did herself with the food she prepared. Happy Mother's Day Mom & Patti! Love you!

Double Dutch Chocolate Muffins

2010-05-30T12:32:00.000-07:00

http://www.kingarthurflour.com/ is my favorite place to buy flours, mixes, cooking utensils. Check out their website. They have a wonderful recipe section as well.

April 28th Patti Piper's Birthday Celebration

2010-04-28T12:28:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Patti's birthday this year with just the sisters. Lori, Patti and myself went to Claim Jumper for dinner and then came back to our house to open gifts.

Happy Birthday Patti!

The Huntington Library - April 2010

2010-04-26T10:20:00.000-07:00

Janet and Chuck invited us to a weekend in Pasadena. We stayed at the Sheriton Hote in Pasadena and visited the Huntington Library on Saturday. It is so beautiful. Perfect time of year to visit.

Taix French Restaurant - April 2010

2010-04-25T10:27:00.000-07:00

Saturday evening Janet and Chuck shared a restaurant with us. The Taix opened in 1927. It serves "Rustic Country French". It is fabulous! Check out their menu with prices here:

http://www.taixfrench.com/dinner_menu.html

Ray had Canard A L' Orange which is served only on Saturdays and it is something to try! They sell out early as it is a favorite with many. I had Escalope de saumon rôtie and the champagne sauce was wonderful. They take reservations and parking is easy with valet only. Service was perfect! You may take a bottle of wine and have it opened for a fee if you wish.

The Taix Family are the third and fourth generations of a family of sheepherders and bakers from the "hautes-alpes" in southeastern France who immigrated to Los Angeles around 1870.
In 1912 Marius Taix Sr. built a hotel called the Champ d'Or in downtown Los Angeles' French quarter. In 1927, Marius Taix Jr. opened Taix French restaurant within the hotel serving chicken dinners for 50 cents at long "family-style" tables. Diners could choose private booth service for an extra quarter. Taix's novel food, unique service and affordable prices make it a Los Angeles institution.
The present location opened in 1962 and continues to be a family affair. Family style service has given way to private booths, but Taix French restaurant remains faithful to the famed tureen of soup, sourdough bread, and abundant portions of French country cuisine at affordable prices. The restaurant dynasty is carried on by Marius' son, Raymond Taix, who has made sure that the character of the restaurant has remained unchanged, and his son Michael, whose passion for wines has resulted in an extensive, award winning wine list.
Taix Restaurant is proud of its' vintage staff; many can boast of serving more than three generations. We look forward to serving you and your family for many generations to come.

Los Angeles Arboretum - April 2010

2010-04-25T10:23:00.000-07:00

On Sunday after we checked out of the Sheraton we went to the Los Angeles Arboretum. They had quite an extensive cacti and succulent area which I was very interested in seeing.

Sprinkles Red Velvet Cupcakes

2010-04-25T10:05:00.000-07:00

If you haven't tried a cupcake mix by Sprinkles, this one is very surprising! The batter is so red it stained my fingers for days! But of course it was worth it. They are moist, light and delectable! I am hoping they brightened my friend, Patty's day when she received them.

Viburnum in April

2010-04-25T09:11:00.000-07:00

This is Snowball Viburnum Opulus, it is also known as The Snowball Plant.
So many people mistake it for a Hydrangea. They say it grows 10-15 feet tall and wide, but I have a feeling in some areas it may be larger. It is great as a backdrop in your border gardens and cuts well. In one of the pictures on the left you can see how the snowball start out, it does not begin to leaf out until the snowballs are formed and blooming and then after they drop it begins to fill in with more leaves. My particular plant blooms on old wood.

Sam's 17th Birthday - March 27th, 2010

2010-03-27T10:48:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Sam! Thanks for the picture Bailey, you are quite the photographer!

Easter at Quartz Ridge Ranch

2010-03-26T10:10:00.000-07:00

This is the day after Easter Sunday - we woke to a blanket of snow. The pictures are of taking Emily to school. I was so excited that it snowed for us as we had not been at the ranch in the snow yet. It was incredibly beautiful. The picttures just don't do it justice.

Collecting Eggs with Emily is one of my favorite things to do!

The ranch hands were hard at work building their "Mare Motel" to house the horses they have. Gramma was on "Jack Duty" (Em's saying) which just happens to be my other favorite thing to do at the ranch!

This is our little Jack on Easter Sunday at Perry Creek Winery. He is getting so big and just loves to be outdoors with everyone!

March 2010 Early Spring Garden

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Left to Right: Calla Lillies, Viburnum, Geranium, Camelia, Petunia, Succulent, Mixed Succulents, Geraniums in Hanging Baskets, Wisteria

My little man Jack

2010-03-13T20:12:00.000-08:00

Is he just too cute for words??

Emily's day of pampering

2010-02-16T21:26:00.000-08:00

You know when you live on a ranch there is not a lot of time for pampering, so Gramma decided Emily needed a day of girlie pampering, she got her hair cut, curled and braided, a manicure and pedicure too. All the while her patient little brother hung out with them. Of course it didn't hurt that they had a choo choo train at the hair salon!

Bathtime in the sink at Papa and Gramma's house

2010-02-16T21:15:00.000-08:00

Jack loves taking a sink bath at our house he can watch everyone outside through the window. He also keeps Papa very busy washing the windows after bathtime!

Papa takes Emily and Bailey to Disneyland

2010-02-15T21:11:00.000-08:00

Emily and her cousin Bailey enjoyed a beautiful day at Disneyland.

Jack

2010-02-13T20:35:00.000-08:00

Papa and Jack sharing Clementines

2010-02-13T20:28:00.000-08:00

Brunch with Doreen, Sam & Bailey

2010-02-13T20:21:00.000-08:00

Emily's First Golf Lesson from Papa

2010-02-13T20:14:00.000-08:00

Happy 7th Birthday Emily!

2010-02-13T20:10:00.000-08:00

Grandma Betty and Grandpa Bob, Great Auntie Lori and Patti came to celebrate Em's birthday at our house when they were down visiting. She is growing up so fast. It seems like it was just yesterday I was flying out of the house, boarding an airplane trying to make it to UC Davis Medical Center to be there for her birth. Luckily I made it in time and was there to watch my sweet Emily be born. An experience I will never forget and will always cherish.

Grandpa Bob and Jack

2010-02-13T20:03:00.000-08:00

My father, Bob turned 80 this January. Jack turned 1 in November. Jack is sharing his ice cream cone with him. Wow 79 years difference in age.

Josefina has visitors

2010-02-13T19:59:00.000-08:00

Josefina was so excited that Emily was bringing her American Girl Doll Chrissa to come visit.

Baking with Emily

2010-02-13T19:53:00.000-08:00

Emily and I enjoy baking together. This day we made six week muffins in her special muffin pans.

Apple Dumplings from Pioneer Woman

2010-02-12T09:16:00.000-08:00

These are the most delectable, delicious buttery apple filled goodness! Check out her website and her new cookbook.

Engagement Party for Rich Lodding and Cherilynn Lozano

2010-02-07T21:13:00.000-08:00

Becca's New Home - Riverside

2010-02-06T19:46:00.000-08:00

Becca has moved to Riverside from Colton to be closer to the University of Riverside where she is working now. She shares her home with 3 other Grad Students, lovely ladies, Heather, Sarah and Ali. The view out their front window is that wonderful hill and hiking trails in the large picture above.

Claire's Bunco Baby Shower

2010-02-04T19:38:00.000-08:00

Pioneer Woman's Blackberry Cobbler

2010-01-31T19:34:00.000-08:00

Christmas by Candlelight

2009-12-01T22:10:00.000-08:00

My friend, Shannon Oveson hosts a table at Christmas by Candlelight, St. John's in Orange. She has hosted a table each year and we are the fortunate ones as she gets to invite several guests to join her. The hostesses decorate the table in their Christmas finery. Each table has a different theme and dessert, tea and coffee. There is a guest speaker each year, covering different spiritual topics and there are always carolers from different venues in the area. It is a wonderful evening and always seems to put you in the Christmas spirit.

Jack's First Birthday

2009-11-29T22:00:00.000-08:00

Jack's mom spent all morning baking his special cupcake cake and making individual cupcakes for everyone invited to share in his special day. Grandpa Ron, Gramma Cindy, Papa, Gramma Carol, Emily, Daddy and Mommy, and many special friends were there to celebrate with him on his first birthday.

A day in the life of Jack

2009-11-22T21:51:00.000-08:00