Wise

Valentine Quickie!

2012-02-02T11:38:00.000-08:00

burlap canvas + burlap heart + tacky glue + tulle bow = FABULOUS!! This literally took me TEN minutes to make, and it is soooo cute!

Chinese New Year

2012-01-31T19:37:00.000-08:00

This year is Cannon's first year in the Chinese Dual Immersion program, so this was also our first time participating in Chinese New Year festivities!

What a fantastic holiday! The first and second graders combined for all of the fun activities. They got the symbol for "Spring" painted on their faces. The Chinese New Year is the symbolic start of Spring. All things new, and leaving bad luck and bad weather behind.

They practiced calligraphy. They learned something new about the holiday with each activity. They "swept away" bad luck. Did you know you're not supposed to clean your house on Chinese New Year's Day? You're not supposed to wash your hair, or say the number 4. Bad Luck if you do!

We also learned you're not supposed to cut your noodles! The longer your noodle, the longer your life!

They got fortune cookies, and watched Mulan - in Chinese, of course. They ate Chinese candies, and oranges, and chocolate coins. They had a chop stick relay race, and wrote good-luck letters.

THEN, the parade!!!! This was especially exciting, because the parents were the ones to pull this part off! We got together in teams, and paper mache'd and painted the heads of a dragon and two lions. Other teams sewed the bodies.

My cute neigbors and I got to work on the dragon. It turned out so fantastic! This is the year of the dragon, and the dragon is also our school mascot, so this is something that will be at our school for years to come.

The kids paraded them all around the school, and everyone loved it! So fun!

At the end of the party, Cannon's cute Chinese teacher gave all the kids red envelopes with a penny and a good luck wish. She is the cutest, most loving teacher, and she has made this year so great for all the kids.

Happy and Prosperous New Year to YOU!

Birthday Boy

2012-01-24T20:08:00.000-08:00

Last Friday, our Cannon Boy turned S E V E N !!! I can't believe it! This year, he chose to take a few friends to Boondocks for his birthday. It was actually a really fun place for a party! Our waiter, Pancho, really took care of us and the kids. He did card tricks while we were waiting for everyone to arrive, and let Cannon wrap seven times in a roll of tickets. He even made sure the kids always had their drinds refilled. Cute! Then he handed out tokens, gave them their tickets to laser tag, and we were off!

We had to wait in line for about 6 minutes for the laser tag. LONGEST SIX MINUTES EVER! They came out of there all sweaty, and happy, so I guess it was worth it!!

Cannon has some really cute friends, they were all really a lot of fun. After laser tag, they were let loose in the arcade! Then the tickets were cashed in for prizes. They loved every minute of it! And, so did the mom and dad!! NO CLEAN UP! We came, we ate, we sang, we played, and we LEFT! It was a great birthday, for all of us!

Happy Happy Birthday, Cannon! We love YOU!

Our Feller's A Speller!

2012-01-19T21:49:00.000-08:00

Last Friday, Cannon came home and announced that he had come in FIRST PLACE in his class Spelling Bee! How exciting! We are so proud, and he was so proud of himself! He called his grandparents to tell them and we texted all the Aunties.

There was a list made available to study from. I didn't want to make him CRAM all weekend, so we just kept it casual. Reading and spelling have (LUCKILY) come pretty easy for him, so I think the notion of studying and memorizing big words was a bit different for him. The list included words from a 1st to 8th grade level.

Monday, there was no school. An extra day to prepare! And around mid-day, Cannon started to complain that his stomach hurt and he felt nauseated. The most dreaded words a Mother can hear!

CRAP! CRAP! I didn't want him to have the flu for his big day! But, I also was wondering if he had a case of the nerves.

Well, the poor thing didn't eat any dinner, and he HURLED in the middle of the night.
CRAP!!
I figured, that was it, he would be staying home sick and miss the Spelling Bee.

To my surprise, I woke up in the morning to find my son had gotten up already. AND put his nice dress clothes on. AND his clip-on tie! ;) He thinks a clip-on is waaaayy cooler than a real tie! This is the same kid who I practically have to drag out of bed every morning!

"So I guess you're going to the Spelling Bee?"

"Yep."

"Do you still feel sick?"

"My stomach still hurts a little, but I want to go. I put my tie on, Mom."

So, off he went to school! To my surprise!
Greg had planned to go and watch him participate, and we told him that if he still felt sick, he could just come back home with his dad.

Oh the NERVES!!! Oh that cold sweaty feeling! OH the trials of childhood!
Cannon got up, and his word was "cheery". And the poor kid forgot the R! Dang it!

But then his stomach felt better. And he stayed at school. And he was fine. :) And now we know how to study for tests!!

He also got a cool certificate, and a pin. And THAT definitely made him feel cheery!!! ;)

Christmas Morning

2011-12-30T14:22:00.000-08:00

Santa made it to our house again this year!

He brought everything that Cannon and Harper asked for, and then some!

There were lots of books, puppies, Legos, movies, figurines and Kindle Fires to be had!

And stockings full of candy and prizes!

And chocolate for breakfast!

And a little girl with wild hair, and serious-faced boy!

A great start to a great day!

Our Christmas Eve

2011-12-26T10:11:00.000-08:00

It has become a Christmas Eve tradition to have a pajama party with our family. This year, Grandpa Gary, Uncle Aaron, Aunt Kim, Elsie, Angie and Qiana came to our house. We ate pizza, and lots of snacks. We played Christmas bingo, and find the ornament, and we listened to the Nativity story, and Olive the Other Reindeer.

The kids had a TON of fun playing together!

When everyone left, we discovered that SANTA had sent video emails to Cannon and Harper! HOLY COW! Luckily, he let them know that they were on the Nice List!

Last, we put out the reindeer food we made, and all snuggled in for a nice Winter's nap!

Happy Birthday Baby Cakes!

2011-12-11T22:26:00.000-08:00

Harper turned THREE!!! That seems huge to me. Three is a big jump from two! She is very independant, opinionated, and very talkative. And very funny!! She cracks us up on a daily basis!

The Disney Dumbo movie was re-released this year, and Harper has fallen in love. She has 2 Dumbo stuffed animals, and she wanted a Dumbo birthday cake this year. Not easy to find!!! Obviously, there weren't any Dumbo options at local bakery/grocery stores. I couldn't find anything as far as figurines to put on a cake. Then, as a last chance, I talked to a friend of mine who manages a bakery at the Draper Harmons. SCORE!!! She told me it would be no problem, just bring in a picture. They did such a beautiful job! We were so thrilled!

Harper got to blow out her candles twice, because she jumped the gun and blew them out before we sang! So we re-lit them, and sang, and then she blew them out again.

We are so lucky to have our families around us! There are so many Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins in Harper's life who came to help her celebrate. She is loved, and she can tell.

She loved every second of her party! Her cousin Austyn stayed after to play. They tried out all of the toys, and played, and danced. So cute!!!

Today was Harper's actual birthday, and we decided to call my mom and go and see The Muppets at the theater. She seems so big in that theater seat with her popcorn, laughing at the movie!

And, of course, lunch afterwards at the good old Sizzler!

What a great weekend! Happy Happy THIRD Birthday, Harper Kate! We love you so much!!!

Project Harper

2011-11-30T21:13:00.000-08:00

As of a few months ago, this was Harper's room. Her closet looked like it PUKED THREE CHRISTMASES!!! It was the worst. It always looked horrible, even when the toys were picked up.

What a joke. I hated it! I mentioned this to my good friend Jenn. She IMMEDIATELY got to work! That is a true friend, one who will help you clean up your daughter's vomiting closet. I am so lucky she lets me benefit from her OCD! ;) but really, she is super, SUPER organized, and good at EVERYTHING she does, and I hate to admit it, but she is always right! She even drew up schematics and emailed a multi-page plan to me!

Well, on Monday, it was finally THE day. Jenn and her daughter Liz came over with a gigantic bag o' bins from Ikea, and we got to work. I was really dreading this, I thought it would be a big pain, and a lot of work getting this mess contained. I was WRONG! The "Bin-And-Purge" only took about half an hour. That's it! And it is beautiful! And it is functional!

And the best part? It's still clean and organized, three days later. It's like magic! Thank you, thank you, Jenn Gray. We love it! xoxo

An Evening With the Thackerays...

2011-11-22T13:43:00.000-08:00

Sunday SUNDAY!! We went to Stacy's house to make Pumpkin Roll and Pumpkin Pie Cake. 'Tis the season!!!

The kids got to mixin' with Michal.

Always something new to learn at Aunt Stacy's.... cooking, baking, games... you name it, the kids are allllll over it!

And Harper LOVES her Uncle Jay! (I think he likes her too. Just a little!)

Cute Uncle Jason taught Cannon how to play Chess.

And you've got to try out some of the final product!

Filtered

2011-11-16T19:46:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a bad day. I was a YELLING Mom. I was an IMPATIENT Mom. I was a CRANKY Mom. Yuck. It was Yucky. For everybody.

Today, I was done feeling sorry for myself. Today, I focused on the good. Today, I focused on what was right in my world, rather than what's wrong.

I decided today would be a good day to take them out and snap some pictures of them. Snap. Snap. Snap. I snapped over 200 pictures and I SNAPPED right out of my funk.

Looking through that camera, I was removed just enough to realize some things:

:That they always listen to, talk to, and confide in each other.

:That they always like to be silly together. The sillier the better. Life is just that simple.

:They always giggle and laugh together. They make each other happy. They are siblings, and they will always have a history and a life to share.

:..... and one day, a day that will come sooner than I think, they will grow up, and move away, and our lives will change. Change is good, but for the time being, I learned I need to get over myself and enjoy the little moments in life more often.

xoxo Cannon and Harper. Mamma loves you.

Bookish

2011-11-06T14:51:00.000-08:00

On Friday, Cannon checked this book out from the library at school. He actually walked off the bus reading it, and read it as he walked home from school. Yes, he is a wonderful reader, yes, he LOVES books, but, I have never seen him THIS entranced by a book before!

I quickly discovered why he was so interested in it. It's a Star Wars book, and it's a comic book format. (Or, Graphic Novel, if you will)

Today is Sunday, and he has read it TEN TIMES. Really. I love it! So naturally, the Momma said, "Let's get some MORE!" I will always say YES to books. I will always say, YES, leave your light on and stay up late if you're reading!!!!

So, we went to Barnes & Noble, and they had 3, count them THREE books from the series!!! WAHOOOO!!!

They are so good, he couldn't even wait till we got home!!

Harper's book was so relaxing she fell asleep! ;)

So, was it worth it to stop and buy 3 books for my Cannon Boy? YES.

Is there anything better than curling up with a book and your favorite blanket on a cold day? NOPE. Nothing that I can think of!!!

Happy Reading, Cannon!!!

Best Halloween EVER!

2011-11-01T13:29:00.000-07:00

Oh what a wonderful night we had last night! We asked some family and friends to join us for Halloween. We ate chili and baked potatoes, then all the kids got ready to Trick or Treat.

Funny how many things Harper, Qiana, and Elsie have in common! They all dressed as Disney characters, and we didn't even plan it!! All the kids looked so wonderful in their costumes! And Cannon was such a great "big brother" to all the girls!

We lucked out in the weather area this year. It was warm, and nice. The kids didn't even need coats, and I was wearing flip flops!

Our neighborhood was busy! Lots of candy and Trick or Treaters, I loved it! And I heard lots of "Trick or Treat!", "Please!", "Thank You!", and "Happy Halloween"'s from the kids, and that made me happy too. They all got LOADS of candy, and came home with tired feet and sagging Trick or Treat bags. SCORE!

We came home, and let the kids decorate cookies, and watched the sugar rush happen. HAHA!

We all had a fabulous time, with grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends, how can you go wrong?

Happy Halloween!!!

Signs of Fall

2011-10-16T19:50:00.000-07:00

Apples at Aunt Stacy and Uncle Jason's house are ready to pick!!

The costume that Aunt Stacy is making is in the works!!

Pumpkin Picking!

And Halloween Crafts!

In Harper's World...

2011-09-02T18:44:00.000-07:00

This is "Fin-dee-lella".

The color of this shirt is "Oh-wee-ange".

The part of your body between your eyes and your hair is your "Fork-Head" .

And this is how you wear your flip flops. Even though it makes your mom CRAZY!

Any questions? ;)

Austyn's Sleepover!

2011-07-06T20:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my great-niece Austyn came to spend the night! We have been planning this FOREVER!!!!! Finally, Cannon was out of school, and the time was right! My kids were so excited! I think they were even more excited about the sleepover than the 4th of July!

The whole way to pick her up Cannon and Harper argued over who loved Austyn. "I love Austie!" .... "NO! I love Austie!".... and so on...

We took her with us to play with some cute friends at Bear Park. Then we came home, had ice cream, and the kids played and played. Then we had pizza for din-din, and after baths we did pedicures. SO fun to paint Lou-Lou's little toes!

Austie entertained us with many stories, my favorite one began, "A long, long time ago, on April 26th, my dog Tilly ate a white spider!....."

Then we made some popcorn, and settled in the bed for a movie. I put on Ponyo. A Japanese film, which I thought was pretty cute. A bit looonnng in some spots, so the kids got a little fidgety. It was after 9:30, and I was wondering why NONE of the kids had passed out yet! High on sugar and excitement I guess.

Tinkerbell And The Great Fairy Rescue was on TV, and that settled them down very nicely. (even Cannon!) But still, 11:00 rolled around, and even Harper was still awake! So I gave up on her, and put her to bed. She protested for about 3 seconds, and then passed out cold. I should have done that earlier! By the time Harper was asleep, so was Austyn.

Cannon finally followed after the TV was turned off. :)

Luckily, they all slept in, and woke up to a waffle breakfast. After lunch, I had this great idea to make tye-dye shirts. YIPES. I have never done this before, and as I sit here typing with my blue and green fingers, I wonder if I'll ever do it again! HOLY COW what a messy process! AND... AND you have to wait 8 hours for the dye to set, and then wash the shirts before you can even wear them.... needless to say, all the kids bailed right away and I finished the shirts.. Perhaps I'll post pics if I ever get them finished!! Oh well, they'll each have a new shirt to wear anyway!

We love love love our Austyn!! She is the sweetest, funniest girl, and we can't wait to have her over again!!!

Easy, Cute July 4th Banner

2011-06-27T14:23:00.000-07:00

I love the 4th of July!! So it's surprising that I don't have more Patriotic decor for the holiday. While perusing the internet yesterday, I found this HERE. So cute! And I love that she used a turquoise blue!

So, I found a quick star template, and copied it onto some colored card stock. I cut mine out by hand, which took about 45 minutes. Think how quick it would be if you had a Cricut or something like that!!

It took about 10 minutes to sew all the stars. I just alternated red, white, and blue, and left the machine running in between to keep them all connected. Ta-da!!! I am well on my way to very cute decorations! A quick and cute project, under an hour, with supplies I had on hand. LOVE IT!

Happy Fathers Day!

2011-06-19T14:39:00.000-07:00

Greg is the best Dad! He loves his children. He protects them. He has fun with them. He teaches them. He guides them. I hope they know how lucky they are to have such a wonderful Daddy!

Since Cannon was a baby, I have had him, and now Harper, make handprint cards each Fathers Day. Greg keeps all the cards, and it has become so fun to see how the hands grow each year! This year was extra cute, because Cannon was able to do most of the writing. I LOVE LITTLE KID HANDWRITING!! And it's so cute to hear the kids' perspective on why they love their dad so very much!

Happy Fathers Day! 2011

Cannon:
I love Dad Because:
1. He takes me golfing.
2.He takes me rock hounding
3. He takes me golfing. (that one must be very important!)
4. He takes me golf ball hunting.

Harper:
I love Dad Because:
1. He takes me to the park.
2. He listens to the radio.
3. He rock-a-byes me.

PROOF!

2011-06-08T14:11:00.000-07:00

Oh my, it doesn't happen very often that you get caught RED-HANDED! (or footed)

Yesterday, we went to the park. I was trying to get my kids to cooperate for a picture. I got distracted by someone walking by, and when I looked back, Harper was crying.

I asked Cannon what had happened, and I heard the good old, "I don't know.... nothing." answer. WHATEVER.

I thought nothing more of it until I put the pictures on the computer... lo and behold... what do we have here? PROOF! That a big brother can sometimes be a big pain! I must have kept snapping while my head was turned.

Now, I will never admit this to Cannon, but these pictures make me LAUGH! Ha! Little terds! Gotta love 'em!

Hogle Zoo

2011-05-31T15:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, we went to the Zoo! Memorial Day. It. Was. Snowing. Geez!!!

We decided to go to lunch, and see if the weather cleared a bit. Luckily, it did. So we got on our jackets and trucked around the zoo.

This was Harper's first time at the zoo, and you know what her favorite thing was? The animatronic dinosaurs. Go figure! Silly silly girl.

The good 'ol Hogle Zoo. It's exacty the same! I remember going there on field trips in elementary school, and even junior high.

A lot of the animals were indoors, because of the cold, but there were still lots of things to see. There are two baby lemurs, so cute! A baby elephant too!

And you just can't pass a fountain without putting a penny and a wish in!

Utah's Hogle Zoo. A definite classic! :)

Sweet!

2011-05-18T13:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, we joined some of our neighbors for a tour of a local candy factory. Sweet's Candy. It's on about 1100 south and 3800 west.
Did you know they give FREE tours? My cute neighbor organized the outing, along with some other kids from our area who are "off track" as well.

After fighting with drama-girl Harper about wearing a hair net, we were on our way. How cool to tour a live, working candy factory! Did you know it takes 7 days to make a jelly bean? Did you know it only takes one hour to make taffy???

If you're in need of something to do with your kiddos, especially on a potentially BORING rainy day like yesterday was, I suggest you check it out. Super fun, entertaining, informative, AND free samples of CANDY! Now, who can resist that??

Hairy, not Scary

2011-05-04T12:45:00.000-07:00

This is my friend Jenn. We have known each other since we were about 5 years old... we lost touch for a while, but thanks to the glory of Face Book, we are reunited.

Jenn is a real estate agent, and a damn good one too. Know how I know? She NEVER takes no for an answer, and she is ALWAYS right. I hate that! Always right! Really!

So she calls me up one day and says, "I'm firing my hairdresser, and you are going to do my extensions." "WHAT?!?!?!" Yes. I was thrown into the fire with this one, but boy am I glad!

She previously had the bead-lock extensions, which use a little metal band to attatch tiny bits of hair to sections of your real hair. If I were to try to do this for her, it would involve a lot of hoo-ha, and tools, and extra CRAP. So this option was out. Then the mighty Jenn heard about Hotheads. We ordered. All you need is the hair, a comb, and a clip. I WAS IN! The instructional info I got said you could do a full head in 45 minutes. I thought, "yeah, right!" Once again, Me: WRONG. Jenn: RIGHT!

These are real hair extensions. They are tiny wefts that have tape-tabs on them. You apply one piece below a thin section of your real
hair, and one piece above the section, and press together to make a water-tight seal.

I have been out of the "real" salon loop for a bit, and the only experience I had with extensions was back in the late 90's. It took 2 of us to put the hair in, and we weaved a boondoggle-type braid. The hair was synthetic, and we'd melt the hair around the braid to create a knot. Synthetic. It was pretty, and it got the job done, but it required LOTS of extra maintenance. I can't tell you how many times we got calls with people saying, "I was getting a pizza out of the oven and half my hair melted off!" Oh what a pain.

It makes me love these extensions even more. Super easy, super fast. They do EXACTLY what they say they're going to do: blend, look and feel real, and STAY in without damaging your real hair.

So, in real life, Jenn has short hair. (see above pic). BUT in REAL LIFE, now she has long, beautiful golden locks.

A bit like Rapunzel, I think. Except Jenn wears shoes. But I will wager that her hair has magic powers.

See how happy it made her? :)

Friday Nights are Alright!

2011-04-30T10:18:00.000-07:00

Boy, do the weekends take on a different life after you have kids!! It used to be, "Where are we going? What are we doing? Where is the party?" but now, it's all about STAYING HOME, settling in, and enjoying some time with my children. Greg works on Friday nights, so it's just me and Cannon and Harper.
A while back, Cannon and I discovered that the new Antenna Channel airs a 3 hour chunk of The Three Stooges from 6-9 on Friday nights.
Good, clean fun, right? All week long, Cannon will ask, "Are the 3 Stooges on tonight? Is our party tonight?" We all look forward to our Friday night pajama party!

I have been letting them pick a special treat to snack on while we watch. Sometimes it's crackers and cheese, sometimes popcorn, sometimes even doughnuts! Last night, Cannon picked strawberry shakes, and HE wanted to make them. He did a great job! Yummmmyy!

Then we get everyone snuggled up in the bed with their favorite blankets, and watch. And sometimes, if you're lucky, Cannon will re enact scenes for you. ;) Nyuck Nyuck Nyuck!

Easter Sunday

2011-04-27T10:49:00.000-07:00

The kids got up early, but not tooo early! BIG excitement when they found the baskets the Easter Bunny had hidden. Cannon yelled, "TOYS!!!" and Harper yelled, "CHOCOLATE!!!". Then I made them get BACK into their Easter outfits and attempt a cute picture. Not so lucky, oh well!

Then Greg called. He was getting off work early because it was a stock market holiday, and work was slow so they were letting people off early. YAY! So, I quickly got the kids BACK into regular clothes and ready for the BEES BASEBALL GAME! Usually just Greg and Cannon go, but the weather and time of day were right, so we all went! It was Harper's first game. She met Bumble the bee and got his autograph. She thought that was pretty cool!

The kids and Greg and I had a nice time. They liked the game, and the bee, and to run around in the stands. I have no idea who won. I do know we were playing Tacoma. And I do know that a bum out front caught a foul ball! :)

Happy Easter!!!

Easter Party!

2011-04-25T07:13:00.000-07:00

Grandpa hooks the pinata to a pulley, so every kid can reach

watch out, Grandpa WILL blast you with Silly String!

Every year, we have the wonderful tradition of spending "Easter Saturday" with Greg's family.
This year we had the shin dig at Gary and Sylvia's house. I'll bet Gary and Sylvia love having all their boys together, and all of their grandkids around (except Ashley, who's on a mission and was GREATLY missed!)(and Brayden! Where was Brayden?). We were also joined this year by Kim's sister Angie and her cute little girl Qiana. Bonus!

Each year the party consists of an egg hunt, pinata, Silly String fight, fishing, and bunny hop games. And LOTS of candy and LOTS of prizes and LOTS of cousins running around. It is WONDERFUL! We were freezing our buns off, but we stayed outside and had a proper Easter party anyway. :)

one of my favorite things about Greg's brothers are their smiles. I love how Aarons nose crinkles! I love how Jeff's whole face is happy.

by the end of the day, you're covered in confetti and silly string, but you don't care!

a swing full of cousins makes me happy :)

Another Fun Easter Craft

2011-04-21T12:27:00.000-07:00

Gotta have one to do with the kids, right? I found this cute idea on the Martha Stewart website HERE . She used REAL blown-out eggs, of course, but we decided that wooden and papier mache eggs from Hobby Lobby would be more user-friendly.

We invited our cute neighbors over. This cute girl is in Cannon's kindergarten class. I pre-painted the eggs the night before so they could get right to work. I let them choose from birdies, chickens, chicks, bunnies, and baby bunnies. A little bit of glue, felt and a few embellishments, and ALL DONE! Super cute and super easy! The bunnies are my favorite, with their cute bunny teeth!

Easy Spring/Easter Craft

2011-03-23T13:55:00.001-07:00

It's time to get the Easter decorations out! Hooray!

I have this space above my cupboards in my kitchen..... I like to change it out with the seasons. Sometimes that works out really well, sometimes NOT! This year, it's bugging me.

So, I went down into my craft HOARD and found 2 art canvases. One is 9X12, one is12X12.

I didn't have the paint colors I needed, so I got some at Hobby Lobby. So, this project cost me $4! Because I already had all of the other supplies.

So- two quick coats of paint.

Then Google "Easter Silhouette Images" and pick something you like. I had to enlarge mine on the copier, by 50 - 80%. Cut out your image and trace onto cardstock. Mine is Bazzil Basics, because I like the texture, in a nice chocolate brown.

And, to get them to stick and to give everything the same finish, MOD PODGE!! I like the gloss finish. :)

Two coats of that.

Then I swiped a twig from my yard for the birds and gave the bunny a nice bow.

The area isn't done yet, but it fills in some of that space nicely! And I can leave the birdies up past Easter!

So, run with it! I know you are all WAY more creative than me... it would be fun to see what you do!

Beach Bums

2011-03-20T13:03:00.000-07:00

Whenever we go to California, we know we will be spending a majority of the time at the beach.... Solana Beach! We are LUCKY that we have such a lovely place to stay!

The last time we were there, Harper was only 4 months old, she really didn't dig it. This time she LOVED it! That girl loves to get down and dirty! She kept saying, "Harper Me! See the 0-chun!" She mainly liked to huck sand.

Cannon is all over the place and does a little bit of everything.

Oh, the ocean! The lulling sound of the waves. The fresh ocean smell! It is hypnotic. We love it!

Gotta get pics of Cannon writing his name and Harper's little footprints.

Greg is from California, salt water runs in his veins. He loves being in his home state!

-March 10 & 12, 2011-

Things To Remember About Disneyland...

2011-03-16T13:17:00.000-07:00

-It really is "The Happiest Place On Earth"! Always beautiful, always clean.

-The Snow White ride is FREAKING SCARY!!! Loud, DARK, SPOOKY!! No matter how much your little one likes the movie, that ride will FREAK HER OUT!!!

-It really is MAGICAL. You can shrink down to fairy size and meet your very favorite Pixie. And she will know your name. And she knows you love her. And the Mommy will
definitely cry!

-Every scene is set beautifully. And you will get hundreds of wonderful pictures. And you will walk till your legs feel like they're going to fall off. And you'll be totally pooped out when you leave. But it is all worth it!!

--March 9, 2011

This Week...

2011-03-02T13:10:00.000-08:00

Pudding's on the menu! (And on Harper's nose!)

My poor kids are sick! Of course, right when we go back on track. Cannon was back for one day and now they both have the croup.

I hate the croup!

The croup is the poops!

So, I'm just letting them graze on snacks all day. Whatever sounds good, goes. It's hard to get them to eat when they don't have

an appetite!

And Cannon's not so sick that he can't duck out of a photo!! That's good, I guess!

Lots of time spent in jammies, in bed reading, on the couch watching TV and movies.....

Oh please oh please let them get better quickly!

We've had our fill of hacking coughs and boogie-snots!

Goodbye, Tonsils! graphic pic included

2011-02-10T12:36:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Harper finally got her tonsils out! She has never really slept great, due to "obstructive sleep apnea". Basically, her gi-normous tonsils blocked her airway. They touched each other in the back of her throat! They crossed each other when she got sick! Sometimes, she'd even gag on yogurt.

Our doctor wanted to wait till she was 2, to have them out, for safety reasons. So... IN WE WENT as soon as the holidays were over!

Poor little thing! This was the third time she's been put under anesthesia in her short little life! First for ear tubes, then for a clogged tear duct. Neither time was pleasant in the recovery room. She gets CRaNkY!!!! And she is La-La-LOUD!!!!

But they are wonderful at the Avenues Surgical Center, and very well equipped for kids. Lots of fun stickers, and little socks and gowns. And little monitors that fit on their toes.

AND they are ready with those LOOOOOPY drugs to get them calm before hand! Thank goodness!

Surgery only took about 40 minutes. As I feared, she was NOT happy when she woke up. Luckily, the smarty nurse gave her some extra pain medicine, so she went to sleep soon after in daddy's arms.

We were able to get her dressed and home while she was still groggy.

This mama was so happy to get her baby home! I was so worried! And so relieved that everything went smoothly.

She did really well yesterday, eating, and drinking, and taking her medicine. She's continuing that today also. BUT, she is not reacting well to the Tylenol with Codeine!!! She is HYPER! And WILD!! And she's acting like a dog, and licking her arms, and jumping all over the place!! Kind of funny, yes.

I'm also glad to see she's not in any pain. BUT- I would rather see her pain free and groggy and resting. We'll see what we can do about that.

So far so good. She (and I) didn't sleep really well last night, but from what I did observe, even with a swollen throat she is breathing so much easier! No more mouth breathing! No more snoring! No more Darth Harper!
Hooray!

She's Wild!

2011-02-07T12:16:00.000-08:00

Here's the sight I was privvy to today when I went to see why Harper hadn't fallen asleep for her nap yet......

Does it look like there was a blizzard in her crib? A little. Guess again. SHE TORE ALL OF THE STUFFING OUT OF HER PILLOW!!!

Yep.

I remember at my baby shower for Cannon, one of the pieces of advice I got was: "Keep the camera handy, you won't yell right away, and you'll be happy to have the picture later on."

This is good advice. With Cannon, I used this advice 2, maybe 3 times by the time he was Harper's age.

I think I'd better keep the camera as handy as my cell phone with this girl! It is good though, it keeps you from freaking out right away, if you have to take a moment to get the camera.

GEEZ!!!!

The poor pillow! I came in, and she said, "Look, Mama! Castle! Ta-da!"

I need to get this girl to the beach.

There is the poor pillow carcass. I guess your innards aren't safe, even when the zipper is on the inside of the pillow case!!!!!

Live and learn. Again!!!

Missing Johnny

2011-02-03T08:43:00.000-08:00

My nephew Johnny left in May on an LDS mission. He is in Indiana. MAN we miss him! He is always the life of the party, always the 2nd loudest, (me being the LOUDEST), always the hungriest. Always there, always available, always ready to hang out. It's been an adjustment not to have him a phone call away!

We get emails from him every week. Luckily! In the beginning they were mostly filled with lots of hahahahahahahahahahaahahhaha's and :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)'s.

We nicknamed him "Speed Racer". "I've got to read my scriptures, hahahahahaha!!" "I need some new shoes, hahahahahahahhahahahaha!!!!!!!!" etc.

I always read the emails to Cannon.

Cut to yesterday: Cannon brought home his journal from Kindergarten. This one's all filled up, so he got to bring it home and start a new one at school. They write or draw in it every day at the beginning of class. They are free to write whatever they want. I PORED through every page. So funny, and heartwarming, to see what's on my son's mind.

There are 2 entries in a row about Johnny. There are no dates, so I can only assume it's soon after he left, and after reading a weekly email. Now, one concern I have, since I'm anal about spelling, is, well, his spelling!!! They have a new "sight word" program in the Jordan School District, and he can read ANYTHING, and he reads a full grade level ahead. So I'm wondering why in the world he can't spell. Oh well.

Anyway, I'll translate these pages to the best of my ability:
"That's Nuttin'! Ha Ha Ha!
I drew nothing! Ha Ha Ha!
I heard Johnny always say Ha Ha Ha!
And I heard that Johnny is on a mission.
I hope he is home soon"

Next one:
"Hi it's me Cannon HA HA HA I wonder
if Johnny has seen the emails.
This is Cannon until tomorrow."

Ah, my boy. I love him! And I miss Johnny too!

Frieda Loves Bread

2011-01-26T12:18:00.000-08:00

Who doesn't love bread?? Hmmmm? Who loves bread AND can bake? Frieda! Frieda is married to a family/neighborhood friend. We have known her forever. The bonus? She's the daughter of my elementary school principal!!! The double bonus? She had a give away on her Facebook Page and I WON!!!

I even got to pick my prize!! Of course, cinnamon rolls, which we all love! They were hand delivered last night! With a tub of cream cheese frosting!

Can you see Cannon's excitment!!!

Mmmmmmmm..... yummy yummy in our tummies!! Thank you so much Frieda!!

Check out her website HERE.

SIX!!!

2011-01-20T12:07:00.000-08:00

Well, our Cannon Boy turns 6 today, whether we like it or not! In some ways, it has flown by, and in other ways I have physically felt every minute. Weird how that works!

Happy birthday to our big Kindergartener! Cannon, you are funny, super smart, caring, adventurous, loving, inquisitive, thoughtful, stubborn, handsome, and, kind.

You are a wonderful Big Brother, son, grandson, nephew, and cousin.

You make everyone HAPPY!

We love you all the way up to the stars!

Happy happy birthday to our Cannon Everett Wise!!!

All-Boy Bash!

2011-01-16T08:58:00.000-08:00

Some how, somewhere along the line, my little boy grew up!!! How can I tell? He's turning 6 this year, and he decided he'd like a "friends party". So, the planning began. He decided, of course, on a Star Wars theme. Then, the more we got into planning, and decorating, we thought it would be a good idea to have an all-boy guest list. Which, I think was a good decision, I can't imagine a poor girl in that sea of boys!

We had a Clone Wars movie playing, and the kids all watched that while everyone arrived. Then it was time to eat! Pizza and Yoda Sodas! (lime sherbet with Sprite) Everyone got some 3-D glasses, because the cups, plates, napkins, etc. were all 3-D! Cool!

Then we played a couple of games, "Rescue the Princess", where they had to pop balloons and find a picture of a princess inside, and a version of pin-the-whatever-on-the-something. :)

Then, presents... how exciting for ALL of them!!! It was fun to see how excited they all were to have Cannon open their present, and all the "oohs" and "aahs" and "COOLS!"

Then the cake, and Cannon requested trick candles. I'm not really sure how tricky it is if you're expecting it, but it was exciting all the same!

What a fun day!!! So fun to see my little boy all grown up, hanging out with his pals. And you know what? He has some really nice, cute friends. ALL of them! Isn't he so lucky? (and what a relief for the Mama!)

New Years Eve, 2010

2011-01-02T13:44:00.000-08:00

Things sure look different on New Years when you're a MOMMY!! Aunt Stacy comes over, and hangs out, and does everything the kids want. They love it! AND they love their Aunt 'Tacy

Then you do confetti party poppers with the neighbor kids. (I bought this pack at Target called "Kickin' Party". It lasted about 15 minutes!)

Then, after din-din and baths, you make a "camp-out" on the floor and settle in to watch a good old Star Wars movie. AND you let your kids stay up late (8:30, woo hoo!) AND have ice cream. (Poor Greg had to work)

Then, when the kids start fighting a little too much, you put them to bed, and tuck them in. And fall asleep yourself at 10pm. A KICKIN' party, indeed!
Happy New Year!
( I was up at midnight, for a bit though, Harper got sick in the night. Even more exciting!)

Santa Came!!!

2010-12-26T09:37:00.000-08:00

Yay!! The Big Guy made it to our house this year! How exciting! All the wrappings, ribbons, toys and candy you could stand!

Every wish fulfilled!

So fun for the kids, and fun for Mom and Dad to watch.

But, clothes? Not very exciting. She hucked them right over her shoulder just like Randy and Ralphie. Classic. Merry Christmas Morning!!

Christmas Eve

2010-12-24T20:55:00.000-08:00

It's December 24th, what should we do???

Hang out at home and watch as many Christmas movies as we can.

Then head on down to Orem for a pajama party at Grandma and Grandpa Wise's!!!

Uncle Aaron, Auntie Kim, and cousin Elsie are here to celebrate this year.

Oh the joy of cousins!!

Oh the joy of being related to someone who is as WEIRD as you are!!!!

Can you tell they were having too much fun?

The grownups were having fun too! ;) What a lovely way to spend Chrismas Eve. Now, hopefully we'll all get some sleep so Santa can make his way to our house!

Night - night!!!

Can We Build It? Yes We Can! (sort of)

2010-12-22T18:28:00.000-08:00

This is my lovely, gracious, wonderful friend Erica. I have known her since she was probably 3, but I didn't realize it till I was about 30. LOOOONNNGGG story!

Today we went to this cute lady's house to have lunch (yummy sammiches!) and make gingerbread houses.

She did all the prep work! We arrived, and lunch was made, and so were all the little houses! They just needed to be decorated!

The kids all did a great job. We used mostly old stale Halloween candy, but no one seemed to notice. They were taste testing their building materials anyway. Gross!

What a fun Christmas-y day we had. Thank you Erica! LOVE love love you and your cute kids!!

Dang CUTE

2010-12-20T12:49:00.000-08:00

Most of you know, I love Greg's Aunt Liz. MY Aunt Liz. Cute Aunt Liz.

Last year, just before Christmas, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Yucky. Christmas was a bit sad. She actually had surgery on Christmas Eve!

But, time passed, and Liz kicked that cancer in the butt! And here we are at THIS Christmas. And, it seems a bit more Christmas-y!

Today Aunt Liz and Aunt Nola came to visit.... and what to my wondering eyes should appear? These cute little ornaments made by my Liz so dear!!!!

Even the little basket she brought them in is so precious!

Can you even stand how cute these are???? YES. She MADE them!!! Yes, she is wonderful, and YES she is an artist.

Look at their little faces! Oh I am so happy! I love to look at the tree, and remember the story behind each special ornament. Every ornament has a story.

LOVE love love it!!! (can you tell this made my day?)

Thank you, Liz and Nola! What a fun visit!

Christmas Bunting/Banner

2010-12-14T13:01:00.000-08:00

Crafty time! I'm still on a roll with using up scraps, so I decided to continue the momentum from the Halloween banners and make some Christmas ones.

I loved the Felt Festoon idea from the Inspired Ideas Magazine. But I wanted something bigger.

So I got out my wool felt and cut some holly leaves. Then added some little seed beads. I like to use invisible thread, then you can't see how messy the sewing can be. ;)

I cut more triangles from fabric, placed them right sides together and left the top open to flip them right-side out. Then after ironing them, I used more invisible thread to sew the leaves onto the white triangles. I added some red sequins and beads for the berries.

I ended up with 9 triangles for this one. I used a package of red wide double-fold bias tape and pinned it all where I wanted it. (3 yards long) I love this because it's easy, and you tuck the triangles right in, sew a quick straight line, and everything has a nice finished edge.

I left some room in between for some little scraps of ribbon, and now it's up on my wall!

Easy EASY! And cute!

2!!!!!

2010-12-11T16:09:00.000-08:00

Wow, a lot can happen in two years! You go from this little tiny package: December 11, 2008

To this little toothy grin: December 11, 2009

To this big, independent, funny girl: December 11, 2010

Happy Second Birthday Harper Kate! We love you so very much!!!

UNsupervised...

2010-12-09T18:30:00.000-08:00

What happens when the Mommy goes downstairs, and puts laundry in the dryer AND checks her email???? (We're only talking 15 minutes here.)

Baby Cakes goes into the bathroom, opens the topmost drawer, and removes ALL of the tools. Yipes, we've got a lot of scissors! And SHARP cuticle nippers and clippers.... and she brings them all the way out into the living room and lays them out, surgical-tech style... nice and neat!

Looks like she dissected a fishy from the "Gone Fishin'" game as well.

Luckily, she managed NOT to hurt or cut herself. Or the leather ottoman! OH MY!

But. Look, Mommy! "lips!" She was only looking for the lip balm. I guess that's the hard way to do it!

***** She's coming downstairs with me next time, and Greg's gonna crap when he sees this post! *****

Let's Talk Turkey!

2010-11-26T14:52:00.000-08:00

About a week ago, Cannon and I put up a picture of a turkey, and decided to write or draw what we were thankful for and put it on feathers for the turkey.

What a great week! Making sure to think of lots of things to be thankful for, so we could get that turkey some feathers!

Then yesterday we had Thanksgiving dinner (lunch). Just Greg, the kids and I. See our little turkey boob? It was just right!!

Cannon made a great turkey centerpiece out of Connectagons. Perfect!

And we tried for a family picture.... oh well.

BUT... see how many feathers our turkey has? Apparently, when you talk turkey, there's a lot to say!

Happy Thanksgiving!

"Bay"

2010-11-23T21:56:00.000-08:00

This is Harper's "Bay" (blankie). She reminds us of a little character called Linus. Greg's Uncle Dave crocheted this for her when she was born, and it has been the one thing she has gravitated towards. (again, different than her brother! Cannon had these easy, very portable silkies that he was attatched to.)
If she's sad, she needs Bay. If she's happy, she wants to play with Bay. She MUST have Bay if we go anywhere in the car. She CANNOT sleep without Bay! She used to bite it, and her poop would be fuzzy. When she was little, and learning to crawl, she would attack it and go into a death roll like an alligator.
Oh she loves her Bay! And it shows!! I sneak while she's napping and wash it, but you can't really tell.
The comfort this article brings her is truly amazing. It can stop the saddest of tears. It can make the biggest owie feel so much better. It can fill up her heart when her daddy leaves for work, and she's not so sad.
She loves her companion, her Bay. And I'm sure it loves to be loved too!

SNOW DAY!!!!

2010-11-21T12:22:00.000-08:00

HOLY SNOWFALL!! We were watching last night, and it kept falling and falling. This is what we woke up to this morning! I think poor Greg broke his back before he left for work, shoveling all the snow in the driveway!

After he left, the kids and I geared up.
This was Harper's "real first" time playing in the snow.

She has been very uncooperative (to put it nicely) about wearing her new boots. I mean, she runs screaming when she sees us with them! I think she finally got it today though. Ah-hah! You need boots so your feet won't get cold in the snow!

Cannon showed her how to make a snow angel....

She was mesmerized by the fluffy snow..... picking it up, and throwing it, and clapping it off her hands. We even showed her how to take a taste.... ONLY white snow though!

We of course had to build a snowman!
Then, just when they start to get cranky because they're too cold, we come in and make some hot chocolate. Both kids like lots of marshmallows! This was another first for Harper too. I think she liked it!

Man, look at that pile of wet clothes! A sure sign that we had a ton of fun! Welcome, Winter!!!

My, But They're Different!

2010-11-16T20:39:00.000-08:00

Yes, our kids are pretty much opposites in every way imaginable!!! Illustrated here in the simple task of eating a sweet roll. Harper tears it apart, and shoves it on in! She will be sticky from head to toe. We pretty much have to run her through a car wash after she eats!

CHOMP CHOMP!!! And, if you're not on the ball, she'll swipe her hand across the table if she's done and everything goes onto the floor. Gotta keep your eye on this girl!

And then Cannon. He has always been a neat eater. "Mom, will you please cut my sweet roll into squares?" And he'll eat it with a fork, because he doesn't want to get his hands sticky. Can't stand having his hands sticky! Dirty, filthy, grimy, yes. But sticky, NO!

And, because it's something he likes, he eats every last bit of it!
Such an interesting thing to watch, these two!

Parent Teacher Conference

2010-11-04T11:12:00.000-07:00

Wow, my very first parent teacher conference!! With all the crapola that has been going on the last few weeks, (ie: a kid in class who SHANKS other kids with a pencil!!) I was a bit nervous.

No reason to be! Cannon is thriving in Kindergarten, thank goodness! We have gotten the behavior issues with the boys rough housing under control. He reads above grade level. He has mastered all subjects and more. Luckily, his teacher can modify assignments so they're more challenging. I was happy to hear this.

AND!! OUR BOY MADE THE HONOR ROLL!!! PROUD PROUD PROUD are we!!

So cool! He got a certificate, hand-signed by the Principal! A coupon for a free Chick-Fil-A kids
meal, and a pencil!

Now, just as we're in the swing of things, we'll go off-track till December. I still don't know if I like this year round business. Oh well.

We also got his school pictures. So cute and funny! I had pulled that top tooth out the night before, I didn't want it dangling for his first school pics! He looked like a hillbilly. I literally held him down and yanked it! He told me, "You're just a Mom who doesn't like her kid!" I think he'll thank me later on.

Our boy is growing up, whether we like it our not. What a fun journey!

WAY TO GO CANNON BOY! We love you so much!

NEW Inspired Ideas!!

2010-11-03T19:42:00.001-07:00

Check it out, then PASS IT ON!! HERE

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T10:22:00.000-07:00

This year Halloween was celebrated on Saturday the 30th. So, we...... went to my Great-Nephew's First Birthday Party.

Got in-and-out of costumes a couple of times.

And only sent one kid out in the rain with his dad to Trick-or-Treat.

And, I WILL be answering the door for trick-or-treaters tonight if they come!!

Star Wars: Episode K. Luke Goes to Kindergarten

2010-10-29T15:58:00.000-07:00

Today our little Jedi headed off to school. BIG GIANT FUN!! A party in class, lots of treats, candy, coloring, and games to play. And then, MOMMY'S FAVORITE: The Halloween Parade.

And, yes. I cried. I don't know why. I'm just a mushy Mom I guess. Oh the sweet little mini kids! Oh my boy! Marching in a parade. Almost too much to take!! Grandma and Grandpa Wise came with. Does Harper look like the happiest girl in the world or what?

This is the best picture I got of Cannon in the parade. Perhaps there's good reason for Greg to always say, "Uh, honey, just let me take the pictures." Although, I did get some good video.

I snapped this pic because WOW. What a great Jack Skellington! I think the head was made of plaster or something. Cool huh?

Pumpkin Patch Poop-Out

2010-10-17T13:39:00.000-07:00

Well, it's that time of year! My favorite! Pumpkin patch pictures of the kids! Greg took them on Saturday. They found a cool patch with a cool truck. (and mushy pumpkins, icky!)

Oh the perfect setting, right? WRONG. I guess Cannon and Harper are just at that age. (and Harper's jacket is still on :( )

So, let's seeee..... we'll throw some hay... and speckle brother's shirt with it....

Then we'll look confused.

Then, how about we cover the pumpkins with hay? HEY! Let's do that!!!

ONE decent picture out of the whole bunch. DANG KIDS!!! At least it kinda looks like they had fun though! ;)

For A Good Baseball Game...

2010-10-13T14:06:00.000-07:00

You've gotta have a Daddy who can pitch it to you just right,

and you've gotta keep your eye on the ball.

You've gotta have a big wad of gum in your mouth,

And a HUGE cheering section! We had LOTS of family there last night! (thanks everyone who came!)

GO CANNON!

Boutique Sneak Peek!!!

2010-10-12T10:16:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited for our Fall Gift Boutique on Saturday!! Here are some of the things you will see at my table: LOTS of exclusive Moonvine Organics gift baskets and special pricing. (PLUS, you don't have to pay for shipping!)

Halloween Pennant Banners

Hand-embroidered dish towel gift sets (wouldn't this be a great Boo-Your-Neighbor gift??)

And, I've made lots and LOTS of these cute Halloween picks. They look cute in stuck in a plant, or a vase, or where ever!
COME AND SEE US, AND BRING A FRIEND!!!!!

Saturday, October 16th
10am-2pm
3942 W. Sienna Dune Drive
(approx. 10730 South and 3970 West)
South Jordan Utah
--it's in my neighborhood, one street north of me!--
ALSO--- 8 other vendors, including: Stella and Dot Jewelry, Annmarie Boutique, Handmade Caramel Apples, Salt City Candle Co, Park Road Studios, Stampin' Up! AND lots more!!! Come and find unique gifts, DEALS, and have a fun time!
Refreshments will be served!

Going Batty!

2010-10-10T13:29:00.000-07:00

On Friday, we took advantage of a little bit of sunshine and did some crafts outside! Thank goodness for the sun, because this involved glitter!

I cut some bats out of black cardstock, punched a hole in the head, and let the kids go at it!

I had many mediums of glue, spray, brush on, squeeze, etc. How exciting. And LOTS of glitter. Heaven! We had planned ahead to have the boys from next door over to do this with us, and while we were out there some other kids came up the street and joined in. (one girl is in Cannon's class) I just loved that. Kids trickling in from everywhere and doing their best job on their fancy bats! It was just lovely. (I'm glad I had lots cut out!)

Then we hung ours all on the porch. They look so cool when the wind blows!

Now, I just have to get Harper to understand what a bat is. Doesn't she look confused?? Ha! Hope you all had a great weekend!

Mom's Birthday

2010-10-09T07:54:00.000-07:00

OH, I am behind!! On Sept. 25th, we had a birthday party for my mom. She turned 70!!!! ANd she does not like to admit that. Too bad, I'm telling! ( She doesn't know how to get on the internet anyway!)

So we pissed her off by having a party for her. Well, not really, but you know Kathy, she does NOT like any fuss to be made over her! But WE all loved it!

We kept it small, a dinner at my sister Stacy's house, so that made my mom happy. All she ever wants is to have her kids and grandkids around.

See the proof? My son, my nephew Ryan, and Ryan's son Hunter all huddled with WaWa helping her open presents.

And my mom got a letter from my nephew Johnny! WITH pictures!! ( a hot commodity, he's on a mission)

What a happy day for us all to be together Happy Birthday to our sweet mom. We would be very lost without her! And look, another birthday treat! Ryan and Lacie! Hugging! Smiling! Long enough for a photo to be taken!!

Moving On....

2010-10-04T21:23:00.000-07:00

Well, I can't find the winner, Mary! I haven't heard from her. So, I guess this is what I'll do: Draw a new winner from the original 16 entries if I haven't heard from Mary on Wednesday evening. Yipes! This is the fairest way I could think of to handle this. I hope if there's a new winner I can find them! thanks!

Where Oh Where Oh Where is "Mary"?

2010-10-02T07:59:00.001-07:00

Does anyone know the sweet Mary, entry number 12 from the shirt give away??? I haven't heard from her! I can't get to her blogger profile.... she is a mystery. MARY, you must email me, so I can send you the shirt!!
piperkw (at) hotmail (dot) com

hurry hurry hurry!
thank you :)

WINNER!!!

2010-09-29T20:06:00.000-07:00

Oh, what sweet comments! I wish I had a shirt for all of your precious girls!
I had 16 entries, and using www.random.org, the winner was number 12!
So, MARY, congratulations!!! Please send me an email with your address so I can get this to you right away! *** piperkw (at) hotmail (dot) com. ***

Thanks so much everyone for checking out Amy's lovely magazine and for participating!
Love,
Piper

Inspired Ideas GIVE AWAY!!!

2010-09-27T07:42:00.000-07:00

Remember this cute shirt I made for the Inspired Ideas magazine? WELL, guess what????? You can WIN it! It's a little girls size XS.

My cute little friend and model Olivia is 5, and it fits her perfectly. Very cute for a birthday celebration!! So, would you like to have it?

Leave me a comment, and I will draw the winner on Wednesday evening at 9pm, Mountain Standard Time. I will mail it out by the end of the week. GOOD LUCK!!!

A Tricky Treat

2010-09-23T13:36:00.000-07:00

I whipped this up in about an hour yesterday, so I thought I'd share, and maybe it would get your brain going too!

Have you heard of Michael Mead? Well, he's got a cool crafty magazine. I found this FREE DOWNLOAD yesterday.
Then, I got this 6 1/2" wooden circle and some black and white polka dot ribbon at Hobby Lobby. (all whole rolls of ribbon are 50% off right now!)

Then a little crepe paper and some tacky glue, and I was off. It went pretty fast, just dotting and bending the paper and gluing.

The ribbon, being a little thicker, was trickier. I was wishing I had ironed it first, because I had to use Scotch tape to hold it down while the glue dried. BUT, I was happy with the "ribbon candy" effect afterward. So, that was it! And I glued my little pumpkin man on, and made a hanger on the back with some ribbon and glue!

He's pretty cute! And already up on my wall!

Lookie!

2010-09-15T14:28:00.001-07:00

Check this out! Just click on the front page, and the magazine will open.

Anticipation.........

2010-09-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

OOOOHHH!! So exciting! Check this today at 3 EST!

Goodbye, Summer!

2010-09-05T07:43:00.000-07:00

Ah, the last hurrah of the summer! A weenie roast at Grandma and Grandpa Wise's!

So much fun, lots of cousins! And, I think kids are more likely to eat something when they have cooked it themselves. Ha!

We had a wonderful time, said goodbye to summer, said goodbye to Grandpa and Grandma's wonderful cherry tree, (the huge, lovely thing has been ravaged by woodpeckers and bugs) oh all the time the kids have spent in that tree! Where will we hang the pinata at Easter???

But, we are looking forward to fall!

Cousin Elizabeth

Greg, Harper, and Sylvia in the swing.

Point proven!!! Benjamin is a VERY picky eater! And he was eating!

Everybody loves some baby Hazel!!!

Goodbye summer! You were good to us this year!

Oktoberfest

2010-09-03T09:01:00.000-07:00

Due to some unknown techno-glitch, my last post went under Greg's blog, Wise Backyard Adventures. Whatever, BLOGGER!!! here it is, any way, HERE.

Sporty

2010-08-22T17:19:00.000-07:00

Have I mentioned before that my husband is a great Dad? He is so involved..... a quality which is very important to me. He and Cannon have a great relationship, with many similar interests. They love to hang out together, and get in the dinky truck and just go off on adventures.

Today they went to a Bees game. Greg is trying to pass on the tradition of getting autographs, but Cannon gets too shy to talk to the players. Greg loves taking awesome photos of the players, then going back and having them autograph the pics he took. Pretty cool, huh? I'd name drop, but I have no clue who or what.... which is why Harper and I stay home and paint toenails! :)

Last week, Cannon did a 4-day golf clinic at River Bend. HE LOVED IT! I love it! You can't get injured. You have to do math in your head to keep track of your score. You develop hand-eye coordination. And, I think you have to be fairly graceful. It is a very manners-oriented game. You have to be patient. Perfect, if you ask me. You have to be 6 to be in the Utah Junior Golf Association, but Cannon's skill and height let him in before the mark.

A while back, (BEFORE the controversy) Greg found Cannon a set of Jr. Tiger Woods clubs. Well, my boy loves them, because they are his favorite color, red. LUCKILY! I'm sure I'll have to one day have a conversation about this, like, "go for the cash, not the ass" if he starts to say he wants to be like Tiger. ;) We'll see!

I am so proud of this boy! And he loves his dad! We all do!

To Tell the Tooth...

2010-08-20T08:25:00.000-07:00

Cannon lost his first tooth on Wednesday! It (and some others) have been wiggling for quite some time. He has been patiently and not so patiently waiting for one to pop out! We were at the dentist a few months ago, and he told Cannon it wouldn't come out till he was 6. HA! We beat that by a few months!

So, it was finally wiggly enough, and Cannon let me pull it out. I LOVE TO PULL OUT TEETH! Weird, huh? I used to beg to pull out my niece's and nephew's teeth. And even some neighbor kids. I love to get the tissue around it and twist and rip and PULL! Awesome.

Cannon thought the blood was cool, so we were both happy. So, we pulled the tooth, luckily after he had brushed them! Then we called a couple of grandparents, cousins, and aunts.

Then we nestled that tooth gently into its special box, and since Cannon's such a wild

sleeper, we thought it'd be best to put it up on his headboard. Safely next to his Spider-man watch and airplane. :)

Can you believe it, that Tooth Fairy came! There were traces of her, glitter here and there where she had perched. Probably to make sure Cannon was sleeping!

He got a gold dollar and a real dollar! Score!

Now, we're working on the next one!

Granny Kate's Mirror

2010-08-12T07:23:00.000-07:00

Today would've been my Granny Kate's 94th birthday! Harper Kate is named after her. Granny was FEISTY! and SPUNKY! and SASSY! And, so is my daughter. Granny Kate would watch Golden Girls with me and explain the slut jokes. Granny Kate taught me how to flip the bird. ("if a man ever says 'prove your love', you give em one of these! :extend middle finger:)

When Grandma sold her house, I got her hand mirror. It always sat in a basket in her bathroom that had her curlers in it. It even has a smudge of the pink that her bathroom was
painted.

Recently, Harper found it. It was tucked away in a cupboard, and she found it. She is fascinated with it. Not so much with the reflection, but the mirror. I re-hide it, and she finds it again. I try to take it away and she gets MAAADDD!

So, weird, and not so weird, right? I guess the piss-and-vinegar will carry on through yet another generation. And that's just fine with me!

Happy Birthday, Grandma! We miss you and love you every single day!

A Fun Visit

2010-08-04T09:57:00.000-07:00

The other night we got to see Uncle Jeff and Aunt Nicole and have dinner with them. We always have such a fun time together.

The kids love all the extra attention. And since Jeff and Nicole don't have little ones at home anymore, (all teens!) I think it's fun for them too!

Our kids are so lucky to be surrounded by so much family! They can definitely feel the love.

Cannon was a bit wild. Then he fell off the stool and clunked his head. I think it knocked the naughtiness right out of him!

Then he was content to sit with Uncle Jeff and Harper and read books.
So so cute! What a great Aunt and Uncle! We love you Jeff and Nicole!

And We're Off!

2010-08-03T21:34:00.000-07:00

We got the first day of Kindergarten under our belts! Way cool, for all of us! My boy will be gone in the mornings all week long! It's a relief as well as a worry. I hope I've done my job so far, that he's acting like a decent human being out there in the world!

He was VERY cooperative this morning, getting ready. This was unusual. He is usually as slow as molasses! He got ready and packed his back pack!

The bus picks up in our neighborhood, just a short walk out our back gate..... he is still the King of Dinking Around, though.

On the way there, "Look Mom! A chewed up tennis ball!"
"Yes, son, keep walking!"

He already knows some of the kids that take the bus in the morning with him, he was excited to sit by them.

He just hopped right on, and that was that!

He had a great first day. He says the bus is more fun than school though. Silly. He made some friends in class already and "built with blocks and gears". And the teacher has some sign language that they'll all use when they need to go to the bathroom. Cannon says he got that taken care of right away.
And they have a drinking fountain right in their classroom! What a luxury! And he caught a grasshopper at recess.

Can you imagine a more perfect way to begin your official school career?

Way to go, Cannon Boy! Off we go!

Sunday Drive

2010-08-01T16:41:00.000-07:00

Greg's new job allows him to be on a "normal" schedule, at least for a bit. Monday through Friday, with weekends off. WEIRD to have him home on a Sunday! Fun though, because today we took a nice drive up the canyon. We ended up at Brighton and jaunted up a little trail for a bit. Cooler temps and the lovely woodsy smell are wonderful! Lots of rocks and bugs for the kids to look at, and lots of nature for Greg to take pictures of. Everyone was happy!

A short and sweet trip, as our "screaming mimi" needed a nap. I wonder if other people in the woods thought there was a banshee. Dang she's loud!! So, a nice trip, and a nice drive home, and a nice nap for Baby Cakes! A good day.

In Bloom

2010-07-29T07:31:00.000-07:00

Love all the summer colors in the yard.

The purple Rose of Sharon bushes finally bloomed. Sooo pretty.

And the tiger lillies.

And best of all the "Zeee-nyahs" we planted in honor of my dad. Hope you like them, Daddy!

State Holiday

2010-07-25T19:04:00.000-07:00

The 24th of July is "Pioneer Day" or, Karl Malone's birthday, which ever you prefer. I love it for the BBQ's and the fireworks, and the getting together with family.

We went to Aunt Liz's. She is the BEST. She does everything for every body, and goes over the top! I look at her and think, "I am so glad you beat the living crap outta that C word!" CUTE Aunt Liz. LOve her!

The kids were in heaven, it was Cousin Town! Aunt Liz and Uncle Dave live in a cul-de-sac, so the kids can go crazy with bikes and Big Wheels. And cool guns made from sprinkler pipe! Instead of shooting messy marshmallows, they shoot pom-poms! Great idea, huh?

Harper and cute little cousin Lizzy are old enough now to enjoy playing with each other. And
Lizzy's baby sister Hazel is quite loved by all, especially Harper!

Isn't Liz's garden lovely? My favorite words to describe it are, "enchanted" and "beguiling".

What a lovely weekend!

Water Week!

2010-07-20T14:42:00.000-07:00

It's only Tuesday, and we are already water logged! It's been HOT, so what else to do but play in the water?

Yesterday we went to my friend Donna's house to swim in her pool.

Cannon LOVES Aunt Donna! Isn't she nice to let him almost drown her to take him for a ride across the pool?

Harper's favorite: the HOSE!!! Does it get any better? Yes it does, because the drain leads
out to Donna's flower garden. :)

Today, we met cousins, Aunts, and Grandparents at a COOL splash pad in Highland. SO fun, it even has a lazy river! The only negative: some very slippery parts, and Cannon fell on his head! Poor kid. I saw lots of kids doing that, yipes. BUT, still, a very fun time and everyone is tan, and tired but happy.

I wonder what the rest of the week will bring?

St. George

2010-07-17T08:22:00.000-07:00

Last Monday we loaded up the car, and loaded up the kids with Benadryl and headed for St. George. A little over night stay, and it was just perfect.
We went with the purpose of seeing my good friend Cary and his partner Jeff. They live in Oregon, and I haven't really seen them for about 3 years! BOO! :( They had come this way to see an ailing friend, and we were happy to provide a light note for their trip.

Ahhhhh, Cary. We laugh and laugh till we cry. And for no reason. We probably look like we're nuts. He makes me feel euphoric!
Cary and I met in beauty school. We were at the dispensary mixing color and discovered we were both named after movie stars. Ooh la la! We also discovered that we had the same fondness for certain swear words. We could always clear a room with our conversation!

So we hung out in the hotel, hung out in the pool, gave each other haircuts in the room, and had the best time EVER. My kids love them. They love my kids. Love, love, love, flying everywhere! "oh, tender!"

They are the 2 cutest uncles a kid could ever ask for. AND, the 2 best friends a gal could ever ask for.

So, when I talk about my Cary and Jeff, now you know who they are. (if you don't already)

If you do know them, count yourself lucky. If you don't, you'll meet them, trust me. And get ready to split a gut and fall in love.

Caught In The Act

2010-07-09T05:57:00.000-07:00

Don't you love it when you catch your kids being nice to each other?

The other day, I "caught" Cannon reading to Harper. My heart melted! I'm so thrilled to see how much my kids love books. (They got that from me :))

I think Cannon is liking this Big Brother gig more and more. As Harper gets older she's more interactive. He loves it. She copies everything he does, good and bad! He is always so patient with her. (He got that from his dad)

I am so glad I captured this precious little moment. I'm sure some days I'll need to remind them how much they enjoy each other!

Reading IS Fundamental after all, isn't it?

Independence Weekend

2010-07-05T13:47:00.000-07:00

AH, does it get any better? PERFECT weather..... red white and blue(frosting) kids.

Hangin' on the hammock with WaWa.

Hangin' with the neighbor kids, watching the parents light fires.

GLOW STICKS!!!!!!
Hope your weekend was perfect too!

Lagoon!

2010-07-03T06:52:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, Cannon got to go to Lagoon with his dad, Uncle Jeff, and Cousin Lexi.

Can you imagine a luckier kid? They were gone ALL DAY!!!

I think they rode pretty much every thing, although Cannon says he doesn't recomend "The Spider", because it spins around too much!

So funny! They all had a good time, and Jeff even won a snake for Cannon.

What a fun day for all of them! I'm so glad Cannon had a great first experience at Lagoon.

Lori

2010-06-30T11:11:00.000-07:00

This is my dear dear friend, Lori. She should have turned 34 today. She has been gone for almost 9 years. There hasn't been one single day in that time I haven't thought about her and missed her terribly.

Lori and I met at Jordan High. We bonded over needing an Immodium. Everyday our friendship became more unique and special. We ate lunch in the hallway. We were nerds. We found humor in everything. How else could we survive high school?

My friend Natalie, Lori and I became a pretty tight trio. We were always at Dee's on a Saturday night. Always, fries and a Diet Coke. Or whatever. You could also find us at Chick-Fil-A a lot when we were supposed to be in school. Being nerds, food was our drug of choice!

Lori had nicknames for everything and everybody. I think that made everything seem special, more important.
A good friend was a homegirl. Anything cute or endearing had the word "home" in front of it. My first vehicle, a little tan Nissan truck with a shell, was called the "Home Shoe" because she thought it looked like a Converse High Top. Presents were "tresents", a mix of a treasure and a present. Any type of GI distress was a "poo-job problem". If a boy was mean to you, she threatened to "kick him in the peep". I could go on and on. Every single person (and car) in her family has a nick name. Lori's nick name was Pingon. Sometimes Pingon the Duck. Sometimes she signed letters: Pingon the Emotionally Unstable Duck. I still have some!

She always loved us unconditionally, "all the way down to our toe jams". And always wanted us to pinch our cheeks. And our bum cheeks.

She'd always say, "I'll be back in two slaps of a Pingon's bum cheek!"

Oh, my Lori! I miss her BIG hair! We had to sit in the back when we went to movies so people wouldn't say they couldn't see over it!! She had a car with a t-top, and when they were off, sometimes her hair would stick out of the top!

Oh, my Lori! I miss your Duck Noises! Luckily, you taught me how to do them. My kids love them.

I miss my friend. I miss her true heart. She always made me feel good. She always made everything better.

I miss laughing till we either puked or peed. I miss our inside jokes, that NO ONE ever understood.

She taught me to embrace my differences. She taught me that the best friends you have are sometimes those you seem to have nothing in common with. She taught me that ANYTHING can be funny, that the crappy stuff in life always makes for a good story later on. She taught me what true friendship is. True, lasting friendship. Even when you can't see each other any more.

I can still hear her voice, and her laugh, and her sound effects, and I'm so glad. I can still see her hands, and smell her hairspray. I'm so glad she never left completely. She left such a clear stamp on all those she touched, and we are all better for it.

We miss you, our Lori Ann. Thank you for staying in our hearts. Happy happy birthday my beautiful friend! Pinch your cheeks!

Tutorial: Old-School Embroidery

2010-06-24T09:48:00.000-07:00

How about I try a tutorial? I do lots of this kind of embroidery, on baby shirts, kitchen towels, baby quilts, etc.

My favorite vintage style embroidery patterns are "Aunt Martha's". I've seen them at Hobby Lobby, or you can find them at http://www.colonialpatterns.com/.

I have been able to find all of the patterns I grew up with. My mom and great-grandma embroidered a lot. The fill-in trick I learned from Aunt Liz.

I liked this picture, and it wasn't an iron transfer, so I used a Hot Iron Transfer Pencil and traced the whole thing. (Always put an old tea towel or something flat to protect your ironing board cover. This is a "seep through" project.) Also, slip the shirt on the ironing board so you're only working with the front.

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Then, iron on a semi-high cotton setting with NO steam for about 10 seconds or so. See how easy? Remember, your image will go on your project in reverse.

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While it's still a bit warm, color it in with crayons. No need to be too precise, but stay inside the lines.

I like to use a bit of lightweight fusible backing to keep the embroidery looking crisp on the shirt. I don't use it with pillowcases or dishtowels, however.

Next, take a lightweight paper bag (I like the ones from Roberts Crafts that they use for your scrapbook paper purchases.) Place it over the top of the shirt where your picture is. The fusible backing is ironed on at this time too, under the shirt behind the picture.

Iron away! Again, no steam. You're trying to melt the crayon wax into the fabric, essentially making a stain. You'll see the crayon seep through the paper, and you're done.

Then, go ahead and embroider! Everyone has a different style. Just do what you like. I try to keep mine as just an outline, but I sometimes fill in middles of flowers or eyes. The stitches I use most are the Lazy Daisy and the Vine Stitch. There is a good stitch guide HERE.

Next, trim off the backing, as close as you can get to the emroidery.

All done! Cute, right? The color does fade a bit when you wash, but I think that adds to the vintage effect.

Spruce Up

2010-06-15T19:37:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I was not fit to be around humans. Have you ever had days like that? Too cranky for words?

I was thinking I had a little too much chaos. In my head and in my house. I have one of those "lists". A kind of wish list. Lofty goals. Things you'd love to get done. So I've decided to actually cross some things off that list. And here is one.

I got this neat wicker basket at a flea market for 50 Cents! Needed a little work though, a little love. I thought it would be a great place to store my ever growing collection of vintage sewing stuff. (crapola) Oh well, I love it. Especially the old graphics on the sewing needles and kits!

I had some cardboard from ordering 8X10 prints in the mail. I slapped some Tacky Glue and some thin batting on them, and covered them with this cute cherry cotton print. (another thing on the list: use up supplies you already have!)

For the piece on the lid, I made some extra pockets. I hate measuring, and usually don't. I just slapped it all on, and sewed it. Then I put more glue on the backs of the cardboard and set them in their spots in the bottom of the basket, and in the lid, behind the existing storage flap.

Ha ha! I love it! And it took about 10 minutes! I inherited some neat things from my Aunt Linda, so I have the letters she sent with them in there too. See that little phone? It opens up and it's a little travel sewing kit!

So, some things checked off, and out of my head. I feel a little better now. :)

I'm a bit more human again.

G Man

2010-06-08T13:30:00.000-07:00

Today is my Greggie's birthday! He wants it to be low key. Whatever. When he turned 40, I threw him a surprise party, he's still recovering from that. I don't know what his deal is. I know age isn't an issue, maybe it's all the attention? Anyway, Happy Happy Birthday to GREG!

More...

2010-05-30T07:07:00.000-07:00

Today...

2010-05-29T15:25:00.000-07:00

Greg took the kids to the park today. He is the MOST wonderful photographer! Just thought I'd share a few. Picassa only lets me blog 4 at a time, so I'll probably post more tomorrow. These are some of my favorites. GREAT job, Greg!

Rad Grad

2010-05-25T14:22:00.000-07:00

Today marked the official end of preschool for Cannon!

They had a program, complete with speaking parts and songs. SO cute! I love every second of it! All the cute little kids, dressed up so nice, and so nervous!

I always cry during the pledge and the "America" song. What a nerd.

I made Cannon wear a real tie. He was mad, he wanted to wear a clip on. What EVER. I talked him into it though, because I told him he could wear one of Grandpa Johnny Mack's tie tacks, and those only work with real ties. ;)

I'm not sure about the face he's making, but here's his cute teacher. We will surely miss her! She is so wonderful with all the children. They have so much fun and learn so much!

We also got a picture of Cannon and a couple of his friends. (this is the girl he likes!!! he says he wants to "try to marry her" when he grows up!) So cute! I guess she fell off her bike this morning and scraped her nose off, but I think she's cute anyway!

Way to go Cannon Boy! Next stop, KINDERGARTEN!!!!!!

Oh, My Son....

2010-05-20T20:42:00.000-07:00

So, I think people in general are for the most part weird. Sometimes for the good, sometimes for the worse.
And kids are weird too, right? It is so weird to be a parent and think, "What in the world is my child doing?" But, at the same time thinking how strange the things you used to do seemed to your own parents.

Enter: Cannon. He is very inventive. He is very patient. He is very smart. Also, very good at stalling at bedtime. Here's what we got the other night: "Mom! Dad! I made a lawn mower out of tinker toys!"
"That's great son, can you please go back to your room? It's bedtime."

"No! I want you to take a picture! I had to keep re-doing it so the handles were long enough and I didn't have to bend over!"

Ok. So we got the camera. I pointed it. And he came up with this pose???? Getting your Captain on or what?

Then, we got a picture of the lawn mower in action.

Then, I got a picture of his cute face. See that dot? Do you think someone's got a sight on him? Do you think he's moving to India? NO.
There was a suction cup in the back seat that had fallen off a window shade.
"Cannon, give that to me. Cannon, get it off your face! CANNON STOP!!! THAT WILL LEAVE A MARK!!!!"

Then I hear: "MOM! It's stuck!"
Ya. Don't listen son, because I'm NEVER telling you the truth!!!! This happened Sunday, and today, Thursday, it's still blazing strong.
I've been trying all of the "hickey tricks" from High School: toothpaste, a penny, a cold spoon..... nothin'. They never worked back in the day either!!!

I'm sure this is not the last time I will shake my head and laugh at this boy!

Tubin'

2010-05-12T12:52:00.000-07:00

Harper made it through her ear tubes surgery successfully!

Here she is, not very happy at first. In an itchy gown, and wondering why we won't feed her.

Then... the medicine!!! ooooohhh a loopy baby!

She is definitely dazed, and she wouldn't let go of her markers!

Everything was easy, just like everyone said. She was only back there for 5 minutes before they came and got us in the waiting room.

Of course being my daughter, she has a set of LUNGS on her! She screamed when she was waking up! One of the nurses came in and said, "Oh, she's famous! We can hear hear all over the building!"

She only dry-heaved a couple of times on the way home. She drank her bottle and had some cereal.

Here she is safe at home! Almost like nothing happened! We watched "The Princess and the Frog", and she went down for a nap!

Hopefully no more ear infections for the poor little thing, which means more sleep for all of us!

The Progression Of Motherhood.

2010-05-09T19:53:00.000-07:00

First, it's your special day, Mother's Day. You sit down for a picture with your children. A lot to ask for two little squirmy bodies.

Then, the boy gets that naughty look in his eye. Try to stay calm. Get the baby's attention. Try to get them both to look at the camera. TRY TO LOOK HAPPY, DAMMIT!

Now the Mamma's pissed. It's all downhill from here.

Then Cannon gets bonked in the face and Harper starts to cry because I am laughing. Weird, huh? She gets her feelings hurt if we laugh.

Cannon wants me to check if he's bleeding, and Harper still can't be consoled. It's still all funny to me!

So this is life. Laugh, and love every minute of it! Hope everyone had a lovely Mother's Day!!

Because of You...

2010-05-08T14:22:00.000-07:00

...everything I say and do matters. ...I choose my words more carefully. ...I realize sleep is a precious commodity.

....laughing is most important. ...every day matters. ....little things matter the most. ...I have learned patience.

... I believe in miracles. ...I realize perfection is not important. ...time is precious. .....family is everything.

...I love my own mother even more.
Because of you, I am a Mother.

My Favorite Signs of Spring

2010-04-20T08:34:00.000-07:00

aaaaahhhhhhh......

the blossoms! I will deal with the itchy throat and sneezing because I love them so much!

For My Birthday...

2010-04-18T09:38:00.000-07:00

My girl finally said, "Mama"!

My boy made his bed!

And my husband had a doughnuts-and-milk party for me. (thank you honey)

......Austyn reeeeallly loved her doughnut!

Flea Market This Saturday!

2010-04-14T15:45:00.001-07:00

Oooohhh Mamma! Come check out all the vintage loveliness! Yes, I'll be there, yes, I want you to come! No Moonvine this time, just crafties. also, check out the Abode blog and website! Some of my stuff is pictured!

Last Box From the Nesting Swap

2010-04-10T08:43:00.000-07:00

Look at the gem I got in the mail yesterday from Susan! She even made the mailing box pretty! Look at her beautiful handwriting!

Then, the made-over matchbox inside... click and read the band around it, she is so creative!

The inside.......

She even decorated the inside of the box! Harper and I kept saying, "Oh, wow!" She made those cute little gift tags AND the little "field notes" book!

The ribbons are wrapped around the letter "P"! LOVE it!

To Remember...

2010-04-07T07:44:00.000-07:00

Well, it's almost been a year since my dad passed away. Yucky to think about. SO, I have decided to focus on LIFE instead this month.

Greg bought some small terra cotta pots, and Cannon and I got to work painting them. Then decorating. I used some rub ons, paper cut outs, and even cut a design out of a pretty napkin. LOVE that Mod Podge! Also, crafts are very theraputic.
Dad's favorite flower was a Zinnia. For those of you who knew him, you're probably thinking, "That son-of-a-bitch liked flowers?" YEP. LOVED Zinnias. And he pronounced them "zeee-nyas" with his good old Utah accent.

Needless to say, that's the seed that got planted in each pot. I gave one to all the girls in my family. To remember. That life goes on, even when someone we love isn't here with us. That you can plant seeds, and sometimes sorrow can turn into hope. And you can look at a beautiful flower, and remember your daddy.

We miss you, you crazy old bastard!

Happy Easter!!!

2010-04-04T09:14:00.000-07:00

How's your KEESTER? Have a great Holiday.

Last Nesting Swap Post

2010-04-01T09:45:00.000-07:00

Every one has gotten their packages, so here's a peek at what I sent.

This was a wonderful project. So much fun making stuff and finding just the right thing to decorate and fill each box!

Nesting Swap - Christine

2010-03-30T17:30:00.000-07:00

Oh Mamma! Look at the cute little birdie I got in the mail!!

Oooooohhh, the loveliness that was inside!

My favorites, (of course) the old crocheted trims and hanky! Was Christine in my head or what?

Look at the little doily and the cute rose pin! The Speckled Egg swap was soo much fun! I want to do another one RIGHT NOW!!! Should we? Can we?

Nesting Swap - Jill

2010-03-29T13:41:00.000-07:00

OOOHHH! Imagine my delight at the mailbox today! I got my package from Jill! First of all, I LOVE it when I see my name on things. Never happens. I can't just go on vacation and find my name on a keychain or coffee mug somewhere. Love my name in glitter! (and my son had a good old time with the bubble wrap!)

Look at the cute wreath she made! It's already hanging on the wall.

Ah, just look inside! So many fun things! CUTE swatch of fabric, lots of birds that I can't wait to mod-podge onto something.... flowers, BUTTONS, and a teeny tiny basket! Wow, she really "got" me!

My very favorite was this wonderful old crocheted trim. Perfect colors, and it may just end up as a bracelet if I can rig it. Thank you Jill! And thanks Heather at the Speckled Egg for hosting and organizing!!

Spring Boutique Preview and Give Away!

2010-03-26T11:25:00.000-07:00

****UPDATE - WINNER!!!****
The winner is "Jeremy and Carrie"
I'll have your prize at the boutique tomorrow, if you're there come and see me. If not, get me your info so I can get it to you!! Congrats!

Thanks everyone for playing!

Have I mentioned there's a boutique tomorrow in Sandy? Can you help me, one last time, get the word out?

Leave a comment. Tell your friends to leave a comment. I'll do a drawing TONIGHT at 10pm.
One lucky winner will recieve a jar of our FABULOUS Chocolate Creme!

Maybe you'll be at the boutique tomorrow and you can pick up your prize!!! (I would really love that!)

So here are some of the things I've been wrapping up:

LOVELY gift sets. Many varieties.

Candle gift sets, with a handmade coaster and a cute plate to put it on.

(My Favorite) "Get Your Toes Out" gift set, with a refreshing foot spritzer, a cute nail polish, and a great teeny file for those little pinky toes!

Also, some crafty goodies.

So, a little something for everyone! SEE YOU THERE!

Tomorrow, Saturday March 27th 9am-2pm
Heritage Gardens
2050 East Creek Road