Morse Reservoir

Earlier in the week, Hoosier and I tagged along with Don to one of his many softball games. We like going along when he plays at Morse Park because there are a lot of walking trails along the water that keep us busy. And, of course most importantly, it's absolutely beautiful at sunset. Here are a few pictures we took as we walked. Unfortunately, I missed the prettiest part of the evening...these pics were taken a bit later, after Don's games.

Sunset on the lake...








A nice all-American night...baseball, a peaceful walk with the dog and a beautiful sunset. You can't beat that!

Visiting Family

Yesterday, Don and I drove up to Muncie to visit my grandma, Aunt Mary and Uncle Todd. We had a great time chatting and ate a delicious lunch at White River Landing.

Since I'm normally the photographer, we have very few pics of the two of us. It's nice to actually be able to post a picture of us together.

Aunt Mary and Uncle Todd

3 generations...grandma, me and Aunt Mary

Looking forward to going back and visiting again soon!

Show Us Your Life-Dinner Recipes

I made Mexican Chicken Meatballs for dinner a few nights ago and did not plan on blogging about it so I apologize for the lack of photos. I wasn't sure how well it would go over at my house, but this recipe passed with flying colors. Don and I both loved it! It is technically an appetizer but, served with mexican rice, it can definitely be enough for a meal. We will certainly be having this again soon!

Mexican Chicken Meatballs

1/2 cup egg substitute (or 2 eggs)
1-4 oz. can chopped green chilies
1 cup crushed cornflakes
1 cup (4 oz.) shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend
1/2 tsp. seasoned salt
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 lb. ground chicken
Salsa

In a large bowl, combine the first 6 ingredients. Crumble chicken over mixture and mix well. Shape into 1 inch balls. Place on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake at 375 for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown, turning occasionally. Serve with salsa.

Enjoy!

abc ME READ Open House

Finally, a post that is not about landscaping...I bet you all are thrilled!

Yesterday, I hosted the first abc ME READ Open House for about 20 of the teachers at my school and their children. It was a blast! Laura did a demonstration of a book club, using letter L of the Alphabet Book Club. Click here to see the entire lesson, craft and snack for letter L. The kids loved listening to the story, making a ladybug pad of paper and making and eating lion pudding cups.

Seriously, how cute are these?? And so easy!!

Our business is so unique in that we urge people to bring their children along to our open houses. I mean, what's a kids' book club without kids? Interested in learning more? Visit our website at http://www.abcmeread.com/. You can find out more about our kids' book clubs, as well as our other educational materials, and learn more about hosting your own open house or making money using our materials. Check it out!

Landscaping Extravaganza Day 3

I know, you thought there was an end to our landscaping craze, but oh no, we've just begun. Scroll down to see installments 1 and 2. As you saw in my previous posts, our house had become a jungle of weeds. Well, after an entire weekend of pulling those weeds and digging out the ugliness that was our landscaping, we have moved on to bigger, better and funner things. So, Don and I packed ourselves into the truck and returned home (3 times) with more trees and plants than we knew what to do with.

Here's a glimpse at the truck after one of our trips to the nursery...

Here's a view of the front of the house after we planted some azaleas and hydrangeas...

You might have noticed the beautiful tree at the corner of the house. It's my new cherry tree...

Here's a view of the side of the house. If you remember correctly, this is the side that previously looked like it belonged somewhere in a jungle. The weeds were much taller than me and far more out of control! After planting a few azaleas and grasses, it looks MUCH better!

This shrub is at the other corner of the house, on the garage side. It's the only plant we bought for which I have forgotten the name. I wish my camera did it the justice it deserves. It has beautiful red and green leaves...perfect for fall!

We started tackling the backyard, but we were driven away by a mass of hornets that have nested in the ground where we are trying to plant. Maybe another day...

I'll post more pics once we finish the backyard and put in the 165 brick edgers we picked up at Menard's. Do you have any idea what 165 twelve and a half pound bricks do to a Ford Explorer? Let's just say we were ridin' low!

It's a Raccoon, It's a Squirrel...Nope, It's Just Hoosier

This is what I first saw when I walked out onto the deck this afternoon to check on Hoosier...

Of course, my first thought was, "Oh no, wild animals have ravaged the firepit!" Then, I saw this...



Of course, I should have known that it WAS a wild animal...Hoosier. Dear God, this dog will eat just about anything!

BooMama's Diptacular Blog Carnival

In honor of the start of football season, BooMama is hosting a Diptacular blog carnival.

Here is my all-time fav dip to take to a football party or really just any kind of party. It's my dessert cheese ball...

Ingredients
8 oz. cream cheese
1/2 cup butter

2 tbsp. brown sugar

3/4 cup powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

1/3 cup mini chocolate chips (or a whole bag, nobody's judging you)

Graham sticks or vanilla wafers

Directions

Mix cream cheese and butter. Add brown sugar, powdered sugar and vanilla; stir. Stir in mini chocolate chips. Refrigerate for 2 hours or more. Roll into a football (or any other) shape. Serve with graham sticks or vanilla wafers.

Go Hoosiers, Irish and Colts!

Enjoy the dip and here's to a great start to football season!