simply living...

Birds of a feather...

2009-05-14T17:05:00.000-07:00

I am not good at "sayings" but since this post is about bird baths, I thought that birds of a feather would be a good title.

I saw a version of this bird bath in the family fun magazine and I thought rather than going a buying the exact stuff, I would use what I already had.

My next goal is to photograph it when birds are actually using it. This morning I was upstairs in my bedroom and I looked out the window and two of the most beautiful birds were perched on the bird bath. I didn't make it down in time to take the picture, better luck next time.

The joys of nature!

It is all in the presentation!

2009-05-10T20:18:00.000-07:00

This morning my sweet husband and girls made me breakfast in bed.

He did such a beautiful job and it was so yummy! He had this french toast at one of his stays at the Marriott hotel.

Delicious French Toast:

Mix 2 or 3 eggs with a little milk, vanilla and cinnamon. In a separate bowl crush some frosted flakes. The best bread (in my opinion) to use is Texas Toast that we get from Wal-mart. It is good thick bread. Anyway dip both sides of bread in the egg mix and then dip it in the crushed frosted flakes. Sprinkle with a little powdered sugar and warm syrup. The bananas were delicious or any other fruit would be good. So simple but so yummy

A sweet conversation

2009-05-10T19:20:00.000-07:00

(This was a post that I had not published until I was reminded of it while preparing for a talk)

What a beautiful day. I can't believe it is November 1st and the weather is so wonderful. Ashlyn and I decided to go lay on the trampoline and enjoy the sun. This was the conversation we had...

Ashlyn : Mom, I love the world.

Mom: So do I.

Ashlyn: My favorite is the sky.

Mom: Why do you love the sky?

Ashlyn: Because that is where Ruby Doll and Jesus are.

Mom: Yes, Ashlyn I love it to.

Ashlyn: I know Heavenly Father loves me. He loves you too mom.

Mom: He does love me and that makes me happy.

Ashlyn: He loves Lillie (our dog, who was under the trampoline) too, she is funny.

Mom: Ashlyn, I love you.

Ashlyn: I love you too, mom.

And off she went climbing on the side of the trampoline, sucking on her sucker, not having a care in the world that she loves so much.

I am thankful for a beautiful sky from Heavenly Father who presented such a wonderful opportunity for my sweet baby girl to know he loves her.

If there ever was a time...

2009-05-07T09:38:00.000-07:00

to be PROUD...today is the day :)

Three months ago I had blood work done as part of a yearly physical. No surprise to me my cholesterol was very high. My bad cholesterol was 202 (should be under 130) Total was 297. ugh!
I went to work - reading, googling, and asking friends advice and these are the changes I came up with.

I added flax seed and Benefiber for children to my diet. Sprinkle it on EVERYTHING.
I have eaten a lot of granola and yogurt.
Bran muffins - yummy - FIBER - FIBER - FIBER
For a great recipe go HERE.

and I love these fiber one bars.
Vegetables -
Beans - more FIBER - FIBER - FIBER
Pastas and breads that have whole grains.
Fruit
Spinach salads - best ever :) don't forget to sprinkle with flax seed.
lots of water
I don't eat a lot of meats (my kids hate the thought that I am really close to be a vegetarian) so I was good in that department.

I now take fish oils, dandelion and milk thistle.
Did I still eat sugar??? Oh yes, but in great moderation! Was I completely faithful?...I would like to say yes, but the real answer is no. But I did great!
After all this...my cholesterol has dropped 30 points YEAH!!

Now I am waiting for my garden to produce great foods for me.
When they gave me the results, the doctor wanted to put me on Zocor right away and guess what I said, "NO WAY, I can do the rest of this on my own". I have 45 more points to drop!

So I will be checked again in 3 months.

My plan...
Continue eating the above things and
add exercise... I really should be these things to good use. They are dirty not because of exercise but because of working in the garden. :)

Happy Day!

This is definitely been a joy in my JOurneY!

Garden Trellis

2009-05-06T06:33:00.000-07:00

These are the trellises that my cucumbers, squash, tomatoes, peas and cantaloupe will vine up.

I got all of my information from the square foot garden book and website. You can find all of the information HERE.

It has been really rainy here. Not much sun, but the garden is still doing well.

These pictures were taken May 1st '09.

Lookin' good!

Beautiful

2009-05-04T07:26:00.000-07:00

If you know anything about me...I love flowers.

Here is a little taste of heaven.

"I am encircled about eternally in the arms of His love." 2nd Nephi 1:15 in the Book of Mormon. Go to lds.org to find out more.

Its growing

2009-05-04T06:39:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share some pics of the garden and how things are growing. This has been a lot of fun. Can't wait to eat the yummy food.

I planted these tomatoes last week. They are Aussie tomatoes. I did not plant these from seed.
The peppers were also plants not from seed. I added marigolds. They are suppose to help keep bugs away.

Cucumbers

flowers pots with moss rose and a citronella plant. I planted two more tomato plants called sun sugar. They are delicious. Little yellow tomatos. I can eat them like candy.

My peas are doing really well. I planted them in early April.

The best thing is I have not had one single weed. Now that is something to cheer about.

Building Our Firepit

2009-05-02T08:18:00.000-07:00

I had this grand idea that I wanted a firepit in my backyard...

so this is what we got...

and WE LOVE IT!

Friday Night camp out - April 17th

We had foil dinners and slept in the tent. It was a chilly night, but we loved seeing the stars (yes that means Brian and I were awake a lot of the night)

cooking a peach cobbler with our dutch oven - the girls roasting their marshmallows??

Enjoying the fire

The girls and I planted the rest of our seeds - cucumbers, squash, green beans, brocolli, carrots, potatoes and cantaloupe. Now all that is left is to plant the tomatoes and peppers.
The up close picture is of the sugar snap peas that I planted a couple weeks prior. Peas have to get in the ground pretty early.

Salad Table

2009-05-02T05:49:00.000-07:00

I was watching Martha one morning and saw this salad table. I thought how cool is that, I must try. Go to Martha's site and search "salad table". It has been a lot of fun.

Building the table. It really was an easy project.
Callie was right there with us.
About a week after planting, I had sprouts of lettuce. I planted 3 different lettuces, spinach, dill, and basil.

It is very pretty. Ashlyn said yesterday. "Mom, I can't wait to have this food and we won't even have to pay for it". This is what I am hoping for. Cutting down on food bill and eating healthy in the process.

My garden

2009-05-01T14:14:00.001-07:00

I feel like for the first time in my adult married life I have a real garden that appears as if might succeed. I am using this technique this year. Square Foot Gardening

It has been a lot of fun creating this garden and in order to keep a journal of it, I must Blog.

This is STEP 1 - Building of the Boxes - Early April 2009

Everyone in on the Action -
The fence around the garden. I have never seen deer, raccoon etc but I suppose there is always a first on our property. The only pest we have is our dog Lillie. (Crazy dog)
Beautiful!

Trip of a Lifetime...

2009-04-19T17:50:00.000-07:00

This was definitely a trip that we never thought we would go on. A cruise never even crossed our minds. However, when the Petersons asked if we wanted to go, we took them up on the offer. It was such a blessing to be able to go on a family vacation together and to be with our friends who we love dearly. The kids and us will never forget the wonderful time that we had.

It had rained on our drive down to Miami. Luckily the rain did not follow us on the cruise. This is the moms with the kids waiting in the pouring rain while Brian and Steve went to park the cars.
The beautiful ship. The kids and quite frankly myself were just so amazed by the size. It was awesome.

Before we could do anything we had to make sure all of the safety gear worked.

A day at the beach in Cozumel, Mexico. Lots of sun and fun.

Ashlyn loved the beach and swimming in the ocean. She never wanted to leave. Connor was a great snorkeler. The boys all loved building the sand castles.

The water everywhere was breathtaking. You have to see it to believe it.

Sunbather.
Gorgeous!!!

Jackson got a scare from this "tin" man dressed up.

Connor and Jackson posing in what I thought was just a cute car. I didn't know I had the boys advertising for the most well known bar.
This was the guy that made the girls bracelets with their names in them. He was so fast.

ICE CREAM!

ICE CREAM AND MORE ICE CREAM!!

Seriously, everytime we turned around the kids got more ice cream. The cones kept getting higher and higher.

These are the guys that performed at one of the shows. They are called the Cat's Pajamas. They are a four man acapella group. I loved them. I just had to have a picture and I bought their CD.

Our two very "cool" boys - Enjoying the show.

On to Grand Cayman Islands.

The Ferry ride over.

This gift store we went into had sand floors. Ashlyn drew pictures.

Brady loving the dreadlocks.

This was a chicken in the middle of the road, but what you can't see is that it was right in front of a Kentucky Fried Chicken Restaurant. Funny

Hanging Out.

Best Friends. They were inseparable. I think they thought they owned the boat!

Brian with a pear. Probably the only healthy thing he ate all week. The food was delicious and it was non-stop.
Fancy dancy Lisa, looking adorable as always!!

HAPPY 10TH BIRTHDAY JACKSON -

It was so fun to be able to celebrate his birthday with him.

The boys all ate steaks. Lisa and I teased that we were in trouble when we got home because for sure we were not going to let them eat this good.

Us girls, dressed for the night. The weather was beautiful. It was so fun being able to take walks around the ship and have good talks and good thoughts.
Love this picture! I love my girls.
The sun sets were amazing.

When we had turn down service, they made little animals out of the towels.

Little conversations. Priceless.

The chocoholic buffet. We were going to miss out on this even though it was at 11:30 at night.

This is the fancy restaurant that our wild boys snuck in to. There was a dress code and they certainly did not meet that.

Leaving, so sad.

What a wonderful trip.

TRULY, A TRIP OF A LIFETIME.

Adams Look-alike Meter

2009-03-23T14:30:00.001-07:00

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Ancestors - Free genealogy

Adams Look-alike Meter

2009-03-23T14:25:00.001-07:00

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebrities - Collage - Morph

Adams Look-alike Meter

2009-03-23T14:20:00.001-07:00

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celebrity - Collage - Morph

Adams Look-alike Meter

2009-03-23T14:15:00.001-07:00

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Geneology

SPREADING SUNSHINE

2009-03-19T15:30:00.000-07:00

My sister in law Sarah had this on her blog and I thought it would be so much fun. So here goes: The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! Made with tons of love just for you! It might be a fun sewing project, a sweet letter to you from me, or some yummy goodies, you might be surprised what you get! Give it a try! The catch? You must re -post this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog. The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did win a lovely little treat for themselves! Have Fun! Ready........Set............Go!

Come on copy, paste, and do something fun!!!! I want to send you something.

sewing machine fun

2009-03-18T04:23:00.000-07:00

Callies first sewing project. Fun and easy. Here is the tutorial to make them. She did a great job and is excited for her next project.

good things

2009-03-17T15:46:00.000-07:00

This is my visiting teacher, Vicki. I love this lady!! She is a big Sam's Club shopper and she is also very good at finding bargains. She bought these dresses for $4.41. So of course I couldn't resist wearing it on Sunday and she couldn't either. I brought my camera just in case we both were wearing them...
Ashlyn and I went shopping at Kroger and couldn't resist this cute little puppy dog cake. When the kids got home from school we divided this mound of icing up and oooohhh yummy.

Finding joy today

2009-03-17T04:28:00.000-07:00

"I ask everyone within the sound of my voice to take heart, be filled with faith, and remember the Lord has said He 'would fight [our] battles, [our] children's battles, and [the battles of our] children's children' (D&C 98:37; emphasis added). And what do we do to merit such a defense? We are to 'search diligently, pray always, and be believing. [Then] all things shall work together for [our] good, if [we] walk uprightly and remember the covenant wherewith [we] have covenanted' (D&C 90:24). The latter days are not a time to fear and tremble. They are a time to be believing and remember our covenants."
Jeffrey R. Holland, "The Ministry of Angels," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 30

the joy of the gospel

2009-03-16T12:35:00.000-07:00

Callie was baptized on her birthday. She was pretty excited about that. It was such a beautiful day. I told Callie that Heavenly Father made it a sunny day for her because she was our Callie Rae Sunshine. We are so blessed to have Callie Rae in our family. What a sweet little spirit she is. I love her soft skin, her beautiful smile and her beautiful long hair, but mostly I love her kind heart and loving nature that she has. She will be such a good mommy someday. Heavenly Father truly blessed Brian and I to be able to raise His sweet little Callie Rae Sunshine.

Here are a few pictures from the special day.

the long awaited sewing machine. she asked for a sewing machine 2 years ago. I told her that on her 8th birthday we would get her one. the machine was from mom and dad and grandma and grandpa adams.
scriptures from grandma and grandpa fears
she has sewn for hours on it. practicing her stitches. since we have sewn hair scarves. the machine is bigger than she is. so cute.

ashlyn was sick with the flu so the family gathered around for a family picture.
callie rae and her daddy - love it.
in her baptism clothes.
ashlyn got sick and slept through the first part of the program. she woke up and went back with me to help callie. they both thought that was really special.
the protectors.
our callie rae sunshine!!

cupcakes with marshmallows on top that are supposed to look like flowers.
i'm 8!!!! yeah!

My baby girl turns 6

2009-03-11T20:03:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it has been six years already since we completed our family with our sweet Ashlyn.

She had a fun birthday...here are pictures of the celebration.

We start our birthday mornings by opening presents. This is Ashlyn's cute wake up look!

Opening presents...she got an mp3 player, slippers and a flying butterfly.

Lunch at McDonalds...YUMMY!
She was a happy girl.

Playing around.

The Cotton family was there with us to celebrate this happy day.

And the party goes on...after getting home from McDonalds we watched Tinkerbell and they sat in their "cars" that they had decorated at the Primary Activity Drive In Movie earlier that morning.
This is such a cute movie.

Finally...CAKE

What a blessing Ashlyn is to us. She makes us laugh...she makes us smile. We love her very much.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ASHLYN

little lexi ladybug

2009-02-22T19:03:00.000-08:00

I have a special little friend who just recently went through hip surgery. She has made it through beautifully and with such strength.

Her name is Lexi. What a beautiful little girl.

My kids adore little lexi ladybug.

I have always loved the feelings that Ashlyn has towards her. What a blessing Lexi is for Ashlyn to learn compassion and caring. Lexi has done so much for many in her sweet little life.

I am grateful for her strength and endurance. I am thankful for her teaching me how to love unconditionally. I am happy to have been able to learn to care for her. I feel the love of the Savior when I am around her. I love to feel her skin and give her kisses.

These are my joys...I definately feel pure joy when I am with her.

hugs,

miralyn

...to be a mother

2009-02-20T05:05:00.001-08:00

Joy in my journey today is the answer to the question that was asked of Ashlyn on an all about me poster that she is turning in for her birthday for school.

When I grow up I would like to be...

I want to be a mom.

just had to take a picture. love these moments.

my two great girls.

I love the book by Pres. Hinckley, One Bright Shining Hope. There are so many beautiful quotes from him over the years. I would like to share this one today.

"Let me say to you sisters that you do not hold a second place in our Father's plan for the eternal happiness and well-being of His children. You are an absolutely essential part of the plan. Each of you is a daughter of God, endowed with divine birthright. You need no defense of that position."

I love being a mother. I love my children. I pray that my girls will learn good things from me as I strive to do as Heavenly Father would have me do as a mother. I pray that my boys will understand the divine roll of a mother and women, become great missionaries, husbands and fathers like their dad.

This is my joy in my journey today!

Connor's Pinewood Derby

2009-02-17T11:09:00.000-08:00

Its pinewood derby time again. Connor and Brian made the car and we were off to the races.

Connor's car got 3rd place. This was the most organized Pinewood Derby I have ever seen. WOW!!

That is Connor's car coming in 1st place in one of the races.

Voni Saxey giving the boys their pep talk (for good behavior I am sure) The winners - Alex 1st, Jackson 2nd and Connor 3rd.

GOOD JOB BOYS! or should I say dads. :)

Sharing the Love

2009-02-17T10:58:00.000-08:00

We got together for Relief Society and did a few little projects for Valentines. Mostly it was a good excuse to get together.

We always have a blast getting together and have a good social hour.

Annie Heather - Michelle

Lorelei, Casey, Jill, Audra and Jen sharing the love.

Cyndy, Emily, Jacob and Annie hard at work.

My Twin Sister Missi - We have to take a picture everytime we are together just to make sure we still look alike.

Vicki and Amie

These two just talked the whole time. Social hour :)

Again...

2009-02-01T18:42:00.000-08:00

We survived another power outage. This time with freezing temps. (at one point our house was 43) Ugh. The first day of the outage, I was really grumpy. I needed chocolate. Brian had a Heath bar and it helped me out :) Brady asked how long the chocolate would last.

The snow was beautiful. We didn't only have snow though, we had ice. That's what caused the problem. The trees were so heavy from the snow and ice that branches were snapping and breaking everywhere. The power lines just couldn't hold on. We were without power from Tuesday night until Friday afternoon. Some of our friends are still without power as I am writing this. Crazinesss.

The question we are asking ourselves - What can we learn from this?

Don't procrastinate what you can do today.

Back in Sept. the power outage was kind of fun. We did it, we grilled, we could still play outside and be warm, nights were awesome. This was totally different. Cold weather is much more difficult.

Need to make sure we have better heat sources and better ways to cook things.

Lots of flashlights with batteries, candles a generator!!!

a good list of cell phone numbers for all of the members in the ward.

No matter where you live - you need to be prepared. Don't put it off - Do it TODAY!

What I learned about people...

THEY ARE GOOD! The Lord has surrounded us with good, caring, kind and loving people. What a blessing!

Lots of shoveling - so much snow

Connor built an ice fort so we could put our food in to keep it cold. This is the view from our backyard.

Raising our bread in front of the fire. Blankets everywhere.

I pulled out the easy food, but we tried grilling too.

Gotta love ramen. They piled me with 10 big blankets. So cozy.

Brady's jet boil that he uses for camping came in really handy for warming water and making that ramen. The chocolate heath bar that I loved so much.

We spent time at our home teachers house. They live really close to us and they had power, so they were so gracious to have us over. Good friends, good times.

The "girls" put on several dance shows for us. The dinner was great.

cutie Jackson enjoying the warm house. Brian and Erin obsessed with Sing Star on play station.

A big gathering. Annie rapping??

loving good friends

Always a party.

Gotta Love Snow Days

2009-01-27T17:48:00.000-08:00

We woke up this morning to a Kentucky Winter Wonderland. The first real snow of the season. Yesterday they called school off because it had snowed, but coming in from sledding all muddy does not constitute a reason for staying home from school. Today, however, it was for real. Here are a few fun pictures of the celebration.

snow forts and shoveling

Its cold and icy for sledding

My Angel and hard workers

lots of laughter and smiles

Share the Love

2009-01-25T18:23:00.000-08:00

Just want to share the projects that we will be doing on an upcoming morning for Relief Society. We are going to have so much fun just being together, crafting and of course eating snacks. This time we have put a limit that you can only order one of each of the projects and the best thing is that they are only $3 each. So much fun!!!!

They turned out really cute!!

the journey - frame (picture of Christ not included)

Finding joy in your journey is the theme of our Relief Society this year.

My heart loves your heart - tile (stand not included)

XOXO - candy jar (candy not included)

We're "mint" to be - candy jar (candy not included)

The boys ski trip

2009-01-23T18:49:00.000-08:00

Brian has wanted to take the boys skiing for years. The day had finally come.

They had so much fun. They caught on really quickly, which was a huge bonus.

Concentrating! Beautiful view.

They had decided to drive to Utah. I was a nervous wreck. They ran into bad weather in Wyoming both ways. Ugh. just get home safely! and they did.

The girls and I missed them. However, I do know for sure who eats the most and makes the most mess :)

I am so happy that they finally got to go on this trip. It will be a special memory for the boys for a very long time.

A visit to Grandma and Grandpa's house

2009-01-23T18:34:00.000-08:00

The girls and I went to Hopkinsville after Christmas. The boys had gone on their trip to Utah to go skiing. We had a great time. The girls loved the cats and dogs and even a hamster??

Grandpa had bought this cute little hamster for Cody and Garrett but they could not get it back home with them. (Last year we got a snake) Callie took this picture. I thought it turned out so cute. I hear that the hamster did find a happy home.

This is poco the dog. Also known as polke dot (emphasis on the e) Yes, you are seeing a dog in grandma's house. She only comes in occasionally and immediately falls down to have you rub her belly and then falls asleep.

Eating cheese balls at Sam's club.

Fun with peanuts.

Callie loves Tomcat.

The girls had picked out ornaments to take to grandma and grandpa. Before we left home Ashlyn's ornament, which was a snow globe with a cardinal in it, (she knows grandpa loves birds) got broken. She was heartbroken. While we were there we saw a cardinal ornament at one of the stores. She wanted to get it for grandpa. He loved it. You can see the bird on the plant in the background.

Christmas Morning 2008

2009-01-23T18:15:00.000-08:00

Santa Came

The stockings are hung on the banister with Santa's stocking at the bottom. The kids write their thank you notes to Santa and he always is so kind to leave them a note.

Coming down the stairs with such excitement.

Brady loves BYU.

Callie's doll

I recycled cereal and cracker boxes this year to wrap presents. Connor got Legos.

Brady got right to work on Madden 09.

This is the monkey that I made for Ashlyn. She named her Angel.

Christmas Morning Breakfast. The menu: Cinnamon Rolls, eggs, bacon, juice and hot chocolate.

It was a wonderful Christmas. We really focused on the Savior and not so much on the gifts. Last year we had decided that each child would receive 3 gifts representing the three wisemen. It has been a wonderful blessing in our lives.

Christmas Eve

2009-01-23T17:11:00.000-08:00

The yummy food. This year for Christmas Eve we decided to have snack food. We did Christmas dinner after church the Sunday before. Snack food is my favorite.

Hanging out

Aaron in his favorite place.

The Nativity. One of my favorite parts of the Christmas season is to re-inact the Birth of the Savior. This year we used one of our Nativity scenes, gave a piece to each child and as they listened to the story from the scriptures they placed their piece on the board. It was so sweet. I am so thankful to the Savior for His love and the atonement.

Feeding the reindeer.

Now off to bed and await an exciting morning.

My two girls

2009-01-23T16:48:00.000-08:00

all this...

to finally...get these beautiful Christmas Pictures of my two girls.

Christmas picture fun

2009-01-23T16:28:00.000-08:00

Brian and I have been married for 15 1/2 years and I have never sent out Christmas cards. I know - what a loser. Anyway, this year I was determined to send them out. So we took pictures here are some that we took. I printed them off and handed out a few. Yes, a few. At least I printed them right, now next year maybe I will actually send them.

Ashlyn redecorated my peppermint ornaments on the tree.

These were the pictures that were on the unsent, printed off cards.

Me, playing Uncle Rico (Napoleon Dynomite)

We have been here for 3 Christmases now and we have gone to see Santa each year. A nice man and his wife set up their yard with all kinds of fun Christmas scenes. He lets anybody and everybody come to see Santa and Mrs. Claus. You drive your car through his circle driveway and if you want you can get out and take a picture with him otherwise you can stay in your car and the kids can tell him what they would like and he gives them all a fun treat. What a great act of service this is. My children love it.

The Chace family came and caroled to us. We loved it. They are such a great family and good singers too.

joy in my journey today...

2009-01-22T07:43:00.000-08:00

This morning as I said my prayer, I asked Heavenly Father to help me feel His love surround me. My prayers were answered.

I got a call from Brady's school and he had been elbowed in the eye and had a pretty good bump on his eyelid. He asked me if I could bring him some tylenol. As I was leaving him, he gave me a hug and I kissed him. That was the answer to my prayer. Heavenly Father was surrounding me with His love through my sweet boy!

Happy to be...

a mom!

This was after school.

This was in the morning after he woke up. Ouch. He could barely open his eyes.

Happy 35th Birthday again

2009-01-20T17:41:00.000-08:00

My friends took me to lunch at the Olive Garden. We had a great time. They were all so sweet to help me celebrate my day. What would life be without all these good women. I feel so blessed everyday to have such wonderful women to share all the joys of life with.

I love to be sung to -

Kristina's twin girls - Mia and Ella

Elane, Annie and Jacob Ammon (Elane's son)

Kate, Vicki and Kristina Heather and I

Erin and Lisa My favorite girl Lexi

Amie built me a cake for my birthday.

Isn't this a beauty. She is a talented baker and cake decorator. Aren't I lucky.

My sister Liz in AZ. got these flowers for me. They just magically appeared at the door. :)

Thanksgiving dinner

2009-01-20T17:03:00.000-08:00

We had Thanksgiving Dinner with the Peterson family. Brian fried the turkey. He loves doing this. It tastes yummy. I like it the best because I don't have to touch the raw turkey.

The boys can hardly wait.

Lisa had the table set up so beautiful. Jackson and Connor full from all that turkey.

Lisa and Miralyn - Callie and Brian

Before we ate dinner we went around the room and said what we were thankful for...I am thankful for good friends that are so good to us.

Lisa had games all planned out for us and the best prizes ever. Chocolate!!!

The girls and Westin making chocolate covered marshmallows. Lisa doesn't get to do much crafty stuff because she has four boys. So she and Westin were in heaven.

Marshmallows, white chocolate and candy canes

The finished product.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Traditions - Old and New

2009-01-20T16:04:00.000-08:00

A New Tradition

This year for Thanksgiving I had the big idea to go the Marriott (using points Yeah!!) and stay the night. We went downtown to the nice one and had a blast. On our way there, we stopped at Little Caesars Pizza and had planned on eating it at the hotel. Well, that lasted all of two seconds. We ate it in the van on the way there.

Swimming in the pool.

Brady and I had gone to see the movie Twilight and Brady came out of the shower and this was his impersonation of Edward. I am not sure what Connor is doing.

4th Street Live

We took a walk through the Sealbach Hotel. That's about all we will ever do with four kids with us.

We stopped at CVS Pharmacy for a treat...

Can you guess whose treat is whose?

An old tradition (If you can call two Thanksgivings old)

We have spent two Thanksgivings here in our new home and both years we have gone to Cracker Barrel for breakfast with the Cottons. My favorite meal of the day because I did not have to cook or clean a thing.

Baby Jackson - Friends Forever

Amie and Aaron - Miralyn and Brian

Best Friends

Can't go to Cracker Barrel without playing the checkers.

Both Traditions wonderful - but what tradition isn't wonderful when your with good friends and family.

A day in the park

2009-01-20T15:29:00.000-08:00

This was in early November 2008 when we went to this park. (Brady was at football practice) We had a great time finding all kinds of good things to do...

Big Balls falling from the sky...

Kids turning their world upside down...

Spitting in the water below...and knocking trees down for better climbing...

What goes up - must come down...

Angels in the sky...

Monkeys in the trees...Where's Waldo??

Spicy Girl

2009-01-19T17:11:00.000-08:00

Tonight after dinner I was trying to get the kids to clear the table and do the dishes. They were a little wired from the day and lets just say not listening to me. Ashlyn turned around and with her cute little voice said, "Ooooh somebody's a little spicy". What can you do but laugh!!

Oh the joys...

chocolate pudding face
playing doctor
look at that sweet face
Ashlyn loves licking the bowl
relaxing in her dolls wagon

Random bits of the good life...

2009-01-16T13:27:00.000-08:00

My two precious little nerds. Aren't they cute. Connor (my little actor) came down dressed up and put on a little show and then of course Brady had to get in on the action.

Ashlyn's favorite shirt of the season - "Oh deer" a little saying around our house.
Three good friends and their games. Colt, Brady and Dallen

Callie started piano this August and is doing very well. She loves to play me some "jingles".
My little dancer.
This is Brady's sandwich that he created. YUCK!
The makings of a great cook. Domestic Diva as we call her.
Okay, so I hate to do laundry.
Our crazy dog Lillie.
Brady had mowed the grass and when he came in I looked out to see if he had moved the trampoline. He ran out with a pair of scissors and started clipping. Okay, I am not sure if this is laziness or creative. I am going with laziness.

Little Ol' Grandma

2009-01-16T13:12:00.000-08:00

Callie and Ashlyn were playing dress up one night and this was the result. Callie was cracking me up. Last year for Halloween Amie and I dressed up as two old ladies named Ruby and Gladys. Ruby has come out a few times since then. So every once in a while they like to dress up as Ruby.

Giggling Girl -
Oh so smart -

This is the "fab" four. Emily Diamond, Jill Neal, Me (Ruby) and Lisa Peterson. We performed as the end act at the stake roadshows. We danced and boogied our way into true embarassment.

Now that you all know I voted...

2009-01-15T16:46:00.000-08:00

I am ready to move on and get back to blogging. I am going to need to take a little bit and do a few updates for my journaling purposes. There definately has been a lot going on the last couple of months.

Starting with my boys. This was their first year of football and they loved it. We all had a good time too. It was fun going to all of the games, cheering them on and eating the good food at the concession stands. Brady and Connor are both looking forward to next year. Brady has started weightlifting with the high school team in preparation for the coming season.

I Voted

2008-11-04T07:49:00.001-08:00

Oh My Goodness, what a long line! I don't think its ever been like that before, but it was important.

As I think about how happy I am to have the gospel in my life, it calms my nerves. :) I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who answers our prayers. This is a great comfort during these stressful times. We can be faithful to the gospel, help to lift one another just as the Savior did. I hope I can daily do those things that can continually remind me of how our Savior loves us so much.

Life Can Be Simple

2008-11-03T16:18:00.000-08:00

Okay, who would have ever thought that you could make homemade peanut butter cookies with 4 ingredients. I saw an ad for the new Paula Deen Cooking with kids cookbook (which I will have to get!!) and in the ad it gave the recipe for the peanut butter cookies. SIMPLE!! and good. I was skeptical, so I had to try it.

1 Large egg

1 cup smooth peanut butter

1 cup sugar

30 chocolate Hershey's Kisses

Heat oven to 350. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

In a mixer bowl beat together egg, peanut butter and sugar until a dough forms. Shape the dough into small balls and place 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 10 minutes. Remove baking sheet from oven and immediately press a chocolate kiss into the middle of each cookie. Transfer cookies to a rack and cool.

Seriously, I love simple cooking. 5 or less ingredients is what I like!!

candy galore!!

2008-11-01T12:24:00.001-07:00

Ashlyn and Braelynn dancing to the scary music with crazy googly eyes

Cheesy grins - gearing up for the night

Adams and Cotton crew - ready to go - oh and by the way, Brady is dressed up as a 13 year old teenager - see the smile on his face! (actually he really had a good time)

Our three little pretty witches - Braelynn, Callie and Ashlyn - Brady and Jackson the baby tiger. He was so happy to be there.

About 5 years ago I started having doughnuts and hot chocolate after we trick or treat. I guess because I don't think the kids have had enough sugar yet. :) The Chace family came over this year.

Brady's second costume of the night - he really needs to see a good dentist - Sarah with an eyeball in her mouth - Last year I bought a package of eyeballs and put them in the kids hot chocolate - a couple weeks ago Ashlyn asked why she hasn't had an eyeball in her chocolate milk. So I guess we now have an eyeball in the hot chocolate tradition. That is as spooky as I get.

The kids got so much candy!! I couldn't believe it - Yummy doughnut holes and doughnuts.

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T08:05:00.000-07:00

I hope you all have a SPOOOKY day!! Enjoy all your little ghosts and goblins.

This is Ashlyn dressing up as a little kitty when she was 2 years old. Such sweet little memories.

I am part of a launch Party -

2008-10-26T16:26:00.000-07:00

Click on the icon below and check out this great blog designer page. I use her blog designs for my blog. She has some really cute stuff. There will be lots of fun giveaways (check out the simply sassy daisy giveaway - it will be on Tuesday the 28th) and new announcements!! FUN STUFF!!

Check it out - you won't be disappointed!!!

AFTER ALL - WHO DOESN'T LOVE A GIVEAWAY???

fun with construction paper

2008-10-21T12:19:00.000-07:00

My sister Liz has a cute little babysitter who came up with this fun idea while she was babysitting. Being fall break this week, I needed to throw in a few fun things for the kids to do. These pumpkins turned out really cute and the girls loved making them.

Here is how to make them: Super easy!!!

gather your supplies - construction paper, brads (2 for each pumpkin) and cutter

cut strips about 1/2 inch wide of the paper. We used 8 strips per pumpkin.
Turn them into a fan. This is great for their little fingers and they have a blast doing it.

Concentrating - my domestic diva
We fanned the leaves tore them short and tore them into a point for the leaves.

Take 8 of the fanned pieces and a brad - punch each end through the brad connecting them all together.
Take the second brad and bring each end piece up (use the green leaf piece first so it is on top) and put it all together. note- we wanted to have different sized pumpkins so we left some of the strips long and on a couple of the pumpkins we made the strips shorter.
little nimble fingers - so sweet
There you have it a cute little pumpkin made by your little pumpkins. (Callie took this picture she is very proud that I used her picture.)

Thanks Liz and Megan for sharing this idea.

googly eyes

2008-10-17T12:37:00.000-07:00

I saw this too cute googly eyes wreath on someone's blog. (I have backsearched and can't find it, sorry) but I just had to have it for my front door. Connor helped to spray paint this grapevine spray wreath and then I attached the googly eyes with hot glue.

So spoooooky -

First of the Season

2008-10-12T19:44:00.000-07:00

HOT CHOCOLATE AND TOAST a favorite around our house. My mom always made homemade bread and it was accompanied by hot chocolate. What a fun memory for me and definately something that I will keep going. For the bread recipe go here.

I was tagged...how fun!

2008-10-09T13:52:00.000-07:00

I was tagged by Amie to tell my life story, so here it goes...

5 places I have lived...

5. Hopkinsville, KY 20 years

4. Bountiful, UT 2 years

3. back to Hopkinsville for 11 years

2. On to Louisville!!!!! almost 2 wonderful years

5 snacks I love...there is way too many

5. chips and dip

4. garden dinner- corn on the cob, homegrown tomatoes

3. peanut m&ms

2. sugar cereal - froot loops, trix, lucky charms

1. hot chocolate and toast on homemade bread of course.

5 jobs I've had...wow what a resume I would have...embarassing

5. Color Guard teacher - flags and rifles

4. Payless Shoes this can't really count though it was only for 3 weeks

3. Color Guard teacher again different school

2. Finally a real job - Legal Secretary

1. Then the only job I ever really wanted came - to be a mom.

If I had a million dollars...

Well its just too darn hard for me to think that way, but if I did think about it...

I would

5. buy a farm for my children

4. buy a jaguar so my husband and I can go on a few joy rides

3. I would go to the regular section of the store instead of the clearance section

2. I would have a really fancy kitchen to make myself think I can cook

1. Visit Hobby Lobby every day instead of every 2 to 3 days

5 things I love...and this is in not particular order

5. Sewing

4. Sleep

3. My Flowers

2. I like to collect crafty "crap" (as my husband would say)

1. My husband and my kids

and last but not least...5 people that I tag are...

Liz Hall

Sarah Fears

Emily Koller

Missi Dunham

Jenni Smith

"Fall"ing in Love

2008-10-04T11:12:00.000-07:00

What an awesome time of year. So many things to be thankful for. Truly we are a blessed people and I am grateful to have all of the things the Lord sees fit to bless me and my family with. One of my most favorite primary songs is "My Heavenly Father Loves Me"...it goes like this -

"Whenever I hear the song of a bird

Or look at the blue, blue sky,

Whenever I feel the rain on my face

Or the wind as it rushes by,

Whenever I touch a velvet rose

Or walk by a lilac tree,

I'm glad that I live in this beautiful world

Heavenly Father created for me.

He gave me my eyes that I might see

The color of butterfly wings.

He gave me my ears that I might hear

The magical sound of things.

He gave me my life, my mind, my heart

I thank Him reverently

For all His creations of which I'm a part

Yes, I know Heavenly Father loves me."

My first tutorial

2008-10-02T10:26:00.000-07:00

I love this earring organizer. It has been so fun to have to see my millions of earrrings at a glance, so I thought I would share. I feel like it is the one thing in my life I can keep very organized :) It is very easy to do, so here it goes...

Choose any frame that you may have lying around. It can be any kind of frame and any size that you want. Anything can be spray painted so go town.
turn over and measure the inside of the frame plus a little -
At Lowes, I bought a roll of the material that you use in your screen windows. It is pretty cheap but it comes in a big roll so if you have friends you can share with that would be awesome, then you won't have all of this left over screen stuff. Although, I love my goodwill in my basement and things come in handy quite often.

Hopefully you have a handy dandy staple gun. Staple the mesh screen on the inside of the frame.
pull tight. It helps if your mesh screen is a little bigger so that you can have something to pull it tight. (does that make sense??)
Take dark fabric and measure the back of the frame and staple gun the fabric down - pull tight - I use dark fabric because it really helps to show off the earrings when hanging.
close up of frame -
Now decorate - ribbons, flowers, beads - whatever you have - whatever you like -
And there you have it - a very useful craft -

I used ribbon to make a hanger for the back.

Happy crafting -

Miralyn

A Once in a Lifetime Chance...

2008-10-01T19:39:00.000-07:00

My "boys" recently got to go to the Ryder Cup and loved every minute of it. Brian and his brother Dave went three days and the boys went twice. They were able to get everyone's autograph on their "flags" that they bought.

Connor and Brian with Henric Stenson - Connor was an autograph magnet.
Brady, Connor and Paul Casey. When they asked for a picture with him, he said "sure, come here lads." My boys didn't know what he was talking about.
The infamous dehydration of Brady. Connor never ran out of steam.
Ian Poulter signed his glove he was wearing and did a screaming contest for who wanted the glove the most and Connor won. He thought he was in heaven. What a wonderful gift for him.
All 24 players are signed on this hat.

If ye are prepared...ye shall not fear.

2008-09-22T17:51:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, September 14th we had a huge wind storm that hit just as church was letting out. No rain, just really heavy wind. The kids were having a good time playing out in the wind letting the wind blow them around. Brian and Brady were flipping the trampoline over and the wind nearly took the trampoline. I ran to get my camera to "video" them, well let's just say Brian didn't want his frustration to be shown on the "blog". (no bad words, just major frustration :) so it got deleted) Anyway, we lost power and so did the rest of the Louisville area. In fact, as I am blogging there are still 4 people in our ward that are still without their power. We got our power back after 5 days. So I thought I would journal the things that we did for cooking and how prepared we really were.

For Sunday dinner, I luckily had an easy dinner planned - grilled chicken, corn on the cob, baked potatoes and rolls, all of which were perfect for the grill.

By the morning, we decided to try some things out, because all we had to cook on was our grill. I had all of this "stuff" in my storage or in my fridge. Wal-mart was open, but I kept thinking in my mind that we were in a "disaster" and we couldn't get to the store.

Hot chocolate - honey bran muffins and blueberry muffins - in my storage I had lots of the Martha White muffin mixes (just add milk - which I had lots of because my family now drinks morning moo milk. I order it from www.bluechipgroup.net
White cake - It was so yummy - I made chocolate icing with powerded sugar, butter, cocoa and a little milk. As you can see in the picture, put whatever you are baking on the top rack and a cookie sheet on the bottom. We like having the temperature gauge that is on our grill.
Banana muffins - Here's the recipe:

2 cups ripe mashed bananas

1 cup oil

2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp lemon flavoring

1 1/2 cups sugar

3 cups flour

1 tsp salt

2 eggs

Mix all together. (I hooked up my bosch mixer to the generator to mix this up) and bake in muffin tins. Will make 2 dozen or more muffins. In the real oven 350 degrees, but on the grill we cooked them about 300 degrees. We just didn't want anything to get over cooked.

A proud daddy. I didn't make this bread from scratch. I had frozen bread loaves in my freezer.
One of my kids favorites - chicken pillows. Here's the recipe as I make it for picky kids.

2 cans refridgerated crescent rolls

1-2 cans of chicken

1 8oz cream cheese

butter

stove top chicken dressing mixture crushed.

(if you don't have picky kids the real recipe says to add a 4oz can of mushrooms and green onion to the chicken mixture)

Mix the cream cheese and chicken

Put a spoonful of chicken mixture onto unrolled triangle crescent, roll up like crescent rolls. Dip in melted butter and then roll in crushed stove top crumbs. In this case, I put them into the muffin tins. We tried to cook everything on about 300 degrees.

I believe, overall we were prepared. Amie and Aaron had a generator so we ran an extension cord across the street to our house, otherwise we would have lost all of our food in our fridge and freezer.

So here is our list of some things we will make sure we have for a lengthy power outage - yes, we could get to the store but it is good to be able to think as if we couldn't.

1 . A Generator is a must!

2. We didn't have enough batteries or flashlights. Keep in mind the generator will more than likely not light up your whole house. In our case we had one lamp that was hooked up to the generator.

3. We were fortunate that our water heater is gas so we were able to have hot water for showers and dishes. Make sure you know what you have so you will be prepared.

4. Speaking of dishes. Have plenty of paper plates and cups. The less dishes you have to wash the better.

5. The three month supply is so crucial. I love how the prophets have given guidance so clearly and if we listen D&C 38:30 reads...but if ye are prepared ye shall not fear. For us, cans of fruits, veggies, peanut butter, muffin mixes, morning moo, water, noodles, marinara and spaghetti sauces, canned meats, and many more things should be in there. You can clearly eat well with these simple to fix ingredients.

6. Since the grill was huge for us, we will keep a couple of extra propane tanks on hand.

It was such a great learning experience. We really were blessed. The weather was beautiful, so we were able to leave the windows open so the house was not hot. The kids had a great time staying out of school for the entire week. Not having the t.v. and computer was a true blessing. The beautiful way in which we saw friends helping friends was so awesome to see. Throughout the week as ward families were getting their power back, the reaching out was unbelievable, laundry, hot showers, meals, and friends to talk to. So many blessings. I am grateful for this experience, it really helped us to see how prepared we really were.

Don't Laugh...

2008-09-22T17:41:00.001-07:00

Yes, I took a before and after of my new do. I was just so excited.

BEFORE...

AFTER...

Much better. Now if I can just fix my hair like this in morning. I always ask the stylist if she can come to my house in the mornings to do my hair, but for some reason she never takes me up on it.

Painting the Great Wall

2008-09-11T18:09:00.001-07:00

My friend Vicki risked her life for me all in the name of getting my front entryway painted. It is very high up and I tried going up the ladder but about halfway up I panicked. She so bravely took over while I held the ladder. THANKS VICKI...sure love ya!!
We had to get creative to paint this one little corner. What a brave lady!
I went down to my "goodwill" in the basement and pulled out some "old things" and made them new again.

A frame from black to white.
This was the ceiling tiles that were inside the frame above.

From white to rust orange. (I always forget to take the before and after so I caught myself near the end)
We chose a gold color for the wall.
About 5 years ago I went to the Flea Market in Nashville and bought this ladder looking thing. I had know idea what I was going to do with it, but knew someday I would figure it out. So until now it has been in the "goodwill". I added a few frames and hooks to hold it on the wall. I love it.
This letter "a" was also in the goodwill. It was gold so I spray painted it black. The shadow box frame has been around for about 5 years as well. I got it from Hobby Lobby (my favorite store) I had left the price tag on the back. The retail price was $49 but the clearance price that I got it for was $9.99. I spray painted it black added my favorite daisy flowers (I always have different colors of daisy flowers in the goodwill), a family picture and there you have it.
Last but certainly not least, a collage of pictures of Christ. (sorry for the glare) I had a 12x12 picture frame and 5x7 pictures of Christ. I mounted them and then added strips of brown scrapbook paper to cover up the edges of the pictures. Now, I must admit the plaque that is underneath was bought from Hobby Lobby the day after we painted.

All in all, I am glad I have a "goodwill" in my basement. It is fun to refurbish things from old to new.

Top 5 reasons I haven't blogged in more than a week!!

2008-09-10T19:29:00.001-07:00

1. I have had family visiting.

2. Does this even need to be said...LAUNDRY

3. I gave the lesson at church this past Sunday. That's always a distraction. Full attention must be given :)

4. Football!!!

5. In other words - LIFE happened.

In a nutshell, that is a little of what has been going on. Pretty good short and sweet way of catching up, don't you think. So now I can start from here and maybe I won't get lazy with the blog this next week.

Speaking of football. Connor's team had their first "official game." They won 32-0. It was lots of fun with banners, concession food, screaming fans, cheerleaders, let me tell ya, this is serious stuff.

Tough guy
The boys played so well. They were so excited about their big win.

Cute Cheerleaders.

Juicy Glasses

2008-08-29T13:24:00.001-07:00

Today Ashlyn got glasses. She is farsighted like Brady just not near as bad. (Sorry Brady) Anyway, she does have to wear them all of the time and when she gets home from school we have to patch the right eye to make her left stronger. The reason the title of the blog is juicy glasses is the brand of the glasses is juicy couture. Pretty funny. So now I have a juicy little girl. Okay, so I love this blogging thing and I especially love adding video. So of course I had to add a video segment of the first day home with glasses. I know you are all thinking she is crazy and I must say...I know :) or I could just say that I am crazy for my kids and love celebrating every moment of their lives! (that sounds much better)

pink books and pink curls

2008-08-28T17:55:00.001-07:00

A few months back my sister, Liz, told me about this book, Priscilla and the Pink Planet. So of course, as a dutiful sister I ran out to get it. It has been a very good investment. Ashlyn loves it. Nearly everyday we read it. Tonight we curled her hair in the famous pink sponge rollers and then snuggled up to read all about Priscilla and her Pink Planet. From Ashlyn I learn that there are more colors in this world than pink and so does Priscilla. I hope that Ashlyn will always search for all of the colors that she wants to discover in life. I am thankful everyday that she completed our family and for the sweet and colorful spirit she brings to us each day.

Yummy Cookies

2008-08-28T17:47:00.001-07:00

My friend Colleen shared this wonderful Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe and I just had to try it. Funny thing is you might be wondering, does Miralyn only cook 5 cookies at a time - no I assure you - I don't. Let me just share, that the girls are in bed, the boys are gone and well there are just a few missing. We will let that just be our little secret. You can find her recipe at www.hillfamilyfavorites.blogspot.com

Babies, babies, babies

2008-08-25T17:41:00.000-07:00

At church we have had 8 babies born (2 are missing in this picture) and two more still on the way. It has been so fun announcing the birth via email to all of the sisters, having dinners go in and most of all seeing and holding them. They are all so sweet.

What a good babysitter I am!!

2008-08-25T17:36:00.000-07:00

Amie had to go to the doctor and I got to keep Jackson. He loves his bed, so he wasn't going to cuddle with me. I let him down and went into the other room. He loves this bookshelf of mine. I keep toys there for him. He got really quiet and this is what I found.

The trail -
Froot Loops on his butt -

I love a sweet sleeping baby!

Connor's first football game

2008-08-25T17:20:00.000-07:00

It was so exciting, my little Connor in a real football uniform. Can I still call him my little Connor? He was so cute and did a great job. Connor has always been the unassuming one and he hasn't been any different in football. He just gets out there, does his thing and moves on.

Did I mention lately how I love being a mother to my kids. I use to think oh how sad they have to grow, but as we move into all of these fun times it is so awesome to see my children accomplishing so many things and becoming their own individual selves.

He plays on the Jaguars!

The joys of life

2008-08-25T17:10:00.000-07:00

I have been looking for this playfoam since last Christmas. My sister in law Sarah had bought this stuff through Scholastic. It is like that floam stuff only a lot cleaner and much more kid friendly. Last weekend we went downtown where there are so many cute shops. There is a toy store called the Treasured Child. My kids thought they had died and gone to heaven. Lo and behold there it was and it was even buy one get one free. We were all so excited and they have play with it so much. One of the many JOYS OF LIFE.

Always posing. They really made some cute stuff!
Cute little grin!

This is what my 5 year old Ashlyn is up to these days. Making her own peanut butter sandwiches. She just thinks she is such a big girl now. The only problem is she hasn't quite mastered the clean up. She is so sweet when she is doing big girl things though. I just love her and she definately a JOY IN MY LIFE.
She also has a major sweet tooth and was so proud to show me her red tonque.

Sometimes there just aren't enough words

2008-08-24T14:36:00.001-07:00

A couple of months ago my computer crashed and of course I had not saved my pictures. My friend Annette, the computer wizard, helped me and was able to save them. These are wonderful treasures to me and I so appreciate her taking the time to save this awesome part of my life.

Ashlyn when she was 2.
Callie, Ashlyn and Connor helping me bake. Of course, there is always chocolate on my little sweet tooth Ashlyn.
This was a fun Christmas at Grandma's house and we actually had snow.
My little dress-up princess Callie

Connor learned how to ride his bike when he was four. (he was 6 in this picture)

Happy Moms back to school party

2008-08-15T17:19:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrated the kids going back to school with a luncheon at my good friends' house, Jill Neal. I must tell the truth, it was a great reason for us sisters to get together and socialize and eat really good food. I must say these women are so awesome. I just love being with them. We had a great time and I am always amazed at their stories and strength they have. It was a big boost to my day.

Jill, Emily, Kristina and Jen
Me, Jenni, Lisa and Emily
Annie and Lorelei

Slytherin sheds!

2008-08-15T17:15:00.000-07:00

Connor has a pet ball python snake that grandpa Fears gave him for Christmas. Slitherin has always has had a hard time shedding his skin in one piece, but he finally did it. It was so awesome.

Slitherin is a very kind snake. Thats a funny statement. A nice snake?!? He really is though, he loves being held by the kids.
It has been great fun learning about him and being so amazed by such a wonderful animal.

Crafty football mom

2008-08-15T17:11:00.003-07:00

I couldn't be a good football mom if I didn't have a crafty wreath on my door, right? They had a wreath like this made up at Michaels craft store and I just had to do it. I had most of the supplies on hand so all I had to get was the football and the football stickers. The boys thought it was awesome!! It's all football around here!

The yummy tastes of summer

2008-08-15T17:05:00.000-07:00

I love homemade freezer jam. My mom would make it growing up. We didn't know any different. So of course, I can't not have homemade jam. Ashlyn and I made peach jam. So yummy.

Look at those beautiful colors. I couldn't believe it. Gorgeous and yummy!
I love using the Ball fruit jell. It is sooooo easy and very delicious. It uses a lot less sugar.
Ashlyn loves to be in the kitchen helping mommy. What a sweetie.

Can we eat anymore peanut butter?

2008-08-15T16:58:00.000-07:00

I have been stocking up on my three month supply of food and peanut butter is a real staple in our house. At Walmart you can buy this 6lb can for $8.74. When I saw that it was great for day cares or restaurants, I knew this was the peanut butter can for me. So I decided to try it out and see how long it would last. I wrote the date on it so I would remember when it was opened.

Well, it was one day shy of a month that it took us to eat this big thing. At least I know now how much I would need, but goodness gracious that is a lot of peanut butter in one month.

First Day of School...or should I say freedom?!?!

2008-08-13T04:36:00.000-07:00

My two girls on their way. They were bright eyed this morning and couldn't wait to wear their clothes and use their backpacks.
Connor, my big 4th grader.
Adams and the Cottons

8th GRADE. Wow.

Ashlyn just had to get a little ride in this morning before she went off to school.

Putting aside all of the teasing about partying now that I have all four kids in school, it was bittersweet putting my little Ashlyn on the bus. A sure mixture of happy, proud, sad and definately a lonely feeling thinking of not having her around. She has been my little buddy, my girl, my baby and I love her so much as well as the other children. They really are precious to Brian and I and we are very proud of them.

Well, I am off to clean my house. It desperately needs a little tlc this morning.

Back to School Breakfast!!

2008-08-11T04:30:00.000-07:00

Hoping to help the kids get use to getting up early, Amie and I decided to wake them up this morning at 6:30 to breakfast outside on the front lawn.
Blueberry muffins and cinnamon. Yummy!
It was a bit chilly, so the children just had to have their jackets on.
My little kindergardner!
Brian just about off to work. He loves that school is starting because now I will be up and breakfast ready.
Cute little Jackson loved the blueberry muffins.
Callie Rae, Braelynn and Mckenna
Getting warm!

Are you ready for some football???

2008-08-09T14:25:00.000-07:00

Today was Brady's first football game. It was so exciting. I didn't know how I emotional I would be to see him out there. We got some good pictures and video. He is playing wide receiver and cornerback. It has been really good for him. Brady is number 80 and I was wearing the jersey from last year that I purchased. They won this game 20-0 against Henry County. Go Colonels!!!

See...I am a good mom!

2008-08-06T11:50:00.000-07:00

I got this idea from someone's blog (sorry don't remember who) but I think I figured out one good way to get my kids to eat fruits and veggies. They thought I was pretty cool.

This is the after...see how good they ate...
oh no sorry this is the real life after! Nice and messy!

So this is what happens when moms away...

2008-08-03T18:59:00.000-07:00

I've been wondering!?!? I was glad to see they caught themselves on camera. Silly children.

Unsupervised Costco Visit

2008-08-02T09:16:00.001-07:00

My husband loves to go to Costco on Saturdays for a little therapy. We like to call it an unsupervised Costco visit in other words who knows what he'll come home with. Today it was these beautiful flowers for me. What's so great about these today is that I needed a pick me up. I woke up pretty blah this morning. I love my husband dearly and thankful for the love we have for each other.

What a fun day!

2008-07-31T19:38:00.000-07:00

This is my good friend Lisa, she so graciously agreed to "model" for me for my website purses, jewelry etc. She is just adorable and all of the pictures turned out so good. It was very hard to pick the best ones.
We definately had fun along the way. We were out in the 95 degree weather and you can't forget about the humidity! Things got really fun.
My two girls love Lisa. They love going to her house and playing in her closet. Lisa has four boys so to have girls around is so much fun for her.
I love this picture of Ashlyn aspiring to be a grown up mommy! It's the little things in life that are so worth the effort.

check out my website at www.simplysassydaisy.com Each day a little more is added here and there. Wow, a lot goes into this...it feels like an eternity to get it all done.

Puppet Theater

2008-07-28T14:21:00.000-07:00

I made this puppet curtain so the kids could have their performances or puppet show. They are having a great time.

YMCA Calypso Cove

2008-07-28T14:15:00.000-07:00

This new waterpark opened this year and we all love it. My kids are like little fish.

Brady and Dad

Ashlyn

Callie

Connor

Hamburger and Fries?!?!

2008-07-28T14:09:00.000-07:00

Ashlyn went to summer camp this past week and always came home with something cute. Miss Christine is so great with the kids and makes things really exciting. This hamburger and fries was their snack for the last day of camp.

mint patties, nilla wafers and potato sticks.

Growing Up in the Country

2008-07-28T14:03:00.000-07:00

Growing up, we would pick these wildflowers and put them in food coloring water and they would turn red, green etc. So I thought I would have my kids try it. Well, it didn't work as well as I remember, but oh well they had fun and I got some cute pictures.

Callie and Braelynn

Connor

Always something around our house

2008-07-21T09:51:00.000-07:00

Always something around our house!!

Brady celebrates his 13th birthday.
Did Brady gray overnight?
Oh no, dad and connor "antiqued" him while he was sleeping. They got a handful of flour and threw it at his face. FUNNY

Ashlyn is going to summer camp this week. She always comes home with something cute. Today she was an astronaut.

I have a teenager!!!

2008-07-18T06:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Brady!!!

It is official, Brian and I are parents of a teenager. Scary!! Brady turns 13 today and needless to say he is very excited. I wish I had a picture of him as a baby on my computer but I figure this one will do.

This is exciting, a FAMILY BLOG.

2008-07-17T22:33:00.001-07:00

Recently Brady and Brian and many of my other family members ran the Ragnar Relay in Utah. The name of their team was Team Fearless. (Fears is my maiden name) and the motto on their t-shirts was live by faith, not by fear. We as a family had been searching for a perfect family motto and so we decided to adopt the live by faith, not by fear as our motto. So much of what we do each and every day is based upon faith and we talk so much about having faith in Jesus Christ and His gospel that we thought it perfect to teach our children in their everyday lives to...LIVE BY FAITH, NOT BY FEAR 2nd Timothy 1:7

This week has been exciting my two boys started football and are loving it.

Connor did a camp with tons of other kids today was his last day and this is the t-shirt they gave them. His season starts August 4th.

Here is a picture of Brady his first time in a real football helmet!!

Brady with his friend from church, Colt Button.