Summer Fun in the Pool!

Summer is here!

Madeline is the best big sister!

She played in the pool with our little fish for hours!

Ellie has learned to swim and does not stop!

Hope you are enjoying some warm summer days!

Got Squash!!?

So the garden is groWING!

I have packed alot of plants in this year!

So far so good no tomato worms like last year!

The yellow squash is out of control.

Look at the size of these leaves!

So far the producing plants are, beets, zucchini, basil, cucumbers and lots of yellow squash!

We have eaten the squash, sauteed, grilled, roasted.

Then I remembered a recipe for Yellow Squash & Basil Soup.

My old neighbor from Naval Housing (more than 10 years ago) made it for me.

I got the recipe.

I went thru my box and I found it!

It is so easy.

I know you will love it too!

It is hard to think about soup in summer sometimes.

But, it is yellow squash a summer vegetable.

Serve it with a a crisp cool salad.

Delicious!!

Recipe:

4 Tbsp Butter

1 medium onion, finely chopped

4 small yellow squash, sliced

3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced.

2 cups chicken broth

1/2 cup half and half

1 cup basil leaves

salt and pepper to taste

Directions: In a 4 quart saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, squash and carrots. Saute for 8-10 minutes.

Add chicken broth, bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 15-20 minutes or until veggies are tender.

Puree in batches in blender, cuisnart or better yet use a emulsion blender. Add basil as you go so it gets blended into soup. Return to pot and heat, stir in half and half and salt and pepper to taste.

Enjoy!

Homemade Strawberry Milk

Do you like Strawberry Milk?
I have to admit I always wanted my mom to buy the Nesquik Strawberry Milk.
She never did :(
It is full of sugar and processed... but I admit I do buy it.
I add a little amount...much littler than recommended to
give my 3 year old's milk a slight taste of strawberry.
My motto it is more important to get the calcium in than avoid a little sugar.

However, frequently we have been making a homemade version.

With fresh strawberries.



Sometimes we throw in a small container of yogurt.




Equal parts, milk and ice.







Take a little sample.

What does it need a few more strawberries?

A little more ice?

Adjust it to your taste.

And Enjoy!!

Recipe:

This is approximate:

Fill blender to about 3/4 full with strawberries. (This is also a perfect place to use up those strawberries that may be a little past their prime; they blend up well.)

A container of yogurt if you have it on hand. If not we have made it without the yogurt.

About 3/4 cup of both milk and ice.

Blend.

Other Combinations:

Banana, Peach, Mixed Berries

Leftovers? Freeze into popsicles. Or freeze in a baggie and just pop the frozen leftovers into the next batch!!

Quick look!

Here is a quick look at the floor!

I like it!

My wood floor already is less dusty (notice I didn't say less hairy there still is the dog factor!)

In this photo the brown paper is still covering the baseboards, the contrast

makes the floor look better when it is removed.

Still not quite finished waiting to hear from wood store on transition piece.

I will show you completed pictures when it is all done.

We have been enjoying a little summer relaxing by the pool!

Look who else likes the pool...

On to High School

Madeline was promoted from Middle School to High School this week!

I can't believe she will be a freshman in just 6 short weeks.

(Short summer due to year round schedule)

The morning started out a bit hectic, as the zipper on her dress broke about

half way up. There was nothing else to do but sew her in.

That's right! A needle and black thread I whip stitched her up!

And, as an example that she is not an ordinary teenager....she did not panic.

When I told her we needed to sew her in she said "ok". When it was done

I got a "looks great!"

And off she went.

I wish I got a picture of all the kids in the crowd; her school promoted over 800 8th graders.

This is more than all the kids that were in my 4 year high school.

Here she is waiting to get her certificate with her friend Vicki.

Madeline and Vicki were in the Dual Language Program so they got to wear these special sashes!

Yes, she is bi-lingual.

Grandma and Grandpa took a day off work and came to the ceremony.

Here Madeline is with her best friend Casey!

Don't they look so grown up!!

I am very proud of Madeline!

She is down to earth, a nice girl, and works hard!

She will do great in high school!!

After she enjoys her summer !!