Frank's favorite cake

I am taking this cake to my parent's house for their 4th of July BBQ tomorrow.  It is one of Frank's favorite desserts and really easy.  I decided to post it here because I really thought I had lost the recipe, and thought it would be helpful to have it posted somewhere.  Enjoy!

Brown Sugar Cake
1 pkg. yellow cake mix
1 pkg. (3.4 oz) vanilla flavor instant pudding
4 eggs
2/3 C sour cream
1/2 C oil
1 C brown sugar
2 tsp. powdered sugar

1. Heat oven to 350.
2. Beat first 6 ingredients with a mixer for 3 min. or until well blended.
3. Add brown sugar; mix well.
4. Pour into 12 cup fluted pan.
5. Bake 60 min. or until toothpick comes out clean when inserted into center.  Cool cake in pan for 15 to 30 min.  Loosen cake from sides of pan; invert onto wire rack.  Remove pan; cool cake completely.  Sprinkle with powdered sugar just before serving.

Summer fun!

July!?  What?  Already?  We've been having so much fun this summer that I haven't had time to sit at the computer and even think about posting on the blog.  Here is a quick pic of Frank and I from last weekend at my brother-in-laws surprise 40th birthday party.

Summer reading list

I love to read, and the summer is always a great time to get caught up on some of the books I have had on my shelf or on a list to checkout from the library.

This is what I am looking forward to reading this summer:
Arcadia
The Buddha in the Attic
The Dovekeepers
The Devil in the White City

Cute cousins!

Megan, Isobel and Mitch

My dad took this great picture of the kids last week.  It's a great picture of three adorable kiddos.

In a rut

Megan and I went clothes shopping yesterday, and as I picked up another black shirt she said, "No Mom!  All you wear is black and green!".  Yes, my "mom outfit" was criticized by my 5 year old fashionista.  The critique continued in the dressing room when she said I needed more "sparkle", and I could only wear my favorite outfit(for the summer it is camo green capris and a black shirt) once a week.  Snap!  She's so funny, but the truth does hurt.  The kids aren't little anymore, so maybe I can add a little color back into my wardrobe, and stop using the excuse that I am hiding spit-up, slobber and stains.  Anything I get on myself is my own doing, but black does hide dog hair well.

Go Pink for my aunt

Tomorrow my Aunt Wendie starts chemo for Stage 2 Breast Cancer.  She was diagnosed on May 8th and is ready(or not) to be begin a battle no woman wants to under go.  Knowing her she will do so with a big fight.  Please pray for her tomorrow, and wear a little pink in her honor.

If you are close to my family you can be updated on her progress on her care page here.

Megan's Kindergarten Graduation

Megan graduated from Kindergarten at Lincoln Academy yesterday.  She has done an amazing job this year, and was awarded with the Core Knowledge Award of "Dr. Seuss" for her creativity in writing and illustrating.  She is such a spirited and talented young girl.

Bring on Summer Break and then 1st grade!