Aloha Friday - 8/07

Welcome to this week’s edition of Aloha Friday.

In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that they take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So Kailani from An Island Life, thought that on Fridays she would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, she asks a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response.

If you’d like to participate, just post your own question on your blog and go to An Island Life to leave a link. However, don't forget to ANSWER my question first!!

What is the one thing you unpack first when you move?

I really need to have the main rooms in my house done. I really hate to walk into the house and feel like it's a mess.

Right now there is a window seat that needs to be cleaned off, it will be done by Sunday! I want to sit, sip peach drinks with Dave and talk for a while.

Your turn!!

Summer Fest - Week 2

I made this amazing trifle on July 4th and I am posting this as a response to the Summer Fest a four-week cross-blog celebration of fresh-from-the-garden food ideas.

The creators A Way to Garden, Mattbites, Steamy Kitchen, and White on Rice Couple, with guest appearances from Gluten-Free Girl, Simmer Till Done and Paige of The Sister Project would love a visit from you, a participation entry to share your amazing recipes with all of us!

Red, White and Blue Trifle

(Inspired by: Sandra Lee)

1 package of red velvet cake

Whipped cream (I used Cool Whip in the tub)

Fresh blueberries and Strawberries

1.) Cook the red velvet cake according to the directions on the box. Let cool

2.) Cut the cake up into 1- inch squares.

3.) Layer the bottom of the trifle compote bowl with cake.

4.) The next layer will be Cool Whip, make it thick enough to be seen from the side.

5.) Place a layer of blue berries.

6.) Repeat steps 3-4 once.

7.) When you reach the top, cut strawberries in half and lay them cut side down on the edge of the trifle. Fill the center with blueberries.

Enjoy! It's a great summer time dessert!

Kara's Last -First Day

She was the tallest girl in her class, scurrying away from me in pink shorts and a matching shirt.

I sat at the top of the hill and cried, watching her toss down her fuchsia backpack and climb onto the tan playground built for the kindergarten children.

I fretted all day hoping that she would make friends and be good for her teacher. That was her first day of school, 1997.

(Kara munching on some crackers)

Today was no different, dressed in blue leggings, a trendy long shirt and long ebon hair pulled back in a ponytail. She is no longer the tallest in her class; in fact, she is petite, small framed and exotic. A beautiful girl with an attitude larger than her fists, an issue many times in the past.

She hurried to her friend’s side, nervous smiles with her pink backpack and ready to start their Last – First day of high school.

There will be no more of these, no more high school registrations for Kara, her last year for prom, last year for pep rally’s and forced seminars… my oldest baby girl will graduate this year.

Again… I sat at the top of the hill and cried.

Join me in following her Senior year. I created a blog, Memories of Candy Dreams for her, a memory of her last year of high school.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - August 3

For Today...



Outside my window...

it is a beautiful hot summer day, finally. I can’t say I hated my cooler temps; however it is nice to watch the girls, play in the shade of a large tree in the front yard and not have a sweater on. It’s time that July got over its confusion and started feeling like it should in August.

I am thinking...

this is how it was supposed to be, sometimes things fall into place exactly as they should. The timing between Dave and I has always been perfect, Even when we disagree.

I am thankful for...

the past that Dave and I have, and thankful that it is just that… the past.

From the kitchen...

I am in love with the fact that my kitchen has moved outside, to the beautiful new grill. I am in love with our new stainless steel beauty that tempts me to come up with new ways to make dinner, outside in the sun and the afternoon breeze. I love watching the kids outside and the scent of great food on my skin. I just started grilling when Dave and I met… I’m getting better!

I am wearing...

A mini skirt, leggings, black tank, tight black shirt, flip flips and hair in a ponytail, Oh… and the black earrings and necklace Dave bought me.

I am reading...

blogs, trying to catch up. Always!

I am hoping…

that things even out in my head over money issues.

I am creating...

a new business/blog plan in my head.

Around the house...

I finally have a design, color and set up for the master bedroom. I am excited; I can’t wait to create a romantic getaway for Dave and me. I got a wonderful bloggy mom giveaway and she designed the room. I am just beside myself on OUR room.

One of my favorite things...

Is curling up in bed and talking to Dave, it is getting much easier to open up to him.

A few plans for the rest of the week...

finish unpacking the girls room, find a dresser for them (even if I have to re-paint it), get groceries and spend some time with Jake.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Moving... SUCCESS!!

It was an amazing test of strength, mental and muscle to get everything done in 8 hours. It was a full work day of groaning, grunting, pulling, cursing and more entertainment than we EVER want to do again.

But we are moved in… fully.

The house is ¾ of the way complete, cleaned up once again and livable.

My kid’s rock.

Dave is an amazing man.

Now it starts…. The beginning of us once again, the kids are settling in, laughing, watching TV, napping their summer away once again.

How was ya’lls weekend?