Foodie Friday -- The Best Sugar Cookies in the WORLD

No, I'm not joking.  Seriously.  These are so good.

Sugar Cookies

• 3 cups flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 lb. (2 sticks) unsalted butter @ room temp
• 2 eggs

1. In medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In large bowl, beat butter with mixer until smooth.  Add sugar and mix well.  Add eggs, one at a time and mix until completely blended in.
3. Add flour mixture and continue mixing until smooth dough forms (2-3 min).

4. Wrap in plastic wrap and refridgerate for at least 1 hour or as long as overnight.
5. Remove dough from fridge and roll on lightly floured surface.  Roll dough to 1/2 in. thickness and cut to desired shapes.
6. Bake at 350 F for 12-15 minutes or until edges just barely start turning golden brown.
7. Once they are completely cooled, decorate however you like.

Now, go make some.  I bet you can't eat just one.  I promise these are lightly crispy on the edges and so soft on the inside.  Not mushy.  Not crunchy.  Just right.

I'm linking these beauties up to these sites.  Go check them out.

• Favorite Things Friday @ A Few of my Favorite Things
• Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest
• Foodie Friday @ Cheffie Jo
• Home and Family Friday @ Home is Where my Story Begins

Thoughtful Thursday -- Adoption

While I was pregnant with J there was a friend of mine who was pregnant with triplets.  She had a tough pregnancy and complicated delivery and when all was said and done, the Dr.s told her she would never be able to have any more children.  She was 21 at the time.  They had dreamed of a large family, and immediately knew that they would turn to adoption when they were ready to have more children.

In 2007 they adopted 2 of the cutest little boys you have ever seen.  One from Ukraine and one from Uzbekistan.  Each of them have special needs and have absolutely flourished in their new environment.  After they brought the boys home, everyone thought that they were done and their family was complete, except them.  Heavenly Father had more in mind for them and for their family. 

They are in Bulgaria right now picking up 2 beautiful little girls to bring home and join their family.  They are also visiting a third little girl who will join their family later this year.  As I have watched them go through this process I have been so impressed with their ability to see beauty and potential in sad/lonely/helpless little children 1/2 a world away.  I can't even imagine the love and peace and possibilities that these special children experience every day in the arms of their amazing parents.

If you want to laugh, cry, and be inspired, you can read all about it here.

Whatever Wednesday -- Chalkboard Makeover

First off, thanks to everyone who links up to my Messy Monday and Transform Tuesday parties.  I have so much fun reading your posts and always come away with several great ideas.

Today I'm going to show you a super quick project that takes little time, little supplies, but has a huge impact.

Super Cute Chalkboard

• chalkboard
• scrapbook paper
• scissors
• Mod Podge

1. Cut strips of paper to fit over the edges of your chalkboard.
2. Glue them onto your chalkboard with Mod Podge.
3. Cover the paper with Mod Podge to seal it.

Done!  I know just where I'm going to put this little cutie.  I won't show you just yet.  I promise you'll see it soon though.

Hope you have a super great day!

I'm linking this up to these sites.  Go check them out!

• Show and Tell @ Blue Cricket Design
• We Did it Wednesday @ Sew Much Ado
• Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Chic Cottage
• Strut your Stuff Thursday @ Somewhat Simple
• Favorite Things Friday @ A Few of my Favorite Things
• Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest
• Home and Family Friday @ Home is Where my Story Begins

Transform Tuesday -- Laundry Room Sneak Peek

I mentioned my laundry room several weeks ago, and am finally almost done.  I will do my big reveal next Tuesday.  I'm so excited!!!  You want a peek?

Here is the Before:

Sneek Peak of the After:

There is a little of this:

And some of these:

I used some of this:

And I made a couple of trips here:

I also got some of this:

I do the reveal next Tuesday, so stay tuned.

What have you done for Transform Tuesday?  Link it up!!

Here are the rules:

1.  Use the link to your actual blog post, not your general blog address.

2.  Grab a button and post it on your blog somewhere.

</P> <P></P> <P><BR></P> <P><center><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://pumpkinpatchdesigns.blogspot.com"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDAMfYekv2NCEXjM66gwAB2F8I6TVxEV0xaFG5VtfiPlGluZwU4wLybN37BOz4LUUTRN8WJ3TmROa3EoCMkIQXTztZtjmoP3w5dwKePhSQNhkw4RIZfHmZhLmG5WJIp6CXxrj7IpgwHcwd/s1600/pumpkin+patch+button+transform+tuesday.bmp" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right"> </td></tr></table></center></P> <P><BR></P> <P style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none">

</P> <P></P> <P><BR></P> <P><center><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://pumpkinpatchdesigns.blogspot.com"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBexbGxjHpZL6JzMWtJ6LjXwuOx1CYQvDi0AFQQtF5zCoYwRsjXfOuA01XuiMO7z9zWoFtrin0AtP_TO7tpxiEIDlNZ4c8yJGSGtH0pRC8EL_yBBhK-9zMey09kRZhyQ-m-kP5p8viTrSg/s1600/Transform+Tuesday+button-2.jpg " /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right"> </td></tr></table></center></P> <P><BR></P> <P style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"> </P> <P></P> <P style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"><BR></P> <P><center><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://pumpkinpatchdesigns.blogspot.com"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipsCDvqby2iTPyQizTydbTZVZiArP7G4TNduTxKoM0o-jG-kXeSc5h7_cdRCJ_FmC4QXK4uFssdefoPMzIrg6UPrhnLzHkGYgTKvl5RHR6giopvCZ5Cp4BAkUQ-MnPnIkfgw3yu4wSQjw6/s1600/Button+Transform+Tuesday.jpg " /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right"> </td></tr></table></center></P> <P><BR></P> <P>

3.  Check out what everyone has done and leave them some comment love!

I'm linking to these sites.  Go check them out!

• Market yourself Monday @ Sumo’s Sweet Stuff

• Making the World Cuter Monday @ Making the World Cuter

• Anti-Procrastination Tuesday@ New Nostalgia

• Take a look Tuesday @ Sugar Bee Craft Edition

• Show and Tell @ Blue Cricket Design

• We Did it Wednesday @ Sew Much Ado

• Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Chic Cottage

• Strut your Stuff Thursday @ Somewhat Simple

• Favorite Things Friday @ A Few of my Favorite Things

• Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest

• Home and Family Friday @ Home is Where my Story Begins

Messy Monday -- What a mess!!!

I was going to post a recipe for the yummiest sugar cookies in the universe today, but decided to do something else instead.  I'll post the sugar cookies on Friday...promise.

I try really hard to make sure that the messes we have in this house are productive and educational.  I feel like if I let the kids make mom-approved messes then maybe they won't want to make mom-is-going-to-loose-it messes as often.  Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't...as you can see here.

This is when I learned that cabinet kid locks don't really work. 

This is when my kids (and my nieces) learned that Tide doesn't taste very good.

This is when I learned that B can climb very high and knows how to open zippers like a pro.  This is also when B learned that when you paint your entire body with lipstick it takes 3 baths to get all of the pink off.

This is when I learned what my kids thought of my amazing chore chart.  :)  Just kidding.  They like the chart but my 2 year old likes the magnets better.  We need to find a new place for it.

This is when my kids learned that Mom isn't very happy when all of the toilet paper is off of the roll, all of the towels are on the floor, and the library books are used for light bathroom reading.

And today, my little man learned that when you trip and hit your head on the rocking chair you have to get stitches.  He also learned that when you get stitches you get an ice cream cone...even if it is Sunday.

What have you (or your kids) done for Messy Monday?  Link it up!

Here are the rules:

1.  Use the link to your actual blog post, not your blog address.

2.  Grab a Messy Monday button and put it in your blog post or somewhere on your blog.

</P> <P></P> <P><BR></P> <P><center><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://pumpkinpatchdesigns.blogspot.com"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1CFLPhXbrx2LwLWzztjTAKUbY1LxAgoeJAny5EEDMNSHbhAXaRJIA1p6uvwMEs0Kqoktrq1h1Ti3As1RnnSGu1JevQnSDIGRyzpm0ZTy5PSWo9mGBEOunpPHNweSfrr_iq0HmexXqyXah/s1600/Messy+Monday+button-2.jpg " /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right"> </td></tr></table></center></P> <P><BR></P> <P> </P> <P></P> <P><BR></P> <P><center><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://pumpkinpatchdesigns.blogspot.com"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKs1o47jqj9dE9mTglu2rVmHiPf1gbpFtAqmkN9IqHxctQ3Y1j4iw3AVSjBnoFSyr5CUjJbHzf1VhSstskTOK8ozVxy2LaUuGjKGQ2DzxoJjsyuirQoE_Il1x5asn9oHtdqL71YRwufuRS/s1600/pumpkin+patch+button+messy+monday.bmp" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right"> </td></tr></table></center></P> <P><BR></P> <P>   </P> <P></P> <P><BR></P> <P><center><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://pumpkinpatchdesigns.blogspot.com"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BD-VrmJKY6MT9xweSmOq7FX955VNIRkgJegyM8_wwQgXVr07TsgjhgO8jqjj_sUB3BGezI-cR-YD3aBXmRp3TRvYtMjCWBRd5_yjLg8teUOEG0Tkl1zVM-XLJx1EDo9nK6uwEjT5dTJ6/s1600/Button+Messy+Monday.jpg " /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right"> </td></tr></table></center></P> <P><BR></P> <P>

3.  Go check out what everyone else is up to and leave them some comment love!

I'm linking to these sites.  Go check them out!

• Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch

• Market yourself Monday @ Sumo’s Sweet Stuff

• Making the World Cuter Monday @ Making the World Cuter

• Anti-Procrastination Tuesday@ New Nostalgia

• Take a look Tuesday @ Sugar Bee Craft Edition

• Show and Tell @ Blue Cricket Design
• We Did it Wednesday @ Sew Much Ado
• Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Chic Cottage
• Strut your Stuff Thursday @ Somewhat Simple
• Favorite Things Friday @ A Few of my Favorite Things
• Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest
• Home and Family Friday @ Home is Where my Story Begins

Foodie Friday -- Sleeping Beauty Birthday

B turned 4 on Sunday.  She told me months ago that she wanted a Sleeping Beauty cake.  So, that's what I did.  I used Buttercream Frosting on the cake and Marshmallow Fondant on top of it.  The white "dust" on her dress is powdered sugar.  We could have taken the time to brush it off, but I actually like the look of it, so we left it there.

I think it is so cute and she really loved it!

And here she is.  Cinderella's shirt, Snow White's skirt, some tiara sunglasses and a Sleeping Beauty cake.  It doesn't get any better than that.  I can't believe my little Princess is 4 years old!!!

I'm linking up to these sites.  Go check them out!!

• Favorite Things Friday @ A Few of my Favorite Things
• Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest
• Foodie Friday @ Cheffie Jo
• Home and Family Friday @ Home is Where my Story Begins

Thoughtful Thursday -- The 'Pair' Tree

Alix over at Shadywood Chic is part of something amazing and I wanted to tell you all about it.  Her mom found out that the Susan G. Komen 3-day walk would be passing by their house and she thought it might be fun to decorate the pear tree in their front yard.  And decorate it they did!  With these beauties.

The family made over 50 pairs of breasts to hang in the tree.  It serves two purposes.  First to give all of the walkers a good chuckle and to lift their spirits, and second to raise money for the Susan G. Komen foundation.  You can read the personal side of it at Alix's blog or in this article in Chicago's Daily Herald.  If you want more information on how to donate, check out The 'Pair" Tree Foundation website.

The next time I feel like something is too hard or that my efforts won't really matter I'm going to think of Alix and her family.  Each of us has within ourselves the power to be something great.  I am always amazed and inspired when I come across someone who uses that power in such a profound way.  Thanks Alix for sharing this with me and for letting me share it with others.

Whatever Wednesday -- Word Blocks

My friend Maryle asked me if I would help her finish a project and of course I said yes.  They are word blocks.  Someone gave her all of the parts.  All she had to do was put them together.  So we put a movie on for the kids, got out the Mod Podge, and got to work.

There are 15 blocks.  Each block has 4 letters (or shapes) on it.  A solid color on the top and a number on the bottom.  The number is so you can use the key to spell the words you want.  My friend's stuff was all DIY and the key my friend had was photo copied, but it originally came from Cranberry Hill Mercantile and is called Spell-A-Bration.  I tried looking on their website for anyone interested, but had no luck.

The pictures are self-explanatory.  Like I said, the key we used was a copy, but it was clearly copyrighted.  I have called Cranberry Hill Mercantile to see if I can share this with you all.  I have't heard back yet, but when I do I will update this post and let you all know.  Thanks for understanding.  Either way, I'm sure you all can appreciate a really great craft!!!!

Thanks for stopping by The Pumpkin Patch.  I hope you...

I'm linking this up to these sites.  Go check them out!

• Show and Tell @ Blue Cricket Design
• We Did it Wednesday @ Sew Much Ado
• Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Chic Cottage
• Strut your Stuff Thursday @ Somewhat Simple
• Favorite Things Friday @ A Few of my Favorite Things
• Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest
• Home and Family Friday @ Home is Where my Story Begins

Transform Tuesday -- Blog Makeover!!!

Can you guess what my transformation is for today?!  I re-did my blog and I love it!!  So, what do you think?

I've wanted to do it for a while, but I had no idea how to do it and not much money to pay someone else to do it.  I finally just went for it and this is the end result.  There are still a few minor changes I want to make, so don't be surprised if you see me tweaking things here and there over the next few weeks.

Here are some new buttons for anyone who wants to grab them.

</P> <P></P> <P><BR></P> <P><center><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://pumpkinpatchdesigns.blogspot.com"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKs1o47jqj9dE9mTglu2rVmHiPf1gbpFtAqmkN9IqHxctQ3Y1j4iw3AVSjBnoFSyr5CUjJbHzf1VhSstskTOK8ozVxy2LaUuGjKGQ2DzxoJjsyuirQoE_Il1x5asn9oHtdqL71YRwufuRS/s1600/pumpkin+patch+button+messy+monday.bmp" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right"> </td></tr></table></center></P> <P><BR></P> <P>

</P> <P></P> <P><BR></P> <P><center><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://pumpkinpatchdesigns.blogspot.com"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDAMfYekv2NCEXjM66gwAB2F8I6TVxEV0xaFG5VtfiPlGluZwU4wLybN37BOz4LUUTRN8WJ3TmROa3EoCMkIQXTztZtjmoP3w5dwKePhSQNhkw4RIZfHmZhLmG5WJIp6CXxrj7IpgwHcwd/s1600/pumpkin+patch+button+transform+tuesday.bmp" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right"> </td></tr></table></center></P> <P><BR></P> <P style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none">

I used design elements from Fall Jamboree found at www.twopeasinabucket.com.

What have you transformed?  Link it up!

Here are the rules:

1.  Use the link to your actual blog post, not your general blog address.
2.  Grab a button and post it on your blog somewhere.

</P> <P></P> <P><BR></P> <P><center><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://pumpkinpatchdesigns.blogspot.com"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDAMfYekv2NCEXjM66gwAB2F8I6TVxEV0xaFG5VtfiPlGluZwU4wLybN37BOz4LUUTRN8WJ3TmROa3EoCMkIQXTztZtjmoP3w5dwKePhSQNhkw4RIZfHmZhLmG5WJIp6CXxrj7IpgwHcwd/s1600/pumpkin+patch+button+transform+tuesday.bmp" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right"> </td></tr></table></center></P> <P><BR></P> <P style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none">

</P> <P></P> <P><BR></P> <P><center><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://pumpkinpatchdesigns.blogspot.com"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBexbGxjHpZL6JzMWtJ6LjXwuOx1CYQvDi0AFQQtF5zCoYwRsjXfOuA01XuiMO7z9zWoFtrin0AtP_TO7tpxiEIDlNZ4c8yJGSGtH0pRC8EL_yBBhK-9zMey09kRZhyQ-m-kP5p8viTrSg/s1600/Transform+Tuesday+button-2.jpg " /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right"> </td></tr></table></center></P> <P><BR></P> <P style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"> </P> <P></P> <P style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none"><BR></P> <P><center><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://pumpkinpatchdesigns.blogspot.com"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipsCDvqby2iTPyQizTydbTZVZiArP7G4TNduTxKoM0o-jG-kXeSc5h7_cdRCJ_FmC4QXK4uFssdefoPMzIrg6UPrhnLzHkGYgTKvl5RHR6giopvCZ5Cp4BAkUQ-MnPnIkfgw3yu4wSQjw6/s1600/Button+Transform+Tuesday.jpg " /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right"> </td></tr></table></center></P> <P><BR></P> <P>

3.  Check out what everyone has done and leave them some comment love!

I'm linking to these sites.  Go check them out!

• Market yourself Monday @ Sumo’s Sweet Stuff

• Making the World Cuter Monday @ Making the World Cuter

• Anti-Procrastination Tuesday@ New Nostalgia

• Take a look Tuesday @ Sugar Bee Craft Edition

• Show and Tell @ Blue Cricket Design
• We Did it Wednesday @ Sew Much Ado
• Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Chic Cottage
• Strut your Stuff Thursday @ Somewhat Simple
• Favorite Things Friday @ A Few of my Favorite Things
• Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest
• Home and Family Friday @ Home is Where my Story Begins

Messy Monday -- Peanut Butter Play Dough

Now this is seriously fun!  My kids love play dough and we play with it often.  I have always made this version which is technically edible, but is so salty that no one would actually want to eat it.  I thought we would try a new kind and see how it turned out.  The verdict?  They loved it!

Peanut Butter Play Dough

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 cups powdered sugar

1. Dump all ingredients in a bowl and mix until thoroughly combined
2. Give it to your kids and have some fun!
3. If there is any left over, store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

There you have it.  So easy right?!  I forgot to take pictures (can you believe that?) so I borrowed this one from Make and Takes.

What have you done for Messy Monday?  Link it up!

Here are the rules:

1.  Link up using your actual blog post, and not your general blog address.

2.  Grab the Messy Monday button and post it somewhere on your blog.


</P> <P></P> <P><BR></P> <P><center><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://pumpkinpatchdesigns.blogspot.com"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1CFLPhXbrx2LwLWzztjTAKUbY1LxAgoeJAny5EEDMNSHbhAXaRJIA1p6uvwMEs0Kqoktrq1h1Ti3As1RnnSGu1JevQnSDIGRyzpm0ZTy5PSWo9mGBEOunpPHNweSfrr_iq0HmexXqyXah/s1600/Messy+Monday+button-2.jpg " /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right"> </td></tr></table></center></P> <P><BR></P> <P>   </P> <P></P> <P><BR></P> <P><center><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://pumpkinpatchdesigns.blogspot.com"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BD-VrmJKY6MT9xweSmOq7FX955VNIRkgJegyM8_wwQgXVr07TsgjhgO8jqjj_sUB3BGezI-cR-YD3aBXmRp3TRvYtMjCWBRd5_yjLg8teUOEG0Tkl1zVM-XLJx1EDo9nK6uwEjT5dTJ6/s1600/Button+Messy+Monday.jpg " /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right"> </td></tr></table></center></P> <P><BR></P> <P>

3.  Check out what everyone else is up to and leave them some comment love!!

I'm linking to these sites.  Go check them out!

• Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch

• Market yourself Monday @ Sumo’s Sweet Stuff

• Making the World Cuter Monday @ Making the World Cuter

• Anti-Procrastination Tuesday@ New Nostalgia

• Take a look Tuesday @ Sugar Bee Craft Edition

• Show and Tell @ Blue Cricket Design
• We Did it Wednesday @ Sew Much Ado
• Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Chic Cottage
• Strut your Stuff Thursday @ Somewhat Simple
• Favorite Things Friday @ A Few of my Favorite Things
• Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest
• Home and Family Friday @ Home is Where my Story Begins