She is definitely my daughter

Abby has had a little bit of a runny nose this week and hasn't quite been her usual happy self, post VBS. We are all still trying to recover honestly.

Sunday morning, Father's Day, we had a nice breakfast together and she kept wanting my Iced Coffee. (In retrospect, I realize that maybe she thinks anything with a straw is a smoothie. She takes her smoothies very seriously.)

We took the following pictures of her reaction when we told her "no."

so unhappy. poor kiddo.

Then we thought we would be really funny and take a video of her reaction. 

Then we got this: (serves us right, by the way! )

(Sorry the video is such poor quality. Still trying to figure it out!)

Sad.

And for all of you out there who think she just wanted cheerios, a spoon, or her milk.. (namely my Mother!) I can assure you she did not. She had eaten plenty of breakfast and had a whole pile of cheerios on her tray. For some reason, she really wanted the coffee! I love that kid. 

A Birthday Tea Party

For Lucy's 4th Birthday this year, we had a Tea Party with a small group of her little friends. 

Here's a few pictures from that fun day! 

The entire party took place on our front porch, so since outside is so naturally pretty, I kept it simple with the decorations. We took a Shabby Chic approach to the Tea Party, which was not only girly, but also allowed me to use so many things I already had. (Money Saver!!)  

We made this bunting/ banner from scrapbook paper and twine-- it's probably going in the girl's room. 

The Tea table for the little girls. Yes, I used my real dishes. The cups and saucers were perfect sizes for their hands and they were all perfectly careful with them. After searching ALL over for metal or plastic cups that would be foodsafe and also pretty, I decided to use what I had, as it was really the theme we were going for. 

We had Tea Sandwiches (PB&J and just PB)

Mini Scones: Chocolate Chip and Strawberry

Mini Chocolate Muffins

Decorated Sugar Cookies

 (all three of which I baked ahead and froze)

Strawberries and Grapes

Goldfish (of course!)

Chocolate Cupcakes with Pink Buttercream!

I also put Pink Raspberry Lemonade in a Tea Pot and served them from that. 

They all LOVED it and were perfect little ladies. 

And as I am never one to miss an opportunity to entertain, I did a separate "Mom's" Table and I'm so glad I did. It was lunch time and that way they could wander down the porch, grab a little plate and enjoy the party too. We served:

Tea Sandwiches (this time pimento cheese and egg salad)

Cream Cheese and Red Pepper Jelly with Triscuits

More Scones and Sugar Cookies

Fruit: Berries and Grapes & Cheese

Chips and Salsa

Chocolate Cupcakes with Pink Buttercream!

Beverages: Peach Tea, Unsweet Tea, Lemonade and Spa Water. (It was WAY too warm for hot tea!)

See these Mason Jars? They are limited Edition Heritage Ball Jars (apparently the color was only made 100 years ago, so they are remaking them for limited distribution) You can get them here but I did find these at my local Target. I LOVE them and have enjoyed using them for drinking. 

I found this chalkboard easel at Hobby Lobby-- LOVE!

a Little view of the side where the girls sat. 

 Our Birthday Girl!

 Sweet!

 So glad my parents could come!

And of course, Fresh flowers in a Mason Jar were a must! These flowers came from Publix and I was so pleased with them. 

Her face cracks me up!! 

"Happy Birthday to Lucy, Happy Birthday to you!"

Cheddar Zucchini Cornbread

I saw a recipe on Pinterest for Cornbread with Cheese and Fresh Zucchini and it prompted to me bake my mother's recipe for buttermilk cornbread (the best I've ever had!!) and add these two things to make it extra special. It was delicious and the kids even liked it. (Hidden Veggies--YES!)

It would be the perfect addition to a meal of veggies, or a chili, a soup or really anything! It would also be a great potluck item, as it makes a ton!!! I bake it in a 12-inch Cast Iron Skillet, but you easily make 2-8inch cornbreads and still have plenty. Or muffins! It would make great corn muffins. Just bake it a little less and check it sooner. 

Cheddar Zucchini Cornbread

Preheat oven to 375' and place cast iron frying pan with 2 tbs. of vegetable oil to heat while the oven heats. 

Combine: 

8 oz. shredded zucchini, drained and slightly pressed of excess water

3 eggs

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/4 cup melted butter

1 cup buttermilk (or 3/4 sour cream and 1/4 cup of water if you don't have buttermilk)

3 tbs. sugar

1 cup of Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Combine together in a separate bowl and then add to other ingredients:

1 1/2 cups Self Rising Flour

1 1/2 cups of Self Rising Cornmeal

Mix well and pour carefully into the hot skillet. Bake at 375' until golden brown on top, about 30 minutes. Test for doneness with toothpick. 

Recipe: by Cynthia M. Stuckey, modified from Linda Blythe (My Mama!)