Wordless Wednesday: Good Times at the Lake!

We had an absolutely wonderful family vacation at our cottage on Houghton Lake in Michigan a few weeks back. Our good friends and their kiddos joined us and it will definitely go down in the books as one of my favorite summer vacations of all time!! I'm already excited about next summer!

Good times spent with great friends!

New BFFs. So incredibly sweet!

Lovin the lake!

My little tadpole and Big D

RayRay and her new friend

Playing on the beach

Beach bum

I heart this place!

Enjoying every minute of our vacation, from sun up ...

to sun down ...

 ... capped off with a bonfire in front of the cottage! I had no idea, but Big D is a master smore maker!

Celebrated my bday at the lake with some of my favorite people!

My bday dinner ... can you say, YUM!

Took a day trip to Mackinac Island ... this is the Grand Hotel.

The gorgeous porch at the Grand Hotel.

Took her first steps just days before her birthday!

Plenty of time spent on the lake!

Show off!

Greg may kill me for this one!

Some of the fab ladies!

Havin fun with Mr. Ducky!

Another gorgeous sunset at Houghton Lake in Pure Michigan!

 

Linked to the following Wordless Wednesday parties:

Pinke Post

live and love...outloud

Dagmar*s momsense

 

Project Alicia

Shrimp and Mushroom Fettuccine: Recipe #6 from Ready, Set, Eat!

I know, I know it's been a little while since my last post from the Gooseberry Patch's Ready, Set, Eat! cookbook as part of the "In the Kitchen" series with the fine farm ladies at the Real Farmwives of America, but that doesn't mean I haven't been cooking! I've got 5 more great recipes to share with you from this fun cookbook. And don't forget after my 10th recipe, I will be giving away a second copy of Ready, Set, Eat! to one lucky reader! So without further ado ... check out this yummy recipe for Shrimp and Mushroom Fettuccine!

Shrimp and Mushroom Fettuccine

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 portabella mushroom, sliced

1 cup onion, chopped

1/4 cup Italian parsley

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 clove garlic, minced

1 1/4 cup chicken broth

1 lb. uncooked large shrimp, peeled and deveined

8 oz. fettuccine, cooked

1/2 grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespooon fresh chives, chopped

Directions:

Heat oil in large saucepan.  Add mushroom, onion, parsley, salt and garlic. Saute for 4 minutes or until mushroom releases moisture, stirring frequently.

Stir in broth and shrimp, bring to a boil.

Add fettuccine, cook for 3 minutes or until shrimp is pink, tossing to combine. Sprinkle with cheese & chives. Serves 4.

Cows, Babies and Buckets!

I feel like such a slacker. I have been so good for so long, so consistent and then came our summer vacation and it seems like our life has been a whirlwind of activity ever since.

It's been wonderful - don't get me wrong - but I have certainly missed my special bloggy time. I have so much to update you on and several recipes to post through the Real Farmwives of America "In the Kitchen" partnership with Gooseberry Patch. So without further ado - let the downloading begin!!!

We spent the majority of the past couple weeks either preparing for the Great Indiana State Fair or AT the State Fair. And as you know, on Sat. Aug. 13, tragedy struck the State Fair - and it certainly changed the tone of the Fair to one of sadness, prayer and remembrance. Because of everything that happened, the stories shared, and the lives lost - many of us - who carry a special place in our hearts for the State Fair - have shed many a tear.

But beyond the events of Sat. Aug. 13, this year was the opportunity to create new, happy memories with our Sweet Baby RayRay - you see, this was her first State Fair.

While she was sick with an ear infection for most of our time at the fair, Big D did end up bringing her out on show day, and while I had tons of toys and books for her to play with, she certainly had the MOST fun with a couple of water buckets I used to water my show calves. Despite her best efforts, she was not able to jump in the water bucket. Click through to see our happy girl at her first State Fair.

Mommy and RayRay

My big girl!!

Grammy's got the bath toys in the bucket!!

Yes ... everyone is watching you!

Playing with Liz from Two Maids a Milking!

Not loving the Holstein - that's my Jersey girl!

Inspiration of Hope

Sometimes when you least expect it God shines the beauty of nature and the inspiration of hope right in front of your eyes. Live everyday with love and laughter and hold those you love tight tonight for life is a precious gift and blessing from God.

Good times ahead at the State Fair!

Check it out ... I am the featured blogger today on Indiana's Family of Farmers blog sharing some of my fondest memories from the State Fair!

It's been a crazy few days getting ready for the big event - cows running down the road prompting the sheriff on our doorstep, one of our show heifers getting herself severely wrapped up in her tie ropes - me saving her life and getting badly kicked in the hand in the process. If you've ever worked or been around Jersey cows - you'd learn pretty quick, they are stubborn, over-curious and prone to accidents. Sigh.

Tomorrow we will clip said stubborn heifers, make em purty, pack the trailer for the cattle show and then Sunday we'll be on the road to one of my favorite places on Earth - the Great Indiana State Fair. Wish us luck!

Click here to see some vintage photos of this Hoosier Farm Babe (with blond hair!) literally growing up at the State Fair. Looking forward to making new memories this year as it will be Baby RayRay's first State Fair, ever!

If you happen to be out and about in Indianapolis, I welcome you to come visit me at the State Fair in the Dairy Barn (center aisle- look for Lone Spring Farms) next week (Aug. 14-17) and we can grab a yummy milkshake from the Dairy Bar together!

Wordy Wednesday: 1st Birthday Bash for Baby RayRay

Baby RayRay's birthday was about a week ago, but since we were just returning from vacay, I didn't have a lot of time to prepare. So alas, we had an official bday bash for our girl this past weekend and oh what a fun time we all had!

I'm quite sure that RayRay just loved being the center of attention! I was a little surprised how she just dove right in to unwrap her presents all by herself. She was so fun to watch and I had a great time preparing and planning for her special day. Though, it's hard to believe my baby is now ONE! Where on Earth does the time go?!

We had just a few friends and family members over for our special girl's celebration. Her party colors were purple and turquoise. Something different and something fun - just like RayRay. Since it was around lunch time, I cooked up Texas-style pulled pork, a Greek Pasta Salad, fruit salad, chips and French onion dip, pink lemonade ... and let's not forget the cake! OMG ... the cake. It was more than special too ... yummy carrot with buttercream frosting made by my beautiful and uber-uber-talented friend,  Liz@ Two Maids a Milking. Thanks Liz for an amazing cake and thanks to all of our friends and family for making RayRay's big day so very special. We. Are. Truly. Blessed.