Father's Day Coconut Cream Pie

Jake's favorite dessert is coconut cream pie so I've tried and experimented with lots of different recipes. I think we've finally found a winner. This was really easy to make, and tasted really yummy. I'm still trying to learn all the settings on my camera, so the photo's not the best, but I tried to make it look pretty. Give this recipe a try and let me know how you like it!

Jake's Father's Day Coconut Cream Pie

• 1 premade graham cracker crust (9-inch)
• 1 package cream cheese, softend (8-oz)
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 package Jell-O instant pudding mix, cheesecake flavor (3.4 oz)
• 3/4 cup flaked coconut (I toasted mine a bit first)
• 1 container frozen whipped topping (8-oz.)
• whipped cream or extra frozen whipped topping for the top
• extra flaked coconut for garnish

Beat cream cheese and coconut milk with an electric beater until smooth. Add pudding mix; beat until blended. Stir in coconut; fold in frozen whipped topping. Spread mixture into pie crust; cover and chill 2 hours or until set. Before serving, top with whipped cream or frozen topping and garnish with flaked coconut if desired.

Retro Day

This is the last month of school for the girls. (We do the year round thing.) So every Friday is Spirit Day when the kids get to do something fun. Today was Retro Day. They were supposed to dress like they were from 50's, 60's, 70's, or 80's. I think they look pretty cute - and it's easy to guess which one goes with which decade!

PS - If you're a stamper, notice the flower on Anna's cheek....Water Color Wonder Crayons make great face paints!! I just wet the tip of the crayon with water and painted right on her face. It gives you a lot more control than a paint brush, and since it's not oily or greesy it's easy to wash off when you're done.

How Does Your Garden Grow?

One of our other Memorial Day activities was to plant a little garden. We live in a townhouse so we have only a tiny space, but I have to show it to you all because I am so proud of it! I have never been able to grow anything! Then last year I bought a few small herb plants. And... not only did they grow, but they grew back!! (Except for the basil and rosemary, but I hear that's normal.) So, this year along with new basil and rosemary, we planted tomatoes and lots of peppers (jalapenos, habeneros, anaheim, sweet, and more.) The other herbs growing are mint, oregano, taragon, thyme, and sage. My backyard smells so good, and I am going to be able to make the best salsa ever this fall!