Summer Favorites!

There are certain things about summer that transport me back to childhood instantly: pina colada sno cones, popsicles, slip-n-slides, blueberries, watermelon, fire flies, sprinklers, the smell of sunscreen....

A few weekends ago we had some of my favorite little friends over. After an exhausting game of Cooties, we were left scrambling for ideas of how to entertain these two overzealous and quite ADD little monsters... I mean angels. After a quick trip to the store we came back armed with water guns, swim suits, popsicles, and a tarp ready to be turned into one slick slip-n-slide! After all, summer really hasn't begun until the slip-n-slide is up! There is nothing more entertaining than watching kids play outside. The boys had never played on a slip-n-slide before, so it was a lot of fun trying to teach them how to throw yourself down a slick, wet tarp. After a few tries they almost got the hang of it, but preferred to splash around in the hot tub/mini swimming pool, or chase the Thumper Rabbit around the cage shooting her with the water guns instead. I think they had a lot of fun, but one thing is for sure... kids wear the heck out of me!

What are some of your favorite summer things??

Engaged!!!

Now way, not me.... my little sister!!! I cannot express to you how excited I am for her! She snatched up one great guy, and I could not be more happy to have Nathan as my new brother-in-law. I love both of them so much, and pray that God will bless their marriage.



They have decided to speed this whole engagement purgatory period up and set the wedding date for October. So, these next 4 months will be nothing but wedding, wedding, wedding!!

Congratulations Paige and Nathan!! I love you!!

Perfect Attendance!!

My friend, Katy, gave the the cutest card for my birthday. This is what it said:

Planet Earth "Perfect Attendance" Award!
Wow! You're Still Present and accounted for... Congratulations!!

I must say, I was close to missing a day, but I'm proud to receive this award, haha! =)

I just want to say thank you to all of my family and friends for the birthday wishes. I definitely felt loved!!

The best part about birthdays is always the cake! Paige was supposed to make me a birthday cake, but I was aching to bake, so I took over. I'm still going to tell everyone that I had to make my own birthday cake....even though she was more than willing. This was a delicious devil's food cake, and the marshmallow cream icing was sooooo good!!! I got the recipe from Dorie Greenspan's "Baking," so if you want the recipe go check out her book.

I'm Your New Best Friend....

So, I know I am a little behind the trend in making these little delights, but I've never been one to stay too much on top of those anyway (that is what I have Paige for). Anyhow, I decided to make these cheesecake truffles for the nurses at therapy (I win friends through sweets and I'm not ashamed). All I have to say is that these are A-mazing!! I am not much of a cheesecake fan (shocking I know), but I loved these!! They are so simple to make, and will last up to 2 months in the freezer...if you have the self-control to keep these around for 2 months I applaud you...no, no....I want to be your friend, so that I can come over and finish them off.

I made these with a simple New York style cheese cake recipe, but you could really use any favorite cheesecake recipe. I think peanut butter, raspberry, strawberry, or caramel cheesecakes would taste great!

I also found a new trick (or new to me trick): Instead of beating the cream cheese to death in the mixer, simply throw everything into the food processor and whiz away... Smooth and creamy every time.

Recipe in a nutshell...or chocolate shell =) :
(Makes about 30 truffles)

Line a square baking dish with foil then bake your desired cheesecake. Refrigerate until cooled through. Slice cake into equal squares or use a small ice cream scoop to make cheesecake balls. Place squares or balls on a parchment lined sheet pan and place in freezer for 2-3 hours. Meanwhile, melt your favorite chocolate (about 1lb.) over a double boiler. When melted removed the pot from the burner, but leave the bowl on top of the pot to keep the chocolate warm while you are dipping. Next, dip the cheesecake in the chocolate with a fork and set on parchment or wax paper to set up. Return to freezer for 2-3 minutes. To finish them off either drizzle with white chocolate or sprinkle with nuts (if using nuts sprinkle immediately; chocolate sets very quickly!). Enjoy!!