Easter Weekend

It's beginning to feel like spring here around the ranch.  The dogwood is beginning to bloom buds of white, green shoots are sprouting from the brown beds, and the weeds are screaming at me, try and tame me!, while the grass continues to grow its nearly eight inch long strands.  I must get to work.  If the sun continues to peek out from behind the clouds, I may just head outdoors, and call yard work today's workout. 

The rest of the weekend consists of:

a pizza night with friends

a work event at one of the local gyms

creating a sweet Pinterest Easter dish and treat (pics to come)

an Easter celebration at church

and Easter dinner at my brother's house with his family*

*You know you're thrilled about not hosting, when you keep imagining yourself enjoying the occasion while laying on the floor.

What are you up to this weekend, lovelies?

a new year

The Christmas lights have come down, the stockings are packed, and the once perfect noble that stood tall, filling our home with the scent that only a fresh-cut tree could, has been tossed to the curb.  A deep-clean is in progress and winter decorations are underway--a perfect way to begin this New Year.

Speaking of New Years, how was yours?  We headed out to the beach, where it was clear, cold and gorgeous, to spend New Year's with family.  We enjoyed Chinese take-out, card games, Toy Story 3, and had a tiny midnight celebration with our little ones.  They're always up for staying up late and love a reason to cheer!  They were especially excited when Husband and I snuggled in to camp on the floor next to them.  New Year's Day we did a clam dig, and returned home to a hot meal {including crab}, lovingly cooked by our Aunt.  It was a wonderful time, and I hope yours was as well.

I'm a believer in New Year's resolutions.  I'm a believer in goals, short-term and long, and sticking to the game plan.  So it is with much enjoyment and satisfaction that I lay out a list of resolutions for 2011!

Here they are in short...

1) 12 books in 12 months.  Four classics.  
Don't get me started on how guilty I feel as a reader. 

2) Start and complete an entire journal for 2011.

3) As a family, move to become self-sustaining in at least one way i.e raise chickens, green roof, fuel, garden and canning.  We're excited for a whole new way of life, come our upcoming move. 
More on this later...!

4) Write, write, write, and finish the story.

I can't wait to see what 2011 unfolds.  I just know it is going to be a wonderful, promising year!

image via weheartit.

feast preparations and a thankful heart.

I just pulled my Pumpkin Cheesecake from the oven, and have been trying to shoo my children to bed for the last hour.  I guess I'm not the only one excited about tomorrow.

In the morning, I'll be whipping up Candied Yams with Cranberries, my requested Potato Salad and homemade rolls.  How I am so looking forward to an entire day spent with family, and nothing to do but talk, laugh and tease.  We're spending it up at my in-laws, whose property is nestled up in the woods on the edge of town and a dash into the country.  Its been snowing up there, so I'm crossing my fingers for at least a dusting of white to make it an even more festive holiday.

There are so many things to be grateful for this year, but first and foremost, I am grateful for family.  I'm grateful for the unconditional love that exists between us, to see each other through thick and thin, and  whose roots grow deeper and deeper with each passing day.  Family is truly a blessing.  I love my family--those who are living both near and far, and I'll be thinking of them all this holiday.

Happy Thanksgiving to you wherever you are!

via Tip Junkie.

spooky treats.

Don't you just love the looks of these!

Candy-Coated Carmel Apples

Dirt Cups

Halloween Bat Treats

Licorice and Gooey Caramel Pecan Spiders

Pumpkin Pie Creme Brulee

Halloween Cupcakes

Candy Corn Sugar Cookies

Making any fun treats this weekend?

I was thinking pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, until I saw these...

Stars and Stripes Forever

Our Fourth of July was Grand!

We made a special stop at Blackjack Fireworks to load up on some spectacular fun.  They even had bouncy play lands set up for the kids while we waited in line.  Yes, there was about a twenty minute wait to even enter the building.  It was a zoo.  I learned that people take their fireworks serious. 

We spent the evening at our friends' house where we enjoyed shrimp and veggie shish-kabobs

and a neighborhood full of fireworks.  I nearly lost a foot while I was taking the firework pictures, when the neighbor boy launched a firework that was not meant to be thrown.  While I was gazing through my lens I heard, "Watch out!  Watch out!"  Frazzled and discombobulated I pulled the camera from my eye and jumped around barely dodging the missile.  I wondered if my foot was still attached as I ran, but noticed quickly that all my limbs were still intact.  It was a close call.  Nine year olds neighbors who are firework-happy DO NOT MIX.  If I were the parent, I'd know better than to let this one out of my sight. ;)

Besides the July gloom that followed us through the weekend, we had a great time kicking our feet up!  Both of them!

Cheers to the red, white and blue!

And a Happy New Year!

I hope the holidays for you have been enjoyable and filled with much love and cheer. May you go into this New Year with an ambitious heart and a positive mind. May the best be YOURS in 2010!

Warmly, C

Be back real soon. I am still gathering my thoughts on this New Year. :)