Creative Pursuits

What Big Eyes You Have!

2012-01-19T16:21:00.002-05:00

This was the cake for my 5 year old's birthday, he loved it!

This was the inspiration with cake pop eyes.

I decided to use these oreo eyes instead.

Cute treats just taste better, ha ha!

A bunch of books

2012-01-19T15:45:00.005-05:00

A new year and new titles to read, how exciting! I can't wait to open up "Daughters in My Kingdom, The History and Work of the Relief Society."

This semester at Institute we'll be studying "The Gospel and the Productive Life." We had our first luncheon and lesson today. Our temporal work improves our spiritual work and vice versa, they just go hand in hand.

"The Persion Pickle Club" was our Book Club title for November. It was a cute little read that made me grateful for my "quilting" friends. And guess what? "I did it!"

"The Cricket on the Hearth" was our Book Club selection for December, which I recommended. I really enjoyed the little story of hearth and home and those we love, but I don't understand why it's considered a "Christmas" story, it takes place at "New Year's."

I read "Animal Farm" in high school and I'll be reading it again for Book Club this month. I enjoyed it when I read it before, but I'm afraid it might just make me frustrated with our modern politics now.

I did not read "1984" in high school and since it's by the same author as "Animal Farm" I decided I will read this as my "extra" novel this month. I did read "Brave New World" before and enjoyed it, but see so much of it in today's society. People have their different types of "soma" that they take all the time. Again, I'm afraid this will make me frustrated with corrupt government.

I watched Randy Pausch's "Last Lecture" on TV before he died. I really liked his message. I received this book from our Christmas book exchange and look forward to reading it.

As the mother of 4 boys and 1 girl, I would love to have another girl join our family. I ordered this book for Christmas, "Guarantee the Sex of your Baby" in the hopes that it would have all the little old-wives' tales in one spot for me to refer to as we try to conceive our next baby. Unfortunately, this is about designer babies and how to finance them to pre-select the exact embryo you want. As a pro-lifer I could not choose one of my little embryos over another and then just throw away the ones that didn't make the cut. I don't know exactly when life begins, but I do know when life ends and I could NEVER have any part in ending the potential life of my child. If we end up with another boy we will love him forever!

This was another Christmas gift and I just love it. I've been a fan of Bakerella's blog for years. So excited to finally make some "Cake Pops" for our next birthday bash.

Our children all got fun books for Christmas too. I just wanted to mention this one that our little Maple Sugar got, "A Porcupine in a Pine Tree- A Canadian 12 Days of Christmas." How appropriate for him.

I read "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing" to my fourth graders and now we will read the whole "Fudge" series: "Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great," "Superfudge," "Fudge-a-Mania," and "Double Fudge."

Last year I read "Ramona Quimby, Age 8" to my third graders for their book club. We'll read the rest of the "Ramona" series after we finish with "Fudge." The first is "Beezus and Ramona" followed by: "Ramona the Pest," "Ramona the Brave," "Ramona and her Father," "Ramona and her Mother," "Ramona Quimby, Age 8," "Ramona Forever," and "Ramona's World." The first book "Beezus and Ramona" is the same age as my mom and the last one "Ramon's World" is only three years younger than my daugher!

Witch Craftin'

2011-10-26T14:23:00.002-04:00

I started out the year doing really well crafting something once a week. Then I got pregnant and majorly slacked off- ha ha! I finally finished this little Halloween decoration,

and decorated some Halloween sugar cookies. Wahoo!

More Titles

2011-10-15T13:14:00.001-04:00

Goodnight Mister Tom was our title for book club this month and I absolutely loved it. It is terribly heartbreaking, but I was completely smitten with Mister Tom and Willie (seriously, so in love with both of them.) Don't forget your tissues when you read it, but it is so worth it!

I'm slowly working my way through the Wheel of Time series and have now begun book 7, A Crown of Swords.

Sharing Traditions

2011-09-22T16:03:00.002-04:00

My sister-in-law's sweet mother made this Christmas album for Len & I for our 2nd Christmas (1998). I was big into scrapbooking then, and had visions of filling this book with pictures of our family through the years. Well that never happened, and I'm not so much into scrapbooking anymore. Back in 2002, I saw my friend's 24 Days of Christmas book and asked if I could copy it. It has become a yearly favorite since then.

So what's inside? Each day has a Christmas scripture, song, and story. I've also made a title page for each day that has a picture of our special Hallmark ornament representing that year. It's like our family has Family Home Evening every night from December 1st- 24th. And our children really do enjoy it as much as we do!

My mom is the Relief Society President in her ward, and asked if I could send her the book file so they can do it at Super Saturday. Unfortunately, when I re-typed the whole book in Taiwan I didn't save the file. Since I had to make a hard copy for her, I decided to make a cute book for her too! Now I need to make a book for my dad and all 11 of our siblings.

I wish I had a digital file to share with others, but if you live in my neighborhood stop by anytime and I'll lend you my new Master Set to copy. Warning: It's 150 pages of quality family bonding.

Favorite Summer Salad

2011-09-22T15:58:00.002-04:00

You can actually eat this salad year-round, but it's so much better in the summer with ingredients fresh from the garden. Not my garden (which is non-existant), but a few of my friends were very generous with their bounteous harvest this year and we loved it!

Basic Greek Salad:
Diced Tomatoes
Diced Cucumbers
Sliced Olives
Feta Cheese
Greek Seasoning

I could eat this salad everyday and not feel guilty since I don't put any salad dressing on it- delish!

Parenting Tips

2011-08-27T17:55:00.002-04:00

My mom gave me this book and it has lots of great ideas. It has simple things you need to teach your kids (like how to do the laundry) as well as extraordinary things (like go on a hot air balloon ride). Each activity is also an object lesson to teach your children not only how much you love them, but also how much their Father in Heaven loves them. I just want the day my kids leave home to be far, far away!

I'm also on to book 6 in The Wheel of Time. After buying all the books for my husband, I've finally gotten into them myself.

My Pretty Little House

2011-08-20T09:50:00.008-04:00

Last summer, Gramma bought a dollhouse like this for Noe (and all her future granddaughters) to play with at her house. Noe liked it so much Gramma wanted to send it home with her, but it was just too big to get on the plane. This past spring Noe got her very own dollhouse for her birthday.

When Gramma came to visit in the spring, I commented on how I wish I lived in a perfect little dollhouse. Gramma responded that I did. That made me smile.

Home Sweet Home! My home may not be a "dream" house, but right now it is the home of our dreams. We've lived here for 2 years now. Our first summer we were busy unpacking. Last summer I was busy finishing up all the decorating. This summer I have been busy going through each room top to bottom. I've gone through every closet, drawer, cupboard, and cabinet clearing away the junk. I still have the 2 storage rooms in the basement to do, plus the garage, shed, and dreaded file cabinets. Wish me luck to get it all done before summer is over!

I love hanging a wreath for each season.

Entry way.

The hall.

The stairs.

Laundry room.

Powder room.

Living room.

Dining room.

Kitchen.

Family room.

Master bedroom.

En suite.

The big boy's room.

The little boys' room.

The girl's room.

The kids' bathroom.

The rec room- library.

The rec room- office.

The rec room- guest room (hide-a-bed).

The rec room- play room.

Our tiny backyard.

Our big family vehicle.

*I am so grateful for our home and most especially for our family that lives here!

Strawberry Lemonade

2011-08-12T19:54:00.003-04:00

I invited my dear friends over for a movie night. We did a double-feature with "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" and "A Room with a View." I wanted to do a cute snack table, so I got a little inspiration from a strawberry and a lemon.

I made strawberry cupcakes with cream cheese frosting, strawberry slices, and half with coconut. I also made lemon cupcakes with a lemon cream filling, vanilla frosting, and half again with coconut. I had planned on making the rest of the snacks and drinks too, but time got away from me so they were just store-bought goodies.

The complete table. I was missing the savory- veggies & dip, crackers & cheese, chips etc. Oh well, there's always next time!

This was supposed to be a picture of the group of us. I had my camera out and asked my hubby ahead of time if he'd get a shot of all of us. Unfortunately, as I got into the movies I forgot all about the photo op. My sweet friends surprised me with a birthday gift- yummy lotions, lovely nail polish, and a gift certificate for a mani-pedi (I am SO excited!). Thank you so much Airi, Angelique, Annick, Jackie, Laura, Lianne, Marsha, Mary, Rhonda, and Sonia!!

From Novel to Film

2011-07-14T07:10:00.002-04:00

My friend Marsha lent me this book and as I knew I would, I LOVED it! I'm so excited it's being made into a movie. Obviously, this is a book that makes you think. My own grandmother was raised on a tobacco farm in Kentucky and her family had "help". My mother grew up in Dayton, Ohio (one of the most racist cities in the US) during integration. I grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada and attended school with students from 109 different ethnic groups. Each of us has our own stories. I loved the point of the book though- we are just 2 women, there are no lines between us except the ones we create.

I am a fan of Jane Austen's, but I have only read "Pride and Prejudice". I must admit that I prefer watching her tales on the big screen. They were written as novels, but I enjoy them like I enjoy Shakespeare- acted out.

I've been wanting to read works by the Bronte Sisters for years now. Well, Marsha lent me the movie of "Jane Eyre" and I decided that now I'll watch the stories from the other 2 sisters too!

Original Fashions

2011-07-02T18:00:00.002-04:00

My friend Jenn found her mom's sewing machine in the basement and decided to teach herself how to sew. She's created some really cute things including this dress for Noe!

She also made me the cutest maternity swim suit ever (I plan on wearing it when I'm not pregnant too!).

You can see more of her creations at Ginger Fashions on my sidebar under "Jewelry-Accesory Bling."

Some Summer Reading

2011-06-18T10:00:00.002-04:00

So I know this is supposed to be my craft blog, but since I've been pregnant it's turned into my reading blog. I do have a couple of projects almost done (Teague's 1st year baby book, and some Halloween & Thanksgiving crafts), that I will post once they're completed. Until then, here's some more titles.

We've already chosen baby #5's name, but I'm reading this book for the 3rd time just in case.

I think it's been a year since I finished book 4 in The Wheel of Time series, so I decided it was finally time to pick up book 5.

This is our book club selection for August (we don't meet in July). I already have a copy to read and am looking forward to starting it.

For September, we're doing the whole Chronicle of Narnia series, so I'll start reading them again this summer. I've read them in published order and chronological order. I think I might prefer them in published order. Which do you prefer?

My friend Rhonda gave me a couple of thrillers to read.

Let's see if I'm brave enough to read them!

More Titles

2011-06-05T07:41:00.002-04:00

Last month, Marsha played a joke on us saying that the book she recommended for Book Club was 100% Gleek. I've never seen the show (but I loved my years in my high school's show choir- Spectrum), so I decided to read it. It was a yearbook about all the characters and Season 1. Part of me wishes I could get into the show, but I don't think I could come in for Season 3.

This was the real title Marsha chose, Chosen-the lost diaries of Queen Esther. It was a very interesting read. It really portrayed how Esther gave up her personal dreams to fulfill the will of Heavenly Father. I find that hard to do sometimes in my own life, but I am trying.

A Thousand Tomorrows is the title for June. I'm still in line for it from the library. I can't wait for summer and will hopefully get lots of titles under my belt while the kids play outside- tee hee!

Book Club Titles

2011-04-15T18:41:00.002-04:00

This was one of my favorite movies during my BYU days, so I was so excited when it was our book club title for March. I loved it! And can't wait to watch the movie again! My friend Laura gave me this book and I also read it while we were on vacation. An interesting little murder mystery. I'm curious about the movie The Black Swan now even though they are different stories I'm sure. This month's book club title was Room, and I'm so glad my friend Marsha got a copy of it off the library express shelf and that I got a chance to read it before it was due back. Otherwise, I'd probably get if from the library sometime next year. Very interesting. I knew the whole plot of this book before I read it, but I won't say a word except, you should read it. The alternate title for this month, that I am anxiously waiting for from the library.

I'm also waiting for this from the library to read with Kaleb and Noe for their book club.

Gettin' in the mood!

2011-04-03T08:34:00.004-04:00

I receive e-mails from the Trendy Tree and I just received word about the new 2011 line from RAZ. Here are my top 5 (out of about 85) favorite Christmas trees: Christmas Tapestry (I actually just love the HUGE nativity set in the background). Winter Palace- love the white and gold. No peeking- I've always loved red and green, but I'm really loving the addition of the light green. Frostyland- who doesn't love snowmen and snowflakes?

Gumdrops and Jellybeans- okay, I want to live in this candyland, it's just SO dang cute!

I'm really in the mood to make up some Christmas crafts!!

This is the second blog post that is screwing up the placement of the words with the pictures. What's up blogger?

Cute Cards

2011-03-04T17:30:00.005-05:00

You know how I made this card last week and some kits for our card swap? Well today was the day, and it was a blast! 9 of us ladies from church got together with our rugrats for 5 hours of crafting fun. While the kids played, we glued, visited, and broke for a nummy potluck luncheon. It was so fun we decided we're going to have a BYOCraft day once a month!

Annick's

Jenna's

Mary's

Tanya's

Robin's

Sonia's

Marsha's

I came home and decided to make a few more

This was a bonus card I made for the ladies as well.

I made another version of my card too.

I have such talented friends!

A few of my favorite things

2011-02-25T19:09:00.008-05:00

I created 5 more blogs this week. Click on each title below to check them out! After that you can find links for them permanently on my "This is Reil fun" blog.

an Airplane and a Farm
(travel dreams)

1,095 Meals a Year
(dinner ideas and other recipes)

Amazing Additions to Holiday Traditions
(holiday crafts and more)

Down Memory Lane
(pictures of our childhood homes)

Barbarian Princess
(I love beautiful baking, but this site is not about dessert- it's about painting, but actually I get lots of inspiration from amazing cakes!)

Card Kits

2011-02-25T09:46:00.002-05:00

Next week a group of my friends and I are getting together to swap and make cards. We'll each design one card and then put together kits for everyone else to make it. So this week I did my prep work designing my card and making up the kits. With spring around the corner, I thought this could work for a baby/bridal shower, Easter, Mother's Day, or to write whatever note you'd like to a girlie-girl.

Lucky Clover

2011-02-19T09:47:00.003-05:00

We're a month away from St. Patrick's Day so I made up this little guy to add to our holiday decor. I'm so excited though, because this St. Patrick's Day Len & I will be on an airplane heading over to the British Isles. Len has work to do in London and Dublin and I'm going to tag along with him. I feel so lucky!!

The Books of Bayern

2011-02-19T09:46:00.002-05:00

If you like a "modern" retelling of a classic fairytale, you should check out these books:

Season's Greetings

2011-02-12T13:14:00.003-05:00

I know Valentine's Day is in 2 days, but this week my project was to scrapbook all the photos, newsletters, and cards we got for Christmas last year. It's been so long since I scrapped I think I forgot how, but I still enjoyed myself. I have our Christmas mail from the years 1997-2006 completed, but maybe in the coming weeks I'll get caught up on the years 2007-2009.

Another Title

2011-02-11T14:25:00.003-05:00

Elijah of Buxton is our book for February's book club. Elijah is the first "free" child born in the village of Buxton, Ontario that is settled by former slaves. It's his coming of age story and it was very cleverly written. It does take a while to get into the language, but it's not difficult. I do have to warn you though that I bawled my eyes out at the end. My husband kind of teased me and asked if I really expected a fairytale ending to a story about slavery. The truth is, if I could have my way ALL stories would have fairytale endings, that's just who I am. But you do get a "consolation prize" ending that was realistic and beautiful in its own way.

Nieces and Nephews

2011-02-11T07:57:00.003-05:00

Between our 3 families, Len and I have 9 nephews, 8 nieces, and another niece on the way. They are all super kids that we just adore. Here's a shout out for my darling niece Madison, who won my little giveaway- you rock girl! I'll get the little painting in the mail soon. Love, Auntie Jen =)

My BIG baby and a little GIVEAWAY

2011-02-06T18:21:00.004-05:00

I did some painting yesterday. 4 hours of backaching work, but it was pure bliss. I didn't know what I was doing, I just did it and it was completely therapeutic.

I finally finished my 3 foot by 4 foot canvas, and I actually think I like it (hooray!).

I was so excited when we bought our house that our family room had a space for our TV above the fireplace. I had dreamed of being able to hide said television with a nice painting over top, and now I was going to be able to!

It only took me a year and a half to get her done, but now that she is I like it so much I think we might not be watching very much TV anymore (ha ha).

While I was painting Gavin kept telling me that my "flower was so beautiful, mommy." Kaleb told me he liked it too and that it was "cool and abstract." I didn't even know he knew the word abstract, I think that's cool! Len, Noe, and Teague were very enthusiastic about it too. I love you family, thanks for cheering for me!

If you look close in the above picture, you'll see a mini version down in the bottom right corner. I painted that last year with my young women as inspiration to finish my big one. Now that I have- I no longer need it. I think there are maybe 3 people who read this blog from time to time, but if you'd like to have the mini one (it's very simple and more whimsical and only 7 inches by 9 inches) leave me a comment and if anyone responds I'll choose the winner next Friday, the 11th.

If you've ever contemplated painting, I highly recommend that you pick up a brush and go for it!

Happy Mail

2011-02-06T18:09:00.003-05:00

Remember how I mentioned I won a dozen handmade cards from my friend, Trina? Well they arrived this week and they are beautiful! Thanks so much Trina, I love them!!

Remember how I finished my 2008 Blurb book a couple of weeks ago? Well it arrived this week, only 8 days after I ordered it. It's 414 pages of a year in our life and I love it too!

I'm inspired to get working on 2009, 2010, and I'm going to start 2011's now and work on it a little each month so it's not a huge project at the end of the year. I love happy mail!

Another New Year

2011-02-02T11:01:00.004-05:00

I'm always sad when we take down our Christmas decorations. To help me feel better, we put our Chinese New Year decorations up right after. This year we added a couple of new things to the mix.

We wish you good fortune in the year of the rabbit!

The rest of the Zodiac animals wait for their turn to be honored.

Our firecrackers are up and we were going to keep the Christmas cards up until the Lunar New Year too, but Teague had other plans. Once he started ripping them off the wall, I took the rest down to go in the scrapbook.

The new additions are the framing of the mini and super mini qipao dresses.

The mini ones in the 11x14 frames are supposed to be used to give gifts of wine in.

The super minis in an 8x10 frame are supposed to be used as cell phone bags. I think they look pretty cute all framed up!

A sick girl's best friend

2011-01-30T12:02:00.004-05:00

I have been really sick this month, and I really think I shouldn't get sick again for at least 3 years- ha ha! Luckily, I've had some good books on hand to help with the monotony of bed rest.

I read this with Kaleb and Noe for their book club at school. We watched the movie when it came out a few years ago and I cried and cried then. Reading the story I think I cried even more. Dealing with death isn't easy for any age, but especially for children. It was a good book though and I'm glad I got to share it with my kids.

My friend, Rhonda gave me this book for Christmas. I really need to apply its principles to my life. I need to toss more guilt and catch more joy.

I read Dawn Meehan's blog and since she's been going through some tough times I ordered her 3 books to help her out. She's a single mother to 6 kids and through all of her trials she trusts in the Lord and keeps her sense of humor. I need to be more like that and I hope that this new year will bring her more joy too!

Yearbook

2011-01-25T12:55:00.002-05:00

Last week I was REALLY sick! I spent many days in bed and on the couch. However, Len and I still managed to organize the bookcases in the basement AND I finally finished and ordered our 2008 blog book through Blurb. Hooray!! Now I just need to make 2009's and 2010's!

Free Prizes Everywhere

2011-01-17T16:43:00.002-05:00

So I've entered a ton of giveaways on blogs this week. I won one too! Thanks Trina, I can't wait for the handmade cards!!

Here's a shout out for another giveaway from The Ribbon Retreat that I heard about on Tator Tots and Jello. Good luck!

Warmest and Fuzziest

2011-01-13T12:35:00.003-05:00

Next week the youth are delivering warm clothes they collected from the ward and scarves they made to the Homeless Shelter. I was never able to find out where the Women and Children Crisis Center was, so I thought it would be nice for them to deliver the Warm Fuzzies we started back in November to the Homeless Shelter too. That meant I had to finish them this week!

I had to stuff the 14 that the girls made and then decorate and stuff the remaining 8.

I think they turned out pretty cute!

2011- The Year of the Unfinished Project

2011-01-07T10:31:00.002-05:00

This year I am hoping to get back in my old routine of completing at least one unfinished project each week and then posting the results here.

Do you remember these Easter Friends I made (a few years ago?)

Or this Santa I made (a couple of years ago?)

This week I made a little Valentine Bear to add to the holiday collection. I will also make frames for St. Patrick's Day, Halloween, and Thanksgiving- coming soon!

This week we also hung all of the new window treatments for the 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms- woo hoo!

Next week I may work on the big canvas for the family room, or on one of the Blurb books for the past 3 years of blogging, or Teague's baby scrapbook (or any of the scrapbooks I'm pretending I will update someday), or make some jewelry, or tole paint the cute teddy bear I bought over a decade ago (you can change his clothes for each holiday and season- so cute!), or work on other holiday projects (Chinese New Year is coming next), or Teague's birthday poster, or organize all of my craft bins, or ...

Someday I want to take cake decorating and photography classes, but my husband requested I finish some of the above projects first, before I start a new hobby. Okay, I will do that!

Juicy Jewels

2011-01-02T18:40:00.004-05:00

I was craving a pomegranate, so my sweet husband went out and bought me one. I then realized that I had never "opened" one myself, so it was google to the rescue! We found this really helpful video. Success! We enjoyed the best little treat!

Book Exchange

2010-12-04T16:35:00.000-05:00

Last night at book club we had our annual goodie and book exchange. I decided not to participate in the goodie exchange this year, since I've already gained 10 pounds since I weaned Teague. So sad! I scored though in the book exchange and got two:

Our December read will be:

And for January:

Now that I've given up TV at night, I love having a nightstand full of books for me to escape into!

Cherry on Top!

2010-12-02T22:12:00.005-05:00

After 2 weeks of decorating, the house is finally done and we can just relax and enjoy it for the rest of the month!

You've already seen these felt ornaments I made, but I also made...

...some glitter gumdrop balls, a rainbow ribbon garland, and a cherry tree topper to decorate...

...our Candyland tree. If you've read my other blog, you may notice that the tree looks different. My two little trouble makers, I mean darling youngest sons took it upon themselves to undecorate the tree today. Instead of putting it back how it was with all of the expensive ornaments, I just put on all of my homemade ones that I was going to use to make into a garland. Someday?

*Just wanted to share some other sneak peeks of our holiday cheer!

Our front entrance has our big wreath on the window, Santa & Snowman sign above the mailbox, and I was inspired by my friend, Annick to hang ornaments from the roof.

I bought the supplies to decorate our banister last year, but I ran out of time. We got it up this year and are really happy with how it turned out.

Most of our Christmas decor revolves around our Nativity sets and our Santa collection.

The kids love playing with their Little People Christmas Village...

...and Nativity...

...as well as our M & M train. I've got to fill up Marty!

I love having all of our stockings hanging by the fire and hope the time before Santa fills them up doesn't pass too quickly!

Candies and Cookies and Cupcakes- oh flop?

2010-11-15T19:12:00.003-05:00

I was in total awe last year, when I read this Candyland post at Bakerella. I could never have anything so extravagant as that (except in my dreams), but I was still inspired to make some fun new ornaments for our tree in the playroom.
I drew up sketches, colored them, made patterns, then set to work making 36 new decorations for the tree.

Some gingerbread boys and girls.

Some peppermint candies and lollipops.

Some cupcakes and ice cream cones.

In my mind's eye they were to-die-for cute, so I was really disappointed when the real things fell short of my expectations. I am such a perfectionist and have already thought of new patterns to make so they will be even better. My husband and children think they're adorable, so I'm trying to accept that good is okay- perfection is nearly impossible.
*This makes me think of another internal battle I've had this year- Perfectionism versus Good Enough. I was taught if you're going to do something, do it well- otherwise why bother doing it? I want everything I do to be done to the best of my abilities. However, there are too many things I want to get done, so I can't make everything as perfect as I would like. I was talking to my friend, Mary about this and she said not everything she does deserves her best. There is simply not enough hours in the day, so she accepts that some things she does will just be done good enough and she is happy with that. My problem is that I am not happy with that. I guess I'm a glass half-empty girl afterall. I really want to be a half-full girl though and I will try to be happy with my "good enough."

Warm Fuzzies

2010-11-15T18:23:00.006-05:00

Last week for our YW Activity I wanted us all to work on something for Personal Progress together AND to do something for our Community. I decided we could make little chenille sock dolls (aka Warm Fuzzies) to donate to the Women's and Children's Crisis Center.

Anngela and her oh so original and oh so cute vampire bat!

Christina's cuties remind me of Napoleon Dynamite and his girlfriend.

Dayna's non-doll, I love it! (tee hee)

We ran out of stuffing, so I got some more to fill afterwards. Here is Emilee animating her 2 sweet sisters.

Jenn's has such a stylish hat.

Julia's is all pretty in green.

Katie made Santa and Mrs. Claus- so cute!

Shazel's cute pinkie.

Sierra's rock star.

These 3 cuties convinced me into letting them make sock puppets for themselves. Their puppets are almost as cute as they are.

*This past year being the YW President has been a total "yin-yang" experience for me (thanks Leslie for the term). I have experienced moments of sweet white where I have felt the Spirit and I know the girls have too. Unfortunately, I have also had moments of despondent black where I have wanted to curl up in a ball and shut out the outside world. This calling is very demanding of me and my family has had to sacrifice a lot for me to run all of the programs involved. My body has been responding to the stress in a very negative way with the ligaments in my joints flaring up- my toe, my knees (super ouch), my lower back, my fingers, and now my left shoulder (major ouch). The doctor has mentioned the words rheumatoid arthritis and lupus a few times now. Those are scary words! I need to take care of myself and my family, but I do love the Lord and I do love my girls (they give me Warm Fuzzies). I will try to run for as long as I can, but I also hope I'll get to pass the relay baton soon.

I heart dollies!

2010-11-10T06:59:00.001-05:00

I was at Toys 'R Us the other day, and look who I saw...the original Strawberry Shortcake doll! She was in a box with her friends Raspberry Tart and Orange Blossom celebrating their 30th birthday. I was so tempted to buy them, but as I had all 3 of them as a child I couldn't bring myself to buy them again. But oh, how I loved all of my Strawberry Shortcake dollies back in the day. She has changed her look through the years and I thought you might enjoy a little fashion show. She was originally drawn by Muriel Fahrion for American Greetings. She became so popular that Kenner manufactured her as a doll with all of her friends.

In 1991 THQ redesigned her. I think I remember seeing her at the toy store when I was a teenager, thinking that she was cuter than the version I had.

In 2002, Bandai took over and I was thrilled as that was the year my own daughter was born, and I couldn't wait for her to be big enough to play with the dolls.

By the time she was big enough to play with them (2006), Playmates Toys had taken over and these are the dolls my daughter has.

Last year, Hasbro took over and the new dolls are super cute!

*Not only did I love Strawberry Shortcake as a kid, but of course Barbie, Cabbage Patch Kids, Care Bears, Poochie, My Little Pony, and lots more!

It's so fun to have a daughter to get to play dolls with. I love all of her dollies too- the Disney Princesses, Tinkerbell and her Fairy friends, Snap 'n Style Dolls, Yummi-Land Dolls, Littlest Pet Shop, Hello Kitty, and lots more too!

*I did design my own line of dolls back in 2005. I have an entire portfolio of sketches and my first story written about them to prove it- ha ha! But, the portfolio is sitting on the shelf waiting for the day when I can work in the Toy Industry- sigh! I haven't given up my dreams though yet. Long live cute dollies!!

Candyland Christmas

2010-11-09T14:47:00.002-05:00

Now don't get me wrong, I love Thanksgiving! But, being in Canada it's a little difficult to celebrate in November. First of all, Canadians celebrate their own Thanksgiving when we celebrate Columbus Day. Secondly, everyone still has to go to work and school. We were going to have Len and the kids take the day off, but the kids are going to a super cool all day field trip to the Museum of Nature that day, so they're going to go to school after all. Len will still take the day off and we will cook all day while the big kids are gone, then when they come home we'll have our feast.

Rather than be disappointed because of this, I'm starting to jump ahead to the Christmas season! I'm so excited because this year we're putting up 3 trees- one on each floor of our home. Our basement tree will have a "Candyland" theme and I have been inspired by the tree above. I have lots of ideas for ornaments to make, and even have bought lots of supplies to make them. Now I just have to find the time to do that!

Two Book Clubs

2010-11-09T14:17:00.004-05:00

Kaleb and Noe are in a book club in their class, so now I get to read for TWO book clubs myself!

Fairest, was October's book and it is a fun and interesting take on the classic Snow White.

Helen Keller's The Story Of My Life is November's selection. I read all 3 parts, the original story, followed by Helen's letters, and concluding with her teacher Anne Sullivan's letters. I am simply amazed by both of these women!

Of couse, I have more titles on my nightstand than I can keep up with, but I'm excited to read the above 3.

This was Kaleb and Noe's first book club selection. Each day we'd read a new chapter together. The 3 of us would take turns reading each page. This story is set during the Holocaust and told through a child's eyes. I read it for my Children's Literature class back in the day and really enjoyed it then. I enjoyed it again with my own kids, but it was a tough read somedays. Both of the kids cried during parts and several times Noe came to me after she was tucked into bed at night asking questions about death. She was so worried that she would never see me again after I die. I told her that is the beauty of the gospel- that families can be together forever!

This month the kids are reading Sarah, Plain and Tall. Last year, Kaleb and I read it together along with Caleb's tory. This year we want to read all 5 books in the series. The only problem is that we've only been able to get 4 of the titles from the library. We need to find More Perfect Than The Moon!

We own the first 2 movies, and yes this is where I got my son, Kaleb's name. The actor playing Caleb here was just so cute that when I watched these movies as a teenager I decided I wanted a Kaleb of my own someday. I just learned that Winter's End existed, so now I must find it too!

Cool Chiasmus Quotes

2010-11-05T06:51:00.006-04:00

*While we try to teach our children all about life-

Our children teach us what life is all about.

*We do not stop playing because we grow old-

We grow old because we stop playing.

*The happiest people don't have the best of everything-

the make the best of everything they have.

*FAMILY- We may not have it all together-

but together we have it all.

*Out of love God created all mankind-

therefore we must love every kind of man.

*Grace is getting what we don't deserve-

Mercy is not getting what we do deserve.

Dress-up

2010-11-03T15:39:00.002-04:00

I found this wig in one of my daily e-mails from Etsy. It's a little extreme, but wouldn't it be so fun to wear for a night? I think one year my whole family is going to have to wear different colored wigs for Halloween. I could just see us now: Len in yellow, myself in purple, Kaleb in blue, Noe in pink, Gavin in green, and Teague in orange. We could go as the rainbow!

Success!

2010-11-02T17:56:00.002-04:00

With help from our friends- Laura who lent us the Dorothy dress and Mary who lent us the lion suit we were able to add a pillowcase, face paint, a funnel, and a monkey suit and we pulled it off. We really enjoyed dressing up with a "theme" this year. I think we'll make it an every other year tradition. It's fun to let each person choose their own costume some years, but it's also fun dressing up as a family!

The Wizard of Oz

2010-10-25T10:50:00.006-04:00

Halloween is coming! On Friday the kids are having a party at school, Saturday is our Ward Halloween party and trunk-or-treat, then Sunday we're going to take the kids to the Prime Minister's house to trick-or-treat. This is our goal for our costumes, we'll see what we end up accomplishing!

Len as the Scarecrow

Jen as the Wicked Witch

Kaleb as the Tin Man

Noe as Dorothy with Toto

Gavin as the Lion

And Teague as our Flying Monkey

Simplify

2010-10-20T07:31:00.003-04:00

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication" - Leonardo da Vinci.

Just some words that I'm pondering and thought I'd share!

Buttercream

2010-10-06T20:08:00.003-04:00

I am not a "from scratch" girl. If I can get it from a box or a can, then I'll save myself some extra work. However, I have become infatuated with real buttercream frosting that I have given up the canned version. I still make the cupcakes from a box, but they taste extra special with homemade frosting on top!

Beat together:
4 cups Powdered Sugar
1/2 cup Butter (or Crisco, but I'd recommend butter-flavor Crisco for the real "buttercream" flavor)
5 tablespoons Milk

Now here's the fun part:
Add 1 teaspoon Vanilla
OR
2 teaspoons Almond Extract
OR
1/2 teaspoon Peppermint Extract
OR
1/2 cup melted milk chocolate chips
Plus add food coloring!

Above, the "pink" cupcakes are vanilla with almond frosting and the "blue" ones are chocolate with peppermint. Yummy!

On my nightstand

2010-09-23T09:07:00.004-04:00

The Sweetness At The Bottom Of The Pie was September's book club selection and it was the funnest murder mystery I have read. I love Flavia DeLuce! And yes, I am in the camp that is glad that funner and funnest are now in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. English is a LIVING language!

This was an extra summer selection for book club. It was written well, but was just sadness followed by sadness followed by sadness. I prefer happy endings.

Another extra for the summer, but I haven't read it yet. It takes place in Ottawa though, so I'm curious to see if I'll "recognize" some places.

I loved The Hunger Games and I think I might have liked Catching Fire even more!

The conclusion to the trilogy did not disappoint. Of course, the premise of all the books is horrible- corrupt government, greed for power, materialism, war... but love is prevalent too and I enjoyed the ending.

I felt obligated to read this since I read the whole Twilight series. It was somewhat interesting, but I don't think it was 178 pages interesting. I felt sad for both of Bree's lives and I don't like the Volturi!

I've only heard good things about The Host, so I thought I'd finally try another flavor of Stephenie Meyer.

I did enjoy the first 4 books in this series, but I can't get into book 5 yet. This series is just so colossal!

I saw my toe surgeon this summer and he said when he did my surgery 2 years ago he was afraid the scar tissue would fuse with the joint and that's exactly what has happened. The only way to "fix" it is to have another surgery removing the 2 pins and then correct the hammer toe it's become. I asked if my toe problems could have caused the problems I had with my knees this summer and he thought they were unrelated, but told me to get this book and start swimming instead of running. I've got the book, now I just have to read it and find the time to swim...

Since we've been married I've been in Young Women's or Primary, except for 1 year I taught Relief Society in Taiwan. I want to go back and re-read all the of the Teachings of Presidents of the Church. I just finished Joseph Smith's. I am always inspired by his faith and dedication. Each day I have to remind myself to endure to the end.

*Also on my nightstand is Fablehaven 5, but I put it's picture on this blog earlier, so I didn't want to again. I'm excited to see how the series wraps up. I also have the 4th House of Night book, Untamed. I'm embarrassed to admit I continued reading the series after we read the first one for Book Club, but I am curious to see how this one will wrap up too. I also have more chapters of my friend, Laura's book. I love it so far and can't wait to read it when it's been published! Some books I want to have on my nightstand soon are: Daughter of War, The Forgotten Garden, and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. And I need to make time to read The Goose Girl trilogy I bought last year. Next month Kaleb and Noe will start their own book club with their school class and I look forward to reading Number the Stars again with them!

9 by Design

2010-09-01T13:42:00.004-04:00

Have you seen this show? We watched the first episode last night and all I can say is that, "I am jealous!" The husband and wife are a design team that buy old houses in New York City and then renovate/rebuild them, decorate them all up, then sell them for millions. They do all of that while raising SEVEN children too! Kudos to them! I so wish Len and I could do that. We'll just have to try and do some creativity in our own way.

I found these chairs online last year and I just love them. I think the next time I have to decorate our home I'm going to be more daring and choose things like these crazy chairs.

I still haven't painted the huge canvas to hang over our fireplace yet. I'm thinking this is my new inspiration though.

I have so many ideas floating around in my brain, it's too bad life gets in the way of my plans- tee hee!

Modern-Day Slavery

2010-06-29T15:07:00.004-04:00

June's selection at Book Club was Uprising. It's an historical fiction tale about the Shirtwaist Factory Fire back in 1911. It was written really well, but was so sad. It's wonderful how far women's rights have come the past 100 years, but it's horrible how some cultures still treat their women now in 2010.

The book mentions "White Slavery" in passing, and I want to share my great-aunt's story here. My grandmother was the 8th of 9 children, and 4 of her siblings were deaf and mute. When her oldest sister was a teenager, many boys tried to take advantage of her because she couldn't speak. Then she met a young man, who was a complete gentleman and they began dating. One night they went out on a date and she never returned home. My great-grandparents were frantic and hired a private investigator to try and find her. What had happened was that this nice gentleman drove her across the Kentucky state line and sold her into white slavery. There she was tied to a bed, along with several other women, while men visiting the establishment got to pay a fee to rape these poor girls. Each night the women would scream out to the guard asking to be released. Apparently, the guard felt sorry for my aunt who couldn't scream and let her go. When the private investigator found her, she was living in an apartment and was behaving pretty much like a wild animal. When my great-grandpa went to get her and bring her home, she kicked him, scratched him, bit him, and did everything she could to get away until she realized it was her father. My grandma said once she came back home that she didn't leave her room for a year. For the next 5 years, she never left the house and if anyone came over she went straight to her bedroom. Eventually, she married and raised her own family, and had happiness, but her story just breaks my heart. The world we live in now is filled with pornography and sexual perversion. With all the human trafficking that goes on, I wonder how many of those poor women are there by their own free will and choice.

Another thing I want to mention is the slavery that is going on around the world TODAY. After living in Taiwan, my eyes were cracked open to the appalling conditions for factory workers there. I believe in a global economy and sharing the wealth. Unfortunately, so many businesses want to get fat off the backs of those less fortunate and treat humans so inhumanely. We met a guy from the Philippines who came over to work in Taiwan. He was baptized into our church, then we didn't see him again for 3 months. When he finally returned he told us he was locked in his factory and forced to work 20 hour day shifts. I also had several women friends from the Philippines at church that worked as domestic helpers. They usually had to work 16 hour days with only 1 Sunday off a month. These people are so desperate for work that they let themselves be taken advantage of, so they can send the money they make back home to their families to try and give their children an education and a better life. It's really so very sad.

I want to end with a commercial I saw once. The TV screen was split in two. On one side you saw a cute little European boy wake up in a comfy, warm bed then go down to eat a yummy breakfast. He then got dressed in his school uniform, and new shoes and headed off to school. At school it showed him learning all different subjects, playing soccer at recess, and eating another yummy lunch. On the other side of the screen you saw a pair of hands gluing layers together to make the soles of shoes. The same shoes the little European boy was wearing. Finally, you saw those hands were attached to another little boy, a Chinese one, who spent his whole day inside a dark factory gluing these shoe soles together, with just a quick lunch break to eat some cold rice. At the end it said, "Know how much your shoes really cost." I don't have the answers, but I do know that there is enough prosperity in this world that NOONE should ever be treated that way or be hungry!

Must See TV

2010-06-25T08:55:00.004-04:00

Growing up, Thursday night was the best night to watch TV with The Cosby Show and Family Ties.

Then I went off to college, and Thursday night was again the best night on TV with Friends and Seinfeld.

Now I'm a homeowner, and I've found my favorite shows are on Thursday night as well with Divine Design with Candice Olson and Colour Confidential with Jane Lockhart.

However, I'm looking for some good family sitcoms again. Can anyone recommend any? Or any good TV shows for that matter?

New York Sparkle

2010-05-27T11:44:00.007-04:00

This weekend I'm going to New York with all the ladies in my mom's family (except for Noe, tough decision!). I wanted to make a little surprise for my mom, aunties, sisters, and cousins so I whipped up some sparkly bracelets. Instead of just passing them out to everyone, I'm thinking it will be fun for us to play the White Elephant Game. I hope all the gals like what they end up with!

Scarlet Passion

Orange Crush

Sunshine Yellow

Serene Green

Turquoise Seas

China Blue

Purple Rocks

Pretty Pink

Basic Beige

Shiny Bling

Sophisticated Black

Unbirthday Party

2010-05-27T11:37:00.002-04:00

This week I threw an "Unbirthday Party" for our Laurel class activity, and decided it was time to break in my little flower cupcakes. Aren't they cute?

Games, cupcakes & ice cream, and gifts- who wouldn't want to come? Well, my 2 superstar Laurels were the only ones that came and we delivered a special gift to one of our gals whose actually birthday it was. We missed the rest of them, but what can you do?

Which would you choose?

2010-05-21T12:28:00.006-04:00

A tempting slice of St. Etienne cake?

or a juicy bowl of fruit and berries?

Yep, I chose the St. Etienne cake. Actually, I had a bowl of fruit too. Don't get me wrong, I love fruit, but it doesn't satisfy my sweet tooth the same way french pastry, thick custard, luscious whip cream, and mini chocolate eclairs do. And this is why I'm chubby- ugh!
I should just remember the scripture from Isaiah 55:2, "Eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness." Is that how you interpret this scripture?

Another Anniversary

2010-05-10T15:40:00.004-04:00

Last week marked Leonard's and my wedding anniversary, and this week marks a year of owning our first home, although we still have a few months to mark one year of us living in it- tee hee. Anyway, here's an open house tour of the projects we've been working on. The list is neverending though!

Everything looks so clean after it rains.

The main floor consists of the living room, dining room, kitchen, dinette, family room, and powder room (laundry room not pictured).

The upstairs consists of the master bedroom & ensuite, the 3 kids' rooms, and the kids' bathroom.

The basement is our PLAY room (and has 2 storage rooms as well). I love it, except for the fact it's in the basement- tee hee. I NEED sunlight, so this would serve me better if it was a second floor lounge, oh well we can't have everything we want, right?

Our backyard is in dire need of some playground equipment, but we are so glad to have a backyard again!

Seriously, there's still a ZILLION projects to finish, but we love our little home sweet home!

More Books

2010-05-03T14:10:00.002-04:00

This was last month's book club selection. It's a modern-day Ruth & Naomi story. It made me wish I knew my mother-in-law better (she's in heaven), but also confirmed that I do not want to be a widow ever!

This is this month's book club selection, but I can't read it until I finish...

This is interesting about 3 women- Muslim, Christian, and Jewish exploring the similarities and differences of their religions. It's made me explore my own faith and religion. Can't wait to finish it!

I haven't read his other book yet (Len did), but I want to someday, and I want to read this one too.

I'm caught up on the Fablehaven series and now anxiously waiting to read the conclusion in book 5!

What to do with a Strawberry?

2010-04-13T13:36:00.004-04:00

Strawberries are delish all by their lonesome, but when you buy a bunch on sale it's fun to try some new recipes.

Cookie Pizza
CRUST
Preheat oven to 375*F.
Beat 1 cup sugar, 1 cup butter, 1 tsp vanilla, and 1 egg in a large bowl until smooth. Gradually stir in 2 1/4 cups flour.
Press dough onto round pizza pan so it's 1/4 inch thick.
Bake 10-12 minutes, or until edge are just golden brown.
Cool before adding toppings.
SAUCE
Mix 1 cup milk with 4-serving size pistachio pudding.
Add 1 cup cool whip.
Spread over cooled crust.
CHEESE
Sprinkle pizza with shredded coconut.
TOPPINGS
Besides sliced strawberries, peaches, pineapples, bananas, kiwis, and raspberries are great to put all over the pizza.
ENJOY!

Palachinkas (aka Crepes)
Mix 2 cups flour, 3 eggs, 2 tbsp sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 cup water, and 2 cups milk (gradually).
Pour thin layer of batter over entire surface of round frying pan.
Cook on each side until done.
Top with strawberries & whip cream, butter & maple syrup, lemon juice & sugar, or Nutella.
Enjoy!

Berried Delight
MIX
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (from about 20 squares), 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/2 cup butter.
Press firmly onto bottom of 9x13-inch pan.
Refrigerate 15 minutes.
BEAT
1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, and 2 tbsp milk in large bowl.
Gently stir in 1/2 of an 8 oz tub of cool whip.
Spread over crust.
TOP
With strawberry halves or other berries.
POUR
3 1/2 cups cold milk into large bowl. Add 2 (4-serving size) packages of lemon pudding. Beat 2 minutes, then pour over strawberries.
REFRIGERATE
4 hours or until set. Just before serving, spread remaining cool whip over pudding.
ENJOY!

Love the Library!

2010-03-26T17:16:00.002-04:00

Tonight is book club and we'll be discussing this book, "When Broken Glass Floats." It's a terribly sad memoir of a girl who grew up in Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge. How did I get so lucky to have lived such a peaceful life?

This book, "Marked" was last month's book club selection, but unfortunately it had one really bad scene and lots of bad language. I wish authors could leave that junk out, because the actual story of a girl going to a "Vampyre Finishing School" was kind of interesting. It's the first book in the House of Night Series which there will soon be 7 of.

I requested this book "The Lost Symbol" several months ago and was like person 1,636 requesting it from the library- no joke! I thought I'd have to wait a couple of years to read it, but now it's in my home anxiously waiting for me to read it.

I suffer from anxiety, depression, obsessiveness, anger, and occassional impulsiveness. I hope I can "Change My Brain and Change My Life."

This book is not from the library, I bought it because it was written by an old friend of mine from high school. I want to give a shout out to Mr. Dean Badillo- CONGRATS! I look forward to reading "Molly and Wally Molecule" to my kids.

I also finally got Fablehaven 4 from the library and can't wait to read it either. I love good books!

Party Planner

2010-03-16T11:41:00.005-04:00

After I broke my toe, I watched a lot of David Tutera's show. It must of rubbed off on me, because I was a bit extravagant in decorating Noe and Kaleb's parties (at least compared with my previous standard).

I actually painted this castle for New Beginnings in YW, but I am into recycling- tee hee. I also got a dozen pink, purple, and light pink balloons to tie on each chair and to put on our front porch.

I made another 80 tissue paper flowers, then strung them up into a garland.

The table all ready to open presents and eat cake!

I used pink on top of white table cloths, with these cute pastel plates and napkins.

The piece de resistance, a pink castle cake- voila!

Len drew this pirate ship for me, and I did my best painting it. (I think it turned out pretty cute, actually.) The dozen balloons were blue, red, and light blue this time.

I made pirate flags into a birthday banner.

The table all ready for presents and cake again.

I used red on white table cloths, blue plates, and blue striped napkins.

I'll journey with this ship, right down to my tummy! I made a total of 8 pirate cupcakes for each of the guests too.

*Both of these parties had games & prizes (musical chairs, pass the parcel, and pin the nose on the clown), but the main activity was a scavenger hunt. My husband made up 8 darling clues for each group to find their treasure with. Everyone had fun, so I think they were both a success! Now, will I do all this again next year? Kaleb and Noe are worth it, but NO! We're going to rotate each year with a party and an outing with a friend, and even with the parties we're going to rotate with separate ones and parties together- phew!

Love to Paint

2010-03-16T08:01:00.003-04:00

I painted a second picture to hang in our play room. The room is slowly coming together. I can't wait for it to be done, but it's a fun journey to get to "done."

Fabulous Friday

2010-03-11T14:38:00.002-05:00

For our Stake Youth Fabulous Friday I made 80 tissue paper flowers and painted 24 hearts. It's amazing how cute a little bit of paper and paint can make things.

New Beginnings

2010-02-08T10:54:00.003-05:00

For our New Beginnings in Young Women's, the Beehive class took charge, and I was asked to do the decorations. We had a "Once upon a Time" theme, and I solicited the help from a talented artist I know named Leonard Reil.

This is the 7 foot tall, 5 foot wide poster Len drew for us. It took him 4 nights. He was going to paint it too, but I went ahead and did it for him one day (it only took me 7 hours!) We will recycle it though for Noe's birthday party.

I also made these tissue paper flowers. The first batch of 20 took me 2 hours, but I got faster with the second batch and finished them in an hour and a half. I'll be recycling these and making more for our Stake Fabulous Friday, later this month.

Our beautiful Princesses- Carolynn, Katie, Jenn, Sierra, Tori, Anngela, Tasha, & Julia with our Bishop. Dayna and Christina came later, but unfortunately I couldn't get another group shot. These girls are great!

The program consisted of a darling skit put on by the Beehives, an introduction to our new Personal Progress program by the Beehive Counselor, a few words from me on this year's theme, a few words from the Bishop, and then dessert! Each girl received their new Personal Progress books and a board to hang in their room with this year's theme from Joshua 1:9, "Be Strong and of a Good Courage." I think this theme was chosen just for me. I feel so weak and afraid and get anxiety all the time these days. I'm trying my best to be strong though!

"Value"able Bracelet

2010-02-08T10:49:00.003-05:00

For one of our Young Women's Activities in January, I brought my slew of beads from Taiwan for the girls to make bracelets. I made this one for myself with all the value colors. Here's what the colors stand for:
White- Faith
Blue- Divine Nature
Red- Individual Worth
Green- Knowledge
Orange- Choice & Accountability
Yellow- Good Works
Purple- Integrity
Gold- Virtue
My body may be aging, but I'm still a Young Woman at heart.

Happy...

2010-01-18T20:19:00.003-05:00

...New Year's,

Valentine's Day,

St. Patrick's Day,

Easter,

Graduation,

Anniversary,

Independence Day,

Birthday,

Back-to-School,

Halloween,

Thanksgiving,

and Christmas!

At the rate I'm going 2010 will come and go and I won't get to post on here as I would like, so

HAPPY EVERYTHING!!!

Goodie Exchange #2

2009-12-18T09:18:00.002-05:00

We are definitely spoiled this Christmas season with lots of yummy goodies! If you've never been to a goody exchange and would like to host one, this is what you do. Invite your friends over, let's say there's 8 of you. Each person makes 8 dozen of 1 kind of cookie. You meet up and everyone shares and goes home with a dozen of 8 different kinds of cookies. I participated in 2 exchanges this year and ended up with 24 types of treats! Now I'm going to make up plates to give to my neighbors, and the rest our family will enjoy on Christmas day.

For the first exchange I made Oatmeal Scotchies. Blogger's not letting me cut and paste for some reason, so click on the cookie title to link you to the recipe.

For the second exchange I made Pumpkin Cookies. If you make either one of these recipes let me know- I think they're so good!

Christmas Trilogy

2009-12-03T13:27:00.001-05:00

I picked up The Christmas Hope from the library this week and got her read. Even though I guessed the end from the beginning, it was still a nice read. I also want to read the other Christmas stories by the same author. Maybe next year!

Goodies for my mind and tum- yum!

2009-11-28T22:06:00.005-05:00

I'm behind, but only have time for a quick catch-up.

October's book- really cute. I had seen the animated and live-action movies, but it was sweet to read the real story.

November's book- undecided. I liked the positive female relationships between mothers and daughters, but it had too much creepy stuff in it for me to wholly love it.

December's book- waiting for it from the library. This was a sweet little Christmas story.

January's book- also waiting for it from the library, but this is JK Rowling's favorite book, so I'm really excited to read it! In some ways I loved this book, in other ways it made me mad. I don't like love triangles and I hate it when I finish a book but I still want more closure.

This is the book I got from our White Elephant exchange. I love the title and can't wait to dive in. This book is Trash with a capital T! After I read it, I threw it in my recycle bin because I didn't want to take up space in a landfill with it, but nobody should waste their brain on this story. I wish I didn't.

This is a book I bought for its title! I enjoy my own book club and cookie exchange, so we'll see if this book lives up to its name. This book wasn't as bad as the previous title, but again it reminded me why I usually read Juvenile or Fantasy fiction- fiction for adults always has to have some "adult" content in it that I really don't want to read.

All of the above treats are from goodie exchange #1. After goodie exchange #2 next Friday I'll post more pics and maybe recipes? I might be too busy eating to type though- ha ha!

Fine Art

2009-11-19T11:53:00.002-05:00

I just ordered this "Yummy Rooster" from FineArtAmerica.com to hang in our kitchen. I L O V E it!! I can't wait for it to arrive!

I'm also going to attempt to paint this flower to hang in our family room, but I'll do it more red. Wish me luck!

Remember this?

2009-10-23T13:43:00.003-04:00

This was a little sketch I did earlier in the year.

I finally painted it! It's 22 by 30 inches painted with acrylics. Now I just need to paint the frame so I can hang it in our playroom. We painted the playroom last month, but I'm still unpacking boxes, and sorting through stuff, so it may still be a while before the whole room is complete. I can't wait until it is done and then I'll post more pictures here.

Judge a Book by its Cover!

2009-09-17T17:05:00.002-04:00

So, I haven't kept up on the books I've read this year and wanted to add them here since I gave up on Good Reads. Maybe one will peak your curiosity?

The Actor and the Housewife-
I'm not sure if I liked this book or not. I bawled, bawled, bawled my eyes out though. My friend Mary and I have been having our own mini book group discussion about it for the past couple of days. I can't wait to hear everyone else's thoughts about it next week.

Warbreaker-
This is by the author that will finish Robert Jordan's "Wheel of Time" series. My brother sent Len an autographed copy of it. I wasn't sure I would like it since it said "Sci Fi" on the cover, but I really enjoyed it. I would label it as "Fantasy Fiction," but I'm not a publisher. Their alternate universe was very interesting. I would love to be Siri for a day!

Next to Mexico-
This is the cutest little book about the cutest little 6th grader with buck teeth. My friend Leslie lent it to me this summer and guess what? it's written by another girl I went to high school with. Isn't that so cool? Way to go Jenny!

Traditions- Creating Memories to Draw your Family Close
My friend Amanda told me about this book and I had to get it. It's chock full o' great ideas for the holidays and every day. Love it!

101 Expert Solutions for Scrapbooking-
I used to scrapbook. I thought I would do it forever. I miss it and hope to still do a little here and there. Once upon a time I entered Creating Keepsakes Hall of Fame contest. I didn't win, but I collected all 9 special issues. Last year they didn't do a special issue, but made this publication instead. Since I like round numbers I bought it, but I'm done collecting now.

The Dragon Reborn-
Book 3 in "The Wheel of Time" series. I've got 8 more books to get through written by the original author and then we'll see how many books it takes for the new author to finish the story. I'm enjoying it though. Alternate universes are fun to visit!

Inkdeath-
I have the first 2 books in paperback, but I couldn't wait for this one. I checked out the hardcover from the kids' school in Taiwan. An interesting little trilogy, and I thought the Inkheart movie wasn't too bad either. Now I want to see The Thief Lord's movie version.

Rise of the Evening Star-
Fablehaven book 2. These books are kind of the opposite of Harry Potter- instead of having magical experiences during the school year, 2 siblings experience these adventures during the summer. I would like to visit Fablehaven too someday.

Grip of the Shadow Plague-
Fablehaven book 3. This series gets better and better with each book. They're fun little reads. I enjoy Juvenile Literature because they usually have interesting stories without all the unnecessary adult stuff.

Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary-
Fablehaven book 4. Again, I bought the previous books in paperback, but I don't want to wait to read this. Our local library doesn't have it yet either, but I can order it. I should go do that right now!

Our First Home!

2009-05-13T01:52:00.004-04:00

This is it- our very first home sweet home!

Let's take a tour of the main floor:

the living room with the dining room behind it

the kitchen

the dinette area in the kitchen

the family room

the powder bathroom.

Now let's tour upstairs:

the master bedroom

the ensuite bathroom

Kaleb's room

Noe's room

Gavin & Teague's room

the kids' bathroom.

Now let's look at the basement:

the rec room is "L" shaped, so this side will be the play room for the kids and all their toys

this side will be the play room for the grown-ups with my craft stash and where Len can write his novel.

And here's the backyard:

we hope to fit a swingset back here, but if it doesn't fit next summer we may remove the deck.

*I can't believe this home is ours! I'm so excited to move in and stamp our personality on it!

Anniversary and Status Change

2009-04-18T04:14:00.001-04:00

Today is this blog's one year anniversary! Although, I didn't complete 52 projects this past year, I did complete some- so I count it as a success. I love to craft and still have tons of unfinished projects to complete, however I won't be posting weekly on here for a while. Tuesday I will have baby #4 in my arms and I will be busy taking care of him and the rest of my family. Soon we'll be moving half-way around the world again too. I will craft again though, and I will post my completed projects on here. Now that I'll have my first home I have a million more things on my list to do: painting, decorating, gardening, cooking, projects with the kids. I'm excited for all the upcoming plans!

Easter Inspiration

2009-04-10T04:15:00.004-04:00

Next school year, I plan on having twice monthly activity days for my older kids with a few of their friends. Once a month we will do a "fun foods" class and then once a month we'll have an "arts & crafts" class. With all of the fun holidays and seasons it will be so fun! Here's some projects I already want to make with them.

These Easter Cake Pops are adorable and can be found at Bakerella.

This Easter candy dish is also super cute! Unfortunately, I could only find the picture on-line, but not the instructions. It looks easy enough though, just a small terra cotta pot with a larger draining dish, straw hat, felt ears, silk flowers, acrylic paint, and candy- voila!

The Best Creation

2009-04-02T22:32:00.002-04:00

I haven't done any crafts for a while, but my body has been working overtime creating a new little body to house one of Heavenly Father's precious spirit children. I am honored and humbled at the amazing calling of "Mother" that I have. One year for Christmas my mom gave me a recipe book she had made with all of my favorite family recipes. On the very first page was a recipe for a "Daughter." Since I am now making a "Son," I wanted to share the recipe here:

Ingredients:
1 Year of Breastfeeding
3 Parenting Books
5 1/2 Bedtime Stories
17 Educational Toys
4 Reliable Babysitters
2 Important Talks
5 Sleepover Birthday Parties
18 Years of Education
377 Rides Home

Directions:
Mix ingredients. Let stand 18-21 years, opening bedroom door occasionally. Release. Hold breath. Results may vary!

Stir Crazy

2009-03-26T18:47:00.003-04:00

This week has been LONG! I've been on house arrest and Gavin has been sick. So pretty much I've sat on the couch holding a toddler in one hand and occassionally a book in the other. I finished reading book 1 of "The Wheel of Time" and have started book 2 "The Great Hunt." I'm enjoying the story, but I'm about ready to pull all my hair out if I don't get out of the house soon!

Escape

2009-03-19T22:58:00.001-04:00

This week has been extremely stressful (you can read more about it on my other blog), so I did a lot of escaping reality into literature.

I read "Fablehaven," book 1 in the series and thoroughly enjoyed it. Now I can't wait to read books 2-4!

Ever since I've known Leonard (or at least since we've been married) he's wanted me to read "The Wheel of Time" series. However, the author had poor health and I was scared he would pass away before the series ended. I didn't want to start the story and not be able to finish it. Well, unfortunately the author did pass away in 2007 with the 12th and final volume unfinished. He did leave detailed notes on how the story is supposed to end though, and a new author, Brandon Sanderson will now take over where Robert Jordan left off. The volume is set to come out this year so I decided to go ahead and start the series now. I'm only 1/4 of the way in to book 1 "The Eye of the World," but I am really enjoying it too. I love reading good books!

2008 Edition

2009-03-13T06:22:00.001-04:00

This week I have been busy working on our 2008 Blurb book of my blog, "This is REIL fun." I'm half-way done, so hopefully I can finish it next week and get it published!

5 x 5

2009-03-05T19:53:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow is Kaleb and Noe's birthday, so this week I've been getting ready for that. I haven't really done anything creative for it though, but will post pics of it on my other blog later. Since I love all things media, I decided to do a little meme on here.

5 FAVORITE BOOKS:
Uncle Tom's Cabin
The Lord of the Rings
The Joy Luck Club
The Count of Monte Cristo
Pride and Prejudice

5 FAVORITE MAGAZINES:
Better Homes and Gardens
Woman's Day
Family Fun
Creating Keepsakes
Ensign

5 FAVORITE MOVIES:
So I Married an Axe Murderer
Ever After
Notting Hill
Life is Beautiful
It's a Wonderful Life

5 FAVORITE TV SHOWS:
American Idol
Jon & Kate plus 8
Project Runway
Lost
Monk

5 FAVORITE MUSIC ALBUMS:
U2- Achtung Baby
Sarah McLachlan- Fumbling Towards Ecstasy
Morrissey- Bona Drag
Natasha Bedingfield- Pocketful of Sunshine
Killers- Hot Fuss

*This was actually hard to do, I have lots of favorites!

Only One or Two Years Later

2009-02-26T21:02:00.004-05:00

The kids didn't have school on Monday, so we invited our friends Lauren & Minji over to play. Kaleb, Noe, and Gavin had fun playing with Minji while I taught Lauren the basics of scrapbooking. It inspired me to finally finish the above lay-out. I made the pages at a scrapbook class in February 2008, all I had to do was add the pictures and the little details. The pictures however are from February 2007! Can you tell I don't scrap very often anymore? I have a lot of catching up to do even though I don't scrap our snapshots anymore.

That's why I started blogging, so each year I could make a blurb book of our family history. Now I need to get over to my other blog and finish up 2008, so I can make a blurb book for last year!

Being the huge fan of Harry Potter that I am, I picked up "The Tales of Beedle the Bard" this week. It was a fun little read. Now I want to add "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them," and "Quidditch Through the Ages" to my collection. I'll also be curious about the mini-prequel set to come out later on about an adventure James Potter and Sirius Black had together.

Welcome to Inkworld!

2009-02-19T20:05:00.000-05:00

I loved Cornelia Funke's "The Thief Lord" and was excited to start the Inkheart Trilogy. They did not disappoint! Inkheart is a fantastic tale of characters from a book joining our world. Of course, when you finish it you'll want to continue the trilogy, but this book could stand alone.

Sequels tend to disappoint me, but not Inkspell. I think I liked it even better than Inkheart! I love escaping into books, and since that happens in this story it was a fun twist. However, this book does not stand alone you have to read the next one.

Unfortunately, I haven't read Inkdeath yet. We got the first two in paper back as stocking stuffers for Christmas, so I don't want to buy this one in hard cover. The school library has it, which is great, but of course it's checked out. I'm on the waiting list though and hope I'll get my turn with it before we move. If not I might just have to buy it in hard cover because I don't think I can wait for it to come out in paper back.

Creative Kids

2009-02-13T06:30:00.002-05:00

This week I've been organizing more of our office. I wonder if I'll ever be finished! It has been the catch-all of our papers, pictures, memorabilia, art projects (& crap) for the past 3 1/2 years, and was seriously neglected. As I've been going through stuff I've found some of the kids' art projects from school. They're so cute, but we just won't be able to keep all of them, so I snapped a few pictures to remember them. (There will be more pictures added to this post as I continue going through stuff!)
The above picture is of the Mice the kids made to celebrate Chinese New Year last year. Kaleb's is the big daddy mouse, and Noe made a mommy with 2 babies.

They also made some clay earths. (Kaleb's has the flag, Noe's is the other).

Noe's life-size Macaroni Penguin from her Animal Expert project.

Kaleb's fossil print from their Dinosaur unit.

*I hope all of my children will love creating their own works of art all through out their lives!

Slow and Steady?

2009-02-05T19:32:00.000-05:00

I just feel like a snail these days S L O W L Y trudging along. There are all these things I want to do, but I just can't seem to get them done. I worked on several things on my to-do list: organized more of the office, traded the Chinese New Year decorations for Valentine's Day ones, started reading "Inkheart," but I didn't finish any projects. I really wanted to scrapbook this week, but with all of the normal errands/activities plus the miscellaneous ones that always get thrown in it just didn't happen. Gavin and I spent a fun day at a modeling shoot yesterday with 6 other kids on a nature farm. You can see pictures from it on my other blog. Hopefully, next week I'll have a finished project for this blog.

Love to Color

2009-01-30T00:39:00.003-05:00

This week I've been working on our future "house hunt." I went through 12 e-mails of 43 homes and narrowed it down to 8 that we're seriously interested in. I'm sure they'll be sold by the time Len takes his trip in April, but it gives me confidence that we'll be able to find something we can afford and will enjoy living in. I've also done some more searches for furniture. Gotta love IKEA, Costco, and RC Willey. I also made these sketches for some more paintings I want to do. I have two HUGE frames in storage in Canada that I want to fill up with these:

I want to make the basement into our playroom. Since there's usually not a lot of natural light underground, I want to do it in bright spring colors with lots of whimsical patterns- you know my "Cirque du Soleil" theme.

Here's a fun rug in the bright colors too.

For our family room upstairs I want to do warm fall colors. Let's face it- Canadian winters are freezing and they last forever! I want lots of warmth and coziness in our home!

I also like the colors in this painting.

A bit more whimsy

2009-01-23T05:24:00.001-05:00

This week I did a sketch for a painting I want to do for the new boys' room. I'm looking forward to having a new home to decorate!

I found this rug after I made my sketch- it coordinates perfectly!

Sci-Fi for Girls

2009-01-15T20:12:00.003-05:00

Santa gave me the Uglies, Pretties, and Specials trilogy as stocking stuffers this year, and my friend Lori lent me Extras a spin-off story. These were fun books set in the US 300 years in the future and brought up interesting topics to think about: beauty, the environment, fame, and ultimately control versus freedom. Sometimes I think it would be great to live in a Utopian Society, but then I think- No, I'd rather live in Zion, where everyone chooses to have their hearts as one and no one is forced to.

I really liked Uglies. All of the "pretty-talk" in Pretties drove me a little crazy (I am NOT a teenager anymore). I really did NOT like the Cutters in Specials and I was really sad about Zane, but I liked the ending. Those three books follow the same characters and take place in about one year. Extras is a story that happens 3 years later set in Japan. It was probably my favorite one, but you have to read the first 3 books to understand what's going on. They're light reads, entertaining, and do make you think about some issues.

Being Compassionate

2009-01-08T19:08:00.001-05:00

In President Uchtdorf's talk I wrote about last week, he describes Heavenly Father as being "A God of creation and compassion." I shared President Uchtdorf's message on creation, here is his message on compassion. Enjoy!

Being compassionate is another great work of our Heavenly Father and a fundamental characteristic of who we are as a people. We are commanded to “succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.” Disciples of Christ throughout all ages of the world have been distinguished by their compassion. Those who follow the Savior “mourn with those that mourn . . . and comfort those that stand in need of comfort.”
When we reach out to bless the lives of others, our lives are blessed as well. Service and sacrifice open the windows of heaven, allowing choice blessings to descend upon us. Surely our beloved Heavenly Father smiles upon those who care for the least of His children.
As we lift others, we rise a little higher ourselves. President Spencer W. Kimball taught, “The more we serve our fellowmen in appropriate ways, the more substance there is to our souls.”
President Gordon B. Hinckley believed in the healing power of service. After the death of his wife, he provided a great example to the Church in the way he immersed himself in work and in serving others. It is told that President Hinckley remarked to one woman who had recently lost her husband, “Work will cure your grief. Serve others.”
These are profound words. As we lose ourselves in the service of others, we discover our own lives and our own happiness.
President Lorenzo Snow expressed a similar thought: “When you find yourselves a little gloomy, look around you and find somebody that is in a worse plight than yourself; go to him and find out what the trouble is, then try to remove it with the wisdom which the Lord bestows upon you; and the first thing you know, your gloom is gone, you feel light, the Spirit of the Lord is upon you, and everything seems illuminated.”
In today’s world of pop psychology, junk TV, and feel-good self-help manuals, this advice may seem counterintuitive. We are sometimes told that the answer to our ills is to look inward, to indulge ourselves, to spend first and pay later, and to satisfy our own desires even at the expense of those around us. While there are times when it is prudent to look first to our own needs, in the long run it doesn’t lead to lasting happiness.

I believe that the women of the Church, regardless of age or family status, understand and apply best the words of James Barrie, the author of Peter Pan: “Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.” Often I have witnessed quiet acts of kindness and compassion by noble women who extended themselves in unselfish charity. My heart swells when I hear stories of the sisters of the Church and how they rush to the aid of those in need.
There are those in the Church—both men and women—who wonder how they can contribute to the kingdom. Sometimes women who are single, divorced, or widowed wonder if there is a place for them. Every sister in the Church is of critical importance—not only to our Heavenly Father but also to the building of the kingdom of God as well. There is a great work to do.
One year ago in this meeting, President Monson taught that “you are . . . surrounded by opportunities for service. . . . Often small acts of service are all that is required to lift and bless another.” Look around you. There at sacrament meeting is a young mother with several children—offer to sit with her and help. There in your neighborhood is a young man who seems discouraged—tell him you enjoy being in his presence, that you feel his goodness. True words of encouragement require only a loving and caring heart but may have an eternal impact on the life of those around you.
You wonderful sisters render compassionate service to others for reasons that supersede desires for personal benefits. In this you emulate the Savior, who, though a king, did not seek position, nor was He concerned about whether others noticed Him. He did not bother to compete with others. His thoughts were always tuned to help others. He taught, healed, conversed, and listened to others. He knew that greatness had little to do with outward signs of prosperity or position. He taught and lived by this doctrine: “He that is greatest among you shall be your servant.”
In the end, the number of prayers we say may contribute to our happiness, but the number of prayers we answer may be of even greater importance. Let us open our eyes and see the heavy hearts, notice the loneliness and despair; let us feel the silent prayers of others around us, and let us be an instrument in the hands of the Lord to answer those prayers.

The Work of Creation

2009-01-01T18:39:00.002-05:00

I wanted to start the new year off with some words of wisdom from President Deiter F. Uchtdorf from his talk, "Happines, Your Heritage." Enjoy!

The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before.
Everyone can create. You don’t need money, position, or influence in order to create something of substance or beauty.
Creation brings deep satisfaction and fulfillment. We develop ourselves and others when we take unorganized matter into our hands and mold it into something of beauty—and I am not talking about the process of cleaning the rooms of your teenage children.
You might say, “I’m not the creative type. When I sing, I’m always half a tone above or below the note. I cannot draw a line without a ruler. And the only practical use for my homemade bread is as a paperweight or as a doorstop.”
If that is how you feel, think again, and remember that you are spirit daughters of the most creative Being in the universe. Isn’t it remarkable to think that your very spirits are fashioned by an endlessly creative and eternally compassionate God? Think about it—your spirit body is a masterpiece, created with a beauty, function, and capacity beyond imagination.
But to what end were we created? We were created with the express purpose and potential of experiencing a fulness of joy. Our birthright—and the purpose of our great voyage on this earth—is to seek and experience eternal happiness. One of the ways we find this is by creating things.
If you are a mother, you participate with God in His work of creation—not only by providing physical bodies for your children but also by teaching and nurturing them. If you are not a mother now, the creative talents you develop will prepare you for that day, in this life or the next.
You may think you don’t have talents, but that is a false assumption, for we all have talents and gifts, every one of us. The bounds of creativity extend far beyond the limits of a canvas or a sheet of paper and do not require a brush, a pen, or the keys of a piano. Creation means bringing into existence something that did not exist before—colorful gardens, harmonious homes, family memories, flowing laughter.
What you create doesn’t have to be perfect. So what if the eggs are greasy or the toast is burned? Don’t let fear of failure discourage you. Don’t let the voice of critics paralyze you—whether that voice comes from the outside or the inside.
If you still feel incapable of creating, start small. Try to see how many smiles you can create, write a letter of appreciation, learn a new skill, identify a space and beautify it.
Nearly a century and a half ago, President Brigham Young spoke to the Saints of his day. “There is a great work for the Saints to do,” he said. “Progress, and improve upon and make beautiful everything around you. Cultivate the earth, and cultivate your minds. Build cities, adorn your habitations, make gardens, orchards, and vineyards, and render the earth so pleasant that when you look upon your labors you may do so with pleasure, and that angels may delight to come and visit your beautiful locations. In the mean time continually seek to adorn your minds with all the graces of the Spirit of Christ.”
The more you trust and rely upon the Spirit, the greater your capacity to create. That is your opportunity in this life and your destiny in the life to come. Sisters, trust and rely on the Spirit. As you take the normal opportunities of your daily life and create something of beauty and helpfulness, you improve not only the world around you but also the world within you.

Gingerbread House

2008-12-25T22:01:00.001-05:00

This week we attempted to make a Gingerbread House, but unfortunately the roof caved in on us, so we just decorated 2-dimensional houses. Maybe next year we'll try again, or maybe we'll do what we did last year and just decorate sugar cookies to look like Gingerbread Houses and Gingerbread People!

Pin the Nose?

2008-12-19T01:05:00.002-05:00

This week we celebrated Gavin's 2nd birthday! At playgroup I got out our birthday clown (that I made for Kaleb & Noe's 5th birthday) for the kids to play with. There are 10 different colored noses to "pin" on him. Since Gavin and his gang are 2, I didn't blind-fold or spin them, I just let them "decorate" the clown however they wanted. They did get one nose in the right spot, and then put the rest all over his face like colored chicken pox. It was fun!

Repeat

2008-12-11T17:00:00.000-05:00

After my kids saw the Santa frame I made for the craft exchange last week, they wanted me to make one for us- so that's what I did this week. You can see that this Santa is a bit bigger though. Last week, I shrunk the pattern down to an 6 x 8 size, so it would all fit in the 5 x 7 frame. This week, I forgot to do that and made it full-size. Luckily, with a little shifting around it still fit in the frame. I originally painted the frame red, and in green & yellow painted "Be Merry" with polka dots on it. I wasn't crazy about the finished product, so I re-painted it solid green.

I made this Easter frame for an Enrichment class I taught in 2007. I also made the goal to make a new holiday frame for each month. Now I have 2 down, and 10 to go!

Christmas Craft Exchange

2008-12-04T18:28:00.001-05:00

My friend, Julie hosted a fun Ladies Night on Wednesday. We each brought a homemade craft and then had a little exchange. As we came in we put a number on our gift and then a matching number in a bowl. We took turns drawing numbers out of the bowl, and then we got the corresponding gift.

I made the Santa frame that my friend, Leone took home.

I took home these beautiful wise men that my friend, Chiu-yi made.

At the party we also made these cute little sheepy ornaments. It will be fun to make more with the kids!

She also made us a yummy dinner. She served 3 delicious soups with fresh bread. I can't forget the appetizers though, cruncy veggies & dip, and my favorite- 7 layer bean dip with tortilla chips. She also sent us home with a plate full of goodies. I adore homemade cookies and candy! It was a great night spent with friends: Julie, Leone, Chiu-yi, Rachelle, Amanda, Carrie, Wanda, Lori, Mary, Kay, Nicole, and me!

10, 11, 12

2008-11-27T18:28:00.001-05:00

I finally finished the last 3 months' worth of puppy pages. I hope Gavin likes his album. I want to add more to it eventually, but at least he has his first 12 months. It's done just in time for his 2nd birthday!

I hope this little guy knows how much he is loved!

7,8,9

2008-11-20T21:31:00.000-05:00

Here's Gavin's pages for months 7,8, and 9. You can see that puppy is not with him for month 7, but we were on vacation and puppy didn't make the trek with us overseas. Hopefully next week I'll finish the last 3 lay-outs and have his first year all ready to give him for his second birthday. However, with Thanksgiving this week followed by the official kick off to the Christmas season I have a lot to do!

4,5,6

2008-11-13T23:30:00.002-05:00

Here's Gavin's Puppy Picture Pages for months 4, 5, & 6. I think I did them too simply this time. I didn't double mat the pictures, or add any borders, or pattern papers. I think I relied to heavily on the cute little accents. Even though I still don't feel great, and I want to get these pages done in a hurry, I still want to do a good job so Gavin will want to keep this book forever. Hopefully next week's pages will turn out better, and hopefully Gavin will like them all anyway.

Puppy Pictures

2008-11-07T07:00:00.004-05:00

When I was pregnant with Kaleb & Noe, my visiting teacher gave me this stuffed puppy dog. Each month of their first year I took a picture of them with it to chart their growth. After Gavin was born, I had to do the same for him. Well, now he'll be 2 next month, and baby #4 is already on the way. I really need to finish his baby book. Here's the 1st 3 months:

I worked at a Scrapbook store 7-8 years ago, and during that time I collected A LOT of scrapping supplies. I know they're old school now, but I think they're fine for a baby book. Plus, the way I'm feeling these days- simple is way better! I know the pics of the pages aren't the best quality, but I can't be bothered to scan them in now- sorry. Hopefully, I'll get the next 9 lay-outs done soon.

Boo to You!

2008-10-30T19:14:00.002-04:00

I just wanted to wish you a Happy Halloween! Last weekend we watched "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!" to get us all in the Halloween spirit. Yesterday, Gavin had his Halloween party at Kindermusik, and today Kaleb & Noe have their parties at school. Tonight is our annual ward Halloween party and trunk-or-treating. Hopefully, next year I'll make some cute Halloween crafts too.

Testimony

2008-10-23T19:53:00.002-04:00

I seriously have felt miserable for 5+ weeks now. I'm almost to the end of my first trimester and I really hope the nausea passes. Unfortunately, it didn't with my other 2 pregnancies, but here's hoping. I have lots of projects I should be working on, but who feels like being crafty when you're sick?

Anyway, this week I will be teaching the Relief Society lesson based on Elder Oaks' talk "Testimony" from the April 2008 General Conference. I made up 10 different real-life scenarios where the sisters can share what they'd say to others about different topics relating to the gospel, such as: keeping the Sabbath Day Holy, Joseph Smith, the Word of Wisdom, the Atonement, the Proclamation on the Family, Happiness & Gratitude, Tithing, Modern-Day Prophets & Revelation, Temples & Eternal Families, and Faith & Prayer. I'm also going to challenge them to write their personal testimonies in their journals. To follow my own advice I want to record my own personal testimony here.

I know that Heavenly Father lives. I know that I am His child, He loves me, and has a plan for me. I know if I am faithful and obedient I can return to live with him someday.

I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and has atoned for my sins. I stand in awe of this, that He would love me enough that he would suffer and die for all of the horrible things I've done and will do in my life. I am humbled by this and want to do better each day. I know He is the only way I can return to live with my Heavenly Father someday.

I know that I have been given the gift of the Holy Ghost. I know if I am worthy His spirit can be my constant companion to guide me and protect me.

I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God and restored the fullness of the gospel to the earth.

I know that President Thomas S. Monson is the true and living prophet of God today.

I know families can be together for eternity. I know that the Temples are the houses of the Lord where the sacred ordinances are performed for that.

I know my life has purpose, and I have a mission to accomplish. I know I am only one person, and I am far from perfect, but I can do my part in building the Kingdom of God on the earth.

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

I have a Shrimp!

2008-10-16T18:43:00.000-04:00

Today I had my first appointment with Dr. Ling. It's always so exciting to have an ultrasound and see the little miracle I'm carrying and to hear its heartbeat. When she first zoomed in on the baby, she said "there it is, your little shrimp!" It's amazing that the baby is only 3 cm long and weighs only 4 gm, but look at how developed it already is! I am thrilled to be having another little one, but I have felt sick 24/7 for the past 4 weeks straight. Since I've felt so sick I haven't been doing anything "creative" lately. Hopefully next week I can get a project done.

Interview with Mommy

2008-10-09T21:21:00.006-04:00

This week I've been playing catch up on my other blog. I saw this little interview on my friend, Chris' blog and decided to do it with my kids.

Part I

What is something mom always says to you?
Kaleb: I love you.
Noe: Put away your clothes.
Gavin (as interpreted by daddy): You are so cute.
What makes mom happy?
When I behave.
Giving her hugs.
When I smile at her.
What makes mom sad?
When I don't behave.
When Kaleb & I fight.
When my brother & sister fight.
How does mom make you laugh?
By tickling me.
By tickling me.
When she tickles me.
What was mom like as a kid?
I don't know.
I don't know.
She's always been mommy.
How old is mom?
32.
24.
Just right.
How tall is mom?
Big.
Medium.
Bigger than me, but smaller than daddy.
What is mom's favorite thing to do?
Spend time with me.
To look at flowers.
Give me hugs and kisses.
What does mom do when you're not home?
Do laundry.
Cry and scream and stomp her feet (followed by laughter).
Mom's never home without me.
If mom were famous, what would she be famous for?
Modeling.
Modeling.
Taking pictures.
What is mom really good at?
Giving hugs and kisses.
Typing on the computer.
Taking care of me.
What does mom do for her job?
Nothing.
Feed Gavin.
She takes care of me and our family.
What is mom's favorite food?
Pizza.
Orange Yogurt with jellies.
Burritos.
What makes you proud of your mom?
When she comes to school and sees me at lunchtime.
She tickles me.
That she spends so much time with me.
If mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Mommy.
Cinderella.
Kim Possible.
What do you and mom like to do together?
Read stories.
Paint.
Dance at Kindermusik.
How are you and mom the same?
We both know how to read.
We both like to listen to music.
We both like making people happy.
How are you and mom different?
I'm a boy and she's a girl.
I like to eat spaghetti all the time.
She can speak English.
How do you know mom loves you?
Because she gives me hugs and kisses.
By giving me kisses and hugs.
She does everything for me.

I was belly-laughing at their answers, I've got some funny kids!

Part II

What time do your kids wake up?
6:00 for school, 6:30 on weekends, sometimes Gavin can sleep until 7:30.
On a good night, what time do your kids go to sleep?
8:00 for Kaleb and Noe, 9:00 for Gavin.
How long have you been a mom?
6 years.
How old were you when you became a mom?
26.
What is your favorite kid's show?
Phineas and Ferb.
What is your least favorite kid's show?
Dora the Explorer.
Favorite meal to cook?
My darling husband cooks dinner most nights, but I want to start cooking more (after the pregnancy nausea passes).
What's the meal cooked most often?
Fajitas.
What is the kids' favorite meal?
According to Noe, spaghetti.
What are your favorite things that your husband does with your kids?
When he plays games with them, takes them on outings, gets Gavin to sleep at night.
What are 5 things that make you smile while being a mom?
When my kids tell me they love me.
When I see them at school trying new things.
When they laugh.
When they give me big hugs and kiss my whole face.
When they are sleeping at night.
Where do you want to take your kids some day?
Disneyworld.
When was the last time you and your husband did something without the kids?
In June, when we went to the Newport Temple.
One thing you said you'd never do as a mom?
Yell at my kids. I'm still struggling with my temper.
Favorite past time with your kids?
I love reading with them, listening to music and dancing with them, playing games with them.
Advice for a new mom.
Savor every minute, the time goes fast.
When was the last time your kids said "I love you"?
Last night when they went to bed.

**If you have read this, consider yourself tagged. If you complete this interview on your blog, please leave a comment, so I can make sure I read it!

Playing Tour Guide

2008-10-02T21:20:00.001-04:00

This week Mom & Papa got to hang out with us in Taiwan and it was Kristopher's last week with us. Typhoon JangMi kept us in at the beginning of the week, but we were able to see some sites at the end of the week. While Len was at work, Kaleb & Noe were at school, Gavin & I played tour guides. We took them to the Taipei 101 building, to Len's office and out for some local Chinese food for lunch, to the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, to our mini-Temple Square (our church building is right next door to the Taipei Temple), and one evening Len took them to the ShihLin Night Market. I love having family in town!

Ele-FUN

2008-09-25T21:20:00.001-04:00

We had a wonderful time in Phuket, Thailand this week. We got to see elephants on 4 different occassions! This little elephant made out of towels, was the centerpiece on our dining room table. I thought he was cute! Now I want to learn towel origami.

Got Quotes?

2008-09-19T04:47:00.003-04:00

My sister-in-law, Janalyn has a vinyl business (see Stuck-On Vinyl Decor on side links). Last year she made this quote for me. It only took me a year to get a tile and easel for it to finish it, but better late than never, right? It sits above our linen cupboard and I think it adds a nice touch.

In case you can't read it it says, "May our Home always be a haven of Strength & Love to all those who gather here- our Family, Neighbors, and Friends." Thanks Janalyn, I love it!