"Of Thee I Sing...."

Ok...so I took a longer break from blogging than I thought. School's been out for almost 3 weeks and it's been one fun day after another. I am blessed that as a teacher, I get to spend my summers with my boy who is growing up way too fast.

Yesterday was already the fourth of July. I had fun taking my time prepping to host our marriage fellowship for a BBQ. So here are some photos of the crazy fun I had hosting this "event":

I envisioned a banner going above the buffet table for all the
yummy BBQ dishes. I used scrapbook paper, leftover denim from
cutting my jeans into shorts, burlap and ribbon scraps. 

Started the morning with a strong cup of coffee from
Urth Caffe. This has become my new favorite
coffee....especially when it's made with
this french press gifted by my cousin. 

What's a BBQ without some happy sunflowers to
grace the table? I know...my decoration visions
may seem silly to some people... 

The finished buffet table sans food. See those
seat pillows? I made them with old placemats I
didn't want anymore. So easy! Just sew 2 placemats
together and stuff 'em! Then hand sew them shut.
Oh and to hide the crooked sewn lines? Glue ribbon
over them with some E-6000 glue. Shhh...I won't
tell if you won't.

So just to add more purpose to my banner,
I stamped some fun patriotic words using
my letter stamps (from my classroom).

This was my favorite project. I spruced up my 
dining room chandelier with: a headband
scarf, a starfish, burlap, leftover fabric
scraps from the 80's & a homemade tag.
Loved it so much that I stamped a "happy summer"
tag so I can keep it up for awhile.

Yes... even Olive joined in the festivities...

Jello poke cupcakes: just white cake mix,
poked holes for jello syrup & covered with
a whipped cream frosting.

Messy but fun!

Ta-da! Um...sorry for the sideways picture.
I can't figure out how to rotate it on
blogger....But they sure were yummy!
Mixing the cool whip with some vanilla
 pudding mix made for a light creamy touch!
Add red, white and blue sprinkles for a
festive touch. Add blueberries...for um...
its healthy antioxidants. 

How we kept the kids busy while the
food was being grilled.

Swimming buds

Splish, Splash!

Buffet table: tablecloth found at Big Lots,
vase from Goodwill was filled with cheese
puffs, a subway print was found online,
and flowers were cut from the front yard.

I spy a gnome....

The grub: mexican style corn, grilled meats
of all kinds, asian slaw, "crack" sushi (cuz
it's addicting!), and somen salad. 

Giving thanks...

Brotherly love: So this happens quite
frequently where these two wear the same
exact thing and sit the same way. 

We finally found rocket popsicles (at Target).

A memorable Fourth Of July!

I am so blessed to be surrounded by family and friends to love and have in my life. I may have my moments of griping about life, but it's humbling to sit back and look at things from heaven's viewpoint. I've been saying more often these days:" This too shall pass........be present."