Pictures!

Hi

I have so much I want to write about----Kevin was gone all last week, Sunday to Sunday--he was in Georgia----I didn't post about it, because I wanted to wait until he got home safe and sound. Amy, I think was the only one that knew, (besides my immediate family) She posted about the happenings of last week too---she actually explained what my husband and her husband were up too a lot better then I could..... :o)

My husband was in a Locate Rodeo, it has to do with his work--he goes every year---I have gone to the last two, but I did not go this time. My husband placed first in his division, and I was so thrilled and proud of him--I have to go and get a frame to frame his certificate, and he also got a trophy--plus a cash prize, which is very nice!!! YAY :) Amy's husband was there too, and Kevin and Chad sat together at the banquet, Kevin said he was such a nice person--and glad they got to meet, so maybe next year, Amy and I can meet--and Congratulations to Chad for winning too--YAY!!! I will go into more detail about this later.

I am counting the days until Tony comes home, just a few more. I think I am all done with the school shopping--I just need to pick up backpacks, and a lunch bag for Alexis.

I have been enjoying my husband home--I picked him up at the airport Sunday afternoon----so soon, my whole family will be back together, once Tony is home.

Little Kevin has found his feet--oh the joy he has in holding his feet----I will try and get a picture of his smile of satisfaction---soon, I am sure the toes will be in his mouth...LOL.

I will be back soon, I have a of of things I want to write about, until then have a wonderful Tuesday xoxox


P.S. it is taco Tuesday at my house tonight--yummy :)

The Duggars---yay

I copied this from an article I read on the Discovery Health website--->

The super-sized Duggar family of Springdale, Arkansas, just got a little bigger with the birth of baby number 17 on August 2, 2007. Jennifer Danielle was born at 10:01 AM (CT), weighing in at 8 pounds, 8 ounces and measuring 21 inches in length.

Parents Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar happily welcome Jennifer Danielle to their amazing brood of 10 boys and six girls: Joshua, 19; Jana and John David, 17; Jill, 16; Jessa, 14; Jinger, 13; Joseph, 12; Josiah, 10; Joy-Anna, 9; Jeremiah and Jedidiah, 8; Jason, 7; James, 6; Justin, 4; Jackson, 3; and Johanna, 21 months.

"We are so grateful to God," said Michelle Duggar. "Jennifer is so precious and beautiful and such a sweet gift."
When asked about the possibility of more children, Jim Bob said, "We would certainly be open to having more children. The girls want to catch up with the boys now."

Viewers can catch up on two of Discovery Health's previous Duggar family specials, RAISING 16 CHILDREN and ON THE ROAD WITH 16 CHILDREN, at 8 and 9 PM (ET/PT) respectively, on Monday, August 6, 2007. In September, the next Discovery Health special featuring the oversized Duggar clan will premiere, and will include footage of Jennifer Danielle shortly after the birth and at home with the family.

I just love reading about the Duggars and their shows are wonderful :) What an inspiration Michelle is.





Two of my children had their checkups today--Alexis is in perfect health-- (Thank you Jesus) She is 45 inches tall and 42 pounds-- Little Kevin is 25 inches long and 15 pounds even (thank you again sweet Jesus). Little Kevin nurses like a champ, and is soo sweet--I will post some pictures up tomorrow.

Tony will be home soon, yay!!!!!

Tonight we will have Teriyaki Chicken, steamed rice, salad and corn--yummy.

I missed the show and tell over at Kelli's blog---I was so busy this morning with doctor appointments, pharmacy--Little Kevin has eczema on his face, I picked up some prescription cream to help get rid of it. Then grocery shopping. Hopefully next week I will be able to play:)

xoxoxox

Wednesday's This and That

Happy Wednesday. I was reading Susan's Blog, about her Monday Morning Ritual, and it totally inspired me. I woke up this morning filled my sink with hot soapy water, added a little bleach--and then added a touch of my lavendar fabric softener to make it smell so pretty. I didn't have any Meyer's soap, like Susan uses--but trust me, it is now on my shopping list. I put together my own little clean smelling cleaner---->


I wiped down my whole kitchen--appliances too

Here is everything getting moved around. EWWW, look at my dirty towel--yuck. My kitchen is just sparkling and smelling soooo good.

I worked hard in the kitchen today--and then I vacuumed the stairs, and scrubbed my shower----- Little Kevin is sooo good, it is easy to get things done with him--the only problem is he is just so fun to hold, I want to hold him all the time--and trust me, I do---but in between playing with my kids, work must be done.

All the homeschooling tours you all are doing are so fun to read, and the pictures are awesome. I have not made it back to Wal-Mart--BUT, Albertson's is now having the same sale, and I really need to go to the grocery store--so if some filler paper and notebooks fall into my cart--oops..LOL. I was very busy yesterday, Grandma had a Doctor's appointment, and she had a list of places she had to go too--so we had a busy but wonderful day. I bought some English Muffins and made Alexis a mini pizza on them--SHE LOVED THEM--so I am going to do a post on how I make them --they really are good:) Well, I hope everyone has a wonderful evening xoxox

Monday, Pictures, Laundry, and Other Fun Stuff

Good Morning!!! Here are my babies----The oldest baby is in Washington--I sure do miss Tony---2 more weeks and he will be home.

Alexis being really silly...LOL

















I started laundry first thing this morning---I have my bathroom rugs in the dryer, and my whites in the washer---the softener always makes the house smell so good.















This is what it looks like outside my window--the sun is not out yet, and it is kind of cool. BRRRRRRRR...LOL.














I also put my Monday towel out---if I don't change them, Alexis always lets me know I have the wrong day up.














Here are the notebooks I bought for .10 cents----they are really nice, they have a perforated edge so when you pull them out of the book, they have a nice clean edge, please someone tell me I don't need anymore--I am so itching to go get some more...LOL.















I hope everyone had a really nice relaxing weekend--we had a very nice one. Alexis's swimming lessons have ended, so now we are on to ballet--yay. The month of August is upon us, and I have so much stuff, I want to accomplish before the fall season starts---well, I am going to get another cup of coffee-----and contemplate whether I need to go back to Wal-Mart.... :o)

You All have a wonderful Monday, I will be back---and don't forget to keep visiting the Finishing School--I had so much fun helping out, and was honored that I was asked. There is so much wonderful information there:)

10 Cents

Happy Sunday to all. Lots going on around here--I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer. The weather has been warm, and they are saying possible thunder storms this week--ummm, I will believe that when I see it...LOL.

I bought 20 spiral notebooks for .10 cents each at Wal-Mart and filler paper for .30 cents each, what awesome deals. Crayons were .12 cents a 24 pack. Kevin likes to use Pantene for his hair--he has very long and thick hair---but for the kids and I, we are not picky---I bought 10 bottles of VO5 for .66 cents at CVS. I have no idea why I feel the need to buy so much of something when it is so cheap..... I sometimes get in my head, that I will never see that item for that price again.

Well, that is all for now--be back soon xoxoxo

Making a List!!

I am making a list and checking it twice :0) I have my sale ads right here and I am looking through it for good buys, so while Kevin is napping and Alexis is busy, I thought I would jump on here and tell you all about it.

I need everything from Produce to diapers--I bought Huggies at Costco, 258 for 37 dollars and I am down to my last 10, so I am going to buy a package until I can make it to Costco again. Costco is by my Grandmas so she comes with me when I go. I will most likely go to see her tomorrow.

Anyway, I am also out of bread flour, so I need some of that. I really want to get a lot of fruit and veggies, nothing says summer more then watermelon and fresh corn. I just love fresh corn. I took a chicken out last night to thaw, so I will be making that for dinner. I am in need of juice and milk too. Kevin and the kids drink 2%, but I drink skim. I also drink a lot of water but I add just a bit of juice for some flavor.

It is a beautiful day here in Cali---it felt so nice sitting in the sunshine while Alexis had her swimming lesson. I also made freinds with this lovely lady, that I so enjoy talking with---we are going to exchange numbers tomorrow--I wouldn't want to lose contact with her.

Also, my bathroom toilets needed a good swishing--and Baby was wide awake so I put him in his swing as I ran from toilet to toilet cleaning them--I am so glad I did, my best friend came over right as I finished....and of course had to use the bathroom before she lft...LOL.

She gave me some lovely Ann Geddes Stationary and a book called *God's Guiding Touch for Mothers*...and a cake!!!! Kevin didn't want me to cook since it was my birthday---he was going to get Pick Up Stix--(I love chinese food) but I told him no, get something everyone would enjoy--so of course pizza it was...LOL---easy clean up for me--YAY!!!

My MIL sent me a beautiful bouquet of flowers, they are on my dining room table----->

They smell glorious!!!!

Anyway, I must finish my grocery list-----You all have a wonderful and blessed day, and thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the Birthday wishes(((Great Big Hugs))))) xoxoxo

Today is my Birthday

Happy Tuesday to everyone!!! I turn 37 today--I can not believe it---it seems like yesterday I was turning 15;)

My husband got me a *Little Green Carpet Machine*--yay...and another cow to add to my collection. He felt bad about the carpet cleaner(he said he didn't want to buy me something that made me do more work----getting a french manicure just was not practical this year with a new baby..LOL)---and I told him, that is what I asked for, I wanted one so bad. In Georgia, my SIL let me use hers, and I was having so much fun going from room to room getting all the little spots removed---oh, I can not wait to use it. I tried yesterday, but I just could not find the time....The life of a busy mother---I would not have it any other way!!

I hope everyone has a fantastic Tuesday and hugs to everyone!!! Thank you God, for a wonderful year:) xoxox

Monday

Happy Monday!!! What is everyone doing today? I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer, and staying cool. I just love Monday's, it is always the start of something good. I have been busy getting ready for fall--buying school supplies and school clothes here and there, so it doesn't hit us all at once. I just love buying school supplies.

Tonight's dinner is going to be pork tenders that I am baking in the oven, mashed potatoes, fresh green beans, salad and french bread.

Alexis is doing well with her swimming lessons----when her lessons finish in July, August will be the start of ballet.

Kevin will be 3 months on Thursday, and he is such a joy--he just started to giggle and it just melts my heart.

I have so much in my head that I want to post, but it will have to wait until I have more time----I will be back later--Have a great Monday xoxox

Final Step--Cake

Good Morning to all who visit. This is the last step of our cake, and I am so happy you have followed me along on this fun cake making adventure. A few years ago, my husband wanted me to make a special cake for my daughter, and I did not how or where to start, so my husband bought me a cake decorating kit at Michael's, and in the box this frosting spreader came with it. I frost all my cakes with it now, it makes for a nice smooth look. I am sure you can pick one of these up at any store for a few dollars--if not use a butter knife. :0)
Don't worry if some of the cake stayed in the pan, or it doesn't look real nice, the frosting hides all mistakes. Start by putting a good amount of frosting on the first cake (do you notice it is the backside of the cake, I did not turn it over) and frost it all around the middle, don't worry about the sides--the sides are done last. Yummy-->
Then take the second cake and flip it over onto the first cake-->
Start frosting the top and then work it all along the sides, until it is all covered up.

Great job!! It is all covered up and looks great--->
Take a lemon and cut it in rounds and then cut the rounds in half--try and cut the lemon thin------> (remove seeds too;)
Line the lemons all around the edge of the cake, you can even put one on the top of the cake--or do what Elizabeth suggested, a sprig of mint on the top--I bet the green looks beautiful
Ta-Da---all done.

We did it. The cake is moist and delicious and the lemon frosting is so refreshing for summer. I am so happy I was able to do this for the Ladies Finishing School, and please if there are any questions don't hesitate to ask. I hope you all have a fantastic Thursday xoxox

Lemon Frosting:

Good Morning/Afternoon. I hope the cake instructions were easy to follow. Now I am going to explain the Lemon Frosting. It was very easy to make, and it tasted wonderful.

Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting:
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 cups powdered sugar
Frosting:Beat cream cheese, butter, lemon juice, lemon rind, and vanilla together until smooth and fluffy. Add 3 cups powdered sugar and beat together. Add the additional 2 cups of powdered sugar. Beat until creamy. Add more icing sugar or juice as needed for easy spreading.
First we need some lemon rind--I used my box grater, and used the small holes, but I always find it difficult to get all the lemon peel out of the grater, so I used the cheese grater pictured and then just chopped the rest of the peel really fine. If you have a microplane, use that--that is something I need to get:)
Put your softened cream cheese, softened butter, lemon rind, lemon juice and vanilla in a mixing bowl. Using your hand mixer cream together. Just like the cake recipe, you can also use your stand mixer or your own hand instead:
Then start adding the powdered sugar, after each cup mix it:
After all the powdered sugar is added, you come up with this wonderful creamy and yummy frosting:
Can you see how the mixing lines stay put in the frosting--nice and thick--but very easy to spread on our cake:

Tomorrows post will be how I frosted the cake.

I hope everyone has a Wonderful Wednesday, Thank you so much for stopping by xoxox


P.S. If there are any questions, please feel free to ask:)