Still learning.....

I've always heard that if you keep trying new things, your mind will keep sharp....is that true?  (My mind feels kind of dull these days. :D)

So with that in mind, (not really) I had a bridal shower for a friend and I had never had a shower for someone before.  Certainly an experience.

There were many firsts involved with the shower.

#1 ~ Chocolate Covered Strawberries
I thought they turned out beautifully - of course, I didn't LEAVE them in this pan for the shower (smirk)

#2 ~ Fondant
My very talented sister-in-law, introduced me to this great stuff.  I will be using it again. ;)
I am very sad that I didn't get a picture of the whole cake. :(

#3 ~ Cupcakes
Yes, I have made cupcakes before, but never decorated them for anything.  Stuck a fondant flower on them and Ta-da = Cuteness!!!

This was not made by me, but Keith took this cool picture of some pepper jelly, so I just threw it in so you could see. :D

 More shower food - now I'm hungry!

 Check out this very cool cake!  A friend baked it for me and then I decorated it for the shower.  She has a pan that will make it checked like this.  SO tasty!!

So, try something new this week and let me in on what it is.  I love hearing from my friends. ;)

Day at the creek #1

A few weeks ago, we went to our favorite spot ~ the creek.
We had such a fun time and the day was hot and perfect
for a swim.

First time for Ashlyn to be in the creek. :) Not the last, I'm sure.

 

There is a spring that empties into the creek, so we thought we'd find the beginning of the spring.  So we walked and walked and walked and STILL never found the beginning of it.  The water was FREEZING in that spring - reminded me of New Guinea (I'm pretty sure we have a picture like this of my dad with Jeremy and I on his back). The kids thought this was a very fun adventure, but they were ready to get back to warm water. :D

Fun, fun times..........

Kristyn 7 years old

I had been asking Kristyn what she wanted her birthday cake to be and said, "Surprise me"  :D    So I did!  She was quite surprised and happy with her castle cake.

*Lest you go thinking that I spent a good deal of my life working on this, I'll tell you, it was very simple.  Just make two cakes and stick some icing on them.  Place the pillars around and (the biggest part) put icing on the pillar tops (if you want) and around the windows and doors (again, if you want).  Not bad at all and the results are darling.

I have no idea what was up with the coloring in this picture.

 Her birthday shirt - thanks again, Janie, for the idea. :)

 Our neighbor always gets the kids one of those crazy singing cards for their birthday.  They LOVE them. He spoils them rotten.

Can't believe our precious little baby is already seven years old.  Kristyn is such a joy and a big helper around the house.  She is FULL of life.

She started piano lessons a few weeks ago and before she went to her first lesson, she asked if there was recess at piano lessons. :D

Elise's Graduation/Florida Trip

Keith and I (and Ashlyn) were so blessed to be able to go to Elise's college graduation in Florida last week.  Because of gas prices it was cheaper for both of us to fly than to drive down as a family.  That was very disappointing to all of us, but we still had a nice time.

We got to see lots of friends and make some new ones.....

Payton was Keith's right-hand lady while we were there. :)

Devon thought Mr. Keith was pretty cool, too. :D (He was a tiny baby when we moved from FL)

 We used to babysit these little people when some of them were Ashlyn's age - they were SO happy to entertain her.

 Some of our friends took us out to eat one evening.  THANK YOU - it was a beautiful evening.
(For those curious about Robb's nose - it was the sun coming through the shades on the window. :D)

 Some very special ladies and dear friends!!

 Miss Payton helped us not miss our kids so much.

 Just look at this darling.....

 It felt so weird only having one baby again.

 Miss Addy was a doll.

 Keith put Ashlyn's feet in the water. :)

 My little baby - 6 months old already.

Okay, now for the reason we even went to Florida.......

 We couldn't be more proud of this lady!

 This friend (Mary Ellen) has supplied our boys with clothes from infant to present. :)  THANK YOU!!

 Have I ever mentioned that I love flowers?

 The water was beautiful.

 I thought it was hard to keep my house clean - imagine living here.....I supposed they have a maid, or something.

 

 Keith got to eat at his favorite Bar-B-Q place - Sonny's.

Thank you, Robyn and Robb, for letting us stay in your beautiful home and making us feel very welcome.  We enjoyed our stay VERY much.

A HUGE thank to Grandma, Papa, Abbie and Hailey for coming and staying with the older kids so we could go.  THANK YOU!!!