This, That & The Other

Well, first there's THIS:

I got this sweet award from Grams. Grams is such a kind lady and is always thinking of others. I am thankful that I met her while I have been blogging and am so grateful for her friendship.

Thank you so much Grams!!

And then there's THAT:

"What is THAT?" I can hear you asking. THAT, my dear blogging friends, is a cheesecake. Now, you might be surprised by my answer- because I will agree with you when you say "THAT does not look like a cheesecake." So, here is the story. A little while ago I was reading my friend Carrie's blog and she posted this lovely Pumpkin Cheesecake recipe. And, while cheesecake is not my favorite thing, I thought- "Wow, that sounds good..... and easy."
And so I decided to give it a try. In case you are too lazy busy to click on over to Carrie's blog, here is the recipe.

The Cheesecake Factory’s Pumpkin Cheesecake

The crust:

1 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
5 tablespoons butter, melted
1 Tbsp sugar

The filling:
1 cup sugar
3 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese, room temperature
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup canned pumpkin
3 eggs
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp allspice

whipped cream

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Make the crust by combining the graham cracker crumbs, butter, and 1 Tbsp sugar in a medium bowl.
3. Stir well enough to coat the crumbs with butter, but do not over do it! Keep it crumbly.
4. Press the crumbs into the bottom and about 2/3 of the way up the sides of an 8 inch springform pan.
5. Bake the crust for 5 minutes and set aside until you are ready to fill it.
6. In large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, 1 cup sugar and vanilla. Mix with electric mixer until smooth.
7. Add pumpkin, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice and continue mixing until creamy.
8. Pour the filling into the crust.
9. Bake for 60 - 70 minutes, or until a fork inserted into the middle comes out clean. The top will be a little dark.
10. Remove the cheesecake and allow to cool until it is room temperature. Then put it in the fridge to continue to cool. Serve with whipped cream.

Now doesn't that sound easy? Well, mostly easy- I have no idea what a springform pan is, so obviously I do not have one. So, I bought a graham cracker crust (which, by the way, Carrie said she did too). The recipe said to use an 8 inch springform pan (whatever that is) so I bought a 9 inch crust.

I made the filling and as I was pouring it into the crust I realized I was not going to have enough room for all of my filling. I showed Rich who said, "I don't think you should add anymore filling to it." So, I added bit more- because what does he know about baking. (apparently more than I do) As I was adding a bit more filling I reasoned, "There is no baking soda or baking powder or whatever makes stuff rise, so it's not going to get any bigger."

I am sure that my mom is smiling proudly at this very moment about my baking abilities.

Anyhoo- since I didn't use all the filling (I still had enough extra filling to fill 6 muffin tins), I decided to set to oven for 50 minutes. When I went to check on my cheesecake after the 50 minutes were up, this is what I saw:

When I saw this, I laughed right out loud and said "I must take a picture, my blogging friends will enjoy this story." As you can see the cheesecake is kind of exploding out of the pan. Well, when I tested it to see if it was done, it was not. So, I trimmed ate the sides off and put it back in the oven for 10 more minutes.

I took it out 10 minutes later and it was done. When I took it out it looked like the picture I posted at the top. About a half hour later it looked like this picture here on the right. It was all sunken in and just did not look quite right. I don't think you can really tell just how very wrong it looked by these pictures.

So, does anyone know what I did wrong? I followed the recipe exactly as it is (except for the springform pan part) so I have no idea what I did wrong. It tastes pretty good, so I don't think I messed up any of the ingredients. If any of you who have more baking experience have some idea of why this happened, please let me know!

And now the OTHER:

When Hailey turns 18 in the year 2024 public in-state college tuition is projected to be $161,589. Public out of state tuition will be $259,854 and private school will be $328,977. So, I am thinking of adding some Google Ads to my blog to try to make some extra money. Now I am sure I won't make enough to pay for college, but every little bit helps. So, have any of you added Google Ads to your blogs? And do you find it is worth it?

An Award Here, an Award There, Here an Award, There an Award, Everywhere an Award, Award. Old MacDonald had a farm......

Oh my goodness. You all are overwhelming me! I have received several more awards in the last few days! So, here we go.

First I received this "Blogging that Hits the Mark" award from Terri at My4Kids. I don't really see any information about this award- but judging by the name I'm guessing that Terri thinks my blogging hits the mark. Awwww, thanks Terri!

Next I received this "One Sweet Treat to Read" award from Grams at Talk to Grams and apparently she thinks I am one sweet treat to read. Awwww, thanks Grams!
Next I received this "You're a Treat" award from Regina at Regina's Family Seasons. And you know what? Regina thinks I'm a treat. Awwww, thanks Regina.Then I received this "Friendly Site Award" from Kelly at Diary of a Caregiver. So, I'm guessing that she thinks my site is friendly. Awww, thanks Kelly!Finally I received this "Sisters by Blood" award from Sharon at Sit With Me Awhile. Although it isn't really an award. In Sharon's words, "So-- this is not really an award. You became a member of this sister club when you gave your heart to Christ. And so, if you are a Christian------YOU ARE MY SISTER! I am going to pass this on to women I have gotten to know. Women that by the heart they display through their blogs--show the blood they have been washed in. Blood, that at the cross--sealed our sisterhood for eternity.We will walk the streets of GOLD arm in arm! Post this (if you would like) with pride. Pride in the ONE who gave His blood, so that we would forever be bound together as............ SISTERS!" Wow- Sharon- thank you!
So, there you have it. Thank you so much ladies for giving me these awards! Right now I am too overwhelmed to pass them on. So I will have to do that at a later time. Or maybe not.

On a side note- you all probably already know this- but when I was doing this post I accidentally figured out that you can upload more than one picture at a time. Excited does not even begin to explain how that made me feel.

Blog Friend Forever Award

I received this Blog Friend Forever award from Grams last week. This award is "presented to awesome blog owners who keep their readers excited about their posts. Their blog posts are interesting (not spammy) and worth reading and keep their subscribers looking forward to each and every posts." Although the description doesn't say this- I'm also assuming because of the name, that you pass this award on to people you consider to be your friend forever. Getting this award from Grams means a lot to me. Grams is one of the sweetest and kindest ladies I know. She has become very special to me and I really treasure our friendship. If you don't already read her blog you should stop by and check it out here. Thank you Grams!

Updated to add: I also just received this award from Sharon. I always look forward to visiting Sharon's blog. She usually has some great spiritual advice and she is a wonderful lady! I am so glad I have "met" her and am able to call her my friend. Visit her blog here. Thank you Sharon!

I am going to pass this award on to Regina at Regina's Family Seasons. She's a new blogger and has a wonderful blog. If you don't read her blog yet, stop by today- I'm sure you'll enjoy her posts. She's an amazing mom to 5 kids and grandmother to a beautiful baby girl. She's full of wisdom and advice and is someone I most definitely consider to be a friend forever!

In other news- you all keep asking me how my birthday was. I had a wonderful day. Thank you all for the many happy birthday wishes you left on my blog! My parents were here from out of town to visit. We went out to dinner, had cake, and I received some wonderful presents. Later we enjoyed sitting and talking by a fire in my back yard. I had a great day. I'm not sure exactly why I feel so down about turning 30- I know it's not as old as I thought it was when I was a teenager. But, for some reason the idea of being 30 is down right depressing. But, my birthday celebration was just great!

Awards Aplenty

Apparently last week was the week for awards because I received several. And so, here they are:
This award was given to me from Sharon. I can't seem to find any information about this award, but given the name I assume it is to be given to people who lift you up. Thank you Sharon! I can always find encouraging uplifting words at Sharon's blog, so it's an honor that she passed this award on to me.

I don't see any rules about how many people I can give this to, so I am passing this onto to four people, as four is a nice even number, and I do like even numbers. And so, I pass this You Lift Me Up award on to:
Lifesong
Grams
Diary of a Caregiver
ZAM

This Mathetes award was given to me by Grams. I honestly had no idea what the word Mathetes meant, so I looked at Dan King's blog, Management by God to learn more about this award that he created. In his words, "Mathetes is the Greek word for disciple, and the role of the disciple (per the Great Commission) it to make more disciples. In the spirit of this award, the rules are simple. Winners of this award must pick five other "disciples" to pass it on to. As you pass it on, I just ask that you mention and provide links for (1)this post as the originator of the award (Dan King of management by God), (2) the person that awarded it to you, and then (3) name and sites of the five that you believe are fulfilling the role of a disciple of Christ." Wow Grams- what a compliment! Thank you so much for this lovely award!

I am passing this Mathetes award on to:
A Joyful Journey
Mindless Chatter of a Busy Mom
My Quotidian Mysteries
My Spot of Blog
Notes From the Laundry Pile

This Egel Nest Award for Blog Excellence was given to me from ZAM. This award was created by Brad Egel as a way to honor your friends who you think have excellent blogs. Thank you ZAM for this award!

I don't see any guidelines for this one either, so I will pass it on to four people. So, I am awarding the Egel Nest Award for Blog Excellence to:

My 4 Kids

O So Mo Love

So Shiok

Shalini

And finally, I received this award from Sharon and from Kelly. This award was designed by Mike At Ordinary Folk and was originally offered by Christy of Totally Fabulous. She says the award is for “bloggers who are fun, cool, and of course Totally Fabulous!” Thank you Sharon and Kelly for thinking I'm fun, cool, and totally fabulous! You ladies are pretty great yourselves.

Again, I'm passing this Totally Fabulous award on to four people:

Common Mom

La Bellina Mammina

Queen of a Disney Castle

Random Thoughts

Enjoy your awards ladies!!

You Make Me Smile Award

Last week I was given this award by Grams at Talk to Grams and by Sharon at Sit With Me A While.

This is what the person who created this award says about it- the thing that I love most about blogging is that I learn so much about a person just by reading their blog. I have met MANY wonderful people with wonderful stories to tell, and I am grateful every day for each person that I have the pleasure of crossing paths in life with. I wanted to create something special for the top ten people who have inspired me through their blogging; the stories they tell, and the lives that they lead with grace and dignity. I visit their blogs for inspiration and encouragement. Although there are MANY people I want to give this award to at this very moment, I am going to choose ten bloggers: Please grab your badge and wear it(with a smile) proudly, and pass it on because you inspire and encourage me, thank you. So, now it is my turn to pass it on.

Thank you Grams and Sharon! You both make me smile too.

And so now I get to pass this award on to 10 people (in alphabetical order).

1. Carrie's Crafty Cottage
2. Common Mom
3. La Bellina Mammina
4. Mindless Chatter of a Busy Mom
5. My 4 Kids
6. My Spot Of Blog
7. Notes from the Laundry Pile
8. O So Mo Love
9. Queen of a Disney Castle
10. Random Thoughts

All of you ladies make me smile every day! Enjoy your award.

Nice Matters

I have been given another award! Sharon at Sit With Me Awhile and KC at Mindless Chatter of a Busy Mom have both given me the "Nice Matters Award."

This is what The Nice Matters Award is given for, "This award is for those bloggers who are nice people; good blog friends and those who inspire good feelings and inspiration. Also for those who are a positive influence on our blogging world. Once you've been awarded please pass it on to 7 others who you feel are deserving of this award."

Thank you so much ladies! I think you're both pretty nice too! So, now to pass it on to 7 others. I choose (in alphabetical order) Debbie, JennieBoo, La Bellina Mammina, Lorikate, Melanie, Pam and Shionge.

I'm A Schmoozer

I have won another award. My head is going to get quite large if I keep getting awards at this rate!

Comfy Denim has bestowed upon me the Schmoozer award.

Here's what this is about:
“As it goes, schmoozing is the natural ability “to converse casually, especially in order to gain an advantage or make a social connection.” Good schmoozers effortlessly weave their way in and out of the blogosphere, leaving friendly trails and smiles, happily making new friends along the way. They don’t limit their visits to only the rich and successful, but spend some time to say hello to new blogs as well. They are the ones who engage others in meaningful conversations, refusing to let it end at a mere hello - all the while fostering a sense of closeness and friendship.”

Thank you so much Comfy Denim. That defines exactly how I want to make people feel, so this award means a lot to me.

And, now I will pass this award on to KC at Mindless Chatter Of A Busy Mom. She is one sweet lady who is a definite schmoozer!

I'm A Bloggin' Princess

This must be the month for awards because I have just received another award. Angel Mama from Pearls of Wisdom has given me the "I'm A Bloggin' Princess" Award.

The rules for this award are:

Pass it on to any 3 people who you think are bloggin' princesses! Tell why you think that person is a bloggin' princess and make sure you let them know!

I hate to break the rules, but all the bloggers I know are Bloggin' Princesses. So, if you read my blog- you win this award!

Thank Ya Very Much

KC, my blogging friend over at Mindless Chatter of a Busy Mom, has given me an award. Two awards actually, and here they are:

The reason for these awards are as follows:

For those who answer blog comments, emails and make their visitors feel at home on their blog. For the people who take others people's feelings into consideration before speaking out and who are kind and courteous. Also for all those bloggers who spend so much of their time helping other bloggers design, improve and fix there sites. This award is for those generous bloggers who think of others.

Thank you very much KC!!

And so now I am supposed to pass the awards on to five of my blogging buddies. I hate picking because I don't want anyone to feel left out. But, since I broke the rules the last time I received an award and did not pick anyone, I will follow the rules this time. Here are my choices (in alphabetical order):

1. A Joyful Journey- JeannaG is one of my newest blogging buddies. She is such a sweet lady and has a very welcoming blog.

2. My Quotidian Mysteries- Laura was the first person I ever tagged to do a meme and we have been bloggy best friends every since. She has tried to help me out with the improvement of my blog, but my head is a bit thick, so it's taking some time!

3. My4Kids- Terri has four kids and is in the process of moving her family to Alaska, where her husband has already started working. Even with all of that on her plate, she still manages to check in with me everyday!

4. Pearls of Wisdom- Angel Mama always has a kind word for everyone and is very considerate of everyone's feelings. I am glad I can say she is my friend!

5. Talk to Grams- Grams has a very welcoming blog and a big heart. She is most definitely a generous blogger who thinks of others.

Blogger Reflection Award

Grams over at Talk to Grams has nominated me for the Blogger Reflection Award. I was thrilled when she told me she had chosen me for this award. This is what she wrote about me:

"Melanie is a lovely young Christian woman, who loves and cares for her family deeply. She is a encouragement to me every day. Her Christian values shine through all of her writings. She always has something kind to say on all of her comments to everyone! She loves her little girl with so much love, that you wish all the little girls everywhere had a Mommy like her! She also tries very hard to be a wife that her husband is proud of everyday! She is one sweet lady!! I am glad she is my friend!"

Thank you so much Grams for your kind words!! I too am glad we are friends!

This award was originated by a teenage girl and here are her guidelines: "As for my award, it is called The Blogger Reflection Award. Why? The reason for the title is because this award should make you reflect on five bloggers who have been an encouragement, a source of love, impacted you in some way, and have been a Godly example to you. Five Bloggers who when you reflect on them you get a sense of pride and joy... of knowing them and being blessed by them. This award is for the best-of-the-best so consider who you pick, carefully. This award should not be given to just anyone. If you're going to do the award don't just write a few words and slap it on your blog. Write real thoughts about these bloggers and what they've been to you, and if the bloggers you pick have already been given the award, don't be afraid to give to them again. They deserve it as many times as it's given."

So, that means that Grams thinks I am the best-of-the-best. Wow! Again, thank you Grams!!

Now I know I am supposed to pass it on to five bloggers I think are the best-of-the-best, but I think all of my blogging friends are the best-of-the-best and I can't pick just five. So, I'm breaking the rules and not passing it on, because I just can't choose!

Woo Hoo!

I have received a very special award from ComfyDenim. Apparently she thinks I rock and has given me the Rockin' Girl Blogger Award. I absolutely love ComfyDenim's blog and so I am thrilled that she picked me. I couldn't be more excited!! I happen to think that she rocks too! So, now I get the privilege of picking 5 of my blogger friends to receive this award. Without further ado here are my choices (in alphabetical order, because I'm organized like that):

Carrie's Crafty Cottage- I know we just met last week and I don't want to be too forward, but I just love her blog and I think Carrie ROCKS!

Military Mommy- I can always count on a smile and a laugh when I visit this blog and I think Michelle ROCKS!

Mindless Chatter of a Busy Mom- Now this is one busy lady who makes time to write great posts and I think KC ROCKS!

My4Kids- Another blog I love that always has cute pictures and great videos and I think Terri ROCKS!

The Butler's Wife- She is a fellow member of blogaholics anonymous and I think Becky ROCKS!

So, there you have it. My 5 picks. Actually I think all of my blogging friends ROCK, but rules are rules and I can only choose 5 of you.