Slow cooker party beans

At the same church Classics event where I took the Easy Ice-Cream Sandwich dessert that I posted, I took a slow cooker full of beans.  The basic recipe came from The Shady Porch blog.

slow cooker party beans

I did double the beans as she suggested.  I used a full bottle 20 oz. of Famous Dave's Sweet and Zesty BBQ sauce.  I also browned about 1 lb.  of ground sirloin and 1 lb. of sausage.  And my last twist on this recipe was to add to add 5 fresh blanched peaches for last 30-45 minutes of cooking time.  After blanching, they were peeled and chopped.  Added just the right sweetness in the end.  

My son even ate them as leftovers the next day.  I was in shock!  He doesn't go for beans but he ate these.  I will make them again!

<^..^> Lori

Redfly Easy Ice-cream sandwich dessert

I found this recipe on Redfly and made it for a church Classics event.  It was a yummy and a hit!

I used Mrs. Richard hot fudge and Mrs. Richard caramel topping.  I used crushed Heath bars for my candy.  It was a very easy recipe to make.  

<^..^> Lori

Truth doesn't change just because we want it to change

I read this in a daily devotion from Ron Hutchcraft Ministries.  I really like to read his daily take on God's Word and today it had an exceptional message to me.

God's truth has never been decided by a vote, and God's truth hasn't changed-and it won't.

This is so true and it is so comforting to me.

<^..^> Lori

Look at this clever idea from Gretchen on Dollar Store Crafts-Dinasaur Serving Dish

I just think this dinasaur serving dish is a great idea for a kid's party or to inject some conversation into a church potluck.  I love to see the clever ideas people come up with...it reminds me that we are made in God's image.  God is infinite and so are His ideas.  I love this serving dish idea.  It could be made with lots of objects but having to fight a T-Rex for a cookie?...priceless!  Ok, I am going to have to find a T-Rex and try it out. 



<^..^> Lori

Be Different

I was inspired by this cool artwork on Rachel's blog post at "Harding (family) happenings".  Originally I asked her if I could print it and frame it for my Sunday School class.  She was so gracious to give me permission.

Then I got an idea to do it on a bigger scale in vinyl on the wall.  I couldn't reproduce it exactly but I think I have the spirit of the piece.  Here it is...

I used arrows that I either made with Silhouette Designer Studio or bought from Lori Whitlock.  It turned out okay but I really like Rachel's version better.  This wall is outside of the youth room at church.  The one "different" arrow is pointing into the youth room.  I think it works well there.

<^..^> Lori

Lightning strikes twice in our yard

About 4 years ago, lightning hit one of the two big pines in our back yard.  It travelled through the ground into the house.  It knocked out a basement window.  It killed a printer.  I was amazed that more was not damaged.  It happened in September.  We waited until the next spring to decide if it would survive or not.  We ended up having the top 10 feet or so removed and left the rest of the tree up.

1st tree was hit 3 or 4 years ago by lightning

2nd pine tree to be hit by lightning

large strips of bark laying in the yard

Last night lightning hit the other pine tree.  I hope they survive.  The first one looks a bit worn but still strong.  The second tree seems to be missing some bark but in pretty good shape.  I guess time will tell.

<^..^> Lori

More flowers are blooming in my yard

I decided to take pictures as flowers started blooming in the yard to remind me of the beauty long after it fades away.

yellow Coreopsis

Johnson's Blue Geranium and orange Tiger Lily

<^..^> Lori