The Last Days...

of summer vacation. I can't believe the lazy days of summer are about to end around here. :( We have been squeezing in all of the fun we can.


An evening treat.


Making cookies.


Creating.


Playing and making a big mess!


Sleeping in late. Doesn't that position look comfy?!


Doing a favorite chore. Anything that involves a spray bottle is a hit.


A trip to the park.

That is what I have been up to the last few days. Megan heads out this morning for her first day of kindergarten. I have a huge mix of emotions about it. I know she will be fine and have fun, it is just hard on this Mama!

I hope you are taking time to enjoy the simple moments!

Preserving

I received a call from my mother-in-law asking if I wanted some sweet corn. Of course! I ended up with 4 dozen ears.


An afternoon was spent getting it ready for the freezer.


Thirteen quart bags in the freezer. I still need to put up some more, but this is a start.

Next I will be working on these.


Today I will be making some bread and butter pickles. Yum! So what are you putting up?

I hope you are taking time to enjoy the simple moments!

Signs of Summer

Since it is August we should be having the dog days of summer. Instead a wonderful cool front has been visiting and it has been so nice! Most of my time is spent outside soaking up all the wonderful weather.

Afternoons you can find us under a shade tree playing.


Lunches are enjoyed on the back porch.


Chasing butterflies... and one was finally captured! (then quickly released)


Cute little piggies.


Daddy spent the weekend working on the fence. He had to remove part of the sidewalk to put a couple of post. Megan was super excited to dig in the dirt.

It looks like this weather will be sticking around all week. Yeah!

I hope you are taking time to enjoy the simple moments!

Snapshots of My Life

If we take care of the moments, the years will take care of themselves. ~Maria Edgeworth

I love it when my days tick right along and that is exactly what has been happening lately. Many things have happened, nothing exciting, just moments that make up my life.

I recently acquired an electric tart warmer. I love it! I sat it on the entertainment stand and the way I had it arranged it blocked some things. A good reason to do some tweaking.


I am pleased with how it turned out. Even Chuck commented on how he liked the different heights of the pictures.

I am still keeping the boys four days a week.


Spending time snuggling with Eli is such a hard job! :)

Many, many afternoons are spent outside.



Seeing these cute little red faces just screams summer to me. Of course we have been staying hydrated and taking breaks in the cool house.

Chuck had a little mishap and for the last week and a half he has spent lots of time like this.


He was loading a metal cabinet on his truck and it slipped and hit his ankle. A trip to the doctor confirmed that it wasn't broken. Just bruised and very swollen. After days of rest and ice he says it is much better.

Abe celebrated a birthday.


He is now two! It feels like yesterday I started watching that fuzzy headed little baby and now he is a full fledged toddler.

The "new" table is working out well.


We eat dinner not long after Chuck returns home from work. The boys are still here and it is nice that they can join us at the table and enjoy a little snack.

While Megan spent some time at Grandma's I filled the cookie jar.


I thought her expression was priceless when she saw her evening snack.

Much needed rain rolled through this evening along with a cool front. The windows are open and I am enjoying listening to all the wonderful night sounds. I am not wanting to wish summer away, but I am thankful for the cool down.

I hope you are taking time to enjoy the simple moments!

Through Megan's Eyes

Megan asked if she could use my camera. Here are some of the pictures she captured.


Self portraits are always fun.


Beautiful sky shot through the front door.


Her constant companion, Miss Bunny.


Daddy receiving a little love.


Tacos in the making.

While cleaning up from dinner I captured this shot.


I guess all the picture taking was too much for her. :)

I hope you are taking time to enjoy the simple moments!

When Life Gives You Lemons...

make lemonade!


As long as you have gone to the trouble of making lemonade you might as well serve a glass to your family. Not in just any glass...


let pull out the nice glasses, dip the rim in sugar and add a slice of lemon. Don't forget to use some of the lemonade to make ice cubes. You wouldn't want your lemonade to get watered down!

Since you still have lemons let put them to good use. Cake anyone?


In my family we refer to this as Virginia Cake.


Don't forget to be a little silly while creating with your lemons!

I hope you are taking time to enjoy the simple moments!

Mason Jar Shaker

Anyone who has been reading for a while will know that I have a love for Mason jars. When Sandra showed these I knew I had to make one or two!


I have patiently been waiting for the salt containers to empty.


Since it is canning season I didn't have to wait to long.

It was super easy to make. I used a knife to cut off the tops.


I used a lid to trace my circle and so I would have the correct size to fit in the ring.


The first one has already been put to good use.


It is filled with laundry detergent. I sprinkle a little on a damp scrubbie and it works wonders cleaning the sink and especially the bathtub. Let me know if you make one. I would love to stop by and take a look!

I hope you are taking time to enjoy the simple moments!