Anniversary and Announcement

It's my seventh wedding anniversary.  As usual, it feels like I've been married to Morgan all my life, yet this time has absolutely flown by.

 Any excuse to pull out some wedding pictures, right?  One of the happiest days of my life- just filled with joy.  My friends may correct me on this, but I was a pretty relaxed bride on the day- of course, it helps that I was married in the backyard of my parents' house to a man I continue to just adore.

It was a fantastic party, and I feel like we are still celebrating every day.  At least most of the time, ha!

A lot of changes- our third home, one very furry rescue golden, and two delightful kiddos, with more on the way!  (That's the announcement section).  Once I posted something on Instagram, I realized that I hadn't really mentioned this development. . .but baby number 3 is due the first week of October.  I'm halfway there, but very round already!  We are very excited, especially Dell Harper.  We're not finding out the sex, but I have a feeling it's a girl.  Can't wait to find out in 4.5 months!

Five on Friday- Getting Kiddo Summer Started

I can't believe it's already Friday- this week has flown by!  Hopefully that portends good things for this summer.  I had a babysitter yesterday morning, so I could take care of some work.  Every year I put off finding a summer nanny, thinking I can handle it between camps and activities.  Then, I get slammed and completely panic.  Someday I will learn my lesson!

1.  Carter's Printed Tunics-

 In times when I long to fit into toddler clothing, Carter's has these darling kid's tops for $10 each!  They are going to look so cute on Miss Dell Harper.

 2.  Flowers!

 The kiddos loved checking out our neighbor's hydrangeas on our post-dinner walk yesterday.  Feeling inspired (and rather energetic), I planted my front porch containers after they were in bed last night.  Can't wait for them to get growing!

3.  Books on Tape

I've yammered on before about my love of the Audible app.  I just love to incentivize myself to do chores with the lure of listening to a good book.  It's basically the only way for me to be productive.  Mary Kay Andrews' newest book- The Weekenders, which is entertaining so far.  Maybe not destined for the canon, but it helped me get through a marathon closet cleaning session Tuesday. 

 I also really liked The Advocate's Daughter, a legal thriller by first time author, Anthony Franze.  

 It's centered on an attorney that's a possible nominee for the Supreme Court, who is embroiled in a murder mystery/conspiracy.  Excellent!  I was hooked from the beginning.

4. Summer Food!

 There was a BLT in this month's Southern Living, and it just had me dying for one.  BLT's are one of my top five favorite foods.  I was especially thrilled to find some old fashioned salt-risen bread at the farm stand, along with a mess of fresh okra.  BLT and roasted okra for dinner!

 She loves to pop the pods and eat the seeds.

Plus juicy, sweet watermelon for dessert!  Now you see why we needed a walk after dinner.

5.  School's Out!  (That might be an exclamation point of fear, by the way)

 Baby cones from Bruster's to celebrate!

 Attempted to take a last day picture at the second of Deeds' two schools, but he was not having the big sister co-op of said picture.

We hit the zoo Wednesday.  It rained, but not too heavily.  And that cleared out the crowds!

 I spy Deeds the prairie dog!  Note- I could not get him out of this tunnel.  I thought I was going to crawl in myself.  It was wet and muddy.  I was none too thrilled at the prospect, which he must have sensed, as he finally exited.

I need one of these for our house.  Cage my wild beasties!

Now today shall be a test of my summer fortitude.  I had marvelous plans of a picnic, a blanket, and the park.  However, I woke up to rain.  Back to the drawing board!

Thanks to the Five on Friday ladies for hosting the linkup!

Tiny Tomato Tarts

This is a perfect recipe for any time you need an easy appetizer- showers, supper club, or a dinner party.  They are easy to make in advance, and can be served warm or at room temperature.  You will get more compliments than you can shake a stick at, too!

Tiny Tomato Tarts
(makes sixty, as pictured above)

Ingredients:

• 4 boxes phyllo cups
• 1 block cream cheese (I like the 1/4 reduced fat, whipped), room temperature
• 2 Tablespoon mayonnaise (Dukes is best!)
• 1 lb fresh (soft) mozzarella (you will hold some leftover, so you can get less if offered at your store)
• 30 cherry or grape tomatoes, sliced in half
• 1 bunch basil, torn into bite size pieces

• Preheat the oven to 350
• Mix the cream cheese and mayo until well blended and easily spreadable

• Slice the mozzarella into pieces sized to fit into the phyllo cup
• Place a dollop (about 1/2 a tablespoon) of the cream cheese mixture on the bottom on the (frozen) phyllo cups
• Top with a mozzarella piece
• Bake for about 10 minutes, until the cheese has melted
• Top with a tomato half and basil

Voila! That's it- super simple, but such results!  I love a phyllo cup- they just make everything look fancy!  But this tastes like tomato pie mixed with caprese salad.  Pure summer, yet thanks to the availability of decent grape/cherry tomatoes you can have it year round.  Get ready for some happy guests!

What's Shaking

I had the most fun weekend- a quick jaunt to Charleston to celebrate Virginia's baby shower and Kelen's engagement.  What a perfect way to celebrate Mother's Day, right?  With my college friends and far away from my children.  Just kidding, babies!!  I did miss them and was thrilled to get back to see their happy little faces.

 I managed to stop by Maurice's in Columbia for a barbecue sandwich for lunch.  Sure beat the Wendy's I had on my return journey home!

Friday nightie had a wonderful dinner to celebrate Kelen's engagement at Leon's Oyster Shop- I had chargrilled oysters and ham hock soup.  Heavenly!

It was a really quiet table, ha!  Good thing we were seated outside.

Saturday we got moving, and hit the grocery for some shower supplies.  The other girls headed downtown for lunch, while I went to see Stacey and Travis and their gorgeous house and adorable boys.

I could have just moved in then and there- look at that beautiful view behind us.

 Harris Teeter had a great flower selection.

The shower was just perfect, and Virginia is set for baby!  We got back to her house and eschewed going out to dinner for all sitting not he porch and talking for hours.  I was exhausted for my drive back home Sunday, but it was so worth it.  A girl I used to babysit is headed to UGA in the fall. Thinking about her,  I couldn't help feeling nostalgic for the first time I met these ladies who have made my life so much better in such a myriad of ways.

So after laughing for about 48 hours straight, I headed back to my monkeys.  We took it pretty easy/lowkey Sunday- Morgan picked up my favorite BLT pizza after the kids were down.  They had PB&J's and goldfish for dinner (mother of the year, here).

However, I made up for it on Monday.  After school, I took Deeds and Dell Harper for haircuts, playground, and S&S cafeteria for kids' night (balloon man and faceprinting, yo!).

 Barber shop.

 This one got a bob at the beauty parlor.

Then we got home to Morgan mowing the yard.  Mower rides for the win!!