The Sadleirs

We Heart this Holiday...

2012-02-06T16:23:00.000-08:00

Every year my kids get excited to make special valentines for their friends. I am so happy that they ALL still want to participate in this happy day by passing out valentines! I am also happy that they love the creative side of it and want to get pictures taken and help me come up with the best valentine. This year, as we were putting these together, I couldn't help but realize that each one was different and yet showed off their personality perfectly!

Bailey wanted to pass out the glow bracelets for her Valentine! I just bought the bracelets {15 for $1.00} and we also went to Home Depot and grabbed a bunch of pretty paint color samples to punch out hearts. Super easy to assemble.

Caitlin was even easier - we just attached the starburst to a heart and stuck it on her picture!

Maddie's is so funny and I love the face she is making. I made her do that funny face and than also a cute one. That girl is rockin her smile now that the braces are off! For hers, we just took a bunch of pictures with Maddie holding her hand out and smiling. Than we attached the Nerds to make it look like she is holding them up.

parker saw these bouncy balls at Target and knew that this was what he wanted to share. We just popped them in a small cellophane bag and attached it to his picture!

I even got the chance to make and order some of my own for those we love!

Brace Face no more!

2012-02-02T20:06:00.000-08:00

As my girls would say...."Awww..Change is good!"

New Beginnings Football style!

2012-01-31T21:06:00.000-08:00

I love our programs in the church for the youth - especially the young women! Now that I have two girls of my own in YW's I am especially thankful for the many wonderful leaders that are over my girls. They give great lessons, have the cutest handouts {that we all totally love} and they go the extra mile to make the girls feel special and to help develop their testimonies.

We went to New Beginnings the other night and the football theme was just amazing! They put time energy and creativity into planning this night and it doesn't go unnoticed!

The Concession stand had nachos, popcorn, licorice, sodas....the Works!

The girls and the Ref AKA Bishop Konold

I finally got with the Facebook Program!

2012-01-30T19:08:00.000-08:00

I am so excited that I have my business on Facebook - so genius! It will be much easier to get the word out and post photos! Will you do me a favor and Please LIKE my Facebook page?

Just GO HERE and Like it - I am also having a giveaway once I reach 250 likes than I will pick one of my Likers to win a free photo shoot {a $200 value}....so get the word out for me, will you? Thanks Thanks and Thanks again!

Just Dance 3 saved my life!

2012-01-29T00:01:00.000-08:00

Bailey's birthday party was the easiest party I have ever given. All I needed to do was put together the party favors, make some little cupcakes and munchies, and turn on Just dance 3. The girls took care of the rest! I actually got to sit down and just enjoy them dancing, laughing and having fun together! I love parties like that!

Celebrating Bailey!

2012-01-22T20:03:00.000-08:00

Oh how we love this little girl! she was really celebrated this weekend! grandma Sue took her to the mall to pick out a new outfit....Grandma Diane took her to lunch

and gave her some pretty cool gifts!

She got Kit ...hopefully the last American Girl doll for a while! She sure loves those dolls a lot!

She has been begging for forever to get her ears pierced so we took her yesterday!

She didn't even flinch when they pierced her ears!

We ended the night with both grandparents at Grandma and Grandpa Sadleir's house for Bailey's birthday dinner and can't forget the cake!

She is loved!

9

2012-01-22T08:10:00.000-08:00

This sweet girl turns 9 today! It truly breaks my heart to see her grow so fast! She has got to be hands down the sweetest kid you will ever come across. She doesn't like fighting or contention - she is quite the peacemaker in our home! I can always count on Bailey to help out in any situation - she is there for me! Here are 9 other reasons why I love this little...ahem ...I mean big girl!

1. She is always happy and wakes with a smile on her face.

2. She is absolutely in love with her dog Juicy and can be seen carrying her everywhere she goes.
3. She loves dolls - my other two girls were not into them quite the same way she is.
4. She has many friends - going back to the whole "she is so nice" part.
All the mom's of her little friends say the same thing
that she is so sweet and fun to have in their home.
5. She loves her grandparents. She is one of those kids that will constantly walk up to them hug and squeeze them and say she loves them!
6. Bailey never forgets her manners. I love hearing her talk to other adults and being so polite.
7. Bailey loves looking cute and dressing up!
8. She loves her little brother. He can be a total pain for her at times and yet she still will be the first one to give up her seat in the car or share a treat to make him happy.
9. She is the total package bundled into a small child and we are so happy that she is ours!
Happy Birthday Bailey!

what do ya know.....

2012-01-20T09:11:00.000-08:00

I had no idea that my blog could just disappear and yet that is what happened..for about a week at least! I seriously thought {for a second} that may be that would be okay and life would still go on! BUT....than I wouldn't have the history of the day to day events that make life great and bring a smile to my face. Also, I got so many kind emails, texts and facebook messages wondering where in the heck my little old blog had gone -

so we are back in business and still living a fast paced crazy life!

12-Week Training Schedule

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Tue

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Week 1

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3 miles

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Week 12

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2 miles

13.1 miles!

This has been my life the last couple of weeks! I can do it...I can do it....

I have to keep telling myself this!

I still don't quite have the body to show for it! But, it is on the Bucket List and I am looking forward to doing the race! I am going to run with my sisters and some friends....so I need to get in shape yesterday!

My girls are looking forward to New Beginnings...who wouldn't with these type of invites? I remember my leaders growing up and they always went the extra mile to make everything memorable! Caitlin and Maddie's leaders are

definitely doing the same thing and I am so grateful!

Speaking of being creative, I am super obsessed with photoshop and all things that ErinCondren.com make. I am telling you - if there were a

professional present wrapping job available - I would sign up!

The cute little skinny girl that we are standing with is the owner of Sprinkles cupcakes! She was so sweet and told us her rags to riches story of making it big...with cupcakes! After we met her, we went to lunch and talked about how come we can't

think of something like her and make it big!

But...then I get home and realize that these are my glory moments right now! I found my two little ones with our little neighbor making forts on the side of the house complete with blankets, water bottles and Cheezits! Making it big will have to sit on the sidelines for now!

Parker got to go fishing all by himself with Grandpa - who taught him all about casting the line! Parker loved every minute of it!

My father-in-law took these pictures and I love them!

We sure love having a boy and all the fishy stuff that comes with it!

Parker "Moves like Jagger!"

2012-01-07T20:51:00.000-08:00

Parker "Mick Jagger" from Bart Sadleir on Vimeo.

There are no words!

Christmas extras!

2012-01-07T16:20:00.000-08:00

I was going through my pictures to make a DVD for our family of the past year in 2011!

Every year, I love putting all of our photos to music and sitting down as a family and reflecting on all the great memories and fun things that we have done together.

I also love how many things would have gone forgotten

if they hadn't been captured and photographed!

I found quite a few pictures from the last couple of weeks that made me smile -

the holiday break was much needed!

One day I found way too many bananas laying around and so I made banana bread....we even took some down to Bart's office to surprise him - he loved that!

Parker has been jamming out lately to Smurf dance for the Wii - seriously - "Who Let the Smurf's Out" is one of our favorites!

We love visiting with Grandpa Patton. Bailey sewed and handmade a hot pad for Grandpa to use on his back or neck. Bart warmed it up for him in the microwave and he kept talking about it and said how good he felt using it. Bailey was beaming!

Caitlin went to the big Multi-stake New Year's Eve dance and met a couple of really cute boys there! Oh, how I loved picking her up at midnight and checking out the guys and girls as they came out of the church building! I live way too vicariously through her! {It's so fun!]

Coronado!

2012-01-04T16:57:00.000-08:00

My mom was able to reserve some cottages on the beach in Coronado for a few days and all of my sisters and their families met up so we could spend some time together before Winter break came to an end! We had such a great time and it was hard to believe that we were hanging out at the beach in January - the weather was beautiful! Nothing beats

Christmas time in San Diego with our mid-70 degree temps!

The places we stayed in were literally right on the beach and the kids loved playing games in the sand and being by the water - collecting sea shells and chasing seagulls!

One of the best days was when The Sandcastle Man came to the beach. My parents hired him to spend three hours with the kids, teaching them how to properly build a sandcastle. He brought all the supplies and than we split them up into groups and they made their own sand creations.

The pictures don't even do justice for how cool their castles looked!

That night everyone went out to eat at Fandango's mexican restaurant....

and than we walked to Hotel Del to see the lights!

The kids loved playing games together at night!

The adults got to go bike riding around the island and we had fun popping wheelies, no hands and basically acting like Goonies on bikes!

Coronado sure is beautiful!

The adults also snuck away the last night and went to a strip club - a steak strip club I might add - where you cook and grill your own meat!

We played telephone while we waited for the food....

We also took "couples" shots!

The food was amazing!

Thank you mom and dad for such an amazing trip!

I already wish we were back there soaking in the sun and relaxing together!

Christmas - Sadleir Style!

2011-12-30T11:20:00.000-08:00

We spent Christmas this year with Bart's side of the family and it never disappoints - we only wish that Bart's brother Ryan and his family could have been with us as well. I love this time of year and I am also so sad at how fast it seems to go by. I already have my mind on Valentines Day {scary, but true!} Darn Pinterest!

Well, here is Christmas and what went down!

Christmas Eve!

Christmas Morning!

Christmas morning at Grandma and Grandpa's!

Sue's making her famous orange rolls!

Everybody hanging out and getting ready for church services!

The grandparents that make it all happen!

My family minus me! Someone has to take the picture!

The Lyon's

The Bentley's

On Monday we went down to Coronado - we watched the ice skating and a sand castle builder.

The lobby inside the Hotel Del was beautiful and fully decorated for Christmas!

The kids always have fun at Belmont Park!

We also have some serious bowlers!

We can't thank Rod and Sue enough for making this a special Christmas full of memories!

We love our families!

oh Darlin'

2011-12-28T16:08:00.000-08:00

The little cousins with their matching shirts just made their first youtube music video!

They are hoping it goes viral! Sooo cute!

It all started with a hike!

2011-12-24T18:38:00.000-08:00

We told the kids that we had a surprise for them...but they had to go hiking to find out what it was. They went [reluctantly} with the promise that we would only hike up 1 mile and than hike back. As we reached the mile marker on the mountain, Bart handed them an envelope that said, Surprise on the front of it. When they opened it, to their great dismay, it said that they needed to hike up the rest of the mountain. That is when they belly hooting and complaining began. We walked a little ways and than Bart handed them the next envelope which read that we could go back down the mountain followed by another surprise envelope that said what are these used for? and they unwrapped some hotel room keys! By this time, they were totally confused! It was awesome - we ran home, packed out bags and we were off.

One of our kids kept taking pictures after Bart thought they were done!

We went to stay at the Rancho Bernardo Inn - which can only best be described as an "Old Beverly Hills looking type hotel. It was Beautiful! They had huge pine trees and each one was decorated differently. It just smelled of Christmas!

When we got checked in and went to our room, the kids each found a stuffed animal, some S'more kits and a gingerbread house filled with goodies!

They couldn't believe - neither could we!

We walked around the Inn and took plenty of pictures as we went. The place just seemed a magical place to be for Christmas.

They had a large Real Gingerbread house - even the windows were made out of sugar. I took a picture of all the ingredients that went into making this house. crazy!

They also had carolers singing Christmas songs throughout the night. The kids went to storybook telling time and they read the Night Before Christmas1 It was totally interactive with sound effects and mice, and windows opening. Loved it!

Next, we went to visit Santa and each family got a 5x7 picture printed up to take home with them.

My favorite part was waiting for the kids in the ballroom. Each child was given a huge gingerbread cookie complete with bags of candy and tons of frosting to decorate with. I loved watching the kids eyes light up as they saw the room. They also had never ending hot chocolate and homemade cookies, like snickerdoodles and chocolate chip.

To end off the night the kids threw on their swimsuits and got in the pool as the christmas lights around the hotel synchronized flashes of color to the christmas music that was playing.

The next morning we had a giant feast of a breakfast and the kids kept saying that they never wanted to leave. I was right there with them! I am hoping this will be one tradition that we can keep coming back to year after year!

Control Freak walks away!

2011-12-22T21:34:00.000-08:00

Who is the control freak? That would be me! I have such a desire to make my children do things the way I want them done, that sometimes if not many times, I get in the way of their own creativity! So...I decided to walk away today and let them at it. they first tried their hands at Gingerbread houses. oh if you only knew how hard it was to not offer my two cents worth of advice on how to decorate the roof, or what to put on the walls. They obviously did just great without me!

I also taught them how to make felt poinsettias. Parker got right at it and made a funky poinsettia all his own. The other girls made hair clips, a hair bow for a baby in our ward, and flowers to put on top of presents. Today was so much more fun that watching TV and playing the Wii and my control freak self took a back seat...and everything still turned out fine! I might admit better, because they were happy creating and being imaginative.

Christmas dinner!

2011-12-21T19:34:00.000-08:00

Tonight there are only two options:

Take it or leave it folks!

Cookies {Thanks Jacobsen's and Quinn's} or....

yummy pull apart sweet bread! {Thanks Shoff's}

I know one boy who will be joining me...

Sights of Christmas!

2011-12-21T17:57:00.000-08:00

It is definitely getting closer to Christmas day! I love heading to the mailbox each day and finding so many cards from friends and family that I miss so much!

I especially love it when there are so many cards that they no longer fit on our front door and they spill onto the cupboards in the kitchen!

I love this silly little dog that will let me put Santa's hats on her

and dress her up for every Season!

Love these Black Hunter boots!

This chartreuse skirt is too die for!

I know...crazy and silly but it would be the ultimate in warmth,

and I think it's way cuter than a snuggly!

I also have been putting together a little list for Santa...because Mom's are still really good girls, right? They deserve some fun under the tree! I might just be whispering these little things into Santa's helper's ear AKA sweet hubby while he is sleeping peacefully at night!

Thanks Santa.... you are the best!

It snowed once again.....

2011-12-21T08:54:00.000-08:00

This time at Legoland!

It snowed!

2011-12-20T09:51:00.000-08:00

Well...not really...but the kids loved it and so we won't tell them that it was manufactured and brought in to a small area of Sea World to sled on!

Just look at these faces....they really loved the "Snow" in San Diego!

The Foss Family A.K.A. My favorite peeps!

2011-12-18T17:38:00.000-08:00

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this family so much - Cara is the mastermind to many a beautiful thing that I have been the lucky recipient of over the years! When I told her about this tire rim wheel wall, she was totally up for it! With three boys of her own, I knew this was the perfect location! She supplied the vintage Christmas lights as a backdrop and the rest just worked! Look at those colors that they have going on! Perfect family I tell you!

I was so glad she was ok with the boys jumping on this old beat up seat ripped out of a van!

They may need to get their TB tests updated...or at the very least some serious antibacterial!

And just in case you think we are all business on these photo shoots....

The Foss Family = Fun!!!

I love you guys!

White elephant Night!

2011-12-18T17:21:00.000-08:00

The Quinn's held their annual, never to be disappointed, White Elephant Christmas party!

The hats and the mask that my guy won were a huge hit!

Reindeer Bark makes an appearance again!

2011-12-18T17:11:00.000-08:00

This stuff is too good not to make every year!

I literally eat chunks of it and than give what's left to those I love!

The recipe can be found HERE!

I Need a Silent Night!

2011-12-18T16:56:00.000-08:00

This year for our Sugar cookie Christmas party, I let the kids each invite two friends to come over and they were asked to bring a new unopened toy that we could than donate to the Children's Hospital!

Their friends came and they delivered on the toys...and I think they had fun as well.

I made batches of sugar cookies and also gingerbread men! The kids were a little surprised when they realized my gingerbread men were missing arms, legs and heads. [Cutest cookie cutters ever!}

I was laughing over the mounds of sprinkles that went on top of the boy's cookies!

The older girls had fun decorating a gingerbread house!

I was in LOVE with the cute snacks and treats that I found at Cost-plus!

Like the Icicle Cheetos and the Santa Frosty sodas!

The drinks were a big hit!

These were the party favors. I just filled the gingerbread houses with Christmas candy!

Death of a gingerbread boy by Blue cream soda!

I am sure this was Parker's doing!

The after show!

One thing checked off......

2011-12-18T11:30:00.000-08:00

We got our acts together among all the hustle and bustle of taking other people's pictures {which I love] I had my family get with the program and follow suit - not an easy task to get everyone ready...but soo worth it!

The finished product should be in the mail!

Real men wear ugly mid-riff Christmas sweaters and a glowing lightbulb necklace!

2011-12-16T11:45:00.000-08:00

They do, I promise!

Here is the proof!

Work it!

Setting a good example for the only son!

Good luck today Bart!

Christmas tree cupcakes and Santa's House!

2011-12-16T05:23:00.000-08:00

Have any of you ever been on Bakerella's website?

Oh my.....the stuff that lady can create is amazing!

Well, I was looking around the other day at all of her goodies and came across the cutest

ice cream cone turned Christmas tree cupcakes and I knew I had to make them!

You take the candy canes and break off the cane part so it makes a straight stick. Melt some white chocolate and dip the cones into them. Than sand them with sanding sugar, I also added some little sprinkle candies for the ornaments. Let that dry on wax paper.

While that is drying and doing its thing, you make the cupcakes and frost them with a tinted pink frosting. I then swirled them into pink sanding sugar and popped the candy cane into the middle of the cupcake. to anchor the little tree, I put some marshmallow on the end of the candy cane and stuck the tree on top. This will ensure that it stays in place.

Aren't those soo cute? I love them!

We took the kids to meet the cousins for the annual santa House. The Huish family is just amazing that they open their house to anyone and everyone. My kids look forward to the hot chocolate and the free Present from Santa every year.

Santa is the best!

It's also always fun to bump into friends that you weren't expecting to see! I love that!

The whole happy family - minus Jill and Meggy!

Nothing like Cabo when you're turning 40!

2011-12-15T07:04:00.000-08:00

Every year since Bart can remember his birthdays have not been very "fun!" First of all, his birthday falls in the middle of December and we are always so busy with a million Holiday/Christmas parties that his birthday gets a little over shadowed!

Don't get me wrong - he doesn't ask for much and in fact, he is total opposite his wife - who wants attention and grand surprises! Ha! My 40th will forever be memorable - I will never understand how he pulled it off! Whenever I am filling down, I just look at these pictures and realize I have great friends and family and one Amazing husband! So, if you can imagine, I wanted to do the same thing for him! But, he being different, didn't want all the attention and hoopla! For him, just being with me and the kids is a present itself.

So...this year, we headed down to Cabo San Lucas to celebrate my younger husband turning 40! It was seriously one of the best vacations we have ever had. Just the birthday boy and myself and the kids were home in great hands with Grandparents.

We really did it all - there was tennis, massages, snorkeling, the pools, boat rides, beach swimming, amazing food {which we seem to always be partaking of} and my favorite the Pina Colada - I could not get enough of those blasted drinks! I having some serious with drawls right about now! We really loved each and every day there and now Bart has set a new standard for where he would like to be each year on his birthday! Of course, I will obligingly have to go with him, right?

The rooms were beautiful!

This was one of the three pools!

This was the view from where we ate breakfast each morning!

We ate guacamole every day!

I think that not a day went by without eating shrimp and drinking pina coladas!

We just so happened to be at the same hotel as some of the current Survivor contestants and so we had fun making them feel like celebrities and getting our pictures together! They really were very nice and a lot of fun to talk to!

We had a great boat ride over to see Land's End, Lover's Beach and the arch!

We also had a lot of fun trying out one of Bart's birthday presents... an underwater camera!

The whale slide was a must - even for the 40 year olds!

I love my Birthday Boy!

Instead of a traditional birthday cake, Bart got an amazing cinnamon "Nacho plate" complete with fresh strawberries, kiwi, chocolate syrup and vanilla ice cream!

Until next time....Te Amo Cabo!

December Nights, December Lights!

2011-12-09T00:03:00.001-08:00

Woohoo - the choir performance went off without a htich! We were really scared there for a while about how well they knew their singing parts, their speaking parts, hand motions, instruments and all the rest...but they did it! it was a great night and I can't wait to do it all again come spring!

Santa, snowman Donuts and the Shoff's!

2011-12-07T20:25:00.001-08:00

I took my two little ones to go see Santa and he was awesome! Only problem happened when he told Bailey she could plan on seeing an American Girl under the tree - after four American Girl dolls we are done for a while! This might just be the year that Santa magic dies for Bailey! She kept telling me that Santa would deliver no matter what I said! That darn Santa!!

I just got the assignment to teach seminary and I LOVE it - I don't sleep much anyway so it is the perfect calling for me! bUT - - - we are in the Old Testament and I need all the help I can get - Leviticus is tough!

So....I made these cute little snowmen donuts {Thank you forever to Pinterest} for my kids - they actually tie in with my lesson tomorrow! I kind of forced them to tie in, if you know what I mean.

The best part - while I was making them, my kids were occupied by one of the many cute Christmas programs that are playing on TV right now!

Made it so much easier than to hear their whines about why they can't have donuts for breakfast!

I have also been taking many photos of darling families. I just finished the Shoff's pictures and there were so many cute ones! I look forward to seeing all of the Christmas cards!

That frame is never disappointing!

Gorgeous Family!

I LOVE how this picture turned out!

Look at those faces! I love it!

Tomorrow brings another photo shoot with big balloons and a wicker settee - I am so excited!

I also have my big choir performance tomorrow night and to pack for Mexico - we are heading there for Bart's 40th birthday! I can't even imagine getting to that point where we are actually on vacation away from it all!

My boy is home from Australia...

2011-12-04T21:14:00.001-08:00

and this is seriously what came out of his suitcase!

We are all very happy about that...if you have ever had a Crunchie you would know what I am talking about! {Right Annie?} My mouth waters just thinking about it!

Who has time for sleep in December?

2011-12-02T15:42:00.001-08:00

I don't! I seriously live on about 4 hours each night and here is why....by the way...I am NOT complaining! I love this month, but boy does it sure get busy!

We officially started one of the kids favorite traditions the countdown to Christmas! They love those little chocolate advent calendars more than any other cute thing I have bought or tried...so we are keeping it simple!

I love my house at Christmas time! We finally pulled out the Christmas decorations and eight huge rubber maid totes later...we had the place decorated!

Before Bart left for Australia, he got the Christmas tree up. My kids love when the house is decorated and the tree is trimmed. So do I!

Our great friends the Moberly's came to town and so we loved seeing them and getting together.

My kids would be a whole lot happier if they were back in San Diego.

I have been trying to get our Christmas card out this year before Valentine's Day and I still have so many addresses to find. My favorite part of each day in December is heading to the mailbox to collect Christmas cards - the best!!!

This really speaks for itself but when you have all five sisters together with their mother and a shopping spree {Thanks Mom} this is what the back of that mother's car looks like.

I just wish I would have gotten a picture with all of us together holding those bags!

If anyone knows me, baking is a must during the holidays and these little Candy Cane Thumbprints are Delish!

Here is the recipe:

Candy CaneThumbprints

2/3 C. Butter,softened
½ C. Sugar
¼ Tsp. salt
1 Egg
1 Tsp. Vanilla
1 ½ C. Flour

Peppermint Filling:
¼ C. butter, softened
¼ Tsp. Peppermintextract
1 ½ C. Powdered Sugar
2-3 Tsp. Milk

Crushed candy Canes

Beat butter for 30seconds. Beat in sugar and salt until combined; scrape bowl. Beat in egg andvanilla. Beat in flour. Cover; chill for at least 1 hour or until dough is firmenough to handle. Preheat oven to 375 and shape dough into 1 inch balls. Placeballs 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes oruntil cookies are lightly browned around the edges. Remove from oven and make asmall indentation in the center of each cookie using the bowl of a smallmeasuring spoon. Transfer cookiesto a wire rack and let cool. Just before serving, fit a decorating bag withpeppermint filling into the center of each cookie. Sprinkle the top withcrushed candy canes. Makes about 3 dozen.

For peppermintfilling, Beat the butter for 30 seconds. Beat in peppermint extract. Graduallybeat in powdered sugar. Beat in enough milk to create piping consistency.
Optional to add atouch of red food coloring to color the peppermint filling.

I also found these darling little baking bread trays and made yummy banana bread

to pass out to the neighbors!

I am still teaching choir at the elementary school and the big night time performance is creeping up. I love working with the kids and teaching them music and I really love decorating and transforming the school for our musical.

My other great love is getting the chance to photograph so many cute families and help them prepare for the Christmas card craziness! But, that leaves many sleepless nights! Again, not complaining as it truly is a passion of mine!

I just keep thinking of what still has to happen that I haven't

even mentioned - maybe I will sleep in January?

I am thankful for Family!

2011-11-29T10:11:00.001-08:00

My kids were dying to make sugar cookies and since I had just purchased a turkey and leaf cookie cutter from William Sonoma, we got right to it!

As you can see, they had no problem dousing them with sprinkles!

We spent Thanksgiving this year with my family and Jen hosted the dinner at her house! She did it up right with darling decor, fattening treats and so much food, we all wished for expandable pants!

Liz made the cutest sugar cookies - now that is what I call decorating the right way!

The kids played and danced and swang and laughed!

Look at that cute 88 year old man dancing to Just Dance 3!

I love my family!

We ended the night with everyone together going around the room and saying what they were most thankful for! We would all agree that family made the top of the list!

What were we thinking?

2011-11-24T14:02:00.000-08:00

Knotts Berry Farm the day before Thanksgiving = Craziness!

But, at least the kids had fun - they didn't even notice the crowds,

the long lines and the masses of people!

Sometimes I wish I was a kid!

We are Thankful!

2011-11-23T00:30:00.000-08:00

Tonight we had our family Thanksgiving dinner complete with Turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potato fries

{Caitlin made those} and glazed carrots.

We also wrote what we were thankful

for on leaves for our thankful tree.

Parker ended up writing that he was thankful

for Jesus and Pokemon cards.

The biggest hit of the night was when I brought out the Glazed turkey AKA ice cream cake turkey from Baskin Robbins! Isn't that just the cutest cake you have ever seen? I loved it! We enjoyed dessert with the Quinn's

and that turkey was gone in no time!

Caramel Apples and a silly Boy!

2011-11-22T09:29:00.000-08:00

I love making caramel apples - they tend to be a labor of love but so worth the effort.

I also found these darling little caramel apple boxes to put them in to deliver to friends and teachers.

You can get them here!

But, it is super easy to make these caramel apples. You will need a good size apple, some caramel, crunched up Oreos, snickers, M&M's, and melting chocolate!

once you have washed and dried your apple, mold the caramel around it, and than I like to pop it in the oven at 200 degrees for about 3-5 minutes. This makes the caramel more pliable to work with.

I than add the candy, cookies, to the bottom part of my apple and melt some chocolate to drizzle on top.

Once it has hardened a bit, I stick them in the clear apple boxes and they are ready to eat or deliver!

If you think I have peace and quiet music playing while the children quietly read a book or play a puzzle...think again!

Parker was busy playing dress up with Bailey's skirt and just begging to have a "photo shoot" so this is what went on during the apple making process...

Enjoy the show!

I know I did!

I have so many bribery photos to hold against this kid...it's awesome!

getaway...

2011-11-15T23:58:00.000-08:00

We took a small but fun getaway with the kids to Del Mar and stayed at the Winner's Circle resort {Thanks Grandma and Grandpa} We had a great time at the beach,

watching movies and lazying it up at the spa.

Much needed time away!

Christmas special!

2011-11-13T16:58:00.000-08:00

11/11/11!!

2011-11-11T17:58:00.000-08:00

Today at 11:11 am on 11/11/11 I took a picture/s of what I was doing/wrapping/holding - following me still?

I had just finished wrapping my third gift because November has some pretty awesome birthdays! My little sisters Meg and Liz have a birthday today - Happy 30-something Birthday little sisters!

Also, I was holding this beautiful baby girl on my lap and had just settled her into her bassinet - NO I don't have a new addition, although the desire to have a baby in my arms is always there! We got to babysit for a cute little couple in our ward while they celebrated their anniversary! Bring her back any time you want - we Loved every minute with her!!!

Than, sometime after that I had a conversation with Caitlin that went like this:

"Mom, do you know where Parker is?'

Me: No, why?

Caitlin: Well, Janel [her friend} just facebooked me and she said that she passed Parker out on the corner of our street begging for money!

Me: Whhhhaaaaattttt? I don't understand.

Caitlin: Go look for yourself!

So I did and this is what I came upon - he had such a great act going that the cousin, the neighbor and the sister all wanted to join in on the homeless act. They were so funny - money earned for all that work - zilch, zip, nada! Nice try Parker!

2011-11-11T09:07:00.000-08:00

5x7 Folded Card

View the entire collection of cards.

I am so excited that this part of the whole Christmas Craziness can be checked off...well almost!

Little Sis and her beautiful family!

2011-11-10T07:38:00.000-08:00

I took my sister's pictures last week and they turned out so sweet! My little nieces are so cute and naturals in front of the camera! And as for Liz and Rob....they always look great!

My Show Dog!

2011-11-09T20:39:00.000-08:00

What a difference a new haircut, a nail trim,

and a hair bow make!!

I love her!

12 years to 100!

2011-11-09T20:36:00.000-08:00

He's 88...

So...it's reason to celebrate....

He's still feeling GREAT!

We love you Grandpa!

A twist on the candy swap!

2011-11-04T09:19:00.000-07:00

If you don't want to buy presents for your little ones in exchange for their candy, you could always try this one....but beware of many tears!

Watch the whole thing...I was crying/laughing at the two boys in about 2 minutes and 45 seconds of it! Sooo funny!

Candy Swap!

2011-11-03T15:24:00.000-07:00

When each child has a huge pile of candy and you are seeing dentist visits in their future..it can get scary! Now I am not against Halloween or trick-or-treating for the goods, but I have a limit to how much candy they sneak in for breakfast, lunch and dinner....

So...each year I buy presents and have them at the ready to disburse in return for their big bags of twizzlers, snickers and m&m's.

the best part is...they fall for it every time!

My brain in a planner!

2011-11-02T13:25:00.000-07:00

I am in LOVE with this Erin Condren Life Planner!!
My house and purse and car always have little notes floating around with lists of stuff to do on them. I can never keep everything organized in one spot....until now!

This planner is quite literally my brain on paper.
I love having one spot where I can calendar, do my to-do's, remember birthdays, make lists, keep my receipts or birthday invites, etc.

AND...best news ever...if you go Here and like Erin on Facebook and also sign up for the newsletter at erinconren.com - I am giving away a $25 gift card to Erinconcdren's website. Now, that's what I'm talkin' about! That would make the life planner 50% off...or you could choose some cute gift labels, i-pad stickers, etc.

I have gone a little overboard and went to buy Martha Stewart stickers to personalize my planner even more...oh and also colored pens - totally fun!

I was doodling Halloween art in church!

The contest will run until this Friday!...so don't delay!
Leave me a comment and let me know you when you have registered at her website and liked her on Facebook and you're entered!
It's that easy!

Hallow's Eve 2011

2011-11-01T20:39:00.000-07:00

This was one busy weekend - between four soccer games, 2 birthday parties, the ward trunk-or-treat and a Halloween party - we have been Halloweened to the Max!

Sigh - I am sad it is over so quickly!

Chick Diva!

Kitty Cats- they got to High school and realized there

were about 500 other girls that had the same idea!

Ninja - who really stayed in character!

Nerd alert - these two were funny!

Juicy even made an appearance as my little witch side kick!

My dad in his "Crazy man-goofy toothed-mullet wearing-fake dead hand grabbing-chicken killing costume!" Did I get the name right dad?

The trick-or-treating cousins on the run!

My trick-or-treating gal pals!

My favorite Halloween treat was the gorgeous sugar cookie that my little sister Liz made! I almost didn't want to eat it! Almost!

Roxie and her sister's threw the best ever Halloween birthday party for Lauren! The decorations, the games, the food, the desserts and the party favors were over the top!

Sooo fun - good job girls!

Check out the skeleton Meat head!

The kitty litter cake was too die for yummy, but so realistic looking!

Now...on to Thanksgiving!

Annual Halloween Dinner!

2011-11-01T07:59:00.000-07:00

This is probably one of my kids favorite traditions at Halloween. {Mine too} They always freak out when they see the table and the menu and try to figure out what each item of food is. This year they dined on VAMPIRE BLOOD {tomato soup} CHEDDAR WITCH BISCUITS and FRANKENSTEIN'S BRAINS {broccoli}. I told them to eat up...if they dare!

Here was the menu!

I love photoshopping their faces with creepy textures for the place cards.

Fot my Vampire Blood, I just warmed up good old fashioned tomato soup,

added some cream and fresh basil!

The cheddar witch biscuits are super yum and easy! The recipe can be found HERE!

The bubbling cauldron of dry ice is a fan favorite!

The table in all its gory glory!

Parker enjoying his "Skeleton Soda."

Carving...

2011-10-27T22:48:00.000-07:00

We love this night!

Quick easy treat for Halloween!

2011-10-25T19:53:00.000-07:00

This will probably be my last little baked goody to share for Halloween - but this one is too easy especially if you are in a pinch and need something quick to pass out! I originally bought the Trader Joe Pumpkin cookies to put on top of pumpkin cupcakes, but than I thought of something way easier! I love when that happens - just insert a cookie stick into an individual cookie and place it in a pretzel bag. I had to trim the bag a bit, but it works. Than tie with ribbon and they are ready to hand out! Can't get much easier than that!

I have been happily listening to this on repeat!

2011-10-25T00:49:00.000-07:00

Harvest Festival!

2011-10-24T23:47:00.000-07:00

We had fun with Rod and Sue at the Harvest Festival in Del Mar! It has been years since we have been there and it reminds me a little of Swiss Days! It was fun to see all of the vendors and sample milk chocolate honeyconb and try on darling little spider web hats

{Darn we should have bought those}

even the kids had fun making projects and winning t-shirts!

Coolest kid EVER!!!

2011-10-24T13:36:00.000-07:00

This is a must watch! how cool would it have been to be there!

Alien face!

2011-10-21T22:33:00.000-07:00

I saw this on Family.go.com and thought that this would make for a fun craft that the kids could make. Notice that the high schooler is not seen - way too cool now -and it was almost a stretch for the middle school girls but I suckered them in!

It's a pretty easy thing to put together and they can be as creative as they want.

They loved the different mouth photos that I was able to google and download!

I even managed to have them model the masks and take their pictures!

Hey kids - can't this just be your costumes? It works for me! :0)

What a Day!

2011-10-20T20:44:00.000-07:00

I am grateful that there is a donut store right by the church building when I drop Caitlin off each morning for seminary. I am also grateful that it is open at 5:45 am when I need a quick breakfast so that I can get some extra zzzzz's.

I am forever grateful for Pinterest [which is the time killer of my life} and the multitude of ideas I get for things to make. I bundled up the "Rotten Pumpkin Teeth" treats for Parker's class.

I AM OFFICIALLY DONE WITH CANDY CORN!!!!

I am grateful that Erincondren.com has come into my life and is here to stay. Don't even think for one second that I won't be doing a post about this book {AKA my brain on paper} I love this thing and take it everywhere with me!

My favorite decorations are on the kitchen pantry door!

I am grateful for the month of October and all things Halloween! I love love love being in a house that is decorated for the Holidays!

I am most grateful for Skype and that I have a daily way to stay in touch with my traveling man! He is in Spain and than off to France!

Whew - what a day!

Candy Corn Mousse!

2011-10-20T08:51:00.000-07:00

I am almost done with the candy corn desserts...almost! I made this one for my kids and 2 really liked it and 2 didn't....but I was the swing vote and I thought they were pretty yummy - now I am bias not only because I took the time to make it, but because I love cheesecake and this tastes more like a cheesecake mousse than anything else.

This is the easy recipe:

Candy Corn Mousse

1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1/4 cup milk or cream

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 small container (8 oz.) Cool Whip, thawed

orange and yellow food color

candy corn

Directions ~

Beat cream cheese in the bowl of an electric mixer until fully smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar, then milk (or cream). Add vanilla. Continue mixing. Beat about 1 minute on medium to medium-high speed. Fold cool whip into cream cheese mixture, and stir until fully combined.

Scoop about 1/3 of the Cheesecake Mousse into a bowl, and color orange. Color another third of the mixture yellow. Leave the remaining third white. One color at a time (starting with yellow), scoop mixture into a piping bag or large ziplock bag, and squeeze a layer of the Cheesecake Mousse into small dessert dishes of your choice. Repeat with orange and then white Mousse.

Refrigerate 30 minutes (or up to 1 day) before serving. Top with candy corn if desired.

Recipe yields 4 moderate servings or 6-8 mini servings.

Recipe Source: Glorious Treats

Parker's before and after - for him Not So Much!

Meghan is here!

2011-10-17T07:40:00.000-07:00

It's always fun when all of my sisters can be together at the same time! Meghan lives in Arizona and so she came down for Fall break and we had such a great time together!

The kids had fun at the Pumpkin Patch!

We headed down to Oceanside beach and celebrated little Spencer's long awaited birthday!

Everybody loves little Lilly Bean!

The adults went down to a Haunted House {again} in Chula Vista - not recommended! We weren't really scared by this one!

The kids had a blast at Sea World

We are sad that Meggy and her cute kids have gone - it is always fun to be with family and create such fun memories together! Until next time!
We love you Maughan's!

Bigrock Triathlon

2011-10-15T15:49:00.000-07:00

I did it...but just barely! I did not train at all for this triathlon

and I certainly am paying the price now!

We had to start with a swim at Lake Perris - so I used Bart's full wetsuit that does not fit me and so minutes of entering the lake my wetsuit started to fill with water. I had my very first panic attack and didn't think that I would be able to do it. One of the lifeguards on her paddle board asked if I should be taken out as my wetsuit looked like a balloon. That really messed with my mind, but I swam through it - honestly I felt like I was dragging another body along with me. I have never been so panicked - I could not even catch my breath -

that mind over body stuff is not a joke.

By the time I made it onto the bike, I was praying out loud the first three miles pouring out my thanks that I was still alive. Pathetic! So...next on the bike, I made it to mile 10 and than you reach a really steep hill. I decided no matter what I would push through and not get off my bike - I got almost past the midway point and a girl came riding up right next to me and said "Hey I am on your left" and as I looked at her our bikes veered into each other and next thing you know we are both off of our bikes. To her defense she felt really bad and said sorry a lot...but I still had no option but to walk the rest of the way up with my bike! Nice!

Finally I made it to the run and remember that my wetsuit had filled with water so my clothes and socks were sopping wet. To run, felt like I was carrying dead weight again - Can I complain any more? But - I promise that I ran the whole way and was never more excited to see the finish line! I am sure there is a sacrament talk somewhere in this little adventure.

All in all, I had a good time and my cute little tri-partner Tracy

even came in first place for her division!

Was it hard and mentally tough and crazy? Yes!

Will I probably do it again someday? Yes...but with a different wetsuit!!

Pumpkin Spice Heaven!

2011-10-13T09:59:00.000-07:00

I found these at Target....

I used one of Sue's yummy recipes found HERE....

and this is the end result! Try making them...if you dare!

Pumpkin Patch!

2011-10-09T21:24:00.000-07:00

How my kids shrill and shriek with excitement when they see the Pumpkin Patch at the bottom of our hill! They could literally live here for all the fun rides and jumpy things - they love it! Grandma Sue and Grandpa Rod treated the kids to a really fun night out and the tickets were doled out to all the grabby little hands!
They really enjoyed the night out because their cousins were able to come!!

Speed Boats - part Two

2011-10-09T11:08:00.000-07:00

My boy said, "I am going to remember this day forever" - and another good line - "This is the funnest Day of my life!" Aww...what a little speed boat can do for a young boy!

Candy Corn Bark!

2011-10-08T22:26:00.000-07:00

I promise that this will be my last candy corn recipe for a while - but this one is always great to make up and eat..or share! Just break up the Oreo cookies, and pretzel sticks. Place them on a wax paper cookie sheet. Than sprinkle on the candy corn. Melt some white chocolate and drizzle on top. While the chocolate is still melted, put more candy corn on top and sprinkle with Halloween sprinkles.Place it in the fridge to harden and than break apart into pieces and wrap it up/eat it up - whichever you prefer!

If you want the actual recipe, go HERE!

Candy Corn Pretzels!

2011-10-08T22:19:00.000-07:00

This is another fun idea with a twist on the candy corn colors! I made different colors of chocolate dipped pretzels and than bagged them together in honor of the Candy Corn!

Got Candy Corn?

2011-10-08T22:17:00.000-07:00

I am a fan of anything Holiday-ish {is that a word?} What reminds us more of Fall than classic candy corn and there are so many fun things you can do and bake and make with the little orange/yellow/white pieces!

I made these Martha Stewart chocolate cookies and used my candy corn to put on top.

This recipe is really easy and once you have made the cookies, pull them out of the oven and pop a candy corn on top! Voila - it's ready to eat...and eat....and eat!!!

Martha Stewart's recipe
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, very soft
1/2 cup sugar
1 large egg yolk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup all-purpose flour, (spooned and leveled)
About 36 candy corns

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place butter and sugar in a medium bowl; beat with a wooden spoon until combined. Beat in egg yolk, vanilla, baking powder, and salt. Add flour, and mix until a dough forms.
Scoop out level teaspoons of dough, and roll into balls (chill dough briefly if it becomes too soft to handle). Place balls on baking sheets, 2 inches apart.
Bake, rotating sheets halfway through, until edges are firm and cookies are dry to the touch (do not let cookies color), 10 to 12 minutes.
Remove from oven; gently press a candy corn into center of each cookie (surface of cookies may crack slightly). Cool on sheets 1 minute; transfer to a rack to cool completely.

Cook's Note

Chocolate Variation: Reduce the amount of flour given in the recipe to 1/2 cup. Add 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder along with the flour in step 1, and proceed.

Spider Web Balls!

2011-10-08T10:50:00.000-07:00

I wanted to make something fun to go along with my little coco crispy spiders, so I adapted my popcorn cake recipe to make "Spider Web Balls"

These are so fun to make and look pretty cute paired up with the spiders. Go HERE to get the recipe for the popcorn cake and than I also made the tag for these balls and I will send you the jpeg if you want it to make some of your own! This is one spider I don't mind having in my house!

Next up - Candy corn goodies!

I went a little crazy with the candy corn...

EEEK! Spiders are coming!

2011-10-05T16:02:00.000-07:00

I found this darling little treat on Pinterest and I thought I would give it a try!

These turned out so cute and I can't wait to pass them out to my friend's kids!

All you need is to make rice crispy treats and substitute the rice crispies for coco crispies.

Once they have set for a few minutes in a pan, I used a round cookie cutter

and made the circle shape for the body.

Then you just flatten some marshmallows for the eyes and I added some candy eyes on top {or you could draw some on with a food writer}. I used pieces of marshmallows for the spider fangs and pretzel sticks for the legs. This proved to be the hardest part and I kept breaking off pretzel sticks. So, I first made a whole in the crispy with a sharp knife. Does that make sense?

I even made a tag on Photoshop to attach to them - if you want it, just leave me your email address and I will send you the jpeg! I need to figure out how to put these darn things online for sharing - there has to be an easier way!

I also whipped up some Halloween owls - can I hear a whoo whoo? Aren't they cute?

Now...who wants one? I know my kids do......

Muu uuu..Wah aha aha aha {Insert fake scary laugh}

A good Day!

2011-10-03T23:35:00.000-07:00

I am realizing that my older girls don't quite squeal with excitement anymore when I tell them that we are going to craft or make something. They like to check it out, but they are seriously so busy now-a-days that they can't really enjoy it like they used to - sad, huh?

BUT...that doesn't stop me and I still have my other two - Bailey and Parker-

who get into whatever I have whipped up!

Today, I taught them how to make Pumpkin suckers out of tootsie pops, tissue paper and floral tape. They turned out pretty cute!

With the older two girls, I am finding myself doing new things with them and enjoying being with them! Tonight, Maddie and I headed over to the Scripps Ranch Club and we swam laps. I told Maddie that I was going to swim a mile and I never thought that she would do the same ,

but sure enough - She did it!

She was pretty excited to have reached something that she once thought was very difficult.

A Speedboating we will go....

2011-10-03T11:44:00.000-07:00

Rochelle and Shawn came down this weekend and one of the fun things we got to do was go on a Speed boat tour. I use the word speed boat loosely because some of us had slow boats and held everyone else up! Ha But...we had fun nonetheless and I am always amazed at how beautiful San Diego is and how fortunate we are to live here. It was the perfect day and we had a really great time! Thanks to Rod and Sue for making it all possible.

Look at these guys...super cute but super stinky!!!

Homecoming!

2011-10-03T00:19:00.000-07:00

Well, after hours I tell you, of dress shopping and trying things on and returning unwanted dresses, and scouting out cute cover-ups...Caitlin found the dress she wanted and she was excited for Homecoming! Let me tell you the memories of watching her get ready and texting her friends about where to meet and what time they were going and who was going to be there and what boys they might see.....I wanted to be a part of it all..but alas I have come to accept my age and could only live through Caitlin and embarrass her by taking pictures that I

told her she would someday appreciate!!!

I think this was the only embarrassing one when they were in line and I snuck in line with them...I was hoping to get a sneak peek inside the gym but Caitlin said an emphatic NO!!!

I was just thinking in a couple of years it will be her with a boy on her arm...

then the embarrassment will really begin!

Haunted craziness and Fox news!

2011-09-23T23:31:00.000-07:00

Don't be fooled! We were all smiles and big talkers BEFORE we entered the Haunted Trails down at Balboa park. I literally peed my pants {just a little} sweat like crazy

and couldn't wait for it all to be over!

The "after" part is the best when we made it on the news!

We look as scary and wigged out as the crazies that were scaring us!

Loves and not so much love!

2011-09-22T10:09:00.000-07:00

These kids love Phineas and Ferb....I, on the other hand, was not loving the 90 minute show that made no sense and was crazy loud!

I love this crazy little dog that follows me everywhere I go!

We ate at Jr. Seau's restaurant last night and he came up to meet us after dinner - we LOVE him!

I am preparing for a triathlon and had to swim a mile the other night in the pool. Not in love with how out

of shape I

am and all the training I need to get caught up on! No more treats!

Image via Martha stewart

Image via OCP

I LOVE anything Halloween and I am super excited to get my spooky on!!!!

The end of this weeks love/hates!

Loose teeth and other stuff

2011-09-13T12:42:00.000-07:00

So...This past week my little man lost his first tooth and it was a really BIG deal to him! He has been pretty skeptical of Miss Tooth Fairy and so we made sure that she didn't disappoint! He woke up in the morning and after seeing what the tooth fairy left, he said "I wish I could take all my teeth out and get hundreds of dollars!" I can just see him now as a future college kid running to the blood bank to make some extra money - awesome!

After church Parker handed me this little picture he drew - to be honest I stood spying at his door for 5 minutes watching him intently draw these pictures. He told me that he is thankful for the church and the scriptures in his prayers and he asks that he will be safe when he goes down really big hills on his skateboard and that he can marry a cute girl someday! I'm saving this pic for the future wedding video!

This is where you can find our little Juicy - on my bed trying to camouflage into the really big body pillows that Bart and I use so that the kids won't notice her.

i think parker gets under her skin a little!

We had some friends visit from New Zealand - they are such great people and I could have sat there listening to them talk all night long - have you heard a New Zealand accent? It's the best! Bart's mom put on quite a yummy spread for them

This was our first official married with kid Christmas card and we look like kids ourselves. Caitlin was almost one!

Now this sweet little girl is a freshman in high school and I take her to my old seminary building each morning. Ohhh...the memories! It all goes by way too fast, doesn't it?

This song makes me happy!

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

New Day!

2011-09-06T21:37:00.000-07:00

The first day of school happened and these three little ones were excited! I made sure to pack the backpacks with love notes...

Take their pictures documenting their grade levels...

Prepare the teacher's gifts....

and delivering them to their new school they would be attending!

There were some nervous jitters and a little anxiety, but by the end of the day they had all made friends and were excited about the new school year ahead!

Poor Caitlin missed her first day of High School, so her cute friends {Hannah and Hannah} came by to fill her in on all the gossip! They also brought her some fun girly magazines, candy and truly lifted her spirits!

Caitlin update:

She received three blood transfusions {the attending doctor was amazed that she made it as her blood was at a 4.2 - when someone is at a 7 they need a blood transfusion - {a 4.2 is dangerously low!} This raised her blood level to a 9.2 {Yippee} and we are hopeful that she will stop bleeding and we can take her home soon! Words can not express how grateful we are for all of the visits, phone calls, emails, messages, facebooks, texts, and love with prayers that were sent to Caitlin! She has never felt so loved!!!

Thank you everyone!!!!

Curveballs!

2011-09-06T00:37:00.000-07:00

Sometimes life can be going along so well and you are just totally immersed in the ride! I have been feeling that way a lot lately - so grateful for a wonderful husband and four healthy happy kids. We have had an amazing Summer and some great memories were made. It is times like these when you take for granted that things can change soo quickly!

Right now, I am at home with a heavy heart praying fervently for my oldest daughter Caitlin as she is receiving a blood transfusion at the hospital. I pray that the doctors are guided by the decisions they make and that she will be whole and happy and healthy once again! She truly is such a great girl and anyone would love to call her their daughter. I don't quite know how her dad and I lucked out with being given the blessing to raise her,

but she is a sweet and beautiful girl!

ANY and all prayers would so be appreciated for this little girl that is so sad as she is stuck in a hospital and missing her first official day of High School.

{I can't believe that she is sad to miss it}!!!

Life can throw some curve balls without you even being prepared for them...but I pray that life will be happy and fun once again for this sweet little child of mine!!!

2011-09-05T09:48:00.000-07:00

We made our annual girl's trip to Utah to go to Swiss Days and to shop till we dropped...quite literally. All the girls tease that I run them to the ground and really it is no joke. We have so many places to see and so little time - I tell them go to the bathroom and eat now because we won't be stopping for quite a while...and I mean it!

Seriously, I look forward to this trip all year long and we have so much fun just being together, laughing, shopping, and recharging to come back to be a mom and wife again! Thanks to the fabulous hubbies who take over while we are away!

The biggest thanks go to Sue and Rod for making it so much fun and actually making it happen for us to be able to go!!! We love you guys!

Awful picture, but here we are right before we boarded the plane for Utah!

I wasn't kidding that we hit the ground running! There is no one to stop for, no diapers to change, no whining or crying, just a bunch of girls on a mission to see it all!!

We did occasionally stop and eat! We went here for the Fry Sauce!!! Awww..the memories!

Swiss days is where it is at!

Even with all the swarms of people, you can sometimes bump into old friends!

We even saw Aunt Gwen and Aunt Suzy!

Only in Utah do you see these kinds of booths! I love it!

Also, only in Utah do you see this much teased out hair! Also love it! Do you like how you can see part on my Sister in law as she fake poses for the camera so that I could get the lady across the street? Now that hair was something else!

Ohhh....but these big bad boys {the Utah Scones with huckleberry jam, honey and cinnamon sugar} are what we dream about! Until next year!!!