Sunday, July 15, 2012

Sunday Mornin', Sun is Shining...

Sing the title of the post along to the tune of Maroon 5: 
"Sunday morning, rain is falling"
Today, there is no rain though - only sun and summer heat!!

Sunday mornings should always start like this: 

Hope everyone had a wonderful, relaxing weekend! Here's to another week!

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Instagram: Sweet & Simple Kind of Day


{*} Iced Coffee with Sugar-Free Vanilla, obsessed
{**} C.Will - so serious about driving, looking at houses and cars, typical
{***} The old married couple - at Beer Kitchen with the Budke's

Today was a sweet & simple kind of day. 

Friday, July 6, 2012

Be Grateful

It's so easy to lose perspective on life each day.  It's so easy to take each day for granted.  But sometimes you just have to make a conscious effort to stop and be grateful for what you have.  Today, I am grateful for my family, friends, & health.  I was reminded of all that today after losing a close friend of the family.  Life just isn't fair sometimes and you can't make sense of it.


So grateful for my wonderful family


"Well, time & fate can't be controlled, 
you play the hand that you're dealt & the dice that you rolled.  
And who am I to question God anyways...." 
{Gary Alan}
{some of my all time favorite lyrics, it is the truth that lies around us}

So grateful for this family, too


"But the struggles make you stronger... 
and the changes make you wise... 
and happiness has it's own way of takin' it's sweet time...
...No, life ain't always beautiful...
...But it's a beautiful ride" {Gary Alan}

One big, happy family :)
Love this picture of me & my dad, {before the ceremony began}: 




It's unfortunate how you can lose perspective of how wonderful and lucky your life is.  I take these moments as a blessing in disguise at times to regain perspective and let those who really matter to me know that they are loved.  Without them, life would just be a little tougher .... 

To the Hanks' - 
I'm so sorry for your loss.  My heart aches with sadness, but is no where near comparable to how your hearts are hurting.  He will be missed, but not forgotten.  Larry is such a wonderful person to so many people.  May your family find hope and strength through these difficult times.

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Happy 4th Of July: Firecracker Bundt Cake

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful 4th of July! Unfortunately, I am scheduled to work.  But, it actually works out not too bad because Chris is having to work today, too {poor guy}.  He is finishing up a very large project at work and has a deadline approaching! 

After work, Chris & I are planning on going to watch some fireworks around here.  I guess it really depends on what time I am able to get off work!  

Until then... Enjoy this recipe:



Firecracker Bundt Cake(Source: Betty Crocker & Mix-and-Match Mama)

1 box white cake mix
2 boxes instant vanilla pudding
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 1/4 cup water
4 eggs

Icing:
1 can fluffy vanilla frosting
Red & Blue food coloring

Preheat oven to 350ยบ degrees. Grease bundt cake pan.

Mix together {beat with electric mixer}: cake mix, pudding, vegetable oil, water, and eggs.
Divide the batter into 3 equal parts, in separate bowls.
Add red food coloring to one bowl {you will just have to "eye it" - I can't remember how many I used, but mine turned out a little pink almost}.  
Add blue food coloring to another bowl {again, just eye it to the color of your likings}

Pour the red batter into the cake pan first and spread it out evenly.
Next, add the white batter - again spread evenly.
Last, add the blue batter. 
Bake for approx 40-45 minutes. 

Once baked, allow cake to cool for 10-20 minutes.  Invert cake onto cooling rack or 
serving platter.

Now time for the icing!
Divide the icing into three equal parts - and place each into 3 separate microwave-safe bowls.
Microwave each bowl on medium heat for approximately 15 seconds 
- you will want it to be a bit runny. 
To one bowl, add red food coloring; to another bowl add blue food coloring.
While frosting is still warm, take a spoonful of icing and drizzle on top of cake.  
Alternate colors to achieve the look you want! 


Once cake is cooled and frosted, make sure to store in your fridge! 



Enjoy!!!

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Clinton Lake

This afternoon, Chris & I headed to Clinton Lake to meet up with some friends and spend the day on the water.  It was a beautiful & hot afternoon! A few hours on the lake relaxing was wonderful! 


Chris carrying his man purse and pink noodle


On the marina


The hubs relaxing


Clinton Lake, 07.01.12

All of us passed out on the boat about 4:00 - at that time, Chris & I decided it was probably time to head home and get ready for the next week ahead of us - which is going to be a bit crazy for Chris!