My Version of the Happy Stacker

I finished this happy stacker today. Okay so it's not as nice and perfect looking as Heather Bailey's, but that's what makes it homemade. And people love homemade gifts, right? I hope so because this little project is going to Kristen tomorrow for her new little baby girl. I may have to sneak it out of the house before Morgan realizes we're giving it away.

Did You Learn This In Kindergarten?

Since I have been picking Carmen up at school there have been a few times when she isn't out waiting with the rest of her class. After all the cars file out of the parking lot and I am the only one still waiting, I decide to go and get her. She chooses to stay after and tidy up the classroom just to help Mrs. Bigelow. It's rubbed off at home now too. The past two afternoons she heads out into the backyard to "work". She picks what is ready from the garden, waters the plants, makes sure Harvey has enough food, rakes what few leaves have fallen from the trees into little piles, and many other little tasks she can think of. I am beginning to like this service side of her. Let's hope she keeps it up.

The Hunger Games

Just finished this book. Wow! Very intense and interesting idea. The end leaves you hanging. I've gotta get my hands on the sequel, Catching Fire.

Pillowcase or Potato Sack?.....Oh It's a Dress!

Sarah and I spent the afternoon sewing these dresses out of pillowcases. I laughed a lot when Morgan put hers on because I just couldn't see it as a dress. We designed our own applique, added ribbon for trim, but even with all the cuteness, I just couldn't see it. Maybe I'm just being critical of my work. These girls are so cute they can make anything look good.

See You In Two Brother!

My youngest brother James entered the MTC yesterday. He'll be serving in the Buenos Aires West mission. He's going to make a great missionary. The system is really different at the MTC now since the swine flu breakout. My dad and mom dropped him off at the curb and off he went. So here goes the beginning of two years that is going to change his life.

The night before James left, he got a little close with Harvey. So hilarious. Harvey hadn't been picked up like that before....ever! He's so huge no one ever attempts that. Leave it up to James to want to try. Our cat (before he disappeared a few years ago) also loved James. They instantly had a strange bond. Harvey's going to miss him too.

My Latest Etsy Purchase

The pattern to make this happy stacker ring toy by Heather Bailey. Isn't it so cute?!! I can't wait to make it!

Open To The World!

Since I am only allowed to have a certain number of readers to view my blog and since I am almost maxed out, I decided to make my blog open for all to read... for now. I would rather have anyone that wants to see what we are up to be able to check our blog and I guess I can handle those few whom I don't know viewing it too.

So Hello world! I am feeling a bit strange and vulnerable at the moment, like I have lost all my clothing and I am standing here before you in my undies with nothing to protect me!

It's as Easy as 1-2-3.....

...or so I thought. My great friend Laurel makes the best carameled apples and pears and has actually taught a class on how to do it a few times at our Super Saturdays in the ward. I have been busy teaching or doing projects both times that she taught her class and was only able to sit in for a few minutes each time, missing most of the presentation. I did get a copy of instructions on how to make them, but I misplaced it somewhere.
So last night, while the boys were busy watching the BYU game, I thought us girls could whip up some carameled apples. So easy, right? Nope. I couldn't get the darn caramel to stick to the apples. Later on, after I had given up, it came to me. I think Laurel taught that the trick was to put the apples and pears in boiling water for 20 seconds or something to boil the wax off. Oh well, they still tasted good and we had a fun time trying to do it.

So yummy dipped in caramel, white chocolate, and sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar.

Flashback Friday

May 2006. So easy to please.

My New Camera!

I had some money that I had recieved from different loved ones for my birthday this year. I thought long and hard about what would be the best thing to spend the money on. Today I bought a new camera. My old one was having problems and I thought since there is nothing better than capturing the little moments of the kids as they are getting older, a new camera would be the best investment. Here are some pictures that I took this afternoon with it:

Up close and personal with Harvey

Carmen and her scooter

Our sweet little Morgey

Graham gathering toys for his newest idea: A Time Capsule.

My 15 week baby belly....

Weekend in Rexburg!

We headed up to Rexburg this last weekend for my youngest brother's farewell talk. On Saturday morning we went out the the sand dunes. It was David and the kids' first time going out there. I can't believe that I have never taken them out there. They loved it! On Saturday night the family surprised me with a little birthday barbeque. I was lucky to have many birthday celebrations throughout the whole week.

That night we heard that my grandma was in the hospital and had broken her back. A few days before there was a power outage and she got up to go to the bathroom, got disoriented and fell. Poor thing. It's hard to see people you love get old. I love her and think it would be great to name our next girl after her. I still trying to convince David that we use her name if we have a baby girl. Lola. The name means Grandma in his mission tongue and she is my grandma, so I don't know if he can get past the oldness of it. I will continue fighting, but once I get past him, I have to beg Dan and Sadie to let me use it because they want it too.

Sunday was the great meeting. The bishopric had happened to schedule my parents to speak on that same day accidentally, so it was a treat for us. They all did such a great job staying focused on their topic and not vearing away talking about how great James is. After the meeting we had a yummy dinner and then headed home. It was a good trip.

Morgan climbing a huge sand hill.
Ethan, Carmen, and Ben playing something fun. I overheard "shake it and and then pour it on the oven." Love the imagination.

Birthday BBQ.

James and his friend, Laren. He really likes her and is hoping she will still be around when he gets home. We all hope so too. She's great.

Dan sporting the "Gap!" Great picture :)

My memory foam slippers I got from Sarah and the Fossum clan. So comfy.

Spicing Up Idol!

Last week Sam called me to tell me the news. Ellen Degeneres is the newest American Idol judge, taking Paula's place. Sam follows her on Twitter and she told all of her fans even before it was broadcast through the news. I think it will be a great way to spice up the show. She's hilarious!

Surprise!!

Last night was our monthly book club where we had plans to meet at Mi Ranchito and discuss books for the next year.....or so I thought. The girls had actually planned a little surprise birthday for ME!! So sweet. Since I am turning 30 tomorrow each of the girls brought me 30 of something. I got:

• 30 peach rings
• 30 markers
• 60 jelly bellies (30 for me, 30 for the baby) my favorite
• gift card to target for a article of clothing that I can wear 30 times
• CD of Margie's top favorite 30 songs
• 30 Starburst
• 30 Redvines
• 30 pieces of homemade soap
• 30 marbles-so no one can ever tell me that I've lost my marbles
• 30 paper clips &
• 30 yards of duct tape-for all the times I may fall apart, I can put myself back together.
• 30 1 dollar bills, each one with a little sticky note for a total of 30 reasons why Sarah loves me as a sister. (I had to wait to get home to read the reasons. I didn't want everyone to have to see me cry like a baby)
• 30 awesome wood hangers from IKEA
  And lastly, but definitely not least
• 30 Amigurumi patterns in a nice binder along with everything you need to make a great creation! I couldn't keep my emotions together when I opened this one from Laurel. The tears flowed....and I let them come. So much work went into that!

Thanks so much girls for the awesome night. I won't ever forget it. I love all my sweet gifts! Our summers have all been crazy, so it was great to see everyone again. Oh, and Jorge our waiter, informed my that my meal was free for the birthday girl! That was after they sang to me and made me wear a sombrero. It was heavy. Michelle brought a delicious dessert to top off the great night. Chocolate Eclaire Pie.....I am sure I will be posting the recipe soon. YUM! Love you girls!

Stupid Bike!

Poor Carmen. Today she had a major spill on her bike. While I was cleaning her up she said some great words that reminded me of the famous movie, Karate Kid. She said, "I hate my stupid bike. I never want to ride it again!" I tried hard not to let her see me laugh. I am sure that she will change her mind and love her bike again in a couple of days when she starts to feel a little better.