memorial day and a wedding

Uh huh, a few weeks late posting these pictures, but life happens. :) We are enjoying a great summer so far. We are spending lots of time at the park, splash pad, and library - and lots of time inside reading and playing. My word, it's been SO hot the last week or so! 

We enjoyed a yummy lunch with my side of the family on Memorial Day. Jacob smoked some meat and we had potato salad, slaw, chips, and baked beans - one of my favorite meals! The kids had a blast playing in the sprinkler and bubble machine. My sister got a bunch of yard games and we had lots of fun playing them. My brother-in-law taught the kids how to do an egg race (with plastic eggs/spoons). It was the most hilarious thing to watch! :)

Papaw, Cameron (my nephew), and Levi chillin' in the swing.

Jacob and Lily. 

After Memorial Day we had a super busy week getting ready for my brother's wedding. Luke married Hannah, our babysitter and dear friend! I was a bridesmaid, Lily was the flower girl, Levi was a ring bearer, and Jacob organized the music - fun, but crazy! Ha. 

The day before the wedding, Lily and I got to attend the bridal luncheon and then go with all the other girls to get our nails done! It was Lily's first mani/pedi - she loved it! :)

Jacob was amazing help the day of the wedding - he had to take care of and dress the kids and get them to the church for pictures. I had to go early to get ready and have some of the wedding party pictures.

This is how the groomsmen rode to the park for pictures.

Me and my beautiful sister. Love her!

Our family...except for Asher who fell asleep on the pew while we waited for the pictures to start.

Levi and Ridley - ring bearers. Such cuties! :)

Lily did so well! 

Jacob, me, Luke, and Hannah

And they are off...in a shower of birdseed. :)

Lemon Cupcakes

Today I'm participating in the Essentially Summer Recipe Series that has been going on this week. I am looking forward to trying lots of new recipes! Sondra finished up yesterday's Main Dishes with her Veggie Lasagna.

To start off the Desserts today, I'm excited to share this recipe for Lemon Cupcakes. I have made these cupcakes for 5 different events and they always get rave reviews - they are quick and easy, and they are yummy! Win-win! :)

Lemon Cupcakes

Yield about 20 cupcakes

Ingredients

for the cupcakes:

1 yellow cake mix

3 eggs

1 cup water

1/3 cup oil

5 drops Young Living Lemon Essential Oil

zest from one lemon

for the frosting:

1/2 cup softened butter

3 oz softened cream cheese

6 cups powdered sugar

3-4 drops Young Living Lemon Essential Oil

2-3 Tablespoons milk

To make cupcakes, preheat oven to 350. Line cupcake pans with paper liners. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients together on low for 30 seconds. Scrape down sides of bowl and mix on medium speed for 2 minutes, scraping down bowl as needed.

Divide the batter evenly between prepared cupcake liners, filling each half full. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in pans about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

To make frosting, cream butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, lemon oil, and milk (start with 2 Tablespoons and add more if needed). Mix on low until combined and then beat well on medium speed. Frost cupcakes. Store in the refrigerator.

I love adding oils to many recipes. I hope this series inspires you to add some flavor with your oils!

Are you ready to jump in to this wonderful world of caring for your family with therapeutic grade essential oils? The time is now! Click here to learn more or contact the person who introduced you to the “Essentially Summer” blog recipe series! :)

Next up is Becky at Rooted Blessings with Paleo Key Lime Cheesecake. Yummy!

Be sure to check out all the great recipes in the "Essentially Summer" blogger recipe series.