Baby Blessing-Welcome Dexter Scott Richins

Baby blessings are one of life's sweet moments, followed by more sweet  moments celebrating with gathered family. The first Saturday in August we had the opportunity to go down to Beaverton Oregon for the blessing of Dexter Scott Richins,, the newest addition to the Steve and Sara Richins family. We were a little concerned that we wouldn't make it in time, since we needed to be there by 9 am coming from Gig Harbor.  Not to worry, mom got to our house right on time at six am, and we made it with plenty of time to spare even with a bridge closure and detour on the way. All went well and the blessing was really sweet.
Besides Harry, mom and I, Kevin, Jessica and their three children were able to come, so we had eight of the grand kids to enjoy.  After church we all met at the spray and play park near Steve and Sara's home for a pot luck picnic. Steve and Sara put up a big canopy over a picnic table near the waterworks and we turned the kids loose to get wet while we got dinner organized.  We had lots of great food, fried chicken, chips, watermelon, fruit and potato salads and Grandma's gooey fudge brownies and 'dino poop'cookies- a favorite for the grandkids.

Dinosaur Poop is the nickname my kids gave my mom's recipe for Saucepan Fudge Cookies.  I loved them as a child, my kids loved them, and now the grandkids love them too. They're  a great go-to for busy moms when a last minute or an easy treat is needed.  They are fast and easy to make and the ingredients are usually on hand. Almost more candy than cookie, they are really yummy.  The recipe follows:

Saucepan Fudge Cookies/Dinosaur Poop

Use a two quart saucepan. Prepare the counter with about 2 feet of waxed paper, or non-stick foil, or parchment paper.  Heat the following on medium heat, stirring frequently until the mixture comes to to a boil.        

1 stick of butter

2 cups of sugar

1/4 cup milk

1/4 cup evaporated milk, or yogurt, or sour cream

1/2 cup sifted unsweetened baking cocoa

1/2 teaspoon of salt

When it comes to a full boil stir constantly for one minute (the time is important, don't overcook), then take it off the heat and stir in:

4 cups quick rolled oats

1 teaspoon vanilla

Using two spoons, quickly spoon out dollops of the mixture onto the prepared non-stick surface. The mixture sets up quickly, so this is essential.  Allow the cookies to cool. They will harden some and over a little time they will become even firmer and sugary in texture.

Anyway, back to the party. I was really tired from being up late cooking the night before and getting up early, so I zoned and didn't take my usual hundreds of photos of the kids in the spray and play and on the playground.  The kids cruised by every little while all dripping and grabbed some food and took off again. The grownups vegged in camp chairs and talked and read books/Kindle. The sun was warm, with occasional clouds to give a little relief from the heat.  When it came time to pack up and go, Kevin and family to Astoria to continue their vacation, and us back home, it was hard to say goodbye, but very sweet to have had the time together.  And baby Dexter? He was just cute as he could be, and huge for two months old. He slept and got held by various doting family.  I got some baby time in, and it was really sweet.  So, no more blessings for awhile, we have no babies announced at the moment, and probably not any for awhile now.  I feel very blessed for all the sweet grandchildren we have here now...