back to school.

I remember well the first time I read Nie's back to school post. I loved it. Everything about it. The family theme, the celebration of a new school year, the dinner, the crowns and the Father's Blessings.

I've anxiously awaited the day that both girls were starting a new school year, and that day has finally arrived.


After much thought and discussion, we decided on a family theme of Love and Serve. We figure with all that is going on in the world, the perfect thing for our family is to love more and serve more.


The menu was simple.. croissant sandwiches, potato chips, grapes, sugar snaps, a little dip, and a capri-sun to finish it off.


The girls each received their own crown to wear throughout the meal.


We talked a lot about what to expect, what they were excited for, what they were worried about. Lily announced she was going to be honest, helpful, tell the truth and be kind. Maybe some of our parenting is wearing off on her.

After a quick trip to the park and some cheesecake factory for dessert. We finished the night off with Ryan blessing each girl. It was nearly perfect, just like Nie herself!

lunch.

Lunches are hard for me. These are amazing! Seriously, and they don't look too hard to make. Ok, some of them do, but some are totally doable.

via hostess blog via funky lunch

paul frank for target.

Have you seen the new Paul Frank for Target line? We have a few pieces in our back to school wardrobes. Do you like or pass?

sparkle power.

I am so excited for this print to make it's way into our new home.

*thanks cjane for the tip.

small.

We finally have internet.. I don't know how we ever managed without it! I was so pleased to see this in my inbox. Definitely worth browsing.

lunch box.

Just ordered this lunch box for miss Lily. I am in love.

moving.

We officially start packing and moving today (an in-town move). Posting will be a little sporadic over the next week. Happy weekend!

backpack.. backpack.

Have you found that perfect "back to school" bag for your son or daughter? I've been looking..



I think this would be so perfect for a boy. Simple, darker in color, but not your everyday bag..


and I'm liking the messenger bag for the girls. What are your favorite bags for back to school?

real simple.

Lately I've been in a dinner slump. My friend Sara told me about this recipe and we made it for dinner last night. It was easy to make and tasted great. The kids loved the crunchy peas and the "peanut butter chicken" as they called it. We've added it to the repeat list.

If you have any great dinner ideas for me, or others, leave a link, I'd love to try them out!

toddler beds.

Have you seen the toddler beds design mom made? They are very impressive, inexpensive and she gives step-by-step instructions.

swedish hotcakes.

I have the best dad ever. In fact as I am sitting in his office typing this, he is making swedish hotcakes for my children. My children love him, adore him even, and I think the swedish hotcakes are one of the secrets to his success. We grew up eating them, and the girls are growing up eating them, and they make me happy.. so I thought I'd share.

Hill Kids Favorite Swedish Hotcakes

Mix

2 eggs

1 1/4 c. milk

1/4 c. wesson oil (any vegetable oil will do)

Add

1 t. baking powder

2 T. sugar

1/2 t. salt

1 c. flour

Stir well until there are no lumps. Pour 1/3 cup of batter into heated, greased pan and swirl pan to form flat circle. When edges start to curl and small bubbles appear flip and cook on second side until gold. 

We always top with melted butter and cinnamon/sugar, or strawberries and whipcream, but the possibilities are endless. 

I'd love to hear what toppings you come up with. Enjoy!

*photo taken from google images.

debating.

whether or not to take the plunge.. they are so cute, will lay fresh eggs,

and most importantly..

the girls love them.

tips? advice?

and just because he's so cute. I think he'll like the chicks too.

The chicks pictured are spoken for, but there are more on the way, so I do have a few weeks to decide.