17 years apart.....

Sam and Andrew have a sweet, sweet bond. Sam has these sweet smiles that are warm, endearing and a little longer than he gives to anyone else for Andrew. Andrew told me once that he wished we had Sam about 5 years ago because he hates the thought of leaving him so young. Andrew very likely won't be local when he goes to college so I think we are both savoring these times. Of course Sam has no clue and just enjoys the brother visits he has. 17 years apart but a love and connection that is a gift and warms this mama's heart.

Sentimental Sunday.....

Jacob is all about the game. He loves movement, sports, playing the game and sweat! Although he loves to tell me that he doesn't smell!!! He activity level often brings the need for 2 showers a day but he tries to convince me it isn't needed. He loves being apart of a team and giving it all he has. I love that about him! These pictures were taken at family camp 2009.

Fresh herbs....

Fresh herbs add so much to cooking. The flavor it adds can't be beat and I wish I could figure out how to grow them year around. Perhaps I could with our mild Texas winters but I haven't tried yet! We love salads and I am blessed that my husband thinks I make a mean salad. I am thrilled that this summer Jacob started eating tomatoes too. He prefers them on a taco or a sandwich but that is progress and this mama is very pleased with that. This was a simple summer salad that I made with fresh tomatoes, havarti cheese, fresh basil and some salt, pepper and a dash of garlic.

A day in the life of Sam.....

Life with a toddler is very busy!!!! It is a balancing act to keep him busy and safe and do everything else that our home and family involves. He loves to focus on new things and finds great enjoyment in discovery. He loves anything to do with water! He loves music too. He sometimes wants to stay in his bed after a nap or in the morning so he can listen to his music a while longer. Bubbles are one of his very favorite things too. He will try and turn anything long into a bubble wand with hopes of it producing those beautiful bubbles! Our days are full and busy but beautiful and priceless at the same time.

Sentimental Sunday....

August 2005 we got engaged! We had a 3 month engagement after dating for 2 years. This picture was taken the evening we got engaged. It wasn't a huge surprise to me as we had fasted our relationship for the month of July (to seek direction from the Lord) and once he showed us both to move forward we did and have never looked back.

With all this catching up to do.....

With all this catching up to do I had to put something current on the blog! These were taken today and Sam just turned 19 months old yesterday. Jacob was with his dad and we went to church, dinner and to Target. We came home and tried to capture the last bit of sunlight out front and although our lighting isn't great we were pleased with our shots. To top it all off when we got Sam out of his seat he had soaked through his diaper and his shorts and was still smiling! He is one very happy boy and we are so very blessed!!!!

Summer visits with loved ones.....

We were blessed with a visit from Dad and Mama Sylvia earlier this summer. Grandpa Mason taught Jacob how to shoot flies and Mama Sylvia baked an amazing dinner for us!!! We enjoyed connecting with one another and Trae and his dad enjoyed going to catch a movie too. We are very grateful that they are able to come up to this part of Texas several times a year! Having relationship is a incredible blessing and gift from the Lord.

Kisses.......

Ahhhhh, don't think I will ever tire of sweet baby kisses!

Southern Living strawberry cake

Baking is like therapy to me. When I want to be creative, relax and seek nurture I find myself pondering recipes and escaping to the kitchen to bake. My dear friend gave me this monogrammed apron for my birthday too! Everyone that knows me knows that being in the kitchen is something I love. If you know me really well you know that being in the kitchen 24/7 isn't something I love. The last year I have craved fruity desserts. Don't worry I still love chocolate but I crave desserts with lemon, strawberry and lime flavors. This cake isn't 100% from scratch either! It calls for a cake mix however the fresh fruit and everything else makes it a keeper for sure. I figure with if it is good enough to make Southern Livings pages than it makes my cut too! Enjoy!!!

Ingredients for 12 Servings

• 1 (18.25-ounce) Package white cake mix
• 1 (3-ounce) Package strawberry gelatin
• 4 Large eggs
• ½ Cup sugar
• ½ Cup finely chopped fresh strawberries
• ½ Cup milk
• ½ Vegetable oil
• 1/3 Cup all-purpose flour
• Strawberry Buttercream Frosting (see below)
• Garnish with whole and halved strawberries

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Beat cake mix, strawberry gelatin, eggs, sugar, chopped fresh strawberries, milk, vegetable oil and all-purpose flour at low speed with an electric mixer for 1 minute. Scrape down sides, and beat at medium speed for 2 more minutes, stopping to scrape down sides, as needed. (The Strawberries should be well blended.)
2. Pour batter into 3 greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans.
3. Bake at 350 degrees for 23 minutes, or until cakes spring back when pressed lightly with a finger. Let cool in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes. Remove from pans, and cool completely (about 1 hour.)
4. Spread the Strawberry Buttercream Frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake. Garnish with whole and halved strawberries. Serve immediately, or chill for up to 1 week.

To make ahead: Prepare recipe as directed. Chill, uncovered, for 20 minutes or until frosting is set. Cover well with wax paper, and store in refrigerator up to a week.

Strawberry Buttercream Frosting
Ingredients
• 1 Cup butter, softened
• (32-ounce) Package powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 Cup finely chopped fresh strawberries
Preparation
1. Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until fluffy (about 20 seconds). Add sugar and strawberries, beating at low speed until creamy. (Add more sugar if frosting is too thin, or add strawberries if too thick.)

Vintage play kitchen......

A few months ago I found a vintage Little Tike kitchen for Sam! I was thrilled to find it and it reminded me of the styles that were out when Andrew was a baby. I love all things old (just about!) and Sam seems to love this too. His favorite things to do are make coffee, answer his phone and it is all about putting things in and out of containers for him. I will be holding onto this one for my grandkids too!

Us

Family Camp Pine Cove 2010

Always happy to go outside!

Sam loves being outdoors! He doesn't even seem phased by the heat. That means he will take after his dad!!! We got this little toddler slide a few months back knowing he would out grow it before to long but it would bring some fun for the summer and something he would do on his own (with us nearby) and enjoy.

Sorry we are a little behind....

This time I think the photo problem really is fixed!!! After my amazing son was over today he tweaked my iphoto a bit more and this time it is back to working!!! I can't wait to catch up and share our summer with everyone. Thank you for your patience, for viewing and I have missed you dearly!!!!