The End to an Epic Summer

I've always wondered what it would be like to spend a summer at home with my children.  To not have to bash heads and battle to the end over a week off when all the other mom's children were also out of school. To know that spring breaks, fall breaks, Christmas break...they are all mine with my kiddos.  What a fabulous feeling.  No trying to get it on the calender first, or hoping there's enough coverage at the office.  Just making plans and looking forward to time with my family.  I'm almost still not sure it's really real.

By the time I figured out I should enjoy myself, I truly to not have to go back to the hustle and bustle of my previous life, summer was fading away. We finally have figured out somewhat of a schedule (schedule, ha! we hang out in our pj's somedays till noon!), and it's time to change again.  Going to bed early, getting up earlier, taking Callie to school.  Getting Clayton in a schedule of being home without his sister.  Gymnastics. Sports.  Life.  And I'm sure just as I figure out how to handle that, it will be winter break, or summer again before we know it.  Life flies by, and if you aren't paying attention...you won't catch all the unforgettable moments.

As we school shop and prepare for this next phase, everyone is excited.  Callie is happy about meeting new friends and just school in general.  I'm excited about having time with Clayton by myself; just mommy and son time, and seeing Callie in her element - a social setting..  Shannon's excited to see Callie learn and thrive as we're sure she'll do in school.  However, intertwined with this excitement is a bit of sadness.  I'm a bit reluctant to let go of this summer.  Of the first phase of this new life I've begun.  The excitement and dreams about a new future for me.  The endless moments with my kids swimming, hiking, fishing, or just hanging out. Spending time with the best of friends and neighbors.  The end of our new beginning.  I know beautiful and amazing times are in our future, but this is one epic summer I'm going to hold on to, forever.  I thank God I had the opportunity! ~Trina

The Anti-Chicken Fingers Recipe - Mango Pulled Pork Sandwiches

I'm obsessed with pulled pork! I am always on the lookout for restaurants that have the best of the best and now I'm on the hunt for the best pulled pork recipes. This recipe has a touch of spice and mango which practically shouts out SUMMERTIME!  Enjoy this with your family on your backyard picnic table covered in a checkered cloth and fresh lemonade.

Mango Pulled Pork Sandwiches
for the spice rub:
1 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

2 lb pork tenderloin
1/4 cup chili sauce
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 cup coconut milk
1 1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 jalapeno, minced
2 mangos, cubed
1 onion, chopped
1 shallot, chopped
2 cloves garlic

Directions:
Mix the ingredients for the rub together and coat pork evenly. Sear the pork on all sides in a hot pan. Add all remaining ingredients to slow cooker. Add tenderloin. Cook on low for 8 hours. Shred pork and mix with sauce in slow cooker. Serve on buns.

Buon Appetito!
Leah

The Anti-Chicken Fingers Movement - Carolina Barbecued Pork

If you're in the Carolinas, then it may feel like tomorrow is going to be the first day of spring, rather than winter.  With a balmy 75 degree high today and a chance of thunder this evening, who would know the difference!  Though my Christmas tree is telling a different story.  What a better way to celebrate the arrival of any new season than Carolina Barbecued Pork.  This slow-cooker recipe is the bomb!   So flavorful and the meat is so tender.  Serve with baked beans, mac n cheese...if the weather is just as nice where you are, open up a few windows and enjoy this "barbecued" dinner.

Carolina Barbecued Pork



2 onions, quartered
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon paprika
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
4 to 6 pounds boneless pork loin
2/3 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup water
4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
hamburger buns
cole slaw, optional

Directions

1. Place onions in stoneware.
2. Combine brown sugar, paprika, salt and pepper rub over roast. Place roast over onions.
3. Combine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes, sugar, mustard, garlic salt and cayenne stir to mix well. Drizzle 1/4 of vinegar mixture over roast.
4. Cover and refrigerate remaining vinegar mixture.
5. Cover cook on Low 10 to 12 hours or on High 5 to 6 hours. Remove meat and onions and drain. Shred meat and chop onions.
6. Serve meat and onions on buns. If desired, top sandwiches with coleslaw. Pass remaining vinegar mixture to drizzle over sandwiches.

Original Recipe

Why Do Boys Have Tails?

Rylie was two years old when her cousins, Clayton and Callie, came to visit from Colorado.  They’d moved when she was a baby so she hadn’t gotten to spend a lot of time with them, and we were all excited.  We all met up at Grannie Janet’s house for a day full of fun in the sun with their new kiddy pool.

Clayton didn’t have a swimsuit so his mom, Trina, just stripped him down naked and set him in the pool to swim.  Rylie kept studying him and I assumed she was just checking the new cousin out.  He was now over a year old, walking around everywhere and making noises as he tried to talk.

Rylie walked over to Trina and asked boldly, “Trina, why does he have a tail?”

Trina looked at her, confused, and asked what she meant.

Rylie pointed directly at Clayton’s privates and said louder, “Why does he have a tail!?”

Trina burst out laughing and looked at me in delight before answering my daughter.  “Why don’t you go ask your dad?”
*Trina

What has been your BEST summer moment with your family so far?

The day after the 4th of July, the aisles of Target were already spiffied with Back to School supplies.  Didn't summer start on June 21st or something like that?  What happened to summer?   Back in my day, we never started school anywhere close to my middle-of-August birthday.  According to my friends with school-aged kiddos, it sounds like many have either already started or are starting in next couple of weeks.  Forget about September! 

So with the summer quote-on-quote wrapping up as responsibilities take precedence again, we look back on another fun-filled, sweltering (for many parts of our country, at least) and delicious summer.

Though my actual family summer vacation isn't for another four weeks, in which I'll hopefully have a dozen of best summer moments in the making; for now, I would have to say my most enjoyable day would be introducing my boys to their very first water park. Both of them - possible future Michael Phelps, minus the pot scandal, of course - were outwardly thrilled with the sights of slides, fountains and swirly whirly rivers. 

My parents had treated us to the afternoon and along with my husband we found a shady spot near some sand to claim our bags and flip flops and towels.  Within minutes, Zac was escorting Luke down his first-ever waterslide.  The brave soul didn't think twice as he let the water whisk him down the chute, plunging into my arms.  Meanwhile, ZZ was splashing around some mini fountains gleefully "eeee-ing" each time the droplets would sprinkle his little face.  Grandma and grandpa sailed with them through the lazy river.  It was two-plus hours of pure joy.  My boys can't get enough of being in the water; be it the pool, beach or a bath, but just looking into Luke's blood-shot eyes, we knew it was time to call it a day. 

With the whole family dry and cozy, we concluded the dreamy day at my parent's house with the best New York pizza Manassas, Virginia has to offer.

Please share with us your best summer moment so far!!!

*Leah