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!

The Witches' Brew... Part two!

Where to start? The food? The AMAZING costumes? The FUN?

Last Thursday we had the greatest witches brew of our lives ( That was easy... it was the first). I was in shock and awe at the costumes... I have never seen so many feather boas in my life...green, orange, black, red, purple, zebra. The most colorful witches ever!

There were even darling little server witches ( Tonia's daughters and friends...Meg stayed home because I didn't want to have to hurry to get her home on a school-night- I wanted to PARTY!
We gave a prize ( a Halloween apron I made) to the best witch's concoction... and it went to Jesse Enright for her peanut butter bloody severed fingers ( complete with bone left in the middle)
It was so decorated and done Over the Tipsy Top... Here is one photo of the glittered glasses that everyone drank out of... real glass... real glitter- Only Tonia! We played games and gave prizes and laughed and ate and just enjoyed being all dressed up and with other girlfriend witches!
There were even some witches that were scantily clad... Chalyce and Hannie were the hot witches! OHHHH...to be young and hot!
I put this picture with myself ( in my new favorite zebra witch hat) and the witches of the evening...if you get my drift. They were hilarious! Thanks for being such good sports!

Here are a few more shots of some of the great costumes.


I was so impressed with all the costumes and all the great food. We assigned the food to people and were AMAZED at the treats that showed up! This is something I want to do every year... hopefully Tonia will join in again. She is the most spooktacular witch of all. She takes glam to Halloween like nobody's business! Thanks Tonia for your house and all your work and your friends and just being such a great friend.

Fabulous Fall Friday...Only WITCHES dressed like witches are allowed to enter!

Fabulous Fall Friday...Witches Brew! Last night Tonia and I held our first annual witches brew! I got to the party and realized my camera was missing the memory card so... I don't have a lot of photos, but I will get copies this weekend. This post was to show the invitation and a photo of Tonia, Marla, Crystal ( The only witch that flew in on her broom all the way from Idaho) and I. We were sassy, funky, and fabulous witches. We had so much fun.

This was the invitation... we invited about 50 of our favorite witches and most all of them came.

Crystal, Me, Tonia, & Marla..Which Witch is Which?

I will have all the tricks and treats of the party.. along with photos on Monday! You won't believe the costumes and treats that everyone brewed up. AMAZING!
Have a GREAT weekend!

Really... Here are the Winners!

The Pressure of the cuteness! I wanted to post the winners in some really cute and creative way... but I am really a right brained person... because the pressure of the task just ruined it and now I am stuck announcing the winners in a really LAME way...just writing their names!

Oh... p.s. I tried that random,org and it worked,,,I just couldn't figure out how to publish the official findings. I did use it...just can't prove it.

The winners are:

From my top ten:

TANJA from On That Note

Thanks for always being such a great supporter of my little blog. I love yours and have enjoyed getting to know you! I consider you a total friend and we've never even met!

From my random.org winners

Amanda from Kade and Kendal's Mom

&

Merrianne from Merrianne

You two are new to me because of this giveaway...yeah! So thanks for coming over... I hope you'll come back for free!
Please e-mail me your information so I can get your surprise package to you ASAP!

P.S. to everyone else who entered...thanks a ton! I wish I could send you all a prize! Some of you are faithful commenters... Thanks! Some of you are new... I hope you'll come back!

Have a great day!

And the winners are...

Wow! I can't believe how many of you entered my fabulous fall give-away. It is so exciting to find new bloggin' friends. I am not taking any more comments...the winners will be announced tomorrow- I hope you are all going to like the King Size candy bars I am sending out. Just kidding... it did crack me up to see all speculation about what my prizes would be. I guess I need to be more mysterious. As Willy Wonka said..."The anticipation is killing me... I hope it lasts." Until tomorrow........