• Grilled corn with Jalapeno Lime Butter
    Recipes - Sides

    Grilled Corn with Jalapeno-Lime Butter

    July 3, 2017 - By 

    Corn is always a go to side dish for my family. So I’m always in search of ways to make it differently. This Grilled Corn with Jalapeno-Lime Butter is now one of my favorites! Servings: 6 Prep Time: 5 minutes + chill time for butter Cooking Time: 20 minutes Ingredients: ½ cup butter, softened 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced 1 tsp. fresh lime juice 6 ears fresh corn, husks removed 1 tbs. extra-virgin olive oil 2 tsp. kosher salt 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper Directions: 1. Combine softened butter, jalapeno peppers, lime juice and lime zest and shape…

  • How to Find a Penpal
    Life

    How to Find a Penpal

    June 26, 2017 - By 

    One of the things I used to do growing up was writing to a penpal from far, far away. I got to thinking earlier this year that over the summer, I wanted to try to do some penpalling again. So I began researching it. I came across several sites where those that are interested can find others interested in penpalling. Here’s a list of places you can find penpals. Penpal World – this is the one I found to be the best and easiest to use. Swap-bot Interpals Penpal Snow Global Pen Friends You can also go to instagram and…

  • West Coast Road Trip Itinerary & Travel Booklet
    Travel

    West Coast Road Trip Itinerary & Travel Booklet

    June 24, 2017 - By 

    Road tripping on West Coast is some of the most beautiful countrysides to travel. So much to see and do. From the Redwoods of California to the Cascade of Oregon, there’s tons of landscaping eye candy. Here’s our 13 day itinerary where we started in San Fransisco, CA and ended in Portland, OR. Here’s a map of our trip with many of our stops and points of interest. Click on the stars or letters on map for details. Click on each picture below to go to the post to read all about that day. Click above picture to enlarge.  Editable Excel…

  • Memorial Day Weekend at Lake Martin 2017
    Travel

    Memorial Day Weekend at Lake Martin 2017

    June 21, 2017 - By 

    This Memorial Day weekend was fun. We always appreciate the invitation from our good friends to camp out at their lake house and enjoy the sun. This year felt a little different for a couple reasons. We cooked most meals up at the house because we didn’t have all the normal gear that we borrow from the Cubscout Pack. It was also different because Drew’s friend Joe wasn’t able to get back from school, which we expected. Boys on the tube Gabe skiing Fun on the kneeboard These girls are always fun to watch while their tubing Got some great…

  • Life

    West Coast Trip:Day 13

    June 17, 2017 - By 

    Day 13 of our West Coast trip was the day we were headed home. Our flight didn’t leave till later in the afternoon, which gave us time to do something. When Rob lived out in Portland, his favorite place to shop was Fred Meyer. Fred Meyer is similar to a Walmart, but way better. It is truly a one stop shop. From furniture to groceries to name brand clothing it has it all. After having breakfast and checking out of the hotel, we headed over to Fred Meyer so the kids could see what an awesome store it was and…

  • Travel

    West Coast Trip:Day 12

    June 10, 2017 - By 

    As I mentioned before since our days were so long (in a good way) but since we covered so much ground and so many amazingly beautiful places my daily travel posts aren’t including as much detail and as many pictures as I’d like. I want to write individual posts on many of the spots on this trip in more detail with more pictures. One day when I’m caught up, I’ll go back and share more. Today’s post covers our last full day of our west coast trip. We slept later that day than any other day on trip, which was…

  • Life

    June To Do List

    June 9, 2017 - By 

    So lately, well really for a long long time, it seems I’ve been all about travel here on the blog. I love sharing our travels with you but those posts take so long. I take way too many pictures, which have to be edited. Then, I have to gather info and write. Ugh, I get exhausted just thinking about it. However, I really want to share more of me and more of what’s going on in my life and in my head. There’s been a few really inspiring posts lately of folks that shared their June Goals or To Do…

  • Day Exploring Mount St. Helens
    Travel

    West Coast Trip:Day Trip to Mount St. Helens

    June 3, 2017 - By 

    On July 4th we rose early to make our way to Windy Ridge Viewpoint at Mount St. Helens. I can’t tell you how hopeful I was that we’d be able to see this mysterious mountain that I’ve visited twice, but only seen for short spurts from a far and saw for literally 30 seconds last time we were at Johnston observatory. The other times we’ve been to Mount St. Helens we weren’t able to get to Windy Ridge because the road was always still closed. (Map) The day started off quite overcast in Portland as it usually always does, but…

  • Oregon Travels
    Travel

    West Coast Trip:Day 10 Oregon Coast

    May 26, 2017 - By 

    Day 10 was all about the Oregon Coast. We started off with a lumberjack breakfast at Camp 18 Restaurant. This place is a must see. Every time Rob and I drive up the coast we stop and get pictures outside, our friends who usually follow behind on their motorcycles love to take videos of the landscape we pass by, but they do have to be careful because one of them almost fell of their motorcycle trying to get the perfect scenery shot, that day would have ended up either in a hospital or talking all night with their motorcycle accident…

  • Garden of the Gods
    Travel

    Garden of the Gods

    May 10, 2017 - By 

    Garden of the Gods is a public park located in Colorado Springs, CO. It became a National Natural Landmark in 1971 and it is SO worth a visit next time you are in Colorado Springs. The beautiful red rock formations that tower above are quite mesmerizing. It is a rock climbers dream and you will see folks climbing, although we didn’t notice any while we were there. After taking a short drive from our hotel, we turned into one of the parking lots and to our surprise, a lady in the car next to us rolled her window down and…

  • Buffalo Chicken Meatballs - Crockpot These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are so easy and can be made in the crockpot. You can also make them ahead of time and freeze and just double the crockpot time. Perfect for parties or potluck dinners.
    Appetizers & Snacks

    Buffalo Chicken Meatballs {Crockpot}

    May 3, 2017 - By 

    Last year for Drew’s homecoming dinner, a group of his friends were meeting up for pictures and dinner at a friend’s house. My responsibility for the meal was to bring an appetizer. Buffalo Chicken Meatballs in the crockpot is what I finally decided to try. They turned out great and were quite a hit with the entire group. I love that these Buffalo Chicken Meatballs can be prepared ahead of time and even frozen until you’re ready to throw them into the crockpot. Servings: 25 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 2 hours Ingredients: 1 lb. ground chicken 3/4 cup…

  • Driving from Newport, Oregon to Portland? Here's somethings you should stop at see on the way!
    Travel

    West Coast Trip:Newport to Portland

    May 2, 2017 - By 

    Continuing with our family adventures on the West Coast as we leave Newport and head to Portland, Oregon. 1st stop was the Yaquina Bay and Yaquina Head Lighthouses. Such a beautiful lighthouse and natural area. It was quite foggy that morning, which made for some cool pictures. 2nd stop was the campus of Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR. We found this be a beautiful campus with lots of cool buildings, old and new. We also went to OSU’s Hatfield Marine Science Center, which has free to get in. They just ask for donations. I highly recommend this if you’re…

  • Travel

    West Coast Trip:Florence & Newport

    April 8, 2017 - By 

    Our drive up the coast of Oregon continued as we left Cottage Grove Oregon and headed to Newport, stopping a few times for some fun activities, like going to Sand Dunes, Sea Lion Caves, Thor’s Well, and more. First stop was Florence, OR for Dune Buggies ATVs. When we were researching we came to the realization that Dune Buggies for individuals really isn’t a thing you can do anymore. The thing now is driving ATV’s over the dunes. I really didn’t want to drive so Rob and I were in one and the kids each had their own ATV. Let…

  • Travel

    West Coast Trip:Day 7

    March 30, 2017 - By 

    On our 7th day West Coast adventure, we got up and checked out of the cabin. We drove up to Crater Lake Lodge, which was built in 1915 and is listed as in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Beautiful log cabin feel with gorgeous views of Crater Lake. We enjoyed the view a little more, but since we saw most of what there was to see the day before at Crater Lake we ended up not staying as long as first planned. We continued on our journey north as we drove to Cottage Grove, but made several stops…

  • Travel

    West Coast Trip: Crater Lake

    March 25, 2017 - By 

    On our 6th day of adventures on the West Coast, we got up and left Eureka and continued north towards Crater Lake. We made a quick stop at Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center in Orick, CA. We used the bathroom and took a quick peek inside. They have an informational desk, exhibits, bookstore, etc. We enjoyed walking out back where there’s a boardwalk to the shore and some informative signs about Tsunamis among other things. There was a cool bird’s nest we observed as well. We later stopped in Cave Junction, Oregon for lunch at a Dairy Queen. Then, we…

  • Travel

    Spring Training Trip 2017

    March 22, 2017 - By 

    In recent years, my family has traveled down to Florida to stay with Rob’s Gramma and enjoy some baseball during Spring Training. This year was no exception. It’s always interesting to visit new spring training ballparks as they are all different for better or worse. Wednesday, we left after work and drove to Rob’s Gramma’s house in Spring Hill, Fl. We got there in the middle of the night and went straight to sleep. The next morning we visited a bit and then got on the road to Sarasota. We checked into the hotel (Ramanda). This hotel is located on…

  • Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
    Life

    Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus

    March 21, 2017 - By 

    Recently we went to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, since they are calling it quits. We drove up to Duluth, GA. If you’re planning to attend in these last few weeks, I highly recommend you get there for the Preshow that starts an hour before the circus starts. You get to go down on the floor watch and interact with the performers. Here’s several shots I got from the floor. We took a quick restroom break before the show started and then went to find our seats. This guy was hanging out near the restroom. Spectacular beginning…

  • Alex’s 13th Birthday
    Life

    Alex’s 13th Birthday

    March 13, 2017 - By 

    Alex turned 13 last week. His actual birthday was on Tuesday, so we celebrated by taking him to Mikata (his favorite choice). Then, on Saturday we had a party at Surge Trampoline park. They were so tired they couldn’t even stand for the picture! Jumping for 2 hours = hungry and thirsty boys! So we brought them to CiCi’s for lunch. One of the boys got Alex a doll! It was quite a hit. Click the link below to see more pics from the party! https://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/alex13thbirthdayparty

  • Medieval Fantasy Themed Wedding
    Photography

    Medieval Fantasy Themed Wedding

    March 9, 2017 - By 

    Rob’s cousin, Tara, recently got married. We drove down to Spring Hill Florida, which is about an hour north of Tampa. She had a Medieval Fantasy Themed Wedding at the Nature Coast Botanical Garden. It was lots of fun. Tara worked her fingers to the bone, but did a great job of delegating help that weekend. If you also want to have this kind of wedding, then you may start inquiring for affordable all-inclusive wedding packages with options for wedding ballrooms. And for grooms who still don’t have any ideas what to wear on their wedding day, you may consider…

  • West Coast Trip Day 5 - San Francisco to Eureka, CA - Golden Gate Bridge - Wine Country - Redwoods
    Travel

    West Coast Trip:Day 5

    March 4, 2017 - By 

    On Day 5 of our West Coast trip, we checked out of our hotel and head towards the Golden Gate Bridge. We drove over it and then stopped for some photos. It was a chili, foggy day. We drove through Wine Country and stopped at a couple different wineries. The first one was Milano Family Winery. The lady there was friendly and educated us a bit on a few of their wines. We tasted a couple and ended up buying a bottle of Big A$$ Blonde, which is a white wine with fruity undertones. We paid around $15, I believe.…