a little thing that's called life. (and crazy kids)

hello all!  It's been far too long since my last post and i have greatly missed blogging and all of you ladies!  my kids have kept my hands full over the past few months and i seriously have been struggling to find any time to myself.  when i do find free time, i just don't even want to think.  haha!  i'm sure you all understand, but i thought i'd explain it all in a nutshell :)

anyway... is everyone looking forward to the holidays?  dave's family will be down here for 10 days to celebrate Christmas with us again.  we always have such a wonderful time with them.  lots of laughs, relaxing and good food. 

this year i'm especially excited as it will be my baby boy's First Christmas!  not only that, but my little girl is 3 now, and she's at that age where she understands what's going on.  the other night, she found the present stash in my walk-in closet.  when i told her she had to wait to open presents till Christmas day, she started crying her cute little eyes out.  it was sad, but so awesome at the same time!  i love getting to see Christmas though her eyes!

okay, well i can't stay on much longer, but here's my kids Christmas picture:

 

Guest Blog - S'mores Cookie Bars

Hello fellow bloggers!

My name is Ashlee from The Crafty Dough Puncher and I am so excited to guest blog on all things aimee!

I love to bake, sew, and do crafts of any kind. My blog is quite the mix of desserts and everything crafty.  When Aimee asked me to do a guest blog for her, I knew immediately I wanted to make a fun "summer" dessert you can make year-round!  I went on the search for a s'more dessert and found the perfect one!

S'mores Cookie Bars

 recipe from Lovin in the Oven

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Grease an 8-inch baking pan.

 

 Here's what you need:

1/2 C butter, room temperature

1/4 C brown sugar

1/2 C sugar

1 large egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/3 C all purpose flour

3/4 C graham cracker crumbs

1 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

4 Hershey bars

1 1/2 C marshmallow creme or fluff

In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light.  Beat in egg and vanilla.

In another bowl, whisk together flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder and salt.  Add to the butter mixture and mix on a low speed until combined.  Divide dough in half and press half of the dough into an even layer on the bottom of the pan.

Place chocolate bars evenly over the dough -

Spread chocolate with marshmallow creme or fluff -

Place remaining dough on top of the fluff. It's easiest to flatten the dough and place it piece by piece on top.  Bake for 30-35 minutes, until lightly browned.  Cool completely before cutting.  These are great warm and at room temperature!

They are gooey and messy but oh so yummy to eat!

Happy baking!

*All photos courtesy of B. Kern*

all things averie.

well, this past sunday (sept. 5th) was Averie's birthday and my sister was down visiting for a few days.  unfortunately my husband had to work everyday last weekend, so we just went to mcdonalds, starbucks and lowe's.  (all of which were Averie's choice)  I mean, what kid in their right mind doesn't love mcdonalds?  and starbucks... haha!  don't worry - no coffee for this kid!  she loves the strawberries & cream frappuccino.  AND lowe's (her favorite place on earth where she got to run around like crazy and see her daddy.  :)   it really was a fun day!

here's a picture of my beautiful girl on her birthday.  isn't she cute?