So, Bunny challenged us from her blog to share a Holiday recipe.  I have one that is particularly special to me – it’s my Papa Red’s gingerbread recipe. So, with Thanksgiving and Christmas coming up, I thought this one would be perfect!

Papa Red’s Gingerbread Recipe

2/3 C Shortening            1 C Boiling Water

1/3 C Maple Molasses      2 Eggs (unbeaten)

1/3 C Dark Karo Syrup     2 C Flour

2/3 C Sugar                   1/2 tsp Salt

1/2 tsp Baking Soda        1/2 tsp Baking Powder

2 tsp Ginger                   1 tsp Cinnamon

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§ Add shortening to mixing bowl

§ Pour boiling water over shortening and let stand until shortening is melted

§ Add molasses, karo, sugar, and unbeaten eggs

§ Stir until the sugar is dissolved

§ Sift Dry ingredients into mixture

§ Beat until smooth (batter will be thin)

§ Pour into a greased and floured 9”x13″ pan

§ Bake at 350^° for 30 – 40 minutes

Mmmm – I love this stuff!  My mom recalls that even when times were really tough for them, Papa would make this in the winter time after he was done working in the field.  So, there you have it, a lil bit of history.

Have a fabulous Friday and an amazing Weekend…and for Papa, hug someone you love!

Shannon

Ok, I told you there were LOTS of new goodies at DSO.  Mindi was kind enough to gather links and pictures (THANK YOU) so I could easily share with you (click the previews to head to the stores).  First up is my first paper pack – inspired by my Nana and her courageous fight with breast cancer.  She’s a 2-time survivor and the strongest woman I know.  She is truly amazing and if I can be half the woman she is in my lifetime, I will have done well.

Next up we have Jazzy’s new WordArt sets – she’s been busy now that her computer has been repaired.

Darlene has been busy too – she has 3 news kits in her store – 2 winter/holiday themed kits and one fun “coffee” theme kit.

If you missed Andrea’s latest freebies, they’re available in her store now – along with a new kit that will be perfect for your Thanksgiving memories.

Livia has released really cute buttons – inspired by the emoticons that are so popular in the online community.

Kim has revealed her latest grab bags, with too many products to list – all of them amazing (I snagged the bags).  The preview goes to Kim’s store where you can check out all of her new items.

And lastly, in addition to the items I showed you yesterday, Mindi also has a 2nd QP set available for you!

Wow – I told you we’d been busy lil Designers!

In response to a question in one of my blog comments, Tumbletime is a Mommy and Me pre-gymnastics program offered at one of the local establishments.  They also offer swimming and dance programs.  Nadya was eligible to participate starting at 13 months, but I didn’t pursue it until she was 18 months.  I wasn’t ready to introduce her to all of the “social” germs when she was that young and we were in the middle of summer vacations and planning a move, so the timing wasn’t as good for us.  Although I can definitely tell which children have been participating for a long period of time, I’m glad
we waited.&nbsp
; Nadya is mobile and stable on her feet and is really interested in exploring her world, so she really enjoys the activity.  I may pursue a Kindermusik class in January too – we’ll see how it things go and what our budget looks like.

Alright, it’s time for me to head to bed.  Have a great Friday!

Shannon

I thought I’d pop-in quickly before heading to Tumbletime with my daughter.  There are so many new goodies available – I can’t possibly show them all to you! Let’s start with Kristine’s new collab kit with Diane aka Carjazi, Winter Wonderland. I love the color scheme and it’s so versatile – perfect for winter, Holiday, or just about any other occasion LOs of anyone or anything!  This kit is HUGE  (38 papers,  3 alphas and too many elements to mention) and it’s on-sale until the 18th – you DON’T want to miss this!  Click the preview to visit the Wench’d Grafix Store.

Up next is Mindi – and she’s been BUSY!  All of these goodies are ON SALE, but not for long!  Click the previews to visit her store.

I’m running out of time this morning, so I’ll be back later with more goodies and general chit-chat.  Have a great Wednesday!

Shannon