Summer Cookout

Last week we hosted a cookout for the extension group that I am a member of.  It is a ladies organization that meets monthly and every summer they get together (along with their spouses) and have a cookout.  I am new to the group so was really excited to welcome all of the ladies into our home and get to know them a little better.  What a fantastic time we had!  I worked on the yard and house for days and days and let me tell you, it was so great to have it all done and in fine form.  Many times I need a motivation to get things looking as good as they probably should look all of the time.  This was the perfect motivation. 

It took me three evenings to get the yard mowed.  I wait until the little one goes to bed and then I get moving on the outside of the house.  With the heat and strong sun we have along with the danger of mowing and edging it just isn’t feasible to get it all done with him in tow.  When my mom was visiting in May we started laying rocks in the gardens around the house and I hadn’t finished putting rocks out yet.  Yes, I know that was two months ago but hey, Rome wasn’t built in a day!  So, I finished getting the rocks out and it looks great!  It really finishes the look and brings everything together.  Now I am just praying that my plants continue to survive!

Then there was the inside of the house.  Ick, my least favorite part.  I had the kitchen in fairly good order but the rest of the house needed some love.  Somehow, it managed to get that love.  I even got the floors scrubbed!  Miracles really do happen!

The last part to get ready for the party was getting the food and essentials ready.  I started a grocery list early on and managed to get almost all of it in one trip!  I made a jello poke cake and provided all the meat and bread and the ladies of the club brought sides and desserts.  We had an over abundance of delicious food, I don’t think anyone went away hungry!  We ate in the backyard and the shade of the trees and orchard sprinklers running all around us really cooled things down nicely.  I hope everyone had a wonderful time, I know I did!

I wrapped the utensils in a napkin and then punched a whole in the side of the paper plate.  I used a piece of twine to tie the utensils to the plate.  This is so handy when doing a buffet so you don't have to worry about forgetting or dropping anything!

 

The little one and his best friend Sadie.

 

He loves playing with her tail and laughs like crazy when she wags it at him.

 

Do you have any summer cookouts planned? 

What do you do to get you motivated to get all areas of your house and yard in tip top shape?