Happy (Belated) Birthday, Landry!

Landry's parents couldn't have been exactly shocked when she got a bag with her name on it- I've been planning on that gift for a while. I filled it with some fused plastic goodies and a Can You Spy? owl (ish) toy. I've seen I Spy pillows online at Etsy and other sites and loved the idea- it can keep kids (and adults) entertained for a long time, and it's incredibly easy to make.

I wanted to venture out beyond the basic pillow form and made mine a little owl. I took some vinyl and made a window in his tummy and filled him with a ton of little knick-knacks and plastic pellets. To play, you just shake, squeeze, turn, etc. until you find all the hidden toys inside. I made one for my house, too. Andrew played with it for a while before telling me, "Um, babe, you forgot to add the ceramic tile. It's not in here." Yes, it is. I promise.

Happy Cooking!

I went to Shannon's bridal shower in Lubbock a week ago and had a really good time. We got her a gift from the registry, but I really wanted to make her something, too. Once I decided on a recipe box and cards I found that apparently recipe boxes are a modern rarity. Who knew? I must have gone to six places looking for one before deciding to just get creative.

I found a glass vase that seemed like it would be a great fit and thought about etching "recipes" on it. (Not that I've ever actually tried glass etching before...) Simplicity took over and I left the vase as is. It works. (I'm not sure how it would work as an actual vase.) I made some recipe dividers and cards and added 20 or so recipes that we use and love, minding the likes/dislikes of the bride and groom.

I'll admit, it makes my own recipe box look a little juvenile. Maybe I'll make me one. When I have the time. In like twenty years.

Leftover Pico is Delicious

The kids and I had an indoor picnic yesterday. I've decided that pico de gallo is about as versatile a condiment as ranch dressing. It kind of rocks on a hot dog. A lot. I had two, just to be sure.

We had a lunchtime audience, of course:

Also in the delicious category: Dr. Pepper made with sugar. Serious yumminess is now, for a limited time, available in cans (outside of the Dublin, TX distribution area.) Andrew has discovered the perfect sugar Dr. Pepper drinking conditions. Served very cold, no ice, in a glass directly from the freezer. Seriously. It's knock-your-pants-off good. It rivals the leftover pico.