Moore/ Erickson Wedding!!

What a total joy it was to spend time with this beautiful family and all their friends! Jenny and Joe adore each other. It's obvious to all who know and love them. It was joyous, funny, emotional, beautiful, care-free and so precious. Jenny, I think those moments of rain were tears of joy from your mama. Thank you both for the honor. Love and congrats!!!

To my kids

I couldn't sleep last night. I was thinking about life and how I'd want to be remembered (among a million other things) I realized this blog would be a journal-of- sorts to my loved ones. I want this to be something my kids can read and browse. I hope it will bring up fond memories of life, love, parties, & recipes we love.
So, today starts a day that I write to my kids & share my heart along with photos and memories and my yummy favs :)

For my kids with love

~your mama

♥First of all, I would do anything for you. ANYthing. I love you more than life itself. Always know how deep my love is for you, even when times get tough.
♥Forgive others. It is for your freedom, not the one who wronged you.
♥Love the beautiful, unique person God made you to be. You are precious in His sight.
♥The world will tell you you're not enough....enough beauty, talent, drive etc. You ARE enough. I adore the person you are.
♥Do your best... that's what makes me proud.
♥Pray. In all things. For all things. God hears and cares. He answers.
♥When you feel down, it always helps to do something for someone else. This is something I try hard to make a part of our family, so it's in you to want to bless someone.
♥Miracles are all around you. Every day. Look for them... and look harder if things look dim. If you still can't see, then I will tell you to take your beautiful lil self to a mirror so you see what I see!
♥There is always someone who would give anything to be in your shoes. Count your blessings.
♥My heart hurts when yours does. I (we) am always here for you. Your daddy and I are your biggest fans for life.
♥I will mess up. I do, daily. But I'm doing my best.
♥Let God's Word be a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path. (Psalm 119:105) He is my Rock, and I pray this for you.
♥When life is hard and you're feeling lost, Listen to Ginny Owen's "If You Want Me To." Music awakens the soul. This one has helped me more times than I can count.
♥Try your best to be a person you can be proud of when you look in the mirror.
♥Love others. It will fill your cup.
♥I started praying for each of your spouses before you were even born. Put God first and the rest will unfold as He has planned. Be with a person who would fight for you, cherish you, love you and forgive you without condition.
♥Do one thing to brighten someone's day, every day. There's always room to bless someone's heart. Even if it's just a hug or a smile.
♥You have God-given talents and passions...pursue them & find joy in those gifts!
♥your heart will get scarred. You will experience love and loss in many things in life. But, I am here through the beautiful and the ugly, the sweet and the painful. always. I will do my best to love you through it all. I promise.
♥See the beauty in each day. Life and health is a gift we should not take for granted. Do things to create a healthy life for your mind, body and soul!
♥love your siblings. I pray you protect, love and support one another always. They will be with you for more years than anyone else. Family is the most beautiful blessing.

I love you, kiddos. Thank you for the gift of being your mom. Thank you for every glue-filled, glitter-bombed creation you've poured your heart into. For the hugs and kisses that I cherish more than you'll ever know. I love you with all my heart. YOU are a treasure. xoxo

puppy party!!

We have 3 September birthdays, so as long as they'll let me...I will combine them! :) Even though it's such a crazy month with school starting, and my sister moving/planning a wedding....I love to plan this fun September party for my munchkins! :) I got a lil inspiration from Pinterest, and I will tell you this was a hit with them! Here's the day in pics!

 6 YEARS OLD!

 3 YEARS OLD!

7 YEARS OLD!

 GROOMING BRUSHES

 COLLARS & NAME TAGS

 COCOA PUFFS 

sweet families that I l♥ve!!

Stephanie and I met in 7th grade track and field! It has been so fun to get to watch her family grow and also become friends with her sweet sister and family! We continue our dinner dates at Chilis and share a passion for running. Her 6 year old and mine were born at the same time AND day! I love these people. Thanks again for asking my to capture these beautiful smiles! xo

 

Ch♥c♥late chip zucchini bread

This is my fav to make this time of year! My kids gobble this stuff up so quickly! And it's a great dessert to send in their lunch boxes! :)

• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs 
• 1 cup applesauce
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 
• 1 1/2 cups finely shredded zucchini (about 1 medium)
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• Cooking spray 

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Place first 3 ingredients in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at low speed until well blended. Stir in applesauce.
3. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour and the next 4 ingredients (through salt), stirring well with a whisk. Add flour mixture to sugar mixture, beating just until moist. Stir in the zucchini and chocolate chips. Spoon batter into a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 1 hour or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out almost clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes on a wire rack and remove from pan. Cool completely on wire rack.

Elizabeth Alcorn, Cooking Light
JULY 2004