Squibs And Crackers

Soap Scum, how's that for a mind numbing title?

2012-02-09T08:55:00.001-07:00

Source: lifecraftsandwhatever.blogspot.com via Katrine on Pinterest

Soap scum makes me nuts. It's right up there with dust. It's a never ending job with little reward, I tell you! I have bought many expensive toxic chemicals trying to annihilate the scum, and again with little reward.

Jen at Life Crafts and Whatever had a solution. I have vinegar and Dawn so let's give it a try! My results: pretty good. Not the life changing event I was hoping for, but pretty good. And I'll do it again because the results were as good or better as the expensive toxic cleaners I've tried before.

Two Food Fails

2012-02-08T08:48:00.003-07:00

I made two recipes from Pinterest. Sadly, my family wishes I didn't make them.
So do I.

Source: pauladeen.com via Katrine on Pinterest

In my hurry to make my grocery list and get my shopping done I didn't pay much attention to the ingredients for Mexican Chicken Casserole. And I didn't pay attention that it was a casserole. I don't make casseroles and the main ingredients in the recipe are three cans of processed soups. Blech.

Source: pearls-handcuffs-happyhour.blogspot.com via Katrine on Pinterest

My second recipe failure was the Chicken Enchilada Pasta. I'm noticing a theme of the chicken Mexican variety. I should just go to Taco Bell and save myself this grief. I admit it was my fault that this recipe was a flop. I didn't have any of the green enchilada sauce and so I just made it entirely of red enchilada sauce. It was much to strong and I dumped the entire dish in the trash. What a waste! Has anyone tried this recipe? Is is good with the green sauce?

Testosterone: It's Flowing!

2012-02-05T19:37:00.000-07:00

We, and as we I mean John, treated the boys to Real Steel. I barely tolerated it in the movie theater and now my boys have seen it at least ten times since Thursday!

Ethan stumbled into my room about an hour after he went to bed last night. "Mom, I want you to be on my robot team."

"What?" I asked.

He started to get a little upset and he said, "Mom, I want you to take your robots and be on my team!"

"Ethan, are you sleep walking?"

With this last question he became emotional and said, "No! I just need your robots!" John picked up the sleepy little guy and carried him to his bed. I asked him this morning about his robot team and he doesn't remember any of it. So funny!

And now I am hiding in my bedroom away from the noise of Superbowl. Between Superbowl and Real Steel, the testosterone is thick in my house!

This Boy Is Hilarious!

2012-01-31T21:29:00.002-07:00

Often we pray that we will "remember Jesus." Devin said his prayer with, "help us to put Jesus in our brains."

Last week Devin told my 21 year old nephew, "I'm going to marry Isabella. But I don't know how to do that."

Devin's preschool teacher told us she looks forward to hear what Devin's going to say every day. Me too!

Love that kid!

No More Thong Gaps!

2012-01-26T10:01:00.000-07:00

You know when you're standing behind some girl and she bends over and her thong shows above her pants where her pants gap open? Nasty! Never a good thing. You won't find this Mama of 4 wearing a thong but I still have the gappage problem. Or I should stay I USED to have that problem. All it took was a little bit of elastic and my trusty sewing machine.

Source: iammommahearmeroar.blogspot.com via Katrine on Pinterest

I have a stack of Madison's pants she wants me to degap for her!

Fun For Me!

2012-01-25T07:57:00.001-07:00

My outfit for Project Run And Play was spotlighted on one of my favorite blogs, Simple Simon & Company! It's a thrill for me!

Skirt on Top

2012-01-24T13:10:00.000-07:00

I saw this little top on Pinterest. It caught my interest. Say, what? She's wearing a skirt for a shirt? There's a skirt on top? How is this possible?! It is so cute!

Source: mytwobutterflies.blogspot.com via Katrine on Pinterest

I was intrigued. I simply had to do it. So I did. And I like it. I know what you're thinking. Do people know you're wearing your skirt on your torso? Not one time has someone said, "Excuse me ma'am, but did you know your skirt's on top?" Besides, ladies, this little comfortable top hides a lot of flaws! Perfect!

There were no directions to be found. So, I used my great painting talents and drew you a little diagram. I know! I can certainly paint like no other skirt on top girl around!

Click on it to read the directions.

Project Run And Play "1920's!"

2012-01-19T20:15:00.002-07:00

I decided to participate in Project Run And Play. It's the bloggers version of Project Runway except for children. This week's challenge was to design through the decades. I chose the 1920's and found this inspiration picture.

Source: migrationheritage.nsw.gov.au via Katrine on Pinterest

These are the Pastega boys wearing their little suits made by their mother Luigia in 1928. I had fun comparing myself to Luigia sewing for her 3 boys as I sew for my 3 boys!

I kept the general shape of the jacket and used black fleece instead of velvet. Luigia's boys must be more gentle on clothing because I can't imagine sending Devin out draped in velvet! For the lining I used a cute dinosaur print just because I knew Devin would like it!

The boy's little shorts were basic elastic waisted shorts. We live in cold Utah so I lengthend my pair to pants and added side pockets because Devin loves to have pockets for his mega blocks. I wonder what the Pastega boys hid away in their pockets! And I wonder if they asked for chicken nuggets while their mom is trying to finish up their suit!

The crisp white shirts are very cute with the Peter Pan collar. But that's a little feminine for the modern boy. I made a simple white long sleeved tee. One of the suits from Luigia's collections was a sailor suit with am embroidered anchor. My anchor is painted using the freezer paper method. Somehow I don't think my little anchor will last 84 years like Luigia's darling anchor!

Sweet Luigia also made many hats for her boys. Luckily, Devin is my only boy who will wear hats! I followed this tutorial and made a Great Gatsby sort of hat. It was a lot easier to make than I thought it would be.

So, there you have it! My Design for the Decades: 1920! Or train conductor suit! Either way. Haha!

Cooking By Pinterest: Kolaches

2012-01-18T09:26:00.003-07:00

This week I am Cooking by Pinterest! I'm actually going to make some of those yummy looking recipes.

I am not one for doughnuts. I don't really appreciate all that sweetness. But in Texas we would often stop at the doughnut shops for Kolaches. They are a bread filled with sausage and cheese or sausage and ham. Delicious! Sadly, they do not have this breakfast goodness in Utah. We have fry sauce, but there isn't a Kolache to be found!

Source: budgetgourmetmom.com via Katrine on Pinterest

I have tried to make some with disastrous results. Until now! The Budget Gourmet Mom has a recipe for Breakfast Pockets. But I am calling them Kolaches because they taste exactly like my much loved Texas Kolaches! I am happy! My family is happy!

The recipe is simple, but a tad bit time consuming. I wrap the leftovers in plastic wrap and freeze them. Remove the plastic and wrap them in a paper towel and microwave them for 2 minutes for a quick breakfast. I used ham instead of sausage and it was delightful!

Blood Red

2012-01-16T14:12:00.002-07:00

I picked up this little dress at the thrift store. I liked the style but I don't like to wear white. It makes me look pasty and I have too many little boy fingers running around here so white never stays pristine. So, what's a DIY type girl supposed to do? Make it red of course!

I placed a large plastic container on my kitchen counter to dye my dress. With the dress and all the red dye floating around it looked like a big vat of blood. All 4 of my children and my husband walked in and asked, "Why is there blood on the counter?" But they didn't ask it with the concern that someone had just lost a great deal of blood and this is a life threatening event, and please help that person! It was more like why would you put it on the counter? The same way you would ask why your son put his filthy tennis shoes on the counter! Which makes me ask myself, why does everyone in my family find it normal for me to have a rubbermaid container of blood but it bothers them that I would store it on the kitchen counter? Has my family always suspected me to be a motherly vampire?

After the blood bath I chopped the bottom portion off and made it a little tunic for myself. I like it!

I was whining about the fact that I don't know how to take good pictures and so my 5 year old spoke up, "Mom you should do it like this!" And then he struck a pose and gave me a little lesson!
Love him!

Knee Patches

2012-01-10T09:23:00.000-07:00

My charming middle son has 5 pairs of pants. In two weeks he managed to make holes in the right knee of all 5 pairs! What is he doing with his pants?! I can't figure it out. I didn't want to buy him new pants. Not only because of the cost, but until I know what the kid is doing to cause the holes, I don't want to buy new pants only to ruin them in a couple of weeks!

I don't like the look of patches on pants, but I was going to do it anyway. The problem was I couldn't fit those little legs around my sewing machine. grrrr....And then I found the solution! And then I felt silly that I hadn't thought of it myself. It's so obvious. And it works great! I followed the steps to fix the holes in Ethan's jeans from Shannon Makes Stuff.Fabulous!

I took a couple of shots in Ethan in his repaired jeans before he left for school. Poor buddy looks so sleepy!
Love that kid!

Grandma Christmas Gift

2012-01-09T09:18:00.000-07:00

I am going to show you what my children made for their Grandma for Christmas. I know it's January, but that's how I roll. Come back on St. Patrick's Day to see what we did for Valentines Day.I saw these darling snowglobes around the web. Perfect for a Grandma gift! My kids had a lot of fun making these. It was a great project to do as a family.

I did learn a few tips for next time.
1. A little snow goes a long way! I bought a bag of fake snow and I probably used 1 Tablespoon for each jar.
2. You can buy a can of spray paint at Walmart for only 98 cents. But prepared to spray about a gazillion coats to get a full coverage of paint! Sometimes it's worth the extra $2.00!
3. I bought glycerin to add to the distilled water. Martha Stewart claims it's supposed to make it so the snow floats slowly to the bottom. I don't think it made a difference. Don't buy the glycerin and put the $3.00 towards a higher quality of spray paint.

Pinterest Addict

2012-01-05T09:57:00.002-07:00

I am a Pinterest addict. It is one of my guilty pleasures. But I don't feel guilty about it. Oh no, I am proud addict!

Source: thevintageapple.com via Christa on Pinterest

It is replacing google search for me. Today as I was searching for sewing projects I discovered you can actually search for boards about sewing or any other boards you are interested in. Love it!

Source: simplecrafter.com via Robin on Pinterest

1. Click on Everything

2. Enter what you want to search for. I searched for sewing.

3. Now click on the Boards tab.

4. Now you can spy on all the lovely boards other people have created!

Do you have a pinterest account. Let me know so I can follow you! And if you don't have one I would be happy to send you an invitation so you can join in on the fun!

Source: google.com via Julie on Pinterest

Sew Your Own Shirt, Woman!

2012-01-03T13:53:00.000-07:00

I bought this lovely dress at a local thrift store for $4.00. I didn't buy it for the fit, obviously. It's an extra large which means that my boobs only dream it could fill the top half. I bought it for the stripes, woman! I wanted the navy stripes and I figured it would cost less to remake this dress than to buy fabric at the fabric store.

I used one of my favorite T-shirts to make the pattern. I have a friend who was amazed I can make a pattern off an item of clothing. Thanks to my mom I've been doing this since I was 12, so I thought everyone could do this! My friend asked me to write up directions so she could make her own patterns. So, I am currently writing one up and I thought I would put it on this little blog of mine.

And why can't I take a decent picture? I think it's a talent that some possess. I am of the non possessing variety of person.

Seriously? I don't even recognize myself in pictures. Have you seen those bumper stickers that say "My other car's a porsche?" I should have a bumper sticker on my back that says "My other camera takes pictures of super models!"

Oh yeah, there's that super model!

It's A New Year

2012-01-01T20:20:00.001-07:00

If I were to make New Years Resolutions it would be what most people include in their goals.

Lose weight. Save money. Get organized. blah blah blah....

Source: ohhellofriendblog.com via D on Pinterest

All those things are good things. I don't wish to overwhelm myself before the year even begins. I want to start the year fresh with hope for the future.

I am choosing a little word to start my year. One that will balance all those things I wish to achieve in my life.

My little word is

Release

Source: homegrownhospitality.typepad.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

I can be an anxious person who forgets to have fun. I get caught up in the day to day things and I get trapped in the details and forget the unimportant things in life.I am going to releasetension,perfection, anxiousness, andfear.Basically, I'm going to release the unimportant issues and basically get over myself!

Source: scubapaola.tumblr.com via Paola on Pinterest

Happy New Year!

Birthday Today

2011-12-21T19:24:00.001-07:00

Source: Uploaded by user via Sarah on Pinterest

It's my birthday today!

I woke up to a soon to be 5 year old crawling into my bed at 5:45 am. "Mom, I have a very important question."

"Okay. What is it?"

"You're pretty!" he declared instead of questioned.

Is that not the best way to start a birthday?!

Today I celebrated by only doing things I want to do:

took a deliciously hot bathnot putting on makeup, and this is why there is no birthday picture of myself today!quick trip to Micheal's

a leisurely trip to Barnes and Noble (love that store)

spent some time sewingJohn's bringing home Chinese food (he should be here any minute)

And then I am going to watch One Day while I crochet Madison's hat for Christmas that she asked for

Speaking of Madison she gave me a cute pair of shoes. What a sweetie!

Yeah, my food's here!

Christmas Cookies or Poison?

2011-12-15T09:01:00.000-07:00

When I brought the bottle of molasses into our home everyone acted like it was a vial of poison.

"What is that?"

"It's molasses. I'm going to use it to make gingerbread cookies."

4 out of 5 people exclaimed, "Disgusting! I hate gingerbread cookies!"

It's funny, once I had the cookies baked and decorated 5 out of 5 ate and loved the cookies!

Look at theses beautiful Snowflake cookies I found on pinterest. They put my piping to shame!

Source: facebook.com via Katrine on Pinterest

Glory at Glorious Treats made a Christmas cookie collection. I love the packaging!

Source: glorioustreats.blogspot.com via Katrine on Pinterest

First Christmas Performance

2011-12-13T17:30:00.001-07:00

There's always one in every school performance.
The kid in the entire group that sings louder than everyone else.
The one that is always singing in a different tempo.
This year that kid was mine.
Funny, how it's not annoying when it's your kid!

Devin sang his little heart out at his preschool's Christmas program.
Before the program he told me, "I'm going to try to sing really loud so you can hear me and do a good job!"
Mission accomplished my son.

His teacher said afterward, "He really gave it his all!"
Yes, he certainly did!

And I loved every loud note!

Sometimes....

2011-12-12T07:48:00.000-07:00

The day just calls for goggles.
Just because.

My New BFF's in a Blog Stalking Sort Of Way

2011-12-02T07:58:00.001-07:00

I work 21 hours a week. 16 of those are on Friday and Saturday. I know how to party on the weekends! So, to get this party started, I am linking up to my two new favorite blogs. Why are they my favorite, you may be asking. No? I'll tell you anyway. They are hilarious ladies! I need people in my life that make me laugh. They are my new BFF's! Okay, maybe not technically, but they are BFF's in my head and that's important stuff! Ellen blogs at Living In Yellow.

See her little blog button here that says, "Crazy, Happy, Funny"? That's her! She is adorable and can laugh at herself. Love her! Go ahead, click on her button, I'll wait!

I just became BFF's with Mandi this morning when I discovered her blog, Tidbits from the Treymanes. Go take a peak at her header. Perfectly funny! It's now 8:01 AM and I've spent the last 32 minutes reading her posts. She is one talented and funny lady! She proclaims her work to be sloppy and that's how I would describe my little projects I have around the house. That's why we're BFF's? Just look what she's done to her house!

This is her pantry door. Her pantry door! I love it. I would totally do this if all that nailing of the molding around the door didn't scare me!

Source: manditremayne.blogspot.com via Katrine on Pinterest

I've seen these photo strips in several different places, but Mandi shows you how she did it. This will be in my house. Except with my kid's pictures. Because it's one thing to copy someone's projects, but a whole 'nother thing to put their photos up in your house.

This will be mine. At least after my 16 hours this weekend!

Source: manditremayne.blogspot.com via Katrine on Pinterest

Kindle Fire, A Gift For Me

2011-12-01T09:49:00.000-07:00

My husband bought me a Kindle Fire. Yeah! It's my Anniversary, Birthday and Christmas gift. That's what happens when your anniversary, birthday, and Christmas are all within 4 weeks of each other. Your gifts are lumped into one. But I don't mind, I have a Kindle Fire, baby!At least I think I do. I think I saw it around here somewhere with someone.

Devin, have you seen my Kindle?

John and Ethan, have you seen my birthday gift?

As you can see, we love my Christmas present!

What She Wore Wednesday

2011-11-30T10:00:00.001-07:00

I always like to see Madison come down the stairs just so I can see what she's wearing.
The girl's got style!

If you like Madison's makeup she has tutorial's on Youtube. She has quite the following on her channel.

Happy Late Thanksgiving!

2011-11-28T13:36:00.001-07:00

We had a fabulous Thanksgiving!
We dressed up for the occasion.

Thanksgiving dinner was held at my house. We served turkey to 17 people.
My brother-in-law told me it was the best Thanksgiving dinner he'd ever had!
Unfortunately for him, his mother was sitting right beside me when he told me this. oops!

We got up close and personal with the dinosaurs.

I was able to hang out with two of my bros!

I got to smooch on my niece's chubby cheeks!

Devin had some cousin time!

Menu Plan Monday

2011-11-21T10:13:00.001-07:00

My meal plan and grocery shopping looks simple this week. But looks can be deceiving! I will be hosting Thanksgiving at my home for my husband's family. I am doing the planning for this mammoth meal in it's own category. I'm excited!

Monday: Spaghetti
Tuesday: Bul-Ko-Kee
Wednesday: Cheesy Ham and Hash Brown Casserole and steamed broccoli
Thursday: Turkey Day!
Friday: Out of town
Saturday: Turkey sandwiches
Sunday: Turkey Tetrazzini

Menu Plan Monday at OrgJunkie

Sunday Sharing Time

2011-11-20T10:54:00.001-07:00

Source: lilblueboo.com via Katrine on Pinterest

How adorable is this?

I'll be making this for Devin after Thanksgiving. I have to get past the cooking first!
Boyville is from Ashley at Lil Blue Boo. She is one talented lady courageously fighting some health battles right now.

Stop everything and read "Am I Really Posting This?" from Tam. I have read it several times.
I love the poem.
If you down on herself for not getting the laundry done or the story read, this will encourage you.
Read it again!

Source: eisymorgan.blogspot.com via Katrine on Pinterest

My latest favorite blog is Eisy Morgan. I am loving her Blogging 101: Blogging Reality series.
One can get lost in her blog for hours.

I know because I have.

Source: frogprincepaperie.com via Katrine on Pinterest

I am hoping to make these little finger puppets for the little Turkeys sitting at my table this Thanksgiving.
The pattern is at the Frog Prince Paperie.

Source: favim.com via Katrine on Pinterest

I say this to my children all the time. And then they try to come up with their own distance.
For example, "I love you all the way to Wal-Mart and then the moon!"

School Lockdown Outfit

2011-11-16T15:55:00.001-07:00

Here's another What I she wore Wednesday. Isn't she adorable? I love her boots so much that I went and bought a pair like them for myself! Sorry Maddie, imitation is the best form of flattery!

Today I received a text from my high school daughter that said, "Mom, our school's on lockdown. Someone is armed in the building. I'm locked in a closet."

I can't tell you the fear and panic that came over me! This is my daughter in one of those horrible events you see on the news. A friend was with me at the time. She also has a teenage son in the same school. We jumped in her car to go to the school. We were halfway there when the lockdown was called off. There are apartment buildings behind the school where there were sightings of an armed man. He hasn't been found.

Yesterday I took away Madison's phone for a punishment. Before she left for school this morning I gave her back her phone despite the fact I had planned on grounding her for several days. I am so glad she had her phone for instant communication. I will never ground her from her phone again!(don't tell her)

Tonight I am loving on my children! I am so grateful they are safe. They are home.

Ruffled T

2011-11-15T16:26:00.001-07:00

I picked up Madison's graduation ring. When I looked it over with the salesperson I thought I would need to bring it in to a jeweler to get it resized larger. It was little bitty! The truth is that the ring is too small for her ring finger and she wears it on her middle finger! So it should have been no surpise that the T-shirt I bought in a small was too big. I have a sewing machine, I can take care of that! I used a T-shirt that she likes and cut that T down!

I wanted to fancy up this plain T. I loved the Ruffled collar at Little Inspirations. It came together quite easily. I only wish I had made a larger neckline.

My beautiful model burned herself with a flat iron. Again. Next time you see her ask about the burn she received when she sat on her flat iron. Good times!

Dressed on a Dime

2011-11-11T18:08:00.001-07:00

Dressed on a dime?
Always.

Would you look at that?
I found a maxi skirt at the thrift store with the tags still attached.
Instead of the original price of $88 I paid $6!
Hit it!

Target sweater $7.00
thrifted maxi skirt $6.00
Ross shoes $4.00
Grand Total = $17.00

Instead

2011-11-10T16:35:00.001-07:00

Instead of loading the dishwasher I painted motorcycles.

I didn't do laundry, I sewed a zipper onto a sweatshirt making it a Mr. Rogers cardigan.

Instead of mopping the floors I added accent fabric.

I didn't scrub toilets I took pictures of my monkey in his new cardigan.

It's a bit big but it will still fit next year!

Hydrophobic

2011-11-09T19:58:00.000-07:00

1. I'm afraid of deep water. Really afraid! I don't know how to swim so that may be a part of it. I've signed up for swim lessons twice but chickened out twice.
2. One out of my four children is also afraid of the water. I signed him up for swim lessons (Yes, I do note the hypocrisy.) I paid him $15 to take the class. His last lesson is tomorrow and he is still not a swimmer. But he no longer panics when water hits his face.
3. In a meeting my manager told me about how she was shocked one of her 23 year old employees doesn't know how to swim. I didn't confess that this 37 year old employee doesn't swim either.
4. John and I flew to Florida. I looked out the window before we landed and our plane was circling the ocean! No one told me the plane would fly over water!
5. I nearly broke up with John when we were dating because he did not believe my fear and he tried dragging me into the pool.
6. We just booked a cruise. Yes, a cruise! We will be spending 5 days on a boat. Over water. Mama mia!
7. My sister-in-law told me last week that she used to teach swimming lessons. I think I may pull on my big girl panties and ask her to teach me how to swim.

So, I'm Wondering About Something

2011-11-07T08:49:00.000-07:00

There is something that makes me absolutely bonkers as a mother. I'm wondering if there are other kindred mothers who understand this little something that makes me crazy! If my children, or ahem, my husband do not rinse their cereal bowls it makes me a screaming monkey! The little bits of sugar nuggets dry onto the surface like glue. And then I will have to spend precious time soaking, scrubbing, and chiseling the petrified cereal. I have other more important things to do like ~~pinning~~ laundry!

I did just discover Palmolive Pomegranate dish soap to make this chore a little more pleasant. It smells delightful. It's the little things that make me happy, like sweet smelling soap. Or absolutely bonkers, like torturous glued on sugar bits!

What She Wore

2011-11-02T09:23:00.002-06:00

I'm linking up with What I Wore at The Pleated Poppy. But the truth is no one is interested in what I'm wearing. Especially with my old lady hair and everything. So this is What She Would Wear.

Madison wore this outfit to an FBLA competition. She even has the laptop bag to complete the look. After all, she's the Pres!

I wish I had a list of how much she spent on everything. She's a bargain shopper like her mama and the most expensive item on her are probably the shoes for probably about $10.00.

Old Lady Rocking The Buns

2011-11-01T21:05:00.000-06:00

A bad hair day quickly became a good hair day when I tried the double buns from Happy Together.

Madison said, "If you keep wearing your hair up people will think you're an old lady." I replied with "Wahuh?!" and a "pbbbtt!" I've worn my hair up 3 times in the last month! When I put my hair up and put on lipstick I feel sophisticated, not old.

So, if I look old woman, at least I'm rocking the old woman look with the double buns! At least in my mind where everyday is a good hair day.

Something Sunday

2011-10-30T16:20:00.003-06:00

Do What You CAN to Achieve More at Success Your Way
Sometimes I really need a good pep talk!

Pallet Walls at The Real Housewives of Bucks County
I would love to do this in Cameron's room.

Reversible Puzzle Craft from Made

I know this would entertain Devin for quite some time.

This video The Animal Odd Couple will make you smile!

John's Birthday

2011-10-27T17:05:00.003-06:00

It's John's birthday today! I am not throwing a party like his big 40 last year. And I'm not hand making his gift this time. But I have spent the afternoon shopping for his gifts and baking his cake. It's a small family birthday party this year. But my love for him is big!

I love you birthday boy!

Shark Shirt or is it Shirt Shark?

2011-10-26T08:45:00.001-06:00

I've been playing around with bleach again. I should probably be cleaning with it, but what's the fun with that? As usual, Cheri has a great tutorial on I Am Momma. It was a simple, fun project and Ethan loves it so this mama is happy!

Rouged T-shirt For The Mrs.

2011-10-24T10:21:00.000-06:00

I made something for myself. Shocking, I know!

I took advantage of all the T-shirts you can find on clearance right now. This one was an extra large which is to big for me but I wanted the length. I took in the sides a bit. And then using elastic thread I rouged the bottom every 1/2 inch. Easy Peasy!

Call Me Monster Devin

2011-10-19T10:00:00.000-06:00

Short sleeved T-shirts are on clearance at many stores. Which is great, but then your arms are cold from the cool weather. So then you have to make arm warmers. It's a vicious cycle I tell you!I've been wanting to try the bleach pen on a T-shirt. Clearance shirts are the perfect opportunity to try something new because then you are only out $1.00 if you totally mess it up. I used this tutorial from I Am Momma-Hear Me Roar. A little monster design seemed appropriate for Devin.

I also flossed the scales on the monster's back and text, "Call Me Monster Devin."

I wasn't totally happy with the words but everyone that saw it thought it was cute, so it stayed.

I'm linking to Make It Wear It Thursday.

Fall Discovery

2011-10-17T08:13:00.001-06:00

John and I decided to take our children up the canyon for a fall drive. We saw a little turn off where there were several cars parked. We pulled over and discovered a trail. We followed the trail and look what we found!

Are you kidding me?!
It was so beautiful!
We discovered a piece of heaven on that mountainside.

On the hike up we used the binoculars to scan the valley.

Devin said,
"You can see the whole city! The birds would love it here!"
So cute! And then he asked me to take a picture of the "whole city."

Devin got a bit tired on the hike and curled up for a rest on a slab of granite.

Oh, my babies are so beautiful!

And finally, we asked a fellow hiker to take a family photo for us.

Arm Warmers

2011-10-14T08:23:00.000-06:00

The weather is beginning to get cooler. Mothers are scrambling to find long sleeved shirts and sweaters everywhere. I can usually find them in the back of closets or dusty rubber maid containers in the basement. And if you can find the long sleeved shirts from last year they are now 3/4 length sleeves due to the growth spurt your little one went through over the summer. I found a solution! Socks! Seriously. I'm not kidding. Use socks. They make great arm warmers. Seriously. Cheri takes you talks you through the arm warmers on I Am Momma- Hear Me Roar! The most difficult part of this project for me was finding socks. I wanted a pattern so it was difficult to find long socks that weren't pink or had hearts on them.

The best part is that my kids love them!

I'm linking to:

Fall or Winter

2011-10-10T13:25:00.000-06:00

John suggested a ride up the canyon yesterday afternoon. Our children did not want to go so it was an impromptu date for me! The fall leaves ares till changing. And it snowed earlier in the week. This created a brilliant display of colors highlighted by the white background of the snow.

There were quite a lot of cars and people in the canyon enjoying the fabulous fall day. I think I was the only one silly enough to wear a skirt with slip on leopard print shoes. I regreted my choice of clothing as I watched the hikers taking up the side of the mountain. I love to hike! But the ground was wet from the melting snow and my shoes were going to cause blisters if I walked far. John has promised to take me back next week so we can try out the trails.

We stopped at the ski resort I attempted to learn to ski. Those hills sure look a lot smaller without the deep snow and you don't have skis strapped to your feet!We talked about private ski lessons for myself in hopes I can learn to hit the slopes with my husband.

It is a beautiful time of year!

Ruffled Scarf

2011-10-04T13:45:00.000-06:00

I love to wear scarves. However, my scarves have taken the summer off. But now that it is starting to get cooler, I'm dusting off my scarves and adding to my collection. My new ruffle scarf comes from the blog tutorial from Simple Simon and Company. This creative blog is written by two sisters-in-law with the same name. Their names are Elizabeth and they married brothers, so now they have the same name! How fun is that?!

The scarf is cute, light, and costs less than $5! Yes, it's mine! It is so easy to make. Now that you know it is cute and easy you have no excuse not to make one for yourself!

I didn't realize it until now, but Elizabeth and Elizabeth are local to me! They have sewn adorable Carl and Ellie Fredrickson costumes and posed outside the Up! house in my little town. Maybe I'll meet the Elizabeth's at the grocer someday. You just never know when bloggers will collide, now do you?

The Other Woman

2011-10-03T14:20:00.000-06:00

John loves brownies. He loves them so much that my children may ask, "Why don't you marry them?" Just great, my competition is a chewy treat. But these aren't brownies I would make. John prefers the inexpensive mix from a box. The cheap skank! The only thing that may distract John from his true love is the chocolate chip cookie, also known as the mistress. So, when I saw a recipe for a Double Decker cookie brownie dessert, I knew this was my chance to win John's heart back.

To up my game I used dark chocolate cocoa with dark chocolate chips. Oh yeah, I know how to get my man's attention!

I found this recipe for the Chocolate-Chip Brownie Double-Deckers in the cookbook, The Weekend Baker.

Bruiser

2011-09-26T14:30:00.004-06:00

We have our first black eye in our family. It had to happen sooner or later, right? Devin hit his eye on Ethan's head when they were on the trampoline. Poor little Bruiser! Three days later and it actually looks worse today, just in time for preschool. It's real life for a preschooler!

It Was 5:30 AM

2011-09-23T07:44:00.004-06:00

For some unknown reason I was up at 5:30 AM. Again. I don't know why my body has been waking me so early! I usually take this quiet time to read. This morning not only did I have Mariana to keep me company, but Devin joined me as well. He snuggled with me under my too small for 2 people blanket. He turned to me, and placing his little hand on my cheek he says, "You are so pretty!" What a fantastic way to start my early morning!

Are You Happy?

2011-09-19T14:04:00.006-06:00

My little monkey.

Sweetest little rough and tough monkey you will ever find.
He asks me a couple of times a day, "Mom, are you happy?"

I'm happy you are my monkey!

My Little Wolverine

2011-09-16T12:58:00.006-06:00

It's Spirit Week at Ethan's school. Each day has a new title that begins with crazy. Crazy sock day, crazy hat day, and today it's crazy hair day. My days always begin with crazy. For example: crazy laundry day, crazy neighbor day, and the usual crazy mama day.

Ethan told me he wanted his hair shaped in a Y, for Brigham Young University. Now this is really crazy! Not that he wants his hair to look like the 25th letter in the alphabet, but because we rarely utter the words Brigham Young University in our home. And we don't pay attention to college sports. And if we did we are Aggies from Utah State University! Clearly, there are some children teaching Ethan all about being true blue. I am going to have talk to Ethan about the dangers of peer pressure before he comes home singing the BYU Cougar Fight Song.

This is the best I could do with the desired Y. I think he looks more like a non muscular Wolverine.

2011-09-12T14:18:00.003-06:00

Feeding my family is a constant struggle. It's mission impossible to please everyone. The food battle is enough to make me surrender and let them drown in a sea of processed food. So, when I actually stumble upon something that my entire family likes, I have an urge to climb up on my roof and sing, "I did it, I did it, I did it!" I'm amazing cause I did it!"

This recipe for muffins makes me sing my "I did it" song. It's filled with chocolate and bananas. And even my banana hating daughter likes these muffins.

I make them mini sized for the cuteness factor and because they are easy to throw into their lunch bags.

Here's the recipe for Chocolate Chocolate Banana Muffins from Skinnytaste. I leave off the glaze, because trust me, my sticky kitchen floor does not need the glaze!

Brace Yourself...

2011-09-03T21:56:00.004-06:00

Madison just got prettier!
Just in time for her senior year of high school Madison had her braces removed.

Before:

After:

Similar

2011-09-03T21:49:00.003-06:00

What do these two things have in common?

They both stink!
Yes, I'm talking about you pug!

Fair Time

2011-08-24T17:19:00.007-06:00

John's family always enters the local fairs. While in Texas I was able to avoid this tradition. Now that we are living in Utah close to family members I can no longer escape the fair. The whole while in Rome thing. But in this case it's while in Salt Lake City. I have a love hate relationship with the fair. I hate the extra work. I love the pride my kids get when they are awarded the blue ribbon.

This year Cameron and Devin had two entries. They both made kites. And they both won blue ribbons!

Ethan wanted to make the Too Much Chocolate Cake. He took the blue ribbon. Not only did he take the blue ribbon, but he was asked to enter his cake into the State Fair! Again, it's the love hate thing. The state fair means more work: hate. More pride: love.

Cameron did not know what he wanted to do for his baking entry. In the end we decided to do a quick bread. Sadly, it was a flop. Notice the center of the bread. It collapsed. But we were out of time. And Cameron was in no mood for a "do over." So we took the pathetic bread to the fair and they gave him the white ribbon.

Now you may be wondering what Madison's entry was in the fair. She couldn't think of anything she wanted to enter. But if you could enter as a greek goddess, she would have taken the blue!

I'm A Girl

2011-08-22T08:58:00.004-06:00

So, I like to try to be pretty.
I like to be pampered a bit.
But I'm also cheap.
I would love to have a pretty manicure,
specifically gel nails.
But I can't afford or justify the expense.
And with a teenager who wants all things pretty,
I definitely couldn't afford it for both of us.
So, I attended Youtube university and taught myself how to do my own gel nails.
I bought all my supplies at good old Sally's Beauty.

You should try taking photos of your own hand.
It's not as easy as you would think.

It's fun for me!

Toilet Seat . Up or Down?

2011-08-18T14:33:00.003-06:00

Source: flickr.com via Nicolas on Pinterest

My husband is one lucky man. Not only because of my charm and beauty but because I was raised with 5 boys. When you live in a household of boys the toilet seat is always up. I don't remember a time I ever went to the bathroom and the seat was down. In fact, I thought it was normal and I would always lower the seat.

It wasn't until I was married and my husband left the toilet seat up which led my sister-in-law with a wet hiney. She was less than thrilled with this cold awakening in the middle of the night. As I listened to her complain about this incident to John I remember thinking, "She fell in the toilet? Really? You're supposed to put the seat down?"

It had never occurred to me!
See, my husband is one lucky man.

Ethan's First Day Of Fourth Grade

2011-08-16T09:31:00.005-06:00

It's true. Here is Ethan on his first day of fourth grade.
Pure craziness!

Actually, this is Ethan on his first day. I just like his clothes more on his second day. But I choose my battles and let him wear the guitar shirt on his first day. The shirt changes colors in the sun, so no wonder it's his favorite. Stripes just can't compete with color changing guitars.

For the last two years I've driven Ethan to school. I spent two hours a day in the car and $300 a month in gas. This year Ethan is in a school closer to our home. He now leaves for the bus at 8:30 and the bus arrives at 8:34. And it's free! My life is now so much easier!

He is such a sweet little blue eyed boy. I love my 4th grader!

The UP House

2011-08-15T15:57:00.008-06:00

My little home town is a happening place.
We even have our very own Disney's UP house.
We really do.

I told you so! Did you doubt me?
Mr. Fredrickson invited us in himself.

The inside was made to be exactly like the movie.
The house is adorable!

Pictures of the Fredrickson's line the stairs.

I loved the claw foot bathtub.
It was lovely.

But the kitchen was my favorite!
Don't you love the blue appliances?
They were real.
The cake was fake.

Would you like to live in the UP house?
It's for sale!

Who Would You Choose To Mother Your Children?

2011-08-09T07:29:00.003-06:00

I once read an article on choosing the mother to raise your children if you were gone. The author said she would choose someone who spoke softly with her children even when they were misbehaving. Which led me to ask myself, am I the woman I would choose to mother my children?

At times, yes. Other times, not so much. The long summer days can lead to grumpy children who argue. And at times, this mama joins them. Regret. Guilt. Do I have any thoughts I've had about my children or actions I've taken toward them?

Thankfully, I can always choose differently. I can ask for forgiveness and change my ways. I want to be the mother I would choose for my children.

Hair Cut Time!

2011-08-08T09:23:00.005-06:00

Look at these 3 scruffy boys.
This can only mean one thing.
Haircut time!

There, that's better. Although I'll quickly admit the boy on the right still needs a little something, something with his hair. I'll work on it later before he goes out in public.

I've been cutting their hair for several years. And yet I've never used this fancy little clipper something or others. They changed my life! They make trimming around the ears oh so simple! I once cut my little brothers ear while trimming his hair. I bet he wished I had these fancy little clipper something or others.

Two Men

2011-08-05T14:12:00.005-06:00

Here are two important men in my life.
One is my brother and the other my father.
You decide which is which.

One of these men has always been there for me.
He has protected me from bullies.
He has been to my school plays and violin recitals.
He encourages me.
He has always made me laugh more than anyone.
He remembers my birthday and other important events.
He paced the floors when I was missing after a car accident.
He can read my mind, it's spooky!
He knows my children and their names.
He loves my children.
He loves me even when I'm ridiculous.
He forgives me.
He calls just to chat and to check on me.
He knows what city and state I live in.
He always has my phone number on speed dial.
He knows my pains and my joys.
This man's my brother.

The other man in this photo has barely acknowledged my existence
until a year ago because his aging body needs assistance.

There are those you love out of duty and because they are related to you.
And there are those you love because they care for you and you are blessed to be related to them.

Read It: Winter Sea

2011-08-01T16:20:00.000-06:00

The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Carrie moves from France to Scotland to write a historical romance about James Stewart's attempt to regain his throne in 1708. She finds a cottage to stay in close to the castle her story is based around. Carrie's life begins to weave around her writing which leaves her wondering what is fiction and what is memory.

This story is beautifully written. So much so that I want to read more books by the author Susanna Kearsley. Her writing is flawless and I was wrapped up in the pages. So much so that I was sad when I completed this novel.

View all my reviews

Sunday Pinning

2011-07-24T15:47:00.002-06:00

What I last pinned.

Source: peruvianconnection.com via Katrine on Pinterest

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Eat It: Baked French Fries

2011-07-12T11:51:00.004-06:00

French fries how I love thee.
If only your fried goodness was good to my heart.
You deliciously evil thing.
It is my goal in life to find healthy french fries.
Okay, it's only my goal until my attention fades away.

I tried this recipe from Annie's Eats and they were great. The trick is to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. And this is the first time using kosher salt. My new rule for life is that you must use kosher salt for french fries!

Because the burgers were not done cooking when the fries were done I wrapped them in foil to keep them warm. Please learn from me all you crispy lovers out there! Do not wrap your fries in foil. Your crispiness will become floppiness. And that makes all french fries weep. So what have we learned?

1. soak fries in water for 30 minutes
2. use kosher salt
3. time your cooking better so you will not use foil in desperation for hot fries

I will be trying this recipe again following all my rules closely next time.

Orange Chicken

2011-07-06T15:24:00.003-06:00

The first time I had orange chicken was on a trip to California. My brother picked me up at the airport and took me directly to Panda Express. I had never been there and therefore never had the privilege of tasting this crispy orange delight. Since that day, I often crave this entree.

Source: localkitchenblog.com via Katrine on Pinterest

I had a hankering for orange chicken a few nights ago. Could I make this on my own? Why yes, yes, I can! Thanks to Kaela at Local Kitchen. It was an easy recipe, in fact my 9 year old helped me whip it up. The recipe was a bit time consuming only because you have to fry the chicken. Here's a cooking tip from the Food network. After you coat your chicken with the flour and spices, place it in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes. It will keep that flour on the chicken and make it delightfully crusty!

Everyone in my family liked it, which is a major accomplishment. Madison also had a friend over who had 3 helpings. Bonus! I will definitely make this again.

Blessed On The 4th Of July

2011-07-05T09:12:00.002-06:00

We spent the weekend at the in-law's cabin riding the ATV's.
It was beautiful!
The fresh smells from the green trees lining the trail was glorious.
Tipping your ATV, not so glorious.
John told me to try to ride through some snow, but the wheels lost traction between the snow and some mud.
Once an ATV starts tipping there isn't anything you can do, even if John says otherwise.
Cameron was on it with me, I am so grateful he was not hurt.
The worst of my injuries is from a seriously big bug that stung me as I waited for the ATV to cool down.
We were blessed on the 4th of July!

Someone Found My Camera Again

2011-06-30T23:14:00.004-06:00

I wonder who it was.

My Boys Choose To Read

2011-06-26T17:24:00.004-06:00

I like to think homeschooling has influenced the books my boys read. Cameron and Ethan always go to the nonfiction material first. I have also taught them how to look up subjects they are interested in and how to find those books. Remember the Dewey decimal system? My kids had no idea what I was talking about! I showed my boys how it works and they enjoy looking up anything they may be interested in.

I find it fascinating that these are their reading choices from last week:

We also have batman books and Hank the Cowdog in the mix.

I picked up Pigs To The Rescue for Devin. It is a funny book that we have read at least 5 times each day. I am also reading to all of them Peppermints In The Parlor, a favorite from my childhood.

What are your kids reading? Have you shared any of your childhood favorites with them?

What The Heck Is That?

2011-06-24T20:50:00.006-06:00

I'm from Utah, so I say heck.
Leave me alone.
So, the question is
what the heck is in that pouch?
Any guesses?

Does this help?
Still don't know?

Does this clear it up for you?
Please don't get distracted by the fierce Bionical.
It's a speaker for my laptop.

I am able to hear music on my laptop as I clean the kitchen.
I can be in the next room and hear the chime when I have mail.
And Farkle never sounded so good!

Color Of The Moment

2011-06-22T15:28:00.003-06:00

I love the Tiffany blue colors.
So tranquil, peaceful, and feminine.
I'm just trying to figure out what room I can paint this color
and John would let me get away with it.

Source: images.search.yahoo.com via Melanie on Pinterest

Source: designspongeonline.com via annicholas on Pinterest

Source: polyvore.com via Brittany on Pinterest

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Orange Bathtubs

2011-06-21T16:32:00.003-06:00

This is for one person and one person only.
For my big brother Jason.
Introducing Cheeto Girl!

Take that Carrot lady!

The New Yogurt

2011-06-21T11:30:00.002-06:00

I've just discovered Greek yogurt.
It is delightful for my tongue.
Is Greek yogurt new?
Or am I slow in this discovery.
Because usually I am the last to know.
I am totally going to taste test the Greek Yogurt.
I am making Pioneer Woman's Caramel Apple Sticky Buns.
It will have to be amazing to beat my Cinnamon Buns.

Buy It With Pride

2011-06-17T21:30:00.003-06:00

I recently discovered a new podcast called, Joy the Baker. So funny and enjoyable! Joy was saying one should not be embarrassed to buy feminine hygiene ointment. In fact, you should stare your cashier down until they look away when you make your purchase.

I have been buying Monistat. But I don't need to buy it for a chafing problem. I have no chafing, thank you very much. But this gel can be used as a face primer before you put on your foundation. Yes, it can! It's fantastic! Best of all it only costs about $6.00 for a large tube. To buy a jar a quarter of that size cost me $21.00! And it works just as well.

So, next time I buy my feminine hygiene ointment I will hold my head high as I stare down my unfortunate teenage boy cashier. I do believe I'll take my teenage daughter along just for kicks! I'm looking forward to it!

Cooking Shows

2011-06-14T15:24:00.002-06:00

Do you like cooking shows? Are you friends with Rachael Ray or Paula Dean? Do you want to have a throw down with Bobby Flay? I admit it, I love cooking shows. I've also had my own cooking shows in my head. Admit it, you've staged your own show while dicing onions!

My latest favorite cooking show is Anna & Kristina's Grocery Bag. These fun ladies cook from a cookbook in a marathon cooking session. And then they invite a chef to taste their efforts. They film their successes and their flaws. They are also hilarious! I want to cook with these ladies! Because they would laugh along with me at my meat gone wrong and love me just the same.

Not only do I have cooking shows in my head, but I'm best friends with people on TV. I can live with that.

Anna, Kristina.....call me!

World Wide Web Of Exercise

2011-06-13T13:21:00.002-06:00

Did I tell you our gym closed? Well, they did. The next closest gym is ultra cool but ultra expensive. I needed to do something because my body is not holding up as well as I would like. And I have to pay for my will power to exercise. (Why can't I ever remember how to spell exercise?)
I have several exercise dvd's, but I bore quickly using the same ones over and over.
While contemplating my dilema, I thought "Wouldn't it be nice to be able to download workouts on the internet?" What a fabulous idea! And then I remembered there I never have an original idea in my head so this concept must already exist.
And that led me to Workouts on Demand. Fantastic! I am loving it. Especially the step aerobics and total body toning workouts. It's convenient, holds my interest, and is only about $12 a month. I took a photo of my body after 2 weeks. I wish! This picture is from pinterest, also known as crack in picture form. I can't stop pinning!

Source: 24.media.tumblr.com via Katrine on Pinterest

Rodeo Queen Skills

2011-06-09T20:24:00.004-06:00

Holy Hobby Horses!
I really miss the Houston Rodeo.
The Salt Lake Rodeo is quite sad.
Don't miss this video, my words cannot do it justice.

"We're testing the girl's ability to adapt."
"With a stick horse it's a lot different because you have to do all the work, and I think it's going to be a lot more tiring than with a real horse."
They are so serious!
Can't stop laughing!

It's My Baby Girl's Birthday

2011-06-07T22:40:00.004-06:00

It's 10:41 PM and I'm waiting for her to return home.
Times have changed.
I remember rocking her to sleep,
and now I'm waiting for her to return home.
For 16 years I have planned her birthday parties.
But for her 17th birthday she planned a day at Lagoon with her friends.
It's a bittersweet birthday for me.
Sweet that I have the most amazing daughter on this planet.
Bitter that time is running out.
Next year she will be freshly graduated
and maybe moving out.
I love my baby girl and I will always wait for her to return home.

Toga

2011-06-06T09:21:00.005-06:00

My last sewing project was for my little brother, Ray.
Surprise, surprise!

He needed a toga for a toga party.
Ray chose black for the toga because the boy has style.

After these pictures were taken he showed me the crown of gold leaves he had to go with the toga.
I wanted a picture with the perfect accessory, but I was lucky he let me take these pictures.
How many of you have actually been to a toga party?

Camping

2011-06-02T07:20:00.005-06:00

One night I received several phone messages from my inlaws talking about the camping and boating trip we were going on in a few days.
Only I had no idea what they were talking about.
John planned a camping trip with his family and forgot to tell me.
Forgetting is what you do when you know your wife is not going to take the news well.
I'm not a fan of camping.
I'm not a fan of boating.
Actually, I hate boating because I am hydrophobic.
I embrace my paranoia.
So, over Memorial we went to Lake Powell.
It was beautiful.
I don't want to go again.
The highlight of the trip was the hike we went on through a slot canyon.

Awkward Mom, It's My Super Power

2011-05-26T09:15:00.002-06:00

I try to not be that mom. You know, the awkward mom that embarrasses her children. Because it's only fun to embarrass your children if it's intentional. But yesterday it was unintentional.
Ethan has been talking about a field trip he was going to go on for a couple of weeks. The children also wear school uniforms. But it was to be a "dress down day" so they could wear street clothes to school. Ethan assured me that he could wear his street clothes even though they were on a field trip. So Ethan put on his normally outlawed jeans and a never worn to school T-shirt.

We had to drive our children to the Trax so they could ride the train as a class to the downtown location for their field trip. We arrived minutes early, but there was no one in site. Were they already on the train waiting for it to leave? Ethan and I ran across the parking lot and down the train looking into each compartment looking for 3rd graders startling many people sitting in their seats. Awkward! There was no one! A lady standing on the side stopped us. She was a teacher from Ethan's school and said we were the first one there. Good news! I was surprised we were the first ones to arrive because it was now the time we were all supposed to be there. As we were waiting we told her that Ethan was in Mr. C's class. "Oh yes," she said "Mr. C calls your soon the good Ethan." That makes me proud, but it's sad for bad Ethan!

The teacher got a call. Suddenly she's yelling at me as she starts to run, "We're at the wrong station! We've got to get there or we'll miss the train!"

We chase after her Awkward! and past all the train passengers, "Where is the station?"

"Go on state street and it's the same distance!"

"What? What street?"

"The same distance, go the same distance!" and she was gone. What does the same distance mean? What kind of direction is that? I still don't know!

Ethan and I jumped in the car. I was feeling so bad that I got the location wrong and Ethan was going to miss his trip. I found one Trax location, but it was totally deserted. By luck I was able to find the next location where 50 plus nine year olds wearing school uniforms were waiting. I swooped my car in and luckily there was a spot right next to the station. Several children saw Ethan and began to yell, "Run, Ethan, run!" as I watch Ethan run in his illegal clothes to join the kids in khakis and red and white shirts. Awkward!

By this time everyone's eyes are on me. Students, teachers, and several parents parked around me. I wave good-bye to my son and turn to open the door to my red car. Only it's the wrong red car! Awkward!

Read It: The 100 Thing Challenge

2011-05-23T09:38:00.001-06:00

The 100 Thing Challenge: How I Got Rid of Almost Everything, Remade My Life, and Regained My Soul by Dave Bruno

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It is not uncommon for me to proclaim that I never want to pick up this such and such again. These proclamations make my man very uncomfortable because he feels I am going to start tossing things out. I feel overwhelmed by all the stuff in my home and I want to simplify my life by getting rid of our stuff.

I wanted to read this book about someone that did just that. Dave Bruno got rid of everything except 100 personal items. That sounds wonderful! Just as I suspected the author found relief as he got rid of the things that held him back. He got rid of the train set because he realized it was something that only took up space and made him feel he wasn't accomplishing his desire to have that dream train display. It made me think of all those things I hold onto because I "should" someday do such and such.

This was a simple read but in the end I felt as if the author was just trying to add works simply to write a book. But in the end it did make me think of the things I can purge and why I should throw out the crap I will never use.

View all my reviews

I'm Going To Get A Tat

2011-05-19T07:57:00.001-06:00

It's been a long time coming.
I'm finally going to get some ink.
I know many of you think a little Mormon mommy like me would not get a tattoo.
But you are wrong.
I want one, possibly three.
It's taken me a long time to decide where I'm going to get it.
And what the tattoo will look like.

I am going to get one across my hand just behind my thumb in beautiful script that says, "No."

I think I'll put one on my other hand in the same position that spells, "Because I said so."

They will be tasteful, unique, and so me.

John doesn't want me to get any tats, especially the one I want on my neck. This one would say, "Do Your Own Laundry!" He thinks that would be taking it a bit far. I see it as a time saver.

My Man's Productive weekend

2011-05-18T09:18:00.003-06:00

My man is always working on a project. The man is rarely still. I lack his level of energy, so at times I find his whirl wind of activity a bit exhausting. Remember, I'm very tired.

This weekend John completed the following:

built a shelf in the garage
(seriously, look at that amazing shelf. It's 9 feet off the ground)
fixed the blinker on my car
took the snow tracks off the ATV
put tires on the ATV
drove 3 hours to his parents cabin
helped clean up the flooding at the cabin
went on a day fishing trip with his friend
continued to clean up the cabin
returned home, another 3 hour trip
replaced the breaking pads on my car
replaced some other car part that I can't remember the name of

And after all that he was frustrated that he did not get enough done this weekend!

He's incredible!

I Don't Get It

2011-05-15T14:25:00.004-06:00

Fish

Tacos

Fish Tacos
I don't get it.
Why would anyone combine these two items.
Granted, I have never tried it.
But why would I?
Why would anyone?
It's just wrong!

Read It: The Happiness Project

2011-05-14T14:30:00.000-06:00

The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I actually purchased this book because the hold list at the library was so long. I took this as a sign that this would be a fabulous read. Unfortunately, I found it to be ho-hum. The author Gretchen Rubin decided to take a year to find her own happiness. She started with a list of things that would she could do to bring joy to her own life, complete with a poster. Each month she would take on one of these goals. She would then track her progress. Was she becoming a happier person? Many of her ideas of happiness did inspire me to make changes in my own life. But would Gretchen's happiness project make anyone else happier? Of course not. What makes one person happier does not make someone else happy. But to help you with your happiness project Gretchen has a website to help you make a "happiness toolbox" and to track your own happiness. I will not be doing this. Because tracking anything and making me accountable does not make me happy!

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Scenes of Spring

2011-05-13T19:01:00.010-06:00

Spring is finally here!
Last night was the first night I was outside enjoying
the beautiful weather late into the day.
I saw:

My boys playing soccer.

Heavenly Smelling Blossoms

No socks.
In Texas I missed wearing socks because it was too hot to wear them.
In Utah I miss not wearing socks.

Snow melting off the mountains.

This little dare devil scaring his mom.

Long shadows.

Boys jumping on the trampoline into the night.

Fatigue

2011-05-10T10:45:00.004-06:00

I have been so tired lately. Bone tired. I've decided it's time to do something about it and I took my problems to the place where all problem can be solved. Google.

This is what I've learned.
Fatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy that does not go away when you rest. They understand exactly how I feel!

Drink plenty of water
I can do this.

Be careful with caffeine
This could be part of the problem. Okay, a huge part of the problem. Curse thee Dr. Pepper!

Eat breakfast
Done.

Don’t skip meals
Why would anyone do this?

Don’t crash diet
I tried this once. It was the longest 23 minutes of my life.

Eat a healthy diet
I've been doing pretty well with this. There's always room for improvement and more broccoli.

Don’t overeat
I've been really good with this lately.

Eat iron rich foods
I need to eat iron rich foods. The only iron rich food I know of is steak. I don't really care for steak. I'll ask my sister-in-law Heidi about this. She knows everything.

There's also a section on mid-afternoon energy slump. Mid-afternoon slump is so rough for me! I can barely cope when 3:00 rolls around. It tells me to eat protein with carbohydrates for lunch. I'll be having a tuna sandwich today.

The article tells me to contact my doctor for help. What, no google?

I apologize for this dull blog post. Did it put you to sleep? Here let me wake you up with a photo taken by one of my sons yesterday. I'll choose one from the 83 pictures he took in 3 minutes.

Totally worth the read, right?

Lyrics

2011-05-09T16:57:00.002-06:00

I love the lyrics from "I Will Always Love You."
Especially these words:

I hope life treats you kind
And I hope you have all you've dreamed of.
And I wish to you, joy and happiness.
But above all this, I wish you love.

Beautiful.
For those you love and lost.
And today I wish it for the people that treated me and my family so rudely in church yesterday.
I hope life treats you kind.

Read It: Living Oprah

2011-05-05T09:38:00.000-06:00

Living Oprah: My One-Year Experiment to Live as TV's Most Influential Guru Advises by Robyn Okrant

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Robyn Okrant decides to live one year doing everything Oprah Winfrey says to do on her show, website and magazine. This is a lofty goal because Oprah can be a bossy little thing, can't she? And it is no surprise that not even Oprah knows what is best for everyone. Robyn did get in great shape and have arms like Michelle Obama's thanks to a get fit challenge. But she also had to purchase a lot of items she had no interest in. At the end of the year Robyn had spent $4,781.84 cents purchasing everything Oprah said we must have.

This was an easy read. But I probably wouldn't recommend it to anyone because there is nothing to be learned from this book. You can't do everything anyone says to find happiness. Plus, you can just watch Oprah instead of reading about someone watching Oprah!

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The Night Of My Dreams

2011-05-02T11:15:00.002-06:00

8:30 PM
Devin says, "Mom, will you take me to bed? I'm tired."
Color me shocked! This has never happened. The child who never wants to go to bed asked to be tucked in. I turned out the lights, and he went to sleep!
9:00 PM
Ethan says, "I'm going to bed, Mom."
This was not a surprise. Ethan is my only child who goes to bed on his own.
9:25 PM
Cameron is no where to be found. He was in bed! Bedtime for Cameron has a long 3 hour struggle to fall asleep. He went to bed without me asking him to go, and he fell asleep without the hours of tossing and turning.
It was indeed the night of my dreams!

A Book I Read, But I'm Glad I Didn't Buy, I Love The Library

2011-04-28T13:45:00.001-06:00

Sweater Quest: My Year of Knitting Dangerously by Adrienne Martini

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This book is about a knitter who decides to take on the mother of all knitting projects and what it took to complete it. I realize the premise of the story may be boring for many. But I knit so I thought it would be a good read. Wow. I was wrong. It was dull. I believe the author was trying to have her Julia/Julia moment. She even has the mantra a year of knitting dangerously as Julie had with her cooking dangerously. The only slightly entertaining part of the book was the calculations of what the project cost her. The pattern alone was $160 for an out of print book. And then she had other expenses such as a membership to audible.com for books to listen to as she knits. The real kicker is that in the end of that year:
Spoiler Alert:
The sweater did not fit!
The author was okay that the year project ended without a wearable item for herself because it was the entire joy of the journey type thing. I just finished sewing a shirt that doesn't fit that cost me $10 and 2 hours and I'm upset about it. I can't imagine a year without reaching the goal of the completion of the elusive Mary Tudor sweater.

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Here's A Baby!

2011-04-27T09:30:00.005-06:00

She's my niece.
Isn't she beautiful?

Her name is Avery Nina.
Avery is her mother's maiden name.
Nina (pronounced Nyna) is my mom's name.
I love that!

This is Avery Nina's Daddy.
He's my brother.
This Daddy thing comes so natural for him!
His little family is adorable!

Easter Bow

2011-04-25T09:54:00.005-06:00

I am down to one child who will wear what I want him to wear when I want him to wear it. So, what's a mom to do? I made a bow tie for him to wear on Easter!

I think he looks adorable!

Barbecue Birds

2011-04-20T18:52:00.003-06:00

The birds won't stay out of our barbecue.
Speaking of birds, a little birdie told me my niece was born today!
I can't wait to see her!

Lil' Lip Pouch

2011-04-19T09:54:00.005-06:00

I rarely used lip balm while living in Houston. Now I'm in the desert I rarely skip using it. Those little containers of lip gloss, lip balm, chapstick and lipstick get lost within the depths of my purse. I followed this tutorial to make a case for all lip items. I did add interfacing to give it more structure and added a ruffle for the cuteness factor. I whipped up a couple extras for gifts.

Don't forget to get your craft on!

Well, Lookee Here!

2011-04-18T08:56:00.001-06:00

Ethan made the honor roll!

He's a rock star!

Cereal Makes Me Giddy

2011-04-15T17:17:00.004-06:00

Actually, I really dislike cereal. But my husband and my boy's love it. I think it's a male thing because my brothers lived off the stuff growing up. I don't care for it, but I really don't care for how expensive cereal is.

However, this week my coupon's paid off when it came to cereal.
And that makes me giddy!

28 boxes of cereal.
Regular price about $3.00 a box.
I paid 63 cents a box!
Holy Batman, that's a lot of cheap cereal!

And yes, John laughed at me while he took my picture.
What can I say? I'm proud of my cereal!

The Many Faces of Jason

2011-04-14T20:39:00.007-06:00

The looks you see are typical of Jason.
Or at least they are typical looks he gives me.

Ain't he cute?

He's probably singing.

Now he finds me either annoying or boring. I get this look a lot.

This is the look he gives me when he is losing pictures with his little sister.
What's he doing anyway?

Oh yes, of course. He's running his new business.

Megablocks

2011-04-13T14:02:00.003-06:00

On the stairs.
On the floor.
On my coffee table.
In drawers.
In the bathbub.
In the dog's mouth.
In little boy pockets.
Everyone.
Welcome to my son's latest obssession.
These are so much better than Pokemon.

Texting

2011-04-10T12:28:00.004-06:00

Have you discovered pinterest yet? You really should try it. After all, it is one more time to zap away all your time on the internet. I found a photo of text on fingernails. So, I tried it with my daughter.

Fun, no?

All you do is paint your nails a light color. After the polish is dry you place pieces of newspaper over your nail, and then dab it with alcohol.

Easy, no?

Ruth Is Preggers!

2011-04-08T16:22:00.005-06:00

My sister-in-law is pregnant.
Ruth is such a wonderful mother, wife, and sister-in-law.
I am so happy she is in our family.
And I'm thrilled she's making me an aunt again!

She is preggers with a girl!

The first girl to enter our family in 16 years!

Bring on the pink, we are beyond excited!

Please take note of the clothes line. It took my brother and I 30 minutes to erect that.
30 minutes! I know, we have skills!

111 Pictures for $1.11

2011-04-07T11:00:00.004-06:00

Why is Devin holding his nose? Did Mickey smell? I don't know.

I have a lot of pictures from our Disneyland vacation I need to print out.
Luckily, Snapfish is having a birthday.
You can get 111 prints for $1.11!
Happy Birthday to Snapfish!
The offer is good until April 7th.

What She Wore Wednesday

2011-04-06T07:44:00.005-06:00

I had to get a photo of Madison before she went out shopping.

I love the clothing combos she comes up so we had to have a photo shoot.

Little brother insisted on his own photo shoot.
I especially like the way he pulls out his pockets to complete his outfit.

Oh yeah, he knows how to work the camera!

I am linking up to What I Wore Wednesday.