20 YEARS AND PEANUT BUTTER CAKE BARS

20 years ! That sounds like such a long time doesn't it? It does to me also...unless you are talking about 20 years since your child has left this earth...then 20 years seem like yesterday. You remember every detail so vividly...like it was yesterday! But thank God that the good memories are so much stronger than that intense pain was those first few years. Yes, a hole was left in our hearts but as time goes by, that hole is filled with other wonderful things...such as memories, our other children and our sweet grandchild. I read something the other day and thought...OH how true this is!

You can shed tears that he is gone,
or you can smile because he has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that he'll come back,
or you can open your eyes and see all he's left.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see him,
or you can be full of the love you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember him only that he is gone,
or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind,
be empty and turn your back.
Or you can do what he'd want:
smile, open your eyes, love and go on.”

So I choose to smile, open my eyes, love and go on. He will forever be a part of me and one day we will meet again, and I will get one of his great big bear hugs...what a glorious day that will be! I love you Joshua!

 

Can you believe that school is ready to start?? Seems like summer just started.I can tell you this much, I SO do not miss the back to school shopping!! Been there...done that!

BUT my sweet grandson will be starting a new adventure at day care!

He has been with a private sitter since he was 6 weeks old and she has been

so good to him....but the time has come for him to attend daycare!

I know he will do just fine, he is such a sweet boy and so smart already (yes I know every grandparent thinks that their grandchild is the best and the smartest...difference is...Mine IS! LOL)

He is growing up so fast.

We have been so blessed!

He went from this....................... to this it seems overnight!

 

Good Luck on Monday Joshua...Ya Ya loves you BIG BIG!

 

A little back to school snack recipe!

Peanut Butter Cake Bars

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup butter, softened
• 2/3 cup Jif ® Creamy Peanut Butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 4 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 package (11-1/2 ounces) milk chocolate chips

Directions

• In a large bowl, cream the butter, peanut butter, sugar and brown
• sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Beat in vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt;
• gradually add to creamed mixture. Stir in chocolate chips.
• 
  
• Spread into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for
• 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes
• out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Yield: 2 dozen. 

PEANUT BUTTER CAKE BARS 

 

So you hear the news of someones passing...someone you didn't know personally, but felt like you did. Your first reaction is disbelief .."this can't be true". I just listened to him speak 2 days ago on my way to work...it can't be true? Then you find out that it is true...and your heart is so sad. Sad at the loss of such a wonderful, giving person...sad for his daughter and family...sad for his co-workers, who were such a close group of friends/co-workers. Sad for anyone who listened to him daily...and sad for his wonderful charities that he so loved! Once the sadness sets in, you begin to think about how happy he made so many people, just by talking to you on your way to work...being an amazing Dad....an awesome co-worker...and all of those special children who benefited from Kidds Kids! The legacy he leaves behind will shine, just as the life he lived. His last hours were spent doing what he loved to do and with people who meant so much to him.

Godspeed Kidd....the airwaves are all yours now!

 

On a much lighter note...my new little logo business seems to be taking off!

I have so far created 3 new logos and have another in the works.

Please keep in mind that I can create a logo for any business venture you have...

not just baking. It just so happens that the ones I have created so 

far are for bakers...from a recommendation from my sister!

Thanks Roxane!!

Here are the latest....

 

So if you are in need of a logo creation, business card, etc...just send me an email at

mth1392@aol.com and I would be more than happy to create for you !

Here is an amazing little dessert for you to try..if you love bananas and pineapple, you will love this loaf cake!!

PINEAPPLE BANANA HUMMINGBIRD LOAF

 

 

Ingredients

• 1 pkg. yellow cake mix
• 1 pkg. (3.4 oz.) Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding
• 4 Eggs
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 can (20 oz.) Crushed Pineapple, juice drained and 1 cup reserved
• 2 medium,ripe bananas, well mashed
For the Icing
• 2 oz. Cream Cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon of Milk
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350° Grease and flour 5 mini loaf pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, pudding mix, cinnamon, reserved pineapple juice, eggs and oil and mix on medium for 2 minutes, or until well blended. Fold in crushed pineapple, bananas.
3. Pour batter evenly into 5 loaf pans. Bake 40 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. Cool completely.
4. While loaves are baking, make icing. Use a small bowl and combine softened cream cheese with milk and sugar until smooth.
5. Drizzle Cream Cheese Icing over cooled loaves.

Notes

recipe from Dole. This recipe is for mini loaves, if you would like to make it in a 8" or 9" loaf pan, I have not done this, but I would think you would be able to get 2 loafs, and I would check for doneness around 60 minutes.

Check out her blog....she makes delicious goodies!

Tidy Mom

EXCITED - NEW ADVENTURE

I am super excited...want to know why? Well I will tell you why! For several years I have "piddled" around with computer graphics. I love doing it and it lead me to creating a weekly newsletter. I make all of my own graphics for my header and signature on my newsletter and also for this blog. I have been asked to create graphics for family members ....logos, labels, business cards and flyers. My sister, who is the proud owner of her very own baking/fondant business, Fancy Cakes, LLC, sent me a couple of her baker friends who wanted logos designed. SO I decided if I am going to do this, why not get a little compensation for it? So I am starting out small, and seeing where this goes. Here are a few of the things I have designed.

CLICK ON EACH PICTURE TO VIEW FULL SIZE

This is a business card I made for my sister who does amazing memorial blankets

This is a logo I created for my brother who makes the best BBQ/Dipping sauce around...not sure which one he decided to use.

The latest logo I made for my sister's cake/fondant business...she does AMAZING fondant work...check out her FB page ...you'll agree!

FANCY CAKES

And this is a flyer I made for my sister for her 35th class reunion. Sorry but I blocked out her personal info

These are also a couple of things I created for a co-worker and my sister-in-law as wedding gifts.

Something simple I created for my grandson....I also have one made for all my great nieces and nephews ( will get them to ya'll soon)

SO..this is my newest adventure. If you or anyone you know is looking for a LOGO...send them my way. OH the name of my "company" is

NEGLECTED BLOG & FRUIT LOOP PIE

My poor lil blog is feeling so neglected. To make up for that I gave her a new design....what do you think? Not sure I like it (I am partial to pinks) but it's growing on me!

So what has happened in the MONTH since I've blogged you ask? 

Summer is in full swing...hotter than the devils house

Enjoying having all of my chickies close by

Planning a vacation in December to the most magical place in the world!

Planning a couple of camping trips this fall

Got stuck in an elevator at Dillards for an hour!! Can now check that one off my bucket list!

Pretty boring summer huh? That's okay, its been a nice quiet summer, spending time at home with my little family...cooking, eating and sharing our days with one another. Not a thing wrong with that I'd say! We did buy a pool for them to cool off in and they are loving it.

Sharing just a few of our Summer 2013 pictures....

 

You have to capture a picture of The St Louis Cathedral when you visit

New Orleans..so beautiful.

  

And of course the pink flamingos at the Audubon Zoo

 

The entrance to the zoo...really nice!

 

My little man enjoying his pool!

 

 What a cute crack!

 

Making the announcement official!!!

I hope you are enjoying your summer....try to stay cool!

Here is a "cool" pie, that is refreshing and has Fruit Loops in it...what could be better than that???

FRUIT LOOP PIE!

 

INGREDIENTS:

Crust:

• 3c. of crushed Fruit Loops (crush before you measure)
• 1/2c. butter (melted)
• 1/2c. sugar

Pie:

• 8oz. Philadelphia Cream Cheese
• 1 (0.22 oz.) packet Kool Aid- Ice Blue Raspberry Lemonade flavor
• 2c. marshmallow fluff
• 8 oz. Cool Whip (refrigerator temp).

DIRECTIONS:

• Mix together Fruit Loops, butter and sugar.
• Press mixture into an ungreased 9 inch pie plate.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.
• Cool completely.
• Cream together Kool Aid and Philadelphia Cream Cheese
• Add Marshmallow fluff and blend well.
• Fold in 1c. of Cool Whip.
• Spoon into cooled crust
• Top with remaining Cool Whip
• Sprinkle Fruit Loops over the top
• Freeze for at least 2 hours.
• Serve chilled.
•  
• FRUIT LOOP PIE 

MEMORIAL DAY - FAMILY REUNIONS & LEMON WHITE CHOCOLATE BARS

Memorial Day, an American holiday observed on the last Monday of May, honors men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades.

 Unofficially, at least, it marks the beginning of summer.

 Your history lesson of the day!

I hope you all had a nice Memorial Day and remembered to observe the day for what it is!

 Yesterday we had our family reunion. I know when those 2 words are mentioned, most of us groaned.

Myself included!

But yesterday as I sat there observing this huge clan of Clement's (all 155 of us), I felt a sense of

pride. Even though we never visit with one another (other than reunions or funerals) its good to know

that the heritage that my great grandparents instilled in us...carries on...for many generations.

Below is a photo of some of this beautiful family...the 2 that are pointed out are my great grandmaw and

grandpaw Pete and Rose Clement. The precious child with the heart above her is....moi!

Cute as heck huh?

(if you click on any pictures in my blog, you can view them larger)
 I think this was in 1954 or 55.

We should always remember how important family is. I know we don't always get along...we wait much too long to spend time together...but we also know that when one of us needs something, the other is there for them...even if its just for a hug or a shoulder to lean on.

THAT is what family is all about.

 

LEMON WHITE CHOCOLATE BARS

Ingredients

6 KING'S HAWAIIAN Original Hawaiian Sweet Dinner Rolls
1/2 cup Graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup Butter melted
1 can (14 ounces) Sweetened condensed milk
1 tbsp Lemon zest (from one large lemon)
4 tbsps Lemon juice (from one large lemon)
1 tsp Vanilla extract
1 Egg
1 cup White chocolate chips

Preparation

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line a 9x9” pan with foil and spray with cooking spray.
2.  Tear up the King’s Hawaiian Dinner Rolls and add to a food processor.  Pulse a few times until only crumbs remain.
3.  Add bread crumbs and graham cracker crumbs to a large bowl.  Pour melted butter over the crumbs and stir well.  Pour into prepared pan and press firmly to compact.  Bake for 15 minutes, or until the edges just begin to brown.
4.  Meanwhile stir together the sweetened condensed milk, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla, and egg.
5.  Remove hot crust from the oven.  Sprinkle white chocolate over the top.  Pour the lemon mixture evenly over the crust.  Bake for an additional 23 minutes, until it just starts to brown around the edges and center is jiggly but bounces back when touched.  Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Mother's Day 2013 & Banana Pudding

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Although I think everyday should be Mother's Day....just sayin'! As we get older, we realize all the sacrifices our Mom's made and how unconditional their love is for us...and all the hell we put them through! Sorry Mom! I am proud of my Mom...she worked really hard when we were young kids...had 5 children by the time she was 30, and going to nursing school while raising 5 young children, and working at the same time! I know that could not have been easy for her, but she did it, and is one of the best nurses I have ever met. She and I did not always see eye to eye...especially in my teenage years...but I knew she loved me and she knew that I loved her.When I finished high school, I wanted to get as far away from her and Thibodaux (my dinky home town) as I could. So I joined the National Guards...without her or my Dad knowing about it. To say they were shocked is an understatement! But I was hell bound and determined to do this. I was away at boot camp for 2 weeks....and let me just say this...O M G !I was on the phone every chance I could get, crying, begging for her to do something to get me back home!!! Trust me, putting up with your Mom when you are 17-18 is nothing compared to boot camp! I stuck it out and completed boot camp...by the hardest. Then I was lucky enough to be able to return home and complete my training working at our local National Guard Armory. I was so happy to see my Mom....and I actually saw her in a different light. I think I kind of grew up while at boot camp! Don't get me wrong, I was still a rebel...but I appreciated what I had at home! THEN I got married...and had children. WOW now I REALLY appreciated my Mom! There is nothing like becoming a Mom to make one realize how much you actually put your parents through! So on this Mother's Day, I am here to say....Mom, I am sorry! But even more than being sorry, I want to say Thank You! I would like to think that I am the Mom, Nurse and YaYa that I am today, because of your guidance, strength, faith & love! Being a Mom is a tough job, but one I wouldn't change for anything in the world!

My Mom....

My sweet children - the ones who call ME Mom....

And my sweet sweet grandson - the one who calls me YaYa

 

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mom's out there!

A few Mom-isms

A little soap & water never killed anybody.

Always wear clean underwear in case you get in an accident.

Am I talking to a brick wall?

Are you going out dressed like that?

As long as you live under my roof, you’ll do as I say.

Beds are NOT made for jumping on.

Bored! How can you be bored? I was never bored at your age.

Did you brush your teeth?

Did you clean your room?

Did you comb your hair?

Do you think your socks are going to pick themselves up?

Don’t ask me WHY. The answer is NO.

Don’t cross your eyes or they’ll freeze that way.

Don’t eat that, you’ll get worms!

Don’t EVER let me catch you doing that again!

Don’t make me come in there!

Don’t sit too close to the television, it’ll ruin your eyes.

Don’t talk with your mouth full!

Don’t use that tone with me!

Don’t walk away when I’m talking to you!

Life isn’t fair

Go ask your father.

Go play outside! It’s a beautiful day!

Go to your room and think about what you did!

How can you have nothing to wear? Your closet is FULL of clothes!

If I’ve told you once … I’ve told you a thousand times.

If you don’t stop crying, I am going to give you something to cry about!

If you’re too sick to go to school, you’re too sick to play outside.

I’ll treat you like an adult when you start acting like one.

I’m doing this for your own good.

It’s not that I don’t trust you, it’s that I don’t trust everyone else.

I’ve had it up to here with you.

Life isn’t fair.

Look at me when I’m talking to you.

Money does NOT grow on trees.

Over my dead body!

Turn that racket (music) down!

Watch your language!

What part of NO don’t you understand?

When I was a little girl…

When I was your age…

When you have kids of your own you’ll understand.

When you have your own house then you can make the rules!

Where do YOU think you’re going?

Who do you think you’re talking to?

Why? Because I SAID so, that’s why!

You’ll understand when you’re older.

You’re going to put your eye out with that thing!

This is our dessert for this afternoon....yummy, can't wait to dig in!

This dessert reminds me of our younger days...nobody could make it like Mom!

BANANA PUDDING

 Ingredients:
                                                   
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
3 cups cold milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
4 bananas, sliced
1/2 (12 ounce) package vanilla wafers
                           
     Directions:
1.In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. 

 Beat in condensed milk, pudding mix, cold milk and vanilla until smooth. 

 Fold in 1/2 of the whipped topping.   

                        
2.Line the bottom of a 9x13 inch dish with vanilla wafers. 

Arrange sliced bananas evenly over wafers. 

Spread with pudding mixture.

 Top with remaining whipped topping.
Chill. 

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS.....

Good Sunday morning! I hope this Sunday finds you healthy, happy and content with life! It is storming here, but that's okay, I love the sound of the rain on a Sunday morning. Especially when you don't have to get out in it and can just relax in your jammies all day if you choose to! And I choose to!

A fellow blooger issued a challenge last week. The challenge was to list 10 of your "Favorite Things". So on this stormy Sunday morning, I am taking the challenge! Are you ready? 

Okay...here are a few of My Favorite Things....

1.Philosophy's Amazing Grace. LOVE the smell ...clean, light and fresh.

2. Anyone that knows me really well, knows how much I love Jujubees!!

 

3. My New Orleans Saints!!! Love them...win or lose!

4. My E-reader...I love to read and really enjoy my E-reader, although sometime, there is nothing like holding a book and turning the pages!

 

5. Louisiana Life Magazine

 

6. Hydrangeas - they remind me of my MawMaw so much!

 

7. My man....James Taylor!

8.Our brand new camper...just got it yesterday!!

 

9 My great nieces and nephews...love these kids so so much!

 

10. And my most favorite person in my world.....my sweet Joshua