Random Photo Friday

The last weekend of April? What??? Life just keeps spinning faster, don't you think? Here are a bunch of random photos of our past week in this crazy little thing called life...

My little lady is happy!

Her favorite flowers...not weeds...have made their appearance!

And so we spent Saturday afternoon admiring them...

and picking the biggest, most beautiful ones...

for a bouquet.

I will never tire of dandelion bouquets on my kitchen counter,

just like my own mother before me never did.

And...then we played.

In our church clothes.

Because...spring.

While we were gathering dandelions, my men were doing this...

and despite the help from our favorite friend and turkey hunter expert...

they came home empty handed.

But had tons of fun in the process.

Homeschooling in spring means nature walks and bird watching...

We saw budding trees...

and lots and lots of dandelions.

Despite the fact that Daddy mowed them down just the day before. : )

My little lady was on the hunt for birds.

Finally...we found our friend the robin.

A favorite meal to share with you.

The only way we eat pork chops. : )

Pour about one cup of uncooked rice in a baking dish.

Add some boneless, center cut pork chops,

that have been browned.

Top each with a slice of onion, and a slice of lemon.

Yes, lemon.

Salt and pepper, the pour beef broth over to cover.

Bake at 325 degrees, covered for an hour.

You're welcome.

My Peyton is a good soul.

Steve has a friend whose wife had surgery this week.

Peyton made supper for them.

And I was proud.

Have a wonderful spring weekend, my friends!!!

Checkers

Last fall, when we were at the beach, my best friend Marian found a game of Checkers in our condo. While I was busy with laundry and things, she taught Flynn to play. I didn't even realize it. And I didn't appreciate it either. When we got home, Flynn mentioned it and I realized we didn't even own a game of Checkers. We have iPads and computer games. We have a Wii...granted it is covered in dust...and we have an Xbox. We have Scrabble and Monopoly too. But can you believe we didn't have Checkers? I quickly ordered a game from Amazon, and quickly remembered how much fun it is. Simple, good old fashioned fun. No batteries or cords or chargers needed. Well, when Steve and I were away recently, I found a large game. I brought it home and set it up on our little game table. I leave it out all the time. And you know what? We play it all the time! And I love it. I love that our children...as well as Steve and myself...are spending time together playing a simple game of Checkers. And I have my dear friend Marian to thank for that. : )

Kids In The Kitchen

From the time they were little, my children have joined me in the kitchen. At first, it was because I simply enjoyed their company. And when I mean at first, I mean a babbling baby in a bouncy seat. Gradually, the bouncy seat was replaced by a high chair, and then a booster, until finally, little legs upon a stool helped my babes reach the counter. Where am I going with all of this? Without realizing, I had bestowed a passion and an ability for cooking and baking upon my children. Life skill...cooking. Check.

One of my fondest memories from my children's childhood is Peyton and Rhett perched on their yellow Little Tikes chairs smack dab in front of the oven for an entire 30  minutes waiting for the brownies they mixed up to bake. Another is Peyton, not yet four, mixing up the incredible Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread she still makes today. Those moments with my children as littles in the kitchen may be gone, but the result of that precious time spent together is witnessed here everyday.

Madison, Peyton, and even Rhett show an ability beyond their ages in the cooking and baking department. Peyton and Madison each currently select a night during the week to plan and prepare a meal. Peyton's is most always Japanese, while Madison introduces us to new things like Pesto on Pasta. Of course Peyton is my master baker. She makes pies, cakes, cookies, and brownies, Madison made dessert tonight...a delicious apple blueberry crisp.

So, young mothers...bring your children into the kitchen with you. Show them how to mix with a spoon. Let them crack an egg...I know...Eek! Show them how to plan a meal, and how to set the table. You will make memories to store in your heart. You will also reap the benefits years down the road as you sit and watch your children prepare a delicious diner and amazing dessert. The downside? I still clean up after them a bit. I kinda like my kitchen just so. ; )

One of Madison's recent meals...Baked Salmon, whole grain pasta with pesto, and roasted vegetables...

One of Peyton's specialties...Nikujaga...

I came down Sunday morning to find my oldest in the kitchen...

preparing this. : )

Peyton's brownies are the best.

Her secret? She always adds an extra egg. Shhhh. : )

Peyton teaching Flynn, just as I taught her.

No words needed for this one.

Or this.

Madison is the queen of freshness.

While Peyton is the princess of pies...

Make happy memories my friends! : )

Random Photo Friday

Another week has passed. Here are some photos of what we've been up to in our country home.

Last Friday night I broke out the little black dress and went to a special dinner where my hubby was the guest speaker.

My mom and Madison joined us...

Madison introduced her father and I couldn't have been more proud...

of both of them. : )

Saturday was another beautiful day...

and these two enjoyed some swinging before we left for Mass.

Finally...sandals!

And time OUTSIDE!!

We still have our inside snuggle time...

and our cozy afternoon snacks...

but spring has definitely arrived...

with early morning beauty...

and the first bouquets of the season. : )

Have a wonderful weekend, my friends! 

One Word Wednesday

 

 

TRUTH

 

 

 

 

( How does Pinterest know me so well? )