Here, Hear, Her

Tomorrow  I wish I could be HERE tohear her!

Kitty Cat Brunch

I saw this cute cat pancake over at Tip Junkie and fell in love with the idea.  I knew Addie, Preston and Taylor would love them too.  They all love pancakes and they all love cats (especially Addie Cat).  It worked out purrrrfectly to have a little "cat brunch" Monday morning.  

3 Cute Cats

 Cheshire Cat?

Taylor was so cooperative when we asked her to pause for a picture.

 Preston, Nana and Addie

Taylor Jane enjoying her last few nibbles ...

 Cool Cat Preston

A cat's a cat and that's that!

The brunch was the "cat's pajamas"♥

Mindful Monday

Gratitude

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow."
-Melody Beattie

Poor Toes

I had  

Onychocryptosis

I know . . . . Right?

I have been dealing with in-grown nails on both sides of my big toes for quite a while.  I finally got up the courage and went to a Podiatrist my good friend recommended.  It will be two weeks this Thursday since I had the little surgery and today I can honestly say I'm glad I did it! I couldn't  say that until today so I am relieved and excited.  

 "Nervous Nana"

The day after my procedure was "Grandparents Day" at Ella's school.  That was a little scary with all those cute, busy little kids in the halls and the gobs of grandparents trying to make their way to the cafeteria.  Actually, it was so crowded we ate in the Science Room.

Afterward, I really need to get off my feet so I stopped by Marci's for a little visit. Kayley was in Katy for a doctor's appointment so we had some "girl" time. Marci had rented the movie Valentine's Day.  I got to sit in the big leather chair and ottoman with my feet elevated on pillows.  We couldn't stop laughing at Preston.  He just kept staring at my big bandaged toes with the funniest look on his face. If only we knew what thoughts were churning in that cute little head.

  Thanks for a fun afternoon Marci and Kayley!

Finding Hope

Going Bananas?

Me?  Why do you ask?

Well, ummmm Yep I am a litttle

.....but it's all good.

Really 

I'll be back with more blogging this week ♥

Speaking of Bananas....

 I love Southern Living magazine. 

These recipes were all found there.

Quick & Tasty Banana Pudding

Enjoy comfort food at its best with this easy-to-make version of classic banana pudding.

via Southern Living

Yield: Makes 1 serving - If you're serving a crowd, simply prepare the recipe as many times as needed. 

Ingredients

• 1  small banana
• 3  tablespoons  thawed nondairy whipped topping
• 2  tablespoons  prepared vanilla pudding
• 2  vanilla wafers

Preparation

Cut half of 1 small banana into slices; keep other half in the peel and save for another use. Layer 1 (5-oz.) glass with 1 Tbsp. thawed nondairy whipped topping, one-fourth of banana slices, 1 Tbsp. vanilla pudding, another fourth of banana slices, and 1 vanilla wafer. Repeat. Dollop with 1 Tbsp. thawed nondairy whipped topping.

or you might want to try this

Nutter Butter-Banana Pudding Trifle

via Southern Living

This homemade pudding in this layered dessert is divine, economical, and uses on-hand staples such as milk, eggs, flour, sugar and bananas. The peanut butter sandwich cookies take this trifle over the top.

Yield: Makes 8 to 10 servings

Ingredients

• 3  cups  milk
• 3  large eggs
• 3/4  cup  sugar
• 1/3  cup  all-purpose flour
• 2  tablespoons  butter
• 2  teaspoons  vanilla extract
• 5  medium-size ripe bananas
• 1  (1-lb.) package peanut butter sandwich cookies
• 2  cups  sweetened whipped cream
• Garnishes: peanut butter sandwich cookies, dried banana chips, fresh mint sprigs

Preparation

1. Whisk together first 4 ingredients in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook, whisking constantly, 15 to 20 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in butter and vanilla until butter is melted.
2. Fill a large bowl with ice. Place saucepan in ice, and let stand, stirring occasionally, 30 minutes or until mixture is thoroughly chilled.
3. Meanwhile, cut bananas into 1/4-inch slices. Break cookies into thirds.
4. Spoon half of pudding mixture into a 3-qt. bowl or pitcher. Top with bananas and cookies. Spoon remaining pudding mixture over bananas and cookies. Top with sweetened whipped cream. Cover and chill 2 to 24 hours. Garnish, if desired.
Note: For testing purposes only, we used Nabisco Nutter Butter® Sandwich Cookies. For photography, we divided mixture between 2 (1 1/2- to 2-qt.) wide-mouthed pitchers.
Shortcut Nutter Butter®-Banana Pudding Trifle: Omit eggs, sugar, flour, and butter. Substitute thawed extra creamy whipped topping for sweetened whipped cream. Reduce vanilla to 1 tsp. Place 3 cups milk and vanilla in large bowl; add 2 (3.4-oz.) packages vanilla instant pudding mix. Beat with an electric mixer at medium speed 2 minutes or until thickened; let stand 5 minutes. Stir in 1 (8-oz.) container sour cream. Proceed with recipe as directed in Steps 2 through 4.

This homemade pudding is divine, economical, and uses on-hand ingredients. The pudding has thickened enough when a distinct trail is left in the mixture when you stir with a spoon. The cookies will soften the longer the dessert chills.

and last but not least

Pound Cake Banana Pudding

 

via Southern Living

This recipe is inspired by the one served at the famous Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room in Savannah, Georgia. Look for pound cake in the frozen dessert case of the supermarket.

Ingredients

• 4  cups  half-and-half
• 4  egg yolks
• 1 1/2  cups  sugar
• 1/4  cup  cornstarch
• 1/4  teaspoon  salt
• 3  tablespoons  butter
• 2  teaspoons  vanilla extract
• 1  (1-pound) pound cake, cubed
• 4  large ripe bananas, sliced
• Meringue

Preparation

Whisk together first 5 ingredients in a saucepan over medium-low heat; cook, whisking constantly, 13 to 15 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in butter and vanilla until butter melts. Layer half of pound cake cubes, half of bananas, and half of pudding mixture in a 3-quart round baking dish. Repeat layers. Cover pudding, and chill 6 hours.
Spread Meringue over pudding.
Bake at 375° for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Notes from Southern Living:

Everyone loves banana pudding – especially our readers who rated this recipe as "perfectly delicious for any occasion"! Sliced pound cake adds an unexpected update to take this classic summer dessert over the top. We recommend the Million Dollar Pound Cake for layering up the flavor.

Thank You Thursday

Last weekend we celebrated Ella's 6th Birthday. 

August 13th

 I can't believe she is that old but she sure can!

 via Marci

 Kind, Conscientious, Responsible,Obedient,Cute, Funny ...

are just some of the words that come to mind when I think about

"Sweet Ella Bella"

 

 Thank you for being YOU

Beautiful Birthday Girl

♥

We love YOU!

 

 

Mindful Monday

“Laughter is inner jogging.”  

                                                                                            ― Norman Cousins

Preston

via Marci

Tuesday Tip

Over at my other blog Pineapple Hill Designs,

I usually post a TIP on Tuesdays. The start of the new school year is just around the corner.  Usually along with those preparations I feel the need to get organized.

I thought I'd share my favorite tips on the subject over here:

 Originally Posted 1/03/09

New Year-Fresh Start

Don't you just love the beginning of the new year.

The simple thought of a New Beginning and a Fresh Start is so rejuvenating. It's a great time to get into a Spring Cleaning mode with habits, attitudes and of course the home and office. January is a great time to organize your pantry, closets and cabinets. Shelters are always in big need in the winter months. The public schools and pre-schools can usually use donations for art classes, etc.

I love using baskets and containers to keep things in order.

My daughter just got a label maker for Christmas and told me she doesn't know what she did before she had it. 

Check out these free labels from Style Guide.

They're perfect for baking goods and come in three pretty colors!

Pretty in pink, this precious trio of flowerpots with matching tray is adorable for a little girl's nursery. A witty way to hold cotton balls, Q-tips and little knick knacks! Dressing your baby and locating clothes as you need them can be made easier. Start with an organizing system based on interchangeable modular units such as boxes, baskets, and sacks. Martha Stewart Kids-2001

Read the full article HERE

These are a few of our favorite "Organizational Inspiration" Spots:

• http://www.jooners.com/
• http://organizetips.com/
• http://www.ineedmoretime.com/
• http://www.organizedhome.com/
• http://www.flylady.net/
• http://www.executivehomemaker.com/content.asp?pid=1
• http://www.lazyorganizer.com/blog/

Originally Posted 2/24/09

I am in a Spring Cleaning "Get Rid of Stuff" mode again. I loved this article from Blueprint Magazine.

Need little incentive....

Here's 100 REASONS to Get Rid of It.

From: Blueprint-March/April 2007

Read the rest 

HERE

 

Originally Posted 7/27/10
Jelly Jar Shelf

via Country Living

Wash and save jelly jars to attach to a shelf for creative craft storage.

 

Mindful Monday

Mindful Monday ~ To Mike

Dear Mike,

I think of you all the time, but I just want you to know that today being your birthday and all I am really missing you!    Thanks for being such a wonderful big brother to me.  I learned so much from you, more by who you were than what you said.  Everyone was always drawn to you.  You had a warmth that made people feel at ease and peaceful.  I love to think about all the lives you touched here on earth. You really did "let your light so shine".

(Me, the Indian,Mike 1964)

  I am ever so grateful for the time we had every Tuesday.  Hope still talks about our visits.  She remembers how organized you were and she cherishes MIKEY, the monkey you made when you were little.  Remember how you teased her about having a "Mikey Birthday Party" instead of a Madeline Party.  

We laugh about it still.  You went on and on about having 

Mikey invitations and Mikey plates.  

Mikey is doing well by the way.

 (he is still a little shy at first )

He stays in Hope's room mostly but likes to hang out in my sewing room from time to time. 

Sometimes he likes to have the Sock Monkey I made for you join him.  I was so excited to give you that monkey for Christmas and you made me feel like it was the coolest gift you'd ever received. 

You were always like that.  Thanks for being so kind to me. That means the world to little sisters you know.

Happy Birthday Mike!

Love and Miss You,
♥KelleyAnne
XO

August 2008

"A Tribute to Mike"

Finished Finally

I had all of these bright fun fabric pieces so I decided to
make Ella and Addie some summer skirts.

I used this pattern again

One of the things I love about it 
is it easily adapts to different sizes.

Remember these skirts from a couple of years ago?

I can't believe how much these two little girls have grown :(


I thought it would be fun to make the tops this time too...
and we couldn't leave out "the little man"
so a bow tie for Preston completed the ensemble.

Thanks for the CUTE pictures Marci!

  

 
and the beautiful setting is Diane's house....don't you just love it!