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Foodie Friday: Simplified spaghetti pie

One of the blogs I follow is Mennonite Girls Can Cook. I am neither Mennonite or a cook, but their recipes always look delicious. This recipe popped up and I knew I had to make it for dinner, but simplify it in about 10 ways. It was incredible! Simplified Spaghetti Pie based on MGCC recipe 6 ounces spaghetti (this is less than half a box) 2 TB butter 1/3 C grated Parmesan cheese 2 well beaten eggs 1/2 pound ground beef (I used 93% lean) 1/2 jar of chunky garden style pasta sauce (I used… Read more

Thursday 13: Best on TV

During nap time, my favorite "hobby" is watching TV.  My favorites are all over the board, and I thought maybe you'd find a new one you haven't tried or you might see one we can discuss. Because my other hobby is analyzing TV apparently. So...here's my half of DVr (in no order): 1. The Bachelorette : I can't stand The Bachelor but tune in every Monday at 8 for 2 hours of man-drama. They actually cry more than most women I know! My prediction? Sean in the end f… Read more

Wednesday in Pictures

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Foodie Friday: A little help, please

Usually I post with great excitement on Fridays...bringing you something that I have tried and hope that you will like as much as I do. However, this post is a little different. I need your help!  You see, everything I read and hear suggests that children should "eat what the family eats". That is so not happening in this house, and I am starting to feel bad about it. I do feel good about breakfast. She eats any breakfast food put in front of her (just like her mama). Check.… Read more

Happy summer in pictures!

So, it officially begins. I have attempted to take Larkyn someplace stimulating every day. We tryyyy for new places, but that doesn't always happen. We have found some lovely parks around here, gone out to lunch with friends (although THAT has become interesting as of late), but here are some of the more exciting milestones and events we have had so far... Feeding ourselves! Not all the time, and usually getting more food on our lap than in the mouth, but it is exciting nonetheles… Read more

Sentimental Sunday: To my Daddy

It is kind of fun to be celebrating Fathers Day in 2 ways: one celebrating Matt as a dad and one celebrating my own dad/Larkyn's Paw Paw. Dad, you have put in a lot of years as a father! 60+ years of helping us take our first steps, ride a bike, do well in math (hey, you tried), and letting us make good and not so good decisions. We have learned a lot from you. Mostly: 1. You (should always try to) do what is right. No matter if it is the way that causes way more time and work, sh… Read more

Happy Birthday, other half!

Well, now we are both 30. I know you take pleasure in reminding me that I am older by 2.5 months, but now we are the same age again!  I know it isn't easy living in this zoo we call home. A yellow and pink bird-filled wonderland has replaced your man-cave, and the sounds of squeals, barks and Sprout TV spread through our once quiet home. But you wear it well. Fatherhood suits you, and I'm glad that Larkyn has you as a daddy. After all, how would she ever try any food if i… Read more

Wednesday in pictures

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Mama Monday: "It's all over"

People love to tell you that once your baby walks, "It's all over". I really don't enjoy negative "advice" like that, but... they were kind of right . Not that the fun is over or life is over, but the life of having a contained baby certainly is out the window.  Exhibit A: Now that I am home with Larkyn for the summer, I am seeing so much growth (she says "dog" when she hears a dog bark, points to trees, points to mama, brings me things all the time… Read more

Lattes & Lollipops review

I was looking for something new to do with L on Friday. Something that would let her run and explore without tearing apart a store. I tried an indoor play cafe this past winter, but wasn't a huge fan of the crowd and the idea of her being bulldozed by big kids. This is the ONE time when our odd nap schedule worked to our advantage. We will probably miss every story time and music class out there (I've checked), but the play cafes empty out at noon for us oddballs:) Anyway, he… Read more

Foodie Friday: Cherry No-Bowl Cake

I'm trying to start a revolution to change "dump cake" to "no bowl" cake. Something so delicious deserves a name that is not revolting!  For your next cookout or family event, pick up these 4 extra ingredients at the store and get ready to spout off the recipe over and over at the gathering (you know I live for those moments...) Cherry No-Bowl Cake 2 cans cherry pie filling 1 can crushed pineapple, well-drained 1 box yellow cake mix 1 stick of butter Preheat th… Read more

Thursday 13: Favorite things

I keep thinking of little things here and there that I want to share with you. And have you ever heard of a Favorite Things party ? I am tossing around this idea...stay tuned. 1. Clear Shampoo : I have been a salon product junkie for years, but am trying to clamp down on habits like that. I picked up a trial size of this at Target and have never been so happy with a shampoo EVER! It is probably fine for everyone, but especially if your hair tends to build up with product or is fine,… Read more

Wednesday in Pictures

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Try it Tuesday: Listen to a kindergartner

At some point last night, I was a little frazzled and digging through my purse for something. I found this. She gave it to me on the last day of school, with a distinct "I'm trying not to cry" face. I was struck by her word choice. Why did she say that? I receive notes and pictures pretty often, and they almost always say "I love you" with a picture of the student and I holding hands under a rainbow. Not that I don't appreciate them, but love letters are pa… Read more

Mama Monday: A day she's been waiting for

Anyone who has had (and lost) grandparents knows that they are rare and special. I lost all 4 grandparents by the time I had Larkyn (I was 30 weeks pregnant when grandma had an accident and passed away:o( Anyway, for some reason or another, we haven't been able to get together with Matt's Grandma Osborne and everything aligned perfectly for that to happen this weekend. Though she lives in PA, we all made the trip up to lovely Avon Lake (raise your hand if you want to move ther… Read more

Summer of CLEAN

I don't have the time for a spotless house, nor do I think it is necessary or really a good use of time, but EVERYTHING HAS A PLACE. It is so rare that something gets lost that when it does happen, I almost need institutionalized. The beauty of a 926 sqf house is that "It couldn't have gone too far", but the flipside is that storage is a huge pain. I try. Matt doesn't have the stuff that baby and I do, but he doesn't like to get rid of things. So, this summe… Read more

Foodie Friday: Heath Bar Trifle

I have 3-4 recipes that are like bringin' out the big guns. I bring them out when there is a crowd and I know they could use a good old calorie-fest. This one does it every time and can be your new go-to for summer picnics (I made it at New Years, too, so really any time of year!) This recipe is adapted from here . I thought I'd make it a little easier to read and simplified a few steps. Since I forgot to snap a photo before I set it out to be demilished, you can see her finis… Read more