Sentiments by Sophia

Organizing the Living Room

Previously posted in January 2011.

Note:  Today, I'm talking about a living room that's more of a company living room.  I'll talk about family rooms another day soon.  I do realize that not everyone has both.  Also, after a few emails yesterday, I'm prefacing today's organizing entry with this precursor... These ideas are what I've found to be helpful in my ancientness and old age for me, in my home.  They are being suggested as helpful tips, but I realize that they may not work in your world.  Thanks!  ;) 

 

 

 

 

The living room is like a window that looks into your personal world. It offers a peek inside your life.  We don’t live in the living room.  It's where company comes to visit.  The living room speaks volumes to the stranger at your door. Is it clean and inviting? Is it a cluttered mess? It’s the public place. It represents and speaks so much about your family and your lives.  It's a great place for you to "speak" you.  Family photos, musical instruments, books, decor are all things that are telling of you and your family.

 

 

The living room should be, in my opinion, the one room in the home that is always clean, vacuumed and dusted.   I realize that not all homes offer the option of not having a TV in the living room, but if at all possible, I recommend it.  When company comes, you want to spend time visiting with them, not competing with the volume of the TV.  It’s also not an eating room, unless it's a party. Not eating in the living room protects the carpet and the best furniture in the house, plus is a major part of keeping it company clean most of the time. In our home, it’s the room where we have Family Home Evening and family prayer. So, this room, in our home, the calm and peaceful room. Just that fact, alone, helps keep down the rough-housing that takes place in other parts of the home.   It's also not a room for homework or projects, but it's great for reading and napping in the sunshine.  Designating your living room for specific purposes is essential in keeping it organized and clean.

 

Here’s a few tips on keeping the living room organized and to maintain the feeling of peace and calm in the living room.

 

Here’s a suggestion for the brave soul. Completely empty the living room of all décor, books, magazines, pillows, throws, plants (live and other) and other “stuff”. Clean the room and then put things back. Think carefully before you return every single item to the room. Is it something outdated that could be replaced by something better? Is it something that could be put away in a scrapbook instead of hanging on the wall because it’s so old? Does it need a new frame? Does whatever you’re about to bring back in need polishing? Scrubbing? Soaking? Tossing? Is it time to start fresh completely? Of all the rooms in the house that you dare attempt this, the living room is the one!

Go through the room and dejunk of all clutter and useless items.  My philosophy is that if it doesn’t enhance or have a purpose in the room (whatever room we're talking about), it doesn’t belong there.   Junk does not enhance any room.

Newspapers can be read and then stacked in a basket or container or another room. Piles of magazine and catalogs can also be stored and stacked elsewhere (if they must be kept). Baskets are great and inexpensive containers for magazines, catalogs and newspapers.  But, even better, stack them in the garage until you're ready to make a trip to the recycling bin.

If you have musical instruments, they are likely kept in the living room, which means that there’s usually sheet music and books to go along with them. Make sure that you have a container of some sort for music. You don’t need to store every piece of music ever purchased near the piano, just the ones that are played frequently and that are current. We have a large square basket in the corner of our living room. It's worked for twenty years.  We call it the “scripture basket”. This basket stores scriptures, the hymn book, the children’s hymnbook and current pieces of music being played. It contains things well and enhances the room.   Try it!

“What-nots”, as my Grannie always called them, are perfectly stored and displayed in the living room. But. Don't over-accessorize the room with whatnots on shelves, tables or walls. Remember that the more you have, the more you have to dust. If you have a collection, a wise investment is a hutch of some sort to keep them safely displayed and it cuts down on the dusting immensely. Where whatnots are concerned, less is better. Less dusting, less worry of things being broken. (This is one of the only issues I have with having so much Christmas décor… it is cluttery!)

 

Keep the living room in tip top shape. Don’t have broken furniture and décor in the room. It doesn’t mean that you have to purchase new everything. Just display your best in the living room. I love the old HGTV show, what was it called, where they’d do a 3 minute segment rearranging furniture in a room. Those ladies would go around the home and pull odds and ends from other parts of the home to make the room look fabulous without spending a dime!

Keep updated photos in your living room. With technology today, even old faded photos can be enhanced and reprinted for near nothing to look like new! And dust your frames!

 

Even more important than the bedroom, laundry does not belong in the living room! Fold your laundry near the laundry room.

 

 

Stereos and electronics are commonly found in the living room.  Electronics are dust collectors, for certain, so keep them dusted frequently.  Keep cords and cables behind and hidden as much as possible.  Have a container for remotes.  If your stereo is in the living room, have an organized system for containing CDs.  If a disc comes out of the stereo, make sure it goes back inside the case, then make sure the case goes back into it's place.  Piles of CD cases are cluttery.  Contain them.

Arrange furniture to make it as comfortable as possible for visiting. Have the seating arranged to allow guests to be facing each other comfortably. Do not crowd the room with too much furniture. (That’s a hard one today because furniture is large and older homes have smaller rooms, mine included.)  Get rid of old broken pieces of furniture, even if it can't be replaced quiet yet.

Make sure that lighting is at it’s prime for reading and visiting. Dust lampshades often. Replace bulbs immediately when they burn out. Make sure that plugs and cords are safely out of the way.

If shoes come off at the front door for the family, have a receptacle for them, rather than huge piles of shoes tossed everywhere to welcome your guests when they visit. A large basket near the door will work. Also if coats come off at the door, a coat tree would be a wise investment. And last but not least, “JUST SAY NO!” to backpacks being dropped off at the front door!

If you enter more often through your front door, a hall table or secretary would be a wise investment for depositing mail and keys as you walk in the door. Never place your keys anyplace but in that container, so that you don’t waste precious time looking for them.

 

Again, clear away magazines and books, frequently. If you have a bookshelf in the living room, dust it regularly and make sure that it doesn’t become a collecting spot for other “stuff”.

 

If you have books in the living room (which it’s a great place to read, so why wouldn’t you?), then have a contained and designated spot for them. Whether it’s a book basket or a bookshelf, keep them together. The book basket is a great idea for families who frequent the library. Store all library borrowed books in the basket and when it’s time to go, you won’t be searching the house for them.

 

 

Keep batteries in clocks! A lot of us are clock collectors today. I love clocks and have clocks everywhere as décor. If you have clocks, keep them running.

 

If you have a mantel, use it as the focal spot in the room, not a gathering place for junk.  Don't overload it with a ton of decor.  Don't store keys, batteries, mail on it.  It's not a catch-all. Keep it simple and easy to dust.

 

Dust your blinds. Vacuum behind your curtains.  It's amazing to me how the spiders just know this is a safe place for their webs! Wash living room curtains, if they're fingerprinted. Wash your window sills. Clean the windows.  Of all the windows in the house, this one should be the cleanest.

Clean under the seat cushions. After you celebrate all of the things that you find, vacuum the inside of chairs before replacing the cushions.

 

 

Dust and clean lampshades, ceiling fan blades and clean all lightswitches.

 Again.  These are some of my successes in organizing our living room.  I hope that they can benefit others, as well!  Life is most certainly good!

 

 "In reading the lives of great men, I found that the first victory they won was over themselves … self discipline with all of them came first."  Harry S Truman, U.S. President

five on Friday

1. Quayd, speaking to Go-Go, our, as of late very naughty, Malti-Poo.  "You is kind.  You is not so smart.  But, you is important."  Love that boy.  He makes me laugh.
2. I'm so over my January decor.  I pulled out the Valentine's bin today, but Grace informed me that it's too early for Valentines Day decorations.  Obviously, she's not been to many stores lately.  Easter Stuff is in bloom.  (no pun intended.)
3. Still no more snow.  Enough said about that.
4. Today's hot tip on Pinterest was on boiling eggs.  Whodathunkit?  Here's a new how-to:
   
   Fill a pot with water and set the temp to high. Add desired amount of eggs making sure the water covers the entire egg. Bring it to a boil. DON”T CONTINUE TO BOIL. Once it begins, remove it from the heat and put a lid on it. Set your timer for 15 minutes.  Ding! Pour the hot water off and immediately fill your pot with cold water. Add as much ice as you can to this water. If it melts in a few minutes, add more. The water should be icy cold when you put your hand in it. If not, continue adding ice. 
   
   After about 10-15 minutes (no set time), pour NEARLY all of the water off reserving about an inch.  Put the lid on and now it’s time to play bumper cars. You heard me, shake those babies bumping them together back and forth. You’ll look ridiculous, but I promise it’s worth the goofy look so you’re not peeling each one under cold running water. Just continue to shake, shake, shake for about a minute and voila! When you remove the lid nearly all of your shell has fallen off the egg and they EASILY peel off without peeling the egg off.  Store them in a ziploc bag (dated-because they have a week long shelf-life) in the fridge. 
5. It's the weekend!  A day date today, but Doug has to work on Saturday, so there'll be no latenight movies this weekend, but I do love Fridays!


Do one thing every day that makes you happy.

 

 

a confession

And now, a confession.  I am teased often about my anal housekeeping habits.  I always respond the same ~ if I weren't organized, I'd lose my head.  And my keys.  And my planner.  And my shoes... well, you get the picture.  BUT.  One thing, which I alluded to recently, that I am not the best at is laundry. 

I do keep up on it and I have a good system for keeping it organized, that's not the problem.  I am not a good laundress.  My mother, on the other hand, is a laundry queen.  She loves ironing.  She is a bleach fanatic.  The woman bleaches and washes sneakers regularly.  Everything she owns looks brand new and is always sparkling white.  Sometimes, the smell of bleach in her house makes your eyes water.  But, unfortunately, I never learned this "talent" from my mother.

In actuality, Mom never taught me one single thing about housekeeping.  I was raised in a sterile environment with plastic on the furniture, white carpeting, glass and mirrors everywhere.  Mom worked all day and apparently, after Rick and I went to bed, she stayed up all night cleaning, because there was never a thing out of place. Honestly.  Before I married Doug, I had never cleaned one toilet, washed a window or done any other housekeeping skill, other than washing dishes a few times and there was that one pair of jeans.  (And I didn't do that right, ask Mom.) 

The reason that I had never done any of those homemaking chores was because Mom wanted them done "right".  "Right" meant her way and her way was the only way.  Heaven forbid that we fold a towel wrong.  So, she did it all herself.  I'm here to say...BIG PARENTING MISTAKE.  (This is not a Mom-bash.  She taught us lots of other good things, such as hard work ethics, go the extra mile, be generous and kind to strangers, help those in need.  She just didn't want anyone doing her housework!)

When I married Doug, it didn't take me long to discover that an ugly ring develops in the toilet if it's not cleaned often, that ovens get dirty, floors need mopping regularly and so on.  I went to our little town library and checked out every homemaking book I could get my hands on.  (As I recall, there were three...one of which was my first Homemaking Bible, Daryl Hoole's "The Art of Homemaking".)  I read these books cover to cover and took notes and read them again.  And I learned.  I asked questions and observed every woman who I admired for their homemaking skills and learned more.  I took classes on homemaking and home management and got proficient enough that after a few years, I was asked to teach the classes.  I'd learned something well enough to teach it.  Cool beans.

I digress.  To this day, I have never mastered laundry.   I'm just plain and simple not good at it.  Again, I get it done efficiently.  I have an organized laundry room.  But.  My socks and unmentionables are never look like new.  Gracie's zebra striped shirt turns grey after a few washings because is it a dark or a light?  White collars on hot pink... well, I just try to not buy things like that.  I'm more of a solids gal.   And then there was this little faux pax, about five years ago, that I'm still horrified about.  I didn't realize that I'd left a tube of red lipstick in the pocket of this special white dress.  I tossed it in the dryer to get out any wrinkles and ten minutes later, this was what I found!  I still cry when I think about it.  
 
Back to the big confession. I have a huge laundry phobia.  Silly as it may seem.  After over 14 years of serving in Relief Society Presidencies, always in the Homemaking department, I have neverwashed the Relief Society tableclothes.  Not once.  Ever. I have always managed to "allow" someone else the "privilege".  For those reading this who are not LDS, you should know that the Relief Society tableclothes, used at most church functions that involve food, are near sacred.  (Not spiritually sacred, but as in prized, cherished, treated like gold.)  The Relief Society President gaurds and protects them with their lives during their tenure.  They loan them out with great reservation and near sacred covenants that you will gaurd them the same, while they are in your possession. I've never lived in a ward that this wasn't the case.  (Justifiably so, because they are expensive and it would be easy to lose track of them or have them not cared for properly or be unavailable when needed.)

So, two weeks ago, when I called our Relief Society President to ask to use the tableclothes for the stake dinner that I was decorating for, she brought them over almost immediately.  (She's a loving, gentle lady and, she didn't even ask for one of my children as collateral.)  She carried them in, folded neatly in a clear storage container, labeled "Smithfield First Ward Relief Society" in permanent marker on the lid.  I cautioned the whole family to not touch the bin, as soon as she left.

Two days later, as soon as the big Stake gathering ended, I gathered them up, along with the help of a member of our Stake Presidency, making certain to count and double count and checking for any serious spots that might need immediate attention, then, put them back, in a bundle, into the storage container. When we got home, Doug carried the container down to the laundry room for me.  And.  For the past ten days, I've stared at it with fear. 

I've been mortified to wash the tableclothes.  I'm 53 years old and seriously afraid of these 12 round pieces of sparkling, white polyester.  What if I permanently set a spot in the dryer?  What if one gets torn in the washer?  What if there's a tube of red lipstick in the dryer? I even considered asking Mom to wash them!

Last night, I stayed up far too late.  It was after two when I climbed into bed.  Doug gets up at 3:55.  I had a good two hour nap but when we woke up, for some reason, the tableclothes were on my mind.  "What if Nyla drops by this morning to pick them up?"  They were just screaming my name from the laundry room.  I got up, went downstairs, removed the tableclothes from the container, checked every inch of every one of them for spots, took a deep breath and washed them. In hot water.  With a little bleach.  Then, I tossed them into the dryer, after checking it for crayons and lipstick or any other foreign objects, and dried them for only a few minutes, for fear that they'd shrink and be more like doilies when I took them out of the dryer.  I folded them neatly and returned them to the bin to return to our kind and wonderful Relief Society President.  All is well.  I really do need to get over this fear.  

So, why do I write this diatribe about tableclothes.  A few thoughts come to my mind:

• We let ourselves worry about the lamest things.  Most of our fears are never come to pass.  There really are enough serious issues in life, why do we let ourselves get worked up over the trivial.
• When we have a fear, the best way to conquer it is to just do it!  Rather than letting something paralyze us, move forward.  Take it on!  What's the worst that could happen? 
• Learn from your mistakes.  Mistakes, generally speaking, don't kill us.  Even with all that red lipstick on my beautiful white dress, I'm still alive.  And I know I won't make that mistake again!
• Teach your children how to work.  Zaylee,  who is barely three, sets the table every night.  Last night, when I said it was almost time to eat, she went straight to the drawer and pulled out the placemats, set them in place and continued to set the table, down to the salt and pepper.  Never be afraid to teach your children age-appropriate responsibilities.  Everyone can and will benefit from their knowledge and skills.
• And last, but not least, if you've ever had a desire to write a book, "How to do laundry well " is a great topic idea.  I'd buy it.

Enough said. 

If you stumble, make it a part of the dance.

a taste of summer in January

The babes had the day off for Parent Teacher Conferences, so we had a very casual day at home after I went to the school.  Gracie and I spent some time playing on Pinterest together.  She's still not got her own account because Facebook doesnt' recognize her name when she tries to log in, even though Pinterest has sent her an invite.  We're waiting to hear from their "Help People".  She can't wait!

I found an "interesting" recipe on Pinterest and was anxious to try it.  WOW!!!  MUST SHARE!  Here's the coolest thing about this recipe... it's 130 calories for one cup!  This is truly a LOT of good in such a small amount of calories.  Doug took one taste and said, "We need to have this once a week."  And most simple to make...just how I like it!  And it's so healthy!

Crab and Roasted Corn Salad

 12 oz. lump crab meat (I bought imitation and chopped it very fine in my food processor)
1 pint grape tomatoes, cut in half (I cut them in fourths)
1 large avocado, diced
2 hot peppers such as serrano or jalapeños, diced fine (seeds removed for mild) (I used one large)
1 1/2 cups roasted corn kernels (I roasted them in a skillet on the stove top until they were brown)
1/3 cup chopped red onion
2 limes, juice of (or more to taste)
1 tsp olive oil
2 tbsp chopped cilantro (I used a little more)
salt and fresh pepper to taste (I used lots)

How's that for lots of alterations!  Here's how:  In a small bowl combine red onion, lime juice, olive oil, pinch of salt and pepper. Let them marinate at least 5 minutes to mellow the flavor of the onion.

In a large bowl combine chopped crab meat, avocado, tomatoes, hot pepper and corn. Combine all the ingredients together, add cilantro and gently toss. Adjust lime juice, salt and pepper to taste.  ENJOY!

I shared part of this with some friends, who stopped by after dinner and it was a hit.  We ate it on Townhouse crackers like crab salad, but it can be served as a main dish.  Seriously, healthy, low-fat, and so so tasty!

And now a quick ten list because it's 1:05AM and I'm more than ready for bed!

Ten things I did today:

1. Made a tasty dinner
2. Baked Peanut Blossom Cookies
3. Went to Parent Teacher Conferences
4. Had a Coke with Nat
5. Played a few games
6. Had some time with the kiddos
7. Hugged and kissed my sweetheart
8. Had a paradigm shift.
9. Went for a ride with a friend.
10. Cleaned the bathrooms.

Nine things I didn't do today:

1. Didn't connect with Dad.
2. Did not do laundry
3. Did not pay a bill that I really need to remember to get around to
4. Did not go to Chili's
5. Did not see Denise
6. Did not overeat
7. Did not exercise
8. Did not read
9. Did not get to bed early enough.

Eight things I will be doing on Wednesday:

1. Having lunch with Denise
2. Paying that bill
3. Ordering Melaleuca
4. Charging my camera battery
5. Going to Best Buy
6. Exercising
7. Making Tomato-Mac soup and cornbread
8. Returning tableclothes to Nila

Seven people I spoke with on Tuesday:

1. Wendy
2. Natalie
3. Carol
4. Denise
5. Nikki
6. Kaylene
7. Troy

Six things I ate today:

1. The nummy salad posted above
2. a Grilled Chicken wrap
3. some crackers
4. about 1 cup of Pepsi
5. a lot of water
6. a Peanut butter cookie

Five things I'm thankful for today:

1. Our wonderful furnace
2. My food processor
3. My husband's willingness to work hard for our family
4. My dad's latest cancer-free test results
5. My camera

Four little life lessons from today:

1. Sometimes you do all that you can do to fix something and then you have to just let it go when you know that you can't do anymore.
2. Friendships are treasures, not to be taken lightly.
3. Teachers are among the hardest working individuals in our country.
4. My husband is a gem!

Three things I'm looking forward to:

1. Going to the ranch soon!
2. Breaking Dawn in DVD in just a few weeks.
3. Friday day date with Doug!

Two things I need to give more attention to:

1. Walking every chance I get!
2. Reading more, Pinteresting less.

One laugh from today:

1. I was working on my iTunes Playlist revamp and a rather wild rock song from the 70s came on.  Quayd was next to me at the other computer with the headphones on.  He could hear my music, stopped what he was doing and asked, "Mom?  Is that appropriate?"  Too funny.   Love that boy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

everything

I typed this entry three times and for some reason, when I hit publish, TypePad surprised me with a previously posted entry, losing what I'd typed tonight.  Grrrr.  Forgive the typos and poor grammar.  I'm too afraid to touch anything but publish again.

Recently, I was asked a question that really made me think.  "What kind of blog do you have?"  Not sure what they were seeking in an answer, I asked for more specifics..."You know,  a decorating blog?  a cooking blog?  What kind?"  After much continued thought, even after my answer, I realize that my blog is a cooking blog, a decorating blog, an organizing blog, an entertaining blog, a movie review blog, a personal journal/scrapbook blog, even a blog about my biggest blunders.  My blog is an everything blog.  And tonight... that's what you get... a little bit of everything.  My main goal for my blog, after seven years, is that one day, my posterity can read and feel that they "knew" me and that every day, there's something of benefit for someone.  And some days, that someone is myself.  It works for me.  I so appreciate the many blogging friends that I've made through the years!  Enough said.

And now for a little of that "everything" I was talking about.

A response:  After yesterday's little post of Liza's "haircut emails", I received several requests to show a photo of the haircut.  I'm sorry.  I considered it but decided that it might be someone's brand new haircut and they may feel terrible knowing that Liza thought it was cute for a troll doll.  (wink-wink) 

A Zayleeism:  While I was playing with Go-Go,  Zaylee was very entertained, just belly-laughing until I made a comment like, "Grammie is such a dork."  Zaylee stopped mid-laugh and said, "No, Gwammie!  You not a dork!"  I teased, "Oh, is Go-Go a dork?"  She said, "No!  Gwammie!  Go-Go's not a dork.  Girls are not dorks and dogs are not dorks!  Just only boys can be dorks!"  She's barely three!  Where does she come up with these things?

Klutz in the Kitchen: In the past week, I've shared the details of the broken Corelle Cup in the crock pot full of Chicken Soup.  I've not shared that I ruined a double batch of Rice Krispie Treats by petrifyingthe marshmallows.  I ruined Wendy's jello salad by squirting aerosol whipping cream on it just before a Relief Society dinner and within seconds, it turned into liquid mush.  AND.  I made our favorite salad ~ spinach, mandarin oranges, craisins, mozzarella cheese, poppy seed dressing and sunflower seeds.  When I poured the cup of sunflower seeds in to the mix, I also poured myself a handful and discovered that they were rancid.  One month old and rancid.  $15 of salad into the disposal.  Sadness.  Even Doug couldn't eat it!  Sometimes, it's just better to order in.

Dinner: This tasty recipe, found on Pinterest a few weeks ago was our Monday night dinner.  SO good and very easy!  I took a quick photo before they were all devoured!  And the best part of the meal was that when every bite was gone, I announced to the babes that they had just eaten one very large onion and one very large green pepper.  Gracie proudly responded, "I know!  I saw that!  And I had one bite without a pepper and it wasn't as good as the others."  SCORE for the onions and green peppers!  Happy day!

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Adapted from Rachael Ray

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
2 tablespoons steak sauce (I used Worchestershire)
1 cup beef stock
Salt and ground black pepper
4 dinner rolls  (It made enough for 10 at our table)
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon flour
1 cup milk
1 cup provolone, shredded

In large skillet over medium-high heat add the oil and then brown the ground beef, about 5-6 minutes. Add the onion and green pepper and cook another 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables start to get tender. Stir in the steak sauce and beef stock, season with salt and pepper, bring up to a bubble and cook about 2 minutes.

Split open rolls and remove most of the soft insides, leaving a bed to hold the meat mixture. Toast the rolls and set aside.  (We skipped this step because we love Lee's Ranch rolls.) 

While the meat is cooking, melt the butter in a medium-size pot over medium-high heat. Stir in the flour and cook about 1 minute. Whisk in milk, bring up to a bubble and let thicken, about 2 minutes. Turn off heat and stir in the cheese.   Enjoy!

To serve, place a scoopful of the meat mixture onto the bottom of the rolls, then top with the cheese sauce and replace the top of the roll.

A new product:  I went to the Scentinel Candle Retail Store for some new post holiday scents.  Oh my!  They have a new "not on the shelves yet" product ~ Cheesecake! Mixed with Apple Crisp, my home smells divine! Oh, my, Oh my!  The Oatmeal Cookie will always be my favorite, but seriously, check it out asap! 

Weather update:  It's snowing.  Again.  Most of the day.  Less than an inch of little teeny tiny crystally pellets.  Now, it's getting colder and we're getting black ice.  Such a strange winter. Please pass a blizzard.  A real one, please.  Oh my.  I just heard the snowplow drive by.  One question:  What's it plowing?

Be so happy that when others look at you, they become happy too.

weekend stuff

Weekend update:  Friday, day date with Doug.  We fell in love with Chili's new Sweet and Spicy Chicken.  It's to die for! Friday night, double-date night for Doug and I to Cafe Sabor with Stott and Wendy.  After dinner, I went south to Carol's.  I'm VERY excited to be hosting a bridal shower for her daughter, Madi!  A late night with Carol, gabbing, planning and somewhere in the middle, we watched Abduction, the Taylor Lautner movie.  WOW.  Suspense from the get-go.  He could be the next Tom Cruise with his stunt abilities.  And that smile.  He's a cutie.  I actually forgot that he was Jacob after a few minutes. 

Saturday morning, Doug and I were lying in bed thinking about his need for a home office.  Our home has five bedrooms. We need one more.  Somewhere in the conversation, I had this idea.  A BIG idea.  A few years ago, my mom moved in after her cancer diagnosis.  At the time, I had a new mission-style computer cabinet in my then scrapbook room.  To give mom a main floor guest room, we moved the hutch downstairs, with the help of six very helpful friends.  However...they teased, "when you want it back upstairs, don't call us!"  Moving it was a nightmare!  We knew that it would have to be disassembled to bring back upstairs.  I digress. 
And so... I had this idea... let's disassemble and then move that cabinet back upstairs, then rebuild it in our room and move my armoire downstairs to replace it in Quayd's room.  Again, this meant disassembly, not to mention emptying cabinets, changing dressers and their contents, rearranging other furniture and more.  At first, Doug had that "deer in the headlights" look.  Then, after some discussion, we agreed that, yes, it might mean a day of labor to get it done, but then once done, he would have a perfect solution.  He would no longer have to "set up and break camp" every time he needed an office and he would have the privacy that he's missing when working at the kitchen table or in my gallery. 

Long long story short... by the end of the day, we were enjoying Pizza Hut dinner and Doug, now, has a lovely little personal space of his own.  And.  Best of all!!!  He can close the door on this hutch and I don't have to see one bit of clutter!  The one space in the house that is and always has been "off limits" to me and my cleaning obsession is Doug's dresser and desktop, when he had a desk.  So, this is a great win-win solution.  He has his space and when he's not working at it, he closes the door and it looks lovely!   It was a huge, full-day project, but Doug was very happy when it was done.  As we reassembled, there was much teasing... my philosophy, "if it doesn't enhance the space, it doesn't belong there."  He came up with all sorts of things that he thought could be enhancing... tools, boots, all sorts of things up to "enhance" his globe.  NOT.  I love that this man makes me laugh every day.

We finally had a beautiful little storm on Saturday.  It was snow, then slush, then rain all day until later in the afternoon when it started snowing THE biggest snowflakes I've ever seen in my life.  Everyone was talking about how huge they were.  We're talking tennis ball size snowflakes!  BEAUTIFUL!  We only got a couple of inches of snow and then it turned very cold and the snow became crunchy and icy.  Still, it's white!  More snow expected this week.

Best laugh of the weekend:  Grace and I found a cute haircut on Pinterest.  Well, I thought it was cute for me!  So, I sent the photo to Liza.  Immediately, I started receiving several emails from her in this order:

Liza:  For a formal dance?
Liza:  For a troll doll?
Liza:  For a baby?
Me:  Cackling now.
Liza: For a Chia Pet?
Liza:  For DAD??!!?!??
Me:  Choking and coughing now.
Liza:  Hehehe.  I think I am funny.
Me:  You just made my blog.
Liza:  Oh dear.

I guess I'll pass on the haircut.  BTW, Gracie is most excited about setting up her own Pinterest account.  She's my decorating girl.  

Sunday, we enjoyed a celebration of the return of our favorite niece, Jocelyn (not to be confused with favorite neices Tessa, Brooke, Lindsay, Liz and Becky and the younger girls...) from her LDS mission to Houston Texas.  Jocelyn really has a special place in the hearts of my girls.  They were thrilled.  The meeting was wonderful and the family gathering after was lovely.  Dinner was excellent.  Catching up with family is always the best.  We actually drove back home to grab my camera and I never took a single picture.  Bad Aunt Sophia.

One other special moment for me was the sweet note I received from favorite niece Tessa, thanking me for my help with her wedding.  My favorite thing, she referred to me as her "own personal fairy Godmother".  I'll take that as one of the best complements I've ever had from anyone in Doug's family.  Sweet.  I heart Tessa and Kellan.  I know that the wedding was in November, but I couldn't pass up a chance to post another shot of my lovely niece and her sweet hubby!

It was a great weekend!  What more can I say?  Life is good.

What you do today can improve all of your tomorrows.

snowballs or snowflakes?

Snowflakes are one of nature's most fragile things,
but just look what they can do when they stick together. 

Bathroom Organization

Previously posted in January 2011.  

The first and most important step you can take in dejunking and reorganizing your bathroom is to go through every inch of the room, and get rid of everything that isn't being used.    Grab a large black plastic trash bag and you'll be surprised at how quickly you can fill it.  Get rid of every outdated prescription, old half full bottles of conditioners, lotions, bath oils, broken brushes and combs and make-up.  Empty every drawer, cupboard and shelf completely.  Before replacing things on the shelves,  if needed, line the drawers and shelves with fresh contact paper or drawer liners.  Then, re-determine the purpose of each storage area in the bathroom.  Will the drawer be for cosmetics or first aid?  Hair care or manicuring?  Will the shelf in the closet or under the sink hold towels?  Decide what will work the best in use and in keeping things organized in the future.

Mini storage containers are especially excellent in the bathroom for sorting products rather than just having a shelf full of "stuff".  Example:  I have a 24" long plastic basket that is about 6" wide and fits perfectly along the edge of the shelf in my bathroom closet.  This contains all liquid soaps, body washes and lotions.  Another smaller plastic bin holds bar soaps.  Another holds headbands and larger hair accessories.  Assign different containers individual purposes.  Some suggested sorting ideas:

• Lotions and skin care
• facial care
• hair care
• manicure
• first aid
• cosmetics

A few tidbits:

• There are some pretty clever ways to store toilet paper.  A basket on the back of the toilet tank will hold a few rolls.  A large tall thin decorative trash container works.  I just store mine in the cupboard next to the john.  They are out of sight, kept dry, close when needed. 
• If closet space is limited, a basket with rolled up washcloths or handtowels sits well on the top of the toilet tank. 
• A separate plunger is a neccessity under every sink in the home.  Each plunger should be labeled on the handle with a permanent marker, "Guest bath", "Downstairs bath", "Master Bath" and especially the "Kitchen" plunger, which should be stored under the kitchen sink!  Plunging the sink isn't so bad when you know it's not the pooey plunger.  No one wants to have to race around the house to find the plunger when the one bathroom is flooding over with who knows what onto your floor. Plungers aren't pretty, so store them out of sight.  And if it doesn't fit under the sink, you're actually "allowed" to cut the wooden handle down enough that it will. 
• Under the bathroom sink is a great place to hang a paper towel roll.  It can be used for cleaning the mirror, that last wipe after cleaning of the toilet (especially that little strip of porcelain between the seat and the tank), or just for little hands instead of having the kids grab a huge bath towel and toss it in the wash or leave it on the floor after they dry their hands. Just make sure to have a trash can near by for used ones.
• A great way to store a blowdryer or curling iron is in an wooden or metal toothbrush holder that has the little cup hole in the center of it.  It can be mounted inside a closet wall and is convenient to toss the tool in the hole without worrying about melting or burning anything.  Another way is to hang hooks inside the bathroom closet and just hang the irons and dryers.
• For the gazillion hair clips, bows and barrettes, hang a 1" wide piece of ribbon to the back of a closet door.  Clip them on for easy access and storage.  Have a huge basket that larger ones can just be tossed into.
• The best tool I've ever found for pony tail bands is a metal ring that they can slip onto easily.  It's a cool little gadget and the girls actually think it's fun to put the ponies onto it, so that helps.  Fun gadgets always help.
• A hamper or laundry basket is a neccessity in any bathroom.  If there's no place to put them, the clothes and towels will always end up on the floor.  Face it, with kids, even if there is a basket, they will sometimes still land on the floor.  But, a basket helps immensely, even if you're the only one picking up!  Baskets seem to have more success, because, things with lids require the extra step of opening.  One step less, just tossing things into a basket is more simple.  Store it out of sight in the bottom of the bathroom closet.  
• Fold towels the same way and when they go onto the shelf, "aim" the folds all to the outside of the shelf.  It makes it easier to grab a towel without grabbing the one below it and looks much better on the shelf.  They'll look just like the linen department at your favorite store!
• Medications should not be stored in the bathroom.  The bathroom is the warmest room in most homes and by far, the most humid.  Heat and humidity both shorten their shelf life.  Storing them in the kitchen is better for the meds, as well as your clutter control.
• If you have several members of the family sharing a bathroom, assign a color to each person.  Then, have colored towels, a baskets/containers, washclothes, toothbrushes... everything...in the same color. This avoids confusion as to who's is who's.
• A few winters ago, after repeated rounds of the flu, I purchased little pencil container for each of the babes at Staples.  Each child gets their own container filled with their own toothpaste, toothbrush and floss.  Germaphobe that I am...I thought about how we put our toothpaste directly on the toothbrush and we all share the toothpaste and we toss them all in the same container or on those little toothbrush holders that collect germs and leftover toothpaste and dare I say it, spit.  That's a guaranteed way to share your cold and flu bugs.  It's been a great discovery for keeping down the germs and organization.  Make sure to toss them in the dishwasher for an occasional sanitizing.  The pencil holders are stored inside the medicine cabinet, out of sight like they should be.  (Again, if it doesn't enhance the look of the room, it should be put away.)  (By the way, ZJ decorated hers with stickers.)
• As mentioned a few days ago, a drawer in the bathroom, easily accessible, is a great place for a little first aid "station".  Bandaids, a few topical ointments that kids are not afraid of, some wipes... most kids will enjoy being their own doctor for little owies.  This helps assure that what you need will be where it's supposed to be when it's a real emergency, prevents unnecessary messes in the bathroom and saves a lot of crying to Mom when they can do it themselves.
• The little plastic three drawer storage containers are great for a bathroom.  They fit under the sink.  One drawer can be assigned to each child to keep their own personal hygiene items.  Label them!   They are also wonderful under the sink for containing things like feminine hygiene products and extra hair care products, soaps and body washes.
• Hang a shower caddy over your shower head.   Don't clutter your tub/shower with 21 bottles of shampoo, conditioners and body washes along the edges of the tub, in the window and in the corners.  If multiple people are using different products, purchase individual caddies that they can put in and out of the shower and return to it's home after use. 
• If your kids are small, have a drip-dry type basket or mesh bag to hang in the tub and whatever fits in it will be plenty if bath toys.  Rotate the bathtoys, if necessary, but there's no need to have that many toys in the bath. 

My three favorite bathroom ideas are these:

1. Have a clock in each bathroom.  It helps inkeeping track of time when you're getting ready or when you are leisurely soaking in the tub with a magazine and bon-bons.  (We all know that happens so often.)  What other room are you usually worried about how much time you have before doing something?   It's also nice to say, "Ten minutes!" and know that they can keep tabs on the time too.
2. Hang an extra spring type shower curtain rod inside your bathtub on the back wall.  This is a great place to hang towels to dry and not have them all over the bathroom.  Plus, it's a wonderful way to hang wet swimsuits, damp clothes, snowsuits, wet socks and gloves rather than having them clutter the entire bathroom and making carpets wet in other rooms.  Honestly, you'll think that this was the best $10 you ever spent on organizing.
3. And the last is to purchase the big coat hooks and hang them on wall behind the back of your bathroom door, if possible.  One hook for each person that uses this bathroom.  Then, as previously mentioned, give everyone their assigned color towel.  But, first... sew a four inch long piece of heavier ribbon (canvas is great!) at the center of the long side of a towel.  This will act as a "hook" for the towel, but not interfere with folding them out of the dryer.  Each family member can hang  their towels after use and the "hook"/ribbon helps it stay secure.  This stops all arguments of who left their wet towel on the floor, who didn't clean up the bathroom.  The same works for washcloths and hand towels, as well.  

And my bonus tip for a nice bathroom... do not tea-stain an americana quilt in the bathtub and then use fifty cleaning products together to try to remove the stain from the tub.  My tub lost it's finish because I mixed cleaning products that weren't meant to be mixed.  Lesson learned.

Inspiration is like a bath.  It doesn't last and needs to be had frequently!

 

Two good things... very good things!

Here's two of my most recent organizing projects.  I have died and gone to heaven!

In the bedroom... Jewelry.  I have a fishing tackle box, a real jewelry box, a cute earring holder and a large hanging necklace holder.  BUT.  The necklaces were always getting tangled.  A while ago, I was in Carol's daughter, Taylor's bedroom and saw this idea.  I couldn't rest until I tried it myself. While admiring Taylor's cute walls, we discussed this great idea and Jamie, Carol's niece/my friend, commented that her necklaces were always so hard to get to that she rarely wore them.  "I guess if I organized them like this, they'd get worn more!"  And that, my friends, is what inspired me!  There's days that there's no time to untangle or sort through.  With this system, it's just grab and run.  Love, love LOVE it! 

Here's my "how-to" (or should I say, Doug's?):

We bought a 4'x8' pegboard at Lowes.  ($18)  We had the guy at Lowes cut the board into four boards, various sizes for different locations. (free) This one is 32" wide, just  a bit narrower than my bedroom door.  (I don't have a walk in closet, or it would be there.)  We also purchased one eight foot long 1"x2" board and asked the guy to cut it into eight 1' pieces.  (80 cents!) $19 = the makings for four jewelry boards.  Once home with the pre-cut boards, Doug simply measured and found the center of the pegboard,  then, found the center of the 1x2" board, lined them up to match and drilled it into place on the wall with 3" grabber screws...one 1x2"board at the top and one at the bottom of the pegboard, to give the pegs the space needed away from the wall.  DONE. FINI!

Thanks to Lowe's free service of cutting the boards, it took ten minutes total to mount!  And then came the fun part.  I purchased a "Value Pack" of peg hooks at Lowes for $9.  I would not do that again.  Many of the pegs were odd sizes that I would not use.  However, while buying lightbulbs at K-Mart, I happened upon a package of 40 one inch pegs for $2.79!  SWEET!  All the same size and two shapes.  You can place the pegs anywhere you'd like and rearrange them as needed.  Organizing the jewelry was the best part! 

A few random thoughts about the project:

• One of the boards that I cut is for Denise.  She has tons of earrings.  For hers, I'm cutting a piece of heavy gage wire mesh ( with squares that are about 1/2") and will be hanging it from four pegs on the board, so that she can hook her earrings into the mesh.  SIMPLE!  I'd be doing the same if I didn't have my wonderful Rodworks hanger,  I took this photo the day I purchased it, a few years!  Today, it's almost full.  When it is, I'll add the wire mesh to my pegboard, like Denise's.
  
  
• Hanging this pegboard on the back of a door that opens and closes regularly would probably not be a good idea because the jewelry would be swinging with the door and end up closed in the doors or flying off the hooks.
• Painting the pegboard the same color as the wall would be simple, however, I opted for white so that I could see the jewelry better than had it been on my chocolate brown wall.  Taylor's is pink, like her bedroom and looks awesome!   For her, at 16, a jewelry maker, it does double duty as room decor!
• In the "Value Pack", there were a few hooks that had loops for hanging tools, like screwdrivers.  I used those loop hooks to hang my sunglasses and a mini-flashlight.  When the kids have taken all of the other flashlights in the house out to the trailer, I'll still have mine in a place that I could grab it, even in the dark!
• The total cost of one board ~ $5.00 per mounted board, plus 30 hooks for $3.00=$8.00!!  We have enough pegboard for four boards, so Denise, and both of my girls get one too!

My next project was even more simple. This plastic/canvas shoe rack was another Lowes purchase.  (I looked everywhere and liked this one the best.)

This has truly made kitchen organization heavenly.  By removing the odd shaped items, rarely or occasionally used items and larger items from my kitchen drawers, I'm not having to shuffle through all of them to find the basic ladles and spoons.  I purchased this shoe organizer at Lowes for $10.  Doug removed the old mounted Rubbermaid foil and plastic wrap organizer that was very tired from the inside of the pantry door, giving me an entire wall full of space! The items now stored in this organizer are simple to access, no more sorting and in clear view once the pantry door is opened.  Doug asked, "what happens when the plastic tears?"  We buy a new one!  If it lasts only a year, that's less than eighty cents a month to not have to waste time or poke or cut fingers while plundering in search of a chip clip!

A few thoughts about this:

• First, the aluminum foil on the top row drives me insane because I want it at the bottom with the Ziplocs and parchment, but Doug said that the foil would be more sturdy at the top. Men are so smart. ;)  The others boxes remained at the bottom because it was easier access for the kids. who use them as much as I do.
• Storing the cords/plugs for my electric appliances like this just makes me want to do a happy dance in the kitchen!  No more tangled mess or pulling out three before you get the right one! 
• The other items, top to bottom, left to right:
  
  Those awkward shaped tupperware funnels that don't fit anywhere.  (I'm a believer in duplicates of items that you frequently use), Pampered Chef tongs, which I love but they won't lie flat in a drawer because of the little handle poking up (awkward shapes are perfect in this!), all of the accessories to my Hand Mixer and then the beaters. 
  
  Three different types of icecream scoops, PC Melon Baller (btw, this scoops the perfect amount of pizzelle batter!), the PC apple/peeler/corer/slices and then two other apple tools.
  
  PC Pizza Cutters (I have two and they are both always in use for everything!)  candy thermometer, biscuit cutter and chip clips.  (Every kitchen needs about 3 dozen of these.  Most of mine are in use all the time.  Having one place for them, you don't have to waste time searching when the pretzels are left open!
  
  PC Cookie Press tips, the Cookie Press (which I've used for cookies about three times ever, but use for deviled eggs and stuffing cream cheese frosting into strawberries often!) The odd shaped item is my old fashioned southern style chopper.  (I've never seen one in a store in the west but I use it as much as my food processor.) Pampered Chef Garlic Press.
  
  Bottom Row: My canning jar lifter and pickling spice/tea ball.  (Both should have been put away with the canning goods last fall, but somehow ended up in the drawer.  I'll know where they are when I need them next fall, though.  Then the parchment, Ziplock sandwich and gallon size bags.

This system is awesome because my drawers are less cluttered and it's much easier to find spatulas and spoons than ever before!  Love it!  Ten bucks, a little time dejunking and voila!  LOVE LOVE, LOVE it!!! 

LOVE LOVE LOVE an organized home!  Enough said!  Have a great weekend!

Be content with what you have, rejoice in the way things are.
When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.

 

a wish (happy birthday, miki!) and a goal (project time!)

Mikelle is two years old.  The B's had us over for her little birthday party last night.  She was just fun to watch, as she discovered her stack of gifts and walked around passing them out to everyone in the room.  To me, Miki looks like a little Hummel figurine.  She's a doll.  Doug and I were discussing with Stott and Wendy just how how amazing it is that two years have gone by since we sat together in that hospital room, praying for all to go well with the birth and adoption.  And go well, it has.  Doug and I give thanks each and every day for Stott and Wendy and the love that they have shown Miki, as well as our family.  She's spoiled rotten!  And we wouldn't want it any other way.  It makes Doug and I laugh everytime we see her.  She's starting to talk up a storm and my favorite thing to hear her say is "Grampyyyyyy!"  She drops everything when she sees me to ask, "Where's Grampy?!?"  It's precious.  I don't mind playing second fiddle to Grampy at all!  Many of our other friends comment frequently that this was one adoption where two families, literally, adopted each other, not just one family adopting a baby.  So so true.  And So So wonderful!  We love the B's.  We love Miki.  We love being family and are grateful to this sweet little girl who brought us all together as family.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MIKI!!!

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

So.  I wonder.  If this were my laundry room, would it always look like this?
 

 I know me.  And I know that if this were my laundry room, no one would be allowed to put any dirty laundry in it because I'd want it to look this perfect all of the time!  I have a friend who's laundry room is larger and more beautiful than even this.  It. Is. A.MAZ.ING.  She has eight children.  They built one of the most beautiful homes I've ever been inside.  It is meticulous.  When we walked into the laundry room, my first words were, "Does it always look like this?"  Her answer was "Pretty much."  She then explained to me that each of her children had laundry responsibilities and it helped her with keeping up on things. 

I have five (well, six, because I wash as much of Zaylee's laundry as I do my own) people to keep up with.  My laundry is the bain of my existence.  I do keep up with it.  I do keep the laundry room functional.  BUT.  It's tiny.  It's crowded and, because I'm so anal about keeping the house company clean, the laundry room tends to become the "catch-all", requiring more attention than a place for sorting and folding laundry.   And for the record, company is never welcome in my laundry room.

SO. I have a new winter goal.  I'm going to go through my laundry room, do some serious dejunking and then do some actual decorating.  Currently, it's the only white room in our home. I don't have new appliances.  I won't be getting them anytime soon. And it won't end up looking anything even close to the room above.  But, I can do better.  And I will.  And I may even take a picture when I'm done and share it. We'll see how it goes.  A public self-challenge.  Nothing like it to get motivated, right!  Besides, it's winter.  And I needed a little something to keep my busy, right?  Enough said.

Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.

if you can't say anything nice...

It's been a very rough day. As a result, I'm sharing ten happy thoughts for the day.

According to the latenight weather report, "Twenty-four hours from now,we'll have seen several inches of snow."

   2.

Homemade pizza.  MMMM.

3.

The laundry is all done.  (Till tomorrow.  LOL)

4.

American Idol begins tonight.

5.

My niece, Jocelyn, is home from her 19 month LDS mission!

6.

One of my all-time favorite comments ever: Seriously Soph??!! LOL. do you EVER post a recipe without cream cheese? You should just name your blog, Cream cheese and us..LOLPIMP!! Looks good though!

7.

A new Tom Hanks movie.  Not even sure of the name of it but Julia Roberts and Tom. Bound to be good.

8.

Did some major dejunking in the gallery again.  Some days I think I should just empty it all then I remember all of the fun projects I can complete by simply opening those bi-fold doors.

9.

Five little words ~ "And this too shall pass."

10.

Did I mention that it's supposed to snow ~ serious snow!?

Learning to ignore things is one of the great paths to inner peace.

 

a few things I'm loving these days...

Hugo.  Seriously, I love this movie.  I'd bought the book, Hugo Cabret for Quayd's birthday two years ago.  It's quite unique.  It's a thick book that looks intimidating until you open it and see that over half of the book is filled with amazing illustrations.  When I heard that it was going to be made into a movie, I had told the kids that we'd go and see the movie once everyone had read the book.   Grace finished it today.  The movie is like nothing I'd ever seen.  Apparently, Martin Scorsese's grandchild was reading the book and was so enthralled that he became interested and the result is this film.  It's wonderful.  Intriguing, exciting, outstanding.  I highly recommend it for anyone of any age.  It's got the technology of today, but the feel of an old-fashioned "Heidi".  We saw it for our family activity with the B's and loved it.  It comes out in Blue-Ray in April and we'll be buying it on the release date.  Loved it!  And if I'd have known Jude Law was in it (remember I don't watch previews), I'd have been there on opening day.  Love him too!  Again, it's an amazing story.

Chili's began serving from their new menu today.  If you're looking for a tasty lunch, the new guiltless chicken salad in a honey-lime vinaigrette is a must try!  LOVED it!  The new Philly Steak and Cheese sandwich is on the best bread I've ever had in a restaurant... however, I'm thinking that this one is probably going to be one of their highest calorie lunches.  Oh, but don't was all need an occasionally guilty pleasure?! And if you like fire and spice,  try the new grilled shrimp tacos.   (Note:  order a glass of milk with them!)  Also, their new Oreo Molten Lava Cake... divine.  We do love Chili's!  Especially the Logan Chili's!

Another new love... Melaleuca has a new shampoo and conditioner, Affina, that I'm totally loving.  I don't often push my husband's business on the blog, but seriously, it's awesome!

Great Customer Service... I called the company that I'd ordered the paper plates from to let them know that I was so disappointed in the quality of the product.  I commended them on their excellent service, their speedy delivery and the other products, but those plates.  A huge disappointment.  The customer service lady thanked me for calling, acknowledged my disappointment and then offered me a credit for my next purchase within a year.  I insisted that I'd not called for a "freebie" but to let them know.  She appreciated my feedback.  I think that most companies do... good and bad.

Jalapeno Jellies:  I think that I posted this photo during the holidays. I got it from friend, Marilyn, while we were having dinner in December.  When she gave me two jars of homemade jalapeno jelly and showed me this photo, I did a happy dance!  (Although, I think that you need double the jelly after taking this beautiful photo!)  Friend, Natalie, also discovered a tasty store bought jalapeno jelly at Costco that is to die for!  I sent Doug to the store to pick up a  jar during the holidays and he came home with a jar of dark green jalapeno jelly that looked more like pickle relish.  Even though it wasn't nearly as pretty, it was pretty tasty.  We've discovered jalapeno jelly on cream cheese and crackers, jalapeno jelly on salmon, jalapeno jelly on whole wheat pancakes (remember, I'm married to GranolaMan).  He's not suggested it yet, but I'm waiting for him to put it on ice cream.  (He already thinks that is why Sweet and Sour Sauce was invented.)  Regardless of Doug's concoctions, it's a must have in the refrigerator these days!

A new recipe:  I wanted to share this very tasty and super simple recipe that I'd made for a treat on Sunday evening.  They are rich and sweet, which I'm sure is why they suggested 1" bite-size pieces.

1 box Yellow Cake Mix
1/2 cup butter
1 egg

First layer:  Mix cake, melted butter and 1 egg.  Pat into the bottom of a 9x13" pan. 

8 oz. cream cheese, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
2 eggs

Second layer:  Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar and 3 eggs until smooth and creamy.  Pour and spread on top of first layer.  Bake  at 350' for 40 minutes or until browned.  Cool completely and cut into 1" squares.  Top with fresh strawberries in glaze or caramel sauce or chocolate.  Enjoy!

And last but not least, have I mentioned Pinterest in the past few days?  Okay, I admit.  I'm hooked.  Love that I can find any recipe under the sun, any crafty creation, any beautifully decorated room, any awesome quote in seconds.  I love it.

 And this quote, then...enough said.

weekend update and a sentiment

The Stake dinner was awesome.  The food was fantastic, the program was hysterical and the decorations were quite nice, if Ido say so myself.  The girls helped me with the decorations after a dozen men had set up the tables.  It took us only three hours to set everything and clean up behind ourselves.  The girls love helping anytime, but something on a big scale like this was even more fun for them.  I was pleased to see how well they worked together.  After we were done, we had to go out and celebrate with a little treat.

There was only one "issue" ~ I'd ordered the plates over the phone, while looking at the website.  There was no indication of the size of the plates and the woman on the phone assured me that they were 9" dinner plates.  They were so small and flimsy that I was embarrassed!  Cute, but POOR quality! Huge disappointment there, especially since they were not pricey!  In the future, I'll stick with Hobby Lobby's quality paper goods.  Regardless, everything looked lovely and I've already been informed that I can plan on decorating for next year's dinner, as well.  Love it!  That was quite the compliment in itself!

The rest of the weekend included watching Larry Crowne with Stott and Wendy, time with the kiddos, dessert with the B's after church and dinner and a little Mission Impossible marathon with the kids. 

However, my favorite weekend moments of the weekend didn't even happen directly to us.  The first two took place in our Sacrament Meeting.  Both were father/son moments and did not involve Doug or Quayd. Stott and Wendy's oldest son was ordained as a priest last week and was able to bless the sacrament for his first time, along side Stott.  I was so touched to see them side by side performing this sacred ordinance together.  (Later, Stott told me that he'd leaned over and said, "Watch, we're going to make Sophia cry."  He knows me too well!)  The other moment was when our Bishop's Counselor acknowledged his own son after his returning missionary "report".  These two 6'plus men embraced in the most tender hug.  Again, I cried.  I love men who aren't afraid to show their emotion!

And my other favorite moment was hearing Liza share the details, after teaching her first Relief Society lesson ever.  She told me that the nerves were gone and the lesson went well.  I was thrilled to hear ever word of her report. 

I thought it was interesting, as I reviewed the weekend in my mind, that the happiest moments of the past few days had nothing to do with things  or money.  They were about relationships and service and love.  Isn't that the way it's supposed to be?  Enough said.

There is no such thing in anyone's life as an unimportant day.

check!

Arriving at one goal is the starting point to another.

mastering the master bedroom

 

 Originally posted in January 2011

Today, I'm continuing with thoughts on the Master Bedroom.  Being that there are 24 hours in a day, we spend (or should for good health) at least one third of our lives in the bedroom. Whether you have a luxurious suite or a small master bedroom, whether you have a firey romance or are alone, this space should be your sanctuary. It should be a place where you can escape from every “hat” you wear and be yourself, where you can rest easily and walk away feeling renewed.  First, a few of my thoughts on what the master bedroom should and should not be, and again, these are just my thoughts and opinions. Here's my bedroom this morning.  It's not a large room, but, it's sufficient for us.  Doug made the bed all by himself because I got up an hour earlier.  (Note:  I've taken down my swing and have a rocker instead.)

The master bedroom should not be:

 

• The place you fold your laundry or iron your clothes
• the place that you do your daily workout (or, in some cases, hang your clothes on the unused equipment
• The place your children do their homework or play video games.
• The place where you do business or set up an office.

The master bedroom should be:

• The place where you rest
• The place where you escape
• The place where you can go for peace privacy ~ whether it’s for romance or a serious discussion or to simply discuss without interruption
• A place of peace, love and harmony.

 

Here are a few tips for organizing and conquering the master bedroom: 

• The first tip about a master bedroom (or any bedroom, for that matter) is make your bed! You can have the most lovely room in the world, but if the bed isn’t made, it’s not clean! It only takes a minute.  In our marriage… whoever gets out of bed last makes the bed. We usually get up together in the mornings, so Doug does his side and I do mine together. But, on the mornings that one of us is up earlier, the other makes it. The bed is the largest object in the room. As in any room, if the biggest object is a mess, the room doesn’t look clean. So, simply, make it. You’ll feel like you’ve accomplished something before you even get going every morning!
• Assess your bedroom. Is it peaceful? Is it a catch all? Remove any items in the room that should be in another room. Ironing boards and laundry baskets full of clothing belong in or near the laundry area, not the bedroom. Exercise equipment, especially unused, should be in a family room , spare bedroom or the garage. I remember a friend, who had more clothes hanging on her treadmill than she did in her closet, joking that it had become her closet.  If you're not treading on it, get it out!  Even if you are, seek another place for it.  Dishes do not belong in the bedroom. If you take in a snack, don’t just sit the dishes down when you are done, return them to the kitchen immediately.
• DUST! Bedrooms get forgotten often where dusting is concerned. But, again, this is your sanctuary. If you can write your name on the nightstand, it's time to dust it.  If you aren't dusting the bedroom, ask yourself why?  Is there too much stuff on it?  Electronics are dust magnets and create even more dust, so clear off as much as possible and simplify this task.  This is your haven and you deserve a clean place, just as much as your company does in the living room. Teach your kids the same and encourage them to dust their rooms too, while they still think that dusting is fun.
• What’s under your bed? With Rubbermaid and Sterilyte products so affordable, especially in January (they are a hot selling item on sale at most box stores this month), there’s no reason to not put that empty space (or should be empty space) to work by storing seasonal items under the bed in storage bins. Swimwear and gear under the bed in winter. Skiwear in summer. Sandals in winter, boots in summer.
• What’s on your nightstand? If your nightstand has the last four years of O magazine and People stacked next to it, it’s time to do some serious dejunking. If you can’t bear to part with the magazines, then go through them and pull what it is you think you can’t live without and toss the rest. Most magazines are 80% advertising anyway. You can condense that 18 inch stack into about 1 inch to be filed. If you don’t get around to filing it in a month, toss the stack. Besides, did you know that you can find most everything that is in the magazine highlighted online the next month anyway?
• Get rid of any outdated prescriptions. It’s not a good thing to keep old meds around these days anyway. Even the best of friends can fall into prescription drug addictions these days. Don’t leave things around that would be a temptation to anyone. Get rid of old meds as soon as they are no longer needed.
• Don’t let your nightstand be busier than your bathroom vanity. Cosmetics belong in the bathroom. One bottle of lotion will do, you don’t need every flavor Bath and Body Works offers next to the bed.
• If your nightstand does not have drawers, consider investing in some sort of decorative container to store products that are used by the bed specifically. I purchased this little “secretary” at TJ Maxx for $15 because it had a scratch on the side. It’s one of my favorite things in my house. Inside one drawer is a notepad and pencils for when I have a bright idea in the middle of the night and my earphones. I listen to Conference talks every night before bed and sometimes, I don’t want to keep Doug awake. The other drawer has personal items. Doesn’t that look a ton better than a bowl full of “stuff”.
• Also, one other thought on nightstands… I read a few years ago for C-pap users, a great idea is to store that C-pap machine in a drawer of a nightstand. Have a hole drilled in the back of the drawer and the back of the dresser. Store the C-Pap and it’s supplies inside and open the drawer for use at night. GREAT idea! No ugly machine hovering on the nightstand.

Dressers:

• Put away your clothes! This is a simple task that takes about fifteen seconds extra. If your drawers are clean and organized, if your closet is not overstuffed, hanging things up or putting them away is not a difficult task. Again, get rid of clothes that are not being worn, that are torn, that don’t fit. Toss tired bras, mismatched socks, the swimsuit that you hope to fit in again. (If you lose weight, you deserve a new one!)
• Again, don’t overstuff those drawers!
• Perfumes and lotions have a  shelf life.  If you've not used them in the past year, the scents begin to stale.  Don't just keep them for the pretty bottle's sake unless you plan on running them through the dishwater on a regular basis.
• Also, my frequently stated candle rule applies, especially in the bedroom.  Say it with me, if you've read the blog, you know what's next... "Candles are to be burned, not dusted."
• Separate clothing in individual drawers, as much as possible. Socks, undies, stockings, t-shirts, short sleeve knits, long sleeve knits, sweaters, pants, work-out clothes, pajamas. Hang nicer clothes. My friend Natalie hangs all t-shirts and says that it simplifies her life immensely because the drawers are not full of wrinkly shirts, but neatly hanging all the time. She hangs them right out of the dryer. Love it!

Speaking of bedrooms… I read an article two years ago stating that most burglers go straight to the bedroom nightstand and dresser drawers. If you have valuables, these are not the places to store them. Try storing cash behind a photo frame on the wall, or inside a boot in the closet. Just don’t stash it so well that you forget where you put it!

Books … if you are a reader, a stack of current things you are reading or the next book or two on your list will suffice. Your bedroom should not be the home library.

A bedroom, if it has room, needs a chair of some sort… a place to sit down and put on your nylons or for him to put on his shoes. That chair should not look like a laundry pile. If possible, a lamp nearby would make this part of the sanctuary, mentioned above. It’s also a great thing to have in your room if you have teens. When they come in at night from a date, they have a place to sit and tell you about their evening.

A change receptacle is another need in a bedroom. As you get dressed and empty pockets, having a place to drop the loose change is a great idea. There’s not clutter and it’s also a great way to save money for a fun reward… maybe a getaway!

Have a hamper or laundry basket in your bedroom.  It can be stored in the bottom of the closet, but it's essential for staying on top of clutter.  Use it!  Toss dirty clothes into the basket and take it to the laundry room daily, then bring it back to it's home for the next day. 

If you don't have a large bedroom or a lot of storage space in your room, a storage trunk can be helpful, as well as a great decor.  I picked up the wicker trunk (at the foot of my bed) at a local thrift store for ten dollars.  It stores extra blankets and bedding and also provides an extra place to sit.

Get a jewelry box or some way of organizing your jewelry.  (I think I'll do a whole entry about jewelry later in the month.)  Rather than having all of your jewelry just tangled together or tossed on a dresser, find a way to organize it.  Necklace boards, tackle boxes, even a piece of 1x2 board with pegs, nails or hooks.  But, don't clutter your dresser with piles of jewelry.  And get rid of earrings that are missing a mate, necklaces with broken clasps or take them to the jeweler and have them replaced if it's worth keeping.

There's just a few ideas to help in the master bedroom.  Look through magazines and decorating blogs for great bedroom inspiration.  Imagine yourself settling into a spacious (because it's not cluttered, not because of square footage) room and relaxing in a peaceful, calm spot that was created just for that purpose ~ relaxing!  Imagine yourself not having to trip over a laundry basket, not having to move clothes before you can sit down, not lying on the bed and looking up at cobwebs in the ceiling fan or corners of your room.  Doesn't that sound divine?  It is!  Enough said!

 

Order is the shape upon which beauty depends.

 

 Originally posted in January 2011

Today, I'm continuing with thoughts on the Master Bedroom.  Being that there are 24 hours in a day, we spend (or should for good health) at least one third of our lives in the bedroom. Whether you have a luxurious suite or a small master bedroom, whether you have a firey romance or are alone, this space should be your sanctuary. It should be a place where you can escape from every “hat” you wear and be yourself, where you can rest easily and walk away feeling renewed.  First, a few of my thoughts on what the master bedroom should and should not be, and again, these are just my thoughts and opinions. Here's my bedroom this morning.  It's not a large room, but, it's sufficient for us.  Doug made the bed all by himself because I got up an hour earlier.  (Note:  I've taken down my swing and have a rocker instead.)

The master bedroom should not be:

 

• The place you fold your laundry or iron your clothes
• the place that you do your daily workout (or, in some cases, hang your clothes on the unused equipment
• The place your children do their homework or play video games.
• The place where you do business or set up an office.

The master bedroom should be:

• The place where you rest
• The place where you escape
• The place where you can go for peace privacy ~ whether it’s for romance or a serious discussion or to simply discuss without interruption
• A place of peace, love and harmony.

 

Here are a few tips for organizing and conquering the master bedroom: 

• The first tip about a master bedroom (or any bedroom, for that matter) is make your bed! You can have the most lovely room in the world, but if the bed isn’t made, it’s not clean! It only takes a minute.  In our marriage… whoever gets out of bed last makes the bed. We usually get up together in the mornings, so Doug does his side and I do mine together. But, on the mornings that one of us is up earlier, the other makes it. The bed is the largest object in the room. As in any room, if the biggest object is a mess, the room doesn’t look clean. So, simply, make it. You’ll feel like you’ve accomplished something before you even get going every morning!
• Assess your bedroom. Is it peaceful? Is it a catch all? Remove any items in the room that should be in another room. Ironing boards and laundry baskets full of clothing belong in or near the laundry area, not the bedroom. Exercise equipment, especially unused, should be in a family room , spare bedroom or the garage. I remember a friend, who had more clothes hanging on her treadmill than she did in her closet, joking that it had become her closet.  If you're not treading on it, get it out!  Even if you are, seek another place for it.  Dishes do not belong in the bedroom. If you take in a snack, don’t just sit the dishes down when you are done, return them to the kitchen immediately.
• DUST! Bedrooms get forgotten often where dusting is concerned. But, again, this is your sanctuary. If you can write your name on the nightstand, it's time to dust it.  If you aren't dusting the bedroom, ask yourself why?  Is there too much stuff on it?  Electronics are dust magnets and create even more dust, so clear off as much as possible and simplify this task.  This is your haven and you deserve a clean place, just as much as your company does in the living room. Teach your kids the same and encourage them to dust their rooms too, while they still think that dusting is fun.
• What’s under your bed? With Rubbermaid and Sterilyte products so affordable, especially in January (they are a hot selling item on sale at most box stores this month), there’s no reason to not put that empty space (or should be empty space) to work by storing seasonal items under the bed in storage bins. Swimwear and gear under the bed in winter. Skiwear in summer. Sandals in winter, boots in summer.
• What’s on your nightstand? If your nightstand has the last four years of O magazine and People stacked next to it, it’s time to do some serious dejunking. If you can’t bear to part with the magazines, then go through them and pull what it is you think you can’t live without and toss the rest. Most magazines are 80% advertising anyway. You can condense that 18 inch stack into about 1 inch to be filed. If you don’t get around to filing it in a month, toss the stack. Besides, did you know that you can find most everything that is in the magazine highlighted online the next month anyway?
• Get rid of any outdated prescriptions. It’s not a good thing to keep old meds around these days anyway. Even the best of friends can fall into prescription drug addictions these days. Don’t leave things around that would be a temptation to anyone. Get rid of old meds as soon as they are no longer needed.
• Don’t let your nightstand be busier than your bathroom vanity. Cosmetics belong in the bathroom. One bottle of lotion will do, you don’t need every flavor Bath and Body Works offers next to the bed.
• If your nightstand does not have drawers, consider investing in some sort of decorative container to store products that are used by the bed specifically. I purchased this little “secretary” at TJ Maxx for $15 because it had a scratch on the side. It’s one of my favorite things in my house. Inside one drawer is a notepad and pencils for when I have a bright idea in the middle of the night and my earphones. I listen to Conference talks every night before bed and sometimes, I don’t want to keep Doug awake. The other drawer has personal items. Doesn’t that look a ton better than a bowl full of “stuff”.
• Also, one other thought on nightstands… I read a few years ago for C-pap users, a great idea is to store that C-pap machine in a drawer of a nightstand. Have a hole drilled in the back of the drawer and the back of the dresser. Store the C-Pap and it’s supplies inside and open the drawer for use at night. GREAT idea! No ugly machine hovering on the nightstand.

Dressers:

• Put away your clothes! This is a simple task that takes about fifteen seconds extra. If your drawers are clean and organized, if your closet is not overstuffed, hanging things up or putting them away is not a difficult task. Again, get rid of clothes that are not being worn, that are torn, that don’t fit. Toss tired bras, mismatched socks, the swimsuit that you hope to fit in again. (If you lose weight, you deserve a new one!)
• Again, don’t overstuff those drawers!
• Perfumes and lotions have a  shelf life.  If you've not used them in the past year, the scents begin to stale.  Don't just keep them for the pretty bottle's sake unless you plan on running them through the dishwater on a regular basis.
• Also, my frequently stated candle rule applies, especially in the bedroom.  Say it with me, if you've read the blog, you know what's next... "Candles are to be burned, not dusted."
• Separate clothing in individual drawers, as much as possible. Socks, undies, stockings, t-shirts, short sleeve knits, long sleeve knits, sweaters, pants, work-out clothes, pajamas. Hang nicer clothes. My friend Natalie hangs all t-shirts and says that it simplifies her life immensely because the drawers are not full of wrinkly shirts, but neatly hanging all the time. She hangs them right out of the dryer. Love it!

Speaking of bedrooms… I read an article two years ago stating that most burglers go straight to the bedroom nightstand and dresser drawers. If you have valuables, these are not the places to store them. Try storing cash behind a photo frame on the wall, or inside a boot in the closet. Just don’t stash it so well that you forget where you put it!

Books … if you are a reader, a stack of current things you are reading or the next book or two on your list will suffice. Your bedroom should not be the home library.

A bedroom, if it has room, needs a chair of some sort… a place to sit down and put on your nylons or for him to put on his shoes. That chair should not look like a laundry pile. If possible, a lamp nearby would make this part of the sanctuary, mentioned above. It’s also a great thing to have in your room if you have teens. When they come in at night from a date, they have a place to sit and tell you about their evening.

A change receptacle is another need in a bedroom. As you get dressed and empty pockets, having a place to drop the loose change is a great idea. There’s not clutter and it’s also a great way to save money for a fun reward… maybe a getaway!

Have a hamper or laundry basket in your bedroom.  It can be stored in the bottom of the closet, but it's essential for staying on top of clutter.  Use it!  Toss dirty clothes into the basket and take it to the laundry room daily, then bring it back to it's home for the next day. 

If you don't have a large bedroom or a lot of storage space in your room, a storage trunk can be helpful, as well as a great decor.  I picked up the wicker trunk (at the foot of my bed) at a local thrift store for ten dollars.  It stores extra blankets and bedding and also provides an extra place to sit.

Get a jewelry box or some way of organizing your jewelry.  (I think I'll do a whole entry about jewelry later in the month.)  Rather than having all of your jewelry just tangled together or tossed on a dresser, find a way to organize it.  Necklace boards, tackle boxes, even a piece of 1x2 board with pegs, nails or hooks.  But, don't clutter your dresser with piles of jewelry.  And get rid of earrings that are missing a mate, necklaces with broken clasps or take them to the jeweler and have them replaced if it's worth keeping.

There's just a few ideas to help in the master bedroom.  Look through magazines and decorating blogs for great bedroom inspiration.  Imagine yourself settling into a spacious (because it's not cluttered, not because of square footage) room and relaxing in a peaceful, calm spot that was created just for that purpose ~ relaxing!  Imagine yourself not having to trip over a laundry basket, not having to move clothes before you can sit down, not lying on the bed and looking up at cobwebs in the ceiling fan or corners of your room.  Doesn't that sound divine?  It is!  Enough said!

 

Order is the shape upon which beauty depends.

Making my own blizzard...

UPS delivered, everythings ready!  I'm excited to do the decorating and enjoy the dinner!  Here's a little sneak peak at the project that will be part of my decorating.  I made these cute little snowball candles, which will be part of the centerpieces.  They took me about 30 minutes to make twelve, start to clean-up. 

You will need:

Spread out some paper,  Hold a candle by the wick with one hand.  Spray on the adhesive while spinning the candle slowly with the other hand.  Immediately, dip the candle in a bowl of epsom salt, making sure to cover the entire candle, sprinkling some over the top and sides, as necessary.  Pick up the candle again by the wick, respray it and redip it once more to make sure it's totally covered.  Allow to dry completely. I've made these candles before using Decoupage, but again, why?  The spray adhesive is so much more simple!  The candles were $1.25 a piece at Hobby Lobby, in the value pak.  The spray glue was $6.99.  The Epsom Salt is less than $4 for this 4# bag and I used less than 2 cups.  Very inexpensive!  And here's the finished product:

And finally, the finished product, for the dinner for 240 members of our LDS Stake...

A new Zaylee quote:  Go-Go our little Malti-Poo was sniffing around the "Go Fish" cards that Zaylee was playing with on the floor.  Zaylee, in her own little "RED" personality, said, "Go-Go, NO!  You can't play with these,  they are only for the big kids."  That pretty much sums up what Zaylee thinks she is. 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Life is good when you see the good in life.

Oops and a few other emotions

Disappointed:  I was so excited when I woke up this morning to the smell of a most nummy Chicken and Vegetable Stew.  I'd cooked it the night before and added the noodles while cleaning up after breakfast.  Just at about lunchtime, I went to check and see if it was time to turn the crockpot to warm.  I opened the cupboard just above the open crockpot to grab a glass and add a little water.  As I grabbed the glass, this Corelle cup got bumped off the shelf, hit the crockpot and shattered inside the stew.  You can only see a few of the little white shards in the picture but, when I picked up the broken cup, there were a gazillion little shards.  If you've ever broken a piece of Corelle, it doesn't break, it pulverizes into these little slivers of glass like a lightbulb. SADNESS.  I had to toss the entire meal.   I wasn't sure which I was most disappointed about... $15 of ingredients down the drain, the time spent chopping and preparing or missing out on what promised to be one nummy dinner! 

Amused:  I posted this experience on Facebook and one of my funniest friends ever, Helen, commented, "Now you can call it"Cup of Soup". Lol have a good day!"  THAT made me cackle! 

Respectful:  The funeral of Ogden Police Officer Jared Francom, a member of the special narcotics strike force, shot and killed last week, was laid to rest today.  The tributes were moving and tender.  There were officers from across the nation, thousands of flags lining the streets of Ogden, the entire procession was humbling.  I'm grateful for those men and women who put their lives on the line to protect each of us from day to day.

Stunned:  Zaylee absolutely blew me away while I was making snowflake decorations with my Cricut for the upcoming Stake Dinner.  She watched me cut three large flakes and then, as always, said, "I can do it."  I'd been letting here peal the little cut pieces off the mat from the snowflakes.  I said, "No, this is a Grammie toy."  She insisted, "I can do it!"  I was just putting the mat in to cut another one.  She said, "Gwammie, look.  You push this button.  (And she hit load mat.)  Then you push this rectangle.  (She hit Repeat last cut.)  Then you push this big circle.  (She hit cut.)"  When it was finished cutting, she said, "Now, you push this button on the corner." (She hit unload mat.)  I couldn't believe it.  Gracie and Doug witnessed it too.  She is a smart little cookie... more often than not, too smart! 

Tickled:  Earlier in the afternoon, she was having her "Gwampie tweet".  That's the fresh fruit Doug always gives her when he walks in from work.  Today, it was a sliced apple with peanutbutter.  I thought I'd a little zip and gave her a spoonful of Nutella beside the peanutbutter.  "Gwammie!  You knowI wuuuuuv cwockwit!"  I do love this child!  Being her "gwammie" makes me happy!

Grateful:  I spent a lot of time on the phone with Liza while she prepared her first Relief Society lesson.  She's been asked to sub this coming Sunday and is as excited about teaching this lesson as I get about my own.  She's worked hard on it and is already well-prepared. I was touched several times as she shared thoughts that confirm to me what I already know... Liza and Buddy are make this mama proud.  They are actively growing, they want to do good and be their best.  Liza was full of "good news" today and all I could say was "tender mercies" over and over.  I'm so proud of those two!  I actually told her today that I didn't mind them living in Phoenix, because I see how happy they are and the growth that they are experiencing. 

Uncontrollable:  Two words:  Dang Nutella

Anticipating: I've spent much of my time this past few days preparing for the Stake Dinner.  The decorations are coming together quite well.  I created a very simple, cute craft for the tables while Zaylee was napping.  I'll share details on Monday.    Now, I'm just waiting for FedEx to ring my doorbell and I'll have everything together!  It's all gathered and ready to set up.   I'm using a "Snowy" theme, which Doug asked if that was wishful thinking on my part.  Absolutely!

Did I say, Dang Nutella?  Enough said.

The state of your life is nothing more than
a reflection of your state of mind.

silence is golden

It was one of those days.  A certain "theme" seemed to follow me right through my day.

 This morning, while visiting with a friend, they shared something that would have definitely been best left unsaid. It was a bit more than I needed to know about someone else and their personal situation.  I practiced a little lesson taught by a friend...said, "That's really unfortunate."  I said no more.  They got the hint and said no more.

Later in the day, I had an "encounter" with a professional where I knew that silence was best.  When I woke up, I was in the mood to "Give em a piece of my mind".  That's how I was raised.  "Tell 'em exactly what you're thinking and leave nothing unsaid."  I'm here to testify that this is not always the best thing to do.  As a matter of fact, I'm here to tell ya that, in most cases, it's better to just count to three.  Or a hundred and three.  Today, I counted.  And it paid off.

Even later in the day, an unexpected visitor dropped by.  This visitor had quite the tale, sharing a recent "adventure" where they experienced some very negative happenings.  Doug and I looked at each other and could see that this conversation was about to "go south" rapidly.  We cautioned the visitor that there was a child in the room.  The visitor continued, sharing far more details than Doug or I needed or wantedto hear.  First, I sent one of the children out of the room on "an errand"  (You know... the proverbial "Can you run and grab this or that so you don't hear what's about to be said" errand.)  That wasn't a big enough hint for the storyteller.  They continued.  At one point, I blatantly said, "Um, I really don't want to know these details."  We were assured that it was "okay".  Next, Doug interrupted with, "Okay, next!"  (Normally, Doug asks, "How 'bout those Jazz?")  The "storyteller" persisted and insisted that they would finish the story, literally telling the final details on their way out the door.  As we closed the door, Doug and I looked at each other and agreed, "We could have lived without knowing anyof that."  Storyteller went away feeling quite proud, I'm certain, that they'd shared "all the gory details".  Ew.

And then, later tonight, one of the kids came to me and confessed that they'd shared something about a sibling with a friend that they knew they shouldn't have.  "Only part of it, though.  But, I should be consquenced because I shouldn't have said anything at all."   Thankfully, our children are learning that some things are better left unsaid.  No consequence was given.  They'd done that on their own just by confessing to the sibling and me.

Years ago.  YEARS.  I was involved with a group of women.  The leader of this group had an influential husband in our community and she was "privy" to more "juicy gossip" than most of the rest of us.  Once, while we were working together on a project, a prominent person's name came up and she shared a "story" about this person.  It was absolutely the worst piece of gossip about this person or any other that I've ever heard.  EVER.  Almost thirty years later, I see that person and this story still comes into my mind.  The story was so vile that I didn't even share it with Doug ~ not even to say how aggravated I was that I knew the story at the time.  I've never repeated a word of it to a soul. Not that I'm so good or wonderful to not talk, but this story was potentially destructive and damaging. AND IT SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN TOLD.  Enough said about that one.

And so.  My thoughts of this day have been about how important silence really can be.  Here's a few points that I've pondered today:

• I believe that silence is a great example of self-control, strength and wisdom.
• I believe that there are times that talking too much can be destructive to, not only the person being talked about, but to the person doing the talking.
• I believe that unsaying something is literally impossible...like collecting dust in the wind.  Once words have been spoken, no amount of explaining or apologizing will allow those words to be forgotten.  Forgiven, perhaps.  But, rarely, if ever, forgotten.
• What you don't see with your eyes, don't witness with your mouth. And sometimes, even if you witness it with your eyes, it's still best to keep quiet. 
• I believe that sometimes your silence is the only way to silence someone else.  Sometimes silence speaks louder than words.  It’s quite difficult to gossip single-handedly.
• I believe with all my heart that that still, small voice speaks most clearly to us when we are quiet and listen.  The scripture verse, "Be still, and know that I am God" is powerful.


Silence is the true friend that never betrays. 

ten

Ten things I did today:

1. Ordered the papergoods for the Stake Dinner that I'm decorating for this weekend.
2. Went to Sam's Club to pick up more things for the dinner
3. Had lunch at Chili's with Denise
4. LOVED the new Philly Cheese Sandwich on Chili's new menu
5. Had a lovely much-needed two hour experience with my friend/foot zoner
6. Made a tasty dinner
7. Washed our bedding
8. Taught ZJ how to sew a "tube" and turn it inside out
9. Gave a Family Home Evening lesson on using good language
10. Hugged Doug for a very long time in the kitchen

Nine people I talked with today:

1. Carol
2. The CPA’s receptionist
3. Denise
4. Scott ~ the High Counselor over the Stake Dinner
5. The bank
6. Liza
7. My Relief Society President
8. Friend Liz
9. Dad

Eight things I was grateful for today:

1. Liza's gratitude.  She's started baking homemade bread without a mixer.  I sent her a little surprise ~ a bulk size package of dry yeast.  She called when she got home from work and her first words were, "You love us."  I knew that she'd received the yeast.  She's a very gracious daughter.
2. Denise's friendship.  I am blessed.
3. Marilyn, my footzoning friend, who never ceases to amaze me with her wisdom.
4. Gracie's prayer tonight.  "I'm thankful that we are such a happy family."  A mama moment indeed.
5. Doug's hug.  He didn't have to say a word, just held me for about five minutes.  The best medicine in the world.
6. My new camera.  Isn't the midday moon beautiful?
7. Five of my six children were sweet and kind to their mama today.  (I only spoke with five of the six, so that was battin' a hundred!)
8. ZJ is serious about learning to sew.  She's determined and loving every step of her journey.  I'm excited for her.

Seven things I ate today:

1. Chili's new tasty soup.
2. Chili's Philly Steak Sandwich
3. Five.  Exactly five.  Chili's Chips with Avocado Ranch dressing and salsa.
4. A Burrito
5. A very tasty salad
6. A spoon of Nutella.  (Okay.  Two.)
7. Pepsi.  (No amount to be mentioned.)

Six things I said today:

1.  I love you!
2. Thank you.
3. You're amazing.
4. Why do I do this to myself?  (Dang Nutella.)
5. I can't find my keys. (They're having a sleepover at Chili's tonight.)
6. No, I don't want to leave a message.  I'm still waiting for him to return my call from last week's message.  (I was getting a little cranky, can you tell?)

Five things I should have done today that I didn’t:

1. Put away the rest of the laundry  (It will still be there when I wake up.)
2. Called ZJ's piano teacher about changing her lesson day.
3. I should have run back to grab my keys at Chili's, but I'll be there for lunch tomorrow.  They'll still be there too.
4. I forgot to buy spray adhesive while at Hobby Lobby.
5. I didn't order some photo prints for my mother.  Oops.

Four things said to me today:

1. "I'm sorry, he's not available right now.
2. I love you, darlin'.  (I heart my dad.  He always tells me that.)
3. Can I come and have you teach me to be organized?
4. Mom, you know everything.

Three things that shocked me today:

1. There's not a snowflake "anything" to be found in this valley. There's barely any Christmas stuff left anywhere.
2. My sister-in-law's sister's husband was just diagnosed with Stage 2 Colon Cancer.  Arthur is in our prayers!
3. It was C-O-L-D!

Two things that I’ve GOT to do tomorrow:

1. Buy Spray Adhesive
2. Make some "snowballs" 

One thing I want to remember about this day: :

1. A few minutes of the afternoon when I felt like I really understood something/someone.  It's something I've been praying for for quite some time.  Clarity, today, was a gift... a tender mercy.  Enough said.

All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered;
the point is to discover them.

Weekend update:

Friday:  Day Date with Doug.  Lunch at Chili's and Mission Impossible 4.  OH MY!  If you love action, sitting on the edge of your seat and looking at Tom for two hours, this is the movie for you!  LOVED IT!

Friday evening, we went to Carol's for a "last time get-together" with Jamie and Ryan before they move to Seattle.  It will be sad to see them go.  SuperBowl Sunday came up several times because it's what we do together every winter.  We will miss them!


Saturday, we finally got a little snow!  A little!  But it was enough to get out and take some pictures at about 7:30 in the morning.  Beautiful morning.  The temple is a perfect shot any time of year.

This home is one of my favorites in Logan.  It is beautiful any time of year.  As I was driving by, I got a chance to visit with the owner while he was shoveling his and a neighbor's walks.   This quaint little street just feels like it should be somewhere in Europe.  I drive through it often, just because it feels like stepping back in time.  Love it!  I've decided to take pictures every season of this home.

Saturday evening, we got together with Stott and Wendy to watch the Help.  Stott hadn't seen it yet. I struggled with this movie the first time at the theater, but I love it more each time I watch it now.  Beautiful story.  We've come a long way baby!

Sunday, I substituted for Quayd's Sunday School teachers, who were out of town for the weekend.  It was a fun opportunity because the lesson was the beginning of the Book of Mormon.  I love the Book of Mormon!  I love talking about it.  I love teaching about it.  The kids seemed to capture it.   Fun stuff!   Angela taught a "perfect" and much needed lesson in Relief Society, then, Stott and Wendy's oldest son was ordained to be a Priest.  Miki is a crack-up.  She just loves her Grampy!After church, we went to Carol's for dinner and a movie.  Planet of the Apes.  I'd joked that you couldn't buy my ticket and popcorn and pay me $20 to go and see this movie.  But, it really wasn't at all what I thought it would be.  I wouldn't buy it, but it's worth watching.    The kids liked it.  Dinner was great!  But, most of all, time with Carol is always the best!

That's our weekend.  Busy, busy, cold and lots of together time.  That's what matters most.

I also wanted to make a correction.  Mom had shared a recipe in December.  When I made it, I'm certain that she forgot or something.  BUT.  Here's what I created on my own and they were a hit all weekend!

Nut Balls

1 cup Nutella
1 cup crunchy peanut butter
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla

Mix in large bowl until creamy and smooth.  Chill.  Roll into balls and then roll in chopped/ground pecans. Enjoy!  (this recipe makes about 80 nut balls.)

Last year, at this time, I was going through every inch of my home, dejunking and doing my winter organizing.  This year, I did it earlier in December, so I'm focusing on some other goals.  I do love January.

This week:  Decorating for a Stake Dinner for 240 people, studying my Relief Society lesson, preparing for an upcoming organizing class I'll be teaching, creating a few little projects, some sewing, some cooking and doing a little catch-up reading.  And somewhere in there, probably a few games, lunches at Chili's and a little Pinterest.  Life is good!

The more you know who you are and what you want,
the less you let things upset you.

think about it...

You were given this life because you were strong enough to live it.  Be thankful for it.

digging in

Previously posted in January 2011

Yesterday, after weeks of non-stop gatherings, I decided that I needed a day to myself.  I left my cellphone in the car and took the other phone off the hook.  Solitude!  I spent the day downstairs,  dejunking in the babes' rooms.  Three giant black trash bags later, they were done and ready to be reassembled, about the time the kids got home from school.  I've decided that doing it alone is better than having their help because they don't mourn the loss of every candy wrapper that you toss! 

When we were all done, we picked Doug up from work (remember his battery was dead yesterday morning) and Gracie got her final part of the birthday celebration ~ dinner at Wingers.  Actually, it wasn't dinner she was so excited about, but the giant piece of asphalt pie.  We discovered last night that Wingers no longer gives asphalt pie to the birthday girl, no it's a scoop of icecream with sprinkles.  So, she got both.  The end of the 12th birthday celebration.  ZJ is already talking about what she wants for hers in March.  Life just never slows down!

Let's talk dejunking...

Today, I'm talking about drawers (and I don't mean your undies.)  I took a walk through my home and counted yesterday.  I have 71 drawers in my home.  That's drawers, not shelves and that's not counting file cabinets, storage container drawers and portable stacking drawers.  I don't know if that's an average number, but it's a lot of places that need to be checked frequently and kept in order.  If I give every one of those drawers five to ten minutes of attention, that's about ten hours just to organize my drawers.  And if you check them often, once they are organized, you can keep up on them in a minute.

 Think outside of the box... or drawer in this case. Pretty much, anything that can go on a shelf can go into a drawer, as long as it fits. If you don't have built-in drawers, invest in a few IRIS carts or plastic stacking drawers.  You'll find that they come in very handy!  My kids each have IRIS carts for their toys and "stuff".  It makes life so much easier for them.  Gracie has a drawer for her belts, one for her rubber stamps and art supplies, one for her Liv Dolls, one for her Polly Pockets, one for her purses...  this way, there is a place for everything.  Labeling them helps even toddlers with clean-up.

Open the drawer and empty it completely.  Determine the purpose of this drawer and only refill it with things that fit that purpose.  Most homes have a junk drawer (or two or six).  But, you don't really need six junk drawers of you designate each drawer with a purpose and stick to that.  Here's a few drawer ideas.

• school supplies - not for your office supplies, but for the kids' items that they tend to look in your supplies to borrow.  If they know that they have a drawer with things for them, they'll be less likely to get into yours.  This drawer is in our entry way, central to everyone and it's used frequently.  I didn't do a thing to clean it up before taking the picture but put the lipbalms in the big tray instead of letting it float. (The lipbalms are there because it's so dang cold in the mornings that they need to put it on just before walking out the door to the bus stop, so, it's a natural place to store it...in the entryway.  Store things at their point of use.)  For the most part, this drawer looks like this all of the time.  Having a few organizers in the drawer is like saying "Put that in here" to every item.
• cleaning supplies - rags, sponges, special cleaning products and tools like a squeegie, magic erasers, etc...
• jewelry - a drawer, separated into sections just like a large jewelry box is easier to get in and out of.
• medicine/first aid ~ We have a first aid kit, but if you have kids getting into it often, it becomes a mess.  So, I have a small drawer in the bathroom that has triple-antibiotic, bandaids, wet-wipes and a few things for the kids to doctor themselves with.  Why have the stress of getting after them for dumping out the first aid kit on the counter and leaving it when they could just open a drawer, grab a band-aid and only leave the wrappers?  ;)  (I believe that most humans are born with a natural trait of not  throwing away bandaid wrappers until they become mothers.  Hence, children and men never do it, so why fight nature?)
• cosmetics/toiletries -if possible, it's awesome to have each person have their own drawer for bathroom items.  Even if it means purchasing a little stackable set of mini-drawers so that they can have their own personal items stored and not all over the counters.  If you have kids sharing a bathroom, this is an answer to much contention.  Storing their personal items like brushes, deodorants, medications... in their own drawer will keep the counters free of clutter and cut the contention in half, as long as they stay out of each others' drawers.
• gift-wrap/party supplies ~ if you have the space, a drawer is great for this purpose.  Scissors, tape, some tissue papers folded neatly, cards or gift-tags, all stored together to make one step wrapping.  This can save you time and energy. 
• winterwear - this is a must have!  Every home needs one.  Store all mittens, gloves, skicaps and scarves only in this drawer.  Anytime you find misplaced items, toss them into the drawer.  It's so much more simple than looking through every drawer trying to figure where the missing glove is.  The kids will even get the idea and help on this one because they are the ones who wear and need them the most.
• sock drawer ~ I remember hearing a mother of six children share this tip.  She has one giant sock drawer in her laundry room.  All socks are folded and stored in that drawer.  For the entire family.  She didn't have to spend her time sorting and separating.  The whole family reached in grabbed their own socks, as needed, and they were always contained.  I thought it was a great idea.  (It's actually where I decided that it it worked for socks, it would work for hats and gloves.)  I don't use this idea, personally, because Doug and I are on a different floor than the laundry room,  but I do have a container for socks that come out of the wash without mates.  Then, on a weekly basis, we have a "sock convention" where we all gather, dump the container, match our socks and everyone puts their own away.

I also have an extra chest of drawers in my laundry room.  The room is small and tight, but this dresser helps immensely!  I keep extra linens in one drawer, winterwear (see below), a drawer of tableclothes and a drawer for Zaylee's things (a change of clothes and a few of her little toys.)  You can pick up an old dresser at a secondhand store or Craigslist for near nothing and put it right to work. 

Use containers to separate sections in each drawer.  If you can't afford to purchase separators or containers, use shoe boxes or cups or bowls.    But, keeping things separated makes them easier to find.  Just think of all the rolls of tape, batteries, paperclips, sticky notes that are replaced when you know that you have some somewhere.  This is my "junk drawer" but it's really not a junk drawer.  It's the "adhesive" drawer... nails, glues, tapes, wires, tacks and a few other odds and ends used when attaching things. Again, having little containers inside a container keeps things organized.  The dollar store has a gazillion choices of inexpensive storage containers.  (Notice the little purple game in the drawer has nothing to do with attaching, but, this drawer, in my gallery, is a great place to hide a toy that kids are arguing over!)

A few other thoughts about drawers:

• Once emptied, do not put items back into the drawers that are broken, torn, have missing pieces or parts, that don't fit and most important, that don't get used.  If it's not been worn or used in the last six months (or season), more than likely, it's not going to be used.  Get rid of it!  Donate it.  Pass it along to someone else who may need it.  If you can't bear tossing it, cut it into pieces and make a cleaning rag out of it.  "As my granola husband says, "You won't owe the earth an apology if you recycle it."
• Don't over stuff drawers.  It pushes the bottoms out of them and ruins the furniture.  If your kids have so many clothes that they can't fit in the drawers, then they shouldn't be trying to make them fit.  If the drawer doesn't close easily, it's got too much stuff in it.  One of my friends/decorating and organizing heroes, Mary Ann, has a very limited wardrobe by choice.  She believes that you don't need fifty pair of shoes and a hundred outfits.  Her wardrobe is simple and classic.  Her walk-in closet, which is the size of ZJ's bedroom, is perfectly clean and in order because she chooses to simplify by not owning so much "stuff".  I  took her advise last year and tossed over forty shirts out of my closet and it's still overflowing!  I've never missed one!  Simplify!  (By the way, going through my clothes and dejunking again this winter is one of my January projects!)
• Seasonal things should not be stored in drawers along with the everyday used items.  Things like swimsuits, ski clothes, Christmas socks... you get the picture.  Store those in containers out of the way.  Why go through them day after day, moving them from one place to another when you won't be needing them for nine more months?

That's just a few of my own thoughts on drawers.  What are yours?  Stay tuned for the next few weeks, every day, I'll be sharing my favorite dejunking/home organizing tips! 

We cannot do everything at once, but we can do something at once.

kids say the darndest things

What's wrong with this picture?  It's January 5th in Cache Valley Utah.  And the windows were open.  Notice the tablescape in the bay window?  With a SNOW SCENE on it?  This is just not right.  It's also not right that I cleaned my front window in short sleeves and stocking feet in January!  It's also not right that there were birds chirping all around me while I did it.  I'm seriously missing my winter!  Please.  Pass.  A.  Blizzard.  ASAP.

I was touched by the emails that I received about yesterday's post.  It's good to hear that others feel the same as I do about their girlfriends, about the miraculous meds to help with "issues" today and with more ideas for "stress-busting".  Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and tender feelings.  It warmed my heart and made my day!

Another cute little Zaylee comment:  Nana sent her home with a baggie of candy, including Bite-size Snickers and York Peppermint Patties.  Liza and I were chatting after dinner on the phone. Zaylee walked in and, since she's learned to Skype, she thinks that you can "see" everything on cellphones just like you can the computer.  After all, you take video on phones, so it makes sense.  Anyway, she said, "Look, Liza, what Nana gave me."  I commented that Yorks were Liza's most favorite candies in the world.  Zaylee said, "You can have them, Liza.  I don't like them,  I only like rectangle candy."

When Kelly dropped Zaylee off, she also brought in a grocery sack with all of the makings for that Chex Mix with the M&Ms and white chocolate drizzled all over it.  I told her that I'd make it before she came to pick Zaylee up.  It was sitting on the counter in the giant Tupperware bowl when Grace and Zaylee came in from a short walk to Nana's just as I was getting dinner on the table.  Zaylee climbed up on the counter to see what we were having for dinner, saw the chex mix and said, "MMMM!  Gwammie!  Candy Salad!!!"  We've now officiallyrenamed that Chex Mix, "Candy Salad".  Too cute!

 On a very sad note, Wednesday evening, six Ogden narcotics officers entered a home with a search warrant when a former Gulf War soldier opened fire, killing one and injuring five officers.  This has shaken our state. It's on everyone's mind.  The whole situation brings to mind a deeper appreciation and gratitude for those officers who serve to protect each and every one of us.  Enough said.

 

 Love More, Worry Less

keep calm and carry on...

Utah has the highest female population on anti-depressants in the nation. It seems that they are the answer for everything from sleeplessness to headaches to OCDs to managing stress.  Many women that I know are prescribed these meds and they swear by them.  They are a blessing in these women's lives.  For them, I'm grateful.  Modern technology blesses us in so many ways.  BUT.

I'm married to granola-man.  That said, we take very few meds in our home.  I had to fight like a bear to get Doug to go to the doctor to take anti-biotics a few weeks ago.  He isn't a fan of doctors or meds.  He believes in vitamins, blender drinks, rest and exercise.  (And I have to admit, he's healthier than anyone I know.) This is one place that we are completely different!

Doug and I were discussing the "need" for meds recently.  One friend's husband says that if his wife ever even thought of going off her meds, he'd, personally, take her in to the doctor to keep her on them.  They work for her, and for them.  Again, a blessing. 

I have a great compassion for those who experience depression and consider myself blessed to not have had that burden in life.  I manage my stress and admit that much of it is self-inflicted because I say the word, "Yes", too often.  I confess that I enjoy living "fire to fire".  My germaphobia and other little OCDs , as I get older, seem to mellow.  I'm grateful to have discovered a few of my own remedies for handling the rollercoaster we call life.  Thankfully, they work for me.

My first remedy is simple.  I go to Chili's with girlfriends.  Often.  It's therapy.  Plain and simple.  Doug acknowledges/appreciates the fact that I have girlfriends who fill my social needs in a way that men just don't.  Doug is my best friend.  And we can discuss anything.  But, men just don't see things the way women do.  So, I'm grateful for girlfriends.  I'm grateful for table 41, the therapy booth at Chili's.  I'm grateful for a husband who's understanding of that.  Chili's is much cheaper than therapist and meds  and it works for me.  I'm having a little "therapy" today, as a matter of fact.  Can't wait.  

Another therapy idea:  Aromatherapy.  I've mentioned how dry our winter has been.  The air is awful.  Skin is dry.  Hair is dry.  Noses are dry.  It's just dry, dry, dry.  I read a little recipe recently that suggested adding a little moisture to the air in your home without running a noisy humidifier. And there's something wonderful about things that smell good.  Plain and simple.  Here's the recipe:

1 orange, sliced thinly
1 Tbsp. whole cloves
5 or 6 cinnamon sticks
1 cup whole fresh cranberries
1 Crock Pot
Water, lots of it.

Simply place all of the ingredients in the crock pot and turn it on. The mix supposedly lasts six weeks.  Mine's three weeks old now.  Add water every day to the crockpot.  It was very pretty the first day.  But, once it cooked, it looked like this...pretty gross.   Keep adding water.  Prop the lid open.  I rest the lid on two chopsticks.  It doesn't smell much anymore, but it's adding moisture to the air.  It's supposedly therapeutic.   Eventually, it will snow.  For me, that's even better therapy.

My best therapy of all is laughing.  Granola-Man helps in this department, immensely.  I heart him.  BIG.

Another great therapy:  A dog.  They are loving and forgiving and entertaining.  Everyone needs a dog.  Enough said about that.

Another one:  Taking a beautiful walk.  No matter what the weather.  One walk around the block produces the same endorphines that... well... you know.  If you feel like you need to cry, to scream, to punch someone, don't do it.  Just go for a walk.

Another thing that works for me is listening to uplifting talks.  LDS General Conference talks inspire me daily.  Love them!  Downloading inspirational books also help.  But, the talks.  Oh, how I love them.  And then pondering them.  And praying about how to apply them to my life.

I've said before, when I can't sleep, when I worry, when I stress, Iclean or I decorate.  Sometimes, it means arranging my furniture in someone else's home in my mind.  Sometimes, it's walking through a fabulous store.  Not buying.  Just looking and filling my bucket...my brain bucket, that is.  Sometimes, it's painting or redoing something I already own.

And then, there's always, chocolate. Remember, "stressed" spelled backwards is "desserts".

 Some of the secret joys of living are not found by rushing from point A to point B, but by inventing some imaginary letters along the way.  Enough said. 

a little of this and a little of that

Another unseasonly warm day in Cache Valley.  I actually went for a walk this morning without even a jacket.  This is just wrong!  We should be having subzero temps with a foot of snow frozen on the ground.  Instead, there were birds chirping in the trees outside my gallery window all afternoon.   And on the other hand, I understand that the winter is hitting hard back east.  The forecast promises nothing for another week.  Please pass winter! 

After getting the babes off to school, with very quickly made homemade breakfast burritos and wrapped them to go, (ya gotta love that crazy first morning back to school after a long winter break!) I went back to bed for a few hours to catch up on some sleep. I rarely do that, but apparently, I needed it because I slept a few hours until Denise texted to see if I was ready to go.  Talk about getting busy quick! Denise and I enjoyed a couple of hours at Chili's, catching up after a few weeks of seeing each other very little.  Her son came from med school in DC the day before Liza left, then her husband had shoulder surgery, plus the holidays.  It mean very little time actually together, so we had plenty to talk about today.  Love it!

Since Denise and I were still playing, Kelly dropped Zaylee off at my mom's for a bit until I got home.  Nana loved that!  Mom brought Zaylee at naptime and we watched "The Help together while Mom did my ironing.  My mother lovesto iron.  And I don't mind that she does at all!  I'd texted to Natalie that Mom was coming over to watch "The Help" and do my ironing.  Nat texted back, "How appropriate."  (hee-hee)

Zaylee awoke up from her nap near the end of the movie.  The scene has a woman on a porch yelling at another woman, mentioning a cold sore on the one woman's face.  Zaylee, still half asleep, came into the family room, watched intently for a few seconds and then, yelled at the TV, "GO HOME NOW AND WASH YOUR FACE!!!"    We all just burst into tears of laughter.  She doesn't miss much!

And one other "must record for posterity" story.  Quayd was asked to teach the Teachers Quorum last Sunday. He spent serious time preparing and when Quayd is prepared, he has no fear. 

Doug attended his lesson for moral support.  After church, they told me that the lesson went really well and he did a great job "until the last few minutes".  WHAT?  Apparently, Quayd was leaning against the wall, with his legs locked, as he was asking the boys a question when BAM!!! , he fainted and fell flat on the ground.  His eye is bruised and his glasses scratched his cheek when he hit.  Hard!  Doug said that he'd noticed that his legs were locked and that is a common cause of fainting.  Quayd's eyes were wide open, but he was completely unconscious for a few seconds.  He lifted Quayd's legs to get the blood circulating again.  Quayd "came to" and asked "What's happening?"  He was clueless.  However, he got up, Doug pulled up a chair for him to sit on, another to prop his legs on and then Quayd completed the last few minutes of the lesson without missing a beat.

That was Doug's version.  Quayd's included that he felt really "tired" and he said to himself, "I have to stay awake."  Then, he said that "it felt like the room was getting dark". He had no clue that he had fallen, that his eyes were wide open because it got so dark, so quickly.  When I asked him if he was nervous about giving the lesson, he said "No, I was fine because I was prepared."  When I asked if fainting scared him, he said, "YES!"   However, he did add, "But, I'm a Corbridge and Corbridge's finish what they start, so I got up and finished the lesson."   Love that boy!

The funny part of the story came when the Young Men's President called to check on how Quayd was doing on Monday.  Aaron commented that he was most surprised at how casual Doug was when it happened,  that he'd just helped Quayd up and Quayd picked up right where he left off.  He said, "I was surprised by Doug's casual reaction, but I figured if he was okay with Quayd continuing, I guess we should be too." (The Bishop, a counselor, the YM President and his counselor were also there.)  What they didn't know was that Doug watched me faint up to thirteen times a day for ten years, before I finally had a hysterectomy at age 28.  Fainting is no biggie in our family.  ;) 

So, those are a few ramblings from the Corbridge home.  I also wanted to share this recipe, a favorite today.   Nat called and asked for it and I thought it had been posted before, but it wasn't.  It's a must try!  One of my blogging goals this year is to be better at posting all recipes, both here and on the cooking blog, so that they are easier to locate later.  Here's the first!  

1 16 oz. bag penne pasta, cooked till almost done

2 15 oz. jars of Alfredo Sauce  (I use Cheesy Ragu flavor)

sliced fresh mushrooms (I use a large box from the produce section)

1 bunch green onions, chopped

1 - 2 cups diced ham  (diced finely)

1 - 2 cups cooked, chopped chicken

cooked, chopped bacon, if desired ( Not bacon bits.)  (And trust me, you desire!)

2-4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Saute mushrooms, green onions in butter, adding the ham, chicken and  bacon.  Pour one jar of Alfredo sauce and cover the bottom of a 9x13 pan.   Add and mix the pasta with the remaining ingredients into the pan.  Pour the second bottle of Alfredo over the mixture and cover in shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil and bake at 350 for half an hour.  Enjoy!  

 

The happiest people do have the best of everything,
they make the best of everything they have.

Gracie's birthDAY

Gracie woke me up for her birthday.  We sat down together and planned out the day.  She was so excited!

 I made her favorite breakfast, oatmeal and ice cream.  Then, we just chilled most of the day waiting for Doug to come home from his first day back at work, so that the party could begin.  Once Doug was home, we went to Chili's for dinner.  (Imagine that.) 

She was more than excited about the big chocolate shake that Ben, the manager, sent over to our table for her.  Gracie loves chocolate!  Gracie loves Chili's!

After dinner, Gracie chose to go swimming at the High School pool.  I passed on the swimming because that's the coldest pool in America and I stayed home to prepare the birthday treasure hunt and Gracie's "birthday cake".
 


The kids always choose whatever they want for birthday cake.  Liza chooses Pretzel Salad.  Grace chose Phizzookies ~ a chocolate chip cookie topped with ice cream, chocolate syrup and caramel syrup.

 The B's joined Grace and fam for the festivities after Chili's.   As Grace opened each gift, Miki cracked us up with a huge, "whoooooooooooooooo" or "wow!!!!!"   Too funny!

Gracie was gracious and excited all day long!  She's pretty excited about being thirteen, being old enough for her own Facebook page (a modern-day passage?) and to be able to start wearing a little makeup.  Oh my!  I'm so not ready for a teenage girl in the house again!  YIKES!  She teased me all day, "Mom, you're just going to be crying all the time now because I'm growing up too fast!"  She's right!  So right!  I'm thrilled for her, but I would be perfectly fine to keep them all young forever!  Being Gracie's mom is a delight!

We ended the party pretty quick because it was bedtime for Doug and the kids.  Back to school tomorrow and back to"normal" life.   After everyone was in bed, I let Grace stay up long enough to Skype with Liza for a bit.  Liza had wanted to Skype during the party, but, it was so crazy, trying to get everyone fed and ready for bed, that it didn't happen until after the fact.  Bedtime got serious again tonight.

Earlier in the day, I was actually a little teary at the thought of this perfect two weeks coming to an end.  Gracie's birthday falling the day after New Year's Day always let's us extend the celebrating for an extra day, but, it's always a bit sad to me when it comes to an end.  Now, it's time to settle in for the long, cold Cache Valley winter.  Please pass lots of snow! 

A few other rambling thoughts:

• Several friends have commented that they are anxious to send the kids back to school.  I do love my personal time during the days while the kids are in school and Doug is at work.  I have missed that.  (I'd be lying if I denied it!)  BUT.  This past two weeks has been great - no fighting, no cabin fever, just lots and lots of fun together.  Loved every second of it!
• On the other hand, I'm excited for a very long lunch with Denise!
• Mom's coming over to do my ironing and watch the Help together today.  I love that Mom does my ironing.  I love the Help. 
• I still haven't done my real 2011 in review here on the blog.  This weekend went by too quickly!  But, my puzzle is done and back in the box!
• Since I did all of my winter de-junking in early December, the only thing left is my kitchen cupboards and the hall closet.  Does that mean it's time to paint something or what? ;)


Goals are dreams with deadlines.

Happy Birthday Grace! ThirTEEN!

Gracie's thirteen today.  Whodathunkit.  She's our little princess.  She's girlie and frilly and feminine.  She loves playing piano and her new guitar and Nintendo with her siblings.  She sings like an angel with her sweet soft voice.  She's loves pink and purple and anything bright and fun.  She doesn't like getting dirty at all and loves to read.  She quite often is reading multiple books at one time.  She loves Harry Potter and her Young Womens' leaders.  She's determined to make good choices and do what's right.  She loves to shop for clothes and, surprisingly enough, in home decor shops.  She lovesTaipan and Target.  She's quite the strategist in games and loves to play cards or any game.  She's quite happy about finally becoming a teenager, yet she's also still very young for her age and loves to make paper dolls and play with her Liv dolls.  Our world would not be the same without the sunshine that Grace brings to our home!  Here's her birthday interview:

If you could have one super-power, what would it be? Making wishes come true.

What was the last chore you did? Dishes.

What's the last service you did?  Making a blanket for Granddaddy! 

What is your favorite song?  Taylor Swift songs.

What do you like to eat for lunch at school?  Chicken nuggets and fries. 

What's the nicest thing you've done for someone in your family lately?  I helped ZJ by playing with her.

What makes you mad? When Quayd shoots me with his nerf slingshot bow. 

Where would you like to go on vacation?  California

Who's the smartest person in your family?  Dad's good with planets and science but you know everything, so I'm not sure.  (They still believe me when I tell them that Mom's know everything.  How long will that last, I wonder?)

How are you like Mom? I play games and cards like you do.  There's lots of things. We like decorating stores.We both like to cook.   We're both girls. 

What's one word to describe Mom?  Loving.

How are you like Dad?   Me and him read a lot.  We both love to swim.   And I like to drink his blender drinks ~ the good ones.  We're obsessed with history.

What's one word to describe Dad?  Silly.

What's one thing that Mom always says to you?  Make good choices.  I love you. 

What's one thing that you and Dad do together that you'll always remember?  Swimming together.

If you had a million dollars, what's the first thing you'd buy?  First thing I'd buy would be my own Nintendo DSI and some games and a laptop and a camera. 

How do you know that Mom and Dad love you? I just know that you do because of your eyes and you play the things we like to play, you play with us and you feed us good food and you make everything special.  Dad gives us belly-bubbles, reads to us, watches movies with us even when he doesn't want to.  He works hard for us.

What's your favorite cereal? The colorful Dynobites.

What's your favorite TV show?  Survivor!

What's your favorite vegetable? Pickles! 

What's your favorite game?  Hand and Foot.  (I love this child!) 

What's your favorite movie? Harry Potter

What food would you eat every day if you could?   Chicken or Beef 

If you could choose a different name, what would it be?  Jennette

What's the first thing you want to show your friends when they come to your house?  My mom and dad!

What's the scariest thing you've ever done? There was a rockpile and I glided down it on my bike.  I got a bloody knee. 

Is your room messy or clean?  Right now?  I don't know.  Most of the time, it's clean. 

If you could eat at any restaurant for the rest of your life, where would it be?  Chili's!  It's the only choice!

What's your favorite candy bar?  Kitkat!

What's the last thing of yours that Mom put on the fridge door? My honor roll report card and ribbon. 

What's your nickname? Love

What's the best age to be?  Whatever age you are. 

What do you and your siblings fight about? The remotes.

What's under your bed? A book.  I put it down on the floor when I was done reading and went under the bed. 

What's your favorite holiday?  Probably Christmas!

What do you know at age 13?  I know that teenagers change.  I know that mom cries each time we have a birthday.  I know that the gospel is true.  I know that Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon.  I know that dinosaurs roamed the earth long ago.  I know that my mom and dad love me a lot.  I know that I am a fun and exciting girl and I make our family brighter.  I know that I will get married in the temple.  I know that I'll be a mom. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GRACIE GIRL!  WE LOVE YOU BIG!!!

Happy New Year!

Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors and let every new year find you a better man.  Benjamin Franklin

Happy New Year!

2011 in review meme

1. What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?  found genealogy records dated back to the 1400s
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I'm working on them this week while I work on the puzzle and yes, I did keep a few. 
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? A niece and a nephew had babies.
4. Did anyone close to you die? Doug's Uncle Lu, Doug's Aunt Agnes, our good friend, David Neilson
5. Where did you visit? I went south to North Carolina twice to see my dad and family!
6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?  more time with Doug!
7. What date from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?  September 20, the day that Liza and I flew together to see Dad in North Carolina
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?  Surviving Liza and Buddy's move to Arizona.  No question.
9. What was your biggest failure this year?  Spending far too much time in front of the TV watching the Casey Anthony trial.  I know tons more about our judicial system than I ever needed to know and was not happy in the end AT ALL.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? I discovered that I have a "wonky" pyloris, which has caused a major lifestyle change for me, but has also resulted in losing 36 pounds.  (Not counting the five that I've gained since Liza was here!)
11. What was the best thing you bought? My new camera.  LOVE it! 
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?  Buddy's success in school, his internship with the Harlem Globetrotters, Quayd's being ordained as a teacher, Gracie going into Young Womens, my dad's beating his battle with cancer, Kelly's making better choices every day.
13. Where did most of your money go?  Medical bills and my Expedition. 
14. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Liza coming in December, our trip ito NC in September, Pinterest.
15. What song will always remind you of 2011? Ain't No Sunshine by Kris Allen.  American Idol 2008 was our favorite season yet!  It's, no doubt, our favorite TV show!  
16. What do you wish you'd done more of? Played more, stressed less.
17. What do you wish you'd done less of?  Criticizing (others and myself.)
18. How did you spend Christmas?   Quiet with just the five of us and we loved it.
19. Did you fall in love in 2009? Every year, over and over again with Doug.  With Pinterest. 
20. What was your favorite TV program?  Castle and Survivor.
21. What was the best book you read this year?  The Book of Mormon.
22. What was your greatest musical discovery?  Martina McBride's Christmas CD.  AMAZING!
23. What did you want and get for Christmas? Connie's Chocolate Covered Cherries and an electric fondue pot. 
24. What was your favorite film of this year? Seriously, strange, but we watched The Green Mile, a TV-edited version and I just couldn't get over how moved I was by this film.  Also loved The Help.
25. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?  I was 53 this year.  Doug and I went to dinner with Stott and Wendy and several friends took me throughout the month.
26. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Losing the last 20 pounds that I'm working on.
27. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2005? As always, a comfy pair of jeans, a nice sweater, great earrings.
28. What kept you sane?  Lunch at Chili's 3 or 4 times a week with girlfriends. 
29. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Can't even think of one.
30. What political issue stirred you the most? The elections before the elections before the election.
31. Who did you miss?  Liza and Buddy.  My dad.
32. Who was the best new person (people) you met?  My cousin Kent's family.  I adore them all!They are awesome!
33. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011:  Let it go.  This year, I learned that you can't force people to think or feel the way you want them to, to believe you even when you're telling nothing but the truth or to accept you as you are.  SO.  Therefore and in behalf, don't worry about them.  Just be your best and if others don't like it, it's their problem, not yours.  And let it go no matter how they feel or act toward you.  Repeating myself again...It's their problem, not yours! 
34. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:  I'm gonna love you through It by Martina McBride.  Not because it's about cancer, but this year, we've been through a lot with several people in our closest circles.  It's been great to be there for each other.  If you've not heard it, here's an opportunity.  Grab a tissue and hit play.

 

When writing the story of your life, don't let anyone else hold the pen.

Ten

A little winter vignette from Secret Haven at the Rock Loft

A little rambling:

1. I've lost track of what day it is!  Doug corrected me this morning when I said "I can't believe it' s Thursday already."  "That's because it's Wednesday, Babe."  Okey Dokey then! It's all good...an extra day!   I'm already dreading the fact that our week off is half over.
2. We went to Cafe Sabor with out friend, Doug B from Indiana, and talked nonstop for two hours.  We adore this man!   The girls had a sleepover at Nana's and Quayd had decided to spend the night at home alone. Just as we were leaving, Doug invited Quayd to come along.  Doug B, for some reason, decided to call Quayd, "Herman" and told Quayd that he could call him anything. Quayd thought that was pretty funny, as Doug was consistent through out the night, even with our goodbye.  Afterward. Quayd asked me what he should call Doug.  I teased, "Bob".  He said, "I think I'll just call him Uncle Doug."  That's quite a compliment to Doug.  Deserving.
3. After we got home, Doug and I watched The Bucket List.   We'd not seen it since the theater.  What an incredible story.  Worth rewatching.  Love it.
4. The puzzle is coming along.  It's a good thing I only do this once a year. SO addicting.
5. We have made no plans for New Years Eve.   A first in 35 years.  And it's just fine.  We're not hosting the party that we usually host.  We're not going to the ranch.   We've been invited, but as of now, we're just staying home and having fondue with the babes. 
6. In 2012, I'm going to learn to knit or crochet.  I really am.  Again.
7. I've not been to Chili's in six days.  I need, I need.
8. I am excited to see War Horse, MI4 and Sherlock Holmes. SOON!
9. I think I'll see an orthopedic doctor about my knee.  It's gotten worse and I don't want to hear what he's going to say.  I've walked over a thousand miles this past few years.  Wasn't that supposed to make it stronger?
10. Please pass some snow!  Just a foot or two will do.  ;)


Always believe that something wonderful is about to happen!

an apology, a little rambling and a recipe

Carol and I had planned on spending the day together as families, but due to several unplanned circumstances, it ended up being Taylor, Carol and myself  playing games, eating all sorts of goodies (Carol is the QUEEN of Appetizers and snacks!), did a little catch-up on TV shows, did some shopping and then went to a vampire wedding.  (Yes, again.  hee-hee!)  A fun, fun day!  Doug stayed at home with the kids while they had friends over and he worked on his own to-do list.  I got the great end of that deal!  Girls' Day Out!  I couldn't thank him enough when I got home!

One of the games we played today was the game that Liza gave Gracie for Christmas.  Discombobulation.  SO fun!  It's about $15 and worth every penny... if you love games and have no inhibitions. I can't wait for girls night out!

Carol also made an old recipe that we'd had years ago together, often, but had forgotten about.  It'd be perfect for New Years Eve!  The ironic thing was that I'd found the recipe a few days ago myself, too.  Neither of us had made it for years!

Broccoli Dip

1 finely chopped onion
3-4 stalks chopped celery
2-4 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 bag frozen broccoli

Sautee everything in about 1/4 cup butter.  Pour into crock pot and add 2 cans of cream of mushroom soup and half of a large brick of Velveeta.  Serve warm with Lime Flavor Doritos or Crackers or French Bread pieces.  Enjoy!!!  I'll photograph it when I make it later this week!  You'll love it!

I posted a word art quote on my blog recently from Pinterest.  I didn't realize that this was not appropriate, so a public apology is in order. I totally thought that things on Pinterest were to be shared.  My bad!   And I'll be more than happy to stand in the repent corner for my mistake!  So sorry!

A funny from Doug: (Just an hour before, we'd talked about how everything needed the convenience of a ringer so we could dial it, like when we misplace our cellphones.)  He'd brought everything in from the truck tonight when I got home.  Later, I asked, "Where'd my camera go?"  His response:  "Want me to dial it?"

Our big Thursday plan is to have dinner with one of our favorite people on this whole planet, Doug B., our friend who's visiting from Indiana!  Doug has to have one of the biggest hearts ever. He's a huge tease and he joked that I had "Tease me" on my forehead, so I was a recipient of many of his jokes.  Years ago, Doug B asked me how were were doing.  I decided to tease him in return.  It was a week or two before Thanksgiving.  I said that we were going to probably just pass on Thanksgiving because we couldn't afford it.  The truth was that we had 12 missionaries and another family coming for Thanksgiving dinner!  The next day, Doug showed up at our home with bags and bags of groceries for the makings of a huge Thanksgiving feast.  I felt terrible!  When I told him that I was teasing him, he said, "Well let's go find someone who needsit!"   Within 20 minutes, we were able to bless another family with his generosity!

Doug B is also the man who promised Liza, when she was eight years old, that he'd be there, whenever, wherever  when she married in the LDS Temple.  A week before Liza's wedding, almost 14 years later, Doug called to tell us that he was on his way.  He drovehis ragtop Jeep across the country during a blizzard to be here in Utah for Liza's wedding.  He spent the night before and left shortly after the ceremony.  We {heart} Doug B!  I'm not sure who's more excited to see him, my Doug or myself!?  Liza was verysad when I told her that he was coming to town and that she'd be missing him.  When Kelly picked Zaylee up, her first response was "I want to see him!!!"  The kids all love him too!

Speaking of Zaylee, we gaver her her own little Christmas.  It was so fun to hear about her new toys from Santa.  She opened a pair of "Hello Kitty" socks from us and said, " THANKS, Gwammie!!!  You got these socks for me??  They're soooooo beautiful!"  Then, a puzzle.   "My own puzzle?!??  Thank you!!"  Then, she opened her new polka-dot bedding and fuzzy pink pillow.  And tossed it on the ground.  Next?  We cracked up.(It was what she'd told me she wanted.)  Then, later, she came into the gallery, where I was working on a puzzle of my own.  "Gwammie?  Santa bwought you that puzzle?"  I love having her in our home!  She's a hoot!

Loving this Christmas break!  Loving life! It's just plain good!

Find a beautiful place and get lost!

 

 

after the thrill is gone

I caved.  I admit.  I talked the kids into not wanting to sleep under the tree one last time and within two hours, my home had forgotten that Christmas was yesterday. We didn't, but the home did! Everything is put away neatly, the house is clean and feels oh, so clutter free.  I absolutely love every decoration twenty four hours before, but the next day, I'm ready to clean! 

Doug is always amazed that I can put away in two hours, what took me three days to put out.  It's so much less work to undo!  He also doesn't get why it bothers me so to leave everything up, but for me, it's like this huge task calling my name, waiting to be done.  I can't relax until everything is away, and then, it's time for me to take it easy!  Now, to set up the card table and do the annual winter puzzle!

I found this awesome idea on Pinterest a few days ago.  Use 8 ounce bell tumbler shaped clear plastic cups to store your Christmas balls. A layer of cardboard between each layer of ornaments. (I used the styrofoam cups for different shape ornaments.) After the decorations were put away, I read that you are supposed to glue the cups to the cardboard.  Oops, I didn't do that.  Then, I noticed on the top layer of my bin, in the picture, that one of the cups had turned over on it's side.  BUT.  The top layer was more than just cups.  It had other decor for that tree, as well, so that probably was part of the problem.  But, this idea is wonderful!  Putting tree ornaments back into the boxes that they came in is a pain!  A perfect, simple solution!

Here's the recipe for that nummy breakfast souffle that I made for Christmas morning brunch.  Try it, you'll love it!

French Toast Strata

1- cups french bread (I used one loaf)
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
8 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
2/3 cup cream  (I used whipping cream, but the original recipe called for half&half)
3/4 cup maple syrup 
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1 pound Jimmy Dean Sausage

powdered sugar
more maple syrup

Eight hours before:  Brown the sausage and crumble.  Drain and set aside.  Cut one loaf of french bread into 1" cubes.  Spread evenly into a lightly greased 9x13 baking pan. Pour the sausage over the bread.  In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, whip the cream cheese until smooth.  Add eggs, one at at time, whipping in between each egg.  Add milk and cream, syrup, salt and vanilla.  Mix well.  Pour egg/milk mixture over the bread and sausage. Cover and put in the refrigerator overnight. 

In the morning, remove from the refrigerator, and let it sit on the counter, at room temperature, for thirty minutes.  Bake in preheated oven, at 350 for 40 minutes or until golden brown and a knife comes out clean.  Pour maple syrup over the baked strata and then sprinkle powdered sugar over top of that.  (I didn't pour the syrup on the baked strata.  I served it with syrup on the side, so that everyone could have the sweetness that they preferred.  Being married to GranolaMan, this works.)  SO SO NUMMY!  ENJOY!

Tuesday plans... finish our Pirates of the Caribbean Marathon, games and lunch at Carol's, some more pondering about 2012 goals while working on the puzzle, a possible date with Doug and Tom Cruise and more "chillin'".  I changed out my Franklin Planner to 2012 and noticed that next year's Christmas break doesn't start until Monday, Christmas Eve, which means that if he's on the same work schedule, Doug will have almost two weeks off for Christmas Break!  I'm looking forward to that already!   One last thought... is it me or are the Pirates movies confusing?  ;)

Christmas 2011 ~ It's the most wonderful time of the year!!!

It wasn't white, but it was beautiful!

Christmas Eve morning, I decided to take some pictures of the kids for one of Mom's gifts, a cute frame, before we went over to her home. We'd planned on having a photographer friend take family pix while Liza was here last week but when Doug got so sick, the shoot had to be cancelled.  The kids were more than happy to pose, at the last minute and Mom was thrilled.

We spent the afternoon at Mom's for "Nana's Christmas".  Mom really outdid herself!  VERY tasty food and then awesome gifts.  Doug and Quayd passed out on Mom's couch for a quick nap after gift opening and eating waaaaaay too much, while the girls, Mom and I gabbed.

Afterward, we came home to try our new gift game.  It will definitely become a permanent fixture in our holiday traditions!  Christmas Eve afternoon is the perfect time to play the game because it took half an hour to open the gift, then an hour and a half to stop laughing about it.   Almost as funny, was when the babes woke up on Christmas Eve morning and discovered this gift under the tree.  Quayd said, "Uh, Mom, did you get a little carried away there?"

 Oh. My. HECK!  My mother is competitive!  We invited her to play with the kids and watching her was as fun as them!  Seriously, this game is a must for every family!

We were all still full from Mom's lunch at dinner time, so we simplified the meal and "ate ourselves into a coma", as Doug puts it, again.  It was just the five of us, which is a first in the babes' lives.  We, actually, quite enjoyed being just us all alone.  Following dinner, we went into the living room, as always, for Doug to share the Christmas message.  He always does such a beautiful job of "likening" the story of Christ's birth to us today.  The kids listened intently.

After Doug's message, it was time to open the jammies.  This year, the girls asked about every fifteen minutes, "When do we open our jammies?"   No more surprises for them.  They've got it all down, as to what happens next.  Traditions are a wonderful thing!

More laughs before bedtime.  When Doug's around, there are always laughs.  Lots of them!

And then there were some more laughs.

After we got the kids to bed, I had to laugh when I walked into the gallery and found Doug napping on the LazyBoy, wearing my mother's stocking on his right foot.  I think it started as a joke, but he was so tired, he fell asleep before he finished the joke.  I still laughed!

Christmas morning, every one uf us woke up SICK, feeling all the same symptoms that Doug had all last week.  Fevers, barking coughs, sinus headaches.  Lovely.  We felt that we should not pass it to the rest of the ward, so we ended up staying home from church.  Christmas on Sunday is my favorite, so I was the most disappointed about the situation.  Sadness. But, even in a lower gear than normal, we made the best of it.

On Christmas Eve, Denise called for a recipe and while I was looking it up, I happened onto a recipe that just "flipped my trigger".  I bagged all previous plans and prepared a breakfast souffle that was to die for!  It's a must try!  Recipe tomorrow!

Quayd was really starting to worry that he wouldn't get an iTouch because he' heard me tell Liza, when he mentioned a song that gets on my nerves, "And that's why he's notgetting a Touch." Fooled him!   He was the last one in the family to have his own iPod.  Later in the day, we all agreed that next year, we'll have a non-electronic Christmas.  (Until they announce something else that's new and wonderful that we don't think we can live without.)



ZJ brought Doug and I to tears with her reaction to her "best" gift...a sewing machine.  It was so much fun to watch her as she opened her stocking stuffers ~ pins, scissors, a tomato pin cushion then a container to store them all... she's so crafty, that it was a natural gift for her. She teased that I'd bought it all for her so that she'd leave mine alone, but never did it occur to her that she'd get her own sewing machine!

She also spent the day asking me, "Now, Mommy, tell me again why don't we sew on Sunday?"  I'd taught her a while ago that my grannie always said, "Every stitch you sew on Sunday, you unpick with your nose on Monday."



Since Grace stepped off the bus from girls camp in June, she's been enamoured by a girl in our ward who'd brought her guitar to camp.  Gracie spent the afternoon sitting on the floor with her very own guitar, which was wrapped and tucked into the rest of the gifts so well since day one that she had no clue until we pulled it out from under the tree.  Immediately, "It's my guitar!!!!"

Santa was good to me this year too!  Fun stuff!  Doug and I received a fondue pot as a wedding gift...back when dinosaurs roamed the earth.  It was the kind you had to fill with alcohol and try to regulate the heat. It never worked.  I gave up and tossed it.  Guess what we're having on New Years Eve?!

Go-Go didn't seem too interested in the gifts, but he loved the little bites of  turkey, ham and sausage throughout the weekend!



We enjoyed skyping with Liza and Buddy while they opened their gifts from us. They started some new traditions of their own, spending their first Christmas away from both of their families. Christmas Eve at the Mesa LDS Temple, seeing the spectacular lights.  Kelly worked most of the holiday, but celebrated bigtime with Zaylee on Christmas Eve.  We talked with Dale on Christmas Adam.  My dad called a few times.  Doug's mom called.  Technology is a great gift during the holidays!

This shot of ZJ was one of my favorites.  To me, it said,"Life is good!"  We heard from the kids, probably twenty times each, "This is the best Christmas EVER!  THANK YOU!"  Even their prayers were filled with gratitude... and requests that we all get better quickly! 

Even with all of us being sick, it's been a perfect Christmas Day!  I'm reminded of the quote on my kitchen wall, "Life doesn't have to be perfect to be perfectly wonderful."
 Now, a full week of time together...Doug at home, kids at home, a fridge full of food, new movies to watch, games to play and time to do it all!   Merry Christmas!  Only 364 days til we do it again!  And if you don't count today, and you don't count Christmas Day and.....  Woohoooo!  
Indeed, life is good!

Life: It is about the gift not the package it comes in. 

Merry Christmas!

O holy night,
The stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of
Our dear Savior's birth!

wondering?

Previously posted in December 2008

Isn't Go-Go the

cutest little thing

you've ever

seen!? 

  

What happens to

a 50 year old

woman when she

lets her 25 year

old daughter do

her hair?

  

 

Is there anything

better than

catching

snowflakes on

your tongue?

 

Don't you just

love waking up to

this on a day that

you don't have to

leave home!?

 

Doesn't this tree  

speak Christmas?

And

last

but

not

least,

are  

you making this your reason for the

 season? 

  MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

For unto us a child is born. 

 

some last minute fun ideas...

HAPPY CHRISTMAS ADAM!!

Today, a few last minute ideas in the kitchen, under the tree and with the family!  I hope you enjoy!

Denise has mentioned this for years and for some reason, I  never "got it" until today and now I can't wait to try it!  I am wishing I'd have done this while Liza and Buddy were still living nearby!

First, in advance, a gift must be purchased and wrapped.  The gift needs to be "generic".  Denise now does two gifts for this activity ~ one for the grands and one for the grown-ups.  She's used games, gift cards, cash, gadgets as the gift.

The gift is then placed in a larger box and wrapped like a normal gift.  Then, it's wrapped again.  And again.  And again.  Each layer of wrapping is different and difficult to open.  Denise wraps the gift in gift wrap, puts it inside a plastic shopping bag, then duct tapes it around and around, wraps it again in newspaper, shipping paper, gift wrap, more plastic bags.  "Layers" are taped around and around, tied with string, duct taped, electrical taped, masking taped, Scotch taped, you name it.  The package is ugly. Denise says that it's not even square anymore.  You can't tell what the original shape was. 

To play the game:  You will need the gift, a pair of dice and a pair of winter gloves.  Not mittens.  Not thin yarn type gloves.  Insulated, thick gloves, like snowmobile gloves.  Everyone gathers around the table and the first person rolls the dice.  Going around the circle, everyone takes their turn rolling the dice.  When the first person rolls doubles, they grab the gloves, put them on, grab the gift and begin unwrapping the first layer of wrap.  They unwrap one layer at a time and continue unwrapping.  As they are unwrapping, the rest of the players continue to roll the dice until the next person rolls doubles.  As soon as the next player rolls doubles, they grab the gift and gloves, put them on and begin unwrapping until the next person rolls doubles.  A layer at a time, the package is unwrapped until the final person who unwraps the actual gift wins!  The winner gets to keep the gift!  Denise says it's hysterical and gets pretty wild.

Here's a cute little quickie project, if you're looking for a last minute gift.  The fabric sheets are available at Office Max.  It's not transfer paper, it's actual fabric to print on.

Picture-Perfect Pillows from Country Living.com

Spark a trip down memory lane with an old family photo and cool printer-friendly fabric. To begin, scan and upload the photo to your computer, then place the image in an 8½" x 11" Microsoft Word document. Adjust the image as desired, leaving a half-inch border around it for seam allowance. Print onto an ink-jet fabric sheet ($9.99 for five 8½" x 11" sheets; amazon.com) . If necessary, trim the fabric, then cut a same-size piece of backing fabric, like linen or broadcloth. 

Pin the two pieces of fabric together, right sides facing. Stitch around the pillow along the seam allowance, leaving a four-inch-wide opening on one side. Use small scissors to clip the corners, then turn the pillow right side out. Push out the corners, iron out any wrinkles, and stuff the pillow with loose fiberfill stuffing ($4.33 for one pound; amazon.com) before blind-stitching the opening closed.

Jalepeno Poppers Made Easy!  (photo from pinterest)

1 can of Pillsbury Crescent dough

 cream cheese

 2-3 fresh jalapeños

bacon

Remove the seeds and dice the jalapeños. Slice the bacon into 2" slices and fry. Roll out the dough.  Cut each triangle in half.  Layer a small dollop of cream cheese, a bacon slice and jalapeno.  Pinch the corners of the dough together at the top. Bake 10-15 minutes at 350.  Enjoy! 

Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect.

enjoy!

First, a good laugh.   Liza called me just laughing out loud.  She said she'd been catching up on my blog and read the recipe for that Candy Cane Punch that I'd shared a week or two ago.  Well, we made it while she was here.  It was AWFUL!  NASTINESS!  It had lumps of Strawberry Jam floating in the bottom of it.  It was so sweet that it was unbearable.  It was "chunky".  Even the babes were not big fans.  So, why was Liza laughing so hard?  She said, "Um, Mom.  You might want to read the recipe and directions next time."  The recipe called for 20 ounces of strawberry jam to be boiled in Sprite.  I'd not read the instructions and had dumped the jam right into the punch bowl.  No wonder it was chunky!  Oh, for the love of Martha!  Note:  Even with the jam boiled, I'm thinking that this would be a great punch withoutthe strawberry jam.  We couldn't even taste it since it was so chunky.  So, there's 20 ounces of sugar that wasn't even necessary. Way too sweet! And no.  I won't be trying it again, even now that I do know the right way.  Oopsie.

And another quick chuckle...One afternoon, while Liza was here, we made a Hot Chocolate Bar.  Zaylee, 3, who always wants to be my little helper, had put Reeses Peanutbutter Chips, Red Hots and Marshmallows into the little cups of this snowman dish.  The next day, she opened some Hot Cocoa packages in her little 12 days of Christmas gift from Buddy's sister.  Immediately, she neededsome Hot Cocoa.  We poured the milk into the cup with the mix and put it in the microwave.  Zaylee was very concerned.  "But, Gwammie.  Look!  There's no treats in the snowman's feet."  She must think that this was a snowman with clown feet.  Aren't 3 year olds wonderful!?

Heaven, help me!  I made a giant batch of white chocolate covered Chex Mix and it just keeps calling my name from the kitchen.  Sometimes, it screams, "Get in here right now!!"  Other times, it softly whispers, "Sophiaaaaaa.  I'm waitinnnnng."  I am drinking ice water with it, does that counteract the calories?  If you've not made this holiday treat, race to the store and pick up the ingredients, whip up a batch and just watch the five pounds gather on your hips tomorrow.

White Chocolate Chex Mix

1 Box Chex Cereals (I prefer rice or corn chex)
1 large bag of holiday plain M&Ms
1 can salted peanuts
1/2 bag of pretzels (the curly kind, not sticks)
2 bags of White Chocolate Chips

Mix all of the ingredients except the chocolate chips in the largest bowl in your kitchen.  In a smaller bowl, melt the chocolate chips...Place the bowl in the microwave on the a low setting (I used 3 with a 10 being high) and melt, taking out and stirring every minute until they are melted.  The chips will be almost pourable.  The simplest way to spread the chocolate is to put it into a ziplock bag, seal the bag shut, then snip of a tiny corner of the bag and squeeze it onto your dry mix, stirring and tossing gently.  Store in a tightly covered container, if it lasts that long.  MMMMMM!

A quick sentiment that I shared on Facebook Wednesday morning. "Let it Go, Let it Go, Let it Go!" Tis the season to be FORGIVING! I've been thinking about this all morning...Most people are genuinely good and well intended. Give someone the benefit of the doubt and forgive them today. It will be the best gift you give to them and YOURSELF all season! Just sayin'.  I was quite surprised by the private messages and emails that I received about this status update.  Apparently, there are lots of people dealing with "issues" and wanting to let them go but not knowing how.  Seriously, Doug says often, "Just lower your expectations and let it go."  It's not always that simple, but why give your energy at this wonderful time of the year to anything but the good stuff! Let it go and move forward.  That's not to say that you have to let it go and jump right back into the fire.  But, let it go, move forward, with caution if necessary.  Life's too short to carry unneeded burdens!  Enough said!  

 The kids are out of school!  Doug gets off today at 3 and let Christmas Vacation begin!  Life is good!Merry Christmas Adam Eve!

In all of living, have much fun and laughter.  Life is to be enjoyed.  Gordon B. Hinckley

 

a little holiday this and that...

 A few holiday ramblings and I'm aiming for 7 hours of sleep! 

Fun Paparazzi party!  I have to laugh because we accidentally discovered a new treat.  And it's a strange one.  Chow-Chow and Cream Cheese on crackers.  Oh, how my hips will regret that discovery! 

A fun little Christmas idea that I just heard.  A couple, who could  afford generous gifts, choose to spend $20 or purchase four $5 gifts for each other.  They have a great time coming up with thoughtful, personal gifts for each other and spend the rest of their Christmas budget on their children and others.  And they stick to it and enjoy the challenge! I thought that this was a super idea, especially for a couple of newlyweds or students.  Whatever the dollar amount that could be set, it would be a fun challenge.  Love it! 

Wendy made these cute little "Kissmas tree" gifts with the kids last night.  It's an ice cream sugar cone, covered in a frosting (like the kind you use for gingerbread houses) and then Candy Kisses.  It couldn't be more simple and they are darling! 

Another fun treat, received from neighbor Sandy last night, I also saw on Pinterest.  Here's a great idea!

 

Here's a knock-off of my favorite item on Chili's menu.  Sad to say that it will be removed from their menu in January.  But.  This will do!  As cold as it is, every day is a soup day, but this is so quick and easy that it would be a perfect dinner over the next week while the kids are all home!  Cook simple, Play with the kids more!

Chili's Chicken & Green Chili Soup

3 chicken breasts
70 oz. chicken broth
2 cans cilantro and lime Rotel
1/2 - 3/4 medium onion, finely chopped
1 7 0z. can green chilis
2 Tbsp. olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup lime juice

q bunch cilantro leaves only
1 cup uncooked rice
diced avocado
salt and pepper to taste

Sprinkle chicken breasts with salt, pepper and cumin.  Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes.  Shred or chop.  In stock pot, cook onions in olive oil over med-low heat for about 8-10 minutes or until soft and translucent.  Add garlic and cook for one more minute.  Add broth, rotel, green chilis, lime hiuce and cumin.  Bring to a boil and simmer for ten minutes.  Add cilantro and chicken, simmer another five minutes.  Season with Salt and Pepper, and more cumin to taste.  Cook rice separately.  Ladle soup into bowls and and a spoonful of rice and avocado to the soup just before serving.

Another great Christmas breakfast treat and an oldie, but more than goodie recipe:

I use my own roll dough, but Rhodes Frozen Dough is what the recipe calls for.

2 loaves Rhodes frozen bread dough or roll dough
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 Tbsp milk
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 package of non-instant vanilla pudding

Thaw frozen bread overnight, then cut into pieces.  Scatter the bread pieces into a well-greased 9x13 pan or a bundt pan. Cook butter, brown sugar, milk, cinnamon and pudding.  Bring to a boil and pour over the bread pieces.  Set in the fridge overnight and back at 375 for 30-35 minutes.  Serve warm!

OH!  I made the candycane punch that I posted last week on the blog, while Liza was here.  Here's a note to self.  Read the directions first!  I didn't boil the sprite and jam.  It had lumps of jam in it and was far too sweet for our tastes.   Next time, I'd completely leave out the jam and it would be pretty tasty.

A friend shared today that her married son and his young family were at Village Inn having dinner last week.  When they asked for their check, the server told them that someone had paid their check already.  They didn't know a soul in the building, but whoever did this had no clue that this was a struggling young couple!  Here's a little challenge... Even if it's just to pay for the gallon of milk that the woman in line behind you at the grocery store is about to pay for, try it.  You'll find that you'll feel better about that random act of kindness than you would opening any present under the tree!  Just sayin'.

Last day of school for the babes.  One more for Doug and we'll all be home together for almost two weeks! And the shocker:  Not one thing, other than church is on our calendar!  We plan on keeping it simple through the holidays.  Life is good!

You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late. 

Do you see what I see?

Well, I never made it back to the computer on Monday.  Monday, the day that I'd planned on a little "downtime" was anything but!  Doug, ZJ and I had a doctor appointment at first thing in the morning, I had lunch with Natalie at 11, errands until Zaylee came at 2:30, Family Home Evening and Dinner with the B's at 6 and in the middle of all that, I did some cleaning, three loads of laundry, changed our bedding and made a batch of homemade donut dough to take to the B's.   CRAZY day! 

A last few details of Liza's visit home:

Friday, Liza spent the day with Buddy's family, including going to SLC to hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's Christmas performance and having dinner with Buddy's brother, Mitchell, who's been in Afghanistan for most of the last two years.  A lot of people asked me how I felt about Liza being gone for a whole day of our already too short visit.  I'd be lying if I said that it didn't bother me.  I didn't like it.  One bit. It was a sacrifice for Doug and I to bring her home at this time, so sharing her wasn't easy!  But, it made her happy and we count it a blessing that she loves his family and wants to be with them.  And when she told me that she'd been able to see her brother-in-law, Mitchell, it made my day too! 

The Corbridge Family Christmas party was Saturday Brunch. Aleece (Doug's youngest sibling) and Dee did a super job, with the help of their two newlywed couples and two younger daughters.  We had a fabulous meal, a super activity ~ a graham cracker house building/decorating contest.  TOO fun!  Our house was a total disaster but the kids had fun.  Having three builders in the family didn't give us much of a chance. ;)  We met at noon, instead of at night, like we've done over the past decades.  There was less rush, less stress about getting home late at night, worrying about weather and the change of menu to breakfast was super.  Doug and I host next year.  We've already announced the Ugly Sweater Contest and I'm thinking that we'll keep the daytime party idea rolling.  Loved it and it was perfectly timed for Liza to see the whole family, except a few cousins!

Liza and I made the most of every moment together, right up until it was time to go to the airport. I loved having her with us for church and my Relief Society lesson. We had so much fun catching up on games, cards, gabbing (like we don't do that anyway) and just hanging out.  On Sunday, after church, I prepared all of her favorites for her last meal at home... it was a sort of South meets West.  I served roast beef and gravy, funeral potatoes, hushpuppies, chowchow, pretzel salad and peas.  (Buddy's allergic.) After goodbyes were said to her siblings and Dad, we picked up Denise and headed to SLC airport.  (96 miles) I was grateful that Denise rode with me since Doug has spent most of the past week in bed with pneumonia!  He was sick the whole time she was here and even missed the family party.  The antibiotics are finally kicking in and I think he'll still be alive for Christmas!  HAPPINESS.

Saying goodbye to Liza was hard, as expected. I adore this child.  She may be almost 30 but she's my baby girl, best friend, favorite, friend, sister.  I bawled half way home and then off and on the rest of the way. 

Just a few blocks before dropping off Denise, we came upon a beautiful deer that had been hit by a car and had a broken back.  The doe was struggling so desperately to get up, but could only move her upper half in a circle.  I realized that my emotions were totally raw, but I couldn't stand the thought of this dear suffering.  I dropped Denise off, called 911 and went back to wait and make sure that someone would come and take care of this poor beautiful creature.  I was sobbing.  The UGLY cry.  The police officer arrived and told me that he'd take care of her as soon as I was gone, thankfully.  I just couldn't stop crying.  Then, at Family Home Evening last night, Stott had to make a comment about Bambi and now all I can think of is a little baby deer off in the field saying "Mother?" ;) 

I guess the reason I mention all of this is because it's pretty obvious that my emotions are near the surface.  I was also exhausted!  I'm ready for a few calm days and some time to just relax.  Being that the babes are out of school for the next two weeks, I'm doubting that we'll see much calm!  BUT, aside from hosting a Paparazzi Jewelry Open House tonight and the holiday, we've managed to keep the calendar relatively tame for the rest of the year.  I've not had a "product" party in years, but the jewelry was so dang cute and the price couldn't be better.  It should be casual and fun!  And it will be fun to just visit with friends and neighbors.

One last Liza comment.  Last night, as I was getting ready for bed, I had this little tinge of emotion, as I thought about Liza being tucked into bed safely in the room below me,as she had been the past five nights.  It was only a second and I realized that she was actually, at her home, tucked safely in bed in Arizona, next to her sweet husband.  I am so happy that she is happy.  She loves Arizona.  She loves the warmth.  She loves her job.  She loves Buddy.  On her first night home, while still at the airport, she said, "I miss Buddy."  I love that Liza was able to be home with us for a few days during the holiday.  But, equally, I love that she loves her life with Buddy and that they are moving forward in their own goals and aspirations.  (I just wish she loved winter the way we do because I don't think she'll ever come home again in December!  She no likee the cold!) I love my girl!  The joy.

Holy cow!  It's only a day or two till Christmas!  We don't count today because it's today and we don't count Christmas Day or Christmas Eve, so really it's only "a few" more days!  LOVE IT!  Tomorrow, a few more last minute recipes and a cute neighbor gift idea!  Life is good!

One more thought.  Seriously.  Even if you are not a Country Music fan, a must-have Christmas CD for your collection... Martina McBride's White Christmas Album.  OH MY!  It's wonderful!  Enough said!

Children laughing.  People passing.  Meeting smile after smile.  It's Christmas Time!  Soon it will be Christmas Day!

all too soon.

 

 It took me as long to drive home from the SLC Airport as it did Liza to fly home to Phoenix. She called from the airport carosel as I was pulling into our garage. She's home.  I'm home.  We're both exhausted.   I miss her already.  Immensely.  But it was a wonderful time together. More when I wake up.

good times

A joy that is shared is a joy made double.

The ABCs of a Corbridge Christmas

Previously posted in December 2009

I can count, honest. Just not in December! Doug teases me for the way that I count days until Christmas (or any upcoming excitement!) I don’t count today and I don’t count Christmas Day and I don’t count Christmas Eve because that’s part of Christmas... He teases "And you don’t count the days that you have to eat or the days that you wake up".... We can make Christmas only two days away with my counting. Seriously, I am a day ahead of schedule and I don’t know how it happened! Forgive my enthusiasm (or my blonde roots!).

Today’s entry is this week’s blog challenge... My ABC's of Christmas. Doug also added a bit of his own Grinch humor as I created my list... He had me cackling! Thanks heavens he was just in a joking mood and isn't really like that!

• A is for Advent Calendars, filled with candy and treats and Angels hidden all through our holiday home.  (Doug said it’s for "Ain’t ya glad Christmas is only once a year")
• B is for Baby Jesus, the reason for the season. (Doug said, "B is for Budget Shot to Heck")
• C is for Carols... my favorites - I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, Breath of Heaven and Mary, Did You Know?
• D is for Decorations, Decorations and more decorations!
• E is for eating, entertaining, excitement!
• F is for Family, Friends and Festivity!  (Doug said, "FINE!  Go ahead and buy it!")
• G is for that good feeling in the air for the whole month of December
• H is for Homemade goodies... Susan’s Toffee, Connie’s caramels, my own cinnamon raisin bread and apple cake
• I is for It’s a Wonderful Life and all of our other favorite Holiday movies...from Little Princess to Christmas Vacation to Home Alone
• J is for Jingle Bells, the sound never gets old
• K is for Kisses... that is Cordial Cherry Kisses, Peppermint Kisses, Peanut butter Kisses... Oh, thank you, Mr. Hershey!
• L is for Love, which is shown more than at any other time of the year and Lights shining everywhere  (Doug said, "L is for Let's go Sing Christmas Carols... NOT!!")
• M is for the Magic in the air!
• N is for Nativities
• O is for ornaments
• P is for picture perfect windows and presents
• Q is for Quiet, the one moment before everyone awakens on Christmas morning, the sound outside when the snow is falling, the thing I long for on the day before the babes go back to school.  (Doug said, "Q is for "Can we QUIT while we're behind?")
• R is for recipes, old and new, tried and true.
• S is for Santa, Snowmen and sweet scents of Christmas... Pomegranate candles, apples and cinnamon baking  (Doug said, " S is for Stop yourself, Sophia!")
• T is for traditions carried on throughout the years
• U is for all of the love, thought and energy that is wrapped and placed lovingly Under the tree
• V is for the beautiful Christmas Village under my mother’s tree
• W is for Wassail and Wreathes
• X is for X’s & O’s under the mistletoe
• Y is for Yummy things to eat and Yahoo, it’s Christmas!
• Z is for Zonked... that’s me the day after Christmas!

As you could see, Doug had some fun with my list too.  You'd have to know him to appreciate this humor because this man is the most gentle natured, easy going guy around.  So, coming from him, this was VERY funny!  Have a great day!

Peace on earth will come to stay, When we live Christmas every day.

Corbridge Christmas Traditions

PREVIOUSLY POSTED IN DECEMBER 2006:

Last fall, I created a scrapbook all about our family’s holiday traditions. It’s placed in the living room near the tree, just waiting to be opened! This album is filled with photos and tons of detailed journaling! (Imagine that!) My intent was to have looking through this holiday album become a tradition in itself! My last article in the magazine was all about this album and I couldn’t have been more pleased to end on this note. I look forward to adding to the album in years to come. I have to admit that I anticipate our holiday traditions more than the babes do the opening of the presents! Here’s some details of our Corbridge Christmas traditions:

• December mornings begin with moving the advent calendars, filled with candy and treats before breakfast... how could you not love that as a babe? Keeping up is simple because the babes won’t let me forget it!
• Each evening, we spend time by one of the trees playing games, reading stories or both. The lights and Christmas music in playing in the background makes the room warm and cozy. It’s not the same with the regular lights on!
• Twenty years ago, I made a special candle holder that has 12 candle cups on a circular base. Each year, I place12 white tapered candles in the cups. On the 12^th of December, we light one candle at dinner and eat by the candlelight. (It’s not very bright!) On the 13^th, we light two. Each night, we light one more candle. By Christmas Eve, with the light of 12 candles, the room is plenty bright (and warm). Each night, we discuss the star that would shine so bright that the entire world could see it, the shepherds could follow it to the baby Jesus, the significance of the light of Christ in our lives. Each night, a different topic regarding light and Christ. By the last night, the first candle lit is usually only an inch or two tall and the rest step up to the newly lit candle. This spiraling circle of light is a favorite tradition for our big kids. We retired this tradition a few years ago when Liza, the only child still at home, worked nights. The babes were too young to participate. This year, we bring out the candles again as the babes are old enough to understand and join in the discussions! I hope that it’s as meaningful as it was the first time around.
• Each year, we select a family to do something special for and never reveal ourselves as the givers. Over the years, we’ve left live trees decorated in ribbons and bows, meals in a basket, treats of all sorts, family night baskets complete with a movie, treats, popcorn and pop. The biggest thrill of it all is the actual ring the doorbell and run or call from the van from around the corner to say, "Open your front door! Merry Christmas!"
• We usually open one gift on Christmas Eve morning - a game or new movie, just to help occupy antsy children throughout the day!
• On Christmas Eve, after our candlelight dinner, we gather in the living room for Doug to share the story of the birth of the Savior, usually lasting about 3-5 minutes and then, each year we rotate, someone places the baby Jesus into our first Nativity. It’s been a tradition since the year that Dale had just turned 1 and Doug’s mother gave us our first Nativity. (We call it the Chocolate Nativity because many people have asked if it is!) After the Nativity, we open one gift, which is always new Jammies. Santa’s bells are usually heard outside about that time, meaning, "HURRY to sleep so he doesn’t have to come back!"
• We leave cookies and milk for Santa and he usually leaves a little behind.
• On Christmas morning, the first person awake, no matter how early it is, starts calling out loud, "Merry Christmas!" until everyone is up. Hair is brushed and then everyone waits at the bottom of the stairs together while I turn on Mannheim Steamroller, the Christmas lights and get the cameras ready. Everyone walks up the stairs together with the camera flashing every step of the way.
• We all open our stockings at the same time.   (Stockings are a whole other blog entry!)
• Presents are opened one at a time, taking turns from the youngest to the oldest. Everyone has the same number of gifts (or is supposed to).  I do not use gift tags on most gifts. Each gift is numbered on the tape on the back seam of each gift. I keep the numbered list in my planner. Doug removes them from under the tree,one at a time, as I check who it belongs to. (Every year, at least one gift gets opened by the wrong person because I wrote down the wrong number. I’ve already listed one gift twice this year, so something is not recorded!)  Until Christmas morning, everyone leaves the gifts under the tree alone because no one knows who’s is who’s. Up until Christmas morning, they guess and pick which gifts are theirs.  Everyone is always certain that the biggest belongs to them! On Christmas morning, it’s fun to see and hear the expressions of "I knew this one was mine!"
• Santa only brings one or two items (usually the impossible to wrap) and fills the stockings. The most wanted and best gift is always the last gift that gets opened. A couple of reasons.... 1) selfishly, Doug and I get to be the hero instead of the bearded man in the red suit... 2) It’s much more fun to keep the anticipation and excitement up until the very end! 3) Opened at the end, they can take as long as they want to examine and play and discover every detail because no one else is waiting for their turn.
• We stay in our jammies all day long, have our tradition brunch and watch movies, nap and play the rest of the day. The meal is prepared  and the table is set with the fun Christmas dishes the night before, so that we only heat and serve in the morning.)
• Leftovers, relish trays, cheese balls, partyfood from the Christmas Eve feast are ready for snacking and munching all day long.  Moms shouldn’t have to spend Christmas day in the kitchen!
That’s our holiday traditions. My own quote: 


"Traditions are the magic of Christmas!

blonde moments, a few laughs, a few tears and a few calories!

Liza, Denise and I were having lunch at Chili's, talking about Buddy's Masters Degree Program possibly meaning that they'll move to Florida next.  Without thinking, Denise asked, "Which is closer?  Arizona or Florida?"  As she said it, she realized what she'd said.  We all did the "air map".  "This is us.  We are here.  AZ is here.  FL is here."  We laughed and laughed.

Later, we were talking about nuts.  A neighbor has shared some amazing fresh walnuts from their tree.  FABULOUS!  Denise said, "Of all the nuts, I'd have to say that walnuts are my least favorite.  I've never thought that they were very good, which is really strange because I love pecan pie."  Um.  PS.  Denise.  Pecan pie is made of pecans, not walnuts.  Again. We were laughing out loud.  Two very blonde moments from Denise.  Maybe you had to be there, but we laughed a lot today.

Thursday's agenda for Liza and I included lunch at Chili's, Breaking Dawn with Denise and Kelly, some shopping, getting Liza's wedding ring cleaned and inspected, some of Liza's Christmas shopping, some clothes shopping, dinner with Denise, seeing Kelly's new home and a jewelry party at Carol's.  Fun stuff!  My favorite moment of the day was when we arrived at the theater, where Max works.  Max is Liza's brother-in-law, who if you remember, was in a coma at this time last year, after being broadsided by a pickup truck.  Here's their "hug" hello, through the "box".  Loved it!  (We did get real hugs when we went inside!) I'm so glad that Liza loves her in-law family so much!

Friday, Liza will be spending the day with Buddy's family and then attending the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert in SLC.  We won't see her all day long.  I'm feeling like the very good mother to share my daughter for a whole day of her trip!  Truth is, it's killing me to have her here but not here for one second.  But, she's excited to see Buddy's family too.  ;)  Thursday's gift was music...the Breaking Dawn Soundtrack, Adele and some Christmas music.  Loving every minute of our time together!

Now, a little Christmas.  I'm absolutely dying at the thought of all the fun of  the season being over in just nine days!!  I've been so focused on Liza coming that I've not really counted the days until Christmas!  And now, it's almost here!

When we returned home, I found a delicious plate of cookies and these darling gloves waiting for me, a gift from my visiting teachers.  I LOVE these gloves with the felt and lace flower!  Wouldn't they be a fun gift for the teens to share with their friends.  Great idea!

This recipe from Pinterest via wonderful friend, Katie.  She says they are a MUST TRY!

 

 

Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies

2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg yolk
6 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped (or use chocolate chips)
1 cup chopped Hershey's Candy Cane Kisses (or use crumbled candy canes)
2 ounces white chocolate

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9x2-inch metal baking pan with nonstick spray. Line bottom of pan with long strip of 9-inch-wide parchment paper, leaving overhang on both short sides of pan.

2. Whisk flour and salt in medium bowl. Using electric mixer, beat butter in large bowl until creamy, about 2 minutes. Gradually beat in sugar. Continue beating until mixture is light and fluffy, stopping occasionally to scrape down sides of bowl, about 3 minutes. Beat in vanilla, then egg yolk. Gradually add flour mixture, beating on low speed just to blend.

3. Drop dough by tablespoonfuls into prepared baking pan, spacing evenly. Using moistened fingertips, press dough to form even layer over bottom of pan. Pierce dough all over with fork.

4. Bake cookie base until light golden brown and slightly puffed and edges begin to come away from sides of pan, about 30 minutes. Place pan on rack; immediately sprinkle bittersweet chocolate over. Let stand until chocolate softens, about 3 minutes. Using small offset spatula, spread bittersweet chocolate over top of cookie in thin even layer. Immediately sprinkle chopped candy cane kisses over (or candy canes).

5. Stir white chocolate in medium metal bowl set over saucepan of simmering water until melted and smooth. If it's too tough and thick to stir, add a tiny drizzle of vegetable oil or 1/2 teaspoon of shortening to thin it out. Remove from over water. Using fork, drizzle white chocolate all over cookies. Chill until white chocolate is set, about 30 minutes.

6. Using paper overhang as aid, lift cookie from pan and transfer to work surface. Using large knife, cut cookie into irregular pieces.

Tips: *DO AHEAD Can be made 1 week ahead. Store in refrigerator (or freezer) in airtight containers between layers of waxed paper or parchment paper. Can be stored in the freezer for several weeks.

That best portion of a good man's life; his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love.

Liza's home!!!

Totally un-Christmas post today, but it's my best Christmas present of the year!  Liza is home for five days with the family!  HAP.PI.NESS!!!!

It's been an interesting day, to say the least.  I couldn't sleep at 4AM because I was took excited about the day ahead of me. I got the kids off to school and fifteen minutes later,  FIFTEEN minutes later, they walked back inside the house.  Apparently, it was so dark that Gracie didn't think that her bus was herbus, so she didn't even try to get on it.  ????  So, rather than walk home right then, she waited until Quayd's bus came and then, not wanting her to walk home alone in the dark,  he stepped off the bus and walked her home.  Which means both of themmissed their buses, which means I had to get dressed and take Quayd six miles north to his school then, back to Smithfield and three miles south to Gracie's school and back to Smithfield again to get ZJ ready for school.  I was notamused.  BUT.  I also appreciated that Quayd protects his sister.  B the time we got back, ZJ announced that she was feeling nauseous and she ended up staying home, hugging a bucket.  Thankfully, Mom and Wendy are both right here! 

 

By the time I drove to Logan, it was blowing and snowing and sleeting.  I headed to Secret Haven at the Rock Loft and just melted when I walked inside to see their lovely pretties everywhere!  I took tons of pix to share and just drooled the entire time I was inside.  Next a quick stop at the Bakery next door to buy Marilyn some of her favorite cinnamon roll mix and off to the big city.  It snowed most of the afternoon. I was able to do some fun shopping.  An hour in the Sandy Taipan, which is quite different than the Layton Taipan where I usually shop. 

A few other little shopping stops and then a lovely visit with Aunt Lucille, who I just adore.  ADORE!!!!  The receptionist said to me, when I told her who I was there to see, "OH!  She's my favorite lady here!  She's everyone's favorite!"  I said, "That's how anyone who knows her feels!"  She said, "She's the most amazing woman I've ever met.  There's no one like her."  I said, "Oh, yes.  There is.  You'll have to meet her two sisters because they are three peas in a pod.  I love that I wasn't alone in my adoration of this very very youthful 80 year old wonderwoman!  She's just plain delightful.

After Aunt Lucille's, I headed straight to Gardner Village to meet Marilyn.  I was excited to stop inside the store and visit for a moment with one of Doug's cousins, Debbie, who is also a favorite Corbridge!  Marilyn and I had a tasty dinner and lots of chat. And Marilyn gave me a few darling little gifties too boot, including her jalepeno jellies! We hit a few of the village shops and said our goodbyes so that I could head to the airport to pick up my girl!

Liza's plane landed right on time and I waited curbside by the baggage claim area in the truck.  I could see her through the window as we said on our cellphones, "We're in the same state!  We're in the same city!  We're in the same airport!  We're breathing the same air!!" all while waiting for her luggage to come off the carousel.  When she came across the street, I went running and met her in the middle, "Let's parrrrrrtyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!"  A woman was standing there looking at us as we hugged and did our little triple mwah-mwah-mwah routine.  The lady laughed at us and Liza said, "She really missed me."  The lady gave the "I can tell" approval.

After several texts and calls from Doug, ZJ, Buddy, Kelly, we were on our way in the snow on a slippery I-15 and Liza said, "We should stop at Target and see if we can find the new Cranberry Shasta pop.  I cut across four lanes and we were at Target.  Then, we saw a Pier One.  We hadto stop there since it was our favorite store in Logan and it closed.  Liza's whole house is Puer One.  It brought back memories of her wedding.  After our second full walk-through, I asked is she was ready to go.  "Not yet."  So, we did some looking.  Fun stuff!  No one was around to take our picture.  Sadness.  But, we had fun.  Pictures or not.  That will come later in the week!

Then, we gabbed the whole way home and some more while she unpacked.  She was very surprised and excited to see the basket on her bed, filled with gifts, labeled one for each day that she is here.  "For me?"  A big hug and "I'm coming home more often!"  Yes, please!  (Her first day's gift was a cute red and white snowflake fleece blanket.  I figured she'd need it while she's here since she's always cold!)

It's late and we've got a list of things going on tomorrow.  She can't wait to see Zaylee and Kelly.  ZJ woke up when we came in, which I knew would be the case.  It's so good to have my girl at home!  If we did nothing but sit and play cards and talk all week long, it would be perfect, but we have tons planned. I'm loving every minute in advance!  life is so dang good!  If it were any better, I'd have to pinch myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming!

The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree:  the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.

lovin life!

This morning, we woke up bright and early, got the babes off to school and then Liza and I headed into Logan.  She decided to schedule a physical with her favorite doctor, since she's here in town, then we grabbed Costa Vida lunch to go, so that we could be home in time for Zaylee and Kelly to come.  We had a quick visit with Kelly before she left for work. We spent the rest of the afternoon playing games with the babes, baking bread, making homemade pizza for dinner and having a little Hot Cocoa bar.   Kelly arrived to pick Zaylee up just in time for a quick bite with us at the end of dinner and then we gathered around the tv for Survivor.  Bedtime for the babes and more games for Liza and I.  A fun, casual busy day. 

Here's everyone gathered around Zaylee playing with Liza's iPhone.  Doug was in tears laughing at this ap called Office Jerk.  Listening to Zaylee cackle as she threw the pie was a riot!

With Doug's schedule, Liza didn't see her dad until after work tonight.  I'm not sure who was happiest!  Liza made me laugh when she shared that she was telling a friend at work how her dad gives her mom a foot massage every night.  She said it occurred to her, as she told the story, "I get footrubs from Dad every night too while I'm there!"  And she got her first one during Survivor.  (Doug really should have been a masseuse!)

Thursday's plans include shopping, lunch, a matinee, a jewelry party and visiting.  A busy day!  It's so much fun to watch the babes with their big sister.  Everyone loves Liza!  Wednesday's little giftee was three pair of fuzzy socks.  Liza is quite excited about her little gift basket.  I'm so glad that I was inspired to do that!  We're trying to cram as much of her favorites ~ food, fun, friends and family ~ into her time here!  Loving it!

Now, let's talk a litlte Christmas:

We're making this tomorrow!

 Pomegranate Salad

2 or 3 pomegranates, seeded and peeled
4 sliced bananas
3 apples
1 cup chopped pecans
1 pint heavy whipping cream (not Cool Whip)
Sugar

Toss and coat the pomegranate seeds with sugar until sweetened to taste.  Let set for 30 minutes while sugar dissolves on fruit. Combine remaining ingredients.  Fold in the whipping cream. 

Marilyn gave me some tasty jalepeno jellies and this great idea for serving it.  It's cream cheese with jalepeno jellie poured over it and a little cilantro and other veggies to garnish.  TOO CUTE!!!  And seriously, if you've not tried this... just straight cream cheese with the jelly poured over it and crackers, you are missing out!!! I had to share:

It's 11:30 and I'm exhausted!  When I went in to lie down with Zaylee until she fell asleep, I did too!  I came out a bit later and Liza asked, "Did she take that long to go to sleep?"  No, I did!"  I need my rest because tomorrow, my big girls and I are attending a vampire wedding.  ;)  Life is good!

Enjoy more!  Endure less!

On the first day of Christmas.... It's here!

My favorite moment of the day was when Liza said, "See ya tomorrow!"  Woohoooooooooo!  I'll be heading to SLC today for a big day before the big moment... meeting with Doug's amazing and wonderful Aunt Lucille (who's husband passed away a few weeks ago) and then shopping and dinner with Marilyn before picking Liza up at the airport!  It will be an awesome day!!  HAPPINESS!!!!

Just a few other things and I'm off to bed.

I have peeked here and there at Pinterest for the past few months but accepted an invitation this past weekend and Oh. My.  Love, love, love it!  There's no need to ever purchase a magazine again!  It's incredible and amazing and wonderful!  Now, if I could only get it to upload my photos!  I don't have time to play with it till next week, but I feel a new addiction coming on!  For the best and most fun in holidays, check out Pinterest.com!

 

As if we didn't have enough to do in the next 12 days, here's a few other ideas to make some fun memories:

1. Drive around town and see the lights, Sing some of your favorite songs together, end the drive with some hot cocoa!  (That's what we did for Family Home Evening last night!)
2. Take some non-traditional pictures in front of the tree or house decorations
3. Cut out snowflakes together.  Hang them someplace all together in your home.
4. Buy a Christmas coloring book, Cut the pages out and pass them around the room.  Color them with a brand new box of crayons.  Deliver them to all the senior citizens you know with a bag of apples and oranges.
5. Make a Christmas ornament
6. Make Candy Houses.  Instead of gingerbread or graham crackers, frost tiny milk cartons and decorate!  Here's Grace and her house when she was 7 years old!  Time flies too quickly!
7. Pop some popcorn, get your jammies on and watch a christmas movie with the whole family!
8. Go to your local "pie" restaurant.  Order one slice of each pie on the menu, give everyone a fork and sample them all together!  Tie a candy cane with a generous tip!
9. Make cookies for Santa Claus.  Write him a letter...instead of listing what you want, tell him what you've done to make you deserving of your wish list this year!  (A great self-esteem builder for kids!)
10. Go to a Christmas Tree lot, pick out and purchase a tree, tie bows on all of the branches, deliver it to a friend or family who may not have a tree yet or is having a tough time anonymously.  Ring the door bell and run! 
11. Have everyone in the family choose five "gently used" things that they could live without and donate them to a local thrift store!  (Great for making room for the new and also benefiting those less fortunate than you.)
12. Read and discuss from the New Testament, the "real" reason for the Season.

And here's a fabulous recipe that I'm dying to try while Liza is here this week, also from Pinterest:

Candy Cane Punch

    2 jars (10 ounces each) strawberry jelly 
    2 liters lemon-lime soda, divided 
    2 quarts peppermint stick ice cream
    Miniature candy canes, optional

In a large saucepan, melt jelly with 2 cups soda. Chill the jelly mixture and remaining soda. Just before serving, place 6 cups ice cream in a punch bowl. Gently stir in jelly mixture. Add remaining soda. Add remaining ice cream by scoopfuls. Garnish with candy canes if desired. Yield: 3-1/2 quarts.

Counting minutes and blessings today!  Life is WONDERMOUS and GOOOOOOOD!!!!  Enough said!

MAGIC IS SOMETHING YOU MAKE! 

Donut Night

It's been a busy and productive weekend.  Friday, Doug ended up working all day, so Ikept busy all day working at home and tended Zaylee in the afternoon.  Datenight was dinner at Chili's and half a movie with Stott and Wendy.  It was too late to finish it up, so we called it a night.  Saturday, we dejunked Quayd's entire room, Gracie studied her Sacrament Meeting Talk (she did a super job, in this mama's humble opinion) and we stayed home checking off to-do's all evening.  Doug repaired the kids shower and my kitchen sink, delivered a Christmas tree to Kelly and made a grocery run for a few items while he was in town.  LOVE productive days like that!  Especially in December!

Donut Night was a success!  This year, MaryAnn invited us to have it at her home.  She has a basketball court, rockclimbing wall, gym downstairs, so this was perfect for the kids!  We never heard a word from them, unless they were eating.  They had a ball!  The women talked TV, food, church and holidays all night long.   I'm not sure what the men talked but we didn't see much of them either, unless there was food involved.  It always amazes me that the donut making process goes so quickly with so many helpers in the kitchen.  This has certainly become a perfect December tradition!  For my sweet 95 year old friend, Norma's donut recipe, check my cooking blog.

  As I've mentioned before, MaryAnn is my decorating hero, so I was thrilled to emjoy a little holiday spirit at her home, as always.  Gracie said, "She's very decorative, like you, Mom."  I WISH!  BUT, what a compliment that Gracie put me in the same category! 

This is one tradition that I'm hoping Carol and I continue to do, even when we don't have kids around.  I can see us now... two old ladies, "You cut the holes, I'll fry em.  Please pass a Coke."  (snicker.)

A few other little ramblings:

• Liza is already packed and I'm counting hours!  SO SO happy to have my sweet girl home for a few days!  Although I'm sad not to have Buddy come too, I'm so excited about our alone time together.  This is my Christmas gift from Doug and I'm planning on being attached at the hip every moment possible for the entire five days! 
• Speaking of my amazing and wonderful son-in-law, Buddy called with good news that he has an internship with the Harlem Globetrotters, beginning in a few weeks.  (Not as a player, but working on the business side of things, which is what he's studying.)  I had no idea that the Globetrotters are based out of Phoenix.  He's quite excited!  I had to get on YouTube and show the kids what the Globetrotters do.  I'm quite proud of Buddy!  But, that's old news, isn't it?  We heart Buddy!
• I keep forgetting to mention that Liza has discovered a replacement holiday drink since Pomegranate 7-up is no longer being sold.  She's loving it!  I've yet to find it in our valley but will be on the lookout while in Salt Lake this week.  Sierra Mist Cranberry Splash made by Shasta!
• Tomorrow, lunch, Denise has asked for a little help with something, Zaylee in the afternoon, and getting Liza's room all ready, finishing up a few odds and ends and watching the clock until Tuesday!!!  Life is so dang good!!!

And a quote, directly off MaryAnn's mud room door.  I love it!

Tis the season to be jolly...

Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone.