A Work of Art

Birds are amazing little artists. It is so interesting how they can create this perfect little nest in such a short amount of time. But they certainly are not the smartest creatures are they! Why must they build a nest right at my front door and scare the heck out of me every time I open that door! I'm so afraid they are going to fly in the house.

I was mean and moved their little home. I hope that mother was not about to deliver, then I would feel really bad!

One large toad in the pool already! He made it out safely but yuck. I'm not big on wildlife, sorry. Honestly, I'm scared to death of many animals. ( I was chased with a dead animal skin in 3rd grade by Jeff Dunkleberger or was it Randy Goodison....... anyway it scarred me for life!!!) I especially am not fond of anything resembling a rodent! Sorry Beth!!! ( she really likes her rodents)

Couldn't even touch the dolphins at Sea World, that's how lame I am! You could not pay me to swim with them! Don't you wonder where we get our hang-ups from! Share yours with me so I don't feel like such  a dork! I'll be forever grateful!!

Silly Stuff

Yes, I probably spent about 5 dollars trying to win tokens just so little man could get these cardboard glasses at the elementary school carnival on Saturday.  But seriously, how funny are they!! I think the whole family needs a pair, that just might be our Christmas card this year!

In other news, I let my kids play with their food! Smiley fries + ketchup = fun times at the dinner table!

Happy Monday people! The husband is off work this entire week, by week's end he will probably be wishing he would have stayed at the office. Lots of back breaking backyard work to do!!

He doesn't understand why I need so many breaks to check my computer.......guess he doesn't know how many blogs I read on a daily basis!

Last one in is a rotten egg!

The pool has been christened!! Water temperature probably high 50's..........crazy kids!!!!

My two kids were the last ones in! ME........not a chance!

Fence goes in on Monday, what you don't like the lovely orange construction fence?!

Lots and lots of yard work ahead!! That counts as exercise right?

Happy Saturday!!

It's Not Pretty But The Book Club Girls Loved It!

Recipe request from Maria and Beth, two really great writers and readers!! I'm lucky to know them in "real life"!!

Apple Pie Cake aka Dump Cake

Easiest cake in the world!

1 can apple pie filling

1 can crushed pineapple, drained

1 box yellow cake mix

1 stick of butter, melted

Dump pie filling and pineapple into a 9x13 pan. Pour cake mix on top, spread evenly. Pour melted butter on top. Bake 350 for  about 45 mins.

I actually like it better with a can of cherry pie filling instead of apple. One of our book club girls suggested using a chocolate cake mix and cherry pie filling. The possibilities are endless!

I hosted our monthly book group last night, here's what we talked about......

Everyone seemed to enjoy the book and it generated some good discussion. It's always fun to spend the evening with articulate, well read ladies and a big glass of wine! Thanks girls!!

Queen of Just About Everything

My very talented daughter has bestowed upon me the above title. I am honored!! I know I sometimes act like I'm the Queen of just about Everything! ( sorry kiddos) Don't you just love handmade cards!! They have way more meaning than those horribly expensive Hallmark cards. I came downstairs on Sunday to this lovely tablescape. I was greeted in the hallway by a young lad wearing a waiter uniform with a towel draped over his arm.

 (too cute)!! I was led to my seat and offered a wide assortment of beverages and breakfast entrees. All prepared by my handsome husband. It was a lovely morning!

After spending the afternoon watching a soccer game in the most horrible of conditions (cold & windy). I forced the family to see the cutest little documentary about babies. Absolutely adorable movie.  Click below to watch the official trailer.

Babies Trailer

It's official, our day is over ladies. Now back to our real lives of being overworked and underpaid!! Hope you enjoyed your day!!

Progress????????

Well, it sort of looks like a pool! We've been at this stage for about 2 weeks now due to weather conditions.......... major rainstorms!! As you can see, we do have some lovely brown water in the deep end. The kids are begging to go in that mess! Of course I was the mean mom and said NO WAY. I'm expecting concrete guys tomorrow. I sure hope so, I'm ready to start some planting!

I picked up these Burning Bushes on sale last week at a local nursery. The tag said "brilliant red foliage in the fall", I thought that might look nice against my evergreens at the deep end of the pool. Does anyone have these in their yard? I'm hoping they will grow into a nice little hedge and give us some privacy on that side of the yard.

The kids have not been bothered by the lack of progress. In fact, I think they are just as happy with all the mountains of dirt in the yard!! All the cul-de-sac boys have been using it to play "Army".

At least the husband has a lot less grass to mow right now. And he does not mind that at all!!

Weekend Roadtrips

One good thing about travel soccer is the chance to visit new places and some old favorites. Saturday, my little man had a game in Gettysburg, which happens to be one of our old favorites. About an hour drive from our home, Gettysburg is a historic and charming little town. So much history in this town and my family loves American history! So many antique stores that I didn't get to visit because all the little guy wanted to do was climb the rocks at Devil's Den.

It was just the 3 of us this weekend. The young lady was in NYC with her Nana having a wonderful time, riding the subway, eating in Little Italy, walking in Central Park and strolling along 5th Ave. Of course I almost had a heart attack when I heard about the car bomb in Times Square. Fortunately, we were texting each other all day so I knew that she was safe! Thank God!! That's a sure way to add a few more gray hairs to my head! So happy to have the four of us back together on Sunday, I never feel quite right when there is someone missing from the nest!

View of the battlefields

Soldiers' National Cemetery where Abraham Lincoln gave the Gettysburg Address

Certainly a great place to reflect on the sacrifices that so many have made for our country!! I'm lucky to live so close to such an incredible piece of American history! If you ever get the chance, come for a visit.