Hey ChattyRoo,
The difference between reg. and self-rising is: the self-rising flour already has salt and baking powder added to it so you do not have to add it to make biscuits, pancakes, etc.. Omit the salt and baking powder if the recipe calls for salt and baking powder when using self-rising flour.
Thank you for the pie crust recipe, I will certainly look at it and give it a try as I do bake alot and I love pie!
You know you mentioned your family cookbook, which I for one think is just a wonderful family tradition and warms my heart to know that there are families that actually do those kinds of things! Anyhow Jafo mentioned a website that actually makes cookbooks as you order them, he is doing it for X-mas gifts this year I thought ya' may want to check out his information on this in his post from earlier this morning!
Later, CCCathy