A Spring Challenge

I love to read but have been neglectful lately. So when I saw that Callapidder Days was having a Spring Reading Thing I jumped on the chance to join. It is just a challenge to set a reading list and try to accomplish by June 20...the last day of Spring. So here is my jumping off list. I am pretty sure I will be able to accomplish this so if you have any suggestions on anything else...let me know! I am open to all types of reading. What are you all reading this spring? If you are wanting ideas go over and check out her Mr. Linky...everyone is posting their lists.

Happy Spring Y'all!

The Choice by Nicholas Sparks
The Shack by William P. Young
Sarah’s Quilt by Nancy Turner
The Star Garden by Nancy Turner
New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer
Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski
Bringing up Boys by James Dobson
The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs

Oh, I forgot, one more thing. Sam got his one year pictures taken this afternoon and the amazing photographer sent me over a sneak peak of one of the pictures.

Take a look. Isn't he precious?

Zoo Day

It's Spring Break, nice weather, and time to get outside. My mom suggested we go to the zoo. So my mom and dad, the two boys and I, and my friend Brittany and her little dude Rhett all went to the Fort Worth Zoo (it is amazing by the way). We got there early and still had TONS of traffic. It wasn't too bad though when you got inside. We were able to see all the animals and enjoyed the gorgeous weather. Maybe even got a little sun!!! Jack was so big and walked the entire zoo by himself. Sam and Rhett took it easy in their strollers and enjoyed people watching. It was such a nice day and great to be out of the house. Thanks Mom for a great idea! Got my ticket for the train!A great exit!Shouldn't your big brother leave you alone when all you need is a nap!

After working in the yard...

why not cool off with a splash from the faucet.

Bargain Shopping

I am trying to be a thriftier shopper so I started couponing.

And would you believe I got all of this for $22.35 and saved a little over $56. WOW!

A little PIE for my Sugar

Toby loves chocolate cream pie....I mean will fight till the death for it kind of love.

Needless to say I find myself baking a lot of pie (I like to make him happy).

Jack and I made him one while he was home this week.

Notice the tongue sticking out...

must be a family trait because I do this too when I am concentrating.

I love baking with Jack...he makes it a little sweeter.

Even his Star Wars figures got a little taste.

Simple Little Runner

My NEW love of quilting inspired me to try this tutorial.

I emphasize NEW because as you can see I am clearly a rookie

(I forgot to add the ric rac...will have to go back and fix that)!

But it looks cheery and fun on my new table.

Stay tuned for more of my NEW love.

German Apple Cake

On this beautiful Sunday I decided I was in need of a date with my KitchenAid. I saw this recipe and thought it was rather different and decided to try. Let me tell you....it was worth it. My husband and I loved it which was surprising because we are not huge fans of fruit in our dessert. So tasty and moist (weird because the batter was SO dense). This would be a hit in every home. Not overly apple-y...just a great sweet treat. YUMMY!German Apple Cake

INGREDIENTS
2 eggs*
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups white sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups apples - peeled, cored and diced
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

2 (3 ounce) packages cream cheese
3 tablespoons butter, softened
1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract


DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and four a 9x13 inch pan. In a medium bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine eggs, oil and sugar. Beat until foamy. Add flour mixture and beat well. Add vanilla and stir in chopped apples and walnuts. Pour into a 9x13 inch pan.
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean. Allow cake to cool, then spread with cream cheese frosting.
To make the frosting: In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, softened butter, confectioners sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat until smooth, then spread on cake.

*I used three eggs for a more moist cake. Came out delicious.