Like Brother Like Sister Like Brother

Here is Davis' angry face. It seems to run in the family.

Here are video clips of Ike and Maddie making the same face when they were about his age.

Cucumber Cream Cheese Bread

Looking for an easy-peasy appetizer to take to a holiday party?

Look no further.

I could eat a whole platter myself in one sitting. Just ask Becky, she introduced me to them during our month together in October. I have made them multiple times since. Ryan ate them and he doesn't even like cucumbers.

Cucumber Cream Cheese Appetizer

• 1 loaf crusty bread or baguette (longer and thinner works better), cut into 1/2 inch slices
• 2 cucumbers, sliced
• One 8oz. block cream cheese, softened
• 4 tsp. Hidden Valley Ranch Original dressing powder (1/2 of a 1 oz. packet)

Mix cream cheese and ranch powder together until smooth. Spread onto baguette slices and top with a slice of cucumber. If you want to get really crazy you can top with a little bit of freshly ground black pepper or even some salad supreme.

Now just watch them disappear at the next holiday party. Trust me on this one. Especially if I'm invited to said party.

Her Constant Companions

As of late this little girl insists on carrying all of her favorite toys (most of which are Dora paraphernalia) with her EVERYWHERE. The other day she could barely walk out the door because her arms were so full of dolls, books, a backpack, and other toys. That's where I had to put my foot down and only allow one toy in the car with her.

Her most recent constant companion?

Dora underpants, which she (unbeknown to me--my sister-in-law snapped this photo) took outside and scattered among the colored piles of leaves on the ground in the front yard.

For the record, she is many dirty diapers away from becoming potty-trained.

Service for Solomon

Last week was my sweet nephew's 5th birthday. Solomon was born with a heart defect and only lived to be 18 days old. Each year his family celebrates "Service for Solomon" by inviting others to do small acts of service over a period of 18 days (November 12th-November 30th) in honor of Solomon's short life. With Becky's permission I am inviting you to do the same. Feel free to leave anonymous comments on Solomon's blog.

I love that someone so small has had such a significant impact on so many lives. I love that Solomon's parents have turned what most would consider a tragedy into a wonderful blessing. I look forward to this celebration every year and would encourage you to read Becky's post about things their family has learned through this experience. I couldn't help but feel grateful for my blessings. Read it. It will make you feel grateful too.

Sunday Dinner

Is it any wonder why Big D loves Sunday dinner at my mom's?

My brother's kids give him constant attention. Here all four of them insisted on helping snap his pants up.

Ian and Davis.

Chunky Monkey seems like an understatement
 right now...