2 more weeks

We went to the doctor today for B's arm. I can't believe it has been 4 weeks since he broke it! He has been such big boy about it. Thankfully, he has not complained and it really has not been a big deal at all.

They took his old cast off. Of course, we ALL thought it was the coolest thing to watch them saw it off!

He wasn't scared, he just sat there quietly while the assistant sawed right through, pried it open and cut through the cloth.

Finally his arm was free! I will spare you the details on just how gross his cast was.... 4 weeks of sweat and dirt...you get the picture!

As crazy as it may sound, it was actually weird to see his arm without the camo cast.

I washed his arm really good and then they took him to get it x-rayed.

When the doctor came back in, he said it was healing just fine. He showed us the new bone growth. He also showed us an area on the other bone with new growth meaning that he actually broke both bones in his arm! This was something that even the doctor did not know before!

Because his arm is still real tender and they found this second break, he felt that he should wear a cast for 2 more weeks!

I was just fine with that! If not, I would worry that he would injure it again before it was completely healed!

So now at least he has a nice clean camo cast that smells good...at least for today!

Alabama Snow

Sunday was a beautiful fall day. We spent the afternoon at a local park for our annual church picnic.

One of the areas in the park is a 1890's farm, complete with an old farmhouse, smokehouse, cane mill, syrup shed, and of course lots of different farm animals. It is a working farm. Every year they plant a vegetable garden, a small cotton field and even a large pumpkin patch!

So when we were at the park today, I couldn't resist taking the kids into the "Alabama Snow" for some pictures.

A Family Favorite

If you know my oldest daughter E, you know that she LOVES to cook...especially baking. At 9 years old, she is capable of doing a lot of things by herself! She is a big help in the kitchen and she loves to make yummy snacks!

A few years ago, she was a BIG RR fan! E would pretend she had her own cooking show just like RR. As she made cookies, she would talk through the steps as if she had an audience. It was so cute to see and hear her do this!

E in 2006 decked out in her apron set

Now she is older and sadly those days are over.

These days she makes cookies or banana bread or some other dish for the pure enjoyment of doing it and sharing the fruit of her labor with others!

Because of this great love of being in the kitchen, she has started collecting cookbooks. Our church made a cookbook a few years ago. She was 7 and begged for me to buy her one! So we gave her one for Christmas thus beginning the cookbook collection.

One of her cookbooks is written for kids specifically about baking. It teaches the basics to baking and is full of easy step-by-step recipes. Some are easy and some are challenging making it the perfect cookbook for someone who wants to learn about baking pies, cakes, breads and not just cookies.

A new favorite cookie recipe that she has been making from this cookbook is called Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies.

I thought I would share the recipe for you to try. It just may become one of your family favorites too.

1 1/4 cups Peanut Butter
2/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 lg egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
chocolate kisses with the foil removed

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In large bowl, beat peanut butter and brown sugar until well blended. Scrape down bowl and add egg and vanilla. Beat on medium speed until well blended. Add flour. Mix on low just until blended.

Roll the cookies into balls. Place on prepared baking sheet about 1 1/2 inches apart.

Bake 10 - 12 minutes until puffed and dry looking on top. Immediately place an unwrapped chocolate kiss in center of each cookie.

Let cool for 10 minutes before eating.

NOTE: I think they are better the next day!!! If you can wait that long! Also, they are just as good without the chocolate kiss on top. We just gently press them down the cookie with a fork when they first come out of the oven.

Feeding the Farm Animals

Recently, we spent the afternoon with our family at a local park. Almost all the aunts, uncles and cousins were able to come with their families. In the busy world we live in, it is becoming harder and harder to get everyone together. I am so thankful that so many were able to be come and enjoy quality time together as a family.

One of the many hightlights of the day was being able to help feed the farm animals.

The man, who does this daily chore, was so sweet and kind and patient. He took the time to explain things and answer any questions the kids about the animals. He made sure everyone had a turn including the little ones.

S helping a younger cousin feed the chickens

B feeding the pigs

It was such a fun day making memories with our cousins. I can't wait to do it again!

Pumpkin Patch

One of our many fall traditions to go to a local pumpkin patch to take our fall pictures. Here are some of my favorites from this year.

My 2 favorite men!


We ran out of daylight so we will have to go back for pictures
of all of us together!

My Decorator-in-Training

Look what my 9 year old daughter did ALL by herself!

Didn't she do a fantastic job!?!

E and I were out shopping the other night and I found the jar on clearance

at our favorite store for $5.00!

The next day, without me knowing it, she created her masterpiece! She placed acorns and other natural things in the bottom and then put a ceramic pumpkin in the middle.

When she was finished, she surprised me with it!

I think it is beautiful and I could not have done a better job myself!

I think she may actually be a "nester-in-training!"

Harvest Day and Birthday Party

Our small town sets aside the second Saturday in October to honor area farmers and the Harvest season.

I remember as a young girl bringing my great-grandmother to this same festival around the town square. When Scot and I moved here in 1999, it became an extended family tradition as well.

M enjoying a snow cone

Everyone comes to my house and walks to "the square." We enjoy looking at the many craft booths that line the streets, visting with friends, eating boiled peanuts and shopping at the local antique store. It truly is such a highlight of the fall season!

My cousin, Billy, and sister, Julie

My cousin Anna and her husband, Daniel

We then make our way back to our house for lunch and football. It is always a fun day full of lots of family time!

E with my mom

In 2003, B was born the day before Harvest Day. So we also celebrate his birthday too.


This year, we had a football-themed party. We had tailgate food for lunch...wings, mini-hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, etc.

This is his cool cake. Of course, it had to be Ohio State. In his mind, there is no other team!

Isn't it awesome!?!

This is B with one of his gifts. It is camping gear - complete with a tent! Just what he needed!!! Remember this?