transitioning SLOWLY

pre the knowledge of baby number four, our plan was to put the two boys in a room together and give allie the girlie room of her dreams! (currently, allie and caleb share a room at night and riley can chatter on in the evening or morning without bothering a soul)! we are still planning on putting the boys together eventually and this is the first step in that direction. lance took what use to be a loft bed that he made for allie and changed it into a bunk bed for the two rascals to have...

allie and caleb will enjoy it for now, but as soon as we have time to think of allie's new bedroom, it will be a guy's space! more updates on that later! until then, props to my incredible hubby who knows how to build just about anything... i am always amazed!

recipe #3

here is the third and FINAL summer recipe that we used with our staff.

Buttercake squares

1 box yellow cake mix
1 stick melted butter
1 egg, beaten

1 box of cream cheese
3 cups powder sugar
2 eggs

mix the first three ingredients together and press in a 9 x 13 pan. Beat the next three ingredients together, reserving 2T of powder sugar for the top. Spread the mixture on the crust. Bake for 40 minutes on 350. once out of the oven and cooled, sprinkle with the remaining powder sugar!

a few things we missed along the way...

the second half of the summer went fast and i am realizing that we missed a few highlights in the craziness...

we traveled to simonton to visit my parents and literally LIVED in the pool while we were there.

the wranglers were kind enough to let the kids ride horses this summer.... even lance got in on the action.

we all dressed up as cows and went to chickfila for free food... allie fell asleep in the car... cute sleeping cow!

my friend, kara, and i made this cake for the close of camp.... (this one is for my mother-in-law who taught me everything i know!)

allie has been doing her own hair! it is super fun to see!

silence at the Ranch Camp

although we still have months of hot weather left... summer has officially closed for our family. as of this morning, each of our staff have begun to scatter all over the united states. we have big dreams for them and what they will accomplish this year for the kingdom. i shared Joshua 3:5 with my bible study girls, but really have this thought for all our college students: "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you." I don't know how many of you are reading this, but for those that are... be obedient always, trust HIS way, stay committed to the gospel.... HE is going to do amazing things! we love you all and miss you already. winkerbell asked me last night if i was ready to not have popcorn messes on our living room floor... are you kidding me?? lance and i would gladly clean up popcorn for the chance to catch up with any of you... DON'T be strangers!

big day

allie started ballet yesterday. she has been waiting and waiting and finally the day arrived. she is taking it with her friends maggie and hannah (however, hannah couldn't make the first class).
maggie is actually six months older than allie.... isn't she tiny? and cute? these two girls are precious together... lets hope their teacher feels the same way! HA!

sono

we had the first glimpse at this little surprise turkey of ours yesterday! he/she looks good and has a strong heart beat. it did bring lots more reality to the fact that this time next year we will have four kids five and under and life will be WILD (as if wasn't that way already... wink, wink). thanks for your continued prayers. the next time we see this little person will be in dallas with a sono specialist to check out that heart and make sure all is well there!

ÉCLAIR CAKE:

you will need:
-2 (3.5 ounce) packs of instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 (8 ounce) whipped topping, thawed
- 3 cups milk
- 1 pack of graham crackers
- 1 (16 ounce) chocolate frosting

In a medium bowl, thoroughly blend pudding mix with whipped topping and milk. Arrange a single layer of graham crackers in the bottom of a 9x13 pan. Evenly spread 1/2 of the mixture over the crackers. Top with another layer of crackers and the remaining pudding mix. Top with a final layer of crackers. Microwave the frosting for one minute and pour over all. Let chill for at least 4 hours... over night is even better!

We got a huge response from the guys on this one! enjoy!

peanut butter dip

so i promised my staff that i would post the recipes from summer snacks.
here is the first of three...

peaunut butter dip:
1 c peanut butter
1c brown sugar
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese

blend. add milk if needed for creaminess. great with pretzels and apples.
enjoy!!