BAKE SALE AHEAD! Garden Cupcakes

Today my family and I made some sweet little cupcakes! The idea is from the cookbook, "Hello Cupcake!" I guess I'm getting impatient to start my garden. Spring fever? So, instead I'll make a totally unhealthy dessert? LOL I guess so.  On the first I started a "Biggest Loser" diet with my friends so I'm really not eating it. Boo hoo.

What a cute helper I have!

Here's the candy we get to play with!!

A little happy about this??

A friend of mine made her sweet little Christmas apron! We have matching ones but mine is a vintage poinsettia fabric- so cute!

Opening up the "peas". We started by making the veggies (toppings).  This was Daddy's idea, so he even helped! I wish I would have remembered to get his picture though!

This photo is too blurry of course but I love the excitement that I captured! It's amazing how sugar can make you feel! haha Their hands were moving pretty fast! I had to change the settings on my camera!

Mmmm..... imagining what it all tastes like! (Cuz, you know you can't taste and touch your mouth when you're cooking for others! They had to wait until they were done to test it out. )

Picking favorites and making wishes?

The making of the peas. This is a green Tootsie Roll, flattened with a Pampered Chef Baker's Roller and then Sixlets tucked inside. They were quite fun to make!

Vanilla cupcakes in white liners, then frosted with Milk Chocolate Frosting and the tops rolled in crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, (generic Oreos). Mmmm Sounds good to me! 

Pea vines and setting the peas on top! That's the fun part for me! My helpers were long gone by this time- except for Daddy.

Lettuce leaves. They didn't turn out quite like I had hoped but they are tricky! Corn flakes tossed in melted green frosting.

Peas. I actually wish these were real, fresh from the garden ones! (I can't wait for my garden!!)

I wish you could see the detail in the carrots here. You can see it better on another photo below though. These are orange Tootsie Rolls and then you make small marks like a real carrot. Lastly you rub a teeny amount of cinnamon on them to add detail and... dirt? haha

Cherry tomatoes on the vine! They are made from red Sixlets.  They made me hungry for garden tomatoes! This was my idea- not from the book. The book had radishes but I thought these would use up the Sixlets that we already opened.

The seed packet markers. Graham crackers spread with melted white chocolate and a toothpick "glued" on with the melted white chocolate on the back. Chocolate frosting is used for the writing.

The garden is growing! (See the lines on the carrots? My husband created them... so adorable!) He covered a piece of cardboard with foil and then I frosted it very lightly and dusted it with cookie crumbs.

Good enough to eat?

Hopefully good enough enough to sell too!

All of the proceeds from the bake sale go to the youth in our church for their Winter Camp. It's always a fun thing to be a part of! I'm also bringing homemade laundry soap for those who can't have/buy the sweets!

The New Year! Full Speed Ahead!!

It's that Ol resolution time again...
So, what will you resolve to do?

Eat better?

Lose Christmas pounds?



Aidan, our youngest son, last year.



Pay off debt?

Make better use of your time?

Prioritize your time?

Have daily devotions (reading the Word and praying)? 

Give your kids more hugs?

Our youngest son this summer, flying around.... in his dreams. :)

Spend even more quality time playing games or going for bike rides?

Maybe you want to finish something?
That quilt you started for so-and-so...?

That painting project?

The walls still need finished getting painted!

Keep up on housework better?

Or maybe it's about money.
You want to pay off your debts?

Resolve to not use credit cards?

Make a plan to be better off financially- even if it means giving some things up!



Our boys wishing they could jump in and get going! It might take a take a tank to blaze through some things but we'll get there!



Start really using the Dave Ramsey plan?

Go to church more often?

Be involved in your groups or church more?

Catch up with friends more often?

Stay home more?

Try some new crafty project? A new techinique?

This looks like some strange poem, or list. Wait!! It's just about everything I need to do better! haha Some things we're good with but this is probably generally what most people want to do better, right?

The first thing I'm doing is a Biggest Loser Challenge with friends. There are more than 20 of us I think. It costs $20 to join in and winner takes all! (Based on your percentage of weight lost.) If you've been waiting for a good reason to start exercising or doing ANY or your new year's resolutions, try starting a group. Our's is just for 8 weeks! That's my kind of challenge! There's an end to it! But even though there's an end to the official challenge, I can still keep off weight and do better with exercising! We eat relatively healthy I think, so it's more about being active and portions. 

I went to the Dr. a couple of weeks ago and there was a sign in the room that said, "The American Diet" and showed a picture of a cheeseburger, fries and pop. Seriously?? Is THAT the average American diet? Reheated frozen fries and a cheeseburger?  I understand eating that way several times during the summer but I really thought the average diet had a veggie, some meat, some good carbs and water or milk. Wow. I'm naive! haha I know there's times when you need something conveneient but.... OK, I'll stop ranting now. I just couldn't believe that's "average".

I can't WAIT to get my garden going again!! I've been missing it this winter!

So, has this given you any ideas? What are your resolutions? This is a great "reset" button that we can use to start fresh. I love it!

Unfortunately, my husbnad was the ONLY tacky sweater -wearing guy at our Real Life Face Book Christmas Party. He's really a much better dresser. One of his best friend's won the Best Dressed award!

Happy New Year my friends!

Almost Ready for Christmas

This year, I am more inspired to decorate than past years. I feel like I want it to look cheery in our home- everywhere!

 Since the downturn in the economy, it hasn't been the most chipper time of year for me.

With holidays come expenses; our son's birthday (23rd), Christmas gifts to buy, extra food to take to parties, extra gas to drive to those places...etc. And then there are other birthdays or gifts...it just never seems to end. Just a couple of years ago, all we afford for our kids were Dollar Store things. It made me cry just to wrap them and then watch. They didn't care- they had gifts in their hands! But I cared. I knew that it was a rough time and we didn't have much. I could hardly wait till the holiday passed because I felt so depressed. I barely put out any decorations because it didn't seem like there was much happiness in this part of the holiday.

I know very well that the real reason we celebrate this day is to remember our Lord and Savior, who was born to save us. I am so thankful for His life and death- taking my punishment for sin and for being willing to lay down His life for me! I understand this holiday is much more about that than it is about gifts and money. But, we want to give good gifts to our children and family's as well, right?

This year, it's been a little different in the practical way of speaking. My husband is working more steadily, we're more responsible with our money and I'm better prepared for the "rough days". We choose not to go into debt over gifts and because

we live simply, I buy mostly practical things, along with some fun stuff, of course.

So, my attitude is a bit better this year also. I want to be cheery! I want to celebrate! Not because we have super-fantastic gifts to give/get but because I have so much to be thankful for. I want our home to feel joyful! I want to smell cedar and fir and see twinkling lights and kids' happy and surprised faces! I want to give, even if it's small, because I really want to, not because I feel obligated or some other silly reason.

This is my encouragement to you:  consider this holiday for it's real meaning; love. Consider giving to someone who is hard to give to. Consider giving to someone who cannot give back to you; repay you. Do not take for granted this special time of year when family and friends are nearby. 

 Have fun decorating your home!  

A Sweet, Sweet Night

It's nearing that storybook time of the year.....

That time when the streets are lit up in the darkness, busy shoppers are buying their loved ones precious, thoughtful gifts and there's talk of snow. This might possibly be the most exciting time of the year. It's also that time when the wood stove is going, all cozy and warm and scents of pumpkin, spices and apple desserts can be smelled and tasted in abundance.

This is that time, our most favorite of days.

With thoughtfulness toward my husband, the children and I scurried around the yard, picking up fallen fir branches and cleaning up from the recent wind storms in order to surprise him- Father- as the children call him. We picked yellow squash hiding out from the early frosts in the garden. And we simply enjoyed a wisp of a sunny day during our rainy fall.

Soon it would be night and the fire would need stoked up good, keeping our bones warm and making our house quite homey. The shed where our wood is stored was looking quite bleak- empty- to be exact. The kids and I, together, gathered up enough wood from the barn to fill our shed. Father would be so pleased. When he arrived from work we could show all of the hard work we had done and we hoped he would be so proud.

After all of our work was done for the day, the children and I strung tiny white lights around our front porch. Doing this would provide light for our wood shed during the nighttime and it all of a sudden seemed to transform our plain porch into a magical place.

Soon, the children were bustling about, gathering every candle that they could find in our home. They set some upon their small child's table that sat on the porch, and some other candles lined up proudly along the edges of the floor. The glowing lights were so festive against the night sky.

Next, there were old time songs being played about our dear Savior's birth. Just the perfect touch for such a sweet night.

At once, I was told by these small children of mine to put on my best dress, for we were going to have a special dance. I opted for my best , sleek, black satin dress, amazed that it could possibly be zipped! In order to dress my best, I chose a pair of black dress shoes, decorated with tiny, glittering gemstones. I thought they would be a perfect addition to the twinkling lights on the porch.

As I tiptoed out onto the dance floor, my oldest son, sporting his too-small, black satin vest, came beside me and we started to dance. It was a happy song, one which we could dance quickly to. This was a lovely time, just my children and I. The two younger children had their turns and we laughed and felt the warmth of love between us, even though it was becoming a chilly night.

Thoughts of my wifely responsibilities came to mind, and I remembered that I needed to prepare our evening meal. Father would be home soon and it would need to be ready. So, I gently laid the dress on our bed and changed into clothes fit for cooking.

As Father came home, not too much later, he was met with a cheerful, giddy wife who bid him to come and change into his best clothing. There was something special being prepared for us outside, he was told. As he curiously wondered what his darling wife and children were up to, he reluctantly found his best black dress shirt and freshly washed jeans. He didn't know what was waiting and I would bet, he could not have guessed what he would see next, let alone have the privelage of sharing.

Father and I went out to the porch as our children held open the door, greeting us like King and Queen. The lights were all lit and the floor was ready for our special dance. The music had been forgotten so I gently whispered to the children to not forget!

What a sight we must have been, dancing away to Christmas songs in the night. But what a memory for our children to have- and 'King & Queen' alike, to share such a sweet, sweet night. This is that time of year.

...And they all lived happily ever after.

Fun Day with Mom

Today mom called and asked if I wanted to go to a thrift store and Uncovered Ruby. So with my sister watching the children, and Derek getting the daytime off, we took off for Battleground and Camas.

Backtracking a little, I'm feeling a little- congested and just... loopy. After cleaning the whirlwind mess of a sewing room that I have, my nostrils inhaled too many fabric fibers. :) If I felt better, it could have been even MORE enjoyable! Nevertheless, we had a great time talking about how we would fix the world! hahaha

Our first stop was Uncovered Ruby but to our dismay, they weren't open. Bummer. I'm not sure if we would have be able to see Lisa anyway but, they are closed on Mondays. Oops!

So, we found a few Goodwill stores (that seemed outrageously priced to me!). I spotted a Pampered Chef can opener for mom! (It's ok, I too know that you can get super cheap deals on PC at Goodwill! haha Grab it! I would!) The one and only- Pampered Chef Can Opener. If you don't have one- you need one!

This is just one of many OLD recipes I've collected. I can see it! On my wall!

Next destination: Camas Antiques. O man! I'm inspired.... just not sure what Derek will think about old cookbook pages glued onto my dining room wall! LOL It's been in the remodeling process for 3 years now so, anything's better than bare flat walls! ...right? Wouldn't that be neat? I believe that vendor has pictures on her blog... There were so many adorable things! The treasures that catch my eye are kitchen ANYTHING, sheer white baby/toddler antique clothes and antique/vintage clothing and the decorating ideas!

I found this dress at the Goodwill. I REALLY hope it fits because I want it for ME! With a thin red vinyl belt and my pearls...ahhhh. OH, and maybe red shoes?? (It needs washed.. that's why it's on the floor!)

Our shopping ended with the Goodwill "pound store" in Vancouver AKA Goodwill Outlet Store. We closed the place down! I found two curtain panels in soft old pastels for my 2 year-old's room and mom found some wool for making hats.

Isn't this beautiful? It's hard to tell in this picture but it's the old pinks and blues and yellows.

We had Fish and Chips at Burgerville (my favorite for fast food) and then I drove us home to collect my little darlings and tuck them in for the night.

Our children... I love them!

It was a good day. An adventerous, can't-find-where-we-want-to-go kind of day but with a full tank of gas and time, we had a great time, didn't we Mom?

Ps. Mom,did you know that the boys dug a "Sea Pond" out in the Horse's pasture in the grassy swamp area while we were off shopping? Just checkin! ;)

Hot Soup for Mommy

This morning I had to stay in bed just a little longer. The sound of the rain falling on the roof was peaceful and I knew that once I got up- life would start. But I have to tell you about the wonderful food we had yesterday on our day out on the town!

Yesterday I finally got out of the house. Our whole family went to do our weekly shopping and stopped at the Country Folks Deli for lunch. It's one of my favorites! We all chose some delicious food, although I must admit I couldn't taste 100% because of my congestion but what I could taste.. was wonderful!

On The Menu

For Derek

BLT Sandwhich with a huge pile of fries

Pepsi

For Kristin

1/2 Turkey and Cranberry Sandwich with cream cheese and lettuce

Steaming HOT Cup of Harvest Chicken Soup

Hot Peppermint Tea with Lemon

For Caleb

1/2 Tuna Sandwich

Cup of Beer Cheese Soup

(hmm.. I wonder why he wanted to try that??)

Applesauce

For Aidan

Chicken Strips with a huge pile of fries

Applesauce

For Talia

Bites from everyone else

We had a wonderful time. We were finally getting out but feeling like we were also stepping out of our bubble of protection where germs are concerned. At the grocery store I wiped the seat of the cart and handle off with hand sanitizer. I'm usually not very good about doing that because I don't take the time but it felt seriously necessary when so many around us were coughing, sneezing... yuk.

Today on my to-do list I'm going to hopefully get upstairs and organize my sewing/craft things. It needs some time and TLC. THEN, I just might be able to start posting some projects that are getting done.

Good day to you!

The Rain in Spain Stays Mainly in the Plain

.....The RAAAAIN...the RAAAAIN....

The forecast for the next 200 days: rain, with a chance of showers and snow. :)

My munchkins last spring... in our back yard

One of my favorite pictures of Talia

 So, it's fall now. I'm discovering things I needed to do that I haven't yet done before the rain came. I did get one last lawn mowing in, a bunch of canning done and Pampered Chef Shows accomplished. (I'm a consultant).

Also, we did quite a bit of family stuff but it just feels like, I should have done MORE projects. With the 'help' of 3 small home-schooled children and being a Mom who likes to do lots of homemaking things/projects, it's hard to keep your house straightened.

Aren't we thankful for modern conveniences?

I really wanted to FINISH my fall cleaning and get rid of excess. So, now with the rain, hopefully I will become more energetic about getting the other things done too.

  How do Mom's do it?

Wouldn't you love to be a fly on the wall... at other's houses during their day?

It encourages me to see other mom's houses not "perfect"....Clean, but not perfect, I should say.

This is one of the days I let the boys play
with the hose in the garden. What fun for boys!

I keep thinking I should pretend like we're moving out and into a new house and get rid of a ton of stuff. Why? Because I LOVE the feeling of moving INTO a big space and just having what you need. No, we won't start sleeping on only matresses. We'll save the things that are precious to us but really... the more we have, the more we have to put away! (I heard that somewhere.) So, because I'm a 'list' kind of girl, I'm going to make one for some of these needful things to do.

Don't you just feel less stressed out when everything is in order anyway? I do! I have a wonderful husband who helps me but I want to work harder than I have been!

As I'm writing this, I'm realizing that God wants me to do MY best. If it's about raising the kids to be kind-hearted, disciplined and followers of Christ, do my best. If it's about being a faithful, supportive, loving wife- do my best. (ha ha...that sounds funny; almost like an exageration but REALLY my best!!) If it's about making sure the laundry is done everyday- my best. This doesn't mean I'll be THE best! I will not ever be perfect. But I do need to use the time God has given me, wisely.



Aidan loves watermelon



These are the things that I think about often- that need doing and they are so hard for me to get done. Maybe I'll add them to my list this week:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~ write letters to our grandma's (long distance) so they remember how much we do love them and think about them

My Great Grandma with my kids. I love her so.

My husband's grandma holding our youngest

~visit with my friends more



Some of my best friends that I rarely see...

~be there for others more even if it's not convenient for me

~have more patience with my children and sit with them and hug them more (I find myself sitting in church doing this every Sunday and dream of taking more time to do this at home.)

Our baby girl.

Our Cowboys.

~do things for people that are encouraging and do it annonymously. (My best friend and I did this so much when we were young.)

~say 'no' more often. :)

~Be honest about how I really feel TO the person who's asking. (Why, o why is that SO hard?)

~Forgive more and let things go that need to be let go of.

Gosh, I think I could go on longer but it's kind of getting to me. I really, really want to be worthy of my existance on this earth. God has my purpose planned and I soooo, do not want to dissapoint Him.

Tomorrow is not even Monday. It's Thursday. And actually I won't even start this tomorrow. I will start it tonight. At 12:30AM I will write a letter to my Great-Grandma and...

tell her how much I love her and appreciate her.

My great grandma with her great-great granddaughter

She's going to be 91 or 92 next week. And she is one of my favorites!