Recipe Binder

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DIANE!!!

I think my sister-in law, Diane, has received this in the mail for her birthday already so I can post it! This is a recipe binder I made for her to keep her recipes from magazines, newspapers, family/friends...etc. in. It is always hard to keep up with all of those "free floating" recipes that we love but can't seem to keep tabs on. Inside there are sheet protectors (to put the recipes in)and labels (to keep the recipes organized) for soups, breads, side dishes, main dishes, desserts, holiday treats...etc. I hope she enjoys it! (I love mine!)

How do you keep up with your favorite recipes?

Shoe Rack

My new favorite thing is an over the door plastic shoe rack! I have one on almost all my doors (Hee Hee) . When we moved I no longer had a room for scrapbook, stamping, crafts...etc., but I did get a shelf closet just to call my own! I had to stretch it as far as I could go. While shopping one day I noticed a plastic shoe rack out of the corner of my eye...Hmmm....that just might work! I took it home and put all kinds of things in it (scissors, cards, ribbons, pens,...etc.). It worked so well I put one in my pantry too. I have all of those loose things that just take up space- instant oatmeal, snack bars, fruit snacks, popcorn bags, baby food...etc. It has worked so wonderful!!! I wanted to share my awesome find. It might just work for you too!

I made a grape salad for supper lastnight-
K.: "Ohhhh, Momma this makes my heart feel good!"
That grape salad may be my new favorite recipe! Thanks K Man- love ya!

Come One, Come All

Hey Mr. Frog! How are you today?
Hey Mr. Zebra! What did you have for Breakfast?
The "K Man" at work!

I had the best seat in the house to the worlds best puppet show! The puppet show addressed the issues of "how are you?", "what are you doing?", and " what was for breakfast?". The puppet show lasted about 35 minutes and included many of K's stuffed animals. The humor was great and the story line was better then anything I've come across in years! If you are ever in the area I would highly recommend this show! The seats are free, but it is first come first serve- and I know the seats will go fast! Thank you "K Man" for the outstanding performance.

Fun with Friends

A. and K. fishing in the pond (A. loved fishing!)
A. and K. fishing again
A. and K. playing outside (they are going to "church" and the "post office")
Holly and Lacie just enjoying the day with each other and family!
K. 10 minutes after our sweet friends drove away!

There is nothing like friendships. Our friends came to visit Sat. to see our new home and experience our country lifestyle. I loved every minute of the relaxing day. We talked, played, looked at maps, made dreamy plans, drove around, talked, sat outside, fished, ate, and did I mention talked. I was so excited to share my home with our friends. I loved watching K. and A. play and interact together. They are growing up so fast. It was also comforting to see that we can be a good distance a part, but never feel that a day has gone by since we have seen each other! The friendships our families have will only grow over time- I feel sure of that!

Oh- did I mention Holly was running in a marathon today! Run girl, Run!

Grow Veggies Grow!

Straight Cucumber
zucchini squash
Okra

I didn't want to bore you with pictures of all the veggies, BUT They Are Growing! While I was gone they just took off. I guess the saying is true "a watched pot never boils". Before I left I was walking out there everyday to check- now they are just growing like crazy! I actually have rows!

They are all so cute just shooting out of the ground (I wonder if a veggie has ever been called cute?) I will keep you updated on their progress! Tonight I think I am going to go pull weeds. It is way to hot now. HOWEVER, it is never too hot to go take pictures!

We made it home!

The boys sleeping at the same time- Oh the small things!

We made it home earlier this afternoon- talk about a drive!!! I feel like I can almost do anything now that I have driven 6 hours (12 hours total) by myself with a three year old, a six month old and a dog! I feel like I have just accomplished a great life achievement: Why you ask...

• I went a route I have never traveled before
• I went to the bathroom with two kids in very dirty bathrooms
• I only got turned around twice
• K. didn't have any accidents (potty accidents)
• I didn't have have any accidents trying to hand the kids things in the backseat
• I ONLY told K. to leave B. alone one hundred times!
• I only had to stop a total of six times (three times each way-good planning huh?)
• The boys fell asleep at the same time for a total of about an hour
• I never cried (even though the boys got to!)
• I took a picture of the boys sleeping while I was driving (I kept my eyes on the road!!!!)
• AND... I still have my sanity and I am able to laugh about the adventure!

What... There are no certificates, T- shirts or blue ribbons for this achievement?

"Shall We Read?"

Gramzie reading to the boys.
Great Grandpa reading to K.

Both my boys love books. There is nothing better then cuddling up to read a book with them. I love to watch K.'s facial expressions while listening to a good book and B.'s excitement (by kicking his legs and arms) when I open the first page. I was able to share those experiences with my family this week. My Mom and Grandpa Farris each had the chance to read to the boys. I don't know who enjoyed it more the adults or the kids. I am so excited that I am getting to share my joy of books with my children.