{Summer Summer, Summer Time}

Feeling just a tad, OK maybe a LOT excited about 

the fact that my summer vacation is here!

Already, Claire has completed two weeks of
swimming lessons and we have
gone on a short family
vacation to Tennessee!
(Pics to come)
I have also gotten some sweet
garage sale deals which are now proudly
displayed in my home.
(Again, pics to come)
Today I made 6 containers of
strawberry freezer jam.
Aaaah.
Summer, how I love thee.

As I think about plans for the rest of my summer vacation,
my mind is brimming with ideas

of things to create, to help improve the look and function

of our home.

Here is a quick list of some items on my summer to-do list so far:

{1} Organize our basement storage space.

(No, this will not be fun. But I think I feel much better about life when it is finished.)

{2} Clean out the garage.

(Again, no fun! But my car has been leaking oil all winter and our garage floor needs some

serious help.)

{3} Re-think our mudroom/laundry room.

Right now it is cluttered and disorganized. It sort of stresses me out every time I see it.

Something must be done.

{4} Build Claire's swing set.

This is really more of a project for Wes. You're welcome dear :)

{5} Hang my sweet vintage chandelier above our stairway.

I found this chandelier a few months back at an antique mall and we've been

too busy to get it hung. Again, this will be more up Wes's alley. I love you husband. :)

{6} Create a "family rules" wall art.

Sort of like the one shown here. Love it!

{7} Install a board and batton wall treatment to our entryway (maybe).

I will probably be adding to this list, especially once I'm able to get these other things

knocked off the list.

Of course, these projects come second to my little munchkin, and will 

probably happen mainly during naptimes.

Because I have a whole different list of the fun things I plan for our family to do this summer!

{1} Go to the zoo.

{2} Go to the dunes.

{3} Take swimming lessons. 

{4} Go to the park.

{5} Go on lots of family walks.

{6} Ride our bikes on the Pumpkinvine Trail.

{7} See fireworks.

{8} Have family and friends over for cookouts.

{9} Family vacation to Tennessee.

{10} Fingerpaint.

{11} Visit the library.
{12} Go to our local flea market.
{13} Ride the carousel at a local mercantile.
(Items crossed out have already been completed)

I will leave you with one of my favorite summertime recipes:

Texas Caviar

This bowl of deliciousness is best served with some tortilla chips,
eaten like a salsa. I take it to practically
every gathering I go to in the summer,
and always get asked for the recipe.

Here's how to make my version:

Combine the following in a large bowl-
2 cans black beans, drained
1 can yellow corn, drained
1 can white corn, drained
1 chopped green pepper
1 chopped red pepper
1 chopped red onion
1 bunch cilantro, chopped

In a small saucepan, bring the following to a boil-
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup rice vinegar
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 t. garlic powder

Cool liquid mixture, and then poor over vegetables.

Enjoy!

You know you can't escape without
a quick photo update of our little pickle :)

She pretty much insists on self-feeding everything now,
and it is EXTREMELY messy!
But alas, since I don't really want to have to
spoon feed her for the rest of her life,
I must relinquish my controlling nature
and give her the spoon. :)