Amy vs Daisy

As part of my getting away time, I have started a new part-time job as a legal assistant. Yesterday was my first day. I am working out of this lawyer's home office. When I sat down at the computer to start working I couldn't find the wireless mouse. I knew they had one because I had used it the day before.

I heard commotion of the dog and cat behind me so I swiveled my chair around. Standing by the table was their big golden lab staring back at me with the computer mouse in her mouth. As soon as I stood up the dog ran around the kitchen table. I would head in one direction and Daisy would head in the other direction. No matter what I said or did, I could not get her to drop the mouse.

I finally got really frustrated and went back to the computer. A few minutes later I found the dog underneath a bed with the mouse. She let me take it from her and I finally got to work.

So that was my entertaining first day. Did I mention they have a kitten, too. He sits on the desk and watches my fingers fly across the keyboard. I thought that she was going to pounce on them. But, she just laid on top of the papers I was trying to type from.

I can't wait to see how the day goes tomorrow. Here is a picture of Daisy from the Fourth of July.

Disco 'til Dawn

Well, they were not up until dawn, but the did stay up very late.

The party was a success. The girls had so much fun and now I can relax another month until the next fall birthday.



Here are a few pictures from the evening.

The decorations:


They danced. . .

They posed. . .


They played Dance Craze Charades. . .(Even Daddy participated in dressing up and in the games)

They finally slept, after a lot of giggling.

Getting Ready to Disco

The day is here. Six little girls (plus don't forget I already have three of my own) will ascend upon the house at 7pm for a Solid Gold Disco Party. And. . .they are all staying over night.

I will be busy today decorating the house and getting the last minute details pulled together.

I wanted to give you a preview of the cakes for the party. My friend Misti came over yesterday and helped me tackle the cakes. Thanks Misti!

Building A Better Blog

You may have noticed that I have been playing with this blog a lot lately, changing the background, changing the pictures, etc. Well I am trying to use some of the tips from other bloggers that I have received to make this blog a fun place to come and see what I have to say.

There is a lot to be learned and I have a long ways to go, but every new tip I receive has been great.

Today I am hosting a snazL party on this topic, "Building a Better Blog". There are some videos from Susan at 5minutesformom.com and Heather from thedomesticdiva.org.

Join the fun at 3pm EST/2pm CST! Share your tips and learn a few new ones. You can come back here to my blog to join the fun or go to snazL.com.

Hope to see you there!

Mom's Time Out

I decided that every Tuesday I am going to take a time out from focusing on parenting and have a Mom's Time Out. One of my favorite things to do when I have some free time is read. So today I decided to post a new book review.

Today is the publication date for a new book from a brand new author. The Art of Disappearing by Ivy Pochoda debuts today!



This book was a perfect book for Mom's Time Out. It is a magical story of love and romance with a touch of mystery.

Toby Warring, a young magician and Mel Snow, a traveling textile designer find each other and two days later a Las Vegas Wedding is underway. Through the book the magic keeps the story interesting. When a magic trick goes horribly wrong the couple flees together to learn more about the art of Toby's magic and things that took place in their past. It is a story that asks the questions, what will win Toby's affection, his magic or his love for Mel?

If you are looking for a good book to take a time out from life, this is a great new read.

You can read more about this book at Ivy Pochoda's website. For purchasing info you can go here.

St. Martin's Press; Hardcover
US $24.99
Publication Date: Sept. 15, 2009
ISBN-10: 0312385854
ISBN-13: 978-0312385859

I hope you join me next week for Mom's Time Out.

Kids in the Kitchen - Masterpiece Pizza

We love our Better Homes and Gardens New Junior Cookbook. The girls love to flip through it and decide what they want to make next. Last night we decided to make a bedtime snack. I would love to be able to tell you that we eat all things healthy in this house. But that would be a lie. . .we love our sweets. And I think they are okay in moderation.

So the younger girls put on their aprons and helped me with this snack, Masterpiece Pizza.

Here is the recipe:
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup semisweet chocolate pieces
3/4 cup tiny marshmallows
2/3 cup peanut (we left these out)
1/2 cup miniature candy-coated semisweet chocolate pieces

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat butter and peanut butter with electric mixer on medium speed for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar and granulated sugar. Beat until combined. Add egg and vanilla. Beat until combined. Add flour, beat on low speed until combined.
Take about 1/2 cup dough and place near one corner off the cookie sheet. Use the table knife to spread dough into a 5 inch circle. Repeat with the remaining dough to make 4 circles. Bake pizzas for 15 minutes or until the edges are light brown.
Remove from the oven and sprinkle the center of each cookie with semisweet chocolate pieces. Let stand 1 to 2 minutes until you can spread with a knife. Sprinkle each cookie with marshmallows, peanuts and mini m&ms.
Return cookie sheet to oven for 5 more minutes. Enjoy!


This recipe got two thumbs up.

Mom's Balance

I finally figured out how to add a little vlog to my post. Looking for a little balance in our house. . .