Who Doesn't Love A Hearty Meal

Nothing is more satisfying than preparing a meal that you know your family is going to love! Even better when that recipe is totally easy, but looks complicated!!

I hit the jackpot when I found a copycat recipe for Panera Bread Cheddar Broccoli Soup!

Thank God for Google Search because I found it here! It is so delicious, easy to make, and it was perfect with cheese biscuits! You know, the kind you get at Red Lobster!

It was such a hit, that my kids wanted me to make it again the next day!

Pretty Lady

My daughter glammed up for her Senior Ball.

Promotion Time

Back in my day...a long, long time ago, we used to say we were "graduating," even if it was from elementary school. These days, they say, "promotion" until you are in high school. Don't know why I even shared that, but I just wonder why it changed???

Well, my youngest son just got "promoted" from 6th grade, and he will now be entering Junior High School in the fall! When I was in 6th grade (a long, long time ago), that WAS considered Junior High.

ANYWAY, the promotion ceremony was in the morning, so my husband, and two of the kids couldn't make it! But, I had the two older ones with me to enjoy this moment!!

My Danny boy!! He's a big boy now! Well, he always has been, but you know..the mom in me will always see him as a little boy!!

Huge Milestone

This past weekend, our two oldest children graduated from high school!

No, they are not twins, however, they would be considered Irish twins! 

Surprisingly, I didn't get choked up during the ceremony because I did a lot of the crying the day before! I mean, how could I not reflect back on the last 17/18 years of their lives. I can remember their younger days so clearly!

We were "that" homeschooling family! I had them at home with me for ten years before they went to a private school for Junior high! So, our situation is pretty unique (in my humble opinion).

And as much as I would like them to always be a few steps away, I have be realistic. They are young adults, and they need some independence...sigh....

So, with that said, I needed to blog about this event so the pictures could be at my fingertips.

It was a beautiful, sunny morning!! Perfect for a graduation ceremony! I knew it was going to be a long one, too. Come on now, almost 800 students!!!

Here they are, walking in with their group!!!

 

I couldn't pass up a selfie with my youngest!

And here they are!! My beautiful babies!!

The token parent picture!!!

The token picture with mama (grandma)!

My sis in-law!!!

With the "bros!"

 I am a blessed mama!!!

Celebratory lunch!!!


My father in-law got a little excited with the pasta..hehe.


And last but not least, my daughter's boyfriend, and his parents!!!


I'm excited to see what the future holds for them!! Two down, and three more to go!!

A Hiking We Will Go

Well, it's more like a "trek," if you will.

Nonetheless, it's a great way to get the kids out and explore some nature!

The two older kids missed out because one wasn't feeling well, and the other had homework. I'm sure it would have been different if we said we were going out for frozen yogurt!

Anyway..my husband bikes on this trail, and it's also a nice walk. I just fear that a mountain lion will jump out of nowhere! I'm so NOT the outdoorsy type!

So, this was a good three hours, all the way around! Great scenery, beautiful weather, and quality family time. What more could I ask for?

 This is where you first walk in, and up a little hill. See the jogger in the back? lol

Gotta have the token family picture!

Love this picture of my husband and youngest son! 

And you gotta love the "sun in your eyes" shot! Kinda looks like my husband is winking at the camera!

My New Favorite Food Blog!

One day, I was searching high and low for some new dessert recipes.

That's when I stumbled across Sally's Baking Addiction!!

I was instantly excited because her recipes were not complicated, and the comments she received had all rave reviews!

I started out making cupcakes, and then I went onto three of her muffin recipes (I'll post pics of those later). But, today...I made the most delicious banana chocolate cinnamon streusel muffin!!! 

Love her blog!!!!

Breakfast With The Boys!

I had errands to do one morning, and I bribed two of my boys to go with me. Going out to breakfast always works! 

We Will Never Forget