Last week, we took KB in for her first haircut! It wasn't much of a cut, more like just a tiny little trim. But it was still a big moment. Don't you love how they gave her a poker robe? Really? For her first haircut? Don't you guys have Winnie the Pooh or something? Anyway, there is not a huge difference, but I think she looks precious. It's crazy how a first haircut can make them look so much older!
I love art. We have paintings displayed from my mother, grandmother, myself, and a variety of friends and local artists throughout our house. So for a while I've been trying to figure out how to display the kids artwork in the house. The problem is...we also don't like clutter. So I was scouring the ohdeedoh.com for inspiration (see here and here) and I settled on this solution. I am so excited about hanging the kids artwork here!!! 
Remember when I used to sew? Ahh...memories. Well, I wouldn't say that I'm "back at it," but I am trying to finish up a few projects before the baby gets here. I am so excited about this one! It's a fabric bucket that I've been meaning to make for ages. I pulled this tutorial, and got to work! It was a fun little project, and I think it turned out pretty cute!
Last week, we headed over to the local fire station and met some real firemen! Ethan has this awesome fireman costume...doesn't it look like the real ones? The kids had a blast! We love firemen!
A funny little belly shot my husband took without my knowledge. I promise it's the horizontal stripes which is making my belly look so big. :)
Our little girl knows how to pout!!! Some of you have seen this one, but it's worth a repeat. This is my precious little one when she was put into time out. Needless to say, she was not happy! I am so astounded by kids & the habits they pick up. I'm blaming this one on my husband! :)
This was one of my favorite memories of childhood - licking the spoon clean. Looks like they are fans of it too.
The below picture is from this week. On our menu is Eggplant Parmesan, my grandma's Squash Casserole (no cream of soups!), Stewed Okra & Tomatoes, Sliced Cucumbers,Cherry Tomato Couscous, baked potatoes and homemade salsa. Check out the Green Zebra Tomatoes. Aren't they pretty? And I'm way backed up on peppers. Time to stick some of those guys in the freezer!
Our friends Tommy & Becca came to visit this past week. The kids were in love with them! (Remember the cuties as ring bearer & flower girl at their wedding?) KB asked for "TommyBecca" every morning, instructing Becca to play in the kitchen, sit down, read books, etc. See you guys again soon we hope!
This week, Ethan went back to preschool, and Katie Belle started too! I can't believe it. She seems like such a baby! In other big news, she's decided to potty train this week. It's crazy how easy it can be when they really want it. What a difference from the firstborn boy....
And now to canning peaches! I had my very first solo run of canning! It went well, but was time consuming. And I goofed a bit. I thought things were going well, but lost some of the liquid during the canning process. Major bummer. So these are still okay to eat, but I've read that I really should get around to eating them sooner than later, due to the loss of liquids. That stinks, because I was really looking forward to opening these this winter! My kids love those little travel-sized packs of peaches, so this was my attempt at preserving something similar. No preservatives, just peaches + sugar! Boy are they yummy.
I can't believe that I'm 30 weeks! Time flies with baby #3. Except for the heat, which continually reminds me that it is NOT fun to be pregnant in this Southern Summer! 3rd Trimester + 100 Degree Temperatures = One Grumpy Pregnant Lady. 
This week we received corn, melon, tomatoes, green bell pepper, cucumber, potatoes, pattypan squash & green beans. Here's what we got this week last year.
Between my garden and the CSA, I had lots of cherry tomatoes floating around here! So on Monday, I made this Cherry Tomato Tart (recipe from Food & Wine Magazine). Oh....It was Delicious. I highly doubted my husband would eat it, because he rarely likes straight-up tomatoes. I thought about going the route of a tomato pie, full of cheese & mayo, which would have been an effort to ensure that the husband ate it. But I'm glad I didn't. He went back for thirds!!! I followed the recipe exactly, but instead of a tart pan, I used a pie pan. Worked beautifully. And 2 days later, I'm already accumulating another mass of cherry tomatoes (and Tommy Toes, thanks to Karina!) This is on the list to make again shortly.
This morning, I've got a pot of homemade spaghetti sauce on the stove, thanks to even more tomatoes that have been piling up in my kitchen!.
Over the past few years, I have tried to increase the number of items I buy unprocessed, and in bulk. My pantry is looking prettier & prettier! Look at all those old blue mason jars that I have received from my friend Gail. Looks way prettier in the pantry than an assortment of plastic bags & cardboard boxes.
After a spring/early summer hiatus, we're back with our CSA! I've missed it, but we have been traveling a ton. Also, garden was not as successful as we had hoped, so I'm having veggie withdrawals. This week, we'll be eating zucchini squash, green beans, new potatoes, tomatoes, corn, peppers, & some sort of melon. (Can you help me identify it?)
Months ago, we stumbled upon a big Dr. Seuss storytime (and United Way event) a bookstore near us. The other day, I randomly ran across these images on a photographer's facebook page. Hey, that's us! It was a fun surprise to find documentation of our normal everyday activities. 
With cucumbers in peak season, we've been snacking on lots of these guys lately. Peeled, thinly slice, with a smidge of salt on them right before dinner. It has been an unbelievable smash hit around here! My best ideas have been stolen from friends, and I have Yolanda to thank for this one. 
I learned a valuable lesson from my mama. Before you throw something in the trash, see if it can serve another purpose. That brings me to several mixed tapes I had in my possession. Years ago, this scene would be money down the drain. But now, they were destined for the trash. But before we did, I let the kids pull out all the tape! It was a good 30 minutes of quiet time around our house!!! I did keep a few tapes, for sentimental purposes, even though I have no way to listen to them anymore. It was so worth the peace & quiet.
The girls glued fur & eyes on the doggie.
Then we went searching for lost doggies. The girls got to put a collar on them, and comb their hair.
the girls and their dogs.
she blew out all her candles! the girls ate their cake from doggie bowls.
I thought it seemed appropriate to tie the balloons to the fire hydrant. But they flew away! My husband is the pro-knot-tier. That's what I get for doing it myself.
My sister-in-law sells cakes. Aren't they awesome?!?! She's fantastic & it matched the invitation so well. Let me know if you want her number!
Among other foods, we served "pupcorn", "puppy chow" and dog biscuits (made from this graham cracker recipe.) Another talented sister-in-law made the cutest doghouse cookies.
We hid stuffed dogs (scored at the Dollar Tree) around the house and the girls hunted for the dogs. Then they took them to the doggie spa & put collars on them, and combed their hair.
My sweet baby is turning two in a few days! It seems like just yesterday we welcomed her into our arms! The wonderful Amanda Mankin took some great pictures of our little nut. Isn't she a ray of sunshine? Wild, energetic, hilarious sunshine? I love this little one.
We've been having fun making preparations for KB's 2nd birthday party. We're having a doggie theme, and last week we tested out a recipe for homemade crackers. But we're renaming them Dog Biscuits. A fun little name change always works for my kids! (Remember Superman Soup?)
Can't wait 'till the party!
I know this is late, but I wanted to say that I hope you had a fun day filled with sparkle, fun and celebration!
