May 29, 2021 by giddyhousewife

Bring on the Fiesta!

My awesome hubby turned 47 on Friday and the only thing he wanted was a party with some of our foodie friends. I was happy to make that happen! I sent out a text to our group of friends and we put together a “tapas” style party.

As the friends and the food started to roll in, the fun began. I have several very creative friends, who showed their artistic talents. One of which made a 47 out of her finger foods tray. She also brought a fabulous “sangria style” punch.

We had a gracious plenty of food. If anyone left hungry, it was their own fault. The menu consisted of chicken empanadas, wings, shrimp skewers, bacon wrapped cheese stuffed dates, bacon wrapped chestnuts and of course patatas bravas. The hubby was a happy chef! Manning his wood fired oven for many of the dishes, was his happy place. But best of all he was cooking with our friends! Which is his love language.

The food was excellent but the company was phenomenal! I had to laugh as we started with two tables but ended up with 3 six foot tables just to hold all the food and drinks. To say it was a successful party is an understatement. Along with the savory bites we also had sweet treats. Tequila icey pops, doughnuts, cookies and mini pies. All fabulous!

This simple gathering of friends and family was a great way to celebrate the love of my life. It was also one more reminder of how very blessed we are. I am truly thankful for all the help my friends and family gave me to make this possible for my hubby.

The weather was perfect, the food was outstanding and the fellowship was … well, blog worthy!

I hope your celebrations are this spectacular too.

For the recipe for Bacon wrapped, cheese stuffed dates visit https://www.desumama.com/bacon-wrapped-stuffed-dates-traditional-spanish-tapa . Enjoy!

May 25, 2021 by giddyhousewife

What’s all the buzz about?

The day started out just like any other day. Sitting at my desk in the masonry office doing my thing.

I opened the door to walk out to get the mail and the air was filled with a buzz. What in the world? Bees! Lots and lots of bees! Big fat honey bees. The yard was filled with honey bees looking for a new home. I watched with interest but kept my distance; mainly because I am slightly allergic to said creatures. Then, I remembered what my husband taught me. Bees will not sting unless they absolutely must at this stage. They have gorged themselves on honey to make the transition to the new hive and are much less likely to sting. So I got a little closer for some photos.

The Swarm hanging on the tree branch while the scout bees look for a new home.

They clung to a branch about 20 feet in the air. My husband, who has kept bees, said it looked to be a couple pounds worth of bees. Normally we wouldn’t mess with them so high off the ground but my sister-in-law has a homestead and wanted bees. So we gave it the old college try. Hazen has caught and removed several swarms over the years, so he came to assist.

Trying to convince all the little bees to go into the box…

There was a lot of effort but it is always a gamble. You may or may not get the queen. You may or may not kill some of the bees. You never get them all and you never know if they will stay in the “new home” you give them. These particular bees did not stay. You win some, you lose some.

For the full story check out my sister-in-law’s blog https://youtu.be/CjxsmT-Dqn8

While you’re there for this story check out some of their other adventures! You won’t regret it.

See ya next adventure!

May 20, 2021 by giddyhousewife

Breath deep

There is nothing like standing on the warm sand and breathing in that fresh salt water air.

I use to think I didn’t like the beach but I really do. I have no real desire to swim in the ocean but I’m game for soaking up some sun on the sand. And when I’m with my awesome friends it is always a good time!

Every year my “adoptive moms” group takes a trip together to the beach. It is such a refreshing time for the soul. We laugh, we encourage, we listen, we vent, and we celebrate. We know the struggles and the victories of adoption. We live the life everyday; the good, the bad, the sweet and the ugly. This is a true tribe. They get me. They give me space to just be me and love me where I am in my mess. To say this is a special group of women is the understatement of the century. But they are one my blessings that I count daily.

Each day I woke to a beautiful sunrise. I sat at the table to do my devotional and admired the view. A chance to catch my breath and be truly thankful.

And of course we ate some good food. Bacon, eggs, sausage, fruit, bagels and muffins for breakfast. Pizza one night, steak & chicken one night and seafood, is a must for dinner.

What is your place to go to and recharge? When is the last time you stayed up into the wee hours of the morning laughing with friends?