Maybe it's because I live here in the South and hate how the Junebugs gather around the lights outside. But, when I read Anne Graham Lotz devotional yesterday I so could understand. Thought I would share with you.

Just Turn on the Light!

You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.

Ephesians 5:8, NKJV

I live in the southern part of the United States. During the warmer months in particular, if I leave the porch light on at night, all sorts of moths and insects swarm to it. The variety can be fascinating. Everything from large luna moths to beetles to strange green crawly things beat and flutter their way to the light. I have never stood at the door and called these insects to come or set out bait for them. All I have to do is to turn on the light and they come of their own volition - by the hundreds. Moths, in the midst of the darkness, are not attracted to more darkness. They are attracted to the light.

People today, living in the midst of "darkness," are not attracted to more darkness; they are attracted to the Light. So let your Light shine! Lift it high! You don't have to have a clever presentation to your witness or learn evangelistic formulas or take a course on communicating to postmodern man. For heaven's sake, just turn on the Light!

Demolition Play Day

This is hands down one of my kid’s favorite activity to do.

Whenever it’s extreme weather outside…HEAT, snow or ice…we have a demolish day!

It all starts with a trip to Goodwill to pick up a few old VCR’s, phones and any “cool” gadget.

 Next I pull out the tool box and let them start taking apart “the goods”.

They can spend hours unscrewing, wire cutting and rebuilding their treasures.

If the heat has you the kiddos bouncing off the wall just toss them that old iron that no longer works and kick your feet up.

This project builds creativity, fine motor skills and working together. And is far better than having to pick up the remains of 500 popped water balloons!

Linking up at these great blogs Fingerprints on the Fridge - Hodgepodge Friday - A Little Knick Knack - Tidy Mom - Bubbly Nature -

H-O-T!

Has it been hot in your neck of the woods?

Here {in Oklahoma} we are on day 16 of 100-105 degrees ... DAY 16!

 Do you know what that does to kiddos during the summer?

 I have been keeping them locked inside until about 8pm. Only to tie glow sticks around their necks so I can keep tabs on them outside in the dark.

So, these next few days I’ll be sharing some activites {beside the movies, library and mall} my kiddos have loved during these HOT summer days. In hopes to help some parent out there that is feeling my pain. And hopefully you will have some great ideas to share too.

Sunday afternoon I filled and tied 500 water balloons, while the neighborhood boys stared and drooled in amazement.

At 8:00 p.m. sharp they had about 15 minutes to launch as many balloons at each other they could.

The hubby {big kid at heart} joined in the fun.

I think the kids had more fun trying to nail him with balloons.

For a mere $5.00 and two hours of filling time the kids had a blast. Sometimes I forget about the simple things kids love.

Sweet Ruthie

This is sweet Ruthie, just 6 days old, that I had a chance to shoot last week.

Newborns are like an aphrodisiac

Tiny little grunts….

Short, hot, sweet little breathes.

  All those wrinkles and peach fuzz!

  Ahh… lately working with all this “newness” has made me long for when mine were just little bits. Then I close my eyes and remember the sleep deprivation and I am quickly cured!

  Nothing like looking into the eyes of one of God’s greatest gifts.

German Chocolate Cream Pie

German Chocolate isn’t really my cup of tea. However, the hubs and family love it! So when I came across a recipe for German Chocolate Cream Pie it was quickly bookmarked.

Finally, I was able to give it a try this past Father’s Day. It was rich, very rich, but well worth it!

Crust:

12 pecan shortbread cookies, broken into pieces

4 Nature Valley granola bars {2 pouches from 8.9oz box}, crushed {3/4 cup}
1/3 Cup butter, melted

Chocolate Filling:

2 oz. cream cheese {from 8 oz. package}, softened

¼ Cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk
¼ Cup Hershey’s semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted, cooled
1 container {8oz} cool whip, thawed

Coconut-Pecan Filling:

1 container {15oz} Pillsbury Creamy Supreme Coconut Pecan Filling

2 oz. cream cheese {from 8oz. package}
1 tablespoon milk
1 8oz. cool whip, thawed

1.       In food processor or blender, process cookies and granola until fine crumbs form; pour into med. Bowl and stir in melted butter with fork, mix well. Press mixture in bottom of ungreased 9-8 inch pie plate. Place in freezer just until firm, about 10 minutes.

2.       Meanwhile, in med, bowl, beat 2 oz. cream cheese, powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon mil with an electric mixer on med. Speed until blended. On low speed, beat in melted chocolate chips. In small bowl, reserve ¼ cup cool whip for garnish. On med. Speed, beat reaming topping from container into chocolate mixture until well blended.

3.       Spread 1/3 cup of the frosting evenly in bottom of crust. Spoon chocolate filling into crust, carefully spread. Place pie in freezer while making next layer.

4.       In large bowl, beat 2 oz. cream cheese, 1 tablespoon milk with reaming frosting using electric mixer on med. Speed until well blended. Reserve another ¼ cup cool whip from 8 oz. tub in same small bowl. Beat remaining topping from container into coconut-pecan mixture until well blended. Carefully spoon over chocolate filling; spread evenly. Carefully spread reserved ½ Cup whipped topping over the top. Sprinkle with chocolate chips and chill overnight.

I will be linking up to these blogs today Tempt My Tummy - Tuesday at the Table - Tasty Tuesday - Home Sweet Home

Scrap Happy!

If you sew, craft, or just like to collect fabric {for that project one day} this is the cutest way to use up all those scraps off the floor.

This great idea comes from Scissor Variations. She has a complete break down on what ya’ need to do. Along with about a million other great ideas.

She used covered wire but I think I’ll use up my stash of twist ties left over from those fabulous packaged Christmas toys!

Enjoy!

Little Miss. M

Had to show you this cute little peanut  I got to work with last week.

Little Miss. M and her beautiful family joined me at a local park for a few family snapshots.

 I don’t think this cutie stopped smiling once!

The sweetest , nicest family! So fun working with you!