Taking a break...

Be back in a week!!  Enjoy your day!!

He.

 

He is such an amazing son.  I thank God every single day for this boy.

He is out-going and friendly, unafraid to put himself out there and talk to people. 

 He is my social butterfly, and is always on the move. 

He is fiercely competitive when he and his buddies engage in a Nerf War outside, and has more sleepovers this summer than I can count.  

 He loves his iPod, playing soccer and basketball, and video games. 

 He is a loyal friend and hates it when anyone is upset with him. 

 He's been asking for more time apart from his little brother to "spread his wings."

He is the first to apologize when he does something wrong. 

He is simple and carefree and is all about having FUN. 

 He is sporting an excellent summer tan, and his dimple and long eye lashes remind me that he'll be noticing girls in the near future. 

 He's obsessed with dinosaurs and wants to be a paleontologist when he grows up.

He has a crazy imagination and comes up with the wildest things, and I so appreciate the way his mind works.

He's the healthiest eater in this house.

He is a deep thinker and an old soul, and I'm reminded of that when I hear his nightly prayers.  Hands down, the highlight of my day when I hear those.

He has an ongoing contest with his Dad and brother for loudest bodily sounds.

 He is a lot different from his older sister and younger brother in some ways, and is really good with that.

He is so very much like his father--his demeanor, his skin and hair color, his eyes and that beautiful squared chin.  But that nose and his wackiness--that's all from me.

He is simple and adventurous and sweet and funny, all wrapped into one.

And I'd be bored and lost without him.

 

Love you, Evan.

 

 

Fresh Pesto

Thought for the day...

 

Just sayin.

 

Enjoy your day!

Fry Fest 2013

We had a blast camping with friends recently. Since they're veterans at this kinda thing, we let them take the lead and helped. And by helped, I mean I took pictures and ate. My husband "helped." Ha!

Our friends Bill and Jim knew what they were doing.  They were planning this feast for a week!  The girls made the side dishes and hung out here...

The kids were starving.  So we started them off easy with corn dogs.  Fried, of course...

 Three friers, filled with grease.  Oh, yes.

 Homemade French fries=YUM...

 Cornish Hens were HEAVENLY. 

 The kids had a great time camping.  Swimming, bingo, games--you name it...

 Our friend Jim was an awesome cook.  He's had lots and lots of experience, too...

 Onion rings...

 These goofballs ate non-stop all day long...

 Mini pigs in a blanket...

 Mozzarella Sticks were delish, of course...

 Even peanut butter and jelly sandwiches--YES!!

We finished by frying over 20 different foods.  And we shared with SO MANY campers!!  Thanks so much for the fun--we can't wait to do the clam bake next!!

 

Enjoy your day!!

Make your own Monopoly game.

You can find the awesome directions here, including the ability to make your own money and the works.  Go to town with this one!!

 

Enjoy your day!

Enjoying the Summer

A couple weeks ago, we enjoyed the day in Marblehead, Ohio. One of our family's favorite summertime spots. The lighthouse, the parks, and the water, mixed with favorite people who stay there are the perfect combination for a getaway...

Every year, I take a shot of the three of our kids there.  They were hot and sweaty from rock climbing, but I love this photo nonetheless...

 

My nephew, waiting for fireworks...

And his sister, entertaining herself...

And my favorite of the whole day came from my sister and her two kiddos, watching the fireworks.

Enjoy your day!

 

Lace on Pillows DIY

I really love the sweet simplicity to this DIY. And it's inspired me to add lace to a few of my own here in our home...

Enjoy your day!

Journaling on a photo...

Just a thought for the day. Jot down a list of favorites before it escapes your memory.  They grow up oh, so quickly... 

Enjoy your day!!

Banana Caramel Poke Cake

Banana Caramel Poke Cake

Cook Time: 28 minutes
Yield: 16 servings
Ingredients For the Cake:

1 box (16.5oz) yellow cake mix (with ingredients to prepare, according to box)
1 box (3.4oz) banana cream JELL-O pudding mix
  I can (14oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 jar (12oz) caramel ice cream topping sauce

For the Toping:
1 box (3.4oz) Banana cream JELL-O pudding mix
1 cup milk 16oz Cool Whip, thawed
1 cup Nilla Wafer cookies, crushed
1/4 cup caramel ice cream topping sauce

  Instructions

1.In a large mixing bowl add cake mix and ingredients to make a 13x9 cake (according to package). Mix in box of pudding mix. Pour batter into a greased and floured 13x9 baking dish. Bake according to package directions.
2.Remove from oven and poke holes all over the top of the cake. I used a meat thermometer to make all my holes. In a small bowl, mix sweetened condensed milk with caramel sauce. Pour over warm cake, being sure to pour over the holes. Some sauce will remain on top of the cake. That's okay!! Cover cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
3.To make the topping, beat pudding mix with milk until no lumps. Fold in Cool Whip. Spread over cake. Top with crushed cookies and drizzled caramel sauce.
Keep refrigerated until ready to serve. Use within 3-4 days. ENJOY!

Special graduation photo album

 

I saw this idea on Pinterest, and thought it was fantastic.  Wouldn't it be great to not only receive this gift, but to GIVE IT??  Wow. 

 

Enjoy your day!!

Cooper.

 

This dog is loved and adored and spoiled.

And before getting him two years ago, I never thought--never dreamed--that I would or could love a pet as much as I love my pooch.  He was 9 years old when we got him, and I had no idea what I was getting into.  But it turns out, it was an addition to our family that was SUCH a blessing.  He is my shadow, my wingman, my pal.  We understand one another and move along this world at the same speed, for the most part.  He knows when I get my shoes that I'm getting ready to go somewhere.  He loves a van ride.  He recognizes the people at the bank, and knows which ones send him a doggie treat through the drive thru window.  He gets anxious when he has to be groomed, but is fine when Jami gives him a bath.  He sleeps a lot.  I guess I would if I were old, too.  He has a ticklish spot and acts like a puppy if you scratch his behind or his belly.  He doesn't like people to hold him, or when people touch his paws, but never acts out.  He rarely barks, unless someone is ignoring his need to go outside. He loves sitting next to me, wherever I am, and always stays close to my feet.  He is sweet and warm and once in a while, will look up at me and lick my hand or face, just to give me a smooch.  He is a joy and a blessing to our family.   He is all this and so much more...

 

I hope you have a pet that you feel strongly about.  I know I'm not alone in my obsession with my dog, but how often do you write it down?  Do you scrapbook your pet(s)?  I intend to do that soon.  I may just print this out and put it on a page, who knows...

 

Enjoy your day!

Flavored Butters

Found this blog post on flavored butters, and it inspired me to make more of my own.  You may recall this blog post on the knock off of the Texas Roadhouse butter (Cinnamon Honey Butter) that I used as a favor to our annual outdoor movie night last year.  I think I'm going with a variety this go round.  Give it a look see!

 

Enjoy your day!

Ella's Spa Birthday Party

A dear friend of our family turned TEN recently. And she had the birthday party of all birthday parties. So I'm going to share a boatload of photographs from the party, because it was simply over-the-top...

 Ella Turned TEN!!  She and her crafty mom made individualized cake stands for the mini cakes.  Too stinkin CUTE!!

The 8 girls were treated to a chocolate facial.  Yes.  It tasted divine!!

Out in the covered patio, they were fixing to have lunch...

While the girls waited, they helped themselves to a chocolate fondue fountain.  It was DELISH!!

Each girl signed up for a facial, make up, a mani/pedi, and a chair massage.  They read girlie magazines that were age appropriate, and listened to spa music overhead.  It was hilarious to watch these girls get into the whole thing.

 

I couldn't get over the attention to detail.  It was amazing!!

There was a photobooth.  Oh, yes of course.  Each girl got flip flops and a robe with their name embroidered on the front.  TOO CUTE!!

Aren't they LOVELY???

 

Happy 10th Birthday, Miss Ella.  I love you to BITS!!  xo

 

Enjoy your day!!