An evening with friends

Last week, we enjoyed a delicious bbq with our friends Ben & Sheri. They also had Marian & Narcisa and Jeff & Amber over. We had a great evening together. Ben & Sheri made a delicious meal (my favorite was the pork tenderloin and the grilled vegetables that they made in their new grill basket). After dinner we had yummy dessert and enjoyed a peaceful walk through their neighborhood. Then came back to their house where we played in the backyard. Once again, so thankful for friends who love the Lord and are such an encouragement to spend time with!

Ben, Amelia, Addison, Marian

Just hanging out..

Hannah enjoying the strawberries from our delicious dessert

the whole crew (except Narcisa: our photographer) enjoying a beautiful summer evening walk

the dads...

right before we left the girls were all getting in their pj's and ready for bed. They all happened to be in diapers at the same time...so we thought we would snap a "diaper picture" When I lined them up and said "show me your bellies" Olivia quickly hopped in the picture and showed us her belly too! So cute!

When it was really time to leave, I told Hannah to give her friends a hug. She walked around and gave all of the girls a hug. This was the first time she gave hugs when it was time to say goodbye.

My friend Joshua

Last Thursday (yes..we're catching up again..the holiday weekend was busy but wonderful) . Mommy and I drove only a few minute over to Joshua's house for lunch and a playdate. Joshua is almost 2, so he's a little older than me..we play together so well and I learn lots from him. He showed me all of his toys, and even gave me a few toys to take home with me. I'm sure thankful for my friend!

Here I am playing with the busy ball bopper that Joshua gave me...so much fun! :)

Favorite Summer Recipes

My friend Teri shared this recipe with me last summer. It's healthy, delicous, and inexpensive to make...hope that you enjoy it too!

Summer Bowtie Pasta & Chicken

2 boneless chicken breasts

bowtie pasta (approx. 1/2 a box)

1 head of broccoli

1 pkg. good seasoning "garlic & herb" dressing mix, prepare as directed on the package

ground red pepper & parmesan cheese to taste

Prepare dressing according to package. Cut chicken into small pieces- cook in skillet with a little of the dressing until no longer pink. Sprinkle with red pepper to you liking. Meanwhile, cook bowtie pasta as usual. Cut broccoli into small pices. Add broccoli to bowtie pasta water during last few minutes of boiling (just to barely cook the broccoli; don't overcook). Drain broccoli & pasta. Add to skillet. Add the rest of the dressing & heat. Sprinkle with parmesan and enjoy.

I had too many favorite summer recipes to choose from...so I thought I would also share a favorite drink and dessert...and of course they are both pampered chef recipes. For yummy summer drink go here, and for a delcious summer desser that is perfect of the Fourth of July go here. I try to keep new recipes posted for the season on my website, check it out :).

For more summer recipes head on over to We are that Family.

Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather in my neck of the woods:

A much more mild day...sunny and low 70's this morning...I think rain is on it's way, but that's fine...Hannah and I got 2 walks in already today

One of my simple pleasures:

Enjoying the quiet of the evening with my hubby after Hannah is in bed

On my bedside table:

Pictures of Hannah and books

On the menu for tonight:

spaghetti

On my To Do List:

Put laundry away & clean the fisher price bus I got for Hannah at a garage sale, make cookies

New Recipe I tried last week:

Beef Enchilada Casserole (Made it in the microwave in my deep covered baker..probably took only 20 minutes all together!)

In the craft basket:

Haven't done much of this lately

Looking forward to:

Getting an evening out...going to a Pampered Chef training at our directors house.

Homemaking Tip for this week:

Wash & hang dry clothes inside-out to save their color. Washing them inside out protects the color while in the washer, and if you line dry like me (saves energy and makes your clothes smell so fresh!) it protects your clothes from getting faded in the sun.

Favorite Blog Post of the week (mine or other):

Kristi did a guest post at Mummy Deals about bringing children up in this world we live in...and excellent essay every mom should read!

Favorite photo from last week: Hannah pretending to carry a container of foam letters around as a purse...too cute!

On my Prayer List: Good neighbors to move into the house across the street that just went up for sale, Dad F. in Canada, little girl in my s.s. class having a scope put into her tummy this week for tests, family, kids kamp preparation

Key Verse:

John 14:15 "If you love me, you will obey what I command"

Lord, is my love for You an extraordinary love? Is mine an obedient heart? Help me to love you more every day and live a life of obedience.

An anniversary date night

Our anniversary actually fell on Fathers Day this year. With it being a Sunday, and Fathers Day, we decided to wait and celebrate our anniversary later in the week. On Friday night, we took Hannah to play with Cindy, and we headed off for some alone time...which was quite nice! We ate dinner at the Macaroni Grill (Seth said that it was the best "out to eat dinner ever") and then headed over to Paradise Park for a game of putt-putt. Seth beat me badly...but it was very fun anyway. I sure love spending time with my dear husband of 6 years.

How we survive the hot summer days...

This week has been a hot one! We do love summer though, and are thankful for two things when it gets really hot: our AC and our kiddie pool. Before Daddy went to work on Tuesday, he got my swimming pool all set up for me, he knew it was going to be hot. After my nap, Mommy and I went outside to enjoy the water. I love taking baths..but just wasn't sure about the pool..maybe it's because it wasn't as warm as bath water, who knows. So I stood in the water for a long time. Finally Mommy went and put her bathing suit on and we sat down together (I only wanted to sit on her lap). After I sat on her lap for a while, I tried sitting on my own, and before I knew it I was kicking and splashing and up and down. I guess I just had to get used to the water. Thanks for the great pool Grandma!

hoping for a prince...

I don't know about this water...

getting better...up & down...up & down

yeah for a day in the pool!!

A hot day at Shiawassee Park

On Tuesdays (yes, we are still a little behind) we go to the park with our MOPS group. This week we were at Shiawassee Park in Farmington. It is such a great park...and Mommy and I can't wait to go back, but will try it on a cooler day. We had fun, but it was really hot! They have play equipment for little ones like Joshua and I. My favorite thing to do was crawl through the tube and peek out at Mommy.

Joshua and I taking a break for some water...