Summer Fun

We've managed to stay pretty active thus far into the summer season. We had a fun start with a visit from Aunt Andrea and Uncle Jordan and the gang. They were celebrating their 11 year anniversary so I got to watch the kids so they could sneak away for a couple nights.
The babies always love Rachel

From left to right...Matthew, Rachel, Annie, Christian, Leah, and Hannah


Matthew, Peter, Christian, and Marcus

We had a fun day swimming at the neighborhood pool and then a concert in the park.

Some of the girls even got up to boogie on stage. I did bribe with a dollar for each which I still owe. Sorry Leah. I promise to pay you next time I see you.


Annie, Hannah, and Leah


I loved this one of Matthew.

I recently made a trip up to Dallas and got to see some dear friends. I only managed to get one picture, but I love it. Toni was my next door neighbor. I tease her because she never even said boo to me until I had lived there for 6 months. What a snob huh! Anyway, she and I became very close and I consider her one of my dearest friends. I love you Toni!

Her husband Scott grilled and made delicious drinks for us. It was such a great night. Thanks you guys. I miss you.

Annie Lost Her First Tooth

One of those life changing events happened for Annie today. She lost her first tooth. It had been loose for about 2 months and she finally let me give it a little tug and out it came. She was so excited, but couldn't believe how much blood there was. Rachel was so cute helping Annie brush and polish her tooth before placing it under her pillow for the tooth fairy.
This all happened right before dinner, so Annie was curious to see how it would feel to eat and drink without a tooth. She did fabulously.

No Bake Cookies

Anyone that knows me well, knows that I love to cook and bake. There are a few cookies that are consistant family favorites.
I had my first experience with no bakes back in 4th grade 4-H. I've loved them since. These cookies are easy to make, but easy to mess up. If you overcook them they'll be crumbly. If you undercook them, they'll be too gooey to eat without a spoon. If I had to pick between too crumbly or too gooey, I'd choose too gooey. So be careful with the boiling time. You'll know you've made a perfect batch if they have a glossy look to them when they set up.
A word of caution for you first timers of no bakes, it's kinda hard to stop at one. I can down 8 of them. Seriously. Nothing beats impressing someone with a quick treat on a rainy day with these delicious blobs of chocolate and hearing them say "oh my gosh....these are so good. What are they called"...and I say "poopers". :)

1/2 C. butter
2 C. sugar
1/2 C. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
3 heaping tbsp. cocoa
1/2 C. peanut butter
3 C. instant oats (I usually add a little more, just eyeball it).

Melt butter and add milk, cocoa, sugar, and vanilla. Bring to a rolling boil and set timer for 1 minute 45 seconds, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and quickly add the peanut butter and stir until melted in. Add oats and stir. While your butter is melting lay 2 large sheets of wax paper or foil on the counter. Using a spoon make small heaps of the cookie onto the wax paper. Do this fast because they set up pretty quickly. Let them cool for 20 minutes, then peel from the wax paper and enjoy. They're great with milk.

My Baby Graduated From Elementary School

Marcus had his 5th grade graduation on Monday. The teachers handed out the diplomas and did a slide show at the end. It's hard to believe that his elementary school days are over. I remember very vividly dropping him off for kindergarten and crying all the way home.
Marcus has always been an excellent student. He actually has attended four different schools and has weathered each change well. I may be biased, but I'd say Marcus is a very likable sweet young man.
Today was the last day of school and the staff do such a great job of making the 5th graders feel so special and really go out with a bang. There is a really wide hall in the front of their school that goes up on a ramp. All the students line the walls and the parents stand at the end. They blast the song "Celebrate Good Times" and the principle, school counselor and 5th grade teachers lead all the 5th graders for their last walk through elementary school. As the students walk by, everyone cheers and gives them high fives. It was such an exciting moment to see all these kids have the support of their peers, teachers, and parents around them. I have to say I was bawling once again by the time Marcus reached me.
I'm so proud of you Marcus. You are a fine young man and I look forward to many more exciting events in your future.