Natalie's Doll Bed

So I am really loving building furniture.  While looking for something new to build I came across these plans from my new favoritest website.  Natalie was sitting on my lap as I was perusing through, and when she saw the plans she said, "Mommy you bid it (build it), I paint it, K!".  I was so elated that her first thought was for me to build it, rather than buy it from a store.  I was determined from then and there to build this little piece of furniture just for her.  


I had all the spare wood in order to build it, however as it came close to leaving for our trip I neglected to get it done, or even get the wood cut (which would have been especially helpful).  We arrived in our small town destination, and with a more relaxed pace, and all my Christmas shopping done,  I decided it was the perfect time to work on this little project. I went to the small hardware store in town and picked up the needed supplies.  They didn't have any 1x3's or 2x2's, so I would need to split the wood with a table saw, but I was determined.  With the help of my father-in-law's tools (namely, chop saw, table saw, and belt sander) I got all the pieces cut and ready to assemble.  It went together rather easily, and I was so excited as I saw the finished little bed.


After building, puttying and sanding it was ready for painting..





After a few coats of Vanilla Custard in Satin (isn't that the most divine paint color name) and some more sanding it was done.


During all of the sanding, and painting I wanted to make a quilt for the bed.  The local fabric shop just happened to have a few of the prints from the collection that I'm making Natalie's twin pinwheel quilt in.  So along with a few coordinating fabrics, I made a cute little quilt.  A mattress was definitely needed, along with some matching pillows.









I love the finished project, and my favoritest part... "mommy you build it.."


...and I did.

Joshua's Baptism

Josh turned eight on Saturday as we were visiting with friends after our first leg of our trip.  We celebrated with cake and singing, and sledding.  Then we arrived at Grandma & Grandpa's and celebrated with sweets, singing, and presents!!

Thursday afternoon while in Utah, Joshua was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  The entire family participated, both brothers gave prayers, and Grandma and I gave talks.  Grandpa and uncles witnessed it, while daddy baptized and confirmed him.  It was a very special day for Josh, and he is such a special part of our family.  We are so happy for you, and love you so very much!!

Happy Anniversary!!

Dave and I celebrated our 13th Anniversary on Monday, we celebrated with dinner at the Carriage House in Manti.  Thirteen years ago I married my best friend.  My heart still goes pitter pat when he smiles, or is super cute.  It's crazy to think that 20, yes twenty years ago we met in freshmen typing class, and I think my heart has belonged to him ever since.

Happy Anniversary Babe!!

Twin Falls

So, I'm a little behind on posting, but we have been enjoying family, and a break from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives.

Last Friday we set off on our journey.  It was a beautiful travel day, and the sun was shining.  All of the areas of concern were not to be worried about due to the great weather.

We arrived at my friend Tamara's house late in the evening.  Her kids were up, and mine were ready to play.  Dave and I went to high school with Tamara, and haven't seen her in over 17 years. Ok, I did see her at her wedding, so for me it was only 14 years.  Tamara was an amazing friend in high school, she introduced me to the church, she took me to every stake dance, and activity.  She even drove me to early morning seminary for almost two years.  Her fiesty personality, and zest for life were so infectious.  OK, I loved this girl, and still do. 

We chatted with her and her hubby late into the night, and the kiddos didn't go to bed till after 2am I am told.  During the night it snowed, and we woke up to a winter wonderland.  After assembling all the snow clothes, and gear for 9 kiddos and 4 adults we made our way up the mountain for some sledding.  The kids had a blast, and I enjoyed some picture taking, and some tubing myself.

We had another great night full of laughs, stories, and fun, and we left the next morning to finish our trek to Utah for Christmas.

Thank you so much Tamara for opening your home to us, and for your kindness and generosity.  I hope you'll let us return the favor when you come to visit us in Seattle!! pretty please!!

Click here for all the pics!!

Fieldtrip

When I got the e-mail looking for volunteers for the upcoming Children's Play for the kindergarten class I jumped on it.  In fact, I think I responded two seconds after I got it.  Mostly becasue I knew my little guy would be beaming to have me there.  He's so tender-hearted, so much like his oldest brother.  His daddy is really is best friend, and before school starts I have this little shadow following me around, helping wherever he can, just to be near me.  In fact he loves to help wherever he can, mostly so he can be around us.  It make my heart happy just to think of him.

After making arrangements for little miss, I arrived at the school, and was given my assignement, 4 little people were in my charge for the next few hours.  We boarded the bus and took our seats.  Caleb couldn't stop talking, stories that must have been bottled up forever, just came out, and he was so intent on sharing every detail with me, it was wonderful.

We arrived at the Seattle Children's Theatre around noon, and got inside just before the downpour it.  We lined up as a class, and then were taken inside and shown our seats for the show.  It was a beautiful theatre, with not a bad seat in the house.  The show, was Lyle the Crocodile.  The small orchestra played beautiful music, and there was singing and dancing.  So much fun.  After the show, some of the cast came out and took questions from the audience.  They talked about how some of the effects were done, and some of the morals from the story.  It was a great experience.

My favorite part, spending time with my little buddy, and that he loved having me there!!

Christmas Concert

As most of you know, all of my boys started a new school this year, in a new state.  They have acclimated so well.  They are all thriving and growing, and are such great boys (Natalie's pretty cool too, but no school for her yet).  At the beginning of the year Daniel brought home numerous sheets of paper with new information, one of them was to join the singing group, which is only open to 4th and 5th graders. 

He wanted to join. 

We were ecstatic (but totally hid that, because then he might not think it was cool). 

Once a week he has to arrive an hour early to school to practice.  So instead of taking the bus, daddy drives him to school, and he has to get up earlier. 

This last Thursday night, they had their first performance.  Daniel had nerves, and jitters, and was a little afraid of forgetting the choreography for their big finale number.  We encouraged him, and took our seats.  It was nice, and short, only 8 songs, lasting about 30 minutes.  Perfect if you have three antsy kids in tow to watch.

Daniel did great!! He smiled a few times, and did all the choreography just perfect for the big number "Hot Chocolate" (similar to the song from the North Pole)

The next day they had assemblies at school, and both Josh & Caleb though it was so cool that their big brother was up there singing, we think it's pretty cool too, and we're very proud!!

Outside Play & Holly

This last weekend, my honey was feeling super ambitious.  The snow had melted, the rain was gone, and besides some chilly temps, he was motivated to attack some projects.  Since moving we have had a nice pile of outdoor play equipment hidden in the backyard.  While I worked on projects inside, he surprised even himself, and put together both the trampoline, and the play structure, mostly by himself. 







I love how the play structure is hidden in an area that enters into the woods, and that both are visible from the back porch. 



While taking pictures of his proud accomplishments, I noticed a holly tree behind it, in fact we have many others scattered around the property.  So fun, to have our own holly blooming in our yard.

Mommy Daughter date at Ruby's

Yesterday, I took a much needed break from cleaning, and laundry, and spent some special time with my litte girl.
We had a few hours just to ourselves, no grocery shopping, no errands to run, just me and her.

We ate lunch at Ruby's Diner, and I was completely mesmerized as she scarfed down her strawberry shake. That girl loves her strawberries!!

After lunch, we walked around the outdoor mall, and she jumped in puddles, while I window-shopped. Looking down from the balcony we could see that Santa was seeing visitors, and she jumped at the chance to see him. It was just us, a few elves, and Santa. Natalie became this coy little bashful flirt, that I couldn't help but smile. We ended up whispering our name into his ear, and then giving him a high five. She had no interest in sitting on his lap, but sheepishly waved goodbye, and even got a candy cane for her efforts.

We still had a little time, and Natalie found a kids store with lots of "petty clothes fo me". We looked at all the pretty things, and then she declared she was tired, and laid her head down on my shoulder.

A perfect end to our litte date.

She was an absolute delight, and so much fun to be with, I can't wait till our next one...

Toy Bookshelves

When we first moved I was bound and determined to have some new toy storage, and to build it myself.  For years I have been ripping pages out of catalogs from Pottery Barn and Land of Nod, thinking to myself..I can do that.

And then a friend told me about Miss. Ana White, and my do-it-yourself world was forever changed.  I have now made four things from her website, which are all copycats of items from you guessed it, those places where I got the catalogs from.  My list is ever growing of things to build.  I always knew I could do it, just didn't have the plans.  Well, now I do.

So to solve my toy storage needs, I built the bankable bookcases.  You can buy them here, or you can build them yourself with these plans.

I used mdf, some beadbord for the back, and my jigsaw for the entire project.  Mommy needs a circular saw that isn't battery powered (maybe for Christmas?) I matched the color to our new couches downstairs, and am so pleased with how they turned out. 

My favorite part is the bottom area, where the boys can rifle through hundreds of legos (maybe thousands) and Natalie can easily play dress-up, and it's a quick clean-up.

The larger items (geo-trax and star wars) are in totes in the storage area under the stairwell, and all the games are hidden up high, so little pieces can't be lost.

I can't wait to start my next project...maybe this

(And to those of you wondering..I did this 100% by myself, so chickies, you can do it too!!)

O' Christmas Tree

This year we drove to North Bend, and found a cute family tree farm, where we searched for the perfect tree, and then cut it down, and hauled it away by ourselves.  We were so excited for the adventure, as up till now most of our Christmas tree picking came from the parking lot of a certain hardware store (orange or blue).

We first warmed ourselves by the fire, grabbed a saw, and set off to find the perfect tree.  We found a few that came close, but we hadn't quite found the "one".  After warming ourselves again by the fire, and sipping on some hot cider, we went off in a different direction.  This time we found a few too many that we liked, but finally found the one for us.

Daddy sawed it down, and the kiddos yelled "timber" as it fell to the ground.  What an amazing fun family experience to start the season!!

Tale of Two Turkeys

This was our very first Thanksgiving in thirteen years that we spent alone, just our little family of six.  One turkey was not enough for the six of us, oh no we had not one, but two turkeys!! Dave was determined to fry a turkey for Thanksgiving this year, even in the snowy backyard.  I also one in the oven as well, just as a back-up.

Stats:  20lb turkey in the oven = 3 hours
          15lb turkey in the fryer = 45 min.

The turkeys were both delicious, however the fried turkey had the moistest white meat I have ever eaten.  It was amazing.  Since I cooked one in the oven, we had plenty of drippings for fresh turkey gravy, and that combined with my sausage stuffing, rolls, mashed potatoes, and lots more nummy things, and two turkeys, well, we have lots of leftovers.  I'm currently working on some homemade turkey noodle soup for tomorrow after chuch, with some homemade bread.

It was a relaxing day filled with kids playing, lots of eating, lots of football watching, and I think I even stayed in my jammies all day!!

Our First Snow

The view from our front window

Sunday morning I was woken by three very excited little boys, running to the window to check out the falling snow.  It was beautiful. Big large snowflakes falling from the sky.  We made it to church and back, and although it was still snowing, nothing was sticking, yet..

Monday morning we awoke to a much different scene.  Everything was covered in white.  It had only started hours before, so everything was still business as usual.  The bus picked the boys up, Dave left for work, and I got busy with my normal routine.  Then everything went wonky.  Caleb's afternoon Kindergarten had been cancelled due to snow (mostly because of bus transportation) Then, Dave came home around noon, so that I could help in Daniel's class, and he could eat away at some much needed vacation time. He was very thankful for his 4 wheel drive, as nothing had been plowed yet.  I helped in class, then got a much needed oil change, and decided to pick the boys up from school, rather than having them take the bus with the now changed "snow route".  It was a good thing I did, as only 2 buses were there, and we later received an email at 5:30 that the buses were still out and trying to deliver children.  By that evening we watched out our front window as drivers tried to make the slight incline up the hill.  Dave helped push a few, but many just abonded their cars and walked the rest of the way home.  It was like this all over town.  School was cancelled for Tuesday, and then again today.  Daddy played in the snow with the kiddos yesterday and we finsihed up with hot chocolate.

The roads are still really bad, as Seattle and Western Washington are very hilly.  The main roads and freeway are clear, but this isn't a regular occurence around here, so everything just shuts down.  We've been happy to stay in our jammies and play games and watch movies to ride out the days. 

The forecast shows more rain/snow for Thanksgiving Day, so our desire to "fry a turkey" this year may not come to fruition.  Thankfully we have a back-up plan, and will just cook it in the oven, and save that adventure for another day.

I may be a little crazy, but I'm loving the snow.  I don't have to go anywhere, so I can just play in it, and admire it.  The kids are loving it as well, and the fact that we are fully outfitted from our many visits to Utah really helps. I'm loving our new adventure in Washington, even if we weren't really expecting snow quite yet, or at all.

(Do you like the strategically palced snowflakes on the picture above? They're hiding my three trashcans that won't be picked up until next Tuesday because of the snow.  We tried to move them, but they are semi-frozen to the ground.  Yes, it's that cold here!! So they will sit out front for the next week, till that big 'ol trash truck empties them)

busy week

Dave left last Friday for a celebratory weekend in Vegas for the release of their product.  He spent the weekend at fancy dinners and clubs, and realized that he dislikes Vegas as much as I do :) I guess it's just no fun, if you don't drink or gamble, and are under the weather..


After the weekend he flew straight to New York to set up an appliance at the MTC (Micros0ft Tech Ctr) in Manhattan.  All these set-ups are vital to the success of the product, because potential customers can come and use them, and see if they will fit their potential business needs.  After three and half long days and nights, he was able to do some touristy things and enjoy the city.  I can't wait to see his pictures.


While Daddy was away we kept a pretty busy schedule.  Friday the kiddos had school, and then pizza/movie night at home.  Saturday, I started in on projects that I hadn't tackled since the move, namely our bedroom closet, where there were still boxes, half opened and constantly rifled through.  It is now a pretty place, that I enjoy walking into.  We finished up the day with college football, and homemade soup.


Sunday was insane.  We ended up being about ten minutes late for church, and as soon as we sat down Caleb loudly announced, "I don't want to be here, I want to go in the gym!" He gave me a dirty look for the next ten minutes, until he became preoccupied with the "church bag" and drawing.  Natalie wanted to eat the snacks we had brough for nursery, so he stuck out her bottom lip, and pouted, until again the stickers and colored pencils drew her attention.  We made it through, and I said the closing prayer, and surprisingly no one followed me to the pulpit.  I am now in the Primary Presidency, and finding ourselves without a chorister, I offered. I found myself in the hot seat yet again, when I didn't choose any of my own children to choose songs.  The older boys were OK with it, but that glare from Caleb,  followed by angry words, "you..didn't..pick..me" then followed by tears.  He sat on my lap for the remainder of primary, and then Natalie was brough in having had an accident, awesome-ness! Evidently two other kids had had accidents, and she couldn't get to the bathroom.  When we drove out of the church parking lot, I gave a huge sigh of relief, we did it.  Home to jammies, naps, and football.


Monday - Thursday are a blur.  Filled with school, playdates, helping a friend build a bench, gymnastics, birthday parties, helping in class, scouts, primary duties, and last night I even took the kids swimming.


Today, Natalie and I are going to a cupcake play date, followed by a desperately needed oil change (I'm done to 5%, oops).  Then home to clean up this house, so we can relax with daddy this weekend, and all next week.  It may even snow this weekend.  If it does it would be a very light dusting, but we are still super excited to see any white stuff fall near our area of residence.


Enjoy your weekend, I most certainly will enjoy mine, cuddling with my hubby and kiddos.

Oreo Turkeys

When I opened up the newest post from Our Best Bites I smiled, because what is cuter than a turkey made of candy, and oreo cookies??

I can't wait to make these with Oreo Turkeys with the kiddos once I collect all the ingredients.  (Click on the link for detailed instructions)

girls weekend with my trish

Halloween 2010

I will never forget when we first moved here, one of Josh's first questions was, "Do they have Halloween in Washington?"

 I'm sure he had figured out that it rained in Washington, and never having a single rainy Halloween in his life, let alone a cold one, he was probably figuring it impossible to trick or treat in the rain.

 "Rain or Shine" is the motto in Washington, so yes Joshy there is a Halloween in Washington.

 We started Friday night with Trick or Treating at Daddy's work.  After three floors, there bellys were full of food, and their bags were full of candy.

 Saturday we enjoyed a lazy morning, and then a Halloween Carnival at the church.  Instead of the usual trunk 'r treat, the kids visited decorated doors inside the church to get candy and treats.  After a huge pot luck dinner, and even more candy we were tired and ready for bed.

Sunday found us a little pooped.  After church, and a nap, we carved pumpkins and made a spooky dinner.  The kiddos were pretty done with Halloween and after realizing that our driveway was a little dark for trick o' treaters we closed up shop, turned off the lights, and headed downstairs for a family movie.

Halloween night the kiddos put out the remainder of the candy (the stuff that hadn't made it to their bellies) and the Great Pumpkin came and whisked it away, leaving a toy for each of them.

Halloween 2010 was a great success!!

Pumpkin Picking

After Snoqualmie Falls we headed north to Snohomish for pumpkins.  The kids roamed around in the pumpkin patch and found the perfect pumpkins. 



Natalie kept saying how pretty the sunflowers were, so Daniel pulled her aside and they walked to the edge of the patch where the sunflowers were.  Then Daniel picked a sunflower for his little sister and totally made her day.  I love those tender moments!!

Snoqualmie Falls

We are enjoying the company of grandma & grandpa pescar, so to treat them to some fall color, we headed first to snoqualmie falls for some beautiful scenery..

Computer Tables

After finishing the benches for the table, I was on to my next project.

I had hoped it would be a desk and hutch for the boys, but their was a great demand to get the boys computers out of boxes and set-up. More like three busy boys asking me at least ten times a day when I was going to build their computer tables.

I was determined not to pull out the long utility tables, and rather build something more custom to fit the area.  I chose to do and L shaped desk, but wanting to them to be multi-purpose I made two tables, that fit together to make an L shape.  I used pocket holes, so there were no screw holes to fill, and giving it a cleaner look.

These babies cost me less than thirty dollars, and we're put together and stained in one afternoon/evening.

I must mention that I'm married to a computer geek who has so many spare parts around that it was just a given to build a computer for each boy.  We also wanted them to be out in the open and visible, so we can always see what they're up to.

I give you my computer tables..

Dave's Chicago Trip

Dave spent last week in Chicago for work at the MTC (Micros0ft Technology Center).  Even though he was working hard, I made sure he snuck in some time to enjoy some good eats, see some sights, and take pictures so I could (live vicariously through him) enjoy them as well.

11 - 16 & Potato Soup

11 - Trick or Treat Bags
        I purchased some inexpensive bags at the craft store in both orange and black, along with some self-adhesive felt and a few paint pens.  I found some glitter glue in our personal stash, and invited the kiddos to the table. 

No rules, just decorate your bags. 



Daniel went for candy decorations, since that what was going in them anyway, Josh freehanded a lizard, and Caleb chose to use some cookie cutters to draw pumpkins and ghosts.  Natalie was too busy checking out the boys handiwork, and wasn't interested in anything but strawberries (she's very into strawberries righ now!!)

The best past, we still have another side to decorate in the next few weeks, and it was fun to watch their personal creativity.

12 - Mummy Dogs  - fun little snack for the kiddos, except ours had red eyes, since no one likes mustard except daddy.

Directions: Cut crescent roll dough into thin strips and wrap around hot dogs. Bake according to crescent package directions and use ketchup or mustard for eyes. I cut my hot dogs in half to make them bite-sized.
(recipe and pic courtesy of Our Best Bites)


13 - Treasure Hunt  - I was silly and also feeling a little lazy, so I hid clues that had the kids go from room to room, at the end was a Halloweeny snack.

14 - Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies (super easy!!)
       1 - box Spice Cake Mix
       1 - 14oz can pumpkin
       1 - bag chocolate chips

Mix together and drop dough onto cookie sheet in rounded spoonfuls and bake...350degrees for 8-10 min.

15 - Pumpkin watercolor.  Have the kiddos draw pumpkin with pencil.  When finished outlinw with sharpie, and paint with watercolor.  Fun and quick decorations..

16 - Potato Soup (the best ever!!)
       My friend Rachelle had this recipe and the above picture on her blog, and I couldn't refuse trying it.  It's actually one of Dave's favorite soups and I don't think I've ever made it for him (at least I redeemed myself after making this)

It is so warm, hearty, and smells like a fully loaded baked pototo. So good!!

Best Ever Potato Soup

6 bacon strips, diced
3 c cubed potatoes
1 - 14.5oz can chicken broth (or 2 cups homemade broth)
1 small carrot
1/2 c chopped onion
1 T parsley flakes
1/2 tsp each of celery salt, salt and pepper
3 T flour
3 c milk
8 oz cheddar cheese (grated or cubed)

In large saucepan cook bacon until crisp; drain and reserve drippings.

Add potatoes, onion, carrot, broth, parsley, celery seed, salt, and pepper.  Cover and simmer about 15-20 min until pototoes are soft.

Combine flour and bacon dripppings until smooth, then add milk.  Stir into potato mixture.

Bring soup to a boil and stir for about 2 minutes.  Add cheese, stir until until melted, and soup is heated through.  Top with cooked bacon.

Crab Festival in Port Angeles

Saturday morning we set off for another adventure.  We found out that they were having a Crab Festival in Port Angeles, and it gave us a great excuse to ride the ferry (a first for us), explore more of beautiful Washington, and eat some delicious fresh caught crab.

7,8,9 & 10 - Pumpkin Muffins

a quick catch up of our 31 days of Halloween crafts and goodies...

7 - Clothespin Bats  http://www.marthastewart.com/article/clothespin-bats

8 - Skeleton Brains
  So hubby was out of town and one of my kiddos favorite dinners is Alfredo Pasta.  We chose one from the pantry that looked like curly brains, and then added homemade alfredo to it.  They all enjoyed saying many times through dinner whose brains they were eating, and were so so silly.  (but all the plates were clean, so they must have enjoyed their brains!!)

9 - Ghost Jugs http://familyfun.go.com/halloween/halloween-crafts/ghost-crafts/spirit-jugs-673388/

  I would love to have enough of these to line the driveway up to our front door, but I'm not sure we'll go through 20 milk jugs between now and Halloween, I'll have to start earlier next year!!

10 - Pumpkin Muffins with Cream Cheese Frosting

I had these a few years ago, and they were so delicious, that I immediately called my friend's mom just to get the recipe.  We've been using it every fall since, and we sure do go through a lot of pumpkin around here.

We also like them without frosting, and chocolate chips inside the muffins.

Pumpkin Muffins

4 eggs
1 2/3 cup sugar
1 cup oil
1 15oz pumpkin
2 cup flour
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp cloves
1 tsp ginger
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder

Beat together eggs, sugar, oil, and pumpkin
Mix dry ingredients together and then add to wet mixure above.
Place in muffin tins, and Bake at 350 for 25-30min, or until center is cooked.

Cream Cheese Frosting

3 oz cream cheese
1/2 c butter
1 tsp vanilla
2 cup powdered sugar

Beat well with mixer

6 - Butterscotch Rice Krispie Treats

6 - A huge favorite of mine when I was growing up, peanut butter, butterscotch and rise krispies..yum!!

The original reipe calls for corn syrup and extra sugar, but I think they taste just as delicious with this simple recipe..

Butterscotch Rice Krispie Treats

1 bag Butterscotch Morsels
1 cup creamy peanut butter
6 cups Rice Krispies

Melt butterscotch and peanut butter, add in krispies.  Press into a 9x13 pan.  Cool and cut into squares.

5 - Haunted House

5 - Natalie pulled out one of the Halloween clearance crafts which happened to be a gigantic haunted house.  Dave called just as she did to tell me he was on his way home, and I told him about the gigantic pile of foam shapes on the table ready to be assembled. 

First off, he is not a fan of those foam stickers. Have you ever tried to remove one from the wood floor, or refrigerator, or toolbox?? So not fun.  They don't come off!! So when I mentioned the word foam craft, I think he got a little anxious, just thinking about where they would all end up, in fact we talked about his entire trip home.  Yes, we talk every day as he drives home from work, kind of our time before the kids pounce on him as he walks in the door, and I have to share him again. 

And as he walked in the door, he was met with a challenge, one he could walk away from and let me deal with, or he could conquer on his own.  He sat down on the bench, scooted up to table, and looked at Natalie, who was already beaming at his very presence.  "Let's build a scary house Natalie"  He was pleasantly suprised to find it was more of a 3D puzzle that needed to be assembled, with a only some decorative "foam" stickers.  Soon he was joined by Caleb, and then the other boys came up to see if Daddy was home.  I made dinner as I watched all the kids offer advice on where this piece might go, and "oh, daddy here's that piece".  When they were finished they all had smiles on their faces, and were excited to show me the finished result.

Sometimes it's the uncomfortable things that we tackle that we find the most joy from, we surprise ourselves and we please others.

(Photo is currently hiding on an SD card inside of a camera on a plane heading for a work trip, will post later!!)

3- Crepes 4 - Foam Fun

3 - Crepes, delicious.  Spread with nutella, bananas and whip cream, one of my big favorites.  We decorated them like pumpkins, and did scary faces, before rolling up their goodness so we could enjoy them.  We tried apples and caramel, strawberries and whip cream, and some just did syrup and whip cream.  Either way delicious, easy and fun!!

4 -  As I opened up the Halloween Decorations (all 4 bins) this year, I became super impressed with myself.  Last year I purchased a slew of Halloween Crafts for 90% off, I did this sometime around the first of December as I recall, and I remember climbing through the garage to locate the Halloween boxes, only to find there was no room.  I had to create an additional box, just to fit all my new treasures.  The best part, I completely forgot about them, and what a huge surprise to me and the kiddos when we found them.

So we opened a few, and created scary pumpkins, and cute ghosts with foam shaped objects, googly eyes, and glitter glue (all included) 

Salmon Days & Fun with Friends

Today started Salmon Days in our nearby city.  Yes, salmon are a pretty big deal around here.  The parade started at 10, and we got our booties out of bed, breakfast eaten, everyone dressed and there before it all started, and on a Saturday no less.

The parade was great, tons of floats, lots of queens and pricesseses from nearby cities, and their own strawberry/daffodil/apple days (which we are sure to visit in the spring), amazing, amazing marching bands from both middle school and high school, the corvette club, dogs on parade, and many many more.

Afterwards we visited some of the over 150 vendors that were there, the Hatchery, where we fed some rainbow trout (that were secretly hoping to catch next spring while fishing) and watched salmon (which were over 2' long) as they tried to swim upstream (really quite an amazing feet).  We enjoyed food, and lots of people watching, and left with only one souvenir (Caleb spent his money on a wooden rifle, which we are going to stain and finish together)

We came home and got busy to work on other projects (while watching conference, of course).  Dave is finishing up building the boys computers, while I build an L shaped desk for him to put them on (both still not finished)

Then we got out of work clothes and drove down the street to visit with new friends.  We met them the first day of school at the bus stop, and they invited us to dinner by bringing by a peaches and cream pie last Sunday (an excellent invite, if I must say so!)

The kiddos had a great time being silly and playing together, and Dave and I enjoyed great conversation with some really wonderful people. (even if they are both smarter than us, they're both lawyers) We look forward to having them over soon, and doing more family activities together.

I must say I'm really loving this place..the small town atmosphere (that really isn't that small) the beautiful surroundings (I love trees) and the wonderful people that we continue to meet, that bless and enrich our lives.

***Check out what we did for day 2 below...

2 - Bat Tissue Paper Garland

picture from marthstewart.com

This was so simple and easy, and although that's not my mantle pictured above, hopefully it will soon be fully decorated and just as spooky, and festive.

Here are the simple directions found which I found at marthastewart.com along with lots of other fun ideas I will be doing throughout the month.  You just need one package of black tissue paper, a bat template/or cookie cutter, and scissors. 

1- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cupcakes

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough BRAIN Cupcakes to be exact.

I saw an amazing idea for cookie dough cupcakes, where the inside has a soft cookie dough center, and a delicious cookie dough buttercream frosting, and thought this was the perfect time to try it.

We decorated them as brains to celebrate our first day of October and give them extra special spookiness.

Step 1 - Make your favorite chocolate chip cookie dough, substitute 2-3 tbsp of milk for the eggs. I used mini chocolate chips.

Step 2 - Roll dough in 24 small balls and freeze (bake, or eat the rest of the dough!)

Step 3 - Mix up your favorite cupcake recipe and place in cupcake liners (I just used a box mix)

Step 4 - Place frozen cookie balls in center of uncooked cupcake (see pic above)

Step 5 - Bake according to cupcake directions (20-25 min)



You can't even see the yummy soft cookie dough hiding inside...

Step 6 - Make this incredible Cookie Dough Buttercream Frosting

          3 sticks unsalted softened butter

          ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
          3½ cups powdered sugar
          1 cup all-purpose flour
          ¾ tsp. salt
          3 tbsp. milk
          2½ tsp. vanilla extract
          (recipe for frosting found here, along with a variation of the cookie dough cupcake)

Step 7 - Frost Cupcakes (We did brains to be spooky for Halloween)

Step 8 - Enjoy!!





October

It's October, and I officially have permission to pull out the Halloween decorations.  I look forward to silly witch crafts, scary monster cupcakes, pipe cleaner spiders, and baking lots of pumpkin muffins, cookies, pies, and bread.

31 days of spooktacular fun at our house...

Check back and see what we do today, on this first day of October!!