Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Sometimes Ya Gotta Just Let Go...


We went to the beach this past weekend for a little family getaway and to celebrate my son's birthday. He wanted more than anything (anything!) to go to the beach for his birthday. So, we did!

We found a place right on the beach that fit our adoption budget. No frills or fancy, but we just wanted to hang on the beach, so we took the no frills.

It was kinda nice not having to plan, send invites and all that jazz this year. Not that I mind doing that, but having a low-key, stress free planning of a simple birthday party just can't be beat. At least this year for our family....we've had enough stress and crazy to last a while!

So, we headed to the beach. I do not have many pictures of our beach vacation. One, our goal was to spend time together and just chill.

We did.

Another goal? To boogie board with my son and build a sand castle.

We did.

These things take time and as much as I wanted to just grab the camera at so many different moments, I didn't. It was hard, but I knew that in all the running and grabbing the camera and snapping would mean losing out on the memories being made in those precious moments.
(this pic taken by my boy)

Maybe I don't have a gazillion photos to show for it, but the snapsots in my memory.....in my son's memory, are priceless.

I want him to remember this beach vacation/birthday celebration, not with his mama constantly with a camera stuck on her face attempting to capture the moments, but actually making memories by being together.....and boogie boarding.

Oh, and also? My camera battery died and we forgot more batteries to switch out with. We got some more the next day, but ya know what?! It forced me to put the camera down, relax and just let go....

It was fabulous.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Lemonade Success!

It's hot outside. HOT I tell ya! So, I made a refreshing batch of lemonade!

I couldn't find the few recipes I had stashed (apparently in a location where things vanish...), so I did a random google search for a lemonade recipe...And THIS is what I found.

Naturally, Paula Deen certainly could not disappoint! And she didn't.

I will admit I can be kinda picky about my lemonade. I do not like it too sweet. I actually prefer it more tart. However, this recipe?! This one HERE....fabulous! Delish! LOVE it!

And yes, I am on my third glass...

Thursday, July 8, 2010

A Gift With Some Sticky!

Did I ever show you what I decided to make and give to my nephew for his 11th B-day?!

No? Well, I shall share then!

Took some of this:


Used THIS tutorial


And VOILA! A handmade gift!


The report from my sis was that he loved it. Actually, his words were" mom, did you see this?! It's so cool!".

Whew! Mission accomplished. The older he gets, the harder gift-giving can be. Good thing I have a super cool son that helped me out a TON with this. He even picked the colors of the tape. :)

Have you ever made one of these?! It's pretty fun!

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Strawberries!!!

We have strawberries!!!


Ok, correction. We had strawberries. I took these before we left for Russia.

Apparently, when one leaves the country and then returns and kinda forgets to water the plants like they are supposed to be, they shrivel up and go away.

Sadness.

I blame the jet lag...

Anyone got some tips on keeping strawberries going and growing?!