Happy Birthday, Little Man.

Three years ago today I had my last baby.

 It's hard to believe he's going into preschool this fall. I can't imagine my life without a little boy to make our family complete.

We had a blast at his party last Sunday, with 85 degree weather I made nearly 300 water balloons for the kids, and then somehow water guns and super soakers got brought out and everyone had a water war. :) Noah was having so much fun he didn't even want to do cupcakes, ice cream sundaes and presents!

Noah wanted a Team Umizoomi party, all blue and orange, so that's what I attempted to create. It seems like when you are the one preparing the party, not as many good pictures get taken. At least I got a few. Someday, someday, I'll get a better camera. Until then, these will have to do.

Happy birthday little man.

~Melissa

Just another week in Oregon.

 

 

I've said it before, but I'll say it again. The weather here in Oregon the past week has been a dream. All weekend long we were just above 80 which is crazy for the beginning of May, but worked out wonderful for Noah's third birthday party we had yesterday (I'll post pictures soon!)

Last week was full of events; an in home dinner party with a friend, the Jane Austen faire with the family, Shopping trips and getting the backyard ready for company. My dad and his wife came up and visited for the weekend as well.

 The pictures above:

 

1. Anika running towards the State Capital as we explored downtown Salem

2. Noah having a big boy coffee date with me.

3. Emma, riding her bike to preschool.

 4. Three little munchkins heads when we ran to Wilco and purchased mulch; they thought it was so cool watching it get loaded into our trailer.

5. Mother/daughter "duck face." Need I say more?

6. Snippets from the Jane Austen Faire. It was an adorable little event at the Ike box in downtown Salem, packed with lots of women shopping for wonderful handmade treasures. The amazing mosaics were found at the YMCA just up the block.

7. A fun tree we discovered, perfect for the kids.

 

This week will be sure to have more adventures: night shifts (I know, exciting!), a preschool field trip to see helicopters, Family Fun Fair at the grade school, meetings, and a little thing called Mother's Day. :)

 

What exciting things do you have planned this week? I'd love to hear! :)

 

~Melissa

 

 

Stuffed Dates // Appetizer // FBF

 

I decided to do a little Flash Back Friday every now and again, as I'm looking through over a year of posts that I think deserve a second chance (considering a year ago I had like one faithful reader....thanks Mom! ) I created this stuffed date appetizer and it was surprisingly delicious. Everyone at my house always devours them so quickly when I make them. They are the perfect combination of sweet and savory.

 

To view the entire recipe/tutorial click my link below!

Hope everyone has a fabulous Friday. :)

 

Stuffed Date Appetizer

 

~Melissa

Create.Simplify.Inspire #15

I hope everyone is having a good week! Just want to remind everyone that today is the last full day to enter to win a bracelet collection by yours truly! Enter Here! 

 

Okay, can't wait to see what everyone has been up too! Like always, there aren't many rules here, I just want  you to share something that you either created or wrote that would inspire someone! Would love for you to share this party with others, because, well the more the merrier. :)

 

Here we go in 3....2.....1.....

 

 

Create.Simplify.Inspire. #15

  

<a href="http://www.willamettevalleywonderwoman.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss203/anikalene/Untitled-2.jpg" alt="Willamette Valley Wonder Woman" width="250" height="250" /></a>

Raspberry Lemonade Smoothie

Sometimes, I just start adding things together and see what I can create, and then Viola! Some little magic happens. I thought the kids might not go for this one because the flavors were so bold, but to my surprise they finished their glasses faster than any other smoothie before!

Raspberry Lemonade Smoothie

1 cup of Ice

1 cup Raspberries ( I used frozen ones, thawed)

3/4 cup drinkable yogurt ( I used Strawberry keifer yogurt)

2 oz lemon juice

4-5 T sugar (or to taste)

Serves 2

Seriously, that's it. Blend all ingredients in blender, and serve topped with whipped cream. Add the sugar to taste. We like ours slightly more tart than sugary, so I suggest adding 4 T and then adding until you get to the desired level of sweetness. :)

~Melissa