Sentiments by Sophia

LAST DAY of SCHOOL! First Day of JUNE!

The kids had their big day yesterday.  Gracie went on the big walk to the convenience store.  I still don't get that, but they entire grade walks to a Maverik gas station and gets to buy treats.  Go figure?  Quayd came home from the Aquatic Center totally sunburned!  He put sunscreen on his stomach and arms but didn't want to ask anyone to cover his back.  He had a rough night.  ZJ went to meet her penpal at another school in the valley.  The kids rode to the other school on a city bus instead of a school bus.  I think that the bus ride was more exciting than meeting the friend.  She said that she got pretty emotional when they met the other class of fifth graders because it was at a park that we've had family gatherings at and she has always had Zaylee by her side.  (I think that ZJ is definitely the most affected by Zaylee's absence.)  They all had great days though.

After school, Grace told me of her awards ceremony.  She was certain that she'd get a special award because she'd read over 7000 pages this semester, more than any other student.  Unfortunately, that was not acknowledged.  So, after dinner, Doug called the family together and thanked the kids for their wonderful school year, their good attitudes and how hard they try.  Then, he presented each of them with an award that I'd put together.  ZJ received the "best helper in the family" award.  Quayd got the "most excellent, star son" award.  And Grace got the "best reader in the whole family" award.  They weren't expecting this little surprise at all.  As Doug presented the award to each of them individually, we all applauded and cheered for them.  Quayd took a proud bow.  ZJ was thrilled and Grace just beamed with excitement.   Afterward, Quayd said, "Mom, I think that we should do that every year!"  I love that my freshman in highschool son still gets excited over the little things!

Immediately after, Doug and ZJ raced off to the school for their big "Rite of Passage", latenight at the 100 year old school.  Zeej came home so excited to share tales of the dark "dungeon" and being up on the roof.  Doug said that it's hard not to get quezy looking over the edge.  Such a fun experience for them.  Doug admitted that he was a little sad to think that this was his last time in the elementary school with ZJ.  I'm so thankful to have a husband who loves being a father so much!

This morning, we've already had some excitement.  ???  Quayd and I were driving to McD's for a bite and noticed Boyd, Mom's manfriend, out walking their dogs.  He was by the B's home when we passed him, which seemed to be quite a bit out of the way. I called Wendy and asked her to notice which direction he went from their house.  (They live on a corner.)  After McD's drive-thru, we drove back in that direction, just to make sure that we saw Boyd heading home.  No Boyd.  

We drove around for 30 minutes looking, asking everyone we saw outside and calling several friends in the neighborhood, asking them to take a look on their street.  Finally, as we drove around one block the third time, a jogger flagged us down and said that another jogger we had asked, had told her we were looking for him.  She'd seen him heading west out of town! I headed out west and sure enough, we found him near the edge of the ballpark on the end of town.  He was confused and asking another walker how to get home.  He he saw me, he said, "Is that you, Sophia?"  Quayd touched my heart.  He immediately jumped out and took charge.  He raced around the fence into the ballpark, took both leashes and then took Boyd's arm, walking Boyd and the dogs back to the road and then he helped him get up into the truck.  Boyd was embarrassed.  I'd already called Mom and told her we'd found him, so she was waiting at the door for him at home.  Quayd hopped out and helped Boyd out of the truck then walked him to the door.  Poor Boyd. He tried to make a joke of it and made a fuss over how tall Quayd is getting.  Mom said that they will go and get him a cell phone on Monday so that he can call if he gets lost.  And Quayd.  What a boy.  I just love that kid more and more every day. I pray every day, PLEASE let him continue to be the champion kid that he is!!!

Last night, Carol called and told me that Madi had written something on her blog that I needed to she.  She'd written the kindest entry about our friendship ~ mine and Madi's, that is.  It made me cry!  And laugh.  I want to share it here because this is my journal and it's not something that I want to ever forget.  But, I also don't want to sound like I'm tooting my own horn.  So, I'm humbly posting it here, for my own posterity.  Madi made my day!  I heart her so!   It's an honor to be "family" with Madi, Carol and their whole family!  First, my favorite photo ever of Madi.  Isn't she beautiful!?

Inspiration

Through out my life, I have had many inspirational people touch my life, in ways that they might not even realize. Of course my Mother has always been my number one inspiration. I always thought growing up, that I would do things so much differently. Have I? No. My kitchen is organized like hers, and I do alot of my clenaing like she does. I call her about 50 times a day, for fun, just to talk, to tell a funny Makayla story, or to ask a parenting question. I have a parenting book, for toddlers. But why read that, when I have a whole family of experienced mothers? I'm always asking her how I should do things, or what she thinks. Mother does know best!

Growing up, I also had Sophia and Doug for inspiration.  

We have always joked that she is my best friend, and that her daughter Liza is my Moms best friend. But really and truly, she is one of my best friends. I named my daughter after her, and even married a man named Doug ;) Sophia has had many trials dealt to her, and with each one, she always comes out on top, and benefits from each experience. This woman, and her husband, are going straight to heaven- I'd bet my life on it. Sophia and Doug have adopted their three oldest grand kids, and those three kids are the most kind spirited, gentle, well mannered, and loving kids I have ever had the pleasure of having in my life. I have been through many hard times these past few years, and Sophia has been there thru it all. I even called her and Doug in the middle of the night once a few years ago, needing the comforts of a blessing, and advice. There has never been any question as to whether or not I can call them if needs be. I know I can, and they would do anything in their power to make sure I was okay and had what I needed.

Most of my favorite memories have Sophi and her family in them. Countless family dinners, cards, games, movies, trips to Bear Lake and The Ranch, Diet Cokes, Tai Pan...and even memories I can't remember. I was the first baby she loved, other than her own children. No joke on that one. The bologna chunk Utah story, trips to Vegas, the time they came to visit when they were living in Indiana, and of course, everything being 38%. There are hours upon hours of home videos to capture the happiness that two families have created over the years.

Sophia was my wedding planner, and without her and my Mom, my wedding day wouldn't have been everything I had wanted it to be. She always has the best ideas, and like my mom, always knows what to do. She isn't afraid to speak her mind, ask questions others wont, or tell you things you might not want to hear. You know she is going to speak truths when she starts a sentence with.."Madi, you know I love you right? And you know I would do anything for you?" That sentence is ALWAYS followed by a harsh truth. But I love her for telling it like it is, and saying things I really need to hear.

Right now, Sophia has major heartache and drama going on in her life. Her youngest granddaughter Zaylee, has been moved across the country. Reading her blog lately has just made my heart break! I wish I could handle life's hard times like Sophia does. Her life doesn't come to a stop when things aren't going good. She continues on, and does the best that she can do, with the cards God has given her. She understands that everything happens for a reason, and that it is not our place to question why. She inspires every aspect of my life. I want my daughter to grow up to be life her Aunt Taylor, and Sophia's girls, Gracie and ZJ. I want to be an amazing homemaker like she is, and have the ability to make my house a home, where everyone feels welcome and relaxed. Over the years, she has become a best friend. Someone who has always been here for me, and loved me regardless. She inspires me, and I will be forever thankful for everything she has done for me and Makayla.

On Mothers Day, we were at the park grilling hamburgers, and having the most wonderful day. Sophia told me that she was proud of me, and the mother I'd become. Hearing that from her, made my Mothers Day so much sweeter. I'd been having a hard time with Makayla, and her tantrums, and not feeling like too good of a mom. So having her tell me that, was just what I needed to hear, and until now, I don't think she knew it.
I love you Sophia. Forever, and Always.

And Carol's comment:  What a beautiful tribute Madi - she has definitely blessed the lives of our family!

I am so blessed.  Life is good!  It's SUMMER!!! BRING IT ON!!!

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.

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.

FINALLY!!!

ZJ was so anxious yesterday.  I'd promised that when the temp got up to 80 degrees, they could swim.  ONLY because ZJ had checked my iPhone for the temp about every fifteen minutes, and when it got up to 67, she was sure that it was going to happen... Four hours later, at 76 degrees, I caved!  They got in and shivered and shook and screamed and had a ball!  That was all that mattered!  Gosh, it was fun to hear those squeals again!  Summer is much too short in Cache Valley!

We took lemon bars and a gift down to Mom's just before dinner.  It was our version of a birthday party for Mom.  The kids decided to spend the night with Nana so that she could keep celebrating.  (I think she was just fine on her own, but they insisted on "helping her". )  It's nice to have Mom so close.  The bigs never had that with her.  Anyway, one last HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NANA!

Over the past few weeks, I've not shared any recipes, very few sentiments, no great new ideas. You'd think it was the end of the school year/beginning of summer or something. So, this morning, I thought that it was about time!  Here's a great idea from Carol's sister, my hero, MaryAnn.  This little "book bag" was filled with chocolates.  What a great idea for an inexpensive and fun gift.  You could fill it with movie tickets, a gift card, candy, you name it, depending on the size of your bag.  

It's a simple task:  Find an old book with the linen type cover.   Using an exacto knife, carefully separate the binding and pages from the front and back of the book.  Using a hot glue gun, attach a wide piece of  heavy ribbon or uphostery trim on the sides and bottom of the book covers.  Add ribbon handles (not to be used for carrying unless attached pretty heavy duty) and embellish.  Isn't this fabulous?!

Gracie's chomping at the bit for a game of Trim!   Life is good!

The purpose of life is not to be happy -
but to matter, to be productive, to be useful,
to have it make some difference that you have lived at all. 

the important "stuff"

First, an apology, a little weekend rambling, a cute freebie and then some more organizing.                     

• Apology:   I thought that I'd hit "Draft" and instead hit "Publish", so the beginnings of this entry were up for a few hours until I came back after a tasty Sunday dinner.  Oops!  My face is RED. Sorry!
• Freebie:  Found this adorable little freebie on Becky's blog.  Thought I'd share the link and my little project that took two minutes from discovering it to putting it on top of my china cabinet.  Pretty cute, eh?  I love simple and cute and especially free!
• Weekend update: A quiet Friday evening, watching/sleeping through Knight and Day.  Saturday morning, we took the babes to see Tangled. Denise's son had won tickets on the radio to this movie and we ended up with them.  Bonus!  I adored the movie! A must buy for the family movie library. Too cute!  I dejunked the file cabinet all afternoon.  January dejunking is almost done!
  Sunday, after a wonderful Ward Conference, we had Liza and Buddy and Zaylee over for dinner, games and Despicable Me.  Zaylee keeps us all laughing hysterically.  While playing Greedy, Liza would let Zaylee roll for her, pouring the dice out of the cup.  Zaylee's eyes would get so big and she'd just squeal, like she'd just rolled some jackpot roll in Vegas.  Too funny!

Now.  More organizing.

Last week, after our "non-fire" incident, my thoughts were focused on what I would really do in case of an emergency.  As I mentioned, I couldn't sleep that first night.  I grabbed a few things that really mattered and put them in a pile that night, "just in case".  We do have an emergency plan in order for our family. Everyone knows how they would get out in the event of a fire or emergency and we've practiced different routes, depending on the emergency.  The babes know that we'd meet at the mailbox, that they are not to take time to grab anything other than each other.  Doug's part in the plan is to call 911.  My part is to grab a few predesignated things, if possible.  One of those things, without discussion or thought, is "the Black Book", which is the binder that contains every document in our lives that really matters. Sorry to not show any pages in the notebook, but you'll understand why not... Read on...

A few weeks ago, I was on the phone with a friend who was looking for the title to her car.  She looked for several days and finally decided that she would have to order a new one.   She teased me, "I bet you could find yours in less than a minute in that book of yours."  She was right. I teased her back, that she needed a book too!  

So, today, I'm writing about the papers that matter most in your life.  While I do have a permanent filing system, these papers are even more important than that.  In the event of an emergency, you would never have time to go through files to find the important papers that would be a huge pain to replace.  And unfortunately, in the event of an emergency, those are most likely the papers that you would need. Six weeks to get a new social security card is not what you need in an emergency.  Keeping all of the important papers together in a designated place that could be grabbed on the run is the solution! 

This notebook is would be a gift to the spouse of a person who suddenly passes away.  A few years ago, a friend lost her spouse and part of their grieving process was the anger felt because she was clueless as to where anything important was.  She had no idea which bank their savings was in.  It took months to get on top of things before she could begin filing for the necessary documents and paperwork in such a situation. The black book, an "emergency insurance, could have save her time and money, not to mention stress and frustration.  Being prepared for any emergency will be greatly appreciated, when push comes to shove.

You will need:

• a large 3 ring binder.  Preferably, with 3" rings.  (I also recommend one with pockets on the inside covers so that you can, at least, slip something into the pocket until you have time to file it in the binder, once you are used to using it.)
• a box of sheet protectors (heavy because you will take papers in and out of them on occasion)
• a few packages of tab dividers
• notebook paper (for writing extra information about some documentso)

This book would be best kept in a fireproof safe in your home.  A fireproof safe can be purchased pretty inexpensively.  (Liza bought one last year for about $50 at Sam's Club.)  Another idea is to have copies made of everything in this book and store them in your safe deposit box at the bank.  A good rule to follow is the keep the item at home unless it is anactual legal document or it is difficult to replace or duplicate.  (Example,our adoption papers are sealed by the court and it would be expensive to open the file to replace them.)  BUT. (And maybe I'm wrong here.) In my opinion, having the book at home is most convenient and effective. 

Make sure that, not only your spouse, but another trusted person has access to and knowledge of the paperwork book in the event of your death or an emergency.  (Actually, it's good to have a third party for another purpose... if something were to happen to Doug, I'm not sure that I'd be thinking all that clearly and the third person could be a "sound mind" to assist in crisis.)

Also, in discussing it, Doug and I decided that the book should not be labeled as such.  It should be distinct to identify but should not be labeled "Doug and Sophia's most important documents"  just to protect it from getting into the wrong hands. 

Once you've gathered these few items, assemble the notebook and label the sections, as listed below or as needed for your circumstance.  Carol and I took a class that taught us how to set up this binder several years ago.  Doug and I refer to this book at least once or twice a week, surprisingly.  Once it's organized, whenever you run across any of these documents in your home, whether it's this week while you're setting it up or you find it in the back of a novel you read fifteen years ago, stop and immediately  put the document into the binder and never let it leave there again! 

Now, here's suggestions for sections and what to put inside your binder:

• A personal directory ~ list each family member and friend who should be notified in the event of a death in your family.  Full name, relationship, address, phone #, email address.  This would come in handy in any emergency, where family needs to be contacted.  Often, in such an emergency, a lot of things have to be delegated. (After Max's accident, there were many calls to make and in crisis, all of the names didn't instantly come to mind. A list like this would be perfect to just hand to a best friend, a sibling, adult child and they could to the contacting.  (When I set up my binder, I also decided that while I was at it, I'd edit a copy of the contact list of family and most called phone numbers.  I have one on each floor, in a sheet protector, magnetically attached to the refrigerator side and in my laundry room.  These two lists are always easy to reach for even the babes and used frequently.)
• A professional directory ~ list your employers and spouses employers, as well as the human resource person, and any professional who may be involved with your affairs, such as:  doctors, dentist, Bishop/clergy, insurance agent, banker, funeral planners, auto repairmen, computer repair, businesses that you frequently call...
• Financial information ~ List both, your account numbers and a contact phone number and person, if known for your Banks, Retirement accounts,  CDs, Safe Deposit (list where the key is), location of wills and trusts, any loans or credit card accounts, any real estate owned, other investments.  Also, you might list where the paperwork for these items are.  This is also a great place to keep a copy of your current credit score.
• Personal property ~ Walk through your home with pen and paper, video camera or camera and take an inventory of every object in your home.  Take photos of every room from every angle.   Open cabinets and drawers.  Photograph the contents of your closets, cabinets, pantries where dishes are stored.  Don't forget the basement, attic and garage.  Photograph outside contents too, including storage sheds, patio furniture, trampolines,  swingsets.  Take extra care to photograph valuable collectibles, jewelry or antiques.  SAVE THESE PHOTOS ON A DISC IN YOUR BLACK BOOK AND A COPY IN YOUR SAFE DEPOSIT BOX OR A FRIENDS' HOME.  (Talk a friend into doing the same and be eachother's keeper.) It's also a wise idea, if you do have collectibles of any sort, to make a list of exactly which items you have and any specifics that would be needed to replace them.  
• Budget ~ Make a listing of your monthly budget.  What bills get paid when, which accounts they are paid from, any auto-drafts. Create a list of monthly expenses/payments.  Our irrigation water share must be paid every December. Auto registrations are in May and August...  Having a list like this would be beneficial to anyone who had to step in for whatever reason.  Just because you have an emergency, the bills don't stop coming.
• Loan papers ~ Store any loan papers, in case you want to pay them off early.  You'll have the information needed and know the original agreement without question.
• Tax information ~ W-2 forms, property tax statements, anything needed when it's tax time.
• Rental/Lease agreements ~ storage sheds, rental property of any type, that your own to rent or rent for yourself. 
• Insurance policies ~ Keeping a complete list of insurance policies for easy access here is the perfect place, especially if were to have to someone step in and assist.  Photo copy your policies for here and store the actual policies in your safe deposit box.  Also, this would be the place to store the business card or info of your insurance agents.
• Social Security cards and benefit statements ~ Store your social security cards and benefit statements here for easy access.  You can toss the old ones when you receive the current one.
• Pension, Benefits, IRA, 401K, Retirement Statements ~ These statements would be critical ti collect benefits upon the death of a spouse.  It's also helpful to have when you need to estimate benefits in advance.
• Birth, Marriage and Death certificates ~ never search for a birth certificate again because they are all together right here!
• Immunization and health Records ~ Next time you need them for school, scout camp, sports, it will take two seconds to open the book and pull up a copy.  By the way, things like this are great to have several copies of, so that you can just pull it out and send it to the school or wherever.  NOTE:  THE MOST important step in maintaining this system is ALWAYS put whatever gets pulled out of the book back into IMMEDIATELY!
• Pet Records
• Blessing Certificates and church documents
• Titles for cars, trailers and vehicles
• A list of where things are:  safe deposit box keys, Divorce papers, Warranties...

Fit the book to suit your lifestyle and needs.  For us, as far as organizing papers of importance, this is the best system I've found to date.  Even if you do nothing but type up a contact list, do something in this direction today.  You won't regret it!

To be prepared is half the victory.

weekend stuff, a pumpkin and a nummy breakfast!

Well, from yesterday's pictures, my weekend update pretty much is self-explanatory.  We headed up to Idaho to the ranch with the B's, celebrated Quayd's birthday and had a great little restful vacation.  I'm still amazed at how it felt to be unplugged completely all weekend.  Having no Internet at the ranch meant lots of time to nap!  Wendy and I squeezed in as many card games as possible and the kids and the guys were outside on the bikes and trying out Quayd's new Walkie-Talkies, which really do work for miles!  It was all fun stuff!

I have to share one more photo of ZJ.  We were looking at the pix that I took and I noticed something on Zeej's face and asked "What is that?  Dirt?"  Gracie's eyes got big and she said, "It's the wasp!!"  Apparently, there was a wasp that was bugging ZJ for quite a while.  We noticed it in her hair and on her face in a few of the pix.  How did I as a mother not see this when it was alive!?  At this time of the year, they are very slow moving because of the cold.  I guess right after this photo, ZJ literally took it off her face and threw it away to freedom.  She's so funny.  (By the way, half of her hair is in a ponytail,  it's not really cut like that!  That's what vacation is like, right.)

Yesterday,  I was so impressed with a boy in the ward who gave his "farewell" talk before leaving for his mission to Washington.  WOW.  This boy is prepared and will be a great missionary.  I was very touched by his humility...something that's not often seen in young men today.  He was followed by one of our High Counselors who always gives great talks but yesterday...wow!  He was amazing.  It was truly an edifying meeting, one that will stand out for quite some time.  I do love our new ward!

 A trick:  Since numbers are such a big "in" thing these days, here's a quick and simple way to make your home a little more festive.  Using craft paint, paint the numbers of your home on pumpkins and then stack them.  You can drill a  hole through the top and bottom of the pumpkins and use pieces of dowel to hold them together or simply use gorilla clue to attach them.  Place them in a big urn or just set them on the steps.  Festive, fun and most simple!

The treat that I share this morning is a must try.  I'm thinking that, if I'm asked, this will be the breakfast that we prepare for the Corbridge Reunion next summer.  It was divine! 

 
Baked French Toast Casserole

   1 loaf French bread
8 large eggs
1  1/2 cups half-and-half
1  1/2 cup milk
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Dash salt

Tear french bread (I used half Sara Lee multigrain bread and half french) into pieces that are about the size of a large marshmallow.  Cover the bottom of a well buttered 9 x 13"  pan. Combine the eggs, half-and-half, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in a blender and mix until blended well. Pour mixture over the bread slices.  Cover the bread totally and use a spatula to make sure that it's saturated completely with the milk-egg mixture.  Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.  (I made it and only waited an hour or so before baking.  It was just fine.)

Topping:

1/2 cup butter 
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar 
1/2 cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

 Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and blend well.  Spread topping evenly over the bread and bake for 40 minutes at 350 until puffy and golden. Serve with maple syrup.

 In a world where you can be anything, BE YOURSELF!

half older than dirt is better than dirt!

Well, I did it.  I actually sat down for a "me at 52" moment for the camera.  Thanks, Denise!  We had a fun birthday date going to Aggies for lunch.  (Aggies is a local version of Iggy's, in the old Iggy's building.  Pricey but tasty.)  Then, we did a little shopping for some supplies and came home to make the fabulous pumpkins below!  We were so excited with the outcome.  The kids spent most of the day at the B's since they were out of school for the day.  Thank you, Wendy!  Even though I woke up at 4AM on my birthday with the sniffy, sneezy, achey, coughy, need to rest feeling, we played hard all day long!)   By 5:00, I knew that the sniffy, sneezy, achey, coughy, need to rest feeling was winning and when Doug called to say that he was on his way home so that we could go out for dinner to celebrate, I opted for a robe, a footrub and some Minute Maid Orange Juice with Pulp, thank you.  I had, literally, almost 200 birthday wishes and greetings by email, facebook, phone and text.  It was a fabulous day and, even with my surprise cold, I loved every minute of it!  THANK YOU! It was a great day.

My favorite laugh of the day was as Gracie and I were talking about my birthday.  She asked how old I really was.  I told her that I was "half as old as dirt."  She looked at me and said, "Then Nana is dirt because she's reallllllly old!"  I'm thinking that my mom won't appreciate the humor in that as much as I did.  (snicker-snicker)

Now, for a little Halloween talk!

Trick:I had a little vision of this pumpkin last week while in Joanne's fabrics looking for some black toille.  Yesterday, Denise and I got the goods and made them both in less than half an hour.  VERY simple project!  Here's how.  Purchase your pumpkin and lace of choice.  These were medium size pumpkins, purchased at Joanne's fabrics, and required about 3/8 of a yard of lace. (Because of the width, it would easily cover two pumpkins.)  Wrap the fabric around the pumpkin to see the width you'll need.  Let the fabric overlap about one inch on the "back" or side that won't be seen.  Using straight pins, pin the overlapped fabric together, poking it right into the pumpkin.  Also do the same, pinning a few spots at the top of the pumpkin by the stem, just to hold it in place until it's attached.   I used black string and cinched it tight around them stem, then tucked the hot glue onto the pumpkin between the stem and the lace. .  (The string just simplified and kept it from moving.)   Then I removed the pins.  Note:  You will burn your fingers on this one!  Then, once the top is in place securely gathered, Pull the lace tightly to the bottom, tuck into and glue the lace to the bottom of the pumpkin. 

Our pumpkins had a hole in the base of them that your hand would fit into, for carving.  If your pumpkin doesn't have a hole in the base, I'd recommend carving one in, about the size of a tennis ball, so that you can pull and tuck the extra fabric into the base and hot glue it in place, rather than having it all bulky at the bottom/base.  That simple!  Voila!  Tie a lovely bow onto the top and hot glue it into place, as well.  I sprayed mine with glitter spray when done because it was a more vintagey lace.  Denise's had the shine in the fabric already.   Aren't they cute and clever!  The cost, we figured, was less than three dollars each plus the pumpkin.  It could be done with either a fresh or artificial pumpkin, but the artificial pumpkin will keep until next year, so it was worth the expense!

Treat:  Here's the recipe for Wendy's delectable

Apple Dumplings

Crust
2 Cups Enriched Flour
2 Teaspoons Baking Powder
1 Teaspoon Salt
2/3 Cup Shortening
1/2 Cup Milk

 Place flour, baking powder and salt in medium size bowl and mix it together with a fork. Add the shortening to the bowl and cut in shortening. Add milk to bowl and use a fork to just moisten the mixture.  (I used my food processer.)

Apples
6 apples
1 cup sugar
2 cups water
3 T. butter
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ cup sugar
1 ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Boil 1 cup sugar, 2 cups water, 3 Tablespoons butter and ½ teaspoons cinnamon for 3 minutes.  Peel apples and remove the center.   Mix together ½ cup sugar and 1 ½ teaspoon cinnamon.  Roll out ¾ pie dough and cut into 4’s.  Put 1 apple on each piece of dough making sure it will cover the whole apple.  Add 1 T. cinnamon sugar mixture into the middle of each apple.  Roll out the rest of the dough and cut into 2’s, put apples on dough, and add cinnamon sugar mixture.  Bring dough up around and cover each apple.  Put in 9x13 pan.  Do not have apples touching.  Pour boiled mixture over apples and cook at 400 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes.  Good served hot with half and half poured over.

A few ramblings:

• Today, I'm debating on just staying home and taking it easy so that I can enjoy and play the rest of the week or going out for another birthday lunch with a friend.  I'll see how it goes.
• We've still got another week of non-frosty weather in the forecast.  Whodathunkit!?  But, I have to admit that this morning, it's very cool!  VERY cool. 
• I still have some Halloween bannersif anyone's interested, let me know.
• Tomorrow, I'll be sharing my October tablescape!  I thanked Doug a gazillion times already but the antique table and chairs are my favorite gift because it's like a new gift each time I play with it!  Gee, and some people think that a "tea set" is a little girls' gift!  This morning, Doug cracked me up!  He said, "Everyone tell Mom "Happy Day after your Birthday!"  Then, he turned to me and said, "And if you don't count the days that you and Carol play, your next one will be day after tomorrow!"  Har-har!

 Thanks again for the birthday wishes!  It was a great day!

Friends are those who nourish the spirit.

Boo! Eek! Spooky!

These lovely Halloween Banners are now available!  They are glitterly and sparkly and layered and fun!  The photos can't do justice. I'm making ten of each!  Email or call and get your name on one of them!  Each square is approximately 4x6".  The cost of the banners are:  Boo! ~ $16.   Eek! ~ $20.  Spooky ~ $24.  Priority Mail Shipping is additional. 

 
 
 

  

weekend, conference and the birthday begins

First,  a report about our General Conference experience.  I'll be writing more about it on my SistersDear blog later today, but I did want to share that we had a wonderful day Saturday going down to the Conference Center in Salt Lake City.  We got great parking, right near the building and were able to walk right in with less than a five minute wait before entering the building and going through security.  The Conference Center is so amazing and it was the first time that Doug and the babes had been inside, so we were happy for the hour to walk around and take it all in. 

Conference was amazing.  Simply amazing.  The choir was fantastic and moving.  The talks inspiring.  The story that Elder Holland shared about his parents was tender and brought tears to us all.  Seeing Sally in the choir was a thrill and seein Doug's cousin, Larry, Elder Lawrence E. Corbridge, was a awesome.  It was an inspirational experience for us all. 

The experience of having the protesters everywhere after Conference was frightening for the babes.  They were really quite nervous and uncomfortable with the situation.  What a sad thing that people have nothing better to do with their time than spend it bashing something so personal and intimate as another person's religion.  I wanted to say, "Why don't you go out and find someone to help and serve instead of wasting your time doing this!"  But, we walked right on past.  When we got into the van, ZJ said, "I just want to rip that man's sign in half and throw it away!"   How unfortunate that such a wonderful experience had to be tainted by such a thing!  Enough said about that here.  As I said, I'll write about it later today on SistersDear.  Regardless, I'm most anxious to relisten to the talks online and download them to my iPod!

After Conference, we enjoyed lunch at Costa Vida in Layton and then a walk through Taipan.  Gracie had never been and she was in awe!  She walked through the store with her mouth gaping open saying, "Wowwwwww!!!!" over and over. She's not stopped talking about having a girls' day out and going to Taipan with me again soon.  She loved it!   Once home, while Doug and Quayd went to the Priesthood session of Conference at our Stake Center, the girls and I ran to Michaels and Kohls, then home for a movie night while I worked on banners.

Sunday, we watched Conference together as a family and then Liza and Buddy joined us for a birthday dinner.  Doug and Liza did the cooking and clean-up, except baking the rolls, which was divine.  Liza and Buddy brought a chocolate cake covered with a layer of caramel icecream topping and a can of sweetened condense milk, then poured over and poked into the baked cake.  Then it was covered with cool whip and chopped Snickers Bar.  Oh my!  Connie came by and brought my birthday gift ~ a fun snowman to add to my collection!  Kelly was in Ogden, but Zaylee was with Liza and Buddy for the weekend, so we had a great time enjoying her.  She's repeating everything.  As we were finishing up cake, the babes all said that they wanted to just stay home.  Each of them took their turn voting, "I'm not going, I'm not going, I'm not going."  At that point, Zaylee, who'd been mmmming her cake all the while, announced very loudly, "I'm not going!"  We are still laughing.  It was a good day.

Trick or Treat:  I shared the treat above... Liza's Snickers Cake.  Here's some more pumpkin ideas.  These are not mine, but I think that the button pumpkin is adorable.  Can't you just see black and purple buttons on it.  I'll share mine when I get one made.  This year, I'm creating a menagerie of funky pumpkins just because!

Today, I'll be seeing the eye doctor for my quarterly glaucoma check, running some errands, going to Cafe Sabor for a birthday lunch with a friend and making salsa before we go to the B's for dinner.  Wendy is making a birthday dinner for me!  Tomorrow is my big 52nd Birthday.  Lots of celebrating to be done this week!  Happiness!  Life is good! 

I'll be sharing my Halloween banners today on a separate post.

In school, you're taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson.

 

a movie, a pumpkin, a list and a sentiment

It's September 28th!  Only two more days till October.  I'm chomping at the bit to get the Halloween decorations up but have promised to make myself wait until Thursday.  So, in the meantime, I'm working on a few projects to prepare.  Here's what I did in less than an hour last night.  I'd seen this idea last week and fell in love but it was a P-R-I-C-E-Y decor, so I decided to just go home and make my own.  Here's the finished project and then I'll share a few tips on the how-to.  I'd thought about having a craft night but this was so simple that no one needs to come over to do it.  It took me 45 minutes and I was figuring out the best tricks as I went.  You'll need one medium size artificial pumpkin and a 15' roll of 6MM flat black sequin trim.  It cost me about 1/4 of what they were selling for.  A few tips:

• Use chalk to mark the swirls on your artificial pumpkin.  This way you can make sure that the swirls are evenly balanced all over the pumpkin. 
• Use a liquid glue because it doesn't dry too quickly and is movable.
• Cut the longest swirl on each vine first then add the shorter swirls to the long one.
• Cut the pieces of sequin trim about half an inch longer than you'll need for each swirl because the end sequins will fall off in the process.  Keep the little sequins that fall off to add individually, after it's all done where there are loose strings showing. 
• Don't feel like you need to stick to the original design as you get gluing because once the sequins are on, it may feel more or less crowded in places.  (That's why you used chalk!)
• Wipe the chalk away as you go and then again when it's completely dry.  (The finished photo above was before wiping off the chalk dust.)Put it away from everyone to let it totally dry so that the swirls aren't rearranged.  THEN use a damp q-tip and wipe away the chalk marks.
• Paint the stem of the pumpkin black for a sharper look.  (I can't wait to get this pumpkin up with my other glittery pumpkins.  It will be a perfect match!)

Last night, Wendy, Ruth and I went to the late show to see "You Again?"  It is absolutely adorable.  and rated PG! What a delight it was to see a movie where they didn't swear, didn't use the Lord's name, had no skin and no sex. There's a lot of harsh teasing in the high school memories, but it will definitely bring something to talk about with our kids.  There's not one moment in it that I'd be embarrassed to have my girls watch or even Doug's mom. It even has a good moral to it.  Such a change after the last two movies that I saw!    Loved it!  Will definitely be adding it to our home movie library, which is the first one in quite a while. 

Today, Tuesday, one of my favorite days of the week... I get to play with Denise.  It's what we do and oh, how grateful I am for Tuesdays.  After Denise's stroke a few weeks ago, we have been even more appreciative of our time together.  Ironically, last winter, I remember standing in a parking lot after our lunch, saying to each other at the same time, "What would I do without you?!"  What a blessing to have wonderful friends in my life! 

This past week, I've felt more connected with more sisters from the "new" ward (will that feeling ever be gone!?  please hurry.) and feel those new friendships beginning to develop.  Yesterday, ZJ was telling me a story about one of the girls in her class who'd been kind to her about her dental fears.  ZJ began the story by telling me, "And she's one of the popular girls".  I interrupted her and asked her, "Are you one of the popular girls?"  She responded, "No way!"  I asked her why not and she said, "Because I don't want to be!  I like to play with everyone.    Having a best friend and both of you playing with everyone is more fun."  Last night, that thought came to my mind during this darling movie about "the popular girl syndrome".  We had quite the conversation on the way home about those days when some people thought being popular really mattered.  IT DOESN'T.  Plain and simple.  We sang the song in Family Night last night, "Jesus said "love everyone",  treat them kindly too.  When your heart is filled with love, others will love you."  Enough said!

Fame is vapor, popularity an accident, riches take wings. Only one thing endures and that is character.