My mother and grandmother have always had an Easter time tradition of making Paska, a Menonite sweet bread with frosting and sprinkles. I have actually started helping my mom with this tradition, and while I had previous engagements on her Paska making day this year, I still wanted to contribute somehow....Last week I was talking to a new friend at work and she explained that she only eats butter a few times a year, and that's when she makes it...yeah when she makes it. I was a little shocked, but then she reminded me of when you're a little kid and you put cream in a baby food jar and shake it till it's butter, and then I was like 'oh yeah, I know how to do that!' So this year my contribute to Paska day wasn't laboring over the bread itself, it was churning butter.

No not that kind of churning butter, this kind..

In moderation, homemade butter is awesome, and it was a nice treat for Easter. It was so easy too! All I did was put some heavy whipping cream into a glass jar and shook away! If you try it, make sure to leave about half the space in the jar for room to shake, or it might take you a bit longer. It only took about 20 minutes to make, and we just drained the extra liquid. I've heard that kids really like this too...even though it was me and Jim doing it...we had fun. :) 

Let me know if you try making your own butter!

Keep it real,

Roo

I have the most awesome face going on here in front of my candle-less birthday cake. The photo of me fake blowing out the candles turned out a bit blurry, so instead you get my half-surprised, not ready for the photo look.

Today is my birthday, but it was already celebrated last week, seeing as how today is Easter and all (I thought I'd let God get some attention today as well), other than Facebook messages, it doesn't feel too much like my birthday. I will say though, that as I reach the quarter-of-a-century mark I took a little time to reflect on where I'm at, and I have to say....I really like it! Despite a lot of stress lately and some huge changes in my life, I am really, truly happy and while I couldn't have imagined where I would be right now, (even six months ago) I would not change a thing!

I have to thank my husband first of all, I can not believe that we're married sometimes, and I love our moments that we just look at each other and giggle. Our family and friends are amazing! I can't count how many times we've had people take time out of their schedules to hang with us or help us with a project or move. We are so blessed. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my new job. I am so happy and so excited at my new place, and while I'm still learning, I know that I will continue to be challenged. Finally, I love our home! Even after growing up in Arizona, I'm not sick of it and while I would love to see new places and travel, I love the weather, the culture and that my family is here!