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Saturday, July 30, 2011

Photo #29–Like Father Like Son

The other day I looked out the back door and to my surprise, this is what I saw.  My guys.  Practicing.  Like Father.  Like Son.

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Project 182.5 – 29

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Photo #27–Tomato Yummo

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Project 182.5 – 27

Now that the harvest is starting, the yumminess can also begin! 

Tonight we had one of our favorites – Tomato Salad.  So simple, yet so delicious!  Fresh tomatoes, fresh basil, mozzarella, olive oil, a touch of balsamic vinegar and a dash of salt.  Mix it all together and Enjoy!!

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Diaper Cake Recipe

A couple of months ago we received some wonderful news!  The newest family addition is due on or about Dec. 15.  This week we found out we’re having A GIRL!  My NEICE’s name is to be Ellie Renee….

Baby Sherman 7 weeks May 2011

Dollie and I set about to create our all-time favorite baby gift. 

A Diaper Cake!  It’s so cute and SO easy. 

INGREDIENTS:
Cake Ingredients web wm
100 Diapers (we like Luvs size 1)
Packing Tape, Pizza Cooking Sheet
2” Decorative Ribbon
Dowel Rod, Clear Cellophane, Ribbon
Lots of small “Baby Stuff” – rattles, teethers, diaper cream, toiletries, etc.


DIRECTIONS:
Lay out the diapers in rows of 10, 20, 30, and 40 diapers.  These will become the round layers.  Once they are laid flat with only the “top” or where the diaper tabs get stuck showing, pull out a long piece of packing tape and lay it across the diapers.  Note: At the end of the tape, fold the tape over just a smidgen, that way when the new Momma goes to take them apart it’s not as difficult.  The rest of that end of the tape will secure the roll.

Tape the Diapers web wm
Once the diapers are all taped, start at one end and roll the entire length into a circle.  Seal it off with the other end of the tape.

This is what the result will be…

Undecorated Cake web wmWhen you stack the rounds, this is what it looks like.  These Luvs diapers actually created cute ruffles on the tops and bottoms of each round.  Note: Make sure your bottom round is rolled tight enough to fit on the pizza cooking sheet comfortably.
Wiggle the dowel rod down through the middle of each round to help keep them from sliding around.  Cute huh?


Next, add the ribbon to each round.  I like to secure it to the backDecorated Cake web wm of each round with some hot glue.  Again, it’s pretty easy for Momma to remove.

Now, you’re ready to decorate with all of the little things you have ready.  Stuff them in between diapers.  Attach with little clips.  Attach them however you can.

We’re just about done.

Now, you just need to cover it in cellophane and tie it off with a ribbon.  Use your imagination…anything goes!  And Voila!!!  What a sweet, useful gift for a new Momma!!!
Baby Diaper Cake web wmProject 22 web wm

How about you – do you have a favorite baby gift you like to give?

Photo #26–Homerun Derby

Drummer is spending this week at Baseball Camp.  He is loving every minute of it.  Today when we went to pick him up, I was that Mom.  I stood out past the outfield with a camera snapping shots.  Here everyone is watching to see if the hit made it over the fence…and it did!!

Project 26 web wm

Project 182.5 – 26

Monday, July 25, 2011

Photo #19–#25 Catching up…

I knew this photo-every-day-thing was going to be challenging…they call it a photo challenge after all.  But somehow life picked up speed since I started and my groove ended.  So tonight I decided to play catch up. 

On a positive note, I have been using my camera more, and taking it with me so that has really been helpful.

What I’m going to do is edit and post the photos I’ve taken in the last week.  So here we go….


A trip down the Lazy River at a local water park…


Project 182.5 – 19


Relief for the super-dry weather we’ve been having…

Project 20 web wm
Project 182.5 – 20

 

Project 21 Garden Collage web wm
Project 182.5 – 21

 

The top of a special project…(I’m going to do a tutorial soon)

Project 22 web wm
Project 182.5 – 22


Drummer’s new sport….

Project 23 web wm
Project 182.5 – 23


A day with family at the lake…

Project 25 web wm
Project 182.5 – 24


Today we awoke to  lots of rain!  Woohoo!  It’s been a month since we’ve seen any…we’re just not used to this H.O.T. weather…
Not my greatest photo either, but I had a hard time capturing the rain.

Project 25 web wm
Project 182.5 – 25

So there it is….I’m caught up.  Whew………


 


 


 


 

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Photo #18–Beating the heat…

Today it was so hot that I suggested Hubs take the kiddos to his parent’s house for a visit. 
They live lake-side. 
They have a pool. 
They all had a blast.

Project 182.5 – 18
(Hubs actually took this photo with his awesome waterproof camera, and since I had to work while they played, I’m counting it…we are “one” after all.)

Photo #17 - Dog Days of Summer…

These past couple of weeks have been H.O.T.
We live in the Northeast and we are not used to these temps.
Especially living in an older home with no A/C.

Today was really the climax though.
The weather-people have been talking about the “heat advisory” for days.
Did you ever notice how excited they get at this stuff? 
Well, this time they weren’t wrong…
This was what I awoke to on my Blackberry this morning.  Note the time.
6:36 am.

HOT Temps am web wm
Project 182.5 – 17a

Then, my intention was to take the same pic at noon.  I forgot. 
I was too busy sweating.
But I did remember later this afternoon.  4:42 pm

HOT Temps pm web wm 
Project 182.5 – 17b

It’s 8pm now. 
I wish I could say it is cooling off.  But it isn’t.  It’s windy though.
Maybe a storm will blow in with much-needed rain.
That’s not in the forecast…unfortunately.
There is no forecasted break in the heat til Sunday.

I am reminded though of something I read on someone’s Facebook this morning…..
I was going to complain about how hot it is... then I realized that at least:
1.) it isn't 120 degrees
2.) I'm not 5,700 miles from home
3.) I'm not dressed in a full BDU uniform and helmet and carrying 70+ lbs.
4.) there is very little chance that anyone will shoot at me or that I might drive over a bomb in the road today
Definitely something to think about huh?

How about you?  What’s the weather like in your neck of the woods?

Monday, July 18, 2011

Photo #16–Haircut

Long overdue was a fresh haircut for Dollie.
She is just growing up right before my eyes….
                   Anna Haircut 2 web wm   Anna Haircut 1 web wm
Anna Haircut 3 web wm

Project 182.5 – 16

Photo # 16–Just Chillin’

Drummer & Zoe….just chillin’

Project 16 web wm

Project 182.5 – 16

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Photo #14–GF Chicken Nuggets

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Project 182.5 – 14

Since the revelation that gluten is a real problem for Dollie and her skin issues, she has been really diligent to make good / Gluten Free choices.
Tonight she REALLY wanted chicken nuggets, so she and her Dad put them together…GF flour, Egg, and Rice Chex for the coating.  And surprisingly – They. Are. Really. Good!

Nuggets web wm

Sure am glad I took this photo before they hit the table because there was nothing left afterward.  Yummo!!!

Photo #13–Wet Puppy

This is one wet and unhappy puppy.
The dermatologist (yes, we took her to a vet-dermatologist – don’t judge.) said she needed to be bathed twice a week – yeah right!  But given it was so hot, we thought it might be helpful to cool her off as well.

Zoe Bath web wm

Project 182.5 – 13

Photo #12–Hastas

Check out these hastas in our front garden…they are literally 5 feet across! I really can’t stand when the flowers are in bloom, but before and after that, they are great ground cover!!  I just can’t get over how BIG they are!!!

Project 12 web wm

Project 182.5 – 12

Photo #11–Kindle

So far, this book is awesome! 
And I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE my Kindle!!
I wasn’t so sure I’d adapt too well, but I actually have.  Now, does that mean I won’t ever buy another bound book?  Nope.  I can actually see me getting this one so I have it as a reference….

Project 11 web wm

Project 182.5 – 11

How about you – Bound Book or Kindle?

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Photo #10–Vera

They’re cute.
They’re fun.
They’re functional.
They’re Vera Bradley…

Vera web 

We purchased Dollie a Hispter and a lunch cooler for school.
I got a lunch cooler.
And we bought a cute little Flipster as a gift.

Vera Box web wm

Project 182.5 – 10

Here is the website…Vera Bradley…you know, just in case you want to get addicted too…..

How about you – do you have a Vera? Which one?

Friday, July 8, 2011

Photo #8–Working Man

This is what “working at home” is all about…

Project 8 web wm

Project 182.5 – 8

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Photo #7–Lavender

July 7, 2011

 Project 7 web wm

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This is a glimpse of our garden at the front of our house.  This is actually My Man’s creation.  He built the rock wall a year or so ago and moved the hastas and hydrangeas around.  The lavender is in full bloom right now and I love it!  And as you can see from the lonely little spot of pink, the hydrangeas are coming on too!  Those are some of my faves!

What about you – what is your favorite garden flower?

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Photo #6–Stormy Skies

July 6, 2011

Project 6 Stormy sky web wm

Project 182.5 – 6

This was the look of the sky today when I left the store and was heading to my car.  I grabbed my Blackberry and hoped for the best.  Not a bad representation of the sky.  It was really cool and the storm was moving really fast!!!

What is the deal with the weather these days?  Are you seeing some crazy weather where you are?

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Gold Finches

July 5, 2011

Gold Finch Collage web wm

These little beauties are my newest fascination.  The feeder was a birthday gift and I have enjoyed watching the gold finches tremendously! 

I especially like when they get all territorial.

Photo #5–Berry-licious

July 5, 2011

IMG_0768

Project 182.5 – 5

This is one little bunch from our sweet berry patch! They are wonderfully sweet this year! YummO!

Monday, July 4, 2011

Photo #4 - July 4th, 2011

Yesterday we spent the evening with some friends to celebrate Independence Day “Eve” at the Ballpark. It was a really fun evening. We watched our hometown baseball team, which was a real treat from Drummer as he LOVES baseball!!! Then to start the festivities afterward there were some military men from the area who parachuted down onto the field…really cool!

4th Collage web wm

The our local Philharmonic Orchestra played a few different numbers and in the midst they honored the five branches of the military with their respective anthems. I tried to take a photo of the screen when the men were all out on the field with the flag and it turned out grainy, but you get the gist. It was really a touching moment for everyone in the stadium.

Then to top off the evening were fireworks!

Project 182.5 - 4

We had a really great time! How about you? How did you celebrate?

Photo #3–Ballgame

July 3, 2011

Independence Day Eve
Baseball Game & Fireworks

Project 182.5 - 3

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Photo #1–My Shadow

July 1, 2011

My shadow…

Project 1 web wm

Project 182.5 - 1

Re-Inventing

July 1, 2011

Hi. Anyone remember me?

It’s been a looooooong time since I’ve even really thought about my 2 year old blog, much less posted anything. But honestly, a lot has been going on. We’ve had a couple medical diagnosis that have resulted in some significant changes in our lives as well as just dealing with everyday life with two teens in the house.

I am now in the process of re-inventing. Actually it’s a re-shaping and it’s going on in all areas of my life, from health & fitness to faith & family to what are the things that bring me joy? - and I decided I’d document it here – for me… and maybe I’d be blessed enough to enjoy a little fellowship along the way.

I like to look up the definitions of words and really get to know what they mean. A couple years ago, I named this little piece of the blogosphere “Enjoying The Process.” I took a look at what it really means –

Enjoy(ing)--- to have a good time; to have for one's use, benefit, or lot; to take pleasure or satisfaction in

Process--- something going on; a natural phenomenon marked by gradual changes that lead toward a particular result; continuing natural or biological activity or function (life)

Basically…to take pleasure in the everyday activities of life.

Think about that. Do you take pleasure in those everyday activities? I know I don’t always. But as I write here, I hope to train myself to find the enjoyment in those things.

You may be wondering why there are no post or label lists since the blog is technically 2 years old. I deleted them. All. Of. Them. I told you…I’m reshaping. I’m not interested anymore in what I had on the menu two years ago. Honestly…I struggle with what’s on the menu this week. (Don’t get me wrong…menus are fabulous, just not where I am focusing myself right now.) That’s not to say I won’t share recipes, because I will…but only ones that we think are really good…especially the GF ones.

What I’m really hoping to work on is taking photos. In fact, for quite some time, I’ve wanted to try a Project 365, but really didn’t think I had it in me would follow through on it. It’s ok, I know my limits. But, being halfway through the year and all, I thought I’d try my own little “Project 182.5” – get it? It’s still a photo a day. A challenge? Yes. Overwhelming? Somehow, not so much…we shall see.

So I hope you’ll join me on this journey. Please feel free to comment often…and I’ll try my best to do the same.

Blessings to you~

♥Lori