Moda Bake Shop: Custom Camera Slipcover

Isn't this the cutest camera slipcover? I'm going to make it sometime this weekend. I think that I will have to do some different one- how about a Maroon and White for Earlham??

Moda Bake Shop: Custom Camera Slipcover

Heading Off To College

David is heading off to Earlham College tomorrow (Sunday). He's going to a Summer Writing Initiative that will help him prepare for College. Soooooooooooooo I've spent the week (on vacation) helping him get prepared. Wow- So much stuff! We were supplied a list (definitely multi- gender) and checking off what's needed. We shopped at Target and Walmart. Below shows just some of the new stuff.

I've done at least 10 loads of laundry so he can choose what he wants to bring. We'll go out for dinner (just us three) tonight and then come back for dessert.


And then he is off to his new adventure! I am so proud of all that he will accomplish. He is a wonderful young man. I know that there will be tears tomorrow (ok , lots of tears) but today I am thinking of the promise of his future!

Thank you to all the men and women, sons and daughters, Moms and Dads, sisters and brothers who have made a difference in keeping us safe and free - your sacrifice is cherished. Salute to our brave military and their families. Thank you for our freedom













We're heading down to the Schoolcraft 4th of July parade at 11 am and then a nice little celebration at home with family this afternoon!


Hope everyone has a safe and happy day!

Lifelong Friends

My forever family- Jennifer, Jill and Phyllis



You know the saying "Make new friends, and keep the old?" Well that sure rings true for me. Over the years I have been blessed with so many wonderful lady friends.

Well, about a month ago, I was able to see my best friend from middle and high school at a another great friends's son's graduation party. Jill and I were soul mates and did everything together. She loved make up, dressing up, home decorating and, of course, boys.

I grew up with not just Jill but with the whole Thomas family. They always made me feel welcome in their homes and happy.

Jill and I did so many things together: camping, shopping, buying make up, doing our hair and had so many crazy times (does anyone remember henna for your hair-lol).

Jill and I have promised that we will keep in touch again. I know we will! Thanks Jill!

Hanging at the beach



David and Coco




Dave and Coco walking down the beach



David and I - so proud to be his mom!



The Lake Michigan Sunset



Roadside Beach in Coloma

On Saturday after all of our work, chores , tennis , crafting and working out, we decided to venture out to Lake Michigan. We love to go to the Roadside Beach in Coloma because it is dog friendly, clean and not too crowded. It is so beautiful there and our family has so many great memories of spending time on Lake Michigan. So on Saturday night, we traveled less than our hour west and spend a couple of hours there. Dave and David attempted to get Coco to love the water - she didn't- and swam back to me in seconds. We then walked the beach for a couple of miles and even took Coco off her leash when it was totally deserted. We had such a great time just hanging out with each other- our time is so special together, that is for sure!


We ended off our night with Pizza at DiMaggio's just south of the Beach and then came home for our Saturday treat night of ice cream- I am so loving summer this year!

Wedding Card Box for Judy and Paul

About a month ago I decided to "put myself our there" and offer my crafting services to my friend Judy. Judy and Paul are getting married on July 7, 2012 and I offered to make them a Wedding Card box for their reception. It was really fun to make as their colors are purple and orange and her flower is the tiger lily.

I found the paper mache boxes at Hobby Lobby and painted them in Martha Stewart Crafts "Twilight Blue" Pearl Acrylic Craft Paint. I just love her acrylics and the Pearl effect is my new fav!

I also found the silk flowers at Hobby Lobby as well as the wide satin ribbon. 

I just hope that Judy and Paul like is as much as had fun decorating it!

My new favorite pasta salad

The May family loves pasta salad! Yummy for our tummy's. My latest rendition is Italian style and goes something like this:


Italian Pasta Salad


1 lb. rotini pasta (can be tri color or semolina)
1/2 red onion - diced
1 green pepper- diced
1 yellow or orange pepper- diced
1 cup of tomatoes cut up (I love those little cherry tomatoes)
1 lb. turkey (I get the deli turkey and have them slice it in 1/2 slices)
1 cup (or more) shredded asiago cheese
Marzetti's Roasted Garlic Italian vinaigrette- to taste


1. Boil your pasta according to the package. Drain and cool with cool water (and drain again).
2. Cut up your vegetables and meat and add to a bowl.
3. Add the pasta and mix
4. Add in the vinaigrette and mix.
5. Finally add the cheese and mix again.




I usually refrigerate for awhile and then mix again. This pasta salad can be changed so many ways- salami or ham would taste good.


I think what makes this unique is the asiago cheese. It changes it up a lot. I had been using mozzarella , cheddar or Swiss but I am really loving the tang of the asiago.You just have to try it!