random musings.

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-12-20T23:23:00.000-08:00

Since it's the week of Christmas, I figured I would post Thanksgiving pics. Maybe someday I'll be caught up..but realistically- it's doubtful. Another lesson in savoring things as they come and not to sweat the small stuff! Speaking of savoring- I think I was too busy savoring Thanksgiving dinner because there are ZERO pics of food from that day! That NEVER happens.

Thanksgiving morning we had our tradition of waking up & watching the Macy's Day Parade while we ate cinnamon rolls & bacon. I had been up early making rolls and the first batch was a huge flop (bad yeast??) so I had to hop in the car and hit the grocery (yay.) for more ingredients. Grabbed a Starbucks & newspaper packed full of Black Friday ads & all was right with the world again.

Once the rolls were done baking, we headed up to my sisters to spend the day with family. Her home was decorated for the holiday and was cozy as usual. We all took turns cuddling babies, teasing children, and eating a delicious dinner together.

Kids table!

Love, love, love seeing Addie wearing Josie's clothes from when she was that age. I was sad to have to let go of the Indian princess jumper initially but Addie looks just as adorable in it.

Perhaps by New Years you'll see Christmas pictures- but don't hold your breath- it COULD be Valentine's Day. And I would like you to NOT die from lack of oxygen.

Have a very blessed Christmas & enjoy all the little, simple moments because those are what it's ALL about!

XOXO
~S

Some Weekend Love.

2011-12-15T23:37:00.000-08:00

Promised pics from a couple weekends ago. The kids invited two life long friends over for the weekend. Literally have known each other since they were babies... I met their mom when I was taking a lamaze class while pregnant with Matthew. The rest is wonderful, blessed history and I'm an honorary "Auntie"! Before we started the sleepover weekend, we let the kids open their birthday gifts from us. They were so emotionless...sheesh.

This set of pics of the girls made me get a little emotional. It's the "mini-me" versions of Jocelyn & I. I adore them.

Behold! The boys that started this amazing 12 year friendship!

They were pretty open with their opinion on my picture taking. "Please don't." And then a slinking down into the chair or floor. Boys, boys.... at least they were polite and said "please". So I just wandered the house that morning- happy hearing them all laughing together, snapping little tidbits that made me happy.

XOXO
~S

Comfy Cozy Chocolate Buble

2011-12-06T22:30:00.000-08:00

Mmkay- that title sounds a little inappropriate as I re-read it but it also made me giggle- so it's staying!

Today was SO cold and foggy! I just wanted to be home, curled up under a blanket..but I sat behind a desk sipping on coffee that had to be continually reheated. My Dad stopped by and dropped off a present for Josie. I couldn't wait for her to open it because I KNEW she'd love it. She's been wanting a hat like this for a long time and not only did she get one but Nanny made it for her- making it all the more special! See?! A HUGE hit!!! I love how her eyes disappear and she gets that double dimple in the middle of her cheek when she smiles so big.

I am NOT a huge fan of chocolate but I found a nifty little recipe on Pinterest today and wanted to try it. Chocolate cake in a mug! But for anyone that knows me they'll understand that the draw for me was that it was a SALTED CARAMEL chocolate cake in a mug. Helllloooooooooo heavenly?!! But I strayed a little, actually. I had some rum toffee caramels and I used those instead. You whip up enough ingredients for a single serving, pour it into a coffee mug and put it in the microwave for 2 minutes. SUPER simple. Here's a pic of the batter before putting it in the microwave...

It started bubbling up right away!

Bigger & BIGGER!

It was pretty entertaining!

We thought it was going to topple over and right out of the cup...it was leeeeaaaaaning.

It was HUGE!!! More like 2 servings, I think. The cake wasn't super moist- in fact, the best part was at the bottom of the cup where the toffee caramels sank and kept the cake fudgey. But with a cup of coffee, it was tasty. I let everyone tear off bits before I thought to take a pic of the finished product directly out of the micro. So it's not really "pretty" but oh well. You get the idea.

After a few bites I gave it to Josie. Like I said- NOT a huge chocolate fan. We tucked in and watched the Michael Buble Christmas special..which was okay. What was NOT okay was having to watch Justin Bieber try to lean down to shake hands with the audience, harldy able to bend his knees & flashing his underwear` and the fact that his skinny jeans were firmly tethered UNDER his bum with a belt. UNDER his bum. UNDER. Am I alone in thinking that if your skinny jeans are SO tight that they won't fit over your backside, you should probably go a size or two UP?! SO tacky. I thought these people had stylists..?!

I've got more pics from this past weekend from the kids slumber party with buddies and other things too- but they'll have to wait for another night.

XOXO
~S

It was a dark & stormy night...

2011-11-24T00:12:00.000-08:00

I hate how dark it is at quitting time and now with all of this crazy rain/wind storm stuff going on- it made me crave this chowder even more than I normally do in the Fall. Really CRAVE it. And a quilt. And my couch. And a good book. Alas, life is too crazy for much cozying up for hours on the couch, so I settled for a big batch of the chowder.

I got this recipe from my dearest, bestest friend. I think I may have pestered her for a while to give it up.. but she loves me and finally relinquished.

Once you make this it will become a household favorite, guaranteed!

J's Chicken Corn Chowder

1.5lb boneless skinless chicken breast
1/2 c. chopped onion
1-2 cloves minced garlic
3 T. butter or margarine
2 chicken boullion cubes
1 c. hot water
1/2 to 1 tsp. cumin
1 c. half and half
1 c. regular milk
2 c. shredded monterey jack cheese
1 16oz. can creamed corn
1 4oz. can chopped green chilies (undrained)
1/4 to 1 tsp. hot pepper sauce (Tabasco)
1 medium tomato chopped
fresh cilantro chopped

Toss chicken breasts into food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Brown with onion, garlic and butter/margarine. Meanwhile dissolve boullion in hot water. Add to pot with cumin and bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover & simmer for 5 minutes. Add all other ingredients except tomato & cilantro to the cumin/bouillion mixture. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently. Stir in tomato before serving and garnish with cilantro.

** Instead of tomato I always add mild salsa- and I just eyeball it and adjust to taste. Also, I tend to go "large" on some of the amounts of things- like two cloves of garlic, a full tsp. of cumin, about 1/2 tsp. Tabasco.
** I ALWAYS make a double batch of this because a) my family loves it as much as I do & b) it tastes even BETTER the day after you make it because all of those flavors have had time to gel together...soooo good.

here's the ground chicken, "browned" with garlic & onion..ready to toss in with the cumin/bouillion liquid.

the original recipe called for 2c. half & half but we do half that & use milk for the other half.

this recipe is THE. ONLY. WAY. I'll touch creamed corn.

it calls for just Monterey Jack cheese but I ALWAYS have a big bag of the Costco cheese that's a "Mexican" blend of Monterey Jack in addition to others.

It's almost done! And our house smells SO good!! The kids are usually taking turns hovering and doing the "is it done yet? is it done yet?"

bowls are ready to be filled with goodness!

FINALLY. (It's actually very quick to throw together but it all smells so good it feels like an eternity)

If you make it, be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you thought of it!
Finally, here's a cute ceramic bowl my boss gave me for Thanksgiving. It was filled with apples and homemade caramel dip. So nice! It'll be the perfect thing to put my rolls in for Thanksgiving tomorrow!

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
xoxo
~S

pumpkin

2011-11-10T21:37:00.000-08:00

Isn't this the cutest little plate? I saw it at Target and had to have it. They usually have the best seasonal melamine plates. Inexpensive yet functional decor..gotta love it.

Josie worked on something to put ON the plate. Pumpkin bread seemed the logical choice. The recipe we used tastes very close to STARBUCKS pumpkin loaf (favorite!).

And because it was so delicious and smelled SO good- there are no after pictures of the finished product. You'll just have to try it for yourself! Find the recipe here@ Streaming Gourmet

I just got the newest issue of Martha Stewart Living. Though I don't care for the majority of her stuff anymore- there are a few things that catch my eye. And the holiday issues always suck me in. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this:

It's my name, as well as both of my sisters. So crazy! Anyone can make me one of those towels, btw. They are SO lovely but look quite time consuming- much like every other Martha project.

XOXO
~S

Halloween 2011

2011-10-31T23:09:00.000-07:00

SWAT/FBI hybrid & Spider Princess ready to roll.
...little did they know that I'd found a great neighborhood full of nice rolling hills to go trick-or-treating in! (insert evil laugh here)

Mr.I-hate-having-my-picture-taken was suddenly a poser, as long as he had weapons in hand. I'll spare you the 11 other shots..all very macheesmo & threatening. The other kid was NOT interested in shots outside or anywhere else. She was waiting in the car dying to dive into candyland.

By the end of two hours the kids were begging for water, new legs and their beds- in no particular order. We came home, ate a late dinner and they promptly passed out before even pawing through their candy. Wow. I better check it out FOR them..make sure it's edible and that there aren't any Butterfingers in there. Well. After tonight there won't be...(insert another evil laugh here). And THAT is how it's done, my friends...

Happy Halloween!

XOXO
~S

weekend

2011-10-26T23:04:00.000-07:00

The best part of waking up is STARBUCKS in my cup thankyouverymuch. Made eggs & cinnamon raisin toast for breakfast on Saturday. And coffee. LOTS of coffee. Apparently not enough though. I started to make cinnamon rolls- had double checked the cupboards to make sure I had everything. Got to the part where you stir in the flour after the yeast and lo & behold... 1 cup short and that new package of "flour" in the cupboard was actually sugar. D'oh! A quick jaunt up to the store and back but I think mixing in the last cup ruined them. They were moist and delicious but they didn't raise well while baking like they normally do.

"Arise!!!" Nope...still nuthin'. This was just before I put them in the oven. They're supposed to be bumping into each other with their bad, plump, puffy selves. And they. so. were. NOT.

The kids and I enjoyed watching portions of Halloween Wars on the Food Network. And then we set out to carve our own pumpkins.

This is what happens when you try and get your son to allow you to take his picture. And you plead and whine and stick out your lower lip and tip your head just so---none of that worked. So I said "boogers." Voila.

It's REALLY slimy !!!

Our own Fall spa treatment. No charge!

My personal favorite part of hollowing out a pumpkin. Normally I just toss a bunch of salt on 'em and pop them in the oven but this time I tossed them in a little olive oil-then sprinkled them with sea salt, cayenne and a little paprika and toasted. Mmmmm mmmmm good!

XOXO
~S

This Last Week...

2011-10-15T16:50:00.000-07:00

It was a challenging week. But there were some moments of happiness/contentment nestled in here and there...

Pot roast and veggies= pure comfort food & delicious aroma in the house.

Evening beverages on rainy evenings.

Pumpkins popping up everywhere. And little messes here and there...always.

Watched Josie pull this out of her school bag the other night. I couldn't help but feel a little nostalgic. I was her age when I became a HUGE fan of these books.

This weekend has been a wonderful reprieve from the past week. I hope this coming week is better. Praying for a good attitude and the energy to overcome the negative. I'm afraid I've suffered from a prolonged case of WouldaShouldaCoulda's and need to accept the outcome of choices and make the best of situations that I cannot change. AND for the situations I *can* change- to GO. FOR. IT.

XOXO
~S

Around the house.

2011-09-10T00:10:00.000-07:00

Nothing like a fresh little bouquet from the Farmer's Market to brighten the home & spirit.

LOTS of smoothies lately. YUM.

LOTS of sore muscles and whimpering too..love it though.Looking forward to seeing some results soon I hope.

Don't look at me like that. You know what you did..you & your weak bladder. Argg. He can be pretty cute when my temper eases.

Our little shadows- they trot after all of us around the house and pace until we sit down so they can lay on our feet. He's still trying to work the eyes..problem is, half the time you cant' tell if he's focusing the attention on YOU or..the wall. Ollie with his weeeak leeetle bladder and googley eyessss.

DVD of camp memories still being re-watched.

packs of girlie stuff and the chosen American Girl for the day.

dont' even THINK about invading THIS home. Nah- just a certain boys choice air soft weaponry.

Unloading the dishwasher is a little more tolerable when there's colorful dishes..doesn't make much to make me happy sometimes!

XOXO
~S

1st Day of School {2011}

2011-09-08T20:36:00.000-07:00

Cannot believe yet another Summer is fading away and here we are at a new First Day of School. This year we have a Middle Schooler (heaven help me...I'm having a tough time accepting that) and a 4th grader. The first day of school THIS year was different than last year- NO tears! I did get some 'tude for attempting to photograph a certain 6th grader..broke my heart a little bit, but I understand. It was an emotional day for this Mama, but made all better by their smiling faces at the end of the day.

Get OUT of here, puhleeeze!

End of Summer

2011-08-20T09:37:00.000-07:00

It's nearing the end of Summer... it seems like it just began!
Now we're getting school supply lists, finding out who our assigned teachers are (both kids got who they wanted- big ol' WHOOPS of joy around here!) and putting away camping gear for another year.

We'll be spending as many days as we can at the pool- soaking up the last rays of Summer... Between trips to the store for new school shoes and #2 pencils!

XOXO
~S

Happy Birthday, Sis!

2011-04-14T22:11:00.000-07:00

Today is my sister's birthday.
I wish I could've spent the day with her instead of sitting at a desk all day.
I miss her.
I wish she was my next door neighbor. Or at least lived in the same town.
I think God is doing miraculous things in her life...including the twins growing inside her tummy.
I can't believe I don't have any pics of her on my computer...they're all on CD, tucked away. There's pics of her kids GALORE- but not one of her! This MUST be remedied ASAP.

Happy Birthday, Kate.
Love you SO very much and cannot wait to get together and be lazy bums.

Happy Birthday, C.

2011-04-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

This is one of my dearest, truest friends in the entire world.
And today is her birthday.

Happiest of happiest, C.
I love you bunches.
xoxo
~S

Miss Kaylee.

2011-04-10T18:30:00.000-07:00

As in.. little Miss Kaylee.

As in..we miss Kaylee.

Today is Miss Kaylee's birthday!

And since we didn't have our act together and get a card out in time- we'll do it Blog style!

She's dear to our family, but especially Josie. She considers Kaylee to be one of her best friends and misses her a LOT. She talks about her all the time, wishes that she was her sister or maybe if only we were neighbors (hmmm. Apple doesn't fall far from the tree, does it, C? *laugh*). Their personalities are VERY similar..like two peas in a pod, those two.

The last time we were in Cali they were in HEAVEN. Heck, who am I kidding... I was in heaven! Getting to hang out with one of my best friends in the entire world and her fam for two weeks was FANTASTIC! Watching the kids get along so well was such a cool thing. And Kaylee & Josie were pretty much inseperable. We ended our trip at Disneyland together, and when we parted ways outside the park there were many tears. Most came from Kaylee & Josie. Josie was crying the whole way back to the hotel and wailing "Why can't we live here? I don't want to leave Kaylee! I already miss her soooo muuuuchhhhh" And after sharing some texts with Christy, their tram ride was pretty much the same with Kaylee!

We've all been longing to see our dear friends again..wistful to be in the California sunshine and the happiness of the sand, surf & Disneyland, but most of all..the ability to enjoy all of those things with THEM is what makes it the best!

Here are some shots from our last trip.

Can't wait to take NEW ones!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KAYLEE!
We sure love you BUNCHES!!!!

Not sure if we'll get down there this Summer but I hope so! We'll see.

Until then, I'll look at these pictures because they never fail to make me smile!

XOXO

Holding On

2011-04-06T23:09:00.000-07:00

Well- today is Wednesday. Or it WAS Wednesday..there's not much left of it. 1 hour and 1 minute as I type this. This working full time is admittedly kinda kicking my tail right now. I'll get it figured out eventually but the control-freak in me is having a tough time! Monday afternoon I was longing for Friday evening already! And Tuesday. And today.
Tomorrow is the kiddos "Friday", lucky things!

Coming home to the dishwasher being unloaded/reloaded and a "bouquet" on the windowsill for me DOES soften the blow though. How sweet is THAT?!

And seeing my kids curled up with a book ALWAYS makes me happy!

It just makes my heart swell... love it! (I know I've said this multiple times in past posts)

And with that I'm signing off.
My pillow is beckoning. Maybe something more interesting this weekend (No promises!).

XOXO
~S

((YAWN))

2011-04-01T22:44:00.000-07:00

Wow. Is it Friday yet??! Oh, it IS?!????
YESSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!

Why is this day a good one?

* I got my new car back from the dealer, all spiffed up. I love her. Yes, she's a "her"..yet unnamed but not for long.

* I survived my first week as a mom that holds a full-time job. barely. But I did it! And you veterans.. I bow before you and beg you to refrain from scoffing. I'm a newbie but I'll wrangle this new life schedule yet! I do love a good challenge.

* I get to wear jeans to work every Friday. 'nuff said.

* I still have long-ish nails. Despite a few cracks (they're very weak).. This is EPIC! I still remember when we lived in Germany and my Aunt Peg came to visit. She was painting her nails and caught me admiring her handiwork (did you catch that pun?? It was a good one!) and told me that once I broke my nail biting habit, she'd give me a manicure. Well Aunt Peg, I do believe it's time to come visit again... (I hope I'm not jinxing myself. I've done that before but this is the longest duration yet so we shall see).

* We're taking the kids to Portland tomorrow... shopping at the mall, dinner at Claim Jumper and RANGO at the theatre. It's something we've all been looking forward to but it's been fun hearing the kids counting down the days this past week. It's one of their favorite "decadent" things to do now..which shows just how fast they're growing up! (sigh)

* I started what looks to be a good book....at least from what I've read so far.

Once I finish that, I have this one waiting. I have enjoyed many of Maeve Binchy's books in the past- so hopefully this one is good too.

I finished the HUNGER GAMES trilogy. I was sad to have it come to an end. I understand they're casting for the movie(s) now.. I hope they do the books justice. It is such an original, intriguing story! I highly recommend them. Easy reads (actually written for teens) but they suck you in. I LOVE when books do that for me.

Well, it's been a long week. I'm officially whipped and headed for bed.
To read, of course. I'll probably get a page or two in before I pass out- but it's a nice way to drift off, isn't it?

Have a WONDERFUL weekend!
XOXO
~S

Promises.

2011-03-30T20:00:00.001-07:00

Today was my first day working full time (I was working half-days for several weeks) and it wasn't the best start... We let the kids stay up to watch The Biggest Loser and thus this morning they (WE) were quite grumpy and difficult to extract from their warm, snuggly covers. We were finally able to rub the sleep from our eyes and converse without snarling or whining but it took a bit. Don't you just LOVE those kind of mornings?? (eye roll)

BUT. We sang worship songs on the way to school and I think it shifted our outlook on the day..all of us. Because we were suddenly in good moods and parted ways with sincere wishes for each other to have a good day and hugs & kisses. I pulled away from the school seeing two smiling kids waving goodbye & my own huge grin in the rear view mirror.

My day at work went well. Learning lots of new things (which I always enjoy). On my way home, I stopped at McD's to get an icey cold Diet Dr.Pepper because I knew I'd need it. I pulled into the driveway and was trying to brace myself for the barrage I would be facing...barking dogs needing to be fed and taken out. Kids needing help with homework. Dishes & laundry and all those other things that take up hour after hour.

I walked in..and granted, the dogs WERE barking & going bonkers with glee that I was home, but the next thing I noticed was that the house smelled delicious...dinner was simmering on the stove thanks to the hubster. The kids then greeted me and informed me they had NO HOMEWORK today (this just does NOT happen as of late). Wahhooooo!

I took a relaxing shower, ate a delicious dinner, and get to lay in bed and watch Survivor in a bit. All in all, a good day. Much different than anticipated. And that will teach me to worry or be stressed about something that hasn't even transpired. Who needs it?!

Life is crazy and full of "those days".. why create them unnecessarily?

rainbow, a photo by metroman8 on Flickr.

That's what I was thinking a few minutes ago, while admiring yet another rainbow.

Have you been seeing all these tremendous rainbows in the sky lately? Vibrant and sometimes doubles! I've never seen so many in such a short time span. And they make me feel.. good. Plain and simple. Here's why..

It's like God is giving reassuring squeezes with each one. Like He's saying "See? I told you I would never leave you. That I would not forsake you. Despite all the ugliness you see on this crumbling Earth, there is still beauty. Though there may be pain, it is not without purpose. This rain signifies the inconveniences, the battles that seem like they'll never end, the pain...and then you'll notice I let it subside and I bring promises of hope. Take heart and press on, little one"

Yep.

XOXO

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior" (v.2-3a, NIV).

2011-03-30T19:44:00.000-07:00

Life is crazy and full of "those days".. why create them unnecessarily?

That's what I was thinking a few minutes ago, while admiring yet another rainbow.

Yep.

XOXO

'Til the Last Minute..or so we thought.

2011-03-28T20:40:00.000-07:00

Our weekend was pretty laid back. Just how we like it!
On Sunday, we went to church (always a refreshing kick start to the week)and I felt happy despite the gloomy, gray weather. The Spring blossoms in the trees certainly looked pretty against that backdrop.

After church we went to lunch with the hubster's Dad at a local Mexican restaraunt. Came home and got started on a project that Josie was supposed to complete over Spring Break. Please DO take note it's SUNDAY, the day before the return to school. We thrive working under the pressure of a ticking clock! She had a plan all sketched out on paper and I was quickly rebuffed when I gave input on most anything. Kind of sad since I *love* the more hands-on, artsy stuff from school and miss that the most from our homeschooling days. She let me cut her grass for her. At her specifications. I gave my opinion on the shaping of the clouds and she contemplated and decided she'd just keep on doing it the way she had been. I got to staple the tree to the side!!!! AND I stumbled on the lion head with googly eyes in the most recent issue of Family Fun- so that's ALL me!

Really, I'm proud of her for being an independent, creative thinker and wanting to do this on her own. I'm certain she'll get a top score!

The interesting twist to this is that late Sunday evening, she cleaned out her bookbag and gave me a crumpled up slip of paper which notified us that the project due date was postponed until two weeks from now.

So this will be sitting on our counter- being admired (and occasionally dusted) until it's time to take it into school. Nothing like being ahead of the game, eh?

And after a day of being cooped up indoors, looking out at gray skies and rain storms... it's nice to end it with a sky like this.

No complaints.

XOXO
~S

Spring has Sprung?

2011-03-24T21:38:00.000-07:00

Well, it's SORT of Spring around here. Lots of rain..sometimes a downpour, sometimes a heavy mist..but the trees are blooming and fields are almost NEON they're such a lush bright green!

I took the photos above on the First Day of Spring. It was rather gloomy, you could see snow in the foothills but the fields...well, they speak for themselves!

Random tidbits as of late:

* Work is going well. It's nice to have a paycheck again!
* We got a "new" car.. a Nissan Murano. She's a beaut! Black, fully loaded w/leather interior and my sunroof/moonroof (really- WHAT is the difference?! Can anyone truly tell me?).
* The kids are enjoying their Spring Break- they've spent several days with Nanny & Papa and a day with their cousins as well. Spending the rest of it lounging around home and working on projects due upon their return to school. Fun stuff though, like diorama's.
* Made some DELISH oatmeal cookies that I dumped some yellow raisins & walnuts into..yum.
* Itching to take pics. Haven't been able to do much lately.
* Figuring out ways to get the kids to help out around the house and make them WANT to..it's tricky business but necessary.
* Ollie endured his "fixing" like a champ. Yay!
* I think I FINALLY broke the 35 year bad habit of biting my nails! They're lookin' pretty if I do say so myself. Well..prettiER. I don't have very cute hands/fingers.
* I've got 2 more weeks before I'm supposed to be "ok" to do cardio. I don't think I'm going to be obedient any longer. I feel ok and am raring to go. Plus, Mr. Doctor sir...my pants are SNUG. THAT is the official indicator of whether I should do cardio, not anything silly like wheezing lungs. Duh.
* I am officially addicted to PINTEREST ..Daily eye candy. LOVE it! Here's a link to my boards.....
* I realized I have TONS of open-toed shoes and hardly ANY closed-toe ones. Weird..and needs remedied ASAP, don't you think??
* my hair appt. had to get rescheduled to mid-April and I now have roots SO long that I have that popular two-tone hair..dark on top and light on the bottom. Only I don't feel very trendy.
* We've watched some good movies as of late:

Official Review: thought it was goofy & pretty cute. Love Reese Witherspoon.

Official Review: Wow. What an amazing true story. Lots of language in this one (not a surprise)

Official Review: kind of a snooze fest. Great scenery & soundtrack though.

Official Review: Don't ask me why. I like The Rock. I just do. So sue me. This one was crazy..and kinda graphic in terms of violence.

Official Review: Kinda crude. Kinda funny. Kinda "eh".

Official Review: Really liked it. Love Rachel McAdams..she's adorable & a great actress.

Official Review: wacky, funny, great cast. We really enjoyed it!

Official Review: Another AMAZING true story. SO well done. Such an inspring story of love & dedication. Hillary Swank and Sam Rockwell were SO good. And Minnie Driver. And Juliette Lewis..she's a nut but oh-so-good at those "off" characters.

Official Review: whoa. pretty good movie..a nice surprise when you don't know what to expect.

And yes...we really, really like movies. Especially on cold, dark, dreary nights and weekends.

I'm thankful for so many things right now... life has it's ups and downs and we're steadily climbing an "up" mountain. God is good. Plain and simple. I could go on and on but really, those three words have been swirling around in my brain, in my heart and out my mouth a lot the last few weeks- so I'll just leave it at that for now.

XOXO
~S

Germ Warfare

2011-03-12T23:05:00.000-08:00

Though I've been doing well, the rest of my brood has succombed to a nasty bug for over a week. Josie is the carrier monkey..last Friday she came home complaining of having had a headache all day. She fell asleep (this does NOT happen with this girl) and awoke with a fever AND the headache. We had family visiting from out-of-town and they ended up getting sick, the hubster and I felt a little under the weather the next day but I snapped out of it. Bob just kept getting worse. Then Matthew got sick that night. Only he had the added bonus of vomitting. LOVELY. Meanwhile- Josie was peachy keen Saturday despite cold symptoms.

Here it is the following Saturday evening and we're STILL battling germs & illness! I'll be SO thankful to be rid of it. Today I did my best to at least improve the overall feeling of infestation... I opened some windows for a little bit to air it out, got dishes & laundry caught up (the laundry was a major FEAT), wiped down EVERYTHING with cleanser, tackled the bills & mail from the last few weeks, went through a huge stack of kids school papers, took pics of stuff to sell on Ebay and some various other tasks to tidy up. It's MUCH better around here than it has been in WEEKS.

Another task successfully accomplished this week = I found a job (finally!) so our daily schedule will change a bit. I think it's going to work out well and feel blessed to have it after searching for so long.

Other reasons to be happy:

I get my hair cut/colored this week. After so many months. I'm embarassed to say how long it's truly been. Let's just say I am WELL past ghetto roots!
Our Ollie pop pup is getting fixed this week. I think we're all happy about this- especially our other pug, Pepper. We've realized Pepper has the patience of a saint..and Ollie is an Energizer puggy. (eye roll)
The kids will be back to school after a full week out! (the not-so-fun part=all that make up homework)
Bob will be back to work after a full week out!

Reasons I'm not too happy:

my doctor says I still can't do any cardio.
I haven't taken much in the way of pictures lately
puppy with a bladder the size of a pea

But I don't like dwelling on the negative. Let's get back to happy things....

Like, even though that certain puppy has a teensy bladder and must be taken out a bazillion times a day- he's still pretty cute and cuddly. If you stand still for even a moment and he's around- he'll plop on your feet. If you're laying on the ground watching tv or reading..fuggedaboudit....

A new lunchbox that's SO stinkin' cute..it makes me wish I were back in elementary so I could have one too.

But I *CAN* have these.

Is there NOTHING a cup of ice cold milk and stack of Oreos can't cure?!

I think not.

Hope you had a blissful weekend!

Blessings,

Sarah

The End is Near!

2011-02-23T09:06:00.000-08:00

My title isn't in reference to End Times... it's about this CRUD (aka Pneumonia) that's consumed my life since January 18th. That's SIX WEEKS, people. Since coming home from the hospital, I've felt like I've improved each day..just a tiny bit, but enough to notice and be hopeful. Then after a couple consistent days of that, I'd have a HORRIBLE day. Then improve...then take a step or two backward feeling horrible. Then a couple good days. Back and forth, back and forth.. It's been driving me CRAZY. The last two days were bad days. Very achey. Tons of coughing. Extremely tired. Yesterday morning I coughed and coughed, nonstop until I got physically ill. After that, I felt a bit spent but much, much better. I spent the rest of the day coughing like crazy, but I felt different..a better kind of different. This morning I woke up feeling more like myself than I have in SO very long. I felt giddy! My voice sounds more like ME than it has in weeks. My head feels clearer. My lungs feel clearer (despite the incessant coughing still). Today I feel SO good!!! I'm going to be cautious in exerting myself, but I haven't felt such a marked change until now. VERY exciting!

You should be excited too- because now you won't hear much about my being sick. A couple posts about it and numerous FB status updates and *I* am sick of reading about it!

To celebrate this... I brewed myself coffee for the first time in over SEVEN weeks. I've had a few Starbucks since being out of the hospital..but I haven't made coffee at home. Just haven't wanted it. But this morning it was the first thing I thought about. So see??! I *AM* more like myself today!

Do you have a French Press?
Oh my goodness....if not, you need to get one, so you don't feel left out.
Because you ARE missing out.

Not only is it deliciously rich, but there's something about the process that's to be savored.

Don't know how it's done?
First, put a kettle of water on to boil. While you're doing that, put a rounded Tablespoon of freshly ground coffee (coarse vs. fine is better with a press) per 4oz. of liquid. My press is 12 oz. So I toss in 3 heaping Tablespoons (A. I'm slightly rebellious. B. I like my coffee STRONG), sometimes even an extra one, into my empty press. Once the kettle has come to a boil, pour in the water- almost to the top (you have to leave room for the lid/press to do it's thing!). Take a chopstick and give it a few stirs and this is what you'll see....

Beautiful, right?!
Now, place the lid/press on top. Let it sit for about 3 minutes. Then carefully (and slowly), push the plunger down. Be sure to keep it straight and steady or the grounds will sneak out and into your brew!

Here's what it looks like before you press the grounds down to the bottom. See the pretty bloom on top?? Then the layer of grounds, then the brew.
YUM.

Once you've pressed the plunger all the way to the bottom, pull out your favorite coffee cup and carefully pour yourself a bit o' happiness. Adorn with creamer, should you feel so inclined.
Voila!

One positive thing about the last few weeks of being stuck in bed is that I've read a number of books. Here's a few that I just finished. The "Hunger Games" trilogy by Suzanne Collins is SO good! I read "Catching Fire" in a few hours and once I realized I only had a few chapters left before I finished it, I hopped online and put a request in for the final book. I hope I don't have to wait too long!

So here I sit, this morning... at the table. Laptop whirring. My first cup of home-brewed coffee in seven weeks, listening to my favorite Pastor online (James Macdonald), a bit of blog surfing and watching SNOW fall outside. It's not sticking, but it's certainly pretty to look at.

Hope YOU are having a WONDERFUL day!!!
Remember to savor the little things in your day that bring you joy!

XOXO
~S

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-13T23:23:00.000-08:00

Two years ago, I found this cute idea on the internet while blog hopping..but since we were homeschooling, we didn't really do a bunch of Valentine's. This year, the littles are attending a Christian school and in a typical classroom environment- so I sifted through the miles of "favorites" (seriously. it's out. of. control.) and we re-created it. I quickly discovered that cutting a slit in the photo above/under the hand didn't have enough give to push the lollipop through. So I grabbed a mini paper-punch and it was the perfect solution. The lollipops slipped through with no problem (ie: tearing/puckering of photo). I took the pics of the Valentine's late at night so the coloring is a bit off- but you get the idea.

Things have been a bit NUTS around here the last few weeks. About three weeks ago, I picked up a cough somewhere. It sounded wet/gross almost from the get-go and then I started feeling flu type symptoms. After a week, I was getting worse- and having difficulty breathing and moving around. So I went to the ER and they took one look at me and whisked me away and the rest was pretty surreal...I landed in the ICU for a couple days and then was able to be in a regular room for a couple days after that with a pretty killer case of pneumonia. My left lung was almost entirely solid white on the chest x-rays, which apparently is really bad. ANYway- that was an experience I do not care to go through again. And if I ever have to receive shots in the stomach (to prevent blood clots) again, boy howdy.... those HURT!! I'm STILL coughing, STILL sore from all that coughing, STILL relying on an inhaler several times a day, STILL spending a lot of time in bed. I am getting better but it's slow going and driving me a bit crazy. I have so many things I want to do!!

The first day I was admitted, my poor hubby went home to take care of the kids and was going to clean up the house for me (remember- I was sick for a week prior to going into the hospital, thus NO housework was done. No dishes. No laundry. Yeah..nasty) and after a load of dishes were run in the dishwasher, the dishwasher started making odd noises. He went to investigate and found the kitchen floor flooded with water. He tried to turn the dishwasher off and it wouldn't..it wasn't hooked up to the breaker either! The landlord showed up and was able to get it turned off (some obscure button under the sink- totally WEIRD) but Bob and Matthew had a ton of water to clean up. Poor guys. We finally got a new one installed the day after I got home from the hospital.

My kids and hubby were total champs while I was in the hospital.. they kept up on homework, taking care of the dogs, and surprised me with a new bedding set when I came home. I felt blessed!

AND..I was incredibly blessed by my family and friends- all the texts, calls, emails, facebook messages,etc. of concern and prayers made my heart swell!
I'm eager to get back into the swing of things but still having to take it easy. As long as I keep improving, I'll have to just be patient. The control freak in me has a hard time with that though!

In the meantime, I've been reading and looking at TONS of magazines (my sister, my bff and the mail have all kept me in supply..there must be 40 lb. of 'em by my bedstand!), watching tv and movies on Netflix, blog surfing, haunting Pinterest, Ebay, and Facebook and enjoying time with my family.

Here's to a lovely Valentine's Day for you all!

xoxo
~Sarah

Tickled.

2011-01-19T18:02:00.000-08:00

So Josie brings home a stack of graded papers/tests today.. I start going through them and scan through her answers on a History exam.

Question: Who wrote the Constitution of the United States?

Josie's answer: "Who? A group of men. because they wanted to."

Question: In what city did the representatives gather to write the Constitution?

Josie's answer: "Where? I think France. because they wanted to."

I think it's funny that she answered a question with a question initially. And the whole "because they wanted to" just made me laugh. Maybe I'm easily amused...

Blessings,

Sarah

Picture Perfect.

2011-01-19T07:00:00.000-08:00

Josie has always been very into the girly-girl things, but having a big brother that she loves to keep up with, she's enjoyed playing with Star Wars & Super Hero figures, legos, light sabers as well. These pictures sum her personality up SO well! Girly outfit, complete with tutu skirt- on the floor rolling with the dogs and playing with her brothers Star Wars toys. LOVE. IT.

She has SUCH beautiful hair. The texture, thickness, color...I'm SO envious!

And this one. Again... SO her!!! My little funny face.

Blessings,

Sarah

Dreary.

2011-01-18T12:35:00.000-08:00

It's been a dreary couple of days....just torrential downpour to drizzle..then back to downpour again. Lots of flooding going on here in the PacNW. Fortunately we aren't seeing much of that. Just wet pant legs everytime we go outside. Between the wind & the rain- your chances of getting damp are pretty high, unless you have a rain slicker that goes head to toe, literally. And we don't. I have to admit...we don't even have an umbrella! We have rain coats but the one umbrella we had broke and we never replaced it! We're just hardcore like that....don't need no stinkin' umbrellas!!

With this weather we've been tucked inside, cozying up together on the couch under blankets & quilts. Lots of movies, games, reading, being on the computer (games, blog surfing,etc). I cringe when it's time to take the dogs outside..it's such an unpleasant interruption and having to walk them in this wet mess is just NO FUN (whine). The "taking the chill off" part isn't so bad though... lots of hot coffee or tea & a quilt do the job nicely.

Food like this is commonplace around here. Chili is a family favorite. This week, I welcome it heartily!

We watched the Golden Globes together the other evening. Boy, Ricky Gervais was a big disappointment. I always anticipate a bit of cheeky banter that borders that "fine line" between funny and crude, but he was just WAY beyond that. I didn't hear much laughter from the audience either. I hope he doesn't host for a third year, or we may not watch next year. I thought the standing ovation for Michael Douglas was lovely and Robert DeNiro's award speech was..odd.

And this is just one last gratuitous picture. Of Colin Firth...see him? He's there..look hard. It's the best I could do at capturing a pic of HIM. And it WAS him I was going after. I.. swear.......(sigh) ok. ok. I've had an on again/off again crush on Mr. Depp since 21 JUMPSTREET. The last few years I haven't found him especially handsome but there are moments still, I guess (apparently).

And with that final bit of deep, meaningful information.... I sign off!

Blessings,

Sarah

A Sweet Deal

2011-01-18T08:00:00.000-08:00

At least one Friday a month I make some sort of homemade snack for all of the teachers at the kids' school. I've loved having the honor of doing this for them AND I earn volunteer hours as well. In the past I've made banana bread, gingerbread loaf, and double chocolate cake pops. This time I decided to use this recipe in the back of this month's Martha Stewart Living for "Anytime Oatmeal Cookies". These are SO. GOOD. Simple but delicious and VERY easy to throw together! Bonus!

Fortunately, when I went to pick up my cookie plate, I discovered that the staff agreed- there was nothing left but crumbs! I'm thinking about what my next Friday treat should be.
Maybe a variety of scones- sweet & savory? A coffee cake? Something breakfast related for a late morning snack, perhaps? Give me some ideas! In the meantime, here's the recipe for the cookies!

ANYTIME OATMEAL COOKIES Martha Steward Living
1 c. all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
Salt
1 stick unsalted butter, room temp
2/3 c. packed light brown sugar
1/3 c. granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 c. old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 c. golden raisins

1. Preheat over to 350 degrees. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp. salt into a bowl. Beat butter and sugars until pale and fluffy. Mix in egg and vanilla, then flour mixture. Mix in oats, then raisins.
2. Using a 1 1/4" ice cream scoop or a tablespoon, drop dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing each scoop about 2" apart. Bake until edges are golden, about 14 minutes. Let cookies cool on a wire rack. Makes about 4 dozen.

Blessings,

Sarah

My boys.

2011-01-17T08:00:00.000-08:00

Matthew has been coming home from school, getting his homework done, then working on his stop-motion videos. He's OBSESSED. Thus, the living room is always full of wooden blocks, legos, Star Wars figures, playdough and anything else he thinks will be suitable. It's actually very interesting to watch him working on these. He puts so much thought and detail into every scene. And then moves things just inches, adds something here or there and takes another shot. This process goes on for hours and hours until it's time to get ready to read and go to bed.

Typically the dogs stay out of his way- but they have their moments where they get a little too playful and tear through the "work area" and our usually quiet boy will make gutteral noises of frustration and anger..and that's when one or both pugsters get tossed into the crate for a while. USUALLY the younger of the two. He could take a few pointers from the other..who is usually content to curl up next to the boy and wait for the occasional hug or pet between takes.

Blessings,

Sarah

Butterfly slumber.

2011-01-16T08:00:00.000-08:00

This little one LOVES creating a nest in her bed. Multiple blankets, pillows, dolls, books, etc. Inevitably it starts this way- all cocooned around her in bed. Then she kicks off all the covers and pushes half the treasures off onto the floor to sprawl, typically spread eagle on top of her covers. Then in the morning when I go to wake her, she's wrapped back up in a quilt, snug as a bug- back in a cocoon, though more streamlined. It's like this every night/morning. Love it.

She's spending the night with friends tonight...so I'll miss seeing her in her bed tonight.

Blessings,

Sarah

January 15, 2011

2011-01-15T12:21:00.000-08:00

I've had multiple inquiries and requests as to WHEN I'm going to update this thing. WHY I'm not posting anymore. WHERE are all my pictures?! Well....I just haven't felt like posting! I didn't feel like I had anything worthy of posting..not much to say. Not many pics outside of my kids, etc. But I think with 2011, I will post whatever, whenever, however. Good, bad, bland...

SO... 2011 finds us very much in the same position as 2010. Some parts of it good, some not so much.

* The kids are LOVING school. Their grades are excellent, have good friends, love their teachers & campus.

* I'm thrilled that they are in school but I miss them during the day!

* I'm still looking for a job that will allow me to work while the kids are in school but be able to pick up them

from school and be home with them in the afternoon/evenings. Between this economy and those time

constraints, I haven't had much luck as of yet. I know something will turn up though! Just a matter of time

and patience!

* Still listing on Ebay..not very consistently but I'm getting back at it.

* Still learning & LOVING photography. My goal for 2011 is to get my branding and marketing together

and revamp my portfolio. Already in the works and I'm SO excited!

* REdiscovering that life is messy, full of hiccups and second chances but worth every effort.

* Realizing that I've come into my own and I need to not be afraid of that or what others think of that.

* Still need to find a good church home. Miss that fellowship and weekly affirmation of faith.

* A billion other things that I can't think of right now!

And here are a few pics that depict my days to an extent..

...the daily TO DO list. I'm obsessed with my lists. They make me happy and keep me in line (usually). And that's my camera cord, usually laying closeby to download whatever is on my camera.

The dining room table- always full of signs of life and disarray. Cups and plates not cleared as they should be, paper and writing/coloring utensils, games on the side table, fruit within easy reach for snacking... I should take a pic of the table at the same time, every day for a year... I wonder how different the pic would look?! Hmmm.... I've never tackled a 365 challenge. Maybe a thought for next year.

I drop off and pick up the kiddos most every day...it usually involves sitting in the car, in a long line, waiting to creep toward the entrance where they wait with their teachers. I usually take a magazine or a book but this last week, I've taken to calling my bff everyday to chat for a few minutes. She's usually sitting in HER car waiting in a line for HER kids, just 45 minutes away or so.. it's nice to just see how her day was and hear her voice. We're silly for not chatting more. But she gets me. She knows I'm not a phone girl for one, AND well. She just gets me and loves me anyway. And vice versa. *laugh*

And...at the end of the evening. I'm usually sitting on the couch, curled up with my laptop- checking in on Facebook (hopelessly addicted. I love that I can connect with so many people via this avenue), email, Ebay, cruising blogs, editing pics,etc.etc. These evening hours after the kids have gone to bed usually include a snack and some tv or Netflix too. As for what was in that bowl.... well. It COULD have been ice cream. Or it COULD have been nonfat Greek yogurt with a few almonds..but usually that's what I start my day with, not END it with. So I'll admit. It WAS ice cream. And it was GOOOOOOD.

More tomorrow! (..well, don't hold your breath. But don't faint when a new post shows up tomorrow either!)

Blessings,

Sarah

2010-09-12T19:31:00.000-07:00

After three years of homeschooling my children, we enrolled them in a local private school this year. I loved teaching them at home, and we grew so close! But, the littles began wondering, out loud, what it would be like to be in a classroom environment again. They wanted to give it a go this year and see how they liked it, so we began researching the schools in the area; found one we were all excited about and got them enrolled!

Their first day of school was a little bittersweet for me. I was a bundle of nerves, hoping they'd transition smoothly & instantly love it. For the most part, they did. But my youngest had a rocky few minutes the first two mornings. Tears rolled down her little cheeks and pleadings for me to stay with her eyes & her lips. Oh, my heart just BROKE! She had been SO excited and then once she was at her desk, the newness hit her. The reality that she was on her own for the day, without knowing anyone or how things would transpire caused momentary panic and tears. She was soothed & kissed and made it, but boy, was it tough for us both to let go!! By day three she was a-ok (thank goodness!).

And THIS kid...my sweet, quiet, sensitive boy. He breezed into his classroom, sat down & was just ready for whatever! I was SO proud of him! Picking him up after the first day, he kept sighing & saying how much he loved school, his teacher, the classroom... It was AWE.SOME!

I had been worried to see/hear their response to their first day but when I arrived, there they were, two smiling faces- ready to spill all the exciting details! What an immense relief & blessing! And so we begin this adventure, together but apart. We're all going to learn A LOT!

A family favorite.

2010-08-06T19:10:00.000-07:00

We've been making this a few times a month.
It's easy, tasty, requires but a few ingredients...
Plus, it satisfies my crazy craving. If I eat something salty, I crave sweet. If I eat something sweet, I crave something salty. Here- the best of both! The nutritional value isn't the best, however.

KETTLECORN on the Cheap....

Ingredients: Popcorn, oil, salt, water, brown sugar.

First, make your popcorn. We love our popcorn popper!

Salt to taste once it's popped.

While your popcorn is popping, take a small saucepan & add 2 Tablespoons of oil and 2 Tablespoons of water. Then add 2/3 cup light brown sugar. Stir and bring to a boil. This will only take a minute or two because it is such a small amount, so don’t walk away from the stove! As soon as it boils, reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 3 minutes.

It'll look like this...

Carefully drizzle the liquid over the popcorn, carefully mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon.
It's very sticky & retains it's heat for a while- and upon skin contact, it HURTS. Don't ask me how I know...just trust me.

After mixing throroughly, give it a taste and salt a bit more if need be.

And VOILA!
This is best eaten with an ice cold coke by your side.

XOXO
~S

swoon.

2010-08-05T20:24:00.000-07:00

These have been sitting on my computer for a while..just little things that make my heart pitter patter.
I'm HORRIBLE at documenting where I found things...so just don't even ask..sorry!
I need to remedy that so I can give credit & links...next swoon pics will have that, mmkay?

Classic Salt Water Sandals in red. For me.
Of course I'd love to have a pair in navy, white and red for Josie- they're timeless & hold up so well!
But I love them for myself too. I wore my last pair for several years until they literally started falling apart; even then I had a hard time letting them go.

this pic is so stinkin' TINY! What happened, I do not know. No do-overs. I'm feeling far too lazy for that. Just trust me (or get out your handy dandy monocle.)..it's VERY cute. I was just prowling the web one night for wardrobe ideas for shooting weddings. Necklines can be tricky when you're going to be stooping, bending and leeeeaaaning (seen While You Were Sleeping?? If not, fuggedaboudit). This seemed like it would fit the bill. Picture over black fitted jeans & boots. I *think* I found this on the FREE PEOPLE website..which is gob FULL of fabulous goodies. LOVE that place. The textures and draping are very inspiring.

Beautious orange clog heels. How I love thee.

This necklace is from Anthropologie. I've loved it from the first moment I laid eyes on it. They've been sold out for a long, long time. There's always Ebay. someday. In fact, I think I swiped this pic off Ebay. Sorry, sweetest sins boutique (and btw- I don't like the name of the boutique, nor am I promoting it.)

Clog boots.
Shoes. Love. Boots. Looking to find a good pair to love. Clogs? Uber-love.

Spent the majority of today looking for a nice, clean hotel close to Disneyland for our vacation in a few weeks time.
FINALLY found one with hundreds of positive reviews. Photos of newly revamped rooms. Close to the park with shuttle service. Pool for the littles. Flat Screen for the hubster. Free hot breakfast every morning for me. Yay!

Gotta go.. when it comes to watching Project Runway, multi-tasking becomes impossible for me.

XOXO
~S

2010-08-05T00:27:00.000-07:00

Still playing catch up on the blog but not much time to post this week.
I'm working on all sorts of things that need to be done in the next week or two.
Can't believe that Summer is wrapping up and all my preparations are in regards to end-of-Summer activities and school enrollment.

We have friends who are enduring a crisis that I cannot fathom. Their 11 year old daughter is hospitalized with E.Coli and it's very serious. Her poor little body is having a hard time but it appears as of today, she may be rallying! I certainly pray this is the case..she's the sweetest little girl & this family has already endured much hardship. Isn't it always so very curious when you witness someone who gives,gives,gives- especially with focused intent on sharing Christ's love; and you see that the more they try to do- the more they're tested?? This family is case-in-point for sure. The beautiful thing is, that Satan has nothing on 'em. Their situation has already been used for good, in bringing so many believers together in prayer and faith for healing! They've caused most anyone who has heard of their situation to pause and realize that this life is short and we don't know what the next day will hold for us and those we hold dear. There are SO many life lessons to be learned! God's allowed this to happen for good..and I've seen and felt some of that myself. PURE AWESOMENESS.

Good things that have been blessing me lately:
* God's faithfulness made visible
* warm, sunny Summer days
* seeing the kids eyes bug out at hearing the music of the ice cream truck coming & dashing outside
* hearing the littles get so excited about school
* my camera. i heart it lots.
* the ability to get rid of junk and make some $ in the process
* spending more time with my sister
* gorgeous, shimmery sunsets

Things I'm LOVING...
* Top Chef
* seeing my dearest friend several times in a single month. a novelty- sad but true!
* PROJECT RUNWAY!!
* fresh plums
* making fruit smoothies as our post-pool snack almost everyday
* going through the kids closet & realizing they're already set up for school clothes!
* getting rid of junk around here!
* my new IKEA drinking glasses
* I've been dreaming at night again..like, consistently. This is HUGE! (hasn't happened in long time)
* getting to know new friends via email & letters, that live clear across the U.S.=coolness
* coffee. (I think it would be on every "thankful for... or I Love..." list!)

XOXO
~S

Cute Cousins.

2010-07-29T14:22:00.000-07:00

Just a couple cute ones of Josie & Addie from last week.

XOXO
~S

Random Summer Day Moments..delicious.

2010-07-28T10:32:00.000-07:00

Just snapshots taken throughout our Summer of 2010 so far...lots more to come!

Pool Posers.

Sunglasses & ice cream cones.

Josie is wearing a lot of jewelry lately. She's very selective, yet "less=more" does not compute.

Countless trips to the library. Air Conditioning+stacks of books=bliss.

Love the glass in the children's area..so pretty with the light coming through.

Love the light. Love the bun. Love the tan. Love that girl.

I put some deep conditioner & coconut oil in her hair (after just a few trips to the pool her hair turns into green tinged straw) and wrapped her hair in a bun while the oils did their thing. It was SO cute. Of course SHE hated it! She kept begging me to take it out. I pretended not to hear her and got my camera out instead. The next day we went to Silver Falls with my parents and my Mom complimented Josie on her shiney hair. It really DID look silky and healthy! Being the mean Mommy paid off..I got cute pics. She has pretty hair. She'll learn to love the bun.
Embrace the bun!!!

My fun find so far this Summer- the green chair. She's a little rough but refined. I love her.

Look at those eye balls. He'll grow into them someday.
....I hope.

Matthew: "you're so cute I could just squeeeeeeezzzze you to death!"
Ollie: "snort. sniff. snort. sigh." (inside: "thanks for the chiropractic adjustment.")

Early one Saturday morning...

Making hand shadows...

My goofy gus...love him...

Love Josie's hair in this one.

The girls LOVE when Matthew uses his Jedi powers to stay mid-air.
"Do it again!"
"Do it again!"

XOXO
~S

Silver Falls

2010-07-27T21:34:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago the kids & I went to Silver Falls Park with my parents for the day. It was SUCH a nice time! I hadn't hiked the Falls in years and kids had never been. The drive up is always beautiful but this time we passed field after field of poppies and other flowers. They were SO beautiful!! We stopped multiple times (my Dad was the BEST, driving us and graciously pulling over time after time so my Mom and I could snap away).

When we got to the Park, we ate a delicious picnic lunch prepeared by my Mom, attempted a group photo that didn't quite pan out and turned into a good laugh(oh well!), looked over a map of the Falls, chatted a bit and let the kids play. The hike was beautiful and the kids LOVED it. The same could not be said about the hike back UP the hill. They didn't like that part so much..you'll see evidence of this in pictures..at least from Josie. The whole day was invigorating & such a blessing to me. Visiting & going somewhere with my parents and my kids- I just Ate. It. Up.

Ok- prepare yourself for the onslaught of pics..they're worth wading through though!

Can you imagine living in that house and having that view?!?

Delicious turkey sandwiches and nectarines!

Sorry, Dad. It was the best one I got...you're the sacrifice with your eyes closed because I looked completely PSYCHO and like I was going to eat Mom's head in the other pics..so...yeah. This is us. I'm not photoshop saavvy enough to do head replacement and all that. Yet. But apparently it better be the next thing I learn!

Gorgeous dappled light. Gorgeous! How many times have I said gorgeous in this post so far?! Oh. I guess only a couple now..but I must've been saying it over and over in my head when I was resizing the pics to post.

The kids posing in the lodge.

I felt rather small looking up into the tree tops...

My sweet folksies and littles. Love them.

My handsome little fella & darling daughter. My lifetime achievement awards...

Uncharacteristically nonchalant in front of the camera all day= score for me!!

LOOOOVVVE his face in this! SO cute!

I have NO clue who this sweet couple is but while I was waiting for my kids to walk over to the bridge, I spied them through the viewfinder and I had to take the picture. Why? For the same reason I *must* sprinkle sea salt over every bowl of vanilla ice cream..because I WANT to. It makes me happy!

Notice we're walking at an incline. Remember that I said Josie wasn't thrilled. I give you Exhibit A:

This is the path at the very top of the falls...

Not sure what they are, but they made for a beatiful shot.

This clover-like plant, Sourgrass, is something my favorite teacher of all time (Mr.Powell, 6th grade) showed us was edible while at Outdoor School. I remember my friends & I ate this until we got upset stomachs. Several times. And now my kids know about it- Josie loves it. Matthew does not.
At. All.

random. The "frog" hanging on the wall in the lodge. That's what Matthew & I deemed it.

Told you there were a lot! *smile*
XOXO
~S

July 4th...

2010-07-26T22:00:00.000-07:00

I know, I know. You saw that title and really didn't want to even go any further.
The holiday is over, the fireworks have been done. The allure is gone. BUT...
I'm STILL trying to post everything from the past few weeks...at least I'm in the current month now!
Progress is progress!

On July 4th we headed down to Lebanon to spend the evening with my brother-in-law Daves family. Bob wasn't feeling well so it was just the littles and myself. We missed him but *did* have a nice time visiting with everyone. Dave's parents are always very accomodating and generous and make us feel as though we're indeed family. They BBQ'd burgers and hot dogs and all the fixings. There was TONS of food! I took cookies, cubed watermelon and chocolate dipped marshmallows with red,white & blue sprinkles to share.
The burgers were SO good! I think they were sirloin burgers and they'd melted cheese on top. I ate mine just like that- the patty with cheese and boy-oh-boy...it was DELISH!

Our time with them is always very relaxing and we're always FULL!

The kids scarfed their food on the back patio (GORGEOUS- full of flowers, water feature, koi pond, garden and much more) and then ran out front to get started on the fireworks. While the sun was still out, they tortured each other with TNT Poppers (have you ever been hit in the back with those things??! Or had one snapped in your ear? OUCH! Personal Experience here...) and tortured the rest of us with smoke/stink bombs. Bleh!! Those are TERRIBLE! I guess I'm just a "girl" but sheesh- what a waste of money!

I think Josie & Matthew are coordinating a plan of attack here....

Remember what I was saying about Poppers next to the ears? ....yeah...Ouch.

Birds LOVE the backyard! There's one in the top right corner here...

The sunset was GORGEOUS. So vivid against a bright blue sky.

I love the sihlouette glow on Matthew in this one (right side).

My kids are SO freakin' adorable. They really are. You know it!

Later in the evening the boys all took turns setting off fireworks in the cul-de-sac while we sat in chairs, cozy in blankets. There were neighbors at the end of the street that had some illegal ones and they were fantastic! Didn't manage to capture those in pictures but they were quite large, loud and lovely!

It was a wonderful night!

XOXO
~S

Going to the Chapel.

2010-07-26T11:54:00.000-07:00

Well- I *went* to this adorable little chapel a couple weeks ago.
I photographed a lovely little wedding there and am just about finished editing the pictures.
Check back on my photography blog Foto Bella Photography as I hope to post pics of the ceremony & reception VERY soon!

I fell in love with the charm and simplicity of this little church.
The light inside was lovely.
The old windows.
How small it was.
The little balcony.
It was great fun to capture bits and pieces of it throughout the wedding.

XOXO
~S

The last Baseball pics..I promise.

2010-07-26T11:34:00.000-07:00

These didn't make it into the last baseball post and I just have to include them. Probably a total snooze fest to everyone else- but the snack shack was the hilight of every evening's end on game nights for the kids. They couldn't wait to redeem their ticket (one dispensed after each game played) for a refreshing snack. And OH THE CHOICES!! Popcorn, ice cold soda, Gatorade galore, licorice whips, nachos, hot dogs, huge muffins and much more. And so, the kids would stuff their equipment bags as quickly as possible (or leave us to it) so they could book it across the field to the shack! And then we'd meander over and stand..and wait. AND wait. AND wait. My two were indecisive (they come by this honestly, I'm afraid)- but we're talking TEAMS of kids in line, all being overwhelmed with their options here, people. TEAMS of children.

Still...it was cute to watch and capture in a few pics.

And there you have it...the last of this years ball pics.
...I think.

XOXO
~S

A Birthday Message..

2010-07-25T21:20:00.000-07:00

We have a little message for someone....

Hope you had a WONDERFUL day!!!!

XOXO
~S (& Josie)

36 & Counting

2010-07-22T19:52:00.000-07:00

Today I am 36 years old.
I don't feel that old. Yet I feel every BIT that old. Does that make sense??!
Some days I feel wearier and "older" than others. I've had life experiences that have made me feel haggard & aged. But overall- I firmly believe that embracing each year we're given is enriching and a blessing. Even those harrowing things have to be embraced because they've produced character. They've revealed just how strong I'm capable of being. And it's only through Gods grace- but I'll take it! I want to push through and continue to be a glass-half-full girl. I can only be robbed of that mentality if I allow myself to be..and I simply refuse!

**I got far too rambley and then realized- once I typed it all out- that it was meant just for me. It was cathartic to type it all out, but I hit delete. The paragraph above is enough to share, and really, it sums up everything I'm feeling & thinking about.**

Yesterday, my sister & Mom took me shopping for the day. It was BLISSFUL. Starbucks, meandering IKEA for hours, hours of conversation, eating a meatball lunch, finding a few new things for my home, more Starbucks... it was a blessed day. I'm thankful to have them close enough to do this together on occasion..though I would be thrilled if it happened more often!

My kiddos got to spend the day with their little cousins & uncle while we were out & about and ended up spending the night. They had a blast. I missed them last night and this morning, but I was happy they were able to have a sleepover. They all came back down today and we grabbed some lunch and headed to the park to play for the afternoon. Two days in a row....I could get used to it! I felt spoiled with the social activity..how pathetic is THAT?! *laugh* I also was completely in AWE of all the birthday wishes on Facebook! It was lovely to wake up to all the messages and savor them over my morning cup of coffee! I'm blessed with an abundance of friends & family, and thoughtful ones at that.

XOXO
~S

Scareweeee.

2010-07-22T09:22:00.000-07:00

So the other night, I was editing pics and watching CUPCAKE WARS with Josie. She decided she'd like to give me a makeover as I worked...because her latest future profession of choice is a makeup artist. She left for a few moments to collect her tools of the trade and sat down looking quite focused. She announched that this was going to be a Supermodel/Runway look and got down to business.

After a few minutes she sat back and chewed her lip, deep in thought. Scrutinizing or gauging progress. Turning my chin this way and that, she finally said (in the CAH-U-TEST, slightly wavery little girl voice trying to sound grown up) "Um..Mmmmkay. I think instead you're going to be a puppy!" I tried SO hard not to die laughing, I really did. Hilarious. Adorable. Priceless. And she wouldn't let me peek in a mirror at all. Nor would she let me see what products she was using.

Again, after a while, she sat back and pondered. Then announced " Wow, this is Halloween makeup I think. Really, really good Halloween makeup, Mom". I was thinking this was a pretty awesome puppy look if she was wanting to recreate it for Halloween! But still- she wouldn't let me see until she took a picture. She told me to look mean..so I growled & she snapped away. THEN she presented me with a mirror and this is what I saw....

Nightmare inducing, right?!

I must admit- she's got a way with the makeup. Right?!!!
After dying over the result, we snuck in and scared the hubster & Matt to pieces.
It was the MOST fun.

XOXO
~S

Summer Snooze.

2010-07-21T22:25:00.000-07:00

On rare occasions, playing outside with friends all morning followed by several hours at the pool just takes it outta some of us around here...so we sit on the couch to rest for a while and before we know it- we're OUT for a summer afternoon snooze. Then we awake, refreshed, cooled by the lovely A/C and the loving licks of our resident pup, who waits patiently at our feet for us to rouse. Perfectly dreamy.

XOXO
~S

end of June. Dora. Pinata. Cupcakes.

2010-07-20T22:34:00.001-07:00

Last month we made a quick jaunt about an hour south to attend my niece's 2nd birthday party! She's SUCH a character, and with two big brothers- she knows how to hold her own (in spades, really) and has more looks than Zoolander. She & Josie are SO alike in personality and looks too! They adore each other and it's a joy to see...it really is. Insert a heart *here*!

The weather was gorgeous, the setting (my brother-in-law's mothers home) serene and perfect for letting the kids run about & the company was wonderful. Any occasion to hang with my family is welcome & treasured!

It was hard to wrap it up and leave- we all had such a lovely time! And I can't believe my dearest littlest niece is 2 already.

XOXO
~S

Father's Day..told ya I was playing catchup!

2010-07-19T23:41:00.003-07:00

We spent Father's Day evening with my parents & my sisters, nephews & nieces. Despite not feeling super, I loved it! Anytime spent with my family is precious to me, but seeing my kids enthusiasm made it all the more enjoyable.

the next two are out of order but I'm too lazy to rearrange...

This is the Keizer Volcanoes mascot "Crater". My nephews thought his name was Cracker- so they kept looking for him and exclaiming "Here comes Cracker! Here comes Cracker!" ...pretty funny! Hilarious and perfectly adorable if you were there and they're YOU'RE nephews!

The littles took turns at the batting cages & scored free cookie dough from Papa Murphy's, making us ALL winners! YUM.

The weather on Father's Day was MISERABLE. Windy & rainy. But we decided to head to the game and see what happened. Bundled up in layers, as we entered the ballpark area, it was as though we were in a pocket of dry weather! It didn't rain at all during the game, though it did get cold & was quite overcast..still SO thankful we weren't sitting in the rain!

And because I'm lame, I accidentally deleted the sole picture of my Dad that I took. It was such a good one too! I think he had a great time and I was blessed to be able to enjoy one of his favorite pasttimes with him.

XOXO
~S

Catch Up!

2010-07-18T20:55:00.000-07:00

My goodness- it's been more than a little while since I've posted. I should feel guilty but I don't...ok. I do a LITTLE. But I have been taking lots of pictures- capturing little moments; those bits & pieces that make up our Summer days. I just haven't been good about SHARING.

Our Summer is flying by far too quickly for my liking. I went to take advantage of the Back To School sales that are going on (can't beat 25 cent boxes of crayons!) this weekend, but despite my love of stacks of new notebooks and freshly sharpened pencils, I was a bit disgruntled that it was already that time of year. Seeing clearance racks full of tank tops & shorts and Fall fashion already debuting. Ugh!! I'm avoiding places like Michaels & Craft Warehouse because I *know* they already have Halloween & Thanksgiving stuff out!

Since Baseball season ended for the littles, we've been keeping busy with many trips to the pool, participating in our local librarys Summer reading program, organizing things around the house, switching up bedrooms, continuing to potty train our little Ollie pop, catching a few movies and much more.

Though it's a bit "after the fact", I'll be posting pics from Father's Day, July 4th and other things that have already happened just to get caught up.

Hopefully there are still a few of you still visiting on occasion that will be surprised to see new posts popping up again!

XOXO
~S

This Weekend

2010-06-13T22:02:00.000-07:00

Lots of pics..all from this weekend. It was fun, leisurely, SUNNY & WARM, energizing, busy, SUNNY & WARM, blessed and did I mention..SUNNY & WARM?!?! Finally! I love Oregon and can withstand quite a bit of rain but it was getting a bit ridiculous. SO very thankful for a nice hefty dose of Vitamin D this weekend.

Baseball game..Matthew did an EXCELLENT job playing 1st base! Josie had an amazing hit into the outfield but unfortunately it was caught..still, it was awesome!

As soon as their game was over we came home, changed into our suits and hit the pool. Between the game and that first day at the pool I was sporting a bit of pink on my shoulders and cheeks but didn't even CARE. The very fact it was POSSIBLE to get a sunburn was glorious! *laugh*

Love, love, LOVE how they play so well together. It never fails to make my heart swell when I capture moments like those.

MUST have the goggles to swim. She feels naked without them in the pool. Ha!

And that would be ditto for the little dude.

I could take a bazillion shots at the pool. The bright light. blue water being splashed about. contrast of bright swimsuits and tanned skin...LOVE it.

Put a tomato plant on the patio and it has several blooms. Cannot wait for homegrown tomatoes! Yum...

And how cute is HE?!? He's such a good kid..I'm beyond blessed. A fantastic big brother, obedient, responsible, sensitive to others, a giver....who doesn't really dig getting his picture taken. But every once in a while I'm able to capture him. Few and far between, so I have to savor them *and* share! I wish he'd let me take them more often but such is life.

Sad to see the weekend go, but we're wrapping up school this week and it'll be pretty low key after that. Lots of fun little projects for Summer- but at a relaxed pace. And hopefully more bloggin..at a relaxed pace, of course.

XOXO
~S

Ready to Play Today....

2010-06-03T11:06:00.000-07:00

I remember the first time I heard this song (that I can recall anyway), was the first year I played softball. I was a fifth grader, had never played before & am fairly certain I was horrible- but it's still a great memory for me. I remember having fun, making new friends & the uncertainty of trying something new. Every time I hear "Centerfield" I think of that Summer and can feel the sun, my nerves and see the faces of the girls on my team. To think my littles are forming their own memories, doing the same thing, causes my heart to swell & my throat to clench. Do you know that feeling? The excitement, love, awe- all wrapped up into one that causes that physical reaction? Am I the only one?! Watching them practice together, developing skill & passion for the game- it just makes me giddy to witness, as their mother and someone with that memory of my own. They both have a knack for baseball. They both LOVE it (swoon!). I foresee many years of Spring & Summer days spent at the ballpark for this family, and it couldn't make me any happier!

here's a few snaps from just one evening of practice...

He has mentioned on numerous occasions that he likes basketball fine but he LOVES baseball. It's pretty apparent as his parent, I LOVE that he loves it, right?! I also secretly love that both my kids go after the "tomohawk" pitches (to the coaches dismay)..and usually smack 'em. Case in point, below- he smacked this one down the center and got to second base. High five, little man!

He's improved in his fielding as well..and he knows it- thus, many big smiles after awesome plays. LOVE it!

And this one... showed all the boys on the team from day 1 that she was a force to be reckoned with. Faced with trash talk from the boys (she's only one of two girls on the team) on the first day of practice, she quickly shut 'em down by outrunning them, fielding her position AND theirs and hitting every pitch thrown at her. All the while her big brother cheered her on and reminded his teammates that that's HIS sister (SO cool to witness!). She's gained their respect and friendship and the boys can now be heard at every game cheering her on, along with her proud big brother.

The coaches have repeatedly made the comment that she has the perfect batting stance and is one of the best batters on the team. How ya like THAT, boys?!

These are just a handful of shots from ONE practice...now take into account I've taken pictures at many other practices and every game and average about 75 pictures each time of just my own kids-let alone additional pics of other team members...AND that we started playing in April. I have accumulated a few pictures for posterity....just a few. And that's how I like it!

XOXO
~S

je t'aime

2010-05-27T21:39:00.000-07:00

Met up with my sisters & mom the other evening for my moms birthday..a belated celebration. We visited French Press and indulged in delicious coffee and decadent crepes before heading to a movie together. It was lovely to spend an evening chatting and laughing with them..I love them SO much and treasure my time with them beyond measure.

Hope you had a wonderful birthday, Mama. You deserve the very best and we're blessed to call you OUR mother. I could gush and gush...she's truly remarkable!

XOXO
~S

The Wind Down

2010-05-13T10:39:00.000-07:00

Last week was Mother's Day weekend. Saturday I broke a toe on my left foot- a ridiculous injury, really. It's amazing how much importance ONE toe has to your balance & comfort. Still hobbling around at the end of the day now, but healing fine. On Sunday we went to church, then took a drive to Silverton. The weather was beautiful! Perfect outdoor meandering weather. I didn't last long gimping around, but it's a small town- so it was fine! Lovely old architecture, antique shops and people watching...

the kids tried on a cowboy hat in an antique store for kicks...

We came home and the hubster grilled steaks with asparagus and HUGE baked potatoes. It was DELISH. Ahhh...the beginning of grilling season has begun. LOVE it!!

Wednesday night was the kids AWANA Awards night. This year was their first at Faith Baptist and they've LOVED it. The program is well-handled with lots of teachers, assistants, dedication and care. All of that has produced a fantastically successful program that my children are able to be a part of & learn from. They've gained friends, mentors & Biblical truth and cannot WAIT to start up again in the Fall.

Matthew did VERY well this year. He missed a lot of Wednesdays this year but still managed to ALMOST finish his book. Next year he should be able to get through 2 books at least..and he's already psyched about it. He's learned many Bible verses & Bible Application this year and that is invaluable! Love that the teachers encourage the kids to ask tough questions about their faith and why they believe what they do. It's not just Bible stories that seem like fairy tales & game time--they dig in AND have fun while they're at it.

..they were a smidge wound up after the award ceremony and cookie social...is that apparent at all?

Josie was able to finish 2 books this year and has graduated from Sparks!

She was REALLY happy about that. And the pretty blue ribbon she earned. And the cookies. And the kool aid. Happpyyyyyyyyy!!

And I won't tell you how many shots I took to get this one. The man in the mini van behind us in the parking lot could probably tell you. As well as share the pitiful-yet-humorous experience of watching a mother attempt to photograph two manic, sugar shocked children for posterity. Notice Matthew's award is upside down... of COURSE.

The remainder of this week will be busy but enjoyable. Baseball practice in sunshine (wahoo!), Iron Man 2, getting back into my workout routine after taking a few days off for my ridiculous broken medial phalange, a baseball game Saturday, hopefully dinner with family, church and a photo shoot!

Can't wait!!!

XOXO
~S

On The Brink...

2010-04-30T00:34:00.000-07:00

Here we are, teetering on the edge of April and peeking into May... I cannot believe it!
Wasn't it JUST January?!

Our crazy Pacific Northwest weather is still going strong...heavy rains for a while, then the clouds part and the sun gloriously breaks through..then ducks its head behind cover again..only to reappear just before sunset, causing our landscape to glimmer and appear almost magically technicolor. It makes my heart swell!

Matthew is moving his arm with greater ease today..a huge change in only a day! Still horribly discolored but it's getting better everyday. SO relieved! With his continued pain & weakness only a day or so ago, I had a nagging thought that he might have torn a muscle..looks like we've averted that as well. Yessss!

I've been thinking about what plants I could place on our patio. It faces the West and gets quite warm from mid-afternoon to evening. I'm going to attempt some container gardening with tomatoes and zuchinni...not sure what else yet. Any suggestions based on the conditions I've given?? Input would be fabulous! I think a little bistro set would be nice out there as well..going to keep my eyes open for something cheap but with vintage appeal. And for Summer, I'm now obsessing over these curtains for the sliding doors...

Found the image online but it's not adequately expressing my vision! lol. I think with the view of the patio & plants there, these will look great and freshen things up! Haven't bought them yet but I think next time I'm at IKEA, they'll come home with me.

Not much else to report...QUITE the exciting post, isn't it?! I've been reading quite a bit lately- so perhaps I'll post the slew of recent books tomorrow for you. I'm certain you'll be drumming your fingers & sitting on the edge of your seat just waiting for it!

I'm off to bed.

XOXO
~S

Arm Pain & Oregon Sunshine.

2010-04-27T20:54:00.000-07:00

I found myself saying "Are you KIDDING me?!" several times today, while looking out the window. This morning the sun was shining- then suddenly the skies went dark and it POURED (and hailed) Alllllllllllll day long. Sometimes the sun would peek out between the clouds- while it poured. It was crazy. Not abnormal Oregon weather I suppose- but once we have a few sunny Spring days under our belt, it's a little sad to get this dreariness.

This weather causes me to turn sloth-like, craving sweatpants and cup after cup of hot coffee.

Those white specks are raindrops- I didn't photograph the hail. Yep. FAT Oregon raindrops. But look at all that GREEN! Our state is truly beautiful. I love it.

A little over a week ago, Matthew fell off his bike, directly onto his right arm. I've never seen him cry so hard or scream so loud. I was certain it was broken. He was white, shakey, his arm was swelling & he wouldn't let anybody touch it. Took him to the ER and they thought he broke it too- until they Xrayed it. They took several sets because they wanted to be sure, and sure enough- NO fractures to be found. I was surprised, the doctor was surprised, Matthew was surprised. The doctor said he had to have hit his arm as hard as he could have without breaking the bone and said it would slowly heal on its own. We're now at a little over a week out from the injury and this is what it looks like...

It's NASTY. The photo doesn't even accurately capture how dark and ugly the bruising is. It starts at his wrist and extends all the way up past his elbow. He's only beginning to use it again- writing, pecking at the keyboard, etc. He's had to miss several baseball games and practices and he's been VERY unhappy about that. BUT- it could've been worse. I sound like a broken record reiterating that to him, but it's true!

The last few weeks have been bumpy but I'm trying to remember that I need to keep my eyes on Jesus and He'll give me the strength, peace & patience that I need to get through ANYthing. Sometimes that's tough to truly accept and live out, but He hasn't failed me yet. Things are far from perfect & will continue to be (that's life!) but He's given me this life, this path, for purpose.

XOXO
~S

The Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm

2010-04-10T17:28:00.000-07:00

*This is a picture heavy post...may take a minute to load..

We ventured east of Woodburn this past week, to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm! My mom ("Nanny" to the littles) and niece picked us up & we headed out- praying the quickly darkening skies would hold until we'd done our tiptoeing through the fields! And, they did! The crazy, wet weather over the last few weeks DID make it a slippery, muddy adventure- but one well worth taking!

The fields were GORGEOUS... it was like technicolor against the gray skies.. and then with the view of the mountains in the background.. WOWza.

Cuddling Cousins.
And just one more of the little man by himself...at his request (jaw dropping shocker to me!)

a PVC slide...

my little Dutch wooden shoe makers... the one on the left is REEEAAALLLY happy, no?

technicolor, I tell you...

He *has* been going through a growth spurt as of late...

and she's always usually RIGHT behind him on those...

on an antique John Deere tractor in the middle of the field...

see the mountains in the background?? BEAUTIFUL.

probably my favorite grouping in the whole place...

SOOOOO bright!

I *did* mention that it was a slippery, muddy adventure. We did our best to avert disaster- but sometimes, a race with cousins, down the middle of the flower patch is just too tempting & we throw caution to the wind! I must admit it was HILARIOUS watching this happen- downright hilarious. Not even 5 minutes later we saw another girl run to catch up with her family and ended up sliding on her side for a few rows... poor thing was COVERED in mud- but she was a good sport about it too.

adorable littles o' mine...and see those black specks in the pic? Those are black mystery bugs- literally SWARMS of them EVERYwhere. I was scared too scared to smile or yawn for fear of ingesting extra protein.. anyone have an idea what they could've been? They weren't flies... but they were THICK. Guess it was on account of all the great fertilizer on those flowers..?!

I see Dutch people...(Nanny & Josie)

& another lovely variety I loved...

It was a wonderful afternoon and I'm so glad we all went together! Long overdue, after talking about going for several years- but we can cross it off the list now!

XOXO
~S

Cupcake & Broccoli Love.

2010-04-09T09:46:00.000-07:00

Somehow I managed to walk out the door without my camera on Easter. Aaarrrgg. It felt as though I was missing an appendage! I took a couple pics of the cupcakes I made to take to my parents for our annual family dinner. Though the holiday is already gone, thought I'd share them here anyway.

I loved the simplicity of just the little nests on top but I added the bunny toothpicks for added kiddie appeal. Chocolate cupcakes with whipped buttercream frosting. Toasted coconut "nests" with blue speckled jelly beans on top!

I made a broccoli salad as well, but didn't take any pics of it. It's a delicious, simple recipe....

Broccoli Salad

1 bunch fresh broccoli, washed, drained, broken into flowerettes
1 head fresh cauliflower, washed, drained, broken into flowerettes
1/2 c. chopped red onion
1 c. celery, chopped
1 lb. bacon, fried crisp, drained & crumbled
1/2 c. hulled sunflower seeds
1/2 c. raisins (&/or fresh red grapes, halved)

dressing:
3/4 c. mayonnaise**
1/4 c. sugar
2 tsp. vinegar

Combine salad ingredients together in large mixing bowl. Set aside. Combine dressing ingredients together thoroughly. Pour dressing over salad ingredients, stir to blend. Serve chilled. Yield: 12 servings.

* I'm a bit heavy-handed with all the salad ingredients- I add much more of everything- especially the bacon, grapes & onion!

**this time I used 1/4 c. of Poppyseed Dressing & the rest mayo and then cut back on the sugar and vinegar since the poppyseed dressing already had some of both in it already. Just adjusted to personal taste.

XOXO,
~S

Where The Heart Is...

2010-04-04T21:54:00.000-07:00

Do you spy the heart in the wood grain on our lovely, 13 year old IKEA table?!
Cool, yes? I think so anyway... the table is rickity and seen more than it's fair share of moves & incidents but it's still standing!

This is where we spend a good part of our school days- sitting together, learning, laughing (sometimes too much), eating, whining & bickering (sometimes too much), creating, encouraging one another, playing games.... when we're not curled up on the couch reading, we're at the table.

I leave jars of colored pencils, a tin of crayons and a jar of markers on the table - functional decor! It's encouraged the kids to be spontaneous in their creativity- which I LOVE.

This was taken on a pleasant Monday morning, with blueberry muffins & oj (and COFFEE!) before starting school.

I hope tomorrow is another pleasant, sunny Monday.... I could sure use another one!

XOXO
~S

Spring time drives...

2010-04-03T16:46:00.000-07:00

On occasion we drive down to our old hometown to visit family, pick things up from storage,etc. It's about a 40 minute drive and we all take advantage of the time in various ways... being in awe of God's creation-- SUCH an abundance to see & admire in the Pacific NW! I try to keep my camera with me pretty much wherever I go- just in case something grabs at my heart. There's usually SOMEthing..even if it's spying one of my adorables in the backseat through the side mirror..just makes my heart swell.

see what I mean about Pac NW beauty?!?! Sure, the persistent rain stinks sometimes but boy- when the sun comes out, it's GLORIOUS!

We occasionally grab a snack to chomp on the way down...

and (be still my book-lovin' heart!) now this is an everyday occurance... they both LOVE reading and usually carry a book with them when we go anywhere. LOVE IT!!!

And then there's always this....if he's not reading, he's sacked out. Food, books, beautiful scenery, a little siesta---what a life!

XOXO
~S

My own Wally Cleever.

2010-04-02T19:08:00.000-07:00

Isn't he adorable? Such a sweet, sensitive, giving little man. My heart swells when I look at him and I can't believe how some weeks it seems each and every day he looks OLDER and acts OLDER. That's NOT. OK. Time needs to slow down so I can savor these new things for a while before he hits me with new ones. He makes us laugh. He is the first to volunteer to help out with any household chore or "can you do me a favor" and does so with a cheerful spirit. He's a tremendous blessing to this family. To me as a mother.

And the hair. Oh my goodness- he has the most thick, curly hair!! It grows at a ridiculous speed and becomes instantly unruly unless we douse him with a good smattering of gel & mousse & hairspray. He needs more styling products than his mother! Ok...maybe not quite THAT bad- but close. Everytime we take him to get his haircut they oooh and ahhh over the texture and curl...which embarasses him. lol.

Doesn't he look like Wally Cleaver??! The red robe is the clencher-- instant cute Cleaver appeal. And I don't mean that in an Eddie Haskell kinda way either....

XOXO
~S

This is my happy face.

2010-04-02T17:56:00.000-07:00

He pretty much looks the same at the front end whether he's happy or sad... I should capture the back end sometime to show you that you CAN tell when he's happy or sad! His little tail curls up and wags like crazy *OR* he straightens it out and lets it hang low when he's sad or in trouble. Fortunately we don't see the latter too often. We sure love him! Best. Dog. EVER.

XOXO
~S

Yum.

2010-02-05T22:34:00.000-08:00

I've copied delicious looking recipes from magazines & borrowed cookbooks for years, but I'm not so good at actually USING them. In sorting through the piles, I came across this one from a past issue of Country Living magazine. And we tried it. And it was good. VERY good. So I'm passing it on to you.... the whole family gobbled this up- though my littles weren't overly fond of my heavy hand with the cilantro/slaw. They liked it- just less of those. Me? I layed it all on thick. LOTS of red onion, LOTS of slaw, LOTS of cilantro. The contrast of flavors gave it a lightness. We served ours on onion rolls, but I think I'll try it on the recommended cheddar biscuits next time. We served up four cheese mashed potatoes on the side...a bit of a heavy combo- but on a rainy evening, it was oh-so-good!

PULLED PORK SANDWICHES

3 1/2lb. pork shoulder roast
1 1/2 T. chili powder
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground pepper
1 small onion, sliced
2 minced garlic cloves
1 1/2 c. barbeque sauce
1 c. addt'l barbeque sauce

Trim pork roast of any excess skin/fat. In small bowl combine chili powder, salt & pepper. Rub mixture all over pork roast until thoroughly coated. Place small sliced onion and the garlic in the bottom of a 4-6 qt. slow cooker. Add roast and the barbeque sauce. Pour water over roast until covered- about 2 cups or more. Cover and cook on high until very tender and meat falls off bone (3 to 5 hours). Carefully remove pork and reserve on platter. Strain cooking liquid into sink- keep onion. Return pork and onion to slow cooker- shred meat with fork and add 1 more cup of barbeque sauce. Cook on high until heated through (about 8 minutes).

Slaw Garnish

14 oz. bag cabbage slaw**
1 c. apple cider vinegar
1 medium onion per taste
fresh cilantro per taste

Toss bag of slaw with apple cider vinegar and set aside. Thinly slice red onion and remove leaves from fresh cilantro.
** this makes a TON of slaw for just being a garnish. I'd definitely cut it in half unless you're feeding a small dinner party.

Assemble sandwiches on biscuits or onion rolls and garnish with the slaw, cilantro & red onion slices.

Pictures of pulled pork aren't beautiful but trust me-- you'll want to try this receipe. YUM.

XOXO
~S

Isn't she lovely...

2010-01-06T23:41:00.000-08:00

Gorgeous, isn't it?
This was one of my Moms thoughtful gifts to me this Christmas.
I cried over her thoughtfulness.
Then I cried some more when I realized that it was lovingly handcrafted thoughtfulness.
She truly is amazing.
In our life, she was Martha Stewart BEFORE there was a Martha Stewart.
She saw something that interested her or tickled her fancy and she would just go for it- whether she knew how to do it or not- she just dove in and figured it out until it worked. Food, crafts, home decor, you name it.
Our family should never be surprised with her creativity and the lovliness that it produces, but we are.
How could we help it?!

And here I have, a piece of her heart & artistry, forever- worn close to MY heart.
What could be better?

XOXO
~S

1st post of January '10

2010-01-05T23:48:00.000-08:00

I can't believe we're 5 days into the new year already... it seems the days are already blurring into one another. yeesh. I'd grown a bit slack about posting on here- so I'm going to try & post a bit more regularly (we shall see!). Even if it's a bit rambly and disjointed, like this post!

We're attempting to get back into the "norm". It's been difficult- during the holiday break we were staying up into the wee hours- and then sleeping late the next morning everyday. So readjusting our sleep schedule, plodding sleepily along for the first few hours (LOTS of coffee!), some attitudes in dire need of adjustment. Not exactly a lovely way to start a new year, is it? *laugh* We're making progress, however.

Here's a family member that looks rather melancholy most of the time, (after holiday or not) when he's awake. He's usually tucked into a corner or curled up beside someone sawing logs. You know when he's REALLY unhappy or upset because his ears pull waaaayyyy down and his typicaly curled up tail straightens out and hangs low. It's his "tell" when he's been naughty as well.

We recently watched Lethal Weapon (WITH our handy,dandy CLEARPLAY player of course!) with the kids and they were amused by the fashion choices but mostly- they zoned in on how different the Pepsi cans looked. We were cracking up (as were they) over them being weirded out by such a silly thing. Then we're picking up a few things at Walmart and I spy this & had to bring some home to share with the littles...

One thing I was able to accomplish over the holiday break was sorting through all of our clothes closets & drawers. The littles drawers were out of control. I found size 6 unmentionables in my sons drawer (he's 10!)...gulp. We're all squared away in the clothes department now, which is a nice feeling. Speaking of clothes.... been wearing my beloved green peacoat any chance I can get. I should've bought another to put away after I wear this one out! Check out that rogue brassy curl...(aarg.)

Another thing I wanted to get done was finally put some prints on the wall. And they were up BEFORE the New Year (bonus!). Yes, that IS wonky spacing you see there- but there were nails up from previous hangings of different sizes. I wasn't about to mess with it at the time-- I was too happy to cross it off the TO DO list. I'll fix it later (well. maybe). Oh, and that little black speck above the top right pic....that's a spider. He was there one minute and gone the next, just stopping in for his 15 seconds of fame.

So I'd like to think I've got a head start on some things I've had lined up to get done in January. There's still much to do. And when I get discouraged or lazy- I simply need to watch an episode of HOARDERS and I'm back on the straight and narrow! My goodness, that show causes instant OCD for me. I start looking around the house and finding stacks of things and breaking out in a sweat, anxious to get it cleaned up. Thus, my office has caused a bit of whimpering. I've got quite a bit of Ebay inventory that needs moved- just stacked in there in bins, willynilly. It's a sight. And then there's the crafting table next to it...we just won't describe it. Use your imagination and multiply by 10 and you'll be in the ballpark, I'm sure. So my HUGE goal for January is to tackle that.
ick.

What's your mission for January?? Come on, I know you have one!

XOXO
~S

Mama, All I Want For Christmas...

2009-12-26T19:21:00.000-08:00

Josie made mention, quite some time ago, that she'd love to have a handmade doll. It was random and she'd never expressed interest before- so I didn't take it as much more than just another "I want that" after seeing it or reading about it somewhere. Then the week before Christmas, she mentions it again. Only this time it was "I want a doll made by YOU for Christmas, Mama". "All I want for Christmas is a homemade doll". "You'd make a perfect doll for me, I know it!"..... yes...no pressure. None at all. Especially for someone who's never made a doll. Someone who not only doesn't know how to sew but is frankly SCARED of her sewing machine. Someone who had only days before Christmas but could not shrug this fanciful notion of her daughters any longer..and was suddenly overwhelmed with the potential guilt of NOT making one.

I'd seen the Black Apple dolls on Etsy and their creator demo them on Martha Stewart- but I didn't think I'd ever be doing it myself. And then a family friend recommended the use of that template & gave me a glimmer of hope- so I downloaded it and prayed for the best outcome possible.

It took me hours- fighting with my machine & re-do's due to inexperience, but suddenly this adorable creature began to emerge. And then, with a few final stitches and the snip of the last thread, she was complete. Granted, she's a bit wonky and not altogether symmetrical but it's charming, okay?! I gently wrapped her in tissue paper and tucked her in with the stocking goodies and anxiously awaited her grand reveal Christmas morning.

And then it was time. She unwrapped her and well...she loved it. I searched for politeness & overly eager remarks- ready to make promises of a re-do now that I'd muddled through the first one...

..but she was quietly thrilled, with this adorable smile on her face- stroking her & squeezing her and occasionally looking up at me with that smile...

She said she was perfect and named her Lily.

And Lily has been her constant companion since she opened her. She received a bathtub for her American Girl dolls this year from her brother, but instead of using them to play with it- she used Lily. And throughout the day, she asked me to take pictures of Lily & told me what a good job I'd done...

I see the lack of skill in the stitching and such, but the glow in my baby girls face and seeing that she so obviously truly DOES adore it makes Lily perfect in my eyes too. I'm so glad I forged ahead of my fear & apprehension- it's made this Christmas priceless.

XOXO
~S

The last day of November.

2009-11-30T19:43:00.000-08:00

Aack! I cannot *believe* we're flipping the calendar to the LAST month of 2009 tomorrow! Is that crazy or what?! Where on earth did this year go?
I've got plenty that I could share... but for this evening- just a post to ease my conscience and get a few peeps off my back (wink,wink -you know who you are & I love you).

Our Thanksgiving was lovely and as usual- it flew by much too fast. The food was delicious but I think I savored little family moments captured forever much more... I wish I would've had my camera out more but it was nice to just "be". TONS of leftovers between three Thanksgiving dinners with family... Have I mentioned how much I *LOVE* turkey sandwiches??? I do. very much. And it's a good thing. We will be living off turkey for a good while. Turkey sandwiches, turkey soup, turkey pot pie...

photo: Annie Schlechter

I'll try and post again with more news tomorrow.
I have a new laptop coming in a few days and I cannot BEGIN to tell you how excited I am! The timing couldn't be better because the other one is on the fritz. I feel as though I've lost an appendage and don't know what to do with myself. *giggle* Sad, right?

XOXO
~S

Catch Up...

2009-11-07T00:38:00.000-08:00

Attempting to get things caught up, as I sit here watching BattleStar Galactica with my brood. Aren't laptops one of the best inventions ever?! I certainly think so!

So what's been happening around here lately?

AWANA's Harvest Party at church. SUCH a nice evening for us all.
All of us have been on the verge of getting sick but nothing full fledged yet.. just achey, sporadic fever here and there, dizziness. Then the symptoms go away after a few hours and we're left feeling tired but otherwise fine. We've been like this for a week now. I'm trying to keep us home as much as possible and pumped with fluids, vitamins and rest but...this flu season causes some anxiety.
This business of it being dark at 4:30pm is a bit crazy. I'd be perfectly content to roll into bed an hour or two later!
The hubsters father has moved into the neighborhood and the littles have loved walking over in the later afternon to visit for a little while and we've had him over for dinner and movies a couple times now. It's been nice to have him close by.
Perplexed about upcoming birthdays of my littles. They're only a few days apart so we typically combine them but it's always crazy. And what to do this year?? WHere? Without costing an absolute fortune, I might add. That's a key issue, really.
A smidge of rearranging furniture in the living/dining room area. Nothing drastic but it's nice to improve on functionality. Especially since we use the dining room for our schooling.
I'm over the concept of boxing up our school work, projects, etc at the end of everyday so it wouldn't get in the way of our home decor... I realized that I enjoy leaving out the kids jars of pencils and crayons. I stopped posting our timeline in a notebook and put it up on the wall so we can all view it on a regular basis- school "time" or not. Leaving our posters up... it's a part of our lives- an integral part right now. To foster a love of learning- and pique the interest- I've already discovered that it's beneficial! Leaving out books on our current topics in History, the littles thumb through them at their leisure, and get sucked in! I've caught them doodling stories about people living in Egypt. It's these little things that affirm!
Starting to get some requests for photo shoots. Cannot tell you how exciting this is. Working on business cards and other things. I'm building my portfolio right now, so if you know anyone wanting photos but not able to afford a lot- this is the perfect opportunity! Email me for details!
Thankful for God's hand in my life. So many things have been going on recently- yet I see His faithfulness and guideance through it all. Even very unpleasant, emotional situations. Situations where I have to make the decision to step up when it's much more comfortable to sit back & remain acceptable in others eyes. But I know its best to be more concerned with being acceptable in Gods eyes versus those of others. Seeing and experiencing the consequences though... that's a tough one. I will say it's taught me about strength and truth of character- both in myself and in others.
Holidays are rapidly approaching. We started listening to Christmas music today... going to remember to focus on what's truly important instad of getting wrapped up in the marketing, the scheduling and the emptiness of it all. When you focus on the surface, the holiday passes and you're left with this melancholy, hollow feeling like "All that work. All that time thinking about it. Working toward it----and just like that. It's over". I don't know how many years I've had this feeling but I *hate* feeling like that and it's up to me to change that- for my family and myself.
I could ramble about bits and pieces and thoughts on this and that for a long. long. time.
See all that cereal and hair product down there? Essentially free. Used Target Gift Cards earned from previous deals to buy this and earned two more Gift Cards...so I spent nothing and they paid me to take the cereal. Gotta love that! I used coupons to maximize the hair products- it only came to $1.49 for the three (but again, I used a gift card!). I've said it before and I'll say it again, these things make me giddy!!

Enough rambling for now.....

XOXO

Pumpkin Spice. Bayberry & Books

2009-10-31T22:40:00.000-07:00

A low key Halloween evening.
Around 3pm my little man suddenly came down with fever, chills and aches. White as a ghost...
The irony?
I had decided to keep us all home from trick-or-treating due to all the germs out there right now. I know that sounds a bit extreme but so far we've been spared and I'd like to keep it that way...well. Until now!
Somewhere, somehow- my boy picked up a germ and he's currently moaning in his sleep in the next room.
No silly dress up. No games. No movie marathons.

So we invited my father-in-law over, who's just moved into the neighborhood, for take out and a movie. Carne Asada nachos (which were soooooo delicious!)and ice cold coke with candy for dessert. Matthew nibbled on dinner, sucked down Airbourne and water, laid on the couch moaning and took a bath.

Other than having a little one down for the count, the rest of this day has been quite leisurely and enjoyable. Got up a bit late, drank a cup of coffee doused with Pumpkin Spice creamer and did my Bible Study. God has been SO amazingly faithful in providing reassurance and clarity for me and my life situations. Not that He hasn't been faithful in doing so in the past- but you sort of take it for granted and then BAM! The realization of what He's putting before you just knocks you on your tail! Anyway- I've been eating it up and truly focusing on the truth and steadfastness of His Word. One piece of my current study is this AMAZING book by John MacArthur, "The Jesus You Can't Ignore". It's a must read! A vivid portrait of the Messaiah- declaring truth without apology, with clarity and love. I truly feel Jesus has been turned into this fluffy marshmallow... I don't know how else to describe it! *laugh* But the church today in general, the culture today- view Him as this accepting, tolerant entity that has nothing bad to say about anyone or anything. Just "it's all good, everyone is good" bunk. And in reading the Bible, anyone truly IN the Word knows this is NOT a Biblical Jesus. This book scripturally reintroduces us to Him. And it's good,good stuff.

Okay- I went off on a tangent there... but it was worthy of one, wasn't it??
ANYwho.... after coffee and Bible study I got ready and went thrifting. Then came home and we all helped my father-in-law get moved into his new apartment. Afterward- got cleaned up. again. and Josie and I went to TARGET to take advantage of some coupons I had expiring today. In using coupons I had on hand, I came home with a TON of candles and all of them for $5 out of pocket! I left the store with $15 in Target Gift Cards in my wallet too! LOVE it!! This supply should last us until the New Year I think. I burn a lot of candles in the Fall/Winter and these burn quickly- so we'll see! I've already burned several of the Bayberry scent- they smell SO good!! Oh- and there's some dishwashing tablets back there too-- another coupon expiring. Normally $3.99, after coupons the detergent tablets were $2.21. Not too shabby.

Here's our new audio book we've begun. The littles giggle like mad and we're just a few chapters in. It's a nice way to ease into our afternoons after lunchtime. Snuggling on the couch under quilts, doodling in notebooks and listening to this entertaining story.

Well-- better wrap this up. We're visiting a church with family tomorrow and then celebrating a birthday at Red Robin. Then evening service and Christmas play practice. Another busy day lined up!

XOXO

try,try again!

2009-10-30T11:02:00.000-07:00

Photo: Skye Hardwick/Work of Heart

Currently, a photographer I'm rather in awe of is hosting a giveaway of her photography workbook. I've been a fan of her work for some time now and seeing her pictures inspires me to continue pursuing my own dream. I don't want pictures that look EXACTLY like hers- then they would not be my own- but I would appreciate the insight from a fellow photographer; food for thought on something I'm passionate about! Skye Hardwick has had several giveaways and I've either been gone or wasn't able to participate for some other reason-- but this one.. I'm ALL over it! I've heard rave reviews of the workbook so I'm itching to have a copy of my own! The way to win this is posting it in your blog, tweet, etc.etc. sharing the info... Keep your fingers crossed for me!

XOXO
~S

Wed.nes.day

2009-10-29T01:10:00.000-07:00

Just past mid-week and so far it's been pretty a-ok!

Crossed enough items off my TO DO list on Wednesday to about burst from pride.
Sad but true.
Ironically, Josie's verse in her lessons today was Proverbs 16:18

"Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall."

ahem.
Moving On!

School went well. Much focus on the layout of a story- the main idea, supporting sentences, paragraph structure,etc. Both of them are learning the same things which makes it nice for me!
After school we munched on apples and peanut butter..and spiced cider.

The weather was wavering all day- the sun would peak from behind the clouds for a minute or two and then go back into hiding. And goodness, was it ever CRISP. The breeze was VERY chilly.
It seems as though we may have a brief Fall season and a lengthy Winter one...

Wednesday evening was the kids AWANAs Harvest Party. We stayed for the festivities and I'll share some pictures once I download them. It was a nice evening and the littles had a BALL.

Bob's spaghetti for dinner & a little tv and Wednesday was over before we knew it!

I'm trying to woo my first born into a photo shoot that resembles a shoot versus a wrestling/pleading session. lol. I do believe bribery will get me...somewhere. We shall see.

Fotunately I usually have another willing subject at my beck and call. She's good that way.

Feeling thankful. Hopeful. Blessed.

and since it's 2am ... a smidge bleary and tired.

Gee. Wonder why...?

XOXO

October thus far...

2009-10-26T21:37:00.000-07:00

Harvest time.
Apples.
Pumpkins.
Potatoes.
Love it all...

I need to go to the Farmers Market this weekend and get some dahlias.
I try to buy at least one bouquet of them this time of year EVERY year but haven't yet.
They're my favorite flower so it's a high priority!

I've been trying to get back into the FlyLady routine and I've found it's easy to do now that they're on Facebook! They post their daily missions and routines each day- and no more trying to filter through a bazillion emails in my box each day! They've begun posting missions for the Holiday season as well- so I'm rolling on that. One of the first things was to create a notebook for all the brainstorming, lists,etc. I took a spiral notebook we had lying around and waded through the cobwebs of my scrapbook stash to decorate it a bit. Voila! Mission accomplished.

Josie has been working on decorating our home with pumpkins and leaves of her own design. She asked that I not post a picture of her decorated area until it's complete...so I'll leave you in suspense! I haven't told her yet but I have a few art projects coming up that will add to her concept. If I made mention of it at all she'd beg to do them all the live long day- so mum's the word...

We were loaned this copy of Tim Hawkins and it was nice to be able to sit and watch it as a family and not have to worry about language or crass behavior. It's a rarity these days. Another family favorite is BRIAN REGAN. Definitely worth checking out if he tours your town- or just visit YouTube to get an idea...

Watched Ree (The Pioneer Woman) on The Bonnie Hunt Show today.... it was brief but enjoyable. I want her new cookbook SOOOOOOO badly!!!! Definitely on my Christmas list.

If you happened to miss the segment today(Mom!)....you're in luck. You can watch the funniest part of the segment here! Bonnie Hunt & Ree played so well of each other. Quick wit...love it!

and...there seems to be some technical issues. So go to this LINK and you'll see a 2minute video on the right side for Ree and Bonnie. It's worth it for a few laughs!

MORE spiced cider. Had to go to the store and literally scraped the bottom of the bulk barrel of cinnamon sticks...they were almost out. I grabbed the last seven sticks! (whew!) Bulk is a beautiful thing for items like cinnamon sticks (6 cents spent) and whole cloves (a snack baggie size for 11 cents). Someone asked how I make the cider. I buy a huge jug of apple cider, pour it into my crock pot (about 1/2 full), toss in a couple cinnamon sticks and sprinkle some cloves and a dash of allspice. I like to put a few slices of an orange in there too- but it's just as delish without. It just adds that sumpin' sumpin'...Put the lid on and let it heat up. Pretty soon your whole house will smell soooo good! Ladle into a cup, spray in your whipped cream and drizzle with caramel sauce (we just use a squeezeable ice cream topping bottle). It's Fab.U.losso!

Here's the kids, right before their mother almost thoroughly humiliated them at AWANAS. I've been a little off on my dates and I thought last Wednesday was the 28th. ahem. So we get the kids ready for their Harvest Party at AWANAS and we head down to the church. We get out of the car and start to walk in but I catch sight of the inside of the gym. There's nothing set up. I see someone pull into the parking lot and out pops their munchkin- in their AWANAS vest...

oops.

We hightailed it back to the car with Josie hissing "Mom you almost totally embarassed ussss!"

I felt SO bad! And just a smidge like a dork.

oy.

BUT! We're ready to roll for the AWANAS Harvest Party that's THIS week, ya'll. I gots it togethaaahhhhh. (eye roll)

Fortunately my children are quick to forgive (well, nothing a little trip to Wendy's and Blockbuster couldn't fix anywho.).

XOXO,S

Recently...

2009-10-24T20:56:00.000-07:00

Goodness, things are busy lately. But full of good things. God has been revealing SO many blessings- and though I still catch myself questioning "why" to some experiences- I know it's for good. I know He's using me...what a feeling!

School is going well (reminder to self: need to update homeschool blog). The kids are reading up a storm and continuing their studies on ancient Egypt, learning to use a thesauraus, write equations, etc.etc. They're both doing well!

Autumn is beautiful here in the Northwest- and it's as though I slightly forget every year until the season rolls around again. The trees GLOW with oranges and reds- against the bright green grasses- it's SO lovely! Droves of Canadian Geese have been flying overhead all day EVERY day, driving our pug crazy. He snorts and growls, trotting around the house, trying to find them.

Making the decision to dwell in an apartment for a while has been worth it. There have certainly been hassles and annoyances, but financially it was the best decision! We're beginning to see fruit from our sacrifices and it gives me such hope and peace to know we're being blessed for our steadfastness in this area of our lives. Yay for progress!!

We've been meeting new people and though it's hard to put yourself out there and be the "new girl", I've found I am met with warmth and enthusiasm- putting my anxiousness at ease. It's a comfort to see our children make new friends as well. I can handle the idea of not having many friends (though it appears that's a non-issue) myself- but it's so important for the kids to have a social connection outside the home, it was foremost on my mind. And we're seeing it happen...awesome stuff.

Shooting a lot but not as much as I'd like to. I try to carry my camera with me at all times so I don't miss anything. There have been a few times where I've stopped short in doing something around the house because the light was simply TOO good to miss out on! I'm toying with branding, business card ideas and the like right now too...

And that's a brief update, folksies.
I'll post something a bit more colorful soon!

XOXO
~S

Thinking back...

2009-10-14T16:54:00.001-07:00

This same time of year, in 2005... it seems like so long ago!
A different house- but very much a home. Josie decided to give herself a haircut and sobbed for me to "put it back onnnnn!". A lovely homemade neck cozy from my mom that I just pulled out to wear again the other day. And sibling love...my goodness. These two have always been loving and kind toward one another for the most part; but looking at pictures from back then- I have SO many where they're hugging, looking at each other with love and admiration. It makes my heart spill over with joy when I realize that hasn't changed today.

XOXO
~S

random love.

2009-10-13T23:58:00.000-07:00

Lots of rambling thoughts, ideas, wishes and prayers swirling about in my brain.
Nothing is within my grasp as far as putting it into words, so I'll spare you from the attempt!
How about some things I'm loving?
I've got a habit of seeing something online and saying/thinking "Oooh! LOVE! Must save to share later!" and it sits in my computer...oh, forever. Also, I'm horrible at recording where said things were found online for reference..I must get better about that if I'm indeed to share them!
So forgive the lack of links for these but they're lovely all the same. Bits of visual eye candy- for me anyway...

LOVE this bicycle basket. I know this is one pic that's been sitting in my computer for a very long time. I see it mentioned on various blogs and drool all over again..it's perfection. Well- when it comes to a bicycle basket, it's perfection.

This ad from a cooking magazine. Love Stanley Tucci. Love the border collie- reminds me of our own childhood dog, Molly. And just the warmth of AUTUMN in this shot...yummy. Makes me want to hop up, go gather pumpkins and leaves, light candles all over the home, read, bake, cuddle under quilts, drink apple cider... It's got THAT kind of magical "it" for an ad campaign. Kudos to the person who schemed that one up. They earned their paycheck.

Below, a most adoreable little munchkin traipsing along in Amsterdam or Paris- can't recall which. This one was from a Euro kids fashion blog...just not sure which one off my mile-long list. Let's not dwell on that... dwell on the cuteness. It's abundant in just one little picture! The tiny piggytail, the coat (the COAT!!!), the boots.. the sweet little profile... You want to scoop her up and squeeze her to pieces.

I know these are from Urban Outfitters... totally diggin' these.

And that's that.
Perhaps my muddled collective currently doing twirls in my cranium will settle down into a nice, cohesive melody...until then... enjoy your day.

Thought for the day: Savor the moments. And think on your actions for today...you were a witness in some capacity. With that in mind, would you change something you did today??

XOXO
~S

Blog Linkage & Daydreaming

2009-10-12T12:10:00.000-07:00

Just found myself daydreaming a bit this morning...
We're going to be looking for a house a little after New Years and so I'm doing what I love to do.
Wistful daydreaming of the possibilities. Wondering what sort of house we'll find. Thinking of how much room we'll want/need and what we'll fill it with. We have quite a bit of our belongings in storage and it will be a thrill to not contend with that anymore. Driving to a storage unit that's 40 minutes away just to pick up a box or two of holiday decor or to put bicycles away for the season.. it's a smidge annoying. Not the end of the world by any means, but irksome nonetheless!

One item we don't own (yet) that I've been daydreaming about A LOT is a buffet for our dining room. I've discovered one I'm completely in love with. Completely. Today, HOUSE OBSESSION posted a pic of her dining room. While I'm enamored with the paint-by-numbers and the wall paint...my eyes latched onto the buffet and I knew it was the EXACT style I'm hoping to acquire someday... Time to start scouring Craigslist and thrifts.. I'm on a mission.

In reading Ohdeedoh this morning, I was reminded of this idea. This isn't the first time I've seen the Ikea curtain wire system called Dignitet used in this fashion but I can't place what blog it was discovered either... regardless, I *love* the idea! We have an abundance of projects, drawings and love notes from our littles and I hate to tuck them all away. This is the perfect solution and inexpensive to boot. I could see hanging a couple somewhere in the dining room or living room and then another in the littles room, so they may hang what they deem their favorite pieces as well as random things like the cool new LEGO set they tore out a catalog. A picture of their friend. AWANA verses and the like...

IKEA is a little over an hour drive but I'll have to put this on our list of things to purchase on our next trip.

It looks as though multiple wire hangings can be made from one purchase...

This time of year, I daydream daily on ways to make our home comfortable, inviting and reflect US. Fall instantly makes me think of a cozy nest for my brood and I enjoy making it so- especially if I can do things frugally and with ideas that make my heart sing.

Another thing about this time of year that makes my heart sing...

...Caramel Apple Cider. And all things pumpkin... but that's another post...

XOXO
~S

That's the way the Cookie Crumbles...

2009-10-05T16:21:00.000-07:00

I'm sooooo bummed! First, Cottage Living. Then DOMINO. Now Cookie...all my favorite publications are officially gone! Conde Naste announced the halting of Cookie as well as Gourmet magazine just a few days ago. Needless to say- another source of inspiration is gone and I'm none too happy about it.

That is all.
Happy Moooonnnnnndayyyy everyone. bahhhh!

XOXO
~S

feeling Gods hand...

2009-09-16T23:29:00.000-07:00

I'm so thankful for the little things that God gives each day, to bless us!
We forget to look around to recognize them- to see things for what they are.
The sun warming your face.
The gentle breeze that airs out your home.
An encouraging email from a true friend.
The sloppy kisses from your child.
An unexpected check in the mail.
Being healthy!

There are SO many...
Tonite I saw it. I felt it.
Abundant blessings in a few moments time.
I saw the joy of my child in making a new friend.
I felt the kinship of a fellow homeschool mom and sister-in-Christ.
Just really cool.
In a matter of minutes, I felt showered with undeserving blessing and kindness.

He is truly SO very good to us.

XOXO
~S

crushing on clothes...

2009-09-13T21:20:00.000-07:00

another foofy post...
but I cannot help myself.
I must let the ooze of new Fall collections seep out and be shared!!
I've been getting emails and magazines with the new Autumn fashion and it's
THE.
CUTEST.
Especially the kids stuff!

I give you Philip Lim's Fall '09 Collection...

Howzabout J.Crew's Crewcuts Fall '09 line....?

That peachy pink is SO 80's yummy...

Enough dreaminess for one day.

XOXO
~S

around town...

2009-09-09T23:43:00.000-07:00

photo love from our little city.

XOXO

Gimme.

2009-09-09T23:27:00.000-07:00

Have you seen some of the recent Matilda Jane clothing??!
eeek.
I'm in serious. serious. Loooovvvve.

gorgeous. colorful. whimsical and most of all- girly.
No mature, tweenish, fad-filled junk.
But instead flowers and ruffles and color.
So lovely.

kill me now...look at these adorable oatmeal legwarmers! SOOOO cute!!!!

Here's one of our big time favorites...Josie wants this badly.
It IS pretty darn cute. And she'd look great in it...

And lastly- look! Grown up stuff now too!!!!

I adore this Libby shirt...

The internet is such a fun place to "window" shop!

XOXO

Lisa Leonard Giveaway @ Simple Mom!

2009-08-31T12:26:00.000-07:00

I've seen Lisa's designs in Wondertime before..and the simplicity & charm of her work appeals to me! Her website is filled with unique, whimsical pieces- many can be customized as well. I appreciate the fact she's a busy mother of two boys and runs her businesss DEBT FREE and is living a creative yet fruitful life. What's not to like about that?? It's an inspiration to me.

Simple Mom is having a giveaway today and there are three chances to win something from Lisa's website. I've posted pics of two of my favorite pieces...I'd LOVE to own either of these, though if I had to pick just one, I'd say the teenie tiny initials necklace so I could wear my littles next to my heart everyday. The little pearl just *makes* it too...love that.

XOXO
~S

long week...

2009-08-19T22:39:00.000-07:00

Is it just me- this week feels like it should be over by now.
It's been a long one.
Enjoying our heat wave part deux, however!
100 degrees today!

I received an email from PaperSource today and boy-oh-boy...
they have some adorable things for sale right now.
Here's a couple I was salivating over...

And this 2010 Cavallini Farmer's Market Calendar...LOVE it! Perfect kitchen calendar.

XOXO
~S

Albertsons..how I love thee...

2009-08-18T21:54:00.000-07:00

Until our move here, I've never shopped at Albertsons.
I had NO idea what I was missing!
There's been recent mention of my amazing ice cream deals & such...
And today I'm sharing a great cereal deal I was able to get in on before it expired tonight.

Select Post Cereal was on sale for $2.50
If you bought 4 boxes you'd save $4 instantly at checkout.
But I had coupons for $1 off 2 boxes PLUS Albertsons had Double-the-Value coupons in the Sunday paper...
So my total initially was $10 for 4 boxes.
Then the $4 instant Post savings at checkout=$6
Then I handed over my 2 coupons for $1 off 2 boxes AND a double value Albertsons coupon for each of those so that was an additional $4 off=$2

Then once I paid I received $3 in Albertsons catalina's (essentially store credit/cash to be used on anything in the store). Once I was done with that transaction- I handed it over to the hubster and littles to take to the car and went back for round 2.

I did the exact same thing (I buy multiple Sunday papers to have multiple duplicates of coupons) again- only this time I used a couple of my catalinas (they're $1 each) so that the second round of 4 boxes were FREE.

8 boxes of cereal for $2 vs. regular store price of $32.64

Anyone know of a good milk deal??!

XOXO
~S

frugal tip

2009-08-17T21:45:00.000-07:00

We love our foaming hand soap.

Bath & Body Works.

Dial Complete.

You name it- if it smells good and comes out of a foam dispenser-- chances are it'll be a hit around here.

I learned a new trick.

A FRUGAL new trick-- and typically, those are a hit around here too!

Take your favorite REGULAR handsoap/dishsoap and squirt several drops into an empty foam-style dispenser. Then fill the rest of the way with water, shake gently to mix and VOILA! For pennies, you have foaming hand soap!

Good thing for us, since we're going through hand soap like CUH-raaaaazzzzy. My little man has a nasty chest cold and I've been the nagging mother, hovering to make sure he washes his hands a bazillion times.

And because I *do* adore him..here's a couple pics of him and his cousins from July. They're ALL pretty adorable (and if he knew I kept saying adore, adorable,etc. in reference to him, he'd start gagging and sputtering- and not from the chest cold).

XOXO

Which Way Do I Go?!

2009-08-17T00:23:00.000-07:00

Samoa Girl Scout Cookies.

*or*

Running (cool shoes,right?!).

I've got a hankering for both.

Both "hankerings" could be viewed as ridiculous & grossly uncalled for...

Both could be viewed as GOOD for me.

Cookie in my tummy...(ala Cookie Monster, who, I've recently been told, now pushes veggies)

or the glorious feeling of tossing some after running 3 miles...hmmm.

I'm seeing some shifting of the scales...
Which way do I go?!
What would YOU pick?

XOXO
~S

divine.

2009-08-13T13:06:00.000-07:00

I had a fun evening with my Mom last night... we went to see Julie & Julia (LOVED it! If you haven't seen it yet, you must!) and had enough time just before to hit a thrift store and grab a bite to eat.

We don't get to do this often, so it was a treat!
After seeing the movie, I'm very curious about the book and am hoping to pick it up on my next trip to the library. Later, as I lay in bed, thinking about the movie-- recalling my favorite moments, I thought about Julia Child's personality and her passion for what she liked to do- EAT! Despite nervousness, she jumped in and sometimes had to "lump it" when things flopped and carry on with humor & determination. It was an affirmation to myself- to not let nerves swallow my dreams and making them a reality. To not let life's hiccups and personalities squelch the life out of me. To stay true to myself & what's important to me...and nourish it.

And speaking of inspiration... I'm beginning to crave crisp Fall weather. I have LOVED the hot Summer we've had, but I'm ready for the next beautiful season we get to experience. And with it come boots, scarves, hats.... and here are some pretty boots from Title9 Sportswear. Aren't they lovely? Paired with long skirts. Or shorter skirts and tights.... I love them.

A few weeks ago we discovered a brand new "croc-a-doodle" kit while thrifting. The kit included stencils, paint and washable markers. Both kids went for the free-hand method and had fun decorating their crocs. I was a bit disappointed in the quality but my littles enjoyed the mini art project. Not bad for 99 cents, I suppose!

Last week I spent a few days at my parents- watching over things while they were out of town. On my way out to their farm, I couldn't get over the moon. It rose so quickly and was HUGE!! I had to pull over on the highway and attempt to capture it. And the setting I spotted was PERFECT. I was going to try and take more pics out at my parents but by then, the moon had risen enough to not appear quite as remarkable..to my dismay.

I'm glad I followed my gut and pulled over on the highway.. I love this picture.
love.
love.
love.

If you are not nervous about your passion,
you are not passionate about it.
~Chef Bobby Flay

XOXO

groovy kinda love

2009-08-12T16:58:00.000-07:00

This has been all over Facebook and such but I thought I'd share it here, for fun.

I would've LOVED to have been the photographer for this wedding! Oh the possibilities with personalities like those...

I appreciate traditional and UNtraditional ceremonies such as these... when people put their heart into it, it shows and grabs ahold of my own.

love it.

Hope you enjoyed it!

XOXO

Sarah & Ryan

2009-08-11T23:55:00.000-07:00

We were blessed to witness Sarah & Ryan's wedding last weekend. Sarah is essentially family to us. She's my brother-in-law's sister, and we typically see them at birthdays and other family get-togethers as well as a few July 4ths and such. She comes from a wonderful, loving family that we've grown to love and admire.

The wedding was beautiful-- the sun broke through the clouds literally RIGHT BEFORE the ceremony began, which made for an even more magical setting. The contrast of the cloud cover, the sun setting behind on the West and being surrounded by lush greens... gorgeous! The color scheme she chose was such a refreshing & eye-grabbing one! Chestnut brown with deep berry and oranges. The flower arrangements were striking and I was lucky enough to take a centerpiece home after the festivities!

We enjoyed the evening- following the ceremony there was dinner, dessert & dancing. Dinner was delicious- the cake was three levels & assortments- one layer of white cake, one of chocolate with chocolate ganache and the third was cheesecake with raspberrys. I was ALLLL over the cheesecake!

I found myself observing the wedding photographers as they worked. Curious to see their perspective, the moments they happened upon, their interaction with everyone. Plus, I saw everything with a fresh eye myself- which was great fun. It was a fairly intimate setting with tables close to one another, so I didn't feel free to roam and snap away- but I was able to take a few from our table that were respectable.

I'm still learning all about lighting and making necessary adjustments but the trial & error is exciting to me. I'm stretching and things are really beginning to CLICK.

...was that a most excellent pun or WHAT?!?!
Please appreciate it...

I'm looking forward to this coming weekend when another friend of our family will be married. Another opportunity to shoot without responsibility- purely out of love & for the fun of it.

Can't wait!!!

I'm thinking the bride & groom are pretty psyched that it's coming up so soon too...
So in a week or so- expect more wedding pics!

Congrats and many,many blessings to Sarah & Ryan- may you live and long and happy life together.

XOXO
~S