There is fun to be done

Flashback Friday - "Positive" outcomes

2011-11-23T21:38:00.000-07:00

I know that it has been far too long since my last post, but I have excuses. Good excuses! So what better way to make up for my lack of blog posts, than a good, 'ol, juicy, tale, from my past. This particular tale is actually more recent than my past stories, but it's a good one! It's full of good, gossip, surprises, tears, worry, excitement, and love.

Ooooohhhh, the anticipation is just too much!

My Flashback Friday story did actually happen on a Friday. A Friday evening, prior to Halloween. There was a chill in the night, and I was home alone with the children. The hubs was working his regular night shift, keeping the city streets safe, from the evil scum that roams it.

Homeboy and I made a trip to Target earlier that day and as I came to the health and beauty aisles, I knew I had to do it. I had to purchase a "certain product".

I know that if I were you, reading this story, I would assume that this "product" would be some sort of a feminine nature product. For some reason, when people hear my name and feminine supplies, they assume I had some horrid experience involving them. Well, actually, I have. But, alas! Not this time!

For the past 3 weeks my billowy, bosoms, were telling me something. My bosoms are like nature's barometer. A slight tingle indicates a storm is coming. Aching... a low pressure front is making it's way to my neck of the woods. I'd like to see the weathermen/women top my "equipment"! Radars, hah! I balk at their insignificant equipment!

So for the previous three weeks my "chestal - area" had been aching. It was the familiar ache that comes, when Mother Nature is about to intrude on my life. But the problem was, Mother Nature never came. And my bosoms were in a constant ache mode.

At first, I tried to ignore the aching. It wouldn't have been the first time Mother Nature fooled me. But deep inside the cockles of my brain, I began to worry. This kind of curious episode had happened to me before. Like the time when I was pregnant with Homeboy. Oh, and the time when I was pregnant with Homey. Yup, worry, had set in. What if I was? At my age!

So on that chilly, Friday, evening, I purchased one of these:

And as soon as I laid the test stick on the counter, to wait the longest two minutes ever... It quickly became obvious that I would not have to wait even 10 seconds for the results. There were definitely, two lines. What the?!?!? Who spiked my pee?!?!?!

There was no denying it... I'm with child!

In reality, I already knew I was. I had been having waves of nausea overtake my very being, off and on for a couple of weeks, but I was in denial.

My reaction to this confirmation of pregnancy, was tears. Tears of worry, tears of shock, tears of joy.

When one thinks that they are certainly done with having children, one tends to freak out a little when they suddenly become pregnant.

For so many years, I have been told that I should have another baby. There was not a week that would go by, when someone would say those very words, "Jen, you should have another baby! You should have a girl!" And my reaction would always be, "I'm too old!" Karma has a funny way of showing who's boss!

After I composed myself, I texted the hubs and told him the news and then I immediately scheduled a special appointment with a doctor for him. I'm kidding. But the thought has crossed my mind...especially when I'm trying to hold back from vomiting in the meat section of Walmart. Blah!

His reaction was, "What?" Needless to say, he was shocked also. But he's good now!

So far my symptoms have been mild, compared to my first two pregnancies. Even though I feel sick everyday and I'm tired, I am proud to announce that I have NOT thrown up yet! Praise Momma! Hallelujah! Smells that make me want to vomit: hot dogs, ketchup, my husband's breath (good or bad), Christmas trees (the live kind. this one originated from my first pregnancy). I'm sure the list will grow, as the days pass and I catch a waft of some pungent odor. But I do consider myself very blessed to have considerably milder symptoms than my previous pregnancies.

My due date is June 21st and I'm already planning EVERYTHING. Nursery, names, baby products, clothes, and cleaning every single inch of my house.

It's funny how you think your life is going and how it you see it going for the future. Then all of the sudden Heavenly Father sends you a reminder of how your life should be going. And quite frankly, I couldn't think of a better reminder, than a new baby (possibly a HomeGIRL, or a Homer) to come into our lives!

Giveaway Winner!

2011-10-20T09:35:00.000-06:00

Winner of the Pumpkin Trio giveaway is...

Kate!

She won with a guess of 60 pumpkins, that I have ~~hoarded~~, ahem, collected.

The actual number of pumpkins/pumpkin decor that I have dispersed throughout my home, is 61. That's right - 61. And the sad thing is... I did not display all of my pumpkin decor this year. Is there a hotline number for this kind of illness?

*more pumpkin goodness*

Contact me Kate, and we will talk pumpkin colors, shapes, and sizes!

Congratulations!

And, thank you EVERYONE, who entered my lil 'ol giveaway! It just feels my heart with warmth and tenderness, knowing that someone still reads and comments on my blog. (Since people no longer comment like they use to! Has anyone else noticed this?)

Happy fall, friends!

2011-10-17T13:53:00.000-06:00

Sorry, friends. I'm sick. I'm wiped out. I'm pooped. Stick a fork in me, I'm done.

Due to my crappy nose constantly running trails of snot down my face and hacking up gobs of mucus (very similar to the color of this font!), I am extending my giveaway until Wednesday! I am a cest pool of ick.

Thank you!

Hoarding, I mean, collecting pumpkins

2011-10-14T17:30:00.004-06:00

Flat pumpkin.

Pumpkin potpourri.

Pumpkin sign.

Another pumpkin sign. In case you were wondering if I like pumpkins.

A trio of pumpkins. And a crappy picture.

Pumpkin plate, strictly used for visual purposes only. A real pumpkin!

Pumpkins, hayrides, and cider... which we do not provide. We are liars and deceivers.

A pumpkin in a lantern. Believe me, it's in there.

Pumpkin plug cover... cause I still have to baby proof my home because of Homeboy. He's four. Serenity Now!

Pumpkin banner.

Remember to keep counting all of my pumpkins/pumpkin decor to guess how many I have for my giveaway! You can post your guess in your comments in this post if you want! See previous post for all of the great details!

And now I will leave you to look up a local therapist in the yellow pages to plan my intervention.

Obsession and a GIVEAWAY!

2011-10-13T13:19:00.001-06:00

I have an obsession. I may be on the borderline of requiring "professional help".

My obsession - pumpkins.

Which is kinda funny, cause I don't particularly love pumpkin pie, pumpkin bars, or pumpkin cookies. I'll still eat them, but let's just say if I had a choice between some sort of chocolate desert and a pumpkin one... chocolate wins, every time.

My obsession with pumpkins runs so deep, I am one pumpkin away from being featured on the t.v. series, Hoarders.

There is just something about the pumpkin that sets my heart all a-glow! Their roundness, the variety of colors, the smell... I don't know! They just make me smile!

So in honor of the great Pumpkin, fall, and Halloween, I thought it would be fun to have a GIVEAWAY!

I will be giving away a TRIO of my FABRIC PUMPKINS!

Two round chubby ones, a tall skinny one...

One tall, a flat one, and a mini one...

Yellow, white, bright orange, dark orange...

The possibilities are practically endless!

You choose! That is, if you win!

I make these pumpkins by hand and even bake them in a coffee, cinnamon, vanilla, staining-mixture.

This describes my pumpkin obsession.

(scary)

To enter this giveaway, you must guess how many pumpkins/pumpkin decorations I have inside and outside of my home!

Everyday I will post some more pics of my fall/Halloween decor. Be sure to try to count the pumpkins!

Some of the pumpkin decor will only be counted as 1. Such, as pictures, garland, potpourri (yes, pumpkin potpourri). The picture below, will be counted as one item. Same as the one above... well, actually the little ensemble above would be counted as 2.

Could you just die from all of the pumpkin cuteness!

(*hint* there are 9 pumpkins featured below)

*Another hint - I have somewhere between the numbers 1-70 pumpkins/pumpkin decor inside and outside of my home. I'm a freak.

You will have until Monday (October 17th) to enter your guess. The person that guesses the closest number of pumpkins/pumpkin decor that I have ~~hoarded,~~ I mean COLLECTED, will win!

Winner will be announced on Tuesday !

On a side note....

I found a Fall Bucket List on Pinterest (another obsession). I loved the idea so much, I made my own version for our family. We use a dry erase marker to mark off the things on our bucket list. Homeboy loves picking an activity to mark off our list! He also likes to pick his nose. And his rear. We go through buckets of hand sanitizer in our home.

Have fun counting my friends! And remember to link me! It fills my heart with warm fuzzies when your friends and complete and total strangers visit my lil 'ol blog!

Burlap Pom Pom Tutorial

2011-10-11T21:07:00.000-06:00

About 1 month ago was Homeboy's birthday. To celebrate his Fourth year on this earth, and my Fourth year, of surviving this child's presence within our home, we threw him a little shin-dig. It was a cowboy themed shin-dig! He would would have much preferred a Lego themed party, BUT, I was much more excited to make cowboy themed, party, attire. Wasn't it nice of me to be democratic that way?

Anyhooo, I made a burlap banner, tissue-paper pom poms, and burlap pom poms, for some of the Cowboy themed, party, decor. Cause as you may know, pom poms and Cowboys go hand in hand! True story. I should know. I was born and raised in the land of Wyoming. Land of Cowboys, trucks, and chewing tobacco.

One of my dear friends, that also resided in the land of tobacco-chewing, cowboys, asked me how I made my burlap pom poms. Her name is Tiffany. Tiffany is awesome. Tiffany is talented beyond believe. Infact, her entire family is talented AND they are ALL gorgeous. And quite frankly, they make me sick! :) Sick, I tell ya!

Tiffany is also the author and creator of a down-right cute blog, Raising Lemons. www.raisinglemons.com

Check it out, you will love it!

Here is the burlap pom pom tutorial. It is so darn right easy, you will be rolling your eyes at the end of this post and think to yourselves, "Really?!?! You really needed to post a tutorial about this? I could have figured this out, no problem!"

Was I right, or was I right?

*eyes-rolling*

It's fall, y'all!

2011-10-02T20:51:00.000-06:00

It's fall y'all, and my favorite time of the year! Tis the season of pumpkins, sweaters, and sugar!

October is the month when I loose my mind. I become craft-consumed,

fall decor-consumed, and take on way too much. It's a sickness. It's genetic. I blame my heritage.

Things I am working on this fall:

Cleaning... everything. OCD.

Decorating... everything. Don't be surprised if the toilet is decorated also.

Crafting... alot.

Sewing... a ton.

Finishing... re-finishing my bakers rack. Bottom half is done. It's gorgeous.

Primary... baptisms, scouts, activity days, PRIMARY PROGRAM!

Baking... cookies, etc. Bloating and weight gain is sure to be a result.

Exercising... everyday. To ward off the above mentioned, bloating and weight gain.

and finally...

Finding the time to blog.

Pumpkins. I love them. I'm considering seeking professional help, due to my odd fixation of pumpkins. I would totally decorate all year with pumpkins, if it were appropriate. Pumpkins as Christmas tree ornaments? I can see it.

And speaking of baking cookies...

I have quite possibly found the most amazing chocolate chip cookie recipe, ever!

They are fluffy, fat, and chewy. Just like me. I found the recipe on Pinterest... another addiction.

Check out the recipe here:

Best Ever Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Be sure to check back for a fun tutorial for my fabric pumpkins!

You say it's your birthday! It's my birthday too! - Part 1

2011-09-21T18:29:00.001-06:00

Last Friday was me and Homeboy's birthday!

"Celebrate good times! C'mon!"

It was four years ago when Homeboy, forcibly, arrived on my birthday. What I mean by forcibly, was by having him turned (ouch) because he was breach my entire pregnancy except for three days, then I was induced. That little process actually happened the day before my birthday. I must say, that was the most memorable birthday, ever! And the best!

I have to admit this birthday was a little bitter, for me. I had talked to my mom on the phone earlier in the week, and she asked, "How old are you going to be, again?" When I told her, I heard her gasp and then I heard her gulp. You know you're getting old when you get that reaction from your own mother. But I know what she was thinking. She was thinking she can't believe she has a child that old and that her baby is getting older! Right, mom? Right?

And just to let you know how old I am...

I am now in my last year of my thirties.

Gasp. Gulp.

Last Friday, this creature appeared in front of my house, again. Just like last year. Homeboy kept asking me, "Why is a scarecrow here? We don't need the birds scared! We like the birds!"

I know, my son. I know. Why? Why!?!?!?! (shaking fist up at the heavens)

Oh well, it's the thought that counts. Despite the nightmares that may have come to pass, that night.

This year we had some visitors help celebrate our birthdays! My parents came from good 'ol Wyoming and my younger brother and his family traveled from Colorado to Logan, Ut. so he could run a marathon there.

Nuts I tell ya! Nuts! There he is, crossing the finish line. This was his third marathon and I have to admit it... I shed a tiny tear when he finished. And I may have felt my heart swell a time or two, while watching him. Dork.

And here is my dork, brother, moments after finishing the marathon. Bloody nips and all.

After the race we all went to Maddox to celebrate and then Homeboy got to open some of his gifts.

The SWAT uniform is from Grandma and Grandpa Parry. I think he has taken on the role of SWAT officer a little too serious. I've been cuffed numerous times, already.

I must admit, even though my birthday is no longer priority with in my family... I am so lucky to share it with my silly boy! I cannot believe he is already four and I panic a little just thinking about him getting older. He is witty, clever, smart, silly, and sometimes moody. He loves to play outside, especially in undies. *sigh* He is a momma's boy and I secretly enjoy this. He loves his big brother and also loves to tease him. We love ya Conner, boy!

I can't believe my baby is four!

Gasp.

Gulp.

You say it's your birthday! Part 2

2011-09-21T18:29:00.000-06:00

For some odd reason, I like to torture myself. Homeboy's birthday was not only celebrated on the day of his birth, but through the entire weekend and Monday. It's a sickness.

I made a banner out of burlap and I used Heat-n-Bond to apply the letters of Homeboy's name on the pennants. Cute! I'm going to put the banner in his room once I get around to re-decorating it. Someday. Some year. Some time.

Tissue paper and burlap pom poms. Awesome.

The "spread". The pennants on the front of the table spell "Grub".

I love a Cowboy theme!

I made a WANTED sign to take pictures of each of the criminals that attended Homeboy's little shin-dig. I burned the edges of the sign to make it look authentic. Then I decided to try to burn a little hole to the side of the word WANTED. The sign quickly went up in flames. Nice. While hosing the sign down, the smoke alarms started to go off and chaos ensued. Actually, not really. There was more chaos going on, on my end. I expected my hubs to jump out of our bed and come to my rescue. Not so much. After the Flames of Death were controlled, I went to explain my actions to him. He was not concerned. He was not shocked. His reaction was, blah. He said, "Got a little carried away, huh?" It was as if he knew I was up to one of my crazy projects. Turd.

Angry eyes!

Check out Homeboy... I told him to look mean and angry. Like all of the times when I tell him "NO". Instead, he looks like a lil, cherub, angel. Figures. He can be deceiving that way.

Below these cute, mugshots, the sign reads:

$100,000.00

Reward

Wanted for disturbing the peace, streaking, and bad behavior!

(this is my reality, on a daily basis)

I found the idea to fill balloons with candy and prizes on Pinterest and then have the children pop the balloons with darts! I tried to place the balloons in the shape of a cowboy hat on the board, it ended up looking like a uterus. The kids loved this and everyone's eyes are still in their proper places.

Homey even got in on the games. What a stud muffin. And check out "Pectoral Man"!

Homeboy and his cake! "Pectoral Man" picked out the cake. He picked out chocolate cake with white frosting. He has fantasies about this cake. The man loves chocolate, so much so, I think he may have a hidden ovary somewhere in his guts.

Homeboy raked in the birthday goods this year. He has been asking for a bike for months and much to his delight, we just happened to have one hidden in the trunk of our car for almost two months! He still has not mastered the science of riding a bike and so far, despises the bike. In his own words he says, "Stupid bike! I can't do it! I hate da bike!"

In due time, I'm sure he will master the bike riding thing and I'm positive I will be chasing him down the rode as he pedals furiously, in the buff. Just like his Uncle Larry.

I Did This! - Another one.

2011-09-14T10:52:00.001-06:00

It's like it's show -n- tell, lately, with my blog! But I just had to post this baby, girl, blanket that I made.

Love the colors, love the print!

I'm totally jealous that this blanket is not mine.

I Did This - Baby Gift!

2011-09-12T23:51:00.001-06:00

Recently, many of my friends have had babies or are in the process of having babies. And can I just tell ya... I'm loving it! How can one not love the adorable, squishy-ness, of baby thighs? Squishy thighs are seriously, one of my favorite parts of a baby. And their tiny feet. And their dimply, cheeks (not the ones you smile with). Well, and their cheeks, also (the ones you do smile with). Awwwww baby love!

One of my favorite gifts to give these wonderful, little, miracles are their own personalized towels, swim suits and sunglasses! I just love seeing their pop-bellies in swim suits!

I appliqued the first initial of their names on the towels. Slap my momma on the knee, this is cute!

I gave these towels to twin boys! I could possibly have another baby just so I can make one of these towels for her. That's right people! If by some miracle, I became pregnant again... that baby would be a girl. Because I say so. And because I'm not sure I can take anymore boy cooties, farts, stinky feet, dirt, and cleaning the toilets top to bottom, EVERY STINKING DAY! Aim boys! Aim!

Winner of the My Memories Suite Software Giveaway!

2011-09-12T11:54:00.000-06:00

We have a winner for the My Memories Digital Scrapbooking Software!

And the winner is......

Tiffany E.!!!

Congrats my friend! Homeboy was especially excited to have had the chance to pick the winner! And he has been known to pick at a lot of things... Such as, his nose, scabs, his underwear, bugs. Oh list can go on and on.

Send me your email Tiffany and I will email you your code for your free software and instructions on how to download it!

Remember, you can you use the Share the Memories coupon code, for a $10 coupon code to help you get started on buying some cute digital scrapbooking kits!

AND guess what? ANYONE can use the coupon code! It's also a coupon for $10 off of the purchase of the My Memories Digital Scrapbooking Software Suite v2! Awwww, the love just keeps flowing!

Here is the link for the $10 coupon code for the My Memories Store and the $10 off coupon for the My Memories Digital Scrapbooking Software Suite:

Just visit the website (http://www.mymemories.com/digital_scrapbook_software) and enter this code STMMMS28183, once you are ready to check out. (To be sure you enter the coupon code correctly, it is best to copy and paste it.)

Thank you, everyone for entering this lil 'ol giveaway! I hope to have more in the near future!

My Memories Giveaway! You just gotta enter this giveaway!

2011-09-08T10:00:00.000-06:00

Hi friends! I have been offered to host an awesome giveaway from

My Memories Digital Scrapbooking Software !

You will have the chance to win a FREE copy of the

My Memories Digital Scrapbooking Suite!

I love this program! Not only can you create digital scrapbook pages, you can also create photo books, cards, calendars, tags, gifts, invitations, etc., etc.! It's so easy to use and there are a ton of cute digital papers, kits, templates, and embellishments to choose from.

Take a look at the awesome-nous that I have created with the

My Memories Digital Scrapbooking Suite...

(Behold! The awesome-nous!)

How cute is this?!?!?! One of my favorite things to create is

gift tags! (Please excuse the poor picture quality...my camera

battery died. I hate it when that happens.)

Again, with the cute-ness!

Giveaway Rules:

Gotta have them or else chaos would transpire!

Visit the www.MyMemories.com site, pick your favorite digital scrapbook kit, layout, or paper pack, then mosey on back to my blog and in your comment, tell me what your fav was!

You want another chance to enter an EXTRA time for this giveaway? Visit the My Memories blog (http://blog.mymemories.com/ ), OR Facebook(http://facebook.com/mymemoriessuite), OR Twitter (http://twitter.com/#!mymemoriessuite) and become a follower!

Remember to let me know in your comments if you have become a follower, so I can enter your name twice for the giveaway!

The giveaway will run from today (09/08/11 ) through Sunday (09/11/11), midnight Mountain Time Zone. The winner will be announced on Monday (09/12/11)!

AND...

As a special gift to my followers, my friends, my peeps, my kin, I have a coupon code to offer you! I know! The love just keeps-a-coming!

This Share the Memories code will provide a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store!

That's a $20 value, people!

Good luck my friends and be sure to share this giveaway with your friends, followers, peeps, and kin!

Swiss Days Finds

2011-09-07T10:51:00.000-06:00

Last weekend I was able to attend Swiss Days with my friend, Lori! Nothing pleases me more than row after row of booths full of crafty items, lil ol men in lederhosen, and yodeling! Yoda-lay-heeee-whooooo!

Below are some of the items that I purchased. They are lovely.

How much do you love this momma, bird's, nest, necklace?!?!?! I birthday gifted this necklace to myself. It's what I have to do now, since I share my birthday with Homeboy. It's no longer my day! Oh no! It's alllllll about him! So selfish!

I'm kidding. I love to share the birthday love with him!

My friend Lori, talked me into purchasing this necklace. She is evil that way. However, I do LOVE it! I've already worn it twice and have received many compliments!

Check out the blurry details! (I never claimed to be a great photographer)

I love the ballerina dancer.

One of my favorite purchases was this giant, rod-iron, pumpkin! I absolutely LOVE pumpkins! They hold a special place with in my heart. As soon as my eyes laid on this glorious globe, I had a vision...

"Hark! I shall place this pumpkin on the landing, on my front door steps (outside)! I shall adorn this beauty with fallish-colored ribbons and leaves and don a large candle, nestled on top of more leaves, inside of it!"

Or...

I may stick some brightly, Halloween-type, ribbons on the stem and call it good. It all depends on my mood.

I have loved being able to attend the Swiss Days festivities! I'm amazed at the creativity and fun items that I see.

*Be sure to return to my blog tomorrow, because I have been offered to host an awesome giveaway! You will not be sorry people! And can I just tell ya... I have been using this product and I have LOVED it!

First Day of Preschool - It's going to be a glorious school year!

2011-09-06T16:08:00.000-06:00

(Look at the innocence! My Lil Love Lump!)

Today was Conner's first day of pre-school! There was much rejoicing throughout the land and in our humble abode.

I (oops), I mean Conner, is especially thrilled for pre-school! It's three days a week and I (oops), I mean Conner, has begun planning the fun and exciting things we will be doing during pre-school.

He loved his first day and I'm loving seeing him so happy and learning! He is one lucky kid because his teacher for pre-school is also his teacher for Primary! (I already pre-apologized to Misty.) There is a special place in heaven for his teacher because she is so patient, kind, humble, and talented.

Have I told you that it's going to be a glorious school year?

I Did This - More cute girl stuff, because I live with ALL boys.

2011-08-31T23:13:00.000-06:00

Whenever I make something cute and girly, my loins begin to ache for a baby girl. Why must I age? Why must my uterus be incompetent? Why does my almost-4 year old BOY continue to sneak outside with no clothes on? Why are there unsightly hairs sprouting from parts of my body that were never meant to sprout these dark, whisker-y, hairs? Why?!?!?! Why?!?!?!

Luckily, I have nieces and friends that have baby girls to help fill in my "baby girl urges" gaps!

My niece Raegan turned 3 a couple of weeks ago and I thought she would look adorable in the matching, apron with ruffles, the chef's cap, and an oven mitt, ensemble.

Be still my heart, I love this apron!

Admire the cute fabrics!

And, oh my heck... Can you stand it?!?! I found this cute eyelet lace, with cherries, to be trim on this cute ensemble! It's details like this, that complete me.

Um, I'm pretty sure I would be a better cook or baker if I had an oven mitt like this. It's magic that way.

I've decided to start an Etsy shop and I have been busy creating a small stock-pile of items to sell in it. I'm thinking I may have to include the above items!

Blogging Withdrawls

2011-08-29T07:20:00.000-06:00

*Sniff, Sniff*

Hello friends!

It's been a long time and I just shed a tear of joy...

I am happy to announce that we finally purchased a new computer!

*Drip, Drip*

(more tears of joy)

I have been going through "blogging withdrawals" since July 6th. That is the date that my old computer took a dump. Stupid thing. It's been brutal, not being able to partake of the blogging world on an everyday basis! There have been so many things that I have missed...

Pregnancy announcements

Pioneer Woman Giveaways (Even though I'm sure I will NEVER win, I still enter her stupid giveaways. Momma would love a new Kitchen Aid Mixer.)

Vacation photos and memories

Decorating Ideas

Crafts

Sewing

Recipes

Gossip

Funny tales

- and who can resist a Homeboy update! (He's still at it!)

I have so much to share with everyone! Stay tuned for updates galore! Heck, I may even through in a Flashback Friday post. I just remembered another humiliating experience I had, back in the day. It's one that will be sure to make my Momma proud. Actually it won't. I will be expecting a call, soon after she reads it. I'll just start apologizing now.

Just stuff, rant, rant, rant, complaining and more complaining

2011-07-25T17:48:00.004-06:00

First, I must apologize for the lack of blog updates. My computer died, ABOUT 3 WEEKS AGO (I just yelled that out loud, so that my husband would possibly get the hint) and I must say... I am going through computer withdrawal, symptoms. Night sweats, uncontrollable twitching, and erratic ranting. There's nothing like looking at my favorite blogs on my teeny-tiny cell phone screen.

It may be a little sac-relig on my part but I'm thinking of having a friends and family, fasting and prayer day, so that my husband will be inspired to purchase a new lap top. How does this Sunday, look? No?

Okay, I'm not. I'm just kidding. Well, if you want to, you can. I believe you can put it under the "service" category for a fellow Latter Day Saint.

Summer has been busy with my litany of on-going projects (shocker), my church calling, and daily Homeboy disasters. I'm sure you were all thinking that he must be calming down since I have not been blogging about his crazy antics lately. No true. He will be turning 4 in September and I'M STILL WAITING for him to out grow the terrible two's!

Below is a list of just a few things that he has participated in since the month of May:

Fell out his bedroom window, breaking branches on the bush below his window and receiving many scrapes. I heard him playing in his room and the next thing I know, he walked through the front door, bawling. He pushed the corner of the screen in his window and nearly plunged to his death. (he fell about 8-10 feet)

Dumped a small can of PURPLE paint on Homey's bedroom floor. Dark purple paint. Purple. Paint. Carpet ruined. I'm still lamenting over the decision of installing carpet instead of wood floors in every room. 10 years later and I was right, dear husband! Me. Right.

Ruined an ENTIRE freezer full of meat, and frozen treats. He left the freezer door open for at least 24 hours. There was no saving anything. Naughty boy!

Caught him hosing down strangers going by our house, with the hose and wearing only his underwear. Sadly, this has happened more than once.

Decided he was too tired to walk into the house and sit on the toilet, and instead, unloaded a Stanley-Steamer on our driveway. When I first came upon the little, pile, of poo, I thought to myself, "Now that's an odd place for a cat to poop." Then I noticed the hammer hap-haphazardly lying just to the right of the poopy mass. "That isn't cat poo! That's Homeboy poo!", I screamed outloud. He tried to blame this impromptu, poo, situation, on his "widdle brudder" when I interrigated him. He finally confessed, while he smiled. Eeeeevvviiiiiilllllll.

He flooded my bathroom floor on Saturday.

Found a hidden permanent marker and painted his fingernails. He has decided to go Goth.

Got into all of my spools of thread and made a spider web that covered the kitchen, family room and hallway.

So there you have it. This is just a list of a few things that Homeboy has participated in. Oh there is more. So much more. Like when he announces to EVERYONE that he has to poop and he holds himself, indicating his need to use the restroom, while I am doing Sharing Time in Primary. Awesome.

Even though he leaves me frustrated and exhausted, I'm loving his cute personality. He says the funniest things and it's hard to stay angry too long.

My favorite thing that he has said lately...

"Mom, your plan sucks!"

(he said this after I told him that the "plan" was to clean his room, give him a bath, and go to bed)

Homey, on the other hand, seems to be giving us a little reprieve from his teenage antics. I would say the most difficult thing we are dealing with is dragging him out of bed to get ready for church on Sundays. Sadly, the child is just like me, when it comes to being a night owl and waking up. It was brutal when I was a teenager. I remember and I sympathize with him. We are late every Sunday because of him, but at least we are there.

And have I mentioned how expensive teenagers are?!?!?!?! Stupid child labor laws. (JK) The kid eats what ever money he earns. He is an endless pit of hunger!

Oh, and how could I almost forget to mention the thing that has bugged me more than anything with Homey?!?!?! Skinny jeans. He wears them constantly. He thinks he looks hot in them. He thinks wrong. He only owns one pair, because I refuse to purchase any more. Boys they are ugly. UGLY! Return them to your sister's closets and wear them no more! Who ever came up with this idiotic fad needs to be kicked.... hard.

I miss the days when I could dictate everything my son would wear and do. (sigh)

Steve has been busy with work. He has always worked so hard at what ever job he has done and puts everything he has into his work. I'm proud of him and his efforts to rid our streets of the law breaking scum, that roams our community!

Bad boyz, bad boyz! What-ch ya gonna do when they come for you?!?!

I do have one little complaint about my dear husband...

GET RID OF THE BROKEN TV, THAT HAS BEEN SITTING IN OUR FAMILY ROOM, SINCE MARCH!! MARCH!

I'm considering placing a doily on top of the broken tv and placing a lamp on top of it.

So annoying.

Well, I must apologize for getting carried away with my ranting. There are times when it just spills out of my mouth and I must vent.

Just like holding a fart in... stifling my frustrations, can be dangerous to my health.

It's good for me.

Our Daily Dilemma - Ultra Cute New Blog!

2011-07-12T00:30:00.005-06:00

I have an awesome blog to share with you! My sister-in-law, Kate, recently created a new blog called, Our Daily Dilemma!

It's chuck full of daily, creative, ideas, to make, eat, participate in, read, share, love... you get the picture!

Check it out now! And enter her cute giveaway! Then become a follower and link her. Share the love people!

My sis-in-law is a machine! There is no end to her creative, magnificent-nous!

Our Daily Dilemma

Oreo Pops - Fourth of July Style

2011-07-02T13:48:00.003-06:00

I've seen this idea floating around blog land and I thought it would be perfect to kick off the Fourth of July festivities, and to give the ladies and their families on my Visiting Teaching route.

The items you will need are:

Double Stuff Oreos. You will need the Double Stuff so the sucker stick will fit in between the cookies and because they have more frosting, thus making them entirely yummier.

Sprinkles. Fourth of July sprinkles to be exact.

Candy Melts.

I love Candy Melts. They make everything look yummy and smooth. I wish I could cover my self in Candy Melt. That way I would look smooth. Nevermind. Too many disturbing images.

Sucker sticks. You can find these near the cake decorating items in most craft stores.

Now that you have all of the items to make Oreo Pops you will need to place some wax on some cookies sheets or the counter. I placed mine in cookies sheets so that I can hide them. I live with vultures.

Next, push the sucker sticks in between the cookies, of the Oreos. I was able to make 24 pops with 1 bag of Candy Melts.

Melt the bag of Candy Melts in a microwave safe bowl in the microwave. Just follow the directions on the bag of the bag. It's easy!

Dip each Oreo in the melted candy coating. Use a spoon to cover the entire cookie and to smooth out the surface.Place the dipped Oreo Pop on the wax paper and then sprinkle the pop with sprinkles!

Let the dipped Oreos dry and harden. You can place them in the fridge to speed up the process. Or in my case, hide them in the laundry room. Cause it's the best hiding spot in my house, since NO ONE but ME does the laundry! (In my mind, I was yelling that last sentence.)

Place each Oreo pop in individual bags and tie the openingof the bag and the stick with ribbons.

Now, eat one! Or watch your family eat them because you are on a stinkin' diet and you haven't had sugar in days! I'm foaming at the mouth people and at times, my family has been scared of me. I know this because I saw Homeboy mouth the words, "Help me!" to his Sunbeam teacher at church.

OCD Tendencies - I love to vacuum and... I have issues.

2011-06-20T12:51:00.004-06:00

It's true, I love to vacuum. The whir of the motor, the sounds of dirt and debris being sucked up, and vacuum lines - oh yes, vacuum lines! Forget chocolate... freshly vacuumed carpet is what does it for me!

Over the years I have owned various vacuums. Some expensive ones and some cheap ones. When me and my friend Cindy moved to Utah, from good 'ol Wyoming, we were poor, starving, unemployed gals. And between the two of us, neither one of us owned a vacuum!!! It was torture for me. Pure torture. I would not sit on the floor or walk on our carpet with out some sort of foot protection.

So when I finally became employed, guess what was my very first purchase, with my first paycheck? You guessed it... a vacuum. I don't think I have ever loved or appreciated a vacuum more than that vacuum! *Sigh*

Not too long ago, I had to replace my vacuum. I happened to be shopping at the local Walmart when this baby caught my eye.

It's sleek lines and features called to me! It was so different, so modern, so cool! I took it down from the display and was shocked at how light it was (13 lbs). I noticed right off the bat that it's "lightness" was most likely due to the fact that it did not have ANY attachments, attached to it.

The "attachments" part, came separate in the form of another vacuum. At first I worried about the fact of not being able to just pull out the vacuum hose and vacuum up cob webs and base boards, as I vacuumed.

I have loved having the portable vacuum. I use it to vacuum out the car, it's cord is very long, it totally "sucks" (hahahaha! Now that was a knee slapper!), and it's so much easier to vacuum stairs and furniture.

The handle is so Star Trek-like! After owning a bagless vacuum, I went back to a vacuum with bags.

I hate bagless vacuums! Of course that is my personal opinion. It annoyed the crud out of me, seeing the filth and hair balls on a daily basis. I also hated cleaning the dust containers and the filters every week. Did you know you are suppose to wash the dust containers and filters on bagless vacuums, on a regular basis? Not good for my OCD tendencies!

One thing that I have learned over the years, is that the most expensive vacuums are not always the best ones!

Depending on your vacuuming needs, a cheaper vacuum can work just as good as a high-end model. In fact, I have a small $40 vacuum that I keep in my basement for those quick clean-ups. It may not get the embedded dirt but it can still suck up popcorn and Lego's!

Now as for the vacuuming needs of the house below... my suggestion is to burn it! Burn it all down, people!

For the love! Good night nurse! What in the name?!?!?! How the? What the? Hoard much? Have you ever heard of a GARBAGE CAN? Have you seen a doctor, lately? $!:ljk*&#@:jhi!!!!

Sorry, I began to speak in tongues.

(even Lego Dude knows the joy one gets from vacuuming)

Below are some vacuuming tips:

Carpets need to be vacuumed on a regular basis! Dirt particles grind the fibers of the carpet and will dull the fibers. Vacuuming keeps soil from becoming embedded in the pile, which can damage it. (This little explanation sounds so fart-headed...but it's true!)

According to the experts, you should vacuum non traffic areas once a week. Light traffic areas, two times a week (3 passes). And moderate to heavy traffic areas two to five times a week (5 passes). As for the 3 and 5 passes thing... really? Vacuum over the same spot 5 times! 5? Good grief. Even that's a bit much for me. Personally I vacuum my entire upstairs six times a week. I vacuum the stairs and downstairs one to two times a week. It all depends on the crap that Homey and his crew leave on the floor. They are like rodents!

I like to use my carpet rake before I vacuum. I usually use it about once a week. However, I do forget to use it alot. It's makes my carpet look more fluffy ("It's so fluffy, I could die!") and using the rake helps to loosen the pile and dirt particles, making it easier for your vacuum to suck up the dirt.

Some tips on maintaining the performance of your vacuum:

Clean the beater bar. Lots of hair and fibers can get tangled up in there... use some scissors to cut the fibers.

Check the belt about once to two times per year for worn spots, cracks, or stretching. Replace them if the belt is looking worn.

Shake and tap paper filters against a hard surface to clean.

If you have plastic filters, you can just rinse these under running water and let air dry.

And for my last tip and the most important tip, of all...

Make your kids vacuum!

"Work, kid work! There's no smiling while vacuuming! I'm crackin' the whip! Oh, you think this is fun?!?! You won't be thinkin' it's fun after you are sucking up old Cheetos, stinky socks, and popcorn seeds!"

Nothing pleases me more than watching my children be my slaves! Feels my heart with such pride, knowing that I can pass a little of my OCD tendencies on to my fruit of my loins!

*Sniff, sniff. I just shed a tear.*

Look, Homeboy doesn't seem to mind the hours of grueling work! In fact, I would say he is down right giddy about it!

Oh wait, maybe he's giddy due to the fact that he is entertaining himself by vacuuming his "parts".

You know, it's a proven, scientific, fact, that my boy's dominate, yet, questionable genes come from their father. Yup. Scientifically proven.

Ahem.

Flower Topiary Tutorial - It's gorgeous, it's easy!

2011-06-16T10:34:00.002-06:00

This lovely topiary took me around 30 minutes TOPS to make! True story, no lies. It's so easy Homeboy could make one. But then of course, during the process of making this topiary he would have managed to paint his feet, stick the flower stems up his nose and there would also be a major glue gun catastrophe.

You will need the following supplies:

Flowers (I have 7 in my topiary) - you can find silk flowers at most craft stores

A clay pot

Antique white colored craft paint

Floral foam (you can find this in the floral section of a craft store)

Ribbon

Sheet Moss

Floral tape (you can find this in the floral section of a craft store, also)

Oh, and a glue gun

The first step to make this lovely topiary is to paint the entire outside (except for the bottom) of the clay pot with the antique white craft paint.

I had to paint the outside of my pot 2 times so that you could not see any of the pot show through.

The second step is to place the floral foam inside of the pot. You will most likely need to trim the corners and sides of the foam. You can easily do this with a butter knife. It doesn't need to be perfect - as long as it is close. Then smash the foam into the pot. The top of the foam will need to be even with the top of the pot.

Once the floral foam has been placed in the pot you will need to secure the flowers together with floral tape and trim the stems, if needed.

The key to working with floral tape is to stretch it as you wrap it around the stems.

Hold the end of the tape with your thumb, against the middle of the stems. With your other hand, begin to wrap the tape around the stems, being sure to stretch it a little, as you wrap. I only wrapped about a 2 inch section. When you are done wrapping, tear of the end of the tape and rub it securely on top of the wrapped section of tape.

Next, you will need to trim the stems of the flowers, if needed. The easiest way to do this, is with wire cutters. Usually, silk flowers will have a wire stuck in the middle of the stem.

My pot is 5 inches high, and my topiary stands 8 inches above the top of the pot. There is about 2 inches of the stems stuck in the foam. I actually did not need to trim the stems, which made this project that much easier!

Push the stems of the flowers into the foam.

After the flowers are placed into the foam, wrap the ribbon around the stems and then tie in knots in the front. Trim the ends of the ribbon, if needed.

The very last step is to squeeze some hot glue on top of the foam and then tear off small sections of the sheet moss and place firmly on the glue.

Then this is usually the place when I end up with a glob a hot glue on my fingers, I scream in pain, say a cuss word, quickly run my fingers under cold water, peel off the glue glob, and then suck my thumb. Old habit, from my earlier years.

And there you have it. People, will admire your mad crafting skills, and may even ask where you purchased your lovely flower topiary. Which is the best compliment, one can get!

Polka Dot Baby Shower

2011-06-07T00:23:00.003-06:00

This past week me and some friends threw a little recipe exchange/surprise baby shower for our friend Kristen. We used the recipe exchange party as a way to get our friend to her own shower. Was it a little evil of us to make her slave over her Texas Sheet Cake, that she brought? Yes. Was it evil of us to make her bring her yummy cake to her own baby shower? Why yes, yes it was. Was it worth it? Heck yeah!

The shower was held at my house and I decided to decorate with polka dots! Polka dots make me happy. Polka dots make me smile!

(sorry about the quality of the pics - camera battery died)

I had some clay pots, that I had previously painted yellow, orange, and pink, on hand. I used my Cricut machine to cut out circles to add to the pots. So cute and easy!

I also added polka dots of different sizes to the the plastic table cloths on the food table and gift table!

You know what else makes me smile... pom poms. (Click HERE to read my tutorial on how to make tissue paper pom poms) They are easy to make and people think you are amazingly, talented, when you have some of these hanging from your ceiling. It feels my ego with such pride!

I added some tissue paper roses to some of the pots and placed them here and there.

Every chance I get to decorate anything girly, I jump at the chance to!

All of the food was soooo good and I even dreamed about my friend, Sarah's fruit dip. Oh yeah, it was that good.

Me and my friends are also blessed to be able to celebrate our friendships and Kristen's baby girl, that is due to arrive 1st of July (she'd prefer sooner).

Grandpa

2011-05-29T18:50:00.005-06:00

Last Sunday, as I was preparing the Primary Room and my sharing time lesson, before Primary started, I noticed I had just missed a call on my cell phone. It was my Mom and I knew it wasn't going to be good news. My Mom knew I was at church and on the previous day, she told me my Grandpa was admitted to the hospital. I immediately called her back and she told me that the hospital called my Aunt Janet and said my Grandpa had taken a turn for the worse and to gather the family. It was only a matter of time. Ten minutes later, my Mom called back and I knew he was gone. There was no need to hear the words, but I still answered the phone to hear exactly what I had already known.

It was at that moment that the tears began to fall, and the Primary children began to fill the halls. I also realized Homeboy had disappeared...again. It's a Sunday tradition with that kid!

I found Steve in the chapel, blubbered my way through trying to explain that Grandpa had passed away, Homeboy ran away, and Primary was about to begin.

Well I managed to pull myself together, found Homeboy playing in the library, and even taught my Sharing Time lesson.

Let me tell ya, it was a small miracle!

(Uncle Jerry, Grandpa and Grandma, my Mom, and Aunt Janet)

This last Thursday, I had the privilege of attending my Grandpa's funeral. My family was able to celebrate his life and share our memories and experiences we had with him. He worked hard and even more important, he had fun all the while!

Grandpa was funny! I think one of the things I will miss the most about my Grandpa is his humor. He was well known for his "colorful" sayings and nicknames. A table of pictures and many of his sayings were on display at the funeral. My Mom said she put her foot down when it came to displaying Grandpa's comments about Viagra. Awesome.

I don't think there wasn't one person, that Grandpa came into contact with, that he didn't say, "Well, if I had your fat wallet..."

Isn't this flower arrangement awesome?

My Grandpa had a infectious laugh and just hearing it, made everyone around him, laugh with him.

Grandpa also loved his vehicles! Family pictures were often taken in front of a truck or tractor. He obsessed over them and they were spotless! My younger brother Brian, once had the audacity to puke in one of his vehicles, when he was just a kid. Believe me, we were all saying a little prayer for Brian when he defiled Grandpa's beloved car.

He was a farmer and he loved it. The picture below captures this, perfectly. I love this picture.

I'm so thankful that I have had the opportunity to have such wonderful memories and experiences with my Grandpa. He was one of a kind and in one word - awesome.

I love you and will miss you Grandpa!

Conner and the camera

2011-05-19T11:23:00.004-06:00

There comes a time of the day when I hit a wall. It's usually right at the time when kids need to go to bed and I'm too tired to deal with anything.

Homeboy had gotten a hold of my cell phone and entertained himself by taking a hundred, or so, pics of everything. Like I said before, I was too tired to take the phone away.

I now have over three hundred pictures on my phone.

There are at least twenty pictures of his fingers.

A picture of his piggies... his stuffed piggy and the ones attached to his foot.

Several pictures of the oven. Notice the extreme shine... I just cleaned my oven!

Makes my OCD tendencies, feel soooo good.

And then there was this blurry image of me. Thank the heavens above, it is blurry. Cause momma was not wearing her brazier, at the time.

As I was scrolling through the many pictures, that Homeboy took with my phone, I realized that the blurry image of me resembled very closely to an image I had seen before...

Sasquatch.
It's uncanny, ain't it?

Sewing Classes

2011-05-16T13:24:00.003-06:00

(I just realized I spelled "cushion" wrong on the flier, above. Genius. Remember I got my schoolin' from the back woods of Wyomin'!)

After receiving several requests, asking me to teach some sewing classes, I decided to do it!

I have been sewing for 25 years, ever since my mom forced me to taking summer sewing lessons at the age of 13! Who would have thunk it, that I would be leaping into this new adventure of teaching sewing lessons! Mrs. Johnstone would be so proud!

The sewing classes will vary.

Beginning Sewing: This class will involve the basics (how to thread your machine, care of your sewing machine, following a pattern, terminology, alterations) You can pick an easy project and sew it together!

Home Decor: In this class, I will teach you how to sew your own curtains, throw pillows, cushion covers, etc.!

Children's Apparel: I will teach you how to sew cute baby shoes, some boutique-style clothing, and appliques!

Holiday, Gifts, and Crafts: This class will involve learning how to sew anything from baby blankets, diaper clutches, to a card table, fort for your children!

The first class (Home Decor) will begin on June 9th, 7:00 pm at my home!

The classes will be small and only 4 spots will be available per class! Give me a call, leave a comment, or email me, if you would like to sign up for the first class.

Once you are signed up, I will provide you with further details!

I'm looking forward to it!

OCD Tendencies - The joy of cleaning your vents

2011-05-12T00:35:00.000-06:00

Okay, so maybe there really isn't that much "joy" in cleaning your vents. But, oh nothing tickles me pinker than having clean vents! Dust free! Muck free! Don't get me started!

When it comes to my ocd tendencies, there are a few things that can keep me awake at night...spider webs around my home, dirty base boards, any toilet after Homeboy pees while standing (yes standing) on the toilet seat, and finally - filthy vents.

I often clean the outside of my vents with the hose attachment to my vacuum about once a month. Sometimes more than that, depending on how dusty they look. But there are times when a layer of grime and scuff marks are unable to be cleaned with the hose attachment.

The other day I was washing some of my walls and baseboards, when I realized that I have neglected my vents.

Nothing could have prepared me from what I was about to encounter! A sight so horrifying, mice would refuse to live in this kind of environment.

Oh yes, it was that bad.

And this (see below) is what I found!!!

AAAAHHHHHHHH!!!

For all that is good and holy, what have I been living with!?!?!?!

Such putrid swill!!!

What did I tell you?

This literally sent chills up my spine.

I, will never be the same again.

After vacuuming the layers, upon layers, of ick, I washed the vent covers in the sink with warm, sudsy, water. And what a difference!

After seeing what lies with in my neglected air ducts and vents, I've realized I must clean them more often. Whatever filth is building up in them, is what me and my family are breathing. Every time air circulates through the air ducts, those microscopic particles (and some not so microscopic) are landing on top of my belonging and in my lungs!!!!

Cough, cough, wheeze.

*Another tip for cleaning your air ducts is to hire professionals to clean them. Many carpet cleaning companies offer this service. They have the equipment to clean your entire ventilation systems! When I had this done for the first time, in my home, the employee told me he found a ton of nails, sheet rock, and even cups that the construction workers left, when our home was being built.

Now that my vents are clean, I can rest a little easier. No longer will I be kept up at night, wondering what nastiness is lurking within my walls. Well, until the time when I accidentally catch Homeboy peeing in the toilet, standing on top of the toilet seat again.

That's actually a nightmare.

Mother's Day

2011-05-08T01:22:00.002-06:00

I am...

... because of them.

Happy Mother's Day!

Just asking for a lawsuit

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

It's true. We are just asking for a lawsuit. One of these days a visitor will be approaching our front door, and then when they least expect it - "it" will happen.

Horrific screams will echo through the valley, and our unsuspecting visitors will flee our steps, in fear of their lives. Bone break-age is bound to happen. Therapy for Post Traumatic Distress Syndrome will most likely be a must. And then the calls from the lawyers will flood in.

And what, may you ask, could possibly cause a lawsuit to fall onto our poor, feeble, and lack-of-money, shoulders?

Snakes.

I'm not that scared of snakes but you won't catch me bonding with a slithery friend, by picking it up.

For several years now, we have noticed that a HARMLESS, water snake or gardner snake, will pitch his tent, stoke the home fires, and call the crack and space in our steps leading up to our front door, his/her home. He/she would rarely make an appearance and once in a while would slither out of his humble abode to warm his/her body on a nearby rock. For the most part, if we were around, they hid. And that's how I preferred it.

A few weeks ago Homey had several friends pay us a visit. The friends came in the form of three, giggly, thirteen year old girls. As they approached our front door, one of the girls noticed something on the concrete steps...

Mass screams of terror followed. It was like a scene out of a horror film.

For the next half-hour or so, they recanted their near death experiences.

A half-hour after that, the pizza man cameth. The kids retrieved the pizzas as I collected some cash to pay the pizza man. Apparently, they shared their experience with him also, and wished him "well" and "good luck" as they left him alone in the doorway. As he was about to turn around to leave, he asked me cautiously, "Do you really have a snake living in a crack in your steps?"

Dude, you are a grown man! I reassured him, offered to hold his hand, and told him that the snake probably slithered away, due to the earlier incident.

I watched him until he made it to his car, safely.

Usually our slithery friend doesn't make appearance until late spring, or the beginning of summer.

The next day I checked the crack for the snake. Yup, there he was. And he is not shy. Over and over again, he would leave his home to sun himself on a rock, while Homeboy and I watched. But then I noticed some other movement in the crack...

Goodnight nurse! We have two snakes.

Wrong.

We have three snakes.

*if you look closely you can see the nose of one our "pets" sticking out of the crack. And if you look even closer - brother or sister snake is sticking their nose out, just to the left of it's sibling. The third snake was on a rock, working on it's tan.

Stupid snake is gonna get us sued.

Here's a better picture of the two noses sticking out.

One of these days, I'm gonna step on those noses.

I know I am taking a risk in letting the world know of our "issue", but I figured a warning is better than letting our visitors find out without any warning.

So if you happen to come a visiting - be on the look out. Or, make a lot of noise. Or, call me before you come and I will protect you.

But if you choose to brave our front steps and any type of bodily harm occurs and you feel the need to speed dial your lawyer, I gotta warn you...
we are poor, and we have snakes! (Hissssssss)

Easter 2011

2011-05-04T01:43:00.004-06:00

Easter 2011 was a success! Although cold, we enjoyed an Easter egg hunt at Grandma and Grandpa Lewis' and an awesome barbecue at my Sis-in-law's parent's home. It is becoming an annual event for us to spend time with her family, at Easter time. We are so appreciative and thankful to have such wonderful people include us!

Easter morning, the hubs kept complaining about Homeboy's new shoes... "These shoes are hard to put on! Are you sure they are the right size? You need to take these back! Blah, blah, blah, blah!"

I just couldn't understand what the problem was! They went on fine the previous day, when Homeboy tried them on at the store!

Well, after loading the above picture onto my computer, I noticed what the problem was.

It helps to put the shoes on the right feet!!! Sheesh. I fear what the lives of my family would be like without me around. That's right - momma is the hub of everything going smoothly around here!

Homeboy was all into the Easter egg hunting this year! And I think I have found an activity for him, to keep him busy and out of trouble. Heck, I'm willing to have an Easter egg hunt EVERYDAY now! I may just even have some invisible eggs hidden in the yard, also. (insert evil laughter. Wahhahahahaha!) Naw, that's a little mean. Sorta.

Check out Homeboy and his cute cousin! That girl is loads of entertainment! She is her father's child...

By looking at the two of them, side by side, you wouldn't know that Homeboy is actually 1 year older. I have mini-children.

Look at my boys!

All decked out for church! They sure do clean up nice!

One of the favorite things that Homeboy received in his Easter basket were Gummy Bears.

The following day I caught him storing some Gummy Bears in his "special pocket" in the front of his underwear. Yum. At least they will be warm and extra squishy.

This year we were able to spend time with family, friends, and we were able to reflect on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. I'm so thankful that I have the opportunity to have my eternal family!

OCD Tendencies - I live with boys. They are disgusting. Enough said.

2011-04-18T00:24:00.009-06:00

There are three other species that reside with me in my home. They are all boys. Otherwise known as "the fungus, that lives among us". Living with three boys makes me always in close proximity to hovering clouds of fart, snot in various forms (example: runny, flaky, gelatinous), and dirt. Lots and lots of dirt.

I am very well aware that girls are just as capable of being disgusting as boys can be, but for some reason, the male species can take "disgusting" to a whole other level.

One example of a girl capable of being completely repulsive, is my best friend Christal. Living in a small town, in good 'ol Wyoming, made entertainment for us young-uns hard up for anything remotely fun to do. So we used our imaginations! And no one was as imaginative as Christal. The girl would record her farts. Over and over again, she squeezed out a variety of musical farts that would range from a low 'g' to a high 'c' (I have no idea if those are real notes. I do not claim to know how to read music. At all.). For some reason, this was entertaining to us. She would fart, push rewind on her tape recorder, push play, and then we would laugh and laugh and laugh! Til we peed our pants (mainly I was the one doing the peeing.).

Daily I am reminded of the fact that my walls are dripping with testosterone. Most of it being yellow, smelling of urine, and in puddles around, behind, and on top of, EVERY ONE of our TOILETS.

Last Friday morning I experienced an "out-of-body" experience. And it was not a good experience. I made my way downstairs to participate in my weekly ritual of wiping, vacuuming, dusting, throwing away, and cussing under my breath. "Vile creatures! Who are these people!?!?! What kind of person is capable of such hideous-nous!"

When I turned the corner, into my family room, the sight literally took my breath away. No, really....

It. Took. My. Breath. Away.

Between the rank, stench of sweaty socks, and old junk food, all of my senses closed down. Eyes tearing up and gagging ensued.

Boys can be hard on your property. My walls look like they are textured. They are not intended to be that way. They are covered in dents, scratches, nicks, and holes, that they have produced. And it's not only my boys who transformed my walls to their current state. It's also their friends, who are also boys, that can at times, cause the abuse on my precious walls!

*you will have to excuse the poor quality of pictures below. I was in too much shock to make my way upstairs to get my camera.

The corner, below, was taken out by a 10 year old boy's knee. What the!?!?!?! My suggestion to his mother... reduce his Vitamin D intake.

I know it's difficult to figure out what furry creature this is. It is MY cute, primitive, sheep, that sits on a shelf, above our sectional. It's for decorative purposes only. It makes me happy. I think it is cute. But my youngest son likes to use it as target practice with a Nerf dart gun and apparently he thinks my decorative sheep needs to be sheared. Now I have to turn sheepy the opposite direction, to avoid seeing it's bald spots.

Now this image may just cause you to vomit a little, in your mouth. It is an image of the plastic mat, that lies beneath the computer chair. Homeboy managed to stuff toys, fruit snacks and papers under the mat. As I was lifting one of the corners of the mat, I noticed a yellow-ish liquid beginning to slosh to the other side. That's right. You guessed it. Homeboy has resorted to "marking his territory". Fungus, I tell ya!

Oreo cookies taste sooo much better, crushed into the carpet!

Here lies my primitive, Raggedy Ann, doll. She too sits on the shelf above the couch for decorative purposes also. She is special to me. She represents my long, lost, desire to be a mother to a sweet, stink-less, girl. (sigh) I purchased her when I was pregnant with Homeboy. This was, of course, before I knew I was going to have another boy. (sigh - again) Homeboy must sense, that for a second, I desired him to actually be a "she", while pregnant with him. He constantly knocks her off of the shelf.

"Why? Why son? Why such animosity against poor Raggedy?"

When I witnessed the mess below, my head spun around like Linda Blair's in The Exorcist.

I know it's hard to tell, but there was a mysterious, orange, stain on the floor in between a couple of the seats of the sectional. After careful examination and scientific testing was performed (I scratched and sniffed it), it was determined that the disgusting, dried-on, stain, was that of SALSA. Yup, SALSA.

Are you kidding me!!!

This is a testament of just how brain damaged some teenagers are.

The stain on the floor, next to my flip flop (that Homeboy transported downstairs), is an old chocolate milk stain. And check out the empty Pepsi can next to the stain. How appropriate for it to be placed next to the stain! Cause you know... it's such a ridiculous concept to walk 4 feet to the nearest garbage can and dispose of it properly! (insert: sarcastic chuckle)

No words. You know who is responsible for this.

Oh wait! Now I know why the Pepsi can never made it to the garbage! And why, may I ask is my clock NOT hanging on the wall???? Hmmmmmm...

After much sweat and tears were shed, my family room was transformed back to it's happy, clean, self.

Usually I include some cleaning or organization tips to go along with my OCD tendencies posts, but today I decided to just share some advice.

Year after year I have been in the relentless pursuit of having my home be spic and span clean, ALL OF THE TIME. I've envied Martha Stewart's drawers, and perfectly, clean, crisp, laundry. Well, Martha can bite me. The woman pays multitudes of people to clean and organize.

I now realize that I will most likely never have a perfectly clean and organized home ALL OF THE TIME. And it's okay! Cause as long as I live with my three, crazy, boys, I'll somehow cherish the stains, the messes, and the dents in my walls!

Oh, and the crusty, putrid, popcorn stuck to the inside of the cup holders. Nice.

Disney Land - Part 2

2011-03-31T07:29:00.013-06:00

*Warning - please excuse the extreme randomnous of the placement of the pics in this blog post. I've been having issues with Blogger, lately. I should sue.

One of the funnest things for me to experience, while visiting Disney Land, was seeing the characters! Did I act like a complete and total dork, when I spotted a character, from a mile away? Yes. Did I run over small, innocent, children, and forced my kids to have their pictures taken with characters they did not care for or even knew who they were? Why, yes. Yes I did.

Homeboy was giddy with anticipation to meet the Toy Story characters. So when I spotted them on the pier, I began to hyperventilate with excitement. We stood in line to meet Woody and to converse with Homeboy's idols, when just as we were about to grasp the hand that which belongs to the Almighty Woody, he decided to go on break. Of course.

Jessie took his place. Oh well, it's all good. When Jessie arrived to take Woody's place, they participated in a little, friendly, shoving, match.

It was all fun and games until Jessie all of the sudden tried to "knife" Woody in his enormous, plastic, head. Apparently she had a homemade shiv made from a toothbrush, hidden in one of her braids. It's a good thing one of those Green Army Dudes was there to intercept.

Okay, that really didn't happen. The picture below just reminds me of a knife fight. I've been watching too much http://investigation.discovery.com/.

I must admit, I nearly wet myself when we got to meet Mickey. Homeboy was too tired and cranky to get out of his stroller to meet with Mickey. THEEE Mickey Mouse! It's Mickey Mouse, Homeboy! The only mouse on the earth that I have no desire to lure into a trap and squish to death!

Check out, how my dear, fruit of my loins, is looking longingly at Mickey.

The photo of Mini was taken, courtesy of my Sis-in-law, Kate. We were standing in line to meet her, when we decided to ditch her for Mickey. Mickey was about to leave on his break. Sorry Mini!

By the time we met Cinderella's Fairy God Mother, Homeboy was tired and angry. Gotta give credit to Miss Bippity-Boppity-Boo... she tried with all of her might to get my child to warm up to her. It wasn't happening.

Awwwww!! See! Plowing over innocent bystanders to get to meet Jessie, was all worth it! How cute is this?

And here we have another pic of my smiling, happy, niece, and nephews. And Homeboy. Angry, tired Homeboy. Good grief.

On the second day of our visit to Disney Land, we ate breakfast at Goofy's Kitchen! The breakfast buffet was AWESOME and many characters come up to the tables to meet with all of the families!

I'm positive the hubs is going to tuck this little memory, deep within the chambers of his heart. He may not admit it, but he loved snuggling up to Pluto!

Check out my brother in law being fondled by Pluto? I sense a lawsuit coming.

Homey was more than thrilled to have his picture taken with Chip. I will be posting this picture on his Facebook Wall for ALL to see.

And then of course, check out my lovely sunburn on my upper chest, even though I applied sunblock. My stupid double chin provides too much shade to make an even sunburn.

*click on images below to experience the "beauty" up close and personal.

Homeboy was more than excited to meet the Fairies in Fairy Land! (?Is that where they live?) This particular Fairy below asked him who his favorite Fairy was and he just looked at her with a blank stare. I didn't dare admit that we have NEVER watched any of the Tinker Bell movies. He's a boy for heavens sake. At least he didn't act shy and grumpy with her and he still managed to hug her. Check out the grin? Sure! Smile and give hugs to the cute chics!

I meant for this pic to be the intro to this blog post. But, no! It goes much better, randomly stuck in the middle!

So there you have it! Many of MY childhood dreams became fulfilled and many happy memories were made!

Stay tuned for more pics from our vacation. I know you're thrilled!

Not a fan

2011-03-17T14:56:00.010-06:00

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, we celebrated it by dressing up as a "supa hewo" and ate burritos and tacos for lunch. We are culturally diverse that way.

Conner insisted on wearing his costume today. In his own words he stated, "I wear my supa hewo costume, so evwee-wone can see me!" I told him it was St. Patrick's Day today and that he was suppose to wear green. His response was... "Dat's stupid!" And the way he said it - well, there was a hint of hostility in that response. I couldn't blame him.

It's no secret that I'm not much of a fan of the St. Patrick's Day. Flashbacks of being pinched, even though the stupid kids didn't notice that I WAS wearing green, are enough to make me wanna punch a leprechaun. Oh, I'm a fan of the color green! A big fan! It's the fact that one can be constantly pinched, over and over again for their choice of colored apparel, that ticks me off. I would finally resort to telling my fellow classmates that my eyes are green and that should be good enough! Dorks.

And then there is the fact that I'm not Irish. Hello! Not Irish! The holiday is suppose to be a religious holiday, which is often celebrated by getting drunk. Well of course! It's so obvious that one needs to get drunk on a RELIGIOUS holiday. Sheesh.

And then there's the whole turning your food green for your kids... I just read a comment on Facebook that this certain family was going to eat green chicken. Really? To me, that's just going too far. Green rice crispy treats - I'm a fan. Green pancakes - fan, also. Green eggs - not so much. I admire the mothers that go to such lengths for their children! I just know that with my kids, all of that food would go to waste. There is NO WAY Homey and Homeboy would eat green eggs!

Homeboy striking his "supa hewo" pose at the Mexican restaurant, on St. Patrick's Day.

Supa Hewo is able to climb tall walls, in a single bound. Then trip and fall, and take his anger out on the "tall wall" by kicking it. He has anger issues.

I know some of you are thinking, "how can you not be a fan of St. Patrick's Day?!?!?!" Well, I don't totally hate it.

Bagpipers - I'm a fan!

Creepy, little, men, wearing pointy shoes and smoking pipes - not a fan.

Green clovers - big fan. Look how pretty these are!

Lord of the Dance - fan. Even though he is dorky.

Liam Neeson - BIG fan. And it's fun saying his name with my awful, Irish accent.

Although I'm not much of a fan of the Irish holiday, I am a fan of the country and the people! What a beautiful country and such passionate people! You just won't catch me pinching people, eating green chicken or eggs and chasing weird, angry, little men.

Let me take a wild guess...

I'm thinkin' this guy isn't Irish either.

Disney Land 2011

2011-03-10T08:22:00.002-07:00

Recently, a miracle of all miracles happened to our little family...

We actually went on vacation! Usually our vacations consist of us going to Lander Shmander, Wyoming to watch all of the legal fireworks and visit my family, but this year our vacation actually included beaches, family, and Disney Land.

One of the highlights of Disney Land for me, was the World of Color. One word - awesome. I may have even shed a tear of pure joy and excitement. Don't judge, I live a simple life.

Notice the 3 pictures on the end - in the top right one he is explaining to Steve how he is going to shoot the evil emperor, Zurg. In the last two pictures he is desperately trying to smile and concentrate on the animatronic Buzz at the same time.

I'm pretty sure this is what he was thinking at the time, when I snapped these pics...

"My wife (life) is now compwete! Buzz Wight Yeawa is my heeewo! Sut up mom - I'm watching Buzz! I hafta pee!"

The highlight of our trip for Homeboy, was seeing Buzz Light Year. Check out the "looks" of excitement that were nearly impossible to contain. It was as if the heavens opened and angels descended upon him. (Awwwwwwwwww!)

The excitement was so intense for Homeboy, even his bladder couldn't contain it's normal function. Every time we rode the Buzz Light Year ride, Homeboy would immediately display the signs of over-excited bladder.

"I wuv wegos, mom!"

Another highlight for the boys in our family was the Lego store. The displays were awesome, but I just couldn't help but think about all of the stupid Legos that I have stepped on and vacuumed over the years. Needless to say, it was a little difficult dragging Homeboy outta there. Kicking, bawling, and scowles ensued.

This concludes part-one of our Disney Land adventure! More good times are to follow!

Back from the dead

2011-02-28T20:37:00.009-07:00

Although February is the shortest month of the year, it seems to have been the longest for me. I feel like a deflated balloon, waiting for a giant puff of helium to fill me up and give me that much desired "oomph" that I seem to be lacking, lately. This past month we have encountered sickness (First Homey, me, and then a slight case with Homeboy), vacation to Disneyland, homework, teenage drama, daily stresses, my cell phone died (Homeboy. That's all I have to say about that), the upstairs tv died (I will not live with out a tv upstairs. I need something to entertain Homeboy for at least 30 minutes a day), and my laptop bit the big one. Digital scrapbooking kits (etc.) lost. Some pics lost. Documents lost. Programs lost. Money lost.

So what am I going to do about it... complain to you. I try not to post too many of my complaints on my blog, but you know what? Sometimes a girl just needs to purge her ill feelings and stresses to the world! And I'm doing this, so you can relate to me better and feel pity for me. I know, I'm a dork.

The hubs acquired a second part time job, which is a blessing, but increases my stress by 2 nights. Meaning, it's all me when it comes to do the night-time/bed-time routine, 6 nights of the week. Kids won't go to bed when I yell at them... I mean, when I kindly ask them to. And I seem to be lacking the "that gene" that most dad's carry. The "you better do what I am saying, or else" gene.

Homeboy has decided to never mature and obey his dear mother. Instead, he throws a fit every time I try to help him or ask to not do "something" or pick up "something. He lacks patience, that one. And I'll admit it - it comes entirely from me. He still makes indescribable messes and continues to render me speechless. Recently he emptied 5 containers of different spices (Almost all were completely full). He came into my bedroom rubbing his eyes and screaming in pain, from the Paprika that he tried to make a sandcastle with. I asked him why he got into the spices AGAIN, and he blamed it on his "widdle brudder". That's his new thing - blaming all of the naughty things he does on his pretend "widdle brudder". His name is Jacob. Yup, "widdle brudder" even has a name. I would post pictures, but those were a few, in the handful that I lost, due to my stupid computer dying. And don't even get me started on Homeboy and attending Primary. During my last Sharing Time, he stood in front of everyone, held onto his twig and berries and announced he had to pee. Those are the moments that I will always cherish!

Homey has decided to give his brain a rest this year. Brilliant. As a result, he won't turn in his homework on time. Really Homey?!?!?! The kid has had some assignments done for weeks but forgets to turn them in! We have taken away certain, highly-favored, devices, grounded him, lectured him, hugged him, prayed for him, yelled at him, came up with some genius ways for him to be reminded to turn the assignments in, but they have all failed. From the time he was kindergarten to 6th grade, he has been a straight-A student. His teachers praised his math and reading skills and we, as his parents, smiled smugly and basked in the heaps of compliments! "Oh yeah, we are awesome parents. Our kid is smart! We are so cool."

Humility stinks.

I have come to the conclusion that a majority of 13 year old boys become mentally challenged, during these tumultuous years. I truly believe Homey lost many vital brain cells, the same time his arm-pit hair began to sprout. The homework thing became so stressful, we decided to embarrass the crap out of our beloved 13 year old son. Steve attended school with Homey today. Awesome. And Steve may or may have not, flashed his badge to some of Homey's fellow students. I'll say it again... awesome. I may be attending school with him on Wednesday and I told him I will be holding his hand and skipping down the hallways of Sandridge Jr. High with him, and singing Jesus Wants Me For a Sunbeam. I bet all the kids are jealous that we aren't their parents! Oh, and the DRAMA! Can I just tell you about the drama with this boy. He had a 9th grade girl chasing after him, from the end of summer til the present. She's in 9th grade! Homey is in 7th grade! What the Billy Bob Thorton is she thinking?!?!?!

Get thee, away evil spirit!

I pray daily for the evil spirits to stay away from Homey...especially the curvy, 15 year old, female kind. This week the Lord has listened to my prayers. (insert enormous grin)

These days, every day seems to be a battle. The question is - am I strong enough to endure? A year ago I never imagined I would be dealing with such things and STILL dealing with Homeboy's crazy antics. There are days when I want to throw the towel in and then there are days when I feel the comfort of our Heavenly Father and I hear that little voice encouraging me to hang in there. It WILL get better. This too will pass.

Okay, I'm off the pity-wagon. A big, sincere "thanks a bunch" for listening to me rant. At least my rants aren't as annoying as Charlie Sheen's rants. He's such a fat head.

Primary Teacher Appreciation Gift

2011-02-07T09:24:00.000-07:00

My heart is full every time I think of all of the wonderful Primary workers in our ward! They work hard at their callings and the children love them. The Primary Presidency wanted to show our appreciation for them, by having a dinner for them.

The theme of the night was "potatoes". I know you are thinking that is an odd theme, but it all made sense by the end of the evening.

For the centerpieces, I placed red potatoes in glass vases then tied a strip of burlap and red bandanna material around the middle of the vases.

We had a baked potato bar for dinner and to tie everything together, I gave a little talk on potatoes and how we can be more like the potato, in our callings.

Below are some examples of the different things I talked about:

Don't have a "chip" on your shoulder - attitude

Curses! "Foiled" again - problem solving

Never take your "eye" off of the children - fellowship

The "spuddy" system - team teachers/delegating

Clever, huh? Okay, it was dorky. But dorky is my middle name!

We gave each teacher a bag of chips with a tag attached to it.

It was a fun evening and made me realize, even more, how lucky we are to have such a great ward, filled with the most awesome people! Big THANKS to Angela, Kari, Leslee, and to all of the teachers, pianist, chorister, cub scout leaders, and activity day leaders!

Valentine Felt Pomanders, and Ruffled Heart

2011-02-04T09:22:00.004-07:00

Valentine decorations that I recently made.

Just wanted to show off so you can all comment and tell me how cute they turned out.

Cute, huh?

Check out the tutorial below, so you can also make cute ruffle-ly stuff and receive comments galore!

Felt Ruffle Pomander - Tutorial

2011-02-04T09:19:00.003-07:00

The Valentine Bug has bit me in the rear, and I recently made some Valentines Pomanders (a.k.a. balls). Lately you can't blog stalk any crafting blog without seeing ruffles. Ruffles on shirts, ruffles on pillows, ruffles on hair accessories. The ruffle pomanders are so easy!

To make ruffle pomanders, you will need the following:

felt
Styrofoam ball (I used a 4" ball for my ruffled pomanders)
ribbon
straight pins
scissors
glue gun

Step #1 - cut out approximately forty 2 3/4" circles of felt. I used a lid to a small plastic container and traced around it with a fabric marker.

Step #2 - place a dollop of glue on top of the styrofoam ball and place the ribbon on top of the glue. Secure it with a straight pin.

Step #3 - fold the felt circle in half, then in half again

Step #4 - attach the folded felt circle to the styrofoam ball with a straight pen at the bottom of the folded circle (I used small dollops of glue to secure some of the folded circles to the ball)

Step #5 - repeat step #4 until the entire ball is covered in ruffles. Fluff the ruffles.

I also used this same technique on a styrofoam heart (shown on the post, above). Be sure to pin ruffles on the outside of the heart, also!

Step #6 - have fun and brag to everyone how talented and clever you are!

The Sing-A-Ma-Jig

2011-01-30T17:12:00.002-07:00

Shopping for Christmas this year, proved to be a little difficult. Shopping for Homey is expensive and he only got to open a few gifts. And then there is Homeboy's Christmas gifts. So much more fun to shop for! I would imagine Homeboy's reaction while opening gifts, Christmas morning. I imagined him laughing and squealing with glee!

"Mom, look! Look! I godda Wegos!"

On one particular Christmas, shopping, excursion, I noticed 3 little girls huddled around the Sing-A-Ma-Jig display. They would push on bellies of the Sing-A-Ma-Jig's, and then a cloud of sweet, giggles, would explode around them. I couldn't help but smile and giggle to myself.

"I bet Homeboy would love a Sing-A-Ma-Jig!"

I just knew Homeboy would love the greenish one that harmonizes in deep, low tones!

Christmas morning came and I was anxious for Homeboy to open his Sing-A-Ma-Jig. I couldn't wait for him to push on it's belly and have his donkey-like, laughter, follow.

He quickly opened the package and gave it a "look". He wasn't sure what it was and what to do with it, so I pushed it's belly and waited for his reaction.

His reaction wasn't quite what I thought it would be. He immediately scowled at the

Sing-A-Ma-Jig, chucked it across our living room and said, "I don't wike dat thing!"

I tried with all of my might to make it funny and fun to him, but instead I ended up scaring the poor child. Great. Nightmares, "mother issues", and trips to the psychologist are sure to be in his future.

For the following week, if Homeboy happened to come upon Mr. Sing-A-Ma-Jig, he would throw across the room and repeat his first verbal reaction, "I don't wike dat thing!"

Okay, I get it. He hates it. I stink at Christmas shopping. And I am the root of all of issues that he will have in his adult life. Therefore, I hid it. Deep within the dark corners of my bedroom closet. A corner so dark, no one would dare to venture it.

Then one day, I opened the fridge. And this is what I found.

Laying flat on it's back, next to a chocolate pie, Mr. Sing-A-Ma-Jig.

Apparently Homeboy tried to freeze it to death. Possibly he thought exposure to the "elements" could cause a severe case of frostbite and amputation would be necessary. Ahem.

Next year, Steve can do ALL of the Christmas shopping.

Kitchenaid - all jazzed up

2011-01-26T07:00:00.000-07:00

Check it out - my Kitchenaid mixer sure does look snazzy.

I recently saw this idea on U-Create.

I used my Cricut to cut out some vinyl and added it to my mixer. Think of the possibilities! Christmas, Valentines, St. Patrick's Day, Hanukkah...

The only thing that would make my mixer looked more "tricked-out" would be a new Kitchenaid. In red.

Holy crap - it's about time I blogged

2011-01-23T16:19:00.005-07:00

The last couple of months have been a blur. One big, freakin', blur.

I feel over worked and underpaid. Between church callings, kids, sewing projects, Christmas, making clay ornaments and housekeeping, I am officially POOPED. And so, the previous mentioned list is my excuse as to why I haven't blogged for so long. There were times when I really, really, wanted to... then the exhaustion set in. Most likely due to Homeboy.

Really, kid? Can you please give me a break? Must you continue to get into random things, that are MINE, around the house, ALL OF THE TIME? Must I continue to hide all of the scissors and all writing utensils? Must you lick the the rim of the toilet (under the seat, where all of the real nasty bits of toilet scum land)? Really!?!?!

For some odd reason, I believed Homeboy would all of the sudden stop these crazy antics, once he turned 3. Cause that's what Homey did. Homey turned 3, and my Angelic, lil, cherrub, resided within our humble abode for the next 10 years. Those were magical years.

Homeboy hasn't slowed down, one bit. Now there's temper tantrums, and angry words involved. "You huwt my feewings, mom!" "Your naughty, mom!"

*sigh*

I'm just thankful that he tells me he loves me, all of the time. And he'll give me a kiss when I ask for one (most of the time). And I love it when he picks up me and the hub's wedding photo, by my bed and says, "I miss you!", with such sincere, emotion. Awwww that kid! I could just give him a kiss...after I have washed his face and mouth with antibacterial soap, since he licked the toilet rim. Gag.

So anyhoo...

Remember, way back when, when I asked for your input on what fabric I should pick to sew new curtains for my kitchen? Well, what do you know, I'm finally blogging about it! Oh I could've forgotten all about that post, way back when, but my OCD tendencies will not allow it. Something about leaving stuff undone or unfinished. I'm a freak, it's true.

If you need a refresher, here's the link http://sjandcc.blogspot.com/2010/07/in-need-of-your-opinion.html

The results of the personal favs of fabrics, from all of you were:

#1 - 3 people really liked this fabric

#2 - 2 people like this fabric

#3 - 5 people loved this fabric (one of the most popular)

#4 - 0 (this was the $129.00/yd fabric. wise choice people)

#5 - 5 people really loved this fabric (so did I!)

#6 - 3 people liked this fabric

#7 - 1 person liked this one

#8 - 1 person liked this one also!

#9 - 1 person liked this one (This also came in red and green, and no one chose the red and green one)

#10 & #11 (see #9)

there was no 12. I accidently skipped it. I need more schoolin'.

#13 - 5 people loved this (it's a tie!)

#14 - 2 people liked it

#15 - 1 person like this one

#16 - 0, zilch (watcha saying? I have no taste?)

#17 - 0 (this was the rooster print. I don't know what I was thinking when I posted this choice. I would never choose that one.)

So what did I choose for my curtains... drumroll please.

#13 and #14!

They are so lovely and my curtains turned out so great!

Pics to proove it. (these were taken with my cell phone. the quality, stinketh)

How cute did these turn out? And the stripes go so great with the floral-like print.)

For the french doors I sewed curtains with the striped only. Love them.

This is a section of the bay window. I bought a gramet/ring kit from JoAnns. It was very easy to install. A little cutting, and snapping the rings together.

So far, I have received countless compliments and they look great in my kitchen!

The plan this week, is to post at least 3 times this week! Am I nuts? Maybe. And I'm seriously considering posting my OCD calendar again! I've kinda missed obsessing about carpet stains, and cleaning my oven.

Black Friday Blessings

2010-11-30T15:32:00.001-07:00

You may have noticed, but I am in a "blog famine". Tis the season to be so freakin' busy!

I have been busy sewing, parenting, cleaning, Christmas decorating, and primary president-ing. It's been crazy and just when I think I'm am off the hook, something seems to always come up. I have even found it difficult to keep up on my blog comments, which totally makes me feel guilty! Don't worry, I'm still reading every one's blogs! Oh how I love thee, blogs! They have kept me sane.

Even though I have been so crazy busy lately, there are those special moments that are deemed worthy of a blog post!

And what in the heck, are you wondering, could bring me out of my "blog famine"? Was it Thanksgiving? Um, no. Yeah, I'm thankful for everything and blah, blah, blah... but that wasn't it.

Could it be another Homeboy disaster? No. Even though there are STILL plenty. ("Serenity now!")

Nope, it wasn't any of the above. In fact it was something much more petty, and evil.

It was Black Friday, people.

Awwwww yeah. Black Friday. It isn't for the weak of heart or mind. It's a sport, all in it's own. It's tradition!

This year me and my friend Lori, conquered Black Friday, together. I am happy to report that we did not get into any fights or scuffles this year. Last year, not so much. But this year, it was all good!

Everyone knows that the best part of Black Friday is the awesome people watching, and the fights. Yup, I'm evil that way.

Check out this sassy lassy! She must have been totally pumped to be the first one in line at Target, during the wee hours of the morning. She didn't even bother to change out of her TWEETY BIRD FOOTY pajamas! That's right... TWEETY BIRD FOOTY pajamas, on an adult woman. In public. I just can't imagine the discomfort of cramming my footy pajama feet into my sneakers. And not to mention the sweaty stench that is sure to occur.

And look at her sassy, hand-on-hip, action? Don't mess with Veronica and her TWEETY BIRD FOOTY pajamas!

Every time I see a person wandering the floors of a Walmart in their pajamas, I just can't help but wonder why it is so difficult to put a bra on, a pair of jeans, and sneakers. Really people, is it that difficult?

You can always tell what kind of a person they are, by their hair-do's. Or should I say... don'ts.

Take the example below. I believe this lady's hair-do screams, "Look at me! I like people staring at my hair and scaring young children and animals."

I was ready to call 911, for the fear of this poor lady having accidentally sticking a metal object into a plugged-in toaster, and resulting in being electrocuted. But then, I realized she actually wanted to look like this. You should have seen Miss Electra's front - white stripes streaking through her mile-high, bangs. Yikes!

I'm so happy that I could share these Black Friday moments with you! And I'm extremely happy that the wonderful Black Friday patrons, continue to entertain us, year after year. Merry Christmas Veronica! Merry Christmas Miss Electra!

Fall pics 2010 (Da Boyz!)

2010-11-10T01:05:00.000-07:00

Fall pics 2010

* click on pics to enlarge the images and so I can show off my good lookin' boys *

A little over a week ago, my friend Crissy took my boys pics! And may I just say... she rocks!

Check out my stud-muffin. Such poise. So GQ.

Holy crap - I make cute boys!

And check out Homeboy! You would never know that this little dude, with the angelic smile, peed on the bathroom floor yesterday and I stepped barefoot into the puddle and slipped across the bathroom floor. Nice.

There is something about the picture of his feet dangling and his pal, doggy, sitting next to him. It conjures up those emotions inside of me, and brings tears to my eyes.

I realize what a special time this is with my boys and how much I love them. So much so, I could just eat them up. Which is weird, but not. 'Cause I know I'm not the only momma out there, that has wanted to gobble up their kids, a time or two! And if I am actually alone in having these outrageous cravings.. well then, never mind. You didn't hear that from me. That's freaky.

Thank you Crissy for creating timeless, images of my boys and conjuring up those sweet emotions and love for Homey and Homeboy!

Soopa-hewo!

2010-11-08T16:33:00.002-07:00

I'm a week late at posting pics from Halloween, but you know...

Homeboy is really into Superheros right now, so naturally he chose to be one for Halloween.

I could have easily purchased a Batman or Spiderman costume from the store, but instead I insisted on waiting to the last minute to sew a costume for 2 days straight. I like to live on the edge.

I totally dig that I still have total control over what Homeboy will wear for Halloween. I predict my reign of power will last until he is 10 years old.

Here is our Soopa-hewo flexing his muscles. Apparently he was flexing his neck muscles, also. Gomer!

Check out C-Man's emblem! While Trick or Treating, Homeboy would yell at every passing Trick or Treater, "I'm a soopa-hewo! I'm a soopa-hewo!" Then he would demonstrate his flying technique.

It was a quiet Halloween with just me and Homeboy, but one that I will always remember!

Stuff

2010-11-01T10:59:00.003-06:00

*warning - pictures taken with camera phone. quality of pics kinda yucky.

The picture on the left was taken on my birthday (9/16/2010), the day that our backyard was hydro-seeded. The picture on the right was taken yesterday (10/31/2010) Behold! A sea of green grass to frolic in!

A year ago I threatened my husband's life. Why would I do such a thing? What could possibly drive me to this level of hysteria?

The answer: my backyard.

Or should I say my bird refuge. My backyard was a refuge to pheasants, and ducks. It was a natural habitat for the birds, due to the tall weeds and mounds of dirt.

I tried to be patient. I tried not to nag, excessively. Believe me, I tried. But after 8 years of not having a backyard to host backyard barbecues, play groups, or even a safe refuge for my wandering 2 year old to frolic, I had enough. Therefore, I threatened bodily harm on my husband if I did not receive my backyard by the following summer.

It worked and for my birthday this year, he gifted me with the gift of grass. Glorious grass!

Next summer - barbecue at my house!

Meanwhile...

I'm still dealing with this kid.

Just because I haven't posted any recent disasters produced by Homeboy, doesn't mean he hasn't stopped.

Serenity now!

Cornmaze 2010

2010-11-01T10:42:00.002-06:00

A couple of weeks ago, our family made it's annual trek to the corn maze, which also included our cousins!

Conner loved climbing the large slide. Going down the slide... not much of a fan. Can you see Aunt Kate trying to coax him to go down the slide?

Then Dad comes along and forces Homeboy to go down the slide. See how Homeboy is trying to claw his way up Steve's chest. The picture in the middle is not of Homeboy expressing his shear joy and excitement of the slide. Instead - fear and terror.

Nice Steve. Nice.

Cute cousins! Homeboy also not a fan of standing in one place and having his picture taken. And check out Homey! We have been thrown into teenage hormones and body odors these past 3 or 4 months with him. From what I hear, we will not recognize him for another 3 years. Gah!

This was the only slide that Homeboy would go down, on his own. He thought he was "extreme" by going down head first. Gomer.

Getting lost in the corn maze. We made the mistake of following cousin Jace. We know he was secretly planning on getting the gang lost. I could tell by the smirk on his face.

I tried to get pics of all of the cousins. Trying to capture their smiling mugs, all at the same time, was challenging. This was probably the best one, even though cousin Ty was sporting "crazy eyes". At least he was smiling.

There is one thing for sure, we love our cousins! And we love the fun memories we are making with them!

The witch is in

2010-10-10T21:27:00.002-06:00

When I went to Swiss Days, last month, the "hot item" seemed to be some cute decked out brooms. Every where you looked, there was a broom!

I didn't want to spend my money on a broom when I already had a broom and a witch hat at home. So, of course, I copied the idea and decked out my own broom.

Everyone knows that one of the main reasons to attend the Swiss Days is to copy ideas (so wrong!), and to partake of the awesome people watching. Oh yes, this year's Swiss Days events did not disappoint!

I bought my plain-old broom from Walmart a few years ago and painted the broom handle orange. Then I wrapped black electrical tape every 2 inches or so, from the top to the bottom of the handle. I then lightly spray-painted the bristles of the broom, black. I used a damp sea sponge, dipped in orange and black paint to lightly sponge paint the handle.

I purchased the witches hat last year and painted two orange stripes on the pointy part then used a sea sponge dipped in orange and glow in the dark paint to lightly sponge paint the hat.

This year, I added the orange and black tulle, the polka-dot ribbon/bow, then glued a bat ornament to the hat.

I found this cute, black and orange, beaded spider web at Tai Pan and the big spider at J&J Nursery! Could you just die at the cuteness!

Finally, I sewed a simple draw-string bag, and then glued AND sewed the "Potions" label on to the bag. I used some rubber stamps to make the word "Potions" on some Muslim then glued it onto a piece of burlap.

And there you have it, a semi-original Halloween decoration, from yours truly...Jen (a.k.a. plagiarist)

Felt Pumpkin Banner Tutorial

2010-10-03T19:28:00.003-06:00

I thought that once the Primary Program was over, my days would be full of "me-time". That I could finally do some yard work. That I would be able to blog on a regular basis. That I could take a long, warm, bubble, bath and eat bon bons.

Ohhh! Hohohohoho! Hahahahaha! I laugh at such nonsense!

I will be hosting a little dinner party with friends next week and because I freak... I have been preparing for it for the last couple of weeks. It's what I do. I freak.

In my process of freaking, the empty space above my front door was buggin'. So I whipped up this pumpkin banner.

If you want it to be, it can be totally "sew free". But the hand sewing that I did do, was easy.

The items you will need for this project is:

7 sheets of orange felt (can be found in any craft store)

Heat-n-Bond (I buy mine by the roll from Walmart. I love this stuff!)

1 sheet of brown felt

Coordinating fabric remnants for tops of pumpkins

Large brads for the holes in the pumpkins (can be found in the scrap booking section)

*Optional - Ribbons, buttons, embroidery floss, scrapbook items, etc., to embellish your pumpkins.

Ribbon, tulle, ric rac or whatever you want to string your pumpkin banner on. (I used some brown tulle - approximately 2 yards)

Scissors

Pins

Iron

Glue gun

1. Cut 7 pumpkin pattern pieces, out of the Heat-n-Bond. I just "free handed" the pumpkin pattern piece. They are about 6-7 inches wide and about 5-6 inches high. I like my pumpkins short and wide. Kinda like me! Ahhhh! Hahahahaha! Okay, I'm probably the only one that thought that was funny. If you want, you can use Cricut to cut out a pattern piece, trace on to the Heat-n-Bond, then cut it out. Whatever works for you.

*Optional - cut out some leaf pattern pieces out of the Heat-n-Bond. I sewed leaves on only 2 of my pumpkins.

2. Cut out seven pumpkins out of the orange felt sheets. You can use one of the Heat-n-Bond pattern pieces.

3. Cut out 7 stems out of the brown felt

4. Iron the Heat-n-Bond pumpkin pattern pieces (Paper side should be on top) to the back of one of your coordinating fabric remnants. Repeat the same process with the rest of your pumpkin pattern pieces.

5. Cut out each pumpkin piece with the adhered Heat-n-Bond, then peel off the paper backing. There should be a "film" on the back of the fabric. Place the pumpkin cut-out, with the adhered Heat-n-Bond to the back, on top of the felt pumpkin piece. Iron, to adhere it.

6. Attach the stems with a glue gun or do as I did - stitched them to the top of the pumpkins. (It's up to you)

7. Embellish! I embellished my pumpkins with some ribbons, appliques, embroidery stitching, and scrapbook items.

8. Use a hole punch or cut tiny slits with some scissors, on each side of the pumpkin. Attach the brad over the small holes.

9. String your ribbon, tulle, etc. through the holes.

Tah dah! There you have it...a fun pumpkin banner!

A birthday to remember!

2010-09-21T11:57:00.001-06:00

Last Thursday, Homeboy and I celebrated our birthdays! Woohoo! Party on man!

Homeboy celebrated his 3rd birthday and I celebrated my 28th. And yes I am aware that would make me only the age of 15 when my oldest son was brought forth, unto this earth. I was young, and me and my husband were in love... You know how it goes.

Okay, not really. I lied. On Sunday, the children in Primary, sang to me and one of our devoted teachers - Happy Happy Birthday, Children Dear. I was secretly impressed with the phrase "Children Dear", when those lovely words were sung to us. One of the Primary children asked how old I was. In response, I replied, "Twenty-five!" The children believed me and still thought that was old. The adults - not so much. I'm positive I even heard some chuckling. Once I was home from our Sunday service, I began to feel guilty that I had the gall to lie to the innocent children in our ward, about my age. And in the House of the Lord, no less! I have no shame. I'm a horrid example.

Last week was not only monumental because of our birthdays, but it will forever go down in history as one of the busiest weeks. EVER. Among planning birthday celebrations and such, it was our ward's Primary Program on Sunday. Oh the nerves that I felt previous to the program! It turned out flawless and I could not have been happier with the children! I'm beyond thankful for them. Once the program was over, I threatened to turn "cartwheels of joy" in the hallways of the church. Then I feared I would be caught by the Bishop and the mental images of me became so disturbing, I came to the conclusion it would not be appropriate.

This pretty lady landed on my front doorstep, the day previous to my birthday. I have named her, Regina. Our ward's Relief Society Presidency has quite the way in celebrating our birthdays! Regina brought much entertainment those couple of days! A couple of people nearly crashed into my mailbox, as they were driving by, and a few children ran home to their mothers, as they caught a glimpse of Regina on my doorstep. The fear in their eyes, said it all. I caught Homeboy standing on the steps leading up to the doorway, just staring at her outward beauty.

However, I must say... the craftsmanship is outstanding! Regina was even wearing pearls!

Sadly, Regina's stay was short lived and I shed a tear as she suddenly disappeared from my doorstep. Now I am contemplating whether I should thank the Relief Society Presidency or send them my therapy bill. I was truly touched that they acknowledged me on my birthday!

(Regina even dons a delicate bust-line!)

There were a couple of times when Regina startled me. Especially at night. Her shadow-y figure provided much protection from any bad people, with naughty intentions, from breaking in. Eat your hearts out, ADT Home Security Systems!

In the end, Regina provided me with some laughs, some excitement, and protection. But most of all, she provided me with a feeling of happiness. Happiness in knowing that the lovely ladies in my ward care about me and love me on that one particular day. Which,I am sure we all secretly long to feel special on. Even though we would like to ignore the fact that we have just turned 28. (ahem. clears throat. looks down to avoid eye contact)

Swiss Days! Yoda-lay-heee-hoooo!

2010-09-16T16:15:00.003-06:00

This past Labor Day weekend, me and my friend Lori made the trek to Swiss Days in Midway, Utah. Oh how I love Swiss Days! Where else can you see hoards of women make their way to the Utah hills to purchase truck loads of fun, homemade, crafts, partake of Swiss entertainment of little old men donning Lederhosen and yodeling (they were cute, also), and gorge on hot scones?

Midway, Utah is beautiful! And from what I have heard, many of the Pioneers from Switzerland, that settled there, claimed that the area reminded them of their homes, in Switzerland.

I was ready to get my "yodel" on, once we parked in the dirt parking lot/cow pasture.

"Hodl-Ay-EE-Dee! Ohh-dee-Ay! Ohh-dee-Ay!" (that would be my pathetic version of Yodelling)

Lori and I, partook of one of my favorite hobbies - people watching. It was a mecca of Swiss Maids, Lederhosen, and what I like to call certain humanoids..."Special Spirits".

"Look! A Swiss Maid eating a Navajo Taco!" The Swiss Day's people are not afraid to cross cultural boundaries when it comes to eating fried bread and taco meat!

Some of the Swiss Day's patrons shopped til they dropped. And some just "hung out". In more ways than one. I highly recommend the young lady below consider purchasing some of the much seen, Lederhosen suspenders.

Some of the festival's "Special Spirits" stuck out like a sore thumb. (above, right)

Are there female escorts in Swiss Days?

I'm sorry. I must repent. The guilt is eating me up inside. But you should have seen her from the front! Whoa!

Hmmmm... the commandment - Thou Shalt Not Judge, seems to have entered into my mind.

I was admiring the above festival go-er, (in all black), from behind. His tan, physique! His Broad shoulders, and bulging biceps! And then he turned around. "Arnold" turned out to be 50 times my age. Grandpa's got game!

Homeboy also came along for the Swiss Days festival. The highlight for him was riding on the shuttle bus.

Here he is in "bus heaven". Forget Christmas gifts! We'll catch a ride on the bus, instead!

"I widin' da bus!"

And here he is partially waving bye-bye to the bus and throwing a fit at the same time.

To sum things up... Swiss Days rocked! Many crafty items were purchased, the "people watching" was prime, and fun memories were made!

And I acquired an awkward stripe of sunburn on my upper chest due to my double chin providing much shade on my neck and a nice dirt-line on my feet. Yup, that's not all a tan-line on my foot, people! So gross.

The positives out-weigh the negatives

2010-09-09T14:21:00.006-06:00

When my Bishop first called me to be the Primary President for our ward, shock set in. I would say it was a good week, or so, until the shock began to subside. And then reality hit - "There is so much to do with this calling!" I bow down to ALL current Primary Presidents and to past Primary Presidents! I knew this calling would be challenging at times.

While the Bishop and his counselors were talking to me, I have to admit my mind began to wonder a bit. While I was experiencing my "out of body experience", I said a very, sincere, short, prayer to myself.

"Please Heavenly Father - please help Conner calm down by the time he becomes a Sunbeam and please don't let anything bad happen to any of the children."

My first request, was purely for selfish reasons. And I have to admit Heavenly Father did listen to my prayer. Homeboy seems to be improving. A little. I'll take any sort of improvement that comes my way.

The second part of my prayer was to protect my heart. If it were possible for me to take away any harm or pain that the children may endure, I would in a blink of an eye. The second I accepted this calling, my love for the children in our ward became instant. I don't know why I repeated that certain request, in my prayer. At the time, it was what I was feeling.

Over a week ago, on a Monday night, I was returning home after running some errands. I happen to look down at my phone and noticed a text. My husband texted me, asking if I knew a certain 7 year old girl in Primary. The text went on to say that life flight was requested for her. At that very moment I looked to my left and saw all of the lights in front of her home.

My heart did a "ker-plunk" and sank into my gut. Worry set in.

The following day, I learned most of the details and my friend and previous Primary President, Jennie, notified me that Lindsay returned to our Heavenly Father.

After our conversation I went to my bedroom, closed the door, dropped down to my knees, and cried. Hard.

I will miss seeing Lyndsay's sweet face in Primary. I know that whenever I look at a certain chair in Primary, I will always imagine her sitting there. But I am comforted in knowing that we will see Lyndsay again. And as one little girl said in her testimony last Sunday, "I know Lyndsay is having fun with Heavenly Father!"

There are positives and negatives with my calling. But without the negatives, the positives would not seem as sweet.

Every Sunday, as soon as the last child leaves the Primary room, I deflate like a balloon. It can be exhausting. But, later, when I examine how the day went, I always end up smiling.

Trying to fill every teaching, activity day, and cub scout position, can be challenging. I now have such admiration and love for everyone that serves in the Primary. Nursery leaders and all!

I'm thankful I'm in Primary at this time. If I had not had this calling, I would have never had the opportunity to place a "Reverence Butterfly" on Lyndsay's dress, and then seeing her face light up. Or for that matter, I would have never seen any of the other Primary children's smiles when the "Reverence Butterflies" visit them.

If I was not in this calling right now, I would not have had the opportunity to serve Lyndsay's family in the capacity that I had. I would not have felt the joy I have experienced this past week, when the Primary children and their families donated over $300 to help purchase something special for her family. The children donated over 2000 pennies!

If I was not in this calling now, my love for the children in our ward would not be nearly as deep as it is now, and will be, in the future.

Lyndsay loved butterflies. Last Sunday we had a special sharing and singing time. I told a story of a a caterpillar that turned into a beautiful monarch butterfly. The butterfly's miraculous change from a caterpillar, into a chrysalis, and finally into a butterfly, was compared to our eternal lives and returning to our Heavenly Father. I found a picture of some monarch butterflies, that immediately made me imagine Lyndsay returning to our Heavenly Father and joining her eternal family of butterflies.

So when it comes right down to it... the positives do out-weigh the negatives.

I want this!

2010-08-24T11:00:00.003-06:00

I want this machine.

I need this machine.

My life is not complete with out this machine.

I must have this machine!

Check it out.

SILHOUETTE MACHINE

2010-08-22T19:16:00.003-06:00

This last Wednesday our family had the opportunity to get away from it all! Hit the open road! Escape to the mountains! Smell the mountain air!

Well, actually, Steve had to help his brother repair the roof of a cabin that belongs to his wife's family. But still, in my mind, it was a nice get away. I'm easy to please.

Besides my husband's six pack and large pectoral muscle (a.k.a. - moobs...man/b*obs)that have always impressed me, deeply, his flexibility has also. Especially when he demonstrated his talent of doing the Chinese splits on our 3rd date. That was the moment that I knew I had to marry that man... and to be the mother of his children. There is just something so wrong, yet, so right about a grown man doing the Chinese splits.

I vow to someday take a picture of his marvelous gift!

Homeboy enjoyed our time away from home also! Check him out as he is deep in thought about his ride on the "fo-wheewer" with dad.

I've often wondered what it would be like if Homeboy had a little sister. Now I know.

His relationship with his younger cousin, Raegan, is a love/hate one. He is constantly asking me to take him to "Waegon's" and if he can call her. But then when you get them together...it's WWF wrestling man! Well, not quite. But, at times, a toy or two ends up being used as a weapon to bonk each other's heads. It's all good.

And speaking of bonking heads... I am sometimes tempted to bonk my husband's head. Not too hard. Just hard enough to knock some sense into his skull. That big, thick, stubborn, skull, of his.

My man is a genius.

He saw no need to strap down the four wheeler in the back of our truck.

To quote my genius, flexible, husband: "It'll be fine! It won't hit the window!"

He said this to me, as if my suggestion to strap the four wheeler down, was ridiculous! Silly man. Oh you silly, silly man.

Needless to say the trip home was interesting. It stormed 2/3 of the way home (from Wyoming - my home turf).

Little breezy.

Little loud.

OCD Tendencies - Pantry organization/coordinated/adjusted/ harmonized...you get the picture

2010-08-12T19:48:00.004-06:00

For the past month, my pantry has been the thorn in my right, gluteus maximus, quadrant. And let me emphasize - maximus.

It was being over-run by various can goods, cereal, and crap. Emphasize - crap. When Homeboy infiltrated every one of my kitchen cabinets and drawers, I threw the various kitchen items, which filled those cabinets and drawers, on to the very bottom and top shelves of my pantry. I was a desperate women at the time. Okay, I still am.

Please notice the "before" picture. A mish-mash of can goods, 18 cereal boxes, and service ware. Pastas were placed haphazardly on different shelves (which is criminal in my book), and jars of canned pie filling, that was from last century, were taking up significant space.

Now notice the "after" picture. A harmony of organization, sprinkled with some OCD tendencies.

Below are just a few items that were taking up space in my pantry. My collection of cook books, solidified Karo Syrup, and the hub's muscle, meal replacement, crap.

Okay, the cook book collection has gotten a little out of hand. I can hear you now, "A LITTLE, JEN?!?!?!" And the solidified Karo Syrup was stuck in the very back of a corner that has not seen daylight for 72 months. Poor neglected, disgusting, Karo Syrup. And the muscle, meal replacement crap... well those things just annoy me. We have 3, count them, 3 of those stupid, humongous, plastic, bottles. They are too big and oddly shaped. But I have to keep those things, cause the hubs likes to keep his manly, chiseled, shape.

(click on image, below, to get a close-up look at the solidified Karo Syrup. It's for entertainment purposes.)

I decided to go through all of my cook books and donated the ones that I have never used. One of the books that I just could not part with, was my binder from my Home Management class, that I took, when I attended RICKS college. Back in the stone ages. This binder contains all kinds of info! You want to learn how to can? It's in there. You want to learn some first aid? That's in there, also. And if you want to learn how to carve a melon into a swan...that's in there too. Cause I'm sure all of you want to learn how to carve melons. I threw out that section.

And then there was this mysterious cook book, below on the right. I have no idea how I obtained this cook book. Favorites From Our House to Yours. I have a question...whose house, exactly, is this from? And how about that snazzy, seventies-ish, fictitious, wood-grain, cover. Groovy.

It's one of those cook books that you receive from a family reunion, or your ward's Relief Society. However, I did not recognize anyone's names. The majority of the names included, Ethels, Marjories, an Agnes or two, and some Maudes.

Who are these master, mavens of meal planning?!?!?!?!

Sadly, I threw that book into the DI box also.

A lot of "experts" recommend emptying your entire pantry onto your counters, when you are cleaning and re-organizing it. I can't do this. It's too much chaos for me and I know I will begin to hyperventilate. So I worked on one shelf at a time.

I emptied the shelf and then wiped it clean.

Below are some pictures of my favorite organization tools that I used for my pantry.

Shelf liners - protects the shelf surface and much easier to keep clean. And check out the black and white shelf liner that I bought at Target. Cute!
Containers - containers are just plain awesome. They make me feel like Martha Stewart, you can put labels on them and they help preserve your food items.
Shelf Risers - they provide an extra surface to place pantry items and they help use un-used space. Love those things. I buy mine from Walmart. Cause Walmart is the land of cheap.
Baskets - The basket in my pantry holds my Scentsy square things, lighters, and other junk. Baskets are also great because they can hide your crap.
Label Maker - "Oh label maker... hallowed be thine name!" If I didn't fear the possibility of being institutionalized for labeling the items in the kitchen garbage can, I would.
Buckets - Good for food storage and I love the lids with the spin tops.

Tips for pantry bliss:

Place "like" items together - pastas and cereals together, baking items together, canned goods placed together. It provides for a cohesive environment!
Place heavy and large items on the bottoms shelf.
Place items that you do not use often, on the top shelf.
Throw away expired food items!
Donate your unused crap! It's a waste of space and energy.

Organizing and cleaning your pantry can save time and money! You will save time by not having to dig through unnecessary containers and the items will be easy to reach. It can help save money by you knowing what exactly you have in your pantry. Take my Karo Syrup, for example. I had three bottles of Karo Syrup! I had no idea I already had an opened bottle hiding behind some boxes of pasta! I'm a genius.

My challenge to all of you, except for Kim, (Kim already cleaned her pantry! She is an inspiration!) is to get cleaning, get chucking, and get organizing! And I promise that every time you open your pantry door, you will feel the merriment of pantry bliss!

Or is that just me, who feels that way?

I DidThis!

2010-08-03T13:10:00.005-06:00

Remember about a month ago when I announced to everyone (the few people that read my blog) that I was going to be better at keeping my blog updated? No? Well, let me remind you...

Quote: "I've decided to challenge myself to return to my old blogging frequency!"

Gag.

Okay, so maybe I haven't exactly returned to my old blogging frequency. I'm a busy woman now! And I've been on a diet. I have not had any form of a cookie, cupcake, ice cream, or Dr. Pepper in the last three weeks. The first week was brutal! My husband was seriously considering performing an exorcism on me. I'm sure there were moments when my head spun around 360 degrees, and I spewed green, pea, soup from my mouth. It was an ugly moment for me.

So let me, instead of promising to update my blog every week...

How about I just promise to update my blog on a regular basis? Work for you? Works for me!

So anyhoo...

There have been alot of babies born lately! Two of my friends just gave birth to adorable, squishable, bundles of love! It's those moments when I gawk at the cuteness of these sweet babes, that crazy thoughts enter my head and my uterus begins to twitch.

I made one blanket for my friend, Holly's baby boy, and I loved it! It was so much fun to make. Unfortunately, I did not take a picture of it. Stupid me. I appliqued a little cowboy boot on the front of it! Homeboy kept asking me, "Dat's my blankie? Dat's my blankie?" I would tell him "no" and that it was for a new baby boy. He just scowled at me. He's just jealous.

My friend Chelsea just had a baby girl and whenever I can sew anything girlish, I jump on that like a fly to potato salad. I have no idea what that means. I just made it up.

I've been itchin' to make something with ruffles and gathers, so I decided to put both in this blanket.

Okay, so can you just die?!?! "Why must the Gods torture me with such cuteness!?!?!"

Here's a close up of the cuteness.

And it even looks good, folded up!

The blankets turned out nearly as cute as the babies! Okay not even close. The babies are sooooo much cuter!

(sigh)

I wonder if I should....?

Never mind, Homeboy just flooded the toilet.

OCD Tendencies - I hate hardwater stains!

2010-07-20T19:12:00.009-06:00

Being from Wyoming, land of rough and tough Cowboys, er... and the mighty antelope, one would think that the water that us Wyoming-ites cleaned, bathed, and consumed, would be harsh and abrasive. Heck our men are tough, their trucks are tough, our land is tough, our winter's are tough, and our women can be tough! (I would not be considered one of "those" women. I would be considered somewhat of a wimp. However, I am not scared of spiders).

Back in the day, before my little hometown built a fancy-schmancy water plant place/facility, our town would have to boil our water and drink store boughten water, every spring during the run-off. Our town wasn't capable of filtering the water during the spring run-off and you would find interesting things spewing from our faucets. For example: jewelery, dirt, plant material, rocks, and various other crap. Now that's tough! I'm pretty sure at least one fellow Wyoming-ite caught a rough case of some intestinal sickness now and then during the run-off. Yikes.

Curse you hard water stains! (shaking fist up at the heavens)

Yup, I thought our water was tough also. One would never feel slimy while showering and when we cleaned our bathrooms and the kitchen sink areas, they came clean and shiny with a little water and your typical household cleaners. No spots, just shine.

Yup, it was tough alright...but then I moved to Utah! Land of green jello, LDS folk, and "Oh my hecks". I have seen bathtubs, here in Utah, that have such bad hard water stains, you can actually exfoliate your bum, on the bottom of the tubs! My bum has never been so baby soft and pore free, ever. I'm talking, sandpaper, people!

For the longest time, I could not figure out why my shower doors, toilets, dishes, etc. would NOT come clean. Oh, and I would clean, alright! Constantly. You know me, I'm a freak when it comes to cleaning. What the crap! I cleaned my toilets every other day and was still finding an ugly ring of ick forming inside of the bowl. Like I said, "What the crap?!?!" Never, did I experience this ugly phenomenon while living in Wyoming. Land of sheep and sage brush.

Um, clean much? And no, this is NOT my toilet.

About two weeks ago, I attended a girl dinner party. No boys allowed! Subjects discussed that night were: child birth, PMS, husbands, church callings, diets, and hard water stains. Just your typical subjects.

Over the years I have battled hard water stains and here are some tips and tricks that you can try.

One of my favorite products, that I use to clean my showers and tubs are the Magic Erasers - Walfart brand. "Oh Magic Eraser! Oh how I love thee!" I have heard ladies stress about the possibility of the Magic Erasers scratching their faucets. And I say, "ladies" because my husband has never stressed over the hard water stains in our shower. Personally, I haven't had this problem, but it could just depend on your fixtures.

The most difficult area that I have battled hard water stains, is my shower. Everyday those wretched stains, stare you right in the face. Annoying you. Taunting - you. Oh yes,taunting! Instead of relaxing and shaving my pits, I would find myself scraping hard water stains with my fingernails.

In the past I have tried to clean hard water stains with the system below.

Mix some vinegar with some baking soda to make a paste. Then I coat my fixtures with the paste and scrub with a Magic Eraser. Then let it sit for a while. Rinse with water.

Tah-dah! The results were favorable and it did help with the stains. (see 2 pics below) However, I am still finding some stubborn stains. And quite frankly, I just don't want to make a paste every time I clean my shower. It's a long process and kinda messy.

Another product that I have used is Lime Away. It does work and I especially like it for the faucets. For shower heads, fill a plastic baggie full of the Lime Away and place faucet inside of the baggie. Secure it by wrapping the baggie with a rubber band. Let it soak then rinse. But remember to turn on the fan, open a window, wear gloves, gas mask, and your hasmat suit, whenever cleaning with this product. Holy crap the fumes!

While investigating other solutions to my on-going hard water dilemma, I read about some people using the products below.

Who would've thunk it?

I sprayed each product on my shower wall and faucet, scrubbed with a green scrubby and found that the Goo Gone actually worked pretty good on my faucet. The Pledge, not so much. But the Goo Gone did work better than the vinegar/baking soda paste.

But I gotta tell ya... the best product that I have found to clean hard water stains is a product called Bar Keepers Friend. It's used to clean your stainless steel sinks, etc. Scrub the area/s with a damp sponge, or in my case - Magic Eraser, wipe with paper towel then follow it with cleaning with Windex.

After using this product, I swear I heard the heavens open and angels descend upon my shower and sing melodious, harmonies!

Some other products and ideas that I'm dying to try are: SOS Pads (I'm a little leery of this. Afraid of the whole "scratching" thing), Oxi Clean Versatile (I love anything Oxi Clean!), WD-40 and steel wool (hmmmmm...), Cook top cleaners, Spot-X Hard Water Stain Spot Remover (see pic below. I read RAVE reviews about this product. You can purchase it at Home Depot).

Now as for my shower doors... that's another story. Stupid hard water! Stupid iron and calcium deposits!

If you click on the images below you can get up close and personal with my shower door.

I read about wiping your glass shower door with window cleaner (Windex) and a dryer sheet. Totally did NOT work. Although, my door did smell April fresh!

What worked best, you ask? Bar Keepers Friend - my friend. To prevent those nasty hard water stains, spray your shower/tub/etc. with Rain-X. Yup, the stuff you put in your car that squirts on your windshield. It helps the water to just bead off. I've also heard of rubbing car wax on the surfaces to prevent hard water stains.

As for my "ring around" the toilet problem, I tried EVERYTHING. Pastes, lemon juice, Lime Away, scrubbing hard, cussing, repenting for my cussing, and then praying. Nothing worked. It was the bain of my existence. I was so fearful of visitors thinking that my family had some serious intestinal issues (if you know what I mean?). Then, years ago, I overheard a lady in Deseret Book Store talking about using a pumice stone to clean her toilet bowels. "What the hay?" I had never heard of such nonsense! Using a stone to scrape your toilets clean. But I was desperate, and it was worth a try. And after much sweat and elbow grease, it worked! Now I continue to use a pumice stone on a regular basis to clean the toilets. And no longer do I worry about visitors questioning our diet (if you know what I mean.)

* tip * squirt a little liquid dish washing soap (Dawn, etc.) in your dishwasher soap dispenser and rinse deposit thing to prevent hard water stains on your dishes. But becareful if you have a water softener - this could create an excessive amount of bubbles!

Summer Fun

2010-07-09T09:34:00.009-06:00

Awwwww, summer!

Summer is, vegetable gardens.

Summer is, family and friend barbecues!

Summer is, flowers blooming.

Summer is, flip flops in all kinds of colors and designs.

Summer is, the 4th of July and parades!

Summer is, sprinklers and kids running through them.

...and summer is, your kid stripping naked on your front lawn so that all of the neighbors, ward members, innocent children, and dogs, passing by, could see ALL of his business.