Summertime and Reminiscing

Hello all -it has been awhile-Huh?! Hope it's been going good for all of you -it's been going ok here. We survived and enjoyed the "wedding season"- Congrats to all the newlyweds! And of course now it's been summertime- We had my daughter's bday party at Cherry Berry early in the summer, we've seen some movies -(Love Brave!),we've been swimming, and gone on a few trips -but you know me nothing too fancy just visiting family around the state. For the 4th of July we went to see the in-laws across the state and then this past weekend visited my dad and floated down the river. Along the way we've made a few stops to reminisce like where my husband and I got married (13 years ago now):

And I heard through the Facebook grapevine that the place where I and a few of my highschool buddies 1st worked was closing so made a stop there too -glad to make it on their last day after being open for 47 years! :

Overall been pretty good -but, that's not to say there hasn't been some Mom Mayhem along the way ;) - it's kinda tough with an energetic little boy and teenaged daughter-seems we're hardly on the same page as far as it being a lazy day or getting out of the house and soaking up the summer -but, we're trying. And luckily I still get to have a night out when I go to book club about once a week-seems during the summer I especially need those- hope it lasts but, with 2 of our members expecting a baby we shall see what's to come... Anyways got awhile longer for summer but, soon it will be time for back to school -Eeek!  Well, until next time -Ta Ta For Now!

My neck of the woods

Still been HOT around here -trying to keep cool and everything. At least this past weekend was a little bit less hot -so, we decided it was a fairly good time to take a trip over the hill and through the woods -to grandma's -grandpa's (my dad's) house- and also take a float trip. If you're from around these parts you probably know that'd be the Illinois river around Tahlequah,OK

You see my dad lives out there in the family's cabin -it's pretty primitive but, he's been out there making a few changes -used to have an old outhouse now there's a new "fancy" bath house with real running water complete with toilet, shower, even a washer and a dryer but, the washer is somewhat outside -see:

And we all went on a float trip -we had a boys raft and a girls raft. Been awhile since I've went on a float trip -a fun but exhuasting time - luckily I survived with just a little sunburn and that's after wearing a hat, applying and reapplying sunscreen,and keeping a damp towel around my shoulders. We got home late Sat. night and Sun. morning I woke up to find that the stray kitty had her kittens -7 of them!

So, eventually will need to find them all homes -would like to find the mama kitty a home too -so, if you know anyone -let me know. Now we've been keeping an eye on the kitties and everything - And that's what's going on in my neck of the woods -How about you? Be sure to join in with the RHOK's -Your neck of the woods and let us know!

In my neck of the woods...

What all's been going on around here? - Mostly trying to find things here and there for the kids to do and trying to stay cool! Last week we went on a tour of the Nonni's factory -Pretty cool to see how the Biscotti is made: Earlier today we went to the movies -not for a new movie -we saw Megamind - I just love the free or discounted kids movies during the summer and that is 1 we hadn't seen before today -it was pretty good. The only thing is of course the concessions still cost a pretty penny -but, not too bad for a fun outing. Not much else going on other than doing some cleaning and organizing around here. How about you ? - make sure you join in with the RHOK's -Your neck of the woods and let us know!

My neck of the woods

Sorry to miss last week -been pretty busy -busy with what you may ask - Well, in a few words -Family, Friends, and Food!

First I saw some family that was in town Friday before the 4th of July and went to a cookout. Then that weekend we headed out of town to visit my in -laws for the 4th of July -we hit the road and took a little Route 66 detour to Pops on the way too:

Once we got to Lawton we visited with more family -it's a pretty full house there so, we stayed one night at a hotel. Of course it's been mighty hot here and there- we all took a trip to Orange Leaf for a cool 4th of July treat. Later we had a cookout -etc. for dinner and of course some fireworks -not much since technically they had a burn ban.

Then we made our way back home the day after the 4th of July. Later last week we tried a new place here -Top that Pizza -It's kind of like a Subway but, for pizza -you go up and pick out your toppings -etc -and they cook your own personal pizza -pretty cool. Their drink /pop machine supposedly is pretty cool -but, it was out of order when we were there. I'll be excited when they get more (closer) locations -open soon.

(The bottom right pic is the last of the pizza and pop from Pops ;)

And then this past weekend we went to another cookout with my book club group -it was pretty cool to get together and meet most of everyone's spouses and everything and of course have more good food ;) And that's pretty much what's going on around here other than trying to stay cool and get over some kind of cold /sinus issues -blah! So, how's it going in your neck of the woods? Be sure to join in with the RHOK and let us know!

My neck of the woods -Swimming

So, this past weekend was my husband's work -Summer Picnic - it was pretty fun -I'm always up for some free food and fun ;) There was a swimming pool -etc. But, the swimming didn't end there! One of his coworkers and his kids invited us to another swimming pool after that -so we went swimming some more:

The kids had a blast! -My daughter (and I even) went down the water slide-It was pretty fun! -but, It was our 1st time at that little water park and I didn't know floaties aren't allowed so 1 of the lifeguards came up to me about that (and offered a lifejacket)-Oh well now I know if we go back . I'm sure we'll be swimming again -but, not too soon - still sporting a pretty good sunburn -ouch! (And yes I did apply sunscreen -I guess just not enough) -The kids did not really get sunburned at least though. But, that's what's going on in my neck of the woods -Be sure to join in with the RHOK's -Your neck of the woods and lets us know about yours.

My neck of the woods -Getting summer started

So, the kids have been out of school for less than a week around here and we're getting our summer started! ...

We went to Cherry Berry for the 1st time the other day (it was pretty good) and saw Kung Fu Panda 2. I can't say everyday has been super fun filled -We've been relaxing at home some and out and about for Dr's appt's -etc. But, the summer has begun and that's what's going on in my neck of the woods. Be sure to join in with the RHOK and share-What's going on in your neck of the woods?!

Wordless Wednesday -End of Summer

Well, our summer is officially coming to an end - We did some traditional Summer fun things like swimming and eating sno cones, we had a couple of birthdays (my daughter's and mine :), we went on the road -sometimes little trips in town like to the splashpad;sometimes road trips out of town to my family's cabin or visiting the in-law's. But, now it's back to school time!

Happy Wordless Wednesday! P.S. -I know I'm horrible at staying "wordless" even on WW ;)

Wordless Wednesday

One of these things is not like the other -Can you tell which one?Yeah we made some banana pops yesterday -One of our favorite summer snack/treats to make! And yes my family thinks I'm crazy -taking pictures of everything ;) Here's what they look like all done with chocolate on them- And get your mind out the gutter -I know it might look like other things =P

Oh and as far as what is not like the others -My kids added a fake banana -See:Happy Wordless Wednesday!

MckLinky Monday -Summer Vacation

Everyone is gearing up for the summer including the RHOK and today they ask -What's your summer vacation plans?
Well, I wish I could say that we had some nice vacation trip planned -Like our 1st big family road trip/vacation last summer (I have a few posts about that including part 1, part 2, and part 3. )

This summer will be like most of our summers -1st I always get into a cleaning mode -gearing up for my daughter's Bday in June. Even if we don't have her party at home this year we'll probably have some in-laws as house guests. And there will be a time when it will be vise-versa where we go visit the in-laws across the state -that will be our out of town "vacation". Other than that we'll pretty much have a staycation. I'm sure we'll figure out stuff to do close to home -(look for some upcoming Examiner articles- frugal family/summer fun :)
Yep, summer around here means -popsicles,running in the sprinkler,little trips-exploring the city here and there -And hopefully being able to sleep in! ;)

Happy Summer!

Last days of Summer

The end of summer is here and it's always so bittersweet! I've noticed the different ways I see it when I was working and now a Stay-at-home mom. When I was working it was like -Yay! Back to a schedule/not having to worry about finding summer childcare. Now being at home -it's like -Ugh! Back to a schedule/Having to get up early again =D So here we are again and going to have to get up even earlier now that middle school starts earlier.

And thinking about what all has or has not been accomplished during the summer. I always have big plans to do a lot of Crafty things and get organized but, it rarely happens like that. And I think about all we DID accomplish -Like finally taking a good family vacation-Yay! (see Atlanta vacation back in June),some fun food experiments making our own popsicles-etc,making Amish friendship bread, Cooking more in general as in "Real" breakfasts-etc.,going around town experiencing new things,going swimming a few times,and general summer hanging out. All in all not too bad. But now it's the Last days of Summer *Sigh*

Happy Early 4th of July!

I'm here! I haven't fallen off the face of the earth or anything ;) I guess for once I haven't had a lot to say. We're kinda in a Summer lull even though we've done a few things here and there like gone to my hubby's work summer picnic,taken the kids to a couple of playgroup outings, and just general summer hanging out.

Next up 4th of July! I'm still not quite sure what all we're going to do- maybe head out to my family's cabin off the Illinois river. Hang out with some family,do fireworks, have fun! Whatever we do I'm sure it will be better than my worst 4th of July-Let me tell you: When I was working I worked at a business that was never closed-Not even for Christmas! I guess you can tell 1 of the reasons -I decided to be a Stay-at-home mom. I could go on about how our world is so 24/7 ON But, I digress. So, even though I was pretty lucky and got out of working most holidays I did occassionally have to work. A few years ago I had to work a 4th of July and my hubby decided to visit his family and take my daughter-So I missed the fun :( That was bad in itself but, then I was also starting to get a cold. So, finally after I got done working I just wanted to get home and go to bed. But, seriously have you ever tried to sleep early on 4th of July? Yeah-Um Fireworks!! That didn't work out so well. So, that was my worst 4th of July ever. How about you?-Any great 4th of July's? any bad ones? I hope everyone is having a good summer and has a fun 4th of July! And enjoy this video-Yep! You might have guessed that I took it on our vacation/laser show:

Happy 4th of July,Or Canada day, or whatever you may celebrate where you are!!

Summer Food & Drink Fun!

It's officially summer! And if you're like me you're trying to come up with ideas to keep the kids busy-You can always come up with some cool kitchen creations together! Here's some especially for summer fun! :

Especially during the summer I love to make some refreshing smoothies for breakfast or snacks. I really love a tropical smoothie made with Orange Juice,Mixture of Tropical fruits(Banana,Mango,Pineapple-Even a dash of Coconut),and of course Ice Cubes. I like this smoothie cause it's a non-dairy 1 that my son can drink. Of course there's plenty of other smoothies you can make with milk/yogurt,fruits,even peanut butter! -We've tried a peanut butter/banana smoothie with milk,peanut butter, and banana's-Yum!

Summer is perfect for a nice picnic outside and you can make some sun tea or lemonade too!

And last but not least-Dessert!

A summer-time favorite of icecream or popsicles! Again you can get creative and make your own! We bought a popsicle maker/container from the dollar store and the kids have fun experimenting with different juices-etc.

So don't be afraid to make your own summer food and drink experiments. And feel free to share your own special recipe's! Have Fun!