Girl's Day Out

Last week, I took Kenzie, her buddy Kaitlyn and her mom to Atlanta for a special girl's trip for Kenzie's birthday. It was a perfect day and we had a blast! We went to the American Girl Doll Place in Atlanta and just followed the girl's schedule...whatever they wanted to do...
Fun memories!

Pirates and Princesses

Today my friend and I made 8 little cakes and 48 cupcakes for her daughter's birthday party tomorrow. It is pirates and princesses. They turned out so cute that I had to show ya...

Here are the princesses...
Here are the pirates on their island...

I love doing birthday cakes. My kids love it too. I usually let them frost one just their own way. They do a great job. I'll have to see if I can find some pics of those and post.

Why don't we celebrate like this for our birthdays when we get older? Are we not glad to be here another year? What message are we sending to our children? Kenzie once informed me that she didn't want to be a grown up because when you're a grown up, birthdays aren't fun anymore." Sad statement...

Maybe we just need to find a reason, any reason and celebrate something today!

Let me know if you think of something.

Fabulous Friday

Today was the last day of Spirit Week at Covenant...

It was CA day...

Colton won most spirited 1st grader...very exciting! Then, Kenzie was picked for the relay at the pep rally and her team won!! Very exciting day at our house.

Spirit Week

It's Spirit Week at our house...our school.
Monday was Tacky Day...aren't they precious?



Today was Western Day...


Yesterday was Camo Day. I wasn't here to take pics. I'll let you know why in my next blog. Daddy said Colton looked very cool.

Kenzie won the prize for the "Tackiest 3rd grader"...should I be proud? Hmmm...

Yummy...had to share

I love roasted veggies at restaurants, but had never tried them at home. I had a good buddy of mine post a yummy recipe on her blog and I just had to share...
my whole family ate their veggies, every last bite! I happened to have a frozen bag of veggies that included cauliflower, broccoli, squash, zucchini and carrots. I also didn't chop the onion. I sliced it because I love onion. I used the same recipe and it was fabulous! Let me know if you try it!

Roasted Cauliflower
1 head cauliflower, trimmed and separated into 1-inch florets
1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 clove garlic, crushed
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In large bowl, toss cauliflower florets, chopped onion, soy sauce, olive oil, and crushed garlic until evenly mixed. Spread cauliflower mixture in 15 1/2" by 10 1/2" jelly-roll pan or large cookie pan.
Roast cauliflower about 35 minutes or until tender and browned, stirring occasionally.

p.s. Steph, I especially thought of your family. Abbey would love these!

Therapy

People often ask me how I survive as a "pastor's wife" with all that we have going on and all that comes our way, well, truthfully, here's my answer.

My therapy...
I love a bargain...

I found this at the discount store for $39

and turned it into this...

And I took this...

and turned it into this...

I found this old telephone table for $59 at a hotel liquidation store (it was light wood)...And turned it into this...

This is my next project; I found this by the dumpster...

I'll keep you posted on this.

All of these projects drive Jerry crazy, but I've convinced him that it's cheaper than therapy. I do much thinking and praying while I paint. And the thrill of beating "the system", creating something special out of something not-so-special is very satisfying.

I had a dear friend over the other day, who said something that stuck with me..."Anyone can spend lots of money and have a beautiful home, but it is a gift to make a home on a budget!"

Fondue

Went to "Fondue" tonight.
So cool...
First date night in months for us
Thank you Miss Kim
Went with another fun couple
Good company
First, the cheese fondue
Then, the meat
Yes, then the chocolate
Delicious
Think I like the cheese the best
Sat for 3 hours
Unbelievably relaxing evening
much needed after the week I've had
painting the basement
but it looks cool.

Holiday Fun

Wanted to post some pics from from the holidays. We had heaps of fun ice skating with the Piedmont praise team and families. Asher was a trooper. He did great! Colton was a wild man and had many great falls. Kenzie loved being with her praise team buddies...

We had a surprise visit from some dear friends, the Langleys, what a blessing it was to catch up with them and see how God is working in their lives. Here are their two, Tyler and Maddie with our three, then Jerry and Mike trying to figure out "Wii" bowling!

We went to a party and Santa stopped by and had gifts for all the kids! My kids loved it! (thanks Aimee)

Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful for...holidays

morning snuggles...

sleepyhead hair on my children (not so cute on Jerry or I)...

holidays where we stay home the WHOLE day...

giggling and laughing til we can't breathe...

puzzles and games...

sleepover party in Mom and Daddy's room (and they still think that's cool)...

staying up late and sleeping late and staying in our jammies...

What I'm not thankful for when the alarm went off this morning...
school!