Thursday, July 29, 2010

Tomatoes

Last year I had a small garden near the back of the house. It wasn't fancy, just six tomato plants I picked up at the store. We had a small crop of tomatoes that we enjoyed, but this year I wanted more. So we did a lot of work to the garden (you can read more about that here) and it turns out that work paid off... IN TOMATOES. We are swimming in them. Got any ideas on how to preserved these babies?

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Spoiled Rotten

Grandma and Grandpa have spoiled these three girls rotten while we were away.
They went to museums,
they played at the pool,
and they got lots of presents!
In fact, they are so spoiled, we took them to the zoo before dropping Grandma and Grandpa off at the airport.
Come back soon Grandma and Grandpa! We miss you already!

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Buffalo!

We had a great time this weekend. Got to see some good friends, meet a few old friends, and had a blast everyday! We had so much fun that I only took one picture.
MJ with friends

Western NY is even starting to grow on me. The architecture of the old houses in Buffalo is beautiful. I don't think I could handle the winters, but a nice spread in the country (with a pond and some recreational toys) I could definitely handle for the summer. It never hurts to dream!

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

They are coming!

Grandma and Grandpa are coming to visit today. MJ and I are going away for a long weekend, so they volunteered to come and spend some quality time with the grandgirls. We are headed up to Buffalo NY for MJ's ski club reunion. We hope to leave Thursday after MJ gets done with work and we are stopping to see friends in Western NY. Then we head up to Buffalo for fun with friends on Friday. Saturday we have the ski club party. He used to run the ski club while in college, and I hear he is somewhat of a legend at Schuusmeisters. Should be a fun weekend away! Hopefully Ill take some pictures of our trip to post about later.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Guess Who's Turning 3!

Little Loo turned 3 today! Her day was filled with lots of fun,
lots of presents,
and lots of ice cream cake!

Happy Birthday Little Loo! We love you!

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Reminder

The next time I am tempted to buy my children new toys, I will refer to this picture.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Preschool Registration

I officially signed up Little Loo for preschool today. Now if I could just get her potty trained before school starts we will be ready. I thought the second was supposed to be easier to train. What happened?

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Ribs

My girls LOVE Ribs! Unfortunately, MJ, my master griller/smoker of meat, has been crazy busy with work lately. Thus leaving his wife to find other options for making ribs. I found a recipe that cheats and slow cooks the ribs in the oven. Here is how I do it.
I take a deep foil tray (think turkey roaster) and throw the ribs in. I sprinkle on some BBQ seasonings that usually look like: honey, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, Old Bay Seasoning, onion powder, celery salt, dark brown sugar, fresh ground pepper, finely chopped onion, and barbecue sauce. Coat both sides really well with seasonings, and bake in a 300-325 oven for about 3-3.5 hours. If I am trying to be fancy I will baste the ribs every 10 minutes for the last 30 minutes or so.

 
As you can see, the girls highly recommend this one!

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Fresh from the garden

We are finally getting red ones! Madison loves to pick them with me. Now on to finding some new tomato recipes. Any and all suggestions welcome!

Sunday, July 11, 2010

She's a little runaway

Aunt Lyndsay came to visit us this weekend. We had lots of fun at the pool and shopping at Loehmann's.  MJ and I even got a nice date in while Lyndz babysat. (Thanks again Lyndz!) I caught Miss Lex trying to runaway to Florida with Aunt Yinsey. I think she wants to go see Mickey too!
We miss you already Aunt Lyndsay! Come visit us again soon.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Blackberries and a 1 year old...

I think this photo says it all.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

I'm seeing red...

I am so excited! Look what I found today...


Here's hoping we find many more like this.

Monday, July 5, 2010

Pictures of the 4th

We spent the weekend at my in laws house up in the Poconos. It was a gorgeous weekend. The weather was perfect, the fish were biting, and we even surprised Grandma J when the sisters showed up.

Here are some pictures Aunt Shaina took while we were there. I am truly jealous of her camera and her photography skills.
Enjoy

Sparklers! Always a favorite.
Uncle Perry blows the best bubbles. They would have done this for hours.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Happy 4th!

The 4th of July might be my favorite holiday.
It runs neck and neck with Christmas.
Growing up, we spent most 4ths down in the Ozarks. I have so many great memories; from the Ozark Sands "Trailer", to the Lazy Days Condos, to Mark and Lori's and everything in between. From banana chips and saltwater taffy, twizzlers and rice crispy bars, to Bloodies before noon and Margaritas after noon. Go carts, mini golf, wave runners and the party cove. I remember it all (well most of it anyway).
I miss home and I miss my family around the 4th, but I can always laugh when I think back at our crazy Ozark stories. So this year, pour yourself a nice cold drink, pull out some pictures, and reminisce about the good old days. Here is one from the Ozark Sands...
Can I just say, my sister has always been the stylish one, and the tan one. Love ya Lyndz!