No Bake Cookies

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 stick oleo, margarine or butter (I used butter)
• 3 Tbsp. cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 3 cups oatmeal (old fashioned rolled oats, not instant)

Mix the sugar, butter, cocoa, and milk in a medium saucepan.* Boil for 1 minute.

Add the peanut butter and vanilla. Mix quickly until peanut butter melts, then add the oatmeal and mix til well blended.

Drop spoonfuls on tin foil, wax paper or parchment. Allow to set and cool completely.

Makes 2 dozen 3 inch cookies.

NOTE: *I opted to pour the chocolate mixture into a large bowl before adding the oatmeal.

Cinnamon Decor. FUN FOR KIDS...

Cinnamon Ornament Supplies:

• 1/2 cup cinnamon
• 1/2 cup apple sauce, store bought is best for this craft
• 1 tbs. cloves (optional)
• 1 tbs. ginger (optional)
• wax paper
• rolling pin
• cookie cutters
• straw or large nail

Cinnamon Ornament Instructions:

1. Stir together cinnamon and apple sauce. Add in 1 tbs of other spices like ginger and cloves (optional).
2. Mix ingredients with a spoon until dough become stiff.
3. Use hands to make the dough into a ball.
4. Roll out dough on a sheet of wax paper while flattening it slightly with your fingers.
5. Place a second sheet of wax paper on to the dough and roll out into thin layer of about 1/8 of an inch thickness. Gently remove the top layer of wax paper.
6. Cut out Cinnamon Ornaments using various cookie cutters.
7. Use a straw or nail to make a hole in the ornament to thread ribbons or wire for hanging later on.
8. Let ornament dry 1-2 days until fully dry and hard.

Ethans 1st. Birthday

September 10... WOW, where did the year go? It seems like I just had Ethan not to long ago, and it has been 1 year. It's amazing how fast time flies. Ethan started walking 2 days before his 1st. Birthday... now he is non stop, it amazes me every day what this little man does, how he acts, and how much daily his personality changes.
I did not make Ethan his own cake this year. Parris and Jacob made a big cake and we all enjoyed the same one. We cut Ethan of a piece, stuck a candle on it and the poor little man touched the candle AFTER it was blown out.. (bottom left picture, right before the tears) . But... as you can see, cake made it all better.
Here's to another year! May everyone enjoy each day and enjoy their family!