By the Light of the Silvery Moon

Sing it with me. Never mind.

At our house on Cherry Street I planted a moonlight garden. In a moonlight garden, all of the flowers are white so you can see them by the light of the moon. I loved that little garden, I could see it from my kitchen and from the patio. I don't really have one here at the Stone House. My shade garden is mostly white with some pinks. It doesn't count. I've been thinking about my moon garden lately and don't really have a good spot.

So, I made an executive decision this week and my moon light garden will be on the patio this year. I started filling my containers with plants today. I use annuals and perennials in my containers. It's more cost effective if there is something in the pot to begin with, maybe a shrub or some hostas or a heuchera. There was some winter kill in my containers and some things had gotten too big for their pot. Lots of moving around, adding basket stuffers, changing potting soil and fertilizing. It felt good to be in the sunshine, thinking about evenings on the moonlit patio.


I used plants with names like Dolce Mocha Mint, White Nancy, Tango White, Paper Moon, Calypso White and Trailing White.

I replaced some winter kill with this topiary, which I found at the farm store where Sam works.

Earlier this week I trimmed the hedge around the patio. Remember last year, time flies and I needed to do it again. This year we were smart and remembered after Christmas that we wanted to use net lights on all the patio hedges. I picked them up half off after Christmas. I was a bit leery of them looking too contrived but if you trim, install, wait a week or two, the hedges start growing and it looks good.

Some patio lanterns, white blooms, a cool drink and my Hubby on the patio in the evening, can't wait!

Slow it Down

Max's friend, Tyler needed to come for dinner last night. His parents are out of town. He was starving. When Tyler came after school, we made mac and cheese because he needed a mini meal before the game.

On the way out the door, Shelly called, they were letting the heifers out. We like to go and watch the girls come out of the barn after a long Winter inside, they get pretty excited. I told her I would get back to her, we had a game to go to.

We headed out to Bender Fields to enjoy a good butt kickin' and the Bender breeze...

On the way to soccer we stopped at Sole Obsession and asked Kelly and family to come for dinner. A last minute invitation, so don't expect much. I had beefed up the dinner plans since Tyler was starving, then Sam told me he would be gone. I had baked cookies for dessert, made my low cal veggie dip, and a fruit salad after work. Went to the game, got beat badly.



Flew home and got ready for guests. Basically, we threw junk into closets, made BBQ burgers etc. It was fun to have dinner with Robb and Kelly's family, polite kiddos. They have three kids and a student from Korea, a busy family time. They left to get kids in bed on time.

Tyler decided to spend the night, Hubby and Max went out to his place to get his things. I cleaned up the kitchen and got ready for morning boot camp. A little ritual I have.

I'm on the phone with my Mom when I got another call. It was one of Hubby's coworkers, Scott, his wife Ashley was in labor and he was wondering if we could have Charlie overnight. Yes, and hurry!
Picture is of Hubby asking Charlie what the shock collar is used for... we didn't use it. Charlie is a good dog. It's hard for a pup to be dropped off at bedtime, no familiarization time. And so many guys at our place. Scary.


After we got in bed, Hubby got back up and moved Charlie into our room (we could hear him crying). I think he was crying because Hubby told him that his life was forever changed. His people love him but Charlie is moving into second place. There will be a new kid in town.

Probably wasn't a good idea to throw out that info right before bedtime. Poor pup.

So, dinner guests and a few overnight guests later ... I realize we missed the heifers. Awwww, phooey.


Edited to add:
Baby girl Aurora was born around 1:a.m. Only three hours at the hospital. Good job Mama! Baby and Mom are well, Daddy Scott is happy and proud.

Ranch Potato Casserole

We love these taters, but they are not on the low calorie list. Be warned, delicious and dairy. All about the dairy. I should have shared this recipe when I had the June is Dairy Month Series. Now, I've thought of it, made it and have to share it. You don't have to wait until June. Try these and you'll thank me.

Ranch Potato Casserole


6-8 medium red potatoes
1/2 c. sour cream
1/2 c. ranch dressing
1/4 c. bacon, fried and crumbled-Get real and buy *facon from Costco! Cut with a scissors and nuke it.

2 T. parsley- I use some dried chives too.
1 c. shredded cheddar cheese

Cook the potatoes until tender, quarter them, leaving skins on: set aside.

Combine the other ingredients and gently mix and top.

Topping:
1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese
2 c. slightly crushed corn flakes ( I use a ziploc bag and and my hand)

1/4 c. butter-melted
Combine the corn flakes and butter and sprinkle over cheese on casserole. Bake at 350 degreee for 45 minutes. Can be made a day ahead and baked just before serving.

I make a recipe and a half because I have a lot of hungry guys and they like leftovers. I just make one recipe of the topping.

These potatoes are a favorite served with grilled flank steak, caesar salad and roasted asparagus. Tastes like summer!

*Reminder- facon is the kirkland brand bacon that is precooked. My guys call it facon because they don't consider it to be real bacon unless I have slaved over a hot stove and made a big ol' greasy mess. Please don't call me or my sisters, from Costco and yell into your phone, "what's facon?" Think about how that sounds. I only mention this because it's happened.

I {heart} my Library

I'm a reader, always have been a reader. If my grades weren't up to par my parents knew how to punish me. They took my library card away. Without my library card I am nothing, I am incomplete, I am crabby. Hubby is a reader too. That is a good thing. We get it when the other one can't talk because they are finishing a good book.

Nothing against television, I just prefer a good book. But like a man watching TV with a remote, I read two or three books at a time. Not always, but sometimes. Currently, I am reading Prayers for Sale by Sandra Dallas, Tending Roses by Lisa Wingate and for some nonfiction fun, Maryjane's Outpost by Maryjane Butters. Both of the fiction are stories of a young woman and an older woman, so they have similarities. Different times in history, different stories but the common character thread. Holly listed Tending Roses as a favorite on her blog. I chose Prayers for Sale because I enjoyed the other books by Sandra Dallas.

Maryjanes' Outpost caught my eye at the library because the subtitle is Unleashing Your Inner Wild. Lots of information about getting outdoors, camping, raising chickens, fly fishing, creating rooms outside, fun stuff. I've always wanted an outdoor shower and I thought this book might have ideas. It is making me want to move the beds outside for the summer. A fun read.

Hubby and I read to our boys, a lot. Sam had memorized many books at the age of two. I have video of Sam "reading" at age three. One of the guys' favorites was The Firecat. A book with a character named Mrs. Goodkind has to be good. Now it is a favorite of Emilyn. Hubby and Emilyn read many books Saturday evening. Some Richard Scarry too. Good times.

Love Joes

I am surprised by how many people tell me they don't shop at Trader Joe's, some haven't even been to Trader Joe's. Yes, I was one of those crazy shoppers on the first day Joes opened in Bellingham.

So, today a Joe's tutorial.

Nothing says summer like a glass of Prosecco on the patio. And only $4.99 a bottle. I'll try it.

Some of my 'every time I go to joes' items, including frozen mangos and protein for my breakfast smoothie. Garlic fries, mandarin orange chicken, buttermilk, dried cranberries, frozen vegetables, shampoo, my favorite lemon seltzer, flax seed, peppered salami are just some of our favorites. Nuts too. Pesto too. I should have done this post as a a series because I have a lot to say about Joe's. Hash brown patties, Sam would have withdrawals if I ran out. We don't like Joe's chips, just too stinkin' healthy for us.


Hubby and I have a foolproof way of choosing wines at Joes. if you are a wine snob, scroll down, close your eyes and pretend you never saw this information....
We look for empty shelves. Simple, efficient and fairly effective. If everyone else is buying it, the wine must be good. Also, a pretty label helps. This one just needs a pretty green ribbon and insto facto, hostess gift. Call me to invite me for dinner, we'll try it out.

Every visit to Joes should include a new item. I chose the juice today because it looked refreshing, healthy and summer is coming. And it might be a good mixer. My other item is a marinade for pork or chicken. Another Joe's hint is to talk to the other shoppers. I was reading the label and the 'joe's note' which stated, "this sauce is wicked good" when another shopper told me how much she loves this sauce. Her and her Mom had a recipe, quite detailed that they used, then tried Island Soyaki. She told me it was the same thing without all the work. Yay! Love easy with summer coming.

The flowers are a lot of bang for the buck. I bought one all white and a large bunch of tulips for a decent size bouquet. I have church flowers tomorrow. Perfect.


Go to Joes, be adventurous, come home with some new good eats. And bring your own bags so you'll be entered in their contest and Be GrEeN!

The Cook Takes a Break

Max has a soccer game this afternoon. You know what that means, game day breakfast. He also gets a special lunch today. Karen, his @school mama is bringing in hot lunch for some of her favorite guys. She does that about once a month. It is a treat! For me. Hubby has his day off and so...I do NoT have to make lunches today. That is usually a seven days a week chore.

The pics are from last game. Max is #18. From the back, Jordan and Carson and Max all look the same. Even to their mamas. It is very confusing.

We went to our church's pasta dinner fundraiser last night. Friday night we have a pops concert and dinner at school.

I am on a roll, no cooking. Tonight may have to be pizza after the game.

Keep it on the down low though, my guys haven't realized that I'm not cooking this week.

Earth Day

To celebrate Earth Day I signed up for Smart Trips. Easy peasy! I just registered online and then when I bike to work or take my bike to the library or pick up a gallon of milk, I just add my trip. I think it will be fun to see how often I bike or walk instead of jumping in the car.

Plus, they give out prizes. I would love to WiN! I won't. But now I have a chance.

I stopped by Kelly's store today and took some pics for her. She is having camera difficulties. The question is, why isn't my sister that is a Snapsister taking pics for Kelly? Kelly gives Jodi her hand me downs. And Jodi is a photographer, I'm a point and shoot.

Anyway, more Simple shoes, totally organic and recycled materials. Just perfect for Earth Day or any day for that matter.

I'm working on Friday, so I just may earn some cute checked shoes. Come and see me!

Growing Up is Hard to Do

He passed the "knowledge test"!!! That's what the DMV now calls the written test. One down and just the driving to go. Max is not 16 until the 23rd of May, but he wants to drive on the day so we are getting the tests finished. WE can't wait for Max to be on the streets.

It went fine at the DMV. I happened to take his social security card because I knew he wanted to apply for some jobs on the way home. Good thing! Apparently you need your SS card to take the driver's test. Who knew?

Max wrote a resume and we made some stops. He needs to work this summer, a lot. Our second stop maybe didn't go so well. Everything was sailing along, I'm waiting in the car. Max leaves his resume and fills in an application. We leave and Max says, "not sure if I'll get a job here, the boss asked me if I was the kid that got in a fight at school." The boss is on the school board.

We're hoping the boss can look past this one glitch and give Max a job...
We're hoping Max passes the driving test.
We're hoping I make it through the parenting trials with our last son.

Don't Hate Me

I am soooo lucky. A banner day today, for sure!
I am starting with a mammogram. Woohoo!
I am ending my afternoon at the DMV with Max. Love going there. My guys do NOT have good experiences at the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Have a good day, guaranteed to be better than mine.

Look Alikes

I think Max and twins Emily and Luke look alike. Second cousins. Just little glimpses. Max had to create a power point project for school and needed to find photos of himself growing up. This one reminds me of Emily.


That is some strong Dykstra blood, showing up.

Cake Mix Cookies

That Sam I Am told me about this recipe two years ago. I said, uhmmm and did nothing about it. Then Becky made them, I ate one, maybe six, and I said, wow! I have to try these at home.
Mix one cake mix, 2 eggs and 1/2 cup oil, bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees. Then the hard part, open a can of frosting and frost.

We scooped with my small scoop, turned it over and flattened a little bit.

The variations are fun to think about, cherry chip with cream cheese, yellow with chocolate, white and white. Stop it!

If you don't have a baking assistant making sure that every cookie has every color of sprinkles yours will not be as delicious as mine. Sorry. You may not have a mess either.


Make sure there is someone around to finish the frosting, carefully sugar her up and then send her home with her parents.

In the background, a Wii game.

Delicious Dip

Christmas is over, the January/February Recession Depression Eat A Lot is over, Easter is over, and my clothes are tight. It's sucks. Faithfully I have gone to boot camp and then stuffed my face all day to reward myself. So, in honor of my misery I am sharing an old recipe. I got it from Jill and she got it at Weight Watchers. It's good. Trust me.

One tub of cottage cheese and a packet of ranch dip seasonings. Then whip it, whip it good.

*Totally unrelated here, but the other day Max and I are in the car and Devo comes on the radio. He had never heard of Devo! Kids these days. I digress.

You can use a food processor or a blender. Easy! It really is good with veggies. Try it!



*If I was really good on the tech side, Whip It, would be playing as you read, but you'll just have to imagine.
Oh, and a special YAY! for Emily today. She is back at boot camp! Good to see you and wasn't it fun this morning?

Is It Good Mel?

First, Not Yo Mama's Banana Pudding Dessert. Kathi brought this dessert and has since posted the recipe on her blog. Trust me, you want to make this dessert. Julie brought a yummy chocolate torte. And there was lots of candy too.
Then, after dessert, we are sitting in the kitchen just visiting and Melinda gets herself a plate of whipped cream. Then she gets herself another. Go Mel! Just filling in the cracks...

Good Times this Easter

Easter was great! We had a beautiful church service, everything! A full church, beautiful lilies, trumpet, praise band, choir, the Alleluia Chorus, a message of hope. Gaye did a meaningful dialogue. All the pieces of worship coming together to worship.
After church we went to my folks. Us and everyone else. A full house, it was so fun to see everyone.
That Sam I Am, my Mom and Max. Is Grandma shrinking? And aren't the guys' Easter outfits cute this year?

Sweet girls in their Easter dresses with the kids' dessert. I kinda wanted one myself.

Yep, they're good!

Silly, sweet Mindy brings real eggs to the hunt. Ummmm, Mindy, we are a chocolate kind of family... Love you!

Miss Emily having a bit of dessert.

This is what happens when the Easter egg hunt is moved inside, tons of candy and not enough places to hide it.

Little Max, not a great picture but you should have seen the others I took of him. Blurry, very blurry, constant motion. Just like my Max at that age. It's funny now but at the time, not so much. Max is getting a baby brother or sister in six months. Mama Christina thought she got a bacterial thing in Mexico, uhmmm nope, it's a baby. Can't wait!

Lucky Luke! He found the egg with a rock inside! This is a good thing. If the finder can tell what happened with the rock they get a prize. "The rock rolled away!" Yep folks, we have a winner.

No pictures of the ham, sorry. Take my word for it, the ham rocked this year, DeLiCiOuS!
And unless she pays me off, I will be posting next about Melinda and dessert...

Happy Easter

The guys and I are going to church this morning and then to my parents for dinner, ham dinner, of course. Hubby has to work.
I feel so blessed to celebrate Easter with family. My Mom told us this is the last dinner for forty at her place. Fair enough. She has so willingly been the hostess for so many years. So, we will savor today. We have an egg hunt for the little ones, it doesn't look like the weather is very nice. No matter, the hunt goes on in all weather.

I want to wish each of you a Blessed Easter Day.

This is the greeting at our church on Easter morning.
Christ is Risen.
Christ is Risen Indeed.