Six Years and Nine Months

This photo was taken by Jen Thurlo of Sulphur Springs.  It's Mr. Big Stuff and and his little sister, Chubby Fashionista.  He's 6 now and she is 9 months!   

Jen captures a very sweet moment!  I love that Chubby Fashionista has her hands on her brother's face. 

Here they are in the light! 

Sweet boy... 

Sassy boots...

My wonderful grandchildren! 

Thanks, Jen, for more beautiful photographs!  ;-)  -Marci

Independence Day Star

So the front door needs a lil seasonal makeover and Independence Day is just around the corner. 

I stumbled across this metal star at Orscheln's yesterday, and it was ON SALE! 

It's the kind with the pocket / planter in the center.  In our area there is a wonderful rodeo every year the first four days of July.  Rodeo of the Ozarks was on my mind when I began this project!  Many of us celebrate Independence Day at the rodeo.   

So, I grabbed a red bandana and tied it on the star.

Then I tucked a small USA plaque inside the planter and used a bread tie to attach it. 



And here's our favorite six year old, posing in the entry to our stone cottage! 



I hope your Independence Day is filled with joy!  ;-)  -Marci

Easy Pizza Plus Herbs

Cooking dinner can feel like such a chore after a tough day.  Sometimes I want to just do something quick and easy, (but still tasty). 

Here's my family's favorite pizza recipe.  It's so simple, it's my favorite pizza recipe, too! 

Here's what I do: 

1 Boxed Pizza - Today I used good ol' Chef Boy Ar Dee
A few stems of Basil and/or Oregano
Pizza Toppings - This time I used black olives and ham
About 1 Cup Grated Cheese
Cavender's Greek Seasoning

Prepare crust according to the package directions.  Smoosh into the pan.   

Add sauce. 

Here's where things get a little more fun.  Grab a couple stems of basil.  Oregano would be yummy, too.  Today I have Genovese Basil and Globe Basil.  

You probably recognise the Genovese Basil with its large leaves.  Something nice about the Globe Basil is you don't need to chop it!  So, snip the leaves as small as you like them, or just toss them onto the pizza. 

(Quick tip:  Leave a couple of leaves at the top of the Basil stem.  We'll talk about why in a seperate post.) 

I add the tiny packet of parmesan cheese at this point and add our family's favorite pizza toppings.

Next add about a cup of grated mozzerella or more parmesan.  Sprinkle with Cavender's Greek Seasoning or whatever you have that is similar to spaghetti seasoning.

Bake according to package directions. 

A super quick, super easy and super tasty recipe!  My family loves the flavor and I love the minimal work after a tough day! 

;-)  Marci

Our Favorite SIX Year Old

It's hard to believe, but Mr. Big Stuff is now SIX YEARS OLD!!  On the day of his party, the weather was perfect for... 

Splashing... 

Balloon get aways... 

Friends... 

Cousins... 

Sisters... 

Cake...

Presents...

Laughter...

Honestly, how do six years go by in the blink of an eye?  And, how do you love someone so small so very, very much? 

Thank you for sharing our birthday joy!  ;-)  -Marci

Not Quite White Trash Candy

One of my favorite blogs is Shugary Sweets .  Just the other day, I was reading Shugary Sweets and this recipe for White Trash Candy pops up.  Mmmm...  I like White Trash Candy ! 

I think it's kind of like chili.  Every family has their own recipe.  Basically, you dig through your cabinets and anything that might be tastey with white chocolate melted over it, well, you dump it in a bowl and pour white chocolate over it.  Slap that on wax paper until cool.  Call it candy and eat.   

So, all inspired, I mosey to the kitchen to make some and...  Oh, my!  We don't have white chocolate or almond bark!!  I know, right?!  I mean, seriously, how does that happen?! 

After muttering grumpy grumbles, I realize we do have semi sweet chocolate chips and peanut butter chips!  My Ozark Mountain indignation ebs and creativity begins.  Here's what worked for me even though it is not actually "white". 

1 cup almonds
1 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

OK, gang, throw the ingredients in a microwave safe bowl and zap for a couple of minutes.  When it comes out, stir and pour over Triscuit crackers (or whatever you have) on wax paper.  Pretzels would be great. 

1 cup almonds
1 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup peanut butter chips

One more time, throw the ingredients in a microwave safe bowl and zap for a couple of minutes. When it comes out, stir and pour over Triscuit crackers or whatever you have. 



I used the same bowl for both batches. 




Here are the two batches side by side. 

Once cooled, break apart and toss together.  I'm really not sure what to call it...    "Not Quite White Trash Candy"?  ;-)  We loved it even though we don't really have a name for it! 

Find joy with whatever ingredients you have!  ;-)  -Marci

Black, White and Red Bedroom Makeover

What's black and white and red all over?  Our Guest Bedroom.  You may remember the first post.  If not click here .  .  .



Then I posted about the quick Christmas make over. 



If you'd like to see the entire post, click here .  

Well, the Nativity Scene and snow men have been put away.  Is it really June?  Today is rainy and dreary, so I don't get to play in the garden.  What a great day for a quick make over!  It's amazing just how much stuff I have tucked away in closets.  Let's see what can be thrown together for a summer guest room. 

Check out the comforter I found!  It makes me think of a garden lattice.  Get this!  It reverses to polka dots and came with polka dot sheets!  What's not to like?

I went with a garden theme this time. 

One window valance holds a bird house and my favorite ceramic birds. 

The other one holds a village of summer houses. 

They're very similar to a Christmas village, but Summer-y. 

I have this seriously cool chandalier Fabulous Aunt gave me!  'Love it! 

The book shelf holds family photos along with odds and ends. 

A very dear friend gave me all the tiny books! I was actually looking for something else when I stumbled across them! What a treasure! (And she gives me books!) ;-) 

The dresser makes me smile.  There's a small white rabbit in front of all those dogs.  I added "HOPE" above my beloved Wanda Roe art.  I hope the rabbit gets away!  ;-) 

The small statue belonged to my great aunt who lived to be 97.  Anything that reminds me of her is very special.

Here are some items that are going back in the closet...  maybe next time they will be used.  I kept tucking them here and there, but they just did not seem to fit this time.

Then a really cute "decorative pillow" joined the makeover! 

Ivan likes the new bedding, and he even matches!

Here is the final photo.  I love it!  I hope you do, too! 

OK.  Yeah, so, I hung my floral sweater on the dresser knob.  It just seemed to belong! 

Stop by whenever you can!  ;-)  -Marci