Beach (part 2)

Beach (part 1)

Country Home

Free 2 year subscription to Country Home Magazine. Click on title for link. ValueMags is offering a free 2-year subscription to Country Home. You will not receive a bill for this, it is absolutely free.

Yesterday I got some cute pictures of Emma in my magazine basket. She kept pulling out magazines and bringing them to me. Finally, I went into the living room and she was sitting on top of them all as happy as can be. I was trying to get some pics without her beloved paci...so that is why she has a fussy face in one. 

"Don't Make Me Count to Three" Download

My pastor's wife is doing a series of lessons on this book. It has been very insightful for me to prepare for the months ahead with little Miss Emma. If you have time to download a few of the lessons or all of them, I highly recommend it. Click on the title to go directly to the link.

Finger Paints

Homemade finger paints are nontoxic, washable, and always available.

Stir 4 tablespoons of sugar and 1/2 cup cornstarch together; add 2 cups of cold water, and heat over medium heat until the mixture is thick (the mixture will further thicken as it cools). Divide into four or more containers, and add food coloring as desired. (Martha Stewart online)

Homemade Granola

Ingredients

3/4 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup honey

4 cups old-fashioned oats

2 cups sweetened, shredded coconut

2 cups coarsely chopped pecans

1 cup sunflower seeds

1 1/2 cups medium diced dried apricots or dried pears

1 cup golden raisins

1 cup dried cranberries

Directions

 

1. Heat oven to 325 degrees. In a small bow, whisk together the oil and honey; set aside. Toss the oats, coconut, pecans, and sunflower seeds together in a large bowl. Add the oil mixture, and stir, with a wooden spoon until well combined. Pour mixture onto two 13-by-8 inch baking sheets, and bake, stirring frequently, until the mixture is an even golden brown, 20 to 40 minutes, checking every 5 minutes.

2. Remove granola from oven; let cool, stirring occasionally. Add dried apricots (or pears), golden raisins, cranberries; stir to combine. Store in an airtight container.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

I saw this idea a bit too late but I'll keep it in mind for next time. It's out of the Martha Stewart magazine. Breakfast in a bowl for Mom. =) I thought it was so cute! That way I would have made your breakfast without really being present. =) You pack a bowl, spoon, an awesome granola mix, and a bag of your favorite tea. I thought I'd post some pictures for you, even though I can't be with you this Mother's day...enjoy some virtual flowers and this recipe for some homemade granola. You should be getting some letters in the mail soon, if you haven't already. Love you!!

Best Friends

Playground at Table Rock

A birthday weekend getaway for Chase

This weekend I took Chase to a cabin not too far from where we live for a little R&R. He just finished up his 3rd year of seminary and he has May off before he takes some summer school in June and July. He's always in the classroom or in his work office building. Needless to say, he was itching to get outdoors. I found a little cabin in Table Rock State Park and we had some friends come and enjoy a little bit of nature as well. We made bonfires, played board games, took Emma and her little friend Chloe down to a little 'baby' playground near the lake, enjoyed some great food (courtesy of Kim Rackley) and just had a good old time! Chase is now an old man...25 !!!