Simply Craig

It was an exciting day for Breeley...she lost her very first tooth! There may be bigger milestones ahead, but there's something especially sweet about that very first tiny tooth. It's one of those moments that reminds you just how quickly childhood passes. And really... what's more adorable than a toothless grin? Just this teensy, tiny tooth of mine. A little tooth, a big smile, and another precious memory we'll never want to forget.

Every summer, my sister and I order fresh Utah peaches. Then comes the marathon... Peel peaches. Pit peaches. Slice peaches. Freeze peaches. Repeat... and repeat... and repeat. By the time we're finished, we have enough frozen peaches to last for months. The only question is:  What do we make with all of them? Here are a few family favorites that have become staples in our kitchen. 🍑 Georgia Peach Bread Ingredients 1½ cups granulated sugar ½ cup shortening 2 eggs 2¼ cups peach purée 2 cups all-purpose flour 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon salt 1½ teaspoons vanilla 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts Directions Cream the sugar and shortening until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, then add the peach purée. Mix in the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until combined. Stir in the vanilla and nuts. Pour into two greased and floured 9×5-inch loaf pans. Bake at  325°F  for  55–60 minutes...

"Don't worry that children never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you." —  Robert Fulghum Every year I love asking the kids these questions. Their answers are honest, unfiltered, and absolutely priceless. Britley did not disappoint! 1. What is something Mom always says to you? "Clean up!" 2. What makes Mom happy? "When I give her a kiss." 3. What makes Mom sad? "When someone dies." 4. How does Mom make you laugh? "She tickles me." 5. What was Mom like as a child? "What? That's hard!" 6. How old is Mom? "82." (I'm still laughing.)  Then she looked at me and asked, "Are you really 82?" 7. How tall is Mom? "83 feet." 8. What is Mom's favorite thing to do? "Play with me." 9. What does Mom do when you're not around? "Clean up." 10. If Mom became famous, what would it be for? "Being a friend." 11. What is Mom really good at? "Foldi...

For Britley's birthday, we headed to the mall for a big milestone...Britley was getting her ears pierced! She was a little apprehensive, but as long as she was holding Daddy's hand, she knew she could do anything. Then came the piercing... "Wait a minute... this HURTS!" Thankfully, the tears were short-lived, and before long she was admiring her brand-new earrings with a proud smile. Meanwhile, the boys proved that waiting in a girly store is an adventure all its own. They kept themselves entertained by trying on glasses, wigs, jewelry—pretty much anything they could get their hands on. They definitely know how to turn an ordinary errand into a comedy show. A memorable birthday outing for everyone!

We celebrated Britley's 5th birthday with a fun family trip to the bowling alley. There were lots of laughs, high-fives, and friendly competition as we cheered each other on. Dad even spent some time giving Britley a few bowling pointers, making the day even more special. She was all smiles with every roll down the lane. We wrapped up the celebration with birthday cake, sang "Happy Birthday," and watched Britley make her birthday wish before blowing out her candles. Happy 5th Birthday, Britley! We love watching your joyful spirit, contagious smile, and sweet personality brighten every room you're in. 

Nathan is starting junior high this year...a milestone that feels both exciting and a little hard to believe.  Wesley is heading into 6th grade, his last year of elementary school, before he makes the jump to junior high next year.  Dawson is excited to begin 4th grade, while Breeley is starting 1st grade. She can hardly wait to be at school for a full day.  And then there's Britley. She is more than ready for kindergarten, but because her birthday missed the cutoff by just four days, she'll be spending one more year as an "advanced" preschooler. It wasn't the milestone she was hoping for, but she's sure to make the most of every adventure this year.  Here's to a new school year, new teachers, new friendships, and watching these kids continue to grow a little more each day.