Praiseworthy

Sugar and Spice, and a Tutorial!

2012-01-18T21:52:00.000-08:00

Well now, it has been a long time, hasn't it? After a long break from blogging, which was unintended but turned out to be totally needed by most of us, the Praiseworthy girls are back! We'll be here and there, somewhat less regularly than we used to - we have springtime to plan for and babies on the way! - but I think I can speak for all of us when I say we missed you. So here we go.

I always thought that the little rhyme about "sugar and spice and everything nice" was a teeny bit unfair to girls ("everything nice"? I mean, that's a pretty tall order, don't you think?). Until I had a little girl - who is smart and helpful and funny and pretty and independent, and sometimes a whole lot more spice than sugar!

Here she is at just 4 days old. Sassy already! ;)

Now, to be perfectly honest, I love spice. Ask anyone. We have a whole kitchen drawer dedicated to spices, and a box in the pantry for what doesn't fit in the drawer. There are two ingredients I never measure anymore: vanilla and cinnamon. And when I use either of those two lovely lovely things, especially the cinnamon, I cannot help but think about how fortunate I am. I think "here is this precious spice, a spice that whole countries once fought other whole countries over, and I have a big jar of it right here in my pantry, and it's abundantly available to me when I run out. And here I am, I don't even measure it, I just toss some in like it never cost anyone anything." I don't know, I just love that thought; I love how simple it is, and how good for the soul.

Anyway, back to my point. My daughter has made me appreciate that little rhyme, by making me think about the spice. And I do love spice!

I also love this little skirt, which was made for my little Miss Sassy C when she was two:

It's sushi fabric! And it's reversible! She would wear this with her little red rain boots or her blue shoes with the orange stars, and just radiate the cuteness!

I loved it so much that when she grew out of it, I did some careful examination of the seams and stitches, and made a couple more in bigger sizes (and fabric that suited her better at four- and five-years-old). They're still favorites of hers and mine.

And so! When our Cortney's littlest girl had her last birthday, I knew just what to make. And I took pictures! So now you can make some too!

For a size 3-ish skirt, you'll need:

Two pieces of fabric: 37" x 13" and 37" x 15"
Elastic, 1-inch wide

Sew each of your fabric pieces into a tube with the seam along the short end. Zigzag stitch the seam together, and do another zigzag stitch along one raw edge of each tube. Fold that edge up 2" on the 13" fabric; and fold up 3" on the 15" fabric. Stitch those folded up edges close to the raw edge. Like this:

Turn one of your tubes right-side out, and pair them up right-sides together. Match up along the raw edges at the top. Make sure your tube-seams are matched up, too. Like this:

Stitch all around the top:

When you open it up, it will look like this:

Now fold it along the seam you just made, with wrong-sides together. Press to flatten, like this:

Now make another seam, a smidgen more than an inch from that one at the top, leaving a space open to feed the elastic through. Like this:

If you look between the two pieces of fabric, your opening where you'll feed the elastic through will look like this:

Trim your elastic to size so that it fits your daughter's waist with a little stretch. Pin one end of the elastic to the fabric with a safety pin, and put a second safety pin on the other end of the elastic. Like this:

Using that safety pin on the end, work the elastic through the opening and all around the skirt, making sure the elastic doesn't get twisted. Hook the two safety pins together, then shimmy and pull the elastic around inside the seams so it's all nice and even.

Once you like how it looks, stitch the two ends of elastic together and trim off the excess:

Turn the skirt back to wrong-sides together and stitch up the opening - just pick up that seam you left, right where you left off. You're done!

So cute one way ...

... and the other!

Matchmaking

2011-09-04T15:29:00.000-07:00

Are you having a great Labor Day weekend so far? Are you "laboring" around the yard and/or house? Or enjoying an end-of-summer vay- or stay-cation? Maybe you're like me doing a little bit of both. I'm playing matchmaker around here. Lookie what I mean.

Match #1

our pantry filling up for the winter!

Match #2

a new delicious grilling adventure!

Match #3

no explanation needed...throw in some popsicles, friends and family, and a party is born!

Match #4

Well, let's say this one didn't really get off the ground. Soon, though. Very soon. This doesn't shout "holiday weekend" to me, so we'll wait a little bit.

Hoping you and your weekend are a match made in summery heaven!

When life gives you lemons, I mean zucchini...

2011-08-10T20:09:00.001-07:00

...make zucchini brownies!

That's right. 'Tis the season for zucchini coming out the wah-zoo, and if you're like me, about this time of year I'm really scraping for new ways to use our bountiful crop of emerald beauties. When we sit down to the dinner table, my husband teasingly asks "OK where's the zucchini?" I've gotten clever at the hiding game!

My mom gave me this recipe a couple of years ago, and it's a winner. Rich, moist brownies with a fudge-like frosting. And, thanks to the cooler-than-normal summer we're having, I can actually stand to turn on the oven in our non-air-conditioned house and bake up a batch of these. I like to grate zucchini and freeze it in 2-cup portions so I can make this year round too.

We're bringing these to our neighborhood picnic tomorrow, and I expect the dish will be empty by the end of the night! I hope you'll try these and let me know what you think.

Zucchini Brownies

2 cups grated zucchini
3/4 cup vegetable or canola oil
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 egg (optional - If you add it, the brownies will be more cake-like. If you leave it out, they will be more fudgey.)

2 cups flour
1/3 cup cocoa
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt

Combine first "wet" ingredients in a large bowl. Combine dry ingredients in a medium bowl. Add dry to wet and combine well. Pour into greased 9x13 pan and bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes. Top with frosting.

Chocolate Fudge Frosting

1/4 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup milk

Mix together in saucepan and boil for exactly one minute. Remove from heat and add: 2/3 cup EACH chocolate chips and mini marshmallows. Stir until marshmallows are melted and spread on brownies. Let set until frosting firms up like fudge. Enjoy!

We all scream!

2011-07-21T09:56:00.000-07:00

Did you know this month is National Ice Cream month? Did you know there was such a thing? Thanks to President Reagan's declaration back in 1984, July is officially the month to celebrate this frozen concoction of deliciousness. The third Sunday of the month (or this past Sunday) is National Ice Cream day.

I don't know about you, but I usually don't need an occasion to enjoy a bowl of cookies n' cream or a pudding pop. But it's nice to know it's celebrated in our country.

I once heard that there is more ice cream consumed in winter months than in the summer. Has anyone else heard that? It's been so long since I learned that surprising fact that I'm starting to wonder if I made it up so I wouldn't fee so guilty digging into a dish of caramal cashew on a chilly February night.

Anyway, we like to make ice cream at our house, but we usually like to make it when it can all be eaten the same day as it's made, so we'll invite you over sometime to help us eat it! Re-frozen homemade ice cream just seems to lose a lot of the texture and flavor that it has when it's eaten right out of the ice cream maker. Here's a site with all the recipes you can imagine.

But for a "quick fix" I love a good Dilly bar or a soft serve cone too! It's worth all the brain freezes in the world!

Happy ice "screaming" this month! What's your favorite kind?

Hope for little lambs

2011-07-13T13:56:00.000-07:00

I was asked to speak in church this past Sunday, and I wanted to share just a couple of thoughts with you. The subject was mostly on hope, and I related it to the Atonement of Jesus Christ and how vital it is to have hope in our lives and in our families. There is an element of action that needs to take place along with hope.

"As parents, we find our fondest hopes center around our children. We hope they will grow up to lead responsible and righteous lives. Such hopes can be easily dashed if we do not act as good examples. Hope alone does not mean our children will grow in righteousness. We must spend time with them in family home evening and worthwhile family activities. We must teach them to pray. We must read with them in the scriptures and teach them important gospel principles. Only then is it possible our fondest hopes will be realized."
-Elder Steven E. Snow

I realize more and more the importance of the responsibility I've been given to raise righteous children. I'm certain the challenges will be greater the older they get too. But I also know the potential of my hopes and actions becoming exponentially far-reaching, perhaps for generations to come.

"The Echo"
C. C. Miller

’Twas a sheep not a lamb
That strayed away in the parable Jesus told,
A grown-up sheep that strayed away
From the ninety and nine in the fold.
And why for the sheep should we seek
And earnestly hope and pray?
Because there is danger when sheep go wrong:
They lead the lambs astray.
Lambs will follow the sheep, you know,
Wherever the sheep may stray.
When sheep go wrong,
It won’t take long till the lambs are as wrong as they.
And so with the sheep we earnestly plead
For the sake of the lambs today,
For when the sheep are lost
What a terrible cost
The lambs will have to pay.

Yummy!

2011-06-30T08:53:00.000-07:00

Well this weeks topic is one of my favorite things. I figure Oprah has them, so I can have them too. Strawberries, Raspberries, Blackberries, Blueberries, Cranberries, Huckleberries, etc. Yummy!

I love berry muffins too. Here is one of my favorite recipes. It came from allrecipes, but I adapted it a little, so I will call it my own. :)

Blueberry, or any berry for that matter, muffins

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon or so of cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon or so of nutmeg
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1/3 cup milk
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries/huckleberries,raspberries/etc

Crumb Topping
2/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup flour
1/2 or more teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter (room temperature)

1.Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease muffin cups or line with muffin liners.

2.Combine flour, sugar, salt and baking powder. Place vegetable oil into a 1 cup measuring cup; add the egg and enough milk to fill the cup. Mix this with flour mixture. Fold in blueberries. Fill muffin cups right to the top, and sprinkle with crumb topping mixture.

3.To Make Crumb Topping: Mix together sugar, flour, butter, and cinnamon. Mix with fork till there are small crumbles and sprinkle over muffins before baking.

4.Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until done.

Try them, you will not be disappointed!

Enjoy!

Berry-licious

2011-06-29T21:59:00.000-07:00

image source

It's that time of year when all the berries are their full glory. I guess strawberries have been on for a while already, but the blueberries, raspberries and blackberries are catching up. And that means stocking up!

Growing up, we had a huge strawberry patch at our house, and it was my summertime household job to pick berries and make freezer jam pretty much every other day. Any time my away-at-college sisters would call home and ask what I'm doing, no matter what time of day, the answer would always be "dishes" or "making jam." I got pretty sick of it sometimes, but we were sure glad to dig a carton of homemade jam out of the freezer in the winter when we were craving a little taste of summer.

Speaking of summer, it's having a hard time making an appearance around here. Our heater kicked on this morning! So, our harvest may be meager at best, which means we'll be visiting our local "u-pick" farms for berries. If you haven't heard of PickYourOwn.org, you must go and check it out. You can search by location and narrow your search by the type of produce you're looking for. It has extras like recipes, canning tips and picking tips. Our favorite is blueberry picking at Canter-Berry Farms. They don't use any pesticides or herbicides, and they encourage you to eat as much as you like while you're picking.

If you're looking for something delicious and different to make with your berries, try this Rhuberry Pie. It combines FOUR kinds of berries and my favorite - rhubarb. Hurry before the rhubarb is gone for the season! Or convince yourself to break open one of the 6 bags you're hoarding in the freezer for year-long rationing. Not that I do that.

Happy Independence Day next week, everyone! Make something deliciously patriotic with all those berries out there!

P.S. Speaking of strawberries, this is one of our favorite books! We all love the illustrations, and I love that I totally relate to it (although my freckles didn't go away when I got older either!).

Still here....

2011-06-24T10:02:00.000-07:00

Well, Jen has been true and faithful...but the rest of us, well, I guess we're lost. :)

We are still here. I'm can't speak for the rest of the women, but I can say that for myself, I have just been anxiously engaged in a few other good causes...namely the Book of Mormon Challenge, and moving! I have not forgotten about this Praiseworthy blog and our Praiseworthy cause--quite the opposite is true! My mind is filling up with thoughts and ideas and things I'd love to share. However, there is a time and a season for all things...

Last week's topic was "sorry."
I'm sorry I didn't write anything.

The topic this week is "white." I didn't want to let this one pass me by completely! There are so many wonderful white things in this world! For example...

wedding dresses
a big, white-toothed smile
temples
new paint
fluffy clouds in a blue sky
a blank canvas
snow
pages in a book
sea shells
clean socks
fresh whipped cream

The other day my daughter asked me if I knew what her favorite part of her body is. Then she proudly declared "My teeth! Because I like to take care of them."

Clean. White. Smile. :)

My sister is getting married in August. It has been fun to help find a unique and beautiful dress for her to wear to the temple. It has a bow. It has a train. It has been fitted just for her.

Clean. White. Smile. :)

There is just something comforting in the beauty of white in this world!

In bloom

2011-06-22T08:28:00.000-07:00

I'm loving this one right now:

And this Japanese variety is pretty spectacular too:
This soft pink one smells like a sweet breath of fresh air whenever I walk by:
But you know which is my favorite? The white one. Look closely and you'll see tiny flecks of bright red in a few spots.

It's a reminder that something doesn't have to be perfect and pristine to be beautiful.

Sorry

2011-06-16T13:33:00.000-07:00

Have you ever heard the saying "Love means never having to say you're sorry."? It's actually a line from a book and a 1970 movie, and I've heard it here and there in various contexts. Two years later, the phrase was repeated by Barbara Streisand's character in another movie, to which her costar Ryan O'Neal responds, "That's the dumbest thing I ever heard."

I have to say I agree with his answer. Since being married, I've learned that "I'm sorry" is one of the most important, and necessary, things I can say to my husband. I don't think I say it too much because I think overusing it just becomes a trite cure-all phrase, and because I try my hardest to not do or say too many things in the first place that I'm sorry for. But there are definitely times where I have to put my pride aside, get a little perspective on the situation, and turn on the empathy. It might be easier to just disregard the situation, and when the bad feelings subside, just go back to life as usual as if nothing happened. But, as I'm sure you all know, that doesn't make it better in the long run.

I recently read an article titled "Making a Marriage Work" where Elder Pinnock lists ten ideas to not only make your marriage work, but to strengthen it (I highly recommend reading it individually and then as a couple). The seventh idea is:

"Say, 'I’m sorry,' and really mean it. Contrary to a popular saying, love, in part, means learning how to say 'I’m sorry.' So often when we make mistakes, even innocent mistakes, damage has been done and an apology is in order. Along with learning to say, 'I’m sorry,' husbands and wives must learn to say, 'I forgive.' Jesus taught that to be forgiven by our Heavenly Father depends, in part, on our ability to forgive those who trespass against us. Some of the strongest marriages of which I am aware have been between partners who could say, 'I am sorry,' and who forgive each other."

So, if I could re-write the saying based on my own experience, it would say something like "Love means saying you're sorry even when it's the most difficult thing you've done in a long time and it wasn't your fault to begin with and you want to sulk until the other person comes to you and apologizes and you don't want to talk about it and you don't care about being sorry because you just want to be right."

Now that's TRUE love.

She was born on a Saturday.

2011-06-08T23:32:00.000-07:00

I gave birth to her at 3:27 am on a Saturday.

In these short two years, I've seen some of myself in her.

She's a little crafty...

...and a little domestic.

She loves being outside...

...even if it means getting dirty.

She's independent, determined (sometimes to the point of stubbornness) and has a special admiration for her big brother...just like her mom.

But she's very much her own person.

She takes an unconventional approach to life.

And she could teach me a thing or two about finding joy in simple things.

Yep, she was born on a Saturday...

...and I'm changed because of it.

Hidden Treasures

2011-06-03T14:18:00.000-07:00

Oh the joy of a hidden treasure...

I LOVE to come across a blog or photo or item online that makes my scroll finger pause, and then my eyes widen, and then my heart leap! :) There are so many hidden treasures online--well, they aren't really hidden I guess. They are out there for everyone to enjoy, you just have to know where to find them. And that is why I am totally loving Pinterest! Have you seen it yet? Jenni introduced me to this world of not-so-hidden treasures a few weeks ago and it has quickly become one of my favorite online joys!

For any of you who are like me when people say, "Oh, I just got online and found it..." (a tutorial or cute kid's item, etc.), then you have probably heard yourself say, "Why can't I find that kind of stuff online? Where are these awesome blogs and cool websites?" I always feel like I'm the last to know!

Well, now I find all kinds of treasures online--those same ones that I used to think were hidden somewhere in the mommy-blog sphere where I was not invited. Oh, no, we are all invited! And you can invite your friends.

I'm not trying to promote anything here--except the fun and excitement that comes when you do find something that really makes you smile.

Here is the description of Pinterest directly from their website:
"Think of Pinterest as a virtual pinboard — a place where you can create collections of things you love and "follow" collections created by people with great taste.
People use Pinterest to collect and share all sorts of things -- wedding inspiration, favorite T-shirts, DJ equipment. You name it, people are pinning it."

So, if you want to discover the hidden treasures out there...go to Pinterest and request an invitation. Once you're account is set up, you can find friends, invite friends, make friends, and best of all--pin EVERYTHING and ANYTHING until your heart is content. If any of you have a shopping addiction--this just might kick it. It's like shopping, but without spending any money! You can add anything you want to your pinboards and look at it as much as you want, so that's almost like having one of your own, right? :)

Happy Friday, all!

ps. The topic for this week is "hidden," in case you wanted to write a little something of your own and link up with us!

What's your secret?

2011-06-02T16:49:00.000-07:00

OK I need some ideas here.

Let me back up. It's been awhile since I was introduced to a couple of cook books that are all about creative ways to hide vegetables in kids' favorite dishes, and I've tried a good amount of them with success.

I was reluctant at first because I thought, "My kids might not eat many vegetables at first, but I'll keep offering them at mealtimes and eventually they'll try them and decide they like them. If I grind, puree and disguise them in other foods, they'll have a warped sense of what vegetables taste like. They'll think zucchini is supposed to taste like my mom's zucchini brownies or that butternut squash tastes like macaroni and cheese. Then they'll NEVER like them when they find out their green leafy friends really taste like, well, vegetables."

In actuality, I'm the one with a warped sense of reality. The truth is, they each like a few veggies like cucumbers and carrots. But with summer approaching, I'm going to be whipping up all kinds of salads, and I'm not sure how well they're going to go over with the people under 5 years old in the house.

So, what's your secret to hiding a little extra goodness in the meals you make for your family? I've just shared a couple of mine with you (I like to throw in a handful of fresh spinach into our smoothies too), but I'd love to know from you!

Hidden Treasures

2011-06-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

Zombie Mom Comics

I remember while growing up my mom would always have a stash of hidden treasures somewhere in the house. They were things like Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, M&M's, Rolo's, Caramello's, etc. My dad had his own too. His was usually Reeses Peanut Butter Cups. We always new if we wanted a treat, we just had to search.

My Dad's treasure was always somewhere in the freezer. My moms on the other hand, well there were lots of places. In the side drawer in her room, or one of the other many junk drawers she had, you could find them in the basket on top of the fridge, in a bowl in the top of the cupboards, and my favorite place, the wheat grinder shelf/cabinet.

Yes, my mom has a shelf with a built in wheat grinder. It is an old antique from my grandparents. It has the grinder inside with the lever to turn on the out side. We always loved to turn it. Imagine our surprise when chocolate candy and chewed up wrappers started coming out! yeah, I think that was the last time they were hidden in there.

I also had my own hiding places. I had 4 older siblings and one younger one. The younger one I did not worry about, but the older ones made me nervous. Halloween would come around and it was time to hide you stash again. And like my dad, there is something about frozen Reeses Peanut Butter Cups. Well I hid mine in the ice dispenser. Then I forgot about them. Well, my brother ended up with chocolate, peanut butter, foil wrapper ice. Yeah, that was a mess. Oops!

As a mom, I don't really have a hiding spot yet. My kids are not old enough to steal my favorite treats and treasures. I can just put them up on a high shelf in the pantry, and they are safe. I have not had to worry about them climbing the pantry shelves, yet. I see it coming int the near future though, so I will have to start finding my hiding spaces now. Maybe in the e canning pots at the top of the pantry, maybe in my silver flower vase, maybe even in the unused toilet paper roll holder/stacker thing. Oh the ideas.

Where do you hide your treasures.

Bloom Where You're Planted (Or Sprout Where You Are)

2011-05-31T21:35:00.001-07:00

Apple blossoms in the backyard!

A few months ago, my daughter found that one of the seeds in the apple she was eating had sprouted. We stared at it in amazement for a little while, then wrapped it loosely in a damp paper towel and set that in an empty yogurt container on the windowsill. And forgot about it. Days and days later my husband happened upon the forgotten seedling and what do you know? It was growing! Obviously, this little plant wanted a chance. So we put some soil into the yogurt container and planted the tiny tree. And it grew and it grew. Reaching for the light outside, it got a little lopsided so we turned it around so it could reach the other way. And it grew and it grew.

Here is our little apple tree last week just before we put it in a bigger pot outside. We didn't really have much hope for it in the beginning, but now I'm looking forward to seeing it become what it was meant to be. And when it gets bigger it probably won't bear tasty fruit (apple trees from seeds don't grow the same apples they came from - weird, huh?), but it's worth giving it a chance, don't you think? You know, just in case.

There's an analogy in there about life and relating to other people and seeing the hidden potential in ourselves. Pick your favorite! It's sure to be delicious (hehe!)

A Book, A Challenge, A Blessing

2011-05-28T08:14:00.000-07:00

We are starting something--it's a 30-day challenge--and we would love you to join us! Beginning June 1st we will be reading the Book of Mormon together. Check it out over on The Book of Mormon Challenge Blog. There you will find a reading schedule, links to other resources to help you complete the challenge, and the best part: a community of people all excited to do it together! If you are a member of our church, you know the impact of such a challenge. If you are not, you have the opportunity to learn what it's all about with a group of people to answer questions and provide added insight along the way.

I hope you'll accept the challenge!

Clean Feels Good, Don't You Think?

2011-05-27T04:00:00.000-07:00

photo credit

Physically, mentally, in any way it comes, clean just feels good.

This has been the center of my thoughts all week. Some mornings I slide out of bed and slowly begin with the daily tasks--breakfast, dishes, laundry, picking up, and more picking up, and more picking up. I stay in my pajamas, throw on an apron, and think that once I've done all the chores, then I will shower and get ready for the day. Sometimes all that picking up can get sweaty, right!?! However, I am so much more motivated to move quickly and get things done AFTER a good shower, when I feel clean and refreshed! Somehow taking care of my body and being clean improves my mental state--it's a wonderful thing!

And then there is the night-time shower. What a beautiful feeling it is to crawl into bed--with newly washed sheets of course--after taking a warm shower. My sleep is so sweet when I go to bed clean.

Now, I am not recommending we all shower twice a day. I am just making note of one thing that can improve practically every aspect of life: CLEANLINESS!

I watched the American Idol finale--did you? Well, I didn't just watch the finale, I watched almost the whole season--almost. And I have to say, there is a stark difference in my mind between the so-called "mentor" of the season (Miss Lady Gaga herself) and the two finalists. Even if you don't like country music and are disappointed with the results of the show, you have to agree that those two young singers are clean. They are young and sweet and eager, and CLEAN! I hope they grow into a stardom that my daughters can enjoy without feeling the dirty and uncomfortable feeling that I had Wednesday night when Lady Gaga performed. I hope I can listen to their music and watch their videos and not have to worry what images might fill my mind. Because clean feels good.

So I'm hoping maybe, just maybe, you've been thinking about our topic along with us all week...and have some of your own thoughts to share about "clean." Link up below (with our faithful Little Shortstacks--thanks for your posts!) and share with us! Just click below--it's easy. And you can add your post up until next Thursday at midnight.

My New Favorite Mop

2011-05-25T20:38:00.000-07:00

For my Birthday I bought a Swiffer Wet Jet for myself. Well I Left it unopened and left for Colorado. It is there that I heard of the Rubbermaid Reveal. When I got home, I promptly returned it, and purchased the Reveal. I used it for the first time tonight, and have to say, it is awesome! I highly recommend it. (Oh, and I was not even thinking of the blog at the time when I used it, but it all worked out.)

Here are the best parts about it.

It is wider then the Swiffer and other brands

It has washable pads

You can fill the container with your own cleaners and use it over and over again.

You can buy extra pads so one can be in the wash and one on the mop.

It has a Sweeper attachment, so no Swiffer sweeper pads either!

No sink full of dirty water.

No mop to let sit and dry, you just throw it into the wash!

Your floor drys faster since you use less water.

It works great! I highly recommend it! It was on sale for $20 at Target, and I bought an extra microfiber mop pad and sweeper pad so it cost $30 or so, so the same amount as the Swiffer and a box of 10 pads or so. And I can wash these at least 100 times!

If you hate sweeping and mopping like I do, I highly recommend this.

Fresh & Clean

2011-05-25T10:00:00.000-07:00

photo source

I've probably already exhausted the topic of house cleaning here and here and here, so I won't talk about that during this week of "clean." So, switching gears a little, what a fitting topic for this time of year, when springtime brings out the newness and freshness that makes me want to open all my windows and bring it inside! That's what I love about living where I do. The rain is nature's shower that leaves everything fresh and clean.

So, now that Memorial Day weekend is approaching and summer is on its way, I've put away the hot chocolate, and I'm stocking up on things for warm-weather drinks. I love mixing up a delicious, refreshing, CLEAN-tasting drink to pair with a tasty salad or with whatever's on the grill. I've always been a fan of citrus, and now I'm particularly all about limes. Here's a quick, zippy refresher I like to make:

Fizzy Lime Refresher

5-6 limes, juiced
1 TB grated lime zest
1 handful mint leaves, roughly chopped
1/4 cup sugar (I experimented with turbinado sugar for this and it was yummy)
1-liter bottle sparkling water, like Pellegrino or similar
mint leaves and/or lime slices for garnish

Combine lime juice, zest, mint leaves and sugar. Refrigerate 30 minutes to dissolve sugar and meld flavors. If desired, strain through a fine sieve to remove mint leaves and zest. Just before serving, add sparkling water. Serve with ice and garnish with mint leaves and/or lime slice.

*Note: I like this pretty tart, so if you want it sweeter, either add more sugar, or use 7-Up or Sprite instead of sparkling water.

Clean as a Bean

2011-05-24T21:31:00.001-07:00

I can't do it.

I've tried and I've tried, but I simply can't think of what to write on our topic this week: clean. The hard truth is that I'm far more familiar with dirty. I did think of a pop song, though ... again! But I'm not going to tell you what it is, because I think it's time for another giveaway on our lovely little blog. So how about this? The first person who can guess the song I'm thinking of will receive a bottle of one of Jennis' favorite cleaners. Would you like a hint? I used to mishear one of the lyrics; I thought they were singing "clean as a bean." Good luck!

And while we're waiting for someone to guess, here's something I've been dying to share that has nothing to do with clean or dirty. Last Saturday was our stake's Relief Society conference and it was so inspiring. The theme was "Celestial Garden Shop" and all the classes - from dealing with depression, to teaching your children, to making your marriage more fun, to finding joy in motherhood - took some aspect of gardening to help illustrate the point of the class. The keynote speaker was my favorite, though. She shared seven "celestial gardening tips" and I loved how she tied it all together. Here were the tips and my notes about them:

1. Plant in season. Everything has it's season, and you can't have it all at once. Learn what season you're at in your life and plant accordingly.

2. Pick your seeds. A little like the first; you will only have space in your garden for a limited number of things. Don't try to plant more than you have room for. Also, don't plant carrot seeds and expect cucumbers.

3. Nourish your garden. Building a celestial life takes work. She quoted Lou Erickson: "Gardening requires lots of water - most of it in the form of perspiration."

4. Reap the harvest. Enjoy what you have, even if it doesn't seem like much. That tiny, funny-looking cucumber can be just as delicious! Feast on the scriptures and bask in the light and warmth of the Spirit.

5. Preserve the extra. The winters in our lives will come. It's wise to store up what we can spiritually to carry us through the dark and cold.

6. Seek guidance from the Master Gardener. I didn't need any notes on this one :)

7. Don't forget the value and importance of fertilizer. And what is the best fertilizer? Manure. Our trials can help us flower! I added a note about pruning, too, as she'd also related Hugh B. Brown's story of the Currant Bush.

Great, huh? As weak as I am as a gardener, I do so love all the life lessons you can relate to gardening!

If You're Happy When You're Cleaning Clap Your Hands!!!

2011-05-23T14:33:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year and I don't know about you but spring cleaning can be the worst!!! How fun is it to stay inside when the sun is shining and wash your windows or scrub your floors? Ya...I know. BUT I have discovered a few fun things that have made my long list of to dos more enjoyable. In fact, do I dare say they have made me happier?

First you must turn on the tunes. My favorites right now are:

and the best for last:

Kina Grannis

She is my new favorite and who I listen to non stop -thanks to Cortney- which you must look up and buy and memorize and dance to and sing at the top of your lungs while you scrub. She's clean and fresh and soooo adorable in person. Kinda like how we all want our houses to appear right? All right. Enough cheesiness.

Okay so the music is on and your feeling pretty great. Hopefully it's raining outside, unless of course, you want to open your windows up and let in the sunshine. In that case it's sunny and brillinat out there. But, don't worry. You're not missing anything because it's still 7 am!!!!!

Now don't go grabbing your stinky chemical cleaners that you have to use gloves for. You knwo i don't believe in that Find some of these AWESOME cleaners and you might just fall in love with cleaning all over again. Well...maybe not in love but you will love the smells and you'll love the way you feel after their aromatherapiness does it's magic. Plus you'll have a clean house and I know you'll love that.

These first ones are my favorite for in the kitchen. If you have been following this blog or you know me at all you'll know I am obsessed with lemon. If my kitchen smells like lemon drops then I am a happy girl. Plus I found these a Target and who wouldn't pay just a little bit more to be happy while doing a terrible task.

I use this for everything. My table tops, counters, sinks, appliances...you name it. In fact I look for things to clean with this stuff because it smells that good!

This other line I discovered a little while ago and have been testing out their different scents. My favorite for the bathrooms is lavender and for the rest of the house is the Basil. They are both fresh smelling and have those great aromatheraputic qualities... so don't be surprised if you find yourself grinning from ear to ear while you clean your toilets.

This stuff even comes in a concentrated bottle that you just add a little bit to a whole bunch of water. I've seen this stuff at TJ Maxx, at Target and Walmart. Try them. I think you'll like 'em.

Both brands of product are natural and safe and smell amazing so cheer up and clap your hands. Cleaning can be fun if you do a little extra something for your house and for yourself every once in a while!

Dirty, Dirty, Everthing is Dirty!

2011-05-22T21:53:00.000-07:00

Well, I apologize to anyone who was excited to join us in writing this week...I hope some of you are planning to take the challenge...I neglected to post anything on Friday, thus also neglecting to put up the link for you! But here it is, late, but nevertheless, here are my thoughts on the topic for the week: DIRTY! (and a link at the bottom so we can hear your thoughts too!)

I feel like everything in my house is dirty right now. The sun has finally made a welcomed appearance and lingered long enough for me to see just how dirty my windows are. Yikes! Friday was my daughter's birthday--which was filled with parties and friends and tons of fun! But the best part of the day for me was at the very end, when a few of my girlfriends (all of whom you know from this lovely little blog) stayed late at my house to help me clean up. They picked up toys and trash and wiped down counters and did all my dishes! Could a girl ask for better friends? I think not!

However, my Spring cleaning (which feels months overdue), will begin this week and will not be complete until my carpets are clean! Take a look:

(Yuck, I feel bad posting such an eye-sore for you to look at!)

I'm not sure what it is, but the last few weeks seem to have been dedicated to the destruction of my creamy white carpets . Every time I turn around there is a new stain, and I'm starting to get sick just looking at them. I am sure their poor condition has to do with how lenient I am with wearing shoes and eating in carpeted areas of the house. But really, homes filled with children should not have creamy white carpet, agreed?

So, any advise on tired and true carpet cleaning is much appreciated. I can only bear to look at these stains a few more days before I must take action!

Relax

2011-05-18T10:00:00.000-07:00

Since having kids, I've really had to learn how to relax when it comes to my house getting dirty. I think I'll always be the type to admire fresh vacuum lines in the carpet as much as I cringe at stepping on something crumbly or sticky on the kitchen floor. I don't sleep well on the nights when my sub-conscious reminds me that there are dirty dishes in the sink.

But, as they say, life happens. My kids teach me that it's more fun, and more necessary, to put a train track together than to wipe up the counters. It's more urgent to read a stack of library books together than to get out the broom. And it's more important to watch an episode of Curious George together than to fill up the dishwasher.

Do you remember moments you wish you could go back and change? A few years ago around Halloween, I had some moms and their kids over to our house to play, carve pumpkins and have treats. After the pumpkins were done and most of the carnage was cleaned up, somehow it bothered me that the table was still sticky while everyone was enjoying their delicious pumpkin dessert and hot chocolate. I couldn't leave well enough alone, so what did I do? I got out my spray bottle of cleaner and proceeded to wipe around and, embarassingly enough, under everyone's plate and cup until the stickiness was gone. Why that moment is engrained in my memory, I'm not sure. But I think of it often to remind me to relax and enjoy...there will always be time to clean up, but time with family and friends is precious and fleeting.

I'm a slow learner, but I'm getting there. I'm learning it's OK to enjoy the fun of life, even if it gets a little dirty sometimes.

Dirty Enough to be Happy

2011-05-17T20:20:00.000-07:00

Once, when I was little and we were visiting the extremely clean home of a family friend, I noticed a plaque that read: "Dull women have immaculate homes." After asking my mom what "immaculate" meant, I only remember spending the rest of the visit thoroughly confused. This home was without a doubt immaculate, and I couldn't understand why this woman would call herself dull?

My own housekeeping quote-of-choice goes: "This house is clean enough to be healthy and dirty enough to be happy." (Followed closely by Mrs. Fussypants' "We can't both look good. It's me or the house.")

With two small children running about the place, my house is no stranger to dirt. I can't even tell you how many times a day I clean this one spot right here:

This is definitely the dirtiest spot in our house at any given moment on any given day. (Except, of course, when I'm taking a photo of it. :) But most of the time I don't mind. It's a reminder of how much LIFE we spend outside, and that's a good thing.

In fact, here's something I've been looking forward to for a while, and finally we got a sunny day to do it!

This is our old backyard fence. It's seen better days. We took it apart last fall to build a new one (in process!) because the dog who lives behind us finally came crashing through it to nosh on our tomatoes. Which we actually think is kind of funny, and it's a just a relief our son noticed him before he noticed our backyard chickens running free. It currently stands lined up like this near our garden shed, waiting. For ... something.

Well, today part of that something happened.

I pulled off about 10 of the pickets, grabbed an old can of white exterior paint (left in our garage by previous owners), said "kids, go get your smocks!" and we started painting.

After they were all dry, we got out the Sharpies, and ... Voila!

I just LOVE making good use of old things!

Less Than Perfect

2011-05-16T22:20:00.000-07:00

There are some who look at dirty hands and cringe. There are others who wonder if Mr. Soap has ever been introduced to said dirty hands or if they need a good home. I, on the other hand, see hands that love to be apart of spring time, that love new projects, hands that are made to create. I see those hands as doers of good and hard work. Hands that really know how to live. They tell a story.

I have never been one to wear gloves or use expensive creams. I don't protect them from anything and I tend to forget they look the way they do. If I'm going to garden then I need to feel what I am doing and what I am working with even if the dirt stays for days and stains the beds of my fingernails. If I am washing dishes then why would I not want to soak them in clean warm water? I actually like to look at my hands and see that they tell my story. These callused, unmanicured, scared hands are mine and each little imperfection either reminds me of my past or gives me glimpses into my future.

My cute family has a history of hard working women who's hands at one point looked like mine I'm sure. I use to love looking at my Gammie's hands as she held mine during church and I remember wondering about the reason for her age spots and the tiny wrinkles that had developed. Her hands were so beautiful to me. I miss them. When I would practice my violin long enough I would get black fingertips from the fingerboard of my instrument and I would remember hers and her Gammie sized hugs after giving me a lesson. My mother's hands are the same and are looking more and more like my Gammie's. I don't mind seeing bread dough in my wedding ring or age spots starting to appear because that makes me just a little bit more like the women I want to be and it reminds me of them and how I'm trying to pass on their legacy.

Tonight I received a package from my sweet mother who thoughtfully sent my Sadie her own little garden kit. She has been watching me plant our garden and has enjoyed being in the dirt with me so I knew the minute she saw this gift we had to immediately open it and plant. After getting stared I saw my hands in the dirt and yelled for Mark to grab the camera. This was a perfect way to document a symbolic moment for me and for her.

Sadie is my little girl who will one day have hands like I do. She will learn to work hard and to love working hard because I will teach her the way my mother and Gammie taught me. She will hopefully learn how to play the violin and one day, while she is off at school she'll see her callused hands and her black fingertips and think of where she came from.

Thank you Gammie and thank you mom for setting the example for me and for my children. Because of you I know that beauty comes from hands that look less then perfect.

Today she began to learn that.

Asparagus Cake Awesomeness

2011-05-14T11:34:00.000-07:00

I know it's Saturday morning and the sun is shining here when all the news said it was going to be rainy today, and I really should be outside in the garden ... but I HAD to show you

this cake.

I'm not typically a fondant fan, but holy smokes this might just make me a believer!

Friday is for Our Friends!

2011-05-13T19:34:00.000-07:00

image found here

We each have our own day to post here at Praiseworthy. And Friday is my day...but it's not just mine anymore!

As we continue to write here week after week, and grow our circle of friends with all our readers, we are going to make Friday for you!

Starting TODAY, we are inviting our readers to write with us. On Friday each week, you can link your blog to our blog and share your own thoughts on the topic for the week.

Our goal is to link people together with thoughts and ideas that are uplifting. Now you can join us and share your insights as well! And I can't wait to hear what you have to say!

So here is how it works: All week long we write about one topic. At the end of the week I will post a MckLinkey at the bottom of my post, and then you just click on it to link up to your own post about that week's praiseworthy topic at your blog. A list will form at the bottom of my post so that anyone who comes here can click on your post and read it at your blog. It's kind of fun!

This week's link will work until Wednesday at midnight, since I'm kind of late posting it and since this is the first time. So.... give it a try! Write a post and let us know what "Friday" means to you.

The Date Box

2011-05-09T14:48:00.000-07:00

Weekends are THE greatest part of the week! They just are. I don't think anybody would argue with me on that! Not anybody in the world...or maybe the United States. Anyway...Fridays and Saturdays are always packed at our house but it's all fun family stuff.

Unless, of course, it's Friday night. That's date night!

For Christmas this last year I put on the Santa hat and for my husband I created a date box. It included a year's worth of dates for every Friday night. So this year - Fridays became our official date night. This is our box. It's the most fun box in our house.

The idea: take an awesome box (I used a quilted jewelry box from TJ Maxx) or a cardboard box (your choice) and fill it with fun creative date night ideas for you and your honey. For us I decided that every month we would have a temple night, usually a movie night, and two other fun activities for us to take part in. Sometimes we do this on our own. Sometimes with friends. I even have a few date nights scheduled in for girls and guys nights. It's all written in our date book. There are tickets for our temple night,coupons for him to make his choice (just 4 times), tickets for back scratches, breakfasts in bed and for special treats. I even left him a space to sparkle up (which just happens to be a spot for jewelry). I'm sneaky huh?

Here is a glance at our May adventures.:

The rest of the box is filled with envelopes containing gift cards, special instructions and other fun little surprises.

Here is a list of some of the things we have done and what we will still get to do this year with links to the creative blog where I found some of the fun ideas:

Comedy Club Date Night
Lover's Court (Racket ball at the Gym)
Psychiatrist Date
X-BOX Night With the Guys- treat included
Twist it Up (Twister)
Bowling
Capture My Heart
Group Date
Download Dance Party (Comes with I-Tunes Gift Card)
Mental Health Day - Play hookie
I-Touch App. Night (with gift card)
30th Birthday Bash
Camping
Game Night with Friends
Pizzeria Night
Anniversary Night in Seattle and Sky City
Crossword Puzzle Awesomeness
Surprise!
Comedy Club
White Christmas Movie Night
New Years Eve Party

There are a bucket load of good ideas out there. In fact I may just do this every year. Never mind...I may have him do it next year. I do believe though that even after you are married and especially after you have children you should act like you're still dating...only better You may think you know everything about your special friend but I bet if you did some of these things you'll find out some pretty great things about them.

I love new ideas and fun suggestions so bring 'em on! You know you've got some favorites!

This 'n That for Such a Time as This

2011-05-06T01:29:00.000-07:00

image found here

I love the topic this week--This 'n' That--because I feel like that is just what my life is; just a little bit of this here, now, and then some of that for a little while, then something else before I get on to that other thing, and in between I'll make some more of that one thing....and finally it's bed time. :) Know what I mean?

Someday I hope I'll be really good at something...one thing that I am just really, really good at, you know? Right now I have too many loves and aspirations to pick just one. So I'm just kind of good at a few things. I like to cook and bake (yes, there is a difference), and I like to sew. I like music and art and reading and writing. I'm interested in gardening, home decorating, and parties--oh the parties I'd love to plan! I still love photography, and dream of the day I'll have time for volleyball. I love exercising, and hiking and traveling. There are so many good things to fill my time, how can I ever spend enough time doing just one thing to get really, truly good at it? I guess that is just one downside of loving life so much! :)

Image found here

So, here is some of this and a little bit of that from my life lately... happy to share it with you! Much of it was shared with me by someone wonderful in my life...I sure am blessed to be surrounded by so many fabulous people!

From my sister I found out about Kina Grannis--whose album I am loving!

From my uncle I discovered a few fun things that I am hoping to try sometime...when the budget permits:
Gift Skins
Chocri--Custom Chocolates

From a fun sewing blog I follow, I discovered yes, another blog for lovers of fabric...and yet another aspiration of which I'd love to indulge myself in the discovery...fabric design!

From my mom I found the encouragement to purchase my first piece of this beautiful pottery. There are some beautiful new patterns and colors being introduced that I really like--I couldn't find the exact one that I purchased online to show you, but that is okay, I am a little embarrassed about how much I spent on just one dish, so we'll just keep that part a secret. But I did get it at Costco, so the price was less than listed on the website I found... that's good right?

From my friend Mrs. Rowdy I have been inspired for Mother's Day. I love that there are so many mommies out there, writing and sharing and learning together. You know, out of all the things that are filling my time, if there is one thing I could say would be the most important to be good at, one thing that will undoubtedly be given more time than the rest of those other good things, it's being a good mom. Yeah, that is probably the thing I want the most.

From an inspired artist I found while searching for images for this blog post: Sascalia--such wonderful art work. I have emailed her to find out if I can get a few prints of some of my favorites...I'll let you know what I find out. :)

From a favorite blog by C. Jane [the C stands for Courtney--which makes me feel an innocently exclusive connection to her :)] I found this amazing art by J. Kirk Richards. Watch the making of the first one, and enjoy the images of all the rest!

Thanks to a few friends who made it possible for me to attend Time Out For Women, I have been inspired by an amazing woman named Miriama Kallon, survivor of war-torn Sierra Leone. And I am loving the pertinent idea of this scripture that she highlighted in her message:

Esther 4:14

For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

The idea that each of us was prepared and sent to this world for "such a time as this" has really taken root in me. Now, as I go about doing my "this 'n that" each day, I think, "This is my time, I am here for this, right now. God has given purpose to my life."

And because I am learning each day how important God's words are for me, really for ME, I am LOVING the new feature on LDS.org for My Study Notebook. Check it out!

Well, that was more than I planned to write about, but those are my thoughts for now. A little of this and a little of that--hope you enjoy it all! :)

image found here

Have a happy Friday. I hope it is sunny where you are. And if not, I hope you can find some sunshine and warmth in a friend or a from a blog or in something that makes you smile. I know I've been finding those much needed rays of light all around me, even when the sky is grey.

Sending my love...

This 'n' That

2011-05-04T21:41:00.000-07:00

In honor of "this 'n' that" week here on Praiseworthy, I humbly offer a few of my recent favorite things:

Neatorama - which is all full of "this 'n' that" and awesome randomness.

Marianne Binetti's gardening blog. Great ideas for northwest gardens! And she lives right here in my little town.

This fabric (Which I waited on and hunted down for weeks before I finally found it here in amazingly enough time to use it for my daughter's Easter dress - from this pattern/tutorial and son's Easter tie - from this one. I also made my daughter a matching dress for her doll using this super simple and fun pattern/tutorial.)

This cake! (Which I am totally going to attempt recreating for my son's 4th birthday next week.)

And so? What's new with you?

Getting Ready

2011-05-04T21:02:00.000-07:00

Today I did some of this:

to get myself ready for that:

~~
Then, I made a dent in this:

to get some cute things ready for that:

~~
It was such a gorgeous afternoon that the kids and I did a bunch of this:

to get the garden ready for that:

~~
After kids were happily fed, bathed and in bed, I did some of this:

to get my kitchen ready for that tomorrow:

What exciting things are you getting ready for?

Flowers on Fabric

2011-04-30T23:33:00.000-07:00

According to the weatherman, we are experiencing the coldest Spring in the recorded history of Seattle dating back to the 1800's. You can't always trust what the weatherman says, but this time I KNOW it is true! There are rain, and clouds and cold most of the time, it's like winter never ended! But, more and more days are breaking through the clouds with sunshine and blue skies--just barely enough for me to get my flowers potted and a few things ready in my planter boxes for the garden. However, those days are not coming around enough for us to warm up and really enjoy the beauty of Spring like I want to.

So what have I been doing instead? Well, without realizing it, I've been making small purchases here and there of things that bring a little Spring inside, where I can enjoy it. My Grandma Mac has been in town visiting for my brother's fabulous wedding (remember that wonderful news?) and so together we have ventured with my mom to several fabric stores.

I picked up a little bit of this...

Sway - lime, from Pop Garden by Heather Bailey

and a little bit of this...

Pink - Depression Era

And I might go back for a small piece of this...

Cultivated Flower Orang from the Modern Workshop fabric collection by Liesl Gibson of Oliver + S for Moda

I can't say that Spring is my favorite season, because as each season begins I feel like it's my favorite. But right now, there is nothing I want more than to spend my days outside in a world that resembles something like the flowers on these pieces of fabric. So, until we can finally do that, I will continue sewing with a little bit of this...

Mellow Yellow from the Hunky Dory Collection by Chez Moi for Moda

and of course some of this...

Bud Sparrow from the Hunky Dory collection by Chez Moi for Moda

and I'll make something to snuggle up in and stay warm during this cold, cold SPRING!

Favorite Things

2011-04-28T13:46:00.000-07:00

Spring is my favorite season. I have always loved it. I think it started all because my birthday is in spring, but here is a list of some reasons why it is my favorite, even if I don't get to experience it all since I am in Washington now.

New Flowers

Everything is Fresh and Clean

Thunderstorms (when I lived in Colorado. We do not get them very often in Seattle.)

Fresh Cut Grass

The smell of rain (when I lived in Colorado. You do not smell it much in Washington since it rains so often, as odd as that sounds)

Spring Cleaning

Being able to open the windows and air out my house

The Tulip Festival in Mt Vernon, Washington

The random Spring Blizzard that usually happened in Colorado

Playing outside with my kids

Puddle Jumping

Rain Boots and Jackets

Getting our vegetable garden ready

Hanging Fuchsia Pots

My new hot pink razer scooter that I can ride with my kids

Garage Sales

Birds Singing

Strawberries

Shortcake with the above

Seeing my awesome neighbors again after the long winter.

Starting outdoor projects

Oh there are so many more, but I will leave you with these for now.

What are your favorite parts of spring?

Pucker up!

2011-04-27T13:58:00.000-07:00

The calendar says it's well into the spring season, but I'm not sure if anyone sent the memo to Mother Nature. We've had a few days here and there of sunshine, but even for me (and I'm someone who loves digging in the dirt), it's been too wet to get out and plant anything in our vegetable garden. I heard on the news the other day that you would have to go back to the 1950's to find a spring with less days over 55 degrees than this year. That being said, I'm happy to see signs of life and rebirth in the yard. My daffodils have been out for a couple of weeks, the tulip buds are starting to open, and the peonies are already forming buds that will explode into lovely light and dark pink pom poms by Memorial Day.

So, what have I been doing so far this spring? A little sewing (not as much as I would like!), a little playing, and a LOT of cleaning.

It's time for spring cleaning around here, and I'm down to my last two rooms to get done. So, that's why I missed posting last week (sorry!), but the only time I was really online was to find advice and tips for cleaning stubborn soap scum from the shower or splattered who-knows-what inside my unfortunately-not-self-cleaning oven without fumigating the whole house. I'm running out of steam, but what keeps me motivated is seeing all those check marks on my list (seen above) and knowing that I've taken complete mental inventory of everything in the house and I know it's clean!

Want to know what is possibly my most favorite thing about spring? This stuff:

Rhubarb! It's sweet, tangy, sour and juicy all at the same time. And it's in season right now. Growing up, we had a TON of rhubarb, and we used it all. We cooked it slowly until it was soft, mashed it up, and sweetened it with a little honey and ate it like applesauce. Or we cooked the big, tough stems until it was really, really soft, strained it and bottled the resulting rosy liquid in quart jars. Mix it up with a package of raspberry Kool-aid, a little sugar, some water and it's a perfect summer quencher.

Here's one of my favorite recipes using rhubarb. Serve it warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream...yum!

Rhubarb Dessert

1 pound rhubarb, diced
1 cup sugar
1-3 oz. box strawberry Jell-o
1 box yellow cake mix
1 cup water
1/4 cup butter, melted

Spray a 9x13 baking dish with non-stick spray. Layer ingredients in order listed. Do not stir. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

Try it and let me know how you like it!

A Blank Canvas

2011-04-26T21:56:00.000-07:00

Ah, Spring! The season of endless possibility, the blank-canvas time of year! At least that's how it is at my house. See?

I built this! It was easy! Now what should I fill it with ... ?

I took the stones above from this part of the garden. Amid the wreck, I see a fresh start for what used to be the vegetable patch ... but what will it become?! (Currently we're thinking of filling it with all our squash and pumpkin plants this year.)

New raised beds for the vegetables! They were also easy - and inexpensive! About $70 for five beds, made with 2x4's and fence boards.

Peas!!! And all that brown stuff is alfalfa pellets (basically rabbit food), working their magic on the soil. They break down fast in all our springtime rain and then it doesn't look so odd, by the way.

It doesn't look like much from the photos above, I know. And it isn't ... yet.

After almost three years, I finally have some definite ideas for what I want my gardens to look like, really and truly. My head is spinning with ideas and plans. What should I plant under my new lovely camellia? What is it going to look like when all those daffodils I planted colonize into a little sea of springtime yellow? What should we use for a path between the vegetable beds? Oh, the possibilities are endless indeed! And that's my very favorite part.

What's your favorite thing about Springtime? What magic is happening in your garden?

Put It In a Pan and Bake It 'Til It's Crispy

2011-04-26T06:49:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things about Springtime, aside from the planting and the cleaning and the playing, is what I get to eat. Morning time isn't so chilly that I have to have warm oatmeal, which by the way, makes me want to crawl back into bed, not run around doing fun things or being productive. So...

It's GRANOLA Time!!! Yesterday I put together the ultimate Jenni granola and was sure to add all of my favorite things to it. Plus, because it makes so much, I got to bottle up a few pretty jars for some special people...like our blogs cute Cali who had a birthday yesterday! Happy Birthday Girly!!!

Anyway...here's my recipe:

Jenni's Favorite Things Granola

8 cups rolling oats
2 cups of crispy rice cereal
2 cups oat bran
1 cup pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1 1/2 cups sweetened shaved coconut
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup real maple syrup
3/4 cup honey
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 teas. salt
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon real vanilla extract
2 cups dried cranberries

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F. Lightly grease or line a large roasting pan with foil.

Combine the oats, cereal, oat bran, pumpkin seeds, almonds, and coconut in the large roasting pan. Stir together brown sugar, syrup, honey, vegetable oil, salt and cinnamon in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then pour over the dry ingredients, and stir to coat. Mix in dry cranberries

Bake in preheated oven for as long as it takes for it to get toasted and mostly dry. Stir every 30 minutes or so for about 2 hours. Cool and allow to dry completely before storing in an airtight container.

Serve with milk or yogurt or even ice cream (but not for breakfast of course).

My favorite is just with ice cold milk in a bowl and with a spoon. I hope you love it! I find it to be the perfect way to start my springtime day!

Chain Reaction

2011-04-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

The Columbine

The Colorado State Flower

And one of my favorite flowers.

12 years ago on April 20, 1999 my life was forever changed. A town known as Littleton, Colorado was forever changed, the United States school system was forever changed, and you may have been forever changed.

I am not sure how many of you know my background, but I grew up in that town called Littleton. One that will forever be known for Columbine. When people ask me where I am from and I say Littleton, they say that sounds familiar. Then I say, yeah it has been in the news. Then Columbine is remembered.

So, you are probably wondering, did I go there? No, I did not.

Littleton is bigger then you think. There were two school districts. I was in the other school district. I lived about 7 miles from Columbine. Although, Columbine is located by one of my favorite parks, Clement Park. It had a fountain, batting cages, softball fields, a snack shack, three different play areas, we had a blast there.

I was in 8th Grade at the time. A time to get excited because you are going to high school next year, but this tragedy made it terrifying. I get scared easily, I let things go to my head. My sense of security and safety were shattered. My perception of life and school was changed.

So why am I telling you this when the theme this week is "online." Because the King 5 news here in Washington is doing a wonderful thing to remember Columbine in a positive way, that you can find online. Rachael Scott was the first victim of columbine. A sweet girl full of compassion. Here in Washington they are promoting Rachael's Challenge. It has been going on for a while now, but it is nice to have it brought back to the surface. It is a challenge to pass on kindness and stop bullying in school. I am not in school, but I have children that will be. How can I raise them to make them be a better person?

I know that even though I am not in school, I can still pass on kindness and compassion. I know that I have been and will be upset by someone, it is life, it happens. But how am I going to react? I can go out of my way to be kind to them regardless of how they made me feel. I can serve them, take them cookies, show compassion.

So focus on kindness, focus on compassion. It only takes one person to make the world a better place.

Join me in being a part of the chain reaction.

(I know the video is long, but it is worth it. Join the chain reaction!)

I {heart} Online Treasure Hunts

2011-04-19T15:09:00.000-07:00

Curly Girl Designs

I am guessing you are like me and you find it to be so much fun exploring this online world. There is so much to see and do and make and create! It's all right there waiting for us to find it and then do. So today I just wanted to share a few (believe me there are a million more) of my favorite places I have spent time exploring lately...

Hostess with the Mostess

Now I need a few online Garden sights to fall in love with. I am loving the dirt thing right now and need some inspiration. Any ideas?

“I don’t have time for this” Thursday

2011-04-15T10:48:00.000-07:00

This clock sure does make you stop and think, doesn't it? Image found here

Yesterday, that blessed Thursday, was one of those days where I got out of bed and my feet hit the ground running. Tell me if you’ve had days like this:

I woke up at 6:30 am and made sugar cookie dough, then made breakfast, then cleaned up from breakfast, then rolled, cut, and baked the sugar cookies, then cleaned up the cookie-making-mess, then showered at lightning speed so that I could run out the door to my daughter’s voice lessons, grabbing snacks and all the items we would need for all the events of the next five hours.

After voice lessons we rushed to get lunch before dropping my four-year-old at preschool--sugar cookies included. Then my two-year-old and I rushed to meet my mother and sister in town to find dresses for my brother’s upcoming wedding--upcoming being NEXT WEEK! After scouring the racks for all the right colors and sizes, calling three other stores to find just one more size...who knew finding two dresses in 4T would be such a challenge!--I ran back to preschool to catch the last fifteen minutes of the Easter party (for which those sugar cookies were required), before heading home to watch a few more kids while their mommy went to the doctor (which, by the way, was the easiest part of my day because my children were entertained and happy, allowing me to make some much needed phone calls).

Next, it was dinner time. I had not planned it out and was feeling too drained to care much. Thanks to a fabulous hubby returned home from work, we actually ate something great and I was able to take care of some more wedding details and planning. Then it was time for jammies and teeth brushing for the little ones, and off to a meeting at church for me. When I arrived home at nearly 9:00 pm, I spent a little time on the couch with my man, and then it was right to the computer to finish designing and editing the photo sign-in book for the aforementioned wedding. By the time I climbed back into bed at 11:30 pm, I was beat! That was a 17-hour marathon day!

Thursday was a whirlwind, sprinkled with phone calls and planning in between all the running around. I’m sure it’s not much different for many other mommies out there, and maybe even mild compared to some. But with all of the people I spoke to, and all of the things I did, the one moment that keeps replaying in my mind is one that I wish I could go back and change.

Picture it raining outside, because that is just what it does here, and I am standing at my daughter’s car door. Leaning in to buckle her straps, I am forcing her rigid body to bend into the car seat. She is crying and screaming and I am yelling in that repressed “I-don’t-want-the-other-mom-in-the-parking-lot-to-hear-me” tone of voice saying,

“I don’t have time for this!”

My poor daughter. How many days do I spend running around trying to do too many things, only to unintentionally tell her “I don’t have time for you today.”?

Granted, she was acting horribly. I am typically a mother of tough-love when it comes to fit-throwing, and this one definitely did not warrant any special treatment. But was her behavior simply a reaction to my busy and disconnected behavior? It was that moment, as those words came out of my mouth with such frustration, when I realized what I was saying. And I am sure she felt it just as much as I did.

I should have time to let my children express themselves. I need to have time to hear what they have to tell me.

So today, I’m doing things differently. This morning we played with legos together. We ate a cookie together. We took turns blowing each other’s noses. And now we’ll go have some lunch together. I’m not even dressed yet, but today I am making time for my daughters. I don’t care what day it is, today is a day to let myself slow down a bit. And that means not being too busy to stop and listen when they need me to, not being so rushed that I can’t pay attention to what they are telling me, and allowing myself to enjoy the process of mothering.

How do you deal with all the tasks and duties of taking care of children without forgetting to really care for them?

Today is Thursday!

2011-04-14T09:11:00.000-07:00

Yes, today is Thursday. That means yesterday was Wednesday. And yes, I am sure you know the days of the week, but sometimes I seem to forget which day it is. That seemed the case all day on Wednesday. Don't you hate it when you do that! It makes the week seem so much longer, but it seemed so much worse thinking it was Thursday when it was only Wednesday.

All day Wednesday, I was excited that tomorrow was Friday. I was excited that my husband was working from home, That we were going to be going on a date tomorrow, that we had nothing to do tonight, no meetings, scouts, etc. (Although I just remembered there is enrichment this week.)

Then it hit me, I would remembered it was only Wednesday. Then I would go on thinking it was Thursday again forgetting I talked with myself about it only being Wednesday. I did that cycle about three times or so.

Now, I can actually be excited that today is Thursday. Like Rachel, a day with nothing much to do. Preschool, Enrichment/random church meetings, not much else. I might do some vacuuming, and the normal tidying up. That would be nice.

So Thursday, I am glad you are finally here. That means tomorrow is Friday and I have a weekend to look forward too.

Happy Thursday everyone, and yes, it is finally Thursday.

Fix-it-and-forget-it day

2011-04-13T22:45:00.000-07:00

Thursday is usually our grocery store day. I've often wondered why I picked this particular day of the week, since my older munchkin is in preschool on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and if I went one of those days, I'd only have one kid with me. I'm still not sure, other than that's been grocery day for years. I went back to work when he was 6 months old, and I was home on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and it just made sense to go later in the week. Now I have the pick of days of the week, and it's still Thursday.

Anyway, sometimes we go in the morning and sometimes we wait until after naptime. Regardless, it's a day that I don't want to think too hard about what to have for dinner. Here's a delicious go-to dinner that uses things I usually have on hand, and it's so easy you don't even have to defrost the chicken!

I don't know what to call it, so we'll just call it Crockpot Taco Chicken, and it's super simple. Spray crockpot with non-stick spray. Layer 2 cups frozen corn, 2 frozen chicken breasts, 1 can of black beans (rinsed and drained) and about a cup or so of salsa. Turn on medium and cook for 6 hours. Remove chicken, shred it with two forks and return to salsa mixture. You can make it into tacos, burritos or taco salad with your favorite tortilla chips (aka Trader Joe's Baked Blue Corn Tortilla Chips) and fixings. Maybe I'll try warming it up on the stove with some chicken broth and making it into chicken tortilla soup.

We had this tonight for dinner, but I forgot to take photos. I'm sure you can imagine it. So, tomorrow we'll have leftovers, which will be even easier than it was making it today (if that's possible). Try it and let me know how you like it!

What Day is it Again?

2011-04-13T20:50:00.000-07:00

Sorry, sorry, I'm late again. Yesterday was just too gorgeous to spend inside, so the kids and I stayed outside all afternoon. Then there was the PTA meeting and a date with my mama - a gardening class she signed us up for, taught by Marianne Binetti (and I am all full of ideas for my garden, I can't wait to give them roots - literally!). Today was full of appointments we had to reschedule since we were sick last week, and company for dinner.

But that was yesterday. And today. We're here to talk about Thursday.

Thursday is my day. On Thursdays I have nothing to do and nowhere to be. Thursday is the new Saturday night, as far as I'm concerned. Lately, I've been devoting my Thursday mornings to sewing and my afternoons to scouring the kitchen - two very different but very cathartic and renewing activities. And that's it. If I get those two things done on Thursday, I consider my to-do list completed. No apologies and no worries. I love it! Nobody writes songs about Thursday; as days of the week go it's probably the most boring. And I wouldn't have it any other way ... hip-hip-hooray for Thursday!

P.S. Also? If you live in Seattle, you might already know, but if you don't you should, that most of the major museums in and around the city have free admission on the first Thursday of the month. Lots of families go to the museums on this day, so it's my favorite time to take the kids - nobody glares at me and my little hooligans in the museum because we're not the only ones making a ruckus!

It all started on Thursday...

2011-04-11T22:07:00.000-07:00

an entire 4 days of holding my breath and feeling like my heart was about to burst. Music, especially sacred music, makes my whole soul want to sing and cry and rejoice. This past week I surrendered to it's power willingly and I experienced the most amazing things.

I am staying with my family in Utah right now, waiting for my sister to have her baby and while I wait I am getting to have some pretty great experiences. My mother and sister both play for the Orchestra at Temple Square and after noticing that they needed somebody to come play for this week's broadcast my mom was sweet enough to ask if I could come and fill in. I borrowed a violin and for the second time (I never imagined there would be a second) I traveled to Salt Lake City to live out one of my dreams...again.

Thursday we had our rehearsal and once again, like every other time in my life, I felt so blessed to even be in a sacred building like the historic Tabernacle, let alone get to play on the stage. Just hearing the tabernacle choir warm up made me want to bawl. My dream of playing in this group keeps coming true and I feel like I am the luckiest girl in the world. The sound that comes out of this group is astounding but it is the Spirit that is undeniably their strength. I love to look into the faces of those listening and see the light that goes on when the music and their talents testify of the truth and of our Savior.

For anybody who has had their hearts touched by music, you know it's nearly impossible to try and explain what it feels like. Friday night my mom invited me to go hear her play for a Rob Gardner concert in the Tabernacle. The work was called "Lamb of God". It's message was about the atonement and was told through the experiences of those who were with him the last days of his earthly ministry. I wept from the very first note to the last. I know that I forgot to breath during some parts of it, my body sat frozen for the entire concert so afraid that if I moved I would miss something, my heart felt so very full and my eyes allowed streams of tears to soak my face and hands. I was lifted up, I was testified to and I was changed that night.

I went again the next evening with my dad. I wanted to experience it all over again plus I felt like if I didn't do something similar I would go through a spiritual withdrawal. It was neat to hear it for a second time. It was like reading the same scriptures over again only getting something completely different out of them. You need to hear this music. It will change you and you will feel something very powerful if you allow it to happen. It was neat hearing Rob Gardner tell about his experiences while writing this amazing piece of music. I was also excited to hear that the recording uses the London Symphony Orchestra and you'll be blown away by the soloists. I wish it could follow me back to Seattle and I could see it and listen to it again and again.

Then...because things couldn't stop there Sunday was the actual Music and the Spoken Word broadcast and I was kinda nervous. First, I didn't like the idea of being on TV and second I didn't like the idea of recording something on the spot with very little rehearsal. Even so my nerves were calmed before we began and my hands were steadied. I felt my Heavenly Father there with me that morning and I know He was there to help me feel what I needed to feel in order to help share His message with those who were listening. I knew again in that moment that He loved me.

Pretty great couple of days huh? I guesss that is why I play. I know that that is part of the reason why I am here. If it only saves my soul I will be grateful but if it touches another and brings somebody else closer to Him I will be thrilled.

I have written about my love for music many times, I know and I apologize if this seems too familiar or repetitive but my weekend was so lovely and my time here has been one of good report and if anything on this earth is praiseworthy it is what I heard and saw this week. I don't ever think I'll forget these moments but just in case I wanted to be sure I had written them down. Thanks for letting me share.

Steps to Good Nutrition, Step One: Grains

2011-04-08T11:07:00.000-07:00

I'm doing some posts on healthy eating over at Steady Mom. Using our lovely Rachel's family bread recipe, I'm going to discuss certain elements of nutrition each month, and modify the same recipe each time to show how you can really increase the nutritional value of your food--and it can be easy and fun! Let me know what you think. :) I'm always happy to have feedback and advise from people who know more than I do--which is all of you!

Thanks for reading, by the way. And have a great weekend!

The Comfort of Their Voices

2011-04-08T10:34:00.000-07:00

image found here

For as long as I can remember, my whole family has gathered at my grandma and grandpa's house on the weekend of general conference. Together we watch and listen to the prophet and apostles and general authorities of the church. I look forward to this occasion almost like it's Easter or Christmas or Halloween. We don't get dressed up or have lots of candy or presents, but the anticipation of how wonderful it will feel to hear their voices, the voices of the Lord's servants, and feel their love, is equally as great.

It is those voices, that have been one of the greatest blessings to me. Their voices are so familiar, it is almost as if I was listening to a member of my own family speak. There is a certain sense of comfort that comes from that familiarity. Because I have been listening to them my whole life, and because I can feel the Spirit each time I do, the memories connected to these men and women who speak at conference are rooted deeply within me.

I want my daughters to experience that same joy. It is the joy of obedience. Taking time to recognize God, to follow Christ, and let their words become a part of me--this makes me happy.

So on Saturday my little family and I watched each session of conference here at our home, just the four of us. It was quiet and peaceful and I was so proud of my little girls for their attentiveness. They colored and listened and asked questions. I could only smile as I felt that same sense of family tradition beginning within the walls of our own home. We went to my grandparents' house on Sunday, but Saturday was a day to create a memory for my children--the memory of feeling the Holy Ghost together, in our home, and recognizing the simple and sweet blessing it is to follow and listen to the prophet.

What is General Conference

2011-04-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

This April was the 181st annual conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It is held the first weekend in April and the first weekend in October. There is a special session to the Young women of the church ages 12-18 and their mothers and leaders the weekend before conference in April. The weekend before conference in October is a special session for all the women of the church. Elder Holland spoke about what conference is. I thought for those of you who are not members of the church, might like some insight from an apostle. Elder Holland asked us not only to ponder the messages we heard, but what a unique phenomenon General Conference is.

There are no topics given. Each speaker seeks the Lord for revelation and guidance as they prepare to speak.

They prepare there talks for members and non-members alike. "Those who know us very well and those who do not know us at all... To families, parents, children at home, those single, those with no children, those far from home, young, old, youth, middle aged..." To everyone.

Conference is not just meant for members, it is to uplift others from any faith. It is to warn and expound on the moral and physical values affecting the world. It is for everyone.

"When they speak on difficult subjects that most of the audience is not guilty of such things, but under a solemn charge to issue warning to those who are."

For those who are doing all they can and the best they can, by teaching and listening with the spirit at least one of the speakers will speak for you in your own certain circumstances. "One way or another, God will have his voice heard."

Every testimony is one of love and a warning. "Even as nature will testify herself will testify in the last days."

What a unique phenomenon conference really is. If you are not a member and are interested in watching, hearing, or reading some of the messages. You can find them here. Conference is always streamed live as well in April and October. I know that the prophet is real and that he speaks the work of God. We are so blessed to have a prophet on the earth today.

Higher Education

2011-04-05T21:51:00.000-07:00

My daughter on the staircase of the library at my alma mater.

She told me today she doesn't want to go to college , because she doesn't ever want to leave her mama.

Awwww ...

I always knew I would graduate from college, and indeed I was the first woman in my family to do so. I had hoped to go to graduate school, but our all-wise Heavenly Father had other plans for my life. And I am extremely grateful. Then, to add blessings on top of blessings, there is General Conference. I know, Conference would happen regardless of whether I have a Master's degree. But since I don't, I like to think of it as a different opportunity for a Higher Education. Truly, every time I listen - really listen with my heart - there is always something said that takes aim right at my heart and teaches me exactly what I need to learn the most.

One such lesson last weekend came, as with Jen's post, from Elder Lynn G. Robbins' address. Here's what caught my attention:

"A sweet and obedient child will only enroll a father or mother in Parenting 101. If you are blessed with a child who tests your patience to the nth degree, you will be enrolled in Parenting 505. Rather than wonder what you might have done wrong ... to be so deserving, you might consider the more challenging child a blessing and an opportunity to become more godlike yourself. With which child will your patience and long-suffering and other Christlike virtues most likely be tested, developed and refined? Could it be possible that you need this child as much as this child needs you?"

Now, I've always believed that our particular children are entrusted to us because we are the ones who are best suited to help them learn and grow. But I've never really taken to heart the possibility that our particular children are also sent to us because they are the ones best suited to help us learn and grow. And finding myself in possession of the blessing of being enrolled in Parenting 505, it really does make perfect sense. I hope it's a lesson I can keep remembering when my frustration rises; I hope I'll remember to think of those moments as blessed opportunities to become more Christlike.

Higher Education indeed.

"to-do" vs. "to-be"

2011-04-04T14:33:00.001-07:00

Are you a list maker like me? It's easy for me to overwhelm myself with tasks swirling around in my head that need to be done, and it's only when I write them on a list with a check box next to them that I feel like I can conquer the pile of things that need to get finished.

This past weekend, I didn't do anything on my checklist except watch and listen to General Conference. One particular remark from Elder Lynn G. Robbins caught my ear as he talked about "doing" versus "being."

"Many of us create to-do lists to remind us of things we want to accomplish, but people rarely have "to-be" lists. Why? To-do's are activities or events that can be checked off the list when done. To be, however, is never done. You can't earn checkmarks with be's...As a parent, when can I check a child off my list as done? We are never done being good parents, and to be good parents, one of the most important things we can teach our children is how to be more like the Savior."

It seems like I learn more often from them how to be like the Savior than I teach them. I guess we teach each other. So, just when I start to work myself into a tizzy because I'm not getting enough done or checking things off my list or finishing that lingering project, I will remember to look at my children and just be. All I have to do is watch them to know how it's done.

Make the Middle Memorable

2011-04-01T23:04:00.000-07:00

image found here

Wednesday |ˈwenzˌdā; -ˌdē|
noun
the day of the week before Thursday and following Tuesday

And that pretty much sums it up for me. Wednesday is usually just the middle of the week. No swimming lessons, no appointments, no commitments...but LOTS of possibilities. And I love it! This week Wednesday was....

Cleaning day
Friends day
Happy day

I got my house clean--not spotless, but cleaner than it has been in a long time.
I had friends over--a few that we see regularly, and some that we had not seen in a long time. :)
And I was happy...happy to spend time with some of my favorite people, eat yummy food, and just enjoy the middle of the week.

I realized that usually I'm focused on getting a lot accomplished at the beginning of the week, and working toward plans for the end of the week. Somehow I seem to go from the beginning to the end, and lose the middle in the jumble of life. Wednesday, like I said, is full of possibilities, but often I forgo the the more enjoyable possibilities of the day for the more necessary ones. So, after such a wonderful middle this week, I'm going to try and make every Wednesday count a little bit more toward simply enjoying and enhancing the quality of life. And, that will include cleaning, because it feels so GOOD to live in a clean home. But it will also include more friends and more fun! Why can't the middle of the week be just as good as the weekend?

Ho-hum

2011-03-30T12:11:00.000-07:00

Not much exciting goes on around our house on Wednesdays (other than it's my day to post on our little blog here - yay!). Afternoons have been a challenge for me with little kids. What to do between naps and dinner time? I'm usually feeling the afternoon slump and not wanting to do much, but the kids get restless and need something to occupy their time.

One of my goals this year is to do a craft with them once a week, at least while the weather keeps us indoors. It doesn't have to be much, sometimes it's just coloring together in their coloring books. Admittedly, it's not something I'm always excited to do. There's the getting out of the supplies, the refereeing when both kids must have the exact same color of crayon/marker/paint at the SAME TIME, and the clean up. But then I remember how I learned at a young age to love creating things with my hands and how that has grown into a love of making beautiful things for my home, family and friends. My brother and I used to flip through the pages of these books in search of the next awesome project to take on.

I'm sure my mom wasn't thrilled with the set up and clean up either (especially since paper mache' was one of my favorite things to do), but just like her, I love watching my kids create.

So that's what Wednesdays are for. Today is especially "ho-hum" with the dark clouds and rainy skies. It looked and felt like it was 6 pm all day long. So, since this is the song of choice around here, we added a little brightness to an otherwise uneventful and ho-hum day. I've come to love Wednesdays, especially the afternoons.

(This popcorn kernel being eaten may or may not have glue on it. There were others too.)

Wallah! Artwork worthy of the wall of fame!

How do you fit in creative time either for yourself or with your kids?

Wednesday is Good for the Soul

2011-03-29T21:11:00.001-07:00

Photo taken on our trip to Nauvoo, Illinois in 2005.

Just an example of the images in my mind as I've studied the Doctrine and Covenants this year.

I'm not good at schedules or regimen. I'm terrible at exercising and even worse at ... well, anything that takes planning and discipline. Which is why it is no small thing for me to say that every Wednesday morning since the school year began, failing only due to sickness or dangerous weather, I've been attending a religion class. Which sounds really unremarkable, I know. Except that for the first time in my life, I have been making scripture study and meditation a regular part of my day. Oh, I've started and stopped and started up again, knowing it's important but never quite making it work every single day over a long period of time. But this time, wanting to be an active participant in class each week (and, let's be completely honest, wanting to sound smart during the discussion), it's stuck, and I'm already planning what I want to study this summer so that I don't fall behind in this daily ritual.

With a home and family to care for, there's not much time left for Mama, as we mamas all well know. And when there is time, I'll admit I'd rather spend it sewing or reading a good novel. My inclination to skip over the spiritual aspect of my life is a hard one to break. But I'll tell you this: One day, after a particularly busy morning, I finally had both kids in their rooms napping, and all the morning's messes beckoned. I started to pick up the toys when I thought that maybe I should just sit and study for a while. But oh! the mess! What was I going to do about the mess? After a few minutes of inward battle, I finally picked up my books and my journal and started to read. And when I was done, there wasn't any time to do much housework until the kids woke up. But here's the point: after making what was good for my soul a priority, the messes just didn't matter. I got to them eventually, and while I don't remember what the exact subject of my stud was, I'll never forget what I learned that day: that learning what's really important, and then doing it first, makes all the difference.

What is the one thing, beyond everything else, that's good for your soul?

How do you make time for it in your busy life?

Easy Fabric Flowers

2011-03-28T20:54:00.000-07:00

I know there are tons of tutorials all over the Internet for these, but people keep asking to have a tutrial here, so I learned how to make some. THEY ARE SO EASY!! I was terrified, really, they look so hard, but I made one in ten minutes. Seriously. Easy Peasy! Supplies

Fabric Scissors, or a Rotary Cutter (I would have used a Rotary Cutter, but mine is missing)

Thread

A hand needle

A Ruler or something to use to measure

Cut your Fabric into 5 Squares. Any size will do. I made a few different sizes, but i really like the smaller ones I made with 2.5 inch squares

Thread your needle and make it long enough to fit five "petals" on, before they are cinched.

Fold your squares into a triangle. You can press them if you want, but I didn't and it worked fine.

Sew the open ends of your triangle loosely so that it can be gathered.

Thread them on, one by one until they are all attached. Cinch them together as tight as you want to form your flower.

Tie the ends together.

Add a button or another embellishment to cover the center.

Ta-da! A easy fabric flower!

With fabric flowers, there are endless possibilities!

Wendesday Wreath

2011-03-28T20:44:00.000-07:00

Hello! This is actually Cali today, not Jenni. We swapped days this week, just so you are not confused.

Anyways, a few weeks ago I told you about a craft I had started, but not yet finished. I am actually going to break it up into two tutorials, since I can. So here is the Yarn Wreath. (You can Find the fabric flowers here.)

I have seen these all over recently so I decided to jump on the band wagon, and since I have had readers tell me that even though it is somewhere else on the Internet, they prefer to have the tutorial here, so here you go. That, and the tutorials I looked at did not tell me how much yarn to use, so you will get that here as well. Supplies

1 Small Wreath Form (I used the dollar store again.)

1 ball of yarn (I used about half of it give or take a little.)

That is it!

I started my wreath by overlapping some of the yarn as I wrapped it so it would stay in place.

I then tightly wrapped it around my wreath form.

It was really simple. A little time consuming, but I did not fell all that great that week, so it was nice to just sit on the couch with my rice bag and mindlessly wrap yarn around the form.

Anyone can do it.

This is what it looked like when it was covered. I just tied off the end. I am sure you can glue it if you want.

I wrapped a little bit of ribbon around it and added some fabric flowers. I just pinned them on so I can use the form for other holidays, or seasons.I am trying to figure out how to pin on a little Peep Bunny or Chick and not have it leave a mess.

So if you want another easy door decoration, here you go! There is just something about wreaths that make your house seem happy and welcoming. Enjoy!

Coming Out

2011-03-24T10:43:00.001-07:00

That is right, I am coming out of the closet. I have a secret. Well it will not be a secret anymore, but I think I love PBS Kids Shows, and Children's Music more then my 2 and 4 year old do.

That is all....

No seriously, we went to a Caspar Babypants concert at the library yesterday, and it is probably the 5th time we have seen them. They are performing today at a library closer to us and I am so sad that my 2 year old did not want to go. He said "We saw them yesterday." ("Yesterday" and "Last week" are some of his favorite words at the moment.) That is all I can think about. We are missing a free concert at the library.

It is not just them. We go to almost every free children's concert around, either at the library, or the summer festivals, etc. I just love them. Mostly it does not matter who is performing, but there are a few children's performers that I do not like and we have left early when we can. I just love children's music. My kids are going to be in high school and there mom is not going to be listening to the oldies station, I will be rocking it out to the Wiggles, or Caspar Babypants, or Lunch Money. (I think they are my favorite right now.) There are many others.

Also, during quiet time, I have to refrain myself from watching Word Girl, or Martha Speaks. (I do get my Ellen in, and I do like Ghost Whisper.) I know I can't watch them when my daughter is still awake. She will want to watch them too, and there goes my break! I fell odd watching them without with my kids. I'm an adult, I should be watching adult shows! In the morning, my kids get to watch two shows while I get ready. I am sad if I miss Dinosaur Train, I don't get to watch Sid the Science Kid, or I miss the super story answer on Super Why.

Seriously, I am really odd. But now you know. And when I come to you with a really odd fact about Palaeobatrachus (a Dinosaur that looks like a a frog,) the Elements, or I have a random use of vocabulary words, etc. You will know that I did not learn it from school, I learned it from a children's song, or PBS Kids.

Are you hiding any secrets in the closet? Join me in coming out of the closet!

Mom Cave

2011-03-23T13:37:00.000-07:00

I've learned since having children that many of the things I thought were "mine" really aren't. Like my expensive art pencils and markers that are now in the kid craft bin. Like my cute vintage pin cushion that is now a doll pillow (minus the pins, of course). Like my beaters that are now more part of the play kitchen than the real kitchen. Heck, even my 45-second potty breaks aren't even my own anymore! What I've also learned, more than ever before, is that "things" aren't what really is important.

That being said, I believe everyone (probably especially moms) should have an area, no matter how large or small, that is theirs and theirs alone. Enter my closet.

This is where I keep all of "my" stuff. This closet was originally built to house the washer and dryer, hence the electrical outlet, overhead light and fan. The previous owners of our home moved the w/d location to the garage, took the doors off the closet and made it into the computer desk. My dad built extra shelves, and after a nice coat of paint and some lovely new white doors, my "mom cave" was born.

Not to say that I don't share a bit of the space with the kids' games and crafts, oh and the punch bowl and fondue set on the top shelf. And this doesn't count my sewing machine cabinet that's set up in the living room or the corner of the dining room that looks awkwardly naked without the ironing board there. But for the most part, this is my little area for my bins of pretty fabric, papers, ribbons, patterns, books and whatever I find that inspires me. It may not look organized to you, but believe me I know where EVERYTHING is.

So, what is your little space that belongs to you? Even if it's a drawer of your nightstand, find or discover or create a little niche of space that you can call your own.

P.S. Don't tell my kids that one of those drawers in my closet is full of new batteries. I'll be changing toy batteries until next month! :-)

Come Into My Closet

2011-03-22T23:41:00.000-07:00

Inspired by Jenni's post, I decided to take some time today and see what I could do to improve my closets within the couple hours that my daughter was at school. Want to see?

Okay, not really a closet, it's our entryway. But it works a little like a closet and this mess is the first thing people see when they come to my house - eep! It wasn't hard to fix, though. I just put the bags away and hung the bulkier coats in the coat closet around the corner (coming up next). Here's the after:

Next, the coat closet!

For this closet, I put away our winter coats and consolidated the things on the shelf. This is where we keep our emergency kits, as well, so I organized them a little bit too.

I still have some wintry coats here, yes, but we live in the Northwest; easy access to warm clothing is a year-round necessity. Oh, also, I'm in the process of painting all our trim and doors white, but the doors have to wait until it's warm outside. So, yes, the closet door is brown and the trim is white. For now.

In my/husband's closet:

I put away the laundry, re-stacked sweaters, and arranged hanging shirts by his/mine.

Not too bad for a morning's work. But it didn't end there! Once I was on that roll, I tackled:

The living room table:

(That stuff on the sofa is my growing pile of things to donate/consign after cleaning out the closets - hooray!)

And the sideboard (which is where I store most of my craft and sewing stuff these days):

With just a spark of inspiration and a little time, it's amazing what can be accomplished! Is there something you've been neglecting - whether temporal or spiritual, domestic or otherwise - because you've been taking care of everything else? Go on and do it! Chances are, it will be easier than you think.

Closet Therapy

2011-03-21T21:00:00.000-07:00

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With the sunshine peaking through the clouds and the clusters of crocus popping up in my neighbors yard I am itching to do some spring cleaning. I love myself a good clean room but I get the most out of digging through a winter infested closet and ridding it of all it's dust bunnies and expired "stuff." Seeing it all neat and organized, maybe even pretty enough to leave the door to the closet open, makes me think that one day I might actually be able to have cupboards like in the above picture.

My plan today failed...but it's only because my ambitious mind told me I could do it all in one day. Never mind the fact that my day was pretty packed with normal mom stuff anyway. I tend to get way ahead of myself and today was no exception. I started this project way back in January and I got through a good chunk of my house but I never finished. I blame it on the gray color of everything and the laziness I feel in February and into March. So I have a new plan. A little more realistic plan this time:

Five days (by Saturday at midnight).

One mission.

To organize or reorganize and beautify every closet in my home.

Definition of closet:: cupboard: a small room (or recess) or cabinet used for storage space

That's a lot of doing and a lot of dust bunnies. That's a whole lot of therapy to get me feeling good about my favorite season! SPRING!!!

And to get you in the mood and to give you some inspiration: Some loveliness!

Apparently these people only wear blue, green and white clothing...um and they only own 3 designs and 10 shirts total.

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I adore baskets. I am a basket junkie. One day, if I could have it my way and not my husband's, everything I own will live in a basket.

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still one of my favorite ideas!!!

How cute is this little girl's tiny closet space?

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I think if I had some place like this I would want to clean every minute of my life.

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Although my closets will never look like this I am determined to at least have them organized and cleaned out by the end of the week!!!

NOW...who's with me?

* Maybe on Saturday I'll post some before and after pictures of my closet space....maybe!

Hidden Conversation Bubbles

2011-03-18T21:02:00.000-07:00

Image found here

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if we could read each other's thoughts? I think it would be scary to know just exactly what is going on behind the scenes--you know, in certain conversations when you can tell that the person you're talking to isn't really listening. They have that look of interest on their face, but behind their wandering eyes or blank stare you know there is something else...an inner dialogue that is keeping you from really talking with that person. Well, I have a confession to make. And I wish that it was that I can read people's thoughts. Actually, no I don't wish that at all. But I am that person. I am the one who has something else going on in my head that takes me out of the real conversation and into something of my own creating. I don't like to admit it, but sometimes it is true--what you see on my face and what is going on behind my eyes are not always in sync. I get distracted easily, and I have a rather vivid imagination, so then I find myself unsure of exactly what to say when it is my turn to contribute to the real conversation because I've become more enveloped in the dialogue in my head. Or I miss certain details of what someone is telling me and then I am unsure of exactly how we got to that point. I can often make it through with the correct amount of attentiveness and appropriate responses, but then later I can not recall anything meaningful, if anything at all, that was discussed. Hmph. Why do I do this? Is this normal? Does anyone else know what I am talking about? Is this part of the "mommy brain" dilemma or is it just me?

Projects

2011-03-17T21:00:00.000-07:00

Well, my hope this week was to post a tutorial for you, but I am only half way done with the project, and the part I am done with would be okay to post all by itself, but kind of boring. I am planning on doing it in two separate posts anyways, but I would like to post the finished project with the first part. If that makes any sense. So how odd it is that this week is "Behind the Scenes."

So here you have it, behind the scenes at my house. Another unfinished, but hopeful project. It seems that I am good at that. Well actually the fact that I started it is good for me so it should be easy to finish. Behind the scenes I am not good at starting projects. I like to find the ones I like, and collect fabric, paper, or whatever other medium is required for the project. I just have a hard time actually cutting into it and starting! I just need to get that courage. That and when I start a project i have to finish it, but recently i seem to have lost that drive. Hopefully it will come back soon!

So that is behind the scenes here. It is not to say that it has been a lazy week, just busy. From "Pi" day on Monday, to the fact that leprechauns caused some serious havoc through my house. It has been a very busy and a very fun week. Oh and there was even sunshine today, and when there is sunshine here in Washington, the projects can wait!

What unfinished projects are staring you down at the moment?

PS Here is another thing I have been doing this week. I am in charge of Sharing Time this week in church. (I teach the little children at church.) The topic this week is "We are led by a living prophet today." I have been studying about President Monson, the president of the church. In the June 2008 Ensign there is a pull out section all about him. (I wish I could find the link online!) The other day I decided to read the first presidency message. It was President Eyring, "Safety in Counsel." It got me really excited for general conference coming up, and goes along great with the primary theme this month. I highly recommend it. It has definitely been helping me "behind the scenes" with primary.

The Eleventh Hour

2011-03-16T18:47:00.000-07:00

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Let me ask you a question. Have you ever had this experience, whether with a party you've hosted, birthday presents you've given, or even Christmas gifts you've created or purchased for loved ones? OK here it is...you've felt relatively uninspired, but the occasion is approaching, and you have to do/give something, so you get or make something that will be appreciated and accepted with gratitude.

Then, it hits you...it's the day before the baby shower, or Christmas Eve or whatever and inspiration strikes! You've come up with THE perfect idea or gift that you must give that person, and all other ideas or preparations you've already made for the previous gifts are out the window.

No? Well, it's a regular occurence for me. Maybe it's the inner dialogue in the recesses of my brain that tell me I thrive and come up with the best ideas under pressure. Like the year in college I took basketweaving (pause here for laughter) and I decided in November that I would make a handwoven basket for everyone in my family. Crazy? Yes. Feasible? Probably. Genius? YES!

Or like this past weekend when I was making preparations for my daughter's 2nd birthday. I purchased a fun book and some summer clothes, and I felt a little badly that I hadn't made anything for her. Not that she would even know or care, but I do like to include a little "handmade from mommy" gift for the kids.

So Saturday night at 9:00 I started cutting into my rainbow stack of felt. And cutting. And cutting. Oh, this is going to be good. No patterns...just winging it. She's going to love it! I finished up around 12:30 Sunday night (Monday morning), and I did what I set out to do.

During the party and present-opening pandemonium, she hardly got a chance to look at everything, let alone appreciate the gifts so thoughtfully given by her friends and family. She doesn't know that I stayed up late making her gift, or that any number of her friends may have been scrambling at the last minute to get/make/wrap their gift to her.

My long, drawn-out point is, the gift recipient shouldn't know what goes on behind the scenes. The party attendees shouldn't know how you, the host, were inconvenienced by the appetizers that didn't work out or the hours it took to clean the house before they arrived. They should enjoy the fruits of your labor, and you'll enjoy the satisfaction that you've given them a gift or experience they'll cherish, just like I did today:

An Introverted Mama in an Extroverted World

2011-03-15T20:12:00.000-07:00

Oh, I am definitely a behind-the-scenes girl. I'd much rather be making props or cue-ing lights than wowing the audiences front-and-center. While I am not shy, I am a classic introvert who needs time alone and prefers the periphery of social situations.

I recently learned that introverts make up only 25-30% of the population. So what's an introverted girl to do in an extroverted world? Especially when her children, like mine, are clearly extroverts? As with all things, I'm finding that honesty is the best policy.

If I'm honest with myself and with my family, I really do need that time I set aside for quiet projects by myself. Nap/quiet time in the mid-afternoon is not just for my children, it's for me too. And if I'm going to be a good mom the rest of the day, it's not a luxury, it's a necessity. In order to be really present for them, I need to be able to say to my children, "Just a minute, Mama's thinking."

And the way I see it, it's good for them too. They will hopefully learn patience, I like to think they'll be able to see the value in just being still, and when these little extroverts are front-and-center in whatever they do in life, they'll be blessed with a mama who's content to just stand back and let them shine.

His Hands

2011-03-15T00:18:00.000-07:00

image by Cortney

There are times in our lives when bad things happen to people we care deeply about and most of those times we feel helplessly pinned against a wall trying desperately to think of something to say or do to make it seem all better. There are specific situations we encounter when that is just simply impossible. However, I do believe that each of these moments have a lesson to be learned and a strength to be achieved by both the hurt and the ones who feel compassion towards those that hurt.

Over the past few days I have witnessed that these experiences teach us how to love more deeply and to see those who are most effected through the eyes of a divine being, even if only for a brief moment. Because of this gift to feel and to love, we are sometimes given the privilege to mourn with those that mourn and comfort those that stand in need of comfort. So it has been and so it will continue to be for many of those who care about a very special family.

Cortney mentioned in a previous post just last week that our sweet friend had suffered a loss of an unborn child. This was one of those moments when we all felt like we needed to do something but had no idea how to proceed...at first.

The night it happened many showed up at their door, while they were heading to the hospital, to clean her home top to bottom. Her freezer was then stocked with meals the next day and flowers began to load her counter top. I, along with everyone I had spoken to, kept having that feeling of wishing we could do more...that we could somehow collectively show our love for this family in a way that was more then food and house cleaning. Something that would last longer than just a few short weeks. A plan began to form and with many many other women we began to do what we could to pull together a handmade quilt for them with the hopes of having it act as a cozy comforting reminder of this little baby and his place in their cute family.

It only took one email to gather a very large group of her friends together to begin our little project. Sunday evening came and we all got to work.

Only four hours later we had formed the top of the quilt. I only wish that I had taken more pictures. There were so many more there who had helped cut, sew and iron. It really was a neat experience to have my home bursting at the seams with women filled with charity and a desire to serve those who really needed it.

The next morning I took each piece to our cute Jen, who also writes for this blog, and I got to watch her create magic as she turned our previous night's work into a more beautifully quilted gift.

The only things left to do where the binding and a tag. One more email went out...

On Tuesday morning, after many phone calls of people wanting to help, we sat around my dining room table sewing on the binding just like many other women had done in the past with other quilts that had been given as a gift to those who needed some extra warmth or strength. I began to think about the significance of a quilt and it's meaningful symbolism of love and service. It's neat to think about each hand that had touched it's fabrics and worked on it's beauty. These are the women I get to associate with on a daily basis. They were all there because they loved somebody very much. Every stitch and each pressing was done to try and help lift a friend. I'll never forget how I felt while working alongside some of my best friends united in one purpose.

Lastly, the tag was added with his name, the meaning of his name and a sweet reassuring scripture that reads:

And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up. (D&C 84:88)

With this quilt we gave her a card that had been signed by everyone who helped and who wanted to show their love for them and Cortney, wrote a very tender insert that explained our reason for making them this gift.

image by Cortney

Watching what goes on behind the scenes of a tragic event is humbling and amazing. I saw only a little portion of what went into caring for this dear family and I could easily see our Heavenly Father's hand in all of it. He loves us. He knows us and He uses our hands as His when He wants to comfort those that stand in need of His comfort. I will always remember this experience and the heart felt lessons I learned along the way. Today I stand stronger with many others who have learned a little bit better how to love more like He loves.

Healthy Cooking...not just because I should

2011-03-07T06:47:00.000-08:00

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Head on over to Steady Mom to see my latest post on healthy cooking and the joy it brings to a creative soul. :)

Have a great Monday!

Love has no limits

2011-03-03T23:41:00.000-08:00

image found here

Life has limits. We are limited to twenty four hours in each day. And, unfortunately there is a limit on how far you can stretch a dollar. My two daughters think there should be no limit to the volume of their favorite music when it's time to dance--thankfully for me, there is.

Sometimes limits can be stifling. Sometimes they are humbling. Sometimes limits can direct us to a new path. But sometimes lives are lost to limits and complexities that we may not understand.

image found here

Today, all of us here at Praiseworthy are thinking of our dear friend and her family who are faced with the loss of an unborn child. While that pure and sweet life has reached an untimely end, there is no limit to the love that is swelling in our hearts for him. There is no limit to the love that will blossom from the deep soil of mourning. There is no limit to the love that will forever find place in a quiet corner of our hearts for a sweet little boy who reminds us that life is precious.

Yes, life has limits. But love does not. And so, this little boy, though we will not meet him now, will forever be remembered with love.

image found here

"And in the mornin', I'm makin Waffles!"

2011-03-03T14:31:00.000-08:00

There is something about eating pancakes or waffles for dinner. We fairly, if ever, eat them for breakfast. That typically only happens when we are visiting family. (My husbands family has a waffle tradition.)

So what is there no limits about pancakes and waffles you ask. The syrup and sauces, that is what!

Here are some of my favorite Syrup and sauce recipes.

Blueberry Sauce

• 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 cup orange juice
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the blueberries, 1/4 cup of water, orange juice, and sugar. Stir gently, and bring to a boil.
2. In a cup or small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and 1/4 cup cold water. Gently stir the cornstarch mixture into the blueberries so as not to mash the berries. Simmer gently until thick enough to coat the back of a metal spoon, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the almond extract and cinnamon. Thin sauce with water if it is too thick for your liking.

Serve with whipped cream if you want. (They are yummy either way!)
This sauce is also good on ice cream, cheese cake, in smoothies, etc.

I-Hop Cinnamon Roll Pancake Sauce (Thanks Angela!)

Melt ¼ cup butter

Add:
¾ cup brown sugar
2 T half and half or milk
1 T ground cinnamon
1/8 t salt
1/8 t ground cloves
Microwave until bubbly (1-1 ½ min)

Add:
1 T half and half or milk
1 T flour
Whisk until well blended

Easy as that!

Buttermilk Syrup

1 1/2 C Sugar

2 Tbs light Karo Syrup

3/4 C buttermilk

1 Stick of Butter

2 tsp Vanilla

1 tsp Baking Soda

Combine first 4 ingredients in a pan twice the size you think you will need, and bring to a boil.

Remove from heat and add vanilla and then the baking soda.

It will foam up quite a bit (hence the larger pan.) Serve immediately.

It will store in the fridge for a few days, although it will not be as foamy, but it is still yummy!

Put these last two together, and you have my very favorite! They will always be my favorites and always had been. In fact for a side note, when I was in 1st or 2nd grade, I broke my collarbone. I was sent home from school and the doctor at the Dr's office did not even ex-ray me and sent me home with an adult sling and said I would be fine. Well I went home and laid in bed the rest of the day. My mom made my favorite dinner of waffles with strawberries and whipped cream (although it was cool whip growing up) and I did not come down to eat it. That was when she really knew something was wrong. She took me to the ER, and sure enough it was broken. Nd I have a tiny Teddy bear sling to show for it. So there is my randomness, and onto the recipes.

Growing up, like I said before, it was cool whip, and strawberries mixed with a ton, and I mean ton of sugar. Lucky for you, my tastes has refined a little bit and these recipes are yummy!

Whipped Cream

1 C Chilled Heavy Cream

1 T Sugar

1 t Vanilla

Before I make cream I put my kitchen aid bowl and whisk in the freezer. About 20 min to an hour before I make it.

Add ingredients to mixer and let it go till it is as firm as you like it.

I am still perfecting the thickness of the cream to my liking. Jenni always makes the best cream, mine is a little runny, but like I said, I grew up on cool whip, so this is new to me still.

Strawberries

8 cups (about 2 1/2 lbs) Strawberries

6 T Sugar

Wash and top your strawberries if they are fresh. We don't want any green of course. ;)

In a large bowl place 3 cups of strawberries. Crush with a potato masher.

Slice the remaining 5 cups of strawberries and add to the bowl of mashed ones. Add the sugar too.

Stir and let it sit to macerate foe 30 min-2 hrs.

By mashing some of the strawberries up and letting them sit, it makes it a little more saucy, and they don't run off the waffles or pancakes. It is so yummy!

Well I hope you go eat waffles or pancakes for dinner tonight, or breakfast. And remember, it is a no limit food! Try some sauces today!

Do you have any favorite toppings? Please Share!

No rules, no limits

2011-03-02T17:50:00.000-08:00

Before I was married, a friend and I had a little tradition of either having a party or going to a party on New Year's Eve, sleeping in on New Year's Day, and then spending the day at her parents' house. Big deal, right? Well, this was not just a celebration of a new year but a day of no rules and no limits. And no judgement if you wanted to eat ice cream for breakfast, cake for lunch, brownies for dinner and m&m's for snacks. Then we'd watch Alias marathons or as many Rocky movies we could fit in one day.

So why just dedicate just one day to "no rules"? I'm not advocating this kind of behavior on any kind of regularity or frequency. I mean, we have kids and homes and jobs to attend to, right? All I'm saying is that we all need (and deserve!) a little flexibility and allowance in our routines from time to time. A day, or even part of a day, where we ignore our food journal, look past the sticky spots on the kitchen floor and just relax, allow ourselves a little freedom from limits, rules and judgement.

How about it? Consider it a reward for a day's job well done. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to watch the rest of season one of Glee with a special treat, and the ironing can wait.

eXtreme Pantry Staples: No Limits!

2011-03-01T19:42:00.000-08:00

Oh, it seems there are no limits to the uses for humble vinegar and simple baking soda in my home.

From cleaning my floors to washing my hair; and from making laundry powder to ....

SCIENCE!

Baking soda is also my go-to for scrubbing the sink and bathtubs, and for blotting up messes made on the carpet by my son-in-potty-training. It seems there's not a problem under the sun that I haven't tried to solve with baking soda and/or vinegar.

What's your favorite way to use vinegar and baking soda?

No Limits

2011-02-28T15:02:00.000-08:00

“We know that there are some limits on what you can do, but we know also that there need be no limits on enthusiasm, planning, thoughtful consideration, and effort.”

-President Gordon B. Hinkley

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Several months ago, a church leader gave me and another woman in my area an assignment. To say the least, this assignment would be hard, it would take up a lot of time and was way out of my comfort zone. It would challenge me in every way and in every area of my life. It would take months to prepare for and would become a huge part of every day. I said yes knowing that there might be a reason why I was called. Who knew it would be because I needed to know that my Heavenly Father really loved me.

In the beginning I was afraid and because I was fearful I became discouraged and then I became upset. I was mostly angry with myself for saying yes to something that I could fail at and I didn't want to deal with others being dissapointed in me. I became stressed and irritated with everyone. I was letting my own idea of what I was capable of get in the way of what my Heavenly Father knew I was capable of.

After a lot of turmoil and self doubt I knelt to pray. I told Him all of my fears and all of my reasons for wanting to duck out of this job. I honestly was hoping I would get some form of okay on how to go to this leader and tell her I wouldn't be able to do this. Surprise!!! I didn't get that inspiration. Instead I was overcome with feelings of His personal love for me, I felt hope in what I could do and an immediate 10 minutes of flooded materials and ideas on how to make this program work. I didn't get it all handed to me that night but I knew, after I had submitted to His will, that things would be okay and that He would be by side every step of the way.

This other sweet woman and I went from being discouraged and stressed out to motivated and excited to see what would come of this. We planned a lot and we worked hard and with the Lord's help we completed this assignment and bettered our lives and the lives of those who got to see it. It's difficult nature proved to be just that, but instead of giving up or taking the easy way out we grew and we rose to the challenge. We realised that with our Heavenly Father's help we had no limits. He was with us, guiding us and teaching us what He would have us do.

I love looking back on that day that it was presented. It will forever be one of my favorite me moments. You know...those special moments when you realise a little bit more about your own Divine Nature and your purpose for being on this earth. It makes me excited to go throughout the rest of my life. Only the Lord knows our spiritual capacity and He will give us opportunities like these to help fill us. Even the hardest things can be accomplished if we are willing to go about them the right way. I know that through Him is always going to be the right way!!!

22% Tuesday

2011-02-26T00:01:00.000-08:00

Tuesday is often just another day "to-do" housework and finish up the cleaning I didn't do the day before. While I was thinking about this--Tuesday, my typical, unappreciated Tuesday--I found something that made me smile:

“I always give 100% at work:

13% Monday
22% Tuesday
26% Wednesday
35% Thursday
4% Friday”

This is so true! There are certain days that are just more productive than others, aren't there? Sometimes I wish I could be more consistent between days, but in reality, balance doesn't have to mean equal parts all the time, right? As long as at the end of the week it all adds up and you've managed to do something resembling progress. It's good to have 22% Tuesdays, and 4% Fridays, and a few variations along the way are a healthy part of the balancing act.

So now you have 20% left for the weekend (if I did the math right), use it well!

Grocery Day

2011-02-24T15:05:00.000-08:00

Tuesdays are typically my grocery shopping days. If you have been following the blog for a while you probably have noticed that I am pretty frugal. I cut coupons, take advantage of free days and activities, shop sales, etc.

So why do I shop on Tuesdays you ask?

Tuesdays are the last day to use last weeks adds. Sometimes if I know that something is going to sale out or a coupon will expire, I will go earlier, but Tuesdays are the best days for the deals.

I also receive my Red Plum Mailer on Tuesday. It is the one with next weeks grocery ads. Then I can compare prices and see if there is a better sale.

I also like shopping on Tuesdays because I can wait and see what the new coupons will look like on Sunday as well.

So that is typically why I do the grocery shopping on Tuesdays. Then I also know I am not shopping multiple days in a week for groceries. I try to hit them all at once. (Aside from Fred Meyer, their ads run till Saturdays.)

When do you do your grocery shopping trips. Any tips?

Tuesday, aka Doozee-Day

2011-02-23T17:33:00.000-08:00

Tuesdays are usually the days I don't have a lot going on, and the kids and I can pick and choose what we want to do, either at home or out and about. The past two Tuesdays, however, have been real doozees, so I've decided to rename Tuesday Doozee-Day. Has kind of the same ring to it, don't you think?

Last Tuesday, as I rocked my sick, ear-infected daughter back to sleep, I squinted through my blurry eyes at the clock that read 3:36 am. What's worse than being sick myself is for either of my children to feel horrible and, in this case, too young to tell me what's wrong or where it hurts.

Fast forward to yesterday, the beginning of my 28-hour "adventure" (as my son called it), trying to get from my sister's house to mine, a trip that usually takes 4 1/2 hours (5 tops). Think the shortest distance between to points is a straight line? In this case, that straight line crossed over a snowy, icy mountain pass that fluctuated between treacherous and undriveable (if that's even a word). The three of us spent the night in a small town on the back side of the mountain to wait what the weather looked like today. Uh-oh. More of the same...and worse. We decided to backtrack 20 miles, drive south to Oregon, over to Portland and back up to home sweet home. All in all, we spent 17 hours on the road and 11 in the hotel. One for the *family* history books for sure.

During both of these experiences, a quote was replaying in my head after I heard it in a talk at church about stewardship.

"Some may believe that they create their children, that they shape them out of unformed clay. Others may believe that they own their children. We, however, understand...our children are not ours. They belong to their Father in Heaven and to themselves. Our noble brothers and sisters, matured adults who agreed to become helpless babes entrusted to our care, have a right to expect us to treat them well."

I feel blessed to have my children's care entrusted to me. I have felt the weight of and reward for this responsibility especially over the last couple of weeks. I'm ever thankful for it.

Four-On-The-Floor Tuesdays

2011-02-22T21:05:00.000-08:00

... your floors!

Tuesday is my floor cleaning day. Oh, I do love a clean floor, don't you? Every place I've lived in since I first got married has had hardwood floors ... and there's definitely a reason - I love them! I remember being a bit nervous about them at first, due to a notion of unknown origin that they're hard to take care of. Living, as I do now, in a house with both hardwood and carpets, I gotta say, in terms of ease of care my vote definitely goes with the wood.

For a long time, to keep them looking lovely, I used a commercial cleaner. And then I read in a magazine that so-and-so's housekeeper kept her wood floors gleaming by using a simple solution of warm water and vinegar. "Hey!" I thought, "That's pretty much what I use on my windows!" (I add a little dash of rubbing alcohol to the mix, to help it dry faster.) So I've been using my homemade window cleaner on the hardwoods and I haven't looked back. I love that it's safe for our home environment (as well as the global one), it does a great job, and it's gentle on the floor's finish. Saving a few extra pennies on cleaning supplies doesn't hurt either, of course!

Now if only I could find a solution for the not-so-white-anymore carpet in the rest of the house. (Seriously, if you have suggestions, I'd love to hear them!)

Progress...FINALLY!!!

2011-02-21T14:42:00.000-08:00

You want to know what I'm going to do tomorrow...on just a boring old TUESDAY? I am going to do what I did today only without my kids distracting me (thanks to a sweet friend) and with my husband upstairs working from home instead of across the country. I am going to quilt, go out to lunch with my cute Mark and then I'll probably come home and quilt some more.

It's been a long time since I started this quilt for Sadie and because of a busy busy year and a whole lot of "stuff" jammed into my schedule I have had to look at it, sitting in it's special box, for way to long. Things have dies down finally and I pulled it out today for fun and actually surprised myself. It didn't take me very long to make some good progress on it and I was still in love with the project. After nap time I have 40 squares completed and only about 75 more to go. I love how happy it looks sitting on my floor and I can't wait to see it in her new room or her cute white bed.

So after coming back to reality I've realised that I'll actually have to teach 4 lessons later in the afternoon and I'll probably get up to go to the gym and make food and do other momish duties but a whole Tuesday morning all to myself plus a nap time in the afternoon!!! I can hardly wait!

Maybe by Wednesday this top will be finished! I'll keep you posted!

What are you going to do to make your mundane Tuesday more special?

The Real Reason I Love to Cook...

2011-02-18T05:00:00.000-08:00

The real reason I love to cook...

...because cooking is part of the creative process, a process that has become such a vital part of who I am. Whether it is writing, sewing, or cooking, I find such joy in creating.

I will never forget the day I heard President Dieter F. Uchtdorf say:

“Creation brings deep satisfaction and fulfillment. We develop ourselves and others when we take unorganized matter into our hands and mold it into something of beauty,”

That statement was planted in me as a tiny seed of inspirational truth. Since then it has sprouted and grown into a life-tested stronghold of personal testimony.

It's true! There is something very satisfying about starting out with simple and wholesome ingredients, combining them together, and creating something that smells good, looks good, tastes good, and fills my body with goodness! And it gets even better when I can share that goodness with the people I love. Then I am not only creating a meal, but I am creating a relationship through time and service, thought and care.

It's not always easy, and at 4:00 pm when I don't know what to make for dinner, I don't always love it! But in one small way, cooking brings me closer to my Heavenly Father...

"...He is a God of creation and compassion. Creating and being compassionate are two objectives that contribute to our Heavenly Father’s perfect happiness. Creating and being compassionate are two activities that we as His spirit children can and should emulate." (agian, from President Uchtdorf)

Right now, in this season of my life, it's cooking. At times it is sewing, occasionally it is writing or taking a beautiful photograph. But regardless of the form it takes, the creative process elevates me--it enables me, it teaches me, it fills me with light and knowledge, and it allows me to see my full potential.

I love to cook--cooking is creating!

What do you love to create?

The Real Reason My Kids Have Quiet Time

2011-02-17T14:22:00.000-08:00

Yup, that is what it is right now. Quiet time. Oh how I love quiet time. A time for me to finally write my blog post which I forgot about, and take care of the other things I need to to or have been working on. (The office is a mess thanks to the latest project of sorting clothes and the closet.)

Quiet time is for me more then my kids. I am able to clean up or work on a project with out them getting into it. I am able to sit on the couch and eat a snack while watching "Lets make a deal" or "Ellen" without them asking me questions. It is a time for me. My husband gets a break at work for lunch, so why not me too.

And lets face it, sometimes our kids need a break from us. It is a time for my daughter to "Do whatever she wants" in her room. She said that yesterday. "I can do whatever I want during quiet time mom." In regards to my 4 year old licking the window. Gross! But hey, it is her free time as well. Yes I check on her occasionally, but she is able to read, play, chill out with out her brother bugging her or me bugging her.

It is good for all of us.

So what do you during quiet time. Do you have a quiet time? If not, what do you do for some down time for yourself?

Now off to work on my office, or eat a cookie and watch the end of "Lets Make a Deal."

Enjoy your quiet time!

The real reason I love the rain

2011-02-16T10:37:00.000-08:00

source

It's a good thing the rain suits me, since around these parts we get, on average, about 50 inches of rainfall and 154 days of precipitation every year.

I'd be lying if I said there weren't days when I'm not quite as fond of it, like when it's supposed to be summer and it's 55 degrees for a high and you're standing underneath your friends' covered porch watching the fireworks because it's pouring and you're drinking hot chocolate on the 4th of JULY.

But, apart from that, there are definite bonuses to living in the land of rain.

*My skin is soft and doesn't get the dry winter "itchies."

*The brown sugar doesn't ever get hard in the pantry.

*The grass stays green all year round.

*The air smells clean and fresh.

*It's perfect crockpot dinner weather.

*It's also perfect bread/cookie/treat baking weather.

*The sound of rain falling is therapeutic and relaxing.

*Lazy rainy days. I don't really know what the "lazy days of summer" are because it always seems like summertime means yard work, packing for camping trips, picnicking and playing outside, all good things, but I hardly feel lazy.

*Not having sewing guilt because I'm not taking advantage of the sunshine.

*Free irrigation! Two years ago, our vegetable garden thrived, and we didn't water it with the hose even one time.

*But let's face it, the REAL reason I love the rain is:

Who can resist kids in hooded rain jackets and rubber boots? Not me!

What do you love about the rain?

The Real Reason I Stay Up Late

2011-02-15T20:17:00.000-08:00

I think I belong to a simpler time. Or at least an older one. I love to make my own bread and hang the laundry out to dry because they are things that teach me to slow down, to breathe, and to appreciate time and life and the people I share them with. Also, I love to listen to Radio. I don't just mean that I put the radio on in the car to keep me entertained while I drive (though that's becoming rapidly out of date as well). I love to sit down with my laundry and really listen to the radio. And I'm here to tell you that all the best radio happens at night.

Let me take you back to 9th grade, when one of my favorite memories is of falling asleep in the top bunk with my alarm-clock-radio tuned to Casey Kasem's Top 40 Countdown. Fast forward to just before I got married, when I lived in our first apartment by myself for a few weeks, after our good-nights but before I could fall asleep I'd listen to short stories and plays on the radio. Then after marriage but before kids, we'd stay up and listen together. Even now, especially in the heat of summer's canning season, when I'm always up late because I didn't plan on the jam taking so long to set up, there's nothing like a cool breeze coming in the kitchen window and old-time swing music playing on the radio.

And so! For your listening enjoyment, here are links to some of my favorite late-night radio programs. And thanks to the beauty of the internet, you don't even have to stay up late to listen to them!

L.A. Theatre Works' Radio Theatre Series

To the Best of Our Knowledge ... a sort of "radio magazine." Lots of good stuff here.

Selected Shorts ... short stories from all genres, read to you like it's bedtime. And for me, it is!

American Routes ... is a presentation and discussion of quintessentially American music: blues, jazz, rockabilly, zydeco, gospel; with interviews, documentaries, and of course the music itself.

And of course, one of my all-time, long-time, I'll-cry-the-day-it-goes-away favorites, This American Life.

What are some of your favorite radio memories?

Happy listening!

The real reason I love this day.

2011-02-14T15:59:00.000-08:00

Contrary to what some believe this holiday to be about (greeting card company scams and forced signs of love or even single awareness day) I believe it to be more. Yes we should be showing our love for those we care about every day but how great is it to have a single day where everyone has the chance to fall back in love with those they adore. Who doesn't love a special day where you get a hundred more kisses and so many more I love yous. For our family it is a favorite.

Mom get's up early to decorate the dining room and makes breakfast.

Dad, P and S sneak down to find and add treasures.

We make valentine deliveries...

to school...

and to our friends who we get to join for a party.

One special friend of Payton's even came to heart attack his room.

He was thrilled and may be the youngest on earth to have gotten this high school ritual done on Valentine's Day.

After much needed naps and some more valentine creating we are off to have dinner as a family and then going to meet miss Sophie and fam. for frozen yogurt and a special singing telegram.

Finally we'll end our day...just the two of us with a yummy dessert and a movie.

Best day ever right? Come on...if you are draggin' your feet or trying to avoid this day then jump up and do something special and fun for somebody you love. I promise it will feel great and you might even think back on it as a "mmoment."

Young Love

2011-02-12T17:22:00.000-08:00

I love my little brother. He is six feet and four inches of a completely praiseworthy man. So I guess I should say, I love my younger brother--there really isn't anything little about him.

When we were kids, Mac and I would wrestle and tease each other. I am five years older, so I usually won based merely on size. But my dad warned me, "Be careful, someday he is going to be bigger than you and then you'll be sorry!" That day came one summer when I was home from college, I was twenty and Mac was fifteen. We were teasing, chasing through the house, and I just barely made it to my room in time to lock the door before he could totally clobber me. I stood panting, safely behind that door for a few seconds, listening for where he had gone. Not more than thirty seconds later he was back at my door with a screwdriver and the bolts on the door were quickly coming out! It was then that I grasped the full reality of my dad's words--not only was my little brother bigger than me, but he was smarter than me too!

This boy transformed into a man, recently returned home from living in Wyoming and Colorado while serving a two-year mission for our church. And waiting for him on his return was something that every man prays for...oh, the thrill of young love!

Kaylin and Mac.

Mac and Kaylin!

Shout it from the rooftops, I've been wanting to write their love story all week! But the great thing is--they've already got it in writing. For the past two years they have exchanged over two hundred letters.

"Don't wait for me," he said before he left.

"I wasn't planning on it," was her reply. But her plans quickly changed.

While Mac was away, going through the process of becoming a missionary, Kaylin was here, finding out why he needed to do that. While Mac was growing into a kind and loving man, Kaylin was here, discovering just what kind of woman she wanted to be. While Mac taught people hundreds of miles away, missionaries were here at home, teaching Kaylin that same message. While he was studying and praying, she was studying and praying. While supportive from a distance, Mac's absence allowed Kaylin to discover for herself the truth and knowledge that led her to baptism. And through it all, they wrote.

In those letters, their friendship grew and a future began to form. Then, from the moment Mac returned home from Colorado, time previously spent with pen in hand was replaced by time spent hand-in-hand. When Mac learned that busy schedules would keep them from seeing each other one day, he went to her house at six in the morning to surprise her before the day had even begun. Waking to sounds outside her window and finding Mac waiting for her there, Kaylin remembers that as one of her favorite days. From then on, their conversation changed from what had happened that week to what they hoped would happen in the coming weeks together.

So when Mac had to leave for school, the separation was almost unbearable. After two weeks away from each other, Mac decided that this semester would be the last time he would ever be separated from Kaylin--ever. Little did he know how greatly his determination to propose would be tested in the process of making his dream a reality.

(this is the part that makes me giddy!)

"It has to be this weekend," Mac explained to me over the phone. That fateful weekend was a three-day weekend which gave him time to drive the twelve hour trip home and get back to school again, Kaylin's parents would be in town, and he was pretty much going to burst if he didn't get home to see her this weekend. He had no money, and what little money he did have he used to buy a ring.--though I have no doubt she would have said yes even without a ring! But Mac made sure it was perfect for her.

So he left at nine o'clock Friday morning. The first leg of the trip, which should have taken him to Boise in five hours, instead took eight. Driving in an old Mazda pick-up truck with an engine that was overheating, Mac stopped six times before finally getting to Boise. A few times he pulled over just to let the engine cool a bit. A few times he stopped at auto part stores, using what little money he had left to replace a few parts--apparently he knows how to use much more than just a screw driver. :) However, that old truck needed a lot more help than Mac could do out there on the road all by himself. Unwilling to give up or turn back, and unsatisfied with any other options, he resolved to go slow enough so that the engine wouldn't overheat. It was getting late, it was getting dark, it was cold and he was headed straight for the Blue Mountains, which were covered in snow.

With a worried family--three sisters, parents and grandparents all included--countless phone calls were made to be sure he was safe. We thought we were going to help him stay awake at the wheel...because we learned that when you can't go faster than fifty five miles an hour, a drive that usually takes twelve hours stretches out to be more like twenty hours! Yes, twenty hours that good man spent, alone in that little old truck, all six feet two inches of him cramped into the tiny cab, with no real radio to mention, and no guarantee that he would make it. But he really didn't need us calling and talking his ear off--his adrenalin was keeping him going and his mind was forming the words he would say at six o'clock the next morning when he surprised Kaylin at her bedroom window.

The saga of that trip culminated with a shoe thrown at Kaylin's window once again, only this time when she met Mac outside, he was down on one knee.

Now they are preparing to be sealed in the Seattle Temple on April 22nd. A what a glorious day that will be!

I am so grateful for my brother, and for his example. He knows how to love with his whole heart and has already dedicated everything he has to building a life with the woman he loves. What a great way to begin together--what a great legacy to share with their children.

The Superbowl

2011-02-10T15:01:00.000-08:00

I have a love affair with the Superbowl. Okay, I know it sounds odd, but I do. There is one huge reason for it though. I met my husband at a Superbowl party. So thus, the Superbowl is celebrated in my home every year. It is usually just us, but some day it will be a huge party. Like when church is not at 1:00. Anyways do you want the story behind it? I am sure you do, so here it is.

Seven years ago due to the Super Bowl James and I met. Our friend Jeremy was throwing a Super Bowl party and we both ended up there. I was apprehensive about going due to the fact that it was a co-ed over nighter. But I was assured it would be chaperoned by his parents and the boys were sleeping upstairs while the girls were downstairs. I was still apprehensive, but my roommates were fighting again, (they always fought) and the spirit kept telling me to go. Well obviously James is the reason why I was supposed to go.

Jocelyn and I went up early Saturday with Jeremy and hung out and James got there later. I had my eye on him from the start, but nothing happened till Sunday.

It was Fast Sunday, and we all bore our testimonies that day in church. It was interesting, a bunch of kids from BYU-Idaho taking over his home wards testimony meeting, but they all really seemed to enjoy it, and that was one of the best experiences to be a part of. We then went back to Jeremy's house after church.

Matt had a flat tire, and I volunteered to help change it. All the guys were pretty impressed, and that then got all the girls annoyed with me and then Matt because all the other girls were out there too. I left. He could not get the lug nuts off and I was done with all the girls. So I went off to hang out with the animals. Jeremy's parents had some Donkeys or Mules. I can't remember which. So I hung out with them for a while while waiting for the game to start. That is when James made his move and came out to figure out who I was. We talked, hung out then went to watch the game.

To tell you the truth I do not remember who played or won. I know it was the Janet Jackson Super Bowl though. (I did not see the halftime show due to being on the phone with my parents, thank goodness!) I actually did not pay attention to much of the Super Bowl because James and I were flirting with each other the whole time, and from then on it is history.

(I am just glad we did not die on the way back to Rexburg that night thanks to Dan's crazy driving mixed with bald tires, mixed with ice! Then there would be no history!)

That semester then involved me chasing him, and winning his heart with goodies, and his roommates sure loved me too. There were cookies, (Jocelyn, I will always have fond memories of that night!) cheese cakes, regular cakes, more cookies, etc. I enjoyed myself, and I am sure James did too, although one plate of cookies was ate by his roommates before he could enjoy them.

Stewart, Dan, Chris, and Brady (Jame's Roommates) became great friends that semester. Due to my roommates not being able to get along with each other, I stayed far away. Whether it was at James or Jeremy's apartments. There were actually a lot of people involved. What a fun semester it was.

I loved dating James. We never did anything expensive. We were both pretty cheep and will still admit that we still are, but there is nothing wrong with that. We went to the the dollar theater on Tuesdays when it was cheaper, we would go to the grocery store together, go to James' dance labs, we went on a lot of walks, orchestra concerts, fine arts performances, plays, many Comic Frenzy performances, and just hung out. It was great. I am proud to say that I was James' first kiss. It took us both two months to work up the courage to do that. He was only my 2nd kiss. We were then engaged two months later at the end of May. We actually got engaged the night of Ben's (his younger brother) graduation from high school. Then 3 months later in August we were married. Yes, some people think that is fast, but when it is right, it is right. Why make such a good thing wait.

Oh how I love being married to the man of my dreams! And oh how I love the Superbowl because of it!

The hug that changed me

2011-02-09T11:57:00.000-08:00

It was about 2 1/2 years ago that I answered a phone call from my dad. For those of you that don't know my dad, he's a man of very few words and usually listens in on the phone while I chat with my mom, and occasionally he'll chime in with a comment. So, to get a call specifically from him was at the least unusual. It turned out he had been diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and had been suffering the effects of a soccer-ball-sized tumor in his abdomen.

There was talk that he would have surgery to remove the tumor, but many of his lymph nodes had already started mutating into serious, untreatable ones. The doctor recommended immediate chemotherapy, rather than go through surgery and wait months afterward to start chemo. Every month, my parents made the hour-long trip to the clinic to receive an aggressive dose of chemotherapy. The days following treatment were miserable for my dad. He described it like having the flu...times 10.

Why share this with you when we're talking about love stories this week? I've always known my parents loved each other, although, like all of us, they experienced ups and downs of the daily stresses and celebrations in their marriage. I have noticed in my parents, since my dad's diagnosis and treatment, a much deeper love for one another than ever before.

(at our family reunion campout this past summer - aren't they cute??)

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At my mom's quilt retreat that same year, my sisters, aunt and parents were sitting around one night chatting and catching up. Dad's treatment had taken a toll on his energy, and he decided to turn in early. He stood up, said goodnight, and gave my mom a warm, lingering embrace that spoke volumes to me of their love. I've always known them to show affection toward each other, but this small moment seemed different somehow, more personal and meaningful, and I was thankful to have witnessed it.

I decided that day that, whenever I felt the prompting, I would take an extra moment to let the dearest and most important people in my life know that they are loved. Just today, my mom said, "When you're faced with challenges and the future seems a little shaky, it makes you appreciate just what you have." Thanks, Mom and Dad, for showing me what true love really is.

A Family Love Story

2011-02-07T23:27:00.000-08:00

I have this picture sitting in a cute tiny silver frame on my desk. It is one of my most favorite items in my whole house. I love to look at it and see in their faces how they adored one another. These two cute love birds are my grandparents, Linton and Dolly Collier. Their story is simple but I find simple things to be the most sweet. They loved one another and we all knew it. They loved everyone of us too. That's what suppose to happen when somebody gets married and starts a family. That feeling should go on for forever.

My grandpa passed away just a month ago after having a heart attack and I miss him....we all do. He would always want to wrestle with us and give us big kisses. He also loved to talk about his wife and would sneak cute glances her way when he did it. He liked to hold her hand and thank her for everything. He was good to her and she was really good to him. I don't know all of the details but I do know enough to share their love story and the way it has affected me.

Both grandma and grandpa were raised in sunny California. My grandma had lots of cute girlfriends (including shirley temple...if I remember right) while grandpa ran around with my grandma's brother. She had grown up right in front of him.

Grandpa joined the Navy during World War II while my Grandma was in High School. When he returned from his service he saw her as more then just a friend's little sister and asked her to dance. He said "when I got out of the navy she looked very good to me!" They courted for a year before they were married (the day after Grandma's high school graduation).

After our family visited with Grandpa just a few days before he died he told me about how my Grandma's parents didn't like the idea of him marrying her but they went ahead with it anyway. He was stubborn like that. Good thing because look how cute they are and how happy they made everything! Plus my dad came from them and I came from my dad. When you love somebody you just have to have faith and go for it...no matter what!

She wanted more then anything else to be a wife and a mother. She moved with her family 7 times and one of them to a farm in Idaho. They didn't know much of anything about farming but it was my Grandpa's dream so they took a risk and made the most of it. My dad says she was the best cook and always kept a tidy home. Grandpa couldn't sit still I guess. He loved starting knew things and risking it all to start new businesses. Grandma stuck by his side and did it all with him.

They had three boys before adopting a baby girl. They loved them, encouraged them and taught them well. They believed in family. They worked hard together and they played hard together. When grand kids came along they seemed to like us...to love us and to want to teach us everything they knew. Grandma loved to teach us girls how to cook and Grandpa would help us climb his trees in the yard. They would give open hugs and kisses to everyone both when we arrived for a visit and when we left. We knew we were loved. They showed us, they told us often and they meant it.

Grandpa's favorite date was the day he asked my sweet Grandma to marry him. Grandma was always his secret crush and would be for forever.

They never considered themselves to be poor. He said, "With each other we were and still are exceptionally rich!!!

When Grandpa was asked, "If you could use one word to describe your spouse what would it be" he said,

"Outstanding, loving, caring, nurturing- take your pick!" I guess he knew she couldn't be pinned down to just one word.

Grandma said that the one word she would use to describe her husband would be "GREAT!"

Grandpa noted, "My favorite vacations are anywhere I can be with my wonderful wife, Dolly. I love that lady! I even enjoy sitting around home with her!! God has truly blessed us!

Their advice: "Always tell each other you love each other daily and hourly. Always do everything together and be patient!"

I love that no matter what they stuck together, loved each other openly and made each other feel special. They put their spouse first and their family close behind. Their legacy of love and their story will stick with me for forever. I love you Grandma and Grandpa! I want to end up like you...happy and content.

* I need to thank my cute sister in law Katie for helping me with this post. In the short time she knew my grandparents she put together a book of each of their lives. I will always love having a copy of those books. Thank you a million times!

FreeCycle

2011-02-04T16:31:00.000-08:00

Just this morning Jen and I were talking about shelves and how nice it would be to have all the shelves we need to store our books and kids' toys and everything else that doesn't belong on the floor. But, like so many other things in a home, those shelves are just another thing you have to go out and buy. Usually I try to find many of those "home-necessities-that-cost-more-than-I-want" at garage sales or GoodWill or on Craig's List. But now there is another great place that recycles used items...for free!

It's called FreeCycle!

Have you heard about this? Have you used it? Well, I think the first thing I'm going to watch for is some shelves! :)

And if you're looking for a good book to teach your kids about reusing and recycling and all of the great habits that go along with those, I would recommend Sally Jean, the Bicycle Queen, by Cari Best.

She will teach you about taking care of your things, using them out, making do with what you have, working hard, and sharing with others. It's a fun book and I enjoy the illustrations too! :)

Have a great Friday...and let me know if you decide to join the FreeCycle group--I did!

1 Hour or Less Valentine Wreath

2011-02-03T09:00:00.000-08:00

Yeah, that is right, one hour or less, and it only cost about 3 dollars! Less if you recycle some old fabric scraps, an old towel, etc.
Here are the instructions. Sorry for the lack of pictures. I started taking them and missed cutting and pinning. Oops, but you'll get the idea. (I hope.)

Supplies
1 wreath form ($1 at the Dollar Store)
4-6 felt squares (4/$1.00 at Joannes)
Pins (I already had some, although some heart ones would be cute in this too)
scissors
small cup
ribbon
marker

Trace circles onto your felt.
One square gets you about 24 squares

Stack your felt about 3 thick and cut them out.

Pin them to your wreath. Pushing up the circles as you go along so it is not flat.

Tie a ribbon on.
Hang on your door, or where ever else you want to.

And there you have it, a $3.oo/ 1 hr wreath!

Enjoy!