Molasses Cookies

   Last night was cool, rainy and relaxing.  Such a nice break from the heat.  We opened the windows and enjoyed the sounds of the storm during dinner.  The thunder roared, the rain pounded and we all decompressed and prepared for the upcoming weekend.  Later in the evening, Katie and I decided to make cookies.  We got the recipe from Michele at michelestreasures.blogspot.com.  They are spicy and delicious- crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.   
Treat yourself and enjoy!

Molasses Cookies

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup oil

1/4 cup molasses

1  egg

2 cups flour

2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt

3/4 tsp. ground cloves

1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 1/2 tsp. ground ginger

1/3 sugar to roll dough in

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Mix together brown sugar, oil, molasses and egg.  Combine flour , baking soda, salt, cloves, cinnamon, and ginger then stir into the molasses mixture.  Roll dough into balls then roll in white sugar.  Bake for 8 minutes on ungreased cookie sheet.  Enjoy!:-)

   

Destined for Adoption

     Today was the last day of Bible Farm and the girls and I feel so completely blessed to have shared this experience with such wonderful people.  The Peters family opens their home to children of all ages so that they can spend time together, learn about animals and farm life, make crafts and, most importantly, learn about God.  They charge a minimal amount of money- just enough to cover the cost of crafts- and even host a special day for handicapped children- free of charge.

   I wish you could meet their family!  Su Dawn and John have 14 beautiful, wonderful and amazing children- and 13 of them are adopted.  In just 2 short weeks I have grown to love them all.:-)  Su Dawn has written a book about their life and I know that it will be a blessing to anyone who reads it.  If you would like to see their family and/or purchase her book, please go to their website: destinedforadoption.com  God has certainly blessed them and, in turn, they are blessing the rest of us.

Pentagoet Inn

   Pentagoet Inn.  Classic.  Romantic.  Perfection.  This lovely gem is located in Maine and we are making plans to visit.  Jeff and I will be in Room 1 with it's sitting area located in a turret and beautiful views of the harbor.  The girls will be in Room 6 with a view of the garden.  We will be served baked apple french toast, featherbed eggs, homemade granola, fresh fruit and scones for breakfast on the front porch and enjoy candlelight dinners under the stars.  Alas, we are only dreaming....  We are studying the 50 states and Mandy's assignment was to plan a 6 day trip to Maine.  I think she has a future in this.  She has planned for us to go on a whale watching cruise, biking to lighthouses, antiquing, a visit to a spa, picnics on the beach, etc. and that's just the first two days!  If you get a minute, stop by and take a peek at the Pentagoet Inn (pentagoet.com).  Even the website is dreamy....

Sugar Free Candy

Remember these?  So fun to wear, but full of sugar...

Meet the new and improved candy bracelet.  Sugar free:-)

I am currently taking custom orders for bracelets and necklaces.  Contact me (Lori) at toosillysisters@cox.net.  It's like a party around your wrist!

Sign Ups End Tomorrow!

   ***Just a reminder that tomorrow is the LAST DAY to sign up for the Kid's Summer Swap!!   So far 6 people are signed up, but the more the merrier!:-)  It's going to be a long (and wonderful!) summer, so just think how fun it will be for your kids to get a package JUST FOR THEM in the mail!:-)***

The Glass Castle

   This book came highly recommended and I have to say that after reading two pages I was completely and utterly intrigued.  It's hard to explain.  I am not sure if I should be laughing or absolutely horrified.  It's so hard to believe that the author lived a life like this and survived to tell about it.  Amazing.  She must be an incredible lady to still feel love toward her parents, who must have some sort of mental illness.  I have only read a few chapters, but I know that I will be compelled to finish this in no time at all.  If I could just find a place to snuggle in for a few hours.  Remember those forts you used to make as a kid with chairs and blankets?  Perfect.

"I'm Leavin' on a Jet Plane"

   That's right, my friends, I am headed off to my desert island getaway!  Julie, from Joy's Hope, sent me the most wonderful package today full of goodies!  Wrapped in pink and green(my favorite colors!!), they were almost too pretty to open.  I did say, almost....  She sent me the cutest pink and white tote bag- and one for each of my girls!  Don't you LOVE the cute "M" and "K" she used to personalize them??!  Inside the pockets were yummy treats, nail polish and Burt's Bees lip balm!  She even made headbands for my girls.:-)    She also sent me the most darling journal EVER!  It is quilted with Julie's favorite fabrics and accented with sweet buttons- love it!  I can't wait to start the book she sent me for whiling away my time on the island.  The Pact by Jodi Picoult is certain to be wonderful as she is an excellent author.  And check out the darling bookmark Julie made!  On to the yummiest popcorn I have ever eaten!  The girls and I watched "The Secret Garden" this afternoon, so, of course, we had to try some.:-) Orville Redenbacher salt and cracked pepper flavor- gourmet!  I had never even heard of it before, but now I am addicted!  To top it all off she sent me the newest issue of Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion magazine.  How did she know that I love this magazine??  Julie, you are amazing!  Thanks so much for all the treats!