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Reading Now: Heaven is Here: An incredible story of hope, triumph and everyday joy by Stephanie Nielson
Published on 2012-04-11 07:39:00
I read Heaven is Here: An incredible story of hope, triumph and everyday joy by Stephanie Nielson in two days. I have been inspired by Stephanie ever since I started reading her blog. I don't recall if I started reading her blog before or after seeing her Oprah episode, which I found fascinating. I appreciate the fact that she is a devout Mormon yet does not come off as overly "preachy". I found her faith extremely moving and I am not an overly religious person. Her passion for motherhood is so [..] > read more
Pea Soup - How to Use Up That Easter Ham
Published on 2012-04-10 21:07:00
And how was your Easter? Pa made us a fabulous ham. One of the best things to do with leftover ham is make pea soup. I use this recipe. Before you prepare this recipe please note: You should ALWAYS "sweat" the veggies before you prepare the soup-minus the potatoes. Trust me on this one!While the peas are soaking cut up your carrots and celery ( I added some onion too)....Put your olive oil in our saute pan over medium heat...Add some minced garlic to the oil then add your veggies > read more
Weekending
Published on 2012-03-12 07:56:00
Healthier Doughnut Muffins
Published on 2012-03-04 21:00:00
One of my favorite things to do is check out the recipes on Pinterest. I could spend hours on the recipe section alone. Last week I vowed to actually MAKE some of these fabulous finds!The doughnut muffin is an extremely popular pin. There are a couple of variations of this recipe on Pinterest and I chose to modify this one slightly to make it a bit healthier...They are delicious...and my little ones gobbled them up...and so did I!Healthier Doughnut MuffinsAdapted from Mybakingaddiction.comFor th [..] > read more
Life's A Bowl Of Cherries
Published on 2012-02-29 15:26:00
...just watch out for the pits. I was diagnosed on Saturday with strep throat, an ear infection, and a sinus infection. There were no cold symptoms, just a sudden sore throat, pounding ear and headache. I was just telling my girlfriend that we have had such an easy winter here. Then BOOM, my illness and a snow storm hit. YAY!! Since Saturday I have been averaging 12-13 hours of sleep each night. I woke up feeling as if I had never gone to bed. It's the kind of deep ache in my muscles where the [..] > read more
It's the Little Things....
Published on 2012-02-24 10:58:00
A CHEAP bracelet from Forever 21 and Do You Lilac It? from OPI. C'mon Spring! > read more
Thought of the Day Thursday
Published on 2012-02-23 07:05:00
Trendy Triangles
Published on 2012-02-19 20:09:00
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Thought of the Day Thursday
Published on 2012-02-16 09:46:00
Happy Valentine's Day!
Published on 2012-02-14 06:53:00
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More FREE Valentine's Day Printables!
Published on 2012-02-13 16:31:00
I thought I'd make some cute tags for my girls' Valentine's Day treats. Since there are so many cute printables online, I thought I'd add to them! Download these after the jump!Download!Download!Pin It > read more
Thought of the Day Thursday
Published on 2012-02-09 07:04:00
Wax Paper and Crayon Valentine Hearts
Published on 2012-02-08 19:59:00
I'm going crazy with Valentine's crafts...only because I AM IN LOVE!!! This is the best dog ever ;) I made these Valentine Hearts with our Brownie Troop last week and they were a hit. This is a very fun project to do with the little ones, but you need to be extra careful because there is an iron involved. Oh and a pencil sharpener...You will need some wax paper, crayons, an iron, and a pencil sharpener. Because I had to prep crayon shavings for a troop of 10 girls, I used a mini food processor. [..] > read more
I'm Sexy and I Know It
Published on 2012-02-07 14:25:00
Kind of love this dog... > read more
DIY Valentine's Door Decor
Published on 2012-02-06 21:39:00
How about some glue gun action this week to get ready for Valentine's Day?This Valentine's Day door decoration is very simple and costs less than $5.00 to make...You'll need a glue gun and glue sticks, a few packages of crepe paper in the color of your choice. I used white since we have a dark front door. One or two thin wood hearts (I purchased these at Michael's) and ribbon of your choice.To begin, rip crepe paper in 14 inch sections. Crumple the crepe paper up and gently re flatten. Begin twi [..] > read more
Free Valentine's Day Printables
Published on 2012-02-04 20:08:00
Here are some cute free printables from around the web!S'more Themed Treat TopperTreat Bag Printable Valentine LabelsDIY 'Je t'aime' mini card sets > read more
Color Inspiration
Published on 2012-02-02 08:04:00
Have you seen Design Seeds? If you are looking for some color inspiration, I highly recommened it.Also, here is a great idea for carrying your paint colors with you while shopping for home goods! > read more
Indoor Outdoor Rugs
Published on 2012-01-31 20:00:00
{ via }The rug under our dining table is starting to look tattered. I was looking for a good replacement since we have two little girls and one messy, but adorable man in the house :) I think an indoor / outdoor rug is the way to go. Simply wipe clean like any other hard surface...all under $200! > read more
Summer Hiatus
Published on 2011-07-01 05:19:00
{ via }Happy 4th of July Weekend! We are off to mingle with friends and family and enjoy the summer... and I hope you are too!!See you in a week or two! > read more
Thought of the Day Thursday
Published on 2011-06-30 07:31:00
”Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.” > read more
G. Love and The Special Sauce
Published on 2011-06-29 20:41:00
Is there anything more awkward than a (late) thirty-something stay-at-home mom gushing over a musician? Yes...I can think of a few things...so bare with me! Pa and I had so much fun seeing G. Love and the Special Sauce a few nights back...Excuse the > read more
Chalk Art
Published on 2011-06-25 19:52:00
Inspired by seeing chalk art last week... > read more
Thought of the Day Thursday
Published on 2011-06-23 07:46:00
“Beauty is a form of genius - is higher, indeed, than genius, as it needs no explanation. It is of the great facts in the world like sunlight, or springtime, or the reflection in dark water of that silver shell we call the moon.” - > read more
What Could Be Better...
Published on 2011-06-22 19:41:00
Q. What could be better...than a really nice neighbor?A. A really nice neighbor with a pool! I hope you are enjoying your summer so far and getting sun on your chubs :) > read more
Dear Photograph
Published on 2011-06-21 08:07:00
I LOVE this idea...check out this site... > read more
Happy Father's Day!
Published on 2011-06-19 08:01:00
To all the Fathers out there!I am 9 or 10 in this picture. I don't know who's sunglasses I like better...mom or dad's? > read more
Go The F*ck To Sleep
Published on 2011-06-17 20:21:00
WARNING: SWEARS. LOVE THIS...This was our life the first year of our little's life. > read more
Thought of the Day Thursday
Published on 2011-06-16 04:38:00
Every experience, no matter how bad it seems, holds within it a blessing of some kind. The goal is to find it. - Buddha > read more
Our Own Sculpture Park
Published on 2011-06-15 08:29:00
The Start of Summer
Published on 2011-06-13 07:19:00
The Last Day of School
Published on 2011-06-11 19:42:00
The last day of E.'s school year was an emotional one. That is a good thing - I am so glad she likes school. We showed up for the flag lowering ceremony and her little sister made a scene during the moment of silence. I wanted to get out of there as > read more
Thought of the Day Thursday
Published on 2011-06-09 15:41:00
{ via }"Conflict cannot survive without your participation." - Wayne Dyer > read more
Tea Liking Spree
Published on 2011-06-09 15:36:00
One of my favorite kids clothing brands, Tea Collection, just launched the Tea Liking Spree. You're invited to Like your favorite of 16 Tees & Tops and Tea Collection is dropping the price of these tops as their Likes increase!How it wo > read more
Paris Vs. New York
Published on 2011-06-06 11:28:00
Have you seen the blog Paris Vs. New York by Vahram Muratyan — cofounder of ViiiZ art direction + graphic design studio? C'est magnifique! > read more
Thought of the Day Thursday
Published on 2011-06-02 17:14:00
When you see the road, don't sit looking at it. Walk. - Ayn Rand > read more
Our Little is Sick
Published on 2011-06-01 14:15:00
The worst thing in the world is a sick little one. I hate it! She has a high fever but she still manages a little dance now and then. Baby is tired and mommy is exhausted. One a lighter note, our iris is blooming and it is beautiful... > read more
Beachin' It!
Published on 2011-05-30 21:34:00
Happy Memorial Day!!!!!!!!!! > read more
My Container Recipe
Published on 2011-05-27 14:59:00
Proven Winners here, Potunias here and Purple Lady Iresine here > read more
Thought of the Day Thursday
Published on 2011-05-26 06:43:00
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Latest Obsessions
Published on 2011-05-25 09:18:00
Goody Spin Pins...have you tried these? One does the work of 20 bobby pins! Hair gizmos usually don't work in my straight, fine hair but these do! I'll be sporting a bun all summer. Check out the video here.Aura Cacia Lavender Oil. I put a few drops > read more
Aerial Art
Published on 2011-05-22 21:27:00
{ Via }Aerial views of Dutch Tulip Fields > read more
Thought of the Day Thursday
Published on 2011-05-19 07:50:00
{Frank Lloyd Wright's Brandes Residence - Sammamish, WA}“We do not learn so much by our successes as we learn by failures—our own and others’. Especially if we see the failures properly corrected.” - Frank Lloyd Wright > read more
Never Enough Shoes...
Published on 2011-05-18 15:45:00
How cute are these linocut shoe prints from etsy seller annasee??? They would look adorable on my closet wall :) > read more
The Secret to a Royal Hiney: A Case for Pilates
Published on 2011-05-17 21:04:00
{ via }I laughed when I saw this article about Pippa Middleton's now famous behind. It seems that Pa has a slight crush on this famous sister. Her secret? Pilates! I have been doing Pilates on the reformer weekly since last August and I lov > read more
Meringue Roses
Published on 2011-05-15 20:55:00
Check out this how to video from Zoe Bakes. I took a cake decorating class in 4-H oh so long ago-this is an easy review. These would be sweet in meringue or simply on top of a cupcake. Voila! > read more
Go Fly A Kite
Published on 2011-05-14 17:05:00
I wanted to share some of the photography tutorials that I have enjoyed reading. Found via Honey We're Home: The first is Centsational Girl’s Better Brighter Blog Photos and also 31 Days to a Better Photo Series. I also LOVE Dig > read more
Thought of the Day Thursday
Published on 2011-05-13 12:02:00
I realize that it is Friday but Blogger has been on the fritz!Blue Room in Trent Park by Winston ChurchillAttitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.- Winston Churchill > read more
Are You My Mother?
Published on 2011-05-09 21:10:00
Did you have this book when you were little? I loved it. This past Mother's Day we were happy to find out that there are live babies in the robin's nest under the deck! This nest was in our kitchen a few weeks ago (don't ask). Pa placed it > read more
Chocoveynal
Published on 2011-05-03 20:40:00
Found Via With Two Cats...adorable wall art from Chocoveynal > read more
A Perfect Weekend
Published on 2011-05-02 12:09:00
What do you get when you have a date night,fantastic weather and a nap on the deck?The perfect weekend...HAPPY SPRING > read more
Thought of the Day Thursday
Published on 2011-04-28 11:43:00
Earth laughs in flowers- Ralph Waldo Emerson > read more
Rain Rain Go Away
Published on 2011-04-26 20:05:00
Nothing you can do about the weather...except pull out one of these pretties. E. was at the bus stop this morning, so proud of her fashionable umbrella, when a gust of wind took it and turned it inside out. I got out of the car in and ran in the rain > read more
My One and Only
Published on 2011-04-25 19:01:00
I don't know who this lady is but she was really happy for us....Happy Anniversary to my One and Only Prince Charming. Speaking of Prince's ...I heard from a very reliable source (facebook) that Kate's dress cost $434,000. This can't be unless i > read more
Happy Easter
Published on 2011-04-23 20:37:00
Wishing you a fun filled Easter with lots of sun and chocolate! > read more
Thought of the Day Thursday
Published on 2011-04-21 19:11:00
“An unhurried sense of time is in itself a form of wealth.” - Bonnie Friedman > read more
Candidate
Published on 2011-04-18 21:40:00
Love these prints on etsy > read more
The Week That Was
Published on 2011-04-15 06:57:00
Hooray it is Friday! Grandpa is flying in today for a visit and the girls are excited to see him. Happy Weekend! > read more
Thought of the Day Thursday
Published on 2011-04-14 06:57:00
"Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people" - Eleanor Roosevelt > read more
The Vamoose
Published on 2011-04-13 03:27:00
I'm loving these summery accesories inspried my nature from The Vamoose! > read more
Butterflies are Blooming~
Published on 2011-04-12 12:03:00
Happy Spring!! > read more
Bubbles
Published on 2011-04-10 18:34:00
Thought of the Day Thursday
Published on 2011-04-06 07:42:00
{ via }"The will of God will never take you where the grace of God will not protect you." > read more
Thinking Spring - Container Recipes
Published on 2011-04-05 15:47:00
Today I took the kids to a greenhouse that was having free tours for kids. They got to plant a flower and take a bumblebee train ride. Wrennie was over the moon at the bee train. "I RIDE THE BEE"...in the flurry of getting out of the house on time I > read more
Bygones!
Published on 2011-03-31 20:40:00
The remnants of our ice storm that threw me into a tizzy last week are gone.Within one week all of the horrid snow is melted and I am in spring mode.I hope I don't jinx the spring weather but HURRAH for spring!!!P.S. Do not make cookies with wh > read more
Happy Second Birthday to Our Little Wren
Published on 2011-03-27 17:30:00
She is so much fun. We are gearing up for the terrible two's. > read more
Goodnight Moon and Teeny Tiny Secrets
Published on 2011-03-22 21:12:00
Goodnight Moon is one of my daughters' favorite books. One of Wren's favorite things to do is to find the mouse on each of the room pages. She refers to him as "The Teeny Tiny". He is there!! You just have to look really hard. This book is simple yet > read more
Photography Lessons and Obsessions
Published on 2011-03-18 07:41:00
Today I had a 2 hour lesson from one of the most talented photographers evah! My mind is spinning and... I wanted to share some of the products that are useful for "beginners" and "hobbyists"with a Canon Rebel XS.This flash. The auto f > read more
Thought of the Day Thursday
Published on 2011-03-17 07:15:00
Hahaha! > read more
What We've Been Up To...
Published on 2011-03-15 14:02:00
They are coming to pick me up!Reading....Writing...Arithmetic... > read more
Meri Meri
Published on 2011-03-11 06:28:00
Cupcake kits from Meri Meri. Our little bird is turning 2 in a few weeks. Guess which one I bought? > read more
Thought of the Day Thursday
Published on 2011-03-10 07:33:00
{ via } > read more
Wine a Little...
Published on 2011-03-08 16:52:00
We made it out this past weekend for a little fun. I really love getting out especially in the dark grey days of late winter/early spring. We had some late reservations so we stopped at a little wine bar on the way to dinner. I love the decor in this > read more
Have A Spicy Weekend
Published on 2011-03-04 03:12:00
There was a restaurant by my old office that used to serve a killer white chicken chili. I've tried to duplicate it a few times but nothing came close. Yesterday on my late night grocery run (easier without kids) when I spotted Carroll Shelby's White > read more
Thought of the Day Thursday
Published on 2011-03-03 07:24:00
{ via } > read more
Rethinking Wallpaper
Published on 2011-03-01 07:34:00
I grew up surrounded by wallpaper. The floral kind. Actually, we had florals, plaids, and my room was a yellow Aztec print. It never occurred to me as an adult, to decorate with wallpaper...until I saw this wallpaper:ADORABLE in a little girl's > read more
Happy Weekend! - Chasing Angels
Published on 2011-02-26 07:23:00
This is what happens when she sees me getting her clothes out. Unless it's a sparkly skirt, then she will sit still. Otherwise she'd rather be naked. Makes sense I guess. Happy Weekend! > read more
Thought of the Day Thursday
Published on 2011-02-24 11:19:00
"Stressed spelled backwards is desserts" > read more
Signs of Life
Published on 2011-02-23 14:38:00
Winter is for the birds...Mother Nature has been quite a tease this year. Last weekend there was NO snow left on our deck and this week we've had two snow days in a row. This made E. very happy indeed. Me, on the other hand...I'm quite over it.& > read more
Silhouettes
Published on 2011-02-22 21:05:00
Silhouettes are everywhere. Check out Snow & Graham. These are a fun new twist on the traditional silhouette: > read more
The Show Must Go On...
Published on 2011-02-22 09:42:00
This past weekend was filled with music and fun despite my back. We had a good time playing music with the kids and catching up. The weather was beautiful too...There is something about a man and a guitar...Pa has a beautiful voice and I wish he woul > read more
Thought of the Day Thursday
Published on 2011-02-17 13:26:00
Two fun "infographics" from the past two weeks:Source: http://www.onlinecourses.netSource: Psychology Degree Online > read more
Happy Friday: Good News Bad News
Published on 2011-02-17 03:21:00
Good news: my husband works very hard and received some good news this week!Bad News: I hurt my back. Really hurt my back. I am eating pain pills and crossing my fingers. Hopefully I will be back to my normal self soon. > read more
Love Tokens
Published on 2011-02-15 20:50:00
My husband is a lovely person. I truely wasn't expecting such an exquisite gift yesterday. Perhaps some flowers and a nice card. But Pa came through in a big way and all I got him was a lousy T-shirt. No really...a T-shirt!. Since he loves coins, he > read more
Smart, Funny and Fast!
Published on 2011-02-14 13:20:00
Happy Valentine's Day!!! We spent the morning in the first grade class. I tried to get Pa to give me a gift yesterday but he is making me wait until tonight. Gimmee Gimmee!!! > read more
Happy Friday and Fluffy Orange Juice
Published on 2011-02-11 03:05:00
{ via }This week we are slowly recovering from another round of colds. UGH...When I was little my mom used to make us "fluffy orange juice" when we were sick. It tastes just like the Orange Julius that you get in the mall. The best part about this dr > read more
Thought of the Day Thursday
Published on 2011-02-10 07:18:00
{ via }"The Best Mirror is an Old Friend"- Peter Zarlenga > read more
Reading Now: Mennonite in a Little Black Dress by Rhoda Janzen
Published on 2011-02-09 12:35:00
Although I grew up Catholic, I have always had an interest in other organized religions and theology. (Speaking of religion, I found this article about a feminist's current fascination with Mormon housewife bloggers interesting.) I was exited wh > read more
Valentine's Wreaths
Published on 2011-02-08 15:42:00
I finally took the Christmas tree and garland off of our front porch today. Shameful, I know...did I mention that IT IS FREEZING here? I am looking around the web for some fun Valentine Wreath ideas to do with E. Look at this adorable > read more
Bringing It Back To Titletown!
Published on 2011-02-06 23:21:00
No Packers merchandise in Michigan..but Pa managed to find this pinata at Walmart! SCOREGame food!#1 FanGetting ready...What a game!!!! > read more
I Surrender!
Published on 2011-02-03 20:23:00
Hibernating > read more
Latest Obsessions
Published on 2011-02-01 19:40:00
PopChips! If you've ever been let down by a baked potato chip, I've got a find for you. These are SO good. They are potato chips that are "popped" not fried or baked - they are nothing like a rice cake. The bag that we picked up at Costco is now > read more
Don't Bug Me
Published on 2011-01-30 20:08:00
This weekend we had a little get-a-way planned...just the two of us. On the ride up I was reading my magazine when I spotted and article about (GASP) bed bugs!! Ugh! Did you know that there is a website called bedbugregistry.com where you can click o > read more
Baby Love
Published on 2011-01-27 21:54:00
I held a chub-a-lub baby boy tonight. He was SO SO SO cute. Triple chin. I keep going back and forth about having one more. I can't stop thinking about him. He burped and then sighed and then fell asleep on my shoulder. What am I going to do? I'm on > read more
Thought of the Day Thursday
Published on 2011-01-27 07:15:00
When I do good, I feel good. When I do bad, I feel bad. That is my religion. - Abraham Lincoln > read more
Going Postal
Published on 2011-01-25 19:43:00
Yesterday I had the pleasure of dragging our 22-month old to the post office to mail a package. I have been slowly but surely selling off our baby gear on ebay and this particular winner of our bottle warmer lives in Canada. What I didn't know is tha > read more
Latest Obsessions
Published on 2011-01-22 11:49:00
Have you tried California Cuties? They are citrus crack. I cannot stop! I've had three today. California Cuties are two varieties of mandarins: Clementine mandarins and Murcott mandarins. You can purchase Cuties in a 3-lb bag or a 5-lb box. > read more
Thought of the Day Thursday
Published on 2011-01-20 08:46:00
"We are born with only one obligation - to be completely who we are." - Mark Nepo > read more
Scenes From a Wednesday
Published on 2011-01-19 16:27:00
No sun. Enough already...A nice way to eat up and afternoon... New shoe socks! Have you seen these?Reading about Pooh... > read more
Dishtowel Dreams
Published on 2011-01-18 12:24:00
These little numbers will make your kitchen happy! > read more
To Brighten Your Monday
Published on 2011-01-17 03:22:00
These paintings from Michelle Armas make me want to dust off my canvases and start painting. > read more
Patiently Waiting...
Published on 2011-01-14 03:59:00
...for Spring!We've read every book...Played with every toy...Tried taking a long Winter's napand we are ready for some SUN...We will be getting out this weekend for sure. Happy weekend!! > read more
Thought of the Day Thursday
Published on 2011-01-13 03:00:00
Excuse Me...
Published on 2011-01-11 09:22:00
While I gush...I know that people who brag about their kids can be annoying...and I have no romantic notions of raising the perfect child - our seven-year-old is typical in every way. But something happened yesterday that made me take pause and pat m > read more
An Afternoon of Antiques
Published on 2011-01-10 03:31:00
We had a lovely afternoon of browsing around the antique show this weekend... There was anything and everthing you could imagine...Silver!"I'm so cold Pa..."Pimp coat...bed bugs included!Beautiful Fiestaware and a view of the frozen lake.Picture > read more
Latest Obsessions
Published on 2011-01-07 02:59:00
OXO Containers for the pantry. I picked up one at TJ Maxx to try it out and now I want my pantry to look like this picture. No more giant bags of off-brand Cheerios lying willy-nilly on the shelf....Check out this lady. Am I wrong for wanting to labe > read more
Thought of the Day Thursday
Published on 2011-01-06 03:01:00
“Pick the day. Enjoy it - to the hilt. The day as it comes. People as they come... The past, I think, has helped me appreciate the present - and I don't want to spoil any of it by fretting about the future.”- Audrey Hepburn > read more
Baby Swap!
Published on 2011-01-04 16:56:00
My neighbor and I came up with a brilliant plan! Why didn't we think of this sooner??...I take her sweet little boy one morning and she takes my little girl one morning. We each get a free sitter and a morning out. Do you think it will be a fair trad > read more
New Year's Day
Published on 2011-01-01 21:12:00
2011 started out on a high note. I had gotten a LOT of sleep on New Year's Eve. But not by choice. Normally we'd be toasting and making merry...but my cold took a turn for the worst on New Year's Eve...sending me to Urgent Care for three hours. Three > read more
Holiday Wrap Up
Published on 2010-12-31 03:00:00