Cake Classics for Tiger Cubs

Charlie is now a Tiger Cub. That means that we get to raise money for that program. The way that TC does that is through a cake auction. I have to say, baking cakes and decorating them has never been my thing. I leave that up to the professionals. But what was I to do when my little guy comes to me and says that we need to make some cakes. Not just cakes, but good ones. There were several categories to try for. We went with outdoor theme and most colorful. As you can see from the potholders, Charlies won in both of those. I don't have a picture of the one that William and Charlie did, but it was a beautiful train. They used every type of candy you could think of. Both of the boys were very proud of themselves.

Wake Up Sleeping Beauty

What does your house look like on Tuesday nights? This is mine. Last year I was blessed to have 10 teen age boys at my house. Oh how a year changes everything. Now I have 9 jr high girls. It has been such an eye opener to talk to them. I thought that being a kid was hard when I was a kid. We had NOTHING to deal with like these girls do. Theirs is so different now. The emotions are the same. I remember those. The relationship are the same. For some reason now they seem bigger to me. Is that the difference between girls eyes and mom eyes?

Am I seeing it with a heart that longs for it to be easier for them? More innocent. More 80's. More Smurfs...

I love that they let me live in their space. That they trust me to be part of their lives. To hear the secrets of their world. I love that they talk to me and listen when I talk.

We are FAMILY...

First PUMPKIN of the SEASON

The first toothless grim has shown it's face this fall season.Charlie had his first loose tooth. He of course did not want me to pull it for him. I being the wonderful and honest mom that I am... I lied to him!

"Hey Charlie, I just need to clean it real quick for you with a napkin. That's ok, right?" We can all tell from the picture that I pulled it fast and hard. No tears, no blood... and the $3.00 didn't hurt either.

(Now he won't let me "CLEAN" his new loose one, any ideas for the next trick?)

Volcanos and Hannah Montana

Another year has come for our little girl. Madison is 8...opps 9!

We had all the kids in the neighborhood over for our favorite family tradition...

"VOLCANOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO"

If you have an issue with germs, this could kill you but here is how it works.

Take a gallon of ice cream (birthday person picks the flavor) and mold it into "volcano" shaped mound. Make or buy brownies and lean them down the sides. Take a FULL JAR of chocolate sauce (warmed up is best). Top with nuts and a complete can of whipped cream...OMG, how cool is that?

After that, hand out spoons to everyone...yell..."ONE, TWO, THREE...VOLCANOOOOOOO" and go for it!

We followed food with Hannah Montana...what a great afternoon...can be any better (if you are a 9 year old girl)?

Do you have a tradition? Share it and I might just steal it...

Friend Friday Harvest

We are told that a sabbath day is important in our lives. What does that mean? To some that means you have to sit in church every Sunday and praise God. To others, you spend all day Sunday watching America's Next Top Model (which is what I used to do before my cable got taken away). The meaning of sabbath is defined as this...

noun: Sabbath- a day of rest and worship. Sunday of most Christians. Saturday for the Jews and Friday for Muslims.

I have decided to create my own type of a Sabbath day. One of my "not-so-new" favorite things is FRIEND FRIDAY. This is the way that I have been able to spend not only resting but also worshiping God through being with my friends. We have done all kinds of things. Picking Peaches, harvesting corn, baking cakes, reading books, talking over coffee, going to the thrift store, just doing life...really anything we can think of. Is it the most "HOLY" day? I guess that depends on what your day of holy is. To me, this is MY most holy day. I hate when I don't get to go into God's world alongside my friends. This is my Sabbath. I not only see God, but I thank God for my friends and through my friends.

What is your DAY OF REST? What brings you joy and renewal? If you don't have one...come join in on mine. I would love to spend Friend Friday with you!


Your DAY OF REST is RIPE for the PICKING!!!

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

Oh Yes...we made it through the summer. How quickly time passes you may say. You may be saying that because you don't have little kids all summer long. After about a week, my children were already saying..."I'm bored". But no more my friends! Do you know why??? Because, "it's the most wonderful time of the year". SING WITH ME!!!

The first day of school has come. The little ones awoke with wonder in their eyes (and sleep). They put on their new school clothes. The smell of crayons and paper is in the air...and out the door they went.

Madison is at the "give me a high-five, I have two colors of hair, let's pretend you are someones elses mom" - phase. Charlie was just heartbroken to be in school all day (not really, I just had to say that to make myself feel better). They both did great. They love their teachers. All is on track again in RICE LAND.