PREP-ING FOR THE 2011 GREAT EASTER EGG HUNT

Easter is just around the corner and the 'things and stuff' necessary are piling up getting ready for the big event! The candy and prizes have been purchased, the eggs just need to be filled!! Mr. and Mrs. EASTER BUNNY have their hats and are ready to hide some eggs!

Let the festivities begin!

CHOCOLATE TUFTED GOODNESS!

When you think about all the 'things and stuff' in life, could there be anything better than chocolate? I really think not! When these brownies came out of the oven I thought they were beautiful! Really... almost like a tufted matelasse' silk fabric. Jut as an FYI, Matelasse is an embossed compound fabric woven on a dobby or Jacquard loom.

The secret? Betty Crocker red box brownies and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Follow the recipe on the box. After you pour the batter in the pan, press in unwrapped peanut butter cups in any pattern you desire. I don't really think you can put in too many peanut butter cups! Bake as directed.

A hot brownie and a big class of cold milk. So, so good!

FUN IN THE SUN!

Suzie had meetings in Orlando this week so Erin and I tagged along just for fun. The conference was at Disney but the Swan Hotel messed up our reservation so we had to stay over at the Gaylord Palms Resort. Sad for us...NOT! Luxury resort at conference prices. It was really a great little get-a-way. Laying in the sun, hanging out, eating and playing!

Erin and I spent one day at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure. It was so much fun! We rode our favorite roller coaster, The HULK, four times and obviously it was a kick! We also rode Dueling Dragons twice, Jurassic Park and then The Amazing Spiderman. Then, just for fun, we rode Dudley Do-Rights Buzz Saw Rapids and got soaked! That ride is like Splash Mountain on steroids!

It was so much fun just to spend a little time with Erin away from all the crazy stuff at home. We really had a great time. I love her lots!

JUNIOR PROM TRADITIONS

Wow! Time really flies when your days are filled with 'things and stuff'. but often time goes faster than it should! It seems like yesterday that Deni was going to Prom, then Erin... now my baby who is really, OBVIOUSLY, not a baby at all!

A tradition I have had with all of my girls is that I give them pearls on their prom. They may not wear them to the dance but it is something that, hopefully, they will cherish and remember.

Sami and McKay

Could they look better? I think not.....

STUNNING!

THE WRECKING BALL COMETH, seriously!

The time has come... the kitchen is tired. "THINGS AND STUFF" have to change!

The kitchen is the first room we did when we moved in seventeen years ago. The room has been well used and honestly, loved. It has entertained guests, hosted parties and played a part in hundreds of family memories; but all good things must come to an end.

Time to say good bye to the old and hello to a whole load of work,
starting with a bunch of demolition!!

Actually, the demolition is the fun part! It is the putting it back together that is hard, especially when it is a design as you go project... kind of typical for us. We won't be sure what it is going to look like until it is finished.

This is the progress so far this week. I will keep you posted as we go forward. The plumber is coming tomorrow to push the drains and water supplies up into the floor joists since we removed the drop ceiling. Then I will be looking for someone to hang some sheet rock and do a little mudding and patching! Any suggestions?

Start date: 28 March 2011. I am not sure that I dare venture a guess when it will be done...