All The Pieces of Me

Happy Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T08:30:00.000-07:00

I spy:

Pink

White

Red

XOXOXO

A cute Valentine from a sweet friend:

Conversation Hearts

Love is Spoken Here

Sparkles

Hearts

Love

Have a wonderful day with those you love!

Just a Little Catch Up Post

2012-02-12T16:30:00.000-07:00

Well...this is what it looks like at my house today. (This is my backyard! Pretty, huh?)

It's been snowing all day~ and we were without power for about 3 hours this morning. Luckily, we were at church...and our church has a generator backup.

(Is it just me, or has Mother Nature been a little Bi-Polar this year? Bi-Polar...get it?)

I'm okay with the snow though, because this post is about *shhh... Christmas! *shhh...

Thankfully, I was not sick for Christmas this year. In pain, but not sick! :)

I was more organized than I have been the last couple of years~ but I had a lot of projects going on...so it was a busy year. So busy in fact, that on Christmas morning when all was said and done, I found myself thinking, "That's it? All that work, and that's it?" :)

Here are 2 of the projects that I was working on:

First, microwave heat packs. We have one of these that my mom made for us several years ago. My kids all fight over who gets to use it. So I came up with the idea to make everyone one of their own!

Brilliant idea, if I do say so myself!

I used flannel, and had so much fun looking for different patterns for each family member.

They are filled with field corn~ I prefer the corn over the rice filled ones.

These were a big hit! And they have been well used at our house!

Project # 2:

We had family pictures taken in 2010 and I still hadn't gotten them developed. So I made a set of these for each of the kids.

I love the collage!

Rick & Emily had a similar idea and had a large family picture developed and framed for me! I'm still trying to decide where I want to hang it~ but I love it!!!

Here's a picture from Christmas morning. Apparently after the stockings were nabbed.

It was a fun Christmas!

We did our Treasure Hunt tradition of Santa hiding one present for each of the kids, and then leaving the first clue in their stocking.

Shane asked for more difficult clues this year.

And one of the boys (not Shane) had a complete emotional melt down over his clues. It's funny that the kids have such a hard time figuring out their own clues, but are able to figure out their sibling's clues pretty easily. This is the first year we've had one of the kids have a complete emotional breakdown though... I guess there is a first time for everything. :)

Another tradition that we have in our family is the Jackson family party on Christmas Eve.

I took this Christmas Carols to play. Originally I was going to do "Minute to Win It" but ran out of time (ha ha) to get it pulled together. I already had the Christmas Carols game~ but it ended up being a lot of fun!!! My mother-in-law always ends the evening by telling her "Christmas Star" story~ which she has been telling every Christmas Eve for probably 40+ years.

This is the last project I want to share:

Emily made this beautiful Advent Board for me!

I love it!!!

I need to get a big easel so I can display it next year.

Each of the date squares has a different picture of the Savior on the back, so each day you turn the square over to display the picture of the Savior.

It's really pretty~ and such a nice visual reminder of the Reason we celebrate Christmas.

(I've also seen another version that is done with family pictures and the wording at the top is "Tis the Season for Family~ also a really great idea!)

I've seen a few of these online, but not many. If you want more details (measurements, instructions) just let me know~ I'd be happy to share.

And finally:

A view of the front yard.

This is My. Front. Yard.

Snow is still falling. Hopefully Emily will be able to make it down the hill tonight!

I now return you to your regularly scheduled FEBRUARY!

A Little Help, Please?

2012-01-25T13:19:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh~ the power of blogging!

I have a little project I need some help with...

We own our own business. (I would insert a logo here...but BLOGGER isn't allowing me to upload photos today!) Blogger...I'm sticking my tongue out at you right now.

So...anyway~ we have a web page (landing page) for our business and my husband would like some feedback on it.

American Home Services, Inc.

We are in the Home Remodeling industry, and we do a couple of different things. This project involves the branch of our company that helps consumers find qualified, professional contractors for their home remodeling project.

Here's the deal. I'm asking for you to take about 5 minutes, look at the web page & answer a few questions. I am not attempting to sell you anything~ no purchase will be required or solicited. I am only asking for honest feedback & some constructive criticism.

How this will work:
Email me at allthepiecesofme(at)live(dot)com to let me know you would be willing to offer some feedback. I will send you an email back with a link to the web page and a few questions to answer.
Take a look at the web page, answer the questions and send me an email back. Easy, peasy.

The Cherry on Top: Giveaway is Now Closed. Winners will be announced this weekend. (Remember to return your feedback to me so you can be entered in the drawing. If you have requested a survey from me but haven't gotten it, please let me know!!!)

Because I love ya, and I really appreciate your help with this project, I'll be doling out a few little prizes for participators~ I'll be giving away 3 prizes

Two of: Printable of your choice from My Computer is My Canvas (excludes Gift Certificate or Pick 3,4 or 5 files)

One of: Gift pack from Udderly Fresh Goat Milk Soap (soap, lotion bar & lip balm of your choice)

*To be entered in the drawing for prizes, you must email me back a completed feedback survey. The first 5 people to provide feedback via email will have their name entered twice.

Okay? Ready....Set...Go!

Hamburger Soup

2012-01-18T14:00:00.003-07:00

I used to make this soup all the time when my kids were younger, but I hadn't made it for a while.

It's easy and yummy!

I had forgotten how much we like it!

It is very similar to Connie's Vegetable Soup.

The recipe is from one of my favorite cookbooks:

"Managing Your Meals" by Winnifred Jardine

Hamburger Vegetable Soup

1 pound lean ground beef

2 onions, chopped

4 cups water

1 can (28 ounces) tomatoes (I like petite diced) or 1 qrt. bottled tomatoes

5 medium potatoes, pared & cubed

3 large carrots, peeled & sliced or cubed

1 tsp. salt

1 bay leaf

2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, cubed

In a large pan, brown ground beef with onion.

Add remaining ingredients, except the cheese.

Simmer, partially covered, until vegetables are tender, about 1 hour.

Just before serving, garnish with cheese cubes.

Makes 8 servings.

Hope you enjoy!

Testimony

2012-01-08T15:47:00.001-07:00

Testimony

“The witness of the Holy Ghost,

As borne by those who know,

Has lifted me again to thee,

O Father of my soul.

I know that thou art in thy heav’n.

I know the Savior reigns.

I know a prophet speaks to us

For our eternal gain.

My eyes are wet; my heart is full.

The Spirit speaks today.

O Lord, wilt thou my life renew

And in my bosom stay.

As testimony fills my heart,

It dulls the pain of days.

For one brief moment, heaven’s view

Appears before my gaze.”

~Loren C. Dunn

Today was a fabulous Testimony Meeting. Not anything special other than Pure Testimony being shared. And that really is something special, isn't it?

(Want to know more about what I believe & Bearing Testimony? Go here: Testimony)

Merry Christmas

2011-12-23T10:01:00.002-07:00

Merry Christmas!

(Clip art "Santa & Company" by Shelly Comiskey)

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. I really do love my "blog friends" :)

May your holidays be warm and bright, full of all the wonderful things that make this time of year so special.

And may we always remember the reason we have cause to celebrate.

(Printable by Colette @ My Computer is My Canvas)

Favorite Things Christmas 2011 Edition

2011-12-21T09:58:00.001-07:00

This Christmas Music:

This nail polish

(More specifically, toe nail polish.)

China Glaze: Ruby Pumps

Available at Sally Beauty Supply

I kept the Christmas decor a little simple this year, only putting out the things we absolutely LOVE.

Love this cute little stitchery that a friend made for me a few years ago:

Table Centerpiece:

(The ornaments may be from the Ornament Wreath...I'm not sayin')

This year's tree:

Gingerbread Men ornaments with Red & Chocolate Brown balls.

Turned out very pretty.

I think this area was decorated by Shane. :)

At least it was a good set up for a picture to include all the ornaments.

My fireplace:

I love my fireplace! Love the mantle, and the fire is actually really pretty and looks "real" when it burns.

Christmas Mantle:

I haven't been able to get a good picture of the mantle. It has been kind of dark...and if I use the flash there is too much glare.

I was really happy with how it turned out. I just threw it together.

Christmas earrings:

Every single pair was given to me by my mom.

There's a little bit of everything; snowmen, santas, trees, wreaths, poinsettias...

These are a few of my faves:

I love the pearl snowmen. I have 2 different pairs.

These tiles:

I made these as Christmas gifts.

I love, love, love the cute little snowmen!

(Clip art by Shelly Comiskey, "Frosty Friends" available at Daisie Company)

Shelly is one of my favorite artists. Her designs are always adorable!

All packaged up and ready to go!

Aren't they just so cute?

I. Made. These.

I think this pretty much redeems me from my Wreath debacle, right?

My Take on the Ornament Wreath

2011-12-16T10:10:00.001-07:00

Way back in October, Rick & the boys went on a little camping/hunting expedition.

That left me to my own devices.

Emily came over for the weekend and we decided to try our hand at making Ornament Wreaths.

I know you've seen these all over the Internet the last few years. There are lots of handy tutorials (Cherie's Tutorial) & some very lovely wreaths that have been crafted.

These are a little different though. I hope you enjoy!

First of all, you start out with a wire hanger.

You untwist the top where the hook is...blah,blah,blah (I'm getting to the good part)

Then you shape the wire into a roundish shape & begin stringing the ornaments on.

This is after, of course, you have hot glued all the tops to the ornaments so they don't pop off.

Part way through, you notice your daughter's wreath is looking pretty good.

Your wreath, however, is looking pretty...ummm...interesting.

Just forge on! It will be fine. It will look so pretty when it's done.

There's nothing glitter and a bow can't fix.

(These are the things you repeat to yourself in your head)

If the ornaments need to be repositioned a bit, very carefully move them around.

No matter how carefully you do this, you will still hear this lovely sound:

"Snap! Plop! Wobble-Wobble-Wobble!"

(That's the sound of the ornaments popping off, and then rolling across the floor)

The little cap thingies stayed firmly attached to the ornaments...hot glue kinda does that, but the hole where the hook/wire goes kept snapping open.

Once you have the ornaments all on the wire, and you have it looking like you want it (whatever),

twist the two ends of the wire together. This will be somewhat difficult. More ornaments will pop off.

Do not curse!

Just laugh. Laughing is good.

There will be glitter and broken ornaments strung everywhere.

Your daughter's wreath will look much better than yours.

The more you try to fix yours, the more you ~~curse~~ laugh.

Daughter will laugh too.

See...good mother/daughter bonding moment.

I'm all about creating memories.

Add a pretty red and gold ribbon, then hang it on the door so you can admire your beautiful handiwork:

What the???

I know, right?

I have found a couple of things that make it look better.

1.Perspective:

See? Pretty.

2. Lighting:

Perfect!!!

The Best Laid Plans...

2011-12-12T17:10:00.000-07:00

So...how's everyone doing?

Are you like me? Up to your eyeballs in Christmas projects & preparations?

This is one project I am G.L.A.D. to have finally finished...

and it's not even Christmas related!

(Why do teachers plan big projects for students in December? I know school must go on...but why not wait until say...March for this one, hmmm?)

Last week was Wax Museum for Shane's class. He's been working hard since early November on this project.

We finished the report (he wrote, I typed) and I simply had to make a Michael Jordan/Chicago Bulls Jersey for him. ('Cause the only ones you can buy are very expensive).

T-shirt, Iron on's. Easy Peasy.

Attempt # 1

White shirt is scorching a bit. Grrrr! I realize I should have used a pressing cloth. Too late now!

Some "minor" scorching can be overlooked, right?

But wait~ not only did I scorch the shirt...I also put the wrong word on the back. The back of the Jersey should have the player's name..."Jordan".... Dang!

And there is just that minor incident of the backwards "B". I like to call it artistic. I was hoping Shane wouldn't notice. Frantically run to JoAnn's to get more iron-on's.

Which brings us to attempt #2:

Emily had a black t-shirt that she let me use. I had to pick out the sleeves and then wash and dry it.

By this time, it's about 1:00 in the morning. Then I get to work with the iron-on's. And I use a pressing cloth this time, just to be safe.

The numbers would not stick. It was a mess! They adhered to the backing paper...not so much to the shirt, though.

So much for the easy peasy project. It's gonna be an all nighter.

Emily & I run to Wal-mart for more shirts and more iron-on's. I hate iron-on's.

I have to unpick the sleeves, then launder the shirt. This is getting ridiculous!

Finally! We have a winner. It only took me until 3:40 AM to get this easy project done.

Here's the front of the shirt. At 3:20 AM I realized I could only do the red outlining on one side of the shirt, since it had to dry for 4 hours. So only the front got outlined.

And here's the star of the Wax Museum

He looks exactly like Michael Jordan too.

Except he's short

He has hair

And, uh...he's white.

But other than that, he looks exactly like Michael Jordan, right?

All that matters is that the project got done. On time. And Shane had fun & was happy.

Christmas projects? Not going so well.

I've decided to give up baking~ so now I have to come up with another Neighbor Gift idea.

(I am really thinking it might be the altitude here. I made Pumpkin Chocolate Chip cookies last night. I've been making these for years. They are sorta my specialty. They came out thin & flat...my baking confidence is shattered!)

Can't find the stuff to make the teacher gifts I wanted to make...it might be a mug/ornament/candle gift after all.

Have a few people that are difficult to buy gifts for (mom & dad...I'm talking about you!)

But...The tree is up, I hope to finish up the shopping by Saturday...and I have not been sick (hope I didn't just jinx myself)!

Hope everything is going fantastically in your neck of the woods!

Thanksgiving Bloopers 2011

2011-11-30T18:30:00.001-07:00

This year’s bloopers didn’t involve any Jell-O.

No, the disasters this year all focused on baking.

Earlier in the week, I went to pull my file of Thanksgiving recipes…and they were nowhere to be found! I panicked. I cried. I ranted. Then I searched for a while online and finally…finally found the recipes again!

My pie recipe (which is nothing spectacular~ it involves Jell-O Pudding & Cool-Whip!) is pretty yummy & it’s my husband’s favorite of all the Banana Cream Pie recipes I’ve tried over the years…so I was pretty upset that I had misplaced it.

The next disaster involved rolls. Homemade rolls. I do not consider myself a novice baker. I used a roll recipe that I’ve used dozens of times…but the dough would not raise. I made 2 batches of rolls. Both with different yeast & different flour, neither batch turned out.

The picture makes them look much better than they were. They tasted fine~ but they were really small.

(These are my back-up plan)

I was going to blame the mishap on the altitude here…but the back- up rolls (Rhodes) raised just fine~ in fact they raised more than I wanted them to…so I guess that throws the altitude theory out the window!

Either way, we had plenty of rolls to go around! And my family had plenty to harass me about~ so I guess the rolls were a success after all.

And finally…the piecrusts…(yes, they are Marie Callender’s Frozen pie crusts….don’t judge me!) For some reason I thought I could bake them without using pie weights….yeah, no. They puffed up in the center. I gave in and substituted Keebler’s Graham Cracker Crusts instead~ which everyone liked better than the traditional pie crust that I usually use. So, now I know. Next time, I’ll make my own graham cracker crusts though…

Disasters aside, it was a great day! We had 16 people here to celebrate Thanksgiving. There was plenty of yummy food to go around...it was a perfect day! I love Thanksgiving!!!

I started the day off by making Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins for breakfast. They disappeared in a hurry!

For Thanksgiving Dinner, we served:

Turkey, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Sage Dressing/Stuffing (my grandma’s recipe), Candied Yams (my mom’s recipe) Green Beans w/ Bacon & Onion, Rolls, Stuffed Celery, Pickles, Olives.

And for dessert: Pumpkin Pie, Mincemeat Pie, Banana Cream Pie, Chocolate Cream Pie.

My dad was at his all- time funniest. He had been sick the week before, so I think he was just happy to be feeling better. I did tell him he might need to lay off the Nyquil. :)

Shane was our official photographer. Here are a few of his better shots:

I guess he likes taking pictures of the backs of people's heads?

These are interesting...

At least he got a picture of the puppy!

Other Thanksgiving Weekend fun included:

*A partially flooded basement.

No one will confess to plugging the toilet & then letting it overflow. All. Night.

We suspect is was "Blaine" (name has been changed to protect the not so innocent.)

*Season 4 of "Prison Break"

The whole entire season...in one day! (That's for you, Vern).

*Breaking Dawn...my husband has declared it the stupidest movie he has ever seen. Even worse than "The Polar Bear King" (I know it looks like a good movie...I chose it as a rental years ago & have never lived it down.)

Now we are switching gears for the Christmas season.

I love the Holidays!

Give Thanks

2011-11-23T23:08:00.000-07:00

Taking a break from prepping and baking and cleaning

to wish all my wonderful blog friends~

Happy Thanksgiving!

Have a wonderful, joyful day as you Gather Together.

Halloween 2011

2011-11-07T16:30:00.005-07:00

It was a very busy Halloween weekend around here!

We started off with a last minute family party with Rick's family. Not a Halloween party, just a family get together.

I made these Sugar Cookie Bars and frosted them with my

Favorite Buttercream Icing.

They were a big hit!

The icing recipe is quickly becoming one of my most asked for recipes.

Sadly, my family still scraped the icing off!!!

I don't know what's wrong with them...

Then it was time for our 3rd Annual Halloween Party!!!

This year, I decided to do a

"Mystery Menu" Dinner:

(I had a cute graphic at the top, but it's not one I can share...)

We had so much fun!!!

Everyone was a good sport and played along.

My dad was the best at choosing his menu items~ he pretty much had it all figured out & was the only one who ate a mostly normal meal.

There was much laughing!

Everyone has commented on how much fun it was.

A great night, for sure.

I almost didn't do a Halloween Party this year...

So glad I did!

The Slimy Red Goop salad actually turned out for me. That's 2 Jell-O's that I've actually had work!

It was not very appetizing though. It had kind of a yucky texture. Hey~ but if you want the recipe, let me know!

The punch was also weirdish. It tasted great...but also involved Jell-O...which I don't think I dissolved enough before I added the cold liquid...so it set up a little and had an unpleasant texture as well.

So another Jell-O failure!

I'm happy to share that recipe too... :)

(Hey~ it was Halloween, so failures were funny....not distressing!)

On Halloween, I helped out with Shane's Halloween party at school.

I was in charge of the craft.

We made these cute mummies~

The kids loved them & so did the parents!

The kids did a great job, and they all turned out so cute.

It was fun to see how creative some of the kids were.

I used a 1x4 cut into 5" lengths.

Rick cut and sanded the boards for me & then spray painted them with an ivory paint.

I bought some muslin and ripped it into strips about an inch wide.

I had the kids tie 2 strips together and then they just wrapped it around the board.

Then we glued on the eyes...

And they were done.

Super cute!

Super easy!

Last of all was the Trick-or-Treating

These are the ghouls that made the neighborhood rounds this year:

Punk Rocker, Captain America, The Ghost of Lou Gherig, Gangsta

They spent the whole afternoon & evening together & had their own little party.

They cracked me up! They were so funny!!!

So glad for my neighbor who helped me get the boys together. It was great for Shane & really helped him make form some great friendships.

Now, Halloween decor is down and Thanksgiving is UP!

I'm hosting my extended family at my house this year.

So excited!

I might even make Jell-O!

The Happiest Place on Earth! (Wordless Wednesday)

2011-10-19T15:46:00.000-06:00

(There's just somethin' about That Mouse!)

(Churro Face)

Well, Hello!

2011-10-08T00:57:00.000-06:00

Hey there, October! When did you get here?

Perhaps while we were enjoying sunny, warm (snow-free) SoCal?

(Disneyland Highlights, anyone?)

This is typically my favorite time of year...

But not this year~ no siree!!!

I'm digging in my heels! I'm not ready for it to be Fall yet!

And why is there snow? Where is Fall anyway? And in that same vein...where the heck did my summer go?

School year has not gotten off to a good start...(17 year old Not. Doing. Well.)

I don't want to deal with another cold and flu season. Or really, life for that matter (I mean, while I'm complaining, might as well get it all out there, right?)

And who is supposed to be in charge of the unpacking? (Ann?)

I want my mommy. Or Summer. Or both!

Witch's Hat

2011-09-21T18:15:00.000-06:00

My mom and I made these cute Witch's Hats last year & I never got around to posting them.

I know Halloween is still weeks away, but I wanted to post the instructions so you have plenty of time to make some cute hats of your own!

I don't have step-by-step photos, but these are pretty easy.

You can also see a photo tutorial here:

Witch's Hat Instructions

You'll need the following:

A witch's hat (I found mine at Target, in the dollar bins, I used the child size)

Plastic Grocery Bags or paper for stuffing

Mod-Podge

Brush

Ribbon or Tulle

Clothespins

Other embellishments if desired

Start by stuffing your hat with bags or paper, so you have a stable, workable form.

Then size the ribbon/tulle that you want to use for the band and the bow.

Mod-podge the area where the band and ribbon will sit, and then put the band & the bow on the mod-podge.

Now, the fun part! Apply mod-podge over the entire surface of the hat, including the band & bow.

As it dries, you can fluff and reshape the bow.

This is a good time to sprinkle with glitter if you would like to make it sparkly!

Now~ scrunch the hat down, and use clothespins to hold the scunches in place while everything dries.

When the hat is almost dry, remove the clothespins and the bags/paper stuffing.

When completely dry, add other embellishments, if desired.

I love how these turned out! I might make some more this year.

Happy Crafting!

Now, back to your regularly scheduled September~

C-O-N-N-E-C-T

2011-09-16T18:08:00.001-06:00

Last weekend, I had the great opportunity to

CONNECT

With some awesome women.

So glad I didn't chicken out and turn the car around!

It was great to meet some new blogging friends~

And to get to know other blogging friends a little better.

Back Row: Left to Right

Kazzy's Ponderings

Notes About Music Notes & Mailbox Moments

An Old Fashioned Girl

Diaries of a Grateful Grumpy Mom

Front Row: Left to Right

Faith, Trust & a Little Pixie Dust

Living A Big Story

Hands Full and Loving It

Women In the Scriptures

Thanks to Hands Full Mom for the photo.

I still haven't located the USB cord to my camera, but I'm sure it's around here somewhere...

Still in a box!

Arachnophobia!

2011-09-08T08:00:00.001-06:00

We've been battling spiders at the new place.
Lots and lots of spiders. We think they might be Hobo spiders.
They are big!
They are In. The. House!
Everyone is a little freaked out by them!

Rick has ~~killed~~ relocated several.
We bought some spray and sprayed inside and out. Hopefully it works!!!

A few days ago, we were all a little jittery because of the little critters.
We all felt like we had spiders crawling on us. And if something happened to brush against any of us...we'd be doing the "I have a spider on me" dance~ which involves flailing your arms in the air and swatting at whatever it was that you mistook for a spider. Screaming and turning in circles can also be added once you have the beginner moves down.

An errant stream of water from the shower head got me. Glad no one was around to see that.

Later, I was fumbling for the light switch in the garage, and a box brushed my arm. Screams and swatting started all over again.

Rick was assailed by a bush...which he thought was a spider. He screamed like a girl.
Not really. He did swat the bush though!

Yeah. We don't like spiders so much around here.
I guess I won't be using fake spiders in my Halloween decor this year?

Life, According to Shane

2011-09-05T08:00:00.000-06:00

Moving Day was a long day,to say the least.

We were all up bright and early since in addition to moving, the boys also started school the same day.

Is that great planning, or what?

It was almost an hour drive to get them to school.

Perk for them was getting breakfast at McDonalds!

Moving took forever.

We hired a moving company to load, transport and unload all the boxes.

The packing and unpacking were done by us.

(Well...the unpacking will eventually be done by us!)

We finally got to the new place about 9:30 that night.

The boys were pooped.

And stressed.

It was the first time we had driven to the new house at night.

In the dark.

There are no streetlights where we live!

It was a little disconcerting.

Then, as we pulled into the driveway and opened the car doors,

we were serenaded by a symphony of crickets.

Lots and lots of rather loudish crickets...

Shane: "Well, that's going to be annoying to try and go to sleep to!"

I'm happy to report, we are all sleeping just fine.

Moving Day...

2011-09-01T00:03:00.000-06:00

New town

New Neighborhood

New Schools

New House

Same Old Me...

That’s right, we’ve moved…again.

That makes 4 times in 6 years, but who is keeping track?

Really it feels like 6 times in 4 years…

Some people thrive on change.

I, however, am not one of those people.

I hate moving. And the more I move, the more I hate it!!!

My boys are doing awesome though! I’m so proud of them~ it’s rough to have to switch schools. They both miss their old friends, but they are making new friends & really like where we live. Their first day of school was the same day we moved. It was a very stressful, chaotic day! (That must be the understatement of the year!)

Emily & her friend Aubrie also moved into an apartment two days before we moved. I miss her!

So yeah, things have been a little stressful!!! Too many changes all at once.

Things I hate about moving:

(Not an all inclusive list)

Can’t find anything (um...like the cord to my camera)

Boxes

Getting used to a new house…feeling like I’m living in someone else’s house!

Getting used to new…everything. School, church, house, neighborhood, grocery stores, etc…

Can’t find anything

Can someone please unpack all these boxes???

Getting lost in the new house. Where is the bathroom again???

Losing stuff! Something always gets lost, something always gets broken. I am missing Tupperware from 3 moves ago, and a box of games from 2 moves ago. This time we lost the top to one of my Scentsy burners & a large box of food storage. I was ticked off all weekend about that box of missing cereal! Thankfully, we found both the box of food storage & the top to my Scentsy. Now if Rick’s missing keys would just turn up…(and my camera cord...and the Tupperware...and the games...and everything else that is missing that I don't know about yet!)

Things I don’t hate about moving:

*Blink*

That pretty much sums it up!

Pioneer Day & Another Concert

2011-08-13T06:00:00.001-06:00

Here in Utah, we celebrate "Pioneer Day" on July 24th.

Pioneer Day is a State Holiday, commemorating the arrival of the first company of Mormon Pioneers that arrived in Utah on July 24th, 1847.

Pioneer Day is also commemorated by Church Members in other areas besides Utah.

(Photo Courtesy LDS Church )

Spencer was on a Pioneer Handcart Trek at Martin's Cove & surrounding areas.

He had a great time!

We decided to keep things low-key this year.
We made our own "subs" for lunch.

I finally got my potato salad just right!

(I'll be editing the recipe a little bit later)

After lunch, we decided to take Shane & Emily and go see the movie

"17 Miracles".

What a great movie! If it's playing in your area and you haven't seen it yet~

You should go.

Take tissues.

The DVD will be released on September 6th, 2011.

(Seagull Book & Deseret Book are taking pre-orders)

After the movie, we popped across the street to the Scera Shell Outdoor Theater to wait in line to see these guys:

It was such a great concert! We've seen Sawyer Brown a few times, and they never disappoint!

They just put on a fun concert.

As we were waiting for the concert to start, a gentleman next to us was asking if we had seen Sawyer Brown before. Funniest moment was him trying to describe Mark Miller (the lead singer). His comment was:

"I think he's double jointed or dyslexic or something."

I was sitting behind Rick & I about busted up laughing! When he got up to go talk to someone else, I leaned up and said to Rick:

"You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means."

(Movie line)

Mark Miller is known for his hyper antics on stage. The word most often used to describe him is

"hyperkinetic".

Dyslexic? Not so much!

The down side of the evening was the rain.

It rained a lot! The concert was delayed for a while~ but eventually they just came out and sang anyway. Two hours of singing...in the rain, plus rain before the concert started...

We were drenched! But it didn't matter, it was a great concert anyway. Totally worth it!

Favorite songs of the Night: The Dirt Road & Travelin' Band.

The other fun part of the evening was being able to take Shane. (Sawyer Brown is pretty kid friendly~ there were lots of families there!)

He didn't really love the concert because he wasn't really familiar with the music...but he just kept staring at me because I was clapping and whoopin' and hollerin'. I think he just didn't know what to make of his normally quite and reserved mother. :)

I'm gonna give a plug for the Scera. This was our first time going to their outdoor venue.

It is awesome!

I've never really paid much attention to the events they host there...but I will now!

We had great seats~ and seriously I don't think there is a bad seat there.

So if you have a chance to go see a concert, or play or any other event there~ you should do it!

Never Say Never

2011-08-03T06:00:00.003-06:00

A few things I said I would never do, and then did anyway!

1. I will Never get my hair cut at SuperCuts again.

I've said this more than once.

But this time I really mean it!

Pretty sure I look like this:

Alright, I might be exaggerating, but only slightly.

My hair is not quite that short.

But the bangs...yeah, pretty much look like that.

And it's longer on one side than the other.

And the back is kinda messed up.

I paid good money to have my hair cut.

I could have just let Shane cut it for free!

I knew as soon as I heard "whack-whack" instead of "snip-snip" that I was in

T-R-O-U-B-L-E!

No more SuperCuts! I mean it this time!

2. I will Never wear Crocs.

I'm sorry.

I have had foot problems for years.

I have swelling in the bottom of my foot, which feels like I am walking on a large marble.

I have a really hard time finding shoes that feel good on my foot.

I wear flip-flops almost all the time. Closed shoes are usually really painful for me to wear.

When Rick and I went to Disneyland for 5 minutes last Spring (I'm working on getting over it, okay?)

Emily convinced me to try wearing Crocs. She had recently bought a pair for work & thought they were super comfortable.

I was mortified to even think about putting those ugly things on my feet!!!

Uh...they are really comfortable. Ugly~ yes, but comfortable!

Embarrassingly, I wear them All. The. Time.

I wear black ones though...so they aren't as ugly, right?

Right?

I'm sorry.

Here's partly why I have foot problems. I have both my mom & my grandma to thank for this!

3. I will Never put a picture of my ugly foot on my blog.

No explanation needed.

(I'm actually really self-conscious about my feet~ so we'll call this Free Therapy!)

Rick & I are headed out with the 2 boys on a little Vacay.

Here's what I plan on doing:

I probably won't get through all of them.

But then again, maybe I will!

Those Summer Nights are Callin'...

2011-07-23T01:56:00.000-06:00

NIGHT RANGER

FOREIGNER

JOURNEY

Rocked the crowd at Rio Tinto Stadium

Such a great concert!

Night Ranger got things started. I'm not too familiar with their music. We did have a funny

"who knows the correct lyrics" war on the way to the concert.

Curtis won. Not saying who the loser ~~Rick~~ was.

"Sister Christian" (the only song we knew) lyrics are:

"You're motoring. What's your price for flight?"

NOT

"You're wondering, What's your price for fame?"

Foreigner was awesome..."Jukebox Hero" was a favorite.

Then Journey rocked the house!!! Kicked it off with one of my favorite songs: "Separate Ways".

Favorite song of the night:

"Faithfully"

It was fantastic and Arnel really nailed it & added his own little flavah to it. Almost made me think

"Steve who"?

Almost

Like most Journey fans, I really miss Steve Perry...but I've followed the band through all their lead singer ups and downs.

(I did get to see Steve P. back in the 80's and it was beyond amazing!)

But the new guy (Arnel) does a pretty great job too.

(The good old days)

Not a better way to spend a summer evening!

We had a blast!!!

Odds & Ends June 2011 Edition

2011-07-01T01:33:00.000-06:00

Holy cow!!! Is it July already?

In honor of it being almost a whole month since I last blogged...

And because Emily would like the picture of her swollen face to NOT be the first thing that pops up on my blog...I bring you another "Odds & Ends" post.

Emily is feeling much better~ finally!

She ended up getting dry socket in not one, but two of the tooth extraction sights! Dry socket hurts. A lot. And the treatment is altogether quite unpleasant. (Packing the socket with clove oil soaked gauze). Did I mention it was painful? And unpleasant? And she had to have one of the every-two-days treatments done on her 21st Birthday! What a way to celebrate!

We did go to the Parade of Homes once she was feeling a little better. We had a lot of fun! I wish I would have thought to take pictures. So many great ideas!!!

First trip to the lake.

Did I say first trip? Make that only trip (so far).

It was still beautiful and wonderful and relaxing.

We didn't catch a single fish.

Okay by me! (I don't care much for fish)

We did have fun! And someone (me) got a little sunburned!

We took a little evening trip down to Manti to see the

Mormon Miracle Pageant

It's been kind of a difficult few weeks.

We are dealing with an unpleasant situation (that I can't blog about right now).

We also had a death in the family.

My dad's youngest brother passed away & his funeral was this past Monday.

I think it's gonna be a little hard on my dad.

And this Sunday will mark one year since Amy's death.

I still miss her so much!

Other than all that~ my life is just like yours:

A little crazy

A little busy

Just life.

Happy 4th of July!

Ouch!

2011-06-02T17:04:00.000-06:00

Emily had all four of her wisdom teeth pulled on Wednesday.

She's still feeling pretty miserable!

(Trying to smile)

She's pretty swollen. Her left jaw is even worse now than when I took these pictures a few hours ago.

Hopefully she'll be feeling better in a few days!

And hopefully she doesn't kill me when she finds out I posted these pictures on my blog!!!

Walla-Walla Chili Dip

2011-05-25T13:08:00.000-06:00

This is such an easy recipe~ but it has a great YUM factor!

I haven't made this for a while, so we had all forgotten how much we like it!

I got this recipe from Amy a few years ago. While we were in Arizona, I could never find the chili there, so she would always send me back with a few cans whenever we visited Utah.

Walla Walla Onion Chili Dip

1-15 oz. can Nalley's Walla-Walla Onion Chili w/ Beans

1-8 oz. pkg. Cream Cheese

Combine ingredients over medium heat until cheese is melted.

Serve warm with tortilla chips.

(It's also good cold)

I'm linking up here today:

Gooseberry Patch Recipe Roundup

Chicken Taco Pasta Salad

2011-05-11T08:00:00.000-06:00

I think it's high time for a recipe!

This is hands-down my most requested recipe.

This recipe is also from my friend, Sharla. She got it from her mother-in-law.

My kids complain that I never make this for our family. I always make it for something else & they get to enjoy the leftovers! :)

Chicken Taco Pasta Salad

by Charlene Butler

1-12 oz pkg. tri-colored Rotini pasta

3-4 chicken breasts

1 pkg. taco seasoning mix

1 can kidney beans-drained

1 can garbanzo beans-drained

1 pkg. frozen petite corn

2 cans sliced olives, drained

1 onion, finely diced

1 green pepper-chopped

tomatoes-chopped

grated cheese

taco chips

Dressing: (Best if made the night before)

2 cups mayonnaise, 1 cup buttermilk, 1 pkg. Hidden Valley Fiesta

Dip Mix (if you can't find this, use regular Ranch dressing mix and

1/2 a package taco seasoning mix).

Mix together and refrigerate until ready to use.

(I prefer the taco seasoning mix/ranch dressing mix combination)

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and cool. Cut

chicken into bite size pieces. Brown in small amount of oil. When

chicken is cooked, add taco seasoning mix and 1/4 cup water. Simmer

about 5 minutes. Drain and cool. Cook corn in small amount of

water. Do not overcook, it should still be slightly crisp. Drain and cool.

In large mixing bowl, combine pasta, chicken, beans, onion, green pepper,

corn, olives and tomatoes.

Mix with dressing.

Place salad in bowl. Arrange chips around edge of

salad. Garnish with grated cheese, chopped tomatoes and olives.

Served Additional chips and grated cheese on the side.

(Tripled serves 50+ as a side)

My notes:
*I just boil the chicken…then simmer in the taco seasoning. Or, you can throw the chicken, taco seasoning and water in the crock pot and cook it that way too.

*I always serve the grated cheese on the side as it has a tendency to get soggy in the salad.

*Sometimes I leave out the tomatoes, or the peppers...you can adjust to your families tastes.

*Please, please, please use frozen petite corn. And don't overcook it!

Breakfast and Blogging

2011-05-08T00:39:00.000-06:00

What do blogging and breakfast have in common?

Well...this:

Julie, Valerie, Lesa, Kendra, Cheryl & me

This was my first time attending a blogger "event".

I almost chickened out at the last minute...

But I'm so glad I went! It was marvelous. ;)

I learned a few new things & got to meet some wonderful ladies.

It was a great morning~ thanks gals!

Shane!

2011-05-04T08:00:00.001-06:00

Shane is officially a 10 year old!

He wanted me to do a treasure hunt (like we do for Christmas) for his presents.

We settled for the "Hot & Cold" game.

Shane loves to fish!

So I made this cake for him.

It turned out pretty cute.

And he liked it~ that's all that matters.

Happy Birthday, kiddo!

(He's holding his chest because it is hurting! He got an air-soft gun for his birthday, and trying to learn how to use it, he strained his chest muscles. He hurt for a couple of days!)

Baseball!

It's been a rough start to the Baseball season this year.

It's kinda tough to play ball in the Snow!

Shane's been really sick for a couple of weeks~ but he only missed one game so far.

These pictures were taken after we did team pictures. When we got home, he wanted a few more.

This is his first time playing in an actual Little League.

He had to try out and everything!

He's in the Minor league.

He's a pretty good little ball player~ and I'm glad he'll be perfecting his skills and really learning how to play.

It's been fun so far.

He has an awesome coach, who really teaches the boys a lot but is not real intense and uptight.
He's not a screamer/yeller coach. And I like that!

Shane usually plays 1st or 3rd, and they've been talking to him about pitching too.

School Field Trip

It was cold and miserable!

But the kids had fun!!!

I'll post more about that later.

Of All the Rotten Luck!

2011-04-30T11:10:00.001-06:00

I don't know if I can even bear to write this.

I've been

Sick

Again

(I know, right?)

But don't worry, it gets better.

Much, much better.

Or perhaps I should say worse.

Much, much worse...

But let's start at the beginning, shall we?

The beginning of this tale was quite a while ago.

An idyllic start to any story, really.

(Ignore my mullet, please)

April 11th, 1986

That's 25 years ago, in case you don't want to do the math.

This year, we celebrated our 25th Wedding Anniversary.

That's a big deal, right?

My grandma made my wedding dress. She made the whole bodice out of a sheet first, so she could make sure it fit properly.

(Please also ignore the blue tuxes. Ack! And the mother's dresses were burgundy, not red).

So...How to celebrate?

Our Anniversary happened to fall during Spring Break, so we decided it was the perfect time to go on a little vacation. Plus, our kids are old enough that we didn't have to farm them out. Perfect!

We tossed around ideas for a few months. It had to be a trip that fit in our time frame and budget.

Originally, we decided to spend the week in St. George (where we spent our honeymoon). But at the last minute, Rick decided that Disneyland was feasible AND would be lots of fun too!

April is a crazy month for us around here. The week before we left was insane! I helped with Shane's field trip & we celebrated Shane's birthday a few days early, since it was during the week we would be gone.

But finally~ we are packed and headed out the door!

We drove to St. George & spent the night there.

The next morning, on the way to California, I mentioned that my throat felt kinda "scratchy".

I really thought I was having just some allergy symptoms.

Added allergy medicine to my list of items I still needed to grab at the store.

Next day...Disneyland!!!

So. Much. Fun!

I had been in a little bit of a funk because I had wanted to do something different. But once we got there, it was awesome. I had forgotten how much I LOVE Disneyland!

First ride we got on was Space Mountain.

You need to know that I have not always been a fan of rides. There are still some I won't ride. (Splash Mountain~ I've ridden a couple of times & I hate it! And I won't even attempt Tower of Terror!!!)

As we were waiting in line, I was feeling a little nervous. What if I was back to the "not liking rides". That would make for one boring trip!

Rick asked if I was nervous...and I quipped that I was more worried about how many people had touched the railing that I kept touching as we waited in line!

And this was true! I had decided I didn't want to carry a bag with me~ so I had left my hand sanitizer back at the hotel...and I was freaking out a little, for real!

Truth be told, I joke about being a germaphobe, but I really have been a little overboard lately...so going without sanitizer was kinda like therapy! :)

All in all, we had a great day! Have I mentioned that I really LOVE Disneyland?

Such a magical place.

We spend the day there~ and leave around dinner time. We have 4 days to spend in Disneyland, so plenty of time to shop and see the shows and ride everything a few times...

Day 2...

California Adventure

I'm feeling a little "off". Have kind of a sore throat.

We ride a few rides.

It's kinda cold.

In fact~ I am rather chilled.

We have lunch.

Rick eats part of my hamburger because I can't eat it all.

I tell him he probably shouldn't eat it.

"What if I'm sick"?

We head over to see the Aladdin show.

Afterwards, we are trying to decide what to do next.

I'm so darn cold!

Rick suggests we go back to the hotel and rest and get warm & then come back that evening for the show we wanted to see.

I'm thinking I kind of feel like I did the day I came down with the flu...

Back at the hotel~ I can't get warm.

Starting to realize I am sick.

I have a fever and chills & a sore throat. But I'm determined to be better by morning.

Load up on ibuprofen.

6:00 AM~ Still feeling like crap. We decide to pack it up and head home. :(

I don't even argue. I am feeling pretty rotten.

I doze off and on all the way to St. George. Throat is really hurting now.

In St. George, we decide to find an Urgent Care. Hoping I can get an antibiotic and feel better in a day or so & we can salvage our weekend.

Dr. confirms that I am indeed sick!

I have tonsillitis from strep.

Really? First off~ I never get strep. Haven't had it for years!

And 45 year old women don't typically get tonsillitis. It's more common in kids and young adults.

Lucky me!

Have no clue where I picked this up!

Doctor assures me that tonsillitis resolves pretty quickly & I should be feeling better in 1-2 days (liar!)

We decide to get a hotel and stay in St. George for the weekend.

I spend the evening propped up in bed~ with Rick bringing me ice cream, and hot chocolate and ice water and soup...anything to help soothe my throat.

Maybe the trip will be okay, after all. I'm sure I'll be feeling better in 24 hours.

NOT!

I actually got worse over the next 24 hours!

So, after a miserable night of not sleeping~ (In fact, I didn't sleep for 4 days...stupid, swollen tonsils!)

We decide to just pack it home.

Where I spent the remainder of the weekend feeling pretty miserable! Took the whole 10 days on the antibiotic for me to start feeling better...and a few days after that before I was feeling mostly normal.

Stupid tonsillitis! Stupid tonsils! Bleh!!!

I still have a stupid cough. I think I'll have that For.Ev.Er.

(And oddly, Rick did not get sick.)

Shane has been sick, too. But with some stomach bug that lasts a couple of weeks! Nothing related to my illness. But I better not get it!!! He had to have some testing done because we didn't know what was wrong with him. He is finally starting to feel better the last couple of days. He has had a really bad stomach ache & the occasional (every 2-3 days) pukies and poopies. Been such a fun couple of weeks! NOT!!!

We did no shopping in Disneyland. I did not buy one souvenir, or pin, or anything! I had my eye on a couple of shops & knew a few things I wanted to get for the kids...lot of good that did me.

I did take a few pictures. Maybe I could salvage something from that?

Nope~ they are all crappy! Even the ones I asked someone else to take.

When I looked at the pictures~ and they were so bad...I cried a little!

Now, I know this isn't that big of a deal.

But it is really just such a huge disappointment for us.

Kinda hard not to feel a little sad about it.

I ruined our whole trip!

Honestly, we haven't even talked about it.

Rick finally said something a couple of days ago~ about being disappointed.

I told him~ "I can't even think about it, it just makes me so upset!"

Then we had a good laugh about it. :)

Sweetest thing he said to me when I was feeling bad that we had to come home?

"It doesn't matter~ we have our whole lives ahead of us."

(Which apparently, I will be sick for)

There will be other trips.

Other celebrations.

Much more life to live!

I found this cute figurine online~ when I was torturing myself by looking at the Disney store, seeing all the things I could have bought!

It's just the sort of thing I was looking for.

And it would be perfect too...

If we had spent more than 5 minutes in Disneyland!!!

So, there you have it. My tale of woe.

Sympathy encouraged and accepted. :)

4 Squared

2011-04-08T15:08:00.000-06:00

A long, long, long, long, long, long, long time ago...
Lesa tagged me on her blog...
And I'm just barely getting around to getting it done...
'Cause we were sick, and all...
We're better now (thank you very much)...
And I'm tired of whining about that anyway...
Because there's lots of other stuff that is more important to whine about...
Kidding...
But I do have other stuff to blog...
But it will have to wait because...
MY LIFE IS CRAZY RIGHT NOW!!!

Now...to the "4's"...

1. Four Places I Go

* The school
* The grocery store :(
* Church
* Crazy (that counts, right?)

2. Four Favorite Smells

* Freshly cut hay
* Lilacs, hyacinths, roses
* Baking...anything
* Autumn

3. Four Favorite TV Shows/Movies

* "24" (Only have 2 more seasons to watch!)
* "American Idol"
* "Sabrina" (1995 w/ Harrison Ford & Julia Ormond)
* "Beauty & The Beast" (Disney)

4. Four Recommendations

* Be kind to yourself!
* Be "fully present" in your life
* Netflix. Seriously~ it's awesome
* This Lotion Bar. I LOVE this stuff

Wasn't that just the most fascinating thing you've read lately?
Gripping, really.

I'm supposed to tag 4 others...
So I choose... (again, with the ...'s?)
Jenny
Monica
Rachelle (Private Blog)
Shae

Happy Weekend~

I Need an Intervention!

2011-03-16T01:37:00.001-06:00

A vacation?

Medication?

How about a Dr. Pepper and a nice, warm bath & we'll call it good? And maybe throw in some non-sick kids for good measure? That would really sweeten the deal for me!

Hold on! I'm gonna ramble!!! (And maybe whine) You have been warned.

Remember I was whining about being sick???

We have been sick almost constantly since mid February. I really am at my wit's end.
I tied a knot in the end of my rope weeks ago!!!

Yesterday was the first day in 2 weeks that I have felt like I was finally mostly better!
I still have a little cough~ but the fatigue seems to have finally abated!!! Yay!

The boys are still sick, though. Shane has a pretty nasty cough & they both have upper respiratory symptoms, had low grade fevers…as well as fatigue. So kinda like an Influenza but not really.

Spencer has been sick since last Monday, and he has been sick so much the last month and a half that he is failing school. So that is causing a huge amount of stress. (Mostly for me). I am trying to work with the administration & his teachers… but the end of the term is Friday. And I think this may be contributing to him being sick…I think he might be um…embellishing a little? But I was sick for 2 weeks, so who knows?

We've all 3 had similar symptoms. I was on an antibiotic for possible sinus infection and some stuff in my lungs…I was feeling better after a couple of days on the meds, but had the lingering fatigue until Monday. Seriously, was barely functioning. So, I'm thinking we have a strain of Influenza??? (Kind of wishing I had gone to medical school, ya know?) Our symptoms have been similar enough that I think we've had the same thing…but Shane & I have developed complications? Mostly I am telling myself that we've had the same virus because I have totally been freaking out about getting sick! I am a little bit of a germaphobe, but this go round I have been really having a lot of anxiety about it!

Plus~ my kids are driving me nuts because they do not wash their hands, or use hand sanitizer. I am constantly hounding them about sanitation, so they think I am CraZy! They say I have "Sick Sense" instead of "Sixth Sense". And instead of dead people... I see germs!!!! Yeah, they are hilarious, aren't they?

But seriously, if I get sick again…it might just be the thing that finally plunges me over the edge of sanity. Have I mentioned I'm having a little anxiety here????? I can't even tell you how many tubs of Clorox wipes I have gone through! (It's an embarrassing amount!) I am wiping down my house Every. Single. Day. (maybe more than once, but I'm admitting to nothing!) Maybe I am a little CraZy!!!???

Anyhoo…

I called the Doctor today to see what she recommended. She asked me to bring them in to be seen.

Shane: she's worried about the cough. Sounds a little like Whooping Cough. (cringe).
His immunizations are current, but he is due for a booster around 5th grade/10 yrs. old and immunity to Pertussis wanes around 11 yrs. old or so. Lovely. She starts him on Zithromax and wants him home from school for at least 2 days. After that he can go back as soon as he feels up to it. I am hoping the meds do the trick and he'll be feeling better sooner than later. Personally, I don't think he has Whooping Cough. But I do think he has a lung infection of some sort, just like I had. On a side note~ his best buddy has also been sick with the same symptoms, but has recovered just fine. No nasty cough for him~ lucky!

Spencer: He seems to be getting better. His respiratory symptoms have improved somewhat & then have "flat lined". She thinks he should be feeling better by Friday. If not, he gets a round of antibiotics too. She also mentioned the "M" word. As in MONO. (Cringe again). Although I think he's just suffering from the same fatigue that has had me down for 2 weeks. That's what I'm telling myself, anyway.

So, I'm sure you won't be surprised that I just wanted to cry after we left the Doctor's office. I'm not dealing well with the illnesses here, people!!! And on top of that, I had to go to the store, go pick up Shane's prescription, and run a few other errands….so I didn't get my house wiped down today so I am freaking out about that!!!! Sigh. Kinda hating life right now!!!

Started Shane on the meds tonight. Doctored him up with Advil & some Triaminic, and some Mucinex (we're like a walking pharmacy around here!) I thought he had eaten recently enough that he could take the antibiotic…20 minutes later he is crying because he has a bad stomach ache and feels like he's going to throw up. LOVELY!!!

He has finally settled down and is sleeping on the office floor. Thank heavens. Tomorrow night I'll make sure he takes his meds with food and milk. He'll have a smaller dose too, so hopefully he'll be fine!!! So other than the stomach pain, love Zithromax because it's 5 days & you're done!

To top off my day~ when I was picking up the Z-pack from the pharmacy, I asked if they had any recommendations for strengthening the immune system. And I got a 7 minute lecture from the pharmacist about eating healthy and exercising regularly. He actually was quite rude. I kept my cool~ but really wanted to reach across the counter and choke him. I assume that because I'm a little pudgy & I looked like crap (Hello??? Does he have any clue what kind of day/week/month I've had???) That he figured I needed a lecture? I was so MAD! I burst in to tears as soon as I left the store. Really? Like I needed that today!!! I just wanted a recommendation for a good multi-vitamin or something!!! He really said to me: "Ya know, don't feed them McDonald's for dinner every night". Ha! We had Panda!!! So there!!! (And grabbing dinner tonight pretty much saved the little bit of sanity I'm hanging on to!) Good thing I like the pharmacy techs… Cause the pharmacist? Not. So. Much.

The good news for today is that no one else in the family has gotten sick. I'm crossing my fingers that that is a good sign!

Rick's business partner is sick though~ I told Rick that if he had the same thing we've had, to just lie to me about it! 'Cause if he got sick from us, then there is absolutely no point to hand washing/sanitizing/wiping every surface of my house down with Clorox wipes multiple times a day. Really~ I am the most anal person in the world about the sanitizing/washing/cleaning/germ thing. Just ask my kids! Honestly, I don't know how Spencer got sick from me, either. Oh man~ this stuff is just making me CraZy!!!

And…I'm done!
Thanks for coming along on my ride of insanity!

P.S. Daylight Savings Time...also driving me nuts!

And, my thoughts and prayers for the people in Japan, what a devastation for them. (And trying to not freak out about the nuclear/radiation stuff going on. I watch way too much "24").

Brain Injury Awareness

2011-03-11T16:22:00.000-07:00

March is National Brain Injury Awareness Month.

To learn more about why Brain Injury Awareness is important to me, go here:

Traumatic Brain Injury

You can also learn more here:

Brain Injury Association of America

Monday, March 14th is "Wear Blue Day"

Blue is the designated awareness color for Brain Injury

(formerly, it was green and I kinda wish they would make up their minds!)

And...I've been thinking about doing a Q&A so if you have any questions about Brain Injury in general, or specifically about our experience, you can email me at

allthepiecesofme@live.com

(Not that I'm an expert or anything...)

(On a side note: We have been sick here going on a month now. Spring cannot come soon enough for me! This has been the worst cold/flu season for us EVER! I might ~~whine~~ post more about that later...Today is really the first day in over 2 weeks that I have felt almost back to normal.)

Cookies, Sugar!

2011-02-25T17:10:00.002-07:00

Finally!!!!

Yes~ I finally made Sugar Cookies...

I haven't made sugar cookies for a very, very long time. And I've been intending to do it for a while now, but it just never seems to happen.

I decided that no matter what, I was going to make Amy's Sugar Cookies this year for Valentines.

No. Matter. What!

And honestly? It wasn't nearly as messy and terrible as I remembered.

Messy? Yes...but not so bad.

Perhaps that was because the kids didn't help?

They just stood around, confused, jaws hanging open...

Next time~ I'll get them to help!

This is a soft sugar cookie recipe~ the kind with sour cream in it.

They were good. Nice and soft...uh except for the first batch, which I over baked. They still got eaten, though!

I do think this particular recipe is better with frosting.

You may remember that my kids don't like frosting?

I left the cookies all un-frosted, so everyone could choose if they wanted frosting or not.

And guess what??? My kids liked them with the frosting too!

In fact, Shane ate an un-frosted cookie and spit it out in the garbage!

He did not like it at all. I had to coax him to try another one with frosting.

He liked the frosted ones much better!

I used this Buttercream Dream Icing (YUM) from The Repressed Pastry Chef.

Absolutely my favorite buttercream type (un-cooked) frosting right now!

Light, fluffy and not too overly sweet.

(I wish she were still blogging! Check out some of her other yummy recipes too. The Sugar Cookie bars are also yummy!)

When I was making the frosting, I remembered my mom teaching me to make buttercream frosting.

She would tell me, "Don't drown the miller". That's what she called it if I added too much liquid. Which I did on frequent occasions!

Amy's Soft Sugar Cookies

In large bowl or mixer, Mix together:

1/2 cup margarine

2 cups sugar

2 eggs

2 tsp. vanilla

1 cup sour cream (small container)

In a separate bowl, mix together: then add to previous ingredients:

1 tsp. salt

2 tsp. soda

61/2-7 cups flour

Roll out to desired thickness. (I like mine thick!)

Bake for 5-8 minutes (mine were perfect @ 6 minutes)

@ 400 degrees on greased cookie sheet.

Cool on rack

Frost, if desired

I recommend:

Buttercream Dream Icing

And this is what happens when you put 2 frosted cookies on a plate to take pictures for your blog.

And then you try to tip the plate for a more pleasing photography angle...

SPLAT!

Good thing I waited to mop the floor until after I was done baking cookies!

I have another recipe I'll be trying... sometime...soonish...

Do you have a favorite sugar cookie recipe?

I'd Like to Thank the Academy

2011-02-13T17:19:00.000-07:00

Well...

Maybe not the Academy.

But I would like to thank Cherie and Keely for being good sports and not banning me from blogging after my last post!

Keely is so awesome, she made me my own word strip for my "word of the year".

She spelled it right and everything!

(Do you think she was tempted to spell it wrong, just to see if I would notice?)

Bloggers are the awesomest, don't ya think?

Optical Illusions

2011-02-07T14:15:00.001-07:00

Optical Illusions...do you like them?

Can you see the illusions?

Some people can't~

Optical illusions are sometimes used in brain injury rehabilitation~ especially if the the patient has vision problems such as depth perception or problems discerning field/foreground.

Curtis has vision problems from his car accident. He has learned to adapt really well! In fact, I'm amazed at how well he has been able to learn to live with this disability.

Can you see the old woman?

Can you see the young woman?

Do you see a man's face?
The word "Liar"?

According to Wikepedia:
•An optical illusion (also called a visual illusion) is characterized by visually perceived images that differ from objective reality. The information gathered by the eye is processed in the brain to give a percept that does not tally with a physical measurement of the stimulus source. ...

•the use of shapes, colour, and line distortions which trick the eye and brain. When viewing confusing images, our brain can sometimes interpret visual information and cues incorrectly,or at other times our brains fill in the missing pieces.

Sometimes, our brains can play tricks on us!

Cherie has a great blog, Bakow Babble that most of you probably already read.
A while back, she posted about her word of the year.
And then she posted a cute word strip under her header...
So cute! So clever!
Uh...it's misspelled! (Go ahead, go look again and then come right back, okay?) Bakow Babble...

So...I figured she would eventually figure it out.

Then, I was reading this blog: Meanwhile Back at the Gusty Ridge Ranch and Keely posted the word strip that she had made for Cherie...
It was misspelled there too!!! (Alright...go take a peak...here's the link to the post...Gusty Ridge Ranch)

ACK!!! (Cherie and Keely...do not freak out!!!) :)

Still, I figured someone was bound to figure it out!
I contemplated kindly mentioning it to Cherie...but decided not to. (Good thing!)

I decided just to ignore it!!! But every time I read Cherie's blog...there it was! This giant, misspelled word!!! I couldn't ignore it! It wouldn't go away...it seemed to get bigger and bigger every time I visited her blog!!! (Edgar Allan Poe ish?)...

A few days ago, I was reading blogs when Emily came home from work.
She sat down and asked me what I was doin'.

Seeing my opportunity, I quickly pulled up Cherie's blog and asked Emily;

"Do you see anything wrong on this page?"

"No, Mother. It looks fine to me." (Her calling me Mother should have been the first clue!)

"Really? Nothing?"
She looks again.

"Nope, nothing. Nothing wrong here. Nopeity. Nope. Nope." (Okay, she didn't really say it like that~ I'm taking some creative liberties here!)

"Ha! That word is misspelled!!!" (I point to the word on the screen)

"Uh...mom? What do you think it says?" (Warning! Danger ahead!!!!)

"STRENGTH" (clearly misspelled, I think to myself)

"Mom, that word says STRETCH."

*Blink*

*Blink*

"Oh."

So...I am wondering if Keely will make me a cool word strip? But first I have to change my word of the year from CONNECT to

I*D*I*E*T

(What do you mean I misspelled it?)

(And my brain still tries to read that word as Strength!!! Maybe I need vision therapy?)

Places I Should Avoid

2011-01-27T08:00:00.001-07:00

I had to run a few errands last week.

Had to get a birthday present for my nephew.
He loves dinosaurs, so I found this cute little Triceratops at Toys R Us.

I may have spent a little too much time looking at toys there. But I exercised amazing restraint and only purchased what I went for.

I also wanted to get a dinosaur book...so of course I had to to go Barnes and Noble.

I already know that I should avoid book stores!

Found the perfect book...I might go back and get myself a Triceratops! I think he is so dang cute!

I was doing fine in the bookstore...I looked at a few books but then put them down and headed for the children's section.

That's when things got a little dicey!

I love children's books!!!

First book that caught my eye was "The Kissing Hand" by Audrey Wright Penn. I have these on my list to purchase~ but not right now. I contemplated...picked it up and looked at it...set it back down...walked away.

Came back...thought about it some more.

Nope! Not today!

Then I found the paperback section.
Oh my!

This is the alternate dinosaur book I had picked out.

I guess I accidentally forgot to put it back!

Then there was this little book. I used to sing this song to Shane when he was little.

"I Love You a Bushel and a Peck" from the musical "Guys and Dolls".

I didn't know it had been made into a children's book~ so of course I had to buy it!

Shane is still young enough that he'll let me read stuff like this to him.

He did roll his eyes at first~ but then he got right down on the floor with me as I read to him.

Fun memory for us!

(He was my fussiest baby, so I sang to him A LOT!)

This book also caught my eye.

I read it last night. To myself!

It's really a cute little story.

Maybe I can get Shane to read it with me.

I have boxes and boxes and boxes of books sitting in my garage, waiting to be unpacked.

I love books!!!

Maybe I should just stick with the library from now on?

Chocolate Chip Cookie...Cupcakes!

2011-01-24T14:16:00.000-07:00

I made these cupcakes last week.

I saw the recipe a while back at Kevin and Amanda and knew I wanted to try them!

Here's the recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cupcakes

The recipe is pretty easy.

Most of my cupcakes turned out pretty good:

But a few turned out like this:

I'm not an accomplished enough baker to know why. Altitude perhaps?

No worries, I had plenty that did turn out!

And...just like my last cupcake experiment~ I had lots of cake batter left over. Really...lots!

(I have a few pictures that look like a freaky alien face~ I left those out!)

I found a few of these...frosting caps?

My family obviously does not like frosting.

Poor topless cupcakes!

The cupcakes tasted really good. Be warned~ they are pretty rich!

I made them for an object lesson for our Family Home Evening last week.

(Feasting on the Scriptures/Hidden Treasures)

Here's what we liked even better than the cupcakes...

The leftover cookie dough! The recipe contains no eggs, so it is safe to eat.

I kept some in the fridge and I froze some. I really liked the frozen ones!

I have another recipe for "raw" cookie dough that I am going to try this week.

I'll let you know how they turn out & which recipe we like best.

(P.S. Two basketball games down with no embarrassing incidents! Things are looking up!)

Making a Good First Impression

2011-01-13T08:00:00.002-07:00

No pictures for this one.
You can thank me later.
You will thank me...And uh, proceed at your own risk!

Shane had his first basketball game last week.
There I was, sitting on the bleachers, minding my own business when I noticed a cute, little, dark-haired girl, maybe about 4 years old, staring at me. She watched me for a minute, I smiled, she wandered off.

Pretty soon, she was back. She sat down by her mom in front of me. Next thing I know, she has turned around and slid really close to me. She leans in and in a whispery voice asks me...

"Do you have a baby growing in your tummy?" (Gulp, really? I look pregnant to this little girl? What the heck???)

*I make a mental note to add a ~~girdle~~ body shaper to my shopping list.

Swallowing hard, I hesitantly answer;

"No".

Then, she reaches up, touches my...um..."chest" and quickly quips back;

"Then why are your boobs so big?"

I'll wait until you finish laughing.

Good news, I guess I don't look pregnant...?

And now I know what kind of first impression I make on people. I mean, 4 year olds pretty much call it like it is, right?

The little cutie's brother is on Shane's team.
You'll understand what I mean when I say I am not looking forward to attending Shane's games for the next 8 weeks.
I'm just thankful no one else overheard our conversation.
I think I am scarred for life!

By the way~ my answer was;

"I don't know".

I thought it was a pretty good comeback!
This week, I think I'll just send Rick to the game...I'll be busy trying to find a plastic surgeon.

Christmas 2010~ Favorite Things

2011-01-09T15:45:00.000-07:00

Some of my favorite things!

This candle: Holiday Wreath by Gold Canyon Candles

I've made the switch to "Scentsy"~ but I'm so happy that this candle comes in the wax tarts form too!

This song: It's Willie Nelson (don't be hatin'). I hadn't heard this song in years~ but I really like it!

The Jackson Family Christmas Party on Christmas Eve (whew, that was a mouthful). Favorite moment was going to the cemetery to light luminaries for Amy & Nathan. 13 years ago, Amy was pregnant with a sweet little baby boy. Sadly, he died 2 months before he was born. His birthday is December 23rd. Every Christmas Eve, Amy & her family did luminaries at Nathan's grave. Our family usually participated as well.
We lived in AZ for a few years~ so this year was our first Christmas being able to go to the cemetery since we moved back. I was amazed at how lit up the cemetery was. 13 years ago~ there were maybe 1 or 2 other people who did this, but in true Amy fashion, she told a few people who told a few people and the tradition has grown. Amy and Nathan are buried by each other~ we lit luminaries and sang "Silent Night".

Other favorite moment...my brother-in-law taking a bit of something that didn't taste so great! The look on his face was priceless & Emily and I got a kick out of watching him try to spit it in the trash without anyone noticing (especially the person who brought it!)

Christmas morning: Stockings are always the first thing the kids want to do.

This may be because Santa always hides one gift for each of the kids. They have to go on a Treasure Hunt to find their gift. Santa leaves the first clue in their stocking. This is a tradition from Rick's family~his mom always did this for the kids when they were growing up.

Our kids love it too!

Sometimes, the clues are really difficult. The kids have been known to cry in frustration when we won't help them figure out the clues! :) They got off pretty easy this year! I think this is probably one of their favorite traditions.

Christmas morning breakfast:
I always make this casserole, Frying Pan Omelet. I've tried a few other things over the years, but this has become the traditional favorite. I like it because I can make it the night before & then just pop it in the oven to bake while the kids are opening presents. The picture is hideous, I know. The green stuff is a hot pad that the pan is sitting on.

Frying Pan Omelet

1-16 oz package frozen hash browns (I prefer the shredded kind for this recipe)

1 onion-diced

1 lb bacon, sausage or ham (I do 1/2 bacon and 1/2 sausage) chopped

6 eggs, beaten

grated cheese

Cut meat. Brown, drain and set aside. Brown the potatoes and onion in grease. ( I skip this step & brown the onion w/ the bacon once the bacon is almost done cooking). Press potatoes in to a 9x13 pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Pour beaten eggs over potatoes, sprinkle with meat and top with cheese.

Refrigerate overnight. Bake @ 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes or until eggs are set.

I also make these: Shortcut Cinnamon Rolls

Christmas afternoon at my mom & dad's house. I got sick a couple of days before Christmas, so I was a little behind. We didn't get to bed until after 2:30 on Christmas Eve and the kids had us up at 5:00. Two hours of sleep didn't quite cut it for me~ so I pretty much don't remember much about being at my moms! I was just trying to stay awake!!! We always have lunch there, and exchange presents. Mom made my favorite clam dip...which I only ate a little bit of (was still on the BRAT diet for the most part).

Most the pictures I took at mom & dad's didn't turn out so great. Although I do have a great one of my brother playing air guitar. He's 40. Air guitar. 40. It cracked me up!

Only 356 more days until Christmas 2011. Maybe if I start now I won't be so behind??? (Yeah, yeah~ I say that every year)!

Happy 2011!

Merry Christmas~ 2010

2010-12-24T08:00:00.003-07:00

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be be taxed.

(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Believe

Remember

Worship

Rejoice

Merry Christmas

Christmas Past

2010-12-22T00:50:00.000-07:00

These are some old Polaroids I have.

Christmas 1969.

I would have been just about a month and a half shy of turning 4.

I was looking through these a while back when I was working on another post

(that I never got finished, but I will!)

I was so excited to see this doll! She was my favorite doll...and I never knew that I had pictures of her!

She was very well loved. I don't know what happened to her. I do know that a couple of the neighbor girls floated her down the ditch once...but she was rescued. I'm sure I just outgrew her, and didn't know my adult self would wish I had her back!

I loved the stroller/buggy too. Had it for a good many years as well. I think toys were a little sturdier back in the day.

Loved my kitchen set too. I think I must have gotten different pieces to it for a couple of years. I'll have to ask my mom. This is the stove. It was made out of metal. It probably came from Sears. I also had a sink set that really worked! It was awesome. And I had a cupboard that my Grandpa built for me (still have it, though it needs to be refinished).

It's fun to look at these pictures and remember playing with so many of my favorite toys.

This one is pretty washed out. But I loved this Mrs. Beasley doll! She had a pull string in her back & when I pulled the string she would say a different phrase. Wish I still had her too!

I must have been a very good girl in 1969! I got a lot of cool stuff that I had for a long, long time! I was also the only child at this point...so I think I might have been a little spoiled.

We often had a flocked tree. I don't remember ever going to get the tree, but I do remember watching my dad flock the tree one year. I was a little older than this, but I remember sitting in the basement watching him turn the green tree into a beautiful white one! I loved flocked trees. I don't remember much about decorating our trees when I was a kid. I do remember a few ornaments. And I do remember that we never did the decorating until around the 15th, which seemed like forever to me! I also remember my mom had these big plaster picture/plaque things. There were 3 of them, each one was one of the Wise Men. She always hung them up in the hallway. They were some of my favorites when I was a kid.

After my grandpa passed away, my grandma would sometimes spend Christmas Eve at our house. We would always have tacos for dinner. We also used to drive around and look at the Christmas lights. Then, when we got home, we always would listen to Christmas music. My favorite was our Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer record. My brothers and I also each had a candle to burn. They were always those small, cheapo candles, that burned really fast. They are hard to find now~ Santa's, Snowmen, Christmas Trees...the idea was, once our candles were burned out, we had to go to bed.

Santa never wrapped the gifts he brought to us. I used to love to sneak out to the front room, as we called it, and try and get a peak at all the fun stuff he had left under the tree. One year, Grandma was sleeping over and she was in my room & my brothers and I were all in their bedroom. I would have been 10 or older probably. Slowly, stealthily, I crept to the bedroom door, then I got down on my stomach and painstakingly began inching my way ever so slowly past my bedroom door, past my sleeping Grandma. I was almost past the doorway when suddenly Grandma said in a clear voice; "Valerie! Get back in bed!" Try as I might, I could never get past her!

Was I stinkin' cute, or what?

This was probably my Christmas dress~ made by my Grandma. And my hair is in ringlets. Man, those were painful! My mom could roll those curlers so dang tight! And if I didn't hold still, I might get smacked with the comb! OUCH!

Merry Christmas

May your heart and home be filled with warm, wonderful memories of Christmas

Fa La La Finally

2010-12-17T22:42:00.002-07:00

Finally got the tree decorated earlier this week. It looks a little sparse~ I'm thinking I need to get more ornaments. They are glass & a few have been broken over the years. Hopefully I can find gold/ivory/blue on clearance after the Holidays.

I have 3 different sets of ornaments that we rotate each year. This is actually my kids favorite tree.

I had this whole vision in my head of what I was going to do with the mantle this year. I lugged a big, heavy mirror in from the garage and cleaned it up. I was going to put it above the mantle...did I mention it was heavy? Anyways~ the mirror belonged to my grandma. It hung in her living room for as long as I can remember. It has some funky hanging hardware on the back and some pieces are missing & I couldn't just lean it against the wall as I had planned. So..had to scrap that idea for now.

This is my Nativity. I love it~ it's one of my favorite Christmas decor pieces.

And these two little guys seem to be Shane's favorites this year. We've had them for a while~ but I haven't gotten them out for a couple of years. I decided they would look cute tucked in the corner of the stair landing. When you press their hands, they bob their heads and croak a Christmas song or two. Once or twice is enough~ I'm just sayin'!

And remember last year? Me scrambling at the last minute to get things done? STRESS? Everyone getting sick? Well...REPEAT!!! My stress level just went through the ceiling today. Here's hoping I don't get sick too...(crossing all my fingers and toes)! Well...the puking child is calling for me again. (You're welcome). And on that note~ Hope everyone has a great weekend!

*Update: Kitchen is sparkling clean and the rest of the house is reasonably so. Puker seems to have settled down for now, although not before puking in all 3 bathrooms. I love disinfecting wipes!!! They really help me keep my sanity (what little of it there is). The house is quiet and snow is softly falling outside. I've made my "to-do" list for tomorrow...and hoping that the hubby is feeling better so we can brave the crowds and finish up the shopping. I've one more bathroom to wipe up... and I have to change the bandage on the thumb that I sliced open with the cheese slicer earlier today (and it HURT) then I'm headed off to bed.
This Christmas song is currently playing in my head:

Still, still, still,

One can hear the falling snow.

For all is hushed,

The world is sleeping,

Holy Star its vigil keeping.

Still, still, still,

One can hear the falling snow.

Sleep, sleep, sleep,

'Tis the eve of our Saviour's birth.

The night is peaceful all around you,

Close your eyes,

Let sleep surround you.

Sleep, sleep, sleep,

'Tis the eve of our Saviour's birth.

Dream, dream, dream,

Of the joyous day to come.

While guardian angels without number,

Watch you as you sweetly slumber.

Dream, dream, dream,

Of the joyous day to come.

Cookie Exchange

2010-12-10T11:17:00.000-07:00

Are you all ready for Christmas?

I'm not...haven't even started yet! WHAT??? I know, I know.

Haven't even gotten the tree decorated yet! It is up~ and has lights, but that is as far as we've gotten.

I am trying really hard to not be stressed out about all the "stuff". And just taking things one day at a time.

Hopefully all the Merry Decor will be festively flung this weekend.

Last night, we had our neighborhood Cookie Exchange. Thanks to my brave neighbor, Heidi~ who hosts this every year.

Since I have lots of chocolate left-overs from the wedding, I decided to make something that would use some of that: Oreo Truffles.

I use Bakerella's recipe. You can find it here: Bakerella's Oreo Truffles
They turned out pretty well. They were ugly (I'm still working on my rolling and dipping technique) but they were good! Everyone was impressed. I was less than happy with the chocolate, though. It has good flavor~ but wasn't quite the same as the molding/dipping chocolate I usually use. It didn't set up very quickly, and it has a thinner consistency than the other stuff. And I still have a whole lot of chocolate left. Maybe I'll melt it down and pour it into my candy molds~ then it will be easier to eat!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful December.

Merry Christmas from our family to yours.

Thanksgiving Bloopers

2010-11-30T15:01:00.002-07:00

Things were going well enough until:

Oh yes, I did! And trust me, it's not that easy to do, either! I had 10 or so of these banners I was making. Obviously they weren't as easy to throw together as I had anticipated.

And then there was this:

What is it? Well, a perfectly set, Jell-O Salad. Why would I consider this a "blooper"?

Well, Jell-O and I do not get along. (click the link to read more) I think this is the first Jell-O I have ever made that actually turned out. And, it was good! Trust me, I'd already started writing the blog post about the failed Jell-O attempt. That's how confident I was that it wouldn't turn out! It's Jell-O, people! With stuff in it! These kinds of recipes never work out for me...and I mean Never. So, I'm sure it was a lucky fluke for me.

And, I have to admit that even though I was proud of myself...part of me was secretly disappointed because the epic failure was going to make such a great blog post!

Plus, now what am I supposed to do? Can I still call myself a Jell-O making failure?

Find the recipe here:

Cranberry Salad

Part of a Virtual Progressive Thanksgiving Dinner

Oh, and P.S. I forgot to add..."I got the laryngitis"! What is it with me and being sick for the Holidays? This means we won't be sick for Christmas, though. Right? Right???

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T08:00:00.002-07:00

"Thou hast given so much to me,

Give one thing more, - a grateful heart;

Not thankful when it pleaseth me,

As if Thy blessings had spare days,

But such a heart whose pulse may be Thy praise".

~George Herbert

Preference 2010

2010-11-24T08:00:00.001-07:00

Candy Corn Cupcakes~Recipe Review

2010-11-22T08:00:00.002-07:00

A couple of months ago, I saw a recipe for Candy Corn Twist Cupcakes in LHJ. I thought they looked pretty cool...but perhaps a little above my skill level!

Later, I was looking online for the recipe, and found these Candy Corn Cupcakes at Our Best Bites. On the same post, there is also a great video tutorial on frosting cupcakes! Bonus!!!

This was my first attempt at piping the frosting on, and I think they look fabulous! But we'll talk more about the frosting in a minute...

First, let's talk about the cake. I used the doctored up cake-mix recipe that is posted on the blog. I used vanilla instead of almond flavoring, because that was all I had.

I also couldn't find the right food coloring colors. Who knew every single store in UT County would be out of yellow and orange? You'd think it was Halloween, or something! I ended up getting colors that were close...Buttercup Yellow and Copper.

This is the batter after I have divided it and added the food coloring. At this point I am getting a little worried. The batter is pretty thick. Mine actually was kind of a yucky, pasty consistency. And I had quite a bit more batter than the recipe said I would end up with...
And Buttercup Yellow and Copper turned out looking a lot like Fry Sauce and Mustard! I figured if the cupcakes didn't turn out as Candy Corns, maybe I could do some sort of Condiment Cupcake. :) I'm sure that would be a big hit!

Okay, so I have more batter than I was expecting, and it has an odd consistency and a slightly unappetizing color. No matter, I just forged on ahead! The next issue I ran in to was when I put the batter in the cupcake liners and then tapped (pounded?) the cupcake pan on the counter to spread the batter. The batter just sat there in a glob. I had to wet the tip of my finger and spread it out to the sides. The good news is, they did bake up rather nicely. I easily got 24 cupcakes and still had enough batter to make maybe 3-4 more cupcakes. What I was short on, was patience, so the rest of the batter went down the sink. Next time, I think I'll use just a tiny bit more batter for each cupcake.

The cupcakes looked pretty~ and despite the coloring flaw, they did look like candy corns. But I did not like the cake itself. The cupcakes were very dry and lacked flavor. Pretty much like eating a dry sponge. Now, I will try this recipe again~ because it does get rave reviews. I'm not sure what went wrong, so hopefully it was just a one time thing.

But now...let's talk about the frosting, shall we?
First, let's get the failure out of the way!
I used the Perfect Cupcake Frosting and Filling that was recommended in the recipe. I read through the recipe very carefully, and paid close attention to all the pictures. I also read the comments so I could get a good feel for the recipe, as I have never made a cooked frosting before. (But there are recipes similar to this one pretty much everywhere right now, so I wanted to give it a try).

One hint I read was to make sure you cook the frosting long enough. Some people were having less than desirable results by not cooking the flour and milk to the proper stage/consistency.
I am happy to report I did not have this problem.

Just the opposite, in fact! I cooked mine a little too long. Just know that when the flour/milk mixture starts to thicken, it gets real thick, real fast! So I am including some helpful photos of what the frosting should NOT look like at this stage! Consistency of mashed potatoes=bad. Okay? Okay.

See, I can't even get it to go through my mesh strainer! Fail!!! Dump it down the sink, run to the computer, look up Tasty Kitchen where you know you've seen a similar recipe...and attempt that one instead!
I used the "That's the Best Frosting I've Ever Had" recipe, which is similar to the first one, but without the whole pesky straining it through a strainer step. I also read Ree's Tutorial; "That's Still the Best Frosting I've Ever Had"! Just to make sure I had all my bases covered.

A couple tips: Don't overcook (already covered that one!)
The recipe states that the sugar and butter should be beaten/whipped whatever until it is no longer grainy. Well...I beat mine for about 12 minutes and it still had a slightly grainy texture. But once I added the flour/milk mixture and beat it all together, it was just fine. Actually, more than fine...absolutely heavenly.
And then...there's the whole cooling the milk/flour. I used the cooling method from the first recipe, because it seemed easier. DO NOT put this in the fridge to cool!!! Because if you do, you will have a nice, thick skin that will form on the top...which you will notice at exactly the same time that you stir it up a bit. It will be all lumpy and yucky. Then you will want to cry a little, because you don't want to have to start over AGAIN!!!
Do cool it in the ice water in the sink. (Don't worry, those pesky little lumps beat right out when I combined all the ingredients). Just remember...whip the heck out of it and all will be right with the world. This really is a fabulous frosting! I like frosting, the rest of my family merely tolerate it. Can you believe no one ate any of the cupcakes? They wouldn't even try the frosting!!! Don't worry, I'll keep making it~ they're bound to try it eventually! Meantime...all the more frosting for me!!!!

The Verdict:

Rainbow Method: Very easy to do, with a high "wow" factor. Win/Win!

Cake: Bleh. Dry and flavorless. I will try it again though.

Frosting: To. Die For! I might have licked the spoon, and the whisk...and the bowl. Who am I kidding? I ate 2 spoonfuls of frosting when no one was looking!

Halloween, Part II...Finally

2010-11-19T19:14:00.001-07:00

Let's get this wrapped up, shall we?

Friday night was "Party Central". Spencer went to a party at a friend's house. He was a punk rocker, complete with tattoo sleeves, piercings, and guy liner. And an angry face!

Em and her friends had a party here at our house. They dressed up as "Peace", "Love", and "Happiness". They had fun making their costumes, and I thought it was a pretty creative idea.

Shane as a Dark Ninja. A wet, Dark Ninja! It was so rainy and cold, and he was not too thrilled with the idea of going out Trick-or-Treating.

Shane with the rest of the neighborhood boys. Aka, the "Boo Crew".

On Sunday, we had a family dinner and I made Mummy Meatloaf...this was kind of a pain in the butt to make! The meatloaf part was easy, but it took me much longer than I had anticipated to cover the face with noodles! The picture looks a lot better than it did in real life!

And Mashed Potato Ghosts...Let me just say, I love potatoes. They are my ultimate comfort food! I have been wanting to try Pioneer Woman's Delicious, Creamy Mashed Potatoes and decided this was the perfect time. I loved these potatoes! So yummy...I was hoping my family would gush over them too...but I guess no one else loves potatoes as much as I do! They said they were "good" and "fine", and "okay". I was hoping for more along the lines of "out of this world!" or "Please, never make any potatoes but these!" I guess I'll settle for "good". I'm not too sure my family is very impressed with all my culinary experimenting.

I just threw the potatoes in a disposable Wilton piping bag, snipped off the end and made round, ghostly mounds of potatoes. I piped them on a cookie sheet and then popped them in the oven for a few minutes to warm them up just before serving. Have I mentioned how yummy they were? I've yet to meet a PW recipe that hasn't been super yummy! I wonder if her family thinks her cooking is "good"? :)

And for dessert, there were these: Candy Corn Cupcakes. These are my first attempt (well, at least for a very long time) at making and decorating cupcakes. So I am ecstatic that they turned out as nice as they did! They are gonna have their very own post!

Random Whining Ranting

2010-11-12T22:49:00.000-07:00

It's been quite a week~ Oh boy! Has it been quite a week!!!

First. I hate the time change. Hate it. Spring, Fall, doesn't matter...I hate it. Really throws off my groove, or my chi, or whatever! I hate it even more after living in Arizona for 4 years~ they have no such barbaric practices there. It was lovely!!! Really, why must we do this???

In the last week...

My husband has switched jobs.
He is temporarily working from home. He is on the computer. A lot. Get my drift???
He's much happier now, so that is a good thing! But he's gone a lot more right now (except for the whole at home/on my the computer thing).

Our ward was split. We are still teaching Primary~ yay!!! I've really been enjoying Primary. I team teach with Rick...even better!

Rick's younger sister and her son were in a terrible car accident. Thankfully, they are both okay.
He had minor injuries, but she got broken up pretty badly. She'll be recovering for a while. She's pretty darn lucky! (I know she's not feeling too lucky right now, her injuries are catastrophic, but could have been so much worse). She broke her pelvis/hip/sacrum area in several places. OUCH!!! The doctors are optimistic that she will make a full recovery~ it will just take time.

My Emily has had a rough few days. She had a trip to the ER for chest/arm pain. She's also seen a chiropractor, a massage therapist and our regular family doctor this week. (The chest/arm pain has just gotten worse since Monday. Her heart is okay~ it looks like it is probably muscle related). She is just in a lot of pain right now, kind of inconclusive as to why. Hopefully the current treatment will help everything settle down. And unrelated to all that...She will be going for a follow up visit to her cardiologist on Monday. She has an irregular heart beat (arrhythmia) and low blood pressure. She's had this since she was 13~ but it has gotten worse. She had to wear a heart monitor for 2 weeks & we'll be doing the follow up for that. Hopefully with some treatment options to get her feeling better. (That's why she had to be evaluated in the ER earlier this week, just to rule out that her heart was not causing the pain).

My house is in utter chaos...I don't function well when my environment is out of control! :)
Let me tell ya, I am beyond ornery and I have been so stressed the past few days...I had a complete emotional breakdown because I had to buy a new cell phone! I was crying about a cell phone, for Pete's Sake!!! It was just one more thing that I did not want to have to deal with, ya know??? I'm fine now. And I did get a new phone. :)

I still have a Halloween post or two to do. I realize that it's way past Halloween right now, but I'm finishing them up anyway! Hopefully this weekend some time.

And on a little more serious note: Thanks for all the kind comments on my last post about my sister-in-law, Amy. I was trying to thank everyone "personally", but got a little waylaid with all the dramatics of the week. So please know that I appreciate each of you for your kindness.

Next week is bound to be better, right? Hey~ at least there's not another time change for another 6 months or so! I should be fully recovered by then.

Right now I think I am going to go relax in a nice warm tub and then go to bed. 'Cause I think I need a time out. I am a little irritable. (Might be a gross understatement). Oh...someone beat me to it. There goes all the hot water.... :)

Whining Over

Dear Amy

2010-11-03T13:53:00.001-06:00

Gosh, I sure miss ya! Today is 4 months that you have been gone. Sometimes it seems like it was just yesterday that you were here, and other times it seems like forever that you've been gone.

It's been more difficult than I thought it would be. Not that I thought it would be an easy-peasy walk in the park…I guess I just thought that I knew enough about death and loss and grief that I had this one under control…I. Was. Wrong.

Hope you know how much you are loved. And I hope you know how much your life has touched all of ours.

You have had a huge impact on my kids. Curtis was very touched when you read "The Kissing Hand" to us and then shared your testimony and then, even though it took every bit of effort you had, you walked around the room and kissed each one of us on the palm of the hand. It helped strengthen his testimony and gave him the spiritual strength he needed to make changes in his life. Do you know he went through the Temple? Do you know he's married now, to a wonderful girl. I think you would like her.

Em is having a hard time. She misses you a lot. You were like a sister/mom to her. You've always encouraged her to be her best self, and to develop her talents. I know her life is better because of the relationship she had with you.

Spencer and Shane miss you too! You were always the fun, cool Aunt! You had them over for a few days during Spring Break~ just before we found out that you had cancer. You were pretty much on bed rest, but you had a houseful of kids anyway!

I remember Spring Break so well…you had been having that lower back pain for a while, and the day we dropped the boys off, I felt very strongly that I needed to pitch in and help you out, with meals, housework whatever. I just didn't know at the time what that really meant. You asked me if I thought you should go see a doctor. You had been being treated by a chiropractor~ but I agreed that maybe you should see what the doctor had to say, since you really weren't getting better. You got a diagnosis, some medication, and for a few days it seemed like you were on the mend…then things just got worse. Cancer. No known cure. Terminal. It was a rough couple of months~ but you met the challenge with dignity and grace. I'm proud of you~

I'm sorry that I got so sick. I was sick most of the time that you were, and I was unable to help out like I wanted to. I had to be happy with phone calls and texts, and the occasional visit once I started feeling a bit better and could find someone to drive me over to see you. One of my favorite visits was when you were in the hospital after you broke your hip. We didn't talk much~ but I sat by your bedside and held your hand. No words needed. Once I finally was better enough to spend some time with you~ it was evident that you were getting near the end of your journey here on earth. You lived just a few more days. We never got to have that chat that we wanted. I'm sorry Amy, that I let you down. I'm sorry I couldn't be there and be more help to you and your family. I'm sorry that I got sick, and I'm sorry that by the time I was getting better, you were fading away.

We got to talk a bit in those last few days~ moments when you were lucid, but they were few and far between.

I'm sorry I never got the letter written that I wanted to give you. I'm sorry that some of the things you wanted to do for the kids didn't get done. I know you were upset about that. I wish I could have helped more. And I'm sorry that the things we did talk about, I have been unable to follow through with. Though part of me realizes the things you asked of me are things I have no control over, another part of me feels like I'm letting you down again. And I am sorry. I wish I knew how to change things~

And I'm sorry I never got this letter written while you were still here. I doubt that you are reading my blog :) but I'm sure you still know the feelings of my heart. So I guess this letter is just cheap therapy!

We've been through a lot together…our family moving to Arizona~ remember how devastating that was for both of us? Last night I found the note you had written and given to me before we left. I cried when I read it~ but it was perfect timing to find it last night. It was in the box with the "Sisters by Heart" Willow Tree figurines that you gave me before I moved away. I loved them then and love them even more now.

Nathan's death (Amy's baby that died before he was born). We went to the Christmas Box Candle Light Vigil the following year, froze our butts off, but had a wonderful time together. Always wanted to go again~ but never did. But every year, on Nathan's birthday, I would call you, or send you a little something…We had a special bond that way.

Curtis' car accident. You and Gary were among the first at the hospital. You were there for him when we couldn't be. You guys paid for our family to fly from AZ to UT. And every year since his accident you have called me on his "anniversary date". You were one of the few that remembered and understood the significance of that day. I missed your call this year.

Taking care of Rick's grandma together. We had some fun times! Talking late in to the night…until Grandma would get mad and tell us to go to sleep! :) Looking at pictures, sitting out in the car in the driveway talking. Struggling to get Grandma up or down the wheelchair ramp at the doctor's office. (Glad she had a sense of humor and laughed right along with us). And occasionally sneaking away to grab some lunch. Cheese crisps at Mi Rancherito, or burgers and onion rings at Polar Queen...

And now this. Sometimes it feels like I don’t know what to do without you.

Amy, I don't have any sisters of my own, so even though we are sisters-in-law, you have been my sister and my friend. I know we didn't always get along~ I know I could irritate you & you could irritate me. We sometimes didn't see eye to eye about things, even had a time or two when we had a few "words". But despite all that, I've always loved you and appreciated the relationship we had. We've had some great times together over the years. Our families have always been close. I've had a great time the last couple of days reminiscing about some of the fun times we had…family trips to St. George to go to Tuacahn, picnics up the canyon (remember when Rick singed his eyebrows???), movies, barbecues, watching each other's kids. Remember when we all went to AZ together? Taylor was a baby and I was pregnant with Spencer. It was so stinking hot and we wondered how people could stand to live there…And then years later, where did Rick and I end up? Loved when you guys came down for Spring Break and stayed with us for a few days. We had a blast~ the kids loved our pool! Remember when you and Emily got lost and were half way to Tuscon before you called for help? And the summer after Curtis' accident, we met up in St. George for a family vacation for a few days. So many fun times with our families.

Once in a while it would be just you and Gary and Rick and I…going to concerts, spending the weekend in St. George, date nights. And sometimes just you and I… Emails, phone calls, texts, private jokes, sharing recipes, sharing ideas for church callings, and on and on and on.

Thanks for being part of my life. Thanks for loving me despite my flaws. Thanks for being my sister/friend. Thanks for allowing me to share in your life. I am so thankful that Rick and I had moved back to Utah before you got sick. I'm glad we were here, close by. Even though I didn't get to help as much as I wanted~ at least I did get to spend some time with you.

You will always be in my heart…and your kiss is always on the palm of my hand.
Miss you, love you!
~Valerie

My daughter Emily sang at Amy's funeral. Amy always encouraged Emily to share her singing talent~ so singing at the funeral was something Em really wanted to do. She did a great job and chose a beautiful song. The lyrics are below:

Every Breath

Jenny Phillips

His hands are

Catching your tears

And even without any words

He hears

you feel so far

But He's right where you are

And He knows

Every Breath

Every Pain

He knows your heart and

He knows your name

The giver of life

Light in your soul

Oh come home

Come rest

Let Him bless

Your every breath

Silence your voice and be still

And even without any words

You will feel

You think you're far

But He lives in your heart

and He knows

Every Breath

Every Pain

He knows your heart and

He knows your name

The giver of life

Light in your soul

Oh come home

Come rest

Let Him bless

Your every breath

There's nowhere you can go

That He hasn't been below

Every Breath

Every Pain

He knows your heart and

He knows your name

The giver of life

Light in your soul

Oh come home

Come rest

Let Him bless

Your every breath

You can read more about Amy's story here: Kisses For Amy

Halloween Festivities, Part 1

2010-11-02T12:25:00.000-06:00

Started out on Friday morning with the Annual Halloween Parade at the school. I love the Halloween Parade~ there are always some really clever costumes! I used to be clever with the costumes...now, not so much (read: store bought).

Shane was a Red Ninja. The cute little girl in the Dorothy costume (picture below) is one of the girls in my Primary class at church. It was fun to have all the kids that know me call out, "Hi Sister Jackson!" Even kids that aren't in my class were saying hello.

(And I saw my celebrity crush again! His kids go to the same school as Shane. How cool is that???)

There were lots of parents in costume at the parade. I didn't do my hair, and I stuck a hat on my head (like that's gonna help). So I guess my costume was frumpy housewife. I was gonna post a picture...but I'm just not that brave!
After the parade, I rushed home to fix my hair so I could meet a friend for lunch. We've been trying to get together for months...We had a great time. :) We visited for 3 hours!!! Could have gone much longer, but my kids were locked out of the house so I eventually had to go home. Although Shane was resourceful and found a way to get in the house. Little stinker! He pulled the screen off a window, and slid the window open and crawled through.
Hopefully we can get together more often...and next time I'll make sure the kids can get in the house!

In the wee hours of the morning on Saturday, I drove down to meet up with these wonderful friends for our

Second Annual Halloween Breakfast Meet & Eat!

This year, we all wore our Pajamas, and promised to come looking like we had just staggered out of bed. Uh...some of us look much better first thing in the morning than others!

Unbeknownst to us, we had picked a male dominated restaurant.

Felt like we had invaded a "Gentlemen Only Club"

(by Gentlemen I mean truck drivers, construction workers, hunters and farmers, not that they aren't gentlemen, I just don't want you to have the vision of us surrounded by men sitting around in lounging jackets and smoking pipes! There was a lot of plaid flannel, maybe a rifle and a pitchfork or two.)

Oh well, we had fun anyway!

Emma & Darla

Lynette, Connie and a Pink Marshmallow Peep (me).

Make sure you read Connie's funny, witty write up: Invasion.

I think she already has her eye on a spot for next year!

Pumpkin Spice Cake

2010-10-28T11:09:00.000-06:00

I was trying to be creative with the photography...which led to Emily mocking me!

I'm unappreciated in my family, I tell ya! They did like the cake though~ that's the perk for them when I blog!

Pumpkin Spice Cake

Spice Cake Mix (dry)

1 3/4 cup pumpkin (1-15 oz can)

1 small vanilla instant pudding (dry)

1/2 cup oil

3 eggs

1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

Mix together well. Pour into a greased, 9x13 cake pan. (Batter will be thick). Bake as directed on cake mix box. Cool completely, frost with cream cheese frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting

1-8 oz pkg. cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup butter (one stick)

1 tsp. vanilla

1 lb. powdered sugar

Combine ingredients and frost cooled cake.

*My notes:

My family aren't real frosting lovers, so I used just slightly more than 1/2 of the frosting.

The rest of it I'll probably just eat with a spoon! :)

Blog Hop

2010-10-18T11:37:00.001-06:00

I'm linking up with Beyer Beware for a little Blog Hoppin'.
With my recipe for Kalua Pig.

Halloween Banner

2010-10-15T12:58:00.001-06:00

I've been a little challenged with the Halloween/Fall decor this year. I got my wreath up...and a few pumpkins scattered around...but that's all I got!!! Obviously, I've been focused on other things (like a wedding:). Now it's time to step up my game, since there are only a couple of weeks left until Halloween.

I found this super cute Happy Halloween Banner that Julie @ Leelou Blogs made. Print, Cut, Create~ what could be easier? AND...It's FREE!!! Even. Better.

Thanks Julie.

Happy Decorating

Wedding Day

2010-10-10T20:40:00.001-06:00

A few pics from the wedding. It was a beautiful day!

Curtis and Shae

October 8th, 2010

Manti Utah Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Shae's Family

The siblings

Shae & her dad

(Later, she danced with her dad to the song, "Stealing Cinderella", by Chuck Wicks)

First dance: "When You Love a Woman" by Journey

No commentary from me. Everything I wrote just couldn't express the joy of the day. I think the pictures speak for themselves.

And...The Answer Is?

2010-10-08T09:10:00.004-06:00

Does this help clarify?

Of course! He was hiding "gold" for his action figures to find! What's a knight if he doesn't have some hidden treasure to look for? Shane would hide the gold and the action figures (there may have been some combat dudes, a cowboy and a Rescue Hero or two in on the hunt as well, although there was no sign of Spiderman.) would have to find them.

Now I know why I keep finding gold wrapped bouillon cubes scattered all over the house!

That kid has one great imagination!

Have You Any Idea?

2010-10-07T09:10:00.000-06:00

Have you any idea what a 9 year old boy might be doing with these?

That's right. Chicken. Bouillon. I found a stash of it in his room.

Hmmm....what IS this kid up to?

The answer will be posted tomorrow.

16!

2010-09-30T08:00:00.001-06:00

Spencer turned 16 last week. Sorry, no pictures for this post. He is in a bit of a "teenage angst" phase right now. :)
He is looking forward to driving, and dating.
Some of his favorite things are:
Basketball, CBC, the color blue, the Utah Jazz, hanging out with his "posse", playing video games, ice cream, Pepsi, CTR rings and girls.
He also has a great sense of humor and is really funny. (When he is not in the teenage angst phase). He's a great kid & we are so thankful he's part of our family. (Except for when he is the the teenage angst phase...just kidding!).

Happy 16th Birthday, Kiddo!

Summer Wrap Up 2010

2010-09-27T21:49:00.000-06:00

I'm a little behind with blogging...can you get behind with blogging???

Here are a few pics from our summer vacay. Just Rick and me and the 2 younger boys.
Originally, we were headed down to Boulder Mountain, near Capitol Reef NP, but a last minute change of plans landed us at Strawberry Reservoir instead.

We camped, we fished, we relaxed and just had a great time!

Shane, with one of his magnificent catches of the week. We actually ate fish for dinner a couple of nights!

Spencer and Shane learning the art of Dutch Oven Cooking.

Our campsite. Thank goodness for self contained trailers!
The boys would get up early every morning and head out for some fishing. I would stay behind and sleep in!!! I also spent a lot of time reading. Yay! Finally read the last book in the Percy Jackson series (by Rick Riordan) and the last book in the Twilight Series. Liked them both.

Beautiful scenery at one of the fishing spots. The weather was a bit on the cool side, so we had a lot of success with the fishing. I even caught 3 myself.

Most of the week was stormy. The first night, the whole sky looked like it was on fire. It was beautiful!
We also spent one night sitting out by the water until it was dark, then we spent a while star gazing and picking out different constellations. It was just as the meteor shower was starting, so we saw a few shooting stars as well as the beautiful Milky Way.

Obviously, Fall is in full swing now, but in August there were just little hints of the beauty to come.

Because of the rain, we ended up packing it in a couple of days early. We came home, locked the doors, unplugged the phones & pretended that we were still on vacation.
Emily joined us & we spent a few more days playing lots of games and just having fun!
A few favorite games from this summer were: Egyptian Ratscrew (Spencer learned this on his Scout trip the week before), Hand & Foot, Hit the Deck & Monopoly Deal (this was probably the favorite, and everyone likes it even better than regular Monopoly).

Farewell, Summer of 2010.

My Current Cooking Quest

2010-09-09T23:41:00.000-06:00

I am currently on a quest to find my favorite dinner rolls recipe.

These are not them (those?).

These are, however, my favorite "in-a-pinch-forgot-to-make-rolls-and-dinner-is-in-an-hour" rolls.

Which is pretty much all the time (that I forget to start the rolls).

I'm sending you here to find the recipe:

KitchenAid 60 Minute Dinner Rolls

These rolls are pretty darn good. My family likes them, and they are easy to throw together.

My favorite shape for rolls right now is the Rosette (pictured above).

You can find out how to make them here:

Rosette Dinner Rolls

And while you are at it, go ahead and check out this roll recipe, which is my current favorite:

Redhead Recipes Dinner Rolls

I have a few other recipes to try, and I will also be revisting the famed Lion House Rolls recipe. When I made them, they were kinda "blah", so I do need to give them another go around!

Since I seem to be in a linky mood tonight

(Not to be confused with loopy)

Here is a link to some other fun ways to shape rolls.

Lion House Bakery~Blog

Do you have a favorite roll recipe you want to share?

The Hurrier I Go...

2010-09-03T11:56:00.000-06:00

"The hurrier I go, the behinder I get" ~The White Rabbit

If this statement is true, and I submit that it is, then wouldn't it stand to reason that I can get ahead of the game by taking a nap? Just sayin'.

Remember that sour-faced little guy in the back to school post? Things aren't getting much better. It's been a rough transition back to school this year. Ugh! Who knew I would need a degree in Elementary Education just to help with 4th grade math homework? Oh the crying, the throwing of pencils, the crumpling of paper…(and that's just me!) Math is Not. My. Thing. Needless to say, tensions have been running high around here. Bleh! (Please let things calm down soon…please let things calm down soon…)

I have to admit, I'm not my best self right now, either.

I am currently in a "sick and tired" phase…I think it's been going on for a while!

If you are one of those people who has never had ~~a psychotic break with reality~~ one of those "days" (and "days" so does not cover it...) Well, good. You have my deepest respect and admiration.
But if you, like me, are more inclined to wonder on a daily basis:
why boys have to spray the entire bathroom every time they pee and
why can't the dishes/laundry/cleaning/ stay done for more than 5 minutes and
can't someone else figure out what's for dinner and yes you have to do homework and chores and can someone please just once load the dishwasher and take out the garbage without acting like I've asked you to sever a body part and

does no one else in this family know how to hang up a towel or put a roll of toilet paper on that little silver holder thingy and how are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet anyway?

Well then, you'll know what I mean…I need a vacation! Calgon…take me away!!!

Clearly, I am not one of those women who have it all together.

Clearly.

I will just keep chanting to myself; "Keep Calm and Carry On". (Emphasis on the Keep Calm part!)

In other news:

Shane picked me this sunflower the other day on the way home from school. It came with a big hug and a kiss. (Dear Neighbor, sorry about my son picking your flowers…yes, we've had a little chat about it). I look at it every day to remind me that calmness and order will be restored, and that despite the rockiness of the after school routine, he does still love me. Even if he says angry words to the contrary.

And…my vacuum is on life support.

I don't think it will be with us much longer. Poor thing has been accidentally pulled down the stairs one too many times. I guess my family is really hard on stuff. Dear vacuum, sorry for your early demise. I loved you, you have been a great, albeit expensive, vacuum…you will be missed.

(Duct tape is an upgrade and does not come standard)

I think that pretty much sums things up for now.

Back to School~2010

2010-08-27T16:50:00.002-06:00

The boys started back to school this week!

It's been a bit of a funky summer for us~ so I wasn't quite ready for Summer Break to be over...

Until the last 2 weeks...at which point I was seriously considering sending both of them to Boarding School.

(I know they look all nice and innocent in this picture, do not be fooled!)

Spencer started High School this year. He was a bit nervous, though he wouldn't admit it. Nervous = Ornery at our house. Ornery kids make for an ornery mom. Just sayin'. There has been a lot of weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth...and that was just me!

We spent several days at the HS getting registration completed. I went to Sophomore orientation with him. It was mostly a big pep rally.

He doesn't know the school song yet, so I've been having lots of fun singing my school song.

Last night, I was singing to them (which was not appreciated) and we were laughing about this story:

When Emily was in 9th grade, Spanish Fork HS was playing Payson HS (my Alma mater). She and some friends were going to the game...she liked to talk about how "way better" her school was than mine!

Imagine her surprise when she came home from school with her friends, and I had green posters on the front door and all over the house! "Lion's Rule, Don's Drool", "Lion Pride" etc. I also had painted a green lion's paw on my cheek! Had to show my school spirit!!! We laugh about it now, but at the time she was not happy with me!

The highlight of the afternoon was when I delighted them by singing my school fight song!

"We are a band of soldiers true,

Our armor is the strength of youth!

Our weapons are not muskets blue,

But shining darts of thought and truth, and truth.

Our enemy is ignorance,

A strong and sullen foe.

But with increasing diligence,

To victory we will surely go!

We are marching, we are marching,

We are marching on to victory every day!

Come and join us, come and join us,

Come and help us put the battle in array. ARRAY!

We will conquer, we will conquer,

Though our foe's the worst the world has ever seen!

Our war cry is the school,

Our hope's the Golden Rule.

And our colors are the silver and the green!"

Do you remember your HS fight song?

(P.S. Emily...Lions are still way better than Dons!)

See the expression on this boy's face? I think it pretty much sums up the last 2 weeks around here! Did I mention everyone has been pretty ornery?

Shane is a 4th grader this year. I seem to remember being much older in 4th grade! These 4th graders all look pretty young to me!

This may be a forced smile. He is much happier now that he has a couple days under his belt. He was nervous to go back to school too! Nervous = Ornery...right? Right!!!

Happy Back to School Week!

Amy's Yummy Breadsticks

2010-08-13T08:00:00.000-06:00

Oh my, these are so yummy! I've made them about 4 times in the last couple of weeks.

1 1/2 cups warm water

1/4 tsp salt

1 Tbs. yeast

2 Tbs. sugar

3 1/2 cups flour

Layer ingredients in bread machine in the order listed. Set on dough setting. (I don't have a bread machine, I just throw all the ingredients in my Kitchen Aid and mix them up until the dough forms a ball, sort of, and is smooth and elastic)

When complete, spread in greased cookie sheet and slice lines. Let rise while mixing topping.

(I let them rise about 15 minutes or so)

Topping

1/4 cup melted butter

1/3 cup Parmesan cheese (I use the real stuff)

1/4 tsp parsley flakes

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1/2 tsp. garlic salt

Mix well and spread over dough.

Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

My notes:

Dough is on the sticky side. Wetting your hands will help you spread the dough easier.

I use a little bit smaller cookie sheet rather than my big sheet cake pans.

I haven't tried these with the powdered Parmesan (you know, in the green bottle) but I think it would probably work okay too.

Don't be afraid of the mayonnaise...and DO NOT use Miracle Whip...just sayin'.

For a short cut, you could use the topping and spread on slices of French Bread.

Did I mention these are really, really yummy?

Brain Injury Rehabilitation

2010-08-10T12:04:00.004-06:00

This video is a news piece that was done about Kuna Williams, a friend of ours from Arizona. He is a brain injury survivor too. We met him and his family at a support group for young adult TBI survivors and their families. He and Curtis attended the same rehabilitation program, Center for Transitional Neurorehabilitation (CTN). Dr. Klonoff is the director and she and her staff are incredible at what they do. We feel so fortunate that we were able to attend therapy at CTN.
Kuna and Dr. Klonoff did a great job with this interview!

Holistic Approach to Brain Injury Recovery

Blond Toffee Brownies

2010-08-09T08:00:00.005-06:00

I've been on somewhat of a baking kick lately.

Not that anyone is complaining.

Well, maybe just a little because baking you know, heats up the house & it's summer and all...

But other than that, yeah no complaining.

Perhaps the baking binge is because I recently acquired this:

Oooh, baby! I have been ~~coveting~~ wanting one of these for a long, long time!

When we moved back to Utah...we were over at Amy & Gary's and I noticed she had a Kitchen Aid.

I actually said to Rick; "When did Amy get a Kitchen Aid? No Fair!". I was J-E-A-L-O-U-S!!!

I got over it...really, I did!

But...on Mother's Day this year, Rick and Emily had a huge surprise for me!

I cried when I unwrapped it! It was awesome!!!

Then I got sick before I could even use it...so now I guess I'm trying to catch up!!!

And I have been putting it to good use, that's for sure.

Now, for the recipe (finally).

I used to make these years ago, but had forgotten about them...A while back I remembered that I used to have a toffee brownie recipe...but I couldn't find it anywhere. I was pretty sure I had gotten the recipe off of a package of toffee bits...but search as I might, I couldn't find it.

Then, just a few days ago...I remembered that the recipe was from a magazine! Aren't our brains wonderful? I went searching through my collection of cooking magazines and there it was!!! I knew it was the right recipe because I had written some notes on it.

Okay, so NOW, here is the recipe (gees, get to the recipe already, would ya?)

Blond Toffee Brownies

1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups flour

2 tsps. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

1 cup English Toffee bits

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture. Stir in toffee bits.

Batter will be thick. Spread evenly into a greased 9x13x2 in baking pan. Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool. Cut into bars to serve.

My notes:

The bars are thin, which is probably good because they are very rich! The toffee melts, so they are also pretty gooey...Next time I make them, I'm going to use the toffee bits that have the chocolate. Shane told me these are really good, but he thinks they need just a little chocolate.

Odds and Ends July Edition

2010-08-06T08:00:00.000-06:00

First off, thank you, thank you, thank you for all your kind words when Amy passed away. Thanks for reading her blog...and for reading mine too!

Next: I am feeling much better after my 2 month bout with Labyrinthitis/Vertigo. I still have an "episode" of dizziness once in a while, but otherwise am finally pretty much back to normal. I will say, it lasted much longer than I had hoped!!! Nasty, nasty stuff.

Some more pictures of Summer Evening Fun at Strawberry

This time it was just Shane, Rick and me. The guys caught 8 or so fish this trip. They were all small, so no pictures. They all were released back into the reservoir.

Addition

2010-07-31T12:01:00.002-06:00

One boy,

One girl,

Two hearts beating wildly,

To put it mildly,

It was love at first sight.

He smiled,

She smiled,

And they knew right away,

This was the day they'd been waiting for all their lives.

For a moment the whole world revolved

Around one boy and one girl.

Curtis and Shae are engaged!

Fajita Nachos

2010-07-29T13:17:00.000-06:00

When we lived in Arizona, we loved to get Fajita Nachos at Abuelo's Restaurant. YUMMY!!!

They are pretty easy to recreate at home.

Tostada Shells

Cooked, Shredded meat (beef, chicken or pork)

Diced Onion

Diced Green Chilies

Shredded Cheese

Sour Cream

Optional Toppings: Sliced Jalapenos, Guacamole, Olives, Pica de Gallo

Coat baking sheet with cooking spray. Arrange tostada shells on baking sheet and top with meat, onions, green chilies and shredded cheese.

Bake @350 degrees for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and toppings are heated through.

Serve topped with sour cream and other toppings of your choice.

My notes: These are really, really good made with leftover Kalua Pork.

Or with this Pulled Pork. (My family didn't care for the pulled pork, but it was indescribably good on the nachos!)

These are super easy to throw together if you have leftover meat from another meal.

We had a little Kalua Pork left over from a recent family event. Curtis received the

Melchizedek Priesthood.

It was a great day!!!

Give a Man a Fish...

2010-07-20T13:17:00.001-06:00

"Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime."

Or, you can be like our family. We are strictly a "catch and release" gig.

But, there has been a lot of fishing going on around here!

Everyone is getting in on the action. Including Emily! The fish at the top of the page was one she caught.

Second largest of the season, so far.

The largest fish of the season was reeled in by this guy: (Shane)

No picture because:

1. I wasn't there and

B. It snapped the line and got away before Rick could grab it! It was close to 2 feet long!

Shane LOVES to fish. He is the only one willing to get up in the wee hours of the morning to go fishing with his dad. He told us the other day he has caught a "decade of fish". That's 10 fish, if you weren't certain.

Curtis also likes to fish...but does not like to have his picture taken.

Are you kidding me? He still has service? So much for getting away from work!!!

(He was not happy about it either!)

We've found a great fishing spot, that we love. Been having a good bit of success on pink power bait!

Shane likes to get his line in the water & then passes the time playing "Prince of Persia" on the rocks.

Beautiful sunset over the lake. This particular day, we fished until there was no daylight left.

"All things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it..."

Alma: 30:44