Lake Louisa 2012

We just came back from

a relaxing weekend at the lake.

The weather was perfect

and the water was warm.

It doesn't get much better than that.

We took some family portraits 

while we were there.

 The growing Helmuth family. No little ones yet.

 Dad and Mom our wonderful parents.

Ryan and Hope                                      Mike and Hannah

Sheri                                             and us.

The view from our deck.

Louise and Hannah.

Sprinklers create wonderful backdrops.

Oh, the food we enjoyed.

Blessings,

Hope

A Bucket Full of Summer

I just came in from the garden with

a bucket full of summer.

If you are wondering where my 

recipe posts are they are

buried in summer.

We have been busy and

going away a lot. Also, most

of our meals lately consist of

corn, green beans, tomatoes, 

cucumbers and stuffed peppers.

I hope to start creating recipes soon.

Headed to the lake this weekend!

Blessings,

Hope

July 4th

We had a wonderful 4th of July.

I hope all of you folks did also.

Not to mention I have off the

rest of the week. I'm super excited.

We had cookout with some

family and friends down by the river.
It was great to have Josh's sister, Sheri,
with us. We have been partying while
she is here on summer break.

Happy Belated 4th!

Hope

The Storm

Well, I am sure most of you

experienced the storm that came

through Friday evening.

We were inside and it sounded

like a car was coming up our lane.

Well, that car happened to be wind.

I have never experienced anything

like it in my whole life. The wind was incredible.

We set on our swing and watched trees sway and 

listened to branches snap and trees fall.

We lost eight pine tree tops.

One landed on the back of our house

but did not damage the roof.

We were very thankful.

Our electric came back on Sunday afternoon.

It was a blessing indeed. We take things like

electricity and running water for granted.

God sent me the reminder I needed.

To be thankful for what He has blessed

us with. It seems like the more we

get the more we want. Lets just be

happy with a home, electricity

and running water.

Blessings,

Hope 

Heatwole Campout 2012

Last weekend we were in Tennessee

for a Heatwole campout.

It was a relaxing weekend

filled with many wonderful memories.

Here are few photos...

 Can you tell their sisters? Adorable indeed.

 Sweet Emorie and handsome Joshua. (must be the name) tee hee

Precious Bo. Sweet moment with Preston and Emorie. 

Emorie and Georgie having fun.

Parla and bright-eyed Brighton. Tiny Talya in the top right corner.

 Cousins playing scum.

 Camping action.

Childhood games relived.

 I never saw so many skunks in one place.

We counted at least six.

Blessings,

Hope 

Hotel Deals & Grilled Vegetables

We just came back from a little

trip celebrating our 2nd anniversary.

It was a fun and relaxing weekend.

We went to VA beach and Willamsburg.

Both nights we booked from Hotwire

and were very pleased. The first night 

we stayed at the Founders Inn and Spa

and it was very nice. I would recommend 
it to anyone wanting a nice getaway.

We love Hotwire- it's gamble

with not knowing where your are

staying until you pay. But if you book

above 3 star you usually aren't disappointed.

The second night was Country Inn & Suites. 
If you wonder why I am telling you about this 
it's because others need to know about it too.
We payed for both nights with what one night in 
an ocean-front VA Beach hotel would cost.

I love to know people's travel secrets.

Here are a few photos from our trip.

Then we will get to the grilled vegetables.

The Founders Inn and Spa.

Bottom left is the the new Willamsburg Pottery.

Now the recipe...

Mix together marinate and let vegetables sit for awhile.

I marinated chicken along with the vegetables.

Lay 2 layers of foil on the frill and grill until slightly soft.

Pair with chicken and salad. Mmm... summer.

Grilled Vegetables

 8 cups vegetables

6 chicken thighs

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1/2 cup oil

4 garlic cloves, crushed

1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 Tbsp. fresh chives, chopped

2 Tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. pepper

Mix together marinate and pour over vegetables and chicken.

Toss until coated. Poke the chicken with a knife so the marinate 
can soak through quickly. Let set 15-20 minutes.

Grill vegetables over foil until slightly soft.

Enjoy,

Hope

Music Camp Party

I help with the opening party for the

 Shenandoah Christian Music Camp.

It's the first party where all the

people attending music camp

mingle and meet the faculty.

It was fun party to get ready for.

Three other ladies from church helped.

Needless to say- the food disappeared

quite quickly, but all were fed. Whew!

Here are a few many photos of the event.

 I was in flower heaven. A lady from church had

these beautiful hydrangeas. I had three buckets of flowers

to work with. I was in my elements indeed.

Michelle and Stacey the wonderful ladies I worked with.

Sorry, no picture of you, Brenda,.

I think I will rest this week!

Hope