Shimmery Holidays

I love that I bought 2 of these reindeers last year after Christmas (note pricetag still on) at Pier One for like 10 dollars each. I haven't decided where to put them yet. I placed one on the table to take a picture of it, and it actually makes an awesome center piece. I was going to put them both the hearth of my fireplace but they do not stand out there. Stay tuned for more pictures I finish my decorating.

Graduation Countdown - 10 Days

I came across these things of Ryan's from his childhood while I was organizing my garage last weekend. I can't believe 22 years goes by so fast.

What's Aunt Janae Been Up to Lately...

Just climbing a tree with Sparky Valentino, her llama.

Have you ever wondered?

What really happens under those tarps? And why does it take 2 guys to hold them up?

Have you ever wondered what football players do during a game when they need to pee?

Well, I had the luxury of sitting right behind the Cowboys one year and discovered to my dismay that they pee in plastic bottles under a tarp...

I didn't take these pictures - they were taken this year at the Thanksgiving game by a friend who wishes to be anonymous for obvious reasons.

Cruffles aka Cake Balls

Wendy made these for Thanksgiving using the DMN recipe below. They were delicious.

Cake Balls – Dallas Morning News
1 (18.25-ounce) boxed cake mix plus ingredients called for on box
1 (16-ounce) can prepared frosting
Almond Bark Coating or Confectionery Wafer Coating (both recipes follow)

Bake the cake according to package instructions. While warm, crumble the cake into a bowl with a hand mixer to a fine texture. Mix in frosting to make a paste, using 3/4 to a full can of frosting, according to taste. Chill the mixture for at least 2 hours.

Using a melon baller or your hands, form the mixture into 1 ½ -inch balls. Place the balls on wax paper; freeze at least 6 hours.

Working in small batches, remove the balls from the freezer and dip the balls into warm, melted Almond Bark Coating or Confectionery Wafer Coating, using toothpicks or forks to manipulate the balls. Remove the balls. Place the balls on wax paper to harden.
Makes about 30 cake balls.

Almond Bark Coating: In a double boiler, melt one (20-ounce) package vanilla- or chocolate-flavored almond bark, stirring constantly. Or, in a tall, narrow container, microwave almond bark for 45 seconds on High (100 percent power). Continue to heat in 15-second intervals, stirring between intervals, until melted; be careful not to scorch.

When almond bark is melted, stir in 1 teaspoon vegetable oil. If desired, stir in oil-based coloring drop by drop until you achieve the desired color. See "Where to find supplies" for purchase information.

Confectionery Wafer Coating: Melt 48 ounces confectionery wafers in double boiler or microwave oven per instructions for Almond Bark Coating. Omit oil. If desired, stir in oil-based coloring drop by drop until you achieve the desired color.