Winter Storm Leon

Today, schools were closed due to the crazy weather predicted to hit the area. Winter Storm Leon was supposed to drop snow and ice on the area, and the local school system took precautions. This meant that I got to have a day at home with the kids. Yea! Unfortunately, the snow that was predicted did not fall, only freezing rain and sleet... all day long. And, to make things better, it didn't get far above freezing temperatures. So, the kids and I stayed inside the warm house, and we decided to help out the heater by keeping the oven going all day in a baking marathon. Highlights?

Chocolate muffins, triple chocolate cookies, and shortbread for George and the kids. I also decided to use up the remainder of the Chex Mix makings from Christmas-time by making Creamer Chex Mix.

The kids enjoyed snacking and playing games all day long, and after a Duck Dynasty marathon, they slipped off into dreams of chocolate, peanuts, and baked goodies. I love snow days!

Fifteen years ago, the night that changed my life

On this night, 15 years ago, I awoke to the sound of gunshots in the woods behind my apartment. As I lay there wondering if I'd really heard them, my neighbor knocked on my door and confirmed that I was not dreaming. I called the police, and these two nice officers, Mike Saunders and George Creamer, Jr., showed up at my door a few minutes later. They searched the woods behind my house, and Officer Creamer came back to say that they had not seen anything suspicious, but if I heard anything else to be sure to call again. I stood there in my sleep shirt and jeans, thinking, "Gosh I like his smile, especially his dimples." I thanked them for coming out, and went back to bed. I was so impressed with their helpful and friendly attitudes, I decided to bake them some apple bread, and just happened to put my phone number in the card for Officer Creamer. The rest, as they say, is history, but I remember every moment of that night. To celebrate those 15 years, tonight I baked some apple bread for George,

and we will have a piece together for Mike, who was taken from us by a hit-and-run driver a few years ago. He always joked with George that he got my number, too, but George knows the truth. I met my soul mate that night, and while the road has not always been smooth, we've been on that road together ever since. I love you, George.

I am such a slacker!

This weekend, I received a gentle reminder from my wonderful husband that I had not posted since July. Has it really been that long? I have a lot of updates, but I think, instead of boring you with a really long post about what we've done since then, I'll gradually post things that make The Creamer Chronicles headlines.

For example, this summer I bought a subscription for Danny to Surprise Ride, a monthly educational kit including projects (with all supplies enclosed), healthy treats and books centered around a different theme. The kids have had a great time building and learning about the different culture and/or subject in each kit. Here are just a few examples of the projects they've made. One month's theme was "Pirates," and while Megan spent time building a bathtub pirate boat

Danny decorated a pirate's chest for his booty.

He has also built a martian from his "Space" box,

a Japanese lantern from his box about "Japan,"

and an igloo/snow scene (with Megan's help) from the latest "Penguin" box.

They've had a great time creating these projects, and I think they've learned something too! I highly recommend Surprise Ride for any family

Another great cooking class from Publix

Tonight, George and I attended a hands-on cooking class at the local Publix Aprons Cooking School. This class' theme was "A Bottle, a Blanket and a Basket"  and the menu contained picnic-themed foods. Starting with bruschetta with three cheese and caramelized onion spread, we moved on to a roast beef roll with arugula and pickled shallots, prosciutto-wrapped asparagus with lemon basil pesto, and strawberry cream-filled cupcakes, the menu was delicious. George and I really enjoyed the process of creating these new flavors. Here are some pics from tonight's adventure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had such a nice evening, and we can't wait to do it again.

National Ice Cream Day

Sunday was National Ice Cream Day, and to celebrate, we made a blueberry pie and some vanilla bean ice cream. The ice cream was pretty easy to put together as it only has a handful of ingredients.

Danny helped me by being the official stir-er of the custard.

And Megan helped me with the packaging after we froze the ice cream.

While waiting for the ice cream to freeze, the kids did rainy day projects from Surprise Ride, a web-based organization that puts together projects with all of the materials needed. Our subscription began this month, and the theme for July was pirates. Complete with a copy of Treasure Island, a snack, a paintable treasure chest,

a draw-it-yourself treasure map, and a floating foam pirate ship.

The kids had a blast, and I highly recommend getting a subscription. After project time, we ate dinner and broke out the ice cream. It was delicious! What an awesome end to the weekend!