The huge green vegetable is a gigantic zucchini - thanks to all the rain we've had - this huge veggie took a 2-day growth spurt!
Yummy! Here's to more picking!
5 years ago
Monday, June 27, 2011
Oh My Garden!
See what happens when you leave home for a few days????
The huge green vegetable is a gigantic zucchini - thanks to all the rain we've had - this huge veggie took a 2-day growth spurt!
Yummy! Here's to more picking!
The huge green vegetable is a gigantic zucchini - thanks to all the rain we've had - this huge veggie took a 2-day growth spurt!
Yummy! Here's to more picking!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
A Weekend of the "Unknown"
My life is now quiet - too quiet.
I have spent the past three days with my parents moving my sister and her sweet girl, Adalyn, back to Virginia. My brother-in-law will be returning home (after a 6-month) deployment shortly and they are now there, waiting upon his return. Over the past 6 months, Shannon and Adalyn have become members of our little family - family shopping trips, family dinners, play time with my boys - and now, it just may not be the same.
My parents and I spent our weekend driving 26 hours total (13 each way) moving clothing boxes, baby toys, baby gear and two precious members of our family into a temporary base housing. We spent two days eating, shopping, and yes - some tears were shed.
For now - this is our reality - good byes and reunions and then the cycle continues. I'm hoping the see their sweet family (Uncle Mark included) on our upcoming beach vacation! - We shall see.
On the other hand, while I've been in Virginia with my parents and sister - my husband and boys headed north - way north - Michigan! Will & the boys, with Uncle James and Cousin Cameron in tow, headed to Michigan to celebrate Grandma Maria's birthday bash! It has been 4 days since I've seen my sweet boys and I feel totally lost! I don't hear "that's my toy!" "Mom!" "Can I have chocolate milk?" "Can I have a drink of coke?" And I sooooo miss it! My boys have spent days running, playing, attending a balloon festival, fishing, and visiting family that we don't get to visit often. Yes - my husband did drive 3 little boys 9+ hours in our family minivan (what a sight!) He is pretty awesome!
I have managed to beg my husband for a few phone pics of my sweet boys!
Our family reunion occurs later today! - and I can't wait!
I have spent the past three days with my parents moving my sister and her sweet girl, Adalyn, back to Virginia. My brother-in-law will be returning home (after a 6-month) deployment shortly and they are now there, waiting upon his return. Over the past 6 months, Shannon and Adalyn have become members of our little family - family shopping trips, family dinners, play time with my boys - and now, it just may not be the same.
My parents and I spent our weekend driving 26 hours total (13 each way) moving clothing boxes, baby toys, baby gear and two precious members of our family into a temporary base housing. We spent two days eating, shopping, and yes - some tears were shed.
For now - this is our reality - good byes and reunions and then the cycle continues. I'm hoping the see their sweet family (Uncle Mark included) on our upcoming beach vacation! - We shall see.
On the other hand, while I've been in Virginia with my parents and sister - my husband and boys headed north - way north - Michigan! Will & the boys, with Uncle James and Cousin Cameron in tow, headed to Michigan to celebrate Grandma Maria's birthday bash! It has been 4 days since I've seen my sweet boys and I feel totally lost! I don't hear "that's my toy!" "Mom!" "Can I have chocolate milk?" "Can I have a drink of coke?" And I sooooo miss it! My boys have spent days running, playing, attending a balloon festival, fishing, and visiting family that we don't get to visit often. Yes - my husband did drive 3 little boys 9+ hours in our family minivan (what a sight!) He is pretty awesome!
I have managed to beg my husband for a few phone pics of my sweet boys!
Our family reunion occurs later today! - and I can't wait!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Truthful Tuesday: Long Overdue
It's been awhile since I have posted a "Truthful Tuesday". Today, I just felt the need to share some our family's happenings - so here it goes.......
1) I am SO TIRED of these crazy summer storms!!! These rainy days are totally ruining my summer plans with 3 wild, rambunctious, and crazy little boys! Swimming in the blow up pool, mornings at the park, and running errands are impossible in heavy thunderstorms with chances of hail and tornadoes!
2) Because I am SO TIRED of these stormy days, I DID NOT plan a last-minute beach vacation for my family. In just a short time, we will be headed to the sunny beach! I am so excited to take a 14-hour drive with my three little ones and head to the east coast. The last time we were at the the beach, H was just 11 months old and G was no where in our plans!
3) In these last 2 weeks of summer break, I have grown accustomed to afternoon naps. After lunch, around 12:30, H and G go down for their afternoon nap. Clayton goes upstairs and cuddles under a blanket in his chair (and about 1/2 the time falls asleep). Mommy curls up under a blanket on the couch downstairs and enjoys the quietness of it all (and many times falls asleep too) - it's a beautiful time.
4) I was actually GOING to attempt a day at the water park today, but my plans again failed (refer to #1 on this list). I am NOT a water park fan, but after much convincing from my friend Kim, I was determined to make this a day of fun! I just knew the big boys would love it! - maybe next week!
5) This weekend I am returning my sister & niece back to their home in Virginia. My brother-in-law is coming home from deployment and while I am ecstatic for their family to be reunited, I will be extremely sad to leave them there. My sister and Adalyn have become an extension of my own little family over the past months and I have gotten so used to them being around. I know I will cry uncontrollably when I leave them on Saturday but praise God that Mark is coming home!
6) I am very SLOWLY packing my 3 boys + husband for a trip up north. My husband is taking all boys (without me) to Michigan to visit his dad's family. Hudson has spent only a couple of nights away from me in theses last 2.5 years. Gray has yet to leave my sight! I don't know if I'll manage 3 days without my boys!
7) I am beginning to believe that I was NEVER meant to pick berries with my boys. Several weeks ago (with Grandma, Shannie/Adalyn, Hudson and Clayton in tow) we headed to Woodburn to pick strawberries. After about 1.5 hours of mindless hunting, we finally found the strawberry farm. We pulled into the drive, called the number, and heard this message "our strawberry farm is closed for the season" - what????
On to last week, I had again attempted to pick berries - this time blueberries. I called the farm, talked to the lady, and scheduled our visit for Friday morning. Wednesday afternoon, I received this email - due to a fallen tree and lamp post, along with the birds pecking our berries, we will have to cancel your visit - we have very few berries. - again, what????
Guess I'm heading to Aldi's or The Farmer's Market!
I am ready for sunny skies & time OUTSIDE with my boys!
So, here's our weekly happenings in a nutshell....Enjoy!
1) I am SO TIRED of these crazy summer storms!!! These rainy days are totally ruining my summer plans with 3 wild, rambunctious, and crazy little boys! Swimming in the blow up pool, mornings at the park, and running errands are impossible in heavy thunderstorms with chances of hail and tornadoes!
2) Because I am SO TIRED of these stormy days, I DID NOT plan a last-minute beach vacation for my family. In just a short time, we will be headed to the sunny beach! I am so excited to take a 14-hour drive with my three little ones and head to the east coast. The last time we were at the the beach, H was just 11 months old and G was no where in our plans!
3) In these last 2 weeks of summer break, I have grown accustomed to afternoon naps. After lunch, around 12:30, H and G go down for their afternoon nap. Clayton goes upstairs and cuddles under a blanket in his chair (and about 1/2 the time falls asleep). Mommy curls up under a blanket on the couch downstairs and enjoys the quietness of it all (and many times falls asleep too) - it's a beautiful time.
4) I was actually GOING to attempt a day at the water park today, but my plans again failed (refer to #1 on this list). I am NOT a water park fan, but after much convincing from my friend Kim, I was determined to make this a day of fun! I just knew the big boys would love it! - maybe next week!
5) This weekend I am returning my sister & niece back to their home in Virginia. My brother-in-law is coming home from deployment and while I am ecstatic for their family to be reunited, I will be extremely sad to leave them there. My sister and Adalyn have become an extension of my own little family over the past months and I have gotten so used to them being around. I know I will cry uncontrollably when I leave them on Saturday but praise God that Mark is coming home!
6) I am very SLOWLY packing my 3 boys + husband for a trip up north. My husband is taking all boys (without me) to Michigan to visit his dad's family. Hudson has spent only a couple of nights away from me in theses last 2.5 years. Gray has yet to leave my sight! I don't know if I'll manage 3 days without my boys!
7) I am beginning to believe that I was NEVER meant to pick berries with my boys. Several weeks ago (with Grandma, Shannie/Adalyn, Hudson and Clayton in tow) we headed to Woodburn to pick strawberries. After about 1.5 hours of mindless hunting, we finally found the strawberry farm. We pulled into the drive, called the number, and heard this message "our strawberry farm is closed for the season" - what????
On to last week, I had again attempted to pick berries - this time blueberries. I called the farm, talked to the lady, and scheduled our visit for Friday morning. Wednesday afternoon, I received this email - due to a fallen tree and lamp post, along with the birds pecking our berries, we will have to cancel your visit - we have very few berries. - again, what????
Guess I'm heading to Aldi's or The Farmer's Market!
I am ready for sunny skies & time OUTSIDE with my boys!
So, here's our weekly happenings in a nutshell....Enjoy!
Monday, June 20, 2011
Crafting for Dad
Usually for Father's Day the boys and I purchase a few nice things for Daddy - new shirts/shorts, a new pair of tennis shoes, a night out with the family - this year was different.
I Googled "Father's Day crafts" and found one really cute craft and the other idea was actually my own (imagine that).
Last week, we got started......
Our first homemade Father's Day project - a book from Big C.
I love my Dad, because........... - complete with the Top 10 reasons why Clayton loves his Daddy most.
He did an awesome job! Writing and illustrating all 10 pages by himself.
It was absolutely precious to watch Clayton, as he read each page aloud to Will.
Some of my favorite pages from this sweet book.......
(I love my Dad, because he takes me under the house with him.)
(I love my Dad, because he watches Ninja Turtles with me.)
(I love my Dad, because he takes me to the "movees" (movies)).
Our second project - something for Big C and Little H to both work on.
A "Daddy Rocks" display for our front landscape.
On Thursday morning, I gave Clayton and Hudson a basket and they went outside to gather these small rocks from our yard.
Once we chose the ones we wanted, we began putting them into place.
With glue gun in hand, we assembled this creation in just a short time. It was ready!
I was so excited (maybe even more than the boys) to present these to Will.
He absolutely loved them!!! It was so worth it!
I Googled "Father's Day crafts" and found one really cute craft and the other idea was actually my own (imagine that).
Last week, we got started......
Our first homemade Father's Day project - a book from Big C.
I love my Dad, because........... - complete with the Top 10 reasons why Clayton loves his Daddy most.
He did an awesome job! Writing and illustrating all 10 pages by himself.
It was absolutely precious to watch Clayton, as he read each page aloud to Will.
Some of my favorite pages from this sweet book.......
(I love my Dad, because he takes me under the house with him.)
(I love my Dad, because he watches Ninja Turtles with me.)
(I love my Dad, because he takes me to the "movees" (movies)).
Our second project - something for Big C and Little H to both work on.
A "Daddy Rocks" display for our front landscape.
On Thursday morning, I gave Clayton and Hudson a basket and they went outside to gather these small rocks from our yard.
Once we chose the ones we wanted, we began putting them into place.
With glue gun in hand, we assembled this creation in just a short time. It was ready!
I was so excited (maybe even more than the boys) to present these to Will.
He absolutely loved them!!! It was so worth it!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Celebrating Daddy
Today we take a moment to celebrate our Dads.
I was blessed with a Christian father who focused much of his attention on his family. He was my tee-ball coach and Bible Quiz coach - my biggest fan! I remember spending countless hours hanging out with him at work, attending WKU ballgames, and church events - I was his little sidekick. I hoped that I would someday find a man who cherished his family and children the way my Dad did.
More recently, I have watched another Daddy - my husband. Over the past six years, Will and I have been blessed with three little boys. During that time, I have been able to watch him grow into an amazing "Daddy".
Happy Father's Day to my husband and Daddy of my 3 boys who...
... serves his God, his church, and his family. God has given Will a servant's heart - even when I am resistant, his faith and determination is unmeasurable.
... reads Bible stories and prays nightly with his boys. I am encouraged and blessed to have a husband who teaches the truths of Jesus to our young boys.
... partners with me in raising our boys. Will is truly my parenting partner - there's nothing he won't do (nightly feeding, singing lullabies, changing poopy diapers, bath time with 3 rambunctious boys)
... is NOT afraid of housework. In our 9 years of marriage, I have never cleaned a shower or tub! TRUE! I am proud to say, I have a husband who helps with laundry, cleans bathrooms, helps with the dishes, and even attempts to cook a few meals (when I provide him with a recipe).
... manages his work schedule around our family! I do have a husband who puts our family first - he schedules working hours around many class field trips, classroom parties, and doctor visits.
... is proud to be the (many times) ONLY father at Big C's class parties. While I am having my own classroom Christmas & Halloween Parties and Thanksgiving Dinners - Will is Clayton's "party parent."
... is the Owens'/Daniels' Family Handy-Man. Whether it's changing Granny's air filters, fixing Grandma's kitchen sink, assembling entertainment centers, or moving furniture - "Handy Man Will" is to the rescue!
... manages after 9 years of marriage and 13 years together to still make me smile and feel like I am the center of his world!
Happy Father's Day Will!
We love you!
I was blessed with a Christian father who focused much of his attention on his family. He was my tee-ball coach and Bible Quiz coach - my biggest fan! I remember spending countless hours hanging out with him at work, attending WKU ballgames, and church events - I was his little sidekick. I hoped that I would someday find a man who cherished his family and children the way my Dad did.
More recently, I have watched another Daddy - my husband. Over the past six years, Will and I have been blessed with three little boys. During that time, I have been able to watch him grow into an amazing "Daddy".
Happy Father's Day to my husband and Daddy of my 3 boys who...
... serves his God, his church, and his family. God has given Will a servant's heart - even when I am resistant, his faith and determination is unmeasurable.
... reads Bible stories and prays nightly with his boys. I am encouraged and blessed to have a husband who teaches the truths of Jesus to our young boys.
... partners with me in raising our boys. Will is truly my parenting partner - there's nothing he won't do (nightly feeding, singing lullabies, changing poopy diapers, bath time with 3 rambunctious boys)
... is NOT afraid of housework. In our 9 years of marriage, I have never cleaned a shower or tub! TRUE! I am proud to say, I have a husband who helps with laundry, cleans bathrooms, helps with the dishes, and even attempts to cook a few meals (when I provide him with a recipe).
... manages his work schedule around our family! I do have a husband who puts our family first - he schedules working hours around many class field trips, classroom parties, and doctor visits.
... is proud to be the (many times) ONLY father at Big C's class parties. While I am having my own classroom Christmas & Halloween Parties and Thanksgiving Dinners - Will is Clayton's "party parent."
... is the Owens'/Daniels' Family Handy-Man. Whether it's changing Granny's air filters, fixing Grandma's kitchen sink, assembling entertainment centers, or moving furniture - "Handy Man Will" is to the rescue!
... manages after 9 years of marriage and 13 years together to still make me smile and feel like I am the center of his world!
Happy Father's Day Will!
We love you!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
A Twisted Treat
Aunt Shannie found this yummy treat at Kroger today and picked it up for our family to enjoy! We are always looking for fun, inexpensive activities/treats to do with the kiddos and this treat hit the spot! Our local mall has an Auntie Annie's pretzel shop that my whole family loves! Rarely a shopping trip goes by, that we do not have to purchase cinnamon sticks for two bigger boys and a salty pretzel for Mommy.
This kit was just $5 and makes 10 delicious pretzels - you can choose salty or cinnamon-flavored.
We first had to mix and prepare the dough to rise.
We then rolled the dough into a ball and placed it into a large bowl.
The dough only took about 30 minutes to rise (we placed it on the dryer in the laundry room - a warm place).
We then had to cut the dough into strips (using a pizza cutter was so simple).
Our first attempts!
Aunt Shannie's pretzel masterpiece!
Little H was a little hesitant, but rolls his dough....
Not too bad!
A little flour on the table did help the dough to not stick as much
Big C got pretty good at the art of pretzel-making!
Aunt Shannie salts the pretzels before they head into the oven.
Clayton shows off a salty-pretzel masterpiece!
These were a hit in our household! Parents enjoyed! Big Boys asked for more! Even two babies nibbled on pretzel pieces!
A twisted treat we will definitely enjoy again!
This kit was just $5 and makes 10 delicious pretzels - you can choose salty or cinnamon-flavored.
We first had to mix and prepare the dough to rise.
We then rolled the dough into a ball and placed it into a large bowl.
The dough only took about 30 minutes to rise (we placed it on the dryer in the laundry room - a warm place).
We then had to cut the dough into strips (using a pizza cutter was so simple).
Our first attempts!
Aunt Shannie's pretzel masterpiece!
Little H was a little hesitant, but rolls his dough....
Not too bad!
A little flour on the table did help the dough to not stick as much
Big C got pretty good at the art of pretzel-making!
Aunt Shannie salts the pretzels before they head into the oven.
Clayton shows off a salty-pretzel masterpiece!
These were a hit in our household! Parents enjoyed! Big Boys asked for more! Even two babies nibbled on pretzel pieces!
A twisted treat we will definitely enjoy again!
Monday, June 13, 2011
An Ocean Snack
I found this adorable snack searching the Internet when I was planning Gray's birthday party. I had every intention of doing this activity during the party, but just never got around to it.
After church on Sunday, my boys were able to enjoy creating and eating this yummy treat!
What you need:
1 small plastic container for each child
2 vanilla puddings per child
crushed vanilla wafers
blue sprinkles
shark gummy snacks
What to do:
empty pudding into plastic containers and spread evenly
pour crushed vanilla wafers onto 1/2 of the pudding
sprinkle blue sprinkles on the other 1/2 of the pudding
add gummy sharks into the "water"
Enjoy!
After church on Sunday, my boys were able to enjoy creating and eating this yummy treat!
What you need:
1 small plastic container for each child
2 vanilla puddings per child
crushed vanilla wafers
blue sprinkles
shark gummy snacks
What to do:
empty pudding into plastic containers and spread evenly
pour crushed vanilla wafers onto 1/2 of the pudding
sprinkle blue sprinkles on the other 1/2 of the pudding
add gummy sharks into the "water"
Enjoy!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Party, Party, Party, PARTY!
Yesterday we celebrated Graydon's 1st birthday. Complete with close family, delicious food, awesome presents, and a fantastic cake - Gray's birthday was a hit!
We celebrated with an sailboat-themed party which included a big sailboat cake for everyone to enjoy, a sailboat smash cake, and octopus cupcakes. Slider hamburgers, shrimp kabobs, potato salad, baked beans, macaroni & cheese, and watermelon finished up the food list. (My family's favorite part!)
* Cakes were made by my student-teacher and friend, Amanda Hammock from Crumbscakery - I think she did a fabulous job! and they tasted as great as they looked!
*Cupcakes were made by Aunt Shannie and Mommy!
We always eat first................
Open presents..............
Then cake...............
What an awesome celebration!
We celebrated with an sailboat-themed party which included a big sailboat cake for everyone to enjoy, a sailboat smash cake, and octopus cupcakes. Slider hamburgers, shrimp kabobs, potato salad, baked beans, macaroni & cheese, and watermelon finished up the food list. (My family's favorite part!)
* Cakes were made by my student-teacher and friend, Amanda Hammock from Crumbscakery - I think she did a fabulous job! and they tasted as great as they looked!
*Cupcakes were made by Aunt Shannie and Mommy!
We always eat first................
Open presents..............
Then cake...............
What an awesome celebration!
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