Such a Special Child...

The scenario: Hannah was smacking her forehead with both hands over and over.

Me: Hannah, what are you doing?

Hannah: Trying to get my brain out.

Me: Why? You need your brain. It tells you when to breathe, it tells your eyes when to blink and it tells your tummy how to work.

Hannah: Well, I've got boogers in my brain and I'm trying to get them out.

BOOGERS? In the BRAIN? Where on earth did she come up with this? Probably from the discussion we had earlier about her ear boogers. It only stands to reason that after she grasped the concept of nose boogers and eye boogers, her brain just has to have boogers too.

She may be a booger-brain. but at least she's good for a laugh!!

*Smile*

Long time, no blog

Since I've been (reasonably) gently reminded that it's been a long time since I have updated, I figured the world must have a burning desire to know that I'm still alive and kicking. One of the reasons for the lack of updation is that there's really nothing going on around here. Same old, same old. Get up in the morning, get the girls, go back to bed for a few hours, get up and feed them lunch, chill until time for them to go home, eat supper, chill out until my sweetie gets home and hit the hay somewhere between 12:00am and 1:30am, then get up the next morning and do it all over again. See, I did say boring, didn't I??

There have been a few wonderful things happening to those around me.

There's been a much anticipated reunion with our Caleb... it's SO wonderful to have him "home" again. He still gives the most wonderful hugs. Truly an answer to the Saints' prayers. :)

We've had bubble chases at our home. My sweetheart blew the bubbles, the girls chased them, and I sat back and took photos of the whole thing. It was just one of those things that made my heart smile. There's nothing like the laugh of a child!

Oma got a chance to catch up with KayKay. This was the first time I've seen a photo of them together like this in years! Time may have changed them somewhat and they sure are a lot wiser, but they're both just as wonderful and caring as always. :)

EmmaLemma had a blast at Mandy's house, scootching all over and having a blast. We've bonded lately, which is a good thing. She's such a little firecracker, and is so adorable. Her Mommy thought she'd look good with her balloons helping her along, so she tied them to her strap on her dress. Guess baby girl was planning to go on a ride! Cute stuff!

There was a BEAUTIFUL wedding last weekend. My beautiful niece, Faith, married David, who's a really nice guy. I created this digi page in their honor. :)

The ceremony was beautiful and Faith looked like a princess. Her dress was so beautiful. Wonder if she wore glass slippers?

Lighting the Unity candle. My wish for them: A long, happy, blissful life together, with all the best that life can give them. A quiver full and prosperity. We love you both!

The newly minted Mr. & Mrs. Persle. You two look so good together!

A very dedicated groomsman! After trying to get him to smile for a photo with his lovely wife the evening before, I was in the right place at the right time to catch him with a pew bow on his head and a full smile on his face. This bow later made it's encore appearance on the back of the newlyweds' getaway car.

While hanging out with "PetePete" during the ceremony, I got this adorable shot of EmmaLemma. Love the tongue hanging out. Too cute!

Emma had a birthday last weekend. She turned the big "O-N-E"! She had her own little cake and instead of digging her fingers into it, she just picked up the whole plate and licked the frosting off it! Even after her Mommy showed her how to dig into it, she was just too feminine to do it. She did eventually poke one finger into the cake very delicately, but decided she's just rather lick the thing rather than get her fingers dirty! Cute, cute, cute! (Thank goodness the cake stuck to the plate instead of sliding off into her lap!! Now THAT would have been a photo opportunity!!)

And finally, my babies are getting SO grown up! I happened to look over on Friday and saw Monkey and Val reading books together. Aren't they just simply adorable?

Soooo, I hope that's enough of an updation for now. I'll really try to be a better blogger and update more often. :)

Have a fantabulous week and don't forget to *Smile*!

Lovely weather!

After a summer that has lasted a little longer than usual, it's so lovely to have a change in the weather. Having our windows open is a special treat, since we get all that lovely fresh air. Having grown up in the country, open windows is something that I really miss during the summer and winter. Of course, I've been known to have the window nearest my bed open a few inches, even when it's close to freezing. It's a little weird, but somehow I sleep better when I'm cold.

This afternoon was a lovely day to have a shower. Not a physical shower, but the one where you get together with lovely ladies and shower a special person with gifts to celebrate a momentous occasion in their life. The weather was perfect, the location was beautiful, the company was great and the gifts were simply lovely. It was a great shower, and I hope the special lady had a great time and likes all her new goodies.

Tonight, we had a special treat. Flora got a hankering for B'gards, so we went out for a late dinner. My sweetie met us after he got off work, and we just spent time together as a family. We relaxed, visited and just chilled. It was so nice - with the wedding coming up, it seems like everyone is just so frenzied and frazzled. We haven't had just "chill time" in a while. We just really needed that tonight. Guess you can say it was the break that refreshes.

Hope your weekend is going great. :)

Perks & Marching Bands

There's a lot to be said for living really close to a university campus. There's a Starbucks on the corner, literally 2 minutes from the house. There are fireworks shows from time to time, and we can stand at our front door and watch the show. And this week, since it's turned a bit cooler, I can sit in the comfort of my home, have my windows open and enjoy the sounds of the Alabama A&M marching band practicing in the stadium that's just across the highway. How cool is that??

I've always loved parades and watching football games because of the bands. For some reason, the sound of a marching band makes me happy. So it's doubly delightful to be able to hear the band almost every evening. I'm thankful to live in a relatively quiet neighborhood so that I CAN enjoy the sounds of my environment.

Yes, there are drawbacks, such as needing to find an alternate route out of our subdivision when there's a ballgame, and having cars parked all up and down the streets during a game, but hey, I'll take it! All the perks make it A-OK with me.

*Smiles*

Good times & lots of adhesive

Today we did something we don't get to do nearly enough. We took Lori and Mom out for lunch, then went to their house to chill. Peter took a nap while I helped Lori work on swap stuff. It was pretty cool - she had her laptop on her table and I had Mom's laptop on my table, and we were able to work together.

I just love their new craft room. I'm hoping to figure out how we can both sit at my desk and work together! We might just have to put our laptops behind us so we can stay in touch with the rest of the world.

Anyway, Flora made a really good supper for us, and we got home early enough to go to bed at a decent hour. So today was really fun. Thanks, you guys, for putting up with us hanging out there all day! :)

Better than I thought

Over the years, I've been typing, steadily getting faster and a little better along the way. On a whim, I did a typing test here today, and was totally astounded by my results! According to the site, with a one minute test, I typed 77wpm, with 92% accuracy. My gross wpm was 83. WOWSA!! I'm still tripping out! If the day comes that I need to go back into the workforce, I'm definately going to look for something that will put my skills to use.

BTW. anyone know of a doctor who needs someone to do transcription? JLMK. :)

A Special Day

Yesterday was Mom and my oldest brother Harvey's birthday. Mom was nice enough to keep the girls for a bit while Peter and I took care of an errand, then we went to her house and just visited. While we were there, Harvey came in from MS to take Mom out to celebrate. We got to visit with him - something we haven't been able to do in quite a while. Before we left, I was able to get a really great photo of them with my cell. Can't tell that I scrapbook - totally forgot to bring my camera!

I hope you both had a wonderful birthday, and I'm so glad that I was able to see you both on your special day. :)

All Alone

It's a Holiday weekend, so I should be thrilled, right?? Well, most of my local family members have gone to a family reunion in Indiana and I miss them. Nothing like spending a long weekend alone! My sweet darlin' has to work quite a bit, and I'm having a pity party. I'm bored, I'm feeling blah and I'm lonesome!! But it's all good. :) Life's actually quite peachy, it's just the weather, right?

Peter's been home with me today and it's just been a relaxation day. We haven't done anything except fix some lunch together. That's it. He's taking a nap and I'm on the computer. I've been playing a game, but that's boring. I'm listening to some classic rock and feel depression trying to creep up on me. Guess it's time to change the channel! Then again, maybe I'll just turn it off and go snuggle with my honey. Yeah, that sounds like a good idea.

I hope your 3-day weekend is wonderful and full of fun! And if your family grills out, please eat a hot dog and think of me! :)

*Smiles!*

Duh moment!

I've been sadly MIA lately, not only here, but in my real life. My desk is piled with unread mail, my stuff from the crop last weekend is piled up, I've got errands that need to be done and they're still waiting. We've been eating sandwiches because I'm not alert enough to cook. It makes me sad, but hopefully things will look up really soon. Of course, it doesn't help that the weather is so stinkin' hot that I can't function, either.

I started 3 new medications and I have been sleeping way more than normal. The other day I went here and looked up the side effects of each med. Well, turns out that a potential side effect of all three was drowsiness, sleepiness, or fatigue. Wow, that explains it, right? I get up each morning, eat a little something so my stomach isn't empty and take the meds, then go right back to bed as soon as I get the girls. This is not optimal, folks!

Last night, I had the "Duh moment". Since the meds make me so tired when I take them in the morning, why not wait until bedtime so I can get a quality night's rest instead of lying awake until 1 or 2am?? DUHHHHHHH! So this morning, I didn't take my meds, and will take them tonight. Hopefully that will help me be more alert during the day.

There ought to be a law

Man, it's HOT outside!! It's 10:30am and it's already 95* outside! There ought to be a law against such things! But then again, August does have its reputation for being the hottest month of the year - and deservedly so.

I haven't ventured outside the house at all this week while the temps have been up. I've been hanging out inside, right by the air conditioner! Today is the exception, though. We're headed to the 'Ham to go cropping. That's about the only thing that could entice me to go out in the hot and humid misery that is Dixie in August!

Sad thing is that the heat is drying up the fruits and vegetables right on the vine. The CSA I signed up with has been bringing sad little baskets. Let me just say that I am sick of greens & squash. Anyone want a bunch of pattypan squash? I got an email from the farm yesterday informing us that they're going to be buying produce from others to put into our baskets from now on. Sad, sad, sad. Thank goodness for the Farmer's Market!!

Those of you who can pray, please do so for a break in the heat and some much needed rain! :)

Have a great day, and don't forget to *smile*!

Bad blogger, bad, BAD blogger...

Wow, it's been a while since I updated. Sorry about that. Life's been a bit hectic around here. Family gatherings, doctor's appointments, going shopping, etc. It's been fun, but blogging has been the last thing on my mind for the past week or so. Sometimes it just has to be that way, I guess.

Saturday, we got to go to my sister's house for a get-together. We all had a great time, and the food was good, too. We had to rush home so Peter could be at work at 8pm, though, so that cut into the fun a tiny bit. But at least we got to go and visit with family we haven't seen since February!

Sunday was just a lazy day. We took a long nap in the afternoon, which was nice for a change!

Monday, we met Poppi & The Queen at the Blue Plate Cafe for breakfast - if you haven't eaten there yet, I totally recommend that you check it out!! After a great meal, we went back to Mom's house and visited some more. We even got to see Ben, which was an unexpected treat!

Tuesday, we had an early appointment at our new Doctor. Got things taken care of there, then went to the Farmer's Market. We came home with a bunch of fresh produce, so we've really been enjoying the fresh veggies! Peter made fried corn this afternoon, and I want to make some fried green tomatoes. Yum!!

So anyway, we're just chilling out, trying to stay cool and trying to be good. I've actually got my Christmas 2006 photos sitting on my desk and am trying to figure out the best way to scrap them. Guess that's my mission for the next couple of weeks. :)

Have a fabulous one and don't forget to smile!

The Joys of Potty Training

Monkey has finally decided that she is ready to train. Soooo, we've started the whole potty training adventure once again. We'd tried it a few months ago, but she simply wasn't ready. But now bribery seems to be winning her over to the whole idea. She's been dry all day today, thanks to continuious vigilance and the promise of jelly beans. Thank goodness for that bag of Jelly Belly's I got for my birthday!! :)

At the same time, we're getting Val used to the whole idea. She sees her sissy getting on the potty and getting jelly beans when she goes, and keeps asking for her jelly beans. I've been putting her on each time I take Monkey, just hoping that it'll work. So far we haven't had any luck, but I'm not going to count the girl out. After all, Em was fully trained at 18 months, and Val's almost there, so I do have some hope.

So, like I said, it's truly an adventure. Wonder what it would be like to have NO diapers to change?? Someday, perhaps, I'll find out. :)

Relaxed

As I walked through the living room yesterday, this was how Val was sleeping. I couldn't resist getting a photo of her - she just looks so soft, sweet and huggable like this. Of course, she's all of those things and more when she's awake, but she was just too cute to resist!

How I Scrap

This is how I scrap when the girls are around... When Val's being clingy, I just pop her up on top of the desk beside me and give her something to play with. In this pic, she's got a sheet of journaling that I goofed on. It keeps her quiet and I can be close to her while not actually holding her. :)

Proof

It's over!

The past two weeks have passed in a blur of cardstock, paper, photos, adhesive and embellishments. The fast and furious pace that I've set for myself has been exhausting. I turned in my final page count for SFYS as 196, and 76 of those I created today. A lot of my pages are relatively simple, which befits the subject matter.

I completed two trip albums, and an album of Peter and I from the beginning until around 2004. I also scrapped all the photos for a flower album that I've been wanting to do for a few years and have been putting off. That album is a work in progress, as I'd like to have each letter of the alphabet represented, or at least as many as possible. I also scrapped the photos of Val from the time we started keeping her at 8 weeks, and that album is also ongoing.

In all, I finished enough layouts to fill 7 scrapbooks! That's pretty amazing. So now I have 18 filled albums from the time I first started scrapbooking in October 2003!

I am now exhausted, and my body is screaming for me to stop. So I'm going to. I've gotten a lot of projects finished that were nagging at me, so from now on, I hope to just scrap what pleases me when I want to scrap it. At least until the next SFYS rolls around! :D

And that, my friends, is a very good thing...

*Smile*

Have you ever...

Have you ever been so sick of doing something that you just wanted to curl up with a good book and forget the rest of the world for a while?? That's my dilemma. At this particular moment in time, I have a love/hate relationship with scrapping. I'm in 2nd place in the SFYS challenge that I'm in. As of last night, I've scrapped 120 pages since the 8th. That's not including all the pages I've done so far today.

It never dawned on me that I'm fiercely competitive, yet I guess I am. I have this desire to win that doesn't even make sense to me. But it's all good... I have until midnight tonight to scrap as many pages as I can, then I can take a break, sit back with my Diet Coke and read Harry Potter. Yay!! Right now, that sounds like an awesome idea.

The good side to all this madness? I've completed my Florida trip album, my Train trip album, my Book of Blooms album, gotten a good start to Val's album, got a bunch of pictures scrapped that I've been wanting to but have been putting off, and am now working on a relationship album for Peter and I. It feels really good to get all these projects finished - it's actually a weight off my mind.

Hopefully after I get done with all these and take a break for a while (probably a few days), I'll feel more inspired to get to all those projects that I've been putting off. There's a school days album, an album of my babies and a few other albums. As a matter of fact, I'm almost caught up with all the photos that I plan to scrapbook! That's a scary but welcome thought.

Sooooo, it's back to the scrapdesk I go... cross your fingers for me! :)

Berry Cute

Credits: This is the 'Berry Cute' Quick Page Freebie.
GypsyChick Designs by Jodie Patterson Copyright ©2006

I got this digital quickpage a while back and couldn't figure out how to use it. I finally figured it out, and thought this photo was the perfect one to use with it. Guess it helps to learn how to use my image editing software, huh?

I've been scrapping crazy the past ten days or so. Since the 8th, I've created 67 pages!! I've almost finished one complete album, and hope to get it completely done this week yet. :) I'll try to share some of the layouts later, when I get a chance to take photos.

On a roll

Since being on the SFYS challenge, I've been a busy bee. I created 35 layouts last week and just finished my 6th page for tonight. I've got enough photos spread out on my desk for two more, which I'll do in a few minutes.

I've just got to say that after going through a dry spell creatively for so long, it feels really good to just let go and do what feels good. I was getting bogged down with a certain set of photos earlier and it was taking me way too long to figure out how to scrap them, so I decided to put them to the side and go on. Well, that worked. I'm really trying hard to let go and know that simple is fine, that I don't have to have all the latest techniques and products, that as long as I document the memories, events and people that mean something, that's ok.

I'm listening to the Eagles' "Take It Easy". What a cool song to have come on while I'm writing this entry.

Anyway, I'm going to go back to scrapping now. Just wanted to share. :)

*Smile*

UPDATE: I got 12 pages completed tonight. Yay, me!! :)

Amish Crayons

Got this cartoon yesterday and it made me laugh out loud. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

If you'd like to see more cartoons like this one, please visit Strange Breed. If you like Steve's sense of humor, please sign up for his email newsletter and get his cartoons delivered directly to your inbox.

An Even Better Evening

Peter set up a surprise party/dinner for me at the new Beauregard's on University & the Pkwy. Lori, all three of her girls, David, and Mom were there when we got there. Meg, Greg & Hannah joined us soon after.

We had a great dinner (after waiting for ages - but hey, that's the nature of the beast!), and Mom made a strawberry-rhubarb pie for me. Peter bought a cake and Lori, Mom & Flo all gave me hand made cards. Lori bought me a pack of Bazzill Bling (yep, it's been a great Bazzill day!!), and Meg gave me two skirts and two shirts. Mom also gave me a gorgeous Angel Wing plant that's in bloom, as well as the first two zinnia blossoms from her garden. Boy, did those bring back childhood memories!!

Then after dinner, Peter took me to Books-A-Million and we chose some books to read and he bought drinks for us to enjoy. When we got ready to leave, he went and prepaid for the new Harry Potter book that's coming out next weekend.... Yay!!!! I've got all the other books, as well as the companion books, so I'm really excited. I'm not sure how it's going to be after reading this one, though, as it's the last in the series. Bummer. Hopefully the author will think up an even better character and start a new series, because she's a really great author, and easy to read.

Sooooo, that was my birthday. In all, it's been a great one. I've really had a blast, and it was nice to share the weekend with the ones I care about most in my life. :)

A Great Day!

Last night my sweetheart took me to the crop in Helena. The ladies there surprised me with a handmade card, complete with signatures and well wishes from all of them. They totally embarrassed me with a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday". Um, thanks, I think.... I got a wonderful gift from Suzanna. She gave me some BeautiControl hand scrub and two packs of Tastefully Simple Nana's Apple Cake mix. Yum-o to both items!! Thank you, girlie!!

Anyway, I got 15 pages scrapped. My page kits totally worked. I will definately do that again. :) My sweetie got 8 pages done. He's creating a book about his job, which is cool. It's nice to share a hobby with the one you love.

Yesterday before we left, Peter bought me a bunch of scrappy stuff I'd been wanting. That was my birthday gift from him, so that was cool. Then today was a great mail day. We got two Priority Mail boxes full of Bazzill. For those of you not in the know, it's a really great textured cardstock. So now I've got lots of pretty colors to choose from. We also got a ton of rub-on alphas, so I don't have to go searching for the perfect colors anymore.

I also just have to say that I love State Farm Insurance. They actually sent us two checks - refunds for part of our premiums on both vehicles. Apparently they've had a good fiscal year and chose to share the dividends with their customers. If you're in search of a good insurance company, I highly recommend them. :)

Now I'm off to scrapbook for a while. Peter says we need to leave here at 5:45 this evening. No clue what he's up to, and I haven't asked many questions, but I'm going to trust him. Can't wait to see what's going on. Guess he's celebrating me getting ooooold. (But he'll always be older than me, so I guess that makes him ancient, huh??) LOL

Too tired

Have you ever been too tired to sleep? Well, that's me. Dunno why but I am. I'm on a scrappy roll and completed 8 pages in the Florida trip album that I've been putting off since 2005. I've finally gotten two of the five days done, and now I'm just feeling like ughhhh.

I'm a little excited about tomorrow (or today, as the case may be), since Peter and I are going to a crop. I've got all my page kits ready, complete with photos and ribbons. Now we just need to pack up the last little bit of stuff tomorrow and hit the road. I'm looking forward to not having to drag all my paper with me. I think I've got enough kits for 15 pages. Hope that I can get them all assembled, then I can come home and work on this FL album a little more over the weekend.

For some reason I really tried to scrap while the girls were napping this afternoon but only got one page done. Then after the two little ones left, I managed to whip out the other eight. Guess I'll just shoot for scrapping in the evenings and weekends from now on...

Anywho, have a good one, and don't forget to....

*Smile*

Scrappin' and Yappin'

I've been a busy bee this week. I'm taking part in a scrapping challenge, and so far since Sunday I've created 11 pages. It feels good to get some of the photos scrapped that I've been procrastinating about. Here are a couple that I really like - they were both from a scrap kit that I received in a swap.

And now for a few photos of the girls doing their own thing. They have a set of play keys, which they use as screwdrivers, and they love playing with cardboard boxes and plastic bottles. Hey - cheap toys that encourage their imagination - that's a VERY good thing!!

And finally, the other day, Hannah came strolling up to me and she had her fancy socks on and my flippies. I just had to laugh at this silly girl. It was just too funny.

Food for thought

I was watching a video about how snack foods are made, and while the narrator was talking about how Pennsylvania is the home of the "potato chip belt", they were showing old photos (late 1800's, early 1900's) of Amish farmers in their fields. In one picture, the farmer had turned around and looked directly into the camera. I got a chill up and down my spine, and the first thought I had was "Wow - wouldn't his future generations be SO happy to have that picture!!". I know I sure would be tickled pink to have good photos of my forbearers.

I realize that the whole issue of not taking photos is just a part of the Amish lifestyle and creed, but as a scrapbooker, it's almost as though there is a gaping hole there. Yes, I have the geneaology books and know about our family history, but it's sorta hard to put together a heritage album when all you have are stories. I did one of sorts when I first started scrapping, but it's nothing like what I'd love to be able to put together now, if I only had the photos to go along with the history and stories. I have two photos of my maternal grandparents and one or two photos of my paternal grandmother. That's it.

Am I the only one who feels this way about not having photos to document our family history?? What are your thoughts on this subject, especially if you come from an Amish background?

And if any of my family has pictures they wouldn't mind sharing - please email them to me. I'd sure appreciate it!!

Another Note To Self

If you're planning to scrapbook, don't go cut your nails down to the quick!! At least leave a LITTLE white so you can open the prongs on brads, open packaging and pick up papers without having to slide them off the edge of the desk!! ESPECIALLY when you've just signed up for a two-week no buy to Scrap From Your Stash!!! It's really hard to scrapbook without ANY nails at all!!!

Doofus.....

LOL

I've Been Tagged

* I must post 7 random things about me
* Tag 7 other bloggers to do the same.
* Post rules and the bloggers I tagged here.
* Leave tagged bloggers comments on their site so they know they've been tagged.

1. I love to be home alone or just here with everyone else asleep. :)

2. Loud, shrill or squeaky noises hurt my ears.

3. My favorite ice cream is plain old vanilla.

4. I don't go anywhere, not even in the house, without my cell phone.

5. If I have to go without internet for more than a few hours, I get antsy.

6. I hate the cold but love looking at snow as long as I don't have to be out in it.

7. Blueberries are my favorite fruit.

I Tagged: nobody. I'm tired, ready for bed and I'll try to figure out who to tag in the morning. :D

Don't you hate it when...

You take a nap during the day and then can't sleep at night???? It looks like my sleep schedule is all wonky again. Ugh.

On Wednesday night, I was totally stressed out and having a panic attack, so I took a sleeping pill, hoping it would help me sleep. Well, it didn't. It didn't kick in until somewhere around 3am!! So yesterday when the girls got here, we all went down for a nap. BIG mistake!! I woke up feeling worse than I had before I slept.

Then last night my sweetie and I went to bed around 8:30pm because we were simply beat. And I slept great until about 11:30pm. Then I woke up, got some things ready for him to take with him, and sat here and played a computer game until 1:30am. Then I went to bed, finished a book, looked through three or four scrappy mags, then got up and got a fresh batch of scrappy mags to look through. Not sure when I finally dozed off, but it was well after 3am! Then I woke again at 6am, and again at 7am. Then I just stayed up. Not sure how, but I am really going to try to stay up until bedtime tonight. I need to get my schedule back right!!

The bright side to all this? Well, looking through all those scrappy mags has brought me some new, much needed inspiration. I got up and took some photos for a layout that I've been planning for several months now, and just need to sketch it out so I can put it together as soon as I get my latest Snapfish order. Yay!! So I'm not going to count the night a total loss. At least now there are some new, fabulous ideas floating around just waiting to become reality on a scrapbook page. :)

Have a fabulous Friday!!

*Smiles*

We have a winner!!

Since we've been getting fresh tomatoes from the CSA we belong to, I have been experimenting with tomato salads. The first time I used feta cheese and a balsamic vinaigrette dressing, and it wasn't very good. :(

This morning, I tried again. And boys howdy is it good!!! Even Peter likes it. So it goes on my "do-over" list. It tasted SO fresh and luscious. I used string cheese, since it's just plain mozzarella and we've always got it on hand. I also used fresh basil that's growing right outside my front door. :) Now I just hope they keep those tomatoes coming....

Tomato-Mozzarella Salad

Mix together:
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
6 sticks mozzarella string cheese, sliced into 1/2" rounds
1 handful fresh basil, roughly chopped

In a small bowl, combine about 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar, about 5-6 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, freshly ground paper and sea salt. Whisk together until it emulsifies. I didn't actually measure the ingredients, I just sorta chucked it all in and went for it - measurements here are guesstimates.

Pour dressing over tomatoes & cheese, stir well to coat. Cover and chill for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to "marry".

If you try this recipe, please let me know how you like it!!

Anita

Happy Independance Day!

Just wanted to wish all of you Happy Independance Day!! Hope you're having a great one, with lots of yummy food to eat. I got my dishes all finished about an hour ago, so I've been playing online and checking emails. My sweetie's grilling and he's just about got everything done - he says he's ready to close up the grill because it's HOT outside!! We didn't really eat breakfast - we were saving room for the food. :)

I also want to take the time to thank all of our Armed Forces men and women for all that you do to ensure that our country remains THE greatest in the world. I appreciate your sacrifice to dedicate your life to your country. Politics and opinions aside, we all owe you our deepest gratitude.

Graphics provided by: http://www.holidaygraphics.com/