Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

This is our first effort at something Christmas-ee so far this year,

Although Santa did go shopping today at Target and my little elf had a melt down for all to see over a bag of skittles, it was quite the spectacle and everyone was looking. After Target there wasn't enough time to go home and so the little elf and I hit the park for 20 minutes, after our time was up I grabbed my little elf and she cried a little as we left the park, there was a guy there that was leaving too and he look over at me and said "weren't you just over at target?"!

big thumbs down

It was bad, worse than bad, terrible. All I can say is if I had driven myself to the theater I would have left. Did you see it? what did you think?

"Meyer is said to have been involved in the production of 'Twilight,' but her novel was substantially more absorbing than the unintentionally funny and quickly forgettable film," remarks Claudia Puig in her USA Today review.

"Much of what made the relationship between Edward and the smitten Bella Swan work in Meyer's breezy book has been stripped away on screen," says Christy Lemire at The Associated Press, observing that the chemistry between Pattinson and Stewart simmers rather than boils. "The funny, lively banter — the way in which Edward and Bella teased and toyed with one another about their respective immortality and humanity — is pretty much completely gone, and all that's left is a slog of adolescent angst." Luke Y. Thompson asks, "What the hell was that I just watched?"

Cool to be a Mormon

Got this from Rebecca's blog - it really is diddly wack cool to be a Mormon, even if your not David Archuleta.

Commissioned Watercolor Portrait GIVEAWAY!!!!

Commissioned Watercolor Portrait GIVEAWAY!!!!

The secret life of pacifiers

The pacifier, its a love hate relationship around here, why is it that you either have 4 of them or are scrambling to find one? Sara loves her pacifiers, really loves them, she'd go to bed with 3 of them if she could round them all up, they make her happy and easy to quite down in places like church and for that they are my friend but I do hate that we are so reliant on them, I had to buy one at Disneyland once because Sara dropped hers on the floor some where. Its annoying that at night time if we can't find one (and as much as Sara loves her paci she is pretty careless with them and can't remember where she has put them) its a desperate hunt to find one and recently as she is teething she has been chewing on them and they all have holes so the big decision has been to give it up, its been 5 days now and Sara is doing pretty good, she misses it though but is asking for it less. I have a confession though, I'm pretty close to going to Target and getting some more, I miss that little face running around with the pacifier in it, getting rid of the paci means I'm having to admit my baby is growing up and not such a baby anymore, this is made worse by the fact that Sara climbed out of her crib this weekend and so now she needs a big girl bed. So thats it, my baby is not a baby anymore, I love that she is getting bigger and independent but I can't help miss her being my little baby sometimes.

GrosgrainStore.com Grand Opening & Giftcard Giveaway!!!!!!!!

GrosgrainStore.com Grand Opening & Giftcard Giveaway!!!!!!!!

Election day

Its finally here, I hope you all got to go out and vote, if you haven't and dread taking your kids come and drop them off, I'll watch them for you. As I can't vote I'm going to post some picks of my girls first time door to door trick or treating, we joined a group of friends in Toluca Lake and had a great time.

This was the group, we began at the Cooke's house with pot luck halloween favourite's, are you tempted to dig into this yummy looking chocolate cake made by Michelle Barty?

Its a celebrity neighbourhood you know!!

The girls had a blast and got lots of good candy, today I had a blast and made these, this made me so happy I'm going to make some more tomorrow night.

Sara + markers =

yesterday I'm browsing craigslist for like the 100th time trying to find a decent treadmill in my price range (so if you know of one for sale or have one to lend let me know), I should have known Sara was a little too quiet....

Happy Halloween

Check out the girls in their costumes, they are princesses but can you guess which one?

If you can (and I haven't previously told you) I may bring you one of these for your brilliance as this is not a very well known princess.

Aren't these little pumpkin cakes cute? made even easier as I found this brilliant product made by Wilton at Michaels and so each one of them slid effortlessly out of the mini bundt pan.

Need a yummy fall dinner idea? I got this from a magazine Brooke gave me for my birthday, a delicious and healthy fall vegetable chili, I served it over rice and it was delish.

morning commute

Eric got moved to the West LA office and now he has to battle the 405 freeway every morning and night. So far he has been trying to leave early enough to avoid traffic. This morning he left at 7:20am and is stuck on the 405 at a standstill because of this wildfire near the Getty Center. So sorry darling, the girls and I wish you a safe and bearable crawl to the office, thanks for doing all of this for us, we love you.

Prop 8

If you have 6 minutes to spare check out the video above, I come from a pretty diverse family who make many choices that don't go along with my beliefs but I have the ability to teach my children how and when I please about these things. Lets keep our right to choose, YES on 8.

Thank Heavens for....

Oh My Thursday, you left me thankful for a

FABULOUS SISTER-IN-LAW

WONDERFUL PEDIATRICIAN and

FROZEN BURRITOS

On Thursday we had an interesting incident at our house leaving me oh! so grateful for my FABULOUS SISTER-IN-LAW who is currently blog less but is there on the other end of the phone for crazy advice relating to my kids and then has no problem when I show up on her doorstep to leave a 2yr who just woke up so I could take big sis to the WONDERFUL PEDIATRICIAN who can help get noodles out that are stuck in an AMAZINGLY BRAVE 4YR OLDs throat.

Yeah that's right, weird, Kate was happily eating her fettuccine noodles and tells me one feels like its stuck, I look in the back of her throat and there it is dangling, we tried drinking, blowing the nose real hard several times (this has happened before, once, and Kate blew the noodle out of her nose) gargling, coughing and trying to sniff it back down all to no avail. And so we woke up little sis, took her over to fabulous sister-in-law and went to wonderful pediatrician who was quite stumped as to why the noodle would just be stuck there. A little saline wash up the nose and some coaching from our very nice nurse Doris and Kate did cough the noodle out. Anyhow, no more stringy noodles for Kate. And thank-you Trader Joes for yummy FROZEN BURRITOS that were dinner as what I had originally planned to make was no longer an option due to the fact that I had a stake primary leadership meeting the same night. And I am also grateful for my cute family who will happily eat frozen burritos for dinner and not complain.

like it?

Like this? It could be yours if you bid high enough here. All money goes to a good cause, Christmas is getting closer...

Giveaways

You've got to be in it to win it! Check out Bakerella's blog for some fun giveaways, ends tonight. Also don't forget to check out Thursdays for Nie, something will be auctioned off every Thursday to go towards the Stephanie Nielsen Recovery fund.

PB & J anyone?

I'm not really political, hey I can't even vote but this issue is pretty big right now, my household is Yes on Prop 8 - A friend sent me this:

Defending Marriage: ...The issue is simple – trying to protect what God created. I personally find it amazing that a society thinks it has the right to redefine something God was so clear about defining.I know it sounds silly, but it's like trying to redefine a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. When you make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich you put peanut butter on one slice of bread and jelly on the other. But then someone comes along who says, "I don't like jelly, just use peanut butter on both slices of bread - but I still want you to call it a peanut butter and jelly sandwich." It doesn't mean the same thing and you can't redefine a PB & J just because you like the way the name sounds better than a peanut butter and peanut butter sandwich! It's a different combination and it needs its own definition......Have any of you ever seen that commercial where the bride is trying to make her way to the altar, but she keeps encountering obstacles? She trips over cans tied to the back of a car; a flower girl tries to block her way; a wedding guest trips her with a cane. Finally, after the groom is restrained from going to the bride's aid, words come up on the screen: "What if you couldn't marry the person you love?If you didn't know any better you'd think, "Oh my gosh, how horrible if someone couldn't marry the one they loved," right? That commercial very cleverly misguides people to think that proposition 8 is going to keep couples of the same sex from being able to be in a legally binding union with all the rights of any other legally bound union. That's not what this is about! Same sex couples that would like to commit to each other legally have been able to do that for years. This vote isn't going to change that right, this vote only applies to what they are able to call that union. They want to redefine the peanut butter and jelly sandwich!... I hope you enjoyed the analogy as much as I did!

Fall food faves

So is the cooler weather really here to stay? Myself and several others I know are dying to make soup and other cold weather fave's, today I did, I made a turkey meatloaf with Roasted Winter Vegetables. No pics sorry, my food pics never turn out all that appealing. As a side note does anyone else struggle with the organic issue? Its been on my mind a lot lately, I really want to buy organic but I just don't think my budget would allow. Anyway, I read this little snipit in a magazine that said "going organic can be costly so prioritize, 1)milk 2)meat and 3) fruits and vegetables." I really like that and think I am going to start by buying organic or soy milk for us, I already buy the organic eggs at Costco. Meat will be the hard one as it really is a bigger expense but if you think about all the crap they are pumping the animals with.... anyway, its a tough one for this household, we are trying our best and I have to say, I've been trying to come up with more vegetarian options these days. Enjoy the cooler weather, I hope its here to stay and I challenge you all to post your fave soup/winter recipe.

Parenting class

As part of Kate's pre-school I have to take this retarded parenting class, really it's 95% a waste of time, not to mention I'm struggling to find someone to watch Sara. Anyway, today as I was there all I could think was that to learn to be a better parent I need to sit and listen to these women, really I want a lunch date with them. I can't describe the feeling I get when I hear them speak, they are amazing and inspiring women of Christ.

Julie B. Beck

http://www.lds.org/library/display/0,4945,285-1-54-28,00.html

Silvia H Allred

http://www.lds.org/move/index.html?type=conference&event=178&lang=english

these are a few of our favourite things

Books, Kate was sick, real sick. Sara just sat with her big sis and read books.

Fairy wings.

Crafts especially if they can include glitter.

Pony rides.

My girls are the best!

Contribute to EB

Meet Kate, she is my amazing 4yr old, she loves life, she has Epidermolysis Bullosa or EB for short. EB has been called "THE worst DISEASE YOU NEVER HEARD OF" its rare and we are very, very lucky that Kate's is mild but occasionally she still suffers. We tell her she is special and sometimes she will tell me that she doesn't want to be special anymore. She is also brave and rarely complains. Anyway, its time again to sign up at Ralphs for community contribution, all you have to do is take a few minutes to sign up and every time you shop using your Ralphs Reward card they will donate money to your charity. Click here to sign up for the Community Contribution program (you will need your Ralphs Card #) and the NPO # for EB Medical Research Foundation is 81963.

leftovers

Best thing about cooking Salmon for dinner?

Left over salmon sandwiches for lunch. Real simple, cold salmon on a sourdough roll, a little lemon juice and some arugula with Caesar dressing. I don't usually add the arugula but I had it and thought it would add extra nutrients. Delish and the best thing, super easy.

Ghost Town

Seriously, I laughed until I cried and then I laughed some more.
*****

running

We have a long living room,

its perfect for some evening races.

2nd wind

So I have been reading NieNie's blog, I started at the beginning and have been reading it over the past few nights, I LOVE her blog, she is amazing and I really hope she makes it. Anyway, I have a 2nd wind to keep up my blog, she kept hers short and sweet and I think it was brilliant so I am going to do the same -

Today the girls and I went on an outing to Toys R Us, meet Neigh and Donkey

As I was driving home my girls were happy and my heart was full.

P.S. don't forget prayers for Nie

Big Day

Kate's 1st day of pre-school

It was a good day complete with homework

Sara wanted to go with Kate, she shed a tear as Kate went off to class

Happy Birthday to...

Bella Cullen

Oh and also me!! Yes, yes its my birthday but (have you read Twilight yet? if not, go get it, its brilliant.) I seem to have more in common with Bella than just a birthday, I also dislike gatherings of people that is centered around moi, I also happen to be in love with an amazing man who is handsome, selfless, an amazing kisser.... and who loves me even though he is way better than I am. He also threw me a party, it was supposed to be a surprise but I kinda figured out over the last few days he was planning something and then last night our little Sara had croup so the cat really had to come out of the bag as we couldn't really let a bunch of unsuspecting persons into our house with a sick 2yr old. Anyway, a few still came and Amber and Gina did some amazing decorations and we ended up eating to much cake and playing cards, it was actually tons of fun and Sara is feeling better. Here she is in all her glory with the big shiner she got a week ago, it was Sara vs the coffee table and she came out of that one a little banged up but that too is way better.

So another year, I have decided that today is the day I should make my resolutions as this is when my new year begins, so I am re-dedicating myself to my goals made at the beginning of the year. Thanks to everyone who braved our house, your all amazing and I'm grateful to count you as my friends. mmmmm... just re-read that, must work on my grammar, to many really and so's, too tired tonight will work on that for the next post.

Crush

So this may be weird but I really like David Archuleta's new song Crush. I was listening to it tonight and I was remembering the songs he did on AI, most were slow songs and his 1st release is a pop song, I totally downloaded it.

Blogging Rocks

Seriously, NieNie's story has made the NY Times

Sociologists may talk about “weak ties” that bind people on the Internet. But Stephanie Nielson’s story is evolving into one about how the Web can forge powerful friendships. Unlike much of the blogosphere, which is ruled by sniping and snark and where commenters might coldly question the judgment of a mother of four who chose to get in a small private plane, these women inhabit a feel-good corner of the Internet.
And when one member of the community suffers, everyone feels it.

I'm a grouch

Today I was a grouchy mom, I needed this:-

"Never forget that these little ones are the sons and daughters of God and that yours is a custodial relationship to them, that He was a parent before you were parents and that He has not relinquished His parental rights or interest in these little ones. Now, love them, take care of them...welcome them into your homes and nurture and love them with all of your hearts." President Hinkley

Sorry girls, I love you more than words can say and I'll be a better mom tomorrow.

loved it!

Just finished the whole saga, from Twilight to Breaking dawn in about a week, couldn't put it down. Thanks Gina and Charlene for lending my the books, thanks Eric for letting me read so much. I really do have a great husband, he looked at me one night and said "what is this book about?" he picked up Twilight and began reading it. He finished it and is now on New Moon, he said it was good until it got too sappy!! being a woman, I loved it, it did get on my nerves in some places but over all brilliant, just brilliant, a wonderful read to escape into.

Thoughts for NieNie

I love how the blogging world can sometimes be a great support system. I found out about NieNie from a friend, NieNie has a blog that many have been enjoying and recently she was in a private plane crash with her husband. Her husband has suffered burns over 30% of his body and NieNie over 80%. Her sister who is caring for 3 of her children is updating her blog with news of the couple and their recovery. They also have lots of auctions going on to raise money to go towards the months and months of recovery that they will need. Send good thoughts and prayers their way.

Baby Wise

I had the privilege of taking the Wises' dinner after the arrival of little Noah. I don't believe that all babies are born beautiful, mine were of course, but let me tell you this, he is one handsome little man. I got to hold him and watch his little expressions and that adorable way newborns smile and look like they are almost giggling in their sleep. He really is gorgeous, call Jane Olsen and sign up to take Jen dinner just so you can go check him out. Good job Wises' he's perfect.

another recommendation

I took the girls to the library today, Sara was a little wild and so I told Kate she had to grab a few books and we would read them at home. This was one she picked out and I'm quite impressed, have any of you heard of these books? I've put some others from the series on hold and they even have some on DVD at the library (but it seems holds cannot be placed on DVDs)and at blockbuster so when they are available Blockbuster will send me them. Yippee, its always great to find fun educational books.

5 Stars

loved it, loved it..

Sewing

I am a woman of many projects, I like to have something to keep me occupied, I love to scrapbook but I've been taking a break from that and have been dabbling in a little sewing of late. The first thing I made was a quiet book and yesterday I made aprons for the girls, and a chefs hat for Kate, because every baker needs a hat!! I must say a big thank-you to Emily, we watched the opening ceremonies at their place and I kinda raided her fabric stash whilst we were there, thanks Emily.

Best thing about the aprons, aside from being good for baking in, last night we had noodles and sauce for dinner, it can be a messy dinner and I made the girls wear their aprons, its like a giant bib!!

Here is my sewing machine, up until now I have been borrowing my sister-in-laws but recently I met this super cute girl at a baby shower (who's name was Claire) and she was saying she just got a new sewing machine and I could have her old one, I took her up on her most generous offer and its just perfect, I love it!!

cute room

Does anyone else love this room? They do say that a change is as good as a rest and I'm contemplating re-doing Kate's room, however I would need to go down to the fabric district to see if I can find some similar fabric for the bedding and someone that can help me make a quilt. I wouldn't do any of that ornate trim stuff just re-paint the walls all white, I just really like that the color in the room is all brought in by accents.