Coming to your neighborhood...

An actual blog post...very soon...after a fun-filled weekend of shopping...sewing...eating...talking...and relaxing! So check back! I've missed you all!

May Frenzy...

Just a quick note to say...my life is spinning out of control! Here is what is going on...end of the school year...graduation program...family birthdays, including mine...spring yard work...purging every closet, drawer, cupboard in my house...sewing for etsy...church assignments...helping my mom and dad with a project...etc., etc., etc. I have been up for nearly 12 hours already today and lots more to do before the night is over. So I am leaving you with this thought. I read it on the bulletin board at the place where I worked out and asked for a copy. Then a week ago I was going through some papers and memorabilia from college and found it again in a box...so I must like the message.

Drop a pebble in the water,

Just a splash and it is gone

But there's half a hundred ripples

Circling on and on and on.

Spreading from the center,

Flowing on out to the sea,

And there is no way telling

Where the end is going to be.

Drop a word of cheer and kindness,

Just a flash and it is gone,

But there's half a hundred ripples

Circling on and on and on.

Bearing hope and joy and comfort

On each splashing dashing wave,

Till you wouldn't believe the volume

Of the one kind word you gave.

Recently I had conversations with 2 different people. I don't even remember much of what what said but later I received notes in the mail from both of them. Notes that thanked me for something I had said to them during the conversations. Those notes made my day and lifted my spirits. I hope I can do that for others a little more often in the future, instead of constantly running so I can check off my daily list of to dos! I grateful for those people in my life that say and do kind things for me. Thank you all for making my little corner of the world a little brighter with your comments!

It may be a while before I am back...just know that the next few posts will be full of news and views! Very exciting things happening in my life right now!

Bad Hair Days and 6 Other Reasons to Laugh...

My how time flies...I don't know if you feel this way...THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH HOURS IN THE DAY TO DO EVERYTHING I WOULD LIKE TO DO!!!!!!!!!!! So many projects...so little time...crocheting blankets for new grandbaby...spring cleaning finally!..finishing up preschool for the year, including graduation program...working in our yard...working hard on etsy items...etc. Oh, how I love our latest batch of etsy items...can't wait for you to see!

But for now...I was tagged by cute, talented Sherelle and just haven't had a chance to reply. So here is:

THE TOP 7 THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT ME!

1. My life has been one. bad. hair. day! The proof, my dear blogging friends, is in the pictures!

My natural curl just got the best of me...

My mom was a banker, not a hairdresser,so why did she decide to cut my bangs the morning of picture taking day...


I actually like this picture of me during my senior year of high school, but you have to realize I graduated in the 70's...every girl in my graduating class, but 3, had long straight-to-the-waist hair parted in the middle...like Cher!


Then during my freshman year of college, I decided I wanted that long straight hair...this is in the middle of my growing-out stage... and parted in the middle!

"The Bubble"...another try at the long straight look...actually this is the longest my hair has ever been...in my whole life!


I was in my element when the Afro look became the rage in the early 80's...My natural curl was a natural Afro...see how high I could get it to go...


Ha, Ha, Ha...looking at these pictures even makes me laugh-out-loud. I do have to say I like my hair now...better than ever...thanks to Deanna...who not only cuts my hair...but is a great friend...and would...never...let me...go out...in public...looking silly...again! Thank.you.Deanna.

Well, there are 6 other things that you might not know about me...but for now this one is enough! Have a fabulous day!!!! Keep smiling!

I Knew Her When...

Today is my daughter Lindsey's 27th birthday. Whoohoo! This is a picture of her in Grade School. She will be mortified that I have posted it for the whole world to see. She looks at this picture and cringes. The glasses...the bear sweater(which she claims I made her wear for picture day)...the retainer...all sure signs of geekiness! But what I see when I look at this picture is the potential for goodness and beauty that was emerging...year by year...inside of her.
At this point in her life...I believe 5th grade...she was already showing the world what she was made of...that she would choose her own path...and it didn't matter too much if the path she chose was cool or not.

So here's to your birthday Lindsey. We all wish you were here in Idaho with us, but hope you have a great, great day! It has been pure joy watching you grow into the beautiful, delightful, person that you are! To read more about Lindsey look here and here.

Lindsey on her wedding day last summer with her 3 sisters!

By the Dawn's Early Light...

We spent last weekend in Utah doing lots of fun and important things...attended a wedding...spent time with our children and their spouses...ate at The Pizza Factory in Provo and the Brand X hamburger joint in Springville...got my ring cleaned and inspected at the jewelry store where it was purchased...and spent lots (but not nearly enough) time in The Corn Wagon Quilt Shop. We left Salt Lake City early Sunday morning to be back in Rexburg for church and as we were driving down Interstate 15 through SLC, everywhere we looked we saw American flags flying at not quite half mast. We assumed they were flying in that manner in honor of the students who were killed at Virginia Tech. At least that is what we assumed...maybe someone really important to the State of Utah had died and we weren't aware of it...but I would like to think that our first impression was correct. I know this is somewhat old news, but I have been thinking about that tragedy and those flags all week.

I was and still am heartsick for those students who lost their lives and any possible earthly opportunity to pursue or enjoy the future. I am heartsick for their families and friends who were robbed of the love and laughter they shared with those who died. I am also heart sick for the family of the young man who inflicted this pain on all those people. Not one of them pulled the trigger... but because their son/brother/cousin/nephew did...they must feel terribly responsible.

It's a crying shame that it happened at all. BUT IT DID. And no amount of analytical debate on CNN...or NBC...or ABC...or PBS... or well...you get the idea...will change the outcome of those couple of hours...ever. So what does this all have to do with the flags flying in SLC on a beautiful Sunday morning? Well, those flags and the tragedy at Virginia Tech helped me to remember a few things that I have forgotten or at least...have taken for granted.

• I am grateful that I am a citizen of the United States of America that I am privileged to live in the greatest country in the world.
• I recognize that there are millions of people in the world who live under the oppression of dictators and terrorists (or poverty) and that I am one of the lucky few who live where freedom is a right. I can speak my mind...go to the church of my choice...join a club...or buy a gun and no other human being can stop me...except by force.
• I recognize that not everyone in this country loves their fellowmen, but I also recognize that we have a justice system that...for the most part...works. Not an eye for an eye as some countries practice...or no punishment at all...depending on your social class or polictical affiliations...but punishment that suits the crime.
• I am grateful that when a tragedy happens in this country...people of every color and creed pull together...like the good people of SLC and all over the country who would fly flags in honor of those 31 people at VT who lost their lives...and mourn for their families.
• I am grateful for those who serve in the Armed Forces, the police forces, etc...where ever they may be...protecting my family...especially my grandchildren...from evil...and coming to the aid of those who don't have a voice.
• I recognize that we may have a few "bad apples" in the American barrel...but I believe that the great majority of Americans are decent human beings and I am grateful to know I am surrounded by these good people everyday.

I love the American flag. It is a beautiful symbol of this country and the many blessings I enjoy and take for granted every day. Even though horrible things can and do happen in this country...we are so lucky/blessed/priviledged...to live in the "land of the free and the home of the brave."

The Monster in the Mirror...

It's late Sunday night and we have had a wonderful but hectic day. My husband serves as a bishop at BYU-Idaho and today was the first Sunday of Summer Semester. I call it "Meet and Greet Sunday". This is the 9th M.&G. Sunday for us since we began serving there about 3 years ago. It is so much fun to meet these young people from all over the country. It is always amazing to me how much you can tell about a person just from shaking their hand, looking them in the eye and asking the same 3 questions...What is your name?...Where are you from?...What is your major? This was done before church started. I am also in charge of the picture directory, so I was able to spend time talking to each one of the students again as they came...during Sunday School...to have their picture taken and then in Relief Society I sat at the front of the room as each girl introduced themselves. We also had several visitors today... students who had been in the ward previously who just wanted to stop by and say hello... so I got a chance to visit with them. Needless to say, I talked to over 100 people today in a 3 hour period. It was great...or so I thought! After all the students had gone home and I was waiting to meet with all the adult leaders, I slipped into the bathroom. While I was washing my hands, I glanced up into the mirror...my morning get-ready-check-list ran through my head.

Shower...check.

Brush teeth...check.

Floss...check.

Get dressed...check.

Fix hair...check.

Put on makeup...

Put on makeup...

Put on makeup...

OH MY HECK...DO YOU MEAN TO SAY THAT I TALKED TO ALL THOSE PEOPLE TODAY AND I DIDN'T HAVE ONE DROP OF MAKEUP ON? NOT ONE DROP? NOT A DROP?

No foundation...check.

No eyeshadow...check.

No mascara...check.

No eyeliner...check.

No...lipstick...blush...not even moisturizer...

check...check...double check!

I AM HORRIFIED! I LOOK LIKE A MONSTER! I'M SCARED JUST LOOKING AT MYSELF!

Later, after the adult meeting, I ask my dear husband if he noticed anything different about me. His reply was, "Well, I thought you looked a little old today!" Tonight he's sleeping on the couch!

Handmade with love...

Let me introduce you to my latest adventure...

My four daughters and I are opening an esty shop...and we feel so excited, so creative, so proud and so exhausted! We have been working on this idea for a couple of months and although we thought we would wait to open when we had samples of ALL our ideas, we just couldn't wait any longer. So please check it out...know that more wonderful, creative, handmade things will be coming. We are sewing and crafting as fast as we can and having a ball working together! Here's a peek at just one of the lovely handmade things that you will see.

OliveJuice and Co...

THIS IS A SHOUT OUT TO KIM AT OLIVEJUICE

FOR SENDING THIS

"TO DIE FOR" APRON.

Recently Kim had a give-away to celebrate her 1-year blogiversary and my name was drawn. I am so lucky! I wore this adorable apron last night while fixing dinner and my husband was thrilled too! He says thank-you too! :)

Spring Fever...

I know, I know...it's been a few days! Hey, I am a busy woman! But more than that, I am a woman with a terrible case of spring fever! I don't mean the...get your hands dirty...working in the yard...digging in the dirt...browsing seed catalogs kind of spring fever. I mean the...can't wait to get to the fabric store...see what's new...buy yards of spring fabric...with ric rac, buttons and thread to match...run home to sew...honey, you'll have to fix your own dinner...stay up until the wee hours of the morning kind of spring fever! Since last I blogged, I have spent hours in afore mentioned stores. So many hours that I finally threw a sleeping bag in the back of my Explorer...AND a cooler...just in case! AND...if you can wait... just one more day...you will see the results of my late night sewing sessions! But just to tease you...here's a peek of some fabrics so delicious that they just might be better than chocolate!

and I have serious fabic love for these...

Some woman with dark hair stole my car...

If I wanted to live a life of crime, yesterday would have been a good start. It started out so innocently...then...a trip to the fabric store gone wrong. Here's the scoop! Run to fabric store to buy adorable fabric for mystery project soon to be blogged. Park Ford Explorer. Spend 45 minutes drooling over fabric. Make purchase. Leave store and jump into car. Throw purchase and purse in front passenger seat. Look down and notice papers which do NOT look familiar. Look around some more. Realize...I AM NOT SITTING IN MY OWN CAR...I AM SITTING IN A CAR THAT JUST LOOKS LIKE MY OWN CAR! SAME COLOR, SAME INTERIOR, SAME, SAME, SAME! Then look up. See Ford Explorer parked right in front of me and know that IT belongs to me. With speed that would rival even superman, grab stuff and jump out of NEARLY HIJACKED CAR. Run to Ford Explorer that DOES belong to me. Jump in! Try not to hyperventilate...on way home contemplate my near brush with the law! Know I would make a great Bonnie, but not so sure my husband would make a good Clyde!

P.S. If you have preschoolers, don't miss the April Bright Beginnings Preschool link down on the right hand side of my blog. Fun idea for Spring!

Spring Break 2...

Spring Break has been fabulous...I took everyone's advise (even my mom's) and I haven't cleaned a single thing all week. No walls...no windows...nada. I have been exercising, creating, reading, and relaxing all week. I figure the dirt will still be here on Monday...and I can't wait to show you what I have been creating! So I am off to endulge myself yet another day...(even though I feel a slight bit selfish) but I will leave you with this funny little tidbit which I do NOT make up. Hopefully it will brighten your day!

A few years ago during preschool class I bent down to pick something off of the floor. A cute little guy was standing behind me watching. When I stood up he commented,

"Mrs. Anderson, your bottom looks just like my mom's."

To which I asked,

"Do you mean it looks big?"

To which he replied,

"Uhhhh, Yeeaahh!"

Don't call me...

I am doing the happy dance this morning because it is Spring Break here and I have a whole week to do as I please. Well, not exactly as I please because I started out my first day of spring break getting up at 6am to finish up our taxes so we could meet with our accountant at 8am...so if I was REALLY doing what I pleased, I would still be laying in bed reading a good book! But for the rest of the week don't call me until after 10am! Did you get that?

Actually...I am feeling that creative energy that I often get when spring arrives and I am witness to all the potential for beauty in my world. I love walking around my yard just watching for the first buds on our Canadian Red Leaf Cherry tree (that's a mouthful)...the first green tips of the daffodils as they push through the rich brown dirt. All these new beginnings make me want to sew, crochet, scrapbook, and quilt! They also want me to grab a bucket of soapy water and wash every wall in my house and all the windows too...wash the bedding on all the beds...put the winter clothes away and then throw open the windows and french doors and let all the cool, clean, fresh air indoors! It is going to be a great week, I can just feel it! Here's a peek at a few of the projects I will be working on during the coming week:

I want to quilt this for a bedroom I am redoing...

And finish crocheting a receiving blanket for a friend mine...

And work on my own personal cookbook...

Whatever your plans...I hope you have a fabulous week!!!!

Summer's a comin'...

The weather has been fabulous for the past few days...sunny and warm with bright blue skies! It's just a tease because I know we will get a few more flakes of the white stuff yet. I remember not that many years ago that it snowed in June! And a few years after that, the Fourth of July fireworks were cancelled because it was so cold and windy! But for now it looks like Summer is on it's way...that time of year for barbeques and picnics and long walks in the morning and sitting on the deck in the evening! I am so, so ready!!!!!

This is one of our favorite summertime recipes. Make this for a crowd...serve it on some crusty rolls...with some chips and homemade ice cream and it's a party!!!!

Note: Digiscrap elements from Shabby Princess: Wild Love.

Toilet paper love notes...

I am a working woman....but who isn't? Well, maybe men are not working women,(Insert little smiley face here)but nearly all of the women I know work. And they work hard.

Some of the women I know work in their homes cleaning and cooking... scrubbing and serving... dispensing bandaids, hugs, and a little advise between loads and loads of laundry. They don't get near enough credit for their heart-felt efforts. But--having had that experience I have to admit there were days when I longed for some adult conversation and something on the TV besides Sesame Street! And I will admit that sometimes...particularly when the baby was teething, and the others were quarreling , and it was time once again to cook another meal...I wondered, just a wee bit, what in the world I had gotten myself into. And then a miracle would happen...the teething baby would smile...or one of my daughters would run up and give me a quick hug...or my husband would write "I love you" in toilet paper on the living room floor...and I would take a deep breath and think, "All is right in my world...".

Some women I know do all of the above and work at a job too. They cook and clean... scrub and serve... dispense bandaids, hugs, and a little advise between loads and loads of laundry but... they do all of it in the early morning hours of the day and again in the evening when they are most likely exhausted. And they don't get near enough credit for their heart-felt efforts. But--having had that experience too, I have to admit there were days when I longed to be just standing in my kitchen making sugar cookies...or watching TV with my girls. And I will admit that sometimes...particularly when the baby was teething, and the others were quarreling, and I didn't have the slightest clue what I was going to fix for dinner...I wondered, just a wee bit, what in the world I had gotten myself into. And then a miracle would happen...the baby's teeth would finally pop...my girls would become little women and fix dinner...and my husband would give me some flowers with a little card that said---

"For this I will be grateful all my life:

My children's blessed mother, my own dear wife-

The sweetest gift that Heaven could ever send,

At once a guardian angel,

a sweetheart and a friend."

and I would take a deep breath and think, "All is right in my world...".

I have been able fulfill all my dreams. I own my own business and have a job that I love. I have the support of my husband and daughters. They worked as hard as I did to make my business and our family a success! No...they worked harder! I have been able to be there for my girls when I needed to be and wanted to be and now they are my best friends. I am so, so blessed!

Babies and Karate....

Just a little peek at one of the many projects I have been working on. I love to sit our living room in my favorite comfy chair...feet on the ottoman...crocheting an edging on an adorable baby blanket.(click for a better view, it works!) AND while I am crocheting said blanket I am dreaming about some adorable little baby wrapped up tight in the same blanket with little duck-down hair...eyes closed...sweet little lips pursed in a dream...smelling just a little bit like heaven. This particular bit of lime-green love is for my friend Julie's daughter, who is having her first baby. Julie's first grand baby! I know it's not pink but I love this fabric so much. It was fabric love at first sight! Where, you might ask, did I get this adorable stuff? Well, it is a story of perseverance and desperation to be sure. A couple of Thanksgivings ago, my daughter Lindsey wanted some baby flannel to make into receiving blankets for her many friends who had the audacity to marry and then have babies before her! We saw this darling flannel at JoAnne's Fabric and a woman at the store told us that on the day after Thanksgiving the same flannel we were loving would be on sale for 97 cents a yard. We couldn't believe it! This fabric was divine(it was nice heavy flannel, not the thin, cheap stuff)! So Lindsey did what any intelligent and sensible woman would do, when the store opened at 6:00a.m. she was waiting in line with 500 other women, to get her hands on some of that stuff...say 4 or 5 yards. Those women hit that store like fleas on a dog and you know how women can be when they find a bargain. Lindsey, on the other hand, had never experienced anything like it! Not to be out numbered or out maneuvered, she wrestled a few bolts from the pile, protected it with a few karate chops and got in a line of about 200 women with 20 bolts of fabric each. She waited, and waited, and waited, and waited. They had 2 women cutting fabric and more customers coming in the door. She had been there a couple of hours when she heard a voice yell, "If you are interested in buying full bolts you can come directly to the back table to check out." That's all it took. Lindsey was at the back table in record time. She didn't even think about how much fabric she was holding in her arms OR what she was going to do with all of it! She just bought it! She was out of that store in no time, the proud owner of 50 yards of flannel. And that my friends, is how I acquired this adorable lime-green love. Oh, and some baby-blue love too! Lots of it!!!!!!!

Late Night Pasta...

I actually have someone at blogspot who is trying to help me find answers to my picture problems...but until I get it all figured out here is the Late Night Pasta recipe you can't read or click on to enlarge in the previous post in an easy-read form with the promise that it is still delish-e-o-s0!

Late Night Pasta

1 lb. spaghetti

8 slices bacon, cut into 1 inch pieces

2 Tbsp. olive oil

2 Tbsp. thinly sliced garlic

1-2 Tbsp. chopped shallots or green onions

1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper

1/2 tsp. salt

1 large egg, beaten

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

In a large skillet or pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crisp. Add the garlic, shallots, pepper, and salt and cook, stirring, until fragrant and the garlic is soft but not brown, about 1-2 minutes. (I pour off some off the bacon grease, but Emeril does not.)

At the same time bacon is cooking, bring another large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook, stirring to separate the strands, until the pasta is done al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain in a colander, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water. Add pasta to cooked bacon mixture.

Remove the pan from the heat and add the beaten egg and reserved pasta cooking water, stirring quickly until the mixture thickens, but the egg does not scramble. Sprinkle with cheese and serve immediately!

Add a crisp tossed salad and Italian garlic bread and you will win some serious brownie points with your family!

My Friend Emeril....

A few weeks ago, Laura asked for a few "go-to" recipes from her blogging friends because she was in a cooking rut. I was too busy trying to find and organize my recipes(read previous post "A Recipe for Disaster") to give her one then, but now I am ready! This recipe came from Emeril Lagosse's cooking show. It's quick, easy, delicious, and a hit with everyone in my family. In fact, my daugters and I have been arguing over who was going to post it first. I won because I am THE MOM and because I made it first. Really...I don't know anyone who doesn't love it...serve it up with a crisp green salad and Italian breadsticks and you're set. Plus you'll get some serious brownie points for making this fabulous meal. Makes my mouth water just thinking about it!

Click on the recipe to enlarge. Believe me it is really big! I am just starting to do this Digital stuff and I don't have it down yet. So I can't get the recipe downloaded to my blog at a decent reading size but when you click on it it's huge. I'll keep working on it! Many thanks to my daughters, Shelly and Ashley for their patience in my digital efforts. I can get really grouchy when I don't understand or it doesn't work! And it didn't work the way I wanted it too!

Edited: On my computer you can't click on the recipe and have it come up in a new window in a larger size. I am frustrated and I am working on it. But I have got to go now. Try tomorrow!

Our Husbands and Their Mothers...

I knew that title would get your attention in a hurry! Is there a hotter topic for women, than husbands and their mother issues? I don't really know the answer to that question because...my Mother-in-Law is a gem and I don't believe for a minute that my husband has issues with this great lady. Thursday is her birthday. I hope she has a fabulous day. I will be anxious to talk to her on the phone because I have literally worked hours on a this little project. (Sorry, its a little blurry in the picture.) The chip board book and pages are from Bo Bunny and the paper is Cosmo Cricket "The Dutch Girl Collection". I bought it here. I adore this paper!

Now for the rest of the story...The afore mentioned husband comes out of the bedroom one morning last week and by the way he was acting I thought something horrible had happened. Breathlessly he belts out that it is his mother's birthday in a week(I was just waiting for him to remember!) and asks if I will call our daughters and see if they will each make a scrapbook page or something like that to send to his mom for her birthday. I am thinking..." Why don't you call them?" but I agree to call them. Then as I thought about it I knew that they were all so busy, some of my daughters don't love scrapbooking (one calls it the work of the devil), etc., etc., etc. So...I did what any good wife and mother would do, I jumped in with both feet and did the project myself. It was a big sacrifice to do this little book, work with these adorable papers...while listening to great music...eating chocolate...but someone had to do it and it might as well be me! Well, I think you get the picture. I just wish you could see the picture!

Blessings from above...

Something happen to me today and I really haven't slowed down enough to really think about it until now. It is rather sacred but I want to share. I was driving down the busiest street in our town heading to a teacher's supply store. I was stopped at the light at a busy intersection with about 8 0r 9 cars ahead of me and was thinking with some frustration(because I was in a hurry) that I would never get through the light when it turned green because I was so far back in the line of cars. I watched as the light in the turn lane to left of me turned green and I thought maybe if I hurry and pull around these cars and get into the left turn lane and make it through the light, then I can go down a side street that isn't quite so busy and get where I am going a little faster. Immediately a voice came into my head (not my own voice) and said "You'll never make it through the turn light." And so I stayed right where I was. Not 3 seconds later a huge truck came zooming pass me on my left doing exactly what I had thought I should do only he was driving like a bat out of heck trying to make the green turn light. If I would have pulled out in my hurry to get where I was going a little faster, I would have surely been hit by this huge truck and who knows what would have been the end of that story. I immediately realized that I had been protected and said a little thank you prayer in my heart but tonight I was telling my husband and daughter about it and it really sank in. The Lord knows me...He loves me...and He is mindful of me. This I know.

This and That...

We have had a wonderful week! For Valentines Day we decided that we would give our daughters, Shelly and Ashley and their husbands some much needed mommy and daddy time and invited our grandchildren over for pizza, cookie decorating, and plenty of play time. The moms and dads had 3 whole hours to celebrate Valentines Day together! We had a ball here at the house doing all of afore mentioned things. I made sugar cookies earlier in the day and Zach(3) and Livee(2) had a blast decorating them with frosting, sprinkles and candy. Liv ate more candy than she decorated with but Zach was so into getting the cookies just right for his mom and dad. Boston(1) sat in her booster chair and ate Cheerios, just happy to be there. After decorating the cookies the kids made a great big heart card to give with the cookies. Then we headed down to the preschool room(yes, I teach preschool) for the real fun. We danced and sang, played games and did playdough. After all the fun and games, I looked up at the clock and started to laugh. We had done everything I had planned in an hour and 1/2 and still had and hour and 1/2 to go! Whoa! I honestly don't know how my daughters do it all day long! And Sherelle with 4 little ones. Yikes! Kudos to you all! After the grandkids left we watched our favorite show..."Lost". It was the perfect ending to the day!
The 3 day weekend has also been so fun. Darren and Lindsey came from Provo and we just hung out all weekend. All our daughters were here. We ate alot of food and played alot of speed Scrabble and Dirty Marbles. We ended the weekend with breakfast at Smitty's our all time favorite breakfast spot. We hated to see everyone go their separate ways but it is always nice to get everything put back together and then have a long nap! What did you do this Holiday weekend? Anything fun?

Cutest grandkids ever!!!!!

Recipe for Disaster...

I know this picture doesn't look like much but truely it is a disaster of immense degree. For nearly 30 years I have kept my recipe cards in this cool box that my husband brought home from work. He found it in the basement of his office and it was old when he brought it home. Not worn out by any means, just old. It was about 10-12 inches long and held 4x6 recipes cards to perfection. It also had this neat little metal plate the moved back and forth on a rod that held the recipes in very tight until you loosened it with a little button. I don't know what it was originally used for but it became my recipe box and I loved it with a love that is beyond love! I knew the box was getting a little worn out (what isn't after being used for 30 years) but I tried to be so, so careful with it because I knew I would never in a million years be able to replace it. Then disaster struck! I was getting the box out of the pantry and I dropped the whole box on the floor. The box broke open on all 4 sides and hundreds of recipes went flying. I just stood there and stared at all my recipes scattered over the floor and wanted to cry. These words actually came out of my mouth...(don't worry this is a G-rated blog) "My box, my poor, poor box"! (I didn't really say that. What I should have said before was that I am trying to keep this a G-rated blog) I carefully picked up the recipes that stayed somewhat intact and put them on the kitchen cupboard and then the very next day I went out to find a recipe box. Have you ever tried to find a recipe box these days. They are few and far between and besides it would take 3-4 to hold the recipes that my box held. I even went to some office supply stores and described what I was looking for...long box...holds 4x6 cards...metal plate on a rod...Nope, not only did they not have one, they looked at me a little weird because they had never even heard of something like that! So I contemplated my options and this is one of the afore mentioned projects that I am spending my spare time on. I am compiling my own cookbook! I bought a huge binder, I am typing the recipes on my computer, printing them on cardstock with embellishments on each page, putting them in clear sheet protecters and putting them in the binder under the appropriate tab. It is going to take me the rest of my natural life to finish this project and I will probably finish shortly before my death and my children will get in a huge fight over who gets the recipe book and end up not speaking to each other. Oh, on second thought, I'm not that great of a cook!

So many projects...So little time...

I've been asked by a number of people why I haven't blogged for awhile. I'd like to say that I have been in the Caribbean on vacation, or had some serious surgery, or had been finally visited by Oprah's men-in-black(read previous "Favorites" post) but that would not be the case. Nothing as exciting as any of those options. I have just been plain busy. I don't know if you are like me or not...but I do not sit in front of the TV eating Bon-Bons all day. I hit the floor running in the morning and my day never seems to slow down. I am not going to list all the responsibilities, obligations, etc. that keep me running because I know every woman on the planet is doing the same things, with a few variations. I also know that I thought at this point in my life that I would start having more time to myself and that just hasn't turned out to be the case. If anything, I am more busy than ever. For sure I am not changing diapers, fixing mega meals and running children to every extra curricular activity possible, but I am going a mile-a-minute nearly every day. And on top of that...I am not as young as I use to be and it takes me a bit longer to accomplish things these days.
Now back to the blog...it takes time to blog. At least for me it does. I am a perfectionist in a lot of ways and I don't just sit down and start typing. I spend a considerable amount of time planning, drafting, picture taking, etc. even before I start typing. So a blog entry is a big deal for me. I also have so many other projects I want to complete...pillows cases to embroider, quilts to make, scrapbooking, a new master recipe file that I am making etc. Don't get me wrong, I am so grateful for the many good fabulous choices I have in my life. So grateful! But, I am constantly torn between my choices. My free time is scarce and I guess I have too many things that I want to accomplish. So...yes I am going to continue to blog as much as I can and I am learning from Ali Edward's blog how to embrace imperfection a little more. So stay tuned...

Here is a layout I did today in about 1 hour. That's a record for me. The stamps are from Making Memories and I adore them and the little girl in the picture!

Friendship and Feelings...

Have you ever had a friendship that just fizzled out? You can't put your finger on the exact reason/reasons it's fizzled, but you lay awake at night and in your heart hope and pray that it wasn't something you said or did. OR...have you ever had a great friend move away and slowly watch your friendship change as the years go by and your connection fades. I am having both of those experiences right now. A friendship that has just fizzled out and another friendship that has changed with distance. Frankly, I am sad about both of them. I miss a dear friend that moved away but sense that she is content with the changes in her life and has made new friends in her new home. I miss a dear friend who is still here but no longer feels the need for our friendship like I do. And I am sad that at my age I am still feeling insecure about fitting in...like I am 13 years old and back in junior high.

Scapbooking and chocolate...

I like chocolate a lot more than I like scrapbooking! But if I can eat chocolate while I am scrapbooking it makes the time spent worthwhile and really enjoyable! Sometimes I can eat a whole large chocolate bar because it takes me so long to put a layout together. It's like a man we hired years ago to tape and texture our basement. He would tape and texture for awhile and then have a little swig out of his thermos! Straight from the thermos, mind you, and I don't believe it was coffee in there. I do believe that it made the time spent taping and texturing..well, more worthwhile, if you get my meaning! He and I have a lot in common. Here is a little layout I have been working on for the past few days. The best part about it is that 2 of my grandchildren are in the pictures. Cute, cute kids!

Some of My Favorite Things...

I have never been a huge Oprah fan. I feel a bit witchy saying this. After all she did just build a 40Mil. school for "young women of promise" in Africa AND wore a fabulous hot pink gown to the opening. Sheesh, maybe that's why I don't like her. Who wears a designer gown to a school opening? Oh yeah..Oprah! And the earrings! Did you see them? They probably cost another 40Mil. Seriously, the biggest diamonds I have ever see dangling from someone's ears. Gianormous!!!! Anywhoo...with that said I am now going to steal an idea from her and her gianormous earrings. And since I am pretty certain she is never going to read my blog, I won't get into any copy-right infringement...lawsuits...men in black at my door...issues. So with out further delay...Ta-Da...introducing my very own favorite things list! Honestly, these are things that I cannot live without! And at the end of the blog I am going to give each of you each of these for your very own! Oh, I almost forgot...I AM NOT OPRAH and you are getting nothing!

Oil of Olay...That's right! Simply Oil of Olay. Believe me when I say this--I have tried a lot of expensive skin care products over the past 20 years. But my daughter, Shelly, got my started on Oil of Olay Regenerist products and I can not live without them. You can get them anywhere, no ordering from an independent consultant, making a trip to the mall,etc. When you are buying groceries at your local Walmart pick up a few of these products. Just try the Moisturizing cleansing cloths and you'll be hooked. Heck, try all of the Regenerist products. They're reasonably priced, and folks, they really work. My skin has never looked or felt better. Seriously!

My Bathroom Sink...This sink is a dream. When we added onto our home last year we put this new sink in our bathroom. It is large rectangle shape and very, very, deep. It is so great. It is a Kohler brand and we bought ours at Home Depot. Every woman needs a sink like this! Super big...super great. AND your husband will love it too!

White dishes...I am in love with white dishes! Why? Because they go with everything. Every holiday/celebration, every tablecloth/placemat, just everything. White dishes are timeless. I own 3 different sets and they mix and match so well. You can feed 30 people at a sit-down dinner and your tables look coordinated and put-together even though there are different dishes on each table.

L. Claiborne Handbags...The best handbag investment I have ever made was about 15 years ago when I bought a Liz Claiborne handbag in SLC. I have been hooked ever since. They are so well made and so classy. Currently I have a black and a red one. This red one is my absolute favorite. Believe me, I will get sick of it long, long, long before it wears out! They are worth every penny you pay and if you watch for them, sometimes you can pick up a bargain at TJ Maxx or Ross.

Lampe Berger...This beautiful bottle comes from France and every women should have one in her kitchen, bedroom, and bath! :) It works just like a candle but without the constant worry of an open flame. You fill it with oil and an alcohol neutralizer, light it and within minutes your home smells heavenly. The oil comes in different flavors but one of my favorites is the orange-cinnamon. My daughters gave this to me as a gift and I have them to thank for the simple pleasure of good smells!

Well, that's about it. I have a few more things that I couldn't live without (like a huge roasting pan that we inherited from my husband's aunt) but I am sure you have heard enough from me for today! What are your favorite things?

Sneak Peek...

We are reworking our spare bedroom. I can't say redecorating because we are using the same beds and armoire that have been in the room for awhile. What I am going to do is repaint the walls in the yummiest green you have ever dreamed of; make new quilts for the beds; and bring together some other elements to make the room feel cozy and inviting!

As you can see the fabric for the quilts is divine (beyond divine really) and I have a bunch of darling things to put on top of the armoire. I have a collection of Boyd's bears that I am going to put away in the armoire for awhile. I sure hope it doesn't hurt the poor bears feelings, but they just aren't what I am looking for in this room. I am also going to display some pictures of my three oldest daughters in their wedding dresses in a fabulous antique-ish frame(meaning it isn't really an antique just looks like one). I can't wait for you to see the room when it is finished along with some other things I am sewing to make it the yummiest room ever...but for now here is just the sneak peek!

Cinnamon Bears...

You gotta love 'em! I know I do. In fact I can't remember a time in my life when I haven't loved them. But for the month of January...none. I will not be eating any cinnamon bears. NOT EVEN THE CHOCOLATE COVERED ONES or any candy at all! Why? Because my friend Jamie and her sister started this "give up something for a month thing" and I decided in a "french pancake instead of oatmeal moment" that it was a good idea. I swear it was the whipped cream and strawberries on top of the french pancakes that muddled my brain and therefore my good judgement. There is no other explanation. AND I made a commitment in front of 4 other women that for 2007 I would give up something every month! Mind you, these are not things that are necessarily bad for you, these are just things that might be bad for you(like cinnamon bears) or not bad for you at all(like reading a novel). The point is to give them up for a month and contemplate their value in your life. Can you live without it for a whole month? Do you appreciate it more because you lived without it for a month? That sort of thing. Oh no, I can't type any longer...my hands are shaking...my face is sweaty...my head is spinning...cinnamon bear withdrawal...help me...pleasssse....

"Do Over" Day!

Remember when you were a child and the game wasn't going your way so you would shout, "Do Overs" and get a second chance? Well, January 1st is a "do over" day for me. Mistakes made during the past year can be learned from, goals and resolutions for the coming year can be made and life can move forward in both a postive and exciting way! I just love it! I feel so powerful! In 2007 I have made some goal/resolutions to be a better wife, mother, grandmother and friend. I also want to take better care of both my spiritual and physical needs. Oh and cook more. I have become a lazy homemaker! So let the new year begin...I'm ready!