I have been a bit stressed lately and feel I need to take some time to think about the things that I am grateful for. I am sure I will not think of everything that I am actually thankful for but here goes. . .
I Am Grateful For:
~My family and friends~
This includes my immediate family - my awesome husband and my two beautiful (inside and out) daughters; extended family, and fictive family (those who have given me their unconditional love an support as if I were family); and my friends past and present who have helped me along the way.
~The Gospel of Jesus Christ~
I am grateful to know that God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ are real, that they know who I am, and that they are actively engaged in my life. I am grateful for the blessings of the Temple and to know that my family can be together forever.
~Motherhood~
Motherhood is an eternal responsibility and privilege. The blessings, sacrifices, and challenges of motherhood have far exceeded any of my expectations. Now that I have children of my own I appreciate my own mother even more.
~Freedom~
I am grateful to live in this nation where I still have the freedom to worship God as I choose, for free speech, for democracy, and for laws that protect our rights.
~My home~
I am grateful for a nice home and for the many comforts therein.
~Food~
An abundance of food of all kinds.
~Chocolate~
It has a category all of it's own!
~Education~
I am grateful to have had the opportunity to attend some great schools and universities. I am grateful that it is paid in full! I am grateful that learning is a lifelong process.
~Gadgets and gizmos~
I am grateful for computers, telephones and cellphones, washers and dryers, stoves and microwaves, heat and central air, cars, planes, trains, indoor plumbing and showers, lights and electrical outlets, cameras and video, television and music players, CD's and DVD's, etc.,
~Misc.~
I am grateful that Elizabeth is now potty-trained!!
I am grateful that I can still play soccer (I did not say I was good, but I can still play).
I am grateful for vacations and holidays.
I am grateful to live where it does not snow!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Teaching Our Children To Pray
I am really grateful to be able to teach my daughters to pray. It has already been a rewarding experience teaching my daughter Elizabeth who is almost three years old.
During the week, after her father leaves for work, Elizabeth and I sit down for breakfast and I ask Elizabeth to offer the prayer and blessing of the food. At first she would simply say "thank you for the food." As she became more confident in praying, I would often prompt her with additions to the prayer.
Not long ago I started asking Elizabeth to say a "nice " prayer, or a "special prayer" which became the code words to encourage her say more than the fast food version of "thank you for the food." Not that simple prayers are not valid, but I wanted to teach her not to become too repetitious in her prayers and I wanted to encourage her to think of things she wanted to pray about specific for that day.
Last Thursday, I used our code words and asked Elizabeth to give a "nice" prayer. She in turn gave the fast food version of the prayer. I decided not to prompt her to add to the prayer. So I added my amen and we began to eat.
A few minutes later Elizabeth said earnestly, "Wait, we have to thank for Daddy, Mommy, Rachel and Elizabeth!" I said "Elizabeth would you like to say another prayer?" And she said yes and offered a beautiful addition to the previous prayer.
As I thought about this experience throughout the day I realized that there are lessons to be gleamed from this experience. One lesson is that we can always pray - even after we have already prayed. Another lesson is that we can learn from the example of our children!
During the week, after her father leaves for work, Elizabeth and I sit down for breakfast and I ask Elizabeth to offer the prayer and blessing of the food. At first she would simply say "thank you for the food." As she became more confident in praying, I would often prompt her with additions to the prayer.
Not long ago I started asking Elizabeth to say a "nice " prayer, or a "special prayer" which became the code words to encourage her say more than the fast food version of "thank you for the food." Not that simple prayers are not valid, but I wanted to teach her not to become too repetitious in her prayers and I wanted to encourage her to think of things she wanted to pray about specific for that day.
Last Thursday, I used our code words and asked Elizabeth to give a "nice" prayer. She in turn gave the fast food version of the prayer. I decided not to prompt her to add to the prayer. So I added my amen and we began to eat.
A few minutes later Elizabeth said earnestly, "Wait, we have to thank for Daddy, Mommy, Rachel and Elizabeth!" I said "Elizabeth would you like to say another prayer?" And she said yes and offered a beautiful addition to the previous prayer.
As I thought about this experience throughout the day I realized that there are lessons to be gleamed from this experience. One lesson is that we can always pray - even after we have already prayed. Another lesson is that we can learn from the example of our children!
Monday, October 5, 2009
General Conference Weekend
Spiritually Nourished, Physically Fed and Pampered
In preparation for General Conference we planned a meal and invited some friends to join us for Saturday's first session. I also found a resource from a great blog and we planned on some awesome pamperings!
Saturday
Our friends came over and we enjoyed some yummy snacks - homemade grilled pita with a homemade roasted pepper sauce, homemade ChexMix, popcorn, and grapes! The kids all played nicely and we enjoyed the first session of conference. After the session the kids played outside and we prepared the final touches to the Gyros with Baklava for dessert. Yummy!!
Alone as a family for Saturday's second session, we made a tent/fort/castle facing the television where Elizabeth could watch conference. I placed a picnic cloth on the floor and she enjoyed her yummy snacks. The inside walls of the fort were made of cardboard so she could color on them.
As for the pamperings, I received a pedicure thanks to my amazing husband! And we enjoyed watching conference together!
Sunday
I pulled out the pictures of the general authorities I found from the blog resource and identified each one for Elizabeth. I was excited to know that Elizabeth already knew who the prophet was and knew his name. I then encouraged Elizabeth to look for the apostle on the papers with each new speaker.
We then all settled on the couch and pampered each other with cocoa butter massages. First Elizabeth and I each took one of Daddy's hands and gave him a massage. Then it was Elizabeth's turn. She wanted a hand massage and then asked for a foot massage (she takes after her mother with this). Then mommy got a foot massage. We all got pampered and we were able to relax and enjoy conference together as a family. It was great!
By preparing for General Conference ahead of time and by finding ways to serve one another, we hope to teach our children to look forward to the next General Conference. I am really looking forward to reading the conference talks in the Ensign and later listening to the conference CD's!
In preparation for General Conference we planned a meal and invited some friends to join us for Saturday's first session. I also found a resource from a great blog and we planned on some awesome pamperings!
Saturday
Our friends came over and we enjoyed some yummy snacks - homemade grilled pita with a homemade roasted pepper sauce, homemade ChexMix, popcorn, and grapes! The kids all played nicely and we enjoyed the first session of conference. After the session the kids played outside and we prepared the final touches to the Gyros with Baklava for dessert. Yummy!!
Alone as a family for Saturday's second session, we made a tent/fort/castle facing the television where Elizabeth could watch conference. I placed a picnic cloth on the floor and she enjoyed her yummy snacks. The inside walls of the fort were made of cardboard so she could color on them.
As for the pamperings, I received a pedicure thanks to my amazing husband! And we enjoyed watching conference together!
Sunday
I pulled out the pictures of the general authorities I found from the blog resource and identified each one for Elizabeth. I was excited to know that Elizabeth already knew who the prophet was and knew his name. I then encouraged Elizabeth to look for the apostle on the papers with each new speaker.
We then all settled on the couch and pampered each other with cocoa butter massages. First Elizabeth and I each took one of Daddy's hands and gave him a massage. Then it was Elizabeth's turn. She wanted a hand massage and then asked for a foot massage (she takes after her mother with this). Then mommy got a foot massage. We all got pampered and we were able to relax and enjoy conference together as a family. It was great!
By preparing for General Conference ahead of time and by finding ways to serve one another, we hope to teach our children to look forward to the next General Conference. I am really looking forward to reading the conference talks in the Ensign and later listening to the conference CD's!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
VACATION
Atlanta, Georgia
As a family we are determined to take a vacation at least once a year. This year we decided to explore some of the attractions in and around Atlanta.
Our First Stop
We visited Uncle Steve and "Grandma" Cape!
"Happy" Elizabeth with Uncle Steve all to herself.
"Happy" Rachel - still willing to share!
A special thanks "Grandma" Cape!
What a nice visit!
Stone Mountain
It Rained!! Hoping it would pass we spent an hour in the museum. Fun, but not really what we planned on.
In between rain drops we decided to hike up about half the mountain. It started raining harder and we abandoned the hike. Enough fun to want to return and try again some other day!
We then drove around the park and looked at most of the sites from the car. We did stop (between rain drops) at, according to the brochure, a "Top Notch" playground - and it was!
Daddy and Elizabeth ventured it on their own. And sadly, they really were on their own - no friends on the playground today.
Did I mention the Rain!
The Atlanta Zoo
Off season and everything was wet from all the rain, but we had a great time at the zoo. We even stayed mostly dry with just some misting of rain throughout the day.
Petting Zoo Fun.
Getting a closer look!
There were a lot of Gorillas to see and even one to touch.
The Atlanta Aquarium
Lots to see and lots of people!
Grandma & Grandpa
Joining us in Atlanta and making the trip extra special!
Thanks for everything Grandma and Grandpa!!
As a family we are determined to take a vacation at least once a year. This year we decided to explore some of the attractions in and around Atlanta.
Our First Stop
We visited Uncle Steve and "Grandma" Cape!
"Happy" Elizabeth with Uncle Steve all to herself.
"Happy" Rachel - still willing to share!
A special thanks "Grandma" Cape!
What a nice visit!
Stone Mountain
It Rained!! Hoping it would pass we spent an hour in the museum. Fun, but not really what we planned on.
In between rain drops we decided to hike up about half the mountain. It started raining harder and we abandoned the hike. Enough fun to want to return and try again some other day!
We then drove around the park and looked at most of the sites from the car. We did stop (between rain drops) at, according to the brochure, a "Top Notch" playground - and it was!
Daddy and Elizabeth ventured it on their own. And sadly, they really were on their own - no friends on the playground today.
Did I mention the Rain!
The Atlanta Zoo
Off season and everything was wet from all the rain, but we had a great time at the zoo. We even stayed mostly dry with just some misting of rain throughout the day.
Petting Zoo Fun.
Getting a closer look!
There were a lot of Gorillas to see and even one to touch.
The Atlanta Aquarium
Lots to see and lots of people!
Grandma & Grandpa
Joining us in Atlanta and making the trip extra special!
Thanks for everything Grandma and Grandpa!!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Arts & Crafts
I love to find ways to use my creative side and it is a bonus to expose my children to arts and crafts. Three to four times a week Elizabeth and I had "Arts and Crafts Time." We both looked forward to these mostly fun times together (I must admit that my slight perfectionism occasionally got in the way). We usually had music and dancing one day a week. We play music every day, but this was an intense hour of music and dancing. We also had a day where we worked with play dough. Occasionally we would bake a yummy treat. Here are some other things we did this summer: *Check out the "HOT TIP" at the end of this post!
FUN WITH BUTTONS!!
Supplies: Glue (optional), buttons, paper. We did not actually glue ours so we were able to continue playing with the buttons over and over.
Elizabeth creating a masterpiece.
She never quite finishes hers but my final composition is on the right.
SAND ART
Supplies: Sand, glue, paper.
What To Do: Trace hands, cut them out, trace again on another piece of paper. (We had to do it as a two step process because Elizabeth does not sit very still yet and I wanted the pencil markings to be straight - again my perfectionism). Outline the tracing with clue and then spread glue all over the inside of the tracing. Sprinkle sand on paper.
Elizabeth's hands in sand!
PASTA ART
Supplies: Pasta, glue, paper.
GLITTER
Supplies: Glitter, glue, paper
PAINTING (finger, water colors, paint)
HOT TIP:
We do a lot of painting and these make great wrapping paper, cards, & gift tags. The grandparents especially love it!!
I love to find ways to use my creative side and it is a bonus to expose my children to arts and crafts. Three to four times a week Elizabeth and I had "Arts and Crafts Time." We both looked forward to these mostly fun times together (I must admit that my slight perfectionism occasionally got in the way). We usually had music and dancing one day a week. We play music every day, but this was an intense hour of music and dancing. We also had a day where we worked with play dough. Occasionally we would bake a yummy treat. Here are some other things we did this summer: *Check out the "HOT TIP" at the end of this post!
FUN WITH BUTTONS!!
Supplies: Glue (optional), buttons, paper. We did not actually glue ours so we were able to continue playing with the buttons over and over.
Elizabeth creating a masterpiece.
She never quite finishes hers but my final composition is on the right.
SAND ART
Supplies: Sand, glue, paper.
What To Do: Trace hands, cut them out, trace again on another piece of paper. (We had to do it as a two step process because Elizabeth does not sit very still yet and I wanted the pencil markings to be straight - again my perfectionism). Outline the tracing with clue and then spread glue all over the inside of the tracing. Sprinkle sand on paper.
Elizabeth's hands in sand!
PASTA ART
Supplies: Pasta, glue, paper.
GLITTER
Supplies: Glitter, glue, paper
PAINTING (finger, water colors, paint)
HOT TIP:
We do a lot of painting and these make great wrapping paper, cards, & gift tags. The grandparents especially love it!!
Monday, June 15, 2009
A Great Day
Saturday we invited some friends to go blueberry picking and then back to our house for a yummy homemade treat!
We all got started picking . . .but it was a hot day!
The kids had fun for the short time they could take the heat.
Yummy Home-Made Treat
My amazing husband has been wanting to make an ice-cream cake (he has never tried this before) so he decided this weekend was it! He did not follow a recipe but designed it himself. He began the process several days ahead by making the starter for the ice-cream (well, I think this did call for a recipe). He then got out the ice-cream maker and made his own strawberry ice-cream. He then made the cakes (box cakes are hard to beat so he went with Betty Crocker). Then he made white chocolate and a milk chocolate (well semi-sweet) discs to fit between the layers of cake and ice-cream. He used home-made strawberry jam (from our batch of strawberry pickings we froze) to hold the chocolate discs to the cake layers. Just before serving he whipped some cream and placed some of our freshly picked blueberries on top. I don't know if your mouth is watering yet but this was one yummy cake!
And impressive with five layers!
Even the kids were impressed!
We ended the morning's adventures relaxing in and by the sandbox.
It was a bit cooler in the shade.
The baby took a nap.
Spending time with family and friends sure makes for a great day!
Saturday we invited some friends to go blueberry picking and then back to our house for a yummy homemade treat!
We all got started picking . . .but it was a hot day!
The kids had fun for the short time they could take the heat.
Yummy Home-Made Treat
My amazing husband has been wanting to make an ice-cream cake (he has never tried this before) so he decided this weekend was it! He did not follow a recipe but designed it himself. He began the process several days ahead by making the starter for the ice-cream (well, I think this did call for a recipe). He then got out the ice-cream maker and made his own strawberry ice-cream. He then made the cakes (box cakes are hard to beat so he went with Betty Crocker). Then he made white chocolate and a milk chocolate (well semi-sweet) discs to fit between the layers of cake and ice-cream. He used home-made strawberry jam (from our batch of strawberry pickings we froze) to hold the chocolate discs to the cake layers. Just before serving he whipped some cream and placed some of our freshly picked blueberries on top. I don't know if your mouth is watering yet but this was one yummy cake!
And impressive with five layers!
Even the kids were impressed!
We ended the morning's adventures relaxing in and by the sandbox.
It was a bit cooler in the shade.
The baby took a nap.
Spending time with family and friends sure makes for a great day!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Choking Incident
Choking Incident
Well I debated blogging about this but I decided to for a couple of reasons. First, if my experience could possibly prevent someone else from having this experience than it is good information to share. Also, it is one of those experiences that weighs on my mind so venting my thoughts and feelings about it may be good too.
The incident:
I will start with then end result - Elizabeth is fine and mommy is grateful!
Okay so now back to the beginning - Elizabeth was eating an orange. I was giving her an orange slice at a time and she kept coming back for more and then running off to play. About 5 minutes or so after I had given her the last orange slice I noticed she needed a diaper change. I laid her down and started changing her when she began choking. I immediately began trying to dislodge whatever was in her throat by performing Heimlich maneuvers. After several attempts she began crying. I was relieved and looked to recover what appeared to be part of the orange when she inhaled and began choking again. I again attempted to dislodge it and finally was able to pull the stringy mess from the back of her throat. What she had choked on was the casings from around the orange slices. Instead of swallowing them after each slice she kept storing them in her mouth and then was unable to break them down by chewing or swallow them.
I think what I learned from this was to watch for this in the future when she is eating oranges but also to be aware of what may be in her mouth before I lay her down in a prone position on her back.
While I remained calm and did what needed to be done during the event, I wanted to really let out a good cry after it was over. I withheld it (mostly) in front of Elizabeth and then only partially released the awful build-up when my husband returned home from a quick trip to the store (which is where he was when the incident took place). May this experience be our last and may you readers never have to share in a similar one yourselves.
Well I debated blogging about this but I decided to for a couple of reasons. First, if my experience could possibly prevent someone else from having this experience than it is good information to share. Also, it is one of those experiences that weighs on my mind so venting my thoughts and feelings about it may be good too.
The incident:
I will start with then end result - Elizabeth is fine and mommy is grateful!
Okay so now back to the beginning - Elizabeth was eating an orange. I was giving her an orange slice at a time and she kept coming back for more and then running off to play. About 5 minutes or so after I had given her the last orange slice I noticed she needed a diaper change. I laid her down and started changing her when she began choking. I immediately began trying to dislodge whatever was in her throat by performing Heimlich maneuvers. After several attempts she began crying. I was relieved and looked to recover what appeared to be part of the orange when she inhaled and began choking again. I again attempted to dislodge it and finally was able to pull the stringy mess from the back of her throat. What she had choked on was the casings from around the orange slices. Instead of swallowing them after each slice she kept storing them in her mouth and then was unable to break them down by chewing or swallow them.
I think what I learned from this was to watch for this in the future when she is eating oranges but also to be aware of what may be in her mouth before I lay her down in a prone position on her back.
While I remained calm and did what needed to be done during the event, I wanted to really let out a good cry after it was over. I withheld it (mostly) in front of Elizabeth and then only partially released the awful build-up when my husband returned home from a quick trip to the store (which is where he was when the incident took place). May this experience be our last and may you readers never have to share in a similar one yourselves.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Introducing Rachel
Rachel was welcomed into our little family on
April 21st. ~8lbs 5oz & 20 1/2" long
Baby caught yawning - Mom and baby are healthy happy and well.
Proud Daddy!
Big sister was very excited to finally meet Rachel and hold her.
In fact she did not want to let her go.
The adventure Begins!
Let's go home little one!
We are so grateful for all the love and support we have received from our friends and family during this exciting time! We would like to especially thank all those that helped out with Elizabeth while we were in the hospital. We knew she was in great hands and that was a wonderful blessing to add to the amazing blessings we were already receiving.
Rachel was welcomed into our little family on
April 21st. ~8lbs 5oz & 20 1/2" long
Baby caught yawning - Mom and baby are healthy happy and well.
Proud Daddy!
Big sister was very excited to finally meet Rachel and hold her.
In fact she did not want to let her go.
The adventure Begins!
Let's go home little one!
We are so grateful for all the love and support we have received from our friends and family during this exciting time! We would like to especially thank all those that helped out with Elizabeth while we were in the hospital. We knew she was in great hands and that was a wonderful blessing to add to the amazing blessings we were already receiving.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Not Yet . . .
My "due date" has now come and gone and I am still carrying the little one. I am sure hoping she does not grow to be a 10 pounder before she decides to emerge into the world!
Of course, I am uncomfortable much of the time and I have some pretty abrupt mood swings, but overall I am feeling pretty well. I am looking forward to holding her in my arms, nursing her for the first time, and bringing her home to join our little family.
Easter Weekend Fun!
Last week I had some of my energy restored and we had a great time this Easter weekend. On Saturday we invited some great friends over to have an Easter egg hunt for the kids. I had fun planning it and I enjoyed watching the kids find their eggs and having fun playing together. It was really great sharing in the experience and spending time with some of my friends too!
The kids had a great time playing in the sandbox built by my amazing *husband.
*Thank you for checking this off "the honey do list!"
After the egg hunt and fun at the house we then went strawberry picking. Two weeks ago we picked 15 pounds of strawberries. This time we picked 11 pounds. We now have a lot of freezer jam - enough to last the whole year. Yummy!!
Incidentally, you would think all this would have induced labor!?!
(For more Easter Weekend pics please visit Elizabeth's blog "My Joy!" at: http://myjoyfulspirit.blogspot.com/)
My "due date" has now come and gone and I am still carrying the little one. I am sure hoping she does not grow to be a 10 pounder before she decides to emerge into the world!
Of course, I am uncomfortable much of the time and I have some pretty abrupt mood swings, but overall I am feeling pretty well. I am looking forward to holding her in my arms, nursing her for the first time, and bringing her home to join our little family.
Easter Weekend Fun!
Last week I had some of my energy restored and we had a great time this Easter weekend. On Saturday we invited some great friends over to have an Easter egg hunt for the kids. I had fun planning it and I enjoyed watching the kids find their eggs and having fun playing together. It was really great sharing in the experience and spending time with some of my friends too!
The kids had a great time playing in the sandbox built by my amazing *husband.
*Thank you for checking this off "the honey do list!"
After the egg hunt and fun at the house we then went strawberry picking. Two weeks ago we picked 15 pounds of strawberries. This time we picked 11 pounds. We now have a lot of freezer jam - enough to last the whole year. Yummy!!
Incidentally, you would think all this would have induced labor!?!
(For more Easter Weekend pics please visit Elizabeth's blog "My Joy!" at: http://myjoyfulspirit.blogspot.com/)
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Friendships & Baby Showers
I am so grateful for all of the amazing women that are my friends. They all have so many great qualities that I can appreciate and enjoy individually and collectively. Recently, many of my friends have been able to spend more time together as a group. Within my circle of friends there are quite a few women who are pregnant. It is nice to be able to share in the experiences of pregnancy and to celebrate the creation of a life with them. To help and support one another as we prepare for the new arrivals we have been enjoying the occasion of Baby Showers.
When a few of my friends approached me with the proposal of having a baby shower for me I was quite surprised. I truly had not expected it especially since we were having our second child and another girl. When we had our first child so many amazing people came forward and literally showered us with all that we needed and more. I felt so much love from so many people. While my circle of friends had gone through a lot of changes since my first child, due to geographical moves, I still felt a little embarrassed about inviting more people to buy us gifts. My friends assured me that they truly wanted to have a shower for me and for the new baby and that it was a special time that should not be ignored.
Again, I am so grateful for my friends! I am able to enjoy their love and support as I prepare for another amazing change in my life. What great blessings! Thanks to all of my friends and to my Heavenly Father who knows me, who knows what I want and what I need, and who wants me to be happy.
My Baby Shower
My shower was so much fun! There were yummy treats and some very thoughtful gifts. Everyone had a chance to express their creativity as we decorated onesies for the baby with potato stamping.
We were all getting really creative here!
The results were amazing!
I was able to convince everyone to claim theirs as they posed for a picture (but I failed to convince anyone to switch their artistic onesie with mine).
I am so grateful for all of the amazing women that are my friends. They all have so many great qualities that I can appreciate and enjoy individually and collectively. Recently, many of my friends have been able to spend more time together as a group. Within my circle of friends there are quite a few women who are pregnant. It is nice to be able to share in the experiences of pregnancy and to celebrate the creation of a life with them. To help and support one another as we prepare for the new arrivals we have been enjoying the occasion of Baby Showers.
When a few of my friends approached me with the proposal of having a baby shower for me I was quite surprised. I truly had not expected it especially since we were having our second child and another girl. When we had our first child so many amazing people came forward and literally showered us with all that we needed and more. I felt so much love from so many people. While my circle of friends had gone through a lot of changes since my first child, due to geographical moves, I still felt a little embarrassed about inviting more people to buy us gifts. My friends assured me that they truly wanted to have a shower for me and for the new baby and that it was a special time that should not be ignored.
Again, I am so grateful for my friends! I am able to enjoy their love and support as I prepare for another amazing change in my life. What great blessings! Thanks to all of my friends and to my Heavenly Father who knows me, who knows what I want and what I need, and who wants me to be happy.
My Baby Shower
My shower was so much fun! There were yummy treats and some very thoughtful gifts. Everyone had a chance to express their creativity as we decorated onesies for the baby with potato stamping.
We were all getting really creative here!
The results were amazing!
I was able to convince everyone to claim theirs as they posed for a picture (but I failed to convince anyone to switch their artistic onesie with mine).
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Happy Valentine's Day!!
This Valentine's Day was made special thanks to my kind and loving husband and our adorable little daughter.
My husband gave me a manicure, a pedicure, and a hair brushing! It may or may not sound incredible and impressive to you, but he really does know how to do all this and he does it really well. I would take his manicures and pedicures over the mall nail salons anytime! Where and why did he learn all this you may ask? Well, let me explain.
It goes back to our honeymoon (4 years ago). My soon-to-be husband planned an amazing ending to our week of honeymooning. For several months prior he planned and prepared all that was needed for spa treatments ranging from manicures and pedicures to facials and sea-salt body scrubs. He researched each spa treatment on the internet and learned how to do each one! He even bought all the essential products. On the last day of our honeymoon he presented me with a spa day packet and I got to choose whatever treatments I wanted and the following day he offered me a full day of pampering. He did a great job then and since he has continued to offer me spa days three times a year over the past four years and with all this practice he has gotten even better!
In addition to all the pampering today he also brought me a beautiful planted pot of red tulips. He knows I love flowers to brighten our home.
Cookie Making With My Daughter
I have a confession to make; until this week I had never made sugar cookies. I had never even used a cookie cutter. Now this is probably not fully accurate, because I am sure that my mother and maybe even my father sat me down as a young girl and made sugar cookies with me and I probably used cookie cutters too. However, as an adult I had never attempted this on my own.
For those of you who know that I really do enjoy baking this may be a surprise to you. I have made thousands of cookies in my life, but for some reason I have always felt a little intimidated by the "sugar cookie."
I read many recipes for sugar cookies and all (or most) of them required a long period of chilling in the refrigerator for the dough (at least 2 hours) before they can be baked. Although I really do enjoy the process of baking, I also really enjoy the sampling of the goodies. So, I would always choose a cookie recipe where I could be assured of a yummy sample, after assembly of the ingredients, in about 10-12 minutes. Although the concept of delayed gratification was intimidating in itself when it came to sugar cookie making, I was also a bit intimidated by the process of rolling out the dough and cutting them into shapes while trying to keep the dough chilled enough to maintain optimal processing. Furthermore, the cookies needed to cool before they could be iced and then there is the complications of choosing the consistency and color of the icing and whether or not to use sprinkles, what kind and what color. Perhaps I should mention I have slight issues with perfectionism.
Well, images of sharing the experience with my daughter of making sugar cookies in cute heart shapes with icing and sprinkles overruled all of my hesitations. It took us three days, but we did it! I must admit that my two year-old does not exactly have a mastery over delayed gratification either but it was well worth all the work, time and even the wait. Elizabeth and I also got a chance to share in the rewarding experience of offering up some of the special treats with our neighbor friends for Valentine's Day.
I am so grateful for my family!
This Valentine's Day was made special thanks to my kind and loving husband and our adorable little daughter.
My husband gave me a manicure, a pedicure, and a hair brushing! It may or may not sound incredible and impressive to you, but he really does know how to do all this and he does it really well. I would take his manicures and pedicures over the mall nail salons anytime! Where and why did he learn all this you may ask? Well, let me explain.
It goes back to our honeymoon (4 years ago). My soon-to-be husband planned an amazing ending to our week of honeymooning. For several months prior he planned and prepared all that was needed for spa treatments ranging from manicures and pedicures to facials and sea-salt body scrubs. He researched each spa treatment on the internet and learned how to do each one! He even bought all the essential products. On the last day of our honeymoon he presented me with a spa day packet and I got to choose whatever treatments I wanted and the following day he offered me a full day of pampering. He did a great job then and since he has continued to offer me spa days three times a year over the past four years and with all this practice he has gotten even better!
In addition to all the pampering today he also brought me a beautiful planted pot of red tulips. He knows I love flowers to brighten our home.
Cookie Making With My Daughter
I have a confession to make; until this week I had never made sugar cookies. I had never even used a cookie cutter. Now this is probably not fully accurate, because I am sure that my mother and maybe even my father sat me down as a young girl and made sugar cookies with me and I probably used cookie cutters too. However, as an adult I had never attempted this on my own.
For those of you who know that I really do enjoy baking this may be a surprise to you. I have made thousands of cookies in my life, but for some reason I have always felt a little intimidated by the "sugar cookie."
I read many recipes for sugar cookies and all (or most) of them required a long period of chilling in the refrigerator for the dough (at least 2 hours) before they can be baked. Although I really do enjoy the process of baking, I also really enjoy the sampling of the goodies. So, I would always choose a cookie recipe where I could be assured of a yummy sample, after assembly of the ingredients, in about 10-12 minutes. Although the concept of delayed gratification was intimidating in itself when it came to sugar cookie making, I was also a bit intimidated by the process of rolling out the dough and cutting them into shapes while trying to keep the dough chilled enough to maintain optimal processing. Furthermore, the cookies needed to cool before they could be iced and then there is the complications of choosing the consistency and color of the icing and whether or not to use sprinkles, what kind and what color. Perhaps I should mention I have slight issues with perfectionism.
Well, images of sharing the experience with my daughter of making sugar cookies in cute heart shapes with icing and sprinkles overruled all of my hesitations. It took us three days, but we did it! I must admit that my two year-old does not exactly have a mastery over delayed gratification either but it was well worth all the work, time and even the wait. Elizabeth and I also got a chance to share in the rewarding experience of offering up some of the special treats with our neighbor friends for Valentine's Day.
I am so grateful for my family!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
CARD MAKING FUN
For the past couple of years I have enjoyed making my own greeting cards. It allows me to explore my creativity and is a lot of fun! For Christmas my fantastic husband went out on a limb (I have never mentioned or asked for one) and bought me a Sizzix Big Shot Die-Cut & Emboss Machine. I was a little intimidated at first but I have used it a few times now and today I made a card for a friend using the flower and letter cutouts.
A Big Shot-Out to my Husband for a great gift
(pun intended of course)!
For the past couple of years I have enjoyed making my own greeting cards. It allows me to explore my creativity and is a lot of fun! For Christmas my fantastic husband went out on a limb (I have never mentioned or asked for one) and bought me a Sizzix Big Shot Die-Cut & Emboss Machine. I was a little intimidated at first but I have used it a few times now and today I made a card for a friend using the flower and letter cutouts.
A Big Shot-Out to my Husband for a great gift
(pun intended of course)!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
NESTING
I tend to be a bit of a complainer and a pessimist at times where my husband is more of an optimist with one of his motto's being "Everything will work out."
At this stage of my pregnancy I am particularly uncomfortable in the evenings and at night. With lots of grunts, groans and sighs I was not surprised one evening recently when my husband asked me what I liked about being pregnant. I thought about my answer for just a minute or so and I said that I enjoyed feeling the baby move around, except when she is poking or kicking my vital organs and ribcage (again I had to add a little pessimism -yuck). However, I forgot to mention another added bonus to pregnancy.
The following is a pretty good description of what I am currently experiencing:
(Excerpt is from parentingweekly.com subtitle PregnancyWeekly)
"Nesting Instinct"
Although I am almost into my 7th month of pregnancy, this "nesting instinct" is really great! I have actually always enjoyed cleaning (except for doing dishes and the bathroom is not my favorite either) but I am not so much into actual organizing. So for the past few weeks I have not only felt the desire to clean and I have mostly had the energy to do so, but I have begun to organize areas in my home that are in dire need of order.
I experienced this feeling when I was pregnant with Elizabeth, but not as much as I am with this baby. In fact, just about everything is "more" with this pregnancy: more nausea, heartburn, constipation, fatigue, soreness, and rashes to name a few.
I am also getting pretty excited about meeting this new baby, welcoming her into the world and into our little family. I am looking forward to the feelings of love for the baby that I know come from Heavenly Father. With Elizabeth I felt them most strongly at our 4 am feedings. I really don't care what time they come with this new baby. I will cherish them regardless of the hour!
I tend to be a bit of a complainer and a pessimist at times where my husband is more of an optimist with one of his motto's being "Everything will work out."
At this stage of my pregnancy I am particularly uncomfortable in the evenings and at night. With lots of grunts, groans and sighs I was not surprised one evening recently when my husband asked me what I liked about being pregnant. I thought about my answer for just a minute or so and I said that I enjoyed feeling the baby move around, except when she is poking or kicking my vital organs and ribcage (again I had to add a little pessimism -yuck). However, I forgot to mention another added bonus to pregnancy.
The following is a pretty good description of what I am currently experiencing:
(Excerpt is from parentingweekly.com subtitle PregnancyWeekly)
"Nesting Instinct"
"Around the fifth month of pregnancy, the "nesting" instinct can set in. This is an uncontrollable urge to clean one's house brought on by a desire to prepare a nest for the new baby, to tie up loose ends of old projects and to organize your world. Females of the animal kingdom are all equipped with this same need. It is a primal instinct. Just as you see birds making their nests, mothers-to-be do exactly the same thing. The act of nesting puts you in control and gives a sense of accomplishment toward birth."
Although I am almost into my 7th month of pregnancy, this "nesting instinct" is really great! I have actually always enjoyed cleaning (except for doing dishes and the bathroom is not my favorite either) but I am not so much into actual organizing. So for the past few weeks I have not only felt the desire to clean and I have mostly had the energy to do so, but I have begun to organize areas in my home that are in dire need of order.
I experienced this feeling when I was pregnant with Elizabeth, but not as much as I am with this baby. In fact, just about everything is "more" with this pregnancy: more nausea, heartburn, constipation, fatigue, soreness, and rashes to name a few.
I am also getting pretty excited about meeting this new baby, welcoming her into the world and into our little family. I am looking forward to the feelings of love for the baby that I know come from Heavenly Father. With Elizabeth I felt them most strongly at our 4 am feedings. I really don't care what time they come with this new baby. I will cherish them regardless of the hour!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Birthdays and Holiday Preparations Galore!
I have been very busy preparing for Christmas while at the same time hosting parties for my daughter and my husband who both have December birthdays. It has been a lot of fun, but I am just about ready for Christmas to come so I can take a break from all the planning and preparing and just enjoy the good fruits.
Our Tree:
A real tree is the way to go for us! The smell is amazing.
Christmas Decor:
This ceramic tree was handed down from my mother. My mother loved Christmas and always went all out on decorations. I inherited quite a few of her decorations and this is one of my favorites.
Nativity:
These nativity scenes were both my mother's.
I especially cherish the ceramic Avon collectibles. The set is actually bigger, but I did not want to pack all the pieces into a small space and take away from it's beauty.
More Holiday Clings:
I love these things!
Graham Cracker Creations:
Each year we try to come up with something bigger and better. This year, with my husband's building expertise and my creativity we made an edible Christmas tree.
Hand-Made Wrapping Paper:
With Elizabeth's little hands and some finger paints we made these wrapping creations
Elizabeth's Birthday Party:
I really enjoy hosting parties, so this was a lot of fun for me. Although, I sort of wish we could have her party in say February or March when there isn't so much else going on!
Birthday Party Prep:
This takes longer to put together than it looks.
Enjoying the yummy (yet boxed) cupcakes mommy made. Unfortunately, it is hard to recreate the yummy texture and taste you get from a boxed cake mix.
*We have also taken our own family pics, I have wrapped almost all the Christmas presents and I have sent out my Christmas cards! Still more to do of course, but oh how sweet the fruits of my labors when it is all over.
All that being said, I am grateful for the true reason for the season and that is to celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ and all the amazing sacrifices He made for us and the wonderful blessings we can obtain if we follow Him.
He gave us a true example of giving with love.
May we all feel the Spirit of this holiday season, share our love with those near and far, and remember the Savior who gave all.
I have been very busy preparing for Christmas while at the same time hosting parties for my daughter and my husband who both have December birthdays. It has been a lot of fun, but I am just about ready for Christmas to come so I can take a break from all the planning and preparing and just enjoy the good fruits.
Our Tree:
A real tree is the way to go for us! The smell is amazing.
Christmas Decor:
This ceramic tree was handed down from my mother. My mother loved Christmas and always went all out on decorations. I inherited quite a few of her decorations and this is one of my favorites.
Nativity:
These nativity scenes were both my mother's.
I especially cherish the ceramic Avon collectibles. The set is actually bigger, but I did not want to pack all the pieces into a small space and take away from it's beauty.
More Holiday Clings:
I love these things!
Graham Cracker Creations:
Each year we try to come up with something bigger and better. This year, with my husband's building expertise and my creativity we made an edible Christmas tree.
Hand-Made Wrapping Paper:
With Elizabeth's little hands and some finger paints we made these wrapping creations
Elizabeth's Birthday Party:
I really enjoy hosting parties, so this was a lot of fun for me. Although, I sort of wish we could have her party in say February or March when there isn't so much else going on!
Birthday Party Prep:
This takes longer to put together than it looks.
Enjoying the yummy (yet boxed) cupcakes mommy made. Unfortunately, it is hard to recreate the yummy texture and taste you get from a boxed cake mix.
*We have also taken our own family pics, I have wrapped almost all the Christmas presents and I have sent out my Christmas cards! Still more to do of course, but oh how sweet the fruits of my labors when it is all over.
All that being said, I am grateful for the true reason for the season and that is to celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ and all the amazing sacrifices He made for us and the wonderful blessings we can obtain if we follow Him.
He gave us a true example of giving with love.
May we all feel the Spirit of this holiday season, share our love with those near and far, and remember the Savior who gave all.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Candy Maker?
Not me!
I received this candy making kit as a gift and thought I would give it a try.
The box showed some cute holiday candies and lollipops and the directions seemed so easy! Just melt the chocolate candies in the decorating bags (included in the kit) and then use the handy paint brush to decorate the molds (also included in the kit).
So when it was time for Elizabeth's nap I thought I would whip up the candies, pop them in the refrigerator and then take a little nap before she woke up.
Nice thought eh?!
Not even close to reality. This was the most difficult project I think I have ever tried! The plastic molds were a very clear, cheap plastic, and it was near impossible to see the designs on which I was suppose to paint the different colored melted candy. Which brings me to the paint brush - not helpful! Furthermore, the candies did not all melt the same. For some reason, the white "chocolate" was way too thick and would not melt down to a workable consistency. In addition, the candy hardened fast and I could not keep up. Furthermore, I just barely had enough candy to fill the molds.
After over an hour of happy candy making I had a product to put in the refrigerator. However, although I had some idea that they were not going to look like the picture on the box, I had no idea how bad the final product would be. The final product: Not too bad from a distance and in the cute colored bags (included in the kit).
Yes this is suppose to be a Reindeer.
Saving the best for last:
Santa!
Would I do this again if given a chance?
Of course I would!
Happy Holidays!!
Not me!
I received this candy making kit as a gift and thought I would give it a try.
The box showed some cute holiday candies and lollipops and the directions seemed so easy! Just melt the chocolate candies in the decorating bags (included in the kit) and then use the handy paint brush to decorate the molds (also included in the kit).
So when it was time for Elizabeth's nap I thought I would whip up the candies, pop them in the refrigerator and then take a little nap before she woke up.
Nice thought eh?!
Not even close to reality. This was the most difficult project I think I have ever tried! The plastic molds were a very clear, cheap plastic, and it was near impossible to see the designs on which I was suppose to paint the different colored melted candy. Which brings me to the paint brush - not helpful! Furthermore, the candies did not all melt the same. For some reason, the white "chocolate" was way too thick and would not melt down to a workable consistency. In addition, the candy hardened fast and I could not keep up. Furthermore, I just barely had enough candy to fill the molds.
After over an hour of happy candy making I had a product to put in the refrigerator. However, although I had some idea that they were not going to look like the picture on the box, I had no idea how bad the final product would be. The final product: Not too bad from a distance and in the cute colored bags (included in the kit).
Yes this is suppose to be a Reindeer.
Saving the best for last:
Santa!
Would I do this again if given a chance?
Of course I would!
Happy Holidays!!
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