Pemberley Court

A Daughter is a Sweet Gift From Above

2012-02-12T18:30:00.000-08:00

How to express how much I love my girl....my sweetest Cami. She blesses my life each and everyday....like a lot. I think I know her.... but only her Father in Heaven knows what real gifts she possesses and what her own path will be. I will only know her for a short time as a child......I know that these wonderful days that I am blessed to help shape her are so few.

New Year....New Goals.

2012-01-09T20:43:00.000-08:00

One of our family's goals this year is to read more....A LOT more!!!
On our list this month are:
The Secret Benedict Society {both in the series}
The Ranger's Apprentice Book 1
The Incorrigible Children {Read it and finish it this time}
When You Reach Me
Total Money Make Over{Reading now}

Tonight was our first night to implement our reading routine. If you know my children they you know they love and are obsessed with any item with a screen. They are drawn to a tv/computer screen like a moth to a light. To my great surprise and pleasure it was generally accepted by the children and no one said they wanted to watch tv, play the computer or the xbox. I say that was a HUGE victory in itself and Jeffrey made brownies! Blake gave me a hug goodnight and said he wanted to keep reading!!! I eon't know what is different about tonight....but I'll take it! {i know!!!!!!!i use waaaaay too many exclamation points}

Ahhhh SUCCESS!

Introducing my new series...You Can Make This!

2011-10-07T17:31:00.000-07:00

You can make this:

a simple FALL WREATH

all you need is:

A wire hanger
1 1/2 yards of burlap
black fabric for bow or your favorite color{could also use ribbon}

Cut your burlap into strips going the width not the length of the fabric....don't want them too long.

Take your wire hanger and twist it so that it unhooks.

Shape your hanger into a circle as round as you can but it DOESN'T HAVE TO BE PERFECT!

Next: take one end of your hanger and take the end of one strip of fabric and poke the hanger into the middle part of the end of the fabric strip. Fold the fabric over like a zig zag and poke again.....repeat with each strip until you have it finished!

**I think I will switch the black fabric out for a burgundy color for November

Love this Project!

2011-10-05T17:36:00.000-07:00

Love this bib necklace! I made it entirely of materials that I already had on hand including sleeves from a long leave ruffled vintage style blouse, ricrac, lace and buttons.

Got a sweet deal on the chain and clasps at Michael's.

I get tons of compliments on this and have recently made one for Fall and Winter seasons that I will share soon!

Teaching Children to Keep a Journal FHE

2011-10-03T16:20:00.000-07:00

So tonight for our FHE {Family Home Evening, a weekly activity encouraged by my church}
We are learning about journaling and why it is so important. We can't possibly remember everything in our day to day lives{or even every special occasion} so we need to write it down! I love going back and reading what I wrote as a young girl and the kids love reading what I wrote in each of their books that I have kept for them through the years. I think they are old enough to understand why this is important.....cuz their mama can't remember ANYTHING!!! lol

2011-05-31T17:24:00.000-07:00

Visit www.teamdavy.org

My husband and I have always considered ourselves very blessed to have had 4 pregnancies, 4 healthy babies that all hit their expected milestones. My friend Ruth, is sooooo amazingly strong. She found the strength to do what she needed to do to take care of her sweet lil girl. Read her blog and get some tissues and count your blessings. I know she does and Im sure that her sweet lil girl is one her biggest blessings.

The Lunch Box Diaries

2011-05-16T22:01:00.000-07:00

When I saw that this was the lunch of a picky eater I couldn't believe my eyes!!! I have a picky eater and let me tell you I would love it if this was his idea of the ideal lunch ~ he wants only a plain sandwich of either peanut butter on white bread or pepperoni or turkey no mayo or cheese just dry on a roll not on flat regular sandwich bread, Doritos and a Juice Box....he's 13 and I'm afraid to show you his lunch!

{source}

{Now, my daughter would love the above lunch}

My other 3 children eat most things and like "healthy" food. I can't tell you how much my oldest's son's diet has tugged on my heart strings. Ever since he was 2 1/2 yrs old and ate his last scrambled egg I have worried about him and his nutrition. The only healthy food i.e fruits and veggies he really likes are: Soy beans, green beans, green apples not red, fresh corn on the cob, plain baked potato, sometimes spinach. Not a vary expansive diet but I am happy that he does eat the foods listed at least. I still work on him and hope that his tastes don't rub off on our 5 yr old who looks up to his big brother in every way.

Will he ever just sit down at the table and eat everything on his plate? I really don't make gross food....it's not like I serve him Carob Cake or Sprout sandwiches. If it is a combined food of any kind other than pasta than it will not touch his lips. He will pick through it.....melted cheese???? Well you can just forget it! I mean what kid won't eat melted cheese? Well, my brother won't and I'm blaming it all on a family trait!

Hmmm, maybe I have a new series of posts here.....
"The Lunch Box Diaries?"

It's a Link Up

2011-05-15T18:29:00.001-07:00

So, I'm sharing my layered ruffled tank top!

Click {here} for the photo tutorial!

Favorite Things

2011-05-09T15:46:00.000-07:00

Here are just a few fave things I'm loving right now!

source

i saw this project while perusing google images for vintage monograms.......no monograms here but the new life given to this shade makes such a huge difference wouldn't you agree? The flowers remind me of the fabric flowers I make for myself, my daughter and for my etsy shoppe. I especially love the olive toned ribbon at the edges.

I know these are belt buckles but I love that they look like stacked Tiffany rings!
{Source: the pink monogram}

Loving ANYTHING from this gals blog~She has stirred up an old flame I had for Shabby Chic!

Saw this @ the 36th Avenue
It even has a "C" for my Cami girl!

Meal Plan Monday!

2011-02-14T16:03:00.000-08:00

Here is this week's menu!

Monday : Chili Ghetti {recipe here } The only thing I changed was I used homemade chili! {I like it better than canned} Side dish: sweet frozen corn, salad and fresh homemade rolls! Want the roll recipe? I'll post that tomorrow!

Tuesday: Dinner out with the missionaries

Wednesday: Linguine with lemon sauce parsley and grilled shrimp, salad....need some new recipes for salads, got any?

Thursday: Grilled chicken with herbs, Quinoa and broccoli

Friday: Garden vegetable pizza with chicken {for Mike} and the sauce is alfredo! YUM Recipe video here

Saturday: BBQ Pork Sandwiches {North Carolina style} cole slaw of course and potato chips, Oranges

Sunday: ?? What are your favorite Sunday dinners?

I've Been Featured!!

2011-02-03T22:32:00.000-08:00

You can check it out over at ***Every Day is a New Adventure!*** Really this is the sweetest thing anyone has ever said about lil' old ME!!! {I will probably read it and re read it every day!!!!}

Thanks Jaime

A Tank Top Repurpose {Tutorial}

2011-02-02T14:47:00.000-08:00

I've seen these all over blog land and in the catalogs and thought that I could make one in miniature for my daughter!

I love taking everyday items like an under shirt and a tank top in this case and turning them into something special. Cost: $0.00
{I had everything on hand}

Here's what I started with:

One of my daughter's many tanks

An extra pre washed under shirt {new} of my older son's

I cut the sleeve's off, can use for another project, cut the strips for ruffles at approx 3 in. then cut each of those at the side to make 2 strips out of each.

Sew the strips with a running stitch or gathering stitch

pull the under side thread or bobbin thread

it should look like this

now you are ready to pin the ruffle in place at the very top

add the next layer just under the first, but be careful here, you don't want it too low or else the top will show

continue until it looks like the pic above

ta da!

{Lace and brown velvet head band}...just for fun!

Hope you like this Ruffled Tank Top tutorial! Make one and let me know how it turned out.

Meal Plan Monday!

2011-01-31T11:27:00.000-08:00

{Make it Fun!}

My sweet daughter wanted to have the table set and looking nice for our family. All the boys even liked it!

I sat my 4 kids down last night before bed and asked them all what they wanted for breakfast, lunch and dinner this week plus the ever looming snacks!
Here's what they came up with:

Breakfast: " Coffee cake with that amazing buttery brown sugar topping" my picky eater said!
Oh's and waffles{they must be toaster for a busy school morning}
Smoothies and French Toast Stix {also must be the frozen kind or we can just give up on getting out the door on time}

Lunch: Turkey Hoagies, Tuna salad and the usual stuff to make lunch complete

Snacks: Cheese crackers, home made chocolate chip cookies, fruit etc.

Dinner: Baked Potato bar with Chili and fixings, Tostadas, Bread bowl with moms chicken noodle soup {my kids fave}, Pasta and on Friday, Homemade pizza! Also, homemade rolls were requested and I have to figure out still what to make with those, probably for Sunday dinner!

Another Meal Plan..Weekly Menu

2011-01-13T10:01:00.000-08:00

So I have just discovered some wonderful recipe/cooking blogs! It's like scoring an awesome deal at your favorite store!!!

Obviously the week is half over so I won't be planning the entire week but here is what we are eating!

Thursday: Potato Bar with all the toppings

Friday: Date night for Mike and me, yay, a night off from cooking! { Pizza for kids}

Saturday {Dinner with friends } But look what we are having for lunch! Get the recipe here !

Sunday: Grilled Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo {my own recipe, all you do is open a jar of Alfredo sauce!} Try it with Barilla Plus! My kids love white pasta, but the really didn't mind the wheat version at all! Whole wheat though is a different story!
And: Caesar Salad {our Favorite dressing is Girard's}

I'm So Lucky, Look What I Found!

2011-01-05T21:21:00.000-08:00

I love all this "refashioning" going on in blog land don't you?

Check out Ruffles and Stuff for this awesome tutorial.....if you are not careful you could end up spending your whole day there...not that that has happened to me or anything! LOL

The "D" Word

2011-01-04T10:00:00.000-08:00

Diet!!!! I know for most of us January brings on a clean slate for our eating habits and this year I have better tools to help aid success! You really should go and visit Angela at The Grocery Shrink! She is a wealth of knowledge and information. I am so excited to get started and know that she is there {well her blog is always there} for me to go back to for reassurance!!!

I have the 1200 calorie a day cookbook and I really like it.....do you have other suggestions for low cal cooking? Bring 'em on!

Another Year ...... A Brand New Diary!

2011-01-02T19:00:00.000-08:00

To quote Bridgette Jones......I love it!

If you ask my husband, my journal's purpose is to vent my frustrations about him on it's pages!! But I promise you that is only once in a while, better to write it down and hopefully throw it away then to say something that can't be unsaid I always say!

So the other day I found my old journal from when I had first met my husband! I couldn't stop laughing I tell you! I was hung up on the guy big time! I told him that if he ever needed an ego boost then he ought to read the pages in my hot pink book! {we met on my 18th birthday!}

I also keep a church journal. It helps me remember the inspirational speakers I hear and to apply thoughts with that inspiration into the days of my life!

I believe my blog to be a journal of sorts but the one thing it is missing is my own handwriting! In the years to come, some one some where will want to know more about me......and a handwritten journal fits the bill!
I have started many over the years since I was a young girl, and looking back and reading the pages warms my heart.

I don't know that I believe in resolutions for the sake of New Year's but I know that I do want to be better at:

drinking more water
writing in my journal
blogging
exercising
etc.

Way cute scarf tutorial!

2010-12-30T19:03:00.000-08:00

I saw this darling tutorial on Gracie Lou's blog and I think I have everything on hand to make one tonight!

If you are feeling crafty and want to make one for you or some cute little girl then head on over to Oh So Happy Together's blog!

Original Mary Poppins

2010-12-29T21:39:00.000-08:00

OK, I didn't know that there was a series of stories about Mary Poppins! Did You?
I must get my hands on them! I have to say that I was quite disappointed in my local library, today they had the nerve to be closed!!! I mean come on people......don't they know that I wanted to read these with my daughter over Christmas break? My daughter sighed when we left the parking lot empty handed saying "now we have to go on a school day!"

On another note, tomorrow we are making papier mache masks for my 7th graders school project and Cami and I are going to finish her American Girl pom pom scarf! It's so sad, her mom can't knit or crochet to save her life but mom's talents lie else where!

I want my own!

2010-12-29T21:30:00.000-08:00

So as far back as I can remember I've wanted a lap quilt or throw size just for me made of my very favorite colors.....I think I love every color so a quilt would be a great way to let them shine! In the bleak winter months...ok bleak winter days {I do live in So CA} I find my self wishing and hoping for a super cute quilt of my very own!

Image from Red Pepper Quilts

Image from the fabric shopper

Reading Comprehension and a Lap Book!

2010-11-02T15:24:00.000-07:00

My second born son has always had an issue with reading comprehension. In every subject he gets A's but when it comes to remembering what he has read it is difficult. So before this becomes a bigger problem I have discovered a super fun tool called a Lap Book! I think it will be so fun for him to be creative and also will help him to remember what he read and have a visual to go with it! So today we are off to the Library after we pick up big brother. I'll post pics later this week! Stay tuned

Picture from Homeschool in the woods

The Cutest Wreath Ever!!!

2010-11-01T21:30:00.000-07:00

Saw this on TipJunkie. Don't you {say it just like Paula Deen } just luvet? {love it} I have to make one!

My Latest Etsy Item

2010-11-01T21:13:00.000-07:00

So, for Bunco last week I had to bring a prize like we do every month but this time I went for a home decor theme and a guinea pig test......if the lucky winner loved it then I knew it would be a hit! It was a SLAM! I knew I loved it but we all have our own tastes don't we?

Here it is.....the latest Pemberley Court Original

{this is the Salt Lake LDS Temple}

{the Los Angeles LDS Temple}

{the back}

and now they are available in my etsy store. I've already had a custom order for 5! Available with most any temple or favorite photo for that matter applied to the top! Go on, check it out, Christmas is coming......I know what I'm giving this year!

Oh Where Have I Been? And a Homemade Halloween!

2010-11-01T21:06:00.000-07:00

I don't know....life, just gets us all so busy sometimes doesn't it? Well, these three kiddos had a little something to do with it! This past week they were able to bring a favorite stuffed animal to school and so they all brought their BAB's {Build A Bear Workshop}

For FHE {Family Home Evening} last week we went to the Peterson Home. Dori, who is Blake's Sunday school teacher decked the place OUT! She was in costume as the most amazing witch!

We also decided to go old school and do a homemade Halloween this year. I have to say it was so much more fun than going to the party store or mega halloween store like we have dome many times in the past.

I was a disco ballerina doll..wore a wig and a huge hot pink tutu that I made for $6.

Isn't she the cutest Candy Corn Witch! I have to admit I was a little disappointed in her choice at first but.....we came up with our own cute design. She was a happy lil witch and I was happy with the design and execution.....except for maybe the corset, hey....I made the whole thing with out a pattern, wouldn't suggest that on the corset but 30 button holes later it turned out kinda cute!

$6.00 including the had...we had the boots and leggings.

S.W.A.T. {$0}

Oh, you didn't know we had Ozzy with us and David Beckham? That's how roll!

One happy lil ghost! {another home made costume...it was our theme this year}

Lil ghost....$6.00

Just a chuckle....at/with Martha!

2010-10-12T10:03:00.000-07:00

Click Here!!!! I love Martha! I am so sad that she is not on NBC anymore and is only on the Hallmark channel which we used to get......now its gone! Hmmmm do I want to upgrade our package??? OK I think the whole thing was staged but still fun! Toile in a college guys bedroom? I love it my self but come ON! LOL

A Hansel and Gretel house and Cake Balls!

2010-10-11T22:06:00.000-07:00

Tonight for Family Night we had these........sinfully good! I however, didn't take a picture of my double chocolate confection so I borrowed this one from Bakerella. The Red Velvet looks amazing huh? Thanks to a Stake Leadership mtg last night (they served these there) I was inspired to make some for the fam! Oh and the kids {and their Dad} LOVED them!

Bakerella

The kids tonight.....having quiet time with their library books. Blake is reading his first Book Fair book complete with 3-D glasses. Those sharks are jumping off the page!

Saturday we had the opportunity to visit The LDS Los Angeles Temple's Visitor Center. It was so fun! Totally interactive and we LOVED it!

After lunch at In and Out, dessert at Diddy Riese with friends our family went to check out this awesome Storybook style house in Beverly Hills. It was built in 1921 in Culver City and then moved shortly after to its present location. This is where Walt got his inspiration for the Seven Dwarf's house!

The kids infront of the Witches house!

Cami was ready to move in! Isn't the gate adorable?

The Friendly Beveryl Hills squirrel/chipmunk? Who knows the difference? Anyone??

He just came right up to the 6 of us..kids and all! The kids freaked!

Meal Planning

2010-09-10T20:08:00.000-07:00

Do you do it? I can't live with out it! Do you dread when it is 4:30 in the afternoon and you have no idea what you will have for dinner? Take out? Left overs? Cold cereal? For me, its panic time if I don't know what we are having for dinner. 5 hungry people asking you whats for dinner can be a little overwhelming when you are not prepared!

So.....I scour the internet all the time looking for ideas, stock blogs, put it on my FB status that I need an idea for dinner {sometimes i even post some of my own} and call my sisters and good friends and ask: "whatch makin for dinner tonight?"

The trick to good meal planning is: set a budget, how many days will you plan for? Then, I borrowed the Food Nanny's idea and added a theme for each night. This makes it sooo simple to plan and organize when you know what type of food you will eat that night. {We eat A LOT of Mexican food in our family. Can't get enough. All 4 of my babies were made on that cheesy spicy goodness.}

I will usually ask the kids and my husband what they feel like for the week (or 2 weeks if I'm doing it that way). It's usually the same things but they appreciate that I ask them what they want. I do like to change it up every so often and will throw in a new food or recipe on Wednesdays. They are now really liking Tilapia! Try it with season salt and dill! Delish!!

New Items in My Etsy Shop This Weekend!

2010-08-27T20:48:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite new things!!! The T-Shirt Scarf. So very comfortable and versatile. I made one with twisted flowers (above) and then one with ruffle trim (below).

Fun new head bands with ric rac flowers. One on a gorgeous brown velvet band and the other on a gross grain band. Love them both!

This one I made today and it just came together while I was watching Mansfield Park.

Some fun with photo shop on this one.

Wanna see more? Visit my etsy store {here}

Summer fun!

2010-08-27T20:24:00.000-07:00

So at the beginning of the month I took all the kids to UT for lots of time with their cousins before our family had our reunion....there are 4 boys and 4 girls in my family so we have a reunion with just our little families all together every other year. This year we went to UT to my mom and dads! On our way we stayed in Las Vegas. This is what we did first! The kids love the pool at Aunt Cathy's and Uncle Jeff's.

If you remember the Jack and Jill hat from a previous post....this is where the original pattern is sold.

Isn't the store adorable?

I LOVE trims and I am really into ric rac right now. Check out the SIZE of these!!! They were like an inch wide!

So, I went to Gracie Lou's to get the Jack and Jill pattern and guess what? They were all SOLD OUT!!!! Well, my sister says the gal behind the counter "you know my sister came all the way from Cali to get this pattern?!" Next thing I know they call the office down the way and the pattern designer her self is hand delivering a pattern to ME! She was so dang sweet....she has a name, Mona!

She was so great to take a picture with me! Thanks Mona!!!

Took the kids and some of their cousins to the water park there in town. Can I tell you it was only $4 bucks to get in??? What a deal!

Next day, we went to Provo and shopped at a really cute boutique. It was originally a women's gym and it is still carved in the top of the bldg. Anyway,they turned it into a great shop literally filled to bursting!

This is my cami and her cousin Taylor....you will see her in the future sometime playing on the Olympic Volley Ball Team. She is that good.

My Gavin waiting for his burger at the Creamery on 9th. Was great food!

We got a ton of ice creams...I think like 13? for only $15!

Provo LDS Temple. Beautiful views there!

The old Utah County Court House

Restroom Floor

I love that it says "Ladies"

Inside

I read about an old Pharmacy that still has a Soda Fountain in my Country Living Mag I think it was in the June Issue? Anyway, it is in Springville, UT and it's called S.O.S. in case you want to visit. Since they were featured, they have had people come from all over.....even from VA!

So very reasonably priced! We are talkin about a$1buck for each person to have a float! You can't beat that or their friendly service!

Do you know what she is? The sweetest Soda Jerk ever!

My sister Linda and me!

All of our kids plus two other cousins.

If you are ever in Provo....You MUST visit this place!

Fun at the lake!

Jeff and his cousin Jason on the water trampoline

Look what I've been up to!

2010-07-28T13:53:00.000-07:00

Isn't she lovely? I've been having lots of fun making this little #. Been making all kinds of stuff this past week or so thanks to my new BFF who lives like 100 ft away from me and she blogs and she sews, and she crochets, and I could go on and on....did I mention she has two sweet little ones at home? {Some how I have a feeling I will be spending lots of time over at her place when my baby goes to Kindergarten this Fall.}

I made this out of a T-shirt!!! Isn't she sweet? I would wear her if I could! Can't decide between the double ruffle at the bottom or the trendy flower detail. Love them both I guess.

Oh, she's for sale in my etsy store!

So many things to do

2010-07-07T00:23:00.000-07:00

There just doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day.....and I thought that Summer would mean lazy days! {Well, we are being lazy around the pool and working on our tans}OK, I have totally been sleeping in.....that is so not like me. The 1 and 2 a.m. bed times might just have something to do with that! I do enjoy not having to set the alarm everyday and I guess I am just taking advantage of a good thing.

Life doesn't slow down, it just gets busier!

My Summer to do List:

Print out each child's reading list for summer and ~~make~~ encourage them to spend hours and hours reading

Make some Silver Bella style mixed media GORGEOUS greeting cards

Sew..(I've already made two pillow case dresses for Cami.....{thanks Charmain}I used to make them when she was tiny, pics to come) some fun summery things for my girl or maybe a fun vintage style table cloth for picnics!

Figure out how to use that darn Mod Podge....does anyone have any tips?? Or links to someone who knows what they are doing?

Start couponing...and really try to stick to it!

Go visit my awesome family

Go to the beach a few times

Read a book? I think I would really enjoy doing that but I never really get two minutes together in day light hours that are un-interupted! For get about reading at night.....snoooooooz!

Go boutique shopping, antiquing and visit some beautiful gardens

Finally hang my daughter's curtain rod in her room

Have our family picture made {that's how my Granny used to say it}

Try to enjoy every day with my family, we are on the cusp of having a teenager in the house.........times they are a changin' for me!

What are you wanting to do this summer?

BYD {Bishop's Youth Discussion}

2010-06-29T13:58:00.000-07:00

So, this past Sunday Mike and I had the fantastic opportunity to speak to the youth of our ward {church} about choosing good friends and being a good friend. It brought back some memories of my younger days and also about how I choose friends today. I got to talk to them and talk with them. There were laughs and tears in their eyes and mine. I love the youth!!! My husband followed and just really had everyone chuckling {no surprise if you know my Mikey} He shared so many wonderful experiences from his childhood and his group of friends that were all baptized together and all served missions for the church at the same time and how they are still friends almost into their 40s! I was so impressed with the way he captured everyone's attention. I rarely get to hear him speak. {He does it all the time for work in front of LARGE audiences.} So it was a very special treat for me. Then after we were finished, someone spotted his Ovation (guitar) which he brought in case I didn't speak long enough and had left over time(um, does he not know this girl can talk?) and maybe he would play a hymn or something. That turned into a sing along while everyone had their treats. It was such a fun night.

I made this yesterday

2010-06-03T13:49:00.000-07:00

I made it in apple green
working on a grey one and a black one!!!!

I got the tutorial here!

You should make one!

One for me and one for Camryn!

2010-05-21T18:16:00.000-07:00

I can't wait to make this!! Isn't it just darling????

What stopped my in my mad dash for the register at Joann's? And a project!

2010-05-21T10:20:00.000-07:00

You've got to check out her blog {here} Talk about talent!

The artist is from The Ukraine...or some place there about {not sure}. I instantly started dreaming big about how I am going to make one for my daughter...and on and on and how she is just going to love love love it! Then reality hit.....I would spend a small fortune just to make it and where will she wear it??

{Maybe we'll take her to a show in LA just so she can wear it outside the house!}

Today's project (yes, another one) is an over the door laundry hamper for the kids bathroom!

A Memo Board Project!

2010-05-20T17:39:00.000-07:00

So today, I was feeling crafty plus I've really been wanting a Memo type board for my dinner menu schedule. {I plan my menu for 2 weeks at a time and try to just shop on 1 day}

This was my first time using Mod Podge. I'm not sure yet if I like it. Any tips out there for using Mod Podge?

So this is what I ended up with! I really like how it turned out.

What I used:

1 beefy/chunky black frame purchased for $10 @ Ross

3 scrapbooking pages from Michaels...$1 each. {really wanted lime or apple green damask...but did they have it?? NO}

Black and white polk a dot sheer ribbon

2 magnetic clips spray painted black

Mod Podge (traditional matte) $8.

I really like how it turned out! So go make one for you or someone you think needs a little "pretty" organization!

Random

2010-05-11T10:06:00.000-07:00

1. A picture one of the kids took of me

2. Blakey and me

3.One of our favorite houses in Dallas in one of our most favorite neighborhoods

4. End of the year preschool gifts for Blake's teachers

5. A day in the life of my kitchen........like I said....Random!!!

My Teacher

2010-05-11T09:51:00.000-07:00

It's blurry I know, but thought this pic showed Mikey in his true form!

Mikey (my hubby man) bought himself the entire photoshop suite and has been teaching me a few things. So my new header for my blog was yesterday's project. I really liked how it turned out.

2010-05-10T15:54:00.000-07:00

Blake's Easter Egg Hunt

I love his Spring jacket. His Spring Break was the week after the older kids so they were all there to help him find his eggs. We love his preschool!!!! We are at a different location this year and are so happy there! Blake has the same teacher that Gavin and Camryn had!!! We had a church Easter Egg Hunt and I didn't take a single photo! The big kids had a blast there. This year though, we focused more on the Lord and less on "the bunny" and you know, the kids were OK with that!

Another Fun Baby Shower....

2010-05-10T13:27:00.000-07:00

I was so honored when I was asked to help throw a shower for a good friend. This was her third baby (each baby deserves a welcome!) It was a Pink Berry or Berry Star (depending on where you live) theme. We had delicious vanilla ice cream (so much easier than frozen yogurt) with an abundant variety of scrumptious toppings including homemade from scratch hot fudge sauce!

Here is the new mom and her oldest girl.

Do you see the banner on the mantle? Wish I would have taken a pic of just it for you to see. I love making them!!! So easy and so fun. I love the baby's name.....KATE.

{click on this image to see the banner}

Here is the spread......All the toppings plus gourmet chocolate strawberries, homemade cream puffs

Can you see those tiny mason jars with the sprinkles in them? Seriously!!! Can you say too cute for words? Just tied a ribbon around the mouth of the jar and voi la!

I was in charge of the decorations...didn't get pics of all of them...but oh well! I love love love doing the decor for a party. Made these really cute tags for all the topping and different treats.

This was the "THANK YOU" party favor jar. One of the mom's favorite junk foods is Jelly Bellies. LOVE it.

note to self: take better pics of the food next time

Spring Break with the kids

2010-05-10T11:07:00.000-07:00

For Spring Break I decided to take all 4 kids to Magic Mountain (Six Flags) by my self. It's closer than D-Land and it was soooo not crowded!!! Dad had to work all week and he was missed. They had a blast ALL day. We got there when they opened and stayed until closing. Camryn rode her first "REAL" roller coaster. The 3 older kids rode it over and over and over....it was similar to Big Thunder Railway at D-Land.

I forgot to add the picture where Gavin split his lip on one of the divider poles (that was exactly his height) after getting off the tram in the parking lot. Wouldn't be a day out with mom (by herself) if someone didn't get hurt and there was no back up (dad) LOL!!! Nothing ever happens like that when he's around. His lip was OK and we went back to having an awesome time together! I forgot to add the pics of Blake on Percy in Thomas Town. It was so cute. He and Camryn loved that ride!

We also played lots and had major video game fests, nerf wars and went to the movies!

Where have I been?

2010-05-06T14:57:00.000-07:00

Hey...I'm back for now.....
I've missed my time blogging and reading my fave's. Waiting for Mikey to put the photo software on our new computer and then I'll share lots of pics with y'all!

Lanie

Something New for etsy!

2010-01-27T22:23:00.000-08:00

{and no, it's not this cute hat that I'm wearing}

{and yes those are vertical blinds...don't judge...I miss my shutters but "Barton Cottage" will have to do for now! I sound so snobby! I'm really not....just really really really dislike those window treatments!! Sorry if I offended you and you have them and you love them!}

So, I have an esty store that I haven't made anything for in a loooong while due to my life kind of falling apart last year. Some people get really strong in a crisis and plow through and are as tough as nails and able to cope with life like usual but me? No! I had to fall apart a bit and that meant putting everything on the back burner. It was all I could do to keep things normal for my family. There was no room for any creativity.I was in "hunker down" mode with my children and focusing on them and putting everything else last. My husband needed me for support and that had to come first as it should. Now things are slowly coming back to a normal pace for me. I feel so blessed right now despite 2009!

Do you wanna read some honesty from a mom who at a younger age than I did has figured out a lot about life as a mom? Check out Rachel's blog!

So, back to etsy......I have some interesting things in my creative little wacko head of mine that aren't hair bows! LOL Can't wait for this weekend when I get to make it all happen! {I hope}I love having my creative side back with me again.

Lanie

It Worked!

2010-01-21T14:07:00.000-08:00

I just imported my old blog (Lanie's Life) to Pemberley Court! YAY, now everything is in one place. Life feels just a bit less cluttered for me now. In my updated editing for blogger though I can't find the spell check! I can't live with out that!!!

New Project

2010-01-21T13:26:00.000-08:00

So, I am thinking about making another dress like the one my daughter is wearing and putting it on my etsy site. I really liked how it turned out and it is so appropriate for 8 year old girls that are getting baptized (that's the age we baptize in our church) learn more here.

I'll tell you why I love it:

1, It's a dress that she can wear again

2, It's not a poofy flower girl dress that makes her feel like she is still 4

3, It's a Project Runway pattern that I can actually make and customize!

4. It looks adorable with boots and will be perfect with ballet flats in the Spring and Summer.

Dinner Menu

2010-01-19T22:06:00.000-08:00

{Yes, that's Tracy Porter again! I heart her}

So, I really do try to plan my menu for the week and shop accordingly. I am finding it really hard though to be consistent. Do you have this problem? If not, PLEASE feel free to share your tips with me! Cooking for a family of 6 can be overwhelming at times to keep thins fresh as well as throw in our all time favorites.

For this week {Yes I know it will be Wednesday tomorrow} so for the rest of this week I am thinking of:

Twice Baked Potatoes, Grilled Chicken and a Vegetable

One of our Fave's is Garlic Herb Chicken Sausage {from Trader Joe's} Penne Pasta with Alfredo and Steamed Broccoli with Green Bell Pepper and Shredded Carrots.

See how far I got? Yeah, not very.

Laundry Detergent Recipe

2010-01-19T21:58:00.000-08:00

Laundry Detergent Recipe

OK! I made the video and it was soooo fun! But too bad no one will ever see it! I didn't even look like my self nor sound the way I think I sound!!!! Can we say self conscience? LOL

Anyway, here is the recipe and directions to make your own. Above are the ingredients with pictures of what I use.

You will need:

A 3 or 5 gallon bucket or container with lid

3/4 C Borax (20 Mule Team)

3/4 C Washing Soda (Arm and Hammer) Don't confuse this with Baking Soda!

1 Bar of Soap grated . (I used Ivory, my Granny back in the old days used Fels Naptha which you can still get today and lots of people prefer it. I used Ivory because I have it in my storage)

You will then need water at 3 different times during process.

First 6 Cups

then 1 quart very hot water

finally 1 1/2 Gallons

Ready?

Grate your soap and add it to a large pot on med high heat. Right away add 1 cup of water (from the 6 cups listed above)

Melt as much of it as you can befor adding the next cups. Once it has melted about 85% you can then add the rest of the water one cup at a time. When the soap is completely melted you will

add: Borax and Washing soda. Stir until the powders are dissolved.

In the meantime get your 1Qt of hot water and add it to your 5 gallon bucket (or at least 3 gallon size)

Pour the mixture into the bucket and then add the remaining 1 1/2 gallons of water.

Stir really well and you're done! I use my old detergent cup to measure how much I need. I would say about 1/2 cup should do it for a large load!

It will have the consistency of Jello or something like that. It will not produce a bunch of suds either. It's not supposed to. Suds don't make your clothes clean.

I got the Borax and the Washing Soda at my local Albertsons for around $3.50 each.

I have been using this for the past couple of months and I LOVE it! It has been great for Blake's sensitive skin and is also really cost effective! Only pennies to make this much detergent and you know exactly what went into it!

I love Tracy Porter...Don't You?

2010-01-19T21:49:00.000-08:00

I have spent soooo much time on Tracy's blog. She has videos, fashion and home decorating advice and she is an amazing designer to top that! You simply must go and visit her!

Food Glorious Food

2010-01-19T21:35:00.000-08:00

Caramelized Kielbasa with brown sugar and BBQ sauce

Other wise known as "Man Food"

This recipe I got from my brother. He made it for us a few years ago and it was Delish!

So simple:

One link of Kielbasa

2 T brown sugar(my donation to the recipe)

about 1/2 C of your favorite BBQ sauce

Slice kielbasa in bite size pcs. cook till brown on both sides then add brown sugar and cook for a minute but don't burn! Then add BBQ sauce and cook for another few minutes then call everyone to the table!

{Never mind the yellow stuff that man food sometimes has K?}

and......

I have been meaning to buy these bread bowls because my kids just love them at Panera but I hate forking out that kind of cash for soup and bread! So, I thought about what my kids like best as far as soup goes and came up with this recipe that EVERYONE raved and ranted about at the table and yes, they even went as far as to ask for SECONDS!!!!!

Here is the recipe

Creamy Chicken Soup

3/4 C. finely diced carrots

3/4C. sliced celery

1/2C. finely diced onion

Saute these ingredients in 1 T butter and 1 T Olive Oil until tender

Add 2 Chicken breasts diced and cook 'til no longer pink.

Add:

3 dashes/shakes of poultry seasoning

2 T chopped fresh parsley

2 T flour

(stir in with all ingredients in pot)

6-8 cups of water

3 cans cream of chicken soup

2 T. corn starch mixed with 2-3 T cold water to thicken

Salt and pepper to taste

You can adjust the amount of water and cream of chicken soup to your size family.

We like left overs and we love love love soup so I made more.

Homemade croutons

Yum-o! Go check out the recipe at:

Our Best Bites

Come to my new old blog!

2010-01-16T17:12:00.000-08:00

As life changes so must I. I have decided to close this blog {well, for now anyway} think of it more like a move! I am re-opening my Pemberley Court blog to simplify things and to get to that creative side of me again. Merging everything onto one blog will be much easier! So be sure to change this on your google reader and on your saved fave's spot where ever that is on your computer!

I'm Back!

2010-01-16T17:05:00.001-08:00

I have taken a BIG break from this blog. Since We moved out of "Norland Park" and into "Barton Cottage" many things have changed. Just as the Dashwood girls had to adjust {yes, I know they are fictional characters}I have had to adjust to many changes in my life. Change is hard and it takes a long time. I have made my self into a small shy flower that needed time to blossom. The shy flower is gone!!! {OK, I have been emmersed too much in J.A. lately!}

Love Jane Austen?

2010-01-10T18:08:00.000-08:00

Then you absolutely must visit this place I just watched the movie Sense and Sensibility again yesterday (with a cup of tea of course) and I always wondered what the outside of Norland Park looked like. Hopefully someday soon I will get the chance to tour all the stately country manors of England!!

While you are on Hooked on Houses, check out all the pics of famous movie star homes and famous homes used in the movies!!!! My personal favorite house used in a movie is the one from The Pacifier! Love it love it love it!!!!

Antiquing for the first time with no little ones in tow!

2010-01-07T16:11:00.000-08:00

Today was a true first for me~ There's the first day of school the first day of work etc. but for me today was the first time that after I dropped Blake off at Preschool I went to this HUGE antique shop where I got lost. I was there for 2 hours!! No one to say "don't touch that!!!!" or "Please don't touch that again, or I swear if you touch one more thing!!!!!!" I have to admit that I didn't miss any of my sweet hearts while I was there. It was like my Disneyland!

There was soooooo much to look at that I didn't know where to start. I would take a step in one direction and then stop and turn because something else caught my eye. I am sure the lady behind the counter was looking at me strangely!

Here's what I didn't buy:(because I am trying not to impulse shop.....if I still want it and it is still there than maybe!)

The old hand mixer/egg beater
An old fashioned like my mom and her mom used to have flour sifter that you hand crank
A cast iron biscuit pan
A Robin egg blue pan (for Camryn to play with)
The sweetest Demitasse cups (for Toad in the hole) see my previous post!
A huge silver cake stand sectioned platter that was amazing!

Toad in a hole

2010-01-06T21:54:00.000-08:00

So, I totally love Judie Byrd's Kitchen! It's yet another cooking show but with less fancy and more reality! She's not perfect but so cute and funny!

Check out Toad in a hole recipe! It looked so cute and fun and my kids can't wait for me to make it tomorrow! I'll be sure to post a pic!

Lanie

Pizookie on Steroids....

2010-01-06T20:06:00.000-08:00

On our wedding night we ate at the BJ's in Seal Beach since we hardly had a bite because we were so busy dancing and talking and all that stuff you do when you are a newly wed couple! Down the street from our bed and breakfast was a BJ's and we b-lined it there and indulged in pizza and a Pizookie!
Flash forward 13 years and 4 kids later to the past Monday night when for Family Home Evening we went to BJ's and treated the kids to a couple of Pizookies. It was like the angels in Heaven were singing when the waiter brought out that icy hot delight!

They loved it.....actually a huge understatement! They devoured them like a starving mother wolf with a fresh kill in her den!!!!

Last night we had the craving again and decided to make our own Mammoth Pizookie...of course I didn't get a picture b4 but here is one that BJ's took and you can see what was left of ours as the "after" picture!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T19:46:00.000-08:00

Out with the old and in with the new. For me that means purging and cleaning my life, home and now blog. I need to re-arrange my layout and change things up a bit. I am so sad that some of my blogging friends have given up on their blogs. 1st it was a month then 2 then 4 then 8 months and no posts!!! I will miss them. I love keeping up on what's happening but I understand that sometimes other things are just more important. I get that. And with Facebook now it seems like that has taken a lot of our bloggers away. Now onto the house and the "stuff" in my life that I just don't need. Oh there is so much!!!

Happy New Year!

Lanie

Doe this mean that I am a little crazy??

2009-12-22T17:33:00.000-08:00

OK call me crazy but I couldn't believe that my most favorite person in blog land posted a comment on my blog! She read my post! Can I just tell you how that made my day????
You must visit her blog. It is full of Christian motherly wisdom and she has her own awesome fashiony-ness about her that is so refreshing!
Thanks Edie for checking out my blog :) Click here to visit Life in grace, you'll be glad that you did!

I love a good cookie exchange!

2009-12-14T22:20:00.000-08:00

I had to take a pic of these scrumptious cookies right when I got home before they disappeared! Our Relief Society {ladies at church} holds an annual cookie exchange/Christmas party. We all look forward to it and anticipate the new delicious tidbits and old favorites!

{Notice the wreath cookie complete with holly?}

3 Generations of crafters!

2009-12-14T15:24:00.000-08:00

Here am I with my sister Jennie, her daughter Lauren and my mom.

{Isn't she so cute in that headband?}

So, we saw these headbands {first saw them on Good Things Utah online} and then at the Spanish Fork Craft Fair. We all loved them but not the price....so we decided that for the price of two headbands we could make at least 15! So that is what we did!

Jennie learned how to use her sewing machine and I was responsible for the accessories that would be attached!

Christmas Apothecary Jar

2009-12-14T09:52:00.000-08:00

Christmas Time is Here!

I had to set this jar at the end of my table because I had a little farmer playing with all his animals and big red wooden barn in the middle of our table!

So, this Christmas I decided to borrow from Mother Nature! In one of my apothecary jars we filled the bottom portion with found berries on twigs at Blake's preschool. I had the two cutest little helpers too. Blakey and Mimi. I really really like how it turned out! {And for no money!!!}

I love my girl.......and even my stinky Men/Boy folk too

2009-12-11T13:34:00.000-08:00

In this house full of men/boys I love that I have my sweet sensitive little girl who is mostly just like her mom! We can escape together to Mom's bathroom and do our nails and chit chat about the "mean girl" at school, her stuffed kitty cat "Puddy 3shoes" (because we left Puddy 2 shoes in St. George at Aunt Christina's house) and all her friends at church and school. We talk about fashion and decorating her room with a whole new look and how she no longer likes Hannah Montana, just Miley Cyrus now. {{sigh}} I look forward to our first mini break (as they say in Bridgette Jones) where we can pop off to some great hotel and spa and spoil ourselves while the men folk are dirtbiking or playing the xbox 360 and making the house stink! {Yep that's what men/boy folk do! Which is of course why I always have a candle at the ready and a can of Lysol Fresh Linen Scent!} Now, please don't get me wrong.....I love our stinky wonderful Men/boy folk....where would we be with out them! :)

The Best Chocolate Chocolate Chip cookies Evar!

2009-12-09T22:05:00.000-08:00

{{{Are You Ready???}}}

This is such an easy recipe with few ingredients

One box of Devils Food Cake

1 stick butter {at room temperature}

1 tsp vanilla

2 eggs

1-2 cups chocolate chips {depending on how much you need chocolate on the day you make these babies}

All you need to do is.......empty 1/2 the pkg of cake mix with all of the ingredients minus the choc chips. Cream together, it will be thick but that's OK. When it is all mixed add the remaining 1/2 cake mix and mix. Then add the chocolate chips!

Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes and voi-la!

These would be incredible as ice cream sandwiches....I'll have to try that next!

Enjoy!

Cute piggies and random stuff!

2009-12-09T21:40:00.000-08:00

I guess someone had fun with the camera.....I promise I don't just leave it out in the open. But who can complain when you upload your photos and there are these cute tosies to look at!

Here he is for Halloween...{don't know what happened to the other kids pics...Cami was the sweetest sassiest cat ever in a pettiskirt}

Here Blake is with his preschool teachers and friends

My baby boy took this one of him mama {with my favorite cup}

don't you wonder what you look like with your eyes closed??? LOL Oh those darn camera flashes!

Anyone for a couple of sweet kittens???

2009-12-01T20:05:00.000-08:00

Yeah, kittens! Miss Lizzie found a beau the night we moved (she is always curious about those outside cats and what goes on out there!) I guess she was a little too curious??! Well, we have 3 sweet little kitties to show for it. One sadly didn't make it out of the 4.....the kids are learning some life lessons already. I was so sad to loose one.

Below is one of the girls. She is fluffy like here mom. I think these pictures were taken when they were about 8 days old. They are now 4 weeks old and getting fat bellies! Litter training is next.....thought I was done with the potty training!

The nursery

Looking for something to craft?????

2009-11-09T13:56:00.000-08:00

Blake and I collected some pine cones today for this project! It is so simple that I think Cami and I can do it together!

{just some hot glue and ribbon....shh no one has to know!}

Check out these sites for some inspiration!

Check out this adorable pumpkin center piece at Reinvented!

Edie {one of my favorite bloggers} is hosting a 12 days of handmade Christmas full of awesome tutorials. I am already making one of the tutorials on there!

Check out Country Living's Holiday decorating ideas here

My latest craft project......

2009-11-03T19:15:00.000-08:00

Owl Towel

This is the first time I have made my own applique` and actually sewed it onto something!!! It turned out so cute! (I think it actually looked better in person as I didn't have very good light when I took the photos)

This was a gift for my friend Amy for her baby shower. She is having her 4th boy in two days!!! I always make hooded towels....or hair bows. I love owls for boys. So cute! After she opened the gift, she passed it around the room where it was analyzed and questions were asked like how did you do this etc. I had to explain that it was my first applique and the machine gave me terrible fits all the way through! Why didn't I just get an outfit for him ??? LOL

I miss my blog!

2009-11-03T13:20:00.000-08:00

Life has taken me in so many directions this past month that I haven't been around much. With the cold weather setting in (OK it was setting in and today it is 80 degrees out) I thought I would make some kind of yummy creamy chiken soup in a bread bowl for dinner tonight. I'll post the recipe and some pics later - that is if we all like it and I like how it looks in my bowl~ LOL

I have pics of the hooded towel that I made for my friend Amy's shower that I loved.....that I will get on here ASAP.

How have you all been???? For all my readers that don't have a google account...sign up already and get one so you can comment....or even start your own blog~ I would love to hear from you!

The Pumpkin Patch and Halle Berry? WOW!!!!

2009-10-26T10:44:00.000-07:00

I already posted this on Facebook....I mean come on, where else can you share your excitement and see it spread instantly???? Oh but I do love my blog! So, here are the pics that my friend shot of me with Halle Berry in the background, we didn't want to be too obvious after all. OK, there was NO ONE else around us....the petting zoo is kind of off to one side on the hill and we stalked her all covert like. I think we pulled it off! Of course we waited for her to get out of the petting zoo which was about 2 minutes and then I told her how cute her little girl (Nala?) was in her darling outfit! She said thank you and was quite nice and then proceeded to wipe goat and sheep poop off of her sparkley sandals. So there we are! Enjoy and yeah I know that was a bit of a run on sentence if you ever saw one! LOL Have a great day!

Here they are with the animals.

And me posing

Here she is washing her daughter's hands (the other little girl and lady were her friends) Total normal mom!

Hi! That's my head! But there is Halle! (I don't know what that thing is in her hand....anyone else know???)

You can click on THIS to see it bigger! (Thanks Linds)

It's my 2 year Bloggiversary!!!! and the U2 concert!

2009-10-18T19:02:00.000-07:00

Blogger isn't letting me upload any more photos for some reason! Darn it!!!! I have so many wonderful things to catch you all up on! I am so sad! {having my own pitty party right now}

So, I guess I will have to fill you in on my trip to Dallas with out all the fabulous pics!

So, my sis in law Cathy who is married to my oldest brother Jeff is a huge U2 fan....she knows everything about them and the two of us have seen many concerts together over the years. Well, since we were supposed to move to Dallas TX over the summer she went ahead and bought up tickets. {Isn't that sweet?} Well, you all know that we didn't move...yet. So, Cathy from ID, her sis Carol from VA and my sis Dallas from UT and me here in CA all flew out to Dallas to spend 4 days together doing all kinds of fun girly stuff! Shopping at the Galleria {amazing} 4 hours spent there and then a trip to the House of Blues, we had a driver and a Town Car to take us all over. We ate some really good food OK A LOT of good food!

Monday was the Big day! We got all dolled up and headed to the new Dallas Cowboys stadium. It was really nice. U2 was playing the inaugural concert and it was AWESOME!!!!! Totally Rad! LOL

The Muse opened up {love them!} and then "they" came on! I love Bono!!! I love all of U2 but I love the humanitarian in him too. He is happily married with kids and uses his fame as a platform for oppressed and forgotten people.

Here we are 13 rows away from the stage!!!!

This is Dallas my sister AKA my twin to everyone we ever met who didn't know us and to everyone on Facebook! My hair really did look cuter than the picture...promise! LOL

Did you see the lady drinking her beer behind us??? I laugh at that! The whole place was overflowing with beer. But we didn't have any crazy drunks though....sometimes they make a bad concert more fun but not on this night...no crazy drunks needed!

I have a few stories and pics to share that I have to post when it will let me! Stay tuned for the crazy taxi mini van driver!!!

It's a bit blurry but that man right there is Bono!!!! You know from U2? If you don't know who U2 is then I am so sorry for you! LOL

I can't believe two years has gone by so fast! I have really enjoyed blogging and keeping in touch with friends old and new and my family!!!! Hmmmmm........ what can I do to celebrate? I'll get back to you on that!

Sippy Cup Adeventures and why I haven't posted a picture lately!

2009-09-24T12:32:00.000-07:00

Truth be told...........we have been doing so much lately and here's the shocker! I don't know if my camera is broken or just dead!!! (Mike I hope that you don't read this post!) The charger is somewhere in storage and the reason that it could be dead is that Blake's Diego sippy cup with the straw (yes occasionally I still have him drink from one...I don't know if it is because I can't let go or if it is because of the mess that I can still prevent while he uses one!) Anyway, I put that sippy cup in my nice Dooney bag and put it and Blake in the Yukon and drove off into our day. When I turned the corner, my purse slipped off the center console onto the floor! Well, that sippy cup was loosened ever so slightly by a sweet lil boy just b4 I put it into my bag. Yep! Apple juice drowned the bottom of my bag where my camera sits in its lil protective case. I went to turn it on and NOTHING!! My only saving grace is that I knew that the battery was low the last time I used it. Oh and the bag is fine!!! You would never know that the lining was completely saturated with juice! The leather (did I mention that it is red?) is as beautiful as ever!!! Gotta love those Dooney people!

Anyway, look for pictures (hopefully soon) of a little boy playing peewee soccer and all sorts of other fun stuff!

Have a great day!

Happy anniversary

2009-09-13T20:23:00.000-07:00

Dear Mikey,

Well we are officially in the teens now!!! 13 years! I remember the first time I met you. You were so sure of yourself like you were gonna knock my socks off! Well, you did even though you made me play Clair de Lune infront of a hundred strangers(remember?)!!! We've known each other now for 16 years.....that is almost half my life! I loved that you were so fun and adventurous always making me try something new....mountain biking, hikes and most recently over the past few years you taught me how to ride my quad! Remember that guy on the Huntington Beach Pier that was kind of a wacky old drifter and how he played his guitar and sang "Mike and Elaine walkin down the pier...they love Jesus and Jesus loves them!" I think that was the night that you found out I was a baby! 18!! There you were a college guy who 5 months earlier returned from serving the Lord on a mission and had so many great experiences! I was so in awe of you. And now here we are....in our 30's happily married and raising our 4 incredible children. How did we get to be so blessed?

Looks like we are in for one of our "adventures" in real life now. If what has happened had to happen then I am glad it happened with you. You are so strong and wise, funny and great to look at. I am so proud of your decision to go back to school. Your first week back and your teacher already sends her praises!! You have had to make everything in your life happen completely on your own with almost no family support (except for Christina) and I know how hard that has been on you. You always come out on top no matter what life throws your way. It truly amazes me how our Father in heaven has blessed you! I will always be there for you and will always support you and be your help mate. We are your family and we love you. Thank you for my children.....I don't ever want to think of my life with out them (or you). Our 3 rough housing talented sons and one amazingly sweet beautiful daughter look up to you and love you so much. You are the man in Cami's life and her world, thank you for the way you treat her. It brings tears to my eyes to know that she has a soft place to land with her Daddy. She will have and does have the father/daughter relationship that I have always dreamt of for myself. She will have better self worth because of her relationship with you. Thank you thank you thank you. My babies have been the most incredible gifts...next to your love. Can't wait for our date tomorrow night. Did you get a babysitter??? :)

I love you...did I tell you today?

~Me

Fall is in the air.....and where have I been???

2009-09-13T20:16:00.000-07:00

I just love this photo...so incredible beautiful! I have been so busy with this "new season" of my life. I haven't had time to post any of the pics or events that have been happening around here lately!

Today Cami was outside visiting with a friend for a few minutes and she came in and said that she needed a sweatshirt because it was COLD outside!!! Can you believe it???? I love this time of year!

P.S.******* Don't you love it when you hit the spell check and it finds no misspellings???? *****

Busy Happenings

2009-08-15T15:36:00.000-07:00

So we have been crazy busy these past few days with all sorts of stuff for instance:

pushing the kitty in the stroller

lunching at El Torito

I don't think I'd go runnin' if I saw these lil cuties comin' after me with those horns!

YAY for Hello Kitty! What a lucky day!

While in the store Cami perused the aisles to no avail and ended up with a peculiar purchase! We saw these fantastic pink "Surprise" bags that she couldn't pass up {then started a frenzy in the store....people said "I want one too....can your daughter get one for me?" then the sales girl asked her if she wanted to spin the wheel {for $1.1.0} so we said sure! She landed on 1st prize!!!! The boys didn't dare come in with us....well Blake did but he's always with me! :)

The boys went with Nick (aka older brother(15) who is really our neighbor) to Tilly's and Zumies and all the skater places. They LOVED hanging out with him at the mall. I had to laugh because they went to the See's Candy store to get chocolates!!!!! Yep, they are my boys!

Here she is with her bags!

Above is the loot! So fun! Try the Surprise bag next time you're in the mood for some Hello Kitty!

The boys and Cami had a bake sale this morning at our yard sale.....they made $30! Selling cup cakes with homemade frosting, brownies and lemonade {which they quickly ran out of....see the picture below}

Gavin already wants to count the profits!

Good Charlotte concert in Ventura at the county fair!

So fun!

This is me with my friend Karen.......like a 5th sister! Seriously not the best picture....it was soooooo humid {and cold}that my hair just went limp! Ick!

Get me to the market!

2009-08-12T11:03:00.000-07:00

I can't wait to try this delicious recipe.....looks like it is to die for!!!!

Also, I am totally hooked on all of her videos and her style! Love it!!!

Let me know whacha think!

Girlfriends

2009-08-05T21:39:00.000-07:00

So, Camryn and her friend Skye have wanted to do a cooking class and a sewing class.....they are 7 and 8!

{Look what they made!!!!}

Cute adorable vintage style aprons. They learned the basics of the sewing machine and did great at sewing straight lines.

They also made delicious Devil's Food cupcakes with homemade chocolate frosting topped with SKOR bits! Soooooo yummy!

The bow tails are long for versatility....they can wrap all the way around to tie up front and add drama! You know we are all about drama!!! LOL

Today

2009-08-04T14:06:00.000-07:00

Today was a great day and I am feeling like my self again! I actually wanted to sew again and had a wild thought about slip covering my living room sofa and chair in a crisp white linen with burlap pillows all fancied up with crowns on them!~

I know this is old news but I just love it!

2009-07-30T22:20:00.000-07:00

Mike would absolutely KILL me but, I just love this cut!!!!! I may just get a wild hair and do it!

And I thought that I had it bad......

2009-07-24T22:58:00.000-07:00

Please please please read this over at The Nester{be sure to click where their story began}. It makes me count my blessings in a deeper way. I have really tried to be conscience about my many blessings.....(name then one by one...a few words from a favorite hymn) since this fiasco....or what I thought was a fiasco of my life began.....feb 28th. But (never start a sentence with but...I know) I would take my situation right now in life any day over the one that you should really read that is linked above! I am soooooo blessed. Everyday I am blessed to have 4 healthy children and a wonderful husband and my faith. I am so blessed. Just wanted to share, maybe you should/could read this?

What's a Mom to do?

2009-07-23T16:14:00.000-07:00

Today Camryn said to me that she wants to be homeschooled again!!!!! I am a huge supporter of homeschoolers!!!! I loved homeschooling {most days} but it just didn't work out for us at that time. She needs the social interaction badly! I wish I had had access to more social activities or h/s groups at the time. She doesn't have a sister to play with and with us moving to a new state she will really be cut off socially unless we are blessed to have lots (I'd be happy with 2-3) girls to play with. So, for now we are still on track for public school. We are really happy with the schools so far in the area we are looking at and I think we should give it a try b4 we change things......oh and Dad needs to be at work so he can stand us all being around if we h/s again! LOL {That was the big reason for us to put them back into p/s.} That was a hard time for me. Who knows what is in the future as far as this subject goes.....I miss it though. I am trying to find ways at home to supplement and give them a bit more of an edge. In fact my friend (who is a homeschooler) and I were just talking about this very subject yesterday. She is soooo good at it and her daughter is as smart as a whip! I sometimes think that my kids could be moving further ahead with the one on one ed that they get from h/s. Thanks for letting me get that off my chest!

Family Dinner

2009-07-23T15:46:00.000-07:00

So, this past week at our Sisters Weekend we talked about everything from tummy tucks to designer bags. In between those subjects, eating dinner as a family got brought up by one of my sis-in-laws. She said that my brother really preferrd everyone eating at the same time! "Another Sheets (that is my maiden name) rule!" I spoke up and said that my family eats dinner together every single night! I was proud that it was something that we almost never let slide. It is almost as important as going to church and as neccessary to me as breathing. The reason I bring this up is not because I think she is wrong....more like I think families miss out on valuable "table talk" and because today is one of those days that I actually let my self watch Oprah. ( I gave her up a while ago.....sometimes though she has some really great topics that are worthwile.) Today was all about living on less and living simply. I am glad that I already have developed a simple tradition of family togetherness. I love dinner time even though it is the "witching hour" here at that time, it is still sooooo worth it! If you need some simple famil togetherness time try it out this summer.....I know you will love it and so will your kids!

Girls Weekend {Sisters and Sis-in-laws}

2009-07-20T19:50:00.000-07:00

Girls weekend started {for Cathy and me on Wednesday} here is her loot.....don't even want to know how much is here!!!! This was her "play" money. That girl hits the jack pot every time......like she is the "slot machine whisperer!" No, her luck didn't run off on me:(

So my sis in law Cathy and I decided that we needed to have a girls weekend! It turned out to be the best idea! No kids, no husbands (we did miss them) and no responsibilities! We had some wonderful things planned and everything went off with out a hitch! We had so much fun bonding and acting like we were kids again and laughing till it hurt and we couldn't breathe. That is the best!!!! {Some of us even lost our drinks through our noses!!!} You know who you are!!! :)

~~~

This was our Friday morning scrap booking session. We went to bed the night b4 around 3 a.m. and it became a trend for each night! I think I got more sleep as a new mom!

In the pic below are just a few of the girls...the rest were to arrive in a few hours.

{Connie, Cathy, Dana, Dallas and LaDawn}

Jennie and Connie in the pool...I think it was like 113 degrees

Dinner out at the Sonoma Cellar in Henderson. The Chef came out to talk with us and take some pics. The man has a gift! The food was beyond amazing!

We had a private room with beautiful wrought iron arched doors and a huge chandelier

My brother's wife {the one who set Mike and me up on a blind date} Connie and me

My sis Dallas and me....she is soooooooo tan! She colored her hair that day and we played make-over with her. So fun and she looked so HOT!

Mom and me

Um, yeah we played some pranks on each other!

You never want to be the first one asleep!!!!

Brunch on Saturday was Delicious! Dallas made this salad

Jennie made Lobster and Crab omlets from the major left over of Surf and Turf that was ordered the night b4! Sooooo amazingly good!

Saturday was our big surprise! Cathy and I arranged a massage therapist and an esthetician to come and spend the day pampering all the girls! Some have never taken time out for themselves to get a massage and a facial! It was a HUGE HIT!!

Dana getting a facial

Barbara and her gifted hands with Mom! She was wonderful. If you are ever in the Vegas area and need a massage she is the one to call!

All of us on the waterfall wall above the pool. We arranged these gorgeous patten type bags filled with Sisters weekend t-shirts {that we are all wearing here in this pic} and also Twisty Turbies, gourmet chocolate bars and the best lotion and scrap booking kits!

Do you know how hard it is to get 9 girls to all look the same direction and not blink their eyes????

Girls weekend with my Sistas!!!

2009-07-13T19:17:00.000-07:00

I know it's only Monday, but I get to leave for girls weekend on Wednesday a.m.! I am so excited to have quality time with some of my favorite girls! They are my sisters!!!! My brother's wives, Mom and the 4 girls all get to spend 4 days together lounging by the pool, scrapbooking, shopping and much much more.....some things are going to be a surprise and I'll let you know all about it when I get back! I hope you all have a wonderful week!!!!!

So tomorrow I am going to make some of my family's favorite meals (Calzones, Pizza and spaghetti sauce...I think Dad can handle cooking the pasta...and turkey taco's so they can eat good while Momma is gone!

I hope that no major mis-haps occur and that my little sneaky boy doesn't get into too much mischeif while I'm away...

Church was great today!

2009-07-12T18:20:00.000-07:00

How Firm a Foundation...was one of the hymn's we sang today at church. Although I have sung this many times over my life time, today it had totally different meaning....it wasn't just another hymn! It was beautiful! Read on.....have a wonderful rest of your Sunday!

1. How firm a foundation, ye Saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in his excellent word!
What more can he say than to you he hath said,
Who unto the Savior, who unto the Savior,
Who unto the Savior for refuge have fled?

2. In ev’ry condition—in sickness, in health,
In poverty’s vale or abounding in wealth,
At home or abroad, on the land or the sea—
As thy days may demand, as thy days may demand,
As thy days may demand, so thy succor shall be.

{I was feeling pretty good up to this part.....and then

we started singing the 3rd verse and the tears started

flowing!} Not because I am sad but because the spirit

confirmed what I already know is that I am NOT alone.

I am so blessed to know this!!!!

3. Fear not, I am with thee; oh, be not dismayed,

For I am thy God and will still give thee aid.
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by my righteous, upheld by my righteous,
Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

I can't believe she asked for it!

2009-07-08T23:10:00.000-07:00

Well, we are moving to Texas! (Big hair!)

So the other day Cami and I were on an evening stroll through the "hood" and she told me amongst many other mother daughter secrets that she needed a BUMPITS! Oh and she would like a medium one and then proceeded to tell me that I needed one too! I think they would be fun! I guess someone is marketing to Mothers and older teens or something during Hannah Montana!

Do you have a favorite poem?

2009-07-07T20:45:00.000-07:00

I think tomorrow I will implement some memorization with the kids. I am thinking some kind of classic poem or maybe even one of our favorite Psalms. My friend Lara is having an "un-plugged" summer with her kids....well for most of the day anyway. We are spending entirely too much time in front of the t.v. I know it is hot and I wouldn't want to be out there running around, so instead of what we have been doing we will have some productivity during our week then they can play in the cool of the evening.

Any favorite poems out there???????? Maybe I'll post a video of the kids reciting one that gets suggested!

How was your 4th????

2009-07-07T20:34:00.000-07:00

We here on Carolyn Drive love us a 4th of July block party! It's a tradition we started a few years back (as our neighborhood is 7 years young) and we all love it! Not too big but definitely fun and spent with our favorite neighbors! I do have pics and I will post them as soon as I can find the cord thingy that plugs into the computer......Mike has his hidden spots for these kinds of techy things to keep them safe from the boy(Blake) and me I think!

We started the day off with our church's annual Ana Verde Ward Pancake Breakfast! We always have so much fun. The kids did 3 legged races, the men did pie eating contests blind folded while being fed the pie from some one across the table..(so funny to watch), a cake walk for the kiddies and finally the all time ever popular egg toss!

The evening wrapped up with lots of friends(from church and our neighbors) all gathered around watching our Pyro-technician AKA Mike down the street giving us all a wonderful fireworks show! This was our last 4th here in CA on Carolyn Drive and we will surely miss our wonderful neighbors!

Pics to come tomorrow!

Wanna see the cutest cake ever????

2009-07-02T19:18:00.000-07:00

This is NieNie's birthday cake! Isn't it delightful? Doesn't it just make you want to dash back into the 50's and break out your party dishes and while we're at it let's get June and Lucy to come eat some too!

Want a great recipe?

2009-07-01T08:35:00.000-07:00

I don't know why I made this last night for dinner (especially in the Summer time) yes I do. it's because I had everything on hand to make it (except the red wine...it was really good w/o it) and I could be lazy!!! No last minute trips to the store b4 dinner for this girl! (LOL) Put it in your recipe file or box or whatever you keep that stuff in......trust me on this one!

Things to come

2009-06-29T13:50:00.000-07:00

Well the clock is ticking and we have to make some decisions soon about our future. Especially when it comes to the kids and starting school in a new state.

What do you think about moving children after school has started????

Just want some real honest opinions! (Even yours.....haven't posted here b4? Go ahead let me know what you think!)

Thanks for your two cents!

Call me crazy!!

2009-06-27T15:39:00.000-07:00

Today was (as of 1:30) 103 degrees!!!! So what did I decide to do???? Why am I totally whacked out?? Oh, I decided that I couldn't stand that fact that the Yukon was so filthy~ I couldn't even see out the side view mirrors! To think about all the blind lane changes I had been making all week!!! I darn near passed out on the couch when I was all done.....I say darn near because I didn't pass out due to my 5 hour energy drink. Yes, I have entered the world of energy drinks officially as of today! I got the little 2 oz guy cuz I can't stomach the stuff! Mikey loves the big ol diet Rock Star....the smell makes me queasy!

I think I have met my new favorite Mommy's lil helper!

Today was such a blessing!

2009-06-24T16:17:00.000-07:00

It all started with a 6:30 a.m. phone call from Andrea! I was to be her official babysitter for her two boys when she went into labor. Well, Mike got to watch the boys and our kids while I got to take her to the hospital (due to her husband being on a quick business trip and all of her family is in Utah!) where I witnessed an amazing event. I got to watch for the first time (from the side lines) a beautiful baby be(ing) born. Andrea was amazing! Her labor once we got to the hospital was only 25 minutes! She was a 10 when we got there. She was 3 weeks early too. Well, I don't want to steal all her thunder...so all of you who are our mutual friends can read all about it I'm sure on FB or on her blog sometime soon. Oh yeah....she did it w/o any drugs!!! Way to go girl! I told her she could be a baby making machine....she handled everything so amazingly! Thanks for letting me be a part of this special special day! I'll post a pic once I ask her! Oh one more thing....it's a girl!

A BIG thanks Stacy for taking Cami cherry picking along with play goup...and thanks to Karen and Jacie for all the help you two gave today, you make everything run smoother!

Texas Part 1

2009-06-23T18:46:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am starting out this post with a pic of a tree! There were soooo many trees there! I loved it. We have a lot of brown right now here with it being summer.

I'll tell y'all all about the trip in another post! (did you like my y'all???) LOL

So, as many of you may know....we are really considering a BIG move to the Dallas area.

To make sure that this would be a great place to raise our 4 amazing children, their parents decided that they must go and investigate and do much fact finding! Boy were we surprised!!!!!! We fell in love as soon as we got out of our hotel and started exploring the city on foot! Yeah that's right on foot! We parked our rental car and off we went! We couldn't believe how clean and green...as in trees and how friendly people were. We loved the suburbs of the city too! I could go on and on about how much it agreed with us and our family's {philosophy} on life. Such family friendly "burbs!"

Here are some pics of the hotel room. {More HERE }I have more but I don't have time to get them all up right now.....will add more later.

We stayed at the Historic Warwick Melrose Hotel in down town Dallas. What a beautiful place.

I wish I would have gotten a good shot of the night stands...they were mirrored like old Hollywood style. My pics don't do the room justice.

You all know how I am looking forward to one of these! Couldn't wait to get in there! Love it!

Typical of the area's we were looking in...you get a pool and a water park or playground!

I guess everything in TX is bigger........the houses were huge.

They call this a Hearth Room....right off the kitchen

We loved this kitchen........

Historic neighborhoods......so beautiful!

Texas Part 2

2009-06-23T18:30:00.000-07:00

This is the Methodist church outside our hotel. Love the architecture so I had to snap a shot of it!

Here we are inside Matilda....the trolley. She came all the way from Australia! She is operated by volunteers only. Isn't that amazing???? She runs all the time too. We rode all around downtown.

Here we are passing the Ritz Carlton.

This is downtown by the museums. I love all the trees there. We really don't have them in our downtown here! (LA)

Because I am a crazy person that likes old cemeteries (I always have even as a child) I could not leave Dallas with out a visit to the Greenwood Cemetery. Would you believe that it is smack dab in the middle of the city??????

This one reminded me of the haunted house at Disneyland.

This one was a Civil war memorial where several soldiers were laid to rest. He looks like Teddy Roosevelt to me....Night at the Museum?

This ia an angel with a mother and child. It is at a family plot. I thought she looked so pretty and brave. She is holding a trumpet of sorts.

Such a beautiful place to be put to rest.

Texas Part 3

2009-06-23T18:19:00.000-07:00

On our last day in TX we decided to go to Fort Worth to see the historic Stock Yards. Many people told us that we needed to go check it out!

Below is a pic of the Main Street.

Here is Mike the "Sundance Kid" I think he was missing Butch Cassidy though! He looks so sad.

Big Tex!

Seriously, look at those horns!

The train's (historical as well) turn table!

On one part of the street.....Harley's (notice, no helmets)

and on the other....horses!

Texas here we come!!!

2009-06-16T09:02:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to be going on an adventure with my husband! Mike and I have not been "a lone" with out kids over night in almost 4 years!!!!!! I'm not sure how I feel about leaving the kids..well leaving Blake! He is going to miss his mommy and daddy! Grandma has a few things up her sleeve as far as entertaining the kids and I know they will love it!I am so blessed to have a mom who supports me! I love you mom!

Check back next Sunday.....0r Monday for pictures and the whole scoop!

Enjoy your week!

Have you seen these?????

2009-06-11T21:29:00.000-07:00

I couldn't get the picture to post, but if you ever have a June Cleaver moment or maybe even Lucy wore something like these too! You gotta see these!

Can I get an amen!

2009-06-10T21:24:00.000-07:00

Lately I find myself on my knees more and more. I am so grateful in my faith that I have a loving Heavenly Father to pray to and pour my heart out to when no one else can help. I have decided (as I have always known) that I have to give my life to Jesus totally! There are some days when I just don't know how I'm gonna get thru....then I am humbled and remember that He has been there before me and has suffered for me. When I can't deal anymore He fills the "void" and I feel whole again. I am soooooooooo totally blessed!

Thought you might like this....

2009-06-07T18:57:00.000-07:00

Since I really don't have anything new right now, check this out

{I think I'm gonna work on my kitchen tomorrow, seems I am always tweaking that room!}

I'm so excited....and I just can't hide it!

2009-05-29T09:58:00.000-07:00

{Love this kitchen...just a little inspiration.....this lovely kitchen was designed by Dave Stimmel.}

Photo courtesy of HGTV

Remember that song? It's really silly why I'm so excited! I love Hobby Lobby ! And.....since we are most likely moving to where there is one (only 6 miles away from the new town in the new state) it's making me super happy. Oh the finds they have! It will be fun making our new nest homey having one of those nearby!

A new inspiring find!

2009-05-26T14:05:00.000-07:00

{I'm just thrilled about this site! Check out the photos too}

My sister Jennie's (is that proper?) Mother In Law wanted my Homemade Laundry soap recipe! So I emailed her the link to my blog thinking she might need help navigating it. Boy was I wrong! She in returns tells me that she loves my blog and that her Sister In Law has a blog also that she thinks I would just love! She couldn't be more right!

Check it out......Here ! I was sooooo inspired by her ideas that I had to email my sis in law Cathy to tell her all about my new thoughts on our girls weekend in Las Vegas this July!

Really go check it out! Antique-ing, event planning and much much more!

Click on the links on the left side of the blog! The pictures are so wonderful!