Hi There Cupcake!

Lady and the Tramp

2012-03-03T10:22:00.001-08:00

We downloaded Lady and the Tramp for our kids. They are obsessed with this part. They fall down into peals of laughter and play it over and over. Ah to be a kid again. :)

Spring is in the air, and snotty people too. ;)

2012-03-02T07:10:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pictures I snapped while out and about yesterday. I love spring blossoms SO much. I wish trees looked like this year round. While I was out on my happy blossom quest, I was stopped at a light going straight. There wasn't a right lane but there was a bit of room between the curb and me. A man squeezed along side me to turn right. He unrolled his window and flipped me the bird. It was SO rude. I wasn't do anything wrong. It was mean just to be mean.

For the rest of my ride as the blossoms brightened my spirit, I thought about being kind. It's so important. You never know how a small action can affect another person. Sometimes I feel there is such a huge lack of respect for our fellow passengers in life. We are all children of God. He loves all of us.

I am glad most people follow His example and love their fellow man. There is so much beauty in the world. It's awfully disappointing when people are ugly with each other. I can't bear to watch the cable news channels. It is the most contentious thing I have ever seen. They rip people to shreds. I don't like it one bit. The political races and lack of respect for other people makes me sick. Wow, how did my little post about blossoms turn to politics? I guess it comes down to the world is a lovely place, let's make it more lovely by being kind to one and all. :) (Oh and the picture at the bottom is a bird feeder my daughter made, it has made the little birdies so very happy,I think birds that need feeders should be the only "birds" around :)

Yogurt Dipped Berries

2012-03-01T12:21:00.000-08:00

This is another Pinterest idea. I had a ton of fresh blueberries and raspberries in my fridge. I grabbed the berries, a container of vanilla yogurt,toothpicks. I didn't want to stand there and do it(I'm lazy that way), and the kids thought it was a blast. They would put a berry on a toothpick, swirl it in the yogurt and put it in a rubber maid. We froze them for about an hour, this was enough time to harden the yogurt but the berry was still a little soft. Fabulous,healthy, snack!

Spring Wreath!

2012-02-29T15:57:00.001-08:00

Of course I found this adorable wreath on Pinterest!!! I had to make my own! I intended to take more pics along the way but it didn't happen. All supplies were found at Joann's except for the gingham ribbon. I ordered that from etsy.

Grab 3 lime green skeins of Fun Fur yarn(I only used 2, I had an extra just in case). Be sure to use fun fur. I checked out other brands and it's not as grassy looking. Also, use a styrofoam wreath(I used a 12 inch). This is my second wreath. I made one yesterday and like an idiot I used a big fat straw wreath because it was on sale. Uh, yea it didn't work too well. The only other supplies you will need is Daisy trim, pink pearlized pins, and ribbon to hang your wreath. Wrap the yarn around the wreath. My friend Rachael suggested wrapping 5 times and then scrunching the rows together. That worked so much better than the continuous wrap I was doing. When you use up one skein tie the end to your next skein. When you get all the way around tie it on to your starting point. Cut your daisy trim into individual flowers, and put a pink pin through the middle and stick it on your wreath. Don't push it in too deep or you will smash your grass.

Grasshopper Mint Cookies!

2012-02-29T07:40:00.002-08:00

Don't these seem like a must for St. Patricks Day?

Cool Apps and a video

2012-02-28T07:26:00.003-08:00

I just discovered app smitten! App suggestions sent right to your phone. They have iPad,iPhone, and Android apps. I am so in love with Color Snap and Paper Toss. Color Snap allows you to take a picture of an item and the app will match it to a paint color!! Paper Toss is good mindless fun, flicking paper into the trash. :) It's fun. Don't even get me started on Temple Run. I love that one. :)

I have had a bit of a Whitney Houston obsession over the past couple of weeks. I loved her as a teenager but hadn't really paid any attention to her since. I was stunned to watch this video.(it is a video with two clips, one singing well, and one bombing) I had no idea how much her voice had deteriorated. It is hard to watch. It's sad what happened to her wonderful voice. It seems that she must have been getting it back a little since she made Sparkle. I saw a voice teacher talk about Whitney. He said she didnt have a trained voice. He said if you don't sing properly you will develop nodules like Whitney had. Plus smoking crack helped destroy her beautiful voice. It's sad to see what hard living can do to a person.

Ryan's Chicken Curry

2012-02-26T15:53:00.003-08:00

My husband was a missionary in South Africa for 2 years. While there a wonderful lady taught him how to make chicken curry. She didn't use a recipe, just showed him how much to throw in. His batches are always a tad different because he never uses a recipe. I had him sit down today and tell me how to make it.(He has done this for me before and like an idiot I lost the recipe) These are all approximates. Make adjustments to suit your taste. :)

Ingredients:

4 cloves fresh garlic (crushed)
2 onions chopped
2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
1 jalapeño pepper(we remove the seeds)chopped
1 tsp. cardamom
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
3 tsp. tumeric
3 tsp. red curry powder
2 tablespoons kosher salt
4 skinless boneless chicken breasts (cut into strips)
1 small bag baby carrots
5 tomatoes (diced)
5 golden potatoes (peeled and chopped)
1 can peas or 2 cups frozen peas

Instructions:

Cover bottom of large pot with oil. Sautee onions in oil over medium heat until beginning to brown. After onions are soft and browned. Add garlic,ginger,jalapeño,cardamom,cinnamon, cook together for a minute.

Add salt,nutmeg,turmeric,and curry powder(always stirring don't allow to stick to bottom) Try to achieve a pasty consistency.(If it begins to stick add a little water)

Add chicken allow to cook in spices for a couple of minutes.

Add tomatoes,potatoes,carrots, and peas. Simmer on low heat for 1 hour stirring occasionally. Serve over rice.

Rapunzel Tower Cupcakes

2012-02-26T09:04:00.001-08:00

I think these are completely fabulous!! I actually think I could pull these off! Here are some more fabulous Rapunzel party ideas.

I found the picture on Pinterest but there wasn't a link. I looked in google image and couldn't find a source there either. If anyone knows, please let me know and I will link. :)

China Glaze for Audrey

2012-02-25T13:04:00.001-08:00

It was made to be a perfect match for Tiffany& Co. blue! I ADORE it!!

Bottlebrush Chicks

2012-02-25T11:10:00.000-08:00

I saw these a couple of weeks ago but didn't want to pay shipping. I checked back today, and they are now free shipping!

Einstein Pretzel Bagel

2012-02-24T11:07:00.001-08:00

Have you tried them?? We had them Saturday morning, and think they are stupendous!

Phantom Island Series

2012-02-23T01:17:00.000-08:00

I love when I find a series just as the last book is about to come out. I DO NOT LIKE WAITING! I have really enjoyed this series. It can be a little cheesy but it is fun! The first book started a bit slow for me, but took off in a completely unexpected direction. Give it a whirl.

Starbursts!

2012-02-22T01:40:00.000-08:00

I love Starbursts. Here is my ranking of the flavors.

Pink
Red
Orange
Yellow

What's your fave?

Lustro ware Salt and Pepper Shakers

2012-02-21T07:18:00.000-08:00

These little aqua beauties are my latest vintage find. I love them!

iPhone Cases from Instagrams!

2012-02-21T01:52:00.000-08:00

I am completely obsessed with Instagram. I about flipped when I saw you could make a phone case out of them! (Here)

The Lorax

2012-02-20T08:57:00.000-08:00

I can't wait to see The Lorax on March 2nd! I love Bakerella's Lorax pops!

Whitney

2012-02-18T14:40:00.000-08:00

I thought playing Whitney's song at the end was incredibly moving.

Pepperoni Roll Ups

2012-02-16T08:25:00.000-08:00

Last night we had Pizza Roll Ups and green salad. It was delish! The best part? It was easy enough that my 8 year old did most of the prep work. Easy and the whole family loved them.

Pepperoni Roll Ups
Recipe from: Taste of Home

1 tube (8 ounces) refrigerated Pillsbury crescent rolls
32 slices pepperoni (I used Hormel's turkey pepperoni slices)
4 pieces string cheese, cut in half
1/4 teaspoon italian seasoning
1 Tablespoon butter, melted
Marinara or Pizza sauce, for dipping

DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Unroll crescent dough; seperate into 8 triangles. Place 4 pepperoni slices on the large end of each triangle. Place one half string cheese on the top of the pepperonis. Roll up towards point. Place roll ups atleast 2 inches apart on a lightly greased cookie sheet.

Mix together italian seasoning and melted butter. Brush over the tops of the roll ups. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

Happy Valentines Day!

2012-02-14T06:48:00.000-08:00

Have a wonderful Valentines Day!

I had a great time making cookies with my kiddo's. Here is the recipe I use:

17.5-ounce package dry sugar cookie mix

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract or other flavoring

1 cup all-purpose flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine the cookie mix with the cream cheese until crumbly. Mix in the eggs and flavoring until well combined. Add enough flour to make a firm dough that can be rolled out. Roll dough out on lightly floured board to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out snow flakes, doves, or other desired shapes.

Place on ungreased baking sheet and bake for about 8 minutes.

Adele

2012-02-13T08:34:00.001-08:00

I love her! Didn't she sound amazing at the Grammys?

Sizzling Salads

2012-02-13T01:51:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share one of my favorite things. I have been using the Sizzling Salad dressings to make taco salad. It's delish and easy. Heres what I do:

Chop 3 skinless chicken breasts up and throw in skillet. Once chicken is done I stir in enough spicy fajita cooking sauce to coat chicken and let simmer for a few minutes.

For the salad I use baby spinach, black beans,corn, tomatoes,sharp cheese,fritos, and top with chicken and bbq ranch.

It's SO good and easy!

Four Years

2012-02-12T01:08:00.000-08:00

Four years ago today, I was diagnosed with cancer. It's the most frightened I have ever been in my life. I am so thankful to still be well. Yesterday I received a letter from the National Cancer Registry. They wanted to check on me(to see if I'm still alive, to compile survival rates)and to remind me to get my check ups. Cancer screenings are so very important.

I am so thankful every time I hit Feb 12th cancer free. Happy February 12th to all!

Goodies

2012-02-09T16:29:00.000-08:00

I can not wait for this book to come out!!!! I don't think there is anything I like better than cookie dough.

Speaking of good eats, I was wondering what to make for dinner while browsing Pinterest. I came across this recipe. I was so delighted because I had all of the ingredients on hand! I threw it all together in the crockpot and it was delish! I changed things up a bit by serving it over rice. My family loved it, and it couldn't have been easier.

Great deal on Disney plush!

2012-02-07T16:06:00.000-08:00

Since the exchange rate is a bit crazy at Disneyland(my husband figured a 20 dollar bill gives you about 1 dollar of spending power in the park ;) We decided to let our girls buy a couple of small things in the park, and a larger item from the Disney Store. Right now all Disney plush is buy one get one free!!!! My children chose Minnie and Princess Tiana. They are excellent quality! Both are large toys and very soft. Since they were buy one get one free, they cost me a whopping 19.50!! My kids are thrilled with them, and they didn't break the bank. :)

Disney Pin Tip

2012-02-02T13:56:00.000-08:00

I just thought I would pass on a little pin tip, just in case anybody is getting ready to go on a Disney trip and wanted to start pin trading. I ordered all of my pins from ebay before the trip(except for the cutie pie Grape Soda pin-we bought that in the park) Anyway I was able to buy a bag of 40 pins off of ebay for 15.00 dollars and free shipping!! This way my children had a great base of pins to trade. Some of the pins were cool and worth keeping but most were just something to trade for something better. Remember the workers can't say no to kids, so the kids can end up with super cool pins. Oh man, I want to go back!

Mini Pretzel Dogs

2012-02-01T17:15:00.001-08:00

I need to make these!!

Frame for Disney Pic

2012-01-30T09:05:00.000-08:00

I took a darling picture of my girls with nautical Mickey Mouse. I ordered this adorable frame for the picture. I think it's perfect!! I can't wait to receive it. This is my third purchase from this etsy shop. The frames are FANTASTIC!

Disneyland!

2012-01-29T09:24:00.000-08:00

We just got back from a little trip to Disneyland and California Adventure. We had a wonderful time! Has anyone else noticed how aggressive the birds are in amusement parks?? A few years ago at Sea World, I had a sea gull snatch a churro right out of my hand. This week at Disneyland I had three different sparrows fly directly into the back of my head. It reminds me of this! They just kept doing it to me. Nobody else! Weird. :)

We had this yummy lemon cupcake! Can you see the silver glitter on it? I am thinking we need an annual pass to Disneyland. I want to go back NOW!

This is Mr. Potato head in front of the Toy Story Mania ride. We LOVE that ride! We found out the ride is full of Easter eggs. One is a red fox. I hit it, thank you very much. ;)

My girls enjoyed a little pin trading. We bought this one, and my daughter wasn't about to trade it. It was her favorite. We had a great time at the Princess breakfast in Ariels Grotto. My girls met Snow White,Ariel,Sleeping Beauty and Belle. Belle danced with my daughter and she was thrilled. Meeting all of the characters was completely wonderful. Check out Jessie's autograph....

Don't you love her cowgirl hat J? We missed getting pictures with Buzz. So I grabbed a picture of him walking off. It was just way too much fun! We can't wait to go back again.

The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place

2012-01-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

When I started reading this book, I wasn't sure I was going to like it. A couple of chapters in I started to enjoy it. Kids will love,love it! I am starting the second book in the series today.

Gingham Coin Purse

2012-01-23T09:00:00.000-08:00

It had to be done! My change can't be scattered all over my purse! I neeeeeeeded this! ;)

The Farm

2012-01-19T19:19:00.000-08:00

There isn't much rural action around Vegas. Tonight I was driving around while Kate was at Activity Days trying to get Hal to fall asleep. I drove past Gilcrease Orchards. I haven't been over there in about 6 years. This tiny taste of rural in the middle of a whole lot of city made me happy. I had to pull over and take a few pictures.

Frozen Oatmeal

2012-01-19T02:11:00.000-08:00

I LOVE this oatmeal! I grabbed a bag of it at Costco Saturday and we are all in love. I love that you don't add water, just dump the contents in a bowl and microwave 5 minutes. I love the big apple chunks.

Valentine Vignette and Heart Pom Pom Wreath

2012-01-18T08:22:00.000-08:00

I finally got my heart wreath done! Michaels failed me. Every time I called/stopped by, they never had heart wreaths. Some employees said they were getting some any day, others said they weren't going to carry them. So, whatever I ended up getting my styrofoam wreath at Hobby Lobby. I am happy with how my wreath turned out. After making my pom poms. I hot glued them on to the wreath. It took about 15 minutes to assemble. The most time consuming part was making the pom poms, and that was easy and fun! I am going pom pom crazy. I may need to make one for St. Patricks day too! :)

This is the twelve inch styrofoam heart from Hobby Lobby.

Tips on Pom Pom Wreath:

When I make another one, I will use better quality yarn. Mine was the cheapest and frayed easily.
I will also use sharper scissors.(it will help the yarn fray less)
I will trim my pom poms better and make them more even. I started doing this toward the end, and it makes such a difference.
Make sure to tie the yarn around your bundle TIGHT and right in the middle.

Happy Music

2012-01-17T15:20:00.000-08:00

I'm always so delighted to find new music. I love anything recommended by The Farm Chicks. I was so happy to find the playlist from the 2010 Farm Chicks Show! The above video is one of the songs from the playlist. It's very fun, I LOVE it!

Goodnight Ipad

2012-01-17T09:07:00.000-08:00

Yesterday my brother and his family came over. At one point there were seven of us sitting in the front room. Every single one of us had either an iPad,iPhone,or iPod touch in our hands. It is a whole new world isn't it?

I remember when the first VCR came out. We were EXCITED. Of course it was a few years before we owned such an awesome machine. Friday nights we went to the video store and rented the VCR and VHS tapes. We were SO beyond thrilled when my parents came home with the cumbersome VCR. The remote had a long cord, that stretched from the remote to the VCR. As I watch my children watch movies any time, any place in the palm of their hands I am amazed.

When they want to learn more about a subject or do a report all of the information is at their fingertips. They laugh when I tell them, I had to haul my cookies to the library to do research. Next I would come home and type my report on a typewriter. I think this book is adorable and very fitting for this new generation. :)

Opportunity/Attitude

2012-01-16T17:22:00.000-08:00

Today life took a turn I didn't want it to. I was WAY ticked off. I was kicking up a big stink, and was annoyed all day. I saw the above quote on Pinterest. Yep, that is it. I wanted the opportunity to be in a more attractive package. Overalls haven't been my thing for many years now. ;) I believe great opportunity awaits. :) On The Farm Chicks FB page Serena posted the following song. I love it! Also I was one of the first eleven people to email Serena so I won this fun sticker! Whoohoo! :)

Variant

2012-01-16T00:11:00.000-08:00

I really enjoyed this.It was such a spine tingler. It grabbed my attention, lulled maybe a little, and then ended intensely. It has fun twists and turns. Can't wait for the sequel in Fall 2012!

Melanoma

2012-01-13T09:57:00.000-08:00

My 4 year anniversary of being diagnosed with Melanoma is coming up next month. If I can make it to my 5 year mark without a recurrence they will consider me cured. I found this video on Pinterest. I bawled my eyes out watching it. It brought back emotions I haven't felt in a while.

Hearing things like 10% survival rate if the cancer has spread. OR getting one sunburn before reaching the age of 18 more than doubles your chance of getting cancer. Don't even get me started on tanning beds. Seeing the scars.... Mine is 9 inches long for one mole.

Please be careful with your skin, and encourage those around you. Please wear sunscreen and check your moles for changes. I had a mole that bled on and off for two years and I did NOTHING about it.

As a youth I tanned and never wore sunscreen. My tumor was deep. I am only alive because the Lord spared me. I am so thankful to still be alive.

I have used food as an emotional crutch. I know that is just as dangerous as tanning. For the past 2 weeks we have been eating healthy. ZERO sugar, and tons of fruits and veggies. We already feel better. Our bodies will be kind to us, if we are kind to them. I remember asking the doctor if I was going to die. He said he didn't know. He said nobody has any guarantees. He said take good care of your body and view each day as a gift, because it certainly is.

Fingernail Day!

2012-01-12T14:40:00.000-08:00

Today I put nail shields on the girls and I. They are SO thrilled with them!

My Injury

2012-01-11T15:24:00.000-08:00

My husband likes poached eggs. I have always been more of a scrambled/omlette/fried/boiled kind of a gal. I don't really know how to do a poached egg. Ryan has a whole big routine involving bowls of cold water, polking holes in yolks, placing plates on top of said bowls and then microwaving for EXACTLY 3 min and 15 seconds.

He hasn't had a poached egg for a while. This morning I thought I would be a champ and whip some up for him. I couldn't remember his little egg routine. He was upstairs getting ready so I winged it. BIG Mistake. BIG.HUGE! Ryan came down and I announced that I made him eggs and trotted over to the micro. I opened the door grabbed the plate perched precariously on top of the bowl. The eggs EXPLODED spewing scalding hot water and egg all over me. I dropped the plate and it shattered at my feet.

It would have been funny if it hadn't hurt so bad. Okay, maybe it was a little funny, considering I was wearing glasses and they were completely covered in egg. Not to mention my pajamas that were doused in hot water and egg bits. Oi! Ryan cleaned up the big old fat mess while I ran both arms and hands under cool water.

I have been quoting The Office all day. When offered a pain reliever (you know because I seemed a little fussy), I came back with "Ya I'm fussy, I'm sitting here with blooding stumps for arms." ;) The Injury is my favorite episose of The Office. It's always fun to channel Michael Scott. I want to wrap my arms in bubble wrap! Maybe tomorrow I will cook some bacon on the Foreman grill! Hopefully I won't endanger myself or others at breakfast tomorrow! :)

Milk Bottles and Crate

2012-01-10T16:27:00.000-08:00

Mr. UPS just brought me these! They were only 9.89! They are now on my window sill. I think a little flower in each bottle will be adorable.

Some stuff I'm Liking

2012-01-09T16:28:00.000-08:00

Magnets of my Instagrams from Stickygram!

Fried pickles with Southwest Ranch from Buffalo Wild Wings. Didn't think I would like them. Huh. Should have known anything fried=YUM!

Vintage Flour Sifters

2012-01-08T17:57:00.000-08:00

After seeing this post, I knew I had to have these sifters. One down, two to go. :)

My 365

2012-01-07T09:23:00.000-08:00

Have you downloaded the My 365 app yet??? This is mine so far. I love it, and it's free!

Clock

2012-01-06T02:30:00.000-08:00

Santa brought me this, I LOVE it!

Spinach Shake

2012-01-05T06:18:00.000-08:00

My husband and I are trying to eat better and get fit in the new year. We are starting out with a spinach shake in the morning and eating more fruits and veggies during the day.

This morning I was drinking my smoothie and my 4 year old came up to me and said "Mommy why are you drinking barf???" Yummmmm that just made this even better! ;) Wow, kids are dang funny and honest. :)

This shake is incredibly filling and delicious! Give it a whirl. I have been drinking one around 5:30 am and have been good until 12:00 or so.

Blend the following in the blender:

1 scoop of vanilla whey protein(we bought ours at Costco),

3 cups of spinach

1⁄2 banana

2 tbsp of organic peanut butter

3⁄4 cup of unsweetened almond milk

2 cups of ice

Pom Poms!

2012-01-04T13:52:00.000-08:00

In The Farm Chicks Christmas book there is a great tutorial for making pom poms. I have wanted to make them for quite some time, but have never gotten around to it. I finally made a few today. I am going to make a heart shaped pom pom wreath. I went to Michaels to buy the wreath but they won't have them in for another week. SO in the mean time, I will be making pom poms. Let me preface this by saying, this is pretty easy, but takes practice(at least for me) I have noticed each time I make a pom pom it looks a little better. Here is how to do it.

Wrap yarn around three fingers approximately 80 times. This is for an average size pom pom.(leaning toward the big side) I think around 50 also makes an awesome pom pom and it's a little easier to work with because it isn't as thick. Experiment and wrap more or less to change the size. Why yes, my fingers are turning purple in this picture, thanks for asking. ;) Be careful not to wrap too tight. ;)

Carefully slide yarn off of your fingers, Tie a 5 inch piece of yarn around the center of the loops and tie securely with a double knot. My first few times I didn't tie the string tight enough and some of my yarn fell out after I cut it, and it looked more like a bundle of yarn instead of a pom pom. Be sure to tie it nice and tight, and right in the middle of the bundle.

Next get scissors and cut all of your loops open.

Then trim and fluff.

Ta Da!

Next week if the wreath forms are in, I will finish up my project and post! :)

Total randomness here, but a jar of sharpies makes my heart go pitty pat. I can't stop buying them, and stuffing them in this jar. :)

The "Hobby Shop"

2012-01-03T15:53:00.000-08:00

My grandma knew how to do everything. She cooked,sewed,canned,crocheted,made dolls,was good with numbers, was kind, and never gossiped. She once had a sugar factory beg her to come work as their general manager. She turned them down because she was afraid it would hurt my grandpa's feelings to make more money than him. They had a farm and so their income was sporadic. I think men these days are happy if their wives make more than them. :)

Suffice it to say, She was AWESOME!

She always let me help with projects. She called the local craft store "the hobby shop" isn't that just adorable? (She also called EVERY kind of cereal cornflakes. :) We would go and buy yarn for various projects. Over the years I have forgotten how to crochet. Drat! How I wish I would have kept that skill up.

I haven't purchased yarn since those days with my grandma 30 years ago. Today I went to ~~Michaels~~ the hobby shop, and bought some for a little Valentine project I am working on. I made sure to get the yarn with the heart on it, just like grandma did. There was a little old lady looking at crochet hooks, and I SO wanted to hug her. It's so sad not to have any grandparents left. I always tell my girls to soak up their grandparents because they are gone much too soon.

In other news, I found these fun little frames at Michaels for 40 cents! I am going to put vintage valentines in them, and use them for decor.

A Very Vintage Christmas

2012-01-02T02:39:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share a few of my fun vintage etsy finds. I love cheery vintage canisters and cake keepers!

I can never resist vintage children's books!

I am obsessed with vintage cookbooks, and had to have this one!!

When I was a girl, I LOVED helping my grandma in the kitchen. My job was to chop nuts. My grandma had a nut chopper just like this one. I HAD to have it! My other job in the kitchen was to brush the top of the bread dough with grease. My grandmother had a little brush for the job. Once my 6 year old little self stopped greasing the bread and greased up my 4 year old brothers head(while the adults were out of the room). He sat so still for me. It's one of my favorite memories. :)

A couple of Christmas gifts

2012-01-01T09:44:00.000-08:00

This Christmas was my buy myself vintage crap off of etsy, and receive a bunch of Bath and Body Works stuff and gift cards year. It was wonderful! :) With my itunes cards I mostly downloaded books. Two of my favorites have been Matched and Crossed. Have you read them? I think they are very fun. They remind me a little bit of The Hunger Games. Another favorite is this neato thing to hold my phone while it charges! What were some of your favorite gifts?

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T02:22:00.000-08:00

Footloose Soundtrack

2011-12-30T14:13:00.000-08:00

I haven't seen the movie. I am a die hard 1984 version fan. I remember all of the kids talking about the movie in elementary school. Oh,1984 Willard, and Lehi Roller Mills how I love you....I love when Renn teaches Willard to dance(here). Makes me want to grab my boom box, and dance through the meadow. :) I have heard the remake is good(Let's be real, how can anything touch 1984??). Today I was perusing Itunes and previewed the soundtrack. I like it! I had to download!

Let's Hear it for the Boy, is my favorite track! I also love,love Blake Sheltons rendition of Footloose!

White Chocolate Popcorn

2011-12-27T08:35:00.000-08:00

Am I the only one that felt the need to make every.blessed.thing. on Pinterest? Yowzer! Kaitlin went to a church activity and brought home the yummiest white chocolate popcorn. I was dying to find the recipe for it. I was so excited when I found this on Pinterest. I made it for my family and it was a huge hit. Plus it's SUPER easy to make. :) Have some for New Years!

Happy day after Christmas!

2011-12-26T13:54:00.000-08:00

Over the past few days, I have taken a total of about 5 pictures. It's so unlike me. I was so busy, that I didn't take any. (I made a to-do list that was much too long.) Luckily my mom snapped a few that she will email me.

My girls, mother and I spent WAY too much time in the kitchen. The girls enjoyed helping with sugar cookies, and these fun dipped Oreo's.

We said goodbye to Buddy until next year. Here is what happened on his last few days. Buddy left magic seeds for the girls that grew into giant sixlet filled candy canes!

On his last day, he wanted them to have Happy Meals on him. That was so thoughtful of him. :)

I hope you all had a delightful Christmas!!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T18:55:00.000-08:00

I am always amazed at the tender feelings that surface on Christmas Eve. Tonight as we have read from the scriptures, and remembered our loved ones, our hearts have been touched. My parents are with us this year. They told us what Christmas was like when they were young. I love hearing their stories. Ryan's mother passed away in 2006 above is a picture of her, sitting on Santa's lap. Tonight is the first time we have ever seen it. My sister in law posted it on Facebook. It made us weepy. I am going to have to print and frame it for Christmas decor. It was a lovely,unexpected present. Merry Christmas!

Christmas Sale!

2011-12-22T01:18:00.000-08:00

I couldn't resist grabbing a couple of items from House 8810's 50% off Christmas sale! Love the banner and Santa clothespins!

Buddy's Latest

2011-12-21T08:41:00.000-08:00

Look what he left for Hallie's birthday!

Oopsie! He had a little trouble upon re-entry!

Adorable Stamps

2011-12-21T01:42:00.000-08:00

I just received a Christmas card from my friend Holly. The card had an adorable Ratatouille stamp on it. I had to purchase them immediately. Aren't they SO cute?

Moving Slow

2011-12-20T08:59:00.000-08:00

My husbands birthday is Dec. 18th,my daughters is Dec. 21, and then Christmas on the 25th. It's a busy week for our family for sure. What an awesome time to get stomach flu! Icks. My daughters both had it the beginning of the week, and it hit my husband and I on Sunday. I am trying to let myself recover, and not think about all that needs to be done. Instead, I will listen to Dean and Frank and relax. :)

Buddy has been climbing in our tree collecting candy canes. :)

O Holy Night

2011-12-18T16:20:00.000-08:00

It's too late to mess with this year. But next year, I want to make this into a canvas. I LOVE it!

Naughty Buddy!

2011-12-17T08:40:00.000-08:00

Naughty little Buddy and his side kick Fisbee painted noses last night!! Our girls were overjoyed. They almost busted something, they were laughing so hard. :)

For Unto Us a Child is Born

2011-12-17T05:27:00.000-08:00

I love Handels Messiah. My dad has an amazing voice and enjoyed going to Messiah sing in's every year. I think his love for it began as a missionary in England.(edit-My mom just texted and said he started singing The Messiah in jr high)

I was driving down the road yesterday and For Unto us a Child is born, came on my Pandora station. It brought me to tears. It is such a beautiful song and is the very epitome of what Christmas is about. I love to hear stories of people embracing the spirit of Christ. It's what motivates people to do things like this and this.

Vintage Radio Iphone 4 case

2011-12-16T09:08:00.000-08:00

Looking for a little stocking stuffer?? Here it is, This little beauty is fab too. You're welcome. ;)

The world needs more of this.

Buddy and a Birthday Card

2011-12-16T08:53:00.000-08:00

Buddy Boy got into the scrabble tiles to leave the girls a little note. :) Check out the birthday card my parents sent my husband yesterday.

Hardy har har! ;)

Silly Buddy

2011-12-15T13:37:00.000-08:00

Buddy and his cronies decided to play "Elf" spin the bottle. Elf spin the bottle is a bit different from traditional Spin the Bottle. In Elf spin the bottle if the bottle points at you, you sing a Christmas song, because..... "The Best Way to Spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear." :)

The LAST of the Decor

2011-12-15T01:52:00.000-08:00

I had to add one more little thing. Can you spot it?

I saw vintage syrup dispensers on The Farm Chicks and had to have them. I am thinking this is it for this year. Now I am going to cool my jets until the after Christmas sales.

Buddy's Antics

2011-12-14T10:11:00.000-08:00

Oh yes he did! That little elf turned our milk green. :)

At least there was only half a gallon left. My girls are flatly refusing to drink it. :)

During our text exchanges with Rachael and her girls, our elves have become pals. We even received an email from Fisbee!

Mr. Kruegers Christmas

2011-12-14T01:43:00.000-08:00

We always watch Mr. Kruegers Christmas on Christmas Eve. I love that Jimmy Stewart! All of his Christmas shows make me cry.;) This is my favorite part.

Pawn Stars/Excitement overload!

2011-12-13T14:59:00.000-08:00

SO guess what? I was driving in my neighborhood today and there was this house with a bunch of motorcycles in the driveway and all of these dudes standing in the street. I got a little closer and noticed they had a camera. Then I noticed Chumlee from Pawn Stars!!! We made eye contact, I drove passed and flipped around. As soon as I turned around they all moved to the driveway. (At first, the only two in the driveway were Rick and the owner of the bikes, the rest were out in the middle of the road watching them film). I snapped a quick cell phone pic, straight into the sun, with my windows rolled up while moving. It rained all over my window so it's super speckled. SO needless to say it's not the best pic. BUT it is a pic of Rick(in the shades and hat) and Chumlee is in the tan coat. My 3 year old said "Mommy, why are you taking a pic of that guys bum??" First I see Kody and Robin of Sister Wives at Costco and now this. ;) If only American Pickers would come to town!! ;) Here is my trophy.

Notice them gawking over at me. They knew they were busted. :) At least I am not a psycho that was going to throw my bra at them or anything. :) I will have to keep an eye out for this episode.

Lost December and Nicholas Nickleby

2011-12-13T06:39:00.000-08:00

Richard Paul Evans never disappoints does he??? LOVED The Christmas List last year, and Lost December is just as wonderful. Give it a try if you are looking for something uplifting to read during Christmas.

Obviously December puts us in a Charles Dickens kind of mood. Have you ever read/seen Nicholas Nickleby? We watched it on Netflix a couple of nights ago. It has a fabulous cast. It was fun to see people from the Gywneth Paltrow Emma, A&E Pride and Prejudice,Chronicles of Narnia, and Harry Potter. Ryan really loved the movie. I would say I liked it. Some of villians creeped me out too much to love. The book is a free download on kindle and ibooks. I am going to give it a whirl.

Weekend Find and Elf Sighting

2011-12-12T07:30:00.000-08:00

Love,love my vintage soda crates! The yellow makes my heart go pitty pat. I am going to use them to help organize my pantry. I have zip locs,tin foil, wax paper and the like scattered to and fro. ;) In other news....Buddy made himself right at home in my mints. :)

Elf Updates

2011-12-11T11:20:00.000-08:00

Buddy built some snowmen!

Hung on Santa's clothes line

Used Santa's hat for a sleeping bag.

I finally found an extension cord to light my wreath. :)

Almost the last of the Christmas Decor

2011-12-09T19:08:00.000-08:00

I have one more teeny tiny thing to do and then I am completely done. Here is the front room all finished. This year I vowed to decorate at the beginning of the month, and be done with it. Too bad there are so many adorable things, I just keep going. I am calling the ball after one more little thing. :)

This is a hodge podge of stuff. LOVE the vintage cars and bottle brush trees.

My talking peanuts gang

My sled-best thrifting find ever!

My Anthropologie inspired snow globe. I made them with my kids this week, they had a ball.

Vintage barn, I found the cows and pigs at Target.

The end(for now;)

Joy!

2011-12-09T01:45:00.000-08:00

I am almost done with my decor. Maybe only one more post. :) I love my Joy letters.

PS-We watched our favorite show last night. We miss Jill! My kids don't want to watch the show without her.

Buddy Updates

2011-12-08T07:17:00.000-08:00

Elves like to stick with the four main food groups candy,candy corn, candy canes, and syrup. ;)

Reading a little Polar Express by the tree

Kate left Buddy a treat so he left her one in return. :)

Aqua Party!

2011-12-08T01:44:00.000-08:00

This happy aqua post about cookies, and ice cream has my head a spinning! My baby has a December birthday. I am so going to do an aqua,cookie and ice cream party for her! I have already found aqua ramekins, aqua straws and the aqua egg crate from Anthropologie. I can't wait!!

Go to the head of the class

2011-12-07T01:49:00.000-08:00

I couldn't resist a couple of vintage games this year!! Hopefully my kids aren't wondering why I am wrapping up a bunch of old crap for them for Christmas. ;)

The Help

2011-12-06T10:17:00.000-08:00

I never made it to see The Help in theaters. I wanted to so much. I dearly loved the book! Since Itunes new releases come out at 12:00 Eastern it's only 9:00 here. I downloaded it last night. Typically movies can never come close to the book. In my opinion this movie was right up there with the book. I LOVED it. I thought it was brilliantly cast. How much did I want to slap Hilly? Bryce Dallas Howard was the perfect Hilly. I now have a big old crying headache. :) Aibileen was so incredible, she had me crying throughout the movie, of course the water works were flowing hard at the end. Have you seen it? What did you think?

Elf Updates

2011-12-05T10:34:00.000-08:00

Here is what Buddy has been up to...

Rudolph Tic Tac Toe with Santa

Sliding down the banister

Making copies!

Merry Christmas to Me!

2011-12-05T01:27:00.000-08:00

I immediately fell in love with this. I lack the talent and patience to make such a beauty, so I decided to make it an early Christmas present. I think my husband secretly loves it, when I take care of biz. :)

While I was at it I threw this on the pile! Isn't it SO cute??

Christmas Devotional

2011-12-04T21:24:00.000-08:00

I thought it was wonderful! It kicked off my Christmas season in the perfect way. Watch it here. I am so excited about the new Bible video series here.

More Christmas Decor

2011-12-03T09:44:00.000-08:00

I know we have some weirdo lighting in a lot of these pics, but I am too lazy to retake. ;) I received this Nativity for Christmas six years ago, and it remains my favorite Christmas decor. It is so beautiful and simple.

Santa's clothesline!

Ornaments from the ceiling. A lot of these I picked up after Christmas last year for dirt cheap.

Happy weekend! I will have the last of my decor pics next week, after I receive a couple of etsy orders. :)

It's Not Christmas without a Jib Jab video :)

2011-12-02T15:56:00.003-08:00

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

What Buddy is up to today....

2011-12-02T08:09:00.001-08:00

Buddy knows the true meaning of Christmas. :)

Buddy the Elf

2011-12-01T07:52:00.000-08:00

Buddy the Elf is here!! My friend Rachael and I are texting each other photo's every morning so we know what our zany little elves are up to. Our girls are LOVING sharing photos. This morning we found Buddy settled in the sink covered in cottonballs. He calls it his "Cotton Headed Ninny Muggins Bath" Silly boy!

Yesterday we found him head first in the Swedish fish. He scarfed down half a bag! We hope he doesn't get a tummy ache.

Tuesday he was ice skating on my silver treat stand. We can't wait to see what buddy does next! I will be sure to share more next week. :)

Christmas Alphabet Advent

2011-12-01T01:56:00.000-08:00

I made this advent calendar last year. I got the idea from my genius friend Angie. The unfinished shadow box can be found here. I painted the box, lined it with scrapbook paper, and used scrapbook letters to make the letters of the alphabet. It was like a scavenger hunt to find all of the letters to fill the box. Sometimes I would find the right letter, but it wouldn't fit. It was so much fun hunting everything down! I went to Michaels,Hobby Lobby,thrift stores, drugstores, my own ornament box, you name it. I have filled the box to photograph it, but will empty it,and start with A today. I am still thinking about something for the Y/Z box. Any thoughts?

A-angel
B-Bell
C-Candy Cane tart
D-Drum
E-Elf
F-Frosty the Snowman
G-Gifts
H-Home
I-Ice Skates
J-Joseph and Baby Jesus
K-Kris Kringle
L-Light bulb
M-Merry Christmas
N-Nutcracker
O-ornament
P-pine cone
Q-Quail
R-Reindeer
S-Shepherd and sheep
T-Tree
U-Underwear (Santa's long red underwear)
V-Virgin Mary
W-Wisemen
X-xoxo Christmas kiss
Y/Z I still need to figure something out, any ideas??

Etsy Shopping

2011-11-30T13:28:00.000-08:00

They really should call etsy, crack.com. I LOVE it. I can't stop ordering fun things. I may get a lump of coal if I don't stop being a naughty little shopper. ;) I couldn't resist these vintage tags. I think they are adorable, and it's something I needed.

I will show you later what I am going to do with the vintage bottle brush wreath and bottle brush trees.

Had to have this fun twine. It's a need right??

Santa Sacks!

2011-11-30T01:52:00.000-08:00

A few months ago I asked if anybody wanted to whip these up for me. My awesome sister in law Katie volunteered to make them for me! At Thanksgiving she gave them to my girls. Aren't they adorable?? My kids can't wait to put them out for Santa to fill on Christmas Eve. Thank you Katie!

Vintage Ice Cream Maker Wrapping Paper Holder

2011-11-29T13:51:00.000-08:00

I love to wrap presents by my Christmas tree, it's so much more fun. I put my wrapping supplies in the ice cream maker bucket, so it will be accessible and cute!

Junky Letters

2011-11-29T11:55:00.000-08:00

I know this isn't the best picture. It's so back lit. I did a post about making my junky wooden letters here. My pillows were on sale at Pier 1!! I love them.

FRA-GEE-LAY!

2011-11-28T13:29:00.000-08:00

For the past few years I have been collecting The Department 56 Christmas Story Village. I LOVE it. I may ask Santa to bring me a major award this year. I would dearly love a giant leg lamp in the front window. :)

In this pic I have blind Ralphie, Pulaski's Candy Store, The tree lot, and The Chinese Restaurant-"Ra Ra Ra Ra Raaa Ra, Ra Ra Raaa"

LOVE my Higbees complete with Mean Elves at the Santa Display, and Christmas parade out front. "Uh don't bother me, I'm thinking."

Ralphie's house. Ralphie fighting the bad guys. Their awesome car. "Oh Fudge!"

The school, Ralphie running from the toadies, and Flick getting his tongue stuck to the flag pole. "C'mon don't leave me come back!"

Bumpus house! Dogs stealing turkeys! "Son of b@*n' Bumpuses!!!!!!!! Opening the Leg Lamp Later when it breaks- "Not a FINGA!"

Cell phone picture at night.

LOVE the movie, love the village! Can't wait for 24 hours of Ralphie!! :)

Jacob T. Marley

2011-11-28T02:43:00.000-08:00

I just finished Jacob T. Marley. I am a BIG Christmas Carol fan so I was completely up for this book.I thought it was interesting to see things from Jacob's perspective. It was fascinating to see the events that shaped not only Jacob's life, but those around him. It's a great read, give it a try! :)

Here is the back cover quote:

Jacob realized that he was no more than an entry in Scrooges ledger-in an account that was now being closed. What a wretched man, Marley thought. Whatever in the world made him?

Whether it was seconds or minutes, Marley did not know,but he paused so completely he thought his heart had stopped beating. I did,were his own words that came to him. I did. I made Ebenezer Scrooge.

Our Christmas Tree

2011-11-27T17:28:00.000-08:00

My kids are so happy to have the tree up. As you can see there isn't a theme. Our tree is about us. My husband lovingly refers to it as the "chaos tree".

I get a little misty eyed while hanging ornaments. There are so many memories associated with my ornaments. My girls first Christmas ornaments, ornaments with their little faces on them, ornaments the girls have made and ornaments from loved ones on the other side.
This little mouse was from my grandma's tree, it was one of my favorites. I remember it from when I was a little girl.

I gave this ornament to my grandma for Christmas a few years ago. I received it back after her passing.

These cute little mice made from straw are more from Grandma's tree.

These soldiers are old timers from Grandma's I have always loved them.

Ryan's Nana made these ornaments. I think they are incredible. She was very talented. Ryan's mother passed a few of these on to me before she died.

Cute choo choo from my grandma's tree. She always had a flocked tree with red lights and red and white ornaments. Her favorite color was red. It was always such a pretty tree.

This little ornament was another one Nana made. Ryan said she would make these and he and his siblings would give them to their teachers at school.

I love Christmas. We remember the birth of our Savior, and all of the love we have in our lives.

That's it for now. I will have more decor posts throughout the week! :) Tell me, do you have a theme for your tree? A themed tree and a kids tree? What are your favorite ornaments?

Thanksgiving Trip Wrap-up

2011-11-26T16:28:00.000-08:00

I guess I am that person who pulls out their vacation slides and makes you look at them. At least you aren't trapped here with me. ;) We went to Utah to visit our families for Thanksgiving. We went to Temple Square to see the lights turn on. They were as beautiful as ever. We have never gone to watch them turn on the lights for the first time of the season. It was so much fun. My girls LOVED it!

Before

After!

I adore the Nativites from around the world

I snapped this picture of a bride getting her potrait taken. I had to do it on the D.L. didn't want her to think I was a stalker. Her pics are going to be gorgeous, but she looked like she was freezing. It was COLD!

This is my favorite picture I took the entire trip. I took my camera off of manual, made some adjustments and pointed my camera straight at the sky. Love it!!

Earlier in the day we visited
The Joseph Smith Memorial Building(formerly The Hotel Utah)

Famous guests that stayed at The Hotel Utah

I think this is so beautiful. So happy everything was decorated for Christmas.

Origami Nativity! Isn't it SO cool?

This is a cross section of the Salt Lake Temple. The temple is so beautiful, and was such a sacrifice for the earlier settlers to build.

One of the first cabins built by early pioneers to the Salt Lake valley. We went to the Church History Museum. I hadn't been in years.

Joseph Fielding Smith was my favorite display. How cool are his glasses,hat,shoes, and typewriter??

After reading the Christmas with the Prophets book, I was really interested in touring the
Beehive House. In all of the years, I lived in Utah, and all of the years my parents have lived right next to the Beehive House, I had never toured it. I guess living away for so many years, has turned me into a tourist. ;) First of all I LOVE the Christmas decorations. The fruit garlands and ornaments are killer.

I couldn't resist taking a picture of this lovely red tree outside the window.

Alot of these rooms, I don't remember the scoop on. Sorry. I am a lousy tour guide. ;)

I thought this was a cool painting of Brigham Young and his family.

The music room

This is Brigham Young's daughter Clarissa's wedding dress. She was 21 when she married. Can you believe how small she was??? They said in those days people were smaller. The average womans shoe size was a 3!

School desk

Childrens toys. I want those marbles!

Store

Kitchen

Pantry

Bathtub! I don't think I could get one cheek in there. :)

Brigham Young's china. Notice the "caution plexi glass label" You know they only put that up because people kept banging their head into the glass. ;) It is wrong that I find that hilarious?? We had a great Thanksgiving, and I hope you did too!

Adorable Tea Set

2011-11-26T11:39:00.000-08:00

I avoid Black Friday shopping . I worked at Kmart in highschool and it is WAY too wild of a scene for me. I remember people being shoved down and trampled for a blue light special, so no thanks. :) I did however order a few things. This tea set(the green and yellow one) is one of my favorite things I picked up for my daughter for Christmas.

Christmas with the Prophets

2011-11-26T01:46:00.000-08:00

I so love history. I just finished Christmas with the Prophets. I LOVED it!! It gives an account of what Christmas was like for the Presidents of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints since 1805. I thought it was extremely interesting and heart warming. It would make a great gift for you or someone else. :)

My Favorite Version of Frosty the Snowman

2011-11-25T01:34:00.000-08:00

Thank you, Sarah

2011-11-23T09:01:00.000-08:00

This is such a great book! It is the story of how Sarah Hale helped make Thanksgiving a national holiday. It is funny and informative. Here is a fun, free writing packet that goes along with the book! Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Vintage Christmas Vignette

2011-11-22T12:00:00.000-08:00

I am like a druggie in need of a fix. I was determined to not put stuff up until Friday, but here I go. I will post more decor pics soon.

My red deer are some of my very favorites. They belonged to my grandparents. I remember seeing them every year when we would attend our family Christmas Eve party. After they passed on, I inherited the red deer. When I received the deer they had faded to a pale orange. Their antlers had broken off and their eyes, hooves, and nose had rubbed off. My mom and I spray painted them back to red, painted their eyes and nose, gathered twigs from my yard, dipped them in glue and glittered them to make new antlers. I love them because they bring back so many fond memories.

I made the Santa canvas. The thermos's,picnic basket,book,truck, ice cream container, Santa,and hot chocolate tin are all vintage. The blocks I found here, and the little snowman house on top of the cocoa tin here.

Christmas Candy Cookie Mold

2011-11-21T14:22:00.000-08:00

I purchased these at Michaels today. I love the cookie molds! They are such a fun and tasty way to spruce up an Oreo! I have also used the Valentine and Easter molds. They are simple to use. Pipe the different color candy melts into the mold and then press your Oreo into the mold. Refrigerate for 30 min and then pop them out. They turn out adorable!