The Last Days of Summer

Well, it's about that time of year again. The time when the kiddos head back to school and the nights are getting cooler. We have been enjoying the last of our bountiful tomato crop. I don't think I have ever eaten so much salsa in my life! I have posted some photos of the boys today. They are each such a blessing, and I am going to miss them filling the house with "boy noise" when the school bell rings. (can you tell I am emotional about it right now?) Andrew is heading off to his first year of High School and Spencer and Gannon will start the 5th grade this year. My little Nick is not so little and is beginning first grade... which means I will be all alone every day! Boo Hoo!!!! I am looking forward to planting some fall mums and putting out some fall decor as I do every year, but I think I am going to have a tough time without someone home during the day to keep me busy in my "Mom" role. On the other hand, the evenings will be filled with High School Football, Homework, Homework and more Homework along with guitar, swimming, etc. etc. I hope you all are healthy and happy and I will try to update more often. Take care everyone!


Salsa Fresco:

- 4 freshly chopped tomatos

- handful of chopped cilantro

- 3 T. chopped green pepper

- 2 or 3 jalapeno peppers (to taste) chopped

- 3t. freshly squeezed lime juice

- pinch of coarse ground salt

- dash of black pepper

- 1/2t. garlic powder

- 1/2 t. onion salt

- 1/2 T. sugar

* Put all ingredients in blender or food processor and "whiz" for a couple of seconds until you get desired consistancy. We like it really blended, or you can leave it chunky. It is simply soooo good!

Alright, which one of you gals left this chair on my front steps? I found this sitting outside of my door the other night! Well, whoever it was, I love it! I adore antique/old child size chairs and have some fun plans for this! When you are ready to fess up, come over for a cup of tea and I'll tell you my ideas. Thank you!!!

Gannon, Spencer, Nick and Lily the Westie enjoying some lazy mornin cartoons

Lily with Andrew

Yes, we have a couple of #4 fans!

"Bathtub Art with Nick"

Nicks car creation... what an artist!

"tub crayons" Fun, but a mess to clean off grout!

Quite the hairdo Nick! (cute)

Andrew, #70 - Go Elks!!!

Scooterin around with Gannon and Spencer

My big first grader!

Grab Bag of Stuff!

Nicholas "waiting patiently to blow out the candle." He loves doing that...I better watch out when he gets a little older, I might have a pyro on my hands..hee, hee! He's too cute!

Here is my before and after from the "What the heck should I do with this thing?" section on the last post. Thank you for all your suggestions! I just stenciled a star, distressed it and added some dark red paint on the edges, then I filled it with a pewter candlestick, old bowl and a star. This is going out to a good friend who shares my love of primitive decor and is having a tough time. The Homestead gets a new look! We went the dark red I have always loved and took off the shutters as well as added some new window trim. I love how it turned out. I think I drove "Mr Homestead" a little nuts during the whole process. It's darn tough to make those big decisions while recovering from major surgery! Thanks Jon for putting up with me. :) I am now looking for the "perfect thing" for the front door. Any suggestions???

Summer fun for the boys with cousin Alex from Florida!

These are some goodies I received from a friend at Buttermilk Junction! I love them and they have found some great spots to sit. :)

My Gannon with the "Sheep"

**Well, I am having loads of trouble with Blogger lately! I can't download photos easily and my layouts keep getting goofed up. I am going to just keep it short, but I want to give a shout out to Raggedy Angel.... Thanks for entering me in your

giveaway....What a neat thing to do! Take care all and I hope to get a chance to write more on everyone's blogs this week. Keep the comments and e-mails coming! I love reading them!!

~Kim