Focus Jennie!

GND Show - 2011

2011-11-29T13:16:00.000-08:00

In case you haven't heard..... GND show is tonight!!!!

Click here for more info

---- p.s. someday I will blog again:)

Tasty Tuesday ~ Turkey and Black Bean Burgers

2011-09-20T20:44:00.000-07:00

We had these tasty burgers the other night, and my kids said they were there favorite ever. They even said, "Thank you for not trying to make something healthy!!....:) ha, ha, ha... the joke is on them. I made the full recipe but it made enough patties to freeze and save for another meal. I served them with sweet potato fries and some grilled zucchini and we enjoyed ourselves a delightful meal.

via here

Ultimate Turkey & Black Bean Burgers

16 ounces cremini mushrooms
1 clove garlic
1/4 yellow onion
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup refried black beans
2 pounds turkey
1 teaspoon sea salt
fresh ground pepper

Directions:
Place mushrooms, garlic, and onion in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is finely ground. In a large skillet, melt the butter and cook the mushroom mixture until very soft, about 5-7 minutes over medium heat. Transfer the mixture into a large bowl, add the refried black beans, ground turkey, salt, and pepper, and mix all together until very well combined.

Split the mixture into 6 even portions. Roll into balls and flatten into thick burgers. Cook in a skillet or on a barbecue grill until cooked through. Serve on ciabatta buns with your favorite fixin’s. My favorites? Avocado, fresh pico de gallo, a touch of grated cheddar jack cheese, lots of mayo, a kiss of mustard.

1 reason.

2011-09-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

Here is just one reason for my lack of blogging....

still here.

2011-07-21T23:08:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to drop in and let you know that I'm still here.... We are having a great summer, other that the fact that it is going by way way WAY to fast.

I've got to get better at blogging.... I love being able to look back at the years, and blogging is the best way I know how to do that. I hope to catch up soon.

My kids are still cute.

And Levi still doesn't like having his picture taken.

End of school 2011

2011-06-10T14:01:00.000-07:00

My kids were so lucky to have fabulous teachers this year! Kate is now a kindergarten graduate, Jackson is off to 4th grade, and Taylor is on her way to middle school! Here's to summer!!!

KATE - (Kindergarten / Teacher: Ms. Brodie)

Favorite Subject: Centers (cooking, art)
Favorite Color: Red
Favorite Lunchtime food: Breakfast for lunch (hot lunch)
Best Friends: Jill, Samantha, Maddie, Ann Phillips, and Kai
Favorite part about school: Ms. Brodie, my teacher
What do you want to be when you grow up? Doctor

JACKSON - (3rd GRADE / Teacher: Ms. Curtis)

Favorite Subject: Math
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Lunchtime food: homemade cookies
Best Friends: Kade, Cameron, Griffen, Cole
Favorite part about school: 5 square
What do you want to be when you grow up? astrologist

TAYLOR - (5th GRADE / Teacher: Ms. Scarpello)

Favorite Subject: science
Favorite Color: purple
Favorite Lunchtime food: homemade cookies
Best Friends: everyone
Favorite part about school: leaving
What do you want to be when you grow up? graphic designer

Taylor received a bunch of awards at the 5th grade graduation ceremony. We are so proud of her and all her accomplishments!

awards shmawards.

2011-06-06T16:21:00.000-07:00

Jackson turned nine, and I still have to get my post finished for his big birthday...

But today my adorable boy came home from school with tears because there was an awards ceremony at school during the day, and the kids that didn't get awards stayed in the classroom, while the teacher and the "award kids" went to the lunchroom for the ceremony with their parents... Jackson wasn't invited. I didn't even know it was happening or I would have taken him to lunch during the whole thing.

I'm not saying I am against award ceremony's and awarding excellence, Taylor will probably be getting a bunch at hers in a couple days, but what about everyone else??

It broke my heart to hear him say, "I'm not smart, I never get awards, my teacher's never like me, I can't get straight A's, I think I am really nice... could I get a nice kid award?"..... Seriously, ripped my heart in two.

So here is his award, that will be going in his lunch tomorrow with a candy trophy, and I hope he shows it to everyone with pride. Jackson is an amazing kid with an amazing ability to love and create, and just you watch.... he's gonna invent something that will blow your minds one day.

Jackson is 9.

2011-05-28T10:06:00.000-07:00

My Jackson boy turned 9!

Let me just tell you a little story about Jackson:

It was the finale of American Idol, and everyone, especially Taylor, was so excited to sit as a family and watch it. Unfortunately, Taylor threw a little too much attitude and after a few too many warnings, her punishment was that she was not going to be able to stay up to watch the finale and would have to go to bed. Obviously Taylor was not happy about the situation (to say the least) as expected....

What wasn't expected was to have a teary-eyed Jackson come up to me and say,

"Mom, I know Taylor really wants to watch it. Can I please take her punishment for her and she can watch it instead of me."

That is my Jackson. I wish I could take credit for his sweetness, but I can't it is all him, and that is what makes him so special.

Happy Birthday my Jackson Stud!!

Jackson took a few buddies to Kung Fu Panda, then home for cake, pizza, and of course lots of 5 square.

Spy - Mystery Party

2011-05-23T21:04:00.000-07:00

Kate always knows what she wants and for her birthday party, she insisted on a "spy party." Honestly, I did whatever I could to change her mind and think of another theme, but it wasn't happening so we went with it. Here is how it turned out.

I got a lot of my ideas from here....

The invitation was placed inside a manila envelope. On the main part of the invitation, it had the details, and then wrapped around the magnifying glass (4 for $1 at the Dollar Tree) had the mystery ..... Here is what the mystery, written in tiny print said,

The MYSTERY of the Missing Ring... Kate’s great-aunt, Marie Geneviève Toussaint from Paris, France visited us before Kate was born. Aunt Marie hoped that we would name a daughter after her someday. When Kate was born we gave her the middle name of “Marie.” Aunt Marie Geneviève died a few days later, but sent us a message saying she left an heirloom ring for her to discover on her 6th birthday. Aunt Marie loved a good mystery and she has given us the clues to find it. Now we nee d your help to solve the mystery.

As the girls were arriving, we had lasers going up the stairs (red yarn) that they had to try not to touch as they went into the room full of bombs, (black balloons) that if touched would explode. Once everyone arrived, we started the mystery hunt. I will say, that I have never seen so many 5 and 6 year old girls so attentive and so excited. The first clue led them to a video clue.... where the Aunt from France herself was speaking to them, from France no less..... The oohs and ahhs that I heard were seriously hillarious. (I am so glad for a technologically savvy and awesome aunt:)

Here they are watching Aunt Marie Genevieve Toussaint talking to Kate from France .... which was recorded years ago... of course.

Funny thing.... Aunt Amy bears a striking resemblance to the Aunt from the video clip... must be a strong gene pool....

The treasure of the missing ring was found, and kate found an antique ring with a green heart stone. Aunt Marie was nice enough to leave rings for her friends that matched hers. I'm not sure where Aunt Marie got them, but I did see some just like it at the Dollar Tree for 10 for $1..... just sayin'.....

Later we made fingerprint art... It seemed spy'ish to me.

The party favors.

cleaning...?

2011-05-10T21:01:00.000-07:00

the job was to clean the patio table and chairs. they were given towels and a bucket....

i should have known better.

o.

2011-05-06T12:17:00.000-07:00

our neighbor, friend, and practically a family member, Owen (I call him "o") had a horrible fall monday, and has been in the hospital. we miss our favorite guy and can't wait until he is home. please keep Owen and his family in your prayers as he recovers.

happy easter.

2011-04-29T22:16:00.000-07:00

a little late, but happy Easter from our crazy bunch to yours.

we are sitting on my new Easter present... (that I got for myself...) isn't it the most lovely thing?..

kate's Paris Garden room reaction.

2011-04-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

So what is a "half Paris - half garden room?" Exactly. I don't know, but I know that it's all Kate wanted for her birthday. It was an EXTREMELY low budget makeover and all the details are coming soon..... but in the meantime, here is her cute reaction.

my kate is 6.

2011-04-14T23:59:00.000-07:00

Sweet number 6.

Kate is a little obsessive with her love for Paris. We don't know where or how it began, but she REALLY wants to go to Paris and plans on living there someday. I think it sounds like a plan: a lovely, tall, slightly uncoordinated, brown eyed beauty, brain surgeon living in Paris with 7 children. Why not? It's a great life goal.

So, after her princess breakfast of choice, "crepes of course," and her Paris/Garden bedroom surprise after school, we surprised her with a trip to Paris for dinner. (Just 20 minutes away on the Las Vegas strip.)

She was in awe with the Eiffel Tower, and loved feeling like she was really in Paris. However she did ask, "Why are there so many games in Paris? (slot machines)" Kate even broke it down with her dance moves (you should really watch this) as we walked along the Eiffel Tower and watched the Bellagio Fountains. We ended the evening with some french pastries at Cafe Madeline and went back to our home on the other side of the world.

Happy 6th Birthday my KATE!!

6 things I love about Kate right now:
1.Kate will dance like no body's business and could care less who is watching.
2. Kate has passion. Passion to be a brain surgeon, passion about how her hair is done, passion about almost everything.
3. Her long fingers that are all over everyone and everything.
4. Kate always wants to make sure her friends are happy and never wants to hurt any ones feelings.
5. She is a great big "sissy" and Levi's hero.
5.5.She is odd (in a good way), dramatic, and completely one of a kind.
5.75 Kate has the power to change the world.
6. You just can't help but LOVE her.

stuff.

2011-04-07T10:18:00.000-07:00

Lots of things going on, and suprisingly no time to blog, but here is a run down of some things I am trying to accomplish this week.

Get Taylor's State Fair snacks ready (what is a snack for Kansas?)
Clean up Jackson's room and sanitize (nasty stomach flu)
Volutneer in Kate's classroom.
Meet client to check lighting for event.
Decorate Kate's room for her birthday (there is a big sub-list that goes with that)
--- Kate has decided that she wants a "Half Paris, Half Garden room with a Doctor's Corner..." for her 6th Birthday
Kate is having a "Spy, mystery party" and I need to get party favors, etc.
Cheer meeting tonight for Taylor.
Dinner tonight with Chad's clients.
Amy is in town!!
What are we doing for Spring Break?
Editing, editing, editing....

Yep, the list goes on and on and on, but I am still here and still chugging along. Hope to get pics up soon!

In the meantime.... here are some links to check out:
an example of an amazing, brave woman
a lovely wedding
cool "bowl"
great playhouse

these flowers.... look fun to make...

april 1st.

2011-04-01T11:13:00.000-07:00

I think April Fool's Day is super fun, others may not think so, including my Kate.

Last night we switched Kate and Jackson into each others beds.
- Kate woke up not so happy about sleeping in a boys bed.

The toilet water was blue.
- Kate thought that was really yucky and "not funny."

The milk was in a white pitcher and when they poured it into their urns (used as bowls) they saw a nice blue milk pour out. - Kate screamed and we had to get her a new bowl of cereal.

The sandwiches were shaped like pumpkins with chocolate chips making a smiley face.
- Kate made me take the chocolate chips off. She left for school and said, "This is the worst holiday EVER!"

Let's hope she doesn't get too upset when she finds "Grilled Cheese" in her lunch.
(pound cake with orange frosting)

Now I must go scheme up some more plans for the day.... hee hee hee.

Happy April Fools Day!

pinewood derby.

2011-03-31T11:41:00.001-07:00

Jackson had his very first Pinewood Derby.
He (meaning Chad) worked tirelessly on this car.
He (meaning Chad) was determined to win.
Jackson (meaning Chad) was not going to go down with out a fight.

Being from a family of girls, I have never even seen a Pinewood Derby race, and honestly, I had no idea what the big deal was.... but I guess it is definitely a big deal.

After a few races and Chad talking to the people in charge about making it fair with the numbers etc..... Jackson took 3rd place! (I still don't know how I feel about that demonstration of testosterone...)

Jackson could barely hold back the smile, he was very excited and proud.

All of Chad's hard work and "determination to place" was worth the time they got to spend together, the anticipation for the big race, and Jackson's smile.

pop shop.

2011-03-24T11:39:00.000-07:00

one of my favorite friends and artists, Kim is having a spring show! It is tomorrow from 1 -9pm and trust me.... she has some good stuff. I don't promote any shows other than the Girl Next Door Show, (because I know the products are good) but Kim is an amazing artist and will have some great spring finds, decor, and other fun stuff. see you there!!!

just cuz.

2011-03-21T17:47:00.000-07:00

the back drop was up.

the kids came home.

snap.

the real, everyday kids, fresh from a long day at school.
(actually taylor stayed home sick... but close enough)

i love em.

jellybeans.

2011-03-16T10:04:00.000-07:00

kate said to me the other day:

"Mom, I think I am allergic to jellybeans."

me: "Why would you think that Kate, did you eat some?"

kate: "No, but every time I look at a picture of jellybeans, or see them on the computer, or even think about them I cough, or sneeze."

me: "Yep, you are definitely allergic."

dancers making a difference.

2011-03-14T14:22:00.000-07:00

Taylor is lucky enough to be performing in this year's Dancer's Making a Difference Concert! It is such an amazing event and 100% of the proceeds from ticket sales go to Rising Star Outreach, which is a non-profit organization that helps those who have been shunned because of leprosy, or children who are outcasts because their relatives have leprosy. Check out their website ... you will see what a great organization it is.

This concert is not just beautiful dancing, but also super inspiring. The tickets are $15 and Taylor is selling them, just email me if you would like some. I promise it will not disappoint!!!

porch sitters.

2011-03-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

one thing i love about this beautiful 75 degree weather we have been having is sitting on the porch with my 4 littles. O.K. really it's not a porch, it's a curb, and we are typically just waiting for the carpool to arrive, but I still love it. We munch on carrots and cucumbers, talk about the day, visit with friends, and feel that wonderful sun on our backs. gotta love the curb.

for the slackers.

2011-03-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

I was talking to a good friend the other day about how hard it is to document memories, to store them, to file them, to write them down... I spotted this and I think it is something I could handle... just one line a day, which with my life, could end up being a pretty funny book.

amen.

2011-03-09T17:43:00.001-08:00

saw this quote today here, and I loved it so much I wanted to share it.

bring on the long.

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

I've about had it with the minis.... As much as my Grami loved me wearing them when I was 16, (she would always say "that skirt would look better much shorter":).... I am now double that age and ready for some longer skirts. I'm loving these super long skirts right now, makes you look all dressed up, when really you are just extremely comfortable. Just what I like.

Here is where to find them...
skirt 1
skirt 2
skirt 3
skirt 4
skirt 5

Dancing in L.A.

2011-03-04T11:13:00.001-08:00

Last weekend Taylor and I headed to LA for the NUVO dance competition. To see she was excited for her first out of town competition is an understatement.... She had classes by Stacey Tookey, Travis Wall, Sonja, Ivan, and Robert all from So You Think You Can Dance (in case you didn't know) Her team did great and I had a fabulous time with just my Tay Tay.

She only got embarrassed a couple times, like when I wanted to do the hip hop class or when I practiced my leaps in the hall way, or when I leaned up against the numbers in the elevator and accidentally pushed them all.... Let's just say we got off at floor 7, but the other man on the elevator who was getting off at floor 17 was definitely NOT HAPPY....

We bunked with some of her dancing buddies and their mom's and had an awesome girls weekend.

- We even went to Disneyland for one day (but that's kind of a secret).

I love my little dancer.

valentines 2011.

2011-02-23T22:50:00.000-08:00

a little late, but here were the kids valentine's this year. there was NO WAY Jackson was going to allow a picture on his valentine, so he decided on the iphone 4 sweetheart boxes (thank you for the free download!)

- Jackson also had a v-day mailbox contest in his class that he (and we) wanted to win....

He got a respectable second place for the basket ball hoop Valentine's box!! whoo whoo. - We bought a nerf hoop, spray painted it and attached it to a carboard box sprayed black. Then we put a string of battery powered lights around the backboard for drama.

Kate's said "Have a DREAMY valentine's day".... I just can't seem to find the file with the words on it:)

Red-velvet heart whoopies.

2011-02-11T08:51:00.000-08:00

so adorable and perfect for the "day of love" - {found at annies-eats. }

Red Velvet Whoopie Pies

For the cookies:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp. cocoa powder
½ tsp. baking powder
¼ tsp. salt
8 tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
½ cup buttermilk, at room temperature
1 oz. red food coloring

Ingredients:

For the frosting:
8 oz. cream cheese
5 tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2½ cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375˚ F.

Using a heart template cut out from card stock, trace evenly spaced hearts onto pieces of parchment paper sized to fit two cookie sheets. Place the parchment on the cookie sheets so that the side you have drawn on is facing down; set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and brown sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the egg until incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary. Blend in the vanilla. With the mixer on low speed, beat in about a third of the dry ingredients, followed by half of the buttermilk, beating each addition just until incorporated. Repeat so that all the buttermilk has been added and then mix in the final third of dry ingredients. Do not overbeat. Blend in the food coloring.

Transfer the batter to a pastry bag fitted with a large plain round tip. Pipe the batter onto the parchment paper using the heart tracings as a guide. Bake 7-9 minutes or until the tops are set, rotating the baking sheets halfway through. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets at least 10 minutes, until they can be easily transferred to a cooling rack. Repeat with any remaining batter. Allow cookies to cool completely before proceeding.

To make the cream cheese frosting, in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment beat the cream cheese and butter on medium-high speed until well combined and smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually beat in the confectioners’ sugar until totally incorporated, increase the speed and then beat until smooth.

Transfer the frosting to a clean pastry bag fitted with a plain, round tip. Pair the cookies up by shape and size. (You can make this as easy or as difficult as you would like. I’m kind of anal about it, so it takes me a while)

Flip one cookie of each pair over so that the flat side is facing up.

Pipe frosting onto the flat-sided cookie of each pair, leaving the edges clear. Sandwich the cookies together so the flat sides are facing each other and press gently to help the filling reach the edges. To store, refrigerate in an airtight container.

fish tacos and contest.

2011-02-04T11:17:00.001-08:00

Last night I made some fish tacos that were "to die for" literally, you could die from eating them. They are battered, fried fish tacos.... so amazingly good. This was actually the first time I ever fried anything, but now I have entered the dark side cause these things rocked... I was so busy enjoying the goodness that I didn't bother to take a picture, but I did steal one that looked similar...

Have fun frying...
BEST FISH TACOS EVER.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 cup beer
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 lime, juiced
1 jalapeno pepper, minced
1 teaspoon minced capers
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1 quart oil for frying
1 pound cod fillets, cut into 2 to 3 ounce portions
1 (12 ounce) package corn tortillas
1/2 medium head cabbage, finely shredded

Directions

To make beer batter: In a large bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Blend egg and beer, then quickly stir into the flour mixture (don't worry about a few lumps).
To make white sauce: In a medium bowl, mix together yogurt and mayonnaise. Gradually stir in fresh lime juice until consistency is slightly runny. Season with jalapeno, capers, oregano, cumin, dill, and cayenne.
Heat oil in deep-fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Dust fish pieces lightly with flour. Dip into beer batter, and fry until crisp and golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Lightly fry tortillas; not too crisp. To serve, place fried fish in a tortilla, and top with shredded cabbage, and white sauce.

AND, I announced a teen photo contest on the blog.... tell your young friends and enter now!

these two...

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

kill me.

LA with the girls.

2011-01-31T20:40:00.000-08:00

a few weeks ago, i took a break with the book club girls, who all happen to be my very dear friends. we went to LA for shopping, cupcakes, more shopping, talking, more cupcakes, more shopping, and more talking.

it was a much needed break for me, and it was a really fantastic time. the accommodations were perfect, the shopping was fabulous, and the company couldn't have been better. I'm ready to go again... anytime.

favorite moments:
- stop off at the baby doctor on the way to make sure kathy could come
- andrea's killer driving skillz
- talking til' 2 am
- trying on vintage dresses and thrift hunting
- eating more cupcakes than i can handle (sprinkles won the competition)
- watching angie go in to Forever 21 for the 1st time (why is it so cheap??)
- matching i phone cases from sephora - free!
- my new red lips
- bartering at the flea market
- begging the man at Nordstroms to give me these for free
- getting texts from my kids i-touches every 10 minutes saying they loved me
- learning what i should be wearing
- being with fabulous women that make me want to be better

cereal and croissants.

2011-01-25T10:51:00.000-08:00

Breakfast time with levi and kate.

speaking of breakfast, even though this recipe should probably be dessert, it's amazing.

INA GARTEN's CROISSANT BREAD PUDDING

Ingredients

3 extra-large whole eggs
8 extra-large egg yolks
5 cups half-and-half
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
6 croissants, preferably stale
1 cup raisins

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole eggs, egg yolks, half-and-half, sugar, and vanilla. Set the custard mixture aside. Slice the croissants in half horizontally. In a 10 by 15 by 2 1/2-inch oval baking dish, distribute the bottoms of the sliced croissants, then add the raisins, then the tops of the croissants (brown side up), being sure the raisins are between the layers of croissants or they will burn while baking. Pour the custard over the croissants and allow to soak for 10 minutes, pressing down gently.

Place the pan in a larger one filled with 1-inch of hot water. Cover the larger pan with aluminum foil, tenting the foil so it doesn't touch the pudding. Cut a few holes in the foil to allow steam to escape. Bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake for 40 to 45 more minutes or until the pudding puffs up and the custard is set. Remove from the oven and cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature.

nice thought....

2011-01-20T08:47:00.000-08:00

So I had a idea last January. I was going to create a book that had photos and captions for each week of the year.... I started with the first week.

and that was as far as I got.

it was a nice thought.

the christmas card.

2011-01-19T08:00:00.000-08:00

family photo shoots, can be a pain, especially with a terrorizing 2-year old obsessed with woody. well, i am so smart that I decided to take my family, including the above mentioned 2 - year old out to the desert on a windy, cold day in las vegas with my newly recovered vintage sofa. let's just say i was asking for it.

my wonderful and patient friend amy leavitt was willing to join in on the chaos and take our photos, so i could be in it. I feel like I owe her a life time of yogurtland and pedicures after my crazy family occupied an hour of her time.

Surprisingly enough, we got a good Christmas card out of it and basically captured what I was going for, but let me just give you a few behind the scenes, of how we got there.

Here is the Christmas Card:

and here was more of the reality behind the scenes....

the before

the after photoshop

hope you enjoyed the show....

snow.

2011-01-18T09:00:00.000-08:00

Trying to catch up a bit, but did you know it snowed here in Vegas? We woke up to it on the day the kids had to get back to school from winter break and it was gone in a few hours, (nothing like that one time) but still so exciting for us desert folks. Once a year is perfect for me.

ahhh, photoshop.

2011-01-17T09:00:00.000-08:00

I had 2 weddings in october, 3 in november and 2 in december.... and as much as i would love every picture to be at the right exposure and in focus at all times, they just aren't.

And that's why I have a love - love relationship with photo shop.

Example 1

I loved the emotion in this photo and didn't want to let it go.

Straight out of the camera: (not bad, but not quite in focus)

Fixed with my friend, mr. photoshop: (make the "out-of-focusness" look intentional)

now, go get your photo shop on.

random likes.

2011-01-13T09:35:00.003-08:00

Yes, it's a new year, yes I have been a lazy blogger, yes I have SOO much to catch up on, but for today, here are a few things I have my eye on....

enjoy your almost weekend!

From PB TEEN... so clever.

I am having an obsession with these boots. Unfortunately I asked Nordstrom if I could have them for free, and they said, "No." shoot.

Anthropologie necklace... so lovely.

Pillows from Pier1... my house looks so bare after Christmas, I think some pillows would spruce it up.

cool lens for i phone from photojo.

christmas morning.

2010-12-25T22:52:00.000-08:00

the call came at 8:00 am on the dot.

"Mom we are awake, can we PLEASE come downstairs" was what came from the other line.

Yes, I am a mean mom and I make them hang out in Taylor's room until 8:00am until they can call us and we get to take a picture of them and watch them come down the stairs and see their faces. And they obey.

There is no way I am giving up seeing those priceless emotions coming from my children. Allowing them to wake up whenever they feel like it, see what they got and start playing with it.... i don't think so, not a chance.

I must have heard, " This is the best Christmas ever " at least 10 times... which made both Chad and I a little teary knowing what a struggle it has been to give them a good Christmas. It was magical watching their little faces light up, and I just wanted to pause time for a while. My kids, at these ages, in this stage of life is perfect.

Levi was so stinkin' cute. It's hard to explain his excitement over his BUZZ LIGHTYEAR and his other toy story toys. (In his language it's "choy choyee chree")

Kate loved that Santa dressed up her American Doll in a new dress, she thought that was so "smart" of him.

Jackson was so excited for his basketball hoop that Santa's friend donated to him. He said he has to shoot 100 baskets a day to get better. I think his favorite gift though was new socks that were really needed.

Taylor was just happy for they day, and was all grown up getting giddy about a new skirt and boots. She loved giving this year, and practiced a piano piece to play for Grama Linda and Grampa Al, and she even made Kate a skirt for her American Doll (I had no idea).

Merry Christmas.

"light bulb" moment.

2010-12-21T15:08:00.000-08:00

In the beginning of December, it was time to get the Christmas decorations down from the attic. We set up the ladder and began bringing down boxes. Right then, I had a "moment." (I guess it was kind of like a "light bulb moment" because we were bringing down light bulbs.... hee hee)

But just the same, it was special. I saw my four children with there big eyes staring up at me with such excitement and hope as each box came down. I paused and looked at them for as long as I could, (until they got frustrated and told me to hurry up.) I realized that they aren't going to be so excited to get the decorations down, or to decorate the tree, or to read Christmas stories by the tree forever. Obviously they will grow up, but this stage of my life and their lives is something I will cherish always. I love my little chickadees.

tasty tuesday ~ lemon bars

2010-12-15T11:03:00.001-08:00

these are my all-time favorite lemon bars. right in time for lemon season and holiday parties... mmm.

Ivy Nat fabric.

2010-12-08T10:00:00.000-08:00

You must check out this new fabric store on etsy. It's called "IVY NAT" i can guarantee you that you will not find prices cheaper than these. Right now they have the fabulous Heather Bailey fabric, and they will be adding more and more. (Gotta love that chevron pattern!) Ivy Nat is also being very generous in offering 20% off to Focus Jennie readers.... score! - Just mention you are a reader when checking out. Off you go, have fun fabric shopping!

tasty tuesday ~ chocolate truffles

2010-12-07T22:20:00.000-08:00

I made 100 of these today right after I finished making 5 loaves of bread and changing all the sheets in the house....

just kidding.

I do have the ambition to make these before the holiday is over though. Just like I had the ambition to make dinner rather than feed the kids Honeycomb, and fold the pile of laundry that has been building up for the past 2 weeks rather than let levi spread it all around the house.

sometimes, it's the thought that counts.

i'll let you know if i ever get to these. mmmm, they sure look good though.

and pioneer woman never disappoints.

man day.

2010-12-01T15:05:00.000-08:00

I'm gonna be honest here, so don't think I'm a hater, I'm just telling the truth.

Thanksgiving is a man's holiday.

My dad is the one exception to this statement, but other than that, it's the truth. If you aren't married, or don't have children, maybe this won't make sense to you and even my own man thinks I'm crazy for saying it, but it doesn't make it any less true.

This is why:
Man eat food.
Man play football.
Man watch football.
Man sleep.
Man eat more food.
Man watch more football.
Man sleep.

See? Let's just change the Thanksgiving to "Man Day."

Now that I have released my glorious tribute to men, I will just say that I did love Thanksgiving this year. My mom is one heck of an amazing cook, just ask the poor people who devour 13 or more orange rolls at one sitting and no matter how sick they feel, they still eat more. Those things are addicting to the core. Don't even get me started on homemade ice cream.

Since both our parents live next to each other, our children eat dessert at each place, more than once, and no one ever knows. The grandparents just keep dishing it out and then they run out the door to the next spoiling grandparent. I wonder if they will ever know how lucky they are? We got to spend time with both sides through out the day, and I kicked some bootay at Shanghai Rummy (is that what it's called?) while entertaining everyone with top twenty hits from my iphone. (I am obsessed with the song "Please Don't Go" by Mike Posner)

The next day we drove off to Utah for my radical cousin Brad's wedding which I was lucky enough to photograph. It was super cold, and I am actually still shocked I survived, but it was an awesome day. They are an adorable couple.

You must check out Kate and Kaden dancing at the wedding... it was classic.

After an 8 hour drive through blizzard conditions, we made it home and on to the next holiday. Welcome December!!

Now I will leave you with a thought....

Is Christmas a Man's Holiday?

Exactly.

i'm grateful for...

2010-11-24T23:02:00.000-08:00

my girls.

grateful.

2010-11-22T20:00:00.000-08:00

this blog has been getting majorly neglected.

Life has been grabbing me in every direction and has left me with less sleep than I ever thought I could go with out... did that sentence even make sense?

Now that November is almost over ( yikes ) it is time for me to think about the things I am grateful for. I tend to think of the things I need and want and that I wish were easier with out remembering all I have.

So here is my list, off the top of my head at this very moment, of the things I am grateful for. (I am setting the timer for 2 minutes to type) I am not thinking about this at all, just typing, not deleting.... so if it seems weird, that's why.

I am thankful for:

A hot husband
4 beautiful children
Hot water
My health
My home
My car
My job
Food in the cupboard
A mom and dad who want my daughter to keep dancing
Keys that I found today after they have been lost for a week
Good friends
Book Club
Cleaning supplies
Sisters
Internet
iphone
sunday music
Toy Story 3
Freezer meals
yogurt land
gap jeggings
Sunday dinners at Mom's
my computer
my camera
The Ensign (conference talks)
People who know more than me
My checker at the grocery store

Times up.

Here are some soccer stars that I am grateful for too.

GND Show 2010.

2010-11-16T09:46:00.001-08:00

The Girl Next Door Show is here again! Don't be fooled by the other copy-cat shows, this is the original. No silly items, no mass production, just unique one-of-a-kind goods. The GND show has been going on for many years and never disappoints. Remember to come on time, everything goes fast!! See you there!! For more info go here.

$7 weekend.

2010-11-05T10:09:00.000-07:00

we had a great halloween weekend... school was out on Friday, monday and tuesday, so with a 5-day weekend we thought of all the places we could go.... Disneyland?, Utah?, Temecula? Hawaii?

we decided on a location that wouldn't cost any money.... camping in our backyard.

we borrowed a tent: free.
we rented movies from redbox to watch in the tent: $2
went on a hike in redrock: free
we carved pumpkins: free (all the neighbors that went out of town gave us theirs)
we ate ice cream: $5
we played board games: free

Our $7 vacation turned out to be a fabulous vacation, one of the best yet.

Grama, Grampa, and Papa Jack joined us for Halloween Chili before the big night, and Grama helped with the tradition of making caramel popcorn balls.... one of my favorite memories with my Grami, and I'm glad my kids could experience it too.

Things to check out:
Amy's avatar costume.... amazing
Holiday Mini sessions announced
Gorgeous newlyweds.

alice, the queen, and the mad man.

2010-10-25T21:57:00.000-07:00

Halloween is almost here, and my amazing mom has done it once again. Check out these costumes. I think we just about put her over the edge with Taylor's Queen of Hearts costume, but boy is it amazing. Kate is so happy to be nice "Alice," and Levi is .... Mad. Well, the mad hatter. Hopefully I can get a picture where he isn't running away screaming, because he is really pretty adorable. Jackson wanted nothing to do with this whole Alice in Wonderland thing and decided to be the Grim Reaper.... a battle I didn't feel like fighting.

If you need a quick easy picture of your little Halloween munchkin come on over....

baby expo finds.

2010-10-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

Last week, thanks to an awesome lady, I went to the huge baby expo. The one thing that I was overly obsessed with was Orbit's new accessory for their stroller. It's called the "sidekick" and it's pretty much the coolest thing ever. Almost makes me want to have another baby just so levi can ride on it... It looks like a mini skateboard and the whole design of the "get up" is rad.

Another product that was really fabulous was Jennifer Delonge's Child Furniture Line. I was drooling over every piece.

These reusable snack bags from itsy ritzy, I thought were great too. They are especially nice for filling full of snacks and then throwing it in your purse... (no ziploc nasty mess to worry about:) They also sell big sized "wet bags" for swimsuits etc. ... smart.

And that's my little review of Baby Expo 2010. Peace out.

tasty tuesday ~ Halloween Whoopie Pies.

2010-10-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

mmmmm. I made these whoopie pies from Martha Stewart today. Super tasty. I used some orange sanding sugar that made them pretty festive. I would recommend doubling the recipe if you plan on sharing them with friends, once you double them up, it doesn't make that many. (maybe triple the frosting too, if you like a little extra filling)

Halloween Whoopie Pies

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (spooned and leveled)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup packed light-brown sugar
1 large egg
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup confectioners' sugar
Orange nonpareils or sanding sugar, for decoration

Directions

Preheat oven to 375. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat 1/2 cup butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg; beat until smooth. With mixer on low, alternately add flour mixture and applesauce, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Mix just until smooth (do not overmix).
Drop dough by heaping tablespoons, 2 inches apart, onto two baking sheets. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cookie comes out clean, 10 to 14 minutes. With a thin metal spatula, immediately transfer cookies to a wire rack; let cool completely.
Meanwhile, make filling: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat vanilla and remaining 1/2 cup butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add confectioners sugar, beating until smooth.
Spread bottom of half the cookies with 1 tablespoon filling each; sandwich with remaining cookies, pressing gently so filling oozes out slightly. Sprinkle exposed filling with nonpareils. Let rest 15 minutes to set. (To store cookies, keep in an airtight container at room temperature, up to 2 days.)

the low down.

2010-10-15T11:14:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of posting... I have been quite the slacker. It's amazing the time that 3 kids, Levi "the destructor," working, house stuff, and church stuff takes (it takes all of it...)

We have had a great couple weeks. I have learned a lot about the things that are important to me and the things that shouldn't matter so much. I have been working a ton, which I am so grateful for! I really love what I am doing and couldn't have a better time doing it.

Our house has definitely suffered from me being gone more. We went to a "Mock Emergency" activity put on by our church, and when we came home I said, "Run everyone, it's real!! There has been an earthquake and a tornado in our home!" No one thought it was very funny.

Really though... it's bad.

I photographed a wedding last Saturday, and I am lucky enough to photograph one tomorrow too. I love watching lovebirds on their big day.

Kate had her first "hot lunch" yesterday, and now wants it everyday. (Eeeew)

Taylor is still dancing away and received an early Christmas Present of going to Sea Camp with the 5th grade (in March. ) I gave her the choice of it being her main Christmas present if she wanted to go. She decided that was what she wanted. (- Yay, check one thing off the Christmas list!:)

Jackson is playing soccer, inventing strange things, and still has trouble putting socks and shoes on in the morning.

Levi is crazy, nuts, wild, and so adorable that no one gets that he is a naughty troublemaker. He knows how to unlock the front door and head outside, he knows how to get down cereal and somewhat pour it into a bowl, and he has a talent for screaming like a wild animal when he wants something. He is overly obsessed with cars, and has now watched the movie CARS for the 5,000th time. Gotta love him.

Chad and I continue the daily grind and do our best to get the kids to bed as soon as possible so we can watch Tivoed Saturday Night Lives and Modern Family.

And that's the low down.

kolob.

2010-10-06T23:01:00.000-07:00

I have been a little lazy with posting lately... but things, as usual, continue on with all the normal craziness. Today was 71 degrees, and it felt amazing. I opened up all the windows and did my best to welcome fall inside. Chad and I took Levi to the park for a lunch picnic and felt like we just had one child for a minute... it was weird.

I'm excited for the feeling of fall, it feels like a time of renewal, a time of reflection, and a time of gratitude.

This past weekend we headed to Kolob, Utah with some friends who hosted us at their cabin. The leaves weren't completely changed yet, but still so beautiful. Our kids had a blast doing what ever they were doing as they ran around, explored and squealed. I had one of the greatest naps of my life and enjoyed doing not much of anything, but read and talk with friends. We had a great time, with wonderful friends, in beautiful weather... a perfect welcome to fall.

a little reminiscing of our yearly trip....

tasty tuesday ~ asian noodle salad

2010-09-28T08:42:00.000-07:00

My sister-in-law made this salad and I was rather blown away with its tastiness. So good. So simple.

Asian Noodle Salad

Ingredients:
- Cooked spaghetti or angel hair pasta
- peppers of every color
- green onions
- unsalted roasted peanuts
-whatever else you feel like putting in there
- {You can add cooked chicken if you are looking for more of a full meal}
- Trader Joes "Asian Style Spicy Peanut Vinaigrette"
(don't try to substitute another dressing... only this will work)

Mix it all together. That's it. Yum.

my buddy and me.

2010-09-23T18:36:00.002-07:00

it's just me and levi at home now... all the kids have gone to school til 3:30 and it's just Levi and me. I love my little buddy. We hang out at the park, have long lunches, do lots of errands and grocery shopping, fold laundry and play cars. Until 3:30 comes when Taylor walks in the door saying, "Levi, I'm home, " and he then runs with his arms wide open giving her a huge squeeze, (and then repeating the process with Jackson and Kate) he's all mine. I am going to savor my time with my little man, even if he is counting down the second until 3:30 finally arrives.

my buddy and me.

32.

2010-09-19T21:27:00.000-07:00

So, I kind of missed posting about my birthday, but it happened anyways.

Now I'm 32.... lovely.

It's really hard coming to grips with the fact that I have basically been through 16 years twice.... That's 2 "sweet sixteens," when it seemed like I turned 16 yesterday and was at the Tillerman with my family and Uncle James and Aunt Lisa (celebrating James b-day too). OK I'm over it now.

I realized that for if not for any reason other than having a million people wish you a "Happy Birthday" and making you feel like you are really special.... everyone should be on facebook. That was rad.

For my birthday I went to institute and learned more about the amazing woman Emma Smith was and then was treated to lunch my Grandpa Jack and my Mom. I love Grandpa Jack, whenever I see him, I say "Hi Grandpa, how are you?" and every time he says "Better, now that you're here." Love it.

Chad took me to see "The Other Guys." (I love Mark Walburg, aka Marky Mark.) And then we went for out sushi with the family. We were a little concerned with taking Levi, but he was obsessed with the edamame, so it ended up being a great dinner. Mom treated me to cake and candles after, and we called it a day.... a great day.

The official tradition from Chad is a rose for every year, that began on my 18th birthday. Well, these are hard times people, and although it took a little hint from me, here is what I got and it will do. (no more hints though chad... time to get creative on your own!:)

The next nights, some of my best friends took me out for dinner and it was so nice to be with just the girls, no kids, no men. We gabbed about life and kids and about how we have to do this more.

And now I am 32. Last year, I was going to make a list of 31 things to do before I turn 32.... did that ever happen? Kinda. So now I am really going to do it.... 32 things to do before I turn 33 list, here I come.

tasty tuesday ~ decor.

2010-09-14T09:17:00.001-07:00

O.K. so this isn't food.... but I think these images are still mighty tasty. I really could eat that bedroom. .... I promise I'll get back to posting recipes soon. :)

spotted on full house

vacation recap.

2010-09-07T11:21:00.000-07:00

It's time for a quick vacation recap. Chad and I had a great time in the most beautiful place on earth, Kauai, Hawaii. A friend was getting married there and we were lucky enough to be a part of it. We beached it, went kayaking, snorkling, hiking, and ate shaved ice with macadamia nut ice cream at least twice a day. It went by so fast, but we loved being together, just us. It's hard to imagine anywhere being as beautiful as this.

After we got home, we I had one day to pack up and bring the kids to Del Mar, California where my sweet parents hosted our vacation. (Chad stayed home to work) The kids, as always loved the beach and Grama Linda's good cooking. Aunt Lisa and E.J. came too and we all had a blast. One night we headed to the Padres game where I realized a buddy from high school had recently signed with San Diego. We saw him hit a home run, from great seats (thanks to my sweet-talking security guard skillz) I don't think Aunt Lisa will ever forget my driving abilities as we navigated down-town San Diego and were driving on train tracks that probably weren't meant to be driven on. ... If you know me, that's a typical "Jennie move." Me and all the kids hopped on one of those bike taxis where we rocked out to "Apple Bottom Jeans" on our way to the baseball park, it was awesome.

The next two weeks we spent in Laguna with some fabulous friends. We beached it, played, had lots of Gelato Paradiso, and Shake Shack, watched movies, and enjoyed the great weather. I photographed a wedding in San Diego where I met some great people right in the middle of the trip too. We headed to the Sawdust festival one day and enjoyed all the art exhibits.... super cool, and we took the kids to the "Pretend City" (a children's museum) in Irvine one day which has become their new favorite place. I was proud of myself for not getting to lost with out Chad around (thank you navigation!) After all of that spoiling with that dreamy weather and lounging, it's been an adjustment to get back to normal life, and school, and activities, but I'm just about there. Until next year Beaches!!

daydreaming.

2010-09-02T22:16:00.000-07:00

I am tired. I am beyond tired. School, homework, work, phone calls, dinner, groceries..... I think after having more vacation time then ever before in my life, I got used to it and now all I can do is day dream about going back.... ahhh.

chad and I in kauai (with a photoshopped photo to get rid of my newly acquired sun spots.)

back to school 2010.

2010-09-01T12:45:00.000-07:00

Back to school.... again. With the kids on a track system for the last school year, we didn't really get much of a break, but we definitely made the most of it by hanging out at the beach for the full 3 weeks of it. (more on that later)-

Taylor was headed off to 5th grade! What?? She had her outfit planned with accessories and all and had grama linda braid her hair so she could wake up to lovely wavy hair... (boy do I remember those days) She had a fabulous 1st day of school and continues to be the fashionista at our house planning out her outfits days in advance.

Jackson started 3rd grade and Dad gave him a new buzz Sunday night. The first buzz was right before the beach and he wasn't too happy about it. (Jackson and "change" don't mix) But after a day or two he realized how simple it is and now loves it. For the first day of school he decided on his Jacks Surfboard shirt that we got in Newport although he could really care less what he wore. He loved school, but mostly he was excited for soccer season to start because his dad is coaching...

Kate, my baby girl Kate, started kindergarten!!! Sad, sad day for me; over-the-top happy day for her. She is in the all-day program and boy was it hard to see her go. She didn't seem to miss me in the least and loves school and especially "eating in the lunchroom." Kate got some new sparkly pink converse for school that she said helps her run fast. She really wanted the light up skechers... but I just don't and will never do the whole light-up thing.... (sorry) I think she is the tallest in kindergarten, as she towers over almost everyone and her long legs barely fit under those teeny desks and chairs. Hopefully the teacher recognizes this and gets her a normal seat...

Levi, poor poor Levi. He is at a loss for what to do with out any siblings at home, and honestly I don't know what to do with him either. He wanders around saying, "sissy, sissy??, and whenever he finds something pink he says it again. We are both missing our Kate desperately... Taylor and Jackson we have gotten used to being at school, but not Kate... this is taking some getting used to.

For our annual tradition of eating somewhere "new" on the first day of school, we tried out CHERRY ON TOP, a yogurt bar that recently opened up. We ran into some of our favorite friends there and enjoyed our fresh treat.

School has begun, let the chaos begin.

beach, beach, and more beach.

2010-08-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

august.

week 1: Kauai
week 2: del Mar (san diego)
week 3: Laguna beach
week 4: Laguna beach

4 weeks with sand and water. we are finishing out our last 3 days of the beach life. see you soon.

tasty tuesday ~ peach cupcakes

2010-08-24T09:00:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I haven't made these yet, but with peaches in season... I really want to! I will let you know when I get to them. {via smitten kitchen}

Peach Cupcakes with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting - Smitten Kitchen

These cakes are extremely light, airy and moist, nothing like the dense cake recipes more traditionally used as cupcake bases. Personally, I consider this a very good thing. You know what else? Sans frosting, they’d make great breakfast muffins — just dial back one of the sugars by a generous quarter-cup and maybe even swap half of that flour with whole wheat. You could also chop in some pecans, but don’t blame me if nobody in your house wants to share.

Makes 24 to 28 cupcakes

3 cups cake flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
Pinch of nutmeg
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks or 6 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup dark or light brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups (12 ounces) buttermilk, sour cream or full-fat yogurt
3 large peaches, peeled, cored, and chopped smallish (I went for a 1/3-inch dice)

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line 28 muffin cups with paper liners.

Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and nutmeg and set aside. Cream the butter and sugars together, beating until fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl between each addition, and then the vanilla. Gently mix in the buttermilk, sour cream or yogurt. Stir in the dry ingredients and fold in the peach chunks.

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a tester inserted into the center of cupcakes comes out clean. Cool the cupcakes for five minutes in the tin, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

1 1/4 cups light brown sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 8-ounce packages of cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup (4 ounces or 8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, cornstarch and powdered sugar. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add the sugar-cornstarch mixture and vanilla, beat until frosting is smooth and light. Chill the bowl in the refrigerator until it thickens back up a bit, about 30 minutes, then spread or dollop on cooled cupcakes.

beach, beach, and more beach.

2010-08-23T22:06:00.000-07:00

spool people and art.

2010-08-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

I've enjoyed making things, painting things, "crafting" for as long as I can remember. My mom is an amazing painter and showed us how to use paint brushes properly, how to use acrylics, different techniques to use, and how to be creative and find a solution to get the result you want. Mom came over the other day and we were in the middle of making "spool people" as a break from all the chlorine. She laughed and said, " Wow, this brings back memories." The kiddos and some friends were all at the table, the acrylics were out, they each had a cup for washing brushes, a paper towel, and a paper plate as a paint palette, just as I did so many years ago when paint salt dough, wood shapes, and canvas with my mom. I loved the little people they came up with and honestly, they were so much fun I am ready to have a day dedicated to making spool people.

There may be a lot of things my children don't know, but they know how to take care of paint brushes, they know that you have to wash your brush between colors pretty early on.
Mess doesn't bug me, not when it's art. Spilled paint on the wood floor... I could care less. My children know that they don't get in trouble when the art table is covered in papers, paint, markers and glue. I will ask them to clean it up, but not until after I have seen the wonderful creation they have come up with. There are no rules when it comes to creating. Scissors, markers, glitter, boxes, string... I say bring it on and show me what you come up with. So if you are wondering why my children may have glitter in their hair, marker stains on their clothes, fingers covered in paint... now you know.

tasty tuesday ~ mini fruit pizzas.

2010-08-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

Today's recipe is all about "kids in the kitchen." Taylor, my 10 year old made these 100% by herself. She got a little cook-book in her stocking that I am guessing Santa got in the $1 section as a stocking stuffer, and she really likes trying things in it.

No, these are not homemade sugar cookies, which are obviously the better choice... but like I said, she is 10 and did them all alone. And let me just tell you... these were dang good, store bought cookie-dough and all.

So let go of your pride and give your kids a shot at making mini-fruit pizzas for a fresh treat.

Mini-Fruit Pizzas

INGREDIENTS

1	(18-oz.) pkg. (20 cookies) Pillsbury® Ready to Bake!™ Refrigerated Sugar Cookies
1	(8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
2	tablespoons frozen limeade concentrate, thawed
1/2	cup powdered sugar
10	fresh strawberries, quartered
1	kiwi fruit, peeled, cut in half lengthwise and cut into 10 slices
1/2	cup fresh blueberries
1/2	cup fresh raspberries

DIRECTIONS

1.	Bake cookies as directed on package. Cool 10 minutes or until completely cooled.
2.	Meanwhile, in medium bowl, combine cream cheese, limeade concentrate and powdered sugar; beat until smooth.
3.	Spread each cooled cookie with 1 tablespoon cream cheese mixture. Arrange fruit on top of each. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate up to 2 hours.

sunflower.

2010-08-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

"I'd rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck." ~Emma Goldman

I have a thing for fresh flowers. When I go to Costco, that flower section calls my name, and I can't leave without buying some for my kitchen. I don't care if they only last a few days; for me, the joy it gives me is worth every penny. When I am a gazzlionaire, the first thing I will do is have fresh flowers put in my house every week...

My favorites as of recently are these red sunflowers. Kate loves that they turn the water pink and I love how vibrant they are and that they have lasted for over a week.

Flowers... are a proud assertion that a ray of beauty outvalues all the utilities of the world. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1844

tasty tuesday ~ Spinach Berry Salad

2010-08-10T23:37:00.000-07:00

I can't seem to get enough berries in the summer time. I love, love, love them. This recipe lets me eat them for more than just breakfast and dessert. It's fresh, good for you, light, in season and ultra-tasty. (The recipe is from the mayo-clinic... can't get much healthier than that. enjoy.

Spinach Berry Salad

Ingredients

4 packed cups torn fresh spinach
1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
1 cup fresh, or frozen, blueberries
1 small sweet onion, sliced
1/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Salad Dressing
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar, or cider vinegar
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon curry powder (can be omitted)
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Directions

In a large salad bowl, toss together spinach, strawberries, blueberries, onion and pecans. In a jar with a tightfitting lid, combine dressing ingredients. Shake well. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

baseball party.

2010-08-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

Mr. Levi as you know... is 100% obsessed with baseball, so it obvious that he needed a baseball party for his 2nd birthday. We headed to the baseball field across the street and had some all-american fun. Chad rigged up the homemade slip-n-slide drizzled with soap for the players to "slide" into 2nd base.

We had hot dogs, peanuts, cracker jacks etc., and a friend of mine made an AMAZING baseball cake that not only looked good but was delicious too. Levi's buddy thought it was a ball (rightfully so) and tried to pick it up, hence the hand prints. (I thought it was pretty adorable)

We had a great time, the night was beautiful and Levi had the time of his life watching the kids on the slip 'n' slide, swinging his back and running the bases.

Levi got the Game Ball with every one's signatures to remember is special night.
Happy Birthday #2.

design sponge... me?

2010-08-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

The majorly famous design blog "Design Sponge" featured my chandelier under their before and afters.... I'm blushing. I have had many questions asking for the source of the light bulbs: They are regular light bulbs found at Home Depot, Lowes, Target, Walmart etc. They are the large, round/globe light bulbs and the ones I purchased are from GE. I don't have the box to remember the exact name but they aren't hard to find, just look for the biggest. Usually they are used for bathroom track lighting.

Thanks Design Sponge!

all for a picture.

2010-08-07T22:08:00.000-07:00

I have come to realize, that I am so busy taking every ones pictures that my own children don't seem to have any "professional" pictures of themselves.

There are many reasons for this:
- They really don't like the camera any more (it's sort of their enemy)
- I am tired of trying
- My silly antics don't work on them
- I am always around them so their cuteness wears off and I forget they need their pictures taken.

I tried desperately to take Levi's 2-year old pictures the other day with him sitting in front of a white backdrop.... it didn't happen, not even close. This is what we ended up getting instead:

Bribing with licorice.

Kate showing Levi how it's done.

Levi thinking I'm hilarious for even trying this.

Dad jumping in to try to keep him still, and the other kiddos joining in on the fun.

Me conceding and giving Chad the camera so my kids remember mom was around.

tasty tuesday ~ morning munchies.

2010-08-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite morning breakfasts. Blueberries, mango, almonds, ground flax seed and sometimes I drizzle a little almond milk on top. mmmmm .....

I often dream of having a garden where I have berries of every kind growing everywhere, and then I change one of Levi's diapers after eating a crate of blueberries, and the dream stops.

just so you know...

2010-08-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

even when you have a saggy diaper and matted hair.

cupcake party.

2010-07-30T19:56:00.000-07:00

Taylor decided on a "Cupcake Party" for her 10th Birthday. We made fake cupcakes with spackling, plaster of paris and other stuff (I'll have to post a tutorial on that another day), they frosted cupcakes, played "Put the Sprinkles on the Cupcake" and as usual had a dance party at the end. My mom made adorable aprons for each girl, and they each frosted 4 cupcakes to put in "Taylor's Cupcake Shoppe" box to bring home. We had a "SWEET" time.

mr. levi is 2.

2010-07-28T21:35:00.000-07:00

My levi boy is 2. I don't think he had any idea that it's his birthday or even what a birthday is, but he did enjoy the attention. We couldn't wait for him to wake up and smother him with kisses and singing. He was was spoiled with his continued favorite... crepes and berries, lots of berries. We went swimming at the pool and he had a Baseball Birthday Bash because of his baseball obsession. Happy Birthday to my 2 year old boy!

Things I Love about Levi on his 2nd Birthday:

1. He puckers up for kisses when it's bedtime.
2. He will give everyone and anyone "knuckles" on the spot.
3. He eats blueberries like a madman and sings an awesome "bwoobewwy song"
4. He is pretty much the only 2 year old professional baseball player in the world.
5. He LOVES his brother and sisters: Tay Tay, Gack Gack, & Sissy
6. He has a really abnormally big head.
7. He loves to watch sports with his Dad.
8. Levi CANNOT sleep without his blanky that Grama Linda made him. He calls it a "Ga Gung"
9. Levi says "Juice" with a chubacca voice. It is really crazy and I can't type how it sounds.
10. His crazy face and shimmy, shimmy can cheer up even the saddest person.
10.1 Levi's hair is really awesome, even though it takes torture to comb it out.

I LOVE YOU LEVI BOY!!!

tasty tuesday ~ Red Velvet Cake

2010-07-27T09:24:00.000-07:00

After a couple of healthy tuesday's I figured we could go in the entirely opposite direction. On Taylor's birthday we also had a missionary over who shared the same birthday. I decided to try a red velvet cake, a first time experience for me. There was many steps and a red stained apron, but ooohh, it was mighty tasty. I got the recipe from smitten kitchen. Yum.

I will not take any responsibility for the 4 pounds gained after you make this cake.

Red Velvet Cake

Time: 90 minutes, plus cooling
Yield: 3 cake layers

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
3 1/2 cups cake flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa (not Dutch process)
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 cups canola oil
2 1/4 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
6 tablespoons (3 ounces) red food coloring or 1 teaspoon red gel food coloring dissolved in 6 tablespoons of water
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1 1/4 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 1/2 teaspoons white vinegar.

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place teaspoon of butter in each of 3 round 9-inch layer cake pans and place pans in oven for a few minutes until butter melts. Remove pans from oven, brush interior bottom and sides of each with butter and line bottoms with parchment.

2. Whisk cake flour, cocoa and salt in a bowl.

3. Place oil and sugar in bowl of an electric mixer and beat at medium speed until well-blended. Beat in eggs one at a time. With machine on low, very slowly add red food coloring. (Take care: it may splash.) Add vanilla. Add flour mixture alternately with buttermilk in two batches. Scrape down bowl and beat just long enough to combine.

4. Place baking soda in a small dish, stir in vinegar and add to batter with machine running. Beat for 10 seconds.

5. Divide batter among pans, place in oven and bake until a cake tester comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes. Let cool in pans 20 minutes. Then remove from pans, flip layers over and peel off parchment. Cool completely before frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting
Adapted from several sources

Makes 6 cups

8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter room temperature
3 cups confectioner’s sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Place cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl. With a handheld electric mixer, beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add sugar and vanilla. Beat, on low speed to combine. If too soft, chill until slightly stiff, about 10 minutes, before using.

Tay is in the Double Digits.

2010-07-25T22:01:00.000-07:00

For the past year, Taylor has reminded me over and over again that it wouldn't be long before she was in the double digits. The time has come, my little Tay Tay is now a decade old. Unbelievable.

Taylor was spoiled with the entire abercrombie and fitch store thanks to her grandmas and she is mighty happy about it. She already has her outfits picked out for the week. She really wanted an i pod touch, and since I have had one for 2 years that I got with my computer and had yet to open, it was a very inexpensive gift...

Taylor is one of my best friends, I truly love spending time with her. Happy Birthday sunshine!

10 things I love about Tay Tay right now:

1. She wakes up, gets dressed, does her hair, and practices the piano in the morning with out me ever saying anything.

2. She is a great big sister and 2nd mom to Mr. Levi.

3. She is a dare devil and willing to try anything. (except Mexican food)

4. She has got some great style. I am going to have her start putting together my outfits.

5. She will craft with me at the snap of a finger.

6. When she is bored she grabs her sewing machine and makes something.

7. She keeps her room immaculate.

8. She loves to cuddle with me.

9. She can make a fabulous chocolate chip cookie, with ZERO help.

10. She has a great sense of humor and makes everyone laugh.

10.5 She is everyone's best friend.

10.6 She includes everyone.

10.7 She's MINE!!!

We celebrated with a cupcake party, a special breakfast, and then a family party, all super fun,
(but I'm tired. )

the lake.

2010-07-22T23:21:00.000-07:00

thanks to our friends that we tend to mooch off of way too often, we got to go to the Lake. Chad grew up on the lake and it's been a couple years since we've gone, so we jumped at the chance. It was close to 300 degrees outside, but other than that we had a fabulous time. Levi loved his lake debut and has since mastered the cannon ball with no swimming capabilities and has turned me into a nervous nellie... (grampa stacy.... please put the gate up.... hint hint.)

the kiddos tubed and ate large amounts of licorice and food, and we enjoyed the beautiful waters and mountains. taylor continued giving me heart failure when chad dared her to jump off a cliff. i will forever call it a "paralyze jump" thanks to a speaker I heard once. let's not do that again please.

it even rained as we were leaving.... that never happens. the kids were all so exhausted by the time we made the drive back home that no one said a word and they were up to their beds faster than lightning. chad and I watched "Invention of Lying" because it was on HBO. I thought it was pretty clever. (actually chad slept and pretended he wasn't every time I said his name.)

hope we make it back to the lake soon, it made our week.

tasty tuesday ~ Fish Tacos

2010-07-20T23:30:00.000-07:00

Lately, I have a thing for tilapia... basically an every day thing. These fish tacos are easy, healthy, tasty, and perfect for summer. Yum.

Oh yeah, don't forget the avocado... never forget the avocado.

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless tilapia fillets, cut into 2-inch pieces
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1/4 cup sour cream
1 lime, half finely zested and juiced, half cut into wedges
Hot sauce, such as Tabasco
12 corn tortillas
1/2 small head red cabbage, thinly sliced
1 cup fresh cilantro
1 small white onion, finely chopped

Directions

Heat broiler, with rack in highest position. Pat fish dry with paper towels and gently coat with oil on a rimmed baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper. Broil until fish is browned on top and flesh is opaque throughout, 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine sour cream, lime zest and juice, and a few dashes hot sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Toast corn tortillas over a kitchen burner using tongs or wrap in parchment-lined foil and heat in oven, 5 minutes. Divide fish evenly among tortillas and top with cabbage, cilantro, and onion. Serve with lime sour cream and lime wedges.

from Everday Food by Martha

happy birthday daddy-o.

2010-07-20T22:19:00.000-07:00

I think the blogging world makes birthday's go by faster than normal, because birthdays seem to come around every month instead of every year. Today was my dad's birthday. He is awesome.

We went to dinner for his birthday and I was lucky enough to sit next to him. We talked about health and good eating and about my new juicer that I am so excited about. He mentioned a new health/energy technique called "the tapping solution" and I realized how similar we are.

I had an Ahi Tuna salad, Dad had salmon.

We went back to the house where all the grand-kids created chaos, sweet bristol and family even made it as a surprise.

Happy Birthday Dad. I'm glad I've graduated your "tickle til' your dying" attacks and now they are on to my children. You're the best. I love you.

P.S. You don't look a day over 40.

Seriously.

chandelier makeover.

2010-07-15T11:22:00.001-07:00

We have had a hole over the dining room table for 1.5 years now, waiting for the perfect, inexpensive chandelier to come available. The house came with a perfectly fine chandelier that just plain wasn't my style, so it has had a home in the garage waiting to be taken to Goodwill.

Finally, my Chadly said, enough is enough and something is better that nothing. That just shows how different men and women are because in my mind, nothing is much better than something I don't like.

So, I decided I would give it a try. I bought some red spray paint, and new decorative light bulbs and now I have a hanging chandelier in the once empty whole.

And I like it.

the before.

the after.

tasty tuesday ~ Quinoa Salad

2010-07-13T17:18:00.000-07:00

I've decided every Tuesday is going to be "Tasty Tuesday" where I will post a new favorite recipe, or snack that I am obsessed with at the moment. Hopefully I can keep it up.

And here's the first "Tasty Tuesday" recipe.

I loved this salad with avocado on top, because everything tastes better with a little avocado on it. I omitted the butter and added some olive oil. It was great for dinner with some steamed tilapia and even better for lunch the next day with some buckwheat crackers. This recipe has a whole complex way for making Quinoa. I don't have time for complexity in my life so I just stick it in the rice cooker with double the water and it comes out perfect. Enjoy!

Quinoa Black Bean Salad

Ingredients

2 teaspoons grated lime zest
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon sugar
1 cup quinoa
1 (14- to 15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
2 medium tomatoes, diced
4 scallions, chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Preparation

Whisk together lime zest and juice, butter, oil, sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4teaspoon pepper in a large bowl.

Wash quinoa in 3 changes of cold water in a bowl, draining in a sieve each time.

Cook quinoa in a medium pot of boiling salted water (1 tablespoon salt for 2 quarts water), uncovered, until almost tender, about 10 minutes. Drain in sieve, then set sieve in same pot with 1 inch of simmering water (water should not touch bottom of sieve). Cover quinoa with a folded kitchen towel, then cover sieve with a lid (don't worry if lid doesn't fit tightly) and steam over medium heat until tender, fluffy, and dry, about 10 minutes. Remove pot from heat and remove lid. Let stand, still covered with towel, 5 minutes.

Add quinoa to dressing and toss until dressing is absorbed, then stir in remaining ingredients and salt and pepper to taste.

recipe from epicurious

hip hoppin' 4th.

2010-07-08T13:04:00.000-07:00

"We're hippin, we're hoppin, it's the 4th of July...."

That is the song Taylor made up as she jumped on a pogo stick during Chad's fabulous fireworks extravaganza. She sang it over and over again, and then Kate joined in, and now 4 days later, it's still stuck in my head.

We had a wonderful time visiting Aunt Lisa and family in Utah over the 4th of July. Utah has such great festivities going on and it feels so patriotic. We went to the Freedom Festival downtown, went to a Real Salt Lake MLS soccer game (with fireworks after), went to 7 Peaks where Levi fell in love with the lazy river, we visited Temple Square and the ginormous new Conference Center, and on our last day we ventured IKEA with the 4 kiddos in tow. There was a lot of other things mixed in there too. Our days were full and fantastic. Lisa fed us her amazing cuisine, and I finished a book! ("The Help" I highly recommend it)

Now we are back to the grind, enjoying our last days of track break before the kids go back to school for 3 weeks... torture. I have some crafts we have been doing that I hope to share... someday.

The "Real Salt Lake" Soccer Game (we won 5 - 0 )

Enjoying the park.

Chad's Fabulous Fireworks Show

sweet moments.

2010-06-26T18:00:00.000-07:00

moments like these make me want 500 more children....

for the moment that is.

"Fath- versarry"

2010-06-24T09:48:00.000-07:00

Stands for "Father's Day and Anniversary, " in case you were wondering....

Sunday we celebrated both, and I gave it the fitting title.

The kiddos made lots of cards from file folders (my new favorite method of making cards) for their Grandpa's and Dad, and they sang a rap for Grampa Al and Grampa Stacy. - We have a slight obsession with Justin Bieber in this house, me included.

Check it out:

Thank you to my nephew Kaden, for his fabulous videoing skillz.

Chad spoiled me with roses for our 12th anniversary, and I gave in and bought him some crocs, which I will always think are ugly, but I got them anyways. We had a beautiful Sunday full of naps, dinner, movies, and card making.

I love my Dad. I love my Chad.

this pic stolen from mom's blog.

dancin' divas.

2010-06-23T15:57:00.000-07:00

Life has been a bit of a whirlwind lately, just one thing after another, after another, after another.... Maybe I'll catch up on my posting one of these days, but we'll just start with one thing at a time.

Last week was the famous Bunker Dance Recital. 5 costumes + 5 dance shoes + 6 dance classes a week + every other fee in the book = parents that are happy when recital comes around because then we get a little breather. (that was dorky... sorry)

Kate was fabulous in her Dorothy costume dancing to "Ease on Down the Road," however I wish her hair was in curly ponytails rather than braids... but that's another story. Taylor had 4 numbers in the night show and did beautifully.

As much as I am trying not to be a complainer on this blog... let me just quickly say as a mom who has danced and been around dance.... Taylor was very deserving of being put in the front where she could be seen, for at least ONE of the numbers, being that she is absolutely fantastic and one of the littlest (and most darling) on her team.

Done. I feel much better now.

I have watched my sweet friends and amazing dancers, the Hewitt girls at Bunker Dance for 12 years, and it was hard to see the youngest one, Brynn, dance her last dance at the recital, as she is now graduated. It definitely won't be the same with out a Hewitt girl dancing. Brynn plans to be Justin Beiber's back up dancer, and I am sure she will be.

Sometimes I imagine jumping up on that stage, doing a few pirouettes and busting out some hip hop. Since that can't happen, I do it at home. Often. My kids laugh, Chad says it's cute, and I'm always sore and hurt after a pitiful attempt.

One thing you all may not know about me is that a secret dream of mine is to be Justin Timberlake's back up dancer. Unfortunately you need skill for that. Maybe in the next life.

Dance On, Dancing Daughters!!

tay with the famous Hewitt girls....

what? is that a picture of me? how did that get on here!?

Tay with her dancing buddies for the past 7 years.

playhouse dreams.

2010-06-17T13:35:00.000-07:00

mr. chadly has been talking about wanting to build the kiddos an outdoor playhouse for a while. unfortunately, with everything else, it has remained just that... talk. I have my inspiration file ready and waiting though... here's a peek.

resources:

modern urban baby
inhabitat
kidscraft
bkids
Ohdeedoh

cake cutter.

2010-06-16T07:27:00.000-07:00

I have never wanted a cricut machine... until now.

And I don't even bake fancy fondant cakes, but this makes me want to. cool.

my man's birthday.

2010-06-14T16:40:00.000-07:00

My man turned 37. I was at Girl's Camp all week and couldn't prepare much for him, but I had presents ready for each day I was gone... Taylor was the deliverer and she did a fantastic job. After maybe only 10 hours sleep in 4 nights in the wilderness, I came home and was a little incoherent and not much fun, but we did manage to go with some of our bff's to the Kings Fish House and celebrate Chad's special day. My mom made him a birthday dinner on Sunday and I supplied his favorite.... carrot cake. (That makes a total 15 birthday carrot cakes for chadly).

Some things I am loving about my man on his 37th birthday.

1. His energy doesn't change with age... he still has more than a 12 year old.
2. He doesn't sweat the small stuff. (except for sticky hands)
3. He is quick to apologize.
4. He never mentions that the house is messy.
5. He has abnormally soft feet.
6. I am still 31, and him being 37 makes me feel young.
7. He doesn't give up.
8. His 2 dimples are really cute.
9. He is always thinking of ways to be a better dad.
10. He can be really dorky.... my favorite quality for such a "cool" guy.

I Love you Chadly. Feliz Cumpleaños.

baptized boy.

2010-06-08T00:13:00.000-07:00

My Jackson man was baptized on Saturday, June 5th. It would have been my Grami's 84th birthday and hence, by my own declaration, "Pink Day." What a perfect day for Jackson's baptism. He looked like such a stud in his new suit, and I couldn't resist kissing his soft cheeks over and over. Thanks to doctor LeMone, his teeth looked great too... there was no longer a third straggler tooth in the middle of his front two... (which was quite a sight for the past few weeks) Grama Linda and Grampa Al were there, Papa Jack, Aunt Krista and Uncle Anthony, some of his buddies, and we were so lucky Lisa, Noah and E.J. were in town too. These special occasions in my kids lives make life so meaningful, I just wanted to freeze the moment. I am so proud of my Jackson.

On to the next occasion... Girl's Camp. I will be there for a week. I hope to survive and blog again. Let's just say, I'm not what one would call, "a camper." Wish me luck.

And for your viewing pleasure... a picture of my mini-stud with angel eyes. (just about the only part of him that is angelic at this stage...)

playing dolls.

2010-06-03T14:36:00.000-07:00

My aunt Georgia was thinking that no one would want her old doll furniture... crazy! We jumped at the chance and we couldn't be more grateful that she let us have it. Kate has had countless hours of fun, and all the kids in the neighborhood ask to play with Kate's "special doll stuff." I love the way Kate decorates and sets up her house... it's pretty adorable. It's amazing when you think of all the work that went into these beautiful pieces so many years ago. They will be passed on for generations. Thank you Georgia!

my jackson boy is 8.

2010-05-28T23:17:00.000-07:00

In honor of his special day....

He was spoiled like a king.

He woke up to balloons that taylor (and friends) blew up for him.

His name on the family chalkboard.... (can you believe I finished a project?!)

He was then treated to his requested breakfast. Sausage, eggs, pancakes, and bacon. (Which he hardly ate any of by the way....)

He brought Krispy Cremes to his class at school.

After school, he took a few buddies to do some go-cart racing and had a great time being boys.

Next, we went to meet the grandparents to eat his requested birthday cake, an "Oreo Cake." I think tried to stump me like he did with last years "donut cake" ... but little did he know, I have an oreo cake pan.... ha ha.

Top 8 things I love about Jackson on his 8th Birthday:

1. He is constantly thinking about others.
2. He believes any hug less than 30 seconds isn't a real hug.
3. He loves his blanky still.
4. He is never bored.
5. He can create something amazing out of a stick and a rock.
6. He cheeks are so soft.
7. He likes to tell others how awesome they are.
8. He is super corky.
9. He never complains when Levi wakes him up in the morning.
10. He always knows how to make his momma happy when she needs some cheering up.

I love you Cracker Jacks.

preschool grad and a missionary.

2010-05-26T23:12:00.000-07:00

My little Katie Pie graduated from preschool today. I will be sending another child off to the world (well kindergarten) come September. I thought I would be relieved to just have one child at home for most the day... but I am not excited for this at all. Kate is my buddy and my helper, she seriously decides out of no where to organize the towel drawer. She entertains Levi (until he hurts her somehow) and she just brightens my day. Kate was awarded the "High Achiever Award" at her preschool graduation today. She loves learning and school, so I'm not surprised. Ms. Charlene, her preschool teacher has taught all of our kids so far and I truly believe there can't possibly be a better teacher out there. I am amazed what Kate has learned in just 2.5 hours twice a week.... (she knows all of her presidents!) Congrats to my graduate!

At about the same time as Kate was graduating preschool, my baby sister Ally went to the MTC (Missionary Training Center) in Utah to start her mission for the LDS church. She will be gone for 1.5 years!!!! Gosh I'm gonna miss her. I have already written her a letter, and so has Taylor. I can't quite figure out my emotions, but Ally is way more of a big sister than a little sister and she will really touch some lives in Houston.

Dad and Ally... what a beautiful, emotional picture. (taken by mom)

.... So I need time to slow down for Kate so she can stop growing up so fast and time to speed up so Ally can come home speedy quick.... figure that one out.

projects.

2010-05-21T23:04:00.001-07:00

I have projects lingering in every room, in every corner, enough to fill every hour. The funny thing is I keep adding more to the pile, with out ever finishing a single one.... as much as I try to change myself... it isn't happening. Here are a few, and I hope to tackle a few of them this decade.

Hang mirrors or something on this wall. These mirrors have been sitting here for a year...

Paint frame white, and mirror with chalkboard paint. (from Salvation Army)

Have this craigslist find reupholstered.... what fabric?

thrift store find... what to do with them?

read clean and "spring clean" my insides. try out a few ideas in sandi henderson's new book

The list goes on and on, but making that list is another project....

crazy face.

2010-05-17T18:10:00.000-07:00

mr. levi has a trick that we make him do often... it's called " crazy face. " He tenses up shivers his hands and face and makes his eyeballs pop out of his head. We think it's pretty hilarious just like all of levi's tricks. as much of a little terror as this little ball of golden curls is, i can't help but want 10 more just like him.

yes... he is still overly obsessed with baseball.

wow wedding.

2010-05-11T17:02:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to be a part of an ultra fabulous wedding on "May Day." I posted A LOT of pictures on the photo blog, but because I was so in love with every detail of that day, I thought I'd share it here too....

Loved the chalk boards on the tables and an assortment of bundt cakes for the wedding cake.

Love the wood signs.

Loved the hair and dress.

Loved the location.

Loved the romance...

Loved the May Pole.

Loved the way they hung pictures through the trees.

So casual, so chic, and really a beautiful evening.

momma.

2010-05-09T21:34:00.001-07:00

Dear Mom,

Thank you for being the person I want to become, and for making me who I am today. (all of the good parts anyway) You are my friend and my example, and I couldn't have asked for a better mom. Thank you for the homemade bread when I would get home from school, for sewing dress after dress for my girls, for watching my terror/ Levi, for letting use your pantry as a grocery store, for bringing me dinner when I'm overworked, and for being my momma. Love you mom.

Jennie

I love this quote:

"....I remind mothers everywhere of the sanctity of your calling. No other can adequately take your place. No responsibility is greater, no obligation more binding than that you rear in love and peace and integrity those whom you have brought into the world." –Gordon B. Hinckley

Rock business and DW Bistro.

2010-05-06T17:14:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time I lived in a cul-de-sac on Patrick Lane. I liked to think that I was quite the entrepreneur. I was constantly stirring up a new business plan; from dance lessons in the garage, to lemonade stands (frequently visited by the homeless), and my personal favorite, the "Rock Store" where we sold the obvious..... rocks. I constantly thought I was going to make it BIG. My neighborhood pals, Bryce and Emilee, were usually part of these ideas and although we never sold much more than to our parents, we kept busy. Now Bryce has opened a restaurant, a real one, and it is good, real good. Get yourselves to DW BISTRO and have some fabulous food in an ultra chic setting.

Bryce and his partner Dalton have outdone themselves and the outcome of their creative ideas is now a new favorite place to eat. Angie has created the perfect graphics, another friend, Jenny did the interiors, and the food is fresh and delightful. So, head over to DW Bistro, enjoy an amazing meal, tell Bryce hello, and mention that he has come a long way from selling rocks on Patrick Lane with his crazy neighbor.

my boys.

2010-05-06T16:58:00.000-07:00

i love that i have 2 boys. even being 6 years apart, i can see their "guy connection." levi and jackson share a room and it works surprisingly well. jackson can fall asleep even when levi is still up talking and gabbing about baseball, and when levi wakes up in the morning as jackson's alarm clock, jackson throws in some balls, and legos as his way of pushing snooze. Eventually the two make it downstairs and Jackson turns on PBS kids (disobediently), makes them both a bowl of cheerios and they sit down to eat together. It's pretty darn adorable...

political fam.

2010-04-30T10:47:00.000-07:00

I had a fabulous time photographing Chad Christensen's family last week. He and his wife have been friends of the family forever. Chad is running for United States Senate here in Nevada and the primaries are fast approaching. He and his wife Ashley have four super crazy and adorable boys and a sweet princess little girl. I followed the boys around as they threw dirt in the air and on each other, created dust storms, wrestled and showed me some nasty cuts on their fingers... true boys. That house must never have a dull moment!

You can read more about Chad's campaign here, or you can see him at the KDWN GOP Senate Debate tonight.

breathe.

2010-04-29T22:06:00.001-07:00

i can breathe again. my computer is up an running again thanks to the Apple Time Machine and my iosafe. When we went out of town for easter, I disconnected the iosafe and put it some where else for "safekeeping" and in my laziness I hadn't plugged it back in and then it crashed.... of course. so i am missing a few weeks of my life, but it could have been SO MUCH worse. i actually sent the hard drive to a disaster recovery place because I want kate's birthday pictures, but after they told be it would be a minimum of $1,000 for 3 days of pictures, maybe we should just have her birthday again.... i'm sure she wouldn't mind:)

really, if you don't have a back up system to your computer and you care at all about your pictures, run, don't walk and back that baby up. A hard drive can crash anytime, even if it's just a week old on your pretty, fancy, big screened mac. I also just signed up for mozy.com so that everything is stored off site too. I included the link below where i get referral credits... hint hint...

Click the link below to sign up for Mozy so you can start to protect your data! And remember to type in the coupon code SAVE10 in the "promotional code" box at checkout to save 10% on a MozyHome Unlimited annual or biennial subscription!

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In all my worrying i decided i needed to bake something to get my mind off of it. i've had these in my mile high "Something I Want to Make One Day" pile, and got to work. these bad boys are fantastic especially when you use Trader Joes vanilla almond granola inside.... i only ate 10..... last night.

BANANA CRUNCH MUFFINS - Ina Garten

* 3 cups all-purpose flour
* 2 cups sugar
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 pound unsalted butter, melted and cooled
* 2 extra-large eggs
* 3/4 cup whole milk
* 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
* 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (2 bananas)
* 1 cup medium-diced ripe bananas (1 banana)
* 1 cup small-diced walnuts
* 1 cup granola
* 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
* Dried banana chips, granola, or shredded coconut, optional

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Line 18 large muffin cups with paper liners. Sift the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Add the melted butter and blend. Combine the eggs, milk, vanilla, and mashed bananas, and add them to the flour-and-butter mixture. Scrape the bowl and blend well. Don't overmix.

Fold the diced bananas, walnuts, granola, and coconut into the batter. Spoon the batter into the paper liners, filling each 1 to the top. Top each muffin with dried banana chips, granola, or coconut, if desired. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tops are brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool slightly, remove from the pan, and serve.

crash.

2010-04-27T21:11:00.000-07:00

Today my hard drive crashed and my heart literally stopped. After talking to the mac guy, and explaining to him that he can't allow this to happen to me and my 22 month old computer, i realized it was toast. huh? I'm definitely one of those that always thinks, "it won't happen to me." well it did. I am lucky that I bought the iosafe a few months ago to back everything up, but I unplugged it when we went to Cali for Easter and didn't plug it back in because of pure laziness. So as long as my back up worked properly, i should have everything up to March 28th. I am so, so worried though, I can't eat or sleep because I am so stressed that all my pictures are gone forever. I am pretty sure that I have all the photo-shoots on the back up, but not positive, which adds to the stress. I really just want to tear my hair out waiting for my computer and to see what I backed up!!!

Thanks for listening, I just needed to vent because Chad is tired of hearing my freaking outness. (BTW I am signing up on mozy.com for extra back up the second I get my computer back.)
-- Keep your fingers crossed for me!!

look at my little kate... i do have some old pics on the old computer that are keeping me sane....

pajama party.

2010-04-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

Kate decided on a "Pajama Party" for her 5th birthday. (She actually decided on this theme seconds after her "Cooking Party" when she turned 4.) A friend of mine makes a "birthday tent" each year for her kid's birthday, but seeing as I'm not that ambitious to do it for every one ever year, I though for a pajama party it would be perfect. So, I took my idea and told my husband it was his job to put up the tent if he wanted Kate to have a good birthday party.... the guilt factor usually works. ( I did try to help him, until I realized that as much as we want to be on the Amazing Race one day, we stink at working together on projects... just sayin') Chad's idea ended up working with hints of my input and we got the Pajama Party fort up and twinkling with star lights. The inside was lined with pillows and blankets and teddy bears and the little girlies had a fabulous time playing in a fort that no one was making them clean up any time soon.

Here are a few more of the details from the party:

Food: Pancakes, strawberries, bananas and whipped cream
Games and Activities: Made cupcake necklaces - which have nothing to do with a pajama party, but they looked easy enough for 4 and 5 year-olds to make. Hot teddy bear (like hot potato), musical pillows, "sleep dance" - this was my personal favorite- it's just like freeze dance where when the music stops you freeze, except in "sleep dance" you lay down, go to sleep and snore until the music starts again. Painting nails and a little bit of makeup and story time in the fort. Taylor and a couple friends ran all the activities... they were awesome.
Decorations: Big white balloons (clouds), cut out paper clouds and stars taped to the wall, a happy birthday banner, and of course the fort.
Cake: A Cloud Dream Cake. - I completely made this up out of a store bought angel food cake, marshmallows, whip cream, and cool whip....
Goodie Bags: A teddy bear wrapped in cellophane with a "Sweet Dreams" tag.