I don't think I can keep up. Those were my thoughts when I was heading BACK in the house to get my camera. I'd heard shuffling. I'd heard drawers opening and shutting. I'd heard the garage door moving. I'd heard hammering. I decided to investigate. Apparently, she felt like building something. I applauded her independence and her desire to remain safe (notice safety glasses) but in the future I told her to give me a heads up before she starts pulling nails & hammers out of the garage. I don't think I'll be able to keep up with this one.

Graduation...

Well she did it! She graduated. She has entered her "what do I do with myself, I can't support myself but think I'm an adult phase of her life". Don't get me wrong, she is a kind, mature, responsible young woman. She just can't support herself, vote, buy her own allergy medication or even rent a car. I don't think reality has hit her yet. She has gone from having a semi structured day to having nothing to do. But now real life begins. Its job time, pay your own car insurance time & time to figure out what she wants to be- now that shes grown up. It seems like however from the time her alarm clock is getting her up in the morning, that real life is waiting to begin AFTER she gets back from her "I want to see the world trip" to Israel next week!

No Bake Oatmeal Cookies

I found this cookie recipe online and the cookies have quickly become a family favorite. They are great for summer days since you don't have to actually bake them! Let me know if you try them!

** sidenote but don't tell the family- To add a bit-o-nutrition and offset the large amount of sugar, I add wheatgerm & flax meal to my cookies. Neither changes the flavor of the cookies & both are available at Trader Joe's, any health store and even a few larger grocery stores.


NO BAKE CHOCOLATE OATMEAL COOKIES

1 stick butter
1/4 c. cocoa
1/2 c. milk
2 c. sugar
1 tbsp. vanilla
1/2 c. peanut butter (we use more but my family loves peanut butter!)
3 c. oats
In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients except peanut butter and oats and cook over medium heat.

Let boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.

Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter and oats.

Spoon out quickly onto wax paper or aluminum foil or spread them in a 9X9 or 13X9 pan (choose pan depending on how thick you like your cookies) for bar cookies.

Cookies will harden as they set (although, there is nothing wrong with spoon eating them while they are still warm!)