Great gift idea

Britney got me one of these adorable pendants and I love it. My mom loved it too so I got her one for Christmas. I just think it's a fun, unique and inexpensive gift. Check out her blog with pictures of all her cute products.

Free Christmas Cards

You know how much I love a good deal and it doesn't get better than free.

Here's a deal for 50 free photo cards with free shipping!

http://www.pinchingyourpennies.com/forums/showthread.php?t=135382

I just ordered mine...

School Halloween Party Ideas?

I'm one of the parents helping plan Kendall's school Halloween Party. We're supposed to come up with 4 games or activities and I can't think of any.

Any ideas or suggestions? I know you ladies are creative!!

THANKS!!

This is a great kids learning site!

Sevrie and Coral LOVE playing on this web site. I like it too because they can work through it with out my help, leaving me time to clean;-).

Enjoy!

www.starfall.com/

Halloween deals

Every day buycostumes.com has a 5 under 5 deal where they offer 5 different things for less than 5 dollars each. Some of them are really good deals. I doubt I'll get any to use as halloween costumes but I'm always looking for cheap dress up clothes for the kids. Here's the link.

http://www.buycostumes.com/pages/productgridview/5Under5.aspx?REF=AFC-5under5&AID=10548936&PID=1495814

Baby Steals

For anyone who does not regularly check the site babysteals.com, you should start now. Each morning at 9 am MST a new item is available at a great discount. It's good baby and maternity stuff, but it sells out fast. Check it out!

Oreo Truffles

Easy and yummy and fun for kids to help with. I got the recipe from Bakerella and mine are on my blog here.

ENJOY!

Back to school traditions?

Even though she's getting more used to the idea of homeschooling, Kendall is still a little bummed that come fall she won't be going to the school near us for kindergarten. I am looking for ideas of fun things we could do on the first day of school to make it really special for her. Do any of you have traditions for the first day school? I want to do something when the public school starts, like go see a movie or go to the park, things we wouldn't be able to do if she were in school then. And then I want her first official day of homeschool to be special too.

I saw a few things on a message board like making a schultute and taking pictures.

My favorite idea was to get doughnuts on the morning that public school starts and then drive by the school, roll down the windows, and yell, "Suckas!!!" :) I'm so going to do that one. :)

Summer Schedule

I wish I had this doormat.

Only mine would say "last month" instead.

We just got back in town, the house is a mess and the kids are driving each other crazy. Do any of you stick to a schedule for the kids to keep peace and order in your home? It's way to hot to play outside here so that limits us to mostly indoor activities. I would like to keep TV watching to a minimum but sometimes it seems to be the only way to stop the bugging/screaming cycle. Any suggestions?

Spain

If anyone wants to keep up with what we will be doing for the next six months in Spain, here's our Spain Blog. I am going to post some recipes I want to try while we are living there.

Doll pillow and quilt

This is a cute "how to" project to go with your little sewn apple doll, for your special little girl! I made some for my Clara & Vivy & they love them! Happy sewing!

follow this link for step by step instructions!!

http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/2008/12/doll-bedding-tutorial.html

HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEPHANIE!!

I hope everyone took care of your today, I don't know anyone who deserves some pampering more than you. We are so excited to see you all and I hope you know how much we all love you.

Happy 30th!!! I hope it was a happy day.

Black Apple Dolls

A friend of mine introduced me to these dolls, and since I've been wanting to make dolls for my girls, I had to give them a try. The template and instructions are found on Martha Stewart, and you can see various styles and such on the Black Apple website.

I thought they were pretty easy to make, especially since I have so many calico prints to use from various quilting projects. I just had to pick up some muslin and felt. It probably took me 90 minutes to make one doll. I've been thinking that if I were crazy, it would be fun to make enough dolls to decorate a Christmas tree with. We'll see how crafty I'm feeling!

Almost one year

I can't believe my baby is growing so fast, he will be 1 on the 29th...AGHHHH! I just wanted to say thanks to all who post, I love all the past advise and look forward to the future posts!

Family schedules and routines

I thrive on routine. I was wondering what everyone's cleaning, errand, life schedules and routines were. We used to do a big clean every saturday and then just keep the house picked up the rest of the week and do dishes and laundry as needed. When Kendall was born and I became an official stay at home mom I would deep clean one section of the house each day- laundry monday, dust on tuesday, bathrooms on wed. etc.- and still try to keep things picked up. I've fallen off the deep clean each week bandwagon lately and want to get back on in a way that meshes well with taking care of two kids.




So what are your schedules like? Does anyone do the fly lady route? Any tips or suggestions?

Really, are you sure?

OK here it goes, this a vent about myself.....

so after a long day of not showering, trying to clean my house, taking a nap and then a trip to the grocery store, I was waiting in line at "the Walmart", as my nephew says, in the pharmacy department to get some allergy medicine... yes I had allergies too that day, and the line was taking for-ev-er. I was getting super impatient, and started just looking around and getting irritated that only one register was open. Then, it became my turn, YEAH!!, and of course the medicine I needed had to be put in by a pharmacist, of course, anyways, so here I am, ready to scream..... and then the lady next to me says " excuse me, you have the best complexion". I think I said thank you, but I was TOO in shock to even blink.... I convinced myself she had to be joking... I mean here I am having a normal day with no makeup and hair slapped in a pony( a very small one) and she had the nerve to compliment me... yeah right....

So here's my vent:

why couldn't I have just taken the compliment and honestly say "thanks!!" and then possibly say something nice back? Why did I get defensive and convince myself she was insane?

Happy Mother's Day

Just want to say Happy Mother's Day to all you spectacular mother's out there! Thanks for all the great advice and comments!

A New Treat

Has anyone heard of Bakerella? Maybe everyone has and I'm way out of the loop! But I tried these cakes pops/bites last night and they were awesome! If you use a good cake recipe and a good homemade cream cheese frosting ... delicious! There's a store called Sweet Tooth Fairy here in Utah that sells cake bites and I always wanted to know how she did it. Well look no further ladies... Great for any occasion.

Good Morning Mommy, I love you!

My son is 10 months old and maybe it's because I'm his mom, the cutest baby ever. This morning is my example of why! We had a rough night last night, (he still doesn't sleep all the way through the night, but I have been getting 6 hours in a row) He was up 3 times between 12 and 6 am.... yuck! Then this morning I hear him making the cutest noises in his crib, so I peek to see this cute little boy. He is all smiles and reaches up for his mom with Blankey in one hand and Paci in mouth, you could see the big grin past the paci, I give him a good morning squeeze which usually make my horrible nights sleep all worth it,

WHEN......

I smell it, I feel it, and it stinks! That's right ladies BLOW OUT! Up the back, out the legs, you name it! He was so proud of himself, I was trying to not get it everywhere, it was almost up to mid back, so as I was trying to not make him swim in it, but he was kicking and twisting, and of course his new favorite, love to check with his hand to make sure all privates are there and accounted for!

AAHHHH!!!

Well, that's how my morning started, and yet I love him still! Hope you have a great day!

Swine Flu Paranoia!

So, I officially hate pigs. What is your take on the Swine Flu Outbreak that is taking over our media outlets and our minds? My daughter has a weak immune system (as some of you know or don't know we were in the hospital for 3 weeks in Dec.08 and Jan 09, she had a MRSA pneumonia). She gets whatever is out there first. I am really worried that she will contract this virus if it isn't contained. I know that viruses can't be treated by antibiotics, I do know that the Tamiflu is what they are using to fight this and that there is no vaccine yet. What I am interested in is this...

#1 Should I be as worried as I am?

#2 Is the hype justified?

Maybe I just need reassurance from my peers!

Happy Earth Day

I would like to live a little greener. Who has some easy tips to get started?

Princess Party

The party was fun and Kendall's all ready to plan next year's big event. Daddy took her to the salon this morning for an official princess updo and then I did her makeup when she got home. When each girl arrived I did their makeup too. For games we played Kiss the Frog Prince (like pin the tail on the donkey but with lips and a big picture of a frog with a crown), pass the parcel, and we slayed a dragon pinata. Actually Dave slayed it and about slayed the kitchen in the process.




The kids were all really cute and I think they had fun.

Ideas for a Cry Baby

So my second oldest daughter, who is two-and-a-half, is a big cry baby. Her solution to everything is to cry. Cry, cry, cry. I tell her to sit at the table; she cries. She can't get her sock off; she cries. Her baby sister takes her toy; she cries. I tell her the milk is all gone; she cries. Her older sister tells her to do anything; she cries. It's not her turn yet; she cries. It's time to pick up toys; she cries. I remove a fork from her hand; she cries. She has to take one bite of her food; she cries. You get the idea. She cries, she cries, she cries. And it's not like she whimpers. She cries like someone chewed off her arm. I have tried a variety of tactics to get her to stop this behavior. I've ignored it. I've had her stand in the corner. I've tried to teach her to use her words. I've had her repeat whatever it was that made her cry until she does it without crying. I've cried with her. I've encouraged her to cry louder (as if she could!), for reverse psychology's sake. I've sprayed water on her face. This one is by far the most effective because it's startling and she immediately forgets what all the fuss was about, but it's hard for me to carry the spray bottle everywhere. And I'm mildly opposed to treating her like a cat. Any other ideas? I'm afraid of what she'll end up like at school, or at a music lesson, or on a sports team, when someone asks her to do something, she struggles, and then the tears flow, as if that's the solution. Any ideas on how to teach her to stop this behavior?

Fairytale party ideas?

We're doing a fairytale party for Kendall's birthday in two weeks and I need some ideas. If everyone comes that's invited plus Kendall and Gage- we'll have 5 boys and 5 girls altogether. Any thoughts on food, time of day, length of party, games, prizes?

I want all the kids to come dressed as some kind of fairytale character- princess, knight, fairy, dragon- that sort of thing. I'm going to do some face painting for any kids that want to and we'll do cupcakes for cake. I wanted to do some kind of crafty thing- like make ribbon wands, but am having a hard time finding something gender neutral.

Oh Tara, how do you play pass the parcel? I remember that from Emma's birthday and Kendall talked about it forever afterward so we want to play that.

Ideas? Thanks much!

Pancakes

These pancakes are easy and really yummy. I think I'll make them for breakfast tomorrow. I love to eat my pancakes with peanut butter and syrup on top. If you've never tried it, you should.

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 1/4 cups milk
1 egg
3 tablespoons butter, melted

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Make a well in the center and pour in the milk, egg and melted butter; mix until smooth.

Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.

HAPPY (early) BIRTHDAY TARA!!!

I know you and Collin are disappearing and will be gone on your actual birthday so I'm hoping you see this before you go. I hope your trip is amazing and that you guys manage to make your birthday special no matter what you're up to. We'll all be thinking of you and wishing you a very

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!



I can't make pretty cakes but if you were here I'd make you some yummy cupcakes.

We love you and miss you guys. I hope we don't have to go too much longer with seeing you guys.

Here You Go...

Thai Salad

1lb. Angel Hair Pasta ¾ cup soy sauce
¼ cup peanut oil ¾ to 1 cup mayo
1 to 2 tsp. Dijon ¼ cup sesame oil
¼ cup chili oil 2 whole chicken breast or a rotisserie chicken
6 green onions 2 carrots peeled and grated
1 red bell pepper chopped 1 can water chestnuts chopped
½ cup cilantro no stems ½ lb. snow peas
toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Cook chicken (grill or shred a rotisserie chicken). Cook noodles, drain and toss with ½ cup soy sauce and peanut oil. Set aside.
Combine mayo, Dijon, sesame oil, remaining soy sauce and chili oil. Refrigerate. Add chicken to noodles, then add dressing and toss well. Refrigerate. Before serving add all veggies. Garnish with extra cilantro and sesame seeds.

Julie's Thai Noodles

Julie Larsen, can you please post your Thai Noodle recipe that you brought to the cooking group? I wanted to make it for an Asian themed potluck I am going to tomorrow and I can't find the recipe. Or Katy or Kirsten could you post it? Thanks!

H-uppy Boit-day (said by Gus Gus from Cinderella) Kirsten

Happy Birthday Kirsten! You are a pretty pretty princess and we all love you. Hope you had a great day today. If I was in Utah I would make you a beautiful cake, but since I am stuck in central Pennsylvania, this will have to do. Treat yourself today, you deserve it!

Eat Your Veggies

I tried a new recipe that is really simple and yummy. My friend from my cooking group gave it to me and it is originally for broccoli, but tonight I used it for cauliflower and Collin (and he usually hates cauliflower), Ian and I loved it. My friend's family full of super picky kids loves it too.

Roasted Broccoli or Cauliflower

1 head broccoli (1 3/4 pounds) or cauliflower

2 T oil

1/2 t salt

1/2 t sugar

Adjust oven oven rack to lowest position, place large rimmed baking sheet on rack and heat oven to 500 degrees. Cut broccoli or cauliflower at juncture of florets and stems. Cut crowns into 4 wedges so that each piece has a flat side. Place broccoli or cauliflower in a bowl and drizzle with oil, tossing to coat. Sprinkle with salt and sugar and toss to combine. Working quickly, remove baking sheet from oven. Carefully transfer broccoli or cauliflower to baking sheet and spread out in an even layer, placing flat sides down. Return baking sheet to oven and roast until florets are lightly browned, 9-11 minutes.

Here's another one I am going to try next time, but I don't know if kids will like the garlic.

Roasted Broccoli with Garlic

1 bunch broccoli, cut into florets, stems peeled and sliced

1-2 T extra virgin olive oil

3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

salt and freshly ground pepper

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, garlic, salt and lots of black pepper on a baking sheet. Spread out in a single layer and then roast, without stirring until edges are crispy and the stems are crisp-tender, about 20 minutes.

No Fail French Bread

This recipe comes from my grandmother's ward's cookbook from a million years ago (which is probably more like 1977, but that might as well be a million years ago). I like to use this recipe for sandwich loaves because the crumb and the sponginess make for easy slicing.  It makes two large, delicious, versatile loaves.  

Combine and set aside:
1/2 cup warm water
2 Tbs yeast

Combine and add to water/yeast mixture:
2 cups warm water
1/3 cup melted shortening (or oil, or butter)
3 Tbs sugar

1 Tbs salt

Add:
3 cups flour

Mix until smooth. Let it rest for 10 minutes and then stir again. Continue resting/stirring for one hour.

Add:
3 cups more flour, or just enough flour to be able to knead it.

After kneading, divide the dough in half and shape it. Place it on a greased baking sheet or bread pan. (Optional: Glaze top with one egg white and slice the top three times diagonally.) Let it rise until doubled. Bake for 35 minutes at 400 degrees. Remove it from the bread pan to cool.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROBYN!!!!

I wish I had a scanner so I could include some of the super fantastic pictures I've got of you in my possession but I don't so you're off the hook. For now! I hope you have the best day ever today and that the world in general spoils you rotten. Have a fabulous 28th and know that people all over the country are wishing you the best. I wish we lived closer, I'd bake you some cookies or babysit your kids or something for you. I don't, though, so this birthday wish will have to do.

I think you're great and I'm glad that 18+ years ago your family baked mine a pie. Have a great birthday.

Valentine's Day plans?

So what is everyone going to do for Valentine's Day this year? Anything special? I think I spent too many years telling myself that Valentine's Day was dumb and a fake holiday (to comfort myself over the lack of any attention I received on Valentine's Day) that even now that I'm married I just don't really care about it. I don't want a present and I don't care if we don't go out. I'd like a card or love letter and for Dave to be extra sweet but that's about it.

On Saturday morning we have a primary V-day activity we have to go to, we're valiant 11 teachers, and then we'll have a small family party/dinner together that night. I got some festive paper plates and decorations, more for Kendall's benefit than anything else. We'll make treats for neighbors to show them how much we love them and we're going to make a chocolate dessert for us. At home and low key which is right up my alley. Gage and I both have birthdays about a week later, I'll leave the real celebrating for then.

Moby Wrap

With a new baby that wants to be held all the time, it can be hard to get anything done. Kirsten let me borrow her Moby Wrap and it is a life saver. Today I carried Charlotte around in it at the grocery store and at home while I made dinner. She falls right to sleep in it and I have two free hands to work with. It is also way more comfortable than other baby carriers I have tried. There are tons of different ways to wrap your child depending on their age. The website even shows how to wrap up twins Stephanie. Anyway, just thought I'd share for those who may need to free up their hands.

Valentine's Day

Ladies Valentines Day is approaching so I wanted to include this in here, here are some cute ideas for some treats. Check out Bakerella's blog site at www.bakerella.blogspot.com. She has some cute Red Velvet Valentine cookies plus some giveaways. I love this site, she is so clever!

Peanut Recall

Just in case some of you Supermommies want to check, this site has a list of companies not affected by the peanut recall -
http://www.peanutsusa.com/USA/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.page&pid=262

Best Brush

Please excuse this grodie looking picture. I love this brush. Emma (my 7-year-old daughter) left her brush at Stephanie's house over the break and so I bought this one for a dollar at the Food Surplus Outlet. It has changed our mother-daughter relationship for the better. It used to be that Emma would scream or cry when I would do her hair in the morning before school. I have curly hair and a tender head and so I have always brushed her hair really gently while holding it so it doesn't pull right from the scalp, but she would still always make a fuss. Since I got this brush she has actually asked me to brush her hair at night because it doesn't pull. I can brush my own hair which is full of tangles without crying as well. I love this brush! If you have daughters that cry at hairdo time I really recommend you get it. I think it is less than $6 at Walgreens. Happy styling!

Free Cosmetics!!

Hey girls -- free makeup at department stores.  Macy's, Saks, Lord and Taylor, Dillards... if you bought makeup at one of these stores in the last few years they are settling a 56 million dollar suit by giving out free stuff.  One item per person per store.  I got some Lancome mascara at Saks and some Clinique day cream at Macy's.  Pretty sweet!!  Only lasts while supplies last, starts today.

Introducing Royal and Ruby McKinney

Royal and Ruby

Royal Sumner and Ruby Tresler (my maiden name) were born on December 29th around 8:15 in the evening.  Royal weighed 5 lbs 14 oz and was 18 inches long and Ruby weighed 5 lbs 11 oz and was 19 inches long.  Both were born very healthy and strong.  

I ended up having a c-section after the ultrasound showed both little ones were transverse.  Though I wish I could've delivered vaginally, the labor and delivery part of it was way easier.....the recovery, not so much.  I'm just glad it's getting better everyday.  I feel great, though a little sleepy.  

I'm SO grateful for my little ones and I think it's such a blessing to have twins.  They are beautiful in every way.