Thankful thoughts...

I saw a sign yesterday that made me think. It said, "Practice Thanksgiving every day, not just one." Wow. I must admit, that I can wallow in self-pity with the best of them when life gets me down. In those times, it can be quite challenging to count your blessings instead of your problems. And yet, that is exactly what we should do!
Perhaps if I spent more time with a thankful heart for all that He has blessed me with, I would be less tempted to focus on whatever is this week's/day's/moment's problem. Today, my prayer is that I will have an attitude of gratitude, and that I will share it with all whom I come in contact with. Let us be thankful!

Tutu Cute!!!

So, I have decided to have a hobby. And it's making tutus! Which is to my darling daughter's great advantage, as she gets to wear the fruits of my labors. They really are fun to make, but even more fun is watching her dance and twirl in them as she tranforms over and over from ballerina to fairy to princess to....you get the idea. I also have had the privilege of making a newborn size and a toddler size tutu for a photographer friend. Can't wait to see some of her work with clients in my tutus!
With 10/31 quickly approaching, my mind is aflutter with tutu costume ideas (pumpkin, witch, etc.) I just wish there were more little girls to make them for in our life, as Syd can only wear one for trick or treating, and she wants to wear the one pictured above (with 100 yards of tulle!!!!) So if anyone needs a tutu.....you know where to come now!

Sydney is 4!!!

So, one week after her brother's birthday, our little princess has her own birthday on August 15th. This year Sydney Blair turned the big number 4, and as she will quickly inform you, that means she's BIG now. This year we celebrated many fun milestones; completing potty training, another year of preschool, being in the Christmas play for the first time (she was a bunny in the manger-scene,) moving from a toddler bed to her big girl bunk bed, learning to ride her own scooter, learning to swim underwater, being on her first t-ball team, first time to attend VBS, first trip to Carowinds, and many more that I am sure to be forgetting. She's very tall for her age, which we hear often from friends and family. She is also very much into all things girl, not the least of which is princess dresses, lots of jewelry, and lip gloss. There's no denying it, Sydney is most definitely undoubtably, absolutely ALL-GIRL. We love you Princess!!!!

Happy 7th Birthday to Tyler!!!!!

Another year older and several inches taller, that's our Tyler. This past year has been pretty eventful for our first-born son. He started (and finished) Kindergarten at Hickory Christian Academy. He played 2 sports, soccer and baseball. He lost his first tooth...and his second tooth and third tooth as well! He's learned to read independently, and has also shown some serious brain power when it comes to math (something he did not inherit from his mom, I assure you!)
He also went to his first sleep over at a friend's house this year. And to top it all off, he rode on his first upside-down roller coaster, and many, many more since! Yes, he has definitely done some growing up this year and it shows. This year's birthday was celebrated with a party for 15 at Hickory Dickory Dock, and included putt-putt, bumper cars, bouncey houses and slides, and token games. Fun!!! We are thankful for the blessing of this energetic, spirited, intelligent, and loving child...and we pray for another year of fun, learning, and growing some more!!!! We love you birthday boy!!!

More fun things to do.....

I have recently been told about another couple of fun places to visit around the Catawba Valley area. The first fun spot is Bouncin' Kids in Morganton. It's an indoor play center that has seven large inflatables (bouncy houses) and offers all day play for one price, just $8 per kid. This is a field trip we'll be taking on the next rainy day for sure!

The next idea is local festivals, particularly today there is a Blackberry Festival in Lenoir. It sounded really fun, with your usual festival foods and kiddie attractions, plus the crowning of a Little Miss Blackberry and a blackberry eating contest! And of course blackberries for purchase by the pint. I will do a little more research for other area festivals in the future, as these are always a good source of inexpensive family fun.

I love that this area has so much to offer!
You can never claim boredom if you just know where to look!

4th of July Dessert Pizza

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup butter, softened

1-1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar, divided

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 (8-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

1 pint fresh strawberries, cleaned, hulled, and sliced

1 pint fresh blueberries, rinsed

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

In a medium bowl, make a soft dough by combining the flour, butter, and 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar. Spread the dough onto a greased 12-inch pizza pan and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden; let cool.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the remaining 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, the cream cheese, and vanilla. Mix well then fold in the whipped topping. Spread the mixture over the cooled crust then top with sliced strawberries alternating with blueberries.

Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

How do you get a chicken drunk?

Beer Can Chicken!!!!

• 1 whole 5 to 6 pound chicken
• 1 can of beer
• 1 cup spice rub, or your favorite blend of spices (garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper work great)
  

1. Before we get started. Make sure that the can of beer fits inside the chicken.

2: Make sure that the place you are going to place this bird is tall enough for a chicken to sit up in. You don't want to lower the lid on your grill only to find that the chicken doesn't fit.

3. You want to cut the top of the can off the beer can. This maximizes the flow of moisture from the beer to the bird. Most any can opener can be used to cut the top off a beer can. You will need to get rid of half the beer from the can "some how"... that's up to you! Next add 1/2 cup of your spice rub to the can and give it a quick stir. The can is now ready.

4. Take the other half of your spice rub and apply it to the chicken. Don't worry too much about getting it on the skin. Skin won't let flavor reach the meat so you need to work your spice rub in, under the skin as much as possible. Get it inside the chicken as well. Just because you put rub in the beer doesn't mean that it will season the inside too much. The spice in the can adds flavor but not like direct contact.

5. Place the beer can on the grill right where you want the bird to be.
With the can in place it is time to sit this bird down. You are going to get your hands dirty here. You want to slowly and gently sit the chicken over the can. Try not to force it or put too much pressure on the bird to get into position. You might need to press it down a little, but you shouldn't have to force it.

6. You'll want to maintain a temperature in your grill around 300 to 325 degrees F. during the cooking time.

7. When this bird reaches an internal temperature of 175 degrees F. your bird is ready to come of the heat. Measure the temperature in the thickest part of the thigh being careful not to touch the bone with your thermometer. You want to let it rest for about ten minutes before you begin carving it. A 5 to 6 pound bird should take you about two to three hours to cook depending on the temperature.

8. Once the chicken has had time to rest (again, 10 minutes) it is ready to carve. Sometimes the can tends to get stuck inside the bird. Typically there isn't much (if any) liquid left inside the can. Lay the bird down and pull the can out gripping it with a pair of tongs.

With the can out of the chicken, it is just like any other grilled whole chicken.
Carve it up and enjoy.