Heat Wave

We had a record breaking heat wave this week! Since wr have no AC we had fans all over the house going (which blew around the hot air.) Reagan found her spot early on, and it was hard to make her give this up! We have had 90-100* weather for quite a few days in a row and my house doesnt cool down below 85-90 at night! Seattle hit its all time ever high of 105* and lets hope that it takes another 100 years to experience that again!

50 cents of garage sale fun...who knew?

So on our afternoon walk, we came across many garage sales. I hate garage sales, but I also hate expensive dog toys, so I handed over two quarters in return for two old stuffed animals. The pups had a blast!


Not only were they tired from a long walk and chasing each other with these exciting new toys, but it was also 90 degrees out.

So after a long hard two hours awake, the BFF's took a nap on their new toys. The entertainment they will have for the next two days (thats the lifeline of stuffed animals here) was completely worth my 50 cents.

A few summer projects

I took the old, worn out, colorless pup and gave him a new paint job.

Some freshly planted flowers added a little color. And I bought the coco shell basket for a steal. Horray for bargains at JoAnns!

Add a matching seasonal wreath, and my front porch was complete. Soon I will be starting on the autum look.

Graduation Night at PetSmart

Mr. Riley graduated from beginners class at PetSmart today! Some of his highlights over the last 8 weeks have been: walking nice on a leash, lay down, shake, stay, leave it, drop it and coming when called. When we catch Reagan up to where Riley is (she is very close) we will look at possibly starting Intermediate class.

And since I cant just brag about one pup, here's Reagan, who was sleeping under a pillow. :)

AMEN

We viewed this in church on Sunday. It discusses whether our nation is a Christian nation or not. Very very well said.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpQOCvthw-o

TODAY I MADE - Banana-Chocolate Chip Muffins

I love chocolate covered bananas and these are the next best thing! They are real quick and easy to make.

2 c. flour
1.5 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 eggs
3-4 mashed bananas (the more ripe the easier to mash!)
1 c. sugar
1/2 c cooking oil
1/2 bag semi sweet choc chips (or more for hard core chocolate lovers)
Preheat oven: 375*

1.In lg bowl, combine flour, baking powder and baking soda. Make a well in the center.
2. In med. bowl, mash bananas. Add eggs, sugar and cooking oil. Mix until creamy but still lumpy.
3. Add to flour mixture and stir just until everything is wet. Stir in chocolate chips.
4.Spoon batter into lightly greased muffin pans. I used mini muffin pans.
5. Bake in 375* for 11-12 min or until edges are golden. Made 3 dozen mini muffins.

Life becomes busy!

We have been busy busy lately! I had my 22nd birthday and treated myself to a Starbucks, a pedicure and enjoyed a night at home cooking fancy food with my hubby. (Steak, clams, and asparagus - yum yum!) I was also surprised with beautiful red roses. :) PERFECT.

The family has been busy planning for the wedding reception in August. So much is involved! And the best part...cake tasting! Central Market in Poulsbo won us over on the best cakes for sure! MMM cant wait until August to have it again.

Our pups keep us active. Steve has been taking Riley out - Riley pulls him on the skateboard - and Reagan and I run behind. It is hard work keeping up with the skateboard!

My puppy loves!

My goofy hubby with our kiddos.
Reagan has turned into quite a princess! Her personality is definately showing and she is very curious about everything - sometimes a little too much!

Here's Riley and Reagan! Reagan is now 10 1/2 weeks old and growing quickly! Riley is 3 weeks away from graduating beginners classes at PetSmart. What a wonderful program they have there and my wild Beagle now listens (we are still working on it!)

TODAY I MADE - Tortellini Con Colore (aka Tortellini with Veggies)

YUMM!! I found this SUPER easy recipe in "Everyday with Rachel Ray" Magazine and had to try it! It was delicious and a great way to get my hubby to eat veggies!

1 9oz pkg BUITONI 3 Cheese Tortellini

Snowpeas

Shredded carrots

Balsamic Vinegar Olive Oil Dressing

Parmesan Cheese

**Cook pasta and toss all ingredients in large bowl**

TODAY I MADE: Peanut Butter with Chocolate Chip Cookies

Prep: 25 min - Bake 7 min - Oven 375*

1/2 c. softened butter
1/2 c. peanut butter
1/2 c. granulated sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 egg
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 1/4 c. flour
1/2 pkg. semi-sweet choc chips
granulated sugar for coating

1. Beat together peanut butter and butter for 30 sec until creamy. Beat in sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, and baking powder until creamy. Then beat in egg and vanilla until smooth. Beat in as much flour as possible, mix in rest by hand if needed. Add in choc chips ( I mushed it in with my hands and created a large ball of dough.) Chill dough until easy to handle.

2. Shape dough into 1-inch balls and roll into sugar to coat. Place on cookie sheet. Use fork tines to make criss-cross marks on top. Bake in 375* for 7-9 min. or until the bottoms are lightly browned.