No matter how old a person turns, a couple dozen of their favorite cookies is the perfect gift!
Awhile back, one of our friends turned 11. Although I’m sure we could have found a book he liked or game, I’m pretty sure he was thrilled to have his own treat all to himself…it was up to him to share!
What were the cookies? SNICKERDOODLES!
Who needs to live on either coast to enjoy the water? Our family loves Lake Michigan (we were at Evanston beach yesterday). And in reality you can barely tell it’s NOT the ocean, except no mouth full of salt water here or jelly fish. Not to say I don’t love the ocean- but living in the middle of the country is not all that bad.
My brother-in-law is an avid wind surfer. We just love to go along and lounge on the beach, use his paddle board and get sand in our toes! Here’s Nathan trying the paddle board and of course successfully getting the hang of it. He insisted that I could do it, but I’m a wimp with cold water.
Here’s a shot of Penny with Uncle Matt on the paddle board. She LOVED it. You should see my niece on it, at 2.5 I’m amazed with her gutsiness!
Who’s that crazy lady with Nathan? Oh- it’s me. Thankfully I stayed out of the sun and avoided “raccoon eyes”.
I love summer.
What/Who was missing? Ellie! She’s in Wisconsin for camp- oh well, we’ll have to go back for another “day away”.
This past Wednesday, Nathan and I celebrated 14 years of marriage. We started our date off right by going to Ballydoyle for a celebratory beer and then we were off on our picnic!
The weather was perfect, unlike our actual wedding day (suffocating heat, humid- you get the picture) and the food was delectable. We decided to go with what we did a lot while dating…go on a picnic with lots of cheese and pate. Perfect. A few salads were thrown in from Moveable Feast…even better and a bit healthier than just the cheese!
Here’s a shot of my sweet guy- I still think he’s the best after 18 years…
I am a fortunate gal.
Guess who loves having her picture taken? Not me.
After we were sufficiently full, a bike ride was in order. I was happily surprised that the forest preserve we chose (Herrick Lake for you locals) had wonderful trails. As the sun was setting the birds were out (so many varieties) and I literally felt like I was pedaling through the English countryside! I am positive we will return for a cheap date or perhaps the kids will be included too!
Oh-the bike I have to ride (one of many-it’s a sickness, I mean hobby Nathan has!) is a Schwinn Breeze. The exact model my grandparents had for us when we would visit them for 3 weeks in the summer. I love it and hope to get a fun basket that will definitely top the “cute bike look”. Any suggestions as to where I can find one?
So, yes- we celebrated! I am proud of Nathan and I…marriage is not easy, but we both strive to make our partnership strong, full of love and forgiveness.
…last day of school photo with the beginning of the year alongside…I now have a middleschooler, a 3rd grader, and a *gulp* kindergartner! What a great school year- wonderful teachers, no divisive and cliquey girls, lots of learning and one last year I had with my baby! And time marches on…
We are in full blown summer vacation around here and it’s nice to have a different routine… and maybe not so fun to hear more squabbling, but we are working on it and I’m working on ignoring the conflicts!
One thing I am determined to accomplish this summer is to work on projects together. Enjoy the time we have and scrap my “to do” list. My kids are at such fun ages that it’s my goal to be totally present with them. I am such a focused kind of gal that I’m afraid that I may allow time to “slip by” before I know it.
First thing: a handmade beach blanket for my sister’s birthday. The kids all designed their own block and took about a day to stitch. It was so fun to sit in the living room and just work together- it wasn’t all peaceful (especially since there were lots of tangled floss ), but it was time I could tell the older kids really appreciated.
Didn’t it turn out cute?
It’s that time of year! Teacher gifts!
I actually enjoy thinking of something for my kids’ teachers. Sure, I have added to the “gift card” pool, but with 2 kids in school (soon to be 3!) I try to think of something handmade and a thoughtfully written note. These people have been huge influences in my kids’ lives and there is absolutely no way I can thank them enough. I feel fortunate that my kids attend a school that have extremely dedicated teachers and there are no real “qualms” with the teachers.
Anyway, I thought strawberry jam and Nathan’s famous toasting bread would be a perfect treat. No more early mornings speeding off to school…but hopefully a few relaxing days are ahead…
I used Everyday Food’s, June 2009 (I tried to link the recipe, but couldn’t find it on their site)recipe and love it! I did triple the batch so the cooking time took WAY LONGER than the recipe said, like 90 minutes longer. But I really cooked it down until I thought it was thick enough and it worked! I loved the addition of lemon juice (totally makes it) and not a ton of sugar.
I plan to make more until some other fruit is in abundance. I can’t wait.
Here is the recipe:
In a food processor, process 1 quart (4 cups) hulled strawberries until coarsely chopped.
Transfer to a large skillet and stir in a 1/2 cup of sugar and 2 T of lemon juice.
Cook over medium-high, stirring often until jam is thickened and little bubbles cover surface, 9-10 minutes (this is not long enough, cook longer until strawberries are really cooked down and the jam turns a deep crimson color).
Transfer to a jar and let cool to room temperature.
It’s wonderful on bread AND icecream.