Gracious Rain

March 18, 2011March 18, 2011

Baby Cave Dweller

I read once that if an adult tried to follow a toddler around and mimic all of the things that they do…

in one 12 hour period, that the grown-up would only last about 45 minutes…

then drop into an exhausted heap on the floor panting and gasping for air. Oh, I believe it all right.

Our little pixie is flitting from one thing to another at positively lightening speed–but what I don’t get is…

how do they fit all that energy into so many tight little spaces?

Never mind.

707

March 17, 2011March 13, 2025

The Missing Leprechaun

Sure am missing this particular not so “little person.” Feeling rather lucky to have him in our lives. :]

I’ve been asked by several people about the Crocheted Leprechaun Hat and Beard–from last year— so I thought I’d give you a close-up.

I’m working on the pattern–which is an profound struggle for me–but it’s coming along.

Thanks for your patience my friends.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone. Go eat some Lucky Charms…or corned beef…or green eggs and ham. Whatever…

March 17, 2011March 17, 2011

:: Quilts For Japan ::

Earthquake, tsunami, radiation, and now…

record cold temperatures and snow.

Utah Friends and family:

The LDS Church Humanitarian Center has put out an “immediate need” request for twin and full sized quilts to help those suffering in the aftermath of the disaster and now extreme temperatures.

In an effort to aid those suffering in Japan, we have scheduled a Orem church building this Saturday to tie quilts–as many quilts as possible. If you have any time at all this Saturday, please consider coming–even for an hour.

If you have flannel, fleece, sheets, yarn, or batting, that you’re willing to donate–it would help so much. We will also have a giveaway there as an added incentive–as if the cookies and good “servicey” feelings aren’t enough! :}

Those who live outside Utah, I know you can’t come, but could you pass this to anyone who would be willing to help in UT?

Saturday, March 19th

8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

1075 W 1100 N (church building)

Orem, UT

Please pass this on to anyone you can~friends, family, coworkers, etc.

If you know quilt or fabric shop owners (or avid quilters with a huge stash!) who would be willing to donate fabric or batting, please ask them.

This is obviously short notice, but also an easy thing we can do to give service and help our sweet brothers and sisters in devastated Japan. This would be a great opportunity to teach older children about the power of timely service–even when it might be a little inconvenient.

For more information, and a link to pass to friends, please go to April’s blog, here or the local Relief Society blog, here or email Launi@GraciousRain.com.

Thank you- thank you–from the bottom of our hearts!

Launi, April, Lyndi, Jillian and Dane
Gracious Rain

708

March 16, 2011February 27, 2015

Lucky Mint Pinwheels

Lucky Mint Pinwheels 2

Everybody knows that St.Patrick’s Day isn’t only about corned beef and cabbage. At our house, it’s about anything…green. Salad, asparagus, apples–why, even the milk and mashed potatoes aren’t safe. So, for dessert, aren’t these the sweetest little butter cookies—with just a hint of mint? Trust me–your little leprechaun’s will love them.

Lucky Mint Pinwheels

(Original recipe from Taste of Home)

Ingredients:

1 cup butter

1-1/4 cups sugar

2 eggs

1/4 cup corn syrup

1 Tbsp vanilla

3 cups flour

3/4 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 tsp peppermint extract

Green food coloring

Directions:

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in corn syrup and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture. Divide dough in half. To one portion, add peppermint extract and food coloring. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap; refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm.

Roll out each portion between two sheets of waxed paper into a rectangle. Remove waxed paper. Place plain rectangle over green rectangle. Roll up tightly jelly-roll style, starting with a long side.

Wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm.

Unwrap and cut into 1/4-in. slices.

Dip tops in sugar.

Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes or until set. Cool for 2 minutes before removing to wire racks.

Makes about 4-1/2 dozen soft, minty butter cookies. You’ll be glad you made these–I promise!

709

Lucky Mint Pinwheels

: Launi

Ingredients

1 cup butter
1-1/4 cups sugar
2 eggs
¼ cup corn syrup
1 Tbsp vanilla
3 cups flour
¾ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ tsp peppermint extract
Green food coloring

Instructions

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar.
Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Beat in corn syrup and vanilla.
Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture.
Divide dough in half.
To one portion, add peppermint extract and food coloring.
Wrap each portion in plastic wrap; refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm.
Roll out each portion between two sheets of waxed paper into a rectangle.
Remove waxed paper.
Place plain rectangle over green rectangle.
Roll up tightly jelly-roll style, starting with a long side.
Wrap in plastic wrap.
Refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm.
Unwrap and cut into ¼-in. slices.
Dip tops in sugar.
Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets.
Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes or until set.
Cool for 2 minutes before removing to wire racks.