Shannon Makes Stuff

And you thought this would be a Craft post, right???

2012-01-19T17:45:00.000-08:00

Yea, so did I. And I have been crafting. A little. I'm not sick, thank the heavens. BUT. If you've been watching the news... I've been right in the middle of the worst storm The Pudget Sound has had since 1940. And well, school has been canceled all week. So I've been playing mom. And saving my husband from running out of gas with his boss in the car at 6 am in the middle of an ice storm, but that's a whole post in itself. And currently we have NO phone service. Thankfully I am one of the few that has power. It flickers on and off all day long. But it keeps coming back on so we keep praying. So to my family... hopefully you're seeing this. We are okay. Just living in the dark ages for now. And there isn't a way to contact us besides email. So as I said. We dug out our snow gear, good thing we lived in Utah so we had some in tow!!! (You might ask... Where's your third son? He was a poop and didn't want anything to do with the snow what so ever. He watched from the window.)

Yes, we received all that snow within 24 hours. Which for the North West, is very unusual. Very. But what was even more crazy was what we woke up to this morning. I actually was woken up at 6 am to go rescue my husband and had to actually drive in it. (But as I said, that's a post in itself...) But everything was ICED over. The ground, the power lines, the trees. I mean everything. It looks gorgeous. And I learned that I will NEVER drive a mini van ever because Four Wheel Drive is just way too nice of a commodity for these conditions when they occur. I'm so thankful I'm such a snot and have that huge four wheel drive car or it would have been a disaster this morning. But... that's enough of that... Enjoy the gorgeousness of the ice!

Hopefully tomorrow I'll be able to compile those tutorials for you!!! I'm making it a priority! I've really missed crafting!!!

Um, Washington, What Are You Doing?

2012-01-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

When this started Saturday afternoon I was taken off guard. After all, I'm pretty sure I moved to Washington. And Utah doesn't even really have snow this winter!

So when I woke up Sunday morning and saw this...

I couldn't believe it. Crazy. And it hasn't stopped. So we pulled out our Utah gear and we grabbed cups and went outside.

Came back in and made snow cones. Complete with all the extra nasty ozone who knows what!

Then after church we made a snowman.

It's supposed to snow for a few more days. But I'm already over it. So hopefully it really doesn't. I guess we will see! I've been told that if it does once the snow level hits around three inches the city pretty much shuts down. That will be a sight in itself... I don't want the boys home from school two days in a row. Tomorrow is good enough... So I'm hoping the snow stops!

I'm finally feeling better... and I have even been crafting!!!

2012-01-15T21:42:00.000-08:00

Who would have thought, right? I guess 17 weeks was the right number for me. I am clear of the nausea. And I couldn't be more thankful. So to tackle the first thing. Shirts for my brother. Man... I must love him because this was alot more work than I had anticipated. But, 1 month later, they are finally done. 16 shirts. Check.

You want a sneak peak, don't you? These are my brothers designs. I just created the shirts for him. You will be able to purchase them through him if you are interested at http://www.dooriginalthings.com/.

And a sneak peak of the ones that took me way to long to make... The face was so big I freezer stenciled it. But I didn't like the way it looked. So I tried a few other ways that didn't impress me as well. Once I figure out the perfect way I'll let you know...

I even ended up with a Yudu Machine. And it didn't work either on that large of a print... But I won't give up. I'll find something... If you have any tricks or tips I'd love to hear them!

But I'm glad to get that batch done so I can move on to all my projects that I have lined up... Trust me... the list is LLLLOOOOOOOONNNNNNNG. And the supplies have taken over my craft room! It's a disaster. I'm so glad I can finally un-disaster it!

And We Have...

2012-01-12T07:00:00.000-08:00

PINK EYE!!!

Poor kid. He looked miserable. So I canceled my OB appointment, and scheduled him an appointment. He never complained a second. And he had double pink eye and a double ear infection. The poor kid. But he was as happy as could be. The entire time. Didn't complain once! This has been our morning routine. He is very particular about his routines... So we give him a warm wet paper towel and he lays it across his eyes until the goop softens up. Then we wipe them clean.

And Walaa! Really swollen eyes.

His older brother started with it the very next day! So I immediately started drops and we stopped in dead in it's tracks. So thankfully. Pink eye is now gone... Instead we've welcomed in Sinus infections. To the adults. I just can't get a break this winter...

I was able to sneak in an OB appointment a few days after the pink eye cleared. And we got to see...

See that cute profile!!! It looks just like my other children. I just want to squeeze those cheeks already!

And it even blew us some kisses. See it's mouth open? And those marks towards the top are it's hands.

How cute is our little baby... We learned that we are farther along than we thought. I thought I was 15 weeks 3 days. But the baby's measurements say we are 16 weeks 5 days. So yes for that! That's always nice!!! It looks like this baby is going to be coming right around his brother's birthday!

I also learned that I have this...

What is this? It's called a Placental Lake? It's essentially a lake of blood in my placenta. It will be monitored weekly. Yes, that makes a lot of appointments for me, which also means finaces are going to be really tight. They will watch it to make sure it isn't growing. The Dr was surprised I haven't spotted at all this pregnancy with how large this is. But I haven't. As long as it stays is it and it doesn't grow or it doesn't start to interfere with the placental attachment to the uterus or the connection of the umbilical cord I'll be fine, it will just cause lower birth weight for my baby (which my kids are 9 pounds, so it will be fine.) and possible premature delivery. If it does grow, or I start bleeding... then troubles arise. My Dr really didn't "go there" with me. So let's just not dwell on that... and we will stay positive... One day at a time. I guess this pregnancy means taking it easy for me one reason or another.

But what I was dying to know. Is my baby really a boy? The answer is. Yes. But this little peanut would NOT hold still. He was flipping head over feet. Over and over. Any time we thought we could see something he would move. We couldn't even take a picture. So the Dr said she would NOT guarantee to me that it was indeed a boy. She said that she could definitely be wrong, that is just her guess from what she saw. And honestly he was moving so fast, I couldn't catch a glimpse myself. That being said. I'm certain it's a boy. So I guess I'll wait 3.5 more weeks until my definite ultra sound to confirm it 100%. Until then I'll make no major gender purchases, but it is what it is. And I'll love another little boy just as much as I'd love a little girl! How can you not love a baby? And it's been about a week now that I've thought I've felt this little guy move. The Dr said, it's a little early but she wouldn't be surprised with how much he was moving that she's certain it is indeed this guy moving around that I have felt.

So I'll keep you updated all around the board. But in the mean time... Have any of you had or even heard of a Placental Lake? Google it, there isn't much information. But it is indeed a Placental Lake... Hmmm... But please oh please, don't scare me...too bad.

Powder Room Dishes

2012-01-11T00:00:00.000-08:00

I've been wanting some antique looking dishes for my guest bathroom. I just want something simple to stick a few hand soaps, q-tips, etc in. So this is what I came up with.

It's really easy. Grab two candlesticks and two plates from the thrift store.

Turn your plates over. You can peel off the price tag if you want, or if you're like me, just leave it on.

Now take the top of your candlestick and slather it with hot glue, or super glue, or E6000.

Then turn it over and place it on the bottom of the plate.

And there you have it! I love the look that they have.

So much, that I made two sets. One for my dresser, where I can stick my rings, hair clips, chap stick, etc...

Let me know if you give it a try! I'd love to see what you have come up with, and I would love to see what you stash in your dishes!!!

There's Nothing Like Talking in Church on New Year's Day!

2012-01-08T07:00:00.000-08:00

So last week my husband and I got to speak in church. It was rough. I wasn't feeling it at all! Normally I get my talk put together pretty quick and go over it and over it and over it for a few days. Not this time. It was literally at 2 am on Sunday that I was getting it all put together. I was nervous to say the least... but I thought I would share it with you anyhow... (Yes I just barely spoke about 6 months ago... what can I say... we move too much.)

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Well, I'm proud to announce that in approximately twelve minutes I will have officially completed my new years resolution. I only make one because it's about all I can accomplish in a year. And this year it was to speak in sacrament meeting, because it's one of my most favorite things to do. So I'd like to thank the Bishop for helping me start 2012 off with a bang and letting me enjoy the rest of the year as a successful person.

My family and I moved into the Ward in October. My husband is originally from Idaho and was raised on a potato farm. I am from Utah and was raised with 9 siblings. A little cliche for a Mormon couple, we know! My husband served a mission in South Chicago and he returned home and moved to Utah to start school. We met shortly after while working together. And although my husband doesn't like me to admit it in public, we got married. He was 22 and I was 18. Fast forward 11 years, 4 states, and 12 moves later it brings us to today. We have just finished up grad school down in Arizona and have come up here for our first real job. It's nice to know er are finally growing up! We have three boys. Three very loud, rambunctious, energetic boys. We don't expect anyone to ever remember their names or even pronounce them right. Brizden is our oldest. In a few weeks he will be turning nine. Brizden loves football. Playing football, watching football, thinking about football, talking about football, building legos, and reading books. Rylek is six. Rylek likes playing video games, folding, cutting, and coloring paper, and playing with his brothers. Ledger is four. Ledger is my little buddy. He loves his leappad, loves tagging along with his older brothers, and is often found cuddles up next to someone underneath a blanket. And since the word is out because I've either been leashed to the toilet, sink, or a bowl. And I am often found with a zip-lock bag in hand. I am indeed expecting. Next week it will be confirmed, but we are planning it will be another boy, so if you have any unique boy names, please let us know, we've seem to run out.

Well, when the Bishop called us he gave us two topics to speak on. Of course I quickly looked them up to see which one I thought would be the easiest to speak on. Now I'm regretting my decision. This past week I've had such a hard time trying to put down on paper anything that I want to say. The more I thought about it the harder it became. To be honest it wasn't until last night, or early this morning, rather, that is seems to come together. Which is completely not like me, so I hope what I have to say is something that someone here is needing to hear.

Elder Jeffrey R Holland gave a talk entitled The Best Is Yet To Be. At the very first of his talk Elder Holland reminds us of the Story in Genesis Chapter 19. The story of Lot and his wife. The Lord counseled Lot and his family to leave Sodom and Gomorrah. In verse 17 the Lord said, "Escape for they life." "Look not behind thee; escape to the mountain, lest though be consumed." After some negotiation and slight procrastination they left. We all know what happens next. Lot's wife looked back. And she was turned into a pillar of salt.

So why after being warned did Lot's wife look back? What was she longing for, holding on to, or resenting? Her attachment to the past was greater than her confidence in the future. Her desire to have her previous life was stronger than trusting the Lord and what he had in store to come for her in the future.

And that is just about where Elder Holland's talk became hard for me. Because he was talking to me. Being raised with 6 sisters, one being not even a year older, and one just over a year younger was full of drama to say the least. Even though two-thirds of us are officially over the age of eighteen and we've since added two sister in law's to the mix family get-togethers or family happenings usually still end with some sort of drama involved. And the drama usually lasts for weeks.

The problem is if you know me, you know I don't do drama. But what I so so really well with my sisters is the take it all in silently and put it on "your shelf" and let it sit there and sit there and sit there. Partially to drive you insane, but mostly because I have the hardest time quickly forgiving them, let alone ever forgetting when it comes to my family. After all, with 6 sisters you never know when you may need to pull something back off someones shelf and wave it around their head before your paper is waved around yours.

So turning back to Elder Hollands talk. One of the sections is conveniently titled, "Forgive and Forget." I quote, "There is something in many of us that particularly fails to forgive and forget earlier mistakes in life--either our mistakes or the mistakes of others. It is not good. It is not Christian. It stands in terrible opposition to the grandeur and majesty of the Atonement of Christ. To be tied to earlier mistakes is the worst kind of wallowing in the past from which we are called to cease and desist."

Not only do I have a hard time with my family, I have an even harder time with myself. It takes years before I can forgive myself, but I never can really forget. Perhaps this is what my resolution this year is meant to be.

We are taught to not dwell on days now gone nor to yearn for yesterdays no matter how good those yesterdays were.

The past is not the be relived but to be learned from. It is safe to say that Lot's wife looked back because she did not have faith. She believed the Lord could not give her anything better ahead than that which was good that she was leaving behind.

If we yearn to go into the past we hold ourselves back because faith is always pointed toward the future. Faith always has to do with blessings and truths and events that will yet be efficacious in our lives.

Elder Holland encourages us saying, "Let people repent. Let people grow. Believe that people can change and improve."

We need to leave the past in the past. And in D&C 58:42 the Lord requires us by teaching, "He who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord remember them no more."

We must not only forgive, but we must do what is often harder. We must forget. And when it comes to mind again, we must forget again, and then we must forget again. We must have the faith to move forward.

If we turn to the Book Of Mormon we can find a perfect example of these traits and characteristics. Nephi. Who better than Nephi? Nephi's brothers were far more obnoxious and dramatic than my sisters have ever come close to, our any of us for that matter. Yet as it states in Nephi 7:21 He did frankly forgive his brothers for all that they had done.

Another great example pointed out to us be Elder Holland is Paul. Let's recall the Apostle Paul. Yes, he's the guy who in his early years was blessed with his birthright. His education. And his standing in the Jewish community. This same Paul converts to Christianity losing it all. But does it without looking back. Does it so that he may press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Jesus Christ.

I often wonder, if the Lord himself asked me to do something. Something that caused me to walk away from everything I currently know and have, would I do it.If the Lord came to you, would you do it?

Of course you would. Of course I would. Of course we would! So at the start of this new year I am not going to make a list of resolutions but rather, I am going to challenge myself to be more like Paul and more like Nephi, and a little bit less like Lot's wife. I'm going to not only forgive but to forget.

And today I'd like to give you all the same challenge. No more holding people back. No more holding ourselves back. Let's step forward this year.

Elder Holland finishes off his talk perfectly, and I'd like to quote him to finish off mine. "Some of you may wonder: Is there any future for me? What does a new years or a new semester, a new major or a new romance, a new job, or a new home hold for me? Will I be safe? Will I be sounds? Can I trust in the Lord and in the future? Or would it be better to look back, to go back, to stay in the past?

To all such of every generation, I call out, "Remember Lot's wife." Faith is for the future. Faith builds on the past but never longs to stay there. Faith trusts that God has great things in store for each of us and that Christ truly is the "high priest of good things to come"

Keep your eyes on your dreams, however distant and far away. Live to see the miracles of repentance and forgiveness, of trust and divine love that will transform your life today, tomorrow, and forever."

And it's been so long. I don't remember how I ended:). I bore my testimony... you know... That I'm thankful for the opportunity I have to repent, and to forgive and to forget. That we get to study the Book Of Mormon this year. That Joseph Smith restored the Gospel and that he translated the Book of Mormon for us. La da da de dah...

So as I said... I had a really hard time with this talk. I hope I totally didn't bomb! Maybe, just maybe one of you needed to hear what I had to say... who knows...

I hope you're all having a great Sunday! I'm home with two boys with pink eye. Lovely.

I'm In It Again!!!

2012-01-06T07:00:00.001-08:00

Call me crazy. But, I'm super excited. I've been invited to be in the All-Star competition of So You Think You're Crafty. I had a crazy fun and stressful time competing last time! This time, my situation in life is different so it will be alot more relaxing this go around!

And the good new is... it's not anonymous... so I'll need all of your help voting me along each week! That is if you love my projects the most!!! Which I hope you will!

I can't wait for it to start in the next few weeks!!! And I'm a little intimidated because I'm going up against some big time bloggers compared to my little corner of the world wide web!

Penguin Appetizers

2012-01-05T07:00:00.000-08:00

I mentioned the fabulous New Years Eve party that we went too! Our friends cleared out their house and hung disco balls, they had a karaoke machine, and blasted dance music! Each person brought an appetizer! It was fabulous. We brought a chocolate fountain and these little penguins. They were a hit! And I just loved all the attention they got!

Want to make some of your own? They are super easy, and well worth it. To make two cans worth of olives it took me about an hour. (keep in mind I have to sit and work slow because I'm not feeling so great.)

Grab yourself a carrot stick. Cut it into slices.

Take a knife and carefully cut out a little v shape from each carrot slice.

Now take an olive and place one of the small triangle pieces into the whole in the olive.

Then take another olive. With that olive carefully cut out a small section in the front. You can discard the front section, or call in your boys, they will devour them!

Take some cream cheese and stuff it inside your olive.

Then take a toothpick. Place the toothpick in the top of the olive that you have put the small carrot piece into. Put it in from the top to the bottom.

And then slide it through the olive that you stuffed with cream cheese.

Then slide it carefully into the carrot slice, turning it so the v-cut out is in the front.

I placed all my penguins around my tea-cup and saucer display that I had previously made. I took the top of the teacup and filled it with the remainder of cream cheese. I had wanted to use a white cheese ball and form it into an igloo for the top, but we couldn't find a white cheese ball, and I just wasn't up to making one. So this was a great option.

I then poured salsa over the top. Nothing is better than salsa and cream cheese on crackers. Really. It's delicious.

On the second row I filled it with wheat thins.

And there I had it! A fun and easy and creative appetizer for a Christmas/Winter get together!

Go on give it a try and let me know what you think! I only had one left on the plate when the night was over! And had multiple comments on how "cool" they were from both kids, adults, men and women!

Playing Catch Up

2012-01-04T11:43:00.000-08:00

I just can't seem to get ahead. Just when I think I'm on the upswing this body of mine decides, nope you're not... you've just begun. So I'm officially fifteen weeks... Chances are... I'm going to be feeling like this the rest of my pregnancy. I've now officially lost three pounds this pregnancy. I'm meeting with my doctor again Thursday Morning. So we will see what happens there. I usually gain 50 pounds per pregnancy so I'm not complaining, but man... I'm so thankful my first three pregnancies were NOTHING like this. It's awful. I'm so sorry for you ladies that do this. Over and over and over. I think I would have one child. And one child only if this was my first. But enough of my pregnancy complaining, right?

Moving on... We picked a winner for Blogher's $50.00 gift card... and the winner is... (I have sent an email to you! You have 72 hours to respond to claim your prize!)

karenmed409 said...

My hair feels drier in winter, and flat from wearing hats..Wash my hair and use a deep conditioner in the winter more than I do in the summer. Hardly ever wear eyeshadow during the summer, when winter hits I start wearing again I change my nail polish a bit and wear more glittery golds, green, or reds for the Holidays.

The night before Christmas Eve brought back the elf at our house, after the destruction of the boys. They were ecstatic to see it return! He redecorated our house for Christmas and hung out to see the boys reactions.

We spent Christmas Eve morning making treats to deliver to our friends and neighbors. I pulled it together enough to make my mint cookies, while the other boys made pine bark.

Then Christmas Eve night we celebrated by letting the boys open their gifts that they trade each other. (They each draw a name and get to get a present for one of their brothers) And then they got to open their jammies.

Santa stopped by sometime during the evening and left a few goodies for the boys.

And I was able to snap a moment of peace before the Christmas Storm came in. I'm so thankful for a day to celebrate the birth of Christ.

The boys surprisingly didn't wake up as early as we thought, thank goodness because it was a late night for us. So at 9 am they lined up at the top of the stairs for pictures in their jammies!

The stockings were grabbed immediately!

And then the two boys turned to each other and said, "We didn't get as many presents this year." To which we responded. "You should have been a little bit better this year." And they knew. And nothing more was said. Just a bunch of grateful and excited little boys who were thrilled with what they did receive. A success on both ends this year. Children who learned a lesson, and parents who were able to teach a lesson.

Despite my sickness, we have truly been blessed this year and have had a great one! Here is to hoping this year will outdo last year.

Shortly after Christmas I hit fourteen weeks. I thought things were on the upswing, but then the throwing up reached an all new level. But I'm finally seeing a bump, that reminds me this will all be worth it in the end.

We took it easy until New Years. Mostly because I felt so yucky. But New Years Eve we went to the funnest New Years Eve Party we've ever been to! The boys danced and played. I sat on the couch and socialized! I was so glad we went. Towards the end of the night my stomach wasn't so thrilled. We rung in the New Year, left, and the second we got home... I spent a few hours by the toilet and writing my talk for church for the next day, well, actually the same day...

So... even though I spent the Holidays sick! We had a blast, and I'm thankful for how blessed we are! Despite being sick, I'm not losing my life, I'm gaining one, and I have three incredibly healthy boys and a healthy husband!

So here is my wishing to pull it together for this New Year and have many craft projects and fun things coming your way!

Our Winter Break Friends...

2011-12-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

Over Winter Break we have had two additions to our home. Each of my boys volunteered to bring their classroom pet home. It's the closest they will ever get to owning a fish. Why? I think fish are dumb. They just dirty a bowl, and I hate cleaning them. So there. Sorry fish. It's what I think. The boys have really enjoyed them though...but that doesn't mean we will be getting one:).

This is Bob. He's a beta. He came to us half dead, and I was really afraid we almost did him in. But... I cleaned his cage and moved him into the window seal and he seams to be coming along nicely. Thank heavens.

This is Star. She's a goldfish. She is the most active fish I have ever seen in my life. Swims all day. She sucks up the rocks into her mouth and then spits them back out, making noise all day long.

So here's proof. My boys had a fish... in fact they had two of them... for a whole two weeks. Now they can't ever claim otherwise...

A last minute Snowflake Garland

2011-12-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

I hope you are all enjoying your Christmas Eve. As for me. I'm sure I'm hard at work making dinner, and wrapping presents. That's what happens when you're pregnant and you've been sick. So it is what it is. Just yesterday I decided that we needed something for outside. We didn't get any lights put up this year. Yep. We are "those" neighbors. Hey, they didn't make it here from the move with a lot of other stuff that conveniently went "missing" off the moving companies truck. And I just haven't felt up to buying more, or hanging them, and my husbands been in the OR constantly, everyone is trying to squeeze in their surgeries before the new deductible kicks in. So we are doing without. But without further ado... My snowflake garland.

First lay out the string on the ground. Make sure it is the width you need it to be. Vary the ends so the snowflakes aren't all hanging straight across even.

Yes, I realize you can't even see what I'm referring too. So here it is again. This time I've poorly traced the strings that I had on the ground.

At the top of the string tie a knot where the string loops and comes back up. I'm pointing to it here. Do this on the top of all the loops hanging down.

Then take your snowflake (I got mine from all a dollar a few years ago) and tie it to the bottom of the loop. Or if you are adding more than one, tie them in place where you want them hanging.

There you have it. All of the snowflakes tied to the strings and ready to go.

I then took it outside and duct taped it to the front of my house.

It's nothing major, but it's something! And I like it!

And my most favorite part is looking at them from my front door.

All sparkling with the light from my porch. So it's not lights, but hey, it's festive!

And for those wondering... Our Elf decided to show back up on Thursday Morning. And the boys woke up to a decorated house again.

They really learned their lesson this go around. Thankfully we didn't have to roll it over and cancel Christmas altogether. I would have felt awful. But if they kept misbehaving I would have done just that. As for our Christmas tree. It looks PATHETIC. But I don't have time to make more Christmas ornaments, or the desire to go out and buy them. So what we have left is what I hadn't put on the tree in the first place because we had too many and what I could salvage from the disaster they created.

It is what it is. Enjoy your Christmas Eve. May your homes be filled with the Christmas Spirit and the story of birth of our Savior ringing through it's walls!

(And just for the record. I DESPISE that painting on my mantel. My husband came across it and brought it with us when we moved. It's going to haunt me for life. I think it's horrendous. He loves it. Straight out of the 50's orange shag carpet era. Gag me now...)

Lemon Chicken and Rice... YUM!

2011-12-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

So my pantry was looking pretty empty. But I needed dinner. And that's how this meal came about. And I must say. I'm so proud of myself! It's now a family favorite and will definitely be made again and again and again. Give it a try and let me know what you think!

Lemon Chicken And Rice

4-6 chicken breasts cut in pieces. (mine were small, I cut them in half)

1 can lemon concentrate thawed

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 can sliced pineapple

rice

Spray your crock pot with cooking oil. Then place in your cut up chicken breasts. Pour the can of lemonade concentrate over the top. Cook on high for 3 hours, or low for 5-6. When that is finished, put your rice on the stove. While the rice is cooking remove the chicken breasts from the crock pot using tongs. Add in the can of cream of mushroom soup. Whisk together with the lemonade using a wire whisk. Drain the pineapple slices and carefully place them in the bottom of the crock pot, in the sauce. Then place the chicken back in. Cover and let warm up until the rice is finished. Serve with rice, we prefer sticky rice at our house, but any rice would work. Using a ladle take the extra sauce from the chicken and pineapple and pour over your rice!

Really, we loved it! But you give it a try and let me know what you think!

My Three Naughty Boys

2011-12-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

I should write a book about boys. Seriously. It wouldn't be too hard for me to fill the pages with stories like this. And my readers wouldn't be able to stop laughing.

The Year My Three Boys Got Put On The TOP Of The Naughty List.

Do you see this picture below? Does anything look strange?

Take note of the lack of presents under the tree. Or the fact the tree has NO ornaments hanging from it's branches. Or take note that the fireplace no longer has stockings hanging. Or the fact the nativity that was once on the ground in front of the fireplace is taking up the space on the mantel.

Why? Good question. It's because my three boys are on the naughty list.

And they know it.

I should have taken pictures. But it just wasn't my first thought when I encountered the situation. My husband and I put on a movie on Sunday afternoon after church. The boys didn't want to watch it, so instead they went upstairs to play. This is pretty normal for a Sunday afternoon around here. I end up falling asleep while my husband watches the movie and the boys play.

But, they didn't really go upstairs. Not this time. They went in to the front room. If I didn't fall asleep I'm sure I would have heard them. Not quite sure how the husband didn't. But hey, it happened.

Well the boys. They decided to take their sticky hands. (You know those slimy shaped things that look like hands that you hold on to one end and whip it so it sticks to the walls?) And although we have told them multiple times this year not to touch the tree. They decided to whip their hands at the ornaments and see how many they could break or knock off the tree.

Such a fabulous idea right? Yeah. One that follows the rules. One that respects our house. One that won't get us in trouble. Yeah, Let's do it.

So right as the movie was ending my youngest comes running in yelling. "Mom, the boys knocked the Elf down and they touched him."

He didn't mind destroying that tree. But the elf to him is so important. He looks for it every morning. He makes sure no one touches it. He believes it in his heart. And it's adorable. And that was the deciding point for him, to tell.

And that's how it proceeded. The boys first destroyed the tree. There is literally maybe five ornaments not broken. All of my snowman ornaments, all of the ornaments with their hand prints, all the glass bulbs, all their personalized ones they made at school... I mean all of them... Then The Elf On The Shelf was up on a ledge this morning in the Living Room when they woke up. So they decided to use their sticky hands and knock him off. And they did. And then they touched him. Which is a BIG NO NO in the story. It takes away his magic. Not only did they just touch him, they ripped his hat off.

So my husband and I took one look at each other. He calmly walked into the garage and got the Christmas buckets and brought them in. We then, with the boys help of course, undecorated the tree, put all the broken ornaments back in the buckets. Took the stocking and the stocking hangers down. And all the Christmas decorations and countdowns and put them away. All as calmly and quietly as could be. Which for us is a HUGE deal. Usually we yell, we were beyond that point this time.

We left the tree up with the angel. You know, as a little sore spot. (We really didn't want to put the effort into taking it down, or we would have.) The boys were in tears the entire time.

We then sent them to bed.

When they woke up the next morning they found no presents under the tree and the remaining Christmas decor spread around the house put away and a little note from The Elf On The Shelf next to his hat.

It said:

"Dear Brizden, Rylek, and Ledger.

I watched in disbelief and sadness yesterday while you continued to misbehave and disrespect those precious and important things that your parents have worked hard to provide you with. You are all more fortunate than many other boys and girls that I have seen. Although I have seen you do many good things and know you are good boys I am sad to see some of the behaviour that you are capable of.

I was injured in my fall yesterday and because of being mishandled I had to call my fellow elves to leave their post to come and help me back to the North Pole. I will be gone until I see goodness and Christmas Spirit return. I hope that it will not be too long.

I must report to Santa, however, he is a good and kind man and it is my hope's you do not end up on the naughty list. Please watch my hat, but do not touch it until I return.

Your Friend,

The Elf On The Shelf"

Extreme? Maybe. But if you know my boys. You have to be extreme or they just don't get it. We wanted them to know that we were serious. And we meant business. We don't spend our money on things for them to disrespect them, or ruin them. We don't try to fill our home with the spirit of Christmas for them to destroy. We do not allow our children to be like that. It's not okay.

When they woke up not a word was said about what they found. They knew we weren't kidding. They read the note, and after accusing us of writing it, they realized it was real, after all it wasn't our hand writting. The Elf wasn't hiding anywhere. They had made a wrong choice. A really wrong choice. They had taken it way too far this time.

And so today, is three days later. And The Elf On The Shelf has still not returned. Here is to hoping he returns tonight. And here is to hoping my boys remember this Christmas Forever. And start making right choices.

.................................................................

My husband has told multiple people at his work about our night. He gets two responses. One from the "older ladies" that we took this way too far. That they are going to be scarred for life, and we were way to hard on them. The second is a room of laughter. Because boys are boys... and are boys are well, BOYS.

As for me I giggle every time I walk past the living room to see an empty tree... and any time someone asks us when we are going to decorate it. Because my boys are such a handful. Unless your are with them, and see it first hand, you don't understand just how naughty they can be. I'm scared for their teenage years. Really I am...

Please pray this little one in my tummy is really a girl... Can I handle one more of these very strong, very opinionated boys? I suppose, but I'd rather not. I've got my hands full with the three I have. I'm convinced the Lord has sent them to me and they have a greater purpose in his army that I can't see. That someday these strong-willed, energy filled, defiant little boys are going to recall what I have taught them, and use it to glorify God in his fight. I can hope, right?

Our Last Few Weeks... In Review...

2011-12-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

Even though I've been sick, we've managed to sneak in a few moments of fun... One night my boys received money in the mail from their Grandma and they immediately new what the wanted to spend their Christmas Money on. We tried to convince them to save it. We tried to convince them to wait until after Christmas and if there was something they didn't get but they wanted they could go get it. But nothing worked. So they each took half of their money, we did convince them to save half, and went to Chucky Cheese. Easy enough. It only requires me to sit, I can manage that being sick. They had a lot of fun, thanks Grandma!!!

And thankfully it wasn't too crowded. In case you are wondering, I do NOT enjoy going to Chucky Cheese. There are way to many kids just running around doing whatever for my liking. It's just not my thing. But I suppose twice a year won't kill me. And it didn't.

Then I started getting worse, rather than better. I have hit twelve weeks so I've been really hoping I'm on the upswing... But then it strikes again. This time with a vengeance. For about two weeks I couldn't keep anything down. I mean anything. I lost 6 pounds. Granted I needed too, but I'm also expecting... and that probably isn't such a great thing... So I got a new prescription to help me keep my food down. And it has finally started working. And I'm feeling good, once again. Like my other pregnancies. However there was a three day spell that nearly killed me... (I hate throwing up. HATE it. I'm such a baby about it.) It lasted so long my eyes were blood shot.

And it caused reddish purple rosy marks under my eyes. My husband told me the medical name... I can't remember. But they are broken blood vessels he said, from the pressure. Nice. It's hard to see, I know... There mixed in nicely with all those freckles that plague my face. But they are all the purple ones... If you can even tell...

And while I was on my three day death trap, my youngest son Ledger, must have got his little hands on my camera... Because I found about 20 of these small clips. And it made me smile and laugh... I picked out the best of them to share with you!

Then just Saturday we decided to drive up to Tacoma and see the zoo lights. Little did we know so was everyone else. It took us an hour and twenty minutes to make a 30 minute drive. It was terrible. But it was worth it. The boys had a blast. And the lights were amazing! Our house will be decorated like this one day. I swear on it. I love it. So bright and cheery!

The boys LOVED the shark tanks. Can you tell? We were there for about an hour. They were just mesmerized. I was thankful for that piece of glass.

And then we headed back outside to view the rest of the lights. There were millions of them. Everywhere.

Then we stopped by the kid zone and let the kids get their energy out. Boys and energy, It's never ending.

Thank goodness we were able to have a normal drive home of only 30 minutes, or I may have screamed. I am not a good person that sits calmly in traffic. I hate traffic.

So on top of our fun, we now have three boys who are on the naughty list. And they know it. And to top it off. I've got a sick husband, and two sick kids! Hopefully it goes away fast! I'm tired of all the sickness around here!

I'll fill you in on the reason my boys are on the naughty list... It's a whole post in itself. They up and above did themselves in this time... let's just say it involved the Christmas Tree... broken ornaments... and sticky hands.

Book Review Turned White Elephant... The Story Of Edgar Sawtelle

2011-12-20T06:00:00.000-08:00

First let's start with the book review shall we... Well. It stunk. Every page of it... BORING. Not sure what motivated me to even finish. As I turned the pages it got worse and worse... and then it just ended.

So go ahead... Read it if you like blah, boring, blah, and more boring right up to the last page that pretty much ends with no real end.

But that's alright! I needed a book for a white elephant gift I had in mind. And I finished reading this book right in time!!! So grab yourself a super boring book that you shouldn't have wasted either your money or time on. Hint: The Story Of Edgar Sawtelle, is an excellent recommendation.

Take the paper cover off the book, if it has one. It will make it look even more boring. Then open it up to say page 19. Yep that looks good.

Take a ruler and slide it in the spine of the book. Using an exacto knife cut through as many of the books pages as you can. Remember to do this carefully so you don't end up cutting yourself! (Because I can't be responsible if that happens.) Leave an inch on the bottom and the top of the page that you do not cut.

Then turn the ruler and place it along the edge of the books pages on the remaining three sides and repeat using the exacto knife. This will give you a window in your pages.

Keep repeating.

Lifting the cut pages as you go and keep repeating.

Repeat until you have about twenty pages left.

You can now lift the pages you cut and you have a complete hole in the middle of the book.

Now take a glue stick, let's pretend I have one in my hands. Place a line of glue along the edge right below where my thumb is. Right along the edge of the hole you cut. Then set the page down. And repeat, and repeat, and repeat.

Now all the center pages are glued together.

But because we glued along the hole that we cut out you can still flip through the corners of the pages. So it doesn't look fishy from the outside.

But sneaky we are!!! Fill that inside hole with yummy dark chocolate treats.

Slip in a book mark. Conveniently place it where the hole is cut out.

And if the recipient is smart enough to open the book while they are there then bargain for them... Unless it get's stolen from them! If not, they will have a fun surprise once they get home and start reading... That is if boring books intrigue them!

My oldest son has been begging for me to make one of these for him now, so he can hide things from his brothers in it! A perfect little extra something for Christmas for him from me!

Homemade Hamburger and Potato Wedges

2011-12-19T14:07:00.000-08:00

So I think... (hint... I think...) I finally have this morning (all day torture) sickness under control. I don't know how you women do this who have it every pregnancy. Luckily this is my first encounter with it, and hopefully my last. I definitely and obviously wasn't as productive this week as I would have liked to be. But I finally am able to do what I need to do. And my house is clean. Imagine that. That's a huge accomplishment these days. Really. It's huge... so without further garb from me... I made one of my boys favorite meals this week and thought I would share it with you!

My Homemade Hamburger and Potato Wedges Recipes.

Homemade Hamburger Meat

2 pounds lean ground beef

2 eggs

4 cloves minced garlic

2 tablespoons A-1 Steak sauce

3 teaspoons Dijon mustard

Mix altogether in a bowl. Form 6-7 hamburger patties and cook as desired.

Potato Wedges

5-6 russet potatoes, or 8-9 red potatoes

1/3 cup olive oil

2 teaspoons paprika

4 garlic cloves, minced

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

Place all ingredients in a large zip lock baggie. Shake until well coated. Spread out on a cookie sheet and bake in a 350 degree oven for 45 minutes.

If you have boys around your home that love a good hamburger you must give this a try, then come on back and let me know what you think! It's adds the simple little kick that you need to the meat, but doesn't take it overboard! And the potato wedges are oh so yummy!

Oh man... I'm lame... but here's a tip...

2011-12-12T11:19:00.000-08:00

I LOVE anything that saves me time. I hate spending hours doing tedious things. In fact, I hate it soo much that if it takes hours, I don't do it.

So I needed a fast way to clean the copper bottom to my pans. But for the life of me NOTHING worked. NOTHING. I googled it and tried everything.

Lemon. Nope. Mr. Clean Magic Erasers. Nope. Pumas Stone. Nope. Vinegar. Nope.

So I finally mixed a few things together and WALAA. Clean pans. And fast. We are talking minutes here. Minutes.

Please don't judge me. These pans are 4 years old and well, I never have cleaned the bottoms. Ack.

The first thing that you need to do... That I have done above... is to take baking soda and sprinkle it on the top of the pan. Then lightly get it wet and scrub the best you can. Don't wipe the baking soda off the pan completely. Here is what mine looked like after I scrubbed. As you can see, it's slightly cleaner. It's important not to skip this step because you need the baking soda on the surface for the reaction of the next steps.

Pour salt all over the bottom of the pan. Then pour vinegar over the salt. The reaction of the salt, baking soda, and vinegar is magical. You can see the bottom of the pan already brightening up.

Scrub the bottom of the pan using the salt mixture as a scrub. And look how nice and clean it is!!!

Wash your pan off, and there you have it. Clean pans.

And yes, I'm lame. I don't have a picture... not sure why... and... I'm lame because it's been a week and I haven't crafted at all. This morning sickness is running my life...

But I have A LOT of Christmas ideas coming soon... because they have to be finished this week... So I'll be sharing those soon!!!

Let me know if you give this pan trick a try or if you have a trick of your own you'd like to share! Because I would LOVE to hear!!!

And if you haven't entered yet... Head on over here and enter the $50.00 gift card giveaway that I'm hosting right here on my blog!

And here's to me posting soon and not being so lame this week...

Sometimes I feel like a failure...

2011-12-07T12:56:00.000-08:00

As A Mother that is.

I haven't been feeling the greatest. I've been just plain exhausted. Day in and day out of listening to three boys scream and fight has pushed me over the edge. My ears get REALLY sensitive when I'm pregnant as does my gag reflux. The last few weeks I've dealt with the 24 hour throw up flu with two of my kids, my five year old all of a sudden peeing his pants multiple times... still can't figure out why, and just the everyday stuff.

You know stuff. That really isn't that big of a deal. But when you are pregnant and not feeling well seams like a huge ordeal.

My middle child, Rylek, came to me in tears. His brother had pulled his monkey's leg off. After listening to them scream all afternoon it was the last straw. I was less than sympathetic. I told him too bad, they shouldn't be playing that rough. Go put it in my craft room and I'll fix it when I feel better.

Well, that was about 2 weeks ago. I'm finally waking up in the morning and feeling functional. Today is the first day I haven't thrown up in 7 weeks. Knock on Wood. I headed to my craft room to see what a disaster it was. I've been shopping online for Christmas and when something comes it just gets shoved in there. And I needed to organize it and figure out what I have for who. I open the door and I am greeted by this. Sitting neatly on the first box I see.

And my heart broke. I am THE WORST MOM EVER. Yes to me, it's a stupid monkey that shouldn't have been ruined because the boys should learn to play... well... less like boys... and they should be a little more quiet... and realize I'm sick... and... Well. That's what I thought at that moment. But that isn't the case. And now. I'm kicking myself in the rear. It shows right there the importance of this dear little purple monkey. Right there, in his own writing. "Fix This First Heart Rylek". It's not just a monkey. It's alot more.

After wiping away the tears and examining the little guy I noticed how hurt he really was. He was not only missing a leg but his insides were nearly coming out. He felt like I did. Only his hurt was hurting a little boy inside as well. And unbenown to me, so was mine.

So before I did anything else. I grabbed some thread and a needle. And sewed him closed with love. Sewed his leg back in place. It nearly took three minutes. That's it. Now he's waiting by the front door to welcome home his friend from school.

And I vow from today on out. To be better. To be focused. To not let down my kids. To take the three minutes, whether I have a bowl in front of me because I'm going to throw up or not. Because these are the things they remember. And I don't want them to remember... "Remember when mom had her baby in her tummy that she didn't move off the couch and was so grumpy?" No. I want them to remember... "Remember when mom had her baby in her tummy and she fixed my monkey even though she felt so sick." Because chances are... They won't remember the bowl and the throw up breaks I might have to take in between stitches. But they will remember the disappointment of me telling them to go... that I'm sick. I never want my kids to think I want them to go...

So today, I'm not going to be the Worst Mom Ever... ever again... I feel terrible. I can't wait for Rylek to come running through the doors from school so I can show him his monkey and tell him I'm so sorry!!!

I did it. I finally took the test.

2011-12-03T13:10:00.000-08:00

So my OB suggested that I take an at home gender prediction test. I've never even heard of such a thing. She said it's 83% accurate. It cost $30.00. And it can be done as early as 10 weeks.

So I thought about it. And after four days of not being able to NOT think about anything else my husband and I decided to give it a try.

So I followed the directions to the t. I waited until the next morning, which happened to be this very morning. And took the test.

And it looks like...

We are adding another BOY to our family. No surprise there. Right?

I guess boys are just meant to be for me. Not sure why... but I'll take what I can get! And I'll love them just as much... and I'll save a lot of money on not having to by a collection of girl things:). And no... I'm not trying again. This is it. 4 boys for us... and we're complete.

This "prediction" will be confirmed at the start of February with my ultra sound... so until then... it's looking pretty blue... but it still could be a girl...

Have you ever taken this test or known someone that has? And... was it accurate???

The one reason I'm kind of iffy is because I can't even get a at home pregnancy test to admit I'm pregnant... I have to get the blood draw to confirm it... so if it uses the same type of thing... it could be off too.... I guess we will wait and see in February!

How To Edge A Piece Of Carpet To Make A Rug

2011-12-02T11:51:00.000-08:00

In several of the homes I've lived in, or rented from, we've had left over pieces of carpet that we have used as rugs. Rugs by our doors, rugs in the living room. The problem is I've never wanted to pay the expensive cost to have the edges bound. Because, it's not my carpet to keep once we moved, and we usually haven't had a couple hundred of dollars hanging around. However I hate the constant shed from the edge of the carpet piece. You know what I mean? It's so hard to vacuum up and it's just a mess. So I finally sat down and figured out a way to get this to stop! Want to learn how? It was so easy, and it's made such a HUGE difference.

See the mess this unfinished carpet piece makes?

Let's get started right away! No more shedding means to more mess. Run to your local fabric store and pick up enough piping in the 2.5 yard packages to go all the way around your carpet piece. Match the color to your carpet the best you can. My Joanne's happened to be out of the tan, and I wasn't about to wait to get more in so I snagged up the white. Which was fine, because the carpet it's laying on is white, so you really don't even notice! To start out you might need to trim up some of the sides of the carpet to be even. If you need to do this use a sharp exacto knife and carefully cut from underneath the carpet.

Then grab your piping and your hot glue gun. Start about 3 inches away from one of the corners. Take your piping and hot glue it to the bottom of the carpet with just the piping roll hanging over the edge of the carpet.

After you have done about 3-4 inches turn the carpet over and place a strip of hot glue on the very edge of the carpet and glue the piping roll right to the edge to seal it.

Once the carpet is down on the ground that roll of piping will be right up against the edge of the carpet glued in place. This is what gives it the finished edge looks and also keeps it from shedding.

When you need to start another piece of piping place a dab of hot glue on the end and just push them right up next to each other.

When you get to the corner... You are going to do it form the top. Put a bead of hot glue around the edge of the carpet edge and run the piping right on it leaving the bottom hanging down.

Then turn it over to the bottom.

Start by hot gluing down one of the sides up to the corner.

Then fold the corner like you would a present. Continue to hot glue the other side down. It gives you a nice mitered edge.

Continue on until your entire carpet piece is edged with piping. When you get to the end just clip off the extra and glue the end to the start.

And you end up with a nice piece of carpet that now looks like a rug... and acts like a rug! Leaving none of it's pieces behind to drive you crazy!

If you give it a try let me know what you think... But I do have one general question before I go...

What possess people to put white carpet in their house? I just don't get it.

Simply Divine Raspberry Pretzel Jello

2011-12-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

I had never even heard of raspberry pretzel jello. That is. Until I joined the Staker family. And well, now I have it almost every get together. I've tried numerous of recipes, but this one I love by far the best.

It's so easy and it's divine. You must give it a try and let me know what you think!

Ingredients:

2 cups crushed pretzels

3/4 cup melted butter

2 tbsp powder sugar

1 8oz package cream cheese

8 oz cool whip

1 cup powder sugar

1 large raspberry jello

2 cups water

2 pkg frozen raspberries

Directions:

Mix together pretzels, butter, and powder sugar. (The easiest way to smash the pretzels is to place in a large zip lock bag and roll with a rolling pin.) Press into a 9X13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Cool completely. Mix cream cheese, cool whip, and powder sugar. Spread over crust using a spatula. Dissolve jello in 2 cups of boiling water. Add 2 packages of frozen raspberries into jello. Mix well and pour over cream cheese. Chill until jello is set. Serve.

So let me know if you give it a try and what you think? I'd love to know!!!

Fruit Display and Dessert Serving Tray

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

Ever need a unique way to serve your dessert bites? Ever want a creative way to store your fruit on your counter top? Well, check this out...

It's so easy, and so stunning. I just love mine. I can't wait to use it with dip in the top and cut up fruits or desserts around the layers at my next party!!!

Do you want to make one? Let's get started.

You need four tea cups, and one small saucer, two medium saucers, and one plate.

On the large plate take a tea cup and put super glue around the top rim of the tea cup. Then put the cup upside down on the center of the plate. Let it dry.

Then put super glue around the rim of the tea cup bottom that is connected to the large plate. Glue on one of the larger saucers. Then put clue on the bottom of another tea cup and place it into the center of the large saucer.

Then take the other large saucer and super glue it to the top of the tea cup on the stack. Then take another tea cup and place glue on the top rim and put it upside down on the second large saucer.

Then take the small saucer and super glue it to the bottom of the tea cup. Then super glue the last remaining tea cup on the top of the small saucer.

Let it dry completely. And then stock it with fruit or mini desserts. Isn't it just gorgeous?

You can customize this to match any kitchen. Use floral tea cups, or plates with gold edges, or a hodge podge of items. I would LOVE to see if you give it a try and how yours ends up looking! So please let me know if you do!!!

In Our Neck Of The Woods...

2011-11-29T00:00:00.000-08:00

This week has been a whirl wind... We first started out with snow... It was a nice change from Rain... but Strange none the less...

As I entered the bathroom one morning to do my morning ritual of throwing up I saw this on the counter and couldn't help but laugh... always a boy at heart, right?

And then the chaos started. Ledger decided to put foaming dish soap in his arm pits because he liked the way it felt. He didn't tell us. We didn't know. He went to bed. And when he woke up the next morning his underarms were completely burned. Bright red and raw. Then it turned into this.

Poor kid. He walked around like this for about one week.

And he didn't like it very much when I had to slather him with cream to help his arm pits.

And then my in-laws came. And it was chaotic and busy and fun none-the-less. We all ended up taking turns being sick and throwing up our food for 24-48 hour increments. It was a disaster to say the least. But we had a fabulous thanksgiving dinner. All done by me... Cooked... Cleaned up... You know the works... Then they brought gifts for the boys. They were so excited to have Christmas Presents early!!!

And somewhere in between the Thanksgiving chaos and the sickness my oldest ended up giving my youngest quite the hair cut.

Completely snipped across his forehead with pocket knife scissors. Oh geez...

The pictures really don't show the horrendousness of the hair cut like you can see in real life. It's a doozy... and it's sooo short.

Good thing he's a boy and he really doesn't care, because I have no idea how to fix this one with it being right up front... He's just going to look like Spock for a while...

And that is what we've been up to... What have you been up to??

Preserving Leaves And A Great Way To Display Them

2011-11-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

I just love the look of changing leaves. They are just breath taking. Something about their extraordinary colors. The crispness of the air that time of year. Everything. I just love them. A few years ago I created one of these on a whim for my mother in law when we went for Thanksgiving. Ever since then I've been wanting one for myself. So this year. I tackled the project again, and made a tutorial this time to share with you!

The first thing you need to do is get yourself some leaves. Then dry them. Easy enough, right? Well, not exactly. You need to do it right. Or you'll end up with crinkly, crunchy, moldy, brown, not colorful leaves. So grab yourself a phone book.

Open up the pages and lay your leaves flat in between the pages. You don't want any of your leaves touching. Then turn about ten more pages and add more leaves, repeat until all your leaves are in the book!

You don't want to stack your leaves like this.

And then place underneath a phone book altogether. They will end up brown and moldy.

And you don't want to lay them all flat on the table and let them dry, or they will crinkle up and be crunchy.

It may take a few minutes longer, but it's really the best way. Open up that phone book.

Place the leaves inside so they are NOT touching.

Shut it. And wait a week. Until the leaves are nice and dried out.

Grab yourself a frame. I like to use a 8X10. It's the perfect size for an ordinary leaf. It leaves enough white space to catch your eye but not too much to lose you.

Take the back out of your frame.

On this particular one the picture is glued to the back. If the one you use isn't remove the picture.

Then grab your leaves. Grab yourself a sharp pair of scissors. Cut down either side of the vein of the leaf. I make mine about 1/2 inch wide. Take your most favorite leaf that you want to use for the center and set it aside carefully.

Repeat with all the leaves.

Then cut the stem off straight across.

Start on one edge of the frame back and using your hot glue glue one leaf onto the edge of the frame going inward. Then add another right next to it. I add two strips of hot glue to the back of my leaf and carefully press down.

Slowly add more and more to the side lining them up right next to each other. It looks best if you try to vary the colors, rather than placing the same shades right next to each other. Don't use a pattern, just do it randomly for the best look.

Continue until you reach one end of the back completely. And on the other end you have about 1.5 inch to 2 inches left.

On the corner that is left turn the leaf facing outward and glue it on leaving the top hanging over the edge and the straight edge right against the other leaves side edge.

It will look just like this.

Then you can trim off the tip of the leaf even with the back board.

Keep grabbing a leaf and repeating until you have 1.5 to 2 inches left on this row.

Then grab another leaf and start 1.5 to 2 inches from the edge of the board where the leaves tips are facing inward and start a row with the tip facing inward again.

Repeat going all the way to the edge of the board.

Then placing the tips of the leaves outward again on the remaining row.

Then cut a piece of white card stock so it fits nicely in the rectangle of leaves. Hot glue it in the corners and put it in place.

Then take your most favorite leaf that you set aside and carefully hot glue the edges and lay it on the card stock.

Then in the bottom corner write either where you collected the leaves or what type of tree they are from and the year you collected them.

Put the back back in the frame. Very carefully.

And there you have it. A beautiful leaf display for your home! It just screams fall and brings it inside your home to enjoy!

This would be a great gift for your thanksgiving host, or just as a fun neighbor gift as well! Let me know if you give it a try!!! And just a reminder. Your leaf colors may lose a little of their brilliance as the years go on, but it will maintain it's fall beauty. They colors just may fade slightly... after all they are dried leaves.

And hey, Have you entered my $50 gift card giveaway courtesy of Blogher? No. Why not? Head on over there and enter...

Guest Poster Emily Patterson

2011-11-27T00:00:00.000-08:00

I have a fabulous guest post to share with you today! I can't wait to try out some of these fun ideas with my own kids. With fall being in full swing around the northwest and with me being so tied down to the barf bowl I'm sure we are going to be trying several of these out. So read through Emily's fun suggestions and then in the comments leave some of your own!!!

Outdoor Family Fun Ideas for this Fall

Submitted on behalf of Primrose Schools: preschools making a remarkable difference in your child's education by Emily Patterson (@epatt1062)

Now that the weather has turned cool and the usual outdoor summertime activities may not be possible, parents may hear their kids say “I’m bored!” even more than usual. But just because the weather is cooler does not mean that the kids should be cooped up inside sitting in front of the television.

Just like bears hibernate when the weather gets cold, many children spend much of their time indoors during the fall. However, an entire season of inactivity is not healthy. With the childhood obesity rate on the rise, it is important for parents to get an example for their children that activity should not be weather dependant. In addition, there are plenty of fall activities than extend education beyond the classroom and introduce children to new ideas and interests.

Here are 10 ideas for family fun during the fall:

1. Corn Maze: The fall time means harvest for many famers, and the mature tall stalks of corn make for great mazes. Many farms turn their cornfields into mazes that are open to the public. A small fee per person or per family can buy you and your children an entire day of fun. Your family can navigate through the maze, attempting to escape. Some mazes include clues or puzzle pieces that your kids can search for in the maze. Older children may enjoy the nighttime mazes that are navigated by flashlight. In addition to the maze itself, many farms have children’s activities, rides, crafts, and fresh produce for sale.

2. Bike Rides: The fall season is a perfect time for a family bike ride. A longer bike ride may be possible without the heat of summer and threat of sunburns. During the ride, your kids can look for leaves that are still green, collect fallen leaves, or hunt for acorns. The cool air will feel great during the ride, and it is a great way to encourage your children to appreciate the beauty of nature of this time of year.

3. Visit a Fall Festival: A host of fall festivals can be found in any community; schools, churches, and neighborhoods all festivals that bring together families and celebrate the season. Many of these festivals are free to attend, and while there, children can play games, participate in a costume content, and taste harvest treats. Encourage your kids to socialize with other children at the event; they may even leave with a new friend or two.

4. Apple Picking: Taking children to an orchard to pick apples provides them more active time outdoors together. Plus, your children will be able to see first-hand where their food comes from. Use this opportunity to educate them on farming, the origin of food, and the wide variety of healthy fruits and vegetables available. Most children will love tasting all of the different varieties of apples.

5. Veggie Stamping: Whether you pick apples straight from the tree or from your local grocery store, these fruits make for an easy fall craft project. With your help, your children can cut the apples in half, dip them in paint or ink, and use them to stamp designs onto paper or material. Potatoes, another hearty fall and winter vegetable, add even more variety to the stamping; after cutting the vegetable in half, you can cut designs into the flesh of the potato to make homemade decorative stamps.

6. Leaf Fun: Turn an often dreaded fall chore, raking leaves, into a family fun day. Get the kids involved in raking the leaves in your yard or in a neighborhood park. Challenge the kids to try to make the tallest pile of leaves or carry leaves through the yard the fastest. Piles of leaves are a lot of fun for both kids and adults to jump in; just be sure to leave time to reassemble the piles, or you’ll be back to a lawn full of leaves. This activity is also a great time for photos and videos of the family.

7. Cooking Competitions: If your children enjoy helping you with cooking, the fall season often brings chili, stew, or soup competitions held at festivals in the community. Practice a couple of recipes ahead of time and allow the family to taste and vote for the winner, which will be entered into the competition.

8. S’mores: Nothing welcomes in the fall than making s’mores. If you can’t make them around a campfire, make them right in the kitchen. Let the children help with the assembly and use the time to tell campfire stories or favorite outdoor moments.

9. Help Those in Need: The cold weather of fall can be difficult for children and adults in need. The season is a great time to do something to help others and teach your children a valuable lesson in the process. Clean out closets for coats that no longer fit or collect canned goods from the neighbors and give to a worthy organization.

10. Make a Scarecrow: Scarecrows are iconic fall characters, and making one does not have to involve much preparation or money. Challenge the family to collect items needed to make a scarecrow from around the house, throughout the yard, or during a hike.

These are just a few ideas to get parents started on planning activities for the fall season. The goal of these and like activities is to keep children active, provide teachable moments, promote awareness, and bring the family together throughout the Fall.

So... The Word Is Out...

2011-11-26T00:00:00.000-08:00

and I'll share with you...

I'm looking a little like this:

Which means my toilet and I have become very good friends.

I feel TERRIBLE. Hence the lack of my presence in life. I normally have pretty easy pregnancies. Morning sickness the entire first trimester... nothing too bad... just feeling yucky. Then the second is fine... and the third I get the oh my gosh that smells throw ups. But that's it. I'm lucky.

Well... not this time. NOT AT ALL.

I visit the grand thrown at least six times a day. At least. I've already thrown up in my car and down my shirt. I've been so nauseous I'm now taking meds that chemotherapy patients take just so I can function. And all I can say is heaven send. I can at least function. I still feel like crap. I'm still tired... sorry I don't normally complain nor do I like to..

But this isn't myself. And so even though I'm only ten weeks along. My husband and I decided I needed to tell people. So they didn't think this move like weirded me out and sent me into some down hill spiral... It's not the move...

It's the bump in my belly. So... we are hoping for a girl... but if it's a boy, we'll take him anyways... he's just going to get a girls name... because I can't think of any more unique boy names that I like!!!

I've been told it's got to be girl because I'm more sick. I've told it's going to be twins because I'm more sick. I think it might just be the fact I'm getting older, and heck it's been 5 years. My body is probably thinking oh my heck, this again? Are you serious? So... what do you think?

How to make your hair look naturally wavy without curling it...

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

You know that perfect curl? The one that all those naturally curly hair girls have. It's like a ringlet, but just oh so perfect. Well. I have straight hair. And sometimes I like a little curl. Not like a full on curl but that tight natural look. Just like this.

So... how do I do it? Well, I'd love to share with you!

I shower at night. Then I take the front of my hair and twist it down to one side. Bobby pinning the end at about my ear.

Then I take a section back and I twist it the other direction. And bobby pin it back at my ear.

Then I take one last piece at the base of my head and twist it back the other direction. And again I bobby pin it at the end.

And I go to sleep. When I wake up I look a little bit like this.

It's a little bit poofy and a little bit crazy. Don't worry. Take out the bobby pins and let it down.

And you'll have yourself some oh so lovely curly hair.

It's perfect to give the roots that curly texture and little umph from just your straight look. I love to do this and then pull my hair back in a loose up do.

Or it's fun to wear it down and messy.

And act like you've got natural curls like that girl you've always had your eye on.

Now just a little hint. The tighter you wrap your twist when your hair is wet the tighter your curl is going to be. If you want your curl going to the end of your hair then keep twisting to the end and secure with an elastic, instead of at the base of your head with a bobby pin!

Let me know if you give it a try! I'd love to see your curls!!!

A Yellow Skirt For Me

2011-11-22T10:58:00.000-08:00

I finally got out my sewing machine! Imagine that. I started this project over a year ago. What? Yeah I know... That's what happens lots of the time around here. I get side tracted like that. But all that matters is I finally finished it!!!

And now I am going to share with you how to make one for yourself. This is super easy! Grab yourself a table cloth from the thrift store. A round one is best. Mine happened to be the perfect shade of yellow with a fabulous border of lace around the edge. All for $3.00! Bonus!!!

To start out you will need to measure yourself. So grab a measuring tape. Measure around your waist. That is, where you want the skirt to be on your waist. I measured a really low waist, right above my hip. My measurement 39 inches. Then measure from that spot to where you want the skirt to end. My measurement 20 inches.

Lay out your table cloth. Then measure from the outer edge up to the length measurement. So 20 inches for me. I actually decided to measure from the top of the lace. Where you start cut straight from the edge of the table cloth up to the spot (20 inches for me) and then cut around the top at the 20 inch mark until you have a length that is double your waist measurement. So for mine 78 inches. Then I cut straight back down to the end of the table cloth. Note. The outside length of the skirt will not measure the 78 inches. It's not supposed to. It will be alot longer than that. But that is what gives this skirt it's wavy look! (Phew, I hope I didn't just confuse you...let me know if I did.)

See where I am pointing. That is the 78 inches long measurement. And the short side coming out from the lace to my finger is the 20 inch measurement. Got it? If not, let me know.

Then from the extra table cloth piece. I used the inside of the U-shape I just cut. Cut out a piece that is 3 inches by your waist measurement plus 3-4 inches.

Then take the large piece that we cut and folding right sides together pin the two length edges together.

Sew it using a 1/2 inch seam allowance.

Then take the little piece and fold it in half right sides together and sew it together using a 1/2 inch seam allowance as well.

Open it up and it's one complete loop.

Now take the large piece and turn it right sides out. Gather the top edge of the skirt. We will be making it half the size, the same size as the little loop we just completed.

If you lay them out together they should match perfectly.

Then stack these two loops on top of each other. And using a 1/2 inch seam allowance sew them together on the edge.

Turn the top loop up and you know have a skirt with a waistband.

Here is a closer look.

Now take a 3/4 inch elastic. You want to stretch it around your waist so it is how you like to wear your skirts and then add an inch. Sew the ends together.

Now we are going to head back to the machine. Grab your skirt. Slide the unfinished edge of the waistband under your presser foot. Line the left side of the foot with the stitch marks that we made when we connected the waistband to the skirt. Then put your elastic under the presser foot about 1/4 inch away from the sewn line It should be right to the right of the needle, so it won't catch in the line as you sew. Take the raw edge of the waistband which will be to the right and fold it over the elastic to the left and slide it under the presser foot. And sew all the way around following the stitch mark on the left of the presser foot.

Keep putting the elastic in place and folding over the waistband as you go. This will give us a nice top stitch to the waistband when we are finished.

And there you have it! A completed skirt!!! It's fun with all the waves of fabric! And who would have thought it was from a thrifted table cloth! Not me... And my husband even commented on how much he liked it!!! He had no idea what it started as!!!

Let me know if you give it a try! I would LOVE to see how yours turns out...

And I'm wondering... Have you entered my current giveaway? You know, the one for the $50.00 gift card? Well, what are you waiting for. Head on over and leave a comment!

And I'm In LOVE... and Itch Free... and want to share it with you!!~! (And a chance to win a $50.00 gift card)

2011-11-21T09:00:00.000-08:00

I've shared my hair issues with you before. I've also shared with you that I love HEAD & SHOULDERS. I just love it. I live with a scalp that itches like crazy. I mean crazy. I'm constantly thinking about it, constantly wanting to scratch away. I hate it. But it doesn't just stop there. It flakes. It's gross. It's rather embarrassing. Some days I have to slip on a hat when it's extra bothersome. I tend not to wash it as much as I should, because the more I wash it the more itchy it gets. So it's either itchy clean hair or dirty not so itchy hair. And I tend to stick with the dirty not so itchy hair.

Well that was until Head & Shoulders sent me a bottle of their Eucalyptus Itchy Scalp Care Shampoo and Conditioner to try. Everything changed; I now am looking like this. Everyday.

I can't wait to get up to shower. The eucalyptus is so refreshing. It leaves a fresh sting to my scalp and a beautiful hint of freshness in the air. But most importantly, it leaves my hair itch free and dandruff free. Those flakes just aren't there anymore. I've been using it for just over a week now and won't ever change. I'm that in love with it. The results were extremely quick, literally after the second wash the itching was a thing of the past. It's vanished. Don't believe me? Here's more proof. This is me after two days of not washing my hair... Yep, it's a sad sight to be seen.

I don't know if you can tell. But my scalp is extremely dry...

Those little flakes are lovely aren't they? Well here I go; here is goodbye, thanks to these two bottles of miracle solution!

The Head & Shoulders collection of soothing products promises to ease three scalp and dandruff problems: dryness, itchiness, and sensitivity. With 84% of surveyed scalp issue sufferers concerned about these issues, Head & Shoulders has combined the effectiveness of their HydraZinc formula to alleviate these conditions leaving your hair beautifully flake free*.

(* Visible flakes with regular use. Up to 100% Flake Free.)

I just happen to be one of those 84%, and I'm so thankful Head & Shoulders is trying to help us out. It's not fun living with these scalp problems. And what I love even more is knowing just how it works!

We all know that dandruff is caused by a combination of factors. The presence of scalp oils, the fungus Malassezia globosa, and what scientists call a susceptibility to skin irritation (or a reaction to the presence of the fungus). Yeah, more information than you want to know if you suffer from this problem. It kind of grosses me out to even think about it.

But those of you who have it know exactly what I'm talking about.

Head & Shoulders comes to the rescue by not only leaving behind a clean scalp, the foundation for great looking hair, but the new Head & Shoulders collection goes one step further to excite and indulge your senses with fresh, naturally inspired fragrances including almond oil, eucalyptus, and aloe vera.

So instead of rocking that dirty hair for half of the week to have relief, I get to have relief, and it's simple. All I have to do is wash daily with Eucalyptus Head & Shoulders Itchy Scalp Care. And instead I get to rock this all week:

Which makes me feel better and makes me look better, which in return makes the husband happier!!!

It's a win win. Perfect Hair with no Itch and no flakes. Thank you Head & Shoulders for saving my life and my hair! And I'm loving all the comments from people on how shiny my hair is since I've started using it!

Two of my sons also struggle with the same hair issues I have. You better believe that after the results I had, I started them right up with Head & Shoulders, and just like me, no more itchy scalp, and no more dandruff flakes. They love the feel of our new shampoo and ask for it constantly!

Now you know I love it. As for you...How about a chance to win a $50 Visa Gift Card, courtesy of BlogHer, so you can go try it out for yourself? I'm sure you will love it just as much as I do. So I just want to know:

How do you change your beauty routine in the colder winter season from the warmer seasons? Leave me a comment to be entered for a chance to win.

Rules:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

                a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
                b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
                c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
                d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.
You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 11/21/11 - 12/22/11
Be sure to visit the Promotions & Prizes page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!
Want more great tips for winter hair care? Check out the newest “Looking Your Best” post in the Life Well Lived section of BlogHer.com.

HIlary Weeks CD Winner

2011-11-20T21:49:00.000-08:00

Dear Blog Followers...
I'm so sorry. I realize lately I've been well crappy. I just haven't seemed to get my funk back from the move. I have a very lovely son I am trying to love to death that's trying to push me in all directions. I know he's just trying to adjust, just as I am. But it's hard, and It's thrown me for quite the loop. His aggression towards his siblings is killing me. (If any one has any suggestions, I'd love to hear.) I want him to know he's loved, but at the same time. He has to know this isn't acceptable. I want him to know that I know moving is hard, that I know making new friends is hard. But life goes on.

So that being said. I'm finally getting around to drawing the winner from my giveaway... and it happens to be commenter number five!!!

Who happens to be Sarah Crooks who happens to be moving up here by me! Wahoo, how cool is that! Never met her but I'm sure she's fabulous and I can't wait too! Sarah I'll be emailing you soon!

So bare with me for the next little while while I pop in and out trying to get things situated here at my home. Because as much as I love crafting and blogging, my family comes first... and right now... that's where almost all of my time is being spent.

But don't you worry... I'll be back with a vengeance... soon. Because I have a head full of ideas.

Thanks, Shannon

Christmas Tree Wreath Tutorial

2011-11-16T11:12:00.000-08:00

Alright... I'm finally back into the groove of things. I think I've got a grasp on life finally. That move was a lot harder than I thought. It was hard for the boys, it was hard for me... It was just hard. We are all unpacked, minus the 10 boxes that went missing during the move... and all my craft stuff... It's still in the garage... I'm getting there slowly, if this body of mine would catch up with me...

That being said... Christmas rang through me. And I decided to make a wreath for my door. But I didn't just want the typical red and green Christmas Wreath. So I decided to go more natural and create a Christmas Tree Wreath for my door.

Super cute huh? Let's get started shall we???

Grab yourself a metal hanger. You can buy them for 5cents at most dry cleaners if you don't have one on hand.

Take the hanger and bend out the curve in the top. Right where my finger is pointing. Make it straight.

Then take the top and straighten out those curves to make the side completely straight.

Then go three inches in from the bottom edge and make it your new edge. Do this on both sides to elongate the hanger and make a tall triangle.

Then take the hook of the hanger and bend it into a loop.

Then take 5 sprigs of evergreen. I cut mine right off my tree. If not you can find them at most grocery stores this time of year. If not try a local garden as well.

Take green floral wire and wrap the top of the branches together. Then wrap the bottom of them together.

Take the top of the branches and wire it to the center of the bottom of the triangle wire that you made.

Just wrap, wrap, wrap it.

Then take the branches and separate them into two groups. Take one to each side and wire them to the corner bottom edge of the bottom of the wire triangle.

So you will now have something that looks like this. Take a dab of hot glue and glue the wires in the center just to secure them in place.

Continue securing the sprigs all the way up to the top of the triangle wire. When you are done turn your wreath over. If there are any twigs that you don't like, just trim them off.

Now you can watch me in action. I'll show you how I finished decorating my wreath. (and you can learn why I don't do video's. I immediately turn into a nerd. Like really, It just happens like that.)

But once you have your wreath decorated. You'll have this super duper fun wreath!

It would also be super cute with red holly berries and ribbons...

And the smell is to die for... Christmas...

So... if you give it a try please share yours. I would LOVE to see how you decorate your wreath, and what you use to make it! The possibilities are endless. Really they are! From my simple one to an elaborate one!!! Go ahead... get started and then drop me a link in the comments...

Oh and by the way... we are doing thanksgiving all by our little family this year... so stay tuned for some fun ideas that I'm using to make it special... and if you want to see my son be a little funny... go check this out...oh the innocence of kids.

Our Little Trip To The Coast

2011-11-15T15:27:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we decided to act like tourists and head to the cost. Everyone thought we were nuts. It's the off season. But heck, we are living here. That means we can enjoy it year round... And it was perfect. We loved every minute of our day trip.

We first stopped at the largest Cedar Tree. Yes. It is. THE LARGEST CEDAR TREE. The boys LOVED climbing all over it.

Seriously. The thing was huge. And these two realized it once they had to come down. Neither of them would budge. And then the fear tears started. It was classic.

Don't worry. Dad saved them. And don't let older brother fool you. He started the whole scared process. And put on his tough face when mom pulled out the camera! We pretty much had to pry him off the tree though. He would have stayed there all day climbing around.

Then we headed to the coast. We decided to hit Ruby Beach. It's clear at the top before the inlets, so it was a 2 hour drive but well worth the trip... It was gorgeous. And the boys were soaking wet by the time we left.

No we did not write Gollum. Funny none the less.

Sorry about the picture overload. But it was amazing. It amazes me that I live so close to such a vast and beautiful place. It was serene. After we collected shells we left our mark...

By building rock towers. Dad's idea, of course.

And then we were off. We were going to stop at the Rain Forest since we were so close. But the boys were freezing and were starting to get a tad bit too whinny for us to want to handle. So we drove a little ways in and then turned around. We will definitely be going there in the Spring to spend a day or two.

And because we were so close, we stopped by Forks and had some lunch. We didn't see any vampires... In fact the actual high school is being remodeled and looks nothing like the high school in the movie. We didn't recognize anything. They give paid tours... but the boys would have DIED if we made them do that... Maybe next time we head that way... But I did snap the FORKS city sign.

One cool thing about Forks, there is no huge commercial chain anything, except gas stations. Everything is small and locally owned!!!

We had a fabulous weekend. And I'm sure there will be many more to come at the cost line... come and visit us and we will bring you there too!!! hint... hint... grandma's and family...

Having Trouble Leaving Me A Comment?

2011-11-10T14:22:00.000-08:00

I'm so sorry!

I just found out that lots of you have been having problems leaving comments! Thanks to two emails in the same day from My Mother In Law and from Brenda it was brought to my attention! Thanks so much for letting me know!

So I've done a few changes and I have a favor to ask of you! It's rather a win win.

Head on over to this last post of mine, Hilary Weeks CD Giveaway, and leave a comment. You will not only be entered to win the giveaway but I'll know if the comments are working!

If they aren't working please send me an email to shannon_staker@hotmail.com.

Thanks a bunch! I'll be back soon... with a tutorial this time:)!

Hilary Weeks Stunning Video... and a Giveaway!

2011-11-09T10:15:00.001-08:00

Here is a forewarning ladies. Grab Yourself a Tissue. Really, you are going to need it!

I warned you!

I'm so excited for Nie Nie! You have no idea! What a darling Lady.

And so is Hilary, might I add. She is just amazing! I wish I only had a fourth of her voice and I'd be happy!

She's so amazing, and Deseret Book is so amazing they want you to have a copy of her new CD!

Every Step.

Go Check it out here.

You'll want to win this one I guarantee it!

So to enter just leave a comment in the section below! Make sure you leave a way that I can contact you if you are the winner! And I'd love to hear about a miracle that has happened in your life. That is, if you would like to share with us!

Just one entry per person, spread the word around! This CD by Hilary Weeks is amazing! We don't want anyone left out!!! I will close the giveaway on Tuesday the 15th and pick and announce the winner on the 16th!!! Go on... enter already!

My Little Man Started School

2011-11-07T10:41:00.000-08:00

How crazy is that? Yes. My little man had his first day of preschool today! It pulls at my heart strings. Why? He's my baby. My little pal. And I'm passing him on to the World. I know he's ready for this... but am I?

I guess I'll have to be... After all, it's worked out for the others... I might as well send him on to be himself as well. After all. Who would I be, to hold them back, because I can't let go... So go on boys... go out into the world. Grow, Gain Intelligence, Find out who you are... but please... don't forget to come home and just be you... with me...

Because I'm not ready to completely let go yet... I'm just ready to send you off in the morning and take you back in the afternoon...

Today I'm Thankful For...Day Five

2011-11-04T23:00:00.000-07:00

Books to read. I often forget that some people don't have this luxury all around them. Just a few days ago as I was unpacking boxes this is how I found my children:

Sprawled out on our patio with a book! (It was extra cool, because they both happened to be The Book Of Mormon, melt my heart). But nonetheless, these boys especially Brizden are constantly reading.

This little guy even stood knocking at the door. When I opened all he wanted was his own book to read.

So I gave him one and out he ran to settle down on his blanket and read.

Right now I'm reading The Tale Of Edgar Sawtelle. It's a slower read for me, but I'm still loving it. I've got a bunch of others in line that I can't wait to share with you!!!

Do you have any good reads you are thankful for that you care to share?

Tortilla Soup

2011-11-04T11:00:00.014-07:00

My younger sister introduced me to tortilla soup right before she left on her mission last year. It was to die for! I'm so glad she made me get it! I just came across this recipe. And it's perfect! My boys loved it, and so did my husband, who isn't a soup fan!!! Let me know if you give it a try and what you think of it!

Tortilla Soup

4 boneless chicken breasts cooked and shredded

1 teaspoon minced garlic

2 cans (14 ounces) chicken broth

2 cans (14 ounces) stewed tomatoes chopped with liquid

1 cup medium salsa

2 tablespoons dried cilantro

1 tablespoon ground cumin

Serve With:

flour tortillas

cheese

guacamole

sour cream

Combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker. Cover and cook on high heat for 4-6 hours or on low 8-10 hours. Cut the flour tortillas into strips and lay them in the bottom of your bowl.

Then ladle the soup over them.

Then top with grated cheese, sour cream, and guacamole.

It honestly was so delicious. Go ahead, give it a try and let me know what you think!

Today I'm Thankful For... Day Four

2011-11-03T23:00:00.025-07:00

I am so thankful for all the fun Holidays that we celebrate in the United States. Really I am. Halloween was so much fun and with Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years right around the corner the air is just so festive!!! I didn't snap any pictures on Halloween this year, I know what was I thinking...

But I did snap some a few days before at our church Halloween Party... This year I had BATMAN.

The whole gang together...

And a Skeleton...

And a Jail Guy...

The night before Halloween we carved pumpkins! You can't carve them any earlier here because they go moldy fast... That's a new thing for me to get used to...

Ledger's ended up being his favorite thing.

A happy face. Why yes, he has two pairs of shorts on. Why no, I have no idea why. But I do know he would NOT take them off.

Rylek created a Spider.

And Brizden got really ambitious and carved three sides to his pumpkin. A face.

His name. Which is really hard to spell right when you are doing it in a pumpkin:).

And a grim reaper... that ended up looking like this...

I hate carving pumpkins so I opted to sculpt mine. Well I hate that even more. So next year, I'll carve once again. I'll just do something easy like Ledger did.

I hated the way it turned out, so I finally just quit. The boys insist I get a picture with mine, but I haven't been feeling that great since we've moved... But I did anyways.

And my husband got really ambitious and did a small creepy face.

Which he too got tired of doing.

So next year we know better. And I wish I took a picture of them all lit up on the porch. But I didn't. But we did enjoy roasted pumpkin seeds.

And our Halloween tradition in my family from forever back... Hot buttered punch and mint sugar cookies. Head to my recipe tab above to get either of those recipes. They are perfect for Halloween!

I'm so excited for Thanksgiving right around the corner. I get to cook this year, since we are all by ourselves a world away from any family!!!

What are you thankful for today?

Today I Am Thankful For... Day Three

2011-11-02T23:00:00.002-07:00

The experience I had on my eleventh wedding anniversary two weeks ago.

I got to stay in a dumpy motel room after driving nine hours.

With these three boys.

And then they insisted we have a gourmet breakfast at McDonald's.

It couldn't have been any better. Then we hopped in the car and drove for 6 more hours. It couldn't have been better considering the circumstances. Once we got to our new home we all went out to Applebees to really celebrate... (Well, as much as you can in a new city with no money and no baby sitters...)

So thank you boys, for making my 11 year anniversary a very memorable one!

What are you thankful for today?

Beef Brisket and Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes.

2011-11-02T11:00:00.021-07:00

Since I've been in my own home, I've started cooking again! And I love it. It's been so much fun. I have tried a bunch of new things and I can't wait to share them with you!

A few nights ago I gave Beef Brisket a try. And I'm so glad I did. It was so delicious and easy!

All of the boys, including my husband, just inhaled this meal. It's definitely on my keep list.

Serve with Yummy Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes.

And you've got the perfect meal! Go on... give it a try and let me know what you think. This recipe below will serve a family of six to eight.

Unbelievably Simple Brisket

2 to 3 pounds brisket

1 envelope dry onion soup mix

1 can mushrooms with liquid

Combine soup mix and mushrooms with liquid. Place meat in a slow cooker. Spread onion soup mixture over the meat. Cover and cook on low for 10-14 hours or on high for 6-8 hours. Meat will fall apart when ready to serve. Serve with juices poured over meat.

Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes

4 sweet potatoes

butter

cinnamon

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 cup water

Cut up the sweet potatoes. Boil them. Once they are tender put in a glass casserole pan. Sprinkle with butter pieces. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and water in a bowl. Pour over the sweet potatoes. Microwave for 5 minutes.

I'm Thankful For... Day Two...

2011-11-01T23:00:00.032-07:00

The OR Team that worked on my son. For the fact they were of keen mind and careful hands. I'm thankful that my son's recovery was minimal, and that after only a few days he was feeling normal again. I'm thankful for medical knowledge, for the training, studying, and research that people are willing to do for our benefit. And of course I'm thankful for this little guy and how brave he was during his three and a half hour surgery... (yes, it last one and a half hours longer than they anticipated...they were so good about keeping me informed and I had my mother in law there keeping me busy, so it didn't seem so bad...)

After he was sent home late that night.

His nose was immediately swollen and bruised. Mine didn't do that, so I knew his recovery was going to be tougher than mine. He also ended up with multiple stitches. The first day he was pretty much glued to the bed. The meds were making him feel like he needed to vomit. He never did, but he kept that bowl tight in his grip. His brothers just laid and cuddled with him to help him feel better.

The best part of the surgery for Brizden was... the socks.

He LOVES them. He wouldn't take them off for a week. And now, he sleeps in them every night still. He asked if I can get him more like them that they are so comfy. (Ack... just looking at them sends me into the itchy-hive beejevies and makes me want to rub my cuticles... they look so rough and uck...)

Here he is day two after surgery. His nose was still to sensitive to wash off. Just slightly touching it was cause him major pain and anxiety. So as gross as it is, it was left.

Day three and four were the worst by far. He didn't like the feeling of stuff running down his nose into his throat. He didn't like the feeling of feeling like someone punched you in the nose as hard as they could. He didn't like the medicine. He didn't like the padding not on his nose. He didn't like the congestion.

And he snored so loud the entire house was sleeping like this...

Covered under the blankets.

But I'm glad to say. We were able to leave on day five after the surgery to head towards Washington. He was a trooper. Such a strong, brave boy.

So today I am thankful for the Medical Staff that worked on my son and for my son's bravery. What are you thankful for today?

Comfy Headband For You or Baby

2011-11-01T11:00:00.000-07:00

This is such a fun project! They are super comfy and can be worn by you or wrapped twice to be worn by baby!!!

To get started grab some jersey knit, or an old t-shirt or two! Cut a strip that is double the width you want it to be when you are finished.

Then take it and fold it in half with right sides together. Sew it with a 1/2 inch seam allowance.

Cut it so it's no longer in a loop, but it's in a line. Turn it inside out. Turn it so the seam line is now in the center of one of the sides, not on the edge.

Fit it around your head and sew it together. You will have a little tail of fabric hanging off.

Cut off that little tail of fabric.

Fold that little tail of fabric over the seam line on your headband. Sew as close to the headband as you can without catching it in the seam.

Cut off the excess fabric and slowly turn this little loop inside out.

Just like that. Match up both the seam lines so they are in the center on the back of the headband.

Congrats, you've created a comfy headband. Now let's pump up the cuteness factor.

Grab another color of fabric, same kind, jersey knit. Cut strips of it. Mine were 2 inches wide by 12 inches long.

Then head on over to your sewing machine and we are going to ruffle the edges.

To do this select your stitch that looks the most similar to this.

Then sew along the very edge of the fabric while using both hands pull the fabric as tight as you can from behind and in front of the foot. When you let go is what gives it the ruffle affect. So be sure to pull that fabric tight, tight, tight. But please... don't sew through your finger. I'm sure that would really hurt. I then cut my piece in half so I had two 6 inch pieces. Fold the piece in half lengthwise with one layer being just shortly smaller than the other.

Head on over to your sewing machine again and gather the folded edge.

Then cut out some green leaves. Layer them on the headband where you made the loop over the seam. Then place the ruffled flower on in a circle. Sew them in place. Add as many flowers and leaves as you desire.

Make a matching ruffle bum diaper cover for your baby and you are good to go. Look how stinking cute!

Of course the headband would look just as fabulous on an adult. Trust me, I've worn it. It's super duper comfy too!

But it looks most darling wrapped around twice like above and placed on a precious angels head...

Thanks for the challenge Carli (my darling sister in law) to create this fun piece... and stay tuned for some similar projects using more jersey knit.

Today I am Thankful For...

2011-10-31T23:00:00.001-07:00

This little boy...

Only... He isn't so little.

In fact he isn't little at all.

He's been my baby, my side kick, my joy, my pain in the rear, my life, my insanity, my everything. He completes our family so much. I love the love he has for us. I love when he is in a good mood and is silly and giggling. I love how he is so proud of himself when he thinks he has accomplished such huge things such as climbing up the side of the stairs. Oh... I just love him.

Today, this first day of November. I am thankful for him.

Who wants to join me and post one thing they are thankful for each day until Thanksgiving? Are you with me???

I'm Back...

2011-10-31T10:45:00.000-07:00

Phew... moving is a pain in the rear. I'm so glad to be done. (For now, we aren't renting forever.)

After a small glitch with Century Link we finally have the right modem and our internet is connected! Hurray.

I've got 162 emails to sort through... ack...

and I've got to get over this ick. Why is it every time we move we all end up sick? Change in the atmosphere? Who knows. But I was hoping it didn't happen this time. I was wrong.

But... I'm back... and I've got some fun things in store... and I'm loving having my own home again! Not that I didn't love being with my family!

So thanks for sticking with me~!!! I hope you're glad I'm back too!!! It seems like it's been forever!

My Sunday Thought...Every Woman Is A Daughter Of God

2011-10-29T23:00:00.007-07:00

I strongly believe everyone is a Daughter Of God. There is this amazing Father that we have. That we used to know, that we used to live with, that we used to talk with. But it isn't all a used too. He is still here with us and he still loves us. I encourage you to find him. To get to know him. To share him with others. He is real. And one day we will be with him again. Talking to him, walking with him, living with him.

Guest Posting Over At House Of Sarager...

2011-10-28T23:00:00.006-07:00

In case you missed it, I had the incredible opportunity at the House Of Sarager and was able to guest post during Jackie's impact week!!! Here's my post for those who didn't head over there...

Jackie! And House Of Sarager Readers!

I am THRILLED beyond words to not only have just recently met Jackie... In Person first and then in blog land... (not very often that that happens)... but to be here posting! What an amazing opportunity. And what's even more amazing is why I am here posting.

I strongly believe in what I am going to share with you. First off, I think everyone can have a huge impact on anything or anyone... it's your choice to or not... And that is what I am going to chat with you, or to you but hopefully you'll come chat back, about today.

HAVING AN IMPACT THROUGH HAVING A POSITIVE ATTITUDE.

(yes, that is a period. not a but or an or or a if... it's a period.)

My name is Shannon. I blog over at Shannon Makes Stuff... Don't let that throw you off, it's changing soon, because I don't Just make stuff. I talk about stuff. I read stuff. I eat stuff. I learn about stuff. I laugh about stuff. I raise stuff. I give away stuff. I'm married to stuff. Hey, I try to balance stuff. Don't we all?

In my life, I seem to end up surrounded by a fast paced current that could easily sweep me off of my feet and knock me back on my rear end. That is If I let it.

If you ask anyone around me what my motto or what I stand for or if life had a theme to me what it would be, I hope it wouldn't take them long to answer. And I hope there answer would go something like this:

"Stay Positive, Be Positive, Eat Positive for Dinner, and Serve Positive to everyone around you for Dinner."

That's the first thing that would come to your mind right? Well, it is now. And it will be forever more. And I want you to make it your motto too.

I have been married ten years, almost eleven. I got married at age eighteen. I chose to. It was not an arranged marriage. I dropped out of college after one year to let my husband complete his. I started working. I hated it. I did it anyways. We tried to start having kids. It wasn't as easy as we thought. We finally had kids. It was even harder than we thought. My husband graduated and became a Paramedic. Then he moved me to this hole in a rock town names Blackfoot. Yep, you've probably never heard of it. I HATED it there. I didn't know anyone. I had one young son, my husband was gone all day. Then we just couldn't make it there financially. So we moved. To St. George, in to take care of my Grandpa and so my husband could finish Nursing School. That didn't go so well either. It was cramped. It was Hard. So we moved again. This time to a Basement. It was dirty. It was old. It was dark. We had another child. It was another boy. My husband started Nursing school and left me in that basement as he moved on with his life. As he gained alot of friends. As he moved on mentally. I was left behind. Then he graduated and we bought a home. And that's where things got even harder. We bought at the top of the market. Our payments were killing us. It was hard. We struggled not to lose our home. We had another baby. Another boy. My husband applied to grad school to help secure us a future. He didn't get in. He got wait listed. Three days before school was to start he got a spot, and he left. The very next morning. I stayed and raised our three boys. I sold our home. Then I moved down to another state where I knew no one and where I didn't even have a home. We put our stuff into storage and stayed with someone from his school. Once again I was left behind. My husband lived at the school for another year. Then clinicals started and he moved to a new state every single month. I was literally alone with my three boys. Just me and them. So I moved back home into my mom's house. I left all my belongings in a storage unit. I moved in with my five siblings that still lived there. I had a room. My boys all share. They sleep on blow up mattresses. For nine months. My siblings all started to act like mom's towards my children. Then my husband finished. And he studied all the time for his test. Well this Monday he passed and we are finally moving on. We don't have a house yet. We need a car but can't afford one. But at least we made it through school.

Doesn't that sound like your dream life? It was mine. Do you know how I made it? Having a positive attitude. It makes all the difference. You know that awful story above called my life. It doesn't have to be. That isn't how I saw my life. This is how I saw and how I see my life.

At eighteen I met the man of my dreams. I chose to drop out of school and find a job that could support him so he could focus on studying. I loved the people I worked with. They made each day fun to go and see them. My husband and I were blessed with a child after trying for over a year. He was an angel sent down to us. I was able to stay at home with him. He pulled me through the times where my husband was gone. He meant the world to me. His little cries and coos. He needed me, and I needed him. My husband graduated from Paramedic School. I knew he could do it! We then found his dream job up in a little town, like he was raised called BlackFoot. He loved it there. However we decided we needed more schooling if we were going to support our little family. So we moved down to St. George where we could also help by taking care of my Grandpa. It was so fun to be able to spend that one on one time with him and let our relationship grow. After not being able to find steady work we moved back to Salt Lake where my husband got into nursing school. We lived in a basement apartment that was through the backyard of my parents house. We had another baby boy, who again brought more joy to my life than anyone will ever know. We got up every morning and walked through the backyard to visit Grandma. Right before my husband was able to graduate from Nursing School we had the opportunity to buy a home. We loved our home. It was fun to remodel it and update it. We had another child. Another boy. So different than the last three. He completed us for the time being. Then we had a whirlwind of an opportunity and my husband left to start Grad school. I was able to sell our house in record time of two weeks. We were able to get the full price we asked during the crash of the house market. We walked away losing hardly anything. We moved down to Arizona and the Lord had us wait to find a home because he had the most perfect one in mind for us. He led us right to it. And there I found the best of friends. I found my kids the best of friends. They were my family while my husband was away. I still miss them grately. We had the blessing of having my family welcome us with open arms back into their home when my husband left for clinicals. I have had the help of my parents and my siblings the last nine months to take care of my boys until my husband could join us again. We found our dream job and now we are off on an adventure of a lifetime. To settle down and start our life as a little family with three boys...

See what a difference that makes. Amazing isn't it. A POSITIVE ATTITUDE. It completely changes the way you can see things. It changes the people you affect. It changes everything. EVERYTHING.

So what are you waiting for? I'm serving you Positive Attitude for dinner. Take a little for yourself and pass it on!!!

And I'll let you in on a secret. When you have a positive attitude God seems to be everywhere. He's there holding your hand. He's there pointing the direction you should go. He's there leading and guiding. He's always there, don't get me wrong, but when you have a positive attitude you can see him there. And everything you see is through him. Because it is. It's just easier. And once you start seeing him in everything, everything becomes a little bit better and a little bit easier. And more blessings and opportunities start coming your way. Because everyone would rather be around someone with a Positive Attitude than someone who chooses a life without.