Bird Nest

I was outside yesterday trying to do some watering in this sweltering heat and Pop asked me if I had seen the bird nest in the yard.  I hadn't so he took me over to his tractor.  There under the seat a bird had built a nest.  What a clever place...the springs hold the twigs in place and the seat protects it from the rain I mean dust.

It's kind of a funny angle, but I was able to peek inside. 

There were three blue and brown eggs. 

This morning I headed out to check the nest and was having a hard time seeing. 

I couldn't tell if that little tuft of gray was the mama birds feathers she'd used to make the nest, or if an egg had hatched.

Pretty soon this little head poked up begging for food! 

I'm anxious to check tomorrow morning! 

Reunions, Rodeos, and Birthdays

This past weekend we drove down to see my family in Pretty Prairie.  It was a very busy weekend.  We arrived Friday evening and hung out with my dad (everyone else was at the rodeo or had other plans)  Saturday we did some things around the house and then drove to Kingman to a family reunion.  It was very hot, but so fun to see everyone!  Justin and I hadn't been since just after we were married, so there was much catching up to do.  We left the reunion to head back to Pretty Prairie to the rodeo.  I had been praying for rain on Saturday all week so that it wouldn't be so hot sitting outside.  As we left Kingman, it started thundering and yes raining!!  We watched the temperature in my parents van drop from 101 to 72 in just a few miles.  The rain was spotty and didn't last long, but it was enough to bring the temperature down and make it bearable for the rodeo.

My brother runs the exit gate for the livestock in the area. 

(He's the one laughing in the plaid shirt)

One of the bull fighters and a contestant waiting for everything to begin. 

The grand entry 

I apologize for the next few blurry pictures.

Sunday we all went to church and then out to eat for all of the July birthdays.  After lunch we headed back to my Grandpa's for birthday cards, naps, and games.  It was so much fun and very relaxing!

Kyle and Erin have a new little puppy.  She's too small to leave at home yet, so she got to come along and play with Emma.  My mom had just watered and she thought it was a nice cool place to take a nap.  I may or may not have gotten frowned at for taking pictures of the dog laying in the flowers instead of chasing her out.:)

We have a little war going on with Justin's brother and his fiance and as a result came home to a very festive yard!

There were flags everywhere in the grass on the north side of the house.

A bowling pin in the stump out by the road 

A gift wrapped toilet in front of the garage. 

Forks stuck all over in the grass on the south side and in front of the house.

And a decorated tree.

They also broke into our house and rearrange our furniture for us!

The payback is already being planned!!:)

Bacon Swiss Penne

Ingredients

12 ounces uncooked penne pasta
13 bacon strips
1-1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 tablespoons butter
6 green onions, chopped
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups 2% milk
3 cups (12 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
1-1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
1-1/2 cups frozen peas, thawed
3/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
TOPPING:
3/4 cup dry bread crumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions
Cook penne according to package directions.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook bacon in batches over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels; drain, reserving 4 teaspoons drippings. Crumble bacon and set aside.
Saute chicken in butter and drippings until no longer pink. Add onions; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in flour until blended; gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in the cheeses, peas, pepper, thyme and bacon.
Drain penne; add to chicken mixture and toss to coat. Transfer to a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs and butter; sprinkle over top. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Yield: 10 servings.

I was in a hurry today when making this recipe and I forgot to put the peas in.  The penne was very good (even without the peas).  I took half of the dish up to our neighbors and they really enjoyed it as well.  Another good casserole to add to the list! 

Taste of Home Tuesday: German Sour Cream Twists

Ingredients
1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup shortening
1/3 cup cold butter
1 egg
2 egg yolks
3/4 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups sugar, divided
4 cups confectioners' sugar
1/3 cup half-and-half cream

Directions
In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in shortening and butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Beat in the egg, egg yolks, sour cream, vanilla and yeast mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Place three ungreased baking sheets in the refrigerator.

Sprinkle 1/2 cup sugar over a clean work surface. On the sugared surface, roll half of dough into a 12-in. x 8-in. rectangle (refrigerate remaining dough until ready to use). Sprinkle rectangle with 4 teaspoons sugar; fold into thirds.

Give dough a quarter turn and repeat rolling, sugaring and folding two more times. Roll into a 12-in. x 8-in. rectangle. Cut into twelve 1-in.-wide strips; twist. Place on chilled baking sheets. Repeat with remaining sugar and dough.

Bake at 375° for 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned. Immediately remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

For icing, combine confectioners' sugar and cream. Dip twists into icing or drizzle icing over twists. Yield: 2 dozen.

Wow!!  These are AMAZING!!  I used Taste of Homes picture because my twists were not near as pretty.  After baking the first batch I realized I should have rolled my twists tighter.  The second batch came out a little better.  I'm going to need to keep practicing on these...I just may have to make them several more times;)

Initial Frame

I found this super cute and easy idea on pinterest with the tutorial here.  I decided yesterday was the day to give it a try.  I cut a letter out of cute scrapbook paper, sewed it onto card stock, and put it in a frame with some ribbon. 

This is the first one I made.  My zig-zag stitch was pretty long.

I decided to give it a second try only this time I shortened my stitch.  This one turned out much better.  I think I'm going to frame it and take it to school.     

What a great gift idea!

Summer Projects

I have been working on my summer to-do list and am slowly getting things checked off.  I had seen some super cute silhouettes over a year ago and took a picture of Koryn with hopes to make one.  I finally finished it this summer!

I have been working in Photoshop making different prints.  This was going to be a gift, but I like it so much it's now hanging on my wall.:) 

I have had material to make a skirt FOREVER.  Today was the day.  I got it almost all done, and realized I messed up.  I'm going to have to go back and fix it, but thankfully it shouldn't be too bad. 

I needed a break from all the stressful sewing so Justin and I took a little trip.  My Route 44 Strawberry Limeade was WONDERFUL!! 

On a different note, Justin and I ran to Wichita on Friday.  I had a quick appointment to remove the balloon the Dr. had put in after surgery.  I was in and out in about 15 minutes.  We will go back in about a week to see the doctor. 

Never Say Never

When I was younger I used to dread this time of year.  My Mom would make me go outside to weed, water, and help in the garden.  She made me pick beans...can you believe it!?!  And not only did I have to pick them, but then we would go inside to cut the ends, clean, and can them.  I was such a mistreated child, let me tell ya!;)  While I was slaving away I decided that I would NOT grow green beans in my garden.  They just couldn't be that expensive, I would just buy them. 

Guess what we grew in our garden the last two years....GREEN BEANS!!  Last year they did not do well at all and we just ate what grew.  This year they have done much better and I started canning them. (and we are planning on planting more in a fall garden)  It's amusing to me that now that it is MY garden with MY weeds and MY produce, it's a totally different story.  I kind of enjoy picking green beans.  There's a weird satisfaction knowing that this is something we grew, took care of, and put up to enjoy throughout the winter.  

Here are a few jars ready for water and lids 

A canner full 

20 minutes with the pressure holding at 11 pounds 

We have seven more pints!

I have only canned 14 pints so far.  I am curious to see how much these plants continue to produce. 

I have to add that I'm so glad my Mom "mistreated" me and made me help out.  Canning green beans isn't that big of a deal now because I remember how she did it and it was reinforced year after year.  Thanks Mom!!

Taste of Home Tuesday: Baked Ziti

Ingredients

3 cups uncooked ziti or small tube pasta
1-3/4 cups meatless spaghetti sauce, divided
1 cup (8 ounces) 4% cottage cheese
1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Directions
Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine 3/4 cup spaghetti sauce, cottage cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, egg, parsley, oregano, garlic powder and pepper. Drain pasta; stir into cheese mixture.
In a greased 8-in. square baking dish, spread 1/4 cup spaghetti sauce. Top with pasta mixture, remaining sauce and mozzarella cheese.

Cover and bake at 375° for 45 minutes. Uncover; bake 5-10 minutes longer or until bubbly. Yield: 6 servings.

As I was mixing this up I was afraid it was going to be a little bit dryer then Justin and I like, so I added the whole jar of spaghetti sauce.  It was good, quick and easy....I will definitely be making it again.

Monday

This past weekend was Justin's long weekend so that meant that not only did he have Friday and Monday off, but it was a grocery shopping weekend as well.  Since Friday had been my procedure, we decided we would play it by ear and see how I was feeling before we decided when we would head to Salina for groceries.  Yesterday morning I was feeling pretty good so we decided we would go....

That was probably not the smartest decision I have ever made.  We had a great time shopping and it was wonderful to get out of the house.  We got home around 5:30 (we hadn't left the house until noon...and since we had skipped last time, the list was LONG) and I got things unpacked while poor Justin mowed in the yucky heat.  By the time he came in looking for something to eat I was sitting in the chair not moving. 

The next great dumb thought I had was if I just sat there long enough without moving, I would start feeling better.  Ha!  I should have taken some of my pain meds as we were eating instead of 2 1/2 hours later.  My meds did eventually kick in and I slept through the entire night which hadn't happened for several nights.

I woke up this morning feeling much better, the sun is shining,...it's going to be a good day!

Chocolate Hazelnut Squares

I found this recipe on Emile's blog. 

I made them tonight and they are AMAZING!! 

An awesome summer snack that's easy and refreshing!

Give them a try!



Procedure

Yesterday Justin drove me to Wichita for my hysterocopy.  Dr Tatpati ending up burning off the top part of my uterus that was too low.  She was very pleased with how the procedure went.  I will be going back in about a week for a follow-up appointment.  Thank you for all the prayers!

Fourth of July Fun

On the fourth we went into town to Joy's house. 

The wind was so still the flies were biting like crazy.

Jordyn lighting some firecrackers

The pool felt so good!!

Cute baby legs

It was a beautiful calm night for shooting off fireworks 

I love how you can see Sarah helping Koryn hold the sparkler 

We had great time.  Thanks for letting us come hang out Joy!

Oklahoma

Over the Fourth of July weekend Justin and I and Chad and Cassondra drove down to Oklahoma to hang out with Kyle and Erin.  Friday night we camped out in one of Kyle's pastures (I forgot to take pictures).  Saturday we drove to the Wichita Mountains and went for a hike.  (I had no idea there were mountains in Oklahoma!!) 

We saw this buffalo as soon as we started out.

Everything was so rocky and red.

The rock has amazing color to it.

The hikers.

We made it to the top of the canyon

There is usually a waterfall here, but it is so dry right now it had stopped flowing.

The mighty Emma

We climbed down to the bottom of the canyon

The guys went for a swim while us girls just sat on the edge with our feet in the water.

We noticed a cliff above the little pool and Justin decided to jump off.

(No worries, he made sure it was deep enough and there were no rocks)

SHARK!!

Ok just kidding...This is what the picture really looked like.  He was just coming up for a big breath of air after holding it for so long.

All six of us

After our hike we were starving so Kyle and Erin took us to this yummy hamburger restaurant.  We knew it must be amazing because there was a line clear out the door at 2:00!  The burgers were made from longhorn beef and were very tasty.

After we ate we drove up Mt. Scott.

It was all beautiful!  The temperature was over 100 most of the time, but there was no humidity...a dry heat...much easier to breathe then with all the humidity!!  We had a great time!  Thanks Kyle and Erin!!