Girls Night

My friends came over for a Saturday Night Garden Party

I always like to make a fun dessert. When we were at the bookstore

Ella found a book that had dress cookies in it.

We knew that was it

They were so much fun to decorate and

the kids had a great time putting on the embellishments

It is so nice to have girlfriends over, have way to much food,

way to much dessert (no such thing!)

and lots of laughter

Make S'mores not War!

The first fire of the summer!

The first S'mores of the summer!

It looks like we are off to a great start!

It's time for some loveliness!

Hold onto your hats, I am posting twice in one day! Both kids are home for a clerical day. I had big plans; zoo, library, errands. Ella felt sick in the middle of the night with a friend sleeping over so all plans came to a halt. So while one is sleeping the other is happily building Bionicles in his room. Over the weekend we finally finished Ella's new room which is our old room which means Aaron has his own room.

The sense of peace this has created  for the time being is astounding. Both kids LOVE going to their rooms. Ella loves to CLEAN her room. The first night Ella missed Aaron and felt lonely. Aaron on the other hand danced around his room saying "I'm Free, I'm Free"

I know the novelty will wear off but today I am reveling in the peace and

posting pictures of my garden.

I hope you find some peace today also.

Get outta town!

We took a trip to the Laurel Mountains for Memorial Day.

I hadn't been there in years and the kids had never been there.

This is the natural slide. I used to go here in high school with my friends. We would have cookouts and drink and do the slides. Now I was afraid I may break a hip and be laid up for a few weeks. Though I did try the upper easy part and just came out with a big bruise on my leg. The rocks are cover in algae and I was in my bathing suit walking on slippery rocks trying to keep my balance(not always successfully). There are NO pictures of that!

This is Cucumber Falls. You can walk behind the falls and feel the spray. All Aaron could say was THIS IS AWESOME!! the entire time. You get that kid out in nature and he is never bored.

A rare moment of no goofy faces and pure happiness.

The yearly shave

Since our Xena is a plus size kitty it's a bit hard for her to

groom her 23 lb. body

So once a year my husband and I don the

rubber gloves and get down to business.

Ella laughs hysterically and puts all the hair in a bag for us

It takes me closer to a cats ass than anyone should ever be.

But after it's done...

It's all worth it.

Happy Birthday Ella!

Ella turned 8 this weekend.

There was hair crimping and braiding 

There were french manicures

8 girls, 80 little fingers, 8 heads of hair that all need crimped or braided and all the little girl drama that goes with it. How did I not know how loud 8 girls can be. Especially when they are in my tiny house for pizza and brownies. There were blood curdling screams, a few tears and just when you think it is all about to fall apart they are all honked off that their moms are back to pick them up. Throw in a sleep over with your best friend and you have the perfect birthday.

I love you Ella! I wouldn't have it any other way!

Here we Go!

In case you haven't heard the Steelers are going to the Superbowl. I am not a big sports fan but being from Pittsburgh I can't admit that or I am sure to be kicked out and told

"Don't yinz come back ya jagoffs!!

I had to share this video because every time I turn around this song is playing.

It can drive you crazy.

It also makes me proud of being from a city with so much diversity but we can all agree that we love our Black and Gold!