Moonflowers

I love moonflowers. They are right up there with white calla lillies in my book. They are so perfectly shaped and flawlessly white. Since they bloom at night, they really shine in the dark! Just wanted to share them with you. Nature can do things so simply, yet so beautifully!

The First Day of Fourth Grade

Yesterday, August 20, 2008, was Sam's first day of fourth grade. He was not very thrilled about it, to say the least. Well, at least I was!!! After being forced to have his picture taken he was off to Eugene Field Elementary and I was back to bed. Yeah!!!

Everyday of Sam's school life, I ask him "How was your day? What did you do today?" and Sam's reply is always "Nothin!" Today was no different. At bedtime he did volunteer a little more information, but not much. He showed off his new planner the school had provided, said he'd done this assignment at school and ask for my signature. He informed me that he was a bus buddy-the fourth graders are assigned a kindergartner to watch over on the bus-but Sam couldn't remember his name. He did remember that the child was a twin. I suggested he try to find out the kid's name and remember it! The only other bit of information I got out of him was that he was glad to see his friend, Frederick.

He'll be home soon, I'll ask the same question and I'm sure all he did today was "Nothin!" But it will sure be good to have him home. It's just a little too quiet around here!

Riley Redhead and baby Willow

"You'd find it easier to be bad than good if you had red hair," said Anne reproachfully. "People who haven't red hair don't know what trouble is."

-Anne Shirley (Who is also known as Anne of Green Gables, I believe.)

Willow's Baptism

Last Sunday, August 10th, my family gathered together to celebrate my great-niece's baptism. Willow Isobel made it through the service with the class of a true lady. She was beautiful in her christening gown made for her by my Mom. Long, white, lacy, with a tiny bit of pink ribbon, the dress was a one-of-a-kind. Mom used her amazing sewing skills to fashion the perfect gift for her first great-grandchild. Afterwards, my nieces told Mom that the dress will be passed on, so that each new great-granddaughter will wear this special dress when they are baptized.

The easiest way to flatter my Mom is to ask her to sew something. And she is always honored to do it. Whether it is a christening gown or wedding dress, hemming prom dresses or patching holes in someone's jeans (Not those holes, Gram, just this one!) Mom is always ready with needle and thread to sew this family tightly together.

Garage Sale Treasure

I'm really not very into garage sales. Sure I love a good buy and finding treasure. I just never seem to have alot of luck. Ok, the real reason is that I don't want to get up that early! There...the truth is out. I had seen a hot pink sign stuck in the ground at the main intersection in town for several days in a row screaming "primitives" at me. So Friday morning, though not that early, I made my way to the sale. WOW!!! What a sale! This was no ordinary garage sale! This was TREASURE and more!!! I wanted everything! This person has an eye for the same stuff I like! So here's a picture of my loot! (Just keep scrolling to the bottom. I haven't figured out how to get my pictures between the text!)

The suitcase I got at a different sale for $1.00. I also picked up some Shiny Brite ornaments for 10 cents apiece.

And now for something completely different! I've been promising an old and dear friend some recipes. Today I'll post this salad recipe because it's great for summer. Soon I'll post my Poppy Seed Bread recipe. So here ya go Becky!!!!

CUCUMBER AND PASTA SALAD

8 oz. mostaccioli (I use Barilla that comes in the blue box and I use the entire box. I think it may be a 12 or 16 oz. box. Just trust me on this. It will be fine.)

1 onion, sliced in rings (or use green onions)

2 cucumbers, peeled and sliced thin

Now for the dressing:

1 1/2 cups of sugar
3/4 cup of vinegar
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 cup of water
1 tsp. of salt
1/2 tsp. of garlic salt
1 T. of parsley
1 T. Accent
1 T. of dry mustard

Boil mostaccioli (I AM NOT ITALIAN, THEREFORE, I DON'T KNOW HOW TO SPELL IT.) until tender. Drain and rinse. Add onion rings and cucumber slices. Next, combine the dressing ingredients. I like to add them to a plastic container that has a lid so I can shake ingredients together. Or put it in the blender. SHAKE WELL! Pour over the noodles. Refridgerate several hours before serving or make it the night before. Supposedly, the salad will last for up to two weeks. I don't know. There has never been any left long before that! Good luck!