The Taste of Summer

Teaching three piano lessons during my prime dinner making hours this afternoon inspired me to do something light and easy for dinner.

Leftover steak from the Summer Supper Club, a few fresh peppers, and basil from our garden for a nice bright pesto to dress up a few paninis. Besides, who wants to cook when the temperature hits triple digits?

Roasting peppers over an open flame was a first for me. My husband walked through the kitchen while I was at work and raised an eyebrow, but everything turned out well. 

It just took a dry paper towel to strip the charred skin off and the peppers were cored and diced for our steak sandwiches.

If you're looking for a fail-proof homemade bread recipe, here's what I use. It only takes three ingredients (flour, salt, yeast) and requires no kneading! We go through at least one loaf a week. 

I'd have included a picture of the final product - peppers, pecan basil pesto and all - but I had a couple of hungry boys and a baby to feed in a short amount of time. So, I'll just leave you hanging here. 

And, as I begin this week, I'm working off of my second written weekly plan. I have appointments and goals for most days to help me prioritize tasks and stay motivated. 

The Summer Supper Club

On Saturday night we hosted the latest meeting of 

The Summer Supper Club.

It's as awesome as it sounds. 

Two great couples we've gotten to know through our church small group have teamed up with us to take turns hosting and just enjoying great fellowship over delectable dinners.

We've had an outdoor BBQ, Italian and Greek themed nights. 

Last night we opted for Surf & Turf with Steak, Shrimp and all of the extras.

What a fun bunch!

We took care of the food while the guys played horseshoes and manned the grill.

Ryder loves having friends over!

Our youngest members...

...and the rest of us. 

Well, minus me, because I'm taking the picture. :)

We sure love these sweet encouraging friends. 

Here's to hoping that the first ever Summer Supper Club turns into the Fall Supper Club!

Through Ryder's Eyes

Normally our phones and the iPad are off limits for Ryder boy, but this week there were a few days that I let him work on his photography skills. It was fun to scroll through my photos and see life as Ryder sees it. Here are a few of the highlights...

His very first selfie. 

And then one with Mama too.

Chubby toes up on the counter while he helps me stir up some waffle batter.

More from his perch in the kitchen.

Ryder loves to help when I'm baking and cooking! 

The favourite toys.

Ryder can't take the credit for this last one. But since a trip to the tractor store was the absolute highlight of his week, I thought I'd sneak it in here at the end. 

Happy Friday!

The Hamster Wheel

No, we don't have a hamster. I barely have time to clean up after our dog. 

But I'm tired of constantly feeling behind of late. 

So, to try to shake that feeling this week, I sat down on Sunday with a pen and paper and laid out my entire week. Our usual activities, a few household maintenance chores, and a list of extras if I find myself with spare time (haha!).

It seems like a visual reminder always helps me stay on track. 

Oh, and just in case you were wondering...

yes, this guy loves his green smoothie juice!

Ryder's First Rodeo

Here I am

hot coffee and cookies sitting on the piano bench beside me

screen door open to hear the rain pouring down

devos read

computer open

Burt's Bees order placed. :)

It's one of those mornings where I don't have to be anywhere.

It's a rare 57 degrees in our desert.

Everything that's calling for me (laundry, Etsy sewing, messy kitchen, etc.) can wait.

It's Friday and I intend to enjoy it. :)

Last night I was able to take the boys out to the local Fairgrounds where a church friend was riding in a rodeo. One of the things I love about small town life is just such opportunities for the boys and I to get out and have adventures without having to deal with parking, huge crowds, and long lines. 

Here's beautiful Miss Mackenzie up on Badger.

Ryder loved seeing her and petting that pretty horse.

And she's off!

What's not to love about a kids rodeo?

Ryder was enthralled. 

The fence tasted good too. ;)

So proud of this sweet girl. 

Happy Friday Y'all!

Park Days are the Best Days

Park days are the best days.

Look who has graduated to the dinner table!

'Farm' life at its finest.

I was pampered by a sweet friend who did my nails this week - a true luxury - and enjoyed a night out with the girls and this handsome guy.

And just in case that all sounds too peaceful for a mother of 2, here's what we woke up to the other morning. Someone got into the fingerprint inside and then decided to go play in the backyard barefoot  and well, just about bare everything. Haha!

Just keeping it real. :)

We're In Business!

We're in business!  

Well, the chickens are in business. 

After almost five months of feeding these little ladies, I finally collected 2 eggs this afternoon.

Braden's car headed off to her final resting place.

Unfortunately, the John Deere Implement Store was closed when we stopped by, but that didn't stop us from a quick 'drive' on the gator out front. :)

 We tried a new Asian Butter Lettuce Steak Wrap for dinner tonight. The bright colours on our dinner table tonight made me so happy!  Bring on the grilled tri-tip...

After all of that health food, we needed to fulfill one last category of the food pyramid. Plus, I've been wanting to try out The Pioneer Woman's chocolate sheet cake for a while now.  Just in case you couldn't tell, it's delish!

There's enough to share. 

Who's coming?