Snow in June

I have a box of packing peanuts that I let the kids play with every now and then...pretty much because I'm crazy.  

In my defense, it's actually pretty easy to clean it all up...and they actually like to help!

Congrats to our Grad! - Take 2

My youngest brother just graduated from high school.

 I know this is secretly his favorite "medallion." 

Congratulations, Joseph!!

Homemade Basil Pesto

A friend made this for us and was kind enough to pass on her recipe.  It.is.delicious.  

(From Giada De Laurentiis.)

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh basil leaves (I successfully grew my own!)

1/4 cup toasted pine nuts 

1 garlic clove

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/2 cup grated parmesan

Heat oven to 300 degrees and toast pine nuts for about 10 minutes, checking periodically.  

In the bowl of a food processor (or a blender works, too) add basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, salt, and pepper.  

Pulse until finely chopped.  Slowly pour in olive oil with food processor running.  Pesto should have a thick, yet smooth consistency.  Add more oil if necessary.  

Transfer to a bowl and stir in 1/2 cup parmesan cheese.    

This is delicious in many ways.  We love it with penne pasta.  

My friend suggests getting the "take and bake" bread from the grocery store, toasting it a bit, removing it from the oven, drizzling olive oil and then the pesto on top and baking for a few minutes.  Delish!  

**Uncooked the pesto will be a bit spicy because of the garlic.

**Thanks for the recipe, Mickey!  

Summer Reading Completed...Check???

It's the first full week of summer vacation and Clare has already completed her summer reading library chart!  Most of the books she "read" on her own, resulting in some serious speed reading!

She also took it upon herself to complete Jude's chart for him, too.   So thoughtful...although Jude was not as pleased.  He would like the "colors off the books."

So what else can we do this summer?!?!

Ice Blocks

Summer has hit us with full force!  I did the simplest thing for the kids the other day and it was a huge hit, kept them entertained for a long time, and cooled them down.

(Granted wearing a polyester, hooded costume in 90+ degree weather is not the best way to deal with the summer heat...)  

Nothing more than some large pieces of ice made with my plastic "leftover containers."  Throw in some regular ice cubes for good measure and we built towers galore!  My freezer will serve a new purpose this summer!  

Kids' Bathroom

I painted the kids' bathroom last summer and framed black and white bath pictures of the them as babies. 

Well, Clare and Jude have been the only ones represented...

I finally got my "Ellen shot" the other night!  

So cute.

(Although it is yet to be printed or framed or hung up.)  

One step at a time...

Wedding Crashers

Ryan's cousin was married over the weekend and we were so happy to celebrate with them!  The ceremony was beautiful and we had a great time at the reception.  

The bridesmaids' dresses were a light blue and the girls all carried red roses.  The flowers were gorgeous!  

They had coloring books at the tables for the kids.  This kept them busy (and happy!) while we waited for diner.   

(Some people are goofy regardless.) 

The centerpieces were so simple and looked great.  They had silk red roses floating under the water in cylinder vases with candles floating on top.  

Her dress was gorgeous!  She had a short-sleeve lace jacket that she wore in church...very similar to Kate Middleton's!  Tres chic!    

 After the bride and groom's first dance, the kids took over the dance floor.  They made for some great entertainment!

Clare and her cousin can really cut a rug!  These two always seem to pair up at family weddings!  Too fun!  

 

 (They reminded me of the Napoleon Dynamite, "I like your sleeves, they're real big.")

And of course Jude found a dance partner/cousin, too!  What a guy!

I am sooo disappointed that this came out blurry.  Uncle Ryan was definitely frightening small children with his dancing abilities!  

Congratulations Mary Kate and Roberto!  We wish you many years of happiness!

Congrats to our Grad!

Pre-K graduation has come and gone and we officially have a kindergartener on our hands!

I really loved having Clare attend a Christian-based preschool.  This was part of the opening prayer at the graduation ceremony:

" 'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord. 'They are plans for good...to give you a future and a hope.  In the days when you pray, I will listen.  If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.' "   -Jeremiah 29:11-13

A nice reminder for all of us!  

We are so proud of you, Clare!  Kindergarten...here we come!!!

Latest Landlord Decorating Trend

This eye-pleasing trend is recommended for those with tenants that enjoy army crawling to the fireplace hearth, pulling themselves up into the fireplace, and touching the soot-covered inside of said fireplace.  Available at your local baby supply store. 

Summer Plans...

I hear a lot of "I'm bored!" out of someone on the days she doesn't have Pre-K.

(Insert example of such boredom here:) 

I recently checked this book out from the library, along with some others like it.  

 Then wrote out a bunch of "activities" when said boredom hits.  I'm thinking these will come in handy this summer when we are homebound while Ellen takes her afternoon nap.   

(At least I hope!) 

Gum in the Carpet!!!!!!!!!!!!

Clare's afternoon ritual goes something like this:

1. Request to watch the latest "Fetch" show that has taped on the DVR in the loft.  (Side note: she would also like to be a contestant on the show...if anyone out there has a connection for her.)

pbskids.org

 2. Ask for a piece of gum.

And I believe that is how I stepped on something sticky in the loft the other day.

  

Behold, gum in the carpet!  

Thankfully it came out.  To do so, I placed an ice pack on the spot for a good 30 minutes or so.  The gum was easy to pull off once it was cold.  

Ta-da!

And now I'm a bad mom because I keep telling her we don't have any gum...