Zach's Kickstarter Project!

My oldest, Zach, recorded a 3 song cd last year. In the year that has passed he has grown musically, as well as spiritually. He has written 10 new songs and longs to get them recorded. In fact he has plans to get this project started this summer. He is saving his money and selling some of his musical gear to get this recording done.

 He has teamed up with Kickstarter to get some help. It is a fundraiser that allows friends, family and fans to help support his project. There's even rewards along the way for those who give funds toward his project. So take a moment and check it out. He has 30 days to raise the money he needs...and as kickstarter states...it's all or none. He has to raise the amount needed within 30 days or he receives none (all pledged funds under the goal would be returned to the giver)...so please check him out! He has a heart for God and a love for music. Your support both financially and prayerfully are greatly appreciated.

CHECK IT OUT!

Sunday Snapshot~Rite of passage

My youngest son always wants to ride on the lawn mower. Being the protective mom that I am I have always said ok you can ride on it with dad as long as the blade is not engaged. I knew he couldn't actually mow the grass until he was heavy enough to sit on the seat and keep the motor running. So far, the motor has always died because he did not weigh enough. I thought we've got plenty of time for that!!!

 Well, this year he is big enough...and he is thrilled...cause Dad says when the kids are old enough  to keep the motor engaged they are old enough to cut grass!

Is that my baby? IS he really old enough to cut the grass?

He has the shades, Billy's old cap that was given to  Zach before Billy died. It's the official grass cutting hat.

Dad cuts a pattern...and Shek cuts all the grass inside the box. 

My Hard workin' Man!

 I think Dad is glad that he has another grass-cuttin' trainee! Karl grew up on a farm and I had a childhood spent at Honey's and The Woods...so we are used to wide open spaces...but in the summer, that grass cutting can be time consuming! And  with Zach's busy schedule...Karl needs another grass cutter!

There he goes! Cutting grass into the horizon...I hope the new doesn't wear off of his new found-chore...the one he has waited his whole life for!

Cooking with friends

On Fridays, my kids go to Fine Arts School. It is an all day affair with many classes in all areas of the fine arts. My kids take choir, keyboard, dance, violin, art, sign language and P.E. Since we are there from 830 am till 330 in the afternoon...I help out with the lunches there. I work with Shannon. She is an events planner, wedding planner, caterer, teacher and cook extra-ordinare.

Shannon has a wonderful meal planned each week for our students, parents and teachers all for less than the cost of a fast food meal just down the road. Many folks want her recipes...I know I have come home and tried out a few on my family and the recipes have all reached the status of "keepers" with my crew! One of our favorites is Poppy Seed Chicken. Yesterday, she made a wonderful dessert and folks were requesting seconds...we even ran out, but I came home and made it for my family. I didn't take photos of each step to post here, but it is a yummy dessert. It's called Chocolate Eclaire Dessert and is very easy to make.

Here's a snapshot of Shannon welcoming us and Jolie home from China. I don't have any photos of us cooking on Fridays though.

Someone asked her for yesterday's recipe and I listened closely.  I came home and made a smaller version of it at home. I may not have gotten the correct portions, but it was still yummy.

Dessert Recipe

2 small boxes of French vanilla pudding

1 small container of cool whip

1 can of Chocolate Icing

Graham crackers

Make pudding, fold in coolwhip. Layer graham crackers on bottom of dish. top with pudding mixture layer graham crackers on top of that then add pudding mixture top with graham crackers. Melt Chocolate icing and pour on top of crackers.... Refrigerate over night. Eat the following day.

Yummy in your tummy!

So Loved

Stefanie of Ni Hao Y'all is hosting a big fundraiser/giveaway to help bring home her 2 daughters from China. Read part 1 ; part 2 ; part 3 and part 4 to hear from her heart how this exciting story unfolds. Stefanie is such a  treasure to the adoption community. She was very helpful to us and from her helpful advice we were able to make a wise choice in choosing our adoption agency.

So, won't you help her and her family bring Poppy and Esther home.