cards

These cards were all simple and quick and made with my JULY Green Tangerines Kit. Hope you enjoy your Monday morning!

butternut squash chili

Fall is just around the corner here in California and I love making soups and stews to warm us up!

Butternut Squash Chili

1 Tbls. olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 lb. chicken basil sausage

1 lb. butternut squash--peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes

1 (4 oz) can chopped green chilies

1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes

1 (15 oz) can kidney beans

1 (15 oz) can white northern beans

1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

1.5 cups chicken broth

1 Tbls. chili powder

1 Tbls. ground cumin

1 tsp. garlic salt

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in the onion and garlic. Cook until tender. Add chicken sausage and cook until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat. Add everything else. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium low. Cover and simmer until the squash is tender, about 30 minutes. Enjoy!

family photos

This past Spring, we had our family pictures professionally taken by a friend, Marcee. We have never taken the time to have family pictures taken before--shocking, I know. Especially since I scrapbook! I do have many family photos, but have relied on others to take them and they are always the "quick-while-he-is-looking" kind!

I used my JULY Green Tangerines Kit for this layout. I tried to keep it as simple as possible so that the photos stood out.

American Crafts has these new letters that have adhesive on the top AND bottom. The idea is to add whatever you want to the top to jazz them up. I added tiny micro beads. They stick really well and were  fairly easy to do . . . I had them all over the place though despite trying to keep them contained!

Hope you are having a great day!

turning 8

 

Paige turned eight this past May and asked for an owl party. We had a great time! I still can't believe I have an eight-year-old . . . I know everyone says that about their kids.

 

I used my JULY KIT from Green Tangerines for this layout. 

Our air conditioner has been broken for two days now. It is 99 degrees outside and a cool 89 degrees inside. I am melting. There will be no cooking in my kitchen tonight! Hopefully the repairman that comes out tonight can fix it. Tomorrow it is supposed to be 101 degrees. Fun times!

 

six flag adventure

I love the Read to Succeed Program! We were able to go to Six Flags last month completely free of charge--minus the parking. My girls and one of their best friends decided on their own that they wanted a "girls only" trip to Six Flags. I made my very pregnant friend let me push her around in a wheelchair all day . . . it was a good workout for me!

We happened to pass by the birds during feeding time. For $2, you could buy a little drink for the bird. Totally worth it! The expressions on the girls faces were priceless!

One of their favorite rides . . . 

Their other favorite ride . . . 

We had the best day!

catching up

We've been having such a fun summer! Lots of playdates and fun outings. The girls also took a Lego Engineering Class this summer that they loved. I can't believe summer is coming to a close soon . . . I have been going to Staples each week for the past three weeks to grab some of their hot penny and quarter back to school deals! Mmmmm . . . I love back-to-school sales!

Tomorrow I am heading to a homeschool conference with a bunch of girlfriends--I'm super excited for a little road trip and late night talks! And I always come home inspired to continue homeschooling. It's such a huge blessing in our lives.

I've still been scrapbooking, so I thought I'd try and catch up a little since my parents have mentioned they haven't seen anything from me lately.

We are heading back to the ranch in two weeks. This is always a highlight of our summer. This trip is from this past March--Faith had her birthday while we were there.

I used my JUNE KIT CLUB for this layout.

These pictures are also from the ranch during the same trip. I love being able to drive to the snow when we feel the need to see it. Once a year is enough for me. Growing up as a Minnesotan and having to drive in blizzard conditions scarred me for life!

I used my JULY KIT CLUB for this layout.

I'll be back with more soon! Have a great day!

BREAKAWAY! A.K.A. Vacation Bible School

We just finished up a super fun week with Superheroes at Breakaway! As usual, the Breakaway team did an over the top job and my kids want to go back another week. Here are some highlights for Grandma and Grandpa:

The church builds their own sets every year with the theme. This years theme was Breakaway to the City and the Superheroes did a skit everyday that told kids about Jesus.

Go-karts during recreation time!

I never want to miss out on the fun, so I volunteer every year. This year I was on snack duty. 

The zip line was a HUGE hit!

Superhero masks!

This little guy had a great time too!

The music is all original and goes with the theme. The kids all bring home a CD the first day, so we get to listen to it all week in the van.

The final rally and music time the kids are surprised with confetti!

Such a great week and lots of memories were made!