Sunday we had both families over for a Mother's Day spaghetti lunch.  We ate spaghetti and meatballs, had strawberry dump cake with ice cream and then opened mothers day gifts and cards.  I handed Grandma her gift and she said "Wow you really bought them out!"  before she had opened it.  (It was in a large gift bag)  Once she saw what the gift was, she was truly touched that I had used Granddad's old shirts to make her a quilt.  She absolutely loved it and said "I wish he was here to see this." I think Granddad is always smiling down on us painting or playing his horn.  She went home and immediately put it on her bed and it fit perfectly.  It was so nice having both families over this year to celebrate together!  (Also see my "Quilts" page under the CRAFTS section) 

  

I finished my Grandma's quilt last night of Granddad's old shirts!  I'm having family over this Sunday for Mother's day and I'll surprise her then.  I can't wait!  It took a while to make it (Biggest quilt I've ever made) but I think it turned out well.  His old shirts are in the center with a paint spatter boarder and music note outer edge and back.  The back has roses on it too.  He was a painter and musician, so I had to make sure to include music notes and paint!  I laid on the couch with it last night and it's perfect size!  His shirts are so soft since they were worn so many times.  I can't wait to see what she thinks!  I think she will love it! 

New recipes made this weekend fun!  First taco salad Friday and Sunday balsamic honey bacon chicken.  Both turned out delicious.

For the chicken I made a marinade with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, brown sugar, and steak seasoning.  I let it sit in the fridge for about 30 min- 1 hour.  

Next I made the glaze with honey, Worcestershire sauce bacon, and hot sauce.  

Oh man it was so good!  Recipe in the Dinners section.  

Friday night we made taco salads!  I got ground beef with taco seasoning, avocados, cheese, tortilla strips, fried jalapenos, shredded cheese, guacamole ranch dressing, green onions, tomato, olives, sour cream, and southwest salad mix.

You can also use grilled chicken, but we liked the ground beef best.  Recipe is posted in the Mexican food section.

It was so good we ate one Saturday and Sunday!  

I've cut out all of the squares and after several layout options ( with the help of David) I have decided on the diagonal layout for Grandma's quilt.  I think it helps to have a design.  If you missed the first post, I'm making a quilt for my Grandma out of my Granddad's old shirts who recently just passed away.  I'm so excited to finish it so I can see her face when I surprise her!  💕

Here are the pieces layed out on another blanket.  I'm starting to sew them together now!  There will be an inner and outer boarder as well and music notes with roses on the back!  

I finished Francesca's quilt earlier this week and shipped to her.  She received her surprise today!  She was so excited and absolutely loved it.  I just love making her day.  I had so much fun quilting this blanket for her new baby Cristian.  It turned out so well!  

The first completed square! 

Here I am putting it all together! 

The finished quilt! 💕

Last night I made almond chicken with rice.  A simple, fast, and flavorful recipe that reminds me of Chinese food.  

First I cut bacon into small cubes and put into a large pot with a tablespoon of butter.  Cooked until a little browned and set aside.  Then I saute'd onions, celery, and mushrooms and added bacon back into the pot.

Next, I cut the chicken into small pieces and added to the remaining ingredients until cooked through.   Once cooked, I poured chicken broth into the pot with some salt, pepper, soy sauce, and almonds.

The rice was steamed in my rice cooker while I was making the almond chicken.  

YUM!!

I'll add this recipe to the Chinese & Thai section