Deacan's 1st trip to the Dentist (and fun 4 that day) :)

Dude!! Thanks to CiCis Pizza's bubble gum machine-- Deacan needs major work!! Thankfully, the Bubba teeth are removable and he was able to have a fantastic check-up:)

We started off at Deacan's favorite spot: the library. So much fun reading books! We both love to read so much-- the library is a haven for us:)
Next stop, Dr. Garrett's office for his first check up/ cleaning.. We have had this appointment since February. Seeing as how this is September, I am more than thrilled to get this done. Also looking forward to seeing how his teeth are, considering all of the"special treats" he gets...

So brave and ready to go...

Seeing as how it was a special day, we decided to take the day off (no school

/work).



Deacan cleaned the teeth of a few stuffed clients on the way out

Deacan had an excellent check-up-- no cavities! Yay! I am happy to say we have brushed every night since the visit. I was very surprised he had no cavities due to the candy (and me slacking at making him brush at night!). I do not want to push our luck regarding the cavity issue...

Afterwards, we went to Michaels craft store, gave Grandma Tammy a kiss and flowers, and also had fun feeding the geese..

Last but not least, we hit Malco for Lion King 3D. SO AWESOME!! Maybe Mommy enjoyed it more than Deacan. My, the 3-D glasses have come a long way since the cardboard ones! It was actually 3-D!! So cool!!! And we were singing "Hakunnah Mattata" all the way home:) :) :)

A Day of Fun at Shelby Farms :)

What a beautiful day to spend at Shelby Farms! We started off with a very brief bike ride. Considered the paddle boats but Mommy decided it was too hot/sunny to propel solo.. Call me lazy; I call me wise:)

Next stop- the "Spidey Web".. The giant slides were a bit to hot. Deacan doesn't care much for the super cool swing area, although I think it is fun..

Next up, sand and water. If it was up to Deacs, we would stay there all day! He loves that area. My big complaint- no shade whatsoever for parents!!

That being said, it was time to get a water ice and a lemonade and head to the shady, more natural side of the park. Old school equipment and a lake-- I think we both had the most fun there:) Here are some pics we snapped along the way..

We even found some mussells. Yummy! :)

Our final stop was the horse stables. Although they no longer offer pony rides, we were able to feed the horses grass and Deac made a friend. :)

What a fun day! I don't know who had more fun-- Deacan or me:)

Fair Fun!! "at the Agra-Chenter!!"

We had lots of fun at the fair this year. Deacan is now 42 inches (with his cowboy boots on and slightly on his tip toes). He was flabbergasted to ride better rides this year, his favorite being the Sea Dragon. I couldn't believe they allowed him on that thing but he loved it. He begged to ride it a 3rd time in a row but I thought that might be a bit much to a 4 yr old tummy!! His other fav: the haunted house. Guess he takes after his mommy somewhat:) He also loved the fun house, which he perused 6 times. Here are a few photos we snapped along the way...

Pony Ride!

The "human hamster wheel" was a blast! Deacan had a hard time getting it to really roll so Mommy got it and we rocked the casbah! It was quite a workout but so much fun!

Deacan was awesome at the games. He hit 3 balloons to win a light saber. He also won another light saber and a stuffed animal along the way.

We always enjoy the petting zoo. Although it is a bit sad..

Kiddie rides-- a bit boring.. but it's better than going home and going to bed on a school night!

That was so much fun! Deacan is already wanting to go back again. We had a blast. Although next year we will NOT see the 29 inch woman!! That one made Mommy lose serious sleep..

Wish I had taken some pics of the yummy fair food we ate. We had a corn dog, Italian sausage po boy, pork chops, and a funnel cake. All fair-alicious!! Best washed down with a $1 4-H sweet tea:)

How to Make and Can Peach Jam (without canning equipment)

There is something to be said for fresh jam. It is so sweet and filled with love. When making it, the "jammer" enjoys the experience of the process and the essence of the fruit. When receiving it, one is blessed with as much, if not even more:) So let's JaM... (without buying a canning pan or utensils)

First, wash the peaches thoroughly.. Easy peasey!

Wash the jars (canning jars at Kroger or WalMart- reasonably priced). While you're at it, put the lids in a pot at Low temp; do not boil them. It will deconstruct the reactive nature that helps them bind.

Peel, core, and slice your peaches. Enjoy the aroma:)

Add peaches and sugar to large pan. Bring to a boil and stir. Then add lemon zest, juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Boil for 15 minutes.

Ideally, you will have an immersion blender or potato masher for this step. I had neither, so I used a basic electric mixer (VERY carefully). The idea is to break down the fruit that did not do so during the cooking process. A left mine a bit "chunky".

Next, add the pectin and do a rolling boil for 5 minutes. Viola-- you have made peach jam!!

Pour jam in jars, leaving an inch or so for "breathing room". Make sure to WIPE RIMS THOROUGHLY before adding lids. If not, may the force be with you when trying to open them. haha

Now, simply prepare a hot water bath for your jam jars. You want the water on low heat and to cover the jars about 1/2 way up. When your water is at temp, proceed with the hot water bath and let the jars heat for about 10 minutes. That should be enough time for the lid to seal. Remove your jars using a pot holder (if you do not have a "jar grabber". The pot holder worked great for me. Check each seal, as one or two may need additional time in the hot water bath. If one fails to seal after the additional 5 minutes or so, just eat that jar first.

Now, label and pass out to your favorite peeps:)

Peach Jam

10 cups of peaches, peeled and chopped
6 cups of sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
½ teaspoon grated nutmeg
2 lemons, zested and juiced
2 packets (1 box) liquid pectin

Millions of Peaches-- Peaches to Pick:)

So, we found a fun August experience that will be put into our "book of traditions". Pick pickin' at Jones Orchard with the Jone's (no pun intended). :) We started off with a long ride (get thorough directions before your departure, as signs are not a commodity around these parts.. ha ha). Upon arrival, we enjoyed a light lunch of a salad plate consisting of produce grown throughout the Orchard (I am assuming the produce came from within, but we know what assume means, right?) and your usual suspect salads (chicken, egg, and pimento). We also enjoyed shopping at the market for fresh produce and other tasty treats..

We had a great time picking the peaches. Our big word for the day was "agriculture". The lesson for the day was
"farming is hard work" (seeing as how we got there a little past our intended time and were a bit sweaty and chigger- ridden by 1:00).. In spite of the sweat and bugs, peach pickin' was fun and we will definitely go back next year. Not to mention the yummy peach crisp and peach jam that we made using our fresh picked peaches--well worth the labor. About 2 bushels of peaches costs roughly $17. However, the experience is priceless. If you have a child, this is a "must-do".

We are looking forward to apple season--- this month:)