A new car is in many ways a small thing for a girl who really could careless about cars. I don't like them, I don't care if it is red or blue, sports car or electric, tell me anything about a car and you have lost my interest. However, this new car I love but not for any of the reasons why the car dealership…

1/2 cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce 1 tbsp honey 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper Whisk together the mayonnaise teriyaki sauce honey, and cayenne until smooth. Put on top of a yummy burger with pineapple, onion, tomatoes, lettuce and grilled buttery buns.

Aliya and I love to go on walks together. While I enjoy the fresh air, Aliya loves the sense of adventure. I never know what she will find but it is a guarantee that her hands will not be empty for long. There are times when her hands become so full that she makes a pile to go back for later. She is a joy to walk wit…

We have a summer reading schedule...it goes something like this ... Read everyday. Ok, it is less of a schedule and more just a routine like brushing our teeth. Sometimes I will say "ok time for everyone to grab a book" and some days the kids will each find a time on their own... regardless they read and it…

When the kids look back on their childhood summers I really hope they think of the lake as I know I will. The warm air, the cool water, the blue skies and the sounded of laughter and playing. This place is where we spend our summer days and I couldn't be more thankful for the joy it gives us.

This Father's day was a gorgeous sunny day and we spent nearly every moment of it outside! We attended Dylan's football game, Aliya's soccer game and spent time at the lake enjoying time together. It was a day where it was so easy to see all we had to be thankful for and to get the chance to spend time wi…

They change so much from the first day of school until the last!  The last day of school was filled with fun activities. An award ceremony, field day, and a talent show but really we were all just waiting for the bells to ring so we could go to the lake and officially declare that she vacation has arrived!!…

Nate and I celebrated his 40th at a baseball game with f'riends! It was an absolute blast! 40 Years. 14,600 Days. 350,400 Hours. 21,024,000 Minutes. That is how long you have graced this planet. And I’ve only had 5,840 of those days but feel as though we have been together for a lifetime. Don’t …

Aliya had the wonderful opportunity to perform with her school chorus in American Young Voices. It was an outstanding show with 4,000 students singing loud for everyone to hear. She had a great time and a wonderful experience doing such a large performance. She seems to have a true Joy when she sings and I really h…

I am a firm believer in letting kids lead their own way in their extra activities. I love to watch as their interests change, grow and evolve. All of the kids have tried many things but Aliya leads the race to try them all. If the school has out a sign up sheet it is guaranteed to hit my counter while big brown eye…

Happiness is the smell of the grill on a summer day. Happiness is the sound of laughter while the kids talk together. Happiness is a late night snack and a video game or movie with my hubby. Happiness is a cribbage board and some music. Happiness is warm weather while we cheer on the kids on the field. Happiness is a …