New Art Prints

Being a creative professional doesn't always mean we get to be creative. For the most part, I am very blessed to be able to put my God-given talents to use and call it my job, but sometimes there are weeks when I don't have any "fun" projects. Or sometimes I just get in a creative slump- kind of like writer's block.

A few months ago, I was approached by a woman in our congregation who wanted to commission me for some design pieces. For what the pieces were being used for the artwork had to be done in Illustrator (not my strong suit). I pretty much know all the ins and outs of Photoshop and InDesign, but Illustrator, eh. I had a really bad teacher that semester. I was a little nervous to start especially since all of the artwork had to be drawn from scratch. No help from Istock here. But it was so very refreshing to create something different than what I was used to. So much so, that I started working on these art prints Friday night. I was feeling inspired to put a fresh twist on some popular bible verses. I have been having so much fun doing these, I was toying with the idea of opening an Etsy shop. Not that I would make much off these, but I have been looking for extra creative outlets lately. Thoughts? Feedback?

Chocolate Eclair Cake

Occasionally, I feel the need to share a recipe on here. This is a very good, very easy recipe that doesn't take much time to make, but you will need to refrigerate it for at least a few hours before serving. You could always make a lower calorie version by substituting some of the ingredients for lower fat versions. Or not.

I got the original recipe from allrecipes.com

Ingredients
2 (3 ounce) packages instant french vanilla pudding mix
2 cups milk ( I used 2%)
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
8 oz. package of cool whip
1 (16 ounce) package graham crackers

For chocolate glaze:
1/4 cup milk
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup white sugar
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions
1. In a large bowl, combine pudding mix, 2 cups milk, and condensed milk; mix well. Fold in whipped cream and beat with mixer for 2 minutes.

2. In a buttered 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of graham crackers on the bottom of the dish.
Spread 1/3 of the pudding mixture over crackers, then top with graham crackers. Spread another 1/3 pudding over crackers; top second pudding layer with another layer of crackers, repeat a third time.

3. To make topping: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine 1/4 cup milk, cocoa and sugar. Heat until sugar is completely dissolved. Then allow to boil for 1 minute; remove from heat and add butter and vanilla. Mix well. Pour sauce over graham cracker layer and refrigerate for at least a few hours until set; serve. (It is even better the next day)

buddies

Reason #347 Why I Should Not Leave My Pantry Door Open

Twinkle, twinkle...

I have finally gotten around to downloading videos from my other camera. Here is one from a few nights ago. Depending on how ambitious I feel, you may see some more in the next few days...or weeks.

Saturday in the Park

Christmas Day

Opening his presents at his new table & chairs

Playing in his new tent. One of his favorite gifts

I guess its true that when you have been together so long, you really do start to resemble each other.

Leyton & Baylee

Uncle Richard

Christmas in the country

I have to say that this is the first time going to my dad's house that we did not spend any time in Natchez. I never left the country. It was actually kind of nice. Leyton loves being out there and riding in "Poppa's big truck" and going to look at the cows. So that is what we did. We also took a hayride on Christmas Eve that we can maybe make a yearly tradition.

Here are some pictures from the country:

(Christmas day will be posted next)

the hayride

McComb

We spent one of our days in MS in McComb with mom and Vince. It was a beautiful chilly day and we had a great visit!

This baby donkey, Noel, was 1 day old. How precious is she?