Popcorn, painting and other such activities...

Well, we're just trying to keep our cool on these hot summer days! So it's all the outdoor farm activities in the cool of the early morning, and all the indoor painting, crafts, baking and 'toons in the HOT afternoons. Then usually by 6 we can go outside for a little bit before dinner and baths. Such a fun summer though! It's been a good one :)

Yesterday, Hank was splashing in his paddle pool and I was watching him from the porch swing when John pulled up in his truck. I could tell by the way he was being quiet that Molly was probably asleep in there (they'd gone to check on the cows and if she's anywhere near her carseat around 4 p.m she crashes!) Sure enough he carried her into her room and laid her in her bed, only for her to immediately wake up and cry “noooo, I don't want to take a nap, daddy!” Seeing as how it was 4 p.m on a hot August day in east Texas, I couldn't bear to take a cranky, tired girl outside so I said, “Hey, how about popcorn and movie?!” Excitement all around.

So.

On that note, I thought I'd share my very easy, super yummy, everybody-pleasing cinnamon kettlecorn recipe!

First, dollop a good amount of oil in a pan (I use non-stick), just enough to cover the bottom and then some extra. Add 3 kernels in the middle. Turn on your burner to about medium-medium high and put the lid on. When the 3 kernels have popped, your oil is the perfect temperature to add the sugar.

Add about 2 dessertspoons of sugar and stir quickly to dissolve. Add enough popcorn kernals to cover the bottom of the pan in a single layer, and stir. Put the lid back on and let the heat get to work popping that corn! I give it a few good shakes every so often to make sure it's not sticking and burning. (Use your potholders! Hot!)

Once you don't hear many kernels popping any more (like if 3 seconds pass without a pop) I'd say you're good to go. This is when it gets delicious...give it a healthy sprinkle of salt and then of cinnamon. I add enough cinnamon to make it smell like cinnamon, (if that makes sense?) but not that my popcorn is really brown and cinnamon-looking.

Stir and serve to the kids, and take your own personal bowl to your happy place and enjoy the salty sweet goodness!

Lost and Found

I knew that I had photos from this summer that were non-phone photos and finally found them in a mysterious import folder on the computer.  It wouldn't be the end of the world to have lost them, but when I saw them and the memories from 4th of July with family, and the kids doing their typical outdoor activities I was so glad to have them! Everyone says that this time with young children passes quickly and they're right! One day your daughter needs help doing her sandal buckles and the next she comes out of her room completely ready for church, just needing her hair put up! Or your baby boy is telling you, "teetee in this....diaper change?" OK.... that one may mean that it's time for me to saddle up and potty train Hank! Haha. Potty training is not for the faint of heart..... it takes patience and a willingness to not leave the house for about a week! At least that's what worked with Molly girl....

This pregnancy is going well! I wish it would both slow down and speed up, at the same time. Three will be more of a handful than I am used to and we finally get good sleep at night, BUT I'm so ready and excited to hold our newborn and nurse and snuggle and gaze upon him.

Church this morning was excellent. Our pastor never fails to bring a great message and it's usually one that I especially need to hear. This morning's scripture was from Psalm 51:
"Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don't take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you."

Create. Renew. Restore. Three key words I want to keep at the forefront of my mind this week and always.

Nearing the end of Summer!

Things have been going well around here! The kids are enjoying the last of summer as we head towards their birthdays! I'm not sure if I'll have a  party for them or not. Maybe just some kind of special, fun outing. And cake at home with family. I'm the worst at planning and throwing parties!
We haven't had any rain in a loooong time now, I think close to 2 months, but the farm is still looking pretty good! John's good at managing the grass and the cows know how to find shade and their water and rest with their babies during the hottest time of day.
I've been busy cleaning out closets and cupboards. I am close to ordering "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up" book that is everywhere these days and seems to be quite an inspiration to people. I absolutely love tidying up and getting rid of things! Although while I say that, I just went to Goodwill with Molly and instead of dropping anything off, I got a metal stool and some other random items that I think I will paint and repurpose!
I am almost 2 weeks pregnant and am feeling.... OK. I am tired very easily and at night I find myself awake and restless for 30 minutes or more at a time. I think I'm just antsy to get into Fall and the final trimester.