Saturday, August 21, 2010

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.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Kisses.......

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

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

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.)

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

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!

Monday, August 16, 2010

Us

Family Camp Pine Cove 2010

Sunday, August 15, 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.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

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!!!!