Pink Little Notebook

FYI: Giveaway

2011-02-27T10:48:00.000-07:00

There's a great little giveaway over on Audrey Bandley's blog for a book, "Behind Every Good Man" by John Bytheway!

Mac-n-Cheese & Menu-planning Monday!

2011-01-09T23:03:00.001-07:00

As I mentioned last week, this week was an EASY dinner week since my husband was out-of-town. We actually ended up having lots of frozen pizza and cereal! lol BUT we did make my sister's homemade Mac-n-Cheese and the kids LOVED it! Here's the recipe...

Ingredients:
- 2 cups Macaroni or shell noodles
- Cream of Chicken Soup
- Cheddar Cheese - grated
- Milk (optional)

1. Cook & drain noodles.
2. Stir in Cream of Chicken Soup & cheddar cheese. How much cheese is up to you... (I think I used about 2 cups.) If you'd like you can add a splash of milk to make it a little creamier...
3. Sprinkle a thin layer of cheese on top - or you could even add bread crumbs on top!
4. Pour into a 9x13 pan and bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts.

YUM!

Back to cooking this week, which I'm actually excited for... You can only take so much of spaghettio's and ramen noodles! lol

Monday - Dinner with friends!
Tuesday - Skillet Lasagna / Garlic Bread / Salad
Wednesday - Cheesy Broccoli Rice Chicken Casserole
Thursday - Tacos / 7-layer Bean Dip
Friday - DATE NIGHT!
Saturday - Sweet & Sour Meatballs / Rice
Sunday - BBQ French Dip Sandwiches / Potato Salad or Funeral Potatoes

Thursday Thirteen Inspiration: SNOWMEN!

2011-01-06T15:56:00.000-07:00

Lot's of fantastic little snowmen crafts out there! LOVE it! Here's thirteen to get you started!

1. Snowman Topiary from Got Chikin? - So cute!!!

2. 2x4 Snowman from Under My Umbrella - I LOVE 2x4 crafts and this little snowman is NO exception!!!

3. Snowman Soap from Crafts and Crap ~ What a perfect teacher or little gift for a friend or neighbor!!!

4. Take a look at these snowmen from Lyndsey's Craft Spot! LOVE them!

5. Decorative Snowman Balls from The Idea Room ~ Absolutely LOVE this! How stinkin' cute!?!

6. Another cute snowman from The Idea Room - Love it!

7. A Rock Snowman from Not Just a Housewife ~ What a fun craft to do with the kids!

8. Another 2x4 snowman! This one is from Crafty Chic Mommy and is Fantastic!

9. "FROSTY" Wood Blocks from Punkin Seed Productions - This woman is SO talented and I LOVE this set of blocks!

10. A cute snowman plaque from Lyndsey's Craft Spot - so cute!

11. Adorable Snowman Shirts from Harrigan Howdy ~ LOVE these! So much fun!

12. Snowman Gift Boxes from Blue Cricket Design ~ What a fun little box to put a treat in & give to a friend!

13. And a Snowman Glove Dryer from Sugar Bee - Craft Edition ~ Oh my, how I LOVE this! So much fun and so useful!!!

Thank you so much to these awesome ladies for sharing their talents and inspiring us all!

If you want more ideas & inspiration make sure you "Like" my facebook page - I post the inspiration I find on there every day!

Easy Fruit Pizza & Menu-planning Monday ~ Jan 3rd

2011-01-03T02:11:00.000-07:00

I LOVE fruit pizza & my I have a couple different recipes for it. This one is my "easy" version - still VERY delicious - that I got from a neighbor... So good!

(I made a pan for my family & then my own personal one that I didn't have to share! lol)

Ingredients:
     -Sugar Cookie Dough (I just use the premade Pillsbury Dough but you can also make your own from scratch.)
     -Marshmellow Creme
     -8 oz. Cream Cheese
     -Fruit (Strawberries, Blueberries, Blackberries, Raspberries, Kiwi, Pineapple, Mandarin Oranges, etc.)

Instructions:
     1. Spread Cookie Dough on pizza or cookie pan and bake according to instructions. Let cook completely.
     2. Beat together Marshmellow Creme & Cream Cheese.
     3. Spread marshmellow/cream cheese mixture on cooled cookie crust.
     4. Arrange fruit.
     5. Chill for an hour (unless you are like me and just CAN'T wait!)

My meal plan this week is WAY simple because my husband is out-of-town all week! I am planning on easy kid-friendly recipes...

Monday - Pizza Sandwiches
Tuesday - Spaghetti (My kids favorite; the meal my husband DREADS!)
Wednesday - Grilled Cheese Sandwiches & Tomato Soup
Thursday - Shepherd's Pie (Maybe? But truthfully it will probably end up being Spaghetti'Os!)
Friday - Weiner Boats
Saturday - Aunt Kristen's Mac & Cheese (IF I can talk her into giving me her secret recipe!)
Sunday - Leftovers!

Thursday Thirteen

2010-12-02T01:01:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the absence... Life is crazy (lots of family drama) but I'm hoping to be around a bit more...

Today I have Thirteen Inspiration Links for fun neighbor gift ideas!

1. A Snowcone Kit from the pcCrafter clipart site:

2. A Snowman Kit from Make it Do:

3. Peppermint Patties from Inking Idaho:

4. A darling Snowman Gift Box to put treats in from Blue Cricket Designs:

5. Cute Christmas Coasters from Beneath My Heart:

6. Cookie Dough from Design Dazzle (with more from Blue Cricket Design and Make And Takes):

7. Sand Christmas Tree Ornaments from Twiddle-Thumbs:

8. Jingle Bell Treats from It Is What It Is:

9. Snowman Candy Bars from Small Fry & Co. (and even more examples from Coley's Corner and It's Been A Hard Days Night)

10. Festive Soap Dispensers from Brown Paper Packages:

11. Marble Magnets from Not Martha:

12. For those much more talented than me - a Snowman Oven Mitt from The Idea Room:

13. And lastly - The Greatest Gift from Celebrate the Little Stuff:

For even more gift ideas and lots of other inspiration make sure you visit my Facebook page and my Tumblr Blog! Lots of fun inspiration added DAILY!

Silhouette Giveaways!

2010-09-24T20:54:00.001-06:00

You need to go check out Amy's Finer Things where she is giving away a Silhouette Cutter! I want one of these SO bad!!!

You can also enter to win one at The Shopping Mama.

Notebook Entry: Door Knob Pumpkins

2010-09-20T17:01:00.000-06:00

How cute are these Door Knob Pumpkins from How Does She?

Notebook Entry: Team Shirts

2010-09-20T16:55:00.001-06:00

I LOVE these t-shirts from How Does She? - So cute!

Notebook Entry: Laundry Sign

2010-09-18T01:42:00.000-06:00

LOVE this laundry room sign over at Love Stitched! Too cute!

Notebook Entry: Mirror

2010-09-18T01:36:00.000-06:00

I have always wanted to try something like this mirror that Miss Craft Pants made! LOVE it!

Notebook Entry: Thank You Binder

2010-09-18T01:28:00.000-06:00

My Mix of 6 posted this awesome Thank You Binder! Maybe I'd get my Thank You notes written that way?!?

Temple Bracelet

2010-07-09T16:08:00.000-06:00

When I saw these LDS temple bracelets at Sisters' Stuff, I LOVED them and decided I needed to make some of my own!

I bought white & clear beads, plus clear stretchy string and an alligator clip... And in a few short minutes I had these...

1. Lay out the beads how you want them...
2. String the beads on the stretchy string. When I came to the alligator clip I put it through the hole, but a tiny white pony bead on and then back through the hole so the clip won't twist sideways...
3. One all the beads are strung, tie tightly with a square knot.
4. Before clipping the ends, coat the knot with clear nailpolish. This will strengthen the knot.
5. Once the nailpolish is dry, clip the ends!

And there you have it! Now get to the temple to try it out! I can't wait to use it!

Book Review: Fine Old High Priests

2010-07-01T15:28:00.000-06:00

Another book review... I promise I do have some crafty stuff to post also, but I thought I'd post this book review first since I have another one coming soon! lol

Meanwhile, if you are looking for crafty inspiration make sure you follow me on Tumblr or Facebook for daily inspiration!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The June book for our book club was Fine Old High Priests by Donald S. Smurthwaite. Can I just tell you that I LOVED this book?!? As I finished the book, the first word that came to my mind was "Beautiful!"

It is so uplifting and it made me want to be a better person. I absolutely loved it and it will be on my "To Buy" list! I've been told that there are two others in the series also and I can't wait to read them also!

Books on My List: (BOLD - Currently Reading; Purple - I finished it!)

Books on my bookcase I REALLY want to read:

The Goose Girl - Shannon Hale
Fishers of Men - Gerald N. Lund
101 Powerful Promises from Latter-day Prophets - Wayne Brickey
God Wants a Powerful People - Sheri Dew
Daughters of God - S. Michael Wilcox
If Life Were Easy, It Wouldn't Be Hard - Sheri Dew
Total Money Makeover - Dave Ramsey
How to Win Friends and Influence People - Dale Carnegie
Saving Kristen - Jack Weyland
Please Pass the Scriptures - John Hilton III
10 Secrets Wise Parents Know - Brent L. Top & Bruce A. Chadwick
The Christmas Sweater - Glenn Beck
Life of Joseph Smith - George Q. Cannon
The Five Thousand Year Leap - W. Cleon Skousen
The Peacegiver - James L. Ferrell

Book Club Books:

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society - Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
Gracie: A Love Story - George Burns
The Wednesday Wars - Gary Schmidt
A Train to Potevka - Mike Ramsdell
Book of a Thousand Days - Shannon Hale
Fine Old High Priests - Donald S. Smurthwaite
Three Cups of Tea - Gary Mortenson
Warriors Don't Cry - Melba Pattillo Beals
Mayflower - Nathaniel Philbrick
The Host - Stephanie Meyers I've read this one before and LOVED it but will do a quick review before book club

Other Books I'd Like To Read:

Overcoming Under Earning - Barbara Stanny
The Undaunted - Gerald N. Lund
The Great and The Terrible Series (vol. 1-6) - Chris Stewart
My Sister's Keeper - Jodi Picoult
Sarah's Quilt - Nancy E. Turner
Forest Born - Shannon Hale
The Best of Times: A Dickens Inn Novel - Anita Stansfield
The Silence of Snow - Anita Stansfield
The Last Song - Nicholas Sparks
Dear John - Nicholas Sparks
Open: An Autobiography - Andre Agassi

Book Review: Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale

2010-05-26T11:27:00.000-06:00

The book club book for this month was Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale. Although this wasn't one of my favorite books ever, it was definitely a page-turner and a very good book.

Shannon Hale is SUCH a great story teller and this was a great and captivating story! I couldn't put it down and the ending was terrific! What I love about Shannon Hale is that she writes these awesome stories that I can't help but sharing with my children. I will read the books and the kids are excited to tell me the story to them!

Books on My List: (BOLD - Currently Reading; Purple - I finished it!)

Books on my bookcase I REALLY want to read:

The Goose Girl - Shannon Hale
Fishers of Men - Gerald N. Lund
101 Powerful Promises from Latter-day Prophets - Wayne Brickey
God Wants a Powerful People - Sheri Dew
Daughters of God - S. Michael Wilcox
If Life Were Easy, It Wouldn't Be Hard - Sheri Dew
Total Money Makeover - Dave Ramsey
How to Win Friends and Influence People - Dale Carnegie
Saving Kristen - Jack Weyland
Please Pass the Scriptures - John Hilton III
10 Secrets Wise Parents Know - Brent L. Top & Bruce A. Chadwick
The Christmas Sweater - Glenn Beck
Life of Joseph Smith - George Q. Cannon
The Five Thousand Year Leap - W. Cleon Skousen
The Peacegiver - James L. Ferrell

Book Club Books:

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society - Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
Gracie: A Love Story - George Burns
The Wednesday Wars - Gary Schmidt
A Train to Potevka - Mike Ramsdell
Book of a Thousand Days - Shannon Hale
Fine Old High Priests - Donald S. Smurthwaite
Three Cups of Tea - Gary Mortenson
Warriors Don't Cry - Melba Pattillo Beals
Mayflower - Nathaniel Philbrick
The Host - Stephanie Meyers I've read this one before and LOVED it but will do a quick review before book club

Other Books I'd Like To Read:

Overcoming Under Earning - Barbara Stanny
The Undaunted - Gerald N. Lund
The Great and The Terrible Series (vol. 1-6) - Chris Stewart
My Sister's Keeper - Jodi Picoult
Sarah's Quilt - Nancy E. Turner
Forest Born - Shannon Hale
The Best of Times: A Dickens Inn Novel - Anita Stansfield
The Silence of Snow - Anita Stansfield
The Last Song - Nicholas Sparks
Dear John - Nicholas Sparks (NEW on list: 3/7/10)
Open: An Autobiography - Andre Agassi (NEW on list: 3/710)

Book Review:A Train to Potevka

2010-05-23T00:39:00.001-06:00

I just realized that I am WAY behind on my book reviews! So over the next few days, I'll get caught up!

In March, we read A Train to Potevka by Mike Ramsdell for book club. I enjoyed this book and it was a very quick read.

Although it is a "novel", it is based on the author's own experiences in Russia and it was amazing to think of him going through what he did and the inner strength he had to survive!

I think my favorite part in the book was when it describes him walking in the snow (and you can imagine how FREEZING it was) and how he collapes from exhaustion. Then he hears the wolves and forces himself to get to safety. AMAZING! Definitely an inspiring story!!!

Books on My List: (BOLD - Currently Reading; Purple - I finished it!)

Books on my bookcase I REALLY want to read:

The Goose Girl - Shannon Hale
Fishers of Men - Gerald N. Lund
101 Powerful Promises from Latter-day Prophets - Wayne Brickey
God Wants a Powerful People - Sheri Dew
Daughters of God - S. Michael Wilcox
If Life Were Easy, It Wouldn't Be Hard - Sheri Dew
Total Money Makeover - Dave Ramsey
How to Win Friends and Influence People - Dale Carnegie
Saving Kristen - Jack Weyland
Please Pass the Scriptures - John Hilton III
10 Secrets Wise Parents Know - Brent L. Top & Bruce A. Chadwick
The Christmas Sweater - Glenn Beck
Life of Joseph Smith - George Q. Cannon
The Five Thousand Year Leap - W. Cleon Skousen
The Peacegiver - James L. Ferrell

Book Club Books:

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society - Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
Gracie: A Love Story - George Burns
The Wednesday Wars - Gary Schmidt
A Train to Potevka - Mike Ramsdell
Book of a Thousand Days - Shannon Hale
Fine Old High Priests - Donald S. Smurthwaite
Three Cups of Tea - Gary Mortenson
Warriors Don't Cry - Melba Pattillo Beals
Mayflower - Nathaniel Philbrick
The Host - Stephanie Meyers I've read this one before and LOVED it but will do a quick review before book club

Other Books I'd Like To Read:

Overcoming Under Earning - Barbara Stanny
The Undaunted - Gerald N. Lund
The Great and The Terrible Series (vol. 1-6) - Chris Stewart
My Sister's Keeper - Jodi Picoult
Sarah's Quilt - Nancy E. Turner
Forest Born - Shannon Hale
The Best of Times: A Dickens Inn Novel - Anita Stansfield
The Silence of Snow - Anita Stansfield
The Last Song - Nicholas Sparks
Dear John - Nicholas Sparks (NEW on list: 3/7/10)
Open: An Autobiography - Andre Agassi (NEW on list: 3/710)

Embracing Life!

2010-05-22T00:26:00.000-06:00

Wow! It's been a month since I've posted! Doesn't time FLY by way too fast?

I've been MIA with family drama, end-of-the-school-year activites, more family drama, work, and even more family drama! It's been ~~fun~~ ~~exciting~~ interesting! We are fine, but we never know what is going to come next! lol

During the past month - especially Mother's Day weekend - I've been thinking a lot about my role as a mother and wife... I'm not very good at my job and have SO much I would like to improve on. My family is NUMBER ONE in my life, but ~~sometimes~~ frequently I forget and get carried away with distracting activities (a.k.a. ~~Facebook~~ ~~blogs~~ ~~computer in general~~ ANYTHING to procrastinate cleaning or cooking...)

When I started this blog, I fully intended to post every day - or most every day, anyway... but there is NO way... So after much pondering on what to do with this little blog of mine... I've decided to keep it going with a rare post here and there... I have projects GALORE to do on my "Project To Do" list that I can't wait to share with you if the EVER get completed, but for now I will enjoy my children and husband and TREASURE the time I have to SERVE them!

BUT - if you are looking for AWESOME crafts, AMAZING recipes, & INCREDIBLE inspiration make sure you follow my notebook on TUMBLR! That's where I add all my "project" ideas I find and with 200 ideas right now and more added DAILY - I have LOTS of projects to do! lol

My First Blog Award! - Happy 101

2010-04-21T23:45:00.000-06:00

I received my first blog award! Woohoo! Lots of Thanks goes to Suzanne at Surviving a Family of Nine! I know Suzanne personally and she is amazing! Such an inspiration to me to be a better mom!

10 Things That Make Me Happy:

When my kiddos are in bed, sleeping! They look SO sweet!
Getting one-on-one time with my kids when I can truly ENJOY them! That's complete JOY!
Going outside right after a hard rainstorm and taking a big breath of the fresh, clean air!
Chocolate-covered Raspberries! YUM!
Vacations - even short 24-hour vacations... Just getting a break from life is awesome!
The Gospel and the peace and joy it brings me!
The Sun! There's nothing better at making me cheerful than a nice, sunny day...
A clean house - especially when it's mine...
My husband
The laughter of my kids!

I'm awarding this to:
Crystal's Craft Spot
Secrets of a Super Mommy
Our Family Treat
Someday Crafts
Tummy Yummy's
It's All in My Head!
And about 100+ more blogs I read! How do you choose?

Here's the rules for accepting the award:
1. Copy & Paste the award on your blog
2. Tell who gave you the award and link to their blog
3. List 10 Things that make you happy
4. Pass the award on to other bloggers and visit their blog to let them know about the award.

Football Themed Birthday Party

2010-04-19T12:09:00.000-06:00

My son recently turned 8-years old and wanted a football themed birthday party, as well as a "late-night" over (we don't do sleepovers at our house, but that is a different post! lol)

So we decided on a 5 hour long football party with a late-night movie to end it... and invited 11 boys to come! I was a little nervous to have it at my house, but it was a HUGE success!

The invite:
We handed out letters explaining that the boys were drafted into the NFL and invited to attend a Spring Training Football Camp. You can see in the invitation we put the location as "Nelson Stadium" and then our home address and then gave them an idea on what we would be doing.

The party:
When they arrived, we let them decorate flag pendants and then took them outside to take photos in their best photo pose. I am kicking myself though because I forgot to take a "team" photo with all of them!

My son in his best football pose - and you can see his VIP Field Pass Hanging from his neck...

We made them each VIP Football passes that had a checklist on the back of all the football drills we would be doing. We put them in vertical badge holders that we had bought from Walmart.

They did the drills, we had dinner, and then I sent them back outside to have a scrimmage game. Once they were freezing, they came in for cake, ice cream & presents. We then had them change into the pajamas, play "pin the football between the goalposts" and then settle in for a movie. The parents started showing up just as the movie ended and the boys squeezed in a quick pillow fight - which is what my son was looking forward to all night! lol

Football Drills: We did each of these drills until they were tired of them (except the tackling which they could of done ALL night! They LOVED it!

Our checklist included -

Sit-ups
Push-ups
Running in Place
Throwing - we had them throw a football through a hula hoop.
Punting - we just had them practice drop kicking a football.
Kicking - I made a goal post out of PVC pipes and they practiced kicking the football through the uprights.
Tackling - We put a bunch of blankets and pillows on the floor to make for a soft landing. We then held a rolled egg-shell bed cushion up for them to run and tackle it. The LOVED this!

The Food:
For the food, I just made it EASY! For dinner we did hot dogs on the grill, chips, and powerade. The cupcakes came from Sam's Club. Very easy and they boys loved it!

The Movie:
We watched the "Game Plan" which all the kids really like but it was a little long. Other football movie ideas I had was "Air Bud" or "Little Giants".

I did have some concern before from a few parents who said that their sons were a little nervous since they didn't know much about football, but I just reassured them that it wouldn't be awkward. I know that all the boys had a BLAST and were talking about it for weeks!

I actually had even more games planned such as football bingo and a dizzy kicker game with a balloon but we just didn't have time...

I got a lot of my ideas from here on BirthdayPartyIdeas.com.

Thursday Thirteen Inspiration (A few days late!!!)

2010-04-19T00:36:00.000-06:00

Okay, I'm DAYS late on this, but I thought I'd share some inspiration I added to my Notebook on Tumblr... Aren't these women amazing?

#1 - DIY Barbie House from A Girl and a Glue Gun - I LOVE this Barbie house and wish my daughter was more interested in Barbie's so we could make one! Now I'm hoping my baby girl will have an interest when she gets older, JUST so I can make a barbie house! lol

#2 - Silk Tie Dye Eggs from A Little Tipsy- I bookmarked this LAST year and think it is awesome! It's a little late for this Easter but put it in your files for next year! These eggs are incredible!

#3 - Mac and Cheese at The Pioneer Woman Cooks -

This Mac-n-cheese looks AWESOME!

#4 - Flower Pot Magnet Board by JK Made - How cute is the magnet board and flower magnets?

#5 - Crafty Storage by Controlling My Chaos - I LOVE this because I have lots of cards and puzzles that REALLY need new boxes or containers!

#6 - Memory Makeover at Infarrantly Creative- Another great game container redo!

#7 - Easiest Cinnamon Rolls Ever at That's {FAM}tastic! -

These cinnamon rolls look DELISH! Can't wait to try them!

#8 - Family Game Night Board at How Does She? - I LOVE this board and I can't wait to make it into a FHE board!

#9 - Mickey and Minnie Cake Pops at Bakerella - I LOVE Mickey & Minnie House and I LOVE cake pops!

#10 - Family Photo Coloring Pages at A Little Tipsy - What a GREAT idea to make coloring pages for the grandparents! LOVE it!

#11 - Towel Rack at Poppies at Play - I've been looking for a towel rack idea for the kids bathroom and this is definitely a winner! Now to find me a cute cabinet door!!!

#12 - Big Dice at Lemon Tree Creations - One day I will have my dream house which will have a fun game room in it and this will make an awesome decor piece for that room! LOVE it!

#13 - Sock Exchange at Lemon Tree Creations - Another fabulous decor project! I've been thinking of doing something like this with my mismatched socks for my laundry room, but this is SO much cuter than what I've come up with!

And for LOTS more inspiring ideas, feel free to visit my Notebook on Tumblr or my bookmarks on Delicious!

I am alive!

2010-04-15T09:49:00.000-06:00

Yes, I'm still living! It's been a crazy week!

My husband is a tax accountant and a realtor - and I am his "assistant" - and it is BUSY season for both but Tax Day is here!

On top of that - we've had family "drama" the past couple of weeks... So time consuming...

But I am alive and crafting and will be back shortly so stay tuned!!!

Thursday 13 - April 8th

2010-04-08T08:43:00.004-06:00

I'm going to share thirteen of my favorite inspiration ideas that I've added to my notebook from this past week...

In no particular order:

#1 - Easy Teacher Appreciation Gifts from How Does She? - How cute and easy are these? My kids would LOVE making these for their teachers!!!

#2 - Twirly Skirt from JK Made - Jeanette is a friend/neighbor of mine and she is AMAZING! I can't wait to make matching twirly skirts for my girls!

#3 - Driveway Signs at Family Fun - LOVE these signs... I think I will just paint some to put in my garden! Too cute!

#4 - Dress-up Suitcase by A Girl and a Glue Gun - LOVE this! We are getting quite the dress up clothes collection and I would love to make one of these to store them in!

#5 - Inbox by How Does She? - I am THE WORST at paperclutter and I have just the spot I could hang one of these if I made it! Love it!!!

#6 - Bird Bath at Family Fun - LOVE this! You could decorate it to make it all cute and the kids would love it!

#7 - Fabric Flowers at My Blonde Ambitions - These Fabric Flowers are SO cute! LOVE them!!!

#8 - Don't Eat Pete Game at Crafting Chicks - How much fun is this? My kids will LOVE it! I can't wait to design it up to play with them!!!

#9 - Letter Hanging at The Virginia House - I can't wait to make one of these for my plant shelves! Cheap, Easy, and Beautiful!!!

#10 - Giant Carrot at Restlessrisa - I know Easter is over but I can't wait to make one of these for next year! Awesome!!!

#11 - Bunny Bread at The Little Green Bean - Another one for next Easter! How fun would it be to have this veggie/bread tray for next Easter! LOVE it!!!

#12 - Strawberry Short Cake at Every Crafty Endeavor - I LOVE Strawberry Short Cake and can't WAIT to try this one out!!!

#13 - Fun Spring Crafts at Lyndsey's Craft Spot - I LOVE these! How fun and bright!!!

And for LOTS more inspiring ideas, feel free to visit my Notebook on Tumblr!

Washer Necklace Tutorial

2010-04-06T18:30:00.002-06:00

A couple weeks ago I posted over at Crystal's Craft Spot a fun tutorial on how to make washer necklaces - something my daughter and I have fun doing together... Thought I'd post here in case you missed it... Enjoy!

Items needed:
- Washers (you can get them from any hardwood store for CHEAP - I paid around 20 cents each for mine!)
- Glassy Accents (you can find it in the scrapbook section at Hobby Lobby - I used a coupon for mine!)
- Scraps of scrapbook paper
- Mod Podge

First trace your washer on the back-side of the scrapbook paper...

And cut out... When cutting the outside, cut just inside the line so that the paper is JUST a BIT smaller than the washer...

To cut the inside out, I slightly fold the paper (don't crease) and snip a little slit in the middle. Then I turn it 90 degrees, SLIGHTLY fold it, and snip another little slit... This gives me an "x" to put my scissors in to cut the hole...

Then I cut just a bit on the OUTSIDE of the circle so it's just a LITTLE on the inside of the washer...

I then paint the washer with Mod Podge...

And did I mention that this is a great project to do with your kids? My daughter LOVES it!!!

And then you glue your paper on...

At this point, you can take some sandpaper and sand any edges of the paper off if they are a bit too big for the washer... but if you cut just on the inside of the lines, then you probably won't need to...

Then you let the glue dry...

Once dry you can take your Glassy Accents...

...and coat the top of the scrapbook paper. I like to do mine pretty thick - don't worry, it will dry clear...

Let dry for 48 hours (I know - PATIENCE!!!) and then thread the cording through...

You can hold it up to measure how long you want it to be, and then tie it off...

And there you have it!

Oh, but you may want to watch the baby or she might be unraveling your cording... lol

Welcome New Friends and apologies to old ones!

2010-04-02T09:26:00.002-06:00

First of all, I'd like to welcome the new friends from

over at The Girl Creative for stopping by! Welcome, Welcome!

And then second, I need to apologize for no posts this week! I have a few I need to post, but we've had one thing after another this week... Sickness (me), Family Drama, a busted eyebrow and black eye (8-year-old son), More Family Drama, a diaper rash from hell (baby girl - just in case you thought it was me! lol), my husband's business website going down, ... oh yeah, and did I mention MORE family drama? lol

Isn't life fun? There are some ~~days~~ ~~weeks~~ months that I want crawl in bed and not wake up for a LONG time! But we all must carry on... I have so many blessings in my life and sometimes need to be reminded of them!

So I apologize but hopefully sometime soon I will have lots of ~~GREAT~~ GOOD posts for you! Love ya all!

Guest Posting at Crystal's Craft Spot!

2010-03-25T17:54:00.002-06:00

Hey! I'm over at Crystal's Craft Spot today! I posted a tutorial on how to make washer necklaces! So much fun!!! Come on over to say hi!!!

A Maternity Shirt into a Scarf!

2010-03-24T21:58:00.003-06:00

My daughter has been BEGGING me to buy her a scarf but I decided to make her one! And while cleaning out my closet, I found this old maternity shirt that I didn't even wear my last pregnancy... So why not turn it into her scarf?

The first thing I did was cut off the sleeves and then a piece from the front and cut them all equal width...

And then just sewed them end-to-end with right sides together. Because I used the shirt, one end of each piece was hemmed... so I made I had a hem on each end...

Next I just sewed it inside out (right sides together into a tube)...

Turn inside out and you have a scarf that your 6-year-old is THRILLED with!!!

And I still have a bunch of shirt left! Wonder what I will do with it!?! lol

Wordless Wednesday: A Face Only A Mother Could Love

2010-03-24T11:38:00.002-06:00

Linking up to 5 Minutes 4 Mom

Banana Bread - SO good!!!

2010-03-22T23:31:00.003-06:00

My mom's recipe for banana bread is SO good! I LOVE this banana bread! So good and SO easy!

Because my kiddos aren't big fans of the nuts (I use walnuts), I leave them out for the first 1 - 2 loaves. But I think the nuts are a definite must for my loaf!

Table Talk

2010-03-18T13:28:00.004-06:00

I feel that dinner time is SUCH an important time for the family to gather and talk about the days events. Sometimes it can be stressful though (especially for me, the mom) or I feel that not much "family bonding" is going on...

So when I read about Alison's Family Dinner Questions at "How Does She?" I knew I had to try it... And it was a HIT! I was surprised how much the kids enjoyed it and ask to do it at every meal! So much fun!

Here's what I did:

1. I found an old peanut butter jar, washed it out and took off the label.

2. I then measured it and designed some labels with my digital scrapbooking software. You could do it with scrapbook paper if you don't digital scrapbook... I picked a blue color scheme because I knew that the lid to my jar was blue... Then you cut them out!

3. I went to How Does She? and printed all three sets of the family dinner questions out, cut them apart, folded them and put them in the jar.

4. I just took some two-sided scrapbook tape and attached my labels to the jar... Beautiful!

What we do:
At dinner (we usually do it 3 - 4 times a week), each person take a turn picking a question. We then go around that table and everyone answers the question... Then the next person picks a question... and we continue until everyone has picked a question.

The kids have loved it and we have learned some great facts from the "How Does She?" questions... such as how to keep from crying while chopping onions and how far a kangeroo can jump! Or what neighbors the kids think are "scary"... And the questions have sometimes evolve to something else... like everyone showing us the dance they do when no one else is looking! lol

SO much fun!!!

St. Patrick's Day

2010-03-17T15:07:00.002-06:00

I LOVE celebrating holidays with the kids and decided last year that it was important to make the holidays and birthdays special because it gives the kids good memories... and maybe when they are older they won't just remember me yelling and screaming all the time... lol

Last night I decided to kick St. Patrick's Day off with a St. Patrick's Day family night (we couldn't do it Monday night). We talked about St. Patrick's Day and how it came to be and about clovers and how they can represent the Godhead with their 3 leaves. For treats, Andre and I made a fruit rainbow - we used strawberries, mandarin oranges, pineapple, kiwi, blueberries, and grapes - and some fruit dip.

I got the idea from Michelle at Someday Crafts and it was definitely a hit with the whole family! I can't wait to do a family night on Noah's Ark and do this as the treat again!

Last night, we had a naughty little leprechaun sneak in (as he does every year) and dye our milk green. And then this morning, I made green eggs (a tradition) and also green shamrock pancakes (something new this year). I also dyed the orange juice green.

And a trick I learned, although it's probably obvious for most people (I'm a little slow)... for the eggs and the o.j, I added blue food coloring instead of green because yellow and blue makes green! It worked much better! lol

Book Review: The Goose Girl

2010-03-11T20:12:00.000-07:00

Can I just say that I LOVED the book The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale?

I borrowed this book from a friend almost two years ago and JUST got around to FINALLY reading it! I wish I would of done it years ago!

I liked it so much that I had to tell my kids the story line as I read it because I knew they would LOVE it too since it was about princesses and bad guys! And they even had me read it to them towards the end!

I can't wait to read the next one in the series!!!

Books on My List: (BOLD - Currently Reading; Purple - I finished it!)

Books on my bookcase I REALLY want to read:

The Goose Girl - Shannon Hale

Fishers of Men - Gerald N. Lund

101 Powerful Promises from Latter-day Prophets - Wayne Brickey

God Wants a Powerful People - Sheri Dew

Daughters of God - S. Michael Wilcox

If Life Were Easy, It Wouldn't Be Hard - Sheri Dew

Total Money Makeover - Dave Ramsey

How to Win Friends and Influence People - Dale Carnegie

Saving Kristen - Jack Weyland

Please Pass the Scriptures - John Hilton III

10 Secrets Wise Parents Know - Brent L. Top & Bruce A. Chadwick

The Christmas Sweater - Glenn Beck

Life of Joseph Smith - George Q. Cannon

The Five Thousand Year Leap - W. Cleon Skousen

The Peacegiver - James L. Ferrell

Book Club Books:

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society - Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

Gracie: A Love Story - George Burns

The Wednesday Wars - Gary Schmidt

A Train to Potevka - Mike Ramsdell

Book of a Thousand Days - Shannon Hale

Fine Old High Priests - Donald S. Smurthwaite

Three Cups of Tea - Gary Mortenson

Warriors Don't Cry - Melba Pattillo Beals

Mayflower - Nathaniel Philbrick

The Host - Stephanie Meyers I've read this one before and LOVED it but will do a quick review before book club

Other Books I'd Like To Read:

Overcoming Under Earning - Barbara Stanny

The Undaunted - Gerald N. Lund

The Great and The Terrible Series (vol. 1-6) - Chris Stewart

My Sister's Keeper - Jodi Picoult

Sarah's Quilt - Nancy E. Turner

Forest Born - Shannon Hale

The Best of Times: A Dickens Inn Novel - Anita Stansfield

The Silence of Snow - Anita Stansfield

The Last Song - Nicholas Sparks

Dear John - Nicholas Sparks (NEW on list: 3/7/10)

Open: An Autobiography - Andre Agassi (NEW on list: 3/710)

Honey Mustard Chicken

2010-03-08T22:53:00.000-07:00

I got this recipe from church because they served it at a dinner activity just over a year ago and everyone raved about it (I wasn't at the activity). I picked up the recipe and finally gave it a try a few months ago and the family LOVED it! It's definitely a favorite in my house!

Book Review: The Wednesday Wars

2010-03-08T13:03:00.000-07:00

I finished reading The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt a few weeks ago and really enjoyed it, although it wasn't until the last couple chapters that it really grabbed me.

The chapters were long - which for me is hard because I always look ahead to see how long the chapter is and if it's too long to read in the amount of time I have, I will wait to start it - and this makes me take longer to read it... I know, kind of ridiculous, but I do like shorter chapters in my books! lol

I have never been one to understand Shakespeare and enjoyed reading of a boy who learns to read and enjoy and UNDERSTAND it!

As I said, it didn't really grab me until the last couple chapters (meaning I had a hard time putting it down) but the last chapters were awesome and I LOVED the ending!

And although we haven't met for book club yet, I've heard others LOVED the book and it definitely sounds like a favorite for many of them!

Books on My List: (BOLD - Currently Reading; Purple - I finished it!)

Books on my bookcase I REALLY want to read:

The Goose Girl - Shannon Hale
Fishers of Men - Gerald N. Lund
101 Powerful Promises from Latter-day Prophets - Wayne Brickey
God Wants a Powerful People - Sheri Dew
Daughters of God - S. Michael Wilcox
If Life Were Easy, It Wouldn't Be Hard - Sheri Dew
Total Money Makeover - Dave Ramsey
How to Win Friends and Influence People - Dale Carnegie
Saving Kristen - Jack Weyland
Please Pass the Scriptures - John Hilton III
10 Secrets Wise Parents Know - Brent L. Top & Bruce A. Chadwick
The Christmas Sweater - Glenn Beck
Life of Joseph Smith - George Q. Cannon
The Five Thousand Year Leap - W. Cleon Skousen
The Peacegiver - James L. Ferrell

Book Club Books:

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society - Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
Gracie: A Love Story - George Burns
The Wednesday Wars - Gary Schmidt
A Train to Potevka - Mike Ramsdell
Book of a Thousand Days - Shannon Hale
Fine Old High Priests - Donald S. Smurthwaite
Three Cups of Tea - Gary Mortenson
Warriors Don't Cry - Melba Pattillo Beals
Mayflower - Nathaniel Philbrick
The Host - Stephanie Meyers I've read this one before and LOVED it but will do a quick review before book club

Other Books I'd Like To Read:

Overcoming Under Earning - Barbara Stanny
The Undaunted - Gerald N. Lund
The Great and The Terrible Series (vol. 1-6) - Chris Stewart
My Sister's Keeper - Jodi Picoult
Sarah's Quilt - Nancy E. Turner
Forest Born - Shannon Hale
The Best of Times: A Dickens Inn Novel - Anita Stansfield
The Silence of Snow - Anita Stansfield
The Last Song - Nicholas Sparks
Dear John - Nicholas Sparks (NEW on list: 3/7/10)
Open: An Autobiography - Andre Agassi (NEW on list: 3/710)

Works For Me Wednesday: Fast-n-Easy Shoe Polish

2010-03-07T22:52:00.000-07:00

I am the WORST at taking care of my shoes! I must drag my feet or something when I walk because my boots and dress shoes are ALWAYS needing to be polished! The toes are always worn out and scuffed...

I remember watching my dad polish his shoes all the time growing up and there has been MANY times that I have thought to myself that I need to have him show me what to do, but to be honest... I have NO idea how to polish shoes and don't have any shoe polish - even if I did know how!

Well, I have some black boots that I LOVE but haven't worn for awhile because the toes are SO bad it's embarassing! So this week I decided I'd try to take a black sharpie marker to them...

I LOVED the results! Why didn't I do this MONTHS ago?!?

Yeah, if you look real, REAL close you can tell that it isn't the same color - but who's going to be getting down on the ground looking at my boots?

Now to find a brown marker that will work on my brown boots...

Menu Monday: 3/8/10

2010-03-07T21:20:00.000-07:00

This past week I tried the Parmesan Asparagus (it was delicious) and the Orange Chicken & Ham Fried Rice - which will be added into the menu rotation!

Monday: Alfredo Mac-n-cheese/Breadsticks/Veggies

Tuesday: Sloppy Joes/Homemade Fries/Veggies

Wednesday: Cafe Rio Salad/Key Lime Bars

Thursday: Lasagna Rolls/Salad/Garlic Bread

Friday: Leftovers

Saturday: Shrimp/Grits/Salad

Sunday: Tif's Chicken on Egg Noodles/Veggies/Fruit Salad

Treats: Banana Bread / Key Lime Bars / Fruit Pizza

Inspirational Sunday: Tender Mercies

2010-03-07T10:32:00.001-07:00

I am SO thankful for the Tender Mercies in my life and when I saw this video, it encouraged me to be more aware of those little blessings in my life.

Book Review: God Wants A Powerful People

2010-02-25T14:41:00.000-07:00

I was a little slow reading God Wants a Powerful People by Sheri Dew because I enjoyed reading a chapter - or even part of a chapter - and pondering it for a while... I have a whole notebook of notes on this book!

I REALLY enjoyed this book and there were SO many things in it that touched my heart. I have been going through some family issues this past few weeks and truly believe that I was suppose to read THIS book at THIS exact time because the subjects in the book were SO relevant to me in my life at this time.

It is an amazing book and has inspired me to be a better person!

Books on My List: (BOLD - Currently Reading; Purple - I finished it!)

Books on my bookcase I REALLY want to read:

The Goose Girl - Shannon Hale
Fishers of Men - Gerald N. Lund
101 Powerful Promises from Latter-day Prophets - Wayne Brickey
God Wants a Powerful People - Sheri Dew
Daughters of God - S. Michael Wilcox
If Life Were Easy, It Wouldn't Be Hard - Sheri Dew
Total Money Makeover - Dave Ramsey
How to Win Friends and Influence People - Dale Carnegie
Saving Kristen - Jack Weyland
Please Pass the Scriptures - John Hilton III
10 Secrets Wise Parents Know - Brent L. Top & Bruce A. Chadwick
The Christmas Sweater - Glenn Beck
Life of Joseph Smith - George Q. Cannon
The Five Thousand Year Leap - W. Cleon Skousen
The Peacegiver - James L. Ferrell

Book Club Books:

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society - Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
Gracie: A Love Story - George Burns
The Wednesday Wars - Gary Schmidt
A Train to Potevka - Mike Ramsdell
Book of a Thousand Days - Shannon Hale
Fine Old High Priests - Donald S. Smurthwaite
Three Cups of Tea - Gary Mortenson
Warriors Don't Cry - Melba Pattillo Beals
Mayflower - Nathaniel Philbrick
The Host - Stephanie Meyers I've read this one before and LOVED it but will do a quick review before book club

Other Books I'd Like To Read:

Overcoming Under Earning - Barbara Stanny
The Undaunted - Gerald N. Lund
The Great and The Terrible Series (vol. 1-6) - Chris Stewart
My Sister's Keeper - Jodi Picoult
Sarah's Quilt - Nancy E. Turner
Forest Born - Shannon Hale
The Best of Times: A Dickens Inn Novel - Anita Stansfield
The Silence of Snow - Anita Stansfield
The Last Song - Nicholas Sparks

Menu Monday: 2/22/10

2010-02-22T10:56:00.000-07:00

I did some MAJOR grocery shopping this week and am excited for the menu! If there are any recipes you want, just ask!

Monday: Chicken Rice Broccoli Casserole/Rolls

Tuesday: I will probably be out of town so the fam will probably have frozen pizza or leftovers

Wednesday: Steaks/Funeral Potatoes/Parmesan Asparagus

Thursday: Orange Chicken/Ham Fried Rice - I use Lindsay's recipe for the Fried Rice except I do ham instead of chicken...

Friday: Ribs/Potato Salad/Corn

Saturday: Homemade Pizza with Alfredo Sauce for mine!

Sunday: Tif's Chicken on Egg Noodles/Green Salad/Fruit Salad

Sweet & Sour Meatballs

2010-02-20T10:37:00.001-07:00

This is a easy, tasty dish that my mom used to make us and now I make for my family...

Inspirational Sunday: How Do I Love Thee?

2010-02-13T23:49:00.001-07:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

Menu Monday: 2/8/10

2010-02-08T13:47:00.000-07:00

This week I did better at following the menu! I will post the recipe for the Honey Mustard Chicken because it was yummy!

Monday: Spaghetti/breadsticks/salad

Tuesday: Chicken Teri Burgers/Homemade French Fries

Wednesday: French Dip Sandwiches/Potato Salad/Green Beans

Thursday: Leftovers

Friday - Sunday: Vacation!!!

Inspirational Sunday: Lift Me Up

2010-02-07T21:31:00.001-07:00

I am so grateful that I have a Father in Heaven that loves me and will LIFT ME UP when I need it most!

Book Review: Gracie, A Love Story

2010-02-04T10:57:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading the book "Gracie, A Love Story" by George Burns.

I think it was a fun book to read and very enjoyable, although it wasn't a favorite of mine. I did LOVE reading how much George Burns loved and admired his wife and how he attributes all his success to her.

I also enjoyed the humor in the book and a couple of times was laughing out loud and had to tell my husband the jokes...

I am definitely going to recommend this book to my Grandmother because I think she would really enjoy it since she grew up with Gracie and George, but for me... I think I was too young to fully enjoy all this book has to offer.

Books on My List: (BOLD - Currently Reading; Purple - I finished it!)

Books on my bookcase I REALLY want to read:

The Goose Girl - Shannon Hale
Fishers of Men - Gerald N. Lund
101 Powerful Promises from Latter-day Prophets - Wayne Brickey
God Wants a Powerful People - Sheri Dew
Daughters of God - S. Michael Wilcox
If Life Were Easy, It Wouldn't Be Hard - Sheri Dew
Total Money Makeover - Dave Ramsey
How to Win Friends and Influence People - Dale Carnegie
Saving Kristen - Jack Weyland
Please Pass the Scriptures - John Hilton III
10 Secrets Wise Parents Know - Brent L. Top & Bruce A. Chadwick
The Christmas Sweater - Glenn Beck
Life of Joseph Smith - George Q. Cannon (added 2/4)
The Five Thousand Year Leap - W. Cleon Skousen (added 2/4)
The Peacegiver - James L. Ferrell (added 2/4)

Book Club Books:

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society - Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
Gracie: A Love Story - George Burns
The Wednesday Wars - Gary Schmidt
A Train to Potevka - Mike Ramsdell
Book of a Thousand Days - Shannon Hale
Fine Old High Priests - Donald S. Smurthwaite
Three Cups of Tea - Gary Mortenson
Warriors Don't Cry - Melba Pattillo Beals
Mayflower - Nathaniel Philbrick
The Host - Stephanie Meyers I've read this one before and LOVED it but will do a quick review before book club

Other Books I'd Like To Read:

Overcoming Under Earning - Barbara Stanny
The Undaunted - Gerald N. Lund
The Great and The Terrible Series (vol. 1-6) - Chris Stewart
My Sister's Keeper - Jodi Picoult
Sarah's Quilt - Nancy E. Turner
Forest Born - Shannon Hale
The Best of Times: A Dickens Inn Novel - Anita Stansfield
The Silence of Snow - Anita Stansfield
The Last Song - Nicholas Sparks

Menu Plan Monday - 2/1/2010

2010-02-01T13:00:00.000-07:00

Monday: Mushroom & Swiss Burgers/Tator Tots/Jello Jigglers

Tuesday: Honey Mustard Chicken/Rice-a-roni/Veggies

Wednesday: Chili/Rolls

Thursday: Spaghetti/breadsticks/salad

Friday: Ribs/Potato Salad/Green Beans

Saturday: Leftovers

Sunday: Superbowl Party!

Pizza Sandwiches for Lunch?

2010-01-26T14:45:00.001-07:00

The other day I made pizza sandwiches for lunch after Jaiden asked for them and thought I'd share them here...

My siblings and I grew up eating these (they were something even we could make!) for lunches or an after-school snack... When I called my parents to find out the history of them, I was told I was doing them all wrong... lol

My Grandma used to make them for my step-dad and he says that they might even go back further than that...

So I guess I'll give you the "original" recipe and just share with you what changes I make in the directions...

Ingredients:
- slice of bread
- slice of the Kraft sliced cheese
- tomato slice
- oregano or Italian Seasoning
- grated Parmesean Cheese

Directions:
1. Place a slice of cheese on the bread. - Dad says the bread needs to not be too big - otherwise you'll need to break another slice of cheese to cover all the bread. He also says that it MUST be Kraft sliced cheese - Me? I use regular cheddar cheese because I'm too cheap to buy KRAFT sliced cheese! lol

2. Place a thin slice of tomato on the cheese. - Me? I LOVE tomato so I usually put on 1 1/2 - 2 slices!

3. Sprinkle on oregano (or Italian Seasoning) and some grated Parmasean Cheese. - Me? When he told me this I remember the parmasean cheese growing up but had been forgetting to put it on! ugh! So it will now be added to my pizza sandwiches from this time forth! But I also remember putting on garlic salt... so I've always put garlic salt on mine...

4. Place on a pan in the oven and bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes (until the cheese melts and the bottom starts getting toasted). Then broil for about 2 minutes (watch it because it will burn fast) to toast the top. Dad says it's done when the cheese starts turning brown. - Me? This is another reason I don't use the Kraft Singles - they will brown... I like my cheese melted but not browned... My dad? He likes his cheese brown... lol

Book Review: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society

2010-01-20T16:07:00.000-07:00

I blasted through The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society in 3 days so I would be able to go to Book Club...

I won't post the story because you can read it here (and as I mentioned before, I HATE book reports! lol)

I really enjoyed this book although it was hard for me to get started into it. I remember thinking that I probably wouldn't of finished it in the beginning except for book club, but by Part 2 of the book I was hooked! And the ending is fabulous!

I've always loved WWII books and stories, and I loved how this book gave a different perspective on the topic...

It was a great book to start with for my FIRST time at book club and I can't wait for future months!

Books on My List: (BOLD - Currently Reading; Purple - I finished it!)

Books on my bookcase I REALLY want to read:

The Goose Girl - Shannon Hale
Fishers of Men - Gerald N. Lund
101 Powerful Promises from Latter-day Prophets - Wayne Brickey
God Wants a Powerful People - Sheri Dew
Daughters of God - S. Michael Wilcox
If Life Were Easy, It Wouldn't Be Hard - Sheri Dew
Total Money Makeover - Dave Ramsey
How to Win Friends and Influence People - Dale Carnegie
Saving Kristen - Jack Weyland
Please Pass the Scriptures - John Hilton III
10 Secrets Wise Parents Know - Brent L. Top & Bruce A. Chadwick
The Christmas Sweater - Glenn Beck

Book Club Books:

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society - Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
Gracie: A Love Story - George Burns
The Wednesday Wars - Gary Schmidt
A Train to Potevka - Mike Ramsdell
Book of a Thousand Days - Shannon Hale
Fine Old High Priests - Donald S. Smurthwaite
Three Cups of Tea - Gary Mortenson
Warriors Don't Cry - Melba Pattillo Beals
Mayflower - Nathaniel Philbrick
The Host - Stephanie Meyers I've read this one before and LOVED it but will do a quick review before book club

Other Books I'd Like To Read:

Overcoming Under Earning - Barbara Stanny
The Undaunted - Gerald N. Lund
The Great and The Terrible Series (vol. 1-6) - Chris Stewart
My Sister's Keeper - Jodi Picoult
Sarah's Quilt - Nancy E. Turner
Forest Born - Shannon Hale
The Best of Times: A Dickens Inn Novel - Anita Stansfield
The Silence of Snow - Anita Stansfield
The Last Song - Nicholas Sparks

Read a good book lately?

2010-01-17T19:39:00.000-07:00

One of my New Years Resolutions is to read more... at LEAST 2 books a month...

So I started compiling a list of books to read - I have a TON of books that are sitting on my bookshelf that I have never read, as well as some that I've been wanting to read... and then I decided to join the church book club, so that will keep me busy as well...

Books on My List: (BOLD - Currently Reading; Purple - I finished it!)

Books on my bookcase I REALLY want to read:

The Goose Girl - Shannon Hale
Fishers of Men - Gerald N. Lund
101 Powerful Promises from Latter-day Prophets - Wayne Brickey
God Wants a Powerful People - Sheri Dew
Daughters of God - S. Michael Wilcox
If Life Were Easy, It Wouldn't Be Hard - Sheri Dew
Total Money Makeover - Dave Ramsey
How to Win Friends and Influence People - Dale Carnegie
Saving Kristen - Jack Weyland
Please Pass the Scriptures - John Hilton III
10 Secrets Wise Parents Know - Brent L. Top & Bruce A. Chadwick
The Christmas Sweater - Glenn Beck

Book Club Books:

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society - Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
Gracie: A Love Story - George Burns
The Wednesday Wars - Gary Schmidt
A Train to Potevka - Mike Ramsdell
Book of a Thousand Days - Shannon Hale
Fine Old High Priests - Donald S. Smurthwaite
Three Cups of Tea - Gary Mortenson
Warriors Don't Cry - Melba Pattillo Beals
Mayflower - Nathaniel Philbrick
The Host - Stephanie Meyers I've read this one before and LOVED it but will do a quick review before book club

Other Books I'd Like To Read:

Overcoming Under Earning - Barbara Stanny
The Undaunted - Gerald N. Lund
The Great and The Terrible Series (vol. 1-6) - Chris Stewart
My Sister's Keeper - Jodi Picoult
Sarah's Quilt - Nancy E. Turner
Forest Born - Shannon Hale
The Best of Times: A Dickens Inn Novel - Anita Stansfield
The Silence of Snow - Anita Stansfield
The Last Song - Nicholas Sparks

I'm hoping to write book reviews (mainly for myself since my memory is AWFUL) but then again... I failed Literature in 7th grade with a 23% because I HATED to write book reports... so we'll see how that goes! lol

Inspirational Sunday: Do You Have Room for the Savior?

2009-12-20T08:06:00.001-07:00

2009-12-15T15:00:00.000-07:00

When I saw these muffin tin advents here at Sumo's Sweet Stuff and here at Somewhat Simple I just HAD to make one of my own!

And it was actually quite a quick and easy project!

Because my kids get PLENTY of sweets and candy, I decided to do activities in each day written on paper (I hurry and trade them before the kids pick if it is something that just won't work for the day)...

Need some ideas for activites? You can see my list right here...

This was definitely a fun and easy project that added to my Christmas Decor and that the kids LOVE!

Great Gift Idea: Crayon Roll

2009-12-14T15:00:00.000-07:00

What a fun gift idea for your little ones? My daughter LOVES her crayon roll and it isn't even hard to make! (If I can do it with my limited sewing skills, you can do it!)

I followed the tutorial on Skip to My Lou (but cut out the ric rac trim because of my limited sewing knowledge, although I LOVE the trim!)

I had intended this to be for my daughter to take to church, but she uses it constantly and my son even likes it! They love that they can see all the colors in front of them...

And I love that we can fold it up and put it all away!

Menu Plan Monday - 12/14/09

2009-12-14T00:32:00.000-07:00

I didn't do so great this week sticking to my menu... It was a busy, busy week... although this week should be better since all the holiday parties are done with and I have most of my shopping done! I'm hoping for more time to BLOG!

The only thing we ended up cooking from the menu was the Clam Chowder and it was excellent!

I will try to add the recipes as I cook them this week - I didn't do very good at that last week because I didn't cook! lol

Monday: Sweet & Sour Meatballs/Rice

Tuesday: Chicken Enchilada Casserole/Salad

Wednesday: Chicken Teriyaki Burgers/French Fries

Thursday: Swiss Bliss Chicken/Rice-a-roni/Green Beans

Friday: Out of Town

Saturday: Homemade Pizza - and I might make Alfredo Sauce and do an alfredo chicken pizza - yum!

Sunday: Tacos/Mexi Rice - I use the fresh tortillas from Sam's Club - YUM!

Menu Planning Monday 12/7/09

2009-12-06T23:58:00.000-07:00

I've been HORRIBLE at my meal planning lately, but we are going to try to do better starting this week!

Monday: Clam Chowder/Rolls

Tuesday: Homemade Pizzas

Wednesday: Dinner Out with hubby - Spaghetti for the kiddos

Thursday: Swiss Bliss Chicken*/Rice-a-roni/Green Beans

Friday: Girl's Night Out for me/ Leftovers for the family!

Saturday: Church Christmas Party Dinner!

Sunday: Chicken Enchilada Casserole/Salad

Treats: Zucchini Crisp (tastes JUST like Apple Crisp!), Cream-cheese Brownies (for the Church Dinner), and Chocolate Chip Cookies*!

Breakfasts: Breakfast Burritos, Waffles, German Pancakes, Blueberry Muffins

Inspirational Sunday: The Greatest Gift

2009-12-06T22:45:00.001-07:00

Today in church we had a lesson on the Savior. I hope this time of year we can remember the "Reason for the Season" and help our children do the same.

Inspirational Sunday: What are you Thankful For?

2009-11-22T13:16:00.001-07:00

Menu Plan Monday

2009-11-02T14:42:00.000-07:00

I didn't do so good last week at staying to the menu, so we a lot of the meals are the same from last week...

Monday: Taco Salad

Tuesday: Honey Mustard Chicken/Rice-a-Roni/Mixed Veggies

Wednesday: Manicotti/Salad/Bread

Thursday: Taco Soup

Friday: Leftovers

Saturday: Pizza

Sunday: Shepherd's Pie/Rolls

Treats: Zucchini Crisp (tastes JUST like Apple Crisp!)

Works for Me Wednesday: Chocolate Covered Raspberries

2009-10-27T19:42:00.000-06:00

My FAVORITE candy from the store is Chocolate-covered Raspberries! Delish!

But I have something even better! This is one of the finest things in life as far as I'm concerned...

Chocolate Covered Raspberries!

Hard and chocolate on the outside...
Sweet and juicy on the inside!

You want to make some?

First you will need to wash and dry your raspberries...

Then space them out on a pan so none of them are touching and throw into the freezer for 30 - 60 minutes.

Next, you'll melt your chocolate - I actually have a "Chocolate Warmer" because I LOVE to dip things in chocolate.

Once your raspberries are nice, cold, and firm you just need to cover them with chocolate and set them on foil or wax paper to set up...

Once the chocolate is set up you can throw them together in a bag or dish. You'll want to let the raspberries thaw so they are nice and juicy when you bite into it.

Seriously - such incredible yumminess for such an easy treat!

If you are going to keep them around for a few days, I would definitely store them in the fridge. (I've never kept them around that long - they are usually gone in the next few minutes because I JUST can't RESIST!)

Chocolate Covered Raspberries - it DEFINITELY works for me!!!

Notebook Experiment: Broom Treat Bags

2009-10-27T08:55:00.000-06:00

I came across this Halloween Treat Bag Tutorial at Three Pumpkins Little and knew I needed to try it out!

I did mine real fast so I just used some scissors and folded the bags to cut them, although an exacto knife would probably been just as fast... I then found some halloween ribbon in my stash and wrapped it around... Easy and very festive!

Menu-Planning Monday

2009-10-25T17:50:00.000-06:00

Monday: BBQ French Dip Sandwiches/Baked Potatoes/Jello

Tuesday: Honey Mustard Chicken/Rice-a-Roni/Mixed Veggies

Wednesday: Manicotti/Salad/Bread

Thursday: Shepherd's Pie/Rolls

Friday: Take-n-Bake Pumpkin Pizza

Saturday: Taco Soup

Sunday: Leftovers

Treats: Banana Bread (see recipe), Zucchini Crisp (tastes JUST like Apple Crisp!)

Banana Bread
Grease and flour bread pans.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix:
1/4 cup butter
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
2/3 tsp salt
1 cup sour cream
1 cup mashed bananas
2 cups flour
1/2 cup nuts

Bake for 40 minutes.

Works for Me Wednesday: Controlling Toaster Crumbs

2009-10-06T21:06:00.000-06:00

I believe it was my mother-in-law that taught me this trick, but I could be wrong...

I keep my toaster on a cookie sheet and it has made my life SO much easier! Before, I would get bread crumbs all over the cupboard and floor. Now they just pile up on the pan and I can just dump them in the garbage or sink!

Something so simple, but it works for us!

Crab Boil!

2009-10-06T00:50:00.000-06:00

My parents are to Washington State this week so we went for a fun little visit this weekend. And on Friday night they spoiled us with a Crab Boil! Such yummy deliciousness!!!

Well, all these years I had never paid attention to how they cook it, so I figured I'd figure it out this time - and guess what!?! I'll even share the goodness with you!

Start by cutting up the red potatoes into nice chunks... we used about a potato per person...

and throw in the pot...

Then sprinkle LIBERALLY with Cavender's Seasoning...

Next throw in the corn-on-the-cob... (we used frozen cobs that were about the size of a third of a normal big ear of corn - and you could probably figure one or two per person)... You should put the corn on it's end the best you can for the first layer and then just throw the other ones on top (gotta pack it in so all this goodness fits!)

Then sprinkle LIBERALLY with Cavender's Seasoning...

Next you add the onions which you just cut into quarters...

Then sprinkle LIBERALLY with Cavender's Seasoning...

Then you add the sausage which is also cut into nice chunks...

And sprinkle LIBERALLY with Cavender's Seasoning...

Next is the Crab Legs! You'll need to lay them all in there and try to get them to fit. (My awesome mom bought too many and we had to cook some on the stove.)

Remember to sprinkle LIBERALLY with Cavender's Seasoning...

And finally the Shrimp!

And sprinkle LIBERALLY with Cavender's Seasoning once again, but make sure you kind of mix it in so it is sprinkled THROUGHOUT the shrimp layer...

Then you add some Worcestershire Sauce (we used 1/3 - 1/2 of the bottle) to the top.

Add about 1.5 cups of water to the bottom (we just poured it down the side)...

Cover and cook on high until the shrimp on top is pink and done! (DON'T over cook!)

Meanwhile spread out newspaper on the table or a plastic tablecloth if all the newspaper has been used for packing boxes...

When shrimp is done, lift basket out of pot to drain and dump on the table!

And DIG IN!

Personally, I like it with melted butter, but you can serve it with tarter sauce and cocktail sauce...

Once you are done eating just wrap it all up in the newspaper and toss!

Menu Planning Monday

2009-10-05T13:48:00.000-06:00

Monday - Sweet & Sour Chicken Stirfry/Ham Fried Rice

Tuesday - Chili, Rolls, & Saltines

Wednesday - Fish/Veggies/Lemon Rice

Thursday - Cashew Chicken

Friday - Pizza Night

Saturday - Leftovers

Sunday - Crockpot Chicken/Jello/Funeral Potatoes

For more menu ideas, visit http://orgjunkie.com/ every Monday! If you want any of the recipes that I don't have posted or linked... feel free to ask!

General Conference Kits

2009-09-30T23:05:00.000-06:00

General Conference is coming up and I found this blog post over at Everyday Food Storage of conference kits and LOVED them! So I decided to do up some of my own for my visiting teaching ladies! SO much fun!

Inspirational Sunday: "He'll Carry You"

2009-09-27T17:36:00.001-06:00

Today at church we had a fantastic lesson on Elder Holland's Conference Address, "None Were With Him". So I had planned on posting this YouTube video of his talk that is incredible, but then remembered that I had posted it on my personal blog on Easter... So I thought I'd share something else, but take the time to go watch the "None Were With Him" video. It's incredible...

In the lesson today, we spoke of how Christ was alone so that we don't have to EVER be alone. And when I watched this video of Hilary Weeks' Song, "He'll Carry You", I think it is saying the same thing...

Lunch Note Cards

2009-09-26T03:36:00.000-06:00

Last year when Andre would take his "cold lunch" from home, I would always write a little message or love note on his napkin. He seemed to like it but I worried about it embarrassing him and worried that he'd ask me to stop. So this year I decided I needed to make it something he DEFINITELY looks forward to...

Andre LOVES jokes - so I started writing jokes on little note cards and putting my message on the cards, but that got crazy trying to come up with a joke in the last couple minutes before he ran out the door... He LOVES it though and enjoys telling all his friends that sit by him the joke...

So I've pre-designed some note cards with jokes already on them and a place in the middle to write your love note. They turned out great! We used the first one today and it was fun, easy, and most important... He LOVED it!

So I thought I'd share them with you...

Here's the ones with the pre-printed jokes...

And here's a blank page in case you want to write your own jokes...

You can also download a PDF file of them here.

Homemade Pizza Dough - DELISH!!!

2009-08-31T13:38:00.001-06:00

We LOVE pizza in our house. We seriously could eat it twice a week for the rest of our lives and be completely happy... In fact, Bryan always says that if he ever gets so rich that he never has to work, he'll go get himself a job at a pizza place! (In college he was the "dough boy" - person who makes the pizza dough - each night for Pier 49 Pizza and it seriously was his favorite job ever!)

SO we've been trying to make a good "homemade" pizza for years now but have never had much success at making it taste DELICIOUS until now. We've had it taste GOOD and maybe sometimes even REALLY GOOD, but never AWESOME or JUST LIKE DELIVERY! The crust was never anything special... But after we pulled it from the oven Friday night and took our first bite, we knew we had finally nailed it.

I found the recipe online here. I made the dough in my breadmachine, then rolled it out on the pan and threw some Ragu pizza sauce on it... Then we all made our own half of a pizza using Mozzerella Cheese, Pepperoni, Canadian Bacon, Mushrooms, Olives, and/or Pineapple. DELISH!