The Clock is ticking...I am 38!

Today I am older than dirt... just call me Mother Time! I so remember that song..."Strawberry Wine" and the line that said..." and I remember when 30 was old." I do remember when 30 was old and now I am very close to 40. YIKES... where has the time gone? The fun thing about having a birthday during the Holidays is that it is one huge party... We are in St. George and headed to Las Vegas with our St. George cronies to party like rock stars. It is always a fun time with this bunch...so I am sure this mini-vacay won't disappoint. I did get a new camera for Christmas so I will try to remember to get it out of my purse for the photo ops. It is good to be back in the blogosphere... I think I will come back for good. Oh... and thanks to Mindi for the Birthday shout-out. I am linking her blog here so you can see how hot I look on my big birthday. Only these pictures were taken when I was really fat...enjoy! That Mindi... what a gem, what a gem!

Fa-la-la-la-la..la-la-la-love to decorate for the Holidays!

Well here are a few snaps of my Christmas decor this year. I have had my tree decorated since before Thanksgiving...but I just hate to take photos because my pictures always look so bad. New Years Resolution #1: Learn how to take better photos!

This is my entry way table with a little view into the family room. I love my new candles and stockings. Fun...kindof whimsical with a little splash of color. As you can see.. most of my stuff is all bronze and gold...not a real bright traditional theme!

Here is another shot of my entry table. I just love using apothecary jars to decorate...especially during Christmas and winter. It is very important for me to have the entry way looking festive... it is sometimes the only part of the house people see...plus it is the first impression ( and an easy area to keep clean)

My mantel... the wise men are one of my very favorite decorations. This picture does not do them justice.. they are all about 14" tall. They are the best!

Here is my tree ( well most of it anyways...the bottom is cut off) It is 12' tall and slim so I could fit it in the space available... 12 feet and skinny makes for a tipsy turvy tree. Meggie and I went to St. George a few days before Caylor and the boys showed up... he called and told me my tree tipped over... I was totally stressed. He was teasing me! NOT FUNNY! The big ornament hanging from the ceiling is also one of my favs! If I stand it in front of me it goes to my chest... it is almost 5 feet tall. LOVE IT!

My wreath that is on my door. Right now I am really wishing Mother Nature would "Let it Snow"... I've got snowboarders that are dying to hit the slopes...plus my yard is all dead and ugly- it needs to be covered up and look like a winter wonderland!

Meggie's trees in her room. I loved the cheetah- black and red theme. That is what color her room is! You can't really tell...but the ornaments are purses, shoes, crowns, and dresses. So girly and cute! She loves having them in her room.

That was just a few of my decorations... maybe I will post more photos later of other areas. I have got two parties this weekend and I will show photos of them too. This really is the most wonderful time of the year!

p.s. If you are reading this... leave a comment. If you like my decorations..leave a comment. If you spit on my decorations leave a comment. I have been on a vacay from blogging so I need a few comments to motivate me back. Come on people... show me some holiday love!

Roll out the holly... Here are all my Christmas loves!

Here is a little Christmas tag that has been floating around the blogosphere... It was really fun- play along if you want...

Wrapping paper or gift bags? I love gift bags for birthdays and quick presents...but nothing says Christmas more than a beautifully wrapped presents that match the tree. Lots of ribbon... I like to say you can give a dumb gift if it wrapped great. I wrap a present like I own the ribbon mill...lots and lots of ribbon!

Real or Artificial tree? Growing up in St. George we had to hurry to unwrap the presents before all the needles were off the tree... and then out went the tree. I am a total artificial girl... plus who knows how to string 2500 lights anymore?

When do you put up the tree? The last 2 years it has been up the second week in November because we always go South for Thanksgiving and I want it in when I get home. This year it was the Thursday before Thanksgiving before it was up and decorated. Yeah. I know I am a slacker!
When do you take the tree down? When the kids go back to school and I can just un-decorate the house myself.


Do you like Eggnog? Yeah... I would really like it with a little something something in it...


Favorite gift received as a child? My playhouse when I was about 8. My parents kept telling me to go outside to get wood... I went out 4 times before I noticed the 2 story playhouse in my backyard. It was great! There were a lot of crazy times in that playhouse... now it is my parent's pool house.


Hardest person to buy for? My parents... What to buy someone that buys what they want and has everything... plus they don't want presents... LAME!


Easiest person to buy for? The kids... they are spoiled rotten!


Do you have a nativity scene? or three? Plus I have 3 wisemen that I LOVE LOVE LOVE!


Mail or email Christmas cards? For sure...MAILED! I love getting cards and pictures and especially the goofy little letters that brag up the family. I love Christmas mail!


Worst Christmas gift you ever received? My birthday is on the 29th of December and the Christmas I was turning 16 my sister said she new what I was getting... She wouldn't tell me, but she would give me hints... It is black, has four wheels, and doesn't have a top. My parents knew I wanted a black convertible Cabriolet... Jody had me knowing that was what I was getting. On Christmas morning my dad said... Amy, I think there is one more present outside in the driveway. I was so happy I ran right out...only to find a freaking black horse with a cow that is on 4 wheels shoved under it. My dad went to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas and got a little tipsy and spendy at Cowboy Christmas and thought since I am so allergic to horses it would be fun to get me one I could ride. A roller roper! It is a life size horse that you sit on and kick this lever and calf rolls out. The purpose is to practice your roping. I am not a roper! I cried ALOT that day... I know what a brat. Jody laughed her butt off! It wasn't funny!


Favorite Christmas Movie? Is there any other movie besides...CHRISTMAS VACATION?


When do you start shopping for Christmas?

Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? YES... enough said!

Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Treats!

Lights on the tree? Only about a million!


Favorite Christmas song? Oh Holy Night... if I could sing this is what it would be.


Travel at Christmas or stay home? Since my kids are big we stay home. Taking Santa's sleigh down south and then dragging it all back home was a bummer. Now we just go after Christmas and celebrate New Years with our family and friends.


Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Yeah... if I sing the song!


Angel on the tree top or a star? a big old blob of ribbon with flowers and things shooting out... that sounds yucky, but it looks good!

Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? same as the rest of the world... PJs Christmas Eve and the rest Christmas Day.


Most annoying thing about this time of the year? The craziness I make... not just enjoying the season.


Favorite ornament theme or color? Well... I usually love traditional red and green, but my tree is all gold and brown and copper...not so Christmasy. Meg's tree is red and gold and cheetah...so cute! Maybe next year I will go bright red and lime downstairs... who knows.


Favorite for Christmas dinner?The traditional... love the Christmas ribbon jello...but I am sometimes jello impaired and it never turns out...


What do you want for Christmas this year? Whatever it is ... I will probably buy it and Caylor will be so surprized when I open it and it is from him. He is so good to me... he gives me whatever I buy... I mean want.


Sorry this was so long... it was fun to do.
I tag anyone who wants to play along!

Yeah... December is here!

He sees you when you're sleeping he knows when you're awake. He knows if you've been bad or good... so be good for goodness sake!
It is December! The most magical time of the year! I have taken a blogging vacation and I hope I still have a reader or two... I love Christmas and I love the whole holiday season. I found a quote that I loved... " Christmas is not a season.. it is a feeling" Yeah for traditions, snow (hopefully), giving, friends & family, and the whole feeling of Christmas!

Thankful Thursday...

Well...this is truly the time to stop and reflect on all the things I have to be thankful for... Here are just a few!

1. A steady income- During this time of economic upheaval, I am so glad that my man has a steady job and a steady paycheck. I know of so many people that the economy is knocking down... I am saddened by this. I am so thankful for Caylor's job and the wonderful company that he works for.

2. My health- I am going for the generic thankful list this week it seems. But I am so glad that I am healthy- as is my family. Even though I sure do complain that this old body of mine doesn't look quite like I would really like it to... I need to stop the madness and just be glad it is fairly health... Maybe if I would go work out it could be really healthy.

3. My Family- Not only do I have a great little family that is my own... I also have a great extended family. I love all of my family so much and can't wait to hang for the holidays with them.

4. Jackson- My sweet little boy Jacks has had some hard times lately and I am so thankful for him and the darling little man that he is. I am so proud of him in the way he just charges into a problem and works it out. I am so excited about of all the great things he is doing right now and all the positive changes going on. He is the best!

5. THANKSGIVING- Need I say more? Pie, Family, Fun! I love to be with my family and just "BE". Thanksgiving is my fav because it is just mellow and fun. We are going to be at a cabin... not the whole fam dam... just a small gathering of goofs. I am really excited to head South to meet my new little Briggs. I know he has been missin' me... I have been missin' him for sure!

6. My friend, Tonia- Tonia is totally bailing me out today... I have a huge dilemma in the shape of a Christmas Tree that she is going to help me tame. I have been so busy this week I haven't gotten a chance to do it and she is coming to aid and assist. YEAH! It pays to have the ultimate decorating friend feel sorry for you.

7. Twilight Party- I am glad that Chal hooked my up with the ultimate Twilight party. We are all trekking down to Jordon Commons to participate in Private Design's Twilight bash of all bashes. Tonia is bringing down the Twilight glitter cup and we are all going to have a ball. I have read the books ( quickly... on the day they come out) but am not super obsessed with Edward & Bella & Co.- I am more interested in a fun night out with some fun friends. We'll see how much fun it is when we are asleep by the time the movie starts at midnight... I think I am too old for this! MORE INFO AND PHOTOS LATER...
There are many more things I am Thankful for... tonight I am just too tired to write more down.

Let the Reindeer Games Begin...

Let The Reindeer Games Begin... Tonight my Christmas tree is half way up ( not decorataed...just up)... the lights are working... and I found my newest set of reindeer at Z Gallerie. Yeah... they are copper! Am I ready for this? It seems like I was just putting my Halloween decor out and now I am decking the halls? Two years ago I got a new 12' Christmas Tree and I LOVE it. I love it when my kids go to bed and I can just sit and watch the lights. I set the tree light timer to go on the same time my alarm goes off so I can walk into a lit tree. That sounds so dumb... but I just love the lights. I am excited for the Holidays this year. Although there is a recession going on and I am NOT made of money.. I want to make Christmas really great this year. One thing that my mom, VIV, does is... she wraps a beautiful gift for us to unwrap on Thanksgiving night. It is some great Christmas Decoration that we can enjoy the whole season. It is a fun tradition and I think of it often during the Holidays. I usually take a sharpie and on the bottom write what year I got it and who gave it to me. While I decorate I remember where and when I got each decoration and I am so grateful for all the people in my life. Maybe that is something you could start in your own family. The decoration doesn't have to be expensive, just something to kick the season off....wrapped beautifully, of course! What are some of your special traditions that help make the SEASON bright?

Ahhhh... So cute!

Here they are... The first available photos of Baby Briggs! So Cute!

Big Brother Jace and little brother, "Hot Dog, Hot Dog, Hot Diggity Dog".

The Whole Family! Dr.- Briggs, Brandy, Jace, & Ryan... Brandy and her KIDS! Yikes!

Briggs is so little.. I am sure Jace will smash him with kisses!

The Holiday Boutique to end Holiday Boutiques...

Here is your chance to attend THE holiday boutique to end all holiday boutiques!

The creative girls at Over the Tipsy Top Design are hosting a holiday show this Thursday! I am also taking some stars, aprons, etc. I was over there today and am absolutely GOBSMACKED at the amazing things they have. All I can say is I have known Tonia for a long time and have seen alot of her fabulousness before...so it is hard for her to really blow me away. Today... I was blown away and it was not even done yet. If you live ANYWHERE along the Wasatch Front... you NEED To schedule a time to head to this show. You have all seen her house in party photos & loved it! It is worth the drive just to see it all done up for Christmas. You will be in AWE! Tonia and Marla are two talented little Divas that know how to go over the Tipsy Top for the Holidays! You owe it to yourself at the beginning of the holidays to get some of their amazing creations and start the season off right. You WON'T be disappointed!

For those of you that can't hop a plane to be here... leave them a comment and tell them to have an online boutique... like their own little private ETSY or something.

He's here... Baby Briggs!

Finally 36 weeks and the baby boy is here! Yeah! Saturday my little sister, Brandy had her baby. The doctor said she could go off her medication on Saturday because she would be 36 weeks... she didn't take the last dose on Friday... went out on a date ( first time in a restaurant in 7 weeks) had contractions went to the hospital and had a baby by 9:00 Saturday morning. Easy Breezy. The baby weighed 5 lbs 3 oz and was 17 inches long...TINY! They went home from the hospital Sunday night. All is well that ends well. I just don't think she is going to have ANY more kids. His big brother wanted to name him "Hot Dog, Hot Dog, Hot Diggity Dog" , but they decided on the 2nd choice of Briggs. So Baby Briggs is home and doing well. I am sure he will have some more surviving to do with his older brother, Jace. I told Brandy to practice the 4 words I said constantly when Jacks was born..."GET OFF YOUR BROTHER" I will post a photo later. I am so glad that she was able to wait and that he was born healthy. One thing is for sure.. she sure isn't going to want to have a long re-coop time. She has had it with bed rest. She can't wait to clean and work and decorate... she won't take the baby anywhere for a while- but is way to ready to get up and go. I am dying to get down there and see the little man- he is so dang cute. Yeah! Congrats to Brandy and Ryan and Jace on their new little boy!

The Pretty Petal

My friend, Suzanne and her sister have started a business designed to bring the bling to all little girls. They have the greatest hair accessories and darling beanies. I got a few for Meg and she looks so dang cute in them... Who needs to comb hair anymore?

They also have great headbands and accessories for babies.


We are loving the different flowers and ribbon combos!

Just click here to go to their web-page. So cute..so affordable...so great for fall & winter.

P.S. I know Mindi just did this same shout out...but I told Suzanne I would do one too. I know I am a super copy cat!

Fabulous Fall...Thanksgiving aprons!

I think Thanksgiving is my very favorite holiday and I don't even like mashed potatoes. I love it because there is no hype and no let-down...just great food, family and fun. Those are some of my most important priorities. It is just good to stop the craziness of life, reflect on things to be thankful for, eat some yummy pie, and hang out with family. In my family, while the boys are watching football...we girls are in the kitchen. The kitchen is actually where all the action is... can you imagine Viv, my two crazy sisters, my funny cousins, and my Gram all in one central location. GOOD TIMES! Is there a better occasion for a fabulous apron? I think not! I made this little number for Jackson's tutor, Judy. She loves aprons and we love her so..... it is a perfect match. I found some cute fall fabric, added a little ric-rac and...TADA... a sassy apron made for the Thanksgiving hostess with the mostess. I also made some rubber dish washing gloves for her so she can be a Glam Gram. I am a huge fan AND copy cat of Sherry over at creations from the heart. She is so talented and I saw the body displaying aprons on her blog and I just HAD to copy. So... here is a shout out to her...she is amazing! Thanks to my Grandma Bette for my new body.
So for all you Thanksgivingers out there... create an apron for your cooking crew this year. How fun to have matching aprons with your daughters, moms, and even grandmas. If you don't sew...just find a craft apron and embellish it. Add some ribbon, gems, fabric, etc. What a fun memory AND you will all look so cute in the annual Thanksgiving day photo!

Thankful Thursday...

WoW! I have ALOT to be Thankful for this week... Here are just a few!

1. As stated in the previous post... cue the "I am Proud to be an American" anthem by Lee Greenwood. What an amazing week to see American Democracy in action. How exciting to be able to take part in 1- the whole election process 2- to see an American take the stage as a world icon (hopefully, for good this time). I am sure yesterday morning John McCain woke up with a small sigh of relief and Barack Obama woke up wondering what in the hell he had gotten himself into. It is a huge ugly job he has before him and I hope he can live up to a portion of the pressure that he is under. I am just glad to be in land of the free. I also keep thinking about all the people that have sacrificed, sometimes their very lives, to vote. I just saw "The Secret Lives of Bees" and Jennifer Hudson's character endures a ferocious beating, being jailed, and becoming a fugitive...just to register to vote. That movie took place ONLY 40 years ago. Not even to mention the woman's right to vote. All I can say is..."We've Come A Long Way, Baby". ( Thanks for that lovely slogan from Virginia Slims cigs... yikes)

2. Meggie is wearing boots. I know this sounds like a really stupid thing, but the battles have reduced quite a bit this week. Thank goodness the weather changed and her feet got too cold wearing flip-flops. She has hated shoes forever... she doesn't like ANYTHING on the back of her foot. Flip-flops rule then we wean into boots and then some winters we can even get a ballet flat on by about Thanksgiving...we'll see.

3. The weather is turning cold...YEAH! While in St. George last, I keep saying I needed to get back to where the leaves are red and the air is brisk...San Jorge just doesn't do it for me this time of year. We'll talk again in March.

4. I know I say it almost every Thursday, but I am so glad to be a blogger. I chatted with the cutest blogging friend, Sherry, on the phone. She has the blog Creations from my heart... and she is AMAZING! I got a really great pattern from her and emailed her a question and she called me back! Can you believe it? She is so cute and creative and soooooo super nice. This little blogosphere has just opened all sorts of new friendships.

5. Christmas Music- Yesterday I was making aprons and I was rockin' out to Kenny G... Nice easy listening Christmas music.. I figure after Halloween the Christmas music is fair game. I can only listen to it by myself until about Dec. 5th. My man can handle it for only so long.

6. My boys haven't fought for about 2 days. This is HUGE. Mitch even helped Jacks with his math homework last night....(yes, because it was too hard for me) I think we are on the brink of some kind of miracle. Cross your fingers...

7. My life is pretty good- Somedays I am crazy...somedays social...somedays busy...somedays very lazy. I don't want to sound like I am posting from "Seriously, So Blessed" but things are good. I could be a lot richer, skinnier, cuter, more organized, more patient, etc. etc.... but it is good to have goals...

8. Thanks to the 4 or 5 of you that read this little rambling & stoke my ego I appreciate your comments and friendships!

Cue the Lee Greenwood song... I rocked the vote!

Cue the Lee Greenwood song..." I am proud to be an American" because today I was a responsible citizen and VOTED! My man even voted early, due to another obligation today. As I was watching the Today Show this morning... I got a bit emotional as I watched Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and John McCain all cast their vote. It is an amazing thing! I am a History Major (AKA history NERD) and I have the utmost respect for all the people in our own history that have sacrificed and even died for the opportunity to vote- not to mention those people in other countries that would love to have a say in their government. I am proud to wear my little " I VOTED" sticker today. So... if you are reading this and haven't voted yet...DO IT! I am happy to be a part of history being made today... either way- Obama= first African American or Sarah Palin= first woman V.P. It is a win/win situation.

Happy Halloween!

Meggie the Kitty... No matter what anybody says... this is the ONLY cat I will EVER have at my house!
A photo of Jackson dressed up? No! Only what is important! Jacks couldn't wait to organize and categorize his stash for the blog. He even took the photo. Proof that he is the all time best Trick or Treater! We are taking the idea of displaying the goods from Christmas morning to displaying the goods on Halloween.

Meg loved Halloween! She was a sassy little kitty! We trick or treated... had some good food and has a fabulous Oct. 31! Ahhhh... the fun, the excitement, the cavities! Call Dr. Jason- we are all on our way!

Our really great jack-o-lanterns... carved "Old School" without any of these new fandangeled patterns and kits. So great!

We have all had a Halloween Hangover! Meg wasn't afraid on or before Halloween, but now we're having residual nightmares. Jacks has already had a tooth ache, and Mitch has already stolen half of the little kids candy ( because he was too old to trick or treat). Ahhh... the memories!

Fabullous Fall Friday...Happy Halloween!

The Moment we've all beem waiting for...

Happy Halloween!
My kids don't have school today and so we have gotten? to play Halloween for two days. Yesterday was the school costume parade and every parent in this town attends. I also got to help with Jackson's class party. I made the best Halloween severed fingers... Go here for the recipe. In all my preparing, I forgot my camera... yes, it is par for me. So no photos of Meg the Sassy pink kitty or Jacks the really great old woman. Imagine them though...they were great! I will try to remember to snap some pics tonight!

Also... while I was away- I got BOO-ED! And I liked it. Darling Tanja boo-ed me! Thanks Tanja. It has been a very festive season and I can't wait to see what you girls pull out of your bag of tricks for the next two biggies coming up. You all amaze me!
Happy Halloween!

Thankful Thursday

I have had so many things to be thankful for this week! Here are just a few!

1. My Man!Last week I went to St. George to help tend my sis and her little boy. Meggie went with and the boys were going to come down later- on the weekend. Well...they ended up staying home so Meg and I had a girls weekend with Viv! Anywho- When I got home on Sunday I was sicker that a dog- went to bed. Stayed in bed ALL of Monday, kindof on Tuesday... was in charge of Relief Society on Wednesday... so to say the least my man has been both mother and father and cleaner and cooker for a week now. He is really so great to help me out in whatever I do. I know it is soooo cheezy to have PDA on the blog, but I am really so thankful I found him and he still puts up with me.

2. Sister Brandy is going to be A-OK! She is finally 34 weeks so she is out of real scaryness... she got released from the hospital on Saturday, but she is still on house arrest for 10 more days or so. It was fun to go to St. George and see her- hang out at the hospital, laugh, tend her little boy, Jace ( so dang cute and a total crack up). She is such a cutie... I know she is going stir crazy so if any of you in blogland know her in real life...take her a treat and a magazine. She'll be so happy to see you!

3. Viv- Need I say more? I am so thankful for my rockin' mom. She is the best ol' gal on the block! It was so fun to go to Dixie and just hang out with her. My one sister, Jody was at a motorcycle race and my other sister, Brandy was at the hospital and my sister -in-law, Mindy was in Wyoming with my brother sooo... I had Viv all to myself. I know it sounds so selfish... but we had such a good time. She was hosting a Halloween dinner party for some friends- it was fun to help her get ready for that. We shopped, laughed, stayed up late, laughed, laughed, and laughed some more. We decided that we are both fun seekers to the extreme and it is best that we don't live in the same town. We would be poor, tired, Even more overweight,well-dressed, and divorced if we spent a whole lot of time together She is the best and I had a great time!

4. My Fun Church job- Isn't that an oxymoron? Fun Church Job? Well I am the Enrichment leader and it is really my cup of tea...I mean hot cocoa! I like planning and doing the activities and I really like NOT being the Sunbeams teacher. I work with the greatest lady, Bobbi. She is so fun- I just love to hang out with her and she is like 20 years older than I am. We had a fun time tonight and the best part is... I am done until December! Yahoo!

5. Blogging-I have been a slacker and I have actually missed window peeking on you all. I will get with it and stop by to say hi- soon! I had to take a little break, but I am slowly coming out of it. Thanks for still stopping my to peek in my boring, non-changing window. You make me feel good. I am anxious to see what you all have been up to. I've missed you!

Stress Not!

I had a really good friend teach me a very important phrase that I try to say, but more importantly believe and follow..."Stress Not" Now that is easier said than done.

I haven't' dropped off the face of the Earth, I am not having a nervous breakdown, and I am most definitely NOT vacationing somewhere fabulous. Thanks for all the email inquiries... I have had company, been making stars for boutiques and blog orders, having a son that is trying out for the school basketball team, and sewing aprons, etc..etc..etc... I have just been a little overwhelmed. I am now on my way south to help my sister that is on hospital arrest. I hope to be back soon and I hope I don't loose the 5 or 6 of you that click on my dumb little blog. Later days...

Fabulous Fall...Caramel Apples!

One of my most favorite tastes of fall is a caramel apple. It is such a memory for me too. I don't think in the 70's mom's were allowed to just make caramel apples for the fun of it, there was some random rule that said they could only be made in the fall or purchased at lagoon or some other amusement park. At least that was how Viv rolled. Soooo... caramel apples are a favorite of mine- especially in the autumn. I know there are many wasy to get one...covered in M&Ms , nuts ( heaven forbid), white and milk chocolate, cinnamon, etc...but I am a purest when it comes to the apple caramel. Just caramel- nothing else. Last week while Crystal was in town we went to Gardner Village to see the witches. It was a perfect day- kindof chilly, darling witches, pumpkins galore and we topped it off with a caramel apple. It was so good I was sad we had shared one- I could have snarfed my own.

I wish I could say that these are my creations below...They're not! Mine would be a picture of bare-naked apples sitting in a puddle of caramel. In the past I have tried and always end up disappointed & driving to the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory to get one. This year I am going to try it AGAIN. My darling bloggin' friend Tammy made them and posted the recipe. We'll see how it works- If not, I know the way to the RM Chocolate Factory!p.s. I knot how to decorate the sticks...wrap ribbon up the stick. See... I can embellish, just not make the most important thing.

These are Tammy's and you can find out how to make them by clicking here.
Wish me luck! If you have been successful at this venture...leave me a comment telling my how to make a mean caramel apple- instead of a clean carameless apple.

Have a fabulous fall weekend!

Thankful Thursday...

This is what I am Thankful for this week:

1. UEA/ fall recces? I am a little unsure about how I feel about this at this point. We aren't really doing anything spectacular...so we will have to see. I can remember as a kid LOVING this holiday from school. My kids are excited about sleeping in and no homework. Frightmares is always a good activity during October... we'll have to see!

2. Modern times- It was the best of times, it was the worst of times! I am glad to live in a modern world with modern healthcare. My sister, Brandy, has been taken off house arrest (bedrest), and has been fully admitted to the hospital. She is 32.5 weeks pregnant. They need her to be at least 34 weeks so... she is there until she has him. I know she is going crazy...but I am so glad that modern medicine can help stop her labor.

3. Good Friends- The other night my friend, Collette, and I were making stars and we had such a fun time. We laughed so hard... I don't know if it was from sleep deprivation, glue fumes, spray paint fumes, or inhaled glitter...but we had a great time. The next morning the stars even looked good. A project is always more fun with someone to chat and laugh with.

4. Projects- I am in the middle of several crazy projects. I think my hyperactivity is getting the best of me lately. I am going to push to get a few things done and then I am going to read a book or just sit. Until then... there is no rest for the wicked.

5. No sports- Yes... you heard it right...NO SPORTS! Besides the constant football game that is on in the downstairs MAN CAVE... we are sports free. In other words- My kids aren't involved in ANY sports right now. Sadly, football ended for Mitch, and we don't play basketball so.... we are just sitting here with our ski passes in hand waiting for the snow to fall so our winter season can begin. (p.s. I need to say THEY are waiting with THEIR passes in hand... I am a lodge bunny & proud to sit in the lodge and read a book and drink hot chocolate- I do have a cute ski outfit though. All I need is a fake cast and my look is complete)

6. Bloggin' Friends- Thanks for reading my blog and making comments... I have been kindof a blurking slacker or in blog lingo... a blacker -because I haven't been commenting very much on your blog. I am sorry and I will resume next week-0 FOR SURE!

7. Another excuse to party...Twilight Tailgate pary- Let's have a blog fest at the movie. Grab your real life friends and mix in the blogging friends and have a twilight/ girlfriend extravaganza! I know Chalyce, Hannie, & Olivia are drumming up some fabulous prizes so lets all go party with them...November 20th, 11:00, Jordan Commons, click here for details.

Christmas, Turkeys, Birthdays, & Twilight... all wrapped into one!

This is going to be quite the modge podge post... stick it all together and add some glitter and it is done! I have got a few items of business to shout out!

First: Thanks for all the response to the stars... I am busily making and sending all that have ordered thus far... I just wanted to show you one example of a green/red whimsical Christmas star! I will do custom colors, themes, etc. $50.00 plus shipping and this baby is yours! If you are interested email me at: thisandthat-amy AT hotmail.com

This close up is to show you all the cute paper and ribbon and GLITTER!
Next: The Queen of Hearing your confessions is having a spectacular give-away! She is trying to buy your love with a "fowl" seasonal, a gift card, & a CHERELLA bag! Click here to enter.
Good News: There is this little movie coming out soon called TWILIGHT! The Babes at Private Design ( AKA Chalyce, Hannie, & Olivia) are hosting a big huge Twilight Tailgate Party on opening night. Grab the girlfriends and see the vampire splendor together. It is being held at Jordan Commons on November 20th at 11:00 p.m. Tickets are $15.00- and that includes the total party, entry into many drawings, and prizes... Click here for info!
And last...but certainly not least... Vanessa is giving prizes away for HER birthday! WOO-HOO! Click here to enter her birthday presents for you give-away!