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Testing the new

2012-01-02T12:16:00.001-07:00

I have always wondered how people could have such cute fonts on their blogs….I think I got it!

Winter Treats

2011-12-11T21:44:00.007-07:00

Being the crazy busy family that we are. Did I mention crazy? We have a couple Sunday traditions that I treasure. First of all my cute husband cooks breakfast for the family. I am not sure when this started. We all look forward to Sunday morning. Then we go to church and come home to whatever is in the crock pot. And finally we sit around and watch Amazing Race or some other family show together while eating whatever the kids have convinced me to make.

Lately they have been begging for this chocolaty treat! They are so easy to make it is awesome!

I almost published this without the recipe! That would not have gone over well.

Heat together over medium heat in a large heavy pan:

Large bag of marshmallows

1 cube of butter

1 bag of milk chocolate chips (you can use semi-sweet)

1/4 Cup of light corn syrup

add to this a box of Golden Grahams Cereal. It will be quite stiff.

Spread into a buttered 9x13 pan.

Kicking off the Season

2011-11-14T18:56:00.005-07:00

I entered this darling swap today! I love the idea that I can use what I have in my home! Tons of darling fabric and one of my favorite books! The whole thing sounds so fun to me. Go enter, SARAH!

Here are the answers to the questions they asked me to post...

What are your hobbies? Sewing, taking pictures, and reading

What are your favorite colors? Red and Robbins egg blue

Do you collect anything? cookbooks and fabric

Are you allergic to any fibers or animals? cats!

Do you have any pets? 2 dogs a 9 year old yellow lab and a 1 year old golden retriever

Coffee, Tea, or Chocolate? Herbal tea and CHOCOLATE!

What do you like to read? Almost anything. Quilting magazines and photography magazines.

Do you prefer Cookies or Candies as a sweet? Peppermint candies!

What is your favorite holiday treat? hot chocolate in the early morning with a candy cane in it!

Describe your favorite holiday tradition. Reading the Nativity story from 2nd Luke by the lights on our Christmas tree on Christmas Eve.

Did you believe in Santa as a child? Oh yes! Until I was at least 10. My mom made it MAGICAL!

When do you open presents? One on Christmas Eve the rest Christmas morning.

Do you put up a tree and when? If not, how do you celebrate? I love to put our tree up the first Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Does your tree have a theme? Not to the average eye. But I received an ornament every year from both my grandmother and mother. So it is really a tree of my history! I do the same for my children now and so does my mom!

What has been your favorite gift to give? to receive? I like to make handmade gifts. I think the soft quilts are the most fun to give. And to receive I would say I love anything...but I really do like handmade gifts!

Sewing!

2011-11-12T23:04:00.005-07:00

My little Missy has been taking sewing lessons @ http://simplestitchesschool.blogspot.com/. She has loved it and learned so much! Like a french seam! I don't even know how to do that.

So when her friend was having a birthday party she decided to make her a gift!
Along with sewing skills comes her confidence. With things like ironing!

And pinning!

The only draw back is that she sews on a Bernina at class so she is all about using mine!

All in all pretty darn cute huh? Her friend loved it!

I love that she is developing a talent that she will use her whole life!

Taquitos

2011-09-21T22:56:00.004-06:00

One of our family favorite meals is taquitos. Years ago I learned to make them at the side of a sweet women named Berta! She made the best food ever. I was shocked at just how simple these really are.

Ingredients:

4 chicken breasts

1 tbls kosher salt

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp cumin

canola oil, about a cup

40 small corn tortillas

Boil the chicken breast until cooked through, drain water and let cool. After cooled shred the chicken into small pieces. Add salt and spices mixing to distribute evenly.

Add oil to a large skillet heat over barely medium high.

OK here is where it gets tricky! Take 2 paper towels and place 5-6 corn tortillas on top. Wrap them up and put them in the microwave for 45 seconds. Take them out and open them up, like a cute little present!

Ok so now take a couple pinches of chicken and set them on the on edge of the tortilla and roll VERY tightly. Then you oh so gently set them in the skillet of warmed oil. Being sure to hold the rolled tortilla seam side down so that it will seal shut!

Now do that over and over until you finish them all warmed tortillas. Then you wrap up the next bunch and warm them up. When they are done the ones in the skillet should be ready to roll over.

I always add mine to the right. So that the one on the left is ready soonest. I never switch this routine. Does that make me crazy?!

This should be served with some serious guacamole!

avocados

tomatoes

green onions

a little red onion

cilantro

lime juice

salt and pepper

jalapenos if you are brave!

Rough chop all these and stir together! Real guacamole NEVER has mayo or sour cream in it!

Berta said so!

OH! And by the way, Berta does not soften her tortillas in the microwave. Nope, she holds them over the open flame of the burner. HELLO?

Tour de Cure

2011-06-12T22:18:00.005-06:00

Yesterday I went to Tour de Cure I didn't ride but my cousins did.

I still had lots of fun though I hula hooped and, went in the bouncy house.

I also waited at the finish line for all the people who rode (in my family).

For the people that don't know what Tour de Cure its where you go on a bike ride there is the fun run 25 miles 60 miles and 100 miles.

The bike ride is to raise money to find a cure for diabetes.

There where only port- a- potys and they were gross.

Apple Muffins with Praline Glaze

2011-03-27T12:00:00.004-06:00

These muffins are incredible! They are not very sweet at all without the glaze and so very moist. So if you are looking for a simple muffin that works for a breakfast this is it! With the glaze it is decadent! Try them!!

First of all I toasted the nuts. You can use either walnuts of pecans but let's be real pecans are better! I toast them at 350 for about 10 minutes, just scattered on a cookies sheet.

For the muffins

1 Cup sour cream

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 tbl vanilla

2 cups flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

1 1/2 cup chopped apple

1 cup chopped nuts

Mix sour cream and sugar together. Add eggs and vanilla. In a separate bowl mix together the dry ingredients then add them to the sour cream mixture. Fold in apples and nuts. Make sure to spray you muffin tins well. Bake at 350 for 22 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes then transfer to baking rack that has been placed over a large cookie sheet. (like the picture)

Glaze

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup dark brown sugar

heat butter and sugar together in a small pan over medium heat. Bring to boil and continue cooking for about a minute, stirring constantly. Drizzle over muffins. Let muffins completely cool then enjoy!

Simple Sunday

2011-03-06T11:41:00.003-07:00

Hebrews 13:15

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifie of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

Help!

2011-02-04T14:19:00.002-07:00

OK friends I need some help! There is the contest on Facebook at my favorite Realtors office!

Tiger Ladies Real Estate

So truth be told this is my cute Mother in law and my even cuter sister in law! Yep I went there! They recently opened a brand new office! They truly rock. If you need any buying or selling your house call them! I promise they are incredible!

The contest is for a gift certificate to Ruth's Chris! I entered it the very first day I could. Not so much because I wanted to win but rather I wanted them to win. Each person who "likes" their page is a potential client. BUT the contest ends the day before my husbands 40th birthday! What a great way to celebrate!

As it gets closer to the end of this competition I am suddenly having some stiff competition. I could really use some help. If you are on facebook will you go through the steps to "like"

Tiger Ladies Real Estate?

Which is located about halfway down the page on the left hand side of the page. It is in that facebook script you know? THEN you need to look to the RIGHT and you will see a post saying it's contest time, about two comments down. Then you click on view comments....THEN you click "like" on my comment!

Phew!!! I know that this is a lot! But pretty please help me out??

And here is where you can find

The Tiger Ladies Real Estate Blog

Spare Some Time to Sew?

2011-01-10T22:47:00.005-07:00

Happy Chemo Sew-In Charity Event!

This service project is being offered at my favorite quilt shop! I adore Quilters Haven!

I know that this is something that women will truly appreciate. My dear sister battled breast cancer for 13 years before passing away. I did not live near her when she had her last relapse. I wanted to do something for her. I made her a simple flannel tie quilt. She loved it! She took it to treatment with her every time.

If you have a sewing machine and can sew a straight stitch come sew.

If you have fabric you would like to donate call me and I will come get it.

I hope some of my crazy family and friends can make it!

Simple Sunday

2011-01-02T10:18:00.003-07:00

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me

It's a New Year

2011-01-01T17:28:00.004-07:00

Some years I would set goals knowing I would never attain them.

Some years I set goals believing this was the year to attain them.

Some years I set no goals.

This year I decided to set only attainable goals. Things that were very important to me. Things I knew that were significant enough that I would think of them often.

Basically I have 3 goals for the year.

First, and in very important order!

To become closer to and live a more Christ centered life. To focus on things that will bring me closer to Him. Thngs that will bring my family closer to Him. Actions that will share with others without question my testimony of Him.

Second,

To become more disciplined in my life. I am not going to break this down into tiny goals. Rather the goal is to not procrastinate so much. To finish what I start. To organize the closets more often. To spend more time with my family. To not put off the things I don't want to do. Then I will have more time to do the things I do want to do!

Third,

To make my health a priority. This past year I was blessed beyond imagination. I was relieved to find that I do not have the BRCA gene mutation that my dear sister had. That my other sister has. That my darling niece has. I was in a car accident that could have been so much worse. I feel like I have a strong healthy body and I need to take better care of it. That my whole family is stong and healthy. But that if we don not make our health a priortiy it may not always be that way.

I plan to move more. Eat more healthy food and less junk. Sorry kids that means less cookies for you!

A dear friend who is amazingly strong (actually in all the areas I have set goals for myself) recommended this book to me. Yep Martha I mean you!

http://www.amazon.com/Younger-Next-Year-Women-Strong/dp/0761147748/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1293928822&sr=1-2

It is one of those books that makes you really stop and think. I am not 50 yet and have really been enjoying it. Do not wait until you are 50 to read it. The information in it are things you can and should be doing today.

So that's it for me.

Be more Christlike

Be more self disciplined

Eat better and move more

Good luck to you in any goals you may have set!

I think 2011 is going to be a great year!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T22:01:00.002-07:00

Wishing you a joy filled Christmas.

May you ponder the true reason to celebrate.

The birth of The only begotten Child of God; our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Take a minute to feel the peace and love that He provides for us.

Girls Night

2010-12-12T21:29:00.007-07:00

About a week ago a new but incredible friend invited me over to make wreaths. Having been to her house I knew they would be amazing!

You should see how she decorates!! So cute!! In her entry is a framed picture of Santa, but really it is her father! How cute is that?

Back to the wreaths!!! I asked what I should bring. She said anything, maybe some ribbon. It just has some of this and some of that.

I bought a couple ornaments, including the bi-plane, gathered ribbon from around the house and at the last minute I threw some sparkly balls in the bag. I think I used like 5 things that I brought including a glue gun!

Candice the most talented wreath maker ever supplied the rest! It was so fun!!! Two other fun ladies came over and I can honestly say that their wreaths turned out just as cute, if not cuter!

Thanks Candice for sharing your talent and darling supplies! And thanks to Michelle and Tina for making the night such a blast

. I simply love my new wreath. Enough so that I yanked all the stuff of my old ones and am re-doing them as well.

I will post pictures when they are done.

The completed wreath! Looks cute huh? Kinda of crazy and fun!!
Glittery ornaments!

This one shows my favorite part! The little bi-plane. It reminds me of the beach!

The cute Merry Christmas!

Giant candy!

A ton of different ribbon!

And snowflakes!

Hidden presents!

A Quilt

2010-11-21T10:56:00.003-07:00

It started with a doll.

Chads Cubscout Leader had an American Girl Doll. Actually two of them; Molly and her friend Emily. Sharon's daughter and husband gave her Molly to start because Molly was born the same year as she was!

My little Morgan told this leader that she too had Molly. She also commented on how cute it was the both the dolls had so many clothes. Sharon told us how a long time ago American Girl Dolls sold the patterns for the clothes and that she had made all the doll clothes herself!

Just a few short months later Morgan received her own Emily doll from Santa. She also got a little box from a secret friend. In that box was a rain hat and coat for her Molly doll! Morgan was so excited and I knew just who to thank!

Morgan now know who her secret friend is. Every year since she has received a gift from Sharon for Christmas. Each year a beautifully handmade outfit for her doll.

This year Morgan has a little surprise of her own. She made Sharon a beautiful little quilt for her dolls! She took her time, picking out a couple seams so that it would be just perfect. I helped her with the actual quilting and the binding. I can't wait to see Sharon's response when she gets her own little box this year!

Molly and Emily

Molly's Birthday Dress, made by our friend Sharon
(by the way Sharon made a doll outfit for every little girl in the ward)

The Quilt

Pillow Cases

2010-10-29T12:49:00.007-06:00

I have been working on a few little crafts recently. Specifically ruffles. Long, long LONG strips of fabric for ruffles. So I was telling a friend how much I hate making ruffles. She said she had a great trick. So I gave it a try. It works like a charm. Here it is!

You use this kind of floss. It is a sturdy floss that will not unravel. She also said that you can also use dental floss.

So the trick is you sew down the edge securing it to the fabric. Next you switch to a loose zigzag. Be sure to not catch any fabric as you go. If you do, not that I ever have that problem, just pull the thread gently out of the floss and start at the place you left off. This does not have to look perfect. It will not be visible.

I forgot to take a picture of the next step. And really it is the most fun! You just pull the string through the zig zag casing. Gathering the fabric to the amount you desire. Next I pinned it down to the fabric for the pillowcase.

Lastly, I turned it right side out and sewed down a decorative ric rack. A bright happy red!

Family: A Proclamation to the World

2010-08-30T21:47:00.007-06:00

Today I happened upon THIS BLOG!

I was moved to tears. My heart was filled.

It is the perfect way to celebrate the 15th anniversary of THIS!

Lately it seems to me that the world has been clawing and tearing at my family. Well ...really all families. Like the world is trying to chip away at the foundation of the family. Like the world is trying to chip away the very most important things in my life; my family.

There are temptations and evils all around us. I am always praying for my children to be protected from those temptations. As I pray I realize that the protective barrier is me. Well not really me but my husband and myself are the conduit in which the protection will pass. That is is Gods love and wisdom that will save them. He has given us the tools we need to survive these trying times. We are to teach and guide our children so that they will know what to turn away from. What to avoid. Or more often these days it is who rather then what. When I read the following paragraph I am reminded of this sacred duty.

"Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations. "

I have much faith in the scripture Proverbs 22:6,

Train up a child in the way he should go:

and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

I turn to the scriptures for guidance in my daily challenges as a mother. I fall short so often that I truly lean on my Savior Jesus Christ. I repent often for my short comings as a mother and am thankful that through The Atonement of Jesus Christ I am forgiven. I truly would not know where to start in raising my children if it were not for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.

I am so happy to be able to participate is this celebration! What a great theme to dedicate the month to. I know it is a little last minute for some of us, but come on...you have all day tomorrow to be thinking about it. Do what I did....start by reading or re-reading the "Family: A Proclamation to the World"! I hope it moves you as much as it did me!

Be sure and check back often...I will be posting about my experiences this month!

Traditions

2010-08-30T19:42:00.002-06:00

The first rain of each school year I make cookies while the kids are at school. They are warm and ready when they come home. It is something my mom did for me. I remember walking home in the very occasional southern California rain just knowing that there were warm cookies waiting. Now I do the same thing. I hope that my kids have the same anticipation that I used to have!

1st Day of School

2010-08-28T23:34:00.002-06:00

How quickly they grow...

top ten reasons I am sad they started school

1. house is too quiet
2. one year older
3. time away each day
4. homework
5. drama at school
6. early mornings
7. packing lunches
8. forms to be filled out
9. bedtimes
10. laundry

top ten reasons I am happy they started school

1. time to clean
2. time to cook
3. time to sew
4. no fighting
5. no dirty dishes in the middle of the day
6. routine
7. making new friends
8. bedtimes
9. learning new things
10. I can hear myself think

Scouts

2010-08-19T23:07:00.004-06:00

Chad had a Court of Honor last night and he received a rank advancement. He is now a Star Scout. Moving right up the ranks.

One of the funniest parts of scouts is the skits. Chad and his troop did a skit where they were acting out a scene. The director would have them do it over and over again different styles every time. The funniest by far was when they did it as a musical! These silly boys who never act that way...and to hear them singing out the scene was hysterical.

A side note: I have been playing on Picnik! LOVE IT! The one at the bottom focused in on Chad is so cool!

Simple Sunday

2010-08-15T00:00:00.001-06:00

James 3:18

And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

A Sweet Little Gift

2010-08-14T22:58:00.004-06:00

Last year Morgan and I planted several sunflower seeds. We had a few flowers, none as big as we had hoped for. We decided not to pull them or cut them until after winter. That it would be a nice treat for the birds. This year we were so excited to see so many pretty little sunflowers spring up! This one is the tallest by far. Darn those east winds blew it right down! We considered cutting it for Missy's room. In the end we decided that leaving them for the birds would be much nicer! Maybe next year we will have another sweet little gift!

A Happy Day

2010-08-13T23:30:00.008-06:00

It may have been noted; I have not been posting very often! Pretty much nothing personal at all. It has been quite sad in the MacQueen home. Well mostly just me but still I am a MacQueeen!

My Camera broke! Oh No! Oh Yes, it did. It has been broken for a long time. I am sure anyone can do the math and figure out when the posting drastically dropped off. Well, I had decided my camera was not worth the cost of repair. I would just save for the one I like. Only it costs quite a bit of money. Meanwhile holidays have come and gone all the while NO PICTURES! I tried not to complain. To suffer in silence. Really anyone who know me know that there is no such thing as silence when associated with me! So I complained and whined...mostly just to my cute hubby.

So today the problem has been fixed! My camera is now working again! Even better then ever. And get this...it cost $54.00 to fix!

Oh happy day!

So check back because there is some catching up to do!

Simple Sunday

2010-07-03T23:42:00.003-06:00

Galations 5:1

Stand fast therefore in the liberty werewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

Simple Sunday

2010-04-18T10:13:00.002-06:00

Helaman 5:12

And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the son of God, that ye meust build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his might winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have nopower over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.

Simple Sunday

2010-03-21T08:34:00.002-06:00

2 Corinthians 9:8

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, things, may abound to every good work:

Simple Sunday

2010-03-07T18:22:00.002-07:00

John 14:6

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Thin Mints or Samoas?

2010-02-28T00:27:00.003-07:00

Which ever you prefer we got 'em!

The easy part is done..now the delivery begins! I think that is more up Charlies alley wouldn't ya say? Now I just have to get him to see it my way!

Words of Wisdom

2010-02-20T17:02:00.004-07:00

I "lifted" this post of a blog I lurk at...it cracked me up! You can find her at http://sherimhoward.blogspot.com/ ! I really wish that someone would have given me this list when we relocated to Utah. I can honestly say it was truly shocking the first year!

This list was given by an older woman to a younger women who had just moved to Minnesota with her husband to start their first job after being in Arizona for grad school. I thought it applied to any who live in long winters....and then to everyone else.

1. Laugh and smile at least once every day
2. Learn something new. Marjorie Hinckley said, “Develop intellectual curiosity.”
3. Get adequate rest even if you have to give up something else and take a nap. Five hours a night is not enough.
4. Exercise enough to sweat….not necessarily to loose weight.
5. Feed your body with healthy food
6. Feed your spirit with healthy words
7. Count your blessings often. Keep a blessing journal and write things down. Sometimes we ignore the small things
8. Offer a daily prayer with real intent.
9. Find something you were meant to do here on earth and do it. Pursue it and find joy in it.

I would add #10....Spring does not come in February like it does in California! AND it does not come until mid May! That one was the hardest for me, for some reason I actually thought that by March it would be in the 50's and 60's!

Anonymous

2010-02-19T21:20:00.003-07:00

Comment deleted
This post has been removed by a blog administrator.
February 19, 2010 5:24 AM

Does anyone else get super duper creepy anonymous comments on their blog? Like way far off the track from what your blog or particular post is even about! I used to wonder why people would delete comments; I get it now! Twice I have received comments in Chinese! I actually copied it and went to a Chinese-English translation website and entered it...ummm not a website I would chose to go to!

So I will no longer be accepting anonymous comments from anyone! I am really not enjoying the invites for all sorts of medication!

Something Pretty

2010-02-14T16:41:00.004-07:00

Could anything be any prettier?

Ok maybe this is a little prettier?

Yeah, well, ok this is even better!

But this, may be a bit hard to see just what is going on, is by far the prettiest of all! I made these pretty strawberries for my young women. I love them so much and really wanted to do something to make the day special. Well as I was thinking about how much I love them I had this strong feeling that I was supposed to remind them that Heavenly Father loves them even more. The funny part is that I was telling the girls my feelings and the women I work with started nodding. I didn't think anything of it, until the end when she told me that she had been feeling the same thing this morning. I guess that's how you know that you were really listening to something bigger, and smarter, and more loving...

Simple Sunday

2010-02-14T16:35:00.002-07:00

Isaiah 44:24

Thus saith the Lord, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the Lord that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by meyself;

Krispy Kreme Donut Burger

2010-01-31T15:00:00.005-07:00

We recently watched an episode of Man V. Food. They were traveling around the country to several different baseball stadiums. In Illinois they had the strangest burger we had ever seen. So we decided to give it a try!

It starts off in a reasonable manner...burger, bacon and extra sharp cheddar cheese. Now it gets crazy...you slice a Krispy Kreme donut in half, like a bun. Next you place it cut side down to kinda grill it. Place the burger on top of the rounded side and top with the other half. Everyone said it tasted awesome on the show. So we thought why not. Lets try something crazy and make these on Sunday.

Well let me give you the results:

Morgan = says it was sweet, the bacon was good, and she would have it again.

Chad = spit it out immediately saying it was disgusting! He said you can eat a donut or a burger but not a donut burger!

Charlie = It has a bit of everything, sweet, salty, meaty. He said for those who like tangy meat it would be good. He does not even like teriyaki because it is sweet. He would only it again if we were at the ball field where they make them.

Me = the flavor was fun. I do enjoy sweet meat. It was interesting. The truth is that I can hardly post about this because I feel like I am going to toss my cookies! I only ate a couple bites and they are not sitting well at all! Would I try them again? Not a chance!

.Simple Sunday

2010-01-31T13:07:00.004-07:00

D&C 101:16

Be still and know that I am god.

Christmas, A Day Late And A Dollar Short

2010-01-29T22:44:00.006-07:00

I threw it all in this one post!~ With not a lot of words~ There are pictures of Christmas morning, Morgans class Christmas morning, and the picture of Shawn laughing is when he opened the "moose sweatshirt" with the additions! Jingle bells! This shirt has been passed back and forth for the last few years. It was actually really funny!

Chinese New Year

2010-01-29T22:35:00.002-07:00

Morgans third grade class celebrated Chinese New Year today. It was a really fun program. One thing we noticed was that although Morgan tends to be a bit shy in daily life...all that flies out the window when you put her on stage. I know I should not brag...I really do..but look at the pictures where she is dancing..is that not pure joy? Notice that often the children would "follow" her, waiting for her to lead them into the next steps of the dance.

My Beloved Huntington Beach

2010-01-19T19:31:00.004-07:00

Things I never have seen! I actually wish I could have been there to see it....the winter storms at the beach were some of my very favorite!

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

2010-01-04T20:57:00.003-07:00

A little stack of "Nicey Jane" fabric by Heather Bailey!

It's actually not a little stack! See all those??? I entered a contest at my local quilt shop. I never ever win anything!

I got a call today and they said I won!!!

Whoopeeeee!!! A whole fat quarter stack of the new line!

Thanks Quilter's Haven!

Don't ya just think these happy colors will help take the edge of the gross, yucky, cold, grey, messy winter?

Simple Sunday

2010-01-03T15:05:00.003-07:00

Image by Greg Olsen

Joshua 1:9

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Simple Sunday

2009-12-20T12:46:00.003-07:00

Luke 1:31-33

And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name, JESUS

He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

The Reason for the Season

2009-12-13T21:13:00.005-07:00

This Christmas I wanted to really focus with my family on the important parts.

Last week we attended the Christmas Devotional with the First Presidency. During that hour we heard the beautiful choir sing along with the orchestra and also messages from the prophet speak as well as the 1st and 2nd counselors. Each message was wonderful but President Monson spoke of things that seemed to be just for me. As we were driving home I talked with Charlie about re-focusing our time and energy on the more important part. He had the same feelings. We set goals to spend time each day reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas.

I recently found this great blog, LDS handouts. If you haven't heard of it you will thank me to hooking ya up! This sweet girl not only gave me a great idea of how to celebrate the season but also the sweet little handouts to go along! You can find her at: 12 Days of Christmas

Instead of giving these to a neighbor we are doing it for our little family. The intent is next year to branch out and share with a couple friends. We started with the stable and spoke about how blessed we are in our lives. How the Savior was born of such humble beginnings. We pondered how God used that simple birth as an example. How He could have provided any and all luxury for His son to be born. How there must be something for us to learn from His humble birth.

Shortly after that as I was tucking Morgan in; she asked me to read a book to her. Morgan picked "The Small One", by Alex Walsh. If you have not heard of it you should try to find it.

This story is about a young boy who lives on a farm with his family. The donkey, Small One, is old and no longer able to do his work. The boys father gives the boy the responsibility to sell Small One for 1 piece of silver. The boy spends much time trying to find a good home for his friend. The tanner offers 1 piece of silver but the boy does not want his friend to die. In the end of this sweet story Joseph buys Small One for Mary to ride. It is a lovely little story that we as a family have enjoyed for years.

Now here is the interesting part. The Small One is no longer in print. In face the original printing was in 1979 and was re-released in 1995. I remember buying this book years before I had children. I had seen it at the book store and fell in love. The publisher is Disney! Can you imagine Disney printing a book about the birth of Christ today? In fact the first page starts with a scripture: Proverbs 15:33, before honor is humility. I really was astounded reading this book tonight...couldn't help but think of just how far off track the world seems to have gotten. Today this would not be the popular choice at all. I am thankful that I bought this book before my little family started..thankful that I can share this sweet Christmas story with them.

Remember this holiday season while you are running from place to another the real reason we celebrate this holiday.

I am so very thankful this Christmas for my savior Jesus Christ. I know that it is through him that I will return to my Father in Heaven one day. I know that without his Atonement I would have no chance to achieve that! I also know that God loves me. That all good in my life comes from Him. I feel such joy and peace in that knowledge.

12 Goodies of Christmas

2009-12-07T22:03:00.004-07:00

English Toffee??? Why English?? No Toffee in America? Anyone? Anyone?

Chad gets his spacers on Thursday and braces the following Thursday! Merry Christmas to Chad!! His request?? As much toffee, carmel, and overall chewy stuff before that day!!

So I thought why not include the recipes that will please my son!

Toffee, recipe from Wanda Wach, my sister's cute mother-in-law!

1 cup butter

1 cup sugar

1 tbls water

First of all coat a jelly roll pan with butter, not the spray kind, rub a cube all over it!! Next, put the above ingredients in a saucepan heating over medium heat. Heat until it comes to a boil, start timing from the rolling boil point. Boil for 5-7 minutes. So 5 for a more gritty dissolving kind or 6 or 7 for a more sticky kind! Spread onto pan. Then sprinkle the milk chocolate chips on top. Let sit for a minute, then spread with a spatula. Now you can put this in the fridge for 2-3 hours. Or like I do...set it on the cast iron planter hanging by your front door. Colder then the fridge but safe from the wind and snow!! Now that's resourceful!!

Simple Sunday

2009-12-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

Alma 46:15

And those who did belong to the church were faithful: yea, all those who were true believers in Christ took upon them, gladly, the name of christ, or Christians as they were called, because of their belief in Christ who should come.

Caramel Popcorn

2009-12-05T20:12:00.004-07:00

So I have a clever friend who has put together a recipe group. ( I am not clever enough to think of a better name!) There is a theme for each month and she puts them all on a cute little blog. So I thought I would share what I contributed this month and add a link for ya!

Knead A Recipe Blog

Go check it out... Last month the theme was soup....who can't use more great soup recipes? I can honestly say the the Chicken Tortilla Soup is the best tortilla soup I have ever made! Use the Chipotle Chili powder!

4-6 quarts of popped popcorn (sorted to remove kernels) I pop mine in a sauce pan on my stove top. Air poppers work or you can even use a few bags of microwave popcorn!

2 2/3 Cup Pecans

1 1/3 Cup Almonds

2 Cups butter

1 Cup dark Karo syrup

2 2/3 Cup sugar

Melt together in a large sauce pan. Bring to a rolling boil. Time from that point 3 minutes. Remove from heat and add 2 tsp Vanilla. Pour over the top of the popcorn and nuts. You can mix this in a bowl or spray your counter down with Pam and mix and spread out to ensure a even topping.

Snow Day, Almost

2009-12-05T19:52:00.006-07:00

Is she not the cutest girl ever!
Sledding, cautiously!

Uh Oh spinning around!

And now backwards with no control, except to dig her heals in to stop!

Too tired to walk up the hill!

Chad on the steep hill!

Building speed with an intense expression!

With a one foot one hand steer!

You can see the grass sticking through the snow. A sure sign that there is not enough snow to sled. Hmmmm well maybe not for my kids! They decided today was the first good snow and they were going to take full advantage. Chad is not in as many of the pictures because well...he is 12. I threatened to upload really bad pictures of him if he didn't allow me to take some. Does that make me a bad mother?

Simple Sunday

2009-11-22T14:34:00.003-07:00

Joshua 1:9

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy god is with thee withersoever thou goest.

More Pinwheels

2009-11-08T20:54:00.004-07:00

I have found a new hobby since moving to Utah. It's addicting!

First I cut oodles of these little squares.

Then I sewed a bunch of squares to the triangles.

And then presto! I sewed on some borders and paid a very nice lady to machine quilt it for me! Then I stitched on the binding and tada, a very cute baby blanket. Now I just need to send it to a very pretty little baby girl!

Simple Sunday

2009-11-08T15:47:00.004-07:00

John 1:4-7

And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.

This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darknes at all.

If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the lifht, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Simple Sunday

2009-10-25T17:11:00.003-06:00

2 Nephi 33: 6

I glory in plainness;

I glory in truth;

I glory in my Jesus, for he hath redeemed my soul from hell.

Feelin' Spooky

2009-10-16T23:01:00.002-06:00

While my family laid low...and tried our best to not infect everyone...this is what I worked on. Well in between caring for sick kids and taking a ridiculous amount of hot showers to drain my head! It's funny how I always want to work on stitching but never seem to have the time. I am glad I took of advantage of this house bound week to make a cute Halloween decoration!

This Little Piggy Stayed Home

2009-10-12T12:08:00.004-06:00

Can you guess what we have?

The truth is that so far this really acts just like a regular old flu. Only the doctor says that it spreads faster. Chances are we will all get it!

Lucky us!

Simple Sunday

2009-09-27T13:35:00.002-06:00

1 John 4:19

We love him, because he first loved us.

Contusions A Plenty

2009-09-19T22:06:00.002-06:00

A bike accident? Car accident? Fighting at school? Bad seat mate on the bus? Nope....football. Gee I wonder why so many mom's hate this sport! The small ones that are fading are from practice and the big ones that are nice and dark are from today's game. But hey..he did his job and the team earned another win! Go Eagles!!!!

Goal! Goal! Goalllllll!!!!

2009-09-17T19:03:00.002-06:00

Morgan has been playing soccer for about a year. She wanted to give it a try...and what do you know...she sorta rocks! This year is the first time she has played goalie. And let me tell you she is so good at it! (just to be clear...the first MacQueen who makes a Monica joke gets exlax brownies!)

Making a save

Sacrificing her cute little hands for a save

She tripped and fell and I put the camera down to make sure she was ok...she gets up and SCORES!! So no picture, darn it!

I think this is what makes her so good....she is way more aggressive then we ever thought possible. It's funny she is really very passive in normal life...but soccer...watch out!!

A Grape Day

2009-09-16T13:48:00.002-06:00

Or: Why I am learning to love Utah!

Last night I went to welcome our wards newest Mia Maid. Mormon talk for 14-15 yr old girls! Well....Kaelin was a bit delayed getting home so her father invited us in. As we were visiting he asked me if I would like to try one of the grapes from his vines. Of course I said yes....Oh My Gosh!!! The sweetest grapes I have ever tasted....EVER!!! He had 4 buckets full. I asked him what he did with the grapes. Here in Utah you USE what you grow. You can, put up, dehydrate or freeze. It is so cool. Well he said they make juice from the grapes. Being a city girl I had no idea how that worked, but being a curious city girl I asked. He showed me this steamer like pot that has a small tube attached to the front, where the juice comes out. Duhhh?? Then offered to let me borrow their steamer and gave me 4 buckets of grapes! How cool is that? So today I have been making juice. And you know what? It feels perfect. Just the right thing to do today, uncomplicated, no thinking involved, and man of man does my house smell good!

Now, how's that for healthy recipes...huh Sarah? Not a lick of sugar added!

Fresh grapes

Steamer thing

Steamed grapes

Yummy juice!

Simple Sunday

2009-09-13T13:25:00.001-06:00

3 Nephi 11:33

And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved; and they are they who shall inherit the kingdom of God.

My Big Sister

2009-09-08T00:15:00.002-06:00

Tamra Kaye Chapman

June 26, 1964 - September 4, 2009

I am not able to put into words all the thoughts running through my mind. The thoughts running through my heart are even more tangled. I have countless memories of my oldest sister. Too many to count. Some too precious to share.

Tami was diagnosed with breast cancer 13 years ago. She fought it. About 11 and 1/2 years ago it had spread to her lungs, then her brain. She fought it. 5 months ago she found another lump in her breast. She fought it. She fought and fought until her poor tired beautiful body could no longer withstand the treatment. Still she fought. It was not until her husband Mark told her it was OK to stop fighting that she passed away.

I honestly had no idea how terrible it would feel to see her succumb to this horrible disease. My heart aches for her husband and children. My heart aches for our mother. My heart aches for my kids who loved their Aunt Tami so.

My heart aches.

2 Timothy 4:7

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

This scripture describes perfectly my sister. I miss her terribly.

I thank my Father in heaven for providing a way for me to return to him. Where I will be greeted by my grandmother, father, and now my big sister. Who forever has blazed the trail for the rest of the family, the first to do everything.

A New Look

2009-09-01T19:59:00.003-06:00

We have lived here, in this house, in Utah, cold cold Utah....for FIVE years! That is the very longest we have lived anywhere! Crazy!!!! Back to my point!!! So my door was a lovely tan color...but it started to fade in the blazing hot Utah sun. I painted it my new favorite color. I don't even know the name!

Here is my question....What color should I paint the lovely....insert sarcasm here.....BRASS kickplate door and lock? Please weigh in. I am leaning towards black, or nickel, or silver...but the problem is that there is brass IN BETWEEN THE GLASS!!!! I can not get to that! HELP!!!!

Simple Sunday

2009-08-30T13:48:00.003-06:00

Matthew 6:19-21

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

But Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Back In the Saddle Again

2009-08-25T16:55:00.007-06:00

Now that school is back in session it's time to re-start the weekly treat recipe! And let's start with the best cupcake EVER!!!

The Batter

The Cupcake

The Perfect Treat

These cupcakes are the most heavenly cupcakes ever!!!

1 box yellow or chocolate cake mix
1 4oz vanilla or chocolate pudding
4 eggs
1 C sour cream
1/2 C water
1/2 C oil

Mix together with a wooden spoon. Batter is very thick. Bake at 350 for 18-22 minutes

I frosted them with homemade buttercream frosting. I googled the recipe and found this on cooks.com.

1 Cube butter, softened
1/4 C. + 2 tbls cocoa powder
1/4 mile
1 tsp vanilla
16 oz bag of powdered sugar

cream butter add cocoa. To that add milk and sugar, ending with vanilla.

YUM!!!

No! No! No! No! NO!!!

2009-08-24T14:35:00.003-06:00

I am not happy that my kids are THIS big now!!! I do not feel good about this at all!

Except that I do. I am so amazed at the incredible people my children are becoming! I just had a moment of shock this morning watching my children go off for their first day of school this year!

Now the party can begin!!!

Simple Sunday

2009-08-23T15:47:00.003-06:00

Photo credit: Liz Lemon Swindle

2 Nephi 25:26

We talk of Christ, we rejoice in christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.

Simple Sunday

2009-08-09T14:00:00.003-06:00

John 17:15-17

I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.

They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

Sanctify them through thy truth: they word is truth.

The Real Deal

2009-08-08T20:51:00.006-06:00

Do you ever feel like you are lost? Not physically lost..but you know not sure where the old you is? I have been feeling that often lately. I thought it was because my house is a mess. Nothing new there. Because I fat.....nothing new there either! Because I am so busy.....nope not new! OK so you see the problem. If there is no new issue then where am I?

Funny it took a trip to my favorite thinking spot to figure it out. As I sat on the beach watching the waves I realized I had been slipping. Becoming a person I don't like. The girl who worries what others think about how she looks. Who is concerned about her messy house more then concerned for their friend who is ill. Who is insecure and unhappy. This is not the real me!

So, as I sat watching my son learn to surf I noticed a lady taking pictures of her son learning to surf. She had the grown-up version of my camera, with a butt kicking zoom lens! I walked over to ask her about her camera and lens. She said "here try my other lens see if you like it". Who does that? A $900 lens I feel the need to point out. Well I loved it and her. I visited with her awhile and was reminded of the old me. The one who liked who she was. The one who was generous with others.

It started me thinking about a few questions.

1. Who am I now?

2. Who do I want to be?

3. What made me forget in the first place?

I know that I am first and foremost, a child of God. I know that He loves me. This without a doubt I know. Then if God made me and thought I was good why do I not act that way? I am strong, healthy, smart, and sometimes even fun. I want to be more. I want to be less concerned with my fat and more concerned with my heart. I want to be the person who sees others in need and responds. I want to be the person who keeps my unkind thoughts to myself and one day to not have them at all! Why did I get so off track? Well frankly I struggle to be my authentic self here. I am not overly concerned with having a perfect house, car, clothes or furniture. That is not the norm here. I found myself getting in stuck in the mire. No more. Holly the cute picture taker helped me see that. Not through any conversation but rather just by watching her.

Now about the picture....Holly took this of me while I was gathering shells with Morgan and Trevor, my nephew. First I am always the one taking the pictures. Second in case you didn't notice...I am wearing a swimsuit. Third I am actually posting it. So try not to focus so much on how I look and instead look past that to what I am doing; enjoying my family! This is who I am. The real me. I am going to try to remember that more fully!

Can You Say Squash??

2009-08-08T19:40:00.005-06:00

I have been forced to ask myself a question: What in the world can I do with all this zucchini? Last year we planted one plant and got ZERO zucchini! This year we planted 4 just to be safe. FYI if you plant a zucchini plant right in front of your compost bin you get ENORMOUS plants!!! With an abundant amount of squash!

This picture shows some of the baby squash!

While speaking with my very good friend, Sandy, who happens to live on a farm! OK not really but what do you call it when you have 10 chickens, a rooster, 3-4 ducks, 2 rabbits, a cat, a frog, and a SNAKE! Yes Sandy, I know about the snake, thanks for not asking me to feed that! GROSS!! AND an orchard with a huge successfully producing garden!
Is that not a farm?

Back to the conversation...what the heck to do with all this squash? Well you make zucchini pie she replies!! Okey Dokey, Sandy! It is so yummy!!! A huge hit! The original recipe was good on its own...but you know me! We can make it better! I will post both recipes! I promise your family will enjoy it!

Pretty huh??? This pie is with my additions!

A slice of the original recipe!

Zucchini Pie

preheat oven to 375

in a pie pan spread 1 container crescent rolls, making a crust of sorts, set aside

4 cups sliced zucchini

1/2 cup diced onion

1/4 butter

melt butter in a large skillet, saute zucchini and onion until tender

to that add

1 tbls oregano

1/2 tsp parsley

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

stir well and ten add to the skillet

2 cups mozzarella cheese

2 eggs, beaten

stir together and dump it in the pie pan!! Bake for 20 minutes then let sit for 10 more! Slice and eat.

For my variation:

Do it all the same, expect I caramelized the onions and zucchini a bit! AND added 1 garden fresh tomato chopped (yep that would be from my garden) and swiss instead or mozzarella! I swear it was even better! Honestly this will be a summer favorite for a long time to come!

And that's good because we have a ton of squash left!

Filing the Time

2009-07-26T15:15:00.005-06:00

First we went for a walk on the Huntington Beach pier then for dinner at Rubies. It was just sunset when we got there what a great night for a walk. My sister Tanya met us down there so Morgan was thoroughly spoiled rotten! She loved her cute balloon monkey in a tree.

Simple Sunday

2009-07-25T23:02:00.001-06:00

1 Corinthians 13:13

And now abideth faith, hope, and charity, these three;

but the greatest of these is charity.

Chad Turns 12

2009-07-21T23:30:00.003-06:00

My California boy learns to surf....showing how you can move the boy from the ocean but you can not take away his love of it!

This trip much time was spent with family

and the beauty of my first true love....

Huntington Beach!

We travel home early tomorrow morning. I just had to share this little preview. I have had many hours to reflect on my live and for whatever reason my brain works much better at the beach. I have gotten some perspective on my life and plan to write about it in the next few days.

Simple Sunday

2009-07-19T11:30:00.002-06:00

2 Nephi 4: 34-35

O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of the flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yeah, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm.

Yea, I know that God will give liberally to him that asketh. Yea, my God will give me, if I ask not amiss; therefor I will lift up my voice unto thee; yea, I will cry unto thee; my God, the rock of my righteousness. Behold my voice shall ever ascend up to thee, my rock and my everlasting God. Amen.

Morgan on the news

2009-07-13T17:18:00.005-06:00

Check out Morgan on California's local news!

We were at the water park today when the news truck showed up. She certainly is not shy that's for sure!

CLICK HERE to see Morgan on the News!!!

We tried really hard to post the actual video clip! Sorry....

Something To Smile About

2009-07-09T15:30:00.003-06:00

Today Morgan got her "Habit Breaker" removed! Yipee for Missy!!!! No more metal spikes in her mouth....no more thumb sucking! You know they actually smell in the morning after being in her mouth all night? Baby Bad Breath is still just as bad!

Simple Sunday

2009-07-05T16:40:00.002-06:00

Luke 15:7-10

I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one peice, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?

And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbors tohether, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the peice which I had lost.

Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

Something New!!!!

2009-06-29T14:07:00.005-06:00

I have a new blog layout!!! What do you think? You will not believe that this was a freebie from the blog designer "Green Leaves Designs"! I love how it is "SIMPLE" and yet kind of whimsical! Does this not reflect my personality???

I have been on a bit of a blogging hiatus. Family stuff. YUCK!! My mom has been in the hospital for over a week now, actually coming up on 2! Poor thing...they are still not able to release her. The problem is with her gallbladder but due to complications she is not able to have the surgery yet. It really is sad. She has been really sick for the last week!

My big sister Tami who is the most remarkable cancer survivor I know had an MRI come back with something on it. This is not good. Her cancer spread to her lungs and brain once before. We don't like hearing "something" is on her scan! EVER!!!! She is the toughest of tough cookies....but really how much a gal supposed to go through?

To top it all off we made a quick run to the ER to check on my husbands mom. Another remarkable woman I might add. She is in some serious pain. The worst part is that the staff in the ER were unable to find anything "life threateningly" wrong! How lame is that. This is a woman who I have never seen complain of pain, ever!! She gave birth to 10 children, she is no wimp!!! They were not able to run the test they needed to and it looks like with the proper tests this week they may be able to get to the bottom of this!

OK!!! So I am really giving a shout out for some prayers to be thrown our way. Specifically BETTY, TAMI and SANDY !! These women need some extra help!

I have heard bad things happen in "3's"; I hope that means we are done!

Now honestly....isn't my blog so cute????

Simple Sunday

2009-06-21T13:50:00.002-06:00

John 10: 27-30

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.

I and my Father are one.

Sunday Traditions

2009-06-14T21:08:00.007-06:00

Looking at the "dead fish"

which was actually a piece of foam

Rocket loves the water

trying to catch the tender moment

crossing the stream

loving the "hike"

Our little family like to play at Farmington Pond. Especially the dog! On Sunday's after church we will go explore around the pond. Sometimes fishing but most of all just letting both the kids and dog play! We have gotten so much rain that the water is flowing fast...and COLD!

The last few weeks our kids have been a big pain in the butt! Nothing but fighting going on! So When we were wading through this quick moving stream Chad led the way then Morgan. At this one point Morgan kinda slipped a bit and Chad looked back and helped her. Then a few steps later he tells her to be careful its a slippery spot. I was so happy to have seen that because I honestly thought he just hated his sister!

Today was just a simple little family day. Nothing fancy, not a penny spent. But a memory of time spent together all the same!

Simple Sunday

2009-06-14T15:09:00.002-06:00

Deuteronomy 6: 4-7

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:

and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

and these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

And thou shalt teach them diligently unto they children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

Cookie of the Week x 124

2009-06-13T23:18:00.005-06:00

I have clearly lost my mind!

These pictures are only the very tip of the iceberg!

Can you say 8 pounds of butter??

12 bags of chocolate chips???

I have always heard that if you can find the thing you love to do and turn it into a job you will be successful...well we are still in the very early stages of this new adventure...but I am selling out of cookie dough faster then I can make it!

There are some real cookie lovers up in here!

Thank goodness!!!

Thank you to my good friends, Jenny and Andrea, who have encouraged me to do this for months! Thank you Melody for helping me make business cards! Thank you Brother Ockey for being the very first person to tell me that I should sell my baked goods!

Thank you Charlie for doing puzzles with Morgan and playing softball with Chad so that I could make more dough; then make more dough!! Hee Hee, I really need to go to bed now; I am getting all sorts of slap happy!!!

Day At the Beach ( I Wish! but the lake will do)

2009-06-08T22:11:00.005-06:00

This past Saturday we went to Pine View with our friends the Hadley's. They invited us to go boating. We all had a blast. The Hadley's are super fun to be around, with kids both our kids ages. So Corbin showed Chad how to water ski; then Chad tried. Chad gave it a few tries but was not able to get up on the ski's! He had a blast trying. Morgan decided that tubing would be way more fun. Plus she was able to go with her friend Katelynn. The two of them were hysterical together!! Both girls would scream at Sherm if he jumped over a wake. They just wanted a nice smooth ride! They were little granny's out there. The boys on the other hand wanted it faster and more wild!

What a great way to start summer!

Simple Sunday

2009-06-07T18:24:00.004-06:00

1 Peter 1:15-16

But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation:

Because it is written, Be ye Holy; for I am holy.

Growing Up

2009-06-06T11:10:00.003-06:00

Chad's graduation was awesome. They all had matching t-shirts which they had all signed their names on. Then they had a couple really cool musical numbers! Chad's instrument of choice was the recorder! Hee Hee! He actually hated playing it! He also played some sort of cool drum. Which was way cooler, at least he did not blush quite so much while playing that. Jessica spent the night the night before and joined us for the graduation. Chad and Jess are pretty funny together; picking out all the creepers for the other one to look at. After we went to Nielsen's for custard to celebrate! Later that night we had a home run derby with a bunch of Chad's friends out at the fields. Pictures later!

The real question is: How can my little boy be going to middle school?

Family Night

2009-06-04T21:47:00.005-06:00

This last Monday we had a little outdoor family night. The kids and I ate yummy smores. Charlie used his mad skills to build the fire! Then informed me that he has never really liked smores. Who does not like Smores?? All this time and he hid it from me!I feel like I don't even know him!

Then the wind started blowing and sky got all dark and we got dumped on! It was so cool! I love summer thunder storms!

The tree was whipping, this picture really does not do it justice!

So You Think You Can Dance

2009-06-01T22:15:00.005-06:00

At the kid's school today they had a "dance off" so to speak. Actually every grade danced a different genre. It was so fun! Morgan's dance genre was ballroom. The Lindy Hop to be specific. Here is where it gets funny!! Morgan had to dance with....gasp a BOY! She knows that is a problem....mostly because her father let's her know how she is way to young to be dancing with a boy!!! How funny is that? This fine boy is Josh and happens to be the son of my good friend Mishaun. They were partnered because they were both attentive and respectful during all the practices. Secretly I think it is because Josh is one of very few boys who are taller then Morgan! I just love these pictures!

Now on to Chad. He danced a Jazz number...and he was in the back row so I have no pictures....OK that's not true....see the plaid green shorts? That's my boy!! And let me tell you he does not have his sister's grace!

Simple Sunday

2009-05-31T00:00:00.000-06:00

Photo Credit: Xeno

Romans 12:2

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Tiger Pride (say what?)

2009-05-25T11:18:00.004-06:00

I finished the baby quilt for Sarah a few days ago. But I did not want to send it without a little something for Afton's big brothers. What better then LSU pillowcases. I think they will be happy with them...and so will their dad!

Simple Sunday

2009-05-24T15:26:00.004-06:00

Art Credit: Patty Baker

Jacob 4: 7

Nevertherless, the Lord God showeth us our weakness that we may know that it is by His grace, and His great condescensions unto the children of men, that we have power to do thse things.

A Complete Exit From Sanity

2009-05-21T23:12:00.004-06:00

Do I need to say more? I must admit, Chad has asked for this haircut for 2 years. I always so no. But then thought OK, for one day. So you see the insanity actually comes from me!

Growing My Heart

2009-05-20T23:07:00.005-06:00

Tonight I went to a Fireside. For my California friends, I know I know. It is Wednesday night. Charlie was reffing 4 basketball games. The kids were home being grumpy. I really wanted to just stay home. Not enough time in my home these days. I knew who the speaker was. I felt that it would be a nice night. I had no idea!!!

Our guest speaker was Kenneth Cope. OK let me be real. I love this mans music. I always, I mean always feel the spirit while listening to his music. What I did not know is that this man was about to speak to my heart.

The words he spoke were simple. That we are more then what we have become. That we are children of God. OK I know that. I always have. But think about it...deeply. We are more then we see in the mirror, more then our neighbors think of us, more then we think of ourselves. We are Gods children. He wants to make us more.

Until we know how fallen we are we will never know how much the Savior really means to us.
-President Ezra T. Benson

Wow! Do you get that? That we are all broken. When we recognize that then we can stop judging each other and start linking hands and try to help each other through this experience. That was strait from Brother Cope!

To close this incredible evening he shared this thought.

Jesus Chris will bring us home. That is all he wants to do. If we will only let him carry us, on his shoulders. He will bring us home to our Fathers knee, who loves us even more then our brother, Jesus Christ. Again, wow! I feel like my soul has been touched.

This evening my heart has been softened. I have learned and grown. I am so thankful that I went.

Just Enjoying My Life

2009-05-19T15:17:00.006-06:00

You know how when your kids ask to "make" something your instinct is to say "no way!" Well this time I said "sure, why not?" Morgan wanted make a video camera and play news girl. She covered her cereal box with aluminum foil; added her "eye piece" (really a aluminum foil covered toilet paper roll). Next she asked me to help her cut out 2 big M's and a smallish 47; her news channel and call signs! She then started interviewing us. All the time I am thinking of all the things I should be doing. Then I thought of how fast time has flown by. How my little girl is 8! How could that be?

Our Home Teacher came by to see us just after she finished making this camera. Barry is such a great man. He gives a wonderful lesson each month; one that applies perfectly for our family. When Morgan sees it is Barry she asks him to wait a minute before starting. He agrees to. She runs off and quickly returns with a microphone (Hannah Montana) and her camera. She then says Barry would you mind if I interview you today while you give the lesson. He says that he would be happy to. The only stipulation is that Morgan needs to ask questions about the lesson. Which she does. How many people would be willing to do that?

Today I am glad that I took the time to just enjoy Morgan and her lovely little self!

This post was prompted by Emily over at Chatting At The Sky. Where she encourages us to enjoy life's little moments. The ones that we so often think do not matter. Or are messy. Or are silly. http://www.chattingatthesky.com/2009/05/19/tuesdays-unwrapped-3/

Simple Sundays

2009-05-16T23:33:00.003-06:00

Colossians 3:1-2

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

What Does Every 8 Year Old Need??

2009-05-15T15:05:00.002-06:00

A pink bike!!!

My little Morgan loves to ride her bike. She will ride all day long in the summer. Her old bike broke. By broke I mean her big brother rode it and jumped up and down on the pedals and snapped the axle! BROTHERS!!!! So we tried to fix it but the cost was almost as much as a brand new bike. Morgan was so happy to come home from school to find this pink bike! She says it is so cute!!! With lot's of o's! She was a little riding machine this afternoon!

Now doesn't she look so happy??

It Is Done

2009-05-11T20:56:00.003-06:00

This is my very first quilt ever! Well the real kind. With all sorts of little pieces and stuff. I love it! I am so happy with how it turned out. I am pretty sure Sarah and baby Coco will also love it! So Sarah....it's in the mail! I hope you love it!

The back 40

2009-05-11T20:33:00.003-06:00

It's all planted and ready for the sunshine! Last year our garden was about 1/2 this size. We loved it and were able to get several fun treats and a couple batches of salsa. We decided to double the size this year. So we planted a whopping 29 tomato plants! 14 pepper plants and only 6 of those are bell. We planted pumpking, watermelon, squash and zucchini. I can not wait to see what all this amounts to! I think that it is so pretty!

A Random Act of Kindness

2009-05-11T20:21:00.005-06:00

Sandy came and played at my house! Some people would call this weeding and planting work; not Sandy. She is honestly my dearest friend here in Utah. She went way over and above to make my life easier. I was getting ready to have all my family over for Morgan's baptism. I was running around with my head cut off trying to get it all done. She just came over and did it! Now it still looks a bit sparse but it is still early spring here in the Beehive state. She added some transplants from her own garden as well as some babies that she grew from seed!

This is my front side yard! I used to have NOTHING!!! growing here. Well maybe some weeds. Sandy also played here! She is like Robin Hood of gardening. She weeds at the over worked and gives (talent and flowers to the crazy!) She weeded then added soil then planted all sorts of goodies! She did all this as a surprise to me. She knew I had family coming over and wanted the yard to look as good as possible. I can't wait to see what this will look like in another 4 weeks! I am thankful for a good friend like Sandy!

Simple Sunday

2009-05-10T12:55:00.002-06:00

Alma 56: 47-48

Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them.

And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it.

Free dinner (kind of pathetic I know)

2009-05-05T18:15:00.003-06:00

The Oprah Winfrey Show/Kentucky Grilled Chicken Two-Piece Meal Coupon

Get two pieces of grilled chicken, two individual sides and a biscuit!Limited Time Download Coupon download available from 9 a.m. CDT on May 5, 2009, to 9:59 p.m. CDT on May 6, 2009. Coupon is redeemable at participating KFC® locations in the United States from May 5, 2009 to May 19, 2009—excluding Mother's Day, May 10, 2009.

Go Here!!!! For Free Chicken!!

http://www.oprah.com/article/oprahshow/20090430-tows-kfc-coupon-download

What I've been working on

2009-05-03T19:32:00.002-06:00

Chad was sick today. He has a really sore throat...bad enough that he woke me up at 6:30 whimpering in pain. After giving him some Advil and ice chips he was more comfortable. So off we went to the urgent care. Where we were told that he had.....a virus! What's new? So while Charlie and Morgan went to church and Chad watched DVDs I worked on Sarah's quilt. Well it is actually for her baby girl!!! I love how it is turning out! I was just shy of enough material to finish the quilt top! So tomorrow, while Chad is watching more TV I will finish the quilt top. AND maybe if I am feeling brave I will also stipple the quilt. Which I have never done, which I hear is easy. Only I am afraid it will actually be hard.

More Family Time (and righting a wrong)

2009-04-27T20:53:00.005-06:00

A Special Day

2009-04-26T16:43:00.005-06:00

Morgan, Grandma and Lauren

Morgan in the tulips

This is the picture we used for on Morgan's program.

Dad and Morgan, what a special day it was for our family.

Our family! How can it have been 8 years since our little girl was born. Morgan is such a special little girl. She is always happy, a fun girl to be around. Morgan loves school, soccer, dance, church, brownies (scouts) and swimming. She is always a little cautious the first time she tries something new; but is so proud of herself when she does it anyway! We had such a nice day together with all of our family. Charlies family came to the baptism, dance recital and party to follow. My mom flew in for the weekend and my brother, Tim and his family came in from California. They also picked up Mitchell; my sister Tara's oldest son. We had great fun with all the family together. At Morgan's baptism several family members participated by giving talks and prayers. We feel so blessed that so many family members could join us in celebrating this special day. What a blessing Morgan is to our family!

Simple Sunday

2009-04-26T16:11:00.002-06:00

Matthew 3:16-17

16 And Jesus when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Pay It Forward

2009-04-23T12:14:00.004-06:00

I logged on to http://sherimhoward.blogspot.com/ and read about Paying It Forward. This is really just like that movie we all saw years ago. I felt especially motivated to do this after being on the receiving end of 2 Pay It Forwards yesterday.

First as I was leaving to take Morgan to the Doctor my friend Sandy came by. She was there to see how she could help me. You see we have a lot of family coming into town for Morgan's baptism. Not to mention an open house with both sides of our family. She weeded and she planted and she even made and planted a whole new garden bed!! Who does that??? Sandy!!! She spent hours here making it look pretty!! Thank you! Thank you!! I will post pictures at a later time!

Secondly I received a package in the mail! A gift from my friend Sarah. She sent me "Spring In A Box", how cute is that??? There was a notepad, all sorts of spring colored candy, a rubber ducky, CHOCOLATE, sprinkles in a happy yellow, a little sunflower and the cutest little cupcake candles ever! Um Hello?? How well does she know me? By the way...this lovely lady's husband was just released from the rehabilitation center where he was recovering from surgery. (not to be confused with a DRUG REHAB center!!) She has been caring for her 3 boys while pregnant with her 4th child and running back and forth to her husband AND she makes the time to send me a gift???!!!??? I honestly don't know how she does this stuff!

There was also this cute quote in the box.

"No Winter lasts forever, no Spring skips its turn"

Hal Borland

Today I feel so blessed to have such great friends. I thought the idea of passing on their kindness would be a great way of showing my love and appreciation. Well that and making cinnamon rolls never hurts! I will just have to figure out how to send them to Sarah!

So to follow in the theme...for the first 5 people who leave me a little comment with a way to email you or reach of you I will make and send a little gift to you within the next 12 months! It will be a surprise when you get it!! It will also be a surprise what you get!! Oh goody doesn't that sound like fun??