a senior shindig

The evening began with plans for a family get together at the Newmans.  And ended with a fun surprise 50th/16th birthday party for daddy and little Jensen.  Everyone was supposed to dress up like old people and line the driveway with black balloons as my dad drove in.  I think we saw half the church at Goodwill getting prepared.  You never know what treasures you'll find there.  We came home with a walker, clip-on earrings, a cosby sweater, and a fanny pack. perfect.

After lots of laughs and dinner, the group indulged in poop cake and Whit's frozen custard.  Wait, poop cake? Oh yes... it was made in honor of Jensen life.  Hilarious, and oh so believable.

Happy Birthday to my little brother and papa bear!!

never say never

Not only did I just recently watch Justin Bieber's documentary with my sister and thus find inspiration for this title, but I also was fortunate enough to get a little shot at baking redemption with my beautiful friend Katie Grote.  So our last adventure was pretty much a disaster.  With Bakerella as our guide we decided to tackle some Red Velvet Cake Balls... we ended up with a red velvet snowman sculpture.  BUT, thankfully the story doesn't end here and we were much more successful with Samoa Cookie Bars- a spin off the that caramelly (?), delightful, shortbread girlscout cookie that almost everyone loves (this really was a miracle though since we compromised with the directions the whole way).  The caramel topping first was tackled first and thankfully we found a pan that heavy-bottomed enough.  Without a candy thermometer (I mean who really keeps those laying around?) I was a little unsure of when it would have the right consistency.  No worries though- Katie decided is was definitely "eyeball-able". And it was.

 The shortbread crust had a rough start too- for sure didn't resemble "wet sand" but our way was probably better.  Wise words from Katie upon a taste test: "I would say it like bread... but it's much... shorter".  Well perfect, I'd say we were successful then.

It's a happy shortbread creation

One of the keys to baking is patience.  Or so I hear.  For those who aren't so patient, they make the quick freeze shelf in the freezer.

And voila, we have Samoa bars. Enjoyable.  I just love the girls scouts.

 http://bakingbites.com/2009/02/homemade-girl-scout-cookies-samoas-bars/

sweet home ohio.

It's a great year to be an Auburn Tiger.  As thankful as I am have such a wonderful life on the Plains, it's great to come home for a breath of fresh air, a little family reunification, and no intermediate accounting homework.  Here's the view I came home to... hello pretty Lebanon:

It's strange coming home from college and seeing how much things have changed.  All the kids at church have doubled in size, the grocery store's been rearranged, stores have closed, remodeled or moved, new traffics lights installed(oops!), and all of a sudden your baby brother is as tall as you with his first truck.  But some things never change.  Little Lebanon has so many novelties calling my name- the library (where I finally got some books that didn't talk about bonds, inventory, or the national debt), Mom's Diner, Oh Suzanna, Manna Cupcake Cafe and of course Whit's Frozen Custard.  And what better way to live nostalgically than with some sweet friends.

Kendle, I thought my hair was getting pretty long until I saw this picture.  I've been humbled.

Miss Bella joining Beth and I on an custard/Tangled adventure.  She wasn't quite so perky when we got out of the car... We probably should've eased her into the real world Beth

 

Mission Accomplished: mmhmm Mud Pie.