We leave on Saturday for our vacation. We’re going to Massachusetts to visit DH’s siblings and I’m really looking forward to it. I’m a little nervous about flying with Brady, but I’m doing my best to remain positive and pray that everything goes smoothly!
Here are a few of the things we’re going to do while we’re there:
Boston, of course
The New England Aquarium
The Boston Children’s Museum
Salem, MA Witches, anyone?
Block Island, RI
I started putting together “piles” of stuff that I need to remember to take – my sister-in-law’s hostess gift, travel treats for Brady, address book, etc. Tomorrow I’ll start the loads of laundry. Fun!
My DH talked to his sister last night and apparently our niece (4) and nephew (6) are fighting over who will get to sleep with Brady first. I wonder how Brady will feel about this!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Weekend Recap
Happy Tuesday!
Well, the Christmas in July party was fabulous! We met at Suzanne’s house at 6pm and had dinner. She completely decorated her house, even a little tree and stockings for each of us. She and her husband made a whole Christmas dinner – schnitzel, 4 cheese mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, Watergate salad, rolls and pumpkin cheesecake. After we stuffed ourselves, we went ice skating. It had been about 14 years since I ice skated, so it took a while to get back in the groove of it, but I almost felt graceful by the time we finished up. And no one got hurt!
After our Olympic trials (haha), we headed back to her house for games and gifts and more food and merriment. One friend had to go home around 12:30am, but the rest of us stayed and fell asleep at 1am. We got to sleep until 9am (no kids waking us up!) and were treated to bagels and smoothies for breakfast. Then it was time to head back to the real world of grocery shopping (two of us had to stop at Walmart on the way home) and whatnot. But it was a great time and we’re hoping to make it a yearly tradition.
Saturday night we kept Karlie and Brina while their parents went on a Date Night. They had a great time playing in the pool with Brady. I’ll have pictures up soon of that. Karlie even declared that she wanted to spend the night at our house. It was so cute.
Sunday was Sunday School and church and shoe shopping for DH in the afternoon. A good finish to a good weekend.
4 days until vacation!
Well, the Christmas in July party was fabulous! We met at Suzanne’s house at 6pm and had dinner. She completely decorated her house, even a little tree and stockings for each of us. She and her husband made a whole Christmas dinner – schnitzel, 4 cheese mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, Watergate salad, rolls and pumpkin cheesecake. After we stuffed ourselves, we went ice skating. It had been about 14 years since I ice skated, so it took a while to get back in the groove of it, but I almost felt graceful by the time we finished up. And no one got hurt!
After our Olympic trials (haha), we headed back to her house for games and gifts and more food and merriment. One friend had to go home around 12:30am, but the rest of us stayed and fell asleep at 1am. We got to sleep until 9am (no kids waking us up!) and were treated to bagels and smoothies for breakfast. Then it was time to head back to the real world of grocery shopping (two of us had to stop at Walmart on the way home) and whatnot. But it was a great time and we’re hoping to make it a yearly tradition.
Saturday night we kept Karlie and Brina while their parents went on a Date Night. They had a great time playing in the pool with Brady. I’ll have pictures up soon of that. Karlie even declared that she wanted to spend the night at our house. It was so cute.
Sunday was Sunday School and church and shoe shopping for DH in the afternoon. A good finish to a good weekend.
4 days until vacation!
Friday, July 25, 2008
Christmas in July
Merry Christmas in July! Yes girls, Christmas is only 5 months away. Have you started your shopping yet? I haven’t, but I have started my list.
Tonight my MOPS group is having a Christmas in July slumber party. We’re meeting for dinner and then going ice skating. Afterwards it’s back to our “mentor mom’s” house for all sorts of Christmas-related activities and treats. I can’t wait! It’s going to be so much fun!
But before we get too carried away on the Christmas stuff, how about this cute little outfit for Brady Boy?
His birthday was in June, but I always end up getting his birthday pictures taken in September because the summer is so busy. I think this will be the perfect picture outfit, plus he can wear it to church and other things.
Tonight my MOPS group is having a Christmas in July slumber party. We’re meeting for dinner and then going ice skating. Afterwards it’s back to our “mentor mom’s” house for all sorts of Christmas-related activities and treats. I can’t wait! It’s going to be so much fun!
But before we get too carried away on the Christmas stuff, how about this cute little outfit for Brady Boy?
His birthday was in June, but I always end up getting his birthday pictures taken in September because the summer is so busy. I think this will be the perfect picture outfit, plus he can wear it to church and other things. Have a great weekend!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Better Late Than Never
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Dreaming of leaves and cool breezes
Wouldn’t this be so cute for fall with tights, boots and a cute sweater?
And I love this new print from Vera Bradley:
Can you tell I’m just dying for some cool weather outfits?
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Weekend Recap and a Major Concert Event!
Happy Tuesday!
Boy, did our weekend start off with a bang. When I picked Brady up on Friday evening, I was informed that his daycare was closing – in two weeks! There wasn’t anything I could over the weekend, so I did my best to put it in God’s hands and not worry about it (too much!). I spent all morning yesterday on the phone and was fortunate enough to find him a spot at a local church where my friend’s son attends. He’ll start the Monday after we get back from vacation. So I’m breathing a bit easier today.
DH was in Memphis for his “guy’s weekend,” so Brady and I were on our own. We spent Friday evening at Frances’ house and then Mike and Ashley had a cookout on Saturday evening, so we had plenty to keep us occupied. I even slept well! Normally I hate being at home overnight without DH, but I just had the greatest peace and got a good night’s rest every night. But I was very happy for DH to get home yesterday!
Did you all hear about this concert event yet?
If you grew up listening to contemporary Christian music in the last 20 years, you know these names well. Just think about all the classics you’ll hear during this show! They’re coming to Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium on October 18th and don’t you know I’ll be there! I feel like I should be singing “Friends are Friends Forever………….”
Boy, did our weekend start off with a bang. When I picked Brady up on Friday evening, I was informed that his daycare was closing – in two weeks! There wasn’t anything I could over the weekend, so I did my best to put it in God’s hands and not worry about it (too much!). I spent all morning yesterday on the phone and was fortunate enough to find him a spot at a local church where my friend’s son attends. He’ll start the Monday after we get back from vacation. So I’m breathing a bit easier today.
DH was in Memphis for his “guy’s weekend,” so Brady and I were on our own. We spent Friday evening at Frances’ house and then Mike and Ashley had a cookout on Saturday evening, so we had plenty to keep us occupied. I even slept well! Normally I hate being at home overnight without DH, but I just had the greatest peace and got a good night’s rest every night. But I was very happy for DH to get home yesterday!
Did you all hear about this concert event yet?
If you grew up listening to contemporary Christian music in the last 20 years, you know these names well. Just think about all the classics you’ll hear during this show! They’re coming to Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium on October 18th and don’t you know I’ll be there! I feel like I should be singing “Friends are Friends Forever………….”
Friday, July 18, 2008
Finally Friday
It's been a long and stressful week, but the weekend is finally here! I hope you all have wonderful and exciting plans!
Here’s the recipe for the Baked Pimento Cheese Dip I made for Bunco last week. Everyone loved it, especially the pregnant ladies!
Baked Pimiento Cheese
Prep: 15 min., Bake: 20 min. S
erve dip with crackers or crunchy veggies.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
1 (4-ounce) jar diced pimiento, drained
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon finely grated onion
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 (8-ounce) block extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
1 (8-ounce) block sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
Garnish: chopped parsley
Preparation
Stir together first 5 ingredients in a large bowl; stir in cheeses. Spoon mixture into a lightly greased 2-quart or 11- x 7-inch baking dish.
Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until dip is golden and bubbly. Garnish, if desired.
Oh, and my grandmother came home yesterday! God is so great! Happy Friday!
Here’s the recipe for the Baked Pimento Cheese Dip I made for Bunco last week. Everyone loved it, especially the pregnant ladies!
Baked Pimiento Cheese
Prep: 15 min., Bake: 20 min. S
erve dip with crackers or crunchy veggies.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
1 (4-ounce) jar diced pimiento, drained
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon finely grated onion
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 (8-ounce) block extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
1 (8-ounce) block sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
Garnish: chopped parsley
Preparation
Stir together first 5 ingredients in a large bowl; stir in cheeses. Spoon mixture into a lightly greased 2-quart or 11- x 7-inch baking dish.
Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until dip is golden and bubbly. Garnish, if desired.
Oh, and my grandmother came home yesterday! God is so great! Happy Friday!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Update
Thank you for all your kind thoughts and prayers for my grandmother. I got an update last night around 930pm. They had spoken with the surgeon and he could find no sign of congestive heart failure and her pneumonia was much better! I truly believe God did a miracle. There was some damage to her heart, but not a lot, and he expected her to be home within two days.
Also, my father called her yesterday. It was the first time they had spoken in over a year. This is huge and I hope this continues even after the crisis has passed.
Also, my father called her yesterday. It was the first time they had spoken in over a year. This is huge and I hope this continues even after the crisis has passed.
Here's a picture of her and Brady taken this past March when we visited them:
As for my MIL, I don’t have any news on that situation. One thing at a time!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
The storm is rolling in
I can’t seem to win this week.
This morning I had an email that my uncle sent my dad, telling him that my grandmother had a heart attack Tuesday night. I had just spoken with her that evening and she sounded fine. According to the email, they don’t think there was a lot of damage, but they discovered she has congestive heart failure and pneumonia. It’s a very difficult situation because my parents don’t speak to my grandparents (they’re my dads parents), hence the email communication.
My mother-in-law is upset with me about something. Go figure.
And my DH is supposed to be out-of-town this weekend, leaving me with this mess. I’m praying he’ll change his mind. I feel like I’m in the middle of a storm right now. I know God is in control and He has the plan, I know He does. But it’s hard to have faith when it all piles on like this.
"The steps of the godly are directed by the LORD. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will not fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand."
Psalms 37:23-24.
"Cast thy burdens upon the Lord and He shall sustain you."
Pslams 55:22
This morning I had an email that my uncle sent my dad, telling him that my grandmother had a heart attack Tuesday night. I had just spoken with her that evening and she sounded fine. According to the email, they don’t think there was a lot of damage, but they discovered she has congestive heart failure and pneumonia. It’s a very difficult situation because my parents don’t speak to my grandparents (they’re my dads parents), hence the email communication.
My mother-in-law is upset with me about something. Go figure.
And my DH is supposed to be out-of-town this weekend, leaving me with this mess. I’m praying he’ll change his mind. I feel like I’m in the middle of a storm right now. I know God is in control and He has the plan, I know He does. But it’s hard to have faith when it all piles on like this.
"The steps of the godly are directed by the LORD. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will not fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand."
Psalms 37:23-24.
"Cast thy burdens upon the Lord and He shall sustain you."
Pslams 55:22
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Back from the dead
I feel like I’m back from the dead! Sorry folks, but I’ve been sick since Friday and I’m just now coming up for air. I was actually at work yesterday, but just trudged through my day until I could make it home and to bed again.
Today is much better and I’m myself again. That’s good because the rest of the week is busy – work, church, MOPS Steering team meeting, etc.
Just a quick note to say “hello” and here’s a cute dress I saw:
Happy Tuesday!
Today is much better and I’m myself again. That’s good because the rest of the week is busy – work, church, MOPS Steering team meeting, etc.
Just a quick note to say “hello” and here’s a cute dress I saw:
Happy Tuesday!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Lemon-Blueberry Bundt Cake
Here's the lemon-blueberry bundt cake recipe that I made for Bible Study last night. It's perfect as a snack or for breakfast and so summery! Enjoy!
Lemon-Blueberry Bundt Cake
Both kids and adults will love this golden cake bursting with blueberries and drizzled with tangy
Ingredients
Cake: Cooking spray
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
3 cups all-purpose flour (about 13 1/2 ounces)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 tablespoon grated lemon rind
4 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (16-ounce) container reduced-fat sour cream
2 cups fresh blueberries
Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°.
To prepare cake, coat a 12-cup Bundt pan with cooking spray; dust with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar. Set aside.
Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, stirring with a whisk.
Place 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar, butter, and rind in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until well blended (about 2 minutes). Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition (about 4 minutes total). Beat in vanilla and sour cream. Add flour mixture; beat at medium speed just until combined. Gently fold in blueberries.
Spoon batter into prepared pan. Bake at 350° for 1 hour or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 15 minutes on a wire rack; remove from pan. Cool completely on wire rack.
To prepare glaze, combine powdered sugar and lemon juice, stirring well with a whisk. Drizzle over cooled cake.
Yield
16 servings (serving size: 1 slice)
Lemon-Blueberry Bundt Cake
Both kids and adults will love this golden cake bursting with blueberries and drizzled with tangy
Ingredients
Cake: Cooking spray
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
3 cups all-purpose flour (about 13 1/2 ounces)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 tablespoon grated lemon rind
4 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (16-ounce) container reduced-fat sour cream
2 cups fresh blueberries
Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°.
To prepare cake, coat a 12-cup Bundt pan with cooking spray; dust with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar. Set aside.
Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, stirring with a whisk.
Place 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar, butter, and rind in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until well blended (about 2 minutes). Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition (about 4 minutes total). Beat in vanilla and sour cream. Add flour mixture; beat at medium speed just until combined. Gently fold in blueberries.
Spoon batter into prepared pan. Bake at 350° for 1 hour or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 15 minutes on a wire rack; remove from pan. Cool completely on wire rack.
To prepare glaze, combine powdered sugar and lemon juice, stirring well with a whisk. Drizzle over cooled cake.
Yield
16 servings (serving size: 1 slice)
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
The week in progress
What a week! We’ve been having our financial audit here at work and it wrapped up this morning. It went well and we got a fantastic score, but it’s still a stressful process. We did get a great auditor this time, so that helped a bit. Now I don’t have to worry about this again for two years!
Monday night I met some of my MOPS leadership at Starbucks for some sipping and chatting. We have the best time and always end up being kicked out at 10pm when they close.
Tonight is Bible study. It’s my week to bring refreshments, so I made a blueberry-lemon bundt cake. It’s a Cooking Light recipe I got last year and I love it. I’ll get it posted soon.
Tomorrow night is Bunco with my MOPS group. We started playing last month. I had never played before and won the first pot! I doubt that will happen again, but you never know. I’m definitely looking forward to a night out with the girls.
We’re all doing well, otherwise. Brady was running a fever Monday evening, but seems to be fine now. It was probably just one of those little bugs that come around.
Happy Wednesday!
Monday night I met some of my MOPS leadership at Starbucks for some sipping and chatting. We have the best time and always end up being kicked out at 10pm when they close.
Tonight is Bible study. It’s my week to bring refreshments, so I made a blueberry-lemon bundt cake. It’s a Cooking Light recipe I got last year and I love it. I’ll get it posted soon.
Tomorrow night is Bunco with my MOPS group. We started playing last month. I had never played before and won the first pot! I doubt that will happen again, but you never know. I’m definitely looking forward to a night out with the girls.
We’re all doing well, otherwise. Brady was running a fever Monday evening, but seems to be fine now. It was probably just one of those little bugs that come around.
Happy Wednesday!
Monday, July 7, 2008
Monday, Monday
Hello! We had a fabulous 4th of July. I’ll have a full review and pictures tomorrow, maybe even an actual picture of me!
Less than a month until our vacation! I’m so excited! We're going to Massachusetts!
Less than a month until our vacation! I’m so excited! We're going to Massachusetts!
We haven’t been up to visit my husband’s siblings in about 5 years. Brady will get to make his first flight and spend time with his cousins. We have all sorts of fun plans – The Boston Children’s Museum and the New England Aquarium; Salem, MA (witch trials, anyone?); Block Island, RI; the beach at his sister’s house, and maybe even the Bronx Zoo. We’re so blessed to be able to take a vacation this year.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Happy Fourth of July!
Note: For those of you who didn’t know, that’s Johnny Depp in the picture below. *Smile*
What’s going on for the 4th of July on Friday? Big, exciting plans?
The 4th of July has always been a favorite holiday of mine. I don’t know why, it just has. We really don’t have too much planned for the long weekend. Friday morning we’re taking Brady and Vivian to see Kung Fu Panda, then we’re going to Vivian’s house for a cookout that evening. I'm making a peach cobbler to take. Yummy! Brady and Vivian will get to play in the pool and the adults will get to chat. We’ll have a great time.
The major event will be trying to potty train Brady. We thought since we don’t have anything going on that it would be the perfect time to buckle down and get this kid out of diapers. Wish us luck!
Happy Fourth of July everyone! Be safe!
What’s going on for the 4th of July on Friday? Big, exciting plans?
The 4th of July has always been a favorite holiday of mine. I don’t know why, it just has. We really don’t have too much planned for the long weekend. Friday morning we’re taking Brady and Vivian to see Kung Fu Panda, then we’re going to Vivian’s house for a cookout that evening. I'm making a peach cobbler to take. Yummy! Brady and Vivian will get to play in the pool and the adults will get to chat. We’ll have a great time.
The major event will be trying to potty train Brady. We thought since we don’t have anything going on that it would be the perfect time to buckle down and get this kid out of diapers. Wish us luck!
Happy Fourth of July everyone! Be safe!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
For your viewing enjoyment
I'm not feeling very creative or wordsy today, so I thought I'd give you this! Enjoy!
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