Quilting Class Update

Since I didn't have my camera with me for our first quilting class, I decided I should just post a picture of my little angel!  Now I can look at her all I want! :)

Anyway, the class went great!  I have nine little girls in my class and they all seemed to enjoy it very much.  One of the students attends my church and told me first thing this morning that she'd completed her assignment.  I'm so happy.  She told me that she really enjoyed the class. 

Now I have a small concern.  It may be that my planned project won't last an entire eight weeks.  I s'pose if that's the case, I'll just have to get creative and find more fun stuff for the girls to quilt!

I plan to bring my camera and additional fabric for the girls to work with.  I'm excited to show you their projects!

A Great Day With Friends!

I just had to post this picture because I was talking about this precious son of mine while visiting with a sweet friend and her kiddos.  So yes, that's my boy!  He's the good-looking one in the middle!  I'm so glad he's state-side now, and that he's safe and sound.  I couldn't be more proud of him!

What a great afternoon!  As I said, I was visiting  a friend and her little kiddos, and I just had the best time!  What great kids they are.  She has seven and they are an absolute delight!

My friend and I were cutting out 5.5" squares for the quilting class we're going to co-teach on Friday's through our home-school coop. The kids helped out by choosing color combinations and making me feel right at home.  Even the baby did his part to make me feel at home.  He came into the room with a freshly picked plum and set it on the table in front of me.  He was so danged cute!

When it was time for me to leave, this sweet friend loaded me up with fresh pears and some homemade crepes filled with homemade cottage cheese!  I can hardly wait to can the pears and the crepes were the best I've ever had.  Oh My Goodness!   Yeppers friends, I scored!

So before I say good night to all, I have to say Thank You to my sweet friend and her "super seven" kiddos!

Good night, all!

Home, Home On the Range

Lauren, age two sings, "Home, home on the wange. Wheya the dee-a and the da-da-da-day."

Big sissy Amy, age six says, "No Lauren. It's not where the deer and the da-da-da-day.

It's, where the deer and the ants go and play!"

Now admit it! You've got to think that's the cutest thing you ever heard! I know I did!!!!! Can you just picture the deer and the ants playing a friendly little game of football? Uh-huh!

This week has been craaaaaazy! I had a dentist appointment on Monday, Mike had a dentist appointment on Tuesday. Today Mike had a doctor's appointment in the morning and Aaron had the dentist appointment this afternoon. We've been running around like crazy. And...just when you think it couldn't get any busier, I'm cooking dinner so that Aaron can get to Youth Group on time.

I do have to say, though...this is one of the many reasons I love home schooling! I know what the lessons are and I can plan around a heavily scheduled week like this one! So...I'm smiling!

How do we turn off our kid's "excuse" button. You know the one I mean. The one when you say, "Did you finish your homework." , and the kid says, "You forgot to remind me." Or how about "How do they expect us to get this when the way they wrote this book is just too confusing."

We are experiencing quite a bit of this at our house right now. Our 12-year-old is having a difficult time accepting responsibility for his attitude toward school. Apparently we're all out to get him and make his life miserable.

Well, of course we are, and that's just what I told him. Yep, we lie awake at night and think, "How can I upset my child tomorrow? What can I do to really tick him off? What can I say that will so upset him that he'll want to storm out of the room?" Yeah, that's what I do because I loooove conflict! NOT!!!!!!!!! Hello? Earth to child.....don't you know that we do all this stuff because we love you!!!!! Reality time..no, they don't get it.

What a great day! I was so happy to have time to read and sew. I'm practicing my quilting, and decided to piece together nine/4.5" squares. They turned out pretty darned cute, but I now know that in order to make a quilted pillow case that will fit a 14 x 14" pillow form, I'll have to cut the squares at 5.5....du-uh! (I think I need to sharpen my math skills).

Now that I've started quilting, I think I'm hooked! It was soooooo much fun! My stitches aren't too small or too even right now, but I know that with more practice, I'll get better. I hope so anyway.

I suppose I should take pictures and post them. Perhaps someone out there can give me some good pointers.

In the meantime......I'll just keep at it!

Quilting!

Ok, so the picture has nothing to do with quilting. I just love looking at my beautiful Amy girl!

A long, long time ago, in a land not too far away, I learned to quilt. I would sit around a large quilt on a frame with several other ladies and we would quilt away. It was super fun but too time consuming for me back then.

Here I am, nearly forty-years later (What? How can that be?) anyway...... I'm learning to quilt all over again. Actually, I thought it would be a fun art to teach a group of young ladies at our Friday School Coop. So..... I bought some books, got some fabric, purchased a rotary cutter, and away I went.

I'm having soooo much fun! The girls are going to learn how to "hand sew" their pieces to make a block, and then they'll learn how to quilt it. We're going to piece, quilt, and make a pillow cover for a decorative pillow. I'm doing a simple 9-patch block.

Today I cut out some sample pieces and hand sewed them together to see how long it will take. Actually, it went pretty fast for me. I'm thinking the more difficult and time consuming part will be the quilting. This is fine with me as I find the whole process completely relaxing.

I'm really looking forward to spending time with my class as they learn how to quilt the "old-fashioned" way. It will be fun to sit around a table together talking and sewing. I'm hoping the girls will form life-long friendships and a craft they can work on together for years to come.

Boy Kids!

I would like to know why children, especially boy children move in slow motion when you need them to cooperate with you about chores, homework, school work, brushing their teeth, combing their hair, etc., etc. And yet, somehow they manage to fly through the house faster than the speed of light to get out the door to play. Is it a chemical thing? Or maybe boy genetics? I just don't get it!

When it comes to working on math, my little guy's neck and shoulders are no longer able to support his head. Nope, his head slowly moves toward the table and the pencil becomes nearly too heavy to hold.

When it's time to get ready for anything other than play, he loses his hearing and suddenly no longer understands the English language.

Today just happened to be one of those days when I needed things to move along at a particular pace, and this precious child of mine simply didn't have that same need.

Eventually things did get done. Math was accomplished with "high-fives", and soon he regained full strength in his neck and shoulders. Also, I am happy to report that his hearing and language skills returned as well.

Guess we'll get ready to do it all over again tomorrow :)

Ahhhhhh B-B-Q Ribs

I decided to post this picture of the grandkidlets and the Bub-Miester because it was, after all, taken this summer. Yep, the Oregon coast can be a little windy and chilly even in late July.

It is a summer picture and summers are all about bar-b-q. And...since it's still summer we decided to bar-b-q'd spareribs.

Man were they ever good! I did a dry rub of garlic powder, black pepper, oregano, cumin, and chili powder. Then I slow cooked them in the oven for a couple of hours.

While the ribs were cooking I made a broccoli and cauliflower salad and some mac and cheese. Once everything was done, we put the ribs on the grill and basted them in bar-b-q sauce, cooking them until they were heated through and had lovely grill marks on them.

We decided to go with a patriotic/picnic theme and set the table with red-white-and blue place mats along with red and white checked napkins. Since we were feeling all picnic-ish I decided to serve our lemonade in mason jars. The table was festive and fun and I have to admit dinner was yum, yum, yummy!

Kate plus Eight

Well, I just finished watching the next to the last episode of Kate plus Eight. If I'm not mistaken (and I really hope I am), it looks like next week is the finale. Now, does that mean final finale, as in no more shows EVER? Or....does it mean finale for this season. I rather like that much better.

I happen to be a really big fan of Kate. I love how organized she is. I love how she puts her kids first. And, I'm sorry, but the people who are helping her are paid to do so. So....if she gets cranky because they aren't cooperating with her way of doing things, well I say too bad so sad for them. There, I've said it and I'm not taking it back!

I have to say that I was disappointed with the way her "friends" were treating her on their 14-day RV trip. I kept thinking..."Hey guys, who's paying for all this?" I was sad that Ashley put the kids through that awful, emotional goodbye. It wasn't a very responsible thing to do.

So, what do you think?

Brinkle, Brinkle, Wittle Tar!

I know I'm prejudice, but is she not the cutest thing EVER?????????????? I have to say she surely is to all of us who love her!!!!! This was taken around the first of August while she and her big sissy and her mommy were visiting! Big sigh. She just melts my heart!!!!!!

The following is how little Miss Lauren (Renny) sings "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" at age two:

"Brinkle, brinkle, wittle tar,

How I wuner what you are

Upen bove wen so high

Like um dimen in the ky

Brinkle, brinkle, wittle tar,

How I wunner what you are....

UPEN BOVE WEN SO HIGH

(As she repeats this, she begins singing quite loud)

And the song goes on and on!

My goodness, I love that child!!!!

Today was a quiet day. Very uneventful! That being said, I decided to treat myself to an hour-long pedicure. Mmmmmmmmmm! The massage is always the best part. It's really hard not to moan. Anyway......very relaxing! Also, when you leave you have very pretty and happy feet! I've been wiggling my toes all afternoon and evening long.
I decided that my feet were soooo happy, that I shouldn't have to cook, but rather just sit quietly and admire my freshly painted toes. Well, as it turns out I have THE BEST husband in the world! And do you know why? I'll tell you why. It's because he was in total agreement with me and said, "Those toes are just too pretty to be standing around the kitchen. I think we should go out for dinner." Yippy, Yah-hoo-eeeeee! You should have seen how fast those little, pink piggies flew into their sandals and headed for the car!
We love Mexican food and so decided to have dinner at our favorite Mexican restaurant. I always order the same thing....Carne Asada with rice and beans. I know, Iknow, I'm totally boring, but the dinner is soooooo Yum, Yum, Yummy! And... when the dinner is finished the waiter brings us a plate of the most delicious fried tortillas. They take flour tortillas, cut them into triangles, lightly fry them, then drizzle honey and chocolate syrup over them and top it all off with whipped cream! Heavenly!!!!!
Well, we all came home feeling stuffed, but happy! And that, my friends turned this uneventful day, into a most lovely one indeed!

Nighty-night!

We're All Smiles

Amy and Lauren
Sittin' in a tree.
Don't you think
They're pretty as can be?

Just looking at those two little angels makes me smile! I can hardly wait to talk with them this weekend. Don't you just love Skype? I do, I do!

Well, I took our dog, Molly Mae to the vet this past Wednesday for her immunizations and a general check up. Doc. said I need to start brushing her teeth. Ok.......um, I've tried to do this before. It's not a pretty site. A little white and black Rat Terrier running and hiding all over the house with a rather large me chasing after her with toothbrush in hand.

Doc. opened up a tube of chicken flavored doggy toothpaste and showed it to Miss Molly. Just like magic, she sniffed and then started to lick the tube. Doc. said, "See, she'll like this and it will be easy for you to do."

I was so impressed when I left the vet that when I went to the store on Thursday I picked up a baby toothbrush in lime green for her and a pink one for her sissy, (Millie). I even bought one for old Zeppelin (my Army boy's doggie).

Evening came and I set up the toothbrushes and toothpaste on the little table next to my favorite chair. Miss Molly jumped up and snuggled next to me while Miss Millie sat on the couch looking on. I opened the tube of "chicken flavored" doggy toothpaste and sure enough Miss Molly popped up her head and started sniffing. I began bragging to my husband right away. "Look!", I said. "This is going to be a piece of cake!" (famous last words!)

I slowly moved the toothbrush toward her so that she could have a better sniff. So far, so good! Next, with my free hand I started petting her head, stroking her ears and then moved my hand toward her muzzle. Ok, who told her that the chicken stuff was toothpaste? As soon as I moved my hand toward her mouth she was out of there. Yep, off she went, the little white and black R.T. running and hiding with the large me chasing after her, toothbrush in hand. Did I mention this was going to be a piece of cake?

Naturally, Miss Millie was observing the whole scene and decided she better hide on Dad's lap. Oh good! Quick like a computer my mind changed gears. "I know", I said, "Put the toothpaste from Molly's toothbrush on Millie's toothbrush and get Millie while she's down!" Yipeeeee, Ya-hoo-eeeeee! I brushed those little teethers! Yes, I finally tracked Molly Mae and got those pearly whites real white. The two girl doggies are smiling sparkly smiles. :)

I'm happy to report that brushing went much easier this evening, though neither dog will sit with me anymore. Wait! Is that a bad thing?

Long, Long Day!

Wow am I tired! I feel like this day was two-days long! We started at the crack of dark. Ok, ok, I didn't start at the crack of dark, but not too many hours away from it. OK already, I actually got started with the day at 8:00 a.m.

Made the bed, took a shower, ate breakfast, taught English, cleaned the kitchen, made a grocery list, swept the floor, then headed for the bank and the market.

Went to the bank, went to Fred Meyers, went to Winco, went to Costco, called my best friend in Arizona, went to the Christian Book Store, went to Walmart, Stopped at Little Caesars to pick up a pizza for dinner (cuz I'm too tired to cook), came home, put a zillion grocery bags worth of groceries away, returned a telephone call, served up the pizza, balanced my budget, taught history, prepared Monday's lesson plans, brushed two of the dogs' teeth, and finally flopped in the chair to watch a previously recorded episode of "Project Runway". Did I mention I'm tired?

As a reward for all of my great accomplishments, I fixed myself a delicious ice cream cone. It was very good, I thought, but I really couldn't remember because I was eating it while fast-forwarding through the commercials on my television program. So naturally I had to get up and fix another one....well du-uh, that's just what you're supposed to do. Anyway, the second one was good because I made sure to pay special attention to it and not the television show. Thank goodness, eh? Otherwise what? Yep, I just might've had to make another one. Whew, it's a good thing it's bed time!!!!!!

Speaking of bed time, that's where I'm headed.

Have a great night, everyone!

Thank You Pioneer Woman!

Friends, neighbors, and coffee drinkers EVERYWHERE! I am so excited about the iced coffee recipe I got from "The Pioneer Woman" blog site. First of all, she's a hoot! Secondly, she's an amazing home cook with some of the BEST recipes I've ever tried. And...her iced coffee recipe is one of them.

I made up a batch and I'm here to tell you the angels did sing!!!!! Ahhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!! You have to go to her site and print out the recipe, 1) because you'll love it; and 2) you'll save millions and millions of dollars. Well, maybe not millions and millions, but you'll save a ton of buck-a-roos, and...let's not forget, you won't be standing in those long lines! Yes-indeedy-do, I love that recipe! So thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU, Dear Pioneer Woman. You rock!

Whewwwwww! The end of a long day. I'm not sure where to begin... Oh, I know! The first thing I want to do is give a standing ovation to all you teachers out there! My goodness!

OK, so this is our second year to home school. Last year we used an on-line program as I mentioned before. While it was super intense for the kiddo, it was pretty cool for the mom and dad. This year, however, is another story. This year the mom and dad ARE the teachers. YIKES!!!!!

We were so excited when we got all the books, materials and curriculum guides. And let me just say, they are very good. However, you still have to plan the day. So, this mom and dad quickly discovered just how much "prep time" it takes in order to teach. Mercy! We go to bed each evening with a big SIGH of relief that we actually made it through the day.

The super-duper wonderful thing about homeschooling is the one-on-one time you get to spend with your kiddo! It's so great to watch them as they learn, and to see the delight on their face when they "get it"! And...an added benefit is, the dad and I are learning stuff too! Who knew you could teach an old dog new tricks?

Anyway, my lesson plans are all set for tomorrow. I've read the reading assignment I gave to the kiddo, I've graded his 2nd grammar quiz, and I even made a grade book for the history class. Yeppers, I'm a happy camper.

Well, it's time for prayers with the kiddo and getting him tucked in for the night. Tonight we'll be saying special prayers for Aunt Nikki, Uncle Mike, Tony and Mikey. We'll be praying for God's mercy and grace to help them through this difficult time dealing with the loss of their first-born, Joey. We hope you'll pray for them too!

Good night everyone!

Sad, Sad News

Our nephew, Joey Riccardi passed away today after fighting to survive drowning. We pray for comfort for his mom and dad, Mike and Nikki, as well as his brothers, Tony and Mikey.

Happy Sunday!

Sunday's are the BEST, aren't they? I love hearing "The Word" and spending time with my family. This afternoon I got to spend time on "Skype" visiting with my handsome son and his beautiful wife and daughters. I LOVE technology! Well...some of it anyway. Skyping and Blogging are WONDERFUL!

The weather here in Portland is gorgeous! It's in the upper 80's and that is absolute heaven! It is the perfect place to garden and just about everyone does. I love that we can get farm fresh produce and fruit all summer long...yum, yum, yum!

This past July my daughter-in-law and I took those two beautiful little girls in the pics. blueberry picking. What a hoot! Baby Lauren still eats them as fast as she can pick them!

Mike and Bub and I are planning on making the "Fruit Loop" run for pears pretty soon! They're fun to make preserves out of and they taste great canned.

We'll keep you posted as the seasons move on.

Speaking of moving on....I'm hearing, "Hey Babe, when did you want to eat?" Translated, that means, "Dear Wifey, when were you planning on feeding us?" and that's my cue to get movin'.

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday, everyone!

It's Been A While

I know it's been over a year since the last time I posted, but I finally feel like I'm ready to get back to it!

Lots and lots of things have happened during the past year. Jeremy served his first tour in Afghanistan and is back in Kentucky continuing the pursuit of his career in the Army. Big Aaron, Beth, Amy and baby Lauren are doing well. My little granddaughters are growing way too fast. Little Aaron is sprouting up like crazy! He's almost as tall as I am. Mike is doing very well despite the nasty Parkinson's disease. And me.....well, I think I'm finally settled in.

Things are much different on the West coast as compared with the Southwest, schools in particular. That being said, our little guy attended 5th grade in public school here. Wow! What a difficult year. We decided to home school for the 6th grade and used a great online program. While the program was great, it was super intense. I never worked so hard in all my life. And...let me assure you, neither did Aaron. We were all relieved when the school year finished and we could finally relax.

Well, after much research and talking with friends, we decided on a different program for this school year (7th grade) and so far.....so good! We're all breathing a little easier! Aaron is much more comfortable and so are we. Mike is teaching math and science, and I'm teaching English and history. We've got a nice balance going. For those of you worried about P.E. and socialization, not to worry...we've got that covered. Aaron takes martial arts two times per week. In addition he swims just about every other day. For socialization we attend church, and on Friday's we attend our home school coop. geared for all the extras that kids need.

Ok, I think I have you caught up. I'll be posting more later.

Catch-Up Time!

Greetings Dear Friends and Family! It's been two whole weeks since I last posted. It's time to catch you up to date with what's going on, here in Oregon.

Well first of all, Aaron got some new shades and found a fun Math game on the computer.









Obviously, wearing the shades helps you to play the game a lot "cooler".









Aunt Suzi and Uncle Dave came for dinner a week ago. Zep used to love hanging out with Aunt Suzi. However, after this babushka (sp) incident, I'm not so sure that he feels the same way anymore. Suzi just loves ol' Zep and simply can't help herself :) Ah, who wouldn't love him? Just look at that precious face!









Aaron's classroom has spent the past several weeks preparing for the Junior Achievement "Biz Town" event. The kids had to split up into teams, become a company, decide what their positions would be in the company and all the other stuff that goes along with it. You know, like profit and loss, design, advertising, etc., etc. Anyway....this is the day their teams had to present their companies. Doesn't he look handsome?

A nice picture with Dad, and of course Millie who is evidently part cat.

I made him do the "Author" pose. He'd be so mad if he knew I posted this. Too bad, so sad! I think he's the most handsome 11-year-old in all the land! So there!

This past Saturday was the first day for the Farmer's Market. We simply had to go! Bub was in charge of driving Dad.

There weren't a whole lot of veggies yet, and no fruit at all. But you'll notice we did visit the bakery booth. Oh yeah! Had to have some of those!

They have the most beautiful "field" flowers (for lack of knowing what they really are). Anyway, I bought this bunch to take to Church on Sunday! Love them!

No more pictures to post just yet. Wanted to let you all know that our Army Boy, Jeremy was deployed Saturday, May 1st. I cried a bunch! However, I'm happy to report that we received an email from him Monday evening. All is well and he'll keep us posted. I'll be keeping you all posted as I hear from him. In the meantime, please keep him and all of our soldiers, yes, and our enemies too, in your prayers.

XXXOOO

Faith

Sunday's Alway Have Something Special To Offer

This Sunday was really special as Hubby was planning to come to church with Bub and I. We were all doing the dance of joy! I had to go to church early for worship practice. The plan was for me to get there by 8:30 a.m., leave by 9:15 a.m, pick up Hubby and Bub at 9:30 a.m. and be back at church in time for the service to start at 9:45.
So, there we were practicing away, right on schedule. Suddenly, our pastor came in, waving his hands to get our attention. He announced that the sewer had backed up, so there was no running water for sanitation as well as no flushing. He said that we would have to cancel church and asked us to help him contact the congregation and let everyone know. We did, but it was disappointing cuz that meant Hubby wouldn't get to go to church. Dratts!

Hubby was disappointed as well, but as he is always resourceful, he decided to start planting some of the veggies and herbs he bought. You're looking at our cute, little strawberry patch.

Here's another view. Don't let the pictures fool you. These are not window boxes. They are actually brick planters that run along our sliding glass door and windows, as well as along the fence line. Hubby had to put up the tiny fence you see here in order to keep the beloved dogs out of the planters! :)

See, here's a picture of the planter along the fence line. Aren't those some gorgeous red tulips?

These are the ones that I thought were the "little" white tulips.

Just look as this beauty!!! You know, I'm so new to the "growing" flowers thing, that I have no idea if this really is a tulip. It sure did start out as one, and in the evening it closes up and looks just like one. So, if you all know something different, please feel free to share :)

These are our beautiful "Strawberry Cupcakes" (recipe courtesy of Mommy's Kitchen). However, because I have the most beautiful and special five-year-old granddaughter named, Amy...we are calling these beauties, "Pink-a-licious" after one of her most favorite books in all the land. Amy....I sure wish you were here to eat these with me! :)

Here's a picture of our pretty Sunday dinner. We had a pork tenderloin roast with steamed broccoli and "Cheesy Potatoes" (recipe courtesy Mommy's Kitchen). Dad had red wine, Bub had Root Beer and Mom had water. We love to make the table pretty on Sunday. This was simple, but sweet, and everyone enjoyed. By-the-way, I just finished the last Pink-A-Licious cupcake. Ummm-mmmmm-mmmmm!:)

OK, this post is making me crazy because the pictures and words won't line up, no matter how many times I edit it. I'll figure it out.....eventually!

Saturday - Working In The Yard

We went to Home Depot this past Saturday to shop for flowers, veggies and herbs. It was so much fun. There were soooooo many choices! Hubby wanted to plant the veggies and herbs.

See his tomato plant? He's so danged cute! I love him soooooo much!!!!!

Bub got something in his foot :(









Dad had a blast. Just look at him go!









Bub guards the cart. Thank you, Bub!









Mom plants the flowers and...









The bunnies :)

Bub Cooks "Quick Stroganoff"

We made a Quick Stroganoff the other night. Well, actually, Chef-Boy-R-Bub did most of the work. He's really getting into cooking. As a matter of fact, as I type this post, he is cooking dinner with Dad.

Here he is slicing mushrooms, "a gazillion of them" according to him. Plus, he "hates" mushrooms.









I took a picture of "most" of the ingredients. Wish I could make my cooking pictures look as nice as those done at"Mommy's Kitchen" blog site. Oh well, try the recipe I think you'll enjoy it!

Quick Stroganoff

1/2 cup diced onion

1 clove chopped garlic

1/4 cup butter

1 pound lean hamburger or ground turkey (this is what we use)
2 Tbs. flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp pepper (or to taste)
1 pound fresh mushrooms

one 10-1/2 oz can cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream

2 Tbs. parsley
one 16 oz pkg. flat noodles

Saute' onions and garlic in butter over medium heat. Add the meat and cook until there is no more pink

Add flour, salt, pepper and mushrooms. Cook for 5 minutes (or until mushrooms are tender)

Add the cream of chicken soup and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes. Stir in the sour cream and heat through.

Sprinkle with parsley and serve over buttered noodles.

Serves 6

Here's another pic. of our Chef. This time he's gently folding the cream of chicken soup into the meat and mushroom mixture.

By-the-way, I think it was last week that I showed off pictures of my sweet tulips, and mentioned that there was a lovely white one sneaking in. Well I was wrong, wrong, wrong! There are three, and they aren't white at all, they're the most beautiful, pale pink.








I'm sure there would have been many, many more of these beauties, along with daffodils and irises. However, our darling doggies managed to dig up and destroy most of the bulbs. May hap I should put a little fence around the flowers?

Zeplin's Day At The Spa

Dearest Jerr, this post is especially for you! I took Zep and Molly Mae to Pet Smart on Monday for the "Royal Treatment". Millie couldn't go because her rabies shot isn't up to date. As for the two lucky ones, they were bathed, brushed, deep conditioned, ears thoroughly cleaned, nails trimmed and filed, and a little bit of teeth cleaning. They looked soooooo beautiful when I picked them up. They were prancing and jumping for joy, though Dad said, "I'll bet old Zep would rather roll in dog poop." Perhaps, as that is his way of going incognito. Alas, I didn't give him the opportunity. Instead, I bought him a brand new leash!

See how beautiful he is! And so proud! He's giving us his profile and you'll notice his tail is up letting us know how happy he is!









Here's another shot. This time he noticed the girls (Millie and Molly Mae) coming outside, so he turned his face away for his "close-up".









You can sort of see Molly Mae down on the bottom left of the picture. Isn't her white fur just the brightest EVER!









Unfortunately, Miss Millie was ticked with everyone. She greeted them at the door with her "mohawk" sticking straight up. The she proceeded to stick her nose in their hiney's (as you can see in the photo),and was severely shaken because she didn't recognize their scents. No sir! They smelled all foo-fooed and, they were all shiny. She chased them all over the house trying to get the good sniff. Finally, Zep turned around and gave her the "what-for" look. She stopped bugging him. Poor Molly decided she was just too tired from all the pampering and every time Millie came by, she just rolled to her side and lifted her hind leg so that Millie could get a sniff.

Millie is getting her rabies shot on Monday, so she can have her "day at the spa" on Friday.

Well, there you have it. Two shiny dogs and one pouty one. Ah, such is the life!

Little Bub Bakes a Peanut Butter Cake!

I know that I blogged about the glorious Sunday I had, but just couldn't close out today without sharing the beautiful Peanut Butter Cake that "Chef-Boy-R-Bub" made. Just look at how big and handsome he's getting!

We got the recipe from Mommy's Kitchen. I have her site located on the left side of my post. Be sure to check her out cuz she's got some GREAT recipes!!!!









Our chef is learning the importance of cleaning as we go! I sure do appreciate that!









Watch as our chef carefully checks the cake to see if it's done. He and I recommend that you bake at 325 vs 350. Naturally, it depends on your oven and whether or not you're baking in glass or tin.









This is one proud moment! I was sooooooo proud of him!!!!!









And there you have it! May we serve you?