Spring Spoolie Swap 2015

It's cold and windy outside and other cities have been blanketed with snow. I think a little spring-thinking is in order! Last year, I hosted my first Spoolie Swap and it was a hit! I think it's time to work on another one. By the time we all get our spoolies, it will be spring! 

So what is a spoolie? Basically, it's a prettily decorated wooden spool that can be used as a base for any kind of little scene---big or small! Click on over to last year's reveal post for more ideas.

It's super easy to join the Spring Spoolie Swap. Just follow these steps:

*Send your name, mailing address, and blog address to sarah (at) hopeineveryseason (dot) com. (You don't have to have a blog to participate.)

*Please place the swap button on your blog somewhere so your friends can join in too! 

*Partners will be assigned on March 2nd. Please send your gift package by April 6th.

*Reveal party (blog posts) will be held April 23rd. (Participation is optional.)

*Spools must be wooden. Don't have a spool? Shop Etsy for some inexpensive ones!

*I know some of you are new to bloggy swaps so please feel free to ask me any questions!

{*swap is open to US mailing addresses only*}

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Linking with:
Beverly's Pink Saturday @ How Sweet the Sound

Mom's Chocolate Chip Cookies

Mom's Reward

Some women say it doesn't pay

to bake in the old fashioned way.

To fuss with recipes for cake,

to beat, to measure and to bake.

They say it's just a waste of time

when you can buy it for a dime.

Perhaps they're right, but heres the why

that I bake cookies, bread, and pie.

If they could watch a boys bright eyes,

and thrill at his unfeigned surprise.

If they could see that knowing look

that says, "Gee mom, you sure can cook!"

They'd know that I get double pay 

for all my time on baking day!

Welcome to the {Not Just} Homemaking Party! This poem is from my mom's collection. Please welcome her as she shares her thoughts and a favorite recipe. 

     Some of my favorite memories are the happy smiles on my children's faces when they walked into my kitchen full of sweet smells after a long day at school.

     My grandchildren have that same delighted look when they see my full cookie jar. 

     Today I decided that I would try to keep my cookie supply stocked even though my kids and grandkids have moved away. I can still get that same unfeigned reaction from my husband when he walks in from work after a long day. 

     I changed up my traditional chocolate chip cookie recipe a little to make a more cake-like cookie. Life is always changing and so are my cookies!

Christy's Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 c. butter
1 c. brown sugar
3 eggs
1 TB. milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 pkg. semi-sweet chocolate chips

Beat butter and sugar till creamy and add eggs. Continue beating till fluffy and then beat in milk and vanilla. Stir in flour, soda, salt and chocolate chips. Drop by large spoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet and bake in a 375º degree oven for 12 to 14 minutes.

The {Not Just} Homemaking Party

Hello! Welcome to The {Not Just} Homemaking Party! My 5 year old daughter, Avalon, has renamed our party! I told her that several readers have been concerned that their posts don't fit the category of homemaking---but this party is for everyone! So, she came up with this genius new name! So link up all your great posts---homemaking or not---and join in the fun by visiting the other party guests to see what they've been up to!