Summertime Fun

Playing with friends and getting a treat from the ice cream truck.


Emily having her first guitar lesson from Uncle Jonathan. He did a wonderful job!

Welcome June!

Hello! Happy first day of June! I hope you all are doing well. In the last month and a half we have finished up with Boy Scouts, Faith Keepers, Spanish and Creative Writing classes. We are having temperatures in the high 90's, so summer is definitely here!


We had friends and family over for Memorial day. In the morning I went to the grocery store for a few things and found these beautiful peonies. They were completely closed, but within a few hours had bloomed.


Phillip got a new grill for his birthday/early Father's Day, so he grilled burgers, hot dogs, and chicken. I made potato salad, macaroni salad, and we also had artichoke dip, chips and humus, and watermelon.


For dessert, we had strawberry and blueberry shortcake and I also made these fun jello cups for the kids.

Thank you for stopping by for a visit, I've missed visiting with you!

A bit of a break...

Hello! Thank you for the Happy Easter wishes. We had a really wonderful time with my family. I'm been thinking about this for awhile, and I've decided to take a blogging break. I will still be reading blogs though, and I'm only an email away. Until next time...

Hot Cross Buns

I meant to blog this week, but things got busy around here getting ready for company. Everyone will be arriving this afternoon and I'm going to make a big pot of white chili and hot cross buns for dinner.


Here is the recipe if you'd like to make some, too.

Hot Cross Buns

4 1/2-5 cups all purpose flour, divided
2 pkg active dry yeast
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 1/4 cups milk
1/2 cup butter
2 eggs, beaten
3/4 cup currants or raisins

Egg Wash:
1 egg
1 tablespoon water

Glaze:
1/2 powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla

1. Combine 2 cups of flour, yeast, sugar, salt and spices in bowl of electric mixer.
2. In a small saucepan, heat milk and butter until it is warm to the touch.
3. Add warm milk to flour mixture and beat on medium speed for 1 minute.
4. Add eggs and beat for another minute.
5. Stir in currants.
6. Add remaining flour to make a soft dough.
7. Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes, adding additional flour as needed.
8. Place dough in greased bowl, turning over so both sides are greased.
9. Cover; let rise in warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
10. Punch down dough; turn onto lightly floured surface.
11. Form dough into 2-inch round balls.
12. Place 2 inches apart on greased baking sheet.
13. Cover and let rise until doubled, 45-60 minutes.
14. Using a sharp knife, slice a cross into the top of each bun.
15. Combine egg and water in a small bowl. Brush rolls with mixture.
16. Bake at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Remove from pan and cool on racks.
17. Make glaze: Mix sugar, milk and vanilla in a small bowl until smooth.
18. Spoon glaze over buns in the shape of a cross.




May Easter bring you a happy heart,
and may your spirit rejoice in the risen Lord!

Photo Challenge: Eggs

I am joining in Rebecca's Photo Challenge today and this week's theme is: EGGS!


I really love decorating with eggs, so this was a fun challenge. Front door wreath.


Front porch decoration.


Easter place card idea.


And of course, candy eggs!


Be sure to stop by Rebecca's blog to visit more participants, or to find out how to join in yourself! Thank you for taking a look!