Storm before the calm...

I know, that saying should go the other way around, but not in this case.

I have been on a re-organizing, de-clutter, throw-away, DI donating FRENZY!!!
And it feels sooooooo good!

It all started Friday when I needed to clear out some space for the new computer...and my cleaning just took on a life of its own.

This photo is after I cleaned out 4 craft supply and fabric cupboards. And I do mean cleaned out! (you can see them empty in the back) I wish I would have taken before pics of the cupboards. I've since filled some of them up, but I'm still not all organized yet and have room to spare. I'm making my way around the room. My scrapbook area is next - yikes!
It'll be so nice to get rid of a lot of my "treasures".

A friend of mine went to an organizing class a while back and the teacher said to use the rule of 50% when discarding things. Only keep 50% of what you have and you'll have plenty! So far in my frenzy, I've kept maybe 25% and I'm loving it! I can't believe how much stuff I've kept. I actually found checkbooks with our old house address on it. (they are being sent to the office shredder)
Ryan's been doing the same thing in the Casita with all his hunting stuff.
So just a warning....if you come to visit me right now, my craft room isn't exactly presentable at the moment, but it is getting better and better each day!
Next comes the garage and shed!!!!!

Mamma-Mia

Tonight Miranda and I went to the Las Vegas Production of Mamma Mia! It is going to end in January so we wanted to catch it before it was gone. It was so much fun. I just LOVE the music...just made me want to get up and dance! (don't worry, I spared Miranda the embarrassment)
Ryan and Parker didn't have a lot of interest in going so it was a great Girls night for us!

Spore-iffic job

Weeks ago Parker started on a quest to earn money for a new computer game, Spore. He asked what he could do to earn the money so I suggested he refinish our outdoor benches. He willingly agreed and he and Brecken began the task. They started by sanding the wood with an electric sander. They really liked that part a lot. They listened to music and sang along while they worked. A few days later they prepped the iron for spray painting. Not as much fun as using the electric sander.

The next step was taping off the wood and spray painting the iron. Parker and Brecken spent a lot of time taping off all the wood. One time when I went out to check on their progress, Parker was tearing the tape into tiny strips to cover the tiny spots inside the iron. I suggested he use an exacto-knife to cut away a larger piece of tape. He was so bummed he didn't have that suggestion earlier.

A few days passed and Brecken wasn't able to come over to finish the project, so Parker stained and clear coated by himself. I did a fair share of supervising, but he did the lions share himself. I think Parker had a good time doing this project, and he is now enjoying the reward of a job well done. (and I'm enjoying brand new benches)


He has played his new game non-stop since it was installed yesterday. I'm glad that he's not afraid to work for the things he wants. I better start thinking of another project for him to complete (just in case).

Who needs the Geek Squad.....

Not me! I guess a little of my brother Logan has rubbed off on me (he he) I purchased a second computer this week while Ryan was away. I was hesitant to set it up because I have never done such a thing before. However, Parker was soooo anxious to get it set up, he didn't want to wait for dad to come home. I put things off telling him that I needed to re-organize the space that it was going to be in and that would take me a little while. (more about that later)
After I couldn't stand his sad little eyes any longer I decided....
I am woman...I am strong...I am smart....I can do this!
So piece by piece, chord by chord I managed to set up the computer, monitor, speakers, keyboard, mouse, and printer!
Yes, I read and followed all directions (probably not what Ryan would have done)
And so, I can now add computer installer to my list of talents!
Yeah Me!!

Alpha Dog

Ok, so maybe it should be Alpha Girl. Miranda was chosen as September's Student of the month in Choir. The school had a special luncheon today for all the recipients of the "Alpha Award" and their family. Miranda "didn't care" if I came or not, but of course I had to be there. (Because that's what moms do)
We were served a gourmet 3 course meal of Pizza, chicken fingers and ice cream. Miranda didn't know which teacher nominated her for the award and was pleasantly surprised when it was from choir. There are soooo many students in there that she didn't think she would ever get chosen.
Guess that means she's one of this Teacher's favorites!
We're so proud of her and all her wonderful accomplishments at school. She is a fabulous student. She always comes right home and finishes homework without complaining. She always tries her best in all the subjects, and that's the most we could ever hope for. Besides having to re-take Algebra 1 along with her, we rarely even need to help or nag at her to get things done.
Seriously, where has the time gone. When did my little Miranda become a teenager? She is such a joy to be around. I'm always enthralled with her stories and happenings of the day as she recounts them to me on the drive home each day.
She isn't afraid to be herself...and that is a fabulous thing!

Pinch me now...

I've gotta be dreaming!
I received the Paper Trends issue that my "Pie Favors" are published in.

I hadn't seen it in stores yet, so I had no idea it was out.
I looked in the back directory to find the page my pies were on. I had to do a double take because it listed it on pages 34-37. WHAT? 4 pages, this can't be right.
So I flipped to pg. 34 and found that sure enough... my pies are on 4 different pages.

They even have step by step photo's on how to make it.
As if that wasn't enough, I flipped back to read the entire magazine and noticed that on the Editors notes in the front, she mentioned my project again!

I was on cloud nine for the rest of the day. I wonder if people who are published often don't get quite the thrill I do. They might be so used to it, that it's no big deal. Well, I guess that can be my goal, to be published so much that it's no big deal. But for now I just want to enjoy my two published moments.

Anniversary Update...

Just wanted to post pictures of the beautiful flowers Ryan sent me today. What a sweetie!
This is one of my favorite arrangements Ryan has given me. I just love the Orchids and Calla lilies!
We spent time together at the office (how romantic), had lunch together and spent our anniversary dinner with the kids. I figured we got to spend time playing hooky last Fri & Sat.
I realized when I put together the slide show that I don't have too many photos of Ryan and I together. I plan to change that....starting today.
Miranda took this one of us at dinner.
Happy Anniversary Ryan....LOVE YOU TONS!

18th Anniversary

It's hard to believe that 18 years ago today Ryan and I were married in the Las Vegas Temple. Time has flown by so fast. We've had a wonderful 18 years together and looking forward to many more. You never think it possible that you can love someone more than when you were married. I cherish all the time I've spent with Ryan. I'm so blessed to be with him forever and ever. He is also a wonderful father to Miranda and Parker. I couldn't have chosen anyone better to spend my life with.

Fall Favorites

I love fall...I love the colors, the cooler nights, the holidays with family and especially the baking! However, living in Las Vegas we don't always get to experience Fall in it's glory. Leaves do not turn colors and there's no chill in the air. The only way we know it's fall is the stores change their displays to Halloween/Thanksgiving.
So today I decided to burn one of my favorite Candles..Baked Apple and it just filled our house with yummy fall smells. It smelled sooo good that I decided to bake an apple crisp. Now THAT just sent me over the edge! Our home smelled so good.
I haven't gotten our fall decor out of storage yet. I only have one small sign of fall on our table.


Happy Fall everyone!

Just filling my bucket...

Yesterday was a super fun day just for me. I didn't do any cleaning, or laundry (ok, I did start one load) or cooking or anything that I'm "supposed" to do. I got together with a few friends from the ward and went to the movie "The Women" and then to lunch (Cafe Rio - mmmmmm) It was great to just relax and have a great conversation and laughs with everyone.
Last night Ryan and I had a mini vacation too. Parker went to mom's house, and Miranda spent the night at a friends (to continue into a birthday party today)
Ryan and I just enjoyed a yummy dinner at The Charcoal Room in the Santa Fe. Very delicious! And then had a relaxing quiet evening.
This morning we had breakfast at I-Hop and now I get to go to the scrapbook store while Ryan goes shooting with a buddy...
Now this is the LIFE!
I could do this every weekend, but unfortunately that's not really possible. However, another girls day is in the works!

Finally!

OK, OK....I know the suspense is killing everyone to know what is in the crate.....
Ryan came home late Wednesday evening from LA....he couldn't wait to get his crowbar on that crate! Everyone waited on pins and needles to see what surprises awaited inside.
When he finally lifted the lid off THIS is what we saw....

Yep, you guessed it, African animals. These were the trophies from his 2006 hunt. It took quite a while for them to arrive because of customs and paperwork changes. But they are finally here.
Ryan and I carefully unloaded each animal. It took FOREVER to cut off the wrapping that each one had.
They all had a distinct smell that can only come from animals that have been packed in a crate for over 1 year. (Ryan found the packing slip and they were crated in March 2007)
This is what we unveiled inside....

A Bushbuck

The taxidermist was so pleased with this mount that it is on the cover of his brochure and the front page of his website.

The LARGEST, UGLIEST, Warthog I have ever seen!

EWWWWWWW. What ever happened to cute Pumbah?
I recall seeing the photo's of this pig and thinking how large it was...but it doesn't compare to seeing it in person!

A Leopard

....Ryan has been telling me for 2 years that the leopard was going to be mounted lying down leisurely on a log so it wouldn't take up so much room. He planned to hang it above the door in the casita. Guess we'll have to rethink that one.

A Cape Buffalo...

You might recall a few weeks back when I posted Ryans photo's from this year's African trip. It also had a Cape Buffalo. Lucky for us, we have TWO! (I know....you're jealous) This was mounted so the head was turned, so it wouldn't stand by itself. Parker about dropped the thing waiting for me to take the photo.
In the background of the next photo, you can see the Elephant tusks framing the leopard.

That year was supposed to primarily be a leopard and elephant hunt. Unfortunately Ryan was never able to get a shot at a good trophy worthy elephant. He had these tusks made up just as decorations in the trophy room.
Last but not least is this set of lovely Cape Buffalo Foot bookends and a pen holder made from a certain part of the male buffalo's anatomy. (a-hem)

We won't dwell on that photo...
I forgot to take photo's, but Ryan also had two gun cases created out of the buffalo hide. They are really beautiful.
So that's it...that's what was inside the big mystery crate. It really is exciting when Ryan's trophy's arrive. It weird to have him come home from a hunt with only pictures to show for it. It makes it much more real to see the animals in person. They are truly beautiful and Ryan should be proud to display them all (in the Casita)
Now if you were paying close attention to the photo's, you might notice that they weren't taken inside the Casita. Nope, in fact, they were taken right in our living room. You might ask if that's where they are going to stay. I mean, we do have a large open area right there just dying to have something placed in it.
For now I'm sticking to my guns. Ryan is going to take the tusks and warthog to the office. Not sure on the others yet.
He'll either need to...
a: get going on the Casita addition
b: purchase a bigger house
c: Offer to put them on display at the new Sportsman Warehouse that is opening soon.
d: stop hunting so we don't run into this problem again (Oops, too late for that one, remember we have a 14 foot crocodile coming in a year or so).
Guess I'd better start house hunting he he

Special Delivery

No...I don't mean the kind the stork brings.
You know how you get so excited when the mailman or UPS guy drops off a fun package on your doorstop? Whether it's new video game that you've been waiting to come or scrapbook supplies from QVC that you just can't wait to open. There's a fun exciting feeling when you receive a delivery at your door.
Well, today I received a VERY LARGE special delivery. This delivery was so large the delivery guy came early just to get the thing out of his way so he could get to his other deliveries in the truck.
While he was unloading the crate from the back of his truck I couldn't help but think, "Wow, how fun to receive a delivery like this...that would be the mother load of scrapbook supplies!"
I tried to make small talk with the man while he loaded the package into the garage about the crate being light. He laughed and replied, "So, what do you think about Sarah Palin?"
Um....well... we then had a small conversation about how much he likes her and will definitely vote Republican even though he doesn't care for McCain too much. That's certainly good to know, I thought.
So now my new Republican friend is gone and has left me one GIANT crate right in the middle of the garage.

What's in this enormous sized package, you might ask. Well, I'm not entirely positive of it's entire contents. Ryan has gone to LA for work and won't be home until tomorrow night. So, I guess we'll all just have to wait find out what's inside this special delivery (did I mention it was HUGE).
Stay Tuned!

Mom's can't get sick

If mom's get sick, they can't wake their children for school with a happy, chipper face.
If mom's get sick, they can't drive their kids to school without wearing sunglasses and a hat so no one will recognize them and see they are still in their PJ's.
If mom's get sick, they don't get to cross off anything on their "To-Do" list because they don't have any energy to breathe, let alone clean the house.
If mom's get sick, they aren't able to fix dinner because they can't stand the smell of food.
If mom's get sick they can't run their kids to various activities because she might black out while driving.
If mom's get sick, they can't kiss their family goodnight because they don't want to get anyone else sick.
That's why I'm not sick....I'm not sick....I'm not sick...
I'm just going to go lie down for a minute:)

On the List

Miranda has had an exciting week of being on "the list"! She auditioned for Show Choir last week and found out Thursday that she, along with 13 other girls, has made it. This will mean she has to arrive to school an hour early for rehearsals every day. She was a part of this group last year and not once did I hear her complain when her alarm went off at 6am. (I may have mumbled a few time for both of us)
She also auditioned in her Broadway class for a part on the upcoming play "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown". She auditioned for Charlie Brown or Schroader.
The Cast list came out today and she got the part of Charlie Brown! She was so happy when she read her name on both the lists. She's starting out this school year with a bang...(hopefully we won't all explode with all the rehearsals and performances).
Congratulations Miranda.....I knew you could do it!

He's at it again

For being a boy of only 10 years, Parker sure has a lot of needs/wants/expenses. There is a new computer game out called Spore. So, in true Parker fashion, he is trying to earn the money to purchase it. I'm trying to be creative in his tasks to complete and not make them too "chore-ish". I wouldn't want him to think that he can complete usual chores for money. So.....
I decided that my front porch benches could use a little TLC and be refinished and painted.
Parker has again enlisted Brecken to assist him with this task. They, of course, will need to split the money they earned. The process began tonight with each of them armed with an electric sanding machine. They were able to sand and prep all 3 pieces (bench, chair & table). I have the stain for the wood, but I need to do some research on prepping and painting the iron before they can continue that step.
I do hope all this work is teaching him something he can use later in life. How does the saying go.... "You can't get somethin' for nothin'"
Hopefully I'll have beautiful like-new benches to enjoy after this little project is complete.

Derby Daze

Well, the time has come for Parker's final Pinewood Derby race as a Cub Scout. He's had some rather creative entries the past two years which included a "Pencil" car and a "Wii remote" car. I was curious as to what he would want to design for this year's model. After much thought and photo searching, he decided on a theme....
The name of his car is "Short Circuit"
Our wards idea of Pinewood Derby might be a tad different than other wards. The boys must take their cars to the weigh-in on the evening before the race. Once all the cars have met the requirements, they are all locked up in the clerks office at the church, preventing any tampering before the race.
Ryan, is not a fan of this tradition and has made his opinion known on other races. However, we play by the rules, and so Weds night just in time for the glue to dry, we were checked in.
There were quite a few cars in the race.
Parker's was voted "Most Unusual" by the boys.
Each car was raced 4 times - once on each track. Parker won one of his four races, but it was unfortunately not enough.





Parker still had a great time and fun designing the car. It's not whether you win or lose...it's how you play the game. Great Job Parker!
Ryan is just relieved that his Pinewood Derby car building and racing is now a thing of the past!

My Creative Escape Projects

Think PINK

...that's the best word I can come up with to describe my Creative Escape weekend..
PINK
Sommer and I arrived just in time Thursday afternoon to complete the "Technique Boutique" that included items needed for class as well as fun little extras to create. They also took Photos of all the participants. (They even featured our photo in the slide show on the final day) You can see it HERE

When we returned back from dinner, we found little goodie bags awaiting us on our beds.

Inside these polka dot packages were these adorable aprons

It's so fun that CE gives that little extra touch.
We retired early since the first day of classes began at 6:30am!
Each day we had 4 classes that lasted 1 hr 45 min each with 30 min in between and 1 hour lunch. Each teacher had prepared wonderful projects..many of them mini albums. But most of them had a special reason for creating their project. They stressed how important it is to focus on ourself once in a while...and it OK and not considered selfish. That's certainly something I need to work on! We ended the first day of classes with Tim Holtz It was a super entertaining class that we quite enjoyed.
Dinner the first night was Mexican buffet & it was delicious!

Friday night they have an Extravaganza that has fast paced projects from 8 different teachers. Thankfully it ended early and we were able to get back to our room around 10:30. We again found a quaint little package on our beds....

These fun little rings were inside.

Saturday was just as jam packed as the first. We started with our class from Heidi Swapp. She is super nice and very talented!
Her project was an interactive perpetual calendar that is so fun. One of the wheels on her calendar is a slot to put ideas of things to do that give you a little "me time" LOVE THAT! We also had a class from Kolette Hall, who is a designer for Big Picture Scrapbooking. She created "The Good Book" which is a mini album that allows you to write down something everyday that you are grateful for or blessed with. It's a fabulous idea and something I will definitely do...(just need to get it finished first.)
When it was time for our last class, Sommer and I were really starting to feel the exhaustion .....

CE ended Saturday night with a more formal sit-down dinner.

And in true Heidi Swapp style, we were served dessert first!

The treasure chest followed our theme over the weekend. Inside one of the chests was a prize of admission to next year's Creative Escape (nope, I didn't win)
We stayed up until midnight finishing up a couple projects and did NOT set our alarm for Sunday morning.
We had so many goodies and projects to take home...I'll be working on them until I go again next year (hopeful thinking)

We had a fabulous time and I'm so glad I was able to go on this little Escape!