The Camphuysen Fab 5

Halloween 2011

2011-11-01T05:24:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween 2011!

This year we celebrated with
Raistlyn as Little Red Riding Hood
Caiden as the Big Bad Wolf
Rowan as a Flapper &
Creed as a little Mobster

Raistlyn Turned 10 in November

2011-02-01T21:33:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Raistlyn's 10th birthday with a few of her besties at a make-shift spa. We had cupcakes and ice cream sundaes, mani pedi's and funky hairdoos to top things off. The girls had fun just goofing around.

A Peter Pan Themed Halloween in October

2011-02-01T21:15:00.000-08:00

We went with the Peter Pan theme this year mainly because Rowan insisted on being Tinkerbelle. The kids all went along with the plan. Raistlyn as Wendy, Caide as Peter and Creed as baby Micheal - pink onesie and all. We attended the church Trunk R' Treat and a Carnival at a friend's church so they got to dress up 2 nights in a row. So Fun!

Raistlyn also got to dress up as a Punk Rock Fairy for a Halloween Bash with her friend Mykenzi. (Hair and Makeup courtesy of her Aunt Jolene.)

A New Arrival in September

2011-02-01T20:35:00.000-08:00

September 10, 2010 was the big day ~ my water broke a little after 8 am so we got packed and ready for our little guy's arrival...we snapped this picture as we dropped Rowan off with a dear friend around 10 o'clock right before heading to the hospital.

Creed Maclain Camphuysen was welcomed into the world at 3:43 pm. He weighed in at 7 lbs 12 1/2 ounces and measured 20 inches.

The Patterson Grandparents and Aunt Jolene brought Caiden & Rowan to greet their new brother later that evening. Raistlyn arrived the next morning

Creed is a sweet, mellow little guy. His siblings love him so much. He's made our home an even happier place.

Rowan Turned 3 in August

2011-02-01T14:48:00.000-08:00

We celebrated with a Fairy Style bash at one of our favorite indoor climbling places that has a giant indoor tree with a slide. Rowan is all 'girly' and totally in to all things Fairy....especially Tinkerbelle and all her friends. She loves to play dress up and play with her tiny dolls.

Caiden is Four!

2010-01-29T12:48:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas 2009

2009-12-20T21:17:00.000-08:00

Raistlyn, Caiden & Rowan wishing you a
Merry Christmas
from the bottom of their sweet, little hearts!

Halloween '09

2009-11-03T07:40:00.000-08:00

Hardeman Science Hat Parade '09

2009-11-03T07:22:00.000-08:00

Each school year Hardeman Elementary celebrates Halloween by having a Science Hat Parade. Each child is given a science related vocabulary word and instructed to fashion a hat representing that word. This is what we came up with for the word Energy - a ginormous sun - you could see Raistlyn coming down the hall from a distance with her giant spikey sun Mika's word was Adaptation

Jake's was Lakes

Darian's was Heat

Celebrating My Birthday in Fabulous Fall Fashion

2009-11-03T06:40:00.001-08:00

My birthday just so happened to fall on a beautiful Friday this year so I pulled the girls out of school a bit early and headed out for some Fall Fun. We took Raistlyn's BFF Mikayla to Build-a-Bear Workshop to celebrate her 9th birthday. They picked out such cute animals - I couldn't believe that Caiden picked the Turkey - he's got such a cute personality!

(Check out Caide's black eye due to a little too much rough-housing with his big sister.)

These are pics from our annual trip to the pumpkin patch in Flower Mound. It's always a blast, though it was dang muddy from all the rain we had been having.

Back to School

2009-08-31T20:15:00.001-07:00

Third grade already....whew! Can't believe how much Rai changed over the summer. This one is from the last day of 2nd grade, Rai and her BFF Mika....Then these two little squirts started Sprouts preschool today. You can just see the excitement on their little faces.

This last pictures just melts my heart. How sweet and innocent they look being all lovey with each other. They are great little friends. They sure enjoyed their first day!

Jumpy Things

2009-08-30T10:13:00.000-07:00

The grass got a bit overgrown in the backyard which proved to be a great place to catch teensy, green grasshoppers. The kids had a blast chasing them around and playing in the sprinkler. I was surprised that they weren't frightened to hold them, being so jumpy and all. Guess they don't mind the little ones like the ginormous one that about scared us to death in the car the other day. We were just heading out to run errands when Raistlyn spied this gigantic something flying around the car - IT WAS INSIDE! A 4 inch grasshopper...NO KIDDING! Raistlyn & I were both screaming while Caiden was just looking around quizzically because he never got a look at it. I rolled down the passenger side window and the monsterous jumpy thing quickly escaped to freedom. Lucky for Us because I don't know what would have happened had it landed on any of us. Yeah, funny now....not so much then.

4th of July

2009-07-17T21:55:00.000-07:00

Raistlyn Goes to Summer Camp

2009-07-17T19:31:00.000-07:00

The cabin - 4 girls, no adults, no electricity = FUN!

The camp counselors - Rugby & ?

Heading off for a new adventure

using the buddy system of course

This was Raistlyn & Mikayla's first time to go away to Girl Scout Camp.
The best part ~ learning all sorts of new camp songs.
The worst part ~ bugs & having to drink 'sink' water.

Super Dude

2009-06-11T08:47:00.000-07:00

Finally took the little guy for his 3 year pictures
I love ya, Caidenator!

True Love

2009-06-09T19:26:00.000-07:00

Friends from church got married and I got to test my photography skills. These are a few of my favorite shots ~ Congrats Nicole & Eddie!

This is what they do when mom isn't looking

2009-06-01T20:41:00.001-07:00

They take pictures of each other pretending to be.....dead ?? or possibly asleep??

I just love 'em to pieces ~ wish they'd freeze and stay this size FOREVER!

Valentine's Crafty Things

2009-02-10T12:15:00.000-08:00

I was quite busy with projects this month. I just L-O-V-E the Close to My Heart That's Amore paper that most of these were made with - It was perfect for Valentine's.

At February Craft Club we made Be Mine Banners
I absolutely L-O-V-E they way these turned out

I also did a layout with newborn pictures of my little sweetie Rowan

and these are the Valentine's that Raistlyn and I made for her 2nd Grade class - the cards were made from red envelopes which when folded and stuck together just right created 2 inner pockets inside to put stuff in - So Cool! We tucked in suckers and the conversation heart cards.

And last but not least, these are the Valentine's Cards I made this year. The small ones had an insert that you pulled out with a picture of the kids. We had such a tough time with pictures this year because Rowan just didn't want to cooperate. We were lucky to get one decent shot! We almost chose one of Caiden with his finger up his nose and thought we could put a silly caption on it like...."I Pick You as my Valentine". Yeah, that would have been totally funny...but he probably wouldn't think so 10 years from now....so we didn't.

Happy Heart Day!

Caideman Monkeyboy aka Caiden turned 3

2009-02-10T12:09:00.000-08:00

We had Caiden's 3rd birthday party at an incredible place called Paradise Pond. The kids enjoyed themselves so much they've been begging to go back! These are my favorite shots from the party.

Close to My Heart - Celebrating 25 Years

2009-02-05T05:51:00.001-08:00

This is a heads up for my Craft Club Cuties...and of course anyone else who is interested. Close to My Heart is celebrating a birthday this month and they want to give everyone a gift. I'll tell you all about it on Friday night but here's a sneak peak....

When you purchase just $25.00 in Acrylix Stamps you will receive this SWEET Good Times Stamp Set FREE...yep FREE!

a little p.s. - Stamp of the Month, Discounted and Customized Name Stamps don't count - sorry - Offer good from February 3 to February 28, 2009

I (heart) Rocks

2009-01-28T13:36:00.000-08:00

I've had a fascination with rocks since I was a kid. I'd put them in my pockets and stash them in little hiding places in my bedroom. My Grandpa Patterson had a tumbler that he used to make them all shiny and pretty for me. To this day, I still treasure that little red box of special rocks he gave me one summer while we were visiting in Utah. I have that box tucked away high in my closet with a little green wind up swimming frog in it too. Yeah that's kinda weird.

Geodes are my favorite. I have lots of them. I picked up whole ones in Colorado and brought them back to Texas many summers. My dad and I would let loose on them in the garage trying to bust them open (as carefully as possible) to find crystal treasures inside. Aren't they stinking cool? I've got them made in to aromatherapy oil burners, candle holders, coasters and loads of pretty ones that just sit on a shelf to be admired.

Then I found these beauties - I must have them for my collection - you can find more glorious creations here - her stuff is just lovely.

Amazing Technicolor Cake

2009-01-27T08:48:00.000-08:00

I LOVE the look of this fabulous cake - it's given me loads of ideas for some experimental baking for Valentine's Day. Kids will definitely LOVE it...parent's WON'T due to what it is made of...but it is cake after all....it's Not supposed to be Good For You. Find the cake recipe here at The Omnomicon - the photos are gorgeous...the comments are pretty colorful as well (read 'em and notice that all the mean comments are posted anonomously - so typical)

Girl Scout Trip to 6 Flags

2009-01-02T20:31:00.001-08:00

It's my favorite time of year to go to 6 Flags ~Holiday in the Park. We've made it out 4 times this season and hope to go again tomorrow before our passes expire for the 2008 season. These pictures were from the outing with Raistlyn's Girl Scout Troop. All the girls and Caiden along for the fun. He likes the boat ride that sways side to side out over the water and the airplane ride the best. Raistlyn is fearless, she'll ride anything. We're hoping to get on Tony Hawk's Big Spin one of these days....the lines are always too long!

Student of Virtue

2009-01-02T20:09:00.000-08:00

Each 6 weeks the school has an assembly by grade in which they award and recognize students for their grades and attendance. Raistlyn has managed to be acknowledge every time for her straight A's - occasionally for perfect attendance and just this last time she was awarded the student of Virtue award for Responsibility. We are so proud of you Raistlyn!

2nd Grade Christmas Play

2009-01-02T20:00:00.000-08:00

2nd Grade put on a production entitled "The Greatest Christmas Card (In the Whole Wide World)" The kids were all dressed up as toys, angels, Christmas Trees, snowmen, dancers, Santa and his reindeer, the Nativity characters, etc. It was so cute...they acted out different scenes you would typically see on a Christmas card as they sang and danced. Raistlyn was the announcer and did a wonderful job!

Christmas Eve at the Grandparents

2009-01-02T19:48:00.000-08:00

We finished off Christmas Eve at Grandma & Grandpa Patterson's House. There is always good food and fun with cousins. Rowan especially likes to explore Grandma's pretties - she found that lei and an ornament that played "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas that had her giggling with delight." We noshed on Grandpa's venison chili, Aunt Annette's yummy appetizers, Aunt Gloria's yummy cookies, Italian sodas and of course Grandma's scones.

Christmas Eve Festivities

2009-01-02T19:42:00.000-08:00

We had a little lunch date with our friends the Bickles on Christmas Eve. Irma made everything just perfect for the kids. They ate, did a couple crafts then had a gift exchange. So much fun!We'll definitely do this again next year.

Christmas Morning at the Camphuysens

2009-01-02T18:54:00.000-08:00

This was the scene before the munchins arose from their slumber. Notice the button there? It must have fell off of Santa's coat ~ Raistlyn found it by accidentally sitting upon it Christmas morning. We'll save it until next year and give it back to him.

We had forgotten to put them to bed in their Christmas jammies so we had to hurry and do it before pictures in the morning.

I think the baby doll was the PERFECT gift for Rowan. She loves baby Stella. She rocks her, hugs her and kisses her. She especially loves to push her around in her stroller.

Raistlyn loved her Angel ornament from Grandma Knight. She gets one every year.

Raistlyn had outgrown her little bike so it was definitely time for a new one. You should see her fly up and down the street!

Of course she hates it when the biggest box she has under the tree always has a few pair of necessities in it...boy Santa sure has a sense of humor!

Caiden just can't get enough of his Lego Star Wars game. It's the first thing he asks for when he wakes up in the morning....a Jedi in the making ~ his Daddy is so proud.

This was the toy at the top of Caide's wish list. You know how kids are when they see those commercials on TV right? The bath blizzard is actually pretty cool ~ makes bathtime super fun.

It's our tradition for the past several years to have my parents and two of my sisters over for Christmas dinner. We baked the biggest ham ever this year and had a wonderful time together celebrating the birth of our Savior.

Forget the baking and make this instead

2008-12-17T09:03:00.000-08:00

I think this project is so nifty.
The kids will love to help decorate the house for the holidays.
I think I'll make mine out of wood and use it as a yard decoration.
Find all the yummy the details here.

2nd Grade Twin Day

2008-12-03T05:17:00.001-08:00

Raistlyn & Savannah all decked out in their
Rockin' HSM T's for Twin Day at school

Then they transformed into monsters ~
check out Savannah's crazy red popsicle tongue!

and here's the Triplets~ Alley C., Allee T. & Mikayla

Happy Turkey Day

2008-11-26T15:35:00.001-08:00

These are the cutest little turkey confections EVER by Bakerella
and then there's these yummies by the hungry housewife
I think I'm going to gain another 10 pounds eating stuff like these!

Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving!

Homemade Christmas Gifts

2008-11-26T13:34:00.000-08:00

Like Sugar or Salt scrub? I have lots of oils and supplies that I'm ready to use or get rid of. Let me know if you are interested in coming over and making some great holiday gifts. There will be minimal cost involved - (you only need 4 ingredients to make these...epsom salt or cane sugar, carrier oil, essential oil (for scent) and food coloring). Super Easy and they make great gifts. If you'd rather make your own, check it out here

I might even try my hand at making these cute cupcake bath bombs (find the tutorial here)

Made me LAUGH

2008-11-24T13:40:00.000-08:00

This post: Sweet But Dark: Fifty Ways to Kill a Twinkie by Cakespy just cracked me up...Especially when I got to this picture ~ (you'll "get it" if you are a Heathers fan like me)

If that doesn't make you laugh...maybe this will:

Who has time to create this type of fun stuff? Wish I did. It's genius. Go check it out!

The Birthday Party was a SPLASH!

2008-11-17T13:44:00.000-08:00

The invitations ~
looked like little purses
(though you can't really make out the black ribbon handles)

The Destination~

The Birthday Girl ~

The Party Guests ~

The cookie cake that was a total decorated wreck ~
however, it still tasted Yummy

The massively cool indoor water park ~

The girls getting ready to dive in ~

The little brother having the time of his life...blue lips and all ~

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RAISTLYN

AAARGH! Pirates

2008-11-16T21:26:00.000-08:00

Ahoy Matey! Finally found some time to post a few pictures from Halloween. The kids were all dressed as pirates as you can see. I made treasure map trick-or-treat bags for Raistlyn & Caiden - Rowan had a really mean looking pirate skull to carry around. They all had so much fun. Of course, any time the night revolves around candy my kids are in SUGAR HIGH HEAVEN! The little ones really got in to trick-or-treating this year. It was a hoot watching them run from house to house with their cousins gathering their sweet loot.

Hmmmm......

2008-10-27T14:51:00.000-07:00

Does anyone else think this is funny???
'cause I just can't stop giggling!

It's my Birthday

2008-10-23T08:53:00.000-07:00

Anyone want to buy me this cutie?
I'd be totally SWEET toodle-ing around in it this winter!

Find it here - along with a lot of other super cute things - shipping is free too with code "STORE CUTE"
Oh, and check out this page - for some fun Christmas items. I think my sis Annette needs this Charlie Brown Christmas tree.

I'd get these for my nephew-in-law Robert.

this for my hubby

This for my favorite dentist

These last 2 would be MORE PRESENTS FOR ME! CUTE STUFF HUH?

October Craft Club

2008-10-14T20:57:00.001-07:00

Arent' they just 'BOO'tiful?
Boo bags, Witches Broom Treat Bags and Halloween Cards
Next month is a Christmas Theme, just $12.95 for the kit

To kick off the Holiday Season
I'm offering 10% off Close to My Heart Orders totalling $50 - $99
and 15% off orders totalling $100 or more
Simply email me for details

My Girls

2008-10-09T11:19:00.000-07:00

My wonderful niece photographed my girls last weekend.
My littlest just turned one and big sis Rai will be eight in November.
My they grow so fast! (yes, there is a boy in between and he'll have his turn in January)

Melissa is offering a special for Christmas.
If you are interested book it soon, cause she only takes a few shoots and will fill up fast.
You will not be disappointed! Her website is melissafullmer.com go there and get all the details.

My inspiration

2008-10-09T10:53:00.000-07:00

Amy Atlas is her name and she's an event planner in New York City that specializes in Dessert Tables. Looks amazing huh? Think that sort of thing would take off here in Fort Worth because I'm sure thinking of starting my own business! I'm inspired.

I think I'll make up a batch of these brownie pops too!

Wash Their Mouths Out with Soap

2008-09-29T22:29:00.000-07:00

They might like it if the soap looks anything like these yummy creations!

I've tried my hand at soapmaking in the past - I might have to
break out my popsicle molds and see what I can whip up. I do
love to "bloglift" a great idea.

They are made of Pure Glycerin soap which is very easy to work with.
You can pick it up at craft stores like Michael's and Hobby Lobby or buy it online like I do at Wholesale Supplies Plus they sell all sorts of products for the do-it-yourselfer!

Did you know.....Glycerin is a humectant, drawing moisture to your skin, allowing it to remain hydrated and soft. It is also known to be a natural remedy for yeast and fungal infections, such as eczema and psoriasis.
It is especially good for sensitive skin because it does not contain synthetic ingredients that will cause irritation. It does a great job of keeping your skin looking AND feeling healthy and soft.

If you don't want to attempt to make your own you can purchase Soapsicles here they have TONS of great, unique stuff!But if you are anything like me ~ you love a great craft project.
I promise you can make these, it's easy! My friend Kerri has a great tutorial on her blog here.
This is an example of the beautiful soap she made ~ go check it out because she is also HOSTING A GIVEAWAY and I know how we all love FREE GOODIES!

Discovering Where I'm "At"

2008-09-22T09:26:00.000-07:00

I just read an excerpt from The Worn Out Woman

This is a quote that really stood out to me:

“The problem is that we really can’t do it all- and if we try, the items we never get to are sometimes the most important ones. Overcommitment is not only exhausting; it also makes maintaining balance almost impossible because “urgent” issues will almost always crowd out those that are more important but less time sensitive.
We quickly reach the point where we are routinely postponing time with the Lord and with family and friends in favor of “getting things done”- even replacing meaningful relationships with the temporary rewards of trying to live up to everyone’s expectations.”

I want to do SO MANY things. I try to plan, prioritize, organize and stay on top of everything. I'm at the point of just trying to come to terms with the fact that I CAN'T DO IT ALL!
I (we, the family) get invited to something and we try to go because I feel it's important and I enjoy supporting my friends and family. Besides, I want them to return the favor and support us in our endeavors. I often get disappointed when my friends let me down and that weighs on me. I also tend to have a hard time saying no.

So, I’ve been encouraged to take the time to really think and pray through all of the things that are clamoring for my time and attention. My children are growing up before my eyes and I don't want to look back and realize that I've missed something. So I'm prioritizing which relationships and activities that should really take precedence in my life now. By setting my priorities I feel it will help to ensure that I am spending my time and energy on the things that really matter the most. If you feel frazzled or stressed I encourage you to do the same.

I'm sure you've noticed the lack of blog posts. I'm hoping to get caught up soon.
Raistlyn started 2nd grade, I got a new (keep me VERY busy) calling at church, Adam passed his 1st certification test, Rowan turned 1, and Caiden started potty training - just to name a few big events in our lives...we have alot of pictures to post to get caught up...but I'm vowing to not let it stress me out!

Little Snowie

2008-08-19T21:38:00.001-07:00

We got this little snowie - he's AWESOME,
the kid's just LOVE him.
We got him out after FHE and
made us up a little summer treat!

Make Your Cupcakes PoP!

2008-08-04T14:05:00.000-07:00

Cupcake Pops and Cupcake Bites (Video Instructions from the Martha Stewart Show)

1 13X9 baked cake (from a box cake mix or from scratch … any flavor)

1 can cream cheese frosting (or about 2 cups equivalent from scratch)

1 flower shaped cookie cutter (1.25" wide X .75" tall)

1 package chocolate bark

1 package pink candy melts or white chocolate bark

bowls for dipping

wax paper

aluminum foil

lollipop sticks

sprinkles, m&ms or something similar for top of cupcake

small plastic treat bags and ribbon to package the Cupcake Pops

candy cups and truffle boxes to individually package the Cupcake Bites

styrofoam block

1. Bake a cake from a mix or from scratch and cool completely.

2. Crumble cake into a fine consistency into a large bowl.
TIP: If the texture is too coarse, you can run it through a food processor.

3. Add can of cream cheese frosting or homemade frosting and blend together using the back of a large spoon. Blend thoroughly.

4. Roll mixture into 1.25" - 1.5" size balls and lay on wax paper covered cookie sheet. You may want to periodically rinse and dry your hands off in between.

5. Cover with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and chill in refrigerator for several hours.
TIP: You can speed this up by placing in the freezer for about 15 minutes.

6. Remove from cooler. Begin to shape into cupcakes using a small flower-shaped cookie cutter. Take the chilled ball and roll it into more of an oval and then slide into cookie cutter. Push it into cutter until about half fills the cutter and the rest sticks out of the top in the shape of a mound. Then push the shaped cupcake carefully out of the cookie cutter from the bottom. Set right side up on a wax paper covered cookie sheet. Continue with remaining balls.

7. Once shaped, cover and return to freezer. (5-10 minutes)
TIP: You can leave them covered in the refrigerator overnight if you want to do the dipping on the following day.

8. While cupcake shapes are chilling, begin to heat up your chocolate bark.
Brown chocolate bark for the bottoms. Pink or white chocolate for the tops.
Follow the instructions on the package for melting. Most recommend heating for 30 second intervals at a time and stirring in between. You can also do the double boiler method.

9. When you are ready to dip, remove from freezer and set up another wax paper covered cookie sheet. Take the cupcake shaped mixture and dip bottoms into the melted chocolate - just to the point where the mounded shape starts. Remove from chocolate, turn upside down and wiggle so that the excess starts to slide down slightly. Then lay on the wax paper upside down.

10. If you want them to be lollipops, then go ahead and insert the lollipop sticks while the chocolate is still wet. Continue with rest of the cupcakes. You can also leave some without the sticks. They’re just as cute as Cupcake Bites.
TIP: Dip end of your lollipop stick in the melted chocolate before inserting into chocolate bottoms. Not sure if this helps a lot, but it couldn't hurt.
DON'T - get water in the chocolate. Make sure your hands are completely dry. Water will cause the chocolate to separate and mess up all your hard work.

11. Dry completely. (15-20 minutes) Once dry, dip the tops of the cupcakes in the pink or white chocolate. You may need to move it around a little to cover all the exposed areas.

TIP: Let the pink chocolate sit for a few minutes after heating to thicken. This will help it from dripping down the sides of the cupcake.

12. Remove from the pink/white chocolate and turn right side up. You may need to hold and rotate it if there is any excess so that it doesn’t drip down too far.
TIP: You can use a toothpick to help cover any areas the melted chocolate didn't cover.

13. For the Cupcake Bites - just turn right side up and rest on the wax paper. Then go ahead and put a m&m on the top and add sprinkles while wet.

14. For the lollipops, Continue holding and place an m&m on the top and add sprinkles. Let them dry in a styrofoam block that you have already poked holes into.

15. When completely dry, cover the lollipops with small plastic treat bags and tie with a ribbon. For the Cupcake Bites, place in a candy cup and package in small candy truffle boxes to present individually.

Makes about 50.
You can store these in an airtight container and they will last for several days. You can also store in the refrigerator if you would like them cold.
Via Bakarella

Fun Foodie Finds

2008-07-31T08:02:00.000-07:00

Aren't these just the coolest little plates! Pop art Comic Appetizer Plates from cb2
only $2.95 each!

Frushi is what happens when you replace the “fish, seaweed and wasabi” with “fruit, sugar and yogurt”. Cantaloupe looks like pickled ginger when sliced paper thin and Blackberries look like fish roe when cored and quartered. You can filet a strawberry to look like fish (kinda). A 2-to-1 ratio of a flavored honey and apple cider vinegar makes a nice "glaze" that you can put on stuff to sweeten it up with a little something extra. Ginger Ale works to keep rice from sticking to your hands and knife. I CAN'T WAIT TO MAKE THIS FOR ROWAN'S BIRTHDAY PARTY NEXT MONTH!

This recipe will get you started:

Ingredients
1 1/4 cups water

1 cup uncooked sushi rice or other short-grain rice

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup light coconut milk

Dash of salt

Cooking spray

orange sections

fresh raspberries

1 (6-ounce) carton vanilla fat-free yogurt

Preparation
Bring water and rice to a boil in a medium saucepan. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes or until water is almost absorbed. Remove from heat; let stand, covered, 15 minutes.Place rice in a large bowl. Add sugar, coconut milk, and salt, stirring gently until well combined. Cover and let stand 20 minutes.

Lightly coat hands with cooking spray. Divide rice mixture into 20 equal portions, shaping each into a ball (about 1 rounded tablespoon each). Lightly press each rice ball into an oval between palms; place ovals on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Top each of 10 ovals with 1 orange section, and press gently to adhere. Top each of the remaining 10 ovals with 2 raspberries. Cover and chill frushi until ready to serve. Serve with yogurt for dipping.

Makes 5 servings (serving size: 4 frushi pieces and about 2 1/2 tablespoons yogurt)
Recipe courtesy of Cooking Light.

Tuesday Tell All: Summer is Sweet

2008-07-29T07:28:00.000-07:00

What are your favorite summertime treats?

We love watermelon

and Strawberries

and of course Popsicles
are a staple during the hot, hot Texas months
But my favorite summer treat isn't a
'treat' that you eat
It's our summer memories.

4th of July, vacation, time home with the kids, no school or homework, staying up late Late LATE, sleeping in (well, some of us), lots of swimming and playing in the sprinklers.
This year will consist of trips to Six Flags, The Circus, Movies, NRH2O, Rowan's 1st Birthday Bash and lots more. No fancy trips this year 'cause dad's in school. But lots of great activities to keep little ones busy. I remember the summer months best from when I was a kid. We'd play outside for HOURS on HOURS only coming home to refuel with drinks from the water hose. Having come from a big family (7 siblings) we didn't take fancy vacations but we would travel to Utah from Texas to visit our Grandparents most summers. I forged memories that will be with me forever from those wonderful trips. We'd play in the alfalfa fields and orchards, swing on the old tire swing across the ditch, eat root beer flavored popsicles and loads of fresh fruit. We'd stop to get cool water from the spring that trickled up from the old tree stump and celebrate July 4th & Pioneer Days with parades, rodeos, and sparklers. We'd eat picnic lunches from the tailgate of our old station wagon and play in the barn. (I always tried to stay far away from that mean black dog they had tied up there.) I could go on and on....

I can't wait for my kids to get old enough for camping trips and sleepovers and of course the illustrious trip to Disney World. Lots of memories in the making.

Does your family have a favorite summer treat....I'd love to hear about it.

Embellished Magnets

2008-07-16T10:14:00.000-07:00

I found this great craft idea at The Little Window Shop though it's straight from Martha Stewart.

What you need to get started:
Decorative papers, such as wallpaper or wrapping paper

Paper punch (1 1/2 and 3/4 inches)

Flattened glass marbles

Sobo glue

Super glue

Magnets

Scissors

Pencil

Decorative Magnets How-To

1. Using a paper punch, cut out decorative paper rounds. Since the marbles are irregularly shaped, you may have to trim the rounds to match. You can also trace the glass marble onto the paper using a pencil and cut out the shape.
2. Using Sobo glue, affix the printed side of the paper to a glass marble. Let the glue dry, and press out any bubbles.
3. Using super glue, affix a magnet to the back of the paper. Let dry a few hours before using. Packaged in small boxes or tins, the magnets make wonderful gifts.

Super easy huh? Now go make ya some!

What I'm Wanting Wednesday

2008-07-09T07:11:00.001-07:00

Aren't these just the coolest wall decals ever?

I found them here at an Etsy shop called Badass Custom Decals. I'm thinking the chandelier will look so good in my girl's bedroom! But, I can't decide between the other two for mine. I'm invisioning the tree with little mini framed pictures of the family hanging around it like a "family tree" ...whaddaya think?

It's My Little Sis's Birthday!

2008-07-03T07:22:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

I just threw this together...hope you have a great Birthday! We'll celebrate tomorrow at our 4th of July Par-Tay!

Independence Day Ideas

2008-06-25T06:23:00.000-07:00

I went searching for some new ideas for our July 4th Celebration.

I found great ones here at Martha Stewart's site - go figure

and Great Kid Friendly ideas here at FamilyFun

My kids are going to Loooove these popsicles:

and because I Adore cupcakes, I'll be making these:

I need to hunt down some ** SPARKLERS ** - anyone know where to get those nowadays? We'll be playing in the pool, grilling and of course watching Fireworks.

How does your family celebrate the 4th?

It's my potty and I'll cry if I want to.....

2008-06-18T10:53:00.000-07:00

Seriously...this is my almost 10 month old baby - NOT - my 2 1/2 year old that diddled in the potty. Wouldn't believe it if I hadn't seen it. The 2 year old brother wants NUTHIN' to do with the potty. Not even the FANCY potty that plays music and makes cool flushing sounds.

Aren't you glad I took a picture of it for you?
See....you wouldn't have believed it either!

Just a fluke? Nope, she actually did it TWICE...on 2 DIFFERENT days...believe it or not. Her big sis was SO proud - can you tell?

I'm so in LOVE with these

2008-06-17T21:47:00.000-07:00

The best mascara I have ever tried (and I've tried a bunch)
It even comes in brown~YEAH!

Glorious Giant Cupcakes

I can hardly wait for Rowan's birthday party!

Little pies baked in Jars!

Check it out here......I'm totally stealing this idea!

Get Your Kids to Eat Their Meat & Veggies

2008-06-17T20:34:00.000-07:00

Meatloaf Cupcakes with Mashed Potato Frosting

I found this here

Triple-meat cupcakes are frosted with two types of mashed potato–beetroot-tinted and plain–and topped with green pepper sprinkles. –Makes 12

INGREDIENTS
For the “cupcake”:

1/3 lb. ground veal

1/3 lb. ground chuck

1/3 lb. ground pork

1 small carrot, roughly chopped

1 small onion, roughly diced

2 stalks celery, roughly diced

3/4 cup breadcrumbs

1/3 cup milk

1/4 cup chopped parsley

1/4 cup shredded parmesan

2 eggs

Salt and pepper

For the “frosting”:

7.2oz box instant mashed potatoes

Milk, per package instructions

Butter, per package instructions

Beet juice from canned beets

To garnish:

Green pepper, very finely diced

METHOD
For the “cupcake”:

Preheat oven to 350F.
Soak the breadcrumbs in the milk and set aside.
Sweat the vegetables in olive oil until softened.

Transfer to a deep bowl and use an immersion blender to puree;

alternatively, puree in food processor.
Mix the three meats, eggs, breadcrumbs, parmesan, parsley and vegetable puree in a large bowl until an even consistency is reached.
Place meat mixture in greased muffin tins and bake until brown and shrunken away from the sides, about 20-25 minutes. Remove from tin and cool on rack.

For the “frosting”:

Prepare one sachet of instant mashed potatoes according to package instructions.

To prepare the other, substitute beet juice from canned beets for the water called for in the instructions. Allow to cool.
Transfer each batch of mashed potato into a separate pastry bag (or Ziploc bag with a snipped-off corner) with your favourite pastry tip. Pipe onto cupcakes and decorate with diced green pepper.

Reheat in oven or microwave before serving.

Good To Know

2008-06-15T21:36:00.000-07:00

I found this code on a site I visit that will block someone from right clicking and saving your photos or any content from your blog. It worked for me. Does it work when you try? If you want the same kind of protection just follow their instructions and put the code in the {body} portion of your blog or website. Might be something to pass along like I did.

Yummy Cranberry Pork

2008-06-08T19:07:00.000-07:00

This recipe is one of our favorites. It's so yummy and SO easy. Just toss the ingredients into the crockpot and voila.....

16 oz can whole berry cranberry sauce

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup cranberry juice

1 packet of Lipton Onion Soup

1 teaspoon dry mustard

1/4 teaspoon cloves

1 pork loin roast, extra-lean and boneles

2 tablespoons cornstarch

2 tablespoons cold water

salt -- to taste

Directions:
In a medium bowl, mash cranberry sauce with a fork or a potato masher. Stir in sugar, cranberry juice, mustard, Lipton soup and cloves. Place pork roast in crock pot and pour cranberry sauce mixture over it. Cook on low setting for 6 to 8 hours or until meat is tender. Remove roast and keep warm. With a metal spoon, skim the fat from the liquid in the slow cooker. Pour 2 cups of the liquid (add water to fill out the measure, if necessary) into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Blend cornstarch and cold water to make a paste; stir gradually into boiling liquid. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens. Serve with rice or potatoes!

Now Why Didn't I Think of That

2008-06-08T18:27:00.000-07:00

I found some of this information to be quite useful - especially the tip about how to rid your home of pesky little ants without using harmful pesticides around children!

Hope you find something helpful too!

Peel a Banana from the bottom and you won't have to pick the little "stringy things" off of it. That's how the primates do it.Take your bananas apart when you get home from the store. If you leave them connected at the stem, they ripen faster.

Store your opened chunks of Cheese in aluminum foil. It will stay fresh much longer and not mold!

Peppers with 3 bumps on the bottom are sweeter and better for eating.Peppers with 4 bumps on the bottom are firmer and better for cooking.

Add a teaspoon of water when frying Ground Beef. It will help pull the grease away from the meat while cooking.

To really make Scrambled Eggs or omelets rich add a couple of spoonfuls of sour cream, cream cheese, or heavy cream in and then beat them up.

For a cool Brownie treat, make brownies as directed. Melt Andes mints in double broiler and pour over warm brownies. Let set for a wonderful minty frosting.

Add Garlic immediately to a recipe if you want a light taste of garlic and at the end of the recipe if your want a stronger taste of garlic.

Leftover Snickers bars from Halloween make a delicious dessert. Simple chop them up with the food chopper. Peel, core and slice a few apples. Place them in a baking dish and sprinkle the chopped candy bars over the apples. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes!!! Serve alone or with vanilla ice cream.

To Reheat Pizza - Heat up leftover pizza in a nonstick skillet on top of the stove, set heat to med-low and heat till warm. This keeps the crust crispy. No soggy micro pizza. Shown on the cooking channel and it really works.

Easy Deviled Eggs - why didn't I think of this?????Put cooked egg yolks in a zip lock bag. Seal, mash till they are all broken up. Add remainder of ingredients, reseal, keep mashing it up mixing thoroughly, cut the tip of the baggy, squeeze mixture into egg. Just throw bag away when done easy clean up.

Expanding Frosting - When you buy a container of cake frosting from the store, whip it with your mixer for a few minutes. You can double it in size. You get to frost more cake/cupcakes with the same amount. You also eat less sugar and calories per serving

Reheating Refrigerated Bread- To warm biscuits, pancakes, or muffins that were refrigerated, place them in a microwave with a cup of water. The increased moisture will keep the food moist and help it reheat faster.

Broken Glass - Use a wet cotton ball or Q-tip to pick up the small shards of glass you can't see easily

No More Mosquitoes- Place a dryer sheet in your pocket. It will keep the mosquitoes away.

Squirrel Away! To keep squirrels from eating your plants sprinkle your plants with cayenne pepper. The cayenne pepper doesn't hurt the plant and the squirrels won't come near it.

Flexible Vacuum - To get something out of a heat register or under the fridge add an empty paper towel roll or empty gift wrap roll to your vacuum. It can be bent or flattened to get in narrow openings.

Reducing Static Cling. Pin a small safety pin to the seam of your slip and you will not have a clingy skirt or dress. Same thing works with slacks that cling when wearing panty hose. Place pin in seam of slacks and -- ta da! -- static is gone.

Measuring Cups. Before you pour sticky substances into a measuring cup, fill with hot water. Dump out the hot water, but don't dry cup. Next, add your ingredient, such as peanut butter, and watch how easily it comes right out.

Foggy Windshield? Hate foggy windshields? Buy a chalkboard eraser and keep it in the glove box of your car. When the windows fog, rub with the eraser! Works better than a cloth!

Reopening Envelope If you seal an envelope and then realize you forgot to include something inside , just place your sealed envelope in the freezer for an hour or two. Viola! It unseals easily.

Conditioner. Use your hair conditioner to shave your legs. It's a lot cheaper than shaving cream and leaves your legs really smooth. It's also a great way to use up the conditioner you bought but didn't like when you tried it in your hair.

Goodbye Fruit Flies - To get rid of pesky fruit flies, take a small glass fill it 1/2" with Apple Cider Vinegar and 2 drops of dish washing liquid, mix well. You will find those flies drawn to the cup and gone forever!

Get Rid of Ants- Put small piles of cornmeal where you see ants. They eat it, take it "home," can't digest it so it kills them. It may take a week or so, especially if it rains, but it works & you don't have the worry about pets or small children being harmed!

My Huge SCORE!!

2008-06-03T15:47:00.000-07:00

Would you believe I got all this for $11.69

8 packages of diapers

4 packages of wipes

6 packages of batteries

4 bottles of flouride rinse

5 packages of Q-tips

2 bottles of Dawn dish soap

5 bottles of Huggies Body Wash

2 boxes of Bandaids

1 box of Truffles

2 Toothbrushes

1 - 8 pk of Paper Towels

3 - 9 pks of Toilet Paper

1 bag of Chex mix

1 Bic Lighter

3 - multi packs gum

1 single pack of gum

2 tins of Lifesavers

We totally stocked up!

All of it really cost me nothing out of pocket because I used a free gift card to pay for it and

I even earned $47.95 extracarebucks for future purchases. Wanna learn how? Come visit my savings blog!

Last Day of 1st Grade

2008-06-03T15:34:00.000-07:00

I made these T-shirts for Raistlyn & Mikayla to where to school on their last day of 1st grade.
Their names were also on the back buy hubby didn't get a picture. If they last though the summer we'll possibly have them wear them again on the 1st day of 2nd grade.

1st Grade Field Day

2008-06-03T14:21:00.000-07:00

Jumpin' and singing those fun songs

The Shoe Kick
The Crab Walk Race
The Frog Toss

Raistlyn & Raegan
Raistlyn & Mikayla Hammin it up!

She was singing some Strawberry Shortcake song - remember that one?

Raistlyn & her wonderful teacher Mrs. Whitehead
The kids had a great time and the weather was Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!

9 months

2008-06-01T13:38:00.000-07:00

Another tooth this month and she took her first step on her own just this past weekend! As a mother these milestones are so hard for me. She's my last little baby and she's growing up too fast.

We've made it one full night in the crib so far. She's snoozing the night away across the house and I'm up listening for her not getting any sleep myself. I'm the one missing her.

Loving Right Now

2008-05-28T06:57:00.000-07:00

Raistlyn is so excited that tomorrow is the last day of school. She's been counting down the days to the 1st grade party at Chuck E. Cheese and our trip to Build-a-Bear this weekend. We have lots of swimming on the agenda for the next few months, my kids are like little fishies. I'm loading up our day-planner with all sorts of fun, inexpensive activities...Hello Summer Heat!

Skin care products by Pevonia Botanical. Thanks to my Aesthetician sister - Jolie for the hookup - She gives an amazing facial too!

As a mom who loves to produce imaginative, wonderful birthday cake creations for her kids, I am SO IN LOVE with this book! There is also a delightful little blog where readers can show off their creations too. http://blog.hellocupcakebook.com/ I'm trying to decide on a theme for Rowan's 1st B-day....any ideas?

Brilliant is the perfect description and the perfect prescription remedy for a decent hairdo in the Texas humidity. The smell is scrumptious too!

I love manufacturer coupons.

I actually had someone tell me the other day that coupon clipping wasn't worth the savings.

Then just last night I saw a shopper at Tom Thumb pick an item from the shelf and not even bother to pick up the coupon for .50 cents off that was RIGHT IN FRONT OF THEM that would actually be doubled to $1.00 making the item just .14 cents!

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

They obviously don't know what I know.

I've been saving 50-80% on my groceries and 80-100% on drugstore items.

Visit my frugal savings blog and start saving too! HERE Otherwise, quit complaining about the price of gas and everything else that is going up, up, up because of it! *said with a smile*

Fave lip product of ALL TIME and I've tried bookoos of them!

My hubby makes fun of me for some of the music that I listen to. Sorry, I just can't help but like Adam Levine. I'm a fan.

Season Finale TOMORROW night!
Kids better find something to do and be quiet cause I'll be watching - Tivo - just in case kids won't find something to do and be quiet. Which will probably be the case.

I just thought this was kinda funny

2008-05-20T12:32:00.000-07:00

Tuesday Tell All

2008-05-20T11:35:00.000-07:00

Topic for Tuesday May 20th- One Word

Answer the following with only one word.
1. Where is your cell phone? ....................Purse

2. Your significant other?.......................Adam

3. Your hair?....................................Red

4. Your mother? .................................Saint

5. Your father?..................................Reliable

6. Your favorite thing?..........................Family

7. Your dream last night?........................Quiet

8. Your favorite drink...........................Tang

9. Your dream/goal?..............................Parties

10. The room you're in?..........................Office

11. Your children?.....................................Darling

12. Your fear?...................................Recession

13. Where do you want to be in 6 years...........Utah?

14. Where were you last night?...................Cutting

15. What you're not?.............................Bored

16. Muffins......................................Pumpkin

17. One of your wish list items?.................Tickets

18. Where you grew up?...........................Texas
19. What you read last........................Chart

20. What are you wearing?........................Green

21. Your TV?.....................................Tivo

22. Your pets?...................................Yuck

23. Your computer? ..............................Rocks

24. Your life?...................................Busy

25. Your mood?...................................Chipper

26. Missing someone?.............................Babies

27. Your car?....................................Hot

28. Something you're not wearing?................Lipstick

29. Favorite Store?..............................CVS

30. Your summer?.................................Exciting

31. Like someone?................................DAVIDCOOK! Yeah, I cheated so what?

32. Your favorite color?.........................White

33. Last time you laughed........................Yesterday

34. Last time you cried?........................Remember?

8 Months

2008-05-11T22:34:00.000-07:00

Don't ya just LOVE fat little baby feet?
Terrible resolution on some of these - SORRY -
of course they are meant for only sharing anyway via the Target SmileStation.
Adam took Rowan in for her 8 month photo shoot.
She was a little angel and they got some great shots - yet again - although they do look a bit like last months - we'll change it up for sure in the next couple of months with different photographers.
Rowan is such a curious little gal, we catch her getting in to all sorts of mischief around the house. She especially likes to remove items from shelves. We are dang tired of reassembling the coloring books and kid videos back to their proper places. I let her loose in my Tupperware cabinet the other day. She sat there banging things around for quite a while having the best time. She can stand balancing on her own for about 10 seconds with no forward movement yet.
Stay tuned for the amazing potty story.....

What the Heck is That?

2008-05-06T22:58:00.000-07:00

I see the resemblance.

Raistlyn and her dad went on a date Saturday night.

They saw a late night screening of IRON MAN.

I pulled the drawing out of her daily school folder and had a hearty laugh.

Looks like she enjoyed the movie.

Can you be a tomboy and a girly girl at the same time?

Scrapbook Club Night

2008-05-06T22:37:00.000-07:00

I had the girls over for Monthly Scrapbook Night which is always a great reason to have to REALLY clean, clean, clean my house from top to bottom. (hmmm...maybe I should host an event more often) I look forward to this night out every 1st Friday - thanks Tina for making it so GREAT! I might even get around to finishing my layouts one of these days.

The Ugliest Food EVER.

I attempted to make cute little petit four thingies out of chocolate cake. They had yummy raspberry filling and cream cheese icing, the makings of all things delish. However, I didn't have enough of the same sprinkles to make them look all Beautiful so, I used a hodge podge of everything pastel that I had leftover from Easter. They looked like hideous little blobs but, I think they still must have tasted ok, because there were only crumbs left at the end of the night. The Cranberry Chicken Ring turned out alright - except for when I went to remove it from the baking stone it kinda fell apart. Thus, we had UGLY but DELICIOUS food - not what I typically strive for but I guess it works!

Out for Ice Cream

2008-05-06T22:31:00.000-07:00

I Scream, You Scream, We all Scream for Ice Cream. You'd scream too...Especially when you saw the LOOOONG line outside of Baskin Robbins for .31 cent scoops. We're not that cheap so we didn't wait in line - we went to Braum's instead!

Caiden enjoyed his 1st ice cream cone!

He picked Orange Sherbet.

We found out that he's not allergic to cow's milk afterall -
we just have to watch out for eggs and peanut butter.
I sure do love these two boys, my blue-eyed cuties!

Birthday cards

2008-05-06T22:30:00.000-07:00

Two of my friends...Michelle & Tina celebrate a birthday on the same day - HOW COOL!
These are the cards I sent to them last month. Basically they are just a postcard with the mini file folder that opens up on the front. I think they turned out CUTE - what do you think?

Quick Tip:Err on the Side of More Air

2008-05-01T08:11:00.000-07:00

2 Super easy things you can do to get better gas mileage:

Read the article here

Arts Cow Photo Site

2008-04-30T12:38:00.000-07:00

Arts Cow, is a new photo site similar to Snapfish or Shutterfly.

There is a nice deal available to new members who create a free account (this offer is until 5/31/08, so act now it will take you less than 5 minutes to create your free account). I'm going to assume that their shipping costs are reasonable enough to really make these free prints and photo books worth ordering.

What you get for signing up:

400 Free Prints (50 4x6 and 50 5x7 each month for the next 4 months)

* 8x8 Photo Book (20 pages) available starting May 31 and expiring Dec. 31

Check it out - I know I have a TON of pics still in digital format that I can get printed on the cheap - WOO HOO!

Tuesday Tell All: A Few of My Favorite Things

2008-04-29T13:19:00.001-07:00

grab lunch: Rosa's Cafe - especially Taco Tuesdays for $3.33 (I like chicken on soft corn tortillas with lots of jalapenos)
go for Date night: Dinner and a movie - we frequent the Cinemark $ Theatre for a cheap night out

pick up some creative goodies: we don't have a GREAT place here in TX so I guess Hobby Lobby or Close to My Heart products

keep the kids busy: a trip to the Grandparents House will usually do it

get wet: Keller Point or any puddle for a matter of fact, my kids LOVE to get wet

a treat: Sheridan's for Frozen Custard

shop for fun: Once Upon a Child, Gymboree, Gap - I love buying clothes for the kiddos

get some fresh air: the creative playground in Colleyville is our fave park

splurge: Scrapbooking stuff and Electronics

drive for a weekend away: San Antonio

What's Going On?

2008-04-29T09:55:00.001-07:00

I woke this morning before the alarm went off somewhat disoriented from a BAD DREAM. Android like paratroopers were descending from the sky amongst all unholy chaos around me. I was within a large group of people, none of which I was related or familiar with, at some sort of Museum like structure in a downtown like area. It was the end of the world. We scrambled to get AWAY only to find a wounded soldier. I tried to carry him whilst a WILD LION attacked us from below.

Then I woke up.
I've been watching too many doomsday movies...i.e. I Am Legend.

I've also been watching Glenn Beck...He had an End of the World Expert on the other day - SCARY STUFF!

The economy seems to be heading down the toilet and I don't think that sending out a so-called "Economic Stimulus" checks will do much to fix it. Gas prices are Sky High and everything else is undoubtedly going to go right up with it. Our Government isn't going to do anything to help...they only get involved with stupid things like mandating Ethanol being added to Gasoline and muck things up worse! Did you know that it uses more energy and costs more money to produce Ethanol and it is helping to create worldwide food shortages?

Read about it here

I can only wonder where the bad dreams are coming from...hmmm.....I wonder. I worry about the safety and well being of my family. We've been stockpiling food (on the cheap) - crazy like 12 boxes of cereal stashed in my son's closet and thinking of where I can store more, more, more. I buy, buy, buy when I can get it for near nothing and use coupons, coupons, coupons! I'm going to stop watching those scary movies but I'll keep watching Glenn Beck...I love that guy! I'll keep trying to make good things come from bad situations that I don't have a whole lot of control of and let go of the feelings of inadequacy that tend to loom. I know that Heavenly Father has a great plan for each of us if we live in such a way to make it so.

I am confident in my Faith I know that we are richly blessed to know His truths. My family is striving to be prepared...but I worry can we really be prepared enough? It's just a lot to think about....

New CVS Deals

2008-04-28T10:45:00.000-07:00

FYI...I just posted new

MONEY MAKING

CVS DEALS

on my savings blog.

Send me a note if you still need access!

Little Buddies

2008-04-22T20:28:00.000-07:00

My Caiden hasn't been feeling so well this week. He's suffering from yet another Staph infection (right on his cute little bum cheeck) which results from his itchy Eczema which results from his yucky food allergies! We've changed Pediatricians and have him set up with an Allergist FINALLY to get to the bottom (pun intended) of all of it. It is just heartbreaking to witness your child suffer so much pain. He's such a trooper; his strength through all the torturous drainings simply amazes me, he is a blessing and an example to me as his mother. I caught a little glimpse of Heaven on Earth when I stumbled upon this scene. He made this whole little pallet on the floor, propped Rowan up with pillows and Raistlyn's stuffed animals (genius idea huh?) all by himself! It's a nice break from his two-year-old "NO" fits. He does have a sweet side afterall.

Money Saving Blog

2008-04-22T09:37:00.000-07:00

My sister told me that she didn't want to have to sort through a bunch of posts about bargains I scored in order to see new pictures of her little lovies aka...my children. So.....I started a new blog to document my adventures in saving money because

Getting great deals is my FAVORITE THING EVER !

The blog is private for now so if you are interested in being "in the know" you'll need to post a comment and leave me your information for an invite.

Just know it's a work in progress and get prepared for some amazing deal scenarios for places like CVS, Target, Kroger, Walmart to name just a few.

Easy Digital Scrapbooking

2008-04-21T13:49:00.000-07:00

This just might make a good Mother's Day gift.....

Picaboo.com is offering a free photo book that is similar to a digital scrapbook, except all the layouts are done, you just add the pictures - how easy is that?? Lots of themes to choose from.

If you are a new user, you can get a free Medium 20-page book, valued at $9.99

Use coupon code 1PFMDB-WE, expires Dec 31, 2008.

How fun!

I think I'll go make myself a book!

Rewind...Easter 2008

2008-04-13T21:12:00.000-07:00

Just playing catch up here. We had a lot of great Easter activities this year and I didn't want to miss documenting some of them here.

Pictures with the Easter Bunny and a train ride at the Celebration put on by the city.The Easter Bunny visited and left a trail of eggs from the front door to a grand pile of loot for the kids. Caide was hoping that they eggs actually had a treat inside them....no such luck...they were empty. However, he was the first to taste test the marshmallow ropes. Rowan liked them too. Yummy, candy before church at the crack of unholy dawn! We have recycled the bunny ears each year...Raistlyn's look a little drab after 6 Easter's - Rowan looks stunning in hers doesn't she?

We lunched with the Grandparents and Aunts after church - this is the best family picture we got...at least everyone was facing forward....the little ones didn't want to cooperate and it was WAY TOO SUNNY! Our outfits all coordinated, too bad the shot wasn't better. I'm Bummed.
The kids loved playing with the bubble machine the Easter Bunny left them.
Raistlyn colored a dozen or so eggs for us.

She's such the little artist.
These next pictures are from an event that we have attended for the past several years at a church in Colleyville. They have a petting zoo, pony rides, live music, food, cotton candy and egg scrambles for the kids. Huge crowds as you can see. In this first picture towards the middle is a lone GOLDEN EGG. This is the PRIZE EGG that each child desperately wants to get their hands on. Raistlyn was victorious yet again (She Got One Last Year Too!) She is such a competitive little bug. Some of those boys she was up against were twice her size.

Caide was funny during his egg hunt because he didn't care about filling up his bucket - he wanted to open them up individually and eat the candy right then.
Raistlyn is definitely the Animal Lover.

She stayed to pet and feed as long as she could.

Caiden's first ride on a horse.

He was so brave up there all by himself!

The only picture of poor little Rowan at the Easter faire....she wasn't real happy about being in the stroller.

She soon fell asleep for the rest of the afternoon.

The next pictures are from Raistlyn's school Easter Party.

Caide found a few leftovers out in the field after the 1st grade egg hunt.

2008-04-10T11:13:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow would be a good day to do any shopping at Walgreens. This is a great coupon! It works out to be 25% off. Combine it with some manufacturer coupons and save even more!! I'll see if I can come up with a money making scenario...I'll let you know what I come up with!

Cereal Freebie at Walmart

2008-04-09T15:36:00.000-07:00

Certain flavors of Malt-O-Meal cereal are on rollback this week 2 for $2.
Use this coupon for $1.50 off to make $.50 per bag!
Plus, go ahead and get some more for free using this $1 off coupon!
Depending on your cashier and your Wal-Mart, they may or may not give you the overage, but you can still get the cereal for free. I've never had any problem getting overage at my Wal-Mart.

7 months

2008-04-09T07:48:00.000-07:00

She's crawling!

Rowan loves chasing after her big brother and sister and getting in to their stuff. You turn around and *boom* there she is - she'll find us by following our voices from the other room. She has 6 teeth, the two front lowers and the four front ones across the top. (She doesn't much like us messing with her trying to get a look at them though.) This last week she started pulling up to stand - why do babies have to grow up so quickly? She'll be walking before we know it. I'm SO not ready!

I'm going to frame this one with the caption: "These are the hands you used to hold when I was a wee seven months old."

Freebie

2008-04-08T13:10:00.001-07:00

Free Scotch-Brite Toilet Scrubber Starter Kit
Get a free Scotch-Brite Disposable Toilet Scrubber with Bleach Starter Kit
get the coupon here.

A CVS Money Maker for this Week

2008-04-08T11:36:00.000-07:00

The Baby Sale is going on this week - Spend $25 on select baby products - Earn $10 ExtracareBucks.

Here's a money maker to get you started:

Buy 5 pkgs of Excedrin (24 count) on sale for $1.99 each

Buy 1 Febreze Spray on sale for $3.99

Buy 1 Febreze Candle on sale for $6.99

Total $20.93

Use $4 off $20 CVS Coupon print it here

Use (5) $2 off Excedrin coupons - print them here

Use $2 off Febreze Candle from 4/6 Sunday paper

Use $.50 off Febreze Spray from 4/6 Sunday paper

Spend $4.43 Out of Pocket (OOP)

Earn $10. ExtracareBucks

If you have a kiddo in diapers you could turn around and purchase 3 packages of Huggies at $8.99 each - use your $10. EB's from the previous transaction

Spend $16.97 OOP and you'll earn another $10 EB for next time! If you have any manufacturer coupons for Huggies it would make an even sweeter deal.

Total of $21.40 OOP - it's less than the original price of the diapers and you still have $10. to go towards a great deal next week.

If you are 30 or older you might appreciate this

2008-04-08T10:48:00.000-07:00

(I didn't write this - just something fun to share)

When I was a kid, adults used to bore me to tears with their tedious diatribes about how hard things were when they were growing up; what with walking 25 miles to school every morning ... uphill BOTH ways …yadda, yadda, yadda.And I remember promising myself that when I grew up, there was no way in h#ll I was going to lay a bunch of crap like that on kids about how hard I had it and how easy they've got it! But now that I'm over the ripe old age of thirty, I can't help but look around and notice the youth of today. You've got it so easy! They just don't know how good they've got it!)

When I was a kid we didn't have The Internet.
If we wanted to know something, we had to go to the library and look it up ourselves, in the card catalog!

There was no email!! We had to actually write somebody a letter ... with a pen! Then you had to walk all the way across the street and put it in the mailbox and it would take like a week to get there!

There were no MP3's or Napster!
You wanted to steal music, you had to hitchhike to the damn record store and shoplift it yourself! Or you had to wait around all day to tape it off the radio and the DJ would usually talk over the beginning and screw it all up!

We didn't have fancy crap like Call Waiting!
If you were on the phone and somebody else called they got a busy signal, that's it!

And we didn't have fancy Caller ID Boxes either!
When the phone rang, you had no idea who it was! It could be your school, your mom, your boss, your bookie, your drug dealer, a collections agent, you just didn't know!!! You had to pick it up and take your chances mister!

We didn't have any Sony Playstation video games with high-resolution 3D graphics!
We had the Atari 2600! With games like “Space Invaders” and “Asteroids” and the graphics were horrible! Your guy was a little square! You actually had to use your imagination! And there were no multiple levels or screens, it was just one screen forever! And you could never win. The game just kept getting harder and harder and faster and faster until you died!

When you went to the movie theater there no such thing as stadium seating!
All the seats were the same height! If a tall guy or some old broad with big hair or a hat sat in front of you and you couldn't see, you were just screwed!

Sure, we had cable television, but back then that was only like 15 channels and there was no onscreen menu!
You had to use a little book called a TV Guide to find out what was on!And there was no Cartoon Network either! You could only get cartoons on Saturday Morning. Do you hear what I'm saying!?! We had to wait ALL WEEK for cartoons!

And we didn't have microwaves…
If we wanted to heat something up, we had to use the stove or go build a fire...imagine that! If we wanted popcorn, we had to use that stupid Jiffy Pop thing or a pan with HOT oil and Real popcorn kernels and shake it all over the stove forever like an idiot.

When we were on the phone with our friends and our parents walked-in…
we were stuck to the wall with a cord, a 7-foot cord that ran to the phone - not to the phone base, the actual phone. We barely had enough length to sit on the floor and still be able to twirl the phone cord in our fingers. If you suddenly had to go to the bathroom - guess what we had to do.....hang up and talk to them later.
(I totally remember this one....I would use our kitchen phone and lay on the floor talking ALL night when no one else was around!)

Geez...our kids sure have it easy don't they?

CVS Diaper Deal for Saturday Evening

2008-04-05T12:59:00.000-07:00

If your local CVS loads next weeks deals on Saturday evening (mine does) you will be able to make this deal work tonight for the least amount out of pocket (OOP). Otherwise, it's still great for next week because you'll get $10. Extracarebucks after you spend $25. on baby care items.

*Updated:
Buy 1 pack of Huggies Supreme & 2 packs of regular Huggies diapers@ $8.99 = $26.97
Use CVS $4/$20 coupon here
Use $2 off Huggies Supreme coupon or you can print here
Use any other Huggies manufacturer coupons you might have
Pay $16-19.97 depending on your coupons for 3 packs of diapers.
You'll get $10 in ECBs back, so turn around, go back and get another pack of diapers and some baby wipes and for $16-19 you'll have 4 packs of diapers and a pack of wipes!

Excedrin is also on sale next week for $1.99 (limit 5)
Sign up here at (coolsavings) and there is a coupon to print for $2.00 off - print and use 5 coupons that makes 5 bottles of Excedrin for FREE!
I just love FREE - don't you?

A Treat for the Kids

2008-04-02T09:33:00.000-07:00

Hot dogs and french fries for dinner last night

April Fool's !

This was actually a yummy dessert

The kids thought this dinner was the 'sweetest' thing ever!

How I did it....

Hot Dogs: Twinkies cut down the middle make up the hot dog bun

a large Tootsie Roll is used for the weirner -

I put it in the microwave for about 10 seconds to soften then molded it in to shape

the ketchup is a piece of a Twizzler - the kind you peel & eat

the relish is Green Sour Straw candy minced into small bits

the fries are Lady Finger Cookies cut in thin strips

I used the hard cookie kind

then coated them with a little melted butter and cinnamon & sugar

Going Green?

2008-04-01T14:44:00.001-07:00

On April 19th at 8:00 a.m., Walmart will be giving away one million reusable shopping bags nationwide. After the giveaway, the bags will be available to purchase for $1. Click here to see the details.

They will also be giving away Nickelodeon's The Big Green Help seed cards, that you can plant and watch grow into a beautiful wildflower.

Bad Day....

2008-04-01T09:17:00.000-07:00

Okay, so on my drive in to work (whilst leisurely enjoying my organic vanilla yogurt with berries and granola) I struck some freakishly large, foreign object that was nary suppose to be on the side of the roadway. The result.... a humongous bubble of the side of tire.

Newish car. No tire warranty. Dang it.

This is where my fortuitous nature that I'm always on the lookout for the best deal in town comes in handy. Called around, compared prices - haggled. Got a price match that beat the best deal saving me $25.57 on the price that I was quoted by the same establishment in the first place. Amazing how that works eh?

My darling little Passat, I just have to say....sometimes you make me so mad! First, it was the "special" power steering fluid that you had to have that I drove all the way downtown to get you because none of the regular auto parts stores carry it - now the "special" H-rated tire that you must wear. How prissy you are! Your "special" tire has now been ordered, just for you because I love you so much. Your punishment is that you have to wear that UGLY spare for an entire day - HA! I know, it shames me too.

Last minute CVS Deal

2008-03-31T13:18:00.000-07:00

Reminder
Today is the LAST day to use the $5/$15 coupon at CVS and the $3/$15 beauty coupon, as they both expire today! These are great coupons and really reduce your out of pocket expense on anything you are buying. You really can't beat $5 off $15, and these high value coupons don't come around too often. FYI...Pampers are on sale this week.

Here's an idea:
Buy (4) Softsoap Spa $19.96 (limit 5)
Use (1) $5/$15 coupon (if you don't have it email me)
Use (1) $3/$15 beauty coupon (email me if you want this too)
Use (3) $1 off coupons for Softsoap Spa (there were $1 off coupons in Sunday's paper (I got an extra this week), plus a .75/1 coupon in a past paper.
You can also print $1/1 coupons online here - one per computer)
Total = $7.96 + tax out of pocket, but you'll get $19.96 in ECBs back!!

Another deal if you need diapers:
Buy (2) pack of Pampers $8.99 = $17.98
Use $5/$15 coupon
Use any Pampers coupons you have (check your Pampers packages)
$1-2 off
Total = $10-12 for 2 packs of diapers, depending on coupons.
Even though you don't get any ECBs, this is still a good deal!

If you want to make some ECBs - do this:
Buy (1) pack of Pampers $8.99
Buy (1) Softsoap Spa $4.99
Buy (2) Johnson's Buddies Soap 1.98
Use $5/$15 coupon
Use $1/1 Softsoap Spa coupon
Use (2) $1/1 Johnson Buddies coupon
Use $1 Pampers coupons (check your packages or an older P&G coupon insert)Total $6.96 (less than the cost of the diapers)
PLUS $4.99 back in ECBs!

CVS Deal for this week

2008-03-29T14:34:00.000-07:00

So, the great CVS $5/$15 coupon expires on Monday, March 31st. But I have a great deal that you can do before then with next weeks sale. Most stores load the deals in on Saturday night (mine does) so that's when I usually do a quick CVS run before they run out of stock!

Softsoap Spa (Body Wash) are $4.99 each with $4.99 in ECBs back, making them FREE! Limit 5.
Buy (3) at $14.97
Buy (1) Johnson's Buddies Soap .99
Use $5/$15 coupon
Use (3) $1 off Soft Soap coupons printed here (there's $1.50 coupons coming in Sunday's paper)Use (1) $1 Johnson's Buddies coupon here
Total = $6.96 and get $14.97 back in ECBs!

Let me know if you have any questions - or you need access to the $5. off coupon.
There's more deals coming, but that's all I've got for time for now! Happy Shopping!

Thanks alot Disney...

2008-03-27T05:59:00.000-07:00

Last night,

(right smack in the middle of watching American Idol - Go Michael Johns!)

8:32 p.m.

"Mom...I want to sleep with you tonight."

"You can't sleep with me Raistlyn, you need to get in your own bed so you can get up early tomorrow. Remember, this morning you had a little trouble getting up for school?"

"But, my stomach hurts."

"Your stomach hurts? When did it start hurting?"

"Whenever I think about having to go to bed." "You know, I think about - I'm going to (not audible, she spelled this out and just mouthed it) D-I-E."

"Honey, you are not going to die. I don't want you to worry about that. You know what happens when you die right?"

"Yes, we go live with Heavenly Father. But, I don't want to be there without you."

"I don't want you to be there without me either. Go get your pillow, you can sleep with me."

This isn't the first time Raistlyn and I have had this same discussion. What I couldn't figure out previously is why she gets these thoughts? The first time I was pretty freaked out because I thought she might be having some kind of premonition or something. just in case, I didn't go out much and when I did I drove the car really slow and carefully for the next few days.

Fortunately, my sister Jolene was over hanging out with us last night and overheard our little conversation. She said I bet it was that movie she just watched.

Brother Bear 2. Truthfully, I haven't seen the entire movie - just bits and pieces while the kids have it blaring in the background. I do remember that the mother bear gets killed in the first Brother Bear movie. Then I got to thinking, many Disney films have death scenes...I could think of 11 right off the top of my head. Brother Bear, Snow White, Bambi, Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Hercules, Mulan, Tarzan. I'll bet there are probably more. Thanks Disney for introducing the concept of death to my 7 year old. Her little mind just doesn't quite understand how to put it all together. Fortunately, she knows about Heavenly Father and his Plan of Happiness for our Family. And she went to sleep knowing that she is loved by her mother....so much that she even got to go to sleep in my bed.

I heart FREE stuff

2008-03-26T14:26:00.001-07:00

On these CVS advertised and non-advertised sale items
(a few items are missing because they were already eaten)
Retail price over $115.00
Paid $15.68 out of pocket and I have
leftover ExtraCare Bucks totalling $30.46 to use on future purchases
I won't use all the products such as the Clean & Clear brand but they will be perfect to donate to a Women's shelter or someone else than can use them.
I LOVE CVS!
Want to know how I did this?
Just comment and I'll share my secrets.

TTA: The Working Girl

2008-03-24T22:53:00.000-07:00

Being one of 8 children I was quite anxious to obtain a job and make a little moola. I think I was about 15 when I got my first job doing some telemarketing with a couple of my girlfriends. My mom had to drive me to and from work every evening (good think gas was cheap back then) - I remember all sort of shenanigans going on. We weren't very good at following the rules -the calls were pretty brutal at times - we did make a few friends over the phone though. That lasted a couple of weeks.

Then I got a job working at the big waterpark in town called Wet n' Wild. WORST JOB EVER! I worked as a cashier in the hot, hot summer - which in Texas is REAL HOT! I liked this skater boy named Chris that worked there so that made it at least little bearable. I tried out lots of jobs- several were at clothing stores....The Gap, Lerner, Foley's (now Macy's) and Talbots. Most of my paychecks were spent filling my closet to the brim.I sold furniture and home accessories for a while at This End Up while I was in Design School. We still have some of the furniture - that stuff is real wood and lasts and lasts - the best part was the Oops! Sale. We got an outrageous discount like 90% off.
I worked 1 day putting toys together at the Mattel factory.

Barbie was not my friend. You've seen all those stinking wires they use to put those toys in the packages right? Enough said.

I also did the waitressing thing at The Grand Prairie Diner (high school) , the Outback Pub in Downtown Dallas, and Del Rio Mexican Grill (college) - boy those were good times - lots of friends from school worked there too. Many, many 'after hours' parties.

One of my best jobs was working at The Nana Grill. I was what many of my waiter friends termed The Hostess with the Mostest! As a uniform we had to wear these pretty little black suits that had lovely rhinestone and pearl buttons - high heels too. Yeah, we were hottie hostesses!

Nana is located atop the Loews Anatole Hotel (now the Hilton Anatole) on 27th Floor. This restaurant possesses a magnificent view of the Dallas skyline. It is named for a painting "Nana" by G. Marcel Suchorowsky which hangs in the bar.

Yep, a full on nude painting of the lovely Nana.

The painting is part of Trammell and Margaret Crow's art collection that is displayed at the Anatole - there are Picasso's, Wedgewood and bunches of other great pieces. It's fun to go exploring there just to see the art.
The restaurant has changed since I worked there...of course menus and chefs have come and gone. I worked with some amazingly talented chefs that have gone on to bigger and better things. Working at Nana was the period in my life when I became a total 'Foodie'. It was a 4 1/2 star restaurant at the time. The menu was Neauvou American and there was an Exhibition Kitchen right smack in the middle of the place. The atmosphere was amazing. The food was amazing and they hosted the most glorious Sunday Brunches EVER...even more glorious and over the top on holidays like Easter, Mother's Day and Thanksgiving! I still haven't seen or eaten anything that quite compares. Luckily, I was able to swipe a few recipes of my favorite dishes. Nana Salad....mmmm....need to put that on my menu list for next week!

I did my Interior Design internship with Daiker Howard Architects & Design in Dallas. I was hired on after the internship which was cool, most of the kids in my class weren't so lucky. We specialized in Hotel & Restaurant Design.

I was a grunt.

Spent most of my time driving around to pick up samples and doing basic drafting projects. One interesting thing of note....our firm did design work on one of the restaurants in the World Trade Center after the first bombing.

A year or so later I got a call from a guy named Ron he wanted me to come interview for a job with him. Random. He had obtained my resume from a friend and had an opportunity for me. This kind of thing didn't happen everyday so I went to check it out. The firm was R.L.S. & Associates. They did Financial Planning and investments. The owner was a self made millionaire and a very generous man. He had built a very lucrative investment portfolio for himself and had retired in his 40's from an executive position in Printing. He was my mentor. I worked under him, learning along the way for over 9 years. I got all my financial and insurance licenses (the Series 7 was a seriously HARD test!) The first time I took it I made a 69 and dang it, you need a 70 to pass! The second time around I made and 89. The options trading kicked my butt for a while, but I finally got the hang of it. The market rocked for most of the years I was there. WE MADE A TON OF MONEY FOR PEOPLE!!! I loved what I was doing. I was married and had my first child in my 8th year working there. I was even able to take my daughter to work with my on Fridays (thanks to the owner's daughter-in-law having a baby at the same time) We set up a little nursery in one of the back rooms. Then the market tanked and the tech bubble burst. My commission based income was no longer so great. My husband was in school - I had to get a salaried job.

Enter Northwestern Mutual Financial Network. I transferred my licenses and worked there for a year. Not very exciting....not very challenging.....I did get to take a fun trip to Minneapolis for the annual meeting though.

My youngest sister works for an Orthodontist - she referred me to a job with 6 Day Dental & Orthodontics. The home of the mighty Molar Man! It was a bit of a drive each way but the increase in pay was nice. Fortunately, I am able to pick up new things easily because all the dental jargon and protocols were totally new to me. I had a hard-core, crash course in all things dental and basically flew by the seat of my pants for the first couple of weeks. This office sees ALOT of patients - at the time we scheduled for 3 doctors and 4 hygienists. It was BUSY...and there was alot of drama going on ALL the time because there was an office full of GIRLS. I worked up in to managing the front office...what they called "Team Leaders". I loved that I only worked 3 days a week, though they were stressful, long days. The office sponsored The Frisco RoughRiders Baseball team. It was a exciting to go out on Title nights and pass out goodies with Molar Man and just hang out and have fun with co-workers and our families.

The down side: The doctor that owns this practice is - to put it as nicely as possible - horrible. He is NEVER satisfied with your work performance. It's never good enough even when you produce $50,000. in one Saturday! He had me in tears on several occasions. He fired or ran off mostly every competent employee. I am thankful for the training that I received at this job. It led me to the one I have now and I am SO BLESSED!

Oh and I did get free braces while I worked there - these are my chompers...they used me as a mouth model for their website- *hehe*

I am currently employed by a wonderful female dentist as her Practice Manager. There is never much drama or stress and just a few employees. I still love the fact that we have a short work week and I get to spend long weekends with my family. Adam and the kids meet up for lunch some days...it's the best job to have when you have to work outside the home.

I am so grateful for all the opportunities that I have had over the years. I feel as if I am well rounded. I'm still a full time mother to my 3 children, those duties don't get passed off even though I am not home with them 24 hours a day. I'm looking forward out a couple years in the future - I think I'll be ready for another change by then and Adam will have completed his certifications - maybe I'll stay home full time, maybe I'll start a new adventure.

What jobs have you held over the years?

Friday Field Trip

2008-03-23T21:10:00.000-07:00

Raistlyn was SO excited
finally a 1st grade field trip on a Friday
no work on Fridays - mom would be able to go
hitch.... note sent home stating that there were limited seats available for parent chaperons....they would draw 2 winners
We won - Yeah!
Then we got stupid Texas style snowed in and the Field Trip was cancelled. Bummed....Raistlyn was so distraught she sat in the Library and cried~ boo hoo
Weekend came and went
Found out Monday evening the Field Trip was rescheduled for Tuesday
Tuesday....what.....???.....
Talk about Short Notice
Luckily Mom works for super nice doctor and was able to take the morning off . We had a great time at Casa Manana. We saw a super fun production of 'Junie B. Jones' on a gorgeous Spring Day!

The Venue

Raistlyn A. Camphuysen First Grader at Last

Raistlyn's Dad made these shirts for the class!

with Allee & Mikayla - special friends from another class

The 3 Musketeers ~ Katelynn, Raistlyn & Reagan

Raistlyn & mom (a not so good self portrait)

on the bus, headin' back to class!

TTA: Collections

2008-03-18T14:37:00.001-07:00

They were short, blue and bald.

They lived inside mushrooms in a remote part of a medieval forest and loved to sing and dance.

They were three apples high.

They were Smurfs.

Smurfrabilia came out in force: plush toys, school supplies, clothing, lunchboxes(BTW...I had all of these!), the list goes on and on and on. By far the most popular avatars of Smurf nation were the little 2-inch PVC figurines.

Small, cute and vibrantly colored,Smurf figurines were so small that dozens could be obtained and before you knew it, an entire Smurf army would be adorning your bedroom. Smurf fever hit circa 1981 - didn't you just LOVE the Saturday morning cartoons? Papa Smurf had quite the fan club, along with Smurfette (the lone female Smurf). Brainy, Lazy, Handy, Hefty and Greedy also had their devotees. Gargamel and Azrael, the evil wizard and his cat, I never did add these creeps to my collection.

I was 9.

I was awashed in Smurf culture!My collection was similar to this, however I only had two shelves due to the fact that I shared a tiny bedroom with not just 1 but 2 of my sisters. They weren't exactly thrilled with my obsession. They did join me on Saturday mornings to watch the Smurfisodes. We'd sit in front of the TV (that didn't have a remote I might add) with our nightgowns pulled over our legs and eat whatever the heck we wanted for breakfast - Doritos, Froot Loops, Tang - since my parents were holed up in their bedroom WITH THE DOOR LOCKED! Ahhh...those were the days!

Somehow just knowing there is now a Smurfs DVD out there it threatens to send me into a fit of giggles. As Saturday morning cartoons go The Smurfs were rock solid, but I don't think it's only the smurfy adventures that take me back. I plan to revisit The Smurfs and share them with my children - I'm going to try to procure Season 1 of The Smurfs this weekend - we'll relive those carefree days of the past, maybe even eat some Doritos!

You might feel a little silly watching them, but the Smurfs will be more than happy to take you back to simpler times.

What childhood collections did you have?

You know it's going to be a great day....

2008-03-17T21:37:00.000-07:00

When you wake up to this Smiling Face!

Dang, I love this kid!

TTA: What's in a name?

2008-03-12T22:15:00.000-07:00

When I was younger (elementary - middle school aged) I was certain that I would name my first child Bailey. Bailey Rene to be exact - the last name didn't matter. If my husband grumbled...too bad. That's just what SHE was going to be named.

I tested that name with my first Cabbage Patch Doll. The one my mother staked out in the wee hours standing outside a Target in the freezing cold on the hint that a delivery was coming that day. Remember that craze back in the 80's? Well, out of the box she was Thelma Louise. Yuck. That just wouldn't do for my ponytailed blondie with beautiful blue eyes! I quickly filled in that birth certificate change form and sent it that Xavier guy to get fixed up. With much anticipation it came back 'Bailey Rene' - the most beautiful name in the world! I hung it up in my room and still have it to this day - the doll too - all frazzled and played with stored for nostalgia's sake in my memory trunk. (Hmmm...It's much easier to name a child or doll when you don't have to agree on it with someone else.)

Married for a mere 5 months I had the faint idea that I might be pregnant. I hid out in the bathroom of my one bedroom apartment in Grapevine, TX with my friend Shelley on the telephone anxiously waiting for the results via an EPT stick. Are those REALLY two pink lines??? They are kinda faint. Yep. (still have that stick to prove it too) The hardest part of the pregnancy - probably agreeing on a name. We mulled over many and rested upon something unique. Unique does run in the family with wonderful names like Cale, Rossi and Saedryn. Our eldest daughter is Raistlyn - the name originated from a DragonLance book series that Adam had read - it has a male character so we changed the spelling and made it more feminine. It's the first name we both liked, there were never any other options.

Next came our boy - 5 years later. We had originally picked the name Zane way back before we knew Raistlyn was a girl and intended on it throughout most of the pregnancy. When it came time for the baby shower I was in the midst of making 'thank you for coming to the shower pumpkin saltglow scrub' when it came time to print the tags. I changed the name to Caiden and printed the tags. I say "I" because my hubby insists that it was ALL me. It stuck. Caide's middle name has a bit of special meaning via his daddy....it's Michael....his dad's name is Adam...if you are LDS you might get the symbolism with those names.
Our youngest is Rowan. Her name was a toss up between that or Maclaine which we thought of via the main character in the Die Hard movies. I do still LOVE this name! We were attempting to have the 'ai' in each of their first names. She got her's via her middle name which is Ainsley - and she has the same initials as her sis.

I need to ask my own mother if there is any sort of story behind my name. I do know that I was originally a Jennifer and that I had two birth certificates each with different names. I don't have a middle name as do none of my four sisters. The 3 older boys do though. Growing up I always felt I got gypped. So, I unofficially gave myself the middle name of Lyn....because that is what my sisters always yelled at me when they were mad at me....Jennifer Lyn!

If I were to change my name I would be either Amber, Heather or Roxy. Random. I know.

Is there a story behind your name?

How did you pick the names of your children?

Going, Going, Gone

2008-03-11T22:52:00.000-07:00

I used to have time to make jewelry. I could sit for hours upon hours and create little masterpieces of stone, glass & precious metal. Now, not so much. My needy little chitlins would be curious and just make a mess of all my neatly sorted beads and findings. SO....if anyone out there is interested I will be selling off my stash. Do you make jewelry? or if you would like to I have TONS of wonderful pretty things for you at REALLY tiny prices. Here is just a sampling of what I already have made - leftovers from previous sales - sorry some of the pics are atrocious. Contact me if you are interested!
Just $12. bucks each, except the Purple one is just $20!
I can take PayPal or checks via mail.
(Most of the necklaces are about 17 inches, the bracelets around 7 inches)
I'll post pictures of all the other junk soon so please check back! I'll update them as they are snatched up.

Red Swarovski crystal w/sterling silver fleur de lis Black leather cord w/coin pearl and swarovski crystal
Turquoise Swarovski crystal w/ a blue agate drop
Peacock freshwater pearls w/abalone drop
SOLD Round swarovski pearls with a sterling silver cross
Sterling silver chain with a Carnelian drop

14kt Gold filled chain with a clear quartz drop

SOLD Swarovski crystals with sterling stamped pendant

Sterling chain with quartz and swarovski crystals

Sterling silver chain with a large black pearl

Suede with sterling charm that has multicolored, semi-precious stones

Sterling chain loops with Amethyst & ribbon tie

SOLD Turquoise mixed stone bracelet with sterling clasp

SOLD Mixed stone bracelet with sterling 's' clasp

Ocean blue swarovski necklace with sterling pendant

Light Blue glass beaded necklace with sterling silver flower & pearls - stamped pendant

Year of the Rat

2008-03-05T21:31:00.000-08:00

I am married to a man that doesn't particularly enjoy eating out Chinese like I do. I don't get to eat it very often but, I do still love it! Especially at my fav ~ Golden China in Bedford where they actually use meat that you can tell what it is. Go for the Sesame Chicken and Sizzling Rice Soup, I promise you won't be disappointed. I even have a 1/2 price coupon I can offer you. Anyway, you know those placements - the ones with the Chinese zodiac that you can't help but decipher while you're waiting for your crispy noodles & sweet n' sour dipping sauce. Well, I'm a rat. I have always hated that I was a rat as it just didn't sound very dignified - low on the food chain, everyone including elephants scared of you, rummaging through garbage, a cat's next meal - a RAT. A dragon, now that sounds magisterial. Or how about the Tiger...grrrr.....

I have finally come to terms with being a rat.

Rat people are born under the sign of charm and aggressiveness. They are expressive and can be talkative sometimes. They like to go to parties and spend quiet times chatting with their friends. Although the Rat can be quiet sometimes, it is rare to catch a Rat sitting quietly.
Rat people usually have more acquaintances than real friends and they revere and cherish those close to them. Once you become their real friends, they will treat you as their family. Rats are self-contained and keep problems to themselves. And even though they can be talkative sometimes, they never confide in anyone. The Rat is quick-witted. Most rats get more accomplished in 24 hours than the rest of us do in as many days. They are confident and usually have good instinct. Stubborn as they are, they prefer to live by their own rules rather others. It won't be an easy task to work with Rat people, why? Simple, because they are also 100% perfectionists. They are very organized and talented, perhaps that is why the Rat makes a good businessman or politician. Unfortunately, as soon as the Rat earns money, it is spent. Maybe that explains why the Rat is so careful when he lends money to others. If you ever borrow money from the Rat, don't be surprised by the high-interests. The Rat is not romantic, but is sensual and loving. Rat people could be hard to see through at first glance, because they are also very protective, but even though they are not easy they are worth it - ask anyone who has a Rat for a lover, parent, child or friend. They are very loyal and devoting to their families.

The Chinese astrological cycle begins with the year of the Rat; consequently those born within this category like to be first, pioneers, at the forefront of the action. Restless and inquisitive, those born under the influence of the Rat are active, both physically and mentally, and tend to lead busy lives. Challenge is essential to them for they love the thrill of living. With clairvoyance, intuition, perspicacity and an eye for detail, Rats are formidable problem solvers, finding workable solutions to the knottiest problems. The Rat possesses attributes ranging from charming and humorous to honest and meticulous. The Chinese say those born in these years make good and wise advisers. Rats are best known for their charm. Blessed with a sharp wit, they possess a marvelous sense of humor, which makes them stimulating and amusing company to have around.

Now, I don't know about ALL that but, I do think the above describes ME quite well! I highlighted the section about friendship because it resonated so deeply. I don't have a lot of friends. I do however, have some of the best friends imaginable. Ones that I need to stay in closer contact with. This is a call to action for me.

The only way to have a friend is to be one.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Wanna Be My Friend?

(I'm always looking for new ones.)

Just for fun....more info on the Chinese Zodiac:

Before Buddha left earth, he called for all the animals to see him for the last time. Only 12 came to him and it is these who are honoured by having its own year to govern over. Each animal has its own characteristics and being born under a particular zodiac sign will impact on your personality, relationships, life in general. Each of the 12 animals rules a particular year in rotation. In addition to lending its characteristics to people born during that year, it also influences the quality of a particular year. So according to Chinese Astrology knowing which animal rules a future year can help you plan in advance for the trials and triumphs that year might bring.

Rat 1996-1984-1972-1960-1948-1936-1924
Ox 1997-1985-1973-1961-1949-1937-1925
Tiger 1998-1986-1974-1962-1950-1938-1926
Rabbit 1999-1987-1975-1963-1951-1939-1927
Dragon 2000-1988-1976-1964-1952-1940-1928
Snake 2001-1989-1977-1965-1953-1941-1929
Horse 2002-1990-1978-1966-1954-1942-1930
Goat 2003-1991-1979-1967-1955-1943-1931
Monkey 2004-1992-1980-1968-1956-1944-1932
Rooster 1993-1981-1969-1957-1945-1933-1921
Dog 1994-1982-1970-1958-1946-1934-1922
Pig 1995-1983-1971-1959-1947-1935-1923

6 months

2008-03-04T21:14:00.000-08:00

I'm grieving as this little gal gets bigger and bigger - she is so spectacular, heartbreakingly cute and needy in a good, special way. She's a wonderful swirl of everything sweet...like cotton candy. When I look at her, I can see the newborn she was with little wisps of dark brown hair and a squished up face. She is ever changing. The brown hair has since fallen out and new sprouts of shiny blond have taken their place. I love to wrap her up and snuggle her as she peers deep into me with her big blue eyes. I want remember the way that feels and treasure those moments forever.

She has started to crawl. (Not yet hands & knees, it's more military style.) She curiously made her way all the way from the family room to the master bathroom last night following her families' voices. I turned around and boom she was there! The progression is amazing. My how they grow rapidly.

She also has teeth. Many of them. Her 2 lower front and 4 across the top have been making their way through for at least a couple months now. She is picking up her own puffy snacks and holding her own bottle. She loves to eat and it's quite evident in her pudgy little legs. I don't remember my other babies being little chunks like her.

She is a like a sentinel watching and giggling at her sister ~ Raistlyn is the BEST at making her laugh and playing with her. Rowan likes Caide too....from a distance. He's mostly a little bugger that likes to ride on her back and try to pick her up by her head. She doesn't like that so much. If you hear her whining it's most likely because her brother is in the process of some toddler torture he's inflicting upon her. He LOVES her and it's fun to hear "hi Wowan" over and over and over.

Any ideas for keeping your toddler from torturing your baby?

The Battle

2008-02-28T08:56:00.000-08:00

We are trying to rid our home of a highly addictive substance.

While stopping short of calling it a drug - it is exhaltingly delicious and has a complex effect on the human psyche AND body. It is the F*O*U*R letter word of all beverages. According to numerous household cleaning Websites, it can clean your toilet, eliminate rust from a car bumper and remove grease from clothing. No wonder it can corrode and stain your teeth AND.....it officially contains one of the most horrific ingredients in the food supply - High Fructose Corn Syrup, and loads of the highly addictive substance caffiene.

* SODA * POP * COKE *

whatever name by which you choose to call it

Why do we love this stuff so much when it is so dang bad for us? I actually CRAVE a daily dose of some sweet, black liquid - preferrably Coke, Dr. P or Pepsi - I'll even opt for Mountain Dew at times. My absolute fav is a trip to Sonic for a Large Vanilla Coke ~ wow...true bliss....especially with those special little ice pellets! Don't even bother with the diet varieties either....just read the reports that tell you what all that fake sugar can do to you!

So, we're weaning ourselves off of it - or shall I say we are trying to wean ourselves off of it. I'm writing with a blazing withdrawal headache right now -gonna have to have some or I think I'll just die! I'm starting with buying the soda that is somewhat "better" for you...made without the HFCS - using real cane sugar instead. Of course, it's much more expensive but whatcha gonna do? We are also making homemade italian sodas - which contain much less sugar overall. The kids don't know the difference and have actually enjoyed getting to mix up their own flavors and such. The kids don't drink much soda anyway - it's the parents that have the addiction problem.

I caught this little thief enjoying my Jones Cream Soda the other day ~ what a cute little Junkie!

What things are you doing to try to make your family healthier?

Any ideas for alternative drinks for kids?