Snake Skin

Yes, that would be a snake skin---------------------->
Chris went outside to do something and came back in and got his stick we keep in our bedroom (beware intruders!) He asked if I wanted to come with him and see what he was about to do. I saw the weird look on his face and figured I might as well just peek out the back door.  When I saw him bring this out from under our back steps I automatically yelled at Chloe (our Dorkie) "You aren't doing your job! You are a dog-keep these things away." Poor Chloe.  I know it is only a snake SKIN, but there was a SNAKE in it at one point. This just scares me, because the boys enjoy going into the back yard.  Here's hoping: I was thinking maybe Chloe just drug it up from somewhere OTHER than our yard. I mean, it was in her favorite shady spot (under our back steps) and she is known to bring all sorts of lovely things into the yard from other places. So yeah, the picture doesn't do the thing justice. There is still like three inches missing off the tail because it fell off-and I wasn't about to pick it up! Small, but still snake skin. Enough said!

Chocolate Cake and Label Crazy

Today (while the kiddos were napping) I did two things (well actually three if you count boiling the chicken for a casserole I would be making for supper): I made a FROM SCRATCH chocolate cake and I labeled a few things.
C loves chocolate. He especially loves chocolate on chocolate. I'd rather have like chocolate and vanilla-but it's not about me. I decided that I would make C a chocolate cake for Father's Day. :)

Anyone that knows me pretty well knows that I am not the most talented baker. Most things I make come about far from perfect. This cake and HOMEMADE FROM SCRATCH ICING came out pretty darn good, even if im not a chocolate icing on chocolate cake person. :)
The icing is really yummy and was super easy to make. It came out all creamy and smooth. I was very pleased.

I did let the cake cool before I tried to flip it out of the pan. Well, judging by my finished product-it didn't go very well. Half came out, then half broke off. I slathered the icing on anyway.  I am probably going to make another one tomorrow after church to take to my Daddy. He isn't really an "icing" man, so I may have to come up with something a bit different!!! Happy Father's Day to my sweet Daddy and Happy Father's Day to an awesome Daddy, my husband!!!

To make this super duper chocolate cake, you'll find the recipe, here.                                                                   

It is a known fact that I do like to label things and have them in a "place". Although I like to think that I am somewhat organized...it is really organized chaos-a popular theme. :)  I bought a few storage containers after seeing my friend R's nicely contained chocolate chips. (Yes, R, as you were making the Chocolate Covered Blueberries you inspired me to never roll up my bag of chocolate chips again-they deserve a container!!!)  So, I have contained now three different types of chips, two different types of flower, homemade brown sugar and confectioners sugar. Then I thought, "How could one tell this apart if they aren't me?"  So, I then thought of my handy dandy label maker and printed away. :)

VBS #2

Today was the pool party for the boys' second VBS of the summer. This is our first time doing more than one VBS-but I am so glad I did. :) Not only did they have a fantastic time, but I got to visit with friends all week in the evenings and it was much needed!! (Picture: E and N with M on stage.)

The boys (especially N) made friends with their classes helper, Skye. Every time I went to pick N up, he would be holding her hand. :) He (and E, too) had to make her a card on their last day. N even asked when she could come over to our house. :)

This morning, they had a pool party for the VBS kids and families. M stayed with PawPaw because I didn't want to have to sit out for two hours in the sun with my lovely, water blistered/peeling sunburn.  The loved it, of course, and I enjoyed a few panic free moments reading. The boys really enjoy swimming and were very excited to see Skye there as well. :) :)

VBS #3 here we come!