Slices of Life

 I hadn't scrapbooked anything since Ian's high school graduation on December 31st (2021) and though I kept getting my photos developed I had no desire to sit and scrapbook for the longest time.   Well, I finally settled down this month and I'm already 1/2 way through our year!  It's so much easier now that the boys are older and aren't "doing" nearly as many things. In fact, I noticed that nearly all the scrapbook pages were Alec's! I've also gotten much faster; cranking out 10 of these pages in just one day.  Getting ice cream is not normally something I'd document but I had so many cute ice cream layouts waiting to be used! I loved how both this seal and the one below it turned out!! That blank pink space is for me to journal on but I ran out of time the day I was making these pages! I have 3 assorted pages left (Alec's honor society induction, Ian's 18th birthday, and a parade Alec was in) then I'm onto our 2 family vacations-- ...

Now, I admit I am not the biggest pumpkin food fan though I do enjoy trying all the pumpkin spiced snacks that pop up this time of year. I don't drink coffee so you'll never see me trying a pumpkin spiced latte or anything like that.  I used to just make a traditional pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving (for my husband and a few of our family members) since I have never ever liked pumpkin pie.  Between the texture and the fact that it's almost always served cold just always grossed me out and I assumed I didn't like pumpkin.  Then my brother in law made a pumpkin spice cheesecake roll thing one year and I realized that I do in fact like pumpkin; just used in "other" ways!   We don't cook with pumpkin much and I have been trying to branch out and try a few new recipes each year.  And in trying we have stumbled upon a few really fabulous recipes that we like to make over and over again! 1. These pumpkin scones with chocolate glaze were a huge hit with the whole f...

Much like I try not to judge a book by it's cover, I try not to let blog post pictures be the only thing I look at when clicking through to read blog posts... but sometimes those photos are just so eye catching I can not help it.  This week's features are just three of the posts from last week's party that had photos that really caught my eye.   And Now, It's Time for This Week's Encouraging Hearts & Home Blog Hop!     Join your Encouraging Hearts & Home Co-Hosts each week for encouragement and support for your heart & your home . We hope to provide a space that builds each other up and lends a helping hand along the way. With all the negativity in the world, let's shine a positive light! Most viewed from last week: Easy Taco Twist Casserole Recipe by Cook Eat Go Some of my favorites from last week: Bavaria, Germany-- Walchensee, Geroldsee, and Partnach Gorge by Lyssy in the City Neapolitan Style Drip Cake: Showstopping Cakes by Claire Just...

 It's the last Thursday of the month and time to link up with Holly and Patty for their Monthly Musing series.  I'm sure at least a few of these questions overlap other Q&A type posts I've done through the years but I hope you don't mind.   1. I do host Thanksgiving and only can remember about 3 or 4 years where I haven't ever since my husband and I bought our first house while still in college.  It's a lot of work but I just love Thanksgiving.  2. I make ALL the dishes!  Typically I make a turkey,  mashed potatoes, stuffing, butternut squash, a green veggie like green beans or broccoli, rolls/bread, possibly a tossed salad, usually a pumpkin pie, an apple pie, a chocolate chip pecan pie and then I buy ice cream, caramel, whipped cream, cranberry sauce, and gravy.   This year I'm thinking of making up some cookies too.. but we'll see.  3. I have so many favorite Thanksgiving dishes and I have shared just about all of them on my...