Tip for Tuesday

Bob and I have a big glass jar in our bedroom that we put our spare change in.  We don't do anything with it until it's nearly full, and then we have the fun of counting it.  We usually try to use it for something special, or often use it for a vacation fund. 

Here's our latest pile of change, poured out onto the floor.

We separate it out into pennies, nickels, dimes...  and this time we even had some silver dollars.  Then we put it into rolls and see what the grand total is.

Here it is, all rolled and ready to take to the bank.  This time we had about $330!  It took about 1 1/2 years to fill the jar back up this time, but that's ok.
So, that's my tip.  Save your change - it really adds up!

It's all about me...

My friend Amy, over at love made my home, did a post last week about herself.  She and I are similar in that we don't post pictures of ourselves.  I know I prefer to be behind the camera!  Anyway, she took some selfies and then shared about herself.  I thought I should do the same.  I have many new blog friends who probably don't know much about me, so here goes!

This is me - just home from work, wearing my lovely green scrubs while trying to take a picture of myself.  Easier said than done.  :)
And now, a little about me:
I was born on Thanksgiving Day in 1960.  (That makes me 54)   I was the first child born to my wonderful, loving parents.  They went on to have 3 more kids, 1 son and 2 more girls.  I was brought up in a Christian home, where the Bible was read after meals, bedtime prayers were said and if church was open, we were there.  My parents lived out their faith - it wasn't just going to church.  I accepted Christ as a child and can't imagine what my life would be without that decision.
My Dad was a farmer, so there was lots of land for us to play on.  There was a creek to catch frogs, hills to sled in the winter and cows and chickens to see on a daily basis.  I remember bringing my Dad lunch when he was planting or harvesting.  Mom would pack something up and us kids would walk out and find him.  Other times he would come home for lunch and before he went back to work, he would spend time playing with us.  We really had great parents.
When I was in Junior High I started working.  One of my Dad's sayings was - "A little hard work never hurt anyone".  I started out picking blueberries, then worked on a strawberry farm, and when I was in high school I started working on a celery farm.  It was hard work!
I went to nursing school right out of high school, and when I finished I started working at a hospital.  I worked on the ortho/neuro floor, which was very interesting.  About this time, I met a guy...  and the rest is history! 
Bob and I got married when I was 21.  Our daughter Laura was born about 1 1/2 years later, Heather was born 3 years after her, and Andy came another 2 years later.  I was working part time and enjoying being a Mom!
When Andy was 2 we moved back to the town Bob grew up in, and we still live there.  The Director of Nursing at the local nursing home knew me from the hospital and asked if I would like a job there.
That was 24 years ago and I'm still working there.  I started out on call, working 3-11, then went to part time nights and finally to full time days, when the kids were older.  I really enjoy my job, the residents and the people I work with.
My hubby is a manager at our local True Value Hardware store.  We both have busy schedules and it can be hard to plan things because neither of us works a regular Monday through Friday schedule.
Our kids are now grown.  Laura is married to Aaron, and they are the parents of our 2 darling granddaughters, Alaina and Ruby.  Heather is marrying Andrew in about a month.  Our son Andy was in the army, and now that he is out, he lives in Kentucky, working on the same base he was stationed at.  He maintains the electrical systems on the Apache helicopter.
We are active in our church, and enjoy the friendships we have there.  Bob does caricature carving, woodwork and gardening in his spare time.  I like to cook, read, do digital scrapbooks and play with my granddaughters!
I think that's all for now.  If you have questions, let me know!  I'm leaving you with one more selfie.  You probably won't see another for some time.  :)

Nursing Home Humor

I'm sure you've all seen the yellow, wet floor signs meant to warn people from slipping.  We have them at the nursing home, and housekeeping puts them out whenever they are mopping the floors.
Recently one of the housekeepers came down the hall laughing, carrying one of the signs.   It had been altered a little.

One of our residents thought he was being pretty funny and added a few words to give a whole new meaning to the sign.  And if you look closely, he added something to the figure on the sign as well!
He did give us all a laugh!

Cooking Thursday

Today I'm sharing a yummy bar recipe. I'm often asked for this recipe when I bring these bars somewhere. It includes cream cheese and chocolate, so you know it's good!

Chocolate Streusel Bars

1 3/4 cup flour

1 1/2 cup powdered sugar

1/2 cup cocoa

1 cup cold butter

1- 8 oz pkg cream cheese

1 -14 oz can sweetened condensed milk

1 egg

2 teaspoons vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine flour, sugar and cocoa. Cut in butter until crumbly (mixture will be very dry). Reserve 2 cups crumb mixture and press remainder on bottom of 9x13 pan. Bake 15 minutes. Beat cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually beat in condensed milk until smooth. Add egg and vanilla. Mix well. Pour over prepared crust. Sprinkle reserved crumb mixture over cheese mixture. Bake 25 minutes or until bubbly. Cool and chill. Cut into small squares and store in refrigerator.

Wordless Wednesday

Tip for Tuesday

I don't know about you, but when I'm baking I never seem to plan enough in advance to soften my butter.  If you have the same problem, here's a solution for you.  I've been using this tip for awhile and it works great!
Put your stick of butter in the microwave and microwave it for 5 seconds, then turn it over one quarter turn, microwave for another 5 seconds, and continue until you've done all 4 sides.  The butter doesn't melt but is nicely softened and ready to be used!

Ruby's first sleepover!

You probably know that we usually have Alaina over to spend the night every other week, on my weekend off. We've been doing it since she was a baby and we so enjoy it! Ruby is now 2 months old, and this weekend, she came along with Alaina.

Here she is in the car seat, bright eyed and ready for the night.

Bob has been looking forward to some quality time with Ruby. She is so fun now, she loves it when we talk to her, she smiles, laughs and coos at us.  She especially loves it when Alaina talks to her.

Lately, Alaina has been taking all the blankets she can find and putting them on the floor along with the couch pillows.  She loves to have us all snuggle with her.  This time, she said Ruby had to snuggle too.

Ruby still has hair issues - it still stands up straight.  :)

Grandpa and Alaina had a little snack of cheese and crackers.

It wasn't all smiles - there were a few tears too.

The tears stopped when Alaina came and talked to her.

Snuggling with a sleeping baby is the best!

Tucked in for the night.

Here they are on Saturday morning.  I love the way Alaina looks out for Ruby.  She always tries to comfort her.  Do you see her holding Ruby's hand here?
We had fun and I'm sure it'll be happening again soon!