"new"snack and poppers

The older girls were wanting a snack yesterday, so, we made jack-grape kabobs. They loved them and it was sooooo easy.

green grapes
pepper jack cheese cubes (their favorite kind)
wooden skewers

Because of my type A personality, I made them alternate evenly. If you want to be wild and crazy, you can do more or less of either. Just don't tell me about it.

The girls each made a skewer and took them outside to enjoy.

Grilled Poppers-we had these in Liberal a few weeks ago. They're are so yummy!

jalepeno peppers-seeded and cut in half
cream cheese, softened
bacon
toothpicks

Spread some cream cheese in the pepper. Then lightly sprinkle season salt over top. I use the cajun salt. Wrap one slice of bacon around the jalepeno and secure with a toothpick. Grill over medium heat for 30-40 minutes, until bacon is crisp. This makes a great appetizer.

Kevin wants me to try this with cheddar cheese, but I haven't figured out how, yet. Ideas?

Wednesday wish wash

Man, I can't believe we're halfway done with June! This summer is already flying.

• Our one and only vacation for the season is happening in 2 days. We're going to Allen Tx to visit family. To say we're excited is an understatement. Avery even made a countdown calendar. We also have reservations to eat at the American Girl Bistro on Saturday. I'm excited about this. I don't know what to expect, but Krista, my SIL said I'd be overwhelmed. The girls have been doing "extra" chores around the house to earn money to spend there.
• Planning a couple of staycations for the rest of the summer. i e-staying in a tent in the backyard, family night, etc...
• You know it's time to buy a new exercise dvd when you have the whole routine memorized. I have Billy Blanks boot camp routine down. All 53 minutes of it. I want to buy Jillian Micheals Shred or Boost Your Metabolism dvds. Maybe want isn't the word. Need is more like it. No, it's want...I actually like to work out.
  
• I had a GREAT shopping trip to Penneys this morning. I bought 2 shirts, a skirt, a picture frame and a reusable bag. All for $15 and some change. My receipt says I saved $82.11!
  
• I received the best compliment yesterday. We all went to the dentist and after Avery and McKenna got their teeth cleaned, the hygienist came out and told me how well the girls behaved, how articulate they both were and how they talked about relevant things. She even went on to tell me how McKenna explained the colors of her necklace. (red-the blood of Christ, black-sin, yellow-heaven, white-purity, etc...) She also told me that she didn't know of many 4 year olds that can successfully floss their own teeth and that I needed to do it more...And that Avery will need braces :(
• No teeth for Presley, yet. I'm not complaining, though, since I'm still nursing:)
  
• The girls ate at their friend, Maddy's house last night, so Kevin suggested Chipotle for us. We haven't had Chipotle in 7 weeks, since the LOST season finale. It was soooo good.
• Avery has already asked when camp is next year. And she has declared that she wants to go again. I remember the "high" I used to get from camp each summer. I'm glad Avery got to experience it this year.
• It's crazy hot today. I'm ready for another storm tonight. I like summer rain.
  
• I am so blessed. I love my life. I am the luckiest wife and mom in the world.
  

Take Me Out...

Our 1st family night was a baseball theme. Avery learned about Jackie Robinson in school and so we decided to make our first family night activity centered around baseball. Avery made a pendent with Jackie Robinson's number on it. We ate horrible food-good tasting but bad for you food. Hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, ice cream sandwiches. We played ball. We got creative and used frisbees for bases. We learned and sang "Take me out to the ballgame."McKenna up at batAvery, making it to 1st base. The girls had the best time. Aunt Marla and Reese joined us in the fun. After baseball, it's bathtime...

Rough week

Monday started off as a regular day. The older girls had camp and VBS. I was looking forward to having the mornings with just Presley.
Tuesday morning, my best friend, Rachel called. Things have been different ever since.
Early Thursday morning, Rachel delivered a stillborn baby. A boy. 10 fingers. 10 toes. Joshua Brian Bollinger.

• I've learned some things this week. Life doesn't stop when crises hits. Kids still get hungry, get tired, get fussy.
  
• Who are we to think, just b/c we're Christians, that we're immune to horrible circumstances. My dad painfully reminded me and Rachel that God the Father didn't even spare his son from pain when he was sent to the cross.
• It's a humbling experience to except help. People don't like to ask for help. It's hard to let others serve you.
  
• Just because it's "over" doesn't mean it's really over. I don't think it will ever be "over," this side of heaven.

Rachel's older kids have been hanging out with us this week. Ben, Avery, Lizzy and McKenna have had sooooo much fun together. Not one fight. Not one argument. Just fun. And probably too much sugar.
When we were going to camp this morning, I asked everyone what their favorite part of the week has been. Both Ben and Avery said swimming at camp. Both Kenna and Lizzy said the music at VBS(hint, they didn't swim :) When I asked Lizzy what her favorite song was, she said "I Get Down." That's McKenna's favorite too. What a song for this week. God's promises are true.

Lavishly our lives are wasted
Humbleness is left untasted
You can't live your life to please yourself, yeah
That's a tip from my mistakes
Exactly what it doesn't take
To win you've got to come in last place
To live your life you've got to lose it
And all the losers get a crown

Chorus:
I get down and he lifts me up
I get down and he lifts me up
I get down and he lifts me up
I get down

All I need's another day
Where I cant seem to get away
From the many things that drag me down, yeah
I'm sure you've had a day like me
Where nothing seems to set you free
From the burdens you can't carry all alone
In your weakness he is stronger
In your darkness he shines through
When you're crying he's your comfort
When your all alone, he's carrying you

Chorus

This valley is so deep
I can barely see the sun
I cry out for mercy, lord
You lift me up again

McKenna has VBS at church and Avery has day camp at Eberly Farm this week and they were so excited! This was taken on Monday morning.

Good friends Ben and Lizzy have joined our clan in the afternoons this week.
Here's Avery and Ben after camp today.
We decided to make Super Power muffins this afternoon. They had so much fun.
While the muffins were baking, we watched Monsters Inc. Lizzy was out 5 minutes into the movie. McKenna soon followed. Ben inhaled 2 muffins as soon as they came out of the oven.

Avery's verse for today-

"Believe in the Lord Jesus and you shall be saved." Act 16:31

Cooking Party

My good friend, Sally, sells homemade gourmet and did a cooking party at my house last week. We had a great time, and, in 1 hour, made 8 meals to go in the freezer. McKenna "helped" me make some appetizers-BBQ dip, Tiramisu cheeseball, and raspberry tea. The party consisted of 8 people. Each person had a station and they made 10 meals (2 people wanted meals but couldn't come). After everyone was finished, each person got one bag/meal at each station, 8 meals in all. It was so easy, and the food is sooooo good. I just pulled the mexican chicken tacos out of the freezer to have later this week.

Kevin was in charge of the kids during the party, 7 girls to be exact. My freezer before...And now, I'm stocked!

Menu Plan Monday

Here's our menu for the week. Avery has day camp and McKenna has VBS this week. Kevin will be working on his dissertation. Lunches will most likely be leftovers or sandwiches.

Sunday-waffles, sausage, fruit-taco salad-date night at PF Changs
Monday-yogurt, super power muffins-BBQ chicken sandwiches, salad
Tuesday-green smoothies, granola bars-homemade pizza, fruit salad
Wednesday-raisen toast, fruit-chef salad, cheddar scones
Thursday-waffles, fruit-mexican chicken tacos, rice, guacamole
Friday-cereal-sandwiches-swim party at the Y
Saturday-scrambled eggs, fruit-leftovers-brisket, baked potatoes with broccoli and cheese