new every morning

Getting ready for V-day...

2012-01-31T18:17:00.001-06:00

For the last couple years, we've had a Valentines' Party with some friends from our homeschool group...and as it approaches, I'm thinking through the details, via Pinterest, of course!

As always, the links below the picture takes you to my pin on my "Valentine's Day" board...and you can click through the picture there to find the original source!

Decor ideas:

via

Craft ideas:

via

(...still in search of some "boy crafts" though!)

Ideas for Valentines:

via

And of course, food:

via

After all, who doesn't love pizza? And heart shaped pepperoni? Mmmm.

Please share valentines ideas that you might be planning!!!

Today...

2012-01-27T16:02:00.002-06:00

I'm so glad...

that today Brent returns from a week away in Mississippi.

(this was taken when we dropped him off on Sunday!)

I'm thankful...

that Mom has been able to be with us while he was gone!

I'm feeling...

a little bit sleepy.

I'm hoping...

that the cold front moving in will bring snow. (And there's a LOT of wishful thinking there, given the blaring sun across the 10 day forecast!)

I'm looking forward...

to using this new pan that arrived today! (And excited about the great deal on it right now!)

I'm a bit tired...

of keeping the house "ready-to-show". And it's been just over one week so far. But I must say, it's nice to have the kiddos more eager to pitch in and help. (I think they kind of think it's a game of sorts.)

I'm excited...

about the possibilities for where our AF journey will next take us!

I'm craving...

an Earl Grey Latte and a nap.

I can't wait...

until this arrives in theaters! (What can I say? I love romantic dramas!)

I am...

seven blog posts away from 500 posts. Wow. I think a giveaway of sorts is in order! What do you think?

I hope...

that you all have a lovely weekend!

French Market Stew

2012-01-25T08:00:00.000-06:00

I keep checking my recipe archives to see if I have shared this soup recipe with you.

I can't believe it's not there.

I received a bag of dry beans and this recipe from a lady that went to my church in college. The year I graduated, there were four of us girls from the church who were getting married that summer, so the church hosted a shower for all of us. The ladies of the church (and the college girls) filled a laundry basket full of wonderful recipes and kitchen utensils for each one of us. (I still have the laundry basket too!)

This recipe has proved to be a family favorite...I make it at least twice a month throughout the winter months...and it makes such a large quantity that you can either freeze half for another meal, or eat soup for lunch all week. It is excellent with fresh bread and a salad.

French Market Stew

Bean Mix, dry (any brand with 12-15 bean varieties is fine)
2 Tbsp. salt
4 hamhocks
4 bay leaves
1 tsp. thyme
1 quart canned whole tomatoes
7-8 chicken thighs
2 large onions, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. hot sauce (optional)
1 tsp. red pepper flakes
1 lb. smoked sausage, cooked and sliced bite-sized

1. Wash bean mix and drain. Place beans in a 5 quart dutch oven and cover with water and 2 Tbsp. salt. Soak overnight.

2. Drain and add 3 quarts of water, hamhocks, bay leaves, and thyme. Simmer covered for 3 hours.

3. Add tomatoes, onions, garlic, salt, sauce, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 90 minutes uncovered.

4. Add chicken and sausage. Simmer until chicken is tender, 30-40 minutes.

What is your favorite winter soup?

Simply Lovely, No. 10

2012-01-24T08:00:00.000-06:00

Three simple oranges on an old, lovely tray.

A taste of summer in winter.

Hope your winter day is full of sunshine.

Finished!

2012-01-23T08:00:00.000-06:00

Remember this?

I finished it a little over a week ago. It was a fun project to work on...and I'm so excited that I finished it so soon after December. Usually it takes me so much longer.

I'm still planning on adding something to the binder rings to soften them a bit...but I loved using this vintage book and Marcy Penner's kit. Having a good number of prebuilt pages really helped me stay on top of this project.

I thought I'd share a couple of favorite pages :)

December 1: Christmas coffee

December 3: Nathanael's belated birthday party :)

December 6: First snow day

December 12: new Christmas cd

December 16: My kiddos meet The Muppets :) (There's an inside theatre pic and journaling under the muppet picture.)

December 20: Christmas crafts and special gifts from family

(a close up of that little pocket)

Christmas Day :)

December 28: ordinary, wonderful days

New Year's Eve: love that I captured that laugh.

Glad this is done...but I'll be excited to begin again in December!

Getting Organized

2012-01-17T16:26:00.001-06:00

Organizing always seems to be on my list in January. And never so much as this year...(except maybe January of 2008 when we were moving to OK and living out of a few carefully packed suitcases & bins for 4.5 months!)

You see, sometime this week, there will be a For Sale sign in our yard...and so we have been in a flurry of cleaning & finishing projects & organizing! So far, my big organizing projects have been tackled (the linen closet and the food half of the pantry), but there are still some areas I'd like to focus on.

And as always, Pinterest is a great source for this.

I have dreams of my pantry looking like this...but I have to wonder how long all that glass would last :) I wonder if anyone makes acrylic containers in this style...

via

One area that has a major need of organization is our office closet, which is home to SO much. Crafting stuff. Stationary. Photos. Gift wrap. I saw this idea in a BHG magazine a while back...and needed to pin it (so I could throw away the magazine!) I love how it looks and can't wait to find an organizer to implement it!

via

I currently have my collection of scarves on a multiple pants hanger, but I think this might be easier. (The picture below actually shows a collection of tights, but I think it would be perfect for scarves too.)

via

While our game collection is behind closed furniture doors (that no prospective home buyers will probably open), I'd like to have it organized for when we move. (Which by the way, we don't know exactly when or where yet.) I love this idea for cards. So much easier for little hands than those cardboards packages they come in.

via

This looks like a great checklist (though I may do more than one a day!)

via

And those minutes between a realtor's call and having to leave the house? I'm thinking a last minute tidy-up-the-house game will help the kids to be a big help. This idea looks great:

via

And so does this next one.

via

And as for organizing in the future, I love the idea of hidden laundry baskets. Maybe that might prevent dress-up clothes and normal clothes from getting mixed up in the closet!

via

Keeping all paint samples in one easy-to-find spot would make touch-ups much easier.

via

And I love the idea of a large garbage can in our homeschool room/office. Or as a stuffed animal organizer in a playroom. Or for outdoor toys on the porch or in the garage. Lots of options for this one. (And while they look SO enormous in the trash can aisle at Lowe's, you can fit them in the backseat of a two-door Mustang. Trust me, it's been done before. :) )

via

Are you in the midst of organizing projects? What great ideas do you have?

12 on January Twelfth

2012-01-12T21:13:00.001-06:00

I was inspired by seeing the "Take Twelve" challenge at Ella Publishing and decided I'd join along via Instagram. The pictures above are as follows:

1. happy bright and early
2. all three at work on math
3. the "catch-all" basket in the living room
4. the kids body projects from CC last semester (Moved from their rooms to the entry closet. Hmmm.)
5. working on Project Life, week 1
6. Brent & Nathanael hard at work creating their TIE fighter
7. Maple Roasted Chicken & Sweet Potatoes (it smells and tastes delicious.)
8. my new favorite veggie: brussel sprouts
9. all about babies today
10. King Arthur Flour delivery
11. Nathanael (while listening to Brent read The Last Battle)
12. The girls coloring (while listening to Brent read The Last Battle)

Something about January

2012-01-11T16:12:00.000-06:00

There is something about this blustery month (even though today is honestly the first blustery day we've had in weeks...which is unheard of here in OK) that makes me want to curl up with a good book, a cup of hot tea, and a warm scone.

There is something about January that puts me in a scone-making mood. Not just any favorite scone though...new scone recipes. I was reading a journal from this time last year and saw an entry about making a new scone.

So here are two new-to-me scone recipes...and I hope they become new-to-you, because they are both delicious! And both are a little bit seasonal...so enjoy them soon!

Peppermint Stick Scones
original recipe from Alice's Tea Cup (This is a must-have cookbook. It's wonderful.)

3 cups flour
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp kosher salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 cup crushed Brach's peppermint candies
1 1/4 cup buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup heavy cream

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, soda, powder, and salt. Add the pieces of butter, and with clean hands, work the butter into the dry mixture until thoroughly incorporated...with the consistency of breadcrumbs.. Add 3/4 cup of the crushed peppermints and combine well.

3. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, and pour in the vanilla and buttermilk. Combine the ingredients until all the dry mixture is wet but do not knead the dough.

4. Turn the mixture onto a floured surface and gather the dough together. Divide the dough into two sections and shape each into a round disc, about 8 inches wide and and inch or so thick. Cut each disc into 8-12 wedges, depending on the number and size of scones desired.

5. Place each wedge on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Brush the tops of each scone with heavy cream and sprinkle with the remaining crushed peppermint.

6. Bake the sones for about 12 minutes, until lightly browned. Allow to cool on cookie sheet for a few minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely. When you remove the scones from the parchment, the melted peppermint will form strings of sugar, and you will also have some scones with melted peppermint pooled beside them. Allow the scones to cool completely and then easily break off the candy. (Removing the attached candy when it's still warm will also pull apart the scone.)

My recipe yielded 22-24 scones. You can make them thicker (as the cookbook suggests) but I find this size to be plenty large!

(I definitely think you can still get away with Peppermint flavored things in January, don't you? The peppermint melts and becomes chewy inside the scone...it's just wonderful.)

As for this next scone, I found the recipe months ago on Pinterest. And I've been waiting for Meyer Lemons to show up in my grocery store. Waiting and waiting. And then, the week after Christmas, they did. Then I just had to wait for decent looking strawberries...and voila, may I present:

Strawberry Meyer Lemon Scones
original recipe from here (I altered a few instructions and the glaze recipe.)

Scones:
4 cups flour
4 tsp baking powder
2/3 cup sugar
3/4 tsp salt
zest of three Meyer Lemons
1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut in half-inch pieces
2 large eggs
1/3 cup Meyer Lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
1/3 cup buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup fresh strawberries, diced

Glaze:
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1-2 tsp Meyer lemon juice
2-3 tsp milk

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

2. Zest the lemons and combine the sugar and zest in a small bowl. Using your fingers, rub the sugar and zest together, to release the oils and fragrance of the lemons.

3. Combine the flour, baking powder, sugar & zest, and salt. Add the butter to the dry ingredients, and using your hands, work the butter into the flour mixture until the consistency of fine breadcrumbs. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs, lemon juice, buttermilk, and vanilla. Stir the liquids into the dry mixture until the dough is moist, but do not knead. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead a few times until the texture is uniform and all dry bits have been incorporated.

4. Press the dough into a large circle that is half an inch thick. Sprinkle the diced strawberries on top, the roll the circle up into a tube shape. Fold the tube into thirds. Cut the dough in half. Press each half (one at a time) into a round disc that is a half-inch thick. Use a 2-3 inch round cutter (or a drinking glass) to cut scones out of the dough. Gather unused dough and repeat process. (With the last bit of dough, I simply shaped a round disc.)

5. Place each scone on the parchment and bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden. Allow scones to cool completely on a wire rack.

6. Meanwhile, stir together the lemon juice, and powdered sugar, adding milk a teaspoon at a time until the glaze reaches a pourable consistency. Drizzle glaze over the scones when cool.

I found both scone recipes to be best enjoyed within the first 24 hours of baking...the peppermint scones become hard after 2-3 days...and the strawberry lemon ones become soft. If they last that long, anyway!

Simply Lovely, No. 9

2012-01-10T08:00:00.001-06:00

Even waiting to be planted, these little flowers just brighten the winter landscape.

I remember the winter campus of Baylor covered in these dainty flowers.

A lovely reminder that beauty still blooms in winter.

Right now...

2012-01-09T08:30:00.000-06:00

Drinking...Earl Grey in my new favorite mug (a Christmas gift from Brent). I love the weight of it.

Smiling...because of how excited the children were to show me their discovery of the moon setting beautifully this morning over the horizon. Pictures don't do it justice. It was spectacular. I love how they appreciate the beauty of the created world.

Thinking...about today's schedule.

Wearing...fuzzy socks and my Croc sandals. Standard while at home. :)

Listening...to little voices singing made-up songs and Christmas songs from Slugs & Bugs. Love.

Enjoying...a new scrapbook project for a new year! More on that later this week!

Needing...to plan my classes for CC. One more week of our loooong Winter break! (We've been on break since before Thanksgiving!)

Planning...on making some scones this afternoon! Meyer Lemon & Strawberry, to be exact!

Missing...my little sister. New York is too far away.

Hoping...that this week is a productive one!

Happy Monday!

The Books

2012-01-05T08:00:00.000-06:00

I have been slow in determining my goals for this year. I like to set goals. I like to have something to work towards.

One of my goals (which it seems to be every year) is to read more. I love to read...and while I did read a lot in 2011, I felt like my reading wasn't quite as well-rounded as I'd like it to be. I mostly read current fiction, homeschool-related books, and all of Harry Potter. (Yep. Started in July and finished the last one just a few days before the end of the year.)

Brent decided he wanted to read at least one book a month this year. He pulled out the ones he wanted to read and set them in the living room. (He wanted to be able to see them. To remember this goal.) I cleared off a little table in our bedroom and made a nice arrangement of them for him.

And then I decided to do the same thing:

This year's books consists of some rereads (Anne of Green Gables...I have no idea how many times I've read this favorite, The Practice of Poetry...which will require some writing too, and The Chronicles of Narnia...which Brent is almost done reading to our children. They are on The Last Battle.)

I plan on taking my time with Piper, Packer, and Newton...and reading some fiction during the same time.

I've started with Anna Karenina...as I've begun it once before a long time ago before having children...if you can count 15 pages as a beginning. I can remember curling up on the couch of our first home, beginning it. Telling my sister I was reading it. And then never finishing. So far so good. I am past my initial stopping point!

I will probably add some more to this list, but hope to be able to reach the end of 2012 with these books sitting happily read on the shelf. I'll keep you posted!

What are you reading right now? What do you plan to read this year?

Cheese and Macaroni

2012-01-04T08:00:00.000-06:00

Is there a better comfort food?

I have tons of mac and cheese recipes...always in search of the perfect blend of gooey cheese, perfect pasta, and crisp topping. (Seriously, I have at least 5 mac and cheese recipes pinned on Pinterest.)

I tried a recipe for Gnocchi Mac and Cheese recently, but as I was unable to find any gnocchi locally, I ended up buying this yummy trottole pasta. I can't remember the brand, but I'll update, as I will be buying more of it!

The kiddos loved it. I loved it. We almost finished off the dish for lunch that day.

Trottole Macaroni and Cheese (but you could substitute the gnocchi)

1 pound trottole pasta or gnocchi
2 Tbsp butter
2 tsp garlic, finely chopped
1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
3/4 cup milk
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/4 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
1/4 cup Fontina cheese, shredded
Salt and white pepper to taste
1/3 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, shredded

1. Preheat oven to 375. Prepare pasta according to package directions. Drain and place pasta in a single-layer in a greased 1-1/2 quart shallow baking dish.

2. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Whisk in flour until it thickens and bubbles, then whisk in milk and Dijon. Continue to whisk mixture and cook until slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes.

3. Combine Gruyere and Fontina, then add by the handful to milk mixture, stirring until melted before adding the next handful. Once all cheese is melted, season sauce with salt and pepper.

4. Pour sauce over pasta and sprinkle Parmigiano-Reggiano over top. Bake until the cheese is golden and bubbly, about 25 minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

I found some gnocchi while traveling over Christmas and have plans for trying it in this recipe this week! Enjoy!

A Change and A Constant

2012-01-03T16:17:00.000-06:00

The change:

Last year, I decided to try technology one more time to keep track of my schedule.

I've had a planner for a long time. I believe my first was a Valley Springs Middle School agenda...followed by the T.C. Roberson edition for my four years of high school. I had several Mary Englebreit ones in college...a lovely leatherbound one for many years of marriage...a refillable Covey planner from Target...and a MomAgenda. (Apparently we've discussed this before.) ;)

When we were newlyweds, Brent bought a Palm Pilot for himself and then bought me one too. I loved it, until I forgot to charge it once (while Brent was deployed) and I lost all my stored info. Then, I decided that I much preferred things on paper.

Last year, I decided that between my iPad and iPhone, it would really make sense to use the calendar feature, as I already always carry them with me. I tried. I promise I did. But I found that I am less likely to jot down the little everyday things (that I have an easy time remembering) in my phone. I like writing them down. Seeing everything in a monthly or weekly glance. Being able to look back several months and visualize what was happening in the day-to-day.

So this year, I changed the plan and went back to the trusty ol' planner. I found Erin Condren's planner...and I am pretty pleased with it so far. You can customize designs with pictures...change the colors to better fit your style...and oh, the packaging. Definitely happy mail. And with plenty of freebie labels to make you want to order more!

So far, so good. There's only one thing I'm not head-over-heels about (the way she splits up the weekly view when one month ends and another begins) but otherwise, I'm really enjoying it. I'm sure this will become another annual topic!

The constant:

Last year, one of my favorite purchases was my Five Year Journal from Levenger.

This falls into one of the "one line a day" journals...to keep track of moments you don't want to forget, little details of the everyday, funny things your children say...but with the commitment of writing pages upon pages.

I've kept it up all year {mostly}. Every once in a while, I've missed a week or two and tried to play catch up. I have loved recording in it. But I am so excited for this year...to see and compare these days with the memories from last year!

I know there are several of these kind of journals out there...but this one is gorgeous. A light brown cloth hardcover with a leather label, that can be monogrammed with your initials. I love it.

What will you be using to record the events and plans of this year? I'd love to know! (As you can tell from my planner fetish, I love learning about new sources!)

Twenty Twelve

2012-01-01T20:00:00.000-06:00

Why, hello there.

The new year always seems to sneak up on me. But here we are.

I love all that is associated with a new year beginning.

New calendars.

Goals.

Black-eyed peas (but no collards, thankyouverymuch).

Uncluttering the house after Christmas.

Trying to remember to write 2012 when I write checks.

And this year, I loved beginning the year in worship...with a timely and wonderful sermon on Psalm 39.

Happy New Year to you...may it be a blessed one.

the last day of the year...

2011-12-31T23:02:00.000-06:00

Last night, we had a great evening with several family friends for Brent-made pizza, movie (for all the kiddos), and games for the adults. Great conversation...great friends...lots of laughter...we were repeatedly reprimanded by our children for being too loud. (Apparently, we were drowning out the movie sound!)

But today, we shared a very laid-back family day.

Madeleine kept asking to paint, so we decided to make snow scenes...they had fun using stamps...and different objects as paint brushes (q-tips, toothpicks, bits of sponge). Now, if only we could see some snow on our own landscapes!

Brent baked some delicious ciabatta bread to accompany our French Market Stew...I could eat freshly baked bread every. single. day.

But this is the moment that I will remember from New Years Eve...

My three, precious children. Snuggled together in the chair where I rocked each one of them as infants. Whispering. Cuddling. Planning. Laughing. Enjoying. Together.

I hope you, also, spend this New Year's Eve with those you hold dear.

An Apprentice

2011-12-29T16:06:00.000-06:00

For Christmas, I bought Brent a book he's been excited about for awhile: The Bread Baker's Apprentice by Peter Reinhart. We love a good baguette...and since we don't have any good options for buying one locally, we started making them a while back. Brent decided to take a go at the baguette recipe I had been using, but he wasn't completely pleased with his results...and a friend of his mentioned this book and shared a recipe from it.

So it began. :)

In the five days since (and including) Christmas, the smell of rising dough or baking bread has wafted through our home. (I'm currently enjoying the smell of four baguettes right now...three for friends, one to keep.)

I love seeing my boys in the kitchen...and in their "tough guy" aprons! Wish you could see Nathanael's Star Wars apron here. I love how he loves being with his Daddy...whether building with legos, cooking in the kitchen, wrestling in the living room, or having epic light sabre duels.

I think I could get used to this...Brent home each day (gotta love vacation time!) and fresh bread on the table!

Warmth.

2011-12-28T16:30:00.000-06:00

When I think of a drink that warms you through, I think of a Chai Latte. Warm, of course, temperature-wise. But warm with spice too. Soothing, smooth, and warm.

A Chai Latte was my "crossover" drink in college. That and Frozen Milky Ways. (I happily blame Common Grounds.) The drinks that made me venture from a strictly hot chocolate/hot tea drinker to actually enjoying coffee. Because if I liked a tea that was a latte, surely an espresso-based latte would be good too, right?

But I digress.

Chai. I've never attempted to reproduce a chai latte at home until recently, when a recipe in Southern Living this fall peaked my interest. I altered their recipe a bit, as I really like a vanilla flavor in my chai...and I love frothed milk.

Chai Latte

4 cups milk
1 cup whipping cream
1/2 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
1 (1 inch) piece fresh ginger, sliced
6 cardamom pods
1 star anise
1/4 tsp. whole cloves
1/4 tsp. black peppercorns
1 vanilla bean (or 1/2 Tbsp. vanilla)*
4 regular-size black tea bags
cinnamon and star anise to garnish

1. Bring milk, cream, sugar, ginger, cardamom, star anise, cloves, peppercorns, and vanilla bean along with 2 cups of water to a boil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.

2. Add tea bags and cover. Reduce heat to low and simmer 10 minutes. Pour mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher. Discard all solids.

3. Pour a small amount of chai latte into a frother, until latte has doubled in amount. Divide remaining latte between mugs, top each with some of the foamed chai. Garnish with a dusting of cinnamon and a star anise.

Yields 7 cups.

*You could also substitute 1-2 tsp. vanilla syrup, stirring the syrup into the latte immediately before serving.

Happy Birthday Matt!

2011-12-26T16:28:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday...

to an encouraging and fun,

playful and silly,

wonderfully lovable and sweet

Uncle, Brother, and Friend.

We love you so much Matt...

and we hope that you have a fabulous birthday!

Emmanuel!

2011-12-25T12:44:00.000-06:00

From our family to yours,

Merry Christmas!

May the Joy of knowing Christ fill your hearts this Christmas

and throughout the New Year!

Create with Joy!

2011-12-21T13:17:00.000-06:00

I just love crafting around Christmas...I love that my children really enjoy creating. It's so much fun to introduce projects to them and see them get so excited about the things that they make.

I love it just as much as they do, and just in case you do too, I thought I'd share this project I worked on a few weeks ago. It's easy, inexpensive, and I just love how it turned out!

I fell in love with this sweet illustration back in November, when I took home a cozy sweater from Eddie Bauer. It's a good reminder to pay attention around Christmastime to packaging...this fun Christmas print came from a cute shopping bag!

I didn't have the heart to throw away the bag, so I saved it and decided to use it for decoration!

(The best thing about it? It's double-sided!)

You'll need a print design, canvases in an appropriate size for the design, scissors, craft knife, mod-podge, a glue pen, fine glitter, and Superseal.

First, cut apart the bag so that the design is flat. Place the canvas behind the print, holding it up to the light (or a lightbox) to choose the best placement. Then, trace around the canvas on the back of the print.

Cover the back of the print with mod-podge, painting inside the area you've traced. Carefully place the canvas over the mod-podge, pressing gently to adhere the paper to the canvas. Carefully smooth out any bubbles or creases in the paper. I found the heavier the coverage of mod-podge, the more creases.

Paint mod-podge along sides of canvas, pressing paper to adhere as you go. I chose to fold the paper (much like you would wrap the end of a gift) on a diagonal and adhere to the inside edge of the wood frame, cutting any excess paper that would be hidden to prevent extra bulk.

Once you have adhered the sides, use the craft knife to neatly trim the paper at the edge of the frame.

(You can see in the image above that one side of the paper was shorter, as it didn't meet the edge of the wood. That side happened to be the top edge of the bag.)

Here's another image of folding the sides of the canvas. This was my second canvas, which had a different type of backing. There was a nice groove where the canvas met the frame, so I decided to trim the edge of the paper at the groove instead of covering all the wood on this canvas.

Here are the two different sized canvases. You can see more creases on the square canvas...definitely too much mod-podge on that one. I love how the different sizes seemed to create a different "story", given the parts of the illustration shown!

To embellish the illustration, I used a Martha Stewart ballpoint tip glue pen to highlight certain parts of the illustration, and then I covered the glue generously with glitter, tapping the edge of the canvas against the table afterwards to remove excess glitter.

I used the Martha Stewart crystal fine glitter for the snow on the ground, snow on the empty branches, and the birds. I used the aquamarine crystal to highlight the evergreen tree!

I attempted to use an embossing pen and some Rich Red embossing powder (I think made by Ranger) to heat emboss the Joy! on the page.

It was a bit difficult to get good coverage of the pen on the paper...and I got a little to close with the heat gun! But it was fun to experiment with it on one of the canvases anyway!

After dusting away any excess glitter with a fine edged paintbrush, I took the canvases outside and sprayed Superseal to protect the glitter and the surface of the print.

And here's the square finished canvas. (The other finished one is the first picture!) I'm still trying to decide if I like the red writing in the top corner or if I'll add some pieces to disguise it and make the canvas more of a collage. The jury is still out! :)

I hope you can turn some beautiful found objects around you into little pieces of art! I am thinking I will try to do this each year...and soon have a small gallery of Christmas canvases!

Christmas Dinner

2011-12-21T13:07:00.002-06:00

While my traditional Thanksgiving meal rarely changes, I like to mix things up at Christmas. Some year it's a ham. Some a turkey. Beef Tenderloin. Mmmmmm.

This Christmas, the main course will be a beautiful Standing Rib Roast. It's sooo easy. And melt-in-your-mouth delectable. And while it's not an inexpensive piece of meat, it's Christmas. And it is so worth it. Trust me. The recipe is from my Mom...and our family is very thankful that she shared it with us.

If you're still trying to figure out what you'll be eating on Sunday, try this. And then tell me how much you loved it.

Standing Rib Roast

5 lb. Standing Rib Roast
1 cup kosher salt
1/4 cup black pepper (coarsely ground)
1/4 cup garlic powder

1. Let meat stand at room temperature for 1 hour. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Mix the salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a medium bowl. (This will make more than enough; and what you don't use will keep in a tightly sealed container for 6 months.) Rub the entire roast with the salt rub.

3. Place roast rib-side down (fat up) in a large roasting pan.

4. Place roast in the oven, and then tape the oven doors shut (shown below...I use painters tape.)

5. Roast for one hour at 375 degrees. Then turn off oven. Leave the roast in the oven for 3 hours while oven is off. DO NOT OPEN the oven.

5. At the end of the 3 hours, turn the oven back ON to 375 degrees and roast 30-40 minutes more. Remove roast from oven and cover with foil. Let rest for 10 minutes. Slice and serve.

Please make sure you tape your oven. Your kitchen (and house) will smell SO amazing while this is cooking that unaware people will want to open the oven just for a glimpse. Even you will be tempted :) so tape your oven closed!

Enjoy!

All the trimmings and bows...

2011-12-20T17:47:00.002-06:00

Are your Christmas gifts wrapped and under the tree? Mailed to family and friends far away?

Most of ours are wrapped and under our tree. I sent all but one gift via the USPS on Saturday. (Must make one more mailing trek out today.)

But I'm still pondering some of our in-town friend gifts and how to package.

And of course, Pinterest holds much inspiration.

via

This could be such a gorgeous and inexpensive display...especially if you have gorgeous foliage in your yard.

via

I've already used this technique this season...

via

I love these enlarged monogram tags!

via

Super cute. My girls would love helping put these snowflake tags together.

via

Sweet and simple.

via

I LOVE this idea...let the recipient have cookies on hand when they need them!

via

As we're giving peppermint hot chocolate gifts this year, I love this presentation...

via

And this one is lovely too!

What are your gift wrap traditions and ideas? I'll be back later this week with mine...but please leave a link if you've found a great idea or have shared your wrapped packages on your blog!

The Kitchen Tree (and a project!)

2011-12-19T17:33:00.000-06:00

So last year, we did some rearranging of rooms right before Christmas. (We switched Nathanael's room with the office and moved all our homeschool books, etc. to the new office/homeschool room instead of the kitchen, where we had been doing homeschool.)

For some reason, we decided to move our dining room table to the "homeschool area space" that had remained furnitureless for 2 years, leaving the former breakfast nook empty. We dubbed the space the sunroom, because three walls of it have windows or faux french doors. (You can see this space in the picture below.)

I decided that it would look lovely to have a tree in the sunroom. And it did look lovely. I had big plans for the tree's decor...sliced & dried oranges, lemons, limes, starfruit. Garlands of cranberries and popcorn.

Let's just say the tree only got lights. So this year, I promised Brent that I'd decorate it.

So this year's Kitchen Tree:

The kid's made paper plate angels in Sunday School...Hadleigh's is on top of the tree. Nathanael didn't want his on the tree...

And on December 8, we made Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments...because they're fun and they smell sooooooo good.

Can't you tell it's fun work? (They were so excited to use their rolling pins from they received from their Kammy and Pappy!)

We added Martha Stewart's Brownstone fine glitter to add a bit of sparkle. And we used a straw to cut the holes to tie string through. (Thanks to Aunt Katy & Uncle Alex, we had quite a choice of Christmas cookie cutters!)

Before they went into the oven...

And then after...the edges of some of the ornaments warped a little...but I think it's a nice effect!

There's still some time to make these and give as gifts for Christmas...and they will last for years! A friend once made us a garland using gingerbread men! I found that the more streamlined the cookie cutter, the better...sadly, our gingerbread men and snowflakes had a tendency to lose appendages!

Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments

3 cups applesauce

3 cups ground cinnamon

1 oz. Elmers glue (I used one of those small 1.25 oz bottles)

glitter

1. Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl, adding more cinnamon to make the dough more firm if necessary. Place on wax paper and roll out to about 1/4 inch thick. If the dough is rolled too thin, the ornaments will break easily.

2. Cut the dough with desired cookie cutters, remembering to cut a hole for threading. I find that a straw works well, as the straw contains the removed portion and is a perfect size!

3. Carefully transfer ornaments to a cookie sheet. I lined mine with parchment, which helps them not to stick, though the parchment warps a bit and caused the warping of some ornaments. Bake at 150 degrees for one hour. Then flip ornaments and cook an additional hour. At this point, you can either 1) continue to bake them at a low temperature, elevating them on a drying rack so that both sides dry evenly or 2) remove them to finish drying on a counter, flipping every 8-12 hours (for about 2 days or until dry...you'll notice that the side facing down will appear darker than the other until it's completely dry.)

4. When completely dry, use a butter knife to carefully smooth any rough spots along the edge of the ornaments. Thread the whole with ribbon or twine to secure to your tree!

Enjoy!

Thirty years, eh?

2011-12-14T16:24:00.002-06:00

My little brother is 30 today.

And he's far away, teaching English in South Korea...how I wish I could celebrate this day with him...

He was my first best friend. Two years younger. The kind of brother you always hope to have. A blessing to me and our family. I don't have any memories before I have memories with him.

He is loyal. Selfless. He has such a generous heart. A servant's heart. Meticulously organized. He is a deep thinker. Usually predictable. (For example, for years he always ordered a french dip sandwich when we went out to eat.) He is cautious but an adventurer. Very industrious. He is thoughtful. He is afraid of heights but bungee jumped in Eduador. He is funny. He has the greatest smile.

He is an amazing Uncle Michael. He is loved by these three kiddos. So very much. They adore him. And he is so very good with them.

He interjects Dearth Vader in a princess story to keep them all entertained and paying attention.

He plays rough with the little guy and twirls the girls in the air.

They can count on him.

I always have.

Before he traveled the world, the four of us traveled through imaginary lands together. We navigated the high seas of the guest room aboard an elaborate ship (the guest bed) or an almost-sinking raft (the blanket on the floor).

How I wish the four of us were celebrating your birthday together, telling you, once again, that the wrapped gift was a barbie doll.

Michael, you mean the world to me. To all of us. You have brought 30 years of blessing and friendship to my life.

It is an honor to be your sister...and I hope that you have a wonderfully Happy Birthday...and many, many more. I love you. I miss you.

P.S.
In your honor, we're having french dip sandwiches for dinner tonight. :)

Make this soon!

2011-12-14T09:00:00.000-06:00

After the busy fall season, I find myself every year rekindling my love for cooking as winter approaches.

This school year thus far has seemed so busy. And when I'm busy, I find myself desiring "creative time" in the kitchen less and less. I rely on family favorites that I could whip up in my sleep.

But there is something about Thanksgiving and the cooler weather as we approach Christmas that makes me want to scour my cookbooks, push up my sleeves, and cook (or bake!) something yummy, something that just might become the next family favorite.

A recipe shared by a sweet friend I met right after moving to Oklahoma was the perfect inspiration for this week, which is full of cooking new recipes. I made this quiche on Sunday night...and it was a hit with {almost} everyone.

This is a very flavorful quiche...an easy quiche...and not a very eggy quiche, which is a plus in my book. It's very meaty, making it great for brunch or dinner. And the crust? It's the star of the show...salty and sweet. And oh-so-easy to prepare. I hope you like it as much as I do. (And leftovers lasted in my fridge for two days. That's because I finished the last piece yesterday for lunch. Nathanael was sad it was gone.)

Can you say "new family favorite"?

Chicken Pecan Quiche

Crust:

1 cup flour

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

3/4 cup chopped pecans

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. paprika

1/3 cup oil

Filling:

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/4 cup mayonnaise

3 large eggs, lightly beaten

2 cups chopped, cooked chicken

1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar

1/4 cup onion

1/4 tsp. dried dillweed

3 drops hot sauce (optional)

1/4 cup pecan halves (I used the tiny chopped ones ideal for cookies)

2 handfuls of chopped fresh spinach

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all crust ingredients EXCEPT the oil in a medium bowl. Add the oil and stir well. Press the mixture along the bottom and sides of a pie plate. (I used my deep dish pie plate from Pampered Chef and it fit perfectly.)

2. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes and allow to cool.

3. In a large mixing bowl, stir together sour cream, chicken broth, mayonnaise, and eggs with a wire whisk until smooth. Stir in chicken, cheese, onion, dill, and hot sauce. If you're using chopped pecans, add them to the mixture as well...if using halves, wait. Pour the mixture over the crust. Arrange pecan halves on top of the quiche.

4. Bake at 350 degrees for 55 minutes until set. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Enjoy!

Simply Lovely, No. 8

2011-12-13T15:10:00.001-06:00

The sight and scent of evergreen boughs, shaped into a wreath, fresh from the mountains of North Carolina.

A gift that has become a beloved tradition.

Thank you Mom & Dad. It's simply lovely on our front door.

My December Daily

2011-12-02T15:22:00.000-06:00

Each year, since moving to Oklahoma, I have spent the month of December (as well as weeks afterwards) on a project that I love.

The December Daily. It's a mini-album concept made popular by Ali Edwards, which you can read about it detail on her blog. But for me, this project ultimately means slowing down to really capture the special month of December...a month full of festivity, family, and the celebration of Christ's birth. It has helped me in the past be more organized in planning our family activities during the Advent season. And it has captured and preserved precious memories from years past that I enjoy returning to each December.

The basic idea is to create a daily album before December begins so that each day in December, you can spend more time creating memories than creating album pages from scratch. This year, I purchased a December kit from Hello, Forever, which included pages for the base of the album, as well as embellishments.

I was inspired from some Pinterest images, as well as the colors in the kit, to use a vintage book as the cover for album...I was delighted to find this one for a song at a local antique/thrift store. The colors and the "Merry Voices" title worked perfectly for a Christmas album cover, don't you think?

I covered part of the book with some mistable scalloped ribbon from Pink Paislee, misted it with Studio Calico's Mister Huey Shine (which you can't really see in the picture, but it has the softest shimmery effect in person), added a velvet ribbon and a "Dec 2011" badge from Ormolu. I'm not in love with the 3" binder rings...but I think it will be the easiest binding to use while creating the album...and I'll attempt something else once it's complete.

I think I'll share pages here and there throughout the month...so here's a peek at the beginning, the title page. (And I'm not done with that tag yet...still thinking!)

And the back of the title page. I just love that quote.

I have never completed this project in December...and while I'd love to this year, we'll just have to see how it goes. I take pictures each day...and write down stories that I want to remember, so that I can return to my notes at a later time if necessary.

If you're doing something similar to record this month, please leave a link in the comments...I'd love to see your projects!

Thanksgiving Recap

2011-11-29T22:30:00.000-06:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving and were delighted that my parents could spend the Thanksgiving weekend with us!

My favorite moment each Thanksgiving is going around the dining room table at the end of the meal, each person sharing three things they are thankful for...and depositing three corn kernels into a bowl that continues year after year to fill with gratitude.

This year, our family wrote things we were thankful for on these cards and hung them on a Thankful Tree...then I compiled the cards and tied them together...it will be special to look at these from year to year, seeing both the many blessings in our lives as well as seeing how our children's handwriting changes!

There were leaf crowns, gingerbread donuts, Packer football, Skype conversations from New York and South Korea, stories, amazing Pecan Pie, rocket launches, phone calls to family far away, and lots of yummy cooking!

What a precious gift to just be together on Thanksgiving.

with a grateful heart...

2011-11-24T07:00:00.000-06:00

via

Simply Lovely, No. 7

2011-11-22T09:30:00.000-06:00

The last, lovely leaves of autumn.

Look at the handiwork in the veins of those leaves.
Each, a tiny masterpiece.

happy find!

2011-11-17T10:30:00.000-06:00

I came across Mary Kate McDevitt's beautiful lettering and artwork today!

via

Isn't that November print just gorgeous?!?!? (Apparently, it's a free desktop wallpaper...you can click the via link for more info on that!)

via

And how adorable is this? I love it. (What did we do before etsy???)

via

And I'm thinking I should get this one and place it on my desk as a good reminder that email and text are great...but nothing like the feel and sentiment of a real letter in your hand.

She has such a great style...and much variety! Which pieces grab your attention?

When you have apples...

2011-11-16T13:00:00.000-06:00

Make applesauce.

We did the week after returning from North Carolina and our apple-picking adventure.

I wanted a crock-pot recipe, so that we could enjoy the smell all day...and for the ease during that post-vacation return to normal. I found several recipes online, combined a few of them, and this is what I came up with.

Hearty Spiced Applesauce

10 apples, I used a combination of Pink Lady and Granny Smith
1/4 tsp. vanilla
4 tsp. raw sugar
1 Tbsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. lemon juice
1/2 cup water
1 cinnamon stick

1. Wash all apples well. Slice apples and cut into bite-size pieces. I used an apple corer/divider and left the peel on, to create a chunkier applesauce, but if you prefer, you can peel the apple. Place apples in the bowl of a crock-pot.

2. Combine remaining ingredients in a small mixing bowl and pour over the apples in the crock-pot. Stir to coat, making sure to cover the cinnamon stick with apples.

3. Cook in crock-pot over low heat for 6-7 hours.

4. Remove cover from crock-pot and test apples; they should be soft and breaking apart. You can serve as-is, or use a potato masher to break the apples down further.

5. Delicious served warm or cold. Keeps refrigerated for one week.

I'm Thankful for these ideas...

2011-11-15T08:00:00.000-06:00

With the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons quickly approaching, I thought I'd alternate on Tuesdays between "Simply Lovely" posts and Pinterest inspiration!

I love this mantle idea...and wondering if I can recreate it in the next couple of days!

I love the idea of a thankful tree...I'm planning on beginning this tomorrow at dinnertime, using these thankful tags (a free download!) from Jones Design Company:

I printed mine out on normal white card stock, and the linen detail and colors are SO beautiful.

I just think this take on pumpkins is adorable. It's not too late either...I have a plain pumpkin sitting on my front porch that is dreaming of being dressed up for Thanksgiving!

If you have a tree that still has gorgeous leaves (like we do in Oklahoma right now), consider this easy garland tutorial. The kiddos could totally take on this project!

I'm thinking something like this would look lovely on the coffee table in our sunroom or as the dining room centerpiece for Thanksgiving dinner.

A smaller version of these would make darling place cards...another great project idea for the children!

And I think these are adorable place cards as well...and the link has 25 more craft ideas too!

And these coloring pages would be fun for the younger children...on the school days leading up to Thanksgiving!

For more Thanksgiving and autumn ideas, you can check out my "Thanksgiving" Pinterest board! And please share any links to other Thanksgiving ideas in the comments...I'd love to find other creative ideas to pin!

treasures

2011-11-14T08:05:00.000-06:00

I came upon these pictures a few months ago.

It had been a long time since I had seen them.

They were taken by one of my best friends, who happens to be an amazing photographer.

She has such an eye for truly seeing. And capturing.

She has a tremendous gift.

Hadleigh was about 18 months old.

I was about 2 months pregnant.

Still new to motherhood.

Still learning.

Wondering how life would change.

A bit afraid of how this unique mother-daughter relationship would alter with the addition of another.

Soaking in the little moments.

Little hugs. Little kisses. Little smiles. Little words.

Watching, wide-eyed as she grew in curiosity. In ability.

In wonder at the world around her.

So thankful for that sweet and short time, when my days were full of her. And her world, full of me.

So thankful for the sweet relationship that began way back then and continues today.

Thankful for these photographs, these treasures.

all pictures Shannon Ho Photography

Eleven on 11.11.11

2011-11-11T15:23:00.001-06:00

1. Today is our oldest niece's 9th Birthday! Happy Birthday sweet Emily Joy!

2. Happy Veterans Day to my Brent...and to all those who have selflessly and faithfully served our country with honor and courage and sacrifice. There are no sufficient words...so thank you. From the bottom of my heart.

3. Hadleigh and I were at Hobby Lobby at 11:11 am today...on the Christmas stockings aisle. :)

4. There is a massive Lego project currently underway in our living room. The train table is completely covered in legos and the surrounding floor holds boxes of legos. (Which is where the rest of my family was at 11:11 am today.)

5. I have unloaded and reloaded the dishwasher twice already today. (Dinner party with friends last night=lots of dishes! But we had a wonderful evening...with an amazing dessert I'll be featuring here soon!)

6. Looking forward to watching Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, parts 1 & 2 this weekend. (I was excited to find a place that would rent it in town. I don't like the buy before you can rent policy!)

7 . I'm getting excited about the approaching holidays...I need to make a gameplan for Thanksgiving...and start making some lists for Christmas!

8. We are taking a Christmas picture tomorrow...and I'm hoping we can get a good one! (I'm thinking ice cream will be a good motivator!)

9. Next week is our last week of Classical Conversations until 2012! I have a cute gift in the works for my little class of eight 5 & 6 year old boys!

10. I have so many scrapbooking projects underway right now, I'm not sure where to start (or finish)! Two mini albums are awaiting finishing details, one mini from our trip to Asheville is awaiting pictures, and my December Daily album is in the beginning stages. But at least they are projects that make me smile!

11. I finally pulled out our autumn decorations last night (nothing like company to motivate decorating!) and our living/dining room looks so cozy, especially with a fire in the hearth. I'll share pictures next week!

Simply Lovely, No. 6

2011-11-08T16:42:00.001-06:00

Reflection.

Beaverdam Lake, Asheville, NC

And the calm stillness that allows for glass-like reflections.

currently...

2011-11-07T15:48:00.004-06:00

enjoying...the full day of thunder, rain, and lack of sunshine. :) my kind of monday.

wearing...last year's version of this sweater (which I really like too!) and cozy pants.

watching...the storm clouds continue to gather.

listening...to three little voices playing together.

eating...a bite or two of cookie dough.

drinking...an earl grey latte.

thinking...that "quiet time" guidelines need to be reevaluated, as Madeleine's nap length has changed drastically this past week--much much shorter.

wanting...to curl up with a good book and another cup of tea.

needing...to go to the grocery store.

contemplating...adding Journal Your Christmas to my December Daily project this year.

loving...the precious different ways my three kiddos show affection!

Sky Top Orchard

2011-11-03T16:23:00.001-05:00

It's a beautiful (and chilly) day in Oklahoma...and the sky reminds me of our beautiful day in North Carolina a few weeks ago, when we went apple picking at Sky Top Orchard.

There's something thrilling about picking your own apples...something so sweet about taking a few bites while picking...and something like fear as you watch your six year old son try to climb to the top of apple trees like his (much older and agile) second cousins, because that's the "best" way to get them.

The afternoon was perfect, though the hike to the still-fruit-bearing trees was much longer than our last trip there. (You can see a glimpse of the stretch we hiked above.) After baskets full of apples were collected and paid for and apple cider doughnuts and cider slushies were enjoyed, we called it a day. It was a wonderful afternoon with much of my Dad's extended family.

I can't help but think about our previous trip there...

And in case you have your own stock of hand-picked apples, there are some apple recipes coming your way these next few weeks! ( and I'd love to hear your favorite apple recipes...as we still have some apples left!)

My Winter Cuppa Tea

2011-11-02T08:00:00.000-05:00

Earl Grey Lattes.

Perfect for crisp afternoons.

Dreamy, smooth, and sweet.

A good drink to have in your repertoire.

Earl Grey Latte

serves one

1/2 cup water

1 Earl Grey teabag (I use Tazo for these...though I love Twinings too.)

1/2 cup milk

1 Tbsp. vanilla syrup (to suit taste)

1. Bring water to boil in a tea kettle. Place teabag in a large mug. When water boils, pour over teabag to fill the mug halfway.

2. Meanwhile, pour milk into the glass of a frother. I use this one with great success. Immediately AFTER pouring water over teabag, microwave milk for 1 minute 5 seconds. Milk should begin to bubble around edges and be hot. (Your microwave may heat differently, so experiment to get hot milk using the least time possible.)

3. Place frother lid in the frother and pump until milk has doubled in amount, about 45 seconds to one minute.

4. Immediately pour frothed milk over tea and steep for two more minutes. I like to steep for a total of 4 to 4.5 minutes, so it's important to work quickly. Remove teabag carefully with a spoon, to preserve foam on top.

5. Add about 1 tablespoon of vanilla syrup (more or less to suit your taste) and stir.
Enjoy!

Simply Lovely, No. 5

2011-11-01T15:44:00.003-05:00

Hello, November.

Trees aflame.
as pictured above in Asheville, NC mid-October.
Autumn has descended on Oklahoma as well now...lots of yellows in the trees.

I think it's simply lovely that I get to enjoy the changing colors twice this year!

Is it still autumn where you are?

They're still little.

2011-10-27T08:00:00.000-05:00

(Please join me in this blogging challenge from my friend Stephanie Howell! )

I love the baby stage. And the toddler stage. (I pretty much love every stage of childhood we've encountered thus far, except the potty-training stage, and thanks to hindsight, that is a short-lived season.)

I have loved these little years. I miss having a baby in our home...in our family. So it's no surprise that with each passing year, I get a little misty-eyed thinking of how my babies are growing up. I have a tendency to say "They're not little anymore."

Not too long ago, I remember taking this picture.

Autumn 2009. Ages 2, 4, and 6. We are at a local corn maze.

This was the time we'd grown accustomed to having a new baby enter our lives. Odd year, October, that was our normal. Three c-sections later, there would be no new babies. And my heart hurt. My babies were SO big. Not babies anymore.

My Mom reminded me once (and continues to remind me) during such conversations and reflections that they are still little. She has much perspective and wisdom to share.

Today, when I look at that picture above, I see how little they were then. Though to me they seemed big, they were, indeed, still little. I didn't see it then. It took some distance and perspective.

I am thankful for that perspective...and hope I hold onto it.

So take this sweet picture:

Autumn 2011. Ages 4, 6, 8. Hugging each other as Nathanael opens birthday gifts.

Of course, I still say it. They're growing up. It's true. Faster than I'd like the time to go. Not as little as they once were.

But still little.

I know that in two more years, there will be another picture. (Yikes, we'll hit double digits then.) And I'll see how much they've grown and learned, and this picture above will show how little they were right now.

(And don't get me wrong, I love these ages too...the details of their personalities, finding their sense of humor, their likes and dislikes, watching them soak up knowledge, seeing the people that they are in the process of becoming. It's wonderful and amazing, and I feel privileged and blessed to live these precious years with them.)

So I've learned to take this moment right now~today~ and treasure it. Not wish the time away or wish for the past.

So today, I've read "just one more chapter" three times. Let playtime go a little longer before starting school. Taken twice as long to make homemade applesauce so that six little hands could help. Stopped working on the computer to just snuggle my littlest, freshly sleepy from an afternoon nap. They won't always be this little, so today, I'm holding these little years, these little ones close.

Savor and relish this moment...for how grown up and how little they are at the same time.

Simply Lovely, No. 4

2011-10-25T16:19:00.002-05:00

Hydrangeas still beautiful in the middle of October.

My Mom's garden is simply lovely too.

October 15 was a Perfect Day...

2011-10-24T08:25:00.000-05:00

We returned last week from a trip to Asheville, NC...and while we got to spend lots of time with both of our families, the main reason for our October trip was to celebrate with my younger brother Matt as he married Amanda.

It was a beautiful day.

Picture perfect weather in one of the most beautiful places I know...and at the prettiest time of year.

This was one of my favorites I captured...taken shortly after they'd seen each other for the first time.

I loved seeing the grin on my little brothers face. I adore him...and am so happy for him.

And Amanda? She was stunning.

I love this one of her:

We are all so excited to officially welcome Amanda and Rylie into our family...although they've felt like family for some time now.

And a few shots from after the ceremony...the flowers were beautiful, as was the gorgeous autumn backdrop.

I love this of all the kiddos...and I heard that Madeleine pretty much looked like that as she walked down the aisle, except for her hands holding her basket of untouched petals! (And Nathanael may or may not have looked like that as he walked down the aisle too. So thankful that Brent was in sight to "catch" the kids at the end of the aisle, as I was directing the wedding behind the scenes.)

My favorite memories of the evening of our three:

Hadleigh: "My first heels." followed by a sigh as she washed her hands after cupcakes.

Nathanael fell in love with a foam top hat that Amanda had placed as a prop on the photobooth table. Between that and a glowstick sword, he was a swashbuckling hero all evening.

And while I held Madeleine (with two sparklers in our hands) as Matt and Amanda made their exit, she looked like it was all a bit anti-climactic and then said, "But I want to see them go on their honeymoon."

And a peek at most of the wedding party.

The wedding colors were black and pink...with lots of handmade touches by Amanda and Mom that were just beautiful. (Amanda might be just as obsessed with Pinterest as I am!)

The "guest book" was a hit, drawn by one of Amanda's bridesmaids!

Mom found these old window panes to use for the guest seating...it was beautiful. I love how the setting sun cast the shadow of names on the stone behind it!

I think the children at the reception enjoyed the photo booth most...as evidenced by my masquerading princess/flower girl/daughter.

Congratulations again, Matt and Amanda! We love you!

He's six today.

2011-10-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

Six.

Six years of knowing that special bond between mother and son.

Six years since I spent the first week of your life praying that we'd bring you home from the NICU.

Six years since I first experienced middle-of-the-night feedings. (Your big sister...she spoiled us a bit!)

newborn

Precious years of delighting in your many expressions, of treasuring your sweet hugs and kisses, of savoring your head resting on my shoulder as you soundly slept.

one

Sweet years of holding that little hand in mine, of staring into those big blue eyes, of kissing those bruises and bumps that come with being all-boy.

two

Busy years of seeing firsthand how very different boys and girls are, of watching you delight in dirt and sticks and mud, of witnessing your curiosity about this world.

three

Fun years of hearing your detailed thoughts, of watching you play pretend, of listening to you quote your favorite movies and stories.

four

Amazing years of watching how quickly you learn, of hearing your sweet prayers as you "say the words after Daddy," of being in awe of your childlike understanding of the Word of God.

five

Wonderful years of listening to you sing joyfully, of watching you make close friends, of being thankful for your relationships with your sisters.

almost six

Today, I held your hand. It still fits in mine...different than years before but good.

Today, I heard soft words from your tender heart.

Today, I watched you...and was filled with joy and gratitude that God gave you to us.

Happy Birthday, my sweet Nathanael.

I love you, birthday boy.

She's four.

2011-10-12T00:01:00.000-05:00

Oh, my little Madeleine. How can you be four?

Just moments ago, there you were, a tiny babe in my arms...though you were almost ten pounds!

I remember feeling so relaxed with you those first few hours and days, just enjoying those early moments.

I couldn't stop looking at you, marveling at the blessing and miracle of life...your life.

newborn

You were such an easy baby. A good eater...a good sleeper...we called you our "angel baby," and you were.

I remember loving those middle of the night feedings...it was the only time of day when it was just you and me...and so I treasured those late nights, knowing they would be fleeting. (And they were...you slept through the night at around six weeks.)

a few months old...

Very few moments have passed in your life when someone isn't kissing those sweet cheeks. You soaked in all the affection...and never seemed to mind the kisses and hugs a bit. You were such a sweet tempered little baby.

I remember that first year well...for the first time as a parent not anxiously awaiting those milestones, because I knew how quickly they would come...how quickly you would grow up. But those milestones did arrive...and we watched each one with joy...especially when you started to walk a little after your first birthday,. You were so pleased with yourself.

You loved being entertained by your sister and brother...and they simply adored you.

one...

At two, it was already apparent that you had a bubbly and social personality. You had lots to say...and I remember you were so excited about your birthday!

This was the year our house became diaperless. Whew.

You were my biggest challenge this year (in terms of homeschooling your big sister)...but all for good reason. You always wanted to sit on my lap or show me the picture you were coloring...and weren't happy until you had my full attention.

You loved getting to go to Bible Study...and your teachers adored you there. They said you were the only one who answered questions during the Bible lesson. That still makes me smile.

two...

Oh, three. How I will treasure this past year. You have such a sensitive heart...you are so very affectionate. (Even if you did run out of kisses until you went to the kisses store, as you told me a few months ago.)

Your smile and that sparkle in your eyes sometimes make it tough to be your mommy and daddy...it is so hard to resist them!

You have a bit of firecracker in that personality...and oh, the drama. Your facial expressions never fail to make us giggle...and that inflection in your voice. Oh my.

three...

You are learning so quickly these days...you love getting to do your school lessons and are mostly patient while your siblings do theirs.

You love anything artistic...and ask to paint almost every day. Thankfully, you like good ol' crayons too...and the pile of pretty pictures you make me grows constantly.

You have a sweet voice and few hours go by when I don't hear you singing...I love the way you mix up the words in "My Favorite Things."

almost four...

Last night, as I tucked my three-year old in for the last time, I asked if you were sure you had to be four.

You hugged me and patted my cheek, as if you knew I needed some comforting, and said, "Mommy, I wish I could just always be three. But I just have to grow up and turn four."

I know, sweet baby girl. I know.

Happy Fourth Birthday, precious Madeleine.

You are a delight to me. You bring such joy and sweetness to our family.

You are our Ladybug and our Wiggly-Bubbles.

Our Maddie Beth.

Simply Lovely No. 3

2011-10-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

No. 3

The juxtaposition of new life and that which has faded.

Please share with me what simple and lovely things you've found today!

eight on the eighth

2011-10-08T00:00:00.016-05:00

Hadleigh Caroline, every year, on the eve of your birthday, I become reflective...thinking back to that night before you were born...the anticipation...the excitement...the tiny bit of nervousness.

And then at 8:07 pm the next day, there was you.

A precious firstborn daughter was born.

And because of you, a new mommy and daddy.

Though we spent countless hours in that rocking chair, nursing and singing you to sleep, I never tired of watching you sleep in my arms. Never tired of humming you lullabies to stop your little cries.

Had I been able, I might have chosen to keep you so tiny...I loved the way you fit in my arms.

newborn

But then I fell in love with your tottering first steps, your sweet kisses, the delight of hearing your giggle.

I could lose myself, looking into those big blue eyes...watching you, so curious, encounter the great big world of Texas around you.

one

photo by Shannon Ho Photography

And then, all of a sudden you were two, with pigtails...and you were an adoring big sister.

No longer a little baby. Ready to be a big helper. Charming us with those little words and smiles.

two

And my, how that third year, your verbal skills slowly began to strengthen, and there was so much you tried to share...and so much for us to take in.

I remember this was when you stopped taking those good long naps...and it was then we coined the phrase "a nap mess"...because that's what was left in the wake of your naptime. But it was this time that we also saw much creativity and imagination emerge.

three

At age four, it was quite evident that you would be a lover of all outdoor activities. We would go to the park just so you could go "up steps, down slide".

You loved helping get diapers and toys for your new little sister. And I remember how much you loved to go to Bible Study...even though it took a little while to feel comfortable in a new place.

four

Oh, I remember that fifth year well...finally settled in our new house in Oklahoma, you felt right at home in our big backyard...and the fields beyond.

You began to really love coloring and learning...but playing with your brother (and slowly your baby sister) was still your #1 favorite thing to do.

One of my favorite memories of you this year was seeing you as a bashful flower girl for Aunt Katy's wedding. Though too shy to walk down the aisle, you were quite in awe of the bride. I think you thought she was a princess.

five

And then you were a kindergartener. I often wondered what that first official day would be like...and you loved it. You were definitely more a fan of math than reading, but your handwriting was beautiful.

You were so excited to write your name all by yourself. I remember that you would practice writing your name in any medium available...sand, playdoh, blocks, sticks.

We both learned so much from that first year of homeschool...this year, I loved seeing your forgiving spirit, your desire to do well, and your love for including your little brother in what you were doing and learning.

six

As you approached seven, you made your first "best" friend...an answer to one of my prayers for you.

As a first grader, you loved math...found reading a challenge...and surprised me with your capacity for remembering details from our Bible reading. (And you surprised me with your perfectionist tendencies. Not sure where you get that from...)

You developed a love for gymnastics...and your ability to perform in front of a crowd was a big stepping stone.

As always, your affection, sensitivity, and generosity encourage me...teach me.

seven

And now, I see so much growth in you.

You are a loyal friend. You are trusting and kind. You are sensitive to the needs of others. You have a generous heart.

You are a second grader, and I really see much growth academically this year. You are excited about learning...and I think this year you will really take off reading.

You are rising to meet challenges that don't come easily for you...but you are brave. And I am excited for you.

You are wanting to do what's right, even though it's not always easy or fun. You love Sunday School...and love to fellowship with the families in our church.

Your relationships with Nathanael and Madeleine bring such joy to my heart...they are your closest friends and confidants, just as they should be.

You are your Daddy's girl...you love to spend time with him...whether reading together, playing golf, or doing CrossFit, you treasure your time with him, and I love that.

I love that you still hold my hand. That you want to have special "Mommy-Hadleigh time". I love that you want to talk "just a little bit" when I tuck you in at night. That you want to scrapbook together. I love that you still love to be held in my arms.

just before eight

And while there are still moments where I wish I could turn back the pages of time to hold that newborn little girl...I wouldn't trade a moment (well, maybe a few of the potty-training ones) for it has been a privilege to share all that these eight years of life have given to you and to us.

Happy Birthday, precious Hadleigh!

With each year of your life, you bring more joy, laughter, and delight to my life. You are a precious gift from God...and I treasure you.

I am so excited to see what this year will bring.

May the Lord bless you and keep you, this year and all your years.

Love,

Mommy

Simply Lovely No. 2

2011-10-04T08:00:00.001-05:00

No. 2

I adore the color and harvest of this season. Especially when I can bring a bit of it indoors.

What is simple and lovely in your world today?

Tonight...

2011-10-03T20:24:00.000-05:00

this sounds yummy:

I'd love a slice of Garden Pizza from East Beach Village on Kiawah Island right now. Mmmm.

More pictures from the beach coming later this week!

Thoughts Today

2011-09-30T15:50:00.000-05:00

on September Thirtieth...

1. I hope to be closer to our family on the east coast one day...but I will miss tremendously the Big Sky that we've loved in Texas and Oklahoma these past 7 years.

2. Eight years ago today, Hadleigh was due to be born. But I had to wait eight more days to finally meet her.

3. Today is my precious grandmother's birthday. She would have been 101. I miss her.

4. Today is the end of the fiscal year. And yesterday was the final day of flying for Brent's squadron. They now work to close the squadron...and we await what the future holds for our family. Lots of mixed emotions.

5. I've had the easiest and most minute details on my teux-deux list for weeks now. Trying to cross them off one by one today. (And do you add things you've done to your list, just to cross off? I do! I'm adding clean the fridge...because that took some time today!)

6. I like the Salted Caramel Mochas at Starbucks.

7. Looking forward to a weekend of relaxing AND getting projects done. Going to see The Help finally with a friend tomorrow...and hoping to get some autumn decorating done. And switching seasons in the kiddo's closets tomorrow.

8. What are you thinking about today?

Simply Lovely No. 1

2011-09-27T08:00:00.000-05:00

I thought I'd start something new around here on Tuesdays...finding and enjoying beauty in the simple things in life. Will you join me?

No. 1

The last of summer weeds, masquerading as golden sunshine.

A bright spot from my sunroom window.

Saturday was Party Day...

2011-09-26T16:02:00.003-05:00

for this soon-to-be eight year old.

(She still has 12 more days of being seven. Sigh from this mommy.)

And she decided to celebrate with a scrapbooking party. And it was fun.

The guests were first greeted by this pinterest-inspired balloon wreath...

and then by the bashful-at-first birthday girl.

The details:

At each place, was a goodie bag (filled with letter stickers, tape runner, gluestick, stickers, roll of ribbon, and assorted glittery embellishments) a white 4x6 album I put together using Zutter's Cover-All albums, white cardstock, and Zutter's page protectors, scraps of white cardstock, and a packet of 12 coordinating 4x6 patterned papers.

The birthday girl, busy at work. I gave each girl the option of using Studio Calico's Mr. Huey mists to color the covers of their albums...and I think each girl did an amazing job. Love how Hadleigh and Madeleine's both turned out!

The table was full of goodies...stamps, punches, bins of shaped scissors (each girl got to take one home afterwards), pens...ribbons, more scissors.

My littlest (who did so well with the older girls) who is great at putting all her embellishments together on one page! :)

Hard at work. I was quite impressed with her creative ideas and her diligence! Most all the girls finished their albums and then ran to play until it was time for cake.

Hadleigh requested red velvet cake (mmm...she has good taste!), and I made the little banner to coordinate with her invitations and add to the scrapbook theme.

It was a fun party to coordinate...and Hadleigh was so excited and appreciative. I think she had a very special day...and I just love watching her growing up into such a sweet and unique little lady.

(I have to add...I LOVED working with the Zutter albums and page protectors, which I found on clearance at Hobby Lobby for a steal. They're also on sale online, and I plan on buying up a bunch. They are perfect for mini-albums, gifts, and little scrapbooker-in-training, of which I seem to have a couple!)

Perfectly Timed

2011-09-22T16:33:00.000-05:00

These arrived today...

Summer and Autumn from Matthew Mead...just in time for the last day of summer today and the first day of autumn tomorrow.

I am so excited to sit with a cup of tea and enjoy them!

(It's ironic that it arrived today...ironic, yet perfectly timed. It was scheduled for delivery the first week of September but there was a mix up with the Post Office...and my original order never made it here...which was disappointing until I got a follow-up phone message from Matthew Mead himself on Monday. I just have to say that I am very impressed by the level of commitment to customer service...and follow-through from this company.)

Have you gotten your copy of these issues?

And how did you enjoy the last day of summer today?

Yesterday and Today

2011-09-15T17:22:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was a day...

for the first jeans of the season...

for a different but welcome schedule of our day..

for pizza...

for an evening walk as a family...

for miniature flower bouquets...

for journal-writing...

for an old story via film: The Mayor of Casterbridge...

for a night wind that promised even cooler weather to follow.

~ ~ ~

Today was a day...

for Pumpkin Spice Lattes and hot chocolate...

for jeans and a sweater and still feeling chilled outdoors...

for lunch out and a drive to record the day's temps...

for cold mommy hands and warm (still aged-three) hands...

for robins searching for food with their feathers puffed up on our lawn...

for teaching (and enjoying) Bible and History...

for Thai food for dinner...

for family time reading...

for devising an autumn decorating plan...

for loving September.

The 12th of September...

2011-09-12T16:18:00.001-05:00

...has always been a very special day for celebrating this amazing and precious person

who I am blessed to call my baby sister.

Happy Birthday Katy Beth!

I hope you have a very special day today, little sis!

On my way out...

2011-09-07T16:33:00.000-05:00

to the beach.

With the girls.

Our annual long weekend reunion.

There will be a little of this:

(I'm trying to remember the last time I read a book poolside without counting children every few sentences. Hmmm. I think it was summer of 2003.)

And some of this:

Looking forward to long walks and talks by the ocean (heard there were 6-7 ft. waves there today because of Katia) and searching for shells to bring home to my chickadees.

We will soak in the beauty of Kiawah,

and watch how God paints the sky magnificently each evening.

There will be laughter. Uncontrolled. There are always tears...the good kind. There will be conversation until the wee hours of the morning. And there will be food. Good food.

And we will return home refreshed, though probably a little bit sleepy.

I'll see you next week...

Happy Labor Day!

2011-09-05T15:39:00.000-05:00

As you can imagine, I am beside-myself-happy at the 10 day forecast.

Today we woke to Day 2 of cooler temperatures...

This morning, the boys headed out for some golf and the girls made a late morning Starbucks trip (hot chocolates and donuts for my girls and an earl grey latte and slice of pumpkin bread for me) followed by a grocery trip.

This afternoon...rest time desperately needed for our younger two. Opening the windows to bring in the outdoors.

This evening...dining al fresco with wonderful family friends and enjoying some Shrimp Pad Thai. Mmmm.

In between all that? I'm stepping outside to feel the warm sunshine and breathe in the cool air as often as I can!

I hope you have had a wonderful Labor Day weekend!

a Madeleine moment

2011-09-02T15:55:00.000-05:00

This morning, around 7:08, Madeleine ran into my room.

"Mommy, Mommy, come here. Come quick! Hurry...

...the sun is kissing the trees."

Indeed.

Poetry at age three.

September...

2011-09-01T21:20:00.001-05:00

you are ushered right in.

I am armed with September issues of my favorite magazines. (This and the next three months are always my favorites of the whole year.)

I am trusting that the temperatures will slowly make me want to venture outside again. (And more importantly, make my children want to be outside. I have never known them to have had more inside days than this summer.)

I am anxiously awaiting the day that I can pull on a pair of jeans.

I am thinking of potpies and bread puddings and holiday Starbucks drinks.

I am looking forward to my little sister's birthday.

I am excited about a trip to the coast with my bestest friends.

I am on board with Brent's plan for buying more firewood now. Be prepared, you know. (Maybe we can convert the 10 trees/shrubs that the heat killed this summer into firewood. Hmmm.)

I am thankful that we've laid a good foundation for school over the last {almost} three weeks.

I am in search of a good dress for my little brother's wedding which is approaching quickly.

I am ready to hang up my autumn wreaths.

I am feeling creative and crafty after all the busy-ness of getting ready for homeschool.

I am in love with this season that September always begins for me. And so ready to enjoy it.

August ends in motion

2011-08-31T15:31:00.000-05:00

Day 30: in motion

Siblings jumping.

Sisters spinning.

Summer, whirling to an end.

In motion describes this day. This month. This summer.

It's a perfect way to end the photo challenge (which I've loved and will be doing again!)

thirty two...

2011-08-30T17:01:00.070-05:00

Yesterday, I celebrated thirty-two years. 32.

I like it written out in lowercase letters best.

thirty two sounds like...

fire alarms going off at 12:53 am for no reason...and getting the first Happy Birthday from my sweet husband...

little voices saying "Happy Birthday Mommy" before I even open my eyes in the morning...

hearing sweet voices sing "Happy Birthday Aunt Kimber" from some of my favorite New Yorkers...

phone calls from South Korea...and talking to my little brother for the first time since he left at the beginning of the month...

birthday wishes (always in song first) from my little sister Katy...

thirty two looks like...

a whole lot of candles (and I got them all on the first try!)

being surrounded by my wonderful parents, my precious children, and my amazing husband...

many many birthday texts...

sweet cards, some that bring happy tears...

special, thoughtful gifts all in blue paper to open...

thirty two tastes like...

apple pastry and coconut pie...

roast duck in fig sauce...

homemade Thai by my sweet husband (and secret chef)...

creme brulee...

chocolate chip scones and Earl Grey tea...

standing rib roast and grilled veggies...

chocolate mousse cake with bittersweet frosting...

cafe au lait...

(we celebrated all weekend!)

thirty two feels like...

thirty one...

lots of hugs...

100 degrees....

it's going to be a good year.

Catch up, birthday edition!

2011-08-29T14:36:00.000-05:00

Day 27: after dark

Favorite pajamas from Ralph Lauren. I also love mine (similar to these) from Pine Cone Hill.

Day 28: daily routine

My lesson plan book for our homeschool.

Day 29: purchased

My one little purchase (I made) on my birthday: Online shopping at Studio Calico! :)

Birthday post...to follow soon!

Sweetheart

2011-08-27T13:35:00.001-05:00

Day 26: something old

I do not remember a day when I didn't have these three things.

This precious little bear answers to Sweetheart. Once upon a time, I believe he might have been mistaken for Pooh Bear. (He bears a Disney tag.) His nose has been loved off for as long as I can remember. He fits in the palm of my hand now. And oh, the stories he could tell of slumber parties and vacations...trips to camp...laughter...tears.

The two "little blankets" and the beautiful quilt (made by and given to me by dear, precious friends of my parents) slept with me until I went to college. And then the little blankets stayed inside my pillow during my four years at Baylor. Sweetheart rested against my pillow. The quilt stayed safely at home, as it became more fragile.

When I got married, the little blankets and my bear found a cozy spot in my dresser.

When I had children, the quilt came back home with me and found the next generation of (gentle) use. The little blankets made good "substitutes" for when Nathanael's little blanket was missing or in the wash. And Sweetheart still loves to be held...though he doesn't quite capture their attention as he once did mine.

I think you only become Real once.

A Treasure in August

2011-08-26T16:02:00.001-05:00

Day 25: sunflare

It's hard to tell that this is Hadleigh's silhouette.

But the picture is quite fitting.

For she has been my sunshine since the day she first looked up at me.

How often I have sung to her the words "You are my sunshine."

You'll never know, dear, how much I love you.

Catching Up, 2nd edition

2011-08-25T14:18:00.001-05:00

I knew blogging every day was too good to be true :)

Nevertheless, I wanted to share my daily pics...

Day 22: trees

Day 23: sunset

Day 24: a smile

and that smile of Nathanael's just tugs at my heart. He has the sweetest smiles, the most precious grins...I just adore him.

Catching Up

2011-08-22T20:58:00.022-05:00

Day 19: Where I slept

Pictured here are two wonderful Christmas gifts we received this past year...a Sugarboo Designs frame (I've loved their stuff for the longest time!!!) and an amazingly comfortable new mattress...I wake up feeling like I'm in a cocoon...and it is terribly hard to get out of bed in the morning!

Day 20: What I read

This has been my "slow read" this past spring and this summer. It was tough for me to get into the first chapter...but once I did, I have loved it. It's not a book to rush through...it's a deliberate book. And so I've taken my time with it. I'm into the second to last chapter...which excites me...and makes me a little sad. I never like for books I love to come to an end. Bittersweet.

Day 21: pretty pattern

This is my Burleigh china pattern: Blue Scilla by Lillian Delavorgas. I love these dishes. I use them for teas and special occasions. They were a wedding shower gift from my Mom...a special keepsake to remind me of our favorite spot for tea in Asheville...and all the special times we had there before and since.

In My Bag

2011-08-19T14:52:00.012-05:00

Over the years, I've always loved reading the "In Your Bag" features in magazines...and since my middle school/high school obsession with Lipsmackers, I've always loved "lotions and potions" as Brent calls them. And so the chance of being introduced to new products has always intrigued me.

I can't say my bag and contents are super interesting or unique right this minute, but here goes!

Day 18: In my bag

I got this purse on Zulily a while back. I love the size, the shape, and the inside polka-dot pattern reminds me of Boden and makes me happy.

Inside? My wristlet/wallet, hair clip, keys, glasses case with glasses and sunglasses, new gelato schedule, plastic baggie of change for tolls, and my Vera Bradley makeup bag. I also have (unpictured) a crazy amount of little notebooks, pens, and pencils that I keep on hand for keeping the kiddos occupied.

And inside the makeup bag, MAC pressed powder, concealer, lipliner, lipglass, and lipsticks in two shades ( ), two Sephora lip glosses from a birthday bonus a year or so ago, 2 mirrors (one made by my talented friend Courtney), my favorite Lollia hand lotion, and an unnecessarily large assortment of chapsticks! (original Burts Bees, Rose tinted Burts Bees, Burts Bees Radiance Shimmer, and Savannah Bee Company Earl Grey Lip Balm.) I think I'm covered, don't you?

So, please share with me your favorite thing that's in your bag right now!

The Summer Shelf

2011-08-18T17:12:00.000-05:00

I love books.

I love to read.

I can't remember a time not loving it. (Though my junior year summer reading of Catch 22 and The Grapes of Wrath definitely made it tedious...sorry Mr. Hudson...I did love everything else! The irony is how much I adored American Lit (of all sorts) in college!)

Day 17: on the shelf

I thought I'd share with you the books that I have read / am reading / still plan (hope?) to read this summer.

I read Gift From the Sea, Water for Elephants, and Lunch in Paris while at the beach/driving home from the beach at the beginning of June. Somewhat simultaneously.

Also completed since then (in the last two weeks) Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Yep. After finishing watching the movies. Then I wanted more explanation. So Brent and I are currently reading through them together. We're now on Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Chapter 3 or 4, I think.

In process with: Ministry of Motherhood and Miniatures and Morals.

About to start immediately: The Help so that a friend and I can go see the movie. And because it's been on my list for a long time.

To begin in the near future: The Five Love Languages of Children and Lark Rise to Candleford. A good friend (and fellow lover of BBC period dramas) introduced me to the television series which I devoured. Loved the first and last seasons best...but really a great show. And it too, left me wanting more. So I ordered the memoir that it's loosely based upon. I'm so looking forward to it...but think it will actually make a perfect autumn read.

I always seem to have at least one fiction and two nonfiction books in process at the same time. I think it stems from majoring in English and always having three if not four literature courses simultaneously. Those professors sure don't understand that their colleagues assign just as much reading too. ;) But don't get me wrong...I loved it. And still do apparently.

So what books have you been loving lately? I'm always excited to add new titles to my "To Read" list!

Back in the saddle...

2011-08-17T16:47:00.001-05:00

We began school on Monday.

It was a very looooooong first day. I felt the way I did once upon a time when I taught high school.

Hoarse.

Exhausted.

And a bit overwhelmed.

Tuesday was much better. Honestly, a great day.

Today...was somewhere in between.

I have high hopes for tomorrow.

(I had a homeschooling post composed beautifully in my head last night...do you blog in your mind too? I should know by now to leave the dishes and run to the computer...or at least find paper!)

Day 16: what I ate

And because of the first week back, I've been relying on my crock pot this week. And old standbys. Tried and true (and easy) recipes.

Last night's dinner of 20 Clove Chicken was easy...though not really knock-your-socks off...maybe because I didn't have the main marinade ingredient on hand??? (But I have to say that whole garlic cloves that have been cooking all day are yummy.)

Tonight is BBQ Sandwiches, quite easy thanks to my trusty crock pot.

Tomorrow...the kid's favorite Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas, which I'm making partly since it's their favorite and mostly because it's my favorite go-to "Meal Delivery" recipe...and our pastor and his wife had a precious baby girl last week!

Friday...I'm either cooking Orange Beef and Broccoli or ordering Pizza...we shall see.

What have you been cooking this week?

Shoe Rule

2011-08-16T20:26:00.002-05:00

Day 15: my shoes

Confession:

I have never been a fan of thong-style sandals. Cheap dime store flip-flops? Nope. Expensive name-brand flip-flops? Nope. I can't remember ever liking flip-flops.

I've owned many pairs...because they seem so summery and cute. And easy to wear casual.

But I have a problem with the fabric/plastic/leather part between my toes.

Ouch.

But a few summers ago, I found a thong-style sandal (a bit dressier than a flip flop...and from a label I'd not heard of before and can't remember now) that had the same strap design as pictured above. A traditional flip-flop strap PLUS a strap along the base of the toes. And that second strap makes all the difference because it takes some of the pressure and weight off of that annoying strap between my toes. (After wearing them out, I searched for another similar style and found the ones above last summer at Dillards. The blue and green pattern makes me happy!)

This summer, I discovered these Reef sandals...and realized that a wedge heel does the same thing as that extra strap...it takes away a lot of the weight from the toes. So I've pretty much worn out my Reefs and need to order another pair.

Or ten.

Am I alone in my flip-flop issues? Let me know!

Hydrangeas

2011-08-15T19:39:00.001-05:00

Day 14: flowers

Hydrangeas are my favorite flower... and this summer, I've been amazed at how my hydrangea bushes (which normally wilt every afternoon in normal summer heat) have thrived despite 110 degree heat since the end of June.

Maybe it's all the extra watering Brent has done to compensate for the heat, but my hydrangeas don't even wilt in the afternoon.

It's a little bit bizarre.

Granted, they don't look as full and fresh as they do in May...but there are a couple new blooms and plenty of new growth.

Did I mention they aren't wilting?

What are your favorite summer blooms?

Moonrise

2011-08-14T15:52:00.002-05:00

Day 13: from a distance

After a bowl of tomato basil soup...

2011-08-13T15:06:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, to celebrate our last day before school starts, we went to one of our favorite lunch spots, a small locally-owned European bistro. They have an interesting mix of foods...everything's delicious...homemade croissants...delicious pastries...and every plate gets a chocolate-covered strawberry. Yum.

There's not much room inside (and it's not the most child-friendly dining set-up...although the owners and staff LOVE children...it's just a bit precarious indoors) so we usually only eat there when it's nice enough to sit outside, under a rainbow-colored umbrella.

My favorite thing though is the Tomato-Basil Soup. It's unlike any I've ever had before. And I've sampled lots. It's served with spiced, toasted slices of their croissants, which gives it a spicy kick that is amazing. My girls love the soup too...although they usually always pass their croissants to me.

When we move, I will ~~ask~~ beg them for the recipe. Beg.

And to our table's delight, an empty bowl of tomato basil soup revealed a rainbow in my soup spoon.

Day 12: close up

Sponge Balls

2011-08-12T16:38:00.002-05:00

Day 11: Something Fun

There is nothing better on a hot day than getting wet...whether it's via a pool, sprinkler, or water balloons.

This project is even better than water balloons (at least from a parent perspective...no filling and tying those little balloons over and over again) and is easy enough for even the youngest to create and enjoy! Thanks to Pinterest, for yet another great idea!

To Make:

Buy several packages of different colored sponges. I found pink, blue, green, purple, orange, and yellow.

Cut each sponge in half lengthwise. Cut each half lengthwise again, giving you four equal parts. Repeat with all sponges. (If you cut the sponge in the other direction, your sponge balls will be mini-sized.)

Choose 12 pieces of sponge and twist them all together tightly in your hand, as if you are wringing them out. With a helper, tightly tie a length of dental floss in the center and knot it. Trim the ends of the floss and fluff the sponges.

Place sponge balls in a bucket full of water (or a kiddie pool) and watch the fun begin!

A train with a whistle

2011-08-11T14:52:00.005-05:00

When I first saw the "something I made" photo prompt, I was excited...thinking I would show off something crafty and beautiful or even something complicated and tasty.

Day 11: something I made

But the reality of yesterday was focused mainly on those three pictured above. Playing, running errands, lesson planning and organizing for homeschool, and a fun evening out.

Every summer (Memorial Day through Labor Day) since we moved to our Oklahoma town, we enjoy train rides at an old-fashioned (and very small) amusement park operated by the local Kiwanis Club. This year, we've been waiting...and waiting. The train doesn't operate when it's over 100 degrees for safety reasons concerning the tracks...and so yesterday was our first evening to enjoy it this year.

Children were happy. Parents enjoyed the cool breezes. Grandparents smiled at grandchildren. The carousel music floated on the air.

And I watched my three.

Madeleine and Hadleigh sat mesmerized by the carousel, discussing which horse they would ride the next time we came. All three jumped up and down at the gate, watching in the distance for who could first spot the coming train. They were so excited to hold onto their own tickets (though a bit reluctant to hand them to the conductor.) I especially kept my eye on Madeleine, who I think didn't really remember riding the train in previous years...and who got to ride on the last row (facing backwards) alone with her sister. She was elated and all smiles the whole ride around the park. I think she felt "big". Nathanael asked questions about the train and the pond and why there was no steam coming from the engine. Hadleigh kept a watchful eye on her sister...my cautious eldest and my not-so-concerned baby girl...and pointed out all the ducks and birds.

Growing up, my Mom always said to the four of us a "Make a Memory." Usually it was as we drove up the driveway in the early spring, witnessing the beauty of the red and white and pink azaleas that were in bloom. Now, when I think of those azaleas, I think of our suburban with my whole family inside...not just the pretty flowers. The memories that are strongest focus on the people.

Today I made a memory of my children relishing the simple joys of small town pleasures.

No fancy roller coasters or splashy water rides.

Just a train with a whistle, bridges and ponds and tunnels.

And the breeze in our hair.

Most days...

2011-08-10T15:47:00.000-05:00

you can find me with a favorite mug in hand.

For instance, this one makes me SO happy. I bought this one from Starbucks when we were living for a few months in an unfurnished apartment while waiting for our house to be finished. We didn't have a microwave...and I hadn't thought about bringing my teakettle along, so I boiled water in a small saucepan (borrowed from a friend) every morning and afternoon for my cup of tea.

Day 9: faceless self-portrait

And this mug (my ONE mug) made me smile...despite the "inconveniences" of those couple months. And looking back on them? They were wonderful months. When I use this mug, it reminds me of what simple joys I came to know during those months when I realized how very little we actually need.

(couldn't decide which picture I liked better...)

Usually, this cup holds Earl Grey, my most favorite and everyday tea. This day however, it holds cafe au lait...which I've been making at home lately after reminiscing of my cup in Savannah a few days ago!

Here's how I make mine...so very easy.

Cafe Au Lait

8 oz. steamed milk

8 oz. hot coffee (regular or decaf, depending on the time of day. I'm not "allowed" regular after a certain point in the afternoon. It doesn't help my night-owl tendencies!

1 Tbsp. sugar in the raw

I pour both steamed milk and hot coffee together in a ceramic coffee pot/tea pot, stirring a bit. After pouring into my mug, I stir about 1/2 Tbsp. sugar into my cup. This recipe fills that mug above twice! :)

Do you have a favorite teacup or mug? What fills it most often? I'd love to hear your stories!

Hot.

2011-08-09T15:29:00.002-05:00

Days like today, I don't like the thermostat in my car (which always seems to be off by about 4 or 5 degrees...which actually means that it was 104-105 when this pic was taken.)

Day 8: technology

ETA: but on days like today (Wednesday) I don't mind it at all.

Can I just say cool breezes??? (Even if the start of the cooler spell was a massive storm with winds at 80 mph that knocked over our playhouse/swingset AGAIN.)

So...

2011-08-08T16:41:00.000-05:00

I'm just dropping in to quickly share yesterday's photo:

Day 7: something new

In the middle there are two of the new curriculums we're using this year for homeschool.

All about Spelling (for Hadleigh and Nathanael)

All about Reading (for Madeleine)

First Language Lessons/Writing with Ease (for Hadleigh...and maybe a bit with Nathanael)

And the reason for the super short post? I'm off to work on lessons plans...we start homeschool a week from today! But I'll be back with more details of school stuff later this week, for those who are interested/asking!

Have a great Monday!

Foundations

2011-08-07T12:45:00.049-05:00

Day 6: childhood memory

Yesterday, I went to a baby shower and one of the centerpiece decorations was this vintage Babies book. It brought back so many special memories of reading with my Mom. (I will have to look for our old copy of that on my next trip home.)

The two books pictured above are so precious to me.

The Bible in Pictures for Little Eyes.

My first Bible Story book...I have such vivid memory of reading these stories and poring over the pictures for hours. We received the updated version of this for our children...but the cartoonish drawings just aren't the same as the illustrations from my original. I quickly asked my Mom to bring my copy a few years ago...and now my memories of this book also include my own children, who love this too.

Special Times with God

I love the simple set-up of this children's devotional...reading it as an adult, I was surprised at how I anticipated the simple sketches that would come next...and how I remembered the stories and questions.

This has reminded me of how important these early, impressionable years are...and how I want to make the most of them in what I teach our children...what I read to them, sing to them, play with them, show them.

Because one day, I hope the things they will remember will be the important things. Foundational things. Things that shaped them.

Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it."

Savannah

2011-08-06T16:28:00.003-05:00

Day 5: someone I love

(who was playing golf somewhere MUCH greener and cooler than OK this weekend!)

I briefly shared a few months ago that we celebrated our tenth anniversary in May...but forgot to blog about our quick trip to Savannah to celebrate.

Originally we had planned on taking a long vacation (just the two of us) to celebrate...but due to a possible move (now further in the future but still on the close horizon) we thought it best to wait until we know more of the big picture.

After driving to Kiawah with my family, we left the kiddos with my parents and left the South Carolina coast for Savannah, Georgia. Neither of us had ever been...and I was quite excited about the rich history and literary merits of the oh-so-southern city.

We stayed at the AVIA Savannah (which was wonderful) and after checking in, we immediately began to explore.

There was a tall-ship in dock on the river which had free tours...so we went on board and took some pictures...wishing just a bit that Nathanael was there with his eye patch and pirate hat.

We grabbed a quick lunch along the river, enjoyed the old cobblestone streets, ate gelato, and watched an old fashioned taffy machine do its magic at Savannah's Candy Kitchen. (I felt like I was in the kitchen with Jeremy and Jemima in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.)

The buildings along River Street are beautiful...the steep staircases down to the river are so very quaint...the knowledge that the rock wall along the back of restaurant we dined in dated to the Revolution tugs at the imagination. There's nothing like the eastern US (and the South) to bring US History a bit closer. (And I loved the second story building entrances (facing away from the river) that required their own personal bridges to access the front door...wow! My picture of those got deleted!)

Next we did a bit of shopping along Broughton Street. Savannah Bee Company was so unique...and the honey delicious. A place I'd love to bring the kids...especially this location (we visited two!) as there's a fun little play space!

I had seen my friend Stephanie (who gave us amazing suggestions for our trip...thanks again Steph!) mention the Paris Market on her blog...and I knew it was a must. What a beautiful place...I left with lots of creative ideas (and a long wish list!)

While I browsed, Brent spent time in their beautiful patisserie, enjoying an iced latte. (And they were wonderful...I got one to go!) Isn't it perfect? I'd love to spend more carefree afternoons there!

After a bit more sightseeing, we got ready for a wonderful dinner at Elizabeth's on 37th. It was the perfect setting for a leisurely dinner and place to talk about and celebrate 10 years of marriage. We had an after-dinner date for coffee and browsing at Barnes & Noble (a favorite pastime prior to children and living in two cities without a B&N) followed by a late movie.

The next morning we ventured back to the cobblestone streets for breakfast at Huey's on the River. I had an amazing cafe au lait and yummy Eggs Benedict.

But the star of our breakfast???

These amazing beignets, drizzled with praline sauce. Many times since then, I have craved another one. I am so glad Stephanie recommended them. I'll go anywhere that serves dessert for breakfast!

Afterwards, we explored the city a bit more by carriage. Our tour guide was funny and we enjoyed learning more "behind the scenes" history of Savannah. The architecture and design of the city are truly unique...and as I'm sure every visitor and resident would agree, Savannah's public squares are a true treasure. I could have spent hours wandering from square to square or with a book on a park bench. That is on my list for our next visit there!

Another carriage shot...and our only picture together. We left our camera at the beach house, so we only had our phones...I feel like I'm missing pictures...and I think it's because we captured a lot of our trip on our then-new Flip camera...which I haven't even looked at yet!

After checking out of our hotel, we drove through a few more squares, explored a bookshop, and then had lunch at the Gryphon Tea Room. By far, my favorite spot in Savannah. I would spend way too much time here if I lived nearby!

The ambience was right up my alley. The tea room occupies an old turn-of-the-century pharmacy with stained glass windows...walls and glass cases full of old books...unique lighting...and an original pharmacy cabinet I'd love to have for craft and homeschool storage!

As we were being seated, Brent noticed that one table was empty on a raised "stage" by the window...so he requested it. It was perfect and private and an ideal way to end our visit to Savannah. The only thing that would have made it better was if there had been a pianist (notice the grand piano behind Brent) playing that afternoon.

I, of course, ordered high tea and a pot of Earl Grey...and the three tiered serving tray was quite a feast. (I left quite full with a container to-go!) The timing of our visit was ideal...our waitress told us that the next day they would be closing to remodel the kitchen...I'm so glad that I didn't miss getting to have tea here!

Our last stop in Savannah was Forsyth Park. What a beautiful space in a beautiful city. It was a hot day...and probably a good thing the iconic fountain has a fence around it...otherwise I might have dipped my feet in!

I do hope to return again to Savannah someday...

Blue

2011-08-05T15:42:00.001-05:00

the color of my children's eyes...each their own unique shade...

the color of my Blue Ridge Mountains on the horizon in the evening...

the color of the gorgeous hydrangeas that cover my parent's property...

the color of the sky at the edge of a brilliant white cloud...

the color I always choose for my toothbrush...

the accent color in my French-country inspired kitchen...

Day 4: favorite color

the color of the bridesmaids dresses in our wedding...

the color of my very favorite sweater...

the color of the ocean...at Kiawah, in the Caribbean, along Panama City Beach, and the coast of Maine...

the colors of my high school, navy and gold...

the color of a bowl-full of blueberries...

the color of notebooks I use for my homeschooling organization...

the color of yarn that always seems to end up in my shopping basket...

the color of my iPhone covers...

the color of the antique pie safe Brent surprised me with on our first anniversary...

the color that I gravitate to the most...no matter the shade...for as long as I can remember.

The only blue I've never been a fan of? UNC Carolina Blue. ;)

wishful thinking

2011-08-04T08:00:00.001-05:00

Winnie The Pooh clouds.

Again.

Oh, how I wish for rainclouds.

Dark, thick thunderclouds on the horizon, stretched for so far that they can't avoid us. Thunder shaking the summer day. Lightning to punctuate the night sky. (Just no tornadoes, thank you very much.)

Smothering, grey rainclouds, drizzling a slow and steady rain for several days. Or a week. As far as the eye can see.

I'd even take another 10 minute cloud that just teases the grass for a few fleeting moments.

I'd love a reason to be upset I forgot my umbrella. I'd love to pull on rainboots and splash in the puddles with my kiddos. I'm ready to twirl in the raindrops with my girls.

Oh yes, I am hoping and dreaming and wishing for rain.

Day 3: clouds

ETA...I should add that last night, we did get one of those 10 minute rainclouds while we were in town...though it missed our neighborhood. But it still made me happy...those few raindrops...and getting to see the lightning on the horizon from Kansas storms!

Perfect for a Picnic

2011-08-03T12:19:00.001-05:00

Before the crazy wave of heat that has plagued Oklahoma for over a month, we were eating most meals on our back porch.

And one evening was just perfect for a dessert picnic:

I love the memory of that lovely evening.

And what is more perfect for a summer dessert picnic than strawberry shortcakes?

Mmmm.

I first came across the Bisquick shortcake recipe when we were newlyweds...living in North Carolina. My friend Catherine made them for us one night...and since then, that's been my go-to recipe. They are the perfect compliment for sweet fresh strawberries and homemade sweetened whipped cream. I now use the Heart Smart (0 Trans Fat!) Bisquick mix...but I'm also including a similar from-scratch recipe that I found from Elise at Simply Recipes that is just as yummy and not from a box!

Strawberry Shortcakes

1-2 lbs. strawberries

1/2 cup sugar

1 1/2 cups whipping cream

3/4 tsp. vanilla

sugar to taste

Shortcake Biscuits (recipes follow)

mint for garnish

1. Wash and quarter strawberries and place in a bowl. Sprinkle 1/2 cup sugar over strawberries. Stir and allow to macerate, about 20 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, pour whipping cream and vanilla into a large bowl. Add sugar to taste. (I usually use a few teaspoons...but I don't like my whipped cream too sweet.) Using a mixer, whip the cream until stiff peaks form.

3. Place one shortcake biscuit per serving dish. Split each biscuit in half. Place a large dollop of whipped cream on the bottom layer of biscuit. Top with strawberries. Place top of biscuit over layers and top with more whipped cream and strawberries. Garnish with mint and enjoy!

Bisquick Shortcake Biscuits

2 1/3 cup Bisquick mix

3 Tbsp. butter, melted

1/2 cup milk

3 Tbsp. sugar

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

2. In a medium bowl, mix all four ingredients together until a soft dough forms.

3. On a greased cookie sheet, drop dough in six large spoonfuls. The dough should remain unshaped. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden in color.

4. Allow to cool on rack.

(I often double or triple the recipe, to meet my serving needs.)

Elise's Scratch Biscuits

3 cups all purpose flour

3 Tbsp granulated sugar

1 1/2 Tbsp. baking powder

3/4 tsp. salt

12 Tbsp. cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1. In a large bowl, sift the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Toss with a fork to combine. Cut the butter into the flour mixture with a pastry cutter or a fork until the largest pieces of butter are the size of peas.

2. Combine the cream and vanilla in a liquid measuring cup. Make a well in the center of the flour and and pour the cream mixture into the well. Mix with a fork until the dough is moistened and just combined; it will look and feel a bit dry. Gently knead by hand five or six times to create a loose ball.

3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into an 8-inch square, 3/4 to 1 inch thick. Transfer the dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment, cover with plastic and chill for 20 minutes in the refrigerator.

4. Preheat the oven to 425ºF.

5. Remove the dough from refrigerator. Cut the dough into 9 even squares and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Bake until the biscuits are medium golden brown, about 18 to 20 minutes.

And another thing perfect for picnics...plaid crinkly dresses that feel perfect on picnic days and 110 degree days, like yesterday.

I'm enjoying the photo challenge so far...are you?

Day 2: What I Wore

Things I'm excited about...

2011-08-02T10:12:00.003-05:00

I'm not sure how I missed the release of his summer magazine, but I am so anxious to receive Matthew Mead's Autumn magazine. I just loved his Christmas Holiday edition...it is such a beautiful and practical publication.

I'm excited about using my new instagram app...planning on using my iPhone to document my 30 day photo challenge...and instagram was a perfect choice...so far, I prefer it to my other camera apps.

Day 1: self-portrait

I received an email from Layla Grace yesterday, calling my attention to the new Petunia Pickle Bottom line. And while I don't have a need for a diaper bag anymore (mixed emotions there, for sure!), I think the following items are perfect for the preschool/elementary moms out there.

I keep changing my mind about which iPhone cover I like best...but I think this one is fun and colorful...otherwise I like the black & white damask-style one or the grey and black. Which do you prefer?

And I just think this would be a perfect bag for autumn, don't you?

What things are you liking these days?

August in Pictures

2011-08-01T17:00:00.001-05:00

So...I came across this photo challenge idea on Oh So Lovely and decided to jump on board...the prompts look like they'll stretch my photo-taking creativity too! Of course, I discovered it today...so I'll post pics the day after...ending on the last day of August! Fun!

image from oh so lovely

Care to join me?

Summer Fun Project

2011-07-28T08:00:00.004-05:00

It's easy for me to get into a rut...the same things tend to fill even our days that don't have much routine.

So this week, we created a Summer Fun jar...a creative project for me to unwind...full of fun activities to help the kiddos expend some of their energy...and probably create more!

I used:

~ a mason jar
~ Classic Teal paint from Claudine Hellmuth Studio and white acrylic paint
~ leftovers from Jenni Hufford's fabulous mini-album kit she designed for Elle's Studio (you can see my album in the background)
~ alphas from Studio Calico's March kit, "Into the Woods"
~ some bakers twine and a few spare flowers I had laying around
~ a snippet of paper from Glitz paper layers

To begin, I was inspired (by this pin from my pinterest boards) to paint the inside of the mason jar.

It was quite easy...I mixed the teal and white paint until I achieved the shade I was looking for...spooned about a tablespoon or so of paint into the bottom of the jar, and then turned and tilted the jar until the paint had entirely coated the inside of the glass. Towards the end, I placed a paper towel over a kitchen towel and gently tapped the jar (upside down) to finish coating some spots.

Honestly, it took about 5 minutes to coat and then overnight to dry. (I dried it for a few hours with the opening of the jar facing down over a paper towel, and then allowed it to dry with the opening up for the remainder of the night. This way, there wasn't a ton of paint pooling on the bottom.)

The rest was simply figuring out which letter stickers I wanted to use and how to arrange them. I centered my title, added a bit of bakers twine, and adhered the sweet Summer poem found on one of the Glitz papers. (Could the colors and sentiment be more perfect?)

I traced the lid on a sheet of patterned paper, cut it out, glued an Elle's Studio tag in the center, and added two flowers for good measure! Then I adhered it to the lid.

And of course, the most important part: brainstorming activities to fill the jar with your children. Some of our ideas included roller skating, snow cones, blowing bubbles, planting flowers, sidewalk chalk, getting gelato, running through the sprinklers, etc.

Oh, and "man building time" for building a wooden Anakin spaceship. Yep. That's my boy. (and obviously a project that requires Daddy. Whew. Thank goodness for Daddy.)

After assembly, smile and enjoy your children's smiles each morning when they select an activity!
Sweet Summer, indeed!

Easy Peasy

2011-07-27T08:00:00.000-05:00

Summer dinners should have their share of easy recipes.

Quick on time.

With plenty of flavor...so much so that someone would think you'd spent all day in the kitchen.

Enter Greek nachos.

Mmmmm. Think fresh and light and flavorful.

And easy peasy.

Greek Nachos

Greek Nachos

1 lb. ground lamb

1-2 tsp. cumin

1/2 sweet onion, chopped

3/4 cup plain nonfat yogurt

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

juice from one half of a lemon

2 Tbsp. fresh mint, chopped

salt to taste

1-2 cups grape tomatoes, quartered

Kalamata olives, chopped

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/2 English cucumber, sliced moderately thin and quartered

2-3 Tbsp. fresh mint, chopped

8-10 wheat pitas

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cut each pita into 8 equal wedges. Place all pita chips onto a baking sheet and bake 5-6 minutes per side, until crisp but not burnt. Allow to cool to room temperature.

2. In a small bowl, combine yogurt, feta, lemon juice, mint, and salt. Stir to combine. Chill until ready to use. (It's a good idea to prepare this at least 30 minutes ahead of time, to let the flavors blend.)

3. Brown meat and onion over medium heat. Season with cumin. Drain meat.

4. Arrange tomatoes, cucumbers, feta, olives, mint, yogurt sauce, meat, and pita chips in serving dishes. Layer toppings over pita chips and enjoy!

I have had these dishes for a long time...and this was a perfect occasion to bring them out! This is really a delicious meal...our whole family enjoyed it! (Feel free to play with the amounts of toppings to meet your needs!)