Blogger App May Bring Me Back To Blog Town

With my computer moved to my work office and a delightful yet inquisitive toddler who has yet to develop an understanding of mommy-alone time, blogging has gone to the way side. But today during one of those much-appreciated nap times I stumbled upon this blogger app. My hope is that maybe, just maybe, this can get me back on the blogging track.

While writing this, little bug made a break for the non-baby-proofed kitchen and brought me a cup. She's now pulling at my hands to play, so let's just say... It's a start! :-)

Back To Blogging!

Yeah!  The computer's back up and working, after having BOTH my work and our home PCs die in the same week some time ago.  We got lucky and recovered all the information from the two, but I've officially learned my lesson and invested in an external hard drive.  I'm happy to say that after a few months, things are starting to slow down, and I'm adjusting to a new schedule and a new routine. Time to get back into blogger-ville, so to start, here is an updated belly shot I took as I walked out the door this morning. I'm now at about 7 1/2 months, so the belly's growing every day!

Happy 4th of July

Don't you just love this holiday? It makes me really miss growing up in Spokane and heading out to the lake for fireworks. Today we'll be road-trippin' it to my Aunt Cindy and Uncle Keven's before we continue on to Oregon to visit my parents for about a week. We should see tons of fireworks on the drive to Lancaster tonight.

Here's one of my favorite patriotic moments; I bet a lot of you remember this too. I just love how she makes us believe that she's singing full out, when really she is being so reserved in the beginning. Then "And the rocket's red glare" comes and she starts really belting it out, with a knowing smile after the line. Love it. Do you have a favorite patriotic moment, or a favorite song for the 4th of July? If so, what it is?

Camping Trip To Lake Arrowhead, Part Two

In keeping with my love for cooking, we planned a great menu for our trip:

Light Arrival Dinner:

Cheesy Campfire Dip with Veggies and Grilled Garlic Baguette Slices (in the family cookbook)

Breakfast:

Aunt Cindy's Ziploc Omlettes (yes, it really works), Toast, French Pressed Coffee and OJ

Dinner:

Burgers with Crockpot Peach Cobbler for Dessert

The party planner in me is coming out, and I'm going to try to organize a first annual "Camping Cook-Off" competition-slash-fun getaway weekend with friends.  Everyone would get assigned a different meal, and then we'd judge them on creativity, taste and presentation.  The winner will get a goudy trophy and bragging rights for the next year, and all of us will get to enjoy a fun weekend with good friends and great food.  Sounds like fun to me!  It's just an idea right now, but I hope it works out for August!!

Camping Trip To Lake Arrowhead, Part One

A few weeks ago, the whole fam packed up the truck and headed to beautiful Lake Arrowhead for a couple days of camping.  Dallas saw us packing up, and wanted to make certain that we didn't leave her behind:

Rolland was able to get three days off during the week to go.  It worked out perfectly since by avoiding the weekend rush, the normally full-to-capacity campsite was relatively empty.

The next day we headed out to Lake Gregory for the day.

Bo especially enjoyed the lake:

 We also made a GREAT camping menu... but that's another blog post I'll save for "Camping Trip To Lake Arrowhead, Part Two"!

Happy Father's Day!

Father's Day is the special day in which the entire nations says to its fathers, "Thank you for all the important contributions you are making."  Thanks to all the wonderful Dads in our lives!  Check out some of our favorite posts from the Inspiration Page on some pretty remarkable fathers, you won't regret taking the time:

Dick & Rick Hoyt

Patrick Henry Hughes

Happy Birthday Peggy!

Today is my lovely Mother-In-Law's birthday, and does she ever look great!

She said on Facebook that her co-worker's were helping her count down the days!

Wishing you all great things in this upcoming year, and hope this day will bring you an extra share of all that makes you happiest.