Val Kilmer was my favorite until now...

** Disclaimer: If you didn't want to know one of the gifts our nephew Drew is getting for his birthday, you probably shouldn't have checked this blog today. **

I think we're going to have to invest in one of these. There's nothing like giving a slightly used toy for a birthday present. Sorry, Brenda, but it kept Kaylee occupied until lunchtime!

Mmmm.... Brownies

I called my friend Kim the other morning. The converstion went something like this:

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Me: Do you have a recipe for brownies?

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Kim: Um, go to the store, buy a brownie mix, bring it home, make it.

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Me: Hmmm, that sounds a lot like the recipe I have...

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Well, going to the store wasn't going to work for me that morning, so Kim suggested I try www.allrecipes.com. I did, and I found the best recipe for brownies. I had to share it with you all. They are rich and fudgy and oh-so-good. If I can make brownies from scratch, you can too. Trust me.

These Kids Are Too Cute

Weary Travellers

Yeah, yeah, I'm still here. My absence from the blogging world has been due to two things: my lack of being at home for the last week and my busyness since returning home on Sunday. The girls and I spent last week at my dad and mom's house, and we had a good visit. We got to spend some time with my grandma, who got out of the hospital on Sunday, praise the Lord! She is doing better, and I know my grandpa is glad to have her home. That is a really big answer to prayer.

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Chris met us in Kansas City on Saturday to see the Backyardigans Live show. Chris's mom, dad, sister, brother-in-law, and their 2 kids came down for the big show too. The kids really enjoyed it, and then we stayed overnight in St. Joe with the fam. We had a good time swimming and just hanging out. But, let me tell ya, it feels good to be home. The laundry, dishes, and dust have built up in my absence, but I don't mind. Waking up next to my husband in the morning is worth it.

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And... last but certainly not least... my sister is getting married! Congratulations to Marla and Jeremy. They got engaged last Saturday. No date has been set yet, but we're looking forward to spending some time on the East Coast for the big celebration!