4th of July

Growing up, I remember my parents taking us to see fireworks 3-4 nights in a row. We'd hit ICC, Peoria, Springfield, and various other places. My kiddos didn't want a second night of fireworks, so instead we went mini-golfing. 

2014 T-Ball

Jaylee played her first year of T-ball. I helped coach her team, the Cardinals. She got pretty good at stopping the ball, now we need to work on hitting. 

2014 Baseball

Aiden played his first year of coach pitch baseball. He was on the Cubs, and thought that was pretty awesome. 

Life Just Gets A Little Too Busy Sometimes

It has been awhile.  Today as I typed up the last of my summer assignments, I realized how much I miss writing.  Writing about my children helps me remember some of the great times we have had.  I vowed to get back at it, and to make the time for it!

Since my last post....

 I got married.

My sweet and sassy grandmother, Norma Smith, passed away.

Aiden started and finished Kindergarten.

Jaylee started and finished her first year of preschool.

 And Lots and Lots of Other Stuff....

Where, oh Where has All the Time Gone?

I have neglected this blog.  There is no excuse for it, I have an iPhone and should be updating this thing all the time.  My excuse: I do better thinking and writing on my computer.  Oh, and I am super busy. 

Me update:

Last year I met a sweet, caring, and handsome guy, Chad.  After getting to know each other, we introduced our kids and everyone hit it off.  We began spending more and more time with each other.  I am sure you have seen them mentioned before.  A year after our first date, Chad proposed to me, and we are planning for a November 3rd wedding.  Yes, November of this year!  So I am busy planning a wedding. 

After taking classes all summer, I am now teaching 6th grade science!  It is a refreshing change of pace.  I have been busy learning the curriculum and getting to know my 100 new students this year.  I also play chauffeur to Aiden.


Kids update:

Aiden is super busy going to preschool at Northside Elementary in Geneseo every single morning.  He loves his teachers, and I hope they love him.  And yes, he does ride the short bus.

He also keeps busy with fall soccer and swimming lessons. 

He still carries his three dogs around, but he also enjoys playing with his real dog, Soxi.  Yes, our first pet...  Not sure what I was thinking!  We got her at the end of July, she is a Miniature Pinscher.

Aiden turned 5 in September and decided to have another baseball birthday party.  This year he wanted the White Sox.  His future step-sister Brooklyn may have persuaded him a little.  

Sweet Jaylee has grown so much.  She is out of her crib and in a big girl bed.  (Should I mention her bed is a king size?)  She loves to play with her pink Power Ranger figure, dolls, and Legos.  She also loves terrorizing the poor dog! 

Updates to Come!

I have been so busy taking three science classes that I have not had a chance to write any blog entries!  I finished my last class on Friday, and I plan to enter in all of our adventures in the past few months!  We've been busy with baseball, swimming, and tons of other things.  I can't wait to fill you all in!

Basil Pesto Bruchetta

One of my favorite recipes to make when my basil is in season!

 

Basil Pesto Bruchetta

Prepare Pesto

2 Cups of fresh basil leaves

½ Cup grated Parmesan cheese

¼ Cup pine nuts

3 Garlic cloves

2/3 Cup of extra-virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Combine the basil, garlic, and pine nuts in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped.  Add olive oil and process until fully incorporated and smooth.  Season with salt and pepper.  Add cheese.  (I put saran wrap over the top of mine, and stick it in the fridge.  I make sure the plastic is touching the pesto while I prepare the other stuff.  If you just leave it, it gets brown on top. 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Cut the baguette (I used French), place on a sheet tray and toast both sides (about 5 min per side)

Rub with garlic clove cut in half. 

Spread pesto, chopped up tomato (I soaked my tomato in balsamic vinegar), and grated Parmesan cheese on the bread.  Bake until cheese is melted.

Aiden's Last Day of Preschool

Today was Aiden's last day of preschool at First Lutheran.  This is the first time I've been able to take him to preschool.  It was a nice morning, so we walked there.  Along the way I thought I dropped my checkbook, I spent the next three hours frantically searching for it, only to find it at home in the garage. He is ready for summer and so am I!

Aiden's First Baseball Game

Aiden had his first T-ball game.  He cracks me up!  His first at bat he swung and missed.  Quickly he realized he did not have his batting gloves on. Luckily they were in his back pocket.  He took a time out, put them on, and then whacked the ball.  Gotta love him! 

Zoo Afternoon

Look at these goofballs!

I Saw It!

We made it to Fareway to see the Oscar Meyer Wiener Mobile!

Aiden's First Baseball Practice

Aiden had his first baseball practice today.  He had all of his stuff ready to go at 6:30 AM.  He couldn't find his blue socks right away, and wanted me to call his coach (which happens to be his dad) to see if it was ok if he wore red socks.  What a crack up!  I am not sure how he got through the day.  He was the only child there in baseball pants.  I think he was also the only one who brought his own catching gear.  :)  So excited for his baseball career to begin!

Aiden's Second Soccer Game

Aiden had his second soccer game today.  He was the leading scorer...for the other team.  He scored not one, but two goals for the opposing team. 

Red Fire Team Picture

Showing off his legs...not sure why?

Half Time=Snack Time! 

Jaylee's 2nd Birthday Party

On Saturday we had family over to celebrate Jaylee's 2nd Birthday.  The kids had a blast playing outside, eating cake, and watching Jaylee open presents.