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A weekend to remember
Monday, June 23, 2025 at 06:44PM 
We were decorated for the patriotic holidays
I reckon that, before June gets away from me and Fourth of July firecrackers are exploding all around, I should tell you about what we did to celebrate Memorial Day.
It was an extended weekend with lots of activities for everyone.
Everything was kicked off on the Thursday before the holiday, when Audrey met Andrew halfway (more or less; I think Andrew did the heavy lifting driving-wise) between Columbia and Knoxville, to pick up Ember and Guy and take them to her house.
The five cousins hanging out at Erica's house
Andrew had to fly (he pilots a charter jet) on Friday but would arrive in Columbia on Saturday and spend the remainder of the holiday weekend with us.
Brittany was on a trip with her sister and would not be among us, and we would miss her.
That night TG and I went out to supper at Texas Roadhouse and then to Erica's, where Audrey had brought Ember and Guy to hang out with their cousins.
I captured Guy but he wanted to get away
The next day, Friday, I went back to Erica's to spend the day with the girls and the five children. Mostly we watched them play -- first outside in the back yard sprinklers, then inside to work over all of the toys.
I'm pretty sure we all ate together that night at Erica's but I cannot recall what we had.
On Saturday, in anticipation of Andrew's arrival, I planned a spaghetti supper.
This pot-sized pasta is pirate approved
Since you asked, here's how I make my spaghetti. I use Hunt's Traditional Pasta Sauce, which comes in a can.
It's cheap and delicious. I will say no more.
Except, I'll tell you how I zhuzh it up.
Erica took the children to a local Memorial Day event on Saturday
To the three cans of sauce that I dump into my crock pot, I add three pounds of lean ground beef that has been browned to perfection, meaning it is crumbles. Small crumbles; no big hunks.
Once that merger is accomplished, I add to the sauce/meat mixture a packet of spaghetti sauce seasoning. Trust me; it makes it way more better.
Then I add a jar or can (drained) of mushroom pieces and stems, and a packet of pepperoni slices.
All geared up for the summer months
Before throwing the pepperoni into the sauce, I arrange the slices on a paper towel (on a plate), and give them about one minute in the microwave.
Y'all! That makes the tastiest spaghetti sauce! Everyone loves it. The only thing I serve with it is spicy toast.
No that's not garlic toast; this is different. You want to use a thick bread that lends itself to toasting -- not the kind of bread you'd use for a sandwich, or morning toast.
I can't resist cute salt and pepper shakers
I used a Panera Bread Tomato Basil Loaf because that's what I had in the freezer.
On the thick slices of bread you slather real butter and a sprinkle of creole seasoning like Zatarain's or Tony Chachere's (I use Tony Chachere's). Then pop it under the broiler until it's golden brown.
There won't be any left over. It is a lovely complement to the spaghetti. And I don't make anyone eat salad. They don't want it anyway. They just want their spaghetti.
Deviled eggs are standard at most of our gatherings
BTW I used pot-sized angel hair pasta this time, and I'm sold on that concept too.
When everyone was full we visited for a while longer before the families went home. Andrew and his littles were staying at Audrey's house because when Stephanie's family arrived the next night, they'd stay with me.
On Sunday morning we all met up again at church. After services we went to East Bay Deli for lunch.
The Pretzel Salad that Andrew finds irresistible
That night around eleven, Stephanie and her family arrived. Joel is a pastor and they could not set out on the three-hour trip until after their evening service.
After one sleep it was Memorial Day, and we'd planned a big meal and -- because it's us -- a birthday party.
This would be to honor Erica, whose birthday was several days later. We always have her party on Memorial Day.
We serve it up in style
The weather was not sunny but rather gray and rainy-ish, but the kids still jumped in the pool and spent several hours out there.
For our meal we had barbecue pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, macaroni and cheese, deviled eggs, cole slaw, chips, and pretzel salad.
Which is not a salad at all, but a dessert-type side involving strawberries and Jello on top and a mixture of cream cheese and Cool Whip and sugar in the middle, atop pretzels mixed with butter and sugar to form a crust. We eat it alongside our meal.
Guy got so attached to this police car of Rhett's that Erica gave it to him
It's my Andrew's favorite so I almost always make it when he is going to be here. His wife makes it for him too.
But upon arrival for a party, he checks the garage refrigerator to make sure it's in there before he even comes into the house.
We were having a marvelous time but eventually I made my four children come outside (hoping we would not get rained on) so that I could get some pictures of them.
My babies
Then each of them summoned their children and eventually I had some shots of all four of our kids plus all eight of their kids.
One must do these things or regret that one did not. We've all been there.
I think some more swimming took place at that point, but eventually we assembled again for cake and coffee and Erica's birthday party.
My babies and their babies
Our cakes were store-bought but we had not bought them. They were free. Someday soon I will tell you all about that.
One of the cakes was a cinnamon confection and the other was a bundt-style cake with cream cheese frosting roses on top.
They were both excellent and we reduced them to crumbs. There was ice cream too.
Two cakes and both free
Erica, who would be turning thirty-nine in a few days, got lots of nice gifts and we made over her and did it up right.
At some point our Joel left for home -- they'd come in two cars -- because he had pastoral duties the next morning. Stephanie and the children would stay another night.
On Tuesday everyone came back and we visited for a while before the out-of-towners started heading home.
Our Erica is Thirty Fine
Stephanie and her three would be back in a few weeks for Dagny's birthday, which was June fourteenth.
But a few days before that, she met up with Erica at the halfway point so that Rhett could go to Uncle Joel and Aunt Stephanie's house, and spend time with them and his North Carolina cousins, and attend their church's Vacation Bible School.
The theme was the Wild West, and the sessions met in the evenings rather than the mornings. The kids, workers, and parents all seem to prefer that schedule.
It's not a birthday party without balloons
Rhett had a great time and Stephanie got so many cute pictures of him.
But he was glad to get back home when Stephanie returned here for Dagny's party.
Skippy and Rhett after a swim
So it has been a busy summer so far, and I say summer realizing that it only turned summer three days ago, but it's so hot here that it has been summer for several weeks already.
And in case you're wondering, yes we extend summer into fall too. It gets interesting.
Our Rhett-man had a great time at Wild West VBS
Next time I'll tell you about Dagny's birthday celebrations, and about her first-ever trip to summer camp, and what all else we have been up to.
Meanwhile, tell me what has been occupying your warm-weather season. I hope it's all good.
And that is all for now.
=0=0=0=
Happy Monday :: Happy Summer
Reader Comments (14)
Hi there! I'm glad you're still alive and well. :)
I can't tell you how happy I am to see these pics of all the kids. Such a good looking bunch! Guy is growing fast and I love his blond hair and brown eyes. I see a lot of Andrew in him.
It looks like such a fun weekend,
I've never seen pot sized spaghetti but I'll be looking for it. I'm always breaking mine before boiling. I'm not a fan of pepperoni but Bob loves it so I'll be trying out.
Guess what we're having this week? Wild West VBS! I'm the VBS nurse for the next few days. We're in the middle of a huge heat wave, so I'm praying for no heat issues while I'm on duty - I prefer to just stick on band-aids.
PS - I bet I know where those cakes came from! Also, we love pretzel salad. I think you've just inspried me to make it for the Fourth!
What a nice surprise. I haven't seen you in forever! I love the photo of the five cousins. Each one is looking so good, which is hard to do with five children at once! The food looks incredible! I used to use this Hunts in a can! I think I will buy some tomorrow, It will be perfect for this heatwave. Simply Ragu is very good as well. I always love seeing your decorations. The fireworks candle is gorgeous!!
Glad all's well in Pirateville!
There you are! I have been missing your posts. Sounds like you had a great weekend with the family. Love all the 4th of July decorations, it is definitely something to be celebrated!
Hello my friend!! It's good to hear from you and see that you are all celebrating and making memories as always. Your food looks and sounds delicious as always. I had completely forgotten about Mueller noodles. I remember my mom always used them but I never see them here. How awesome that a company finally came up with a solution to make the noodles fit our pots.
Stay cool and enjoy your summer. We had a coolish and rainy Spring but it's been hot and humid this week here and will continue for many months I'm sure. xoxo
@Mari ... YES make pretzel salad for the fourth! And a Wild West VBS at your church sounds just fabulous, and I hope you as nurse (PERFECT casting) have no heat-related issues. You know that I watch your weather and I noticed that heat wave and I feel sympathetic but then it's like a blast furnace here so we're in the very same boat! I mainly stay inside until I absolutely MUST go out, except of course when Dagny and I are lolling in the pool as we did yesterday, haha! I do need to tell the story of where the cakes came from and I WILL ... meanwhile do get you some of that pot-sized spaghetti because it really is a game changer! Love ya girl! xoxo
@Ginny ... yes do get you some of that Hunt's sauce and make a simple spaghetti meal! So good for a cozy comfort supper! What I love about spaghetti is that EVERYONE loves it and you will hear no complaints! I did get fortunate with that picture of the kids and I cherish that shot! Hope you are doing well my friend! I promise to visit you today! Stay cool! xoxo
@Mike ... yes it is and thank you for stopping by! Love to Seymour! xoxo
@Jim and Barb ... Yes it is something to be celebrated! We love the patriotic holidays and all the summer things. I have missed reading about your adventures (my fault; not yours) and I will be around to visit you! Hope all is well! xoxo
@Lori ... GIrrrrl hot and humid here too, like you would not believe! But I know it has been hot in the Midwest! During the Cubs home game on Saturday, both the home plate umpire and the opposing team's pitcher had to be practically carried off the field, having been all but incapacitated by the broiling heat! I don't like day games, hahaha! Just brutal. I'll be around to see what you and TBG and Binx are up to! xoxo
Missed your updates—looks like a weekend full of good food and even better family time.
Hello Jenny,
It is great to catch up with you. And you are so right about taking photos of the family. I have been bad at it as of late. I feel like everyone is so busy doing and going. I need to yell "We are taking some photos, NOW" Hee Hee.
We love pretzel salad too. I love that your son looks in the garage refrigerator for it before entering the house.
xx oo
Happy Summer and Happy Birthday America!!
Love, Carla
P.S.Your daughter has a shirt on with fellas in sunglasses ... what does it say?
Jenny, it is SO good to see a post up from you. Whew! You've been busy...no wonder you haven't had time to post! That Pretzel salad is SO good...I used to make it quite often when the kids were still at home.
Loved all the pictures of the family! Rhett certainly looks as if he enjoyed the Wild West VBS. I'm so glad he was able to take part in it.
Have a lovely week, my friend. xx
@Jane ... thank you, friend! Wha a nice thing to say. Yes we've had quite a time! I'll see if I'm able to drop in and check on you. xoxo
@Carla ... Girl I cannot tell you how many times I have NOT gotten the picture(s) and just hated that with a vengeance once the opportunity was gone! So I really do make a concerted effort! Pretzel Salad is a powerful recipe, hahaha! Stephanie's shirt has Thomas Jefferson and George Washington in gangster glasses and the legend says Too Cool for British Rule, hahahaha! It's from HistoreeTees dot com ... GREAT site for gifts! xoxo
@Dianna ... Hahaha yes it seems we are a pretty busy bunch but then isn't everyone, hahaha! Ugh all this talk of Pretzel Salad has me wanting some NoW, hahaha! Rhett had a great time and I am amazed at what my daughter's church accomplishes each year with those children at VBS! It's such a blessing to so many. xoxo
Thank you for the answer .. I am going to check out that site... I love Stephanie's T-shirt.
xx oo
Carla
@Carla ... my pleasure ... LOTS of clever designs on that site! xoxo
LOVE all the pictures of your beautiful family! I wish Barilla made pot sized noodles of their protein pasta which is the only pasta I can eat!
@Jeanette ... awww I'm sorry about that~! Maybe someday they will! It's so convenient. Love you my friend. xoxo