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

Tin, Tin, Tin.... Yeah, it's done!

HAPPY FRIDAY!!

How are you all doing? I don't have a whole lot to talk about today... am going to physical therapy twice a week. Still don't feel great, but I am trying really hard to be positive! I am so glad I still have my sense of humor! And I am grateful for my daily morning phone calls from my sister Heather! We just laugh and laugh. She has two lovely boys herself, so between the two of us, we have six boys! We could sure tell you some funny stories!! Did you all see that seven year old kiddo who hijacked the car and was chased by police? I laughed so hard the tears ran down my legs when I saw that on the Today show this morning! LOL Oh, I have to show you some photos of the tin back splash that my wonderful husband Jon put up in our kitchen! He is so very talented! Enjoy your weekend everyone and I will look forward to chatting soon!

Good Morning, Let the Stress Begin

I have missed you all! In case you didn't know, I have had major hip surgery and have been not blogging for a couple of weeks. I have had a tough recovery, but have been showered with love and blessings from my wonderful family and loads of friends! Thank you everyone for the awesome hand delivered home cooked meals, flowers, cards, candles, prayers ! I have some photos above of the medical devices I have had to use lately.lol...Notice the blue "boots" Jon had to velcro me into these babies to keep my feet and hips aligned. They were "Hitler" torture items, I am sure of it!! Ha, ha. Also, check out the photo of the boys with me and my new walker. I am slowly moving to the crutches, but boy do I get some weird looks when we are out at the grocery or etc.!! I have posted an AWESOME recipe for a Panini Salad that a friend made for our family. I have never tasted anything like it! Also, I started a new section of my blog called ... "What the heck should I do with this?" I will occasional find junk or "treasures" as I like to call them and want to transform them into something fun and prim. Take a look and let me know what you would make with it. I know there are a LOT of talented ladies out there, so send me your comments! Many blessings to all!

~Kim

NEW SECTION.....

What the heck should I do with this?

Recipe of the day:


PANINI SALAD yummy!!!!!!!!!!

- 2 personal-size pizza crusts
- 4 slices provolone chesse
- 3 Tbs. olive oil
- 1 Tbs. balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tbs. thinly sliced basil
- 1 Tbs. chopped parsley
- 1/4 tsp. sugar
- pinch 0f salt, dash of pepper
- 1 bag italian-blend lettuce
- 2 oz. thinkly sliced Genoa salami
- 1/4 c. sliced red onion
- 1/4 c. roasted red pepper, sliced
- 2 plum tomatoes, sliced

To Make:
1. Heat oven to 450. cover each pizza crust with 2 slices of provolone cheese. Bake on the oven rack for about 7-9 minutes or until cheese is golden. Let cool then cut into wedges.
2. In a small jar, with a lid, (I used a baby food jar) combine olive oil, vinegar, basil, parsley, sugar, salt, pepper, and 1 tsp. water. Shake it up to mix! Next, place 2 pizza wedges on each of 4 plates: top with lettuce, ham, salami, onion, roasted red pepper, and tomato slices. Shake up the dressing once more to mix and drizzle over the salads. Makes 4 servings and boy is it good!!!!

Photos from the Homestead

Here you go my blogger friends... thanks for sharing all your great "homestead" photos as well! I have really enjoyed looking at all the great home decor ideas, projects, etc
~Kim

Patriotic Fun!

Greetings Friends! I have added some great photos of our July 4th Picnic. Also I have had so many requests to show some photos of our home, I added a couple of those too! I am having a little technical trouble "labeling" the photos, sorry about that. I am still learning how this all works! I have been reflecting on our great holiday weekend, and I am truly so grateful for our wonderful family and friends! I have also been blessed with some new blogging friends.. Kindra and Renee! It has been so much fun getting to know them! I hope you enjoy the photos and please send some comments my way. Simply click on the comments icon and follow the directions! Blessings to you all...until next time!

Spencer, Gannon and Nick getting ready for the fireworks!




Fun times Jennifer, Roy and Alan enjoying the picnic!

Tyler, Nicholas and Hunter having fun!

Spencer, Connor and Gannon by the tree

The Gang at the Park!








July 4th fun lights!

Take Time for the Little Things

Nicholas with Dad doing some "big-time" fishing.

Hey everyone! I am going to keep today's post short and sweet. Have a SAFE and fun fourth! Enjoy the day and take some time for the small ,simple things that this holiday stands for. Freedom, liberty and all things American! I will be spending some quality time with dear friends and family this 4th and will be watching my boys' faces light up as they see the colors explode in the night sky. Treasure these moments, as they are swiftly gone!

Friday's Recipe!

President Kennedy's Favorite Strawberry Tart

1/2 c. Sugar

2 T. Cornstarch

5 Egg yolks

2 c. Milk

1 t. Vanilla

10-inch Baked tart shell

2 pints Fresh strawberries, washed and hulled

1/2 c. Apricot Jam

1/2 t. Sugar

1 t. Grand Marnier

** Combine the sugar and cornstarch. Add the egg yolks. Beat well. Scald the milk. Gradually pour it over the egg mixture, beating constantly. Bring almost to a boil and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat. Cool slightly before adding the vanilla. Chill thoroughly. Spoon the custard into the baked tart shell. Place the strawberries, hulled ends down, on the custard in rows or circles. Combine the jam and sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat. Cool slightly before adding the Grand Marnier. Spoon the glaze over the strawberries.