Pickles and Ice Cream

It's true... the cat's out of the bag.

Our little turkey will arrive around Thanksgiving and we are oh-so thankful.

There's some suspicion among the family that Voticky women are incapable of producing male offspring. We're curious what you think, so cast your vote in the poll at the top of the page. We will find out if we are Team Pink or Team Blue on July 13!

Mother's Day

I know a lot of amazing mothers.

This one gave me my own mother, and I am oh so grateful for that. She is full of energy, love and makes the best mandel bread around!

This one raised a man who knows no limits when it comes to love and generosity. You don't teach that, you learn that by example.

This one has taught me what it means to be a modern day mom. It's still sometimes strange for me to think she's a mother, but she is such a natural and has raised an amazingly happy baby.

But this one.... This one is special. She has this magical connection with each of her daughters and somehow knows when they're in need of some wisdom Mummy-ism. She knows what shoe size to buy each of them; she knows how to make them each feel unique and special. Mostly, this mom blows all other moms out of the park. She is my number one fan and my confidante. I love her with all my heart and am so grateful today, and always, to call her my Mummy.

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there!

Kraft Dinner

If you understand the meaning of the title of this post, you just earned mega points in my book. Explanation to follow....

It's cold out today. The sun didn't shine, my flowers are starting to wilt (surprise, surprise) and it just feels kinda blah. On top of which, I have a monster headache.

But, there are Friends reruns on and I have my comfy clothes on. Because Rick won't be home tonight for dinner, I'm on my own to come up with something to comfort my soul and fill my tummy. You know when you get something stuck in your head and it's all you want to do or eat or see? Well, this is what I decided today would make me feel better... at 4:30 pm...aka dinner time at The Mathews Retirement Home:

The funny part? My mom called before I decided to open this box of old-fashioned goodness and as we were chatting I told her that I just wanted to make some tonight for dinner. She laughed and said she was currently on her way to the grocery store to pick up a box because she had a craving for it, too! Oh, the mother-daughter bond.

So, why the blog title you (Americans) might ask? Growing up in the foreign land, our good ol' blue boxes of the cheesiest looked like this:

Kraft Dinner was a staple in our house. Seriously, by the time I was in middle school and was able to cook on my own... I swore I made the best Kraft Dinner of anyone in the house. My ratio of milk and fake butter to the powdery cheese was just perfect. I believe that's where my experimentation with cooking began.

So tonight, I indulged in the memories of my childhood and melted the yucky blues away with the cheesy goodness of the blue box. And, I have to say... this may have been my best batch yet!

Spring Cleaning and Home Improvement

Okay, I really think Spring is here. I really do. The trees are blooming, kids are playing in the park, and people are shedding the layers of fleece and wool.

I got the Spring Fever yesterday and decided to do some minor home improvement projects. Cleaned off the patio and replaced the chair cushions with something a little brighter and cheerier...

Planted pretty flowers (which I hope I can keep alive this year!)

Rick put together the new chair I ordered, and I have to say I love it!

And, I found a steal at HomeGoods where I bought a little cabinet to put in our bathroom. Installation date to be determined...


We ordered a new sectional sofa for the deck that should arrive next week, which I am psyched about. We do so much outdoor entertaining during the summer, I can't wait to use it!

Happy weekend all around!

Happy Birthday Maizey!

Our little girl is all grown up! Maizey celebrated her first birthday on Friday with a special play date the previous night, a very special dinner and some fancy new toys.

We think she felt pretty special!

Happy birthday to the the little girl who nearly caused a divorce, who has eaten more inedible objects than any other dog, and who has become a celebrity at the local vet. We love you!