Only FOUR more Fridays!

Hang onto your hats.  It's gonna go fast!

Happy Friday after Thanksgiving!

Be back next week to continue with our Austin trip posts.

Skinny Corn, Cucumber and Tomato Salad

It's easy, it's fresh and oh so good.  And you can change it up anyway way you wish.  I made this for the fourth and can't wait to make it again! 

Ingredients:
-4 ears of corn, cooked and stripped from the cob
-chopped basil to taste
-1 medium cucumber partly peeled, sliced and then slices quartered
-one container of cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
-4 green onions sliced
-juice of half a lemon
-2-4 teaspoons of vinegar...the type and amount is up to you.  I used Balsamic.
-1 tablespoon of olive oil.

You can cook the corn stove top for a few minutes or microwave for 2 minutes...just wrap each corn cob in a damp paper towel.  Once corn is done strip cobs and mix all ingredients together.  Salt and pepper to taste.

I personally could have eaten this without any dressing.  Hope you enjoy the freshness of this salad.  It SCREAMS summer!

Adapted from HERE

Slipping and Sliding!

They pitched in money they had saved and found exactly what they wanted.  A mega slip and slide!!

And then it rained.  They were totally bummed out.

And then there was a break in the rain so they got it all set up and away they went...slipping and sliding.

There is just nothing like a slip and slide.  Enjoy the pictures.

Tin Can Wind Sock

Can you believe Memorial Day Weekend is just days away?!  We are super excited for an extra day with Brant and it makes it that much closer to us taking a break from school!!!  For us it also means grilling or firing up the smoker.  Brant will be busy with the meat while me and the boys are busy making homemade ice cream.  But let's not forget the decorating!


I made these last year for July 4th, but they are also perfect for Memorial Day as well.  So I just had to share this craft again.  But first make Black Bean and Corn Salsa .  Making this salsa will give you the tin cans you will need for the craft.  Besides you'll have a snack while you are doing this easy peasy, sorta kid-friendly craft. 

So let's get started.

You can use any type or size of can for this.  And customize it to your liking.  Which BTW I think these would also be FUN with a summer theme.  I'm dreaming of a bright blue can with a rainbow of ribbon on my porch in the very near future! 

So here is what you will need.

Supplies:
-tin cans
-spray paint (I choose white so my stickers would show up better)
-ribbon or material (I had all this in my stash so I didn't bother buying new)
-stickers (unless you can free hand really nice stars)
-hot glue gun
-crafty children are optional

**NOTE**
Make sure if your children are helping with this craft you have filed down any sharp edges inside the cans. 

After washing and drying cans I thought I would let the boys try spray painting.  DISASTER to say the least.  Brant can attest to that with the over spray covering his shop.  I took over at this point.

The boys helped by adding stickers all over the cans.  I used a small screw driver and hammer to make holes in the top for the hanger.  Thread string through the holes and tie off the string inside to hold the tie.  Next I glued ribbon and yarn inside the cans with a hot glue gun......NO burned fingers this time!

And there you have it Tin Can Wind Socks.

            How does your family celebrate Memorial Day? 

I hope you enjoy your weekend.  Make sure to get outside and have some FUN!!

~Inspiration for wind socks HERE

The Itch

I've been feeling it for a couple of weeks.  And without a doubt it is here.  The itching has started and will not go away.  I suppose it is the temperature rising outside. 

I am itching to stop school for a bit and get to the beach!!!

Heck right about now I'd take a little lake with a sandy shore!  Just to be near water is what I am after.  I love to sit back and watch the boys play and explore when we are at the beach or a lake......or near water.

Inevitably we always go home with treasures....which reminds me we have some in the truck from this walk along the riverfront yesterday. 

I'll let you in on a little secret.......I always have this itch. It just becomes more intense at this time of the year.  And Calamine lotion doesn't help.

Has the itch started with you yet?

 

Super Duper EASY Spring Wreath

I am SO ready for SPRING!!!  The crafts and baking have not been high on my list lately so blogging pretty much came to a stop.  BUT with little bits of SPRING showing I had to add a wreath to the front door.  And that did it.  I had to share.  This is the easiest wreath I have EVER done.  Took me all of about 5 minutes not including spray painting.  

So check it out.  Spray paint a grapevine wreath with any bright color that suits your fancy.  I say a spring color.  Make a few rosettes made from scrap fabric and hot glue on the wreath.  Add a strip of fabric for the hanger.  DONE!

So are you seeing little bits of Spring in your neck of the woods?  I am itching to get outside to plant.  We are seeing the grass begin to grow (mowing season is upon us) and lots of things blooming already.  I just know it is getting close!

I see porch time in my near future.  Happy Thursday to you.


***Come back tomorrow and see what we painted METALLIC SILVER!!!***

God's Box of Chocolates

God's Box of Chocolates--A Valentine's Day Devotional

by LauraLee Shaw

Everywhere I look near Valentine's Day, there's chocolate: boxes of chocolate in all the stores, chocolate on tv promising to be the only love you need, chocolate girl scout cookies--CHOCOLATE! I even saw chocolate Altoid breath mints in the grocery checkout aisle the other day! I think that's what led me to remember the famous quote from Forrest Gump: "Life is like a box of chocolates...you never know what you're gonna get." (I even remembered it with his accent.)

In reality, that phrase can be true in many ways. We wake up every morning completely unsure of what the day may hold for us. We've made our plans. Sometimes they even happen the way we make them. But we never know for sure, do we?

The days that come with caramel in the middle are my favorite. The ones with the strawberry goo are just so so--but the ones with coconut--YUCK! I'd rather go back to bed. Then there's the days where tragedy or difficult times come out of nowhere, and the chocolate sits in the pantry untouched...there's no sweetness to be had in those moments, it seems.

God knows that life as it pertains to circumstances is uncertain for us. That's why He comforts us and reminds us so many times that He is our constant companion, our steadfast friend, our consistently loving God and Savior. He doesn't keep promises the way we do:

"When people make promises, they guarantee them by appeal to some authority above them so that if there is any question that they'll make good on the promise, the authority will back them up. When God wanted to guarantee His promises, He gave His word, a rock-solid guarantee--God can't break His word. And because His word cannot change, the promise is likewise unchangeable." (Heb. 6:16-18, the Message)

You see, no matter what chocolate we are "in the middle of" right now, He is there--with the certainty of His promise today as well as His hope of heaven in the future. Listen to how the verse above continues to encourage us: (vs.19-20)

"We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It's an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God where Jesus, running on ahead of us, has taken up His permanent post as high priest for us, in the order of Melchizedek."

I love the visual picture of grabbing on to Him with both hands as He runs ahead of me to the Father. That makes me able to get up today and praise Him for whatever comes my way. This faith, this confidence, this hope is our unbreakable spiritual lifeline--HIS love for us no matter what, when, how or why. Let's binge on His priceless box of chocolates today...the sweetest and most satisfying of them all.

"Taste and see that the Lord is good;
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him."
Psalm 34:8

LauraLee Shaw is a disciple of Jesus Christ disguised as a wife, mom and writer. She is a contributing author to "Women of Passions," and a writer for "Internet Cafe Devotions.

Brownie Pie

Before I share a super decadent chocolate treat that would be perfect for your love on Valentine's Day let me catch you up a bit.  We ARE ALIVE!!!  For lack of a l  o  n  g boring story of why I have not blogged in almost a month let me just say this......it's not that I don't want to blog anymore, it's just that I don't care to blog right now.  If you are a blogger you will totally get that.  BUT something hit me to share this.  It hit me as I dished out the last two pieces of this Brownie Pie to the boys last night.  As it has always been on my blog when I try a new recipe that we all totally adore I must share.  So without further ado I give you this. 

Warning! It's rich!

This is a chocolate lover's dream!  Can you see all that ooey gooey goodness?!?!  We didn't stop here folks.  I made homemade whipped topping to cut all the chocolate because there is a bunch!  I also think just a couple fresh strawberries or raspberries on top would be so pretty.  And for Valentine's Day! YES!  Before I share the link let me tell you how this "pie" came about.  We are a family that loves to cook and bake.  Or just basically be in the kitchen together.  We all also love to watch Food Network.  So the other day me and the boys were watching Ina.  She was making this beauty.  On the show she called it Brownie Pie.  The recipe online she calls it Brownie Tart.  Call it whatever you like! 
We call it GOOOOOOOD! Here recently math has moved to the kitchen.  The boys love to help and make things so I figured we could kill two birds.  They learn more about fractions, common math and learn to cook at the same time.  ALL BOYS need to know how to cook!  So when Matthew saw this recipe he asked if they could make it.  I bought all ingredients and supervised.  They did a great job.  It is harder on me to let go in the kitchen.  It is so out of my comfort zone, but it truly is the only way they will learn.  Now if you are wanting something super rich you must give it a try.  It is super easy too!  You can find the recipe HERE .

Happy Tuesday y'all!  Just remember you've been warned!

Basketball-First Game

Last Saturday the boys had their first game of Upward Basketball.  It was an amusing game to watch to say the least!  Although there are a few boys on their team that have obviously played before the majority are CLUELESS!  Everyone wants to get the ball, but after that they are not sure what to do with it.  Running with the ball is quite common among these 3rd-6th graders.   

Ready to PLAY!

Just like any big game the team members ran out through a tunnel (with fog of course) and were introduced.  This was SO COOL according to the boys.  All lights were off so I did not get a picture.  After the teams were on the court a prayer was in order before the game began.

The game started and it went fast.  The team is split up during five minute innings (is that what it is called in basketball too?) to allow each player a chance to play.  The boys played two or three times during a hour long game.  This picture below is after their first time on the court in a "real" game.  I think it pretty much tells it all.  Ryan is completely tuckered out (or in disbelief!) and Matthew is thinking it all over.  And check out the kid next to Ryan! 

There is LOTS to learn, but if nothing else they are having FUN!  And at this point that is all that matters anyway.  It will be an adventure to watch how (or if) they progress. 

Love Is In The Air

One month away. It's not a holiday lets just get that clear right up front.  What it is however is a sweet day to show/share some love. 


I have yet to settle on what we'll do to celebrate Valentine's Day, but I will have to come up with something.  There is no way Matthew will allow me not to!  For now we are all feeling the love around here.


Love is in the air.


 

Brown Sugar Pecan Scones

Of course if you read my post from yesterday you know very well why I made these scones. 

That's right for our Downton Abbey watch party TONIGHT!!!!!!!  I'll spare you all my excitement and get on with the scones.

So on to the recipe.

Brown Sugar Pecan Scones:
Ingredients:
-1-3/4c. flour
-1/2 c. brown sugar
-2 tsp. baking powder
-1/4tsp. of salt
-1 c chopped pecans (and eight halves for the tops-optional)
-1c. heavy whipping cream( I have tried half and half before and was sorry I did!  Stick to the heavy whipping cream) 

Preheat oven to 425.

Mix dry ingredients together. Stir in pecans. Add cream, stirring just until soft dough forms. If too wet, add extra flour 1Tbsp. at a time. On floured surface, gently knead dough 5-6 times. Place on greased cookie sheet and pat into an 8" circle. Score into 8 wedges, gently separating. Sprinkle top with sugar. Bake 15-20 min. or until golden brown. 

 

**This recipe will also work when you change the brown sugar to 1/4 cup regular sugar and change 1 cup of pecans to 1 cup of cranberries, mini chocolate chips or any other dried fruit or chip you prefer.  I have also made these with just sugar....no fruit or chip.**

 

Now get ready for Season Four of Downton Abbey TONIGHT, January 5, 2014!!!!  8:00 central time!!!  Now I am off to make shortbread cookies!

 

Enjoy!

Happy New Year!!!

I know I am a few days late, but none the less....

Happy New Year!!!!!

Things are in full swing with changes constantly hitting us daily.  Change is good right?! 

I am so very thankful for all the changes and lessons we had last year.  And now we are ready for more!

Changes that come daily in life are certainly not always easy, but they make us strong and that is when we grow.  Like every other January this time marks when I get my stuff in order!  A time for me to organize, to time I desire to see clear, fresh lines and thinking about how I want this year to be different. 

When life is not always cupcakes and daisies, when the coffee pot totally overflows(seriously!!!), when your desires are not always met, when people disappoint you, when your camera dies right as you are going to take a picture of the first EVER bluebird you saw or when your children crack nuts all over the floor and don't bother to pick them up and you step on a shell, yep, that is when you (me) must stop and think about what really matters.

So that is my goal, resolution, hopeful---whatever you want to call it---for 2014.

To "Focus on What Matters".

Will I do it every single day?  Probably not.  But I have hope to!!!  And I will turn it over to my Heavenly Father to lead me daily.  It really comes down to attitude and making your day/life what you want it to be.  You know kinda like with children you pick your battles.  Life is the same way.  You have the choice daily as to how you will see things, react to certain situations, what you will allow to make you mad (and or happy) and so on and so forth. 

I have hopes this year of focusing on what matters.

Do you have goals, resolutions or hopefuls for this New Year? 

What We've Been Up To

I did not intend to take a break from blogging.  It just happened.  And when I thought about blogging nothing came so I knew it was to be. 

I suppose it might have to do with my different attitude this December.  A while back I blogged about saying NO to lots of things this year during December. 

IT HAS BEEN FREEING! 

We've been out of school for a week and will take this week off as well.  I can't believe Christmas is two days away.  December goes way too fast. 

So here is what we've been up to.

There have been many mornings like this.

Cisco time

Several hours during the day were spent like this.

Volunteering at OCS....helping a local church bring in toys.  The TRUE spirit of Christmas is giving!

And shopping was often done like this.  I pretend I don't know them.

WHY?!?!
 

I did try a few new recipes this season.  And a few afternoons were spent like this.

Childhood memories of licking the bowl.

And quite a few evenings were spent like this.  I bet we have watched more movies this December than we have the entire year!

Polar Express

It's really all about the memories for me in December.  It warms my heart to hear the boys say....."Remember last Christmas when we _______?"


So today I tell you this.........

God bless and Merry Christmas!!!  I seriously doubt I'll post again before Christmas Day.  Enjoy your family and friends.

You Can Give Something

 

 

A sweet lady I follow on Instagram posted this the other day.  I love what it says.  For me the ONE thing that matters at Christmas is to never forget the true meaning.  But I do get what this is saying.  And it got me thinking about those who have nothing.

I think spending time with family is pretty important around the holidays.  It's what I want my boys to remember.  Not that I don't want them to remember spending time with family every other day of the year.  But there is just something about being with family during the Christmas season.  It's about making memories. 

But what if you do not have a family to make memories with? Or what if this month brings struggles financially?

That is where I sat pondering.  What are some simple things I can do to give?  How can I be a light to others?  We all know Christmas time brings out the best in many people. We just want to do good to our fellow mankind.  But unfortunately there will always be crabby people.  And those that are a big Scrooge at Christmas.  How can I spread cheer to those that have nothing?

-Be kind with your words.  Speaking kind words, its simple really, if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.  Christmas time for lots of folks is a hard time for many different reasons.  I believe in speaking kindly to the person at the grocery store ringing up my groceries or the stranger I pass on the street because I just may be the only person to say anything nice to them that day or maybe the only person to say anything to them at all.  I just might make their day by saying something nice.  Last year when me and the boys would go shopping we made a special point to tell every single cashier at every single store "MERRY CHRISTMAS".  Many looked at us like we were crazy because we all three would say it, but many were so happy and appreciative that someone was taking the time to be kind.
-Smile.  Surprise people while your out shopping.  Smile at them as they pass you by.  Smiling makes me feel good anyway.  And doesn't it feel good to share what you love?  When I do this people often think I am up to something.  It's my little secret to get people wondering.
-Be of Good Cheer.  It would be easy to become discouraged and cynical about this time of year for some.  All the excessive shopping, buying and gift giving.  Especially when you may not have as much as others. None of us makes it through this life without problems and challenges—and sometimes tragedies and misfortunes.  BUT each day is as bright as our faith.  It really comes down to this, "It's all about attitude!"  You make the choice each day as to how your day will go.  Give yourself and the those around you (family and or strangers) a gift of kind words and a positive attitude. 
-Volunteer or Give.  SO MANY organizations at this time of year are in need of clothing (coats), food, and of course toys for Christmas.  And don't forget older kids and seniors.  We have been volunteering since before Thanksgiving helping to sort and stock food at a local non-profit organization my mother is director of.  Because she is director the boys are able to go.  Call and check guidelines at your local organizations for your children to volunteer.  The boys last about an hour .  It is not much, but every little bit helps.  Maybe you don't have the free time to volunteer.  Give a donation to an organization.  A gift card to a family in need.  Other ways to give during the holiday season might be visiting a nursing home.  Maybe making a meal for a busy mom with a new baby.   Sickness still comes during the Christmas season.  Check in on those who are ill.  Visit them at home or in the hospital.  Meals, shopping, babysitting are all gifts to give.  

Bottom line is there are many people hurting at this time of year.  Step out.  Reach out.  God made us to need each other. 

Oh Christmas Tree

We knew we would not put up a big tree this year, but the boys so badly wanted a tree.  So a little tree was in order.  We were blessed with a smaller Christmas tree from Brant's parents.  The boys were so excited to decorate it.  And this year I let them do it all. 

It turned out perfect.  It is just the right size for this little old house.  They picked out all the ornaments, we found a tree stand (which I adore!) and I already had the skirt from a previous small tree. 

I love to see what they picked out for the tree.  And I try really hard not to move ornaments.  Overall they did a pretty good job. 

And "every tree needs a star on top" they told me.

With "stocking hanging near by".  I asked them if they were ready for a new stocking (these look so babyish to me) and they promptly told me NO. 

 

I suppose Christmas is a time to be young.  After all Christmas does bring the kid out in all of us.