Microwave popcorn- the easy way!

 My new home has a flat top stove, so I can no longer cook popcorn on top of my stove. I have been searching for a way to have popcorn. The boys and I eat it nearly every day. We love it! I read online in several places about popping popcorn in a plain brown lunch bag. I had to try it. It really works!
Here is what you do: You place 1/4 cup popcorn kernels in a plain brown paper lunch bag. Fold over the top twice making sure you have very sharp creases. Tape it (this was the part that I was concerned about, but it does not melt), and microwave it about 3-4 minutes, stopping when the popping sounds are 3-5 seconds apart from each other. It makes enough for two normal people to share, but in my house that is one serving! I hope that you try it, it is so easy that even my 8 year old makes his own popcorn this way!

Memorial day Weekend

We went daycamping again this weekend and we had a wonderful time! We went to a beautiful location down near Lehi. We spent all day playing in the dirt, cooking around the campfire, shooting our slingshots at empty cans and just relaxing in the gorgeous weather!

Son#1 practiced using his pocket knife. He does really well with it. I was the one who cut her finger when I was trying to whittle. Sad state of affairs, I am afraid to say!

Son#2 and I had a great time sitting by the fire and talking about one of his inventions. Right now he is inventing a comic strip in his head. I tell you, he never ceases to surprise me with his creative mind!

Son#3 spent the majority of his day being a rebel soldier in the trees and bushes. He blended in really well!

All the boys and Daddy spent a lot of time trying to hit soda cans with their slingshots. They are getting really good at this!

Lastly, I would be remiss if I didn't tell you that Son#4 had his first Oreo cookie and ♥ it! He had a grand time throwing rocks, chasing his brothers and playing with his "Vroom-Vrooms"!

We love to daycamp . . . .Do you?

Salad dressing

Today I want to share with you a salad dressing that I am absolutely in love with. It is simple and slightly sweet, but the ingredient that I adore in it is cinnamon. Yes, cinnamon! I have been dressing plain lettuce with this dressing all week.

Simple Salad Dressing

1/3 cup Olive Oil

1/3 cup Raspberry Vinaigrette

3 TBSP sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1/2 tsp cinnamon

Combine and shake well before serving.

Happy Birthday!!

Happy Birthday to my very best friend! I am so thankful for the man that my husband is, and who he is striving to be.

The boys and I made a cake for his birthday dinner. It really turned out neat! It is so easy and has a huge appeal.

An important milestone

I love milestones. I love other people's milestone moments. I really enjoy celebrating anything good. Birthdays, weddings, births, graduations . . . any reason to celebrate the goodness in life.

This past weekend, my nephew graduated from highschool. I can remember when he was a little mischievous boy. Now he is on the brink of his future.

I really enjoyed the ceremony and watching all the families smile with pride, watch moms (and dads too) wipe away a tear or two, friends giving high fives and hugs. It was really very cool. My nephew was lucky enough to graduate at Red Rocks Amphitheater. It was a stunning backdrop. We saw the sun set and the twinkling lights of Denver. The moon was sitting on the beautiful red rocks like it was watching the festivities.

This is my nephew with my brother and his wonderful wife. Good job Mom and Dad!

Congrats to the Class of 2010!

May the road rise to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

The rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

May God be with you and bless you:

May you see your children's children.

May you be poor in misfortune,

Rich in blessings.

May you know nothing but happiness

From this day forward.

May the road rise up to meet you

May the wind be always at your back

May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home

And may the hand of a friend always be near.

May green be the grass you walk on,

May blue be the skies above you,

May pure be the joys that surround you,

May true be the hearts that love you.

A Hobo bag . . . I made it myself!

I found myself at Hancock Fabrics this afternoon. The boys let me have a few minutes this afternoon to browse without complaining. It was awesome! I found the coolest little kit to make a purse. So instead of folding the laundry, I whipped out this little number. It is reversible. I love the black and white floral print. I am going to make more once I figure out how to do different handles. I just love sewing. It makes my heart happy!
I am linking up with Creative Itch who hosts Sew Cute Tuesdays:

Menu for week of May 17

This is going to be a different kind of week, I will only need to plan two meals due to several events that we have coming up. It is Graduation season! So here is our very abbreviated menu plan for this week.

Sunday: We took sandwiches to a new park that we discovered and really enjoyed the warm sunshine.

Monday: Meatball-Sub Casserole. I will post this recipe after we make it. It is new to us. Meatball Subs are my hubby's favorite sandwich, so hopefully it will be as big of a hit in a casserole!

Tuesday: Baked Potato Night. We use the crock pot to cook our taters all day long, and then have many options for toppings. This is so easy!

I hope that you all have a great week and I will be back after all the festivities have wound down!